The End

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Today (Friday) I finished writing my 94,000 word Christian historical romance novel. There is always a sense of mixed feelings when I type THE END at the completion of my manuscript. Relief at accomplishing my goal, but there also is a surge of joy and sadness too.

Some writers thrive on the editing process and find the writing more of a drudgery but not me. I LOVE the creativity of the writing process. Probably partly because editing is work. :)

I couldn't help but think about Jesus' final words on this earth. "It is finished!" I wonder what surge of emotions He felt as he gave His last breath.

Sorrow for those who choose not to follow Him.

Joy for those who He will see again.

Pain over the condition of the world.


I'm thankful He chose the pain and agony of the cross so that I can have eternal life in Him.

What are you thankful for today?

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Abby Fischer has only one desire in life - to see her sister, Cecelia, well again. When an experimental treatment is suggested, Abby tells God she'll do anything if He will only save Cecelia's life, otherwise she won't speak with Him ever again.

Dr. Robert King is consumed with his research, and trying to make a breakthrough with his new remedy for cancer patients. He has set his beliefs in God on a shelf in favor of his knowledge of science.

Set in the backdrop of San Francisco, California before the historic earthquake in 1906, Out of the Ruins is a soul-searching tale of death and loss, hope and faith. Karen Barnett has developed a gripping tale of God's faithfulness through fire and flames.

This book was provided free for review by Abingdon Press.

Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Special Forces, Dean Watters, is dedicated to his mission and his team. When hackers steal ten military, highly secure computers he finds himself tangled up with a local - Zahrah Zarrick. With no desire to fall for a pretty face, he keeps a business barrier between them.

Zahrah Zarrick, daughter of a retired military general, finds herself in harm's way as a missionary teacher to Afghan children. Her degree in quantum cryptology makes her a prime target for terrorists. It's Captain Dean Watters' mission to rescue her when she goes missing, but what he doesn't plan on is getting emotionally attached in the process.

This was my first book to read by Ronie Kendig. Even though it wasn't a genre I typically pursue, I found Raptor 6 to be a riveting tale that kept me turning the pages. Now I'm hooked and can't wait to read the second tale in this saga.

This book was provided free for review by Shiloh Run Press, 2014.


Don't miss the first book, Raptor 6, in Ronie Kendig's new Quiet Professionals series. Ronie combines a dangerous romance and explosive action for a thrilling and satisfying ride. "Lock and load for this Spec Op, fighting under God’s 'rules of engagement.'" —Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and award-winning author

Ronie is celebrating with a Kindle HDX Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced June 16th on Ronie's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Ronie's blog on June 16th to see if you won.

The Beauty of Age

Gray hair is a glorious crown;
it is found in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:31

Recently my husband and I became involved in the senior life ministry at our church. Last night fifteen of us headed to a local family restaurant. The room was filled with probably at least 100 people. We all ate from a buffet line and then settled in for a concert featuring a male gospel trio.

The trio sang some of the hymns we hear in our church. As I glanced around the room, there was an unmistakable joy radiated on each face as they sang about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Some lifted hands in worship. Many amens could be heard.

From the outside looking in you probably would have seen a room of elderly folks, some with gnarled, arthritic hands, canes, walkers, etc. But I couldn't help but think about how God must see them - still young in spirit and in love with their Creator.

Can people who see you recognize God's love? Does it show on your face?

 

The Heart's Purtsuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

Silver Matlock has nothing to lose. Her reputation is already in taters after being jilted and her ex-fiance has skipped town with her parent's money. She has one intent - find the scoundrel and make him pay back what he owes her. If only she can convince the bounty hunter to assist her.

Jared Newman has no intent on trying to follow the trail of the disappeared almost-groom, nor does he want someone tagging along after him. What he desires is retribution for the murder of his loved ones. A woman will only slow him down and distract him from his goal.

Robin Lee Hatcher created a great tale of the importance of allowing God to dole out justice. True redemption can only be found in Him. The Heart's Pursuit is a great read.

This book was provided free for review by Zondervan and Litfuse.

About the book: 

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice---or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver's already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared's secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father's fortune. And Jared's in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family---even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn't theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven't dared voice: What happens next?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wSpq9

About the author: 

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Robin can be found at: website, Facebook, Twitter

Introducing Robin's new novel, The Heart's Pursuit

Robin Lee Hatcher's latest novel, The Heart's Pursuit, is receiving critical praise: "The Old West lives again in this inspirational romantic adventure. . . . Themes of forgiveness, justice and mercy dominate the story and add to the characters' depth. Hatcher treats readers to a rich sensory experience—you can taste the desert dust and smell the smoke and stench of a crowded gambling hall." (Publishers Weekly)

Robin is celebrating the release of her novel by giving away a $200 "Romantic Weekend Getaway."

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (Get away for the weekend with that special someone!)
• The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 8th. Winner will be announced June 9th on Robin's website.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on June 8th to see if you won.

Weeds

Yesterday I went for a walk in my neighborhood. I couldn't help but notice all the weeds that had cropped up in my neighbors' yards. Okay mine too. :) Especially dandelions.

I remember years ago when my boys were little and they would go out and pick 'flowers' for me. This year there are a plethora of the yellow flowers gracing my yard. As I looked around I also noticed ones in the yard next to us. Our prior neighbor had a company that came weekly to spray and treat their yard. It worked for a long time... until they moved somewhere else.

The new neighbors didn't have a lawn service and within a short amount of time, weeds spread through what had been a beautiful green lawn. It's what weeds tend to do - creep in and take over when you least expect them.

Now I doubt you have as many physical weeds in your life but there is a good chance you might have some spiritual ones. Attitudes that slip in, times where you don't respond the way you should - any time when you choose your own way instead of following God.

Perhaps its time to apply the fertilizer, and allow your life to become weed free. What do you need to do to yank out the weeds in your life?

White Space

This past month my calendar pages has been full with appointments, meetings, etc. It seems that whenever I have such a full day, I find myself often dragging, and my husband would probably say I'm more grouchy too. :)

I'm slowly learning the importance of having white space not only on my calendar, but in my life too. Somehow when I look at my schedule for the week and see several days where I don't have any appointments or have to go anywhere, I feel as if I'm sucking in a breath of fresh air.

Just as I need white space in my weekly activities, I also require white space each day - a time where I can withdraw from the world and spend time in the presence of God. He is the one that renews my strength.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31

When's the last time you built some white space into your calendar? Perhaps it's time to make a change.

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Jake Wythe desires earning enough money to purchase a ranch of his own. Unfortunately that entails working in a job as bank manager and being forced to take a wife in name only to satisfy the bank owner's stipulations. He has no intention of falling in love again. He learned his lesson after his first wife left him.

Marty Olson feels smothered by memories and sees no purpose of keeping the ranch that took her husband's life. The sooner she can leave Texas the better. When a Colorado man advertises for a bride with no strings attached she jumps at the chance.

I loved the way Tracie Peterson wove a book incorporating facts from the time period as well as creating a love story that drew me into its pages. I appreciate the great privilege of being able to read Tracie's 100th book.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.



Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Plant - Word Nerd Blog Hop

As I considered what to blog about this week in regard to the word plant, I was faced with several different ways to look at this word. Of course there is the traditional saying - "Bloom where you are planted." And there is also the possibility of exploring the whole concept of planting and harvesting. Honestly, I had thought about looking at the word from that angle.

But then... God showed me a different aspect. And no I'm not going to get into all the scientific terms and processes. Let's look at a few things together.

Seed - The nugget, or kernel of information needed to make a plant.

Seedling - A plant that is just beginning to grow and form.

Plant - A fully mature plant.

If you had to pick one of these to represent your Christian walk, which would it be?

Another thing to contemplate with planting are the things that plants need.

Sunshine - Are you allowing the 'Son' to work in your life?

Water - Are you sharing your 'showers of blessings', giving praise to God?

Good Soil - Are you rooted in God's Word?

Fertilizer - Do you have fellowship with other believers?

Which of these do you need to further develop in your life?

How do you look at the word 'plant'?

The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman by Joyce K. Ellis

Joyce Ellis' The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman explores the many roles that women find themselves in each day - a woman, a wife, a mother, a working woman, a daughter, part of God's family, a servant, an adventurer, and a growing older woman.

Each chapter delves into the various roles that women experience and provides a Biblical view of the responsibilities associated with each. This book provides fresh perspective on the thought that it's okay to say no to some things. What is most important is knowing the positions where God desires for us to serve and being faithful to them.

This quote from Ellis sums it up - "And if we quit panicking and fretting about how we're going to get everything done and trust Him for His ultimate purpose for our lives, He'll show us how to wear all our hats - at the right times - with style."

This book was provided free for review by Encourage Communications.

Book Info

About the book: Strength for Today's Demanding Roles In The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you'll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles-and gain insight into the roles of women around you. With honesty, humor, and practicality, Joyce Ellis helps you see how your roles can fit together to make a difference in your world. Questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter make this book suitable for book clubs and small-group Bible studies as well. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ujOPt  About the Author: Joyce K. Ellis, award-winning author of more than a dozen books, speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country and internationally. She and her husband enjoy reading by lakes and rivers and oceans, and spending time with their grown children and delightful, too-quickly-growing grandchildren. They live in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more about Joyce at: www.joycekellis.com

In Joyce K. Ellis' The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you’ll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles—and gain insight into the roles of women around you.

Want a helper for your modern-day journey? Enter to win a Kindle Fire in Joyce's "500 Hats" giveaway!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman by Joyce K. Ellis
• A Modern-Day woman kit (T-shirt and hat)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 30th. Winner will be announced April 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on April 1st to see if you won.