YA Author Nicole O'Dell Stops by

I'm delighted to have my friend Nicole O'Dell drop by today. My oldest adores her Scenarios books. These great books set up a situation in which a teen has to make a choice. Then the book sets out the options: what happens with each choice. These books cover great topics from drugs to drinking to cheating to sex.

Please share about your newest releases.
Dare to Be Different and Risky Business are 2-in-1 repacks of the first four books in the Scenarios series. Swept Away is the anticipated 2-in-1 brand new release of books five and six in the series. In Swept Away, seniors and best friends, Amber and Brittany, are neck and neck in a good‐natured competition for a car being given away by a local business. When Amber cheats on her final exams to win the car and Brittany gets blamed for it, Amber is torn. Will she let her friend take the fall? Or will she admit she cheated and face the consequences? The second story finds sophomore Lilly Armstrong facing the question, “How far is too far?” with her boyfriend. When Jason convinces Lilly to lie to her parents about a church overnighter so she can stay at his house while his parents are out of town, how far will she let things go?

Each issue-driven Scenarios book has alternate endings that allow the reader to make an important moral decision for the main character and follow the consequences of her choice. They’re designed to help girls make their choices before they find themselves unprepared and face-to-face with peer pressure and end with a contract and prayer to help solidify her commitment to Godly choices.



Dare to be Different contains Scenarios for Girls books one and two: Truth or Dare and All that Glitters. (lying, peer pressure, boys, alcohol)

Risky Business contains Scenarios for Girls books three and four: Magna and Making Waves. (Stealing, loyalty, performance-enhancement drugs)

Swept Away contains the never-before released Scenarios for Girls five and six: High Stakes and Essence of Lilly. (cheating, loyalty, purity, honesty)

These are great books, but I know it's not all you're writing. What else are you working on right now?
I’m continuing on in the Diamond Estates series and the Drama Ensues series. I’m also wondering why I named them both with DE titles? Isn’t that a strange coincidence? They’re very, very different series—I hope you check them both out. Diamond Estates deals with troubled girls in a group home, to state it very simply. The Wishing Pearl, book one in Diamond Estates, is releasing on October 1, 2011. You can check it out on my website. Drama Ensues starts its appearance in 2012. It has a different style—quirky, drama club, artsy—yet it’s compelling in its coverage of the issues.

What interests do you have outside of writing?
Diapers? No, seriously, I love what I’m doing. I’m living my dream. I’ve given up a lot of outside things to give more time to my passion. How many people can say that about their work? Someone brilliant once said that if you’re able to do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life. I’m grateful to God for what he’s given me, and I happily give my spare moments to my writing and all that goes along with it. I do exercise. Sometimes.

Oh, and I speak at events, lead a local writing group, and teach a publishing course at the community college. I also host Teen Talk Radio—a weekly radio show where I bring guests on to talk about anything and everything today’s teens might be interested in. You can find it at www.choicesradio.com.

You are one crazy busy lady, Nicole. How do you choose your settings for each book?
I wish I could say that I got inspiration for my stories from my exotic travels. But it’s more based on the characters. They speak to me. I tried to have Carmen from The Embittered Ruby (book two of Diamond Estates--coming soon) hail from Virginia. But try as I did, that girl was from New York, no matter how hard I tried to make it otherwise. I love it when that happens!


You've been writing for awhile now. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Honestly, what comes to mind is the one thing I’m glad I didn’t know. I had no idea how difficult the process was supposed to be. I didn’t know about people enduring years of rejection letters. I didn’t know that many writers had unpublished manuscripts gathering dust in the corners of their offices. I hadn’t heard the stories of pitches and near misses. I just had some stuff to write. So I did.

I often wonder if the results—or even my efforts—would have been different if I’d known how rough it was supposed to be. I’m thankful I was protected from both the knowledge and the experience.

Now one last question, one I've wondered the answer to for awhile: Why Teenagers?
Well, I didn’t choose this age group for my focus—God did. Honestly, it’s difficult. It’s heartbreaking sometimes, and exhausting a lot of the time. I often ask myself if I’m too old or too out of touch to minister to teens. But then I get a letter or an email from someone who was touched by something I did or said. I’m reminded in those moments that God has called me to reach out to teens, probably because those were the years of my deepest personal spiritual battle.

In my teens, I was pulled hard to both extremes. God wanted big things for me, and satan wanted the opposite. My struggles, my failures, my pain—those things drive me to want more for today’s teens. I want to spare them from some of the heartache I endure and help them tackle the temptations and peer pressures head on, confidently, secure in their Savior’s love.

They’re the future.

She writes. She talks. She reads. She changes diapers. Nicole O'Dell is a mom of six--including a set of toddler triplets who may or may not be potty trained sometime in 2011. Jury's still out on that one. She is the author of a bunch of YA books, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the upcoming Diamond Estates Series. She's also the host of Teen Talk Radio. You can find her books and links to all the fun social stuff at www.nicoleodell.com.

Friday Recipes: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake

This is another recipe that I received in a binder at a wedding shower. And this is another cake I can whip up quickly if I have the ingredients on hand. The great thing is these ingredients are pretty standard in our house. This is one of the moistest cakes I've ever had and it's so good as...um... breakfast. Hey, I drink it with a nice tall glass of milk.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake

1 3/4 cups boiling water
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
2 extra large eggs
1 3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cocoa (but can leave out or substitute flavored instant coffee)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups walnuts (though not at my house!)
6 ounces chocolate chips

Pour boiling water over oatmeal. Let stand ten minutes (I always add the butter while the water is hot so it will melt). Add brown sugar, white sugar. Stir until butter melts. Add eggs and mix well. Sift flour, soda, slat and cocoa togeher. Add to sugar mixture. Mix well. Add 1/2 of chocolate chips. Pour batter into greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate bits and nuts on top. Bake in 350 degree oven about 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Be prepared to have the recipe ready to hand out when you serve this cake.

CFBA Tour: To Win Her Heart

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Win Her Heart Bethany House (May 1, 2011) by Karen Witemeyer



Karen Witemeyer has a gift for creating characters that are at odds for each other, yet as a reader I totally root for her. Her heroines are strong women in an age that didn't necessarily encourage that. In To Win Her Heart, she's created another winning combination. Eden is a woman I can relate to...she loves books and feels trapped by her past. Because of that past, she has determined to never open her heart to a man..and then Levi catches her unawares. On the surface  he looks like nothing more than an oversize blacksmith who can't form words very well. But she quickly determines there is much more to the man. The problem is he's hiding his past...for very believable reasons. And the coming eruption could keep them apart. 

This was a story I could get lost in. One that compelled me to keep reading as I had to know how the story turned out. At the same time it revealed truths about the reality that our past does not have to define our present or our future. A great read.  

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.

Review: Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

 Anybody who knows my story, knows that Colleen is my mentor and a dear friend. She's also a fabulous writer, one who sweeps me into her story world. The Mercy Falls series has been no different, and The Lightkeeper's Ball is a wonderful addition.


The setup is elaborate with Olivia Stewart finding herself backed into a position where she must marry a man she doesn't know -- and one she fears killed her sister. She agrees to cross the country to see him, but only if he doesn't know she's coming. Then Harrison Bennett is even less interested in marrying her. He's convinced her sister used him, and has no intention of committing to marry another Stewart. From her first moment near Mercy Falls, Olivia's life is threatened and makes a decision that could protect her life, but cost her love. The intensity of the story doesn't falter as Olivia and Harrison work from opposite ends to solve the mystery. Add in romance and a fascinating historical timeperiod, and the book was one I couldn't walk away from. 


For those who have read the earlier installments, you will delight in seeing former lead characters play supporting roles. But for those who this book would mark your first foray into Mercy Falls, you will find the book a delightful stand alone.

What do I have to offer this world?  Can I really be loved for who I am on the outside and not for how others view me?  Where does my true significance come from?  In her third installment of the Mercy Falls series, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, award-winning author Colleen Coble will answer these questions while leading her readers down a path of betrayal, desire and ultimate fulfillment.

  The Mercy Falls series centers on a small town in California and its lighthouse.  Coble uses the lighthouse as a reminder that Jesus is our lighthouse always leading us home.  In her latest addition to the series, the main characters must wrestle with their desire to find fulfillment in more than their work and money while being hunted by those who are holding on to resentment and unforgiveness.

With murder, suspense and desire, readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering that this is more than your average romance novel.  They will be perched on the edge of their seats trying to solve a mystery while discovering that the true worth of an individual never comes from a name or accomplishments.  True worth can only be found in Christ.
 
Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s?  What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?

I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s.  I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books.  In that era, there were still cars and telephones!

I would have loved the simpler lifestyle.  However, I would miss my jeans!  How vain.

Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people.  How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?

That’s exactly right! The parallels between the two eras are astounding.  I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is.  We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him. We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream.  When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.
 
Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?

I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them.  They are valuable beyond comprehension.  When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.
 

Babies are precious no matter their story.

Every once in awhile corporate America gets it right. This time, Pampers got it right. Below is an ad the company made that shows that every baby no matter how conceived is precious, a miracle and worth loving and protecting.

After you watch it, go buy some Pampers for your little miracle. Or take a package of them to your local crisis pregnancy center or domestic violence shelter. They always need some to give to those who come to them for help.

Review: How to be God's Little Princess

As the mom of a tween and a three year old, princesses are quite the topic around my house. It's hard to say which Disney princess is a favorite, but I know I want my girls to totally get to the core of their being that they are the ultimate princesses.  Sounds like too much? 

It isn't, because they are God's princesses.


I've loved Shelia Walsh's Gigi, God's Little Princess books and DVDs. My tweener began outgrowing the books about the time my three year old began to fall in love with the idea of princesses. It's time to pull them out for her. And just in time, Shelia Walsh has written a book filled with royal tips for manners, etiquette, and true beauty. Currently, I plan to use the book with a tween class I lead on Wednesday nights at church. The content is perfect for girls who are growing into young women, and the way it is presented, in a beautiful pink and silver book with lots of fun activities is something that girls will enjoy. From how to dress, to friendship, to phone manners, just about every topic is covered. 

And what I know my tweener will love? All the great craft ideas and fun quizzes. It's like an American Girl interactive book -- only with a Christ-centered focus. Love it!
 

Teaching your daughter how to be a princess involves more than just a pretty dress! Women of Faith® speaker and recording artist Sheila Walsh returns to the Gigi, God's Little Princess series with a new interactive guide book for 9-12 year old readers. The book gives girls a fun tool to discover how to dress, how to act, and why that's even important!

Increasingly, we see tween girls of today embracing the prevalent "anything goes" spirit of our culture. Sheila seeks to combat that spirit and reinforce God's standard in their lives. She takes a holistic approach by not just focusing on behavior but also addressing the heart. Sheila says that "it is God's Word that has the power to hold us through the fiercest storms. It is God's Word that shows us how to live in a world that has largely turned its back on our Father. It is God's Word that allows us to stand firm when everything else seems to be falling apart." How to Be God's Little Princess will supplement what parents, churches, and youth workers may already be teaching their tween girls.

About the book: How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips of Manners and Etiquette for Girls (Thomas Nelson, April 2011, ISBN: 9781400316441 $9.99) A fun guide book for God's little princesses. What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

About Sheila: Sheila Walsh is the creator of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® brand which has sold over 1.5 million units. Sheila is also a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. As a featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word. Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States. Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.

More about God's Little Princess Giveaway:
Sheila Walsh is celebrating the release of How to Be God’s Little Princess with a KINDLE giveaway!
“In How to Be God’s Little Princess, it’s my prayer that young girls will learn important life skills and discover for themselves how to navigate the do’s and don’ts of life. I want them to see that making wise decisions about clothes, friends, family, make-up, and more can be FUN! – Sheila Walsh
Sheila has put together a Princess prize package worth over $200!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A brand new KINDLE with Wi-Fi & New Pearl Screen
• How to Be God’s Little Princess
• A Princess Tea Kit (includes princess backpack, tiara, book, jewelry making kit, & mug)

To enter click on entry ports below, then tell your friends! Hurry, giveaway ends 4/30! But wait! There’s more … On May 4th join Sheila at her Author Page on Facebook for the Princess Tea Party! She will announce the winner of the KINDLE, connect with readers and give away a ton of fun products from the Gigi and God’s Little Princess line! Tweens invited! Don’t miss the fun! She is looking forward to connecting and learning more about you – so be sure to stop by on May 4th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

Enter Via:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

EMAIL

Friday Recipes: A Lemon Gelatin Cake

This one is a day early...but you'll enjoy it all the same. A couple years after we moved to Indiana, my youngest brother swung by for a couple days after participating in a friend's wedding. He raved about a cake they'd served at the rehearsal dinner and even made it for us. Oh my gosh! It was so delicious and tart.

Wait until you see how simple it is...Thinking it's time to make this one again.

Lemon Gelatin Cake

1 package Lemon Cake Mix
1 3 oz package of lemon jello
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 c. oil
4 eggs
dash of salt (what's a dash anyway?)

Beat the eggs, then add salt, oil, jello, and cake mix. Beat two more minutes. Pour into pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

When done, pierce cake all over top ever two inches. Mix 2 cups of powder sugar and 3/4 cup of lemon juice. Pour over the cake while it's still hot.

This cake is best if prepared a day or two before you serve it. Gives the glaze time to really soak in. And it makes a really nice layered cake.

Why Robin Caroll Writes for Him & Giveaway

I’m a stubborn person. Okay, all who are reading this who know me are now laughing aloud and thinking, “That’s putting it mildly.” Anyway, I’m stubborn and independent and a little headstrong. (Ok, stop laughing now.) I just knew that when I wrote my first book, it’d be published. I mean, I wrote it, right? It should be published. Wrong. I spent many a year writing stories that I thought were good, but something just wasn’t right. Wasn’t there.

And one day I realized why. Because my stories were like the ones I’d read and finished, then been depressed or sad. While I had given my stories a happy ending, I wasn’t honoring the One who gave me the storytelling gift.

What an aha moment that was for me. To write a story, but bring honor to God within the lines. It was a brand new concept for me. But I didn’t know how to do that, or was there even such a thing.

My sister introduced me to Christian fiction by loaning me some of her books. I’d had no clue there was even such a thing as inspirational fiction. I was hooked from the first one. I devoured those stories. Just had to get more. And it occurred to me that I could do this—I could write a story and fill it with hope and honor My Savior in doing so. Wow, amazed me.

So I joined writing groups that focused on edifying and teaching, directed at the Christian market. I bought craft books and attended conferences. And I prayed. A lot. I told God that published or not, I’d write to honor Him.

I made that personal decision years ago and have never looked back. I love writing stories of hope, of promise, of sharing the love I have for Christ with others. There’s no job I could love more. And even in the midst of tight deadlines, I remind myself to be thankful of being able to do what I love, and bring honor to God.

Thanks, Robin!
Today I'm giving away a copy of her latest release, In the Shadow of Evil. For a chance to receive this copy, watch the trailer, and then tell me why you need a good romantic suspense to be reading right about now.

Resurrection Celebration!

So after finding the video from Dallas, I stumbled on this one in Budapest. I remember visiting Heroes' Square in 1994 when I spent five days in this amazing city shortly after graduating from college. When you think of the history of Budapest since the rise of Hitler, it is AMAZING to think people can freely celebrate their Savior, faith, and the resurrection in such a public, joyful way.

Join me in praying for Christ to flow across throughout this part of the world and out from there.

Jesus, thank You for coming, dying a horrible death, and loving us so much to come when we were separated by the barrier of sin. Transform us into Your image each and every day. We want to be like You!

New Friday Column: My Favorite Recipes

Do y'all love to cook? Me, not so much. Not sure if it's cause my family has restaurants or what...but grocery shopping and kitchens aren't my favorites. However, there are some dishes I LOVE. So I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you over the next couple months. What do ya think?

So here's the first. This is a cake I can literally whip up as surprise company is walking through the door and suddenly be considered an amazing chef. It's almost like that old Rice Krispie's commercial where the mom whips those up, throws a little flour in her face and then slumps to make it look like she worked hard. Except I don't pretend. I love that it's simple.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

1 stick butter
1/2 cup oil
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 cups flous
1/4 cup cocoa
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk (though I use regular if I don't have buttermilk)
1 1/2 tesaspoon baking soda

Mix all the ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes in a 9x 13 pan.

Super simple and super yummy!

People of the Lord Rise UP!!!

I saw this video on Facebook, the purveyor of culture (tongue in cheek!). There are a couple of things I love about it as we celebrate Easter this week.

It captures the joy of people who understand what it means that Jesus of Nazareth not only died for us but that He rose again. It conveys such a sense of fun and takes the flash dance idea to a worshipful level.  So take five minutes and celebrate what Christ's death and resurrection really means. And it's not about Easter candy or eggs. It's not even about bunnies.

Looking for YA titles? Books my 10 y.o. has enjoyed...

A Summer Secret is an Amish title is intended for the Y.A. audience; however, my 10 y.o. daughter inhaled this book and book two. I wasn't sure if my daughter would join those who love Amish books, but she really enjoyed this story.

Here's what she says: A Summer Secret is about Mary Beth Mullet, a 13 y.o. with a twin brother and two younger brothers. Mary Beth had a special place in an old barn she was forbidden to go to by her parents. This barn has holes and rotting wood and is just a mess, but it's the only place Mary Beth can have time by herself. One day when she goes into her special place, she sees that one of the corners of her journal is dog-eared. She gets suspicious that one of her brothers has been reading it. A Summer Secret is very detailed. It goes back and forth between Mary Beth's perspective and the mystery person's perspective. There's a little mystery that Mary Beth has to solve. The person looks horrible but won't tell Mary Beth anything. I enjoyed this book very much and will read more by this author.

The second book in the series, The Secrets Beneath, let's Rebekah Yoder take center stage. She is a very curious girl. Since her favorite books are Nancy Drew, she's always ready for a new mystery. Then a mystery comes to Midfield and she decides to figure it out along with the reluctant assistance of her cousin Amanda. My ten year old really enjoyed the first book. And she dove right in to this title. She enjoys these books because at every break it jumps to a different character's perspective. According to my daughter, the mystery could have used a little more intensity (this made me smile), but she still enjoyed the book very much. She's a Nancy Drew fan and in her words used to a little more suspense. My daughter loved the characters and that's what kept her coming back. Still she read it in a few days and can't wait for the next one to release.

Set Sail with The Deepest Waters: Review

Do you enjoy Nicholas Sparks' books? The rich romances laced with themes that resonate across time? Then you have got to try Dan Walsh's latest book. The Deepest Waters is a rich book. It pulled me in from the first chapter as Dan introduced characters and a situation that made me want to shut out the world and curl up until I reached the last page.

Dan has an amazing ability to create characters that are three dimensional. They are people that I want to spend time with and get to know better. I care about their journeys and whether there will be a Happily Ever After. With John and Laura, he's created two more characters I could root for from the first page. The situation seems impossible, but is inspired by true events. The history lover in me LOVES that!

Want to try the book? Then be sure to click here and read the first two chapters.

More about the book: What began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 for John and Laura Foster aboard the steamship SS Vandervere becomes a nightmare when a hurricane causes their ship to sink into the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself with the other women and children aboard a sailing ship while John and a hundred other men drift on the open sea on anything they could grab as the Vandervere went down. Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone--and meeting her new in-laws without their son if she ever reaches New York.

Thanks to Dan and Revell for sending me a copy of the book. The opinion is all mine. 

A Couple Books I LOVED: A Cowboy's Touch and the Amish Midwife

If you saw my ever growing to-be-read pile, you might wonder how I choose what to read next. Often it comes back to which authors I've come to trust. The ones I know I'll enjoy a good story that I can't put down. A week ago I read a couple by some of my favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed each book.

A Cowboy's Touch is the latest novel by my friend Denise Hunter. You may have read her Nantucket Love Stories. Now she's moved to Big Sky country in Montana. I usually see a book with a cowboy and groan, but because Denise wrote it, I knew I had to give A Cowboy's Touch a chance. Denise accomplished her mission of writing a compelling romance with layer after layer of conflict that makes for a page-turner. Abigail Jones is sent to Moose Creek, MT, by her mom and sister for health reasons. She needs a break from her job and the big city. But the truthseeker literally stumbles onto a story that could save her Mom's dying magazine. The only problem is it will mean betraying the family she's working for as a nanny.

As I read, I cared deeply about Abigail and Wade, but really wanted to see Maddy get her heart's desire. I also wondered how many times I've worked as hard as Wade to protect those I love...to the point it became an obsession. And how many times have I taken on Abigail's burden of feeling like I was the only one who could make something right. Even when it wasn't all up to me. Great book, with deep layers of truth. Be sure to check out an excerpt here.

Don't you love the baby!

The next book I picked up was one Mindy Starns Clark wrote with Leslie Gould. I have been a fan of Mindy's since I first discovered her Million Dollar Mysteries series (which rumor has it are getting ready to rerelease. Yeah!!!!). Mindy and Leslie pulled off what I would think is the hardest part of co-authoring...making a book read like it was authored by one person. I was so impressed with the way this first person book was seamless.

Nurse Midwife Lexie Jaeger's father dies which sends are on the hunt for her birth family. She takes what she thinks is a detour to help Marta Bayer, a midwife who is in trouble with the law. This plants Lexie firmly in the middle of Pennsylvania Amish country and what feels like a detour may not be one after all.

This book is set in an Amish location, but really shows the difference between Mennonite and Amish. The Amish was a detail, but not really the driver of the plot -- I actually prefer the way Mindy does that in her books. I also liked how the theme of Demut (To let be) wove through the story. Can Lexie let the past go, or must she push through to find answers? And how many lives will be uprooted in the process? Is it worth the hurt to find the truth?

The characters are richly drawn and I was completely engaged in the search from page one. I cared deeply and had to know how things would turn out. And now I have to know what happens to Ada. But I have a feeling that story will be in the next book.

Thank you to the publishers for the books... the opinions are mine.

CFBA Tour: Tea For Two and GIVEAWAY

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Tea For Two Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2011) by Trish Perry

I enjoy Trish's book. If you've never read one and would like to try, then leave a comment at the end about your favorite type of tea or tea desert. Personally, I LOVE scones. I have a recipe for orange cranberry scones that I love to make and freeze ahead. YUMMY!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zack Cooper tries his best to raise his children, but he's losing his grip on them in their teen years. They've both had scrapes with the local law.

Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel has the perfect woman in mind to help Zack. Counselor Tina Milano meets weekly at the tea shop with her women's group. Milly encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before they get in even hotter water. Milly never thought things might heat up between Zack and Tina. Or did she?

Tina's connections with the Middleburg police department prove a mixed blessing for Zack and his kids. Both her best friend and old boyfriend are officers on the force.

And when Tina's women's group gets wind of her personal pursuits and clashes, they want to help. The group's meetings at the tea shop take on a slightly different flavor. Tina wonders who, exactly, is counseling whom.

Although heroine Tina Milano and her women's group are mentioned in The Perfect Blend (the first book in this series), Tea for Two is where we meet her and hero Zack Cooper. I knew I would write this book while I wrote the first, so it was fun to plant a passing mention of Zack and Tina while I wrote Steph's story in The Perfect Blend. By the time I was able to write Tina and Zack's story, I was eager to unfold their lives, conflicts, and love. I hope readers will be eager to experience what happens to them!

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

Watch the Book Video:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from our Author: I started writing short stories—pretty bad ones. And I started taking creative writing courses to round out my degree. So I was in classes full of people just like me—lousy writers. But we were learning!

Then the Lord led me to a local writers' group, Capital Christian Writers, and the contacts and friends I made through CCW enriched my personal life and my writing life more than I can measure. Through CCW and through reading just about every book and magazine ever published by Writer's Digest, I started catching on. Now I'm writing full time and man oh man do I love it.

Before the writing began, I worked for attorneys in Washington, D. C. I worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission. And I was a stockbroker. A horrible stockbroker. How do people do that? Take responsibility for other people's financial futures? Yikes. I'm perfectly happy to take responsibility for the amount of time any one person wants to spend reading my books. If you enjoy the experience, then know that we both enjoyed it together. I love that about books.

In the midst of all that fretting over other people's money and writing about other people's lives, I racked up a few personal experiences myself. Some good, some bad, but all part of God's plan. Now I'm an empty nester living in Northern Virginia. My brilliantly funny son is in college. I have a savvy, gorgeous grown daughter, a charming son-in-law, and an amazing grandson.

Watch the Book Video:

Allie Pleiter and the case of the 2 y.o. Georgie

Today I'm delighted to have my friend Allie Pleiter back to share about her latest book...

One of my favorite parts of writing Yukon Wedding was writing Georgie, Lana’s two year old son. Despite my two parenting books, I haven’t had the opportunity to write young children into my stories very often. When I did, such as Lilly in Bluegrass Easter, and the whole herd of unruly second grade boys in Queen Esther and the Second Graders of Doom, I had loads of fun. Children unmask things in us that we’d rather keep hidden. They see right through our pretense and often know what’s important long before we do. Their openness and forgiveness can be charming reminders us of how us “grown ups” ought to behave.

Best of all are those golden moments when youngsters get under our all-too-serious skin despite all efforts to keep them out. Mack is such a solemn, honorable man. Georgie turns his home into chaos--joyful chaos, but chaos none the less. As such, I not only got to write the romantic story of a man falling in love with a woman, but the tender story of a man opening his heart to a child.

I hope you enjoy reading how Georgie peels off Mack’s serious layers as much as I did writing them. If they make you smile and hug the little ones in your life closer today, then I’ve done a good thing.

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Your Turn

I've loved sharing some of my favorite movies with you. There's something magical about that time period and the movies made during the 30s and 40s. But now I want to give you a chance to share your favorite movies with us.

For those of you who send me a review that I use on my blog, I'll send you one of my Heartsong Presents novels as a thank you. So what do you do?

Leave a comment letting me know you're interested, which movie you'd like to review, and your email address. I'll then contact you to set up a day for your post.

I can't wait to learn more about your favorite movies!

Are You God's Friend?

After spending time last week with dear friends, I've been thinking about what makes those friendships so special. It had been years since we'd spent time together, but with each couple we picked up like it had been days rather than years.

• There's that shared sense of history. We'd done and lived through a lot together.
• We share common interests.
• We genuinely enjoy each other's company.

Then this week I was reading in Joanna Weaver's new book Lazarus Awakening. There's a chapter in there where she talks about becoming a friend of God. I think in theory, many of us want that. But as I thought about the practical application, I'm afraid I'm often woefully behind my desire and words.

If I truly longed to be God's friend:

• My heart would be broken by the things that break His;
• I would long to spend time with Him;
• I would love to simply be quiet in His presence;

Ephesians 1:4-6 (MSG)
   Long before He laid down earth's foundations, [God] had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family trough Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.

Isn't it humbling to think He longs for us?
How do you cultivate your relationship/friendship with God?

Grab this book if you're looking for ways to explore the depths of God's great love for you.

“Joanna Weaver has given us two insightful books about some of Jesus’ closest friends—Martha and Mary. Lazarus Awakening completes the trilogy by taking an inspiring look at the life of their brother Lazarus. A closer look at his story will help you draw closer to Christ as his intimate friend. I recommend it.”
—Ann Spangler, author of Praying the Names of God 

More About Lazarus Awakening: You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you.

For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.

In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the graveclothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.

Love is calling your name.

Combining unforgettable real-life illustrations with unexpected biblical insights, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves.

More About Joanna: Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife. To learn more about Joanna please visit www.joannaweaverbooks.com.

The Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway:
Joanna is celebrating the release of Lazarus Awakening with the Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway!
In Lazarus Awakening Joanna writes about getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts. We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well. Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World
• Having A Mary Spirit
• Lazarus Awakening

Joanna will also select two additional contest entrants to receive copies of her trilogy. Enter soon by clicking below (PLEASE NOTE - THE CONTEST LINKS DO NOT WORK UNTIL THE MORNING OF 3/28!) and then tell your friends. Hurry the contest ends April 16th. The winner will be announced on Joanna's blog on April 18th.

ENTER HERE

ENTER VIA FACEBOOK

ENTER VIA TWITTER

CFBA Tour: Wolves Among Us

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Wolves Among Us  David C. Cook; New edition (April 1, 2011)  by  Ginger Garrett   
ABOUT THE BOOK

This richly imagined tale takes readers to a tiny German town in the time of “the burnings,” when pious and heretic alike became victims of witch-hunting zealots. When a double murder stirs up festering fears, the village priest sends for help. But the charismatic Inquisitor who answers the call brings a deadly mix of spiritual fervor and self-deceptive evil. Under his influence, village fear, guilt, and suspicion of women take a deadly turn. In the midst of this nightmare, a doubting priest and an unloved wife—a secret friend of the recently martyred William Tyndale—somehow manage to hear another Voice…and discover the power of love over fear.

Dinfoil, Germany, 1538. In a little town on the edge of the Black Forest, a double murder stirs up festering fears. A lonely woman despairs of pleasing her husband and wonders why other women shun her. An overworked sheriff struggles to hold the town—and himself—together. A priest begins to doubt the power of the words he shares daily with his flock. And the charismatic Inquisitor who arrives to help—with a filthy witch in a cage as an object lesson—brings his own mix of lofty ideals and treacherous evil. Under his influence, ordinary village fears and resentments take a deadly turn. Terror mounts. Dark deeds come to light. And men and women alike discover not only what they are capable of, but who they are…and what it means to grapple for grace.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wolves Among Us, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the author of the Chronicles of the Scribes series (In the Shadow of Lions, In the Arms of Immortals, In the Eyes of Eternity), Dark Hour, and Beauty Secrets of the Bible. Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA.

Focusing on ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women. A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, The Harvest Show, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets.

A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in Theater, she is passionate about creating art from history. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.   

D.C. Adventure: how to see the key sites in three days

Arlington National Cemetary

Mount Vernon

On the Mall

White House in the background

The kids and I drove out to D.C. last Wednesday. It was full day with enough fog to keep us praying. But all in all a smooth drive. Eric was already in D.C. for business and spent Thursday and Friday with donors. So what did the kids and I see?

I tried to keep my expectations minimal based on the fact the kids and I would run around by ourselves for two day.

Thursday started with the Metro. We could have driven to Arlington National Cemetery from our hotel, but the kids really wanted to experience the subway. I certainly didn't mind introducing them to this great way to get around D.C. We metroed over to the cemetary and FROZE. It didn't feel like spring as we wandered around until we found the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We watched a wreath laying ceremony, then dashed back to the visitor's center so the kids could warm up their hands. Then lunch with dear friends from Law School.

Friday the kids and I drove to Mount Vernon. After getting rear-ended on Jeff Davis Hwy, the day went great. It was fun how quickly driving around the area came back. The new education center at Mount Vernon was incredible. Unfortunately by the time we got to it, we'd already spent several hours wandering around the grounds and were worn out. But if you're going to D.C., be sure to go to Mount Vernon and allow time for the center...it was wonderful!

Then we drove around Shirlington and Old Town so I could take photos for the novella I'm writing. Cap the night with dinner with great friends, and it was another great day.

Saturday we spent the day with dear friends and went to two Smithosonians: Natural History and Air and Space. Then we walked the Mall so the kids could see the monuments. It was a long walk back to the Metro, but the kids were troopers. The one thing I would change is seeing the Monuments at night. They are spectacular that way, but it didn't work out this trip.

The key to a great trip? Keeping my expectations realistic. The kids and I weren't going to jet from place to place this time like we might when they're older. But they got a great first taste of D.C. And now that we know it's only a day's drive, we'll be back :-)

I'm delighted to have my friend Lynette Eason stop by today. She writes romantic suspense that I really enjoy.

Tell us a little about yourself. I am a mother to two, a wife, a speaker and an author. I’m getting really good at multi-tasking and I love to meet new people. I married the boy next door 14 ½ years ago. He’s in the ministry and travels a lot so I started writing as a way to combat loneliness!


How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing for about 12 years. DON’T LOOK BACK is book number 10, but I have 11 books released at this point. I have another book coming out in May with Love Inspired Suspense called Threat of Exposure. And A KILLER AMONG US is the third book in the Women of Justice series. By the end of December 2011, I will have 15 books in print since February of 2008.

That's amazing! If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Either Steven James or Brandilyn Collins.

Love both of those authors, too. In your own words tell us a little about DON’T LOOK BACK.
One man lives to see her dead--the other is fighting to keep her alive.

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.

Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.
Praise for Lynette Eason and the Women of Justice series

"My friend Lynette has a hit on her hands with this romantic suspense. I enjoyed every minute."--Dee Henderson, bestselling author, the O'Malley series

"Nonstop action. No chance to catch your breath!"--Irene Hannon, bestselling author, the Heroes of Quantico series

"An exciting ride with characters you will care about."--Margaret Daley, award-winning Steeple Hill romantic suspense author

I loved this book! What made you want to write this story? I honestly have no idea. As I was writing the first book in the series, Too Close To Home, I fell in love with Jamie, a secondary character. She demanded her own story so I gave it to her.

What research did you have to do for this book? I had to do a ton of research about the about the forensic anthropologist stuff. That’s not my field and I read and studied and worked on the information until I thought it fit the story and was accurate at the same time.

What are you currently reading? I just finished Terri Blackstock’s newest one. I also finished Irene Hannon’s latest, Final Judgement.

I loved those books as well. How can readers get in contact with you? My email is lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com and my website is www.lynetteeason.com. I can also be found on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LynetteEasonAuthor

Thanks for having me, Cara! I appreciate it. It’s always fun to stop by and say hi!

Spring Break anyone?

I need to upload photos from our trip to D.C. But with my Mac, it's not easy. So that will wait for tomorrow. So for now, here's a fun photo from last week. Love how Daniel looks like he's trying to reach the baby on the screen and Eric's playing along.

We just got back from a quick trip to D.C. I needed to do some research, but we really wanted to reconnect with friends. I am soooo glad we did! It was absolutely wonderful! And the kids loved the time with friends as much as the sight-seeing!
So stay tuned for photos.

If you went somewhere for spring break where was it? Or what's been your favorite spring break excursion? Can you believe this was my first spring break! Through college and law school, I always worked during the holiday!

Bound By Guilt Review

TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Bound by Guilt
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run. Will the power of forgiveness set them free?


CJ has crafted a book with compelling characters and a situation that is almost unimaginable. Roxi finds herself in an impossible dilemma, and my heart broke for all involved. A great read!

Great job! You kept me turning the pages.
--Francine Rivers, Internationally best selling author

C.J. is a wonderful, talented writer . . . extraordinary . . .
--Bodie Thoene, best-selling author of the A.D. Chronicles

This one engages your senses and reaches your heart.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, NY Times best-selling author & owner of The Christian Writers Guild

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Bound by Guilt
• Buy at Christianbook.com
• Buy at Amazon.com
• Buy at Barnes & Noble
  

Classic Hollywood Reviews: Penny Serenade

Penny Serenade is a 1941 movie that stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. It is set as a retrospective beginning with a wife who says she's leaving her husband. Then she begins listening to records. With each record she sees a different aspect of their life together spanning from the time they met, their courting, to adopting a daughter and the crisis that threatens to tear them apart.

This movie starts as a dramatic romance, moves into comedy with the arrival of a baby and then slides back into drama.

The scenes involving adoption and the desire this couple has to adopt are very touching. And Roger's plea to the judge to be able to keep the little girl by finalizing the adoption brought tears to my eyes.

I knew nothing about this movie going into it. A friend had loaned it to me, so Eric and I took a chance on it -- not hard to do when Cary Grant's the lead. I'm glad we watched it. It was tender and touching. A film I won't soon forget.

These are a few of my favorite things: YA novel Heist Society

My writing friend extraordinaire Jenny B. Jones is very good friend. Last year when she was in town for the ACFW conference, she drove around with me while I delivered the kids to their grandparents for four days of spoiling while I worked and taught at the conference. What does this have to do with Heist Society? Excellent question!

I pulled out my ACFW conference MP3s a week ago and started listening to them and the kids asked to listen to the Jenny lectures. Really, it's the only way I would have listened to her YA lecture, much as I adore her and her writing. But in the lecture -- which was as hilarious as she is -- she highly recommended a book by an author I'd not heard of. Now keep in mind, I'm more than a few years past YA myself :-) but I'm constantly on the lookout for books for my 10 year old to read. And this one sounded like way too much fun. I bought it. And then I inhaled it. So now I share it with you.

Heist Society is an incredibly smart book that stars a fifteen-year-old and her band of merry thieves -- literally. Kat Bishop tried to escape her families art theft ways, but is now sucked back in when someone threatens her father. The writing is crisp, funny, and action packed. These globe-trotting teens have less than two weeks to steal back paintings that have been stashed in one of the world's premier museums. The pacing and sense of humor reminded me of the Ocean's Eleven movies. Loved, loved, loved it!

Now this book is published by Hyperion and is not a Christian book. However, I found nothing in it that would prevent me from handing it to my daughter and her friends. In fact, I wish I'd bought more copies so I could do exactly that. I haven't read Ally Carter's other books, but I will be looking into the Gallagher Girls series. The only one I can speak about is this one...and I LOVED IT. You can read the synopsis here. And while the main character is Kat, she's surrounded by teenage boys -- so I think boys might enjoy it as well.

If I could write something this fun, I'd move to YA immediately.

These are a few of my favorite things: Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock is a master of suspense...not intense like Steven James, but good, page-turning, she-isn't-going-there-oh-she-just-did suspense.

Vicious Cycle was a book I'd been waiting for since hearing her talk about the plot at a writers retreat. I enjoyed the first book in the series (if you can enjoy a book that deals with addiction, murder, and a family trying to stay together!) But this was the book I wanted to read.

In Vicious Cycle, the Covington family is back. It's a year after Intervention and Emily is about to come home from drug rehab. But now her little brother Lance is the one in trouble. He finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car -- she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's befriended. Before he can take the infant somewhere for help, the police are on his doorstop arresting him for kidnapping. And the story is off.

I loved this story! I cared deeply about the Covingtons from the first book, but the author does a masterful job of writing in such a way that you don't need to read Intervention to get caught in Vicious Cycle's web. This plot went so many directions it was almost impossible to keep up. And I cared so deeply about the baby's mother that as she made wrong choice followed by good choice followed by wrong choice I kept wanting to see if she'd get it right in the end. Ultimately, this is a story of redemption. A story that shows we should never give up hope. In each other or in ourselves. I loved it!

I received this book as part of the CFBA tour.

These are a few of my favorite things: Devotionals

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for devotionals that will challenge me. Yet they have to be something I can do in the midst of my busy life. And ideally, they'll help me grow in my faith.

One I received recently is Ginger Garrett's A Woman's Path to Inner Beauty. When I first heard about this one, I thought, what a great topic. An area most women struggle with is beauty and comparing ourselves. But I long to get to a place where I am secure in who I am so the comparisons fade to the side. Each devotion starts with a verse followed by a short page and half reading and closing with a prayer starter. It's the perfect size to have at your bedside, in your purse or in a drawer at work. The devotions are short, but thought-provoking. It would make a great gift to a girlfriend, too.

Jennifer Rothschild is an author of in-depth Bible studies. The two I've taken (Lessons Learned in the Dark and Me, Myself, and Lies) had great depth and really challenged me. Her devotional Fresh Grounded Faith plays off her Java with Jennifer column. One thing I love about this devotional is the way there are questions at the end of each reading along with room to write. I often need the accountability of filling something in to make sure I get everything from a devotional. The devotionals feel like I'm sitting across the table at Starbucks from Jennifer -- her writing style is just like her personality. Intense, bubbly, and oh so open and friendly. I have loved this one and given copies to friends.

This last devotional is actually one my mother-in-law gave me. I don't know about you, but sometimes, I just need to be encouraged in this crazy job of mothering. This devotional does just that. Very short -- about the attention span of a toddler, there are enough readings for a year. And the devotions span the spectrum. Funny story all mothers can relate to. Then a study of a Biblical character. On to a devotional on a character trait we'd all like to develop. It's another great resource to have on your bedside table.

These are a few of my favorite things: Writing Books

This week, since so many people are on spring break, I'm going to share a few of my favorite books with you. I'm going to start with a craft book.

Plot v. Character is a new writing book, releasing in the fall of 2010. Jeff Gerke, the author, has developed software (which I love) that walks writers through the creation of stories through two means. Starting with 1) the plot or 2) the character. Most writers have a style that they prefer -- I tend to be strange (shocking I know!) and will start some stories with a plot idea and others with a character. I'd used the software when I'd get stuck in a book or to help flesh out a germ of an idea.

What I love about the book is that it takes the gems from the software and puts it in a very easy to read and apply format. The book has lots of practical applications and covers just about everything a novel writer needs. It's not genre specific, so really is a tool that any novelists can use with success.

First, the book deals with creating likable characters. It addresses everything from physical attributes to the major events and inciting incidents that character must deal with. Then it turns to marvelous plots. The author relies on the three act structure to form the bones of the plot.  I would still use the software to help me implement all he talks about, but the book alone is gold.

Another book that I love and recommend to most aspiring writers is James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure. (His Revision and Self-Editing is equally good.) Plot & Structure's strength is the very easy way that Jim explains how to formulate a novel. When I get stuck in a plot, I'll pull it out and read a few pages for inspiration. I always come away with practical tools I can immediately apply to the novel I'm writing. And this book is loaded with excellent exercises that you can apply immediately after reading. I highly recommend it!

Classic Hollywood Reviews: The King and I

The King and I is a classic Rogers and Hammestein musical set in Siam in the 19th century. Yul Brynner is the 19th-century Siamese monarch who hires English governess Deborah Kerr to teach his wives and children and winds up getting an education of his own. Features such songs as "Getting to Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance." Filmed in 1956, the movie is rich with Deborah Kerr's beautiful gowns and a subtle sense of humor. It also deals with deep issues including things like keeping promises, the value of life, and many more.

I showed this to my daughter a few weeks ago and she enjoyed it, but thought it moved a bit slow. However, when they started singing and dancing she was enthralled. And there's something timeless about a romance that is doomed from the start.

Whether you see this in the film or as a play, it's a wonderful story and piece of America's theater and cinematic history.

Are You a Roaring Lamb?

I'm borrowing the name from Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs. I love the image it creates. A lamb that's willing to take on the world and be vocal about what it believes. Lions aren't exactly quiet when the roar you know.

In the book he talks about the fact that Christians have created a subculture rather than taking the light to the world, to the culture. I don't know about you, but I know lost people and I see even more. I want to somehow spread the Gospel in a way that is relevant. In a way that God can use as a tool to woo others to Him and His immense love and truth.

But I can't do that if I'm being quiet.

As a writer, I don't have a salvation in each book. Usually, my main characters are Christians who are wrestling with their faith. But when God made it clear that a character wasn't saved, I obeyed. My characters experience real life... the good, the bad and the ugly. In that they thrive and sometimes fail at faith. But isn't that real life?

I also want to write books that are well-written. Books that are crafted in a way that is excellent.

What about you? Do you think Christians should try to enter the culture and raise the standard? Or should we create excellent craft within the sub-culture? I don't know that either is more right, but I'd love hear your thoughts!