Building Our Faith...

God has been challenging me for a little over a year to stretch my vision. Today I wanted to share a short clip with you that highlights how God builds and stretches our faith. Mark Batterson's book the Circle Maker is a great book to read if you want to have your faith and vision exploded. And be challenged to pray with God for bigger things. Have any of you read the book? What did you think?

 

Show v. Tell: 4 Tips from Author Jordyn Redwood

Today I'm delighted to have Jordyn Redwood join me with a guest post on how to write show v. tell. As you'll see below, this is something I believe she did with excellence in her new novel Poison. It's also why I asked her if she'd like to write a post to share. Without further ado, here's Jordyn:

Because the great Cara Putman asked me to do this—am I doing this—but let me first say I am hardly an expert on show versus tell—every writing teacher’s admonition for every storyteller out there. In fact, I was quite shocked when Cara said she was taking notes on some passages in Poison because she thought they were good examples of showing. I am still hoping she will tell me exactly which ones so I can admirer my own amazing work because I was that surprised.

Showing versus telling can definitely be learned (after all, I did it and was never an English major) so don’t go over the writer’s cliff Thelma and Louise style if some of these points don’t hit home. I am still learning some of the more advanced points myself and that’s a mark of a true writer—always desiring to learn more.

The concept of showing could also be described as Deep POV. I think these concepts are honestly interchangeable. So if you hear one—think of the other.

Swept Away: The Latest from Mary Connealy

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Swept Away

Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)

by

Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

Monday Meditations: The Crux of the Issue

Easter is only a few weeks away...and our pastor has been delivering a series of sermons on the Cross -- how it is the crux of our lives. This week I've been thinking about how the Cross really is the point where everything is exchanged:

• Our sin is exchanged for God's grace
• Jesus' death is exchanged for our eternal life.
• In Jesus' coming resurrection we find the gateway to being joint-heirs with Him.

• Because of the cross we can be adopted by God.
• Our pain is exchanged for healing.
• Where justice demands punishment, God extends mercy

• Sin is exchanged for a life dedicated to serving our heavenly King. 
• A life of despair is exchanged for one of hope everlasting.

We can stand in the shadows peering into the throneroom, or we can step in boldly because of the cross and accept all that He extends. I want to step into the fullness of the inheritance made possible by the cross. Are we ready to reach out and accept all that is offered by the cross? 

What would you add to my list of things the cross and Jesus' willingness to die on it transforms? 

Developing a Love of Reading in Your Young Children

Periodically I get asked questions about how my children became lovers of books. Look for several posts that address what I did, starting with tiny kids otherwise known as infants and toddlers.

1) When my kiddos are infants I started by reading to them any moment we were sitting down. Before they could sit up or hold the book, we'd cuddle in a rocking chair with a pile of board books. There are an amazing assortment of books, but here are a few I love to this day:  

• Goodnight Moon, 
• Guess How Much I Love You,
• Dr. Seuss' A, B, C
• Barnyard Dance, and 

Robin Caroll's latest book: Strand of Deception

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Strands of Deception

B&H Books (March 1, 2013)

by

Robin Caroll

I had the privilege of reading this book as Robin was writing it. We also brainstormed different pieces. So I got to watch this book grow into the wonderful story it is. This is one of her best! Truly, it takes on a scientific issue, the court system, and suspense. What's not to like? Throw in romance, and this is a great read. If you haven't read any of Robin's books yet, this is a GREAT one to start with. And if you're already a fan, I can about guarantee you'll love this one, too.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.

Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.

But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

Homeschooling Tips: to Test or not to Test

This week students across Indiana are taking the ISTEPS.

This week, my children are taking the Iowa Basics.

Indiana does not require testing for homeschooled children, so why are we doing it?

I don't believe the point of education is to test my children. However, I do believe that testing them periodically (about every two years) provides me with a tool to see how I am doing as a teacher. Are there areas that are weaknesses? Are there areas where I may not be challenging my children enough? It provides me with a tool that allows me to determine if I'm seeing my children's academic progress accurately.

Moonlight Masquerade Review

Julie Klassen turned me into a Regency fan -- I discovered I loved the time of Jane Austen's England, but alas Julie only writes one book a year. With Moonlight Masquerade, Ruth Axtell joins this time period...and does so with an eye on the details that I was transported into this tale of impossible love and forbidden longing.

Take a French emigre who is the widow of British nobility and add in a British foreign office employee who is posing as her butler and you have a recipe for a book filled with tension. Add in a dash of spying, a pinch of counter-espionage, and a dollop of  intrigue stirred with a generous helping of interest in each other and it created a recipe for a book that drew me happily to its pages.

Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are the cat or the mouse.

More of You, Lord

This morning I wanted to share a couple things that are bubbling in my spirit. I seem to be in a season where God is challenging me to dare to ask more of Him. And it's a season where the thought wearies me. 

How terrible is that? God dares me to ask for more. And all I can think is "God, I'm just too  tired." Maybe that's why my eyes want to fill with tears every time I take a breath today. My heart's cry has always been to live more for Him, to live big for Him. And now I can't find the energy to ask for it...when I have the invitation.

I want to live a life that dares to dream those God-sized dreams that scare me to death. The ones where I know, but for God it is impossible.

Great Foreign Language Tool

Every once in awhile I stumble on an app that is worth it's weight in gold. And sometimes they're free! Today I want to introduce you to one that I am thrilled with. It's perfect for people who want to pick up a foreign language or brush up dusty skills. Maybe you've heard of it: Duolingo. It's a free app for the iPhone, iPad, etc. and you can do everything on the website, too. I bought Rosetta Stone for us to learn German last spring and it's fine. But Duolingo lets you do the grammar and vocabulary exercises. And it follows a similar flow. However, so far at least, I haven't found where it lets you practice pronunciation.

Travel to World War II Nebraska with E-Books

The stories of my heart are now in e-books. These books were the first of mine that found a publishing home and now they are available for all e-formats. With each of these books I got to highlight a bit of the history of my home state.

I'm so delighted that my first book in the Nebraska series Canteen Dreams is in e-book formats! In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community start a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. She spends nearly every spare moment there, offering food and kidness to the soldiers passing through. Despite her busyness, Audrey does allow some time to get to know a handsome rancher. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. When Willard's worst fear is

Picking Topics for Books

One challenge for a novelist is coming up with ideas that generate ideas for future books. While we're writing one, we need to generate ideas for more -- it's a cycle of life of sorts. 

I read a few non-fiction books, looking for anything that jumps out at me. And if it interests me, there is a chance I can spin a story around it. After that I noodle the story, try to come up with new ideas, characters, and details that will coat the non-fiction idea in a way that fiction lovers with enjoy and be immersed in them. 

When Sarah, Tricia and I began talking about creating a novella collection, we stared with a conference call. We started talking about the elements that we share in our World War II novels. Once we started spinning out elements, it became easy to craft a core that we could work from to create stories that were woven together.

With A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, I thought about places we enjoyed visiting. Those often make a great setting for a book that will allow readers to escape into the pages and stories for awhile. 

What makes a book appealing to you?

Unbreakable Giveaway

Unbreakable is the second book in Nancy Mehl's Road to Kingdom series. When you crack open the cover, you'll be transported to the small Mennonite community of Kingdom, a town that wants to live apart and in peace. Yet from the opening pages, Hope and the town are in the sights of an unknown attack. The story spins out with conflict on many levels. Enjoyable read for those who like books with the plain life complicated by the collision of both worlds. 


ABOUT THE BOOK

Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

Rending Our Hearts: Joel 2

I'm currently participating in Beth Moore's Esther study for the second time. It is a study filled with great truth on destiny and finding God when His name is nowhere in a circumstance. One of the studies for this week tied Esther 4 to Joel 2. Joel is one of those minor prophets that you've read once or twice if you've read through the Bible. What I love is the way she ties it to Esther. Even the repetition of phrases seems intentional, which shouldn't surprise us since all books were inspired by the same Holy Spirit. 

In this particular session she highlighted how the public morning of the Jews reflected their understanding that the King's edict was a result of their turning from God. How many times have we been in the middle of a crisis and then came to realize and understand that it was a result of stepping out from God's protection. 

Living with No Regrets

Since January 27, my grandfather and uncle died...exactly one week apart. It's one reason I haven't posted as consistently as usual. My grandma doesn't have wifi on the farm, and it was important to spend time with her.

One theme that kept ringing through as we (my parents, siblings, cousins, extended family) walked through this dark time was that we had no regrets. What a blessing that is. To come to the end of a life and not have regrets of things that weren't said, weren't done, love not shared. Instead, we had sadness but not regret. Here are a few thoughts from that experience.

Bella's Back!

Enjoy this fun interview with author Janice Thompson, where she shares the story-behind-the-story regarding Bella’s return.

Janice, welcome! I’m really enjoyed the Weddings by Bella series and am excited to read the spin-off series.

1. Can you tell us more about why you decided to write it?

Sure! (Thanks for hosting me, by the way!) When I wrote Fools Rush In (book one in the Weddings by Bella series) I knew I had something special on my hands. The characters really resonated with me, but there was more. I felt as if I’d created a world of real, wonderful, wacky people. Sure, I’d breathed life into them on the page, but they seemed to take it from there, springing to life and moving the story forward as they willed. I wrapped

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Shattered

Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)

by

Dani Pettrey

Attending two funerals last week has put me a bit behind in my reading. What I can say is that this book opens with drama and tension and pulled me in. I can't wait to get back to it as soon as I turn in my next book. If you enjoy romantic suspense Dani Pettrey is an author to check out! 

ABOUT THE BOOK


Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Exciting News! I'll be Seeing You at Christmas

I am beyond thrilled to announce that Tricia Goyer, Sarah Sundin and I are coming together to write a Christmas novella collection tentatively titled I'll be Seeing You...at Christmas. It's part of B&H's new World War II fiction line that launches in 2014. The book I turned in February 1st, Shadowed by Grace, launches the line next February.

Tricia and Sarah are two of my favorite writing friends...and write great World War II novels. Brainstorming this collection was such fun, I can't wait to write them. And the best part? The first two are set in Lafayette, Indiana: a place I know a little something about.

Here's more on the collection:

Safe In His Arms by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble's latest book, Safe In His Arms, is a historical set in Texas. Maggie O'Brien doesn't fit anyone's image of what a woman should be. Yet Daniel Cutler thinks she's beautiful, something she just can't accept --especially when she's convinced he's a bank thief. This historical romance and mystery winds around the deep truth that God loves us unconditionally, a truth that can transform our lives if we let it.

This book has Coble's trade-mark characterization and a setting that can't be removed from the book without removing a key element of the book. I found myself sucked into the pages -- in a good way!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Under Texas Stars, Book 2

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

Purchase a copy here.

Learn more about Book 1, Blue Moon Promise here.

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

All for a Song by Allison Pittman

Allison Pittman is an award winning author of numerous books, all historical, and all set during different time periods. I first got to know her when we both attended a writer's retreat, and she offered to pick me up at the airport. We had a great time getting to know each other, and from our conversations, I couldn't wait to read one of her books.

All for a Song is set during the Roaring Twenties, when a small-town southern girl finds herself tempted as she travels with Aimee Semple McPherson. She's never left her small spot on the map, and as the world opens up for her, she has to decide what role her faith plays in her life. She's always done what's expected of her, and now as her wedding is barreling down on her, she wonders if she'll ever get to live.

This story is beautifully written in a way that drew me deep into its pages. The characters are rich and varied, and I felt transported to a time period I don't know much about, but enjoyed visiting. If you have never read one of Allison's books, please allow yourself a treat and settle in for a read that will leave your mind satisfied and your soul touched.