shapelygirl fitness: wrap up & giveaway

I spent the month of October working out with Debra Mazda and ShapelyGirl Fitness. While the month was a challenge for me physically, I loved working out with my chosen DVD, Walking Fit and Fabulous. This DVD is something anyone can do! Sure, you may not be able to keep up all the time, but, as Debra says, "Just keep walking!"

One thing that really surprised me was that I didn't get tired of doing the DVD. I almost always picked one or two of the Pre-Mixes to do, and that helped keep the workout from feeling monotonous.

I didn't experience any giant strides in my fitness level this month, but every little bit counts! I actually enjoyed exercising, which is something I've only rarely experienced in the past. I am confident that I will continue using my DVD even though this review is finished.

Now for my monthly results:
I lost five pounds and .5 inches from my neck, 1.5 inches from my chest, .5 inches from my hips, 1.5 inches from my thigh, .5 inches from my gut, and 1 inch from my upper arm. That's a total of 4.5 inches lost!

Before

After

Not a huge difference in my appearance, but I can tell that my clothes fit differently!

To see my other thoughts on ShapelyGirl Fitness, go to my initial post and my weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 updates.

About the giveaway: I love my Walking Fit & Fabulous DVD, and I'm thrilled to announce that Debra Mazda has given me a copy to give to one of my readers! Simply enter below for a chance to win! (I'm trying out Rafflecopter for the first time, so please let me know if you have any problems.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.

free book: "unclaimed legacy" by deborah heal

Last week, I reviewed the wonderful Young Adult/time travel/historical novel Unclaimed Legacy. Now, you can get your own copy free!

The Kindle version of Unclaimed Legacy is free on Amazon today through Friday (10-29 to 11-2). Get yours today!

Get Unclaimed Legacy free. 
See my 5-star review of Unclaimed Legacy.
See my 4-star review of book one of the series, Time and Again.

shapelygirl fitness: week four update

Week four with ShapelyGirl Fitness is over! This week was a bit of a challenge as busyness coupled with the flare up of some of my health issues left me with not much time or energy to work out. But I did manage to get my three workouts in!

Workout 1 (10-24-12): I was finally able to work out again today following last week's knee injury and a super busy Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday where I was home basically to sleep and shower. I did the Quick Walk & Cool Down from the Pre-Mix menu, and boy did Debra kick my butt! It felt good to sweat again and get my heart rate up, but it also wore me out!

Workout 2 (10-25-12): I did the Bonus Walk from the Pre-Mix menu tonight. It went well, and I finished feeling good.

Workout 3 (10-27-12): My goal today was to do the Long Walk ... well, I got through half of it! I was just so exhausted by that point that I had to quit. I see my doctor again on Monday, and I hope we'll be able to get to the bottom of this fatigue issue.

This week's numbers:
Weight: 191.2 (down .2 pounds)
Measurements: Down 1 inch on my chest, down .5 on my hips, down .5 on my thigh, down .5 on my calf, down .5 on my gut, same on my neck, same on my arm, and up 1 on my waist (huh???).

Check back in next week for my overall review of my experience with ShapelyGirl Fitness. In the meantime, feel free to check out my other ShapelyGirl posts. You can also check in on the other women who are on this journey by clicking below. Not everyone is giving a week four update (we had a choice about when to post our final thoughts, and I decided to do that next week), but you can check out the ones who decided to through this link up.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.

kindle book sale!

If you love Karen Kingsbury's books or have always wanted to check them out, today's your lucky day: Amazon is having a one day sale on Karen Kingsbury books! Today, October 27, you can get the Kindle version of any (or all) of the books featuring the Baxters and Flanigans (except for the final book, Coming Home) for $1.99 each!

And remember, you don't need a Kindle to read a Kindle book—you can get free Kindle reading apps for your computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Happy reading!

"the beginning" by karen kingsbury

"The Beginning" is a short story prequel to Karen Kingsbury's book The Bridge. I bought it because I read practically everything Kingsbury writes, and I thought it would be fun to read it before I read The Bridge.

About the story: Donna and Charlie are no strangers to tragedy, and when it strikes again, they decide to begin anew in Franklin, Tennessee, where they will fulfill Charlie's lifelong dream of running a bookstore.

One day Edna, a woman grieving a terrible loss, enters the bookstore. As Donna uses books to help Edna escape the pain, she discovers that the bookstore may be more than Charlie's dream—it may be their calling.

My take: When I heard about this short story, I knew I wanted to read it before reading The Bridge. It's a quick read that introduces readers to Donna and Charlie, owners of The Bridge bookstore. I enjoyed it, and I definitely can't wait to read The Bridge, but this story lacked the emotional impact present in most of Kingsbury's writing. I was interested in the story, but I wasn't emotionally engaged. Still, I'd recommend it as a precursor to The Bridge. 3-1/2 stars.

About the author: No. 1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's favorite inspirational novelist. There are nearly 20 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 50 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

rethinking reviewing

I came to a realization this week. This is something I've known for a long time, but I ignored it. However, this week—when I had three book reviews due on Monday, one on Thursday, one on Friday, and one on Saturday—made one fact abundantly clear: I need to review fewer books.

When I began reviewing books on my blog (four years ago now!), I only reviewed for Thomas Nelson, and I averaged about one review a month. Then I began joining the book review blogger teams for other Christian publishers. And then, in February 2011, I hit the book blogger's jackpot when I became a Litfuse blogger. Litfuse is a publicity group, and they tour the best—seriously, the absolute best—in Christian fiction. (They also have non-fiction book tours, but I rarely sign up for those.) And when there's a wealth of excellent books, I have trouble saying no to any of them. (I've been trying—I even made "learn to say no" one of my goals for 2012—but I haven't been incredibly successful.) This year alone, I've discovered five or six new authors whose writing styles I really enjoy.

But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I feel like reviewing is beginning to take over my life. The last time I read a book purely for fun—no review strings attached—was after my gallbladder surgery in May. (And then I went ahead and reviewed it anyway because apparently I have a mental condition.) I have a full shelf of books I've purchased in the last 18 months that I really want to read but haven't had time for yet. I have a Kindle brimming with free books that I've never opened. I still haven't finished Loving or read Coming Home, the book that wraps up Karen Kingsbury's Baxter family saga. 

This is my "to be reviewed" shelf.

This is my "I so want to read you, but I can't because I have too many review books" shelf.

Probably the most important reason to review fewer books is that my spiritual life is suffering. In my spare time, either I'm reading like a mad woman or I'm vegging out in exhaustion. I can't remember the last time I picked up my Bible when it wasn't related to church or one of my Bible studies. 

So I've decided that, for the next six months to begin with, I will only request books from authors whose previous books I've loved. These are authors whose books I would purchase if I wasn't a reviewer—authors like Susan May Warren, Becky Wade, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer. This will cut back on my reviews drastically and should give me time for other things. Things like ...

• Spending time with God.
• Getting healthier. I'm working out and trying to eat better, but I know that the stress and lack of sleep due to reading and reviewing so many books is also wearing on my health.
• Finally reading some of the other books on my "to be read" shelf.
• Cleaning my house.
• Continuing my Cinematic Survey project.
• Blogging about things other than books.
• Getting farther than episode four on Friday Night Lights.
• Focusing on relationships.

For a while, my reviewing pace won't slow too much because, as you saw above, I already have a bunch of books to review. However, I don't think any week will be quite as crazy as this one has been!

I know this won't be easy. I'll be very tempted to "cheat" now and again. But it will be healthy—for my body, mind, and soul.

a long time ago, we used to be friends, but I haven't thought of you lately at all ...

This made my night that much better:

Logan!! Where are you?!@imkristenbell #veronicamars twitter.com/HiRyanHansen/s…
— Ryan Hansen (@HiRyanHansen) October 20, 2012

Now I think I need to go watch an episode of Veronica Mars before bed ...

shapelygirl fitness: week three update

"Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan." -While You Were Sleeping

If I had to title this week, I would call it Week of Frustration. I began the week feeling so much better than I'd felt in over a month. Sunday and Monday were crazy-busy with church, Singing Christmas Tree practice, work, a visit from my cousin and her adorable daughters, and reading and blogging about three books, so I didn't have time to work out. Then on Tuesday night, I hurt my leg ... so I wasn't able to work out nearly as much as I'd hoped. This was especially frustrating because I felt like I finally had the energy for a good hard workout! Plus, I'm mad at myself because I know this injury is of my own making ... I inherited my mom's bad knees, and I've had problems with them off and on since high school. Well, on Tuesday night, I was working out barefoot. Yes, barefoot. So I had no support. Stupid, stupid, stupid!!! My leg is healing, and I'm hoping to be back at full strength by next week.

Workout 1 (10-16-12): My goal was to do the bonus walk and abdominal workout tonight. Things didn't go as planned, though. I started the bonus walk with a lot of energy and enthusiasm ... but about 10 minutes in, my left leg started hurting on the back side of the knee. Probably stupidly, I finished out the bonus walk and moved into the standing abs. But my leg hurt more and more every minute, and I stopped after just a couple minutes. I ended up elevating and icing my leg for the rest of the evening.

Workout 2 (10-19-12): Even though my leg felt much better on Wednesday, I didn't want to push it, so I didn't do anything strenuous. I was sure that I'd be able to jump back in on Thursday. I was wrong. I woke up Thursday morning with an aching knee, and when I got out of the shower, I saw that it was swollen. So I iced it off and on all day.

I was finally able to work out again today (Friday)! I did the Beginner's Walk ... and I left out certain parts in an effort to keep from re-injuring my knee. I felt a few twinges of pain, but for the most part, I was okay. Then I iced my knee again when I finished.

This week's numbers:
Weight: 191.4 (down .8 pounds)
Measurements: down 1 inch on my thigh, down .5 on my upper arm, and up .5 on my calf (I knew that would happen!)

As I've read through other ShapelyGirl Fitness Review Crew blogs, I've noticed a similar theme. Women are dealing with sickness, back problems, leg problems, marital problems, job stress, and the list goes on and on. We're all doing our best to fulfill our commitment to CWA and ShapelyGirl Fitness, but obstacles are being thrown into our paths. We all need your prayer! Yes, we are facing a physical battle, but it's also spiritual! Several of the women have chosen power scriptures for each week. I hadn't ... until now. This is my prayer for all of us on the crew:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)

Check in with the other women on the Crew and see how they're doing!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.

"a merry little christmas" by anita higman

About the book (provided by Litfuse): Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city.

As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart-that sometimes love comes when you're least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

My take: As I read the first few chapters of A Merry Little Christmas, I kept thinking the story would make a great Hallmark Christmas movie. Soon I realized the plot was much more complex than the usual Hallmark film (and much more complex than the book description implies), as it contained racism, murder, and intense family issues.

There is much to like about A Merry Little Christmas. Franny is a very likable, spunky heroine, and her romance with Charlie is sweet. These days, I'm all about stories where "older" women find love! Also, I really enjoyed the subplots involving Charlie's brother and Franny's friend. But there were so many subplots that I had difficulty believing everything actually happened between the beginning of November and Christmas Eve. I also didn't think the resolution of the plot line involving Charlie's father rang true.

Despite my reservations, I did enjoy A Merry Little Christmas. It's a quick read with engaging characters. And while I don't usually mention the physical nature of the book in my reviews, I want to talk about this one. It's a hardback with the title debossed into the cover, and the dust jacket is embossed. It's a very attractive book that would make an excellent stocking stuffer. 3-1/2 stars.

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Buy the book.

About the author: Best-selling and award-winning author Anita Higman has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Find out more about Anita at http://www.anitahigman.com.

About the giveaway: Author Anita Higman invites readers to kick off the season with a spirited holiday tale. Anita is spreading the Christmas cheer by giving away FIFTEEN COPIES of the book. To enter to win A Merry Little Christmas, just head over to THE CONTEST PAGE at Anita's website and fill out the short form. Be sure to put BLOG CONTEST in the Subject Line. That's it. Winners will be announced on the Litfuse blog (and notified by email) on 11/9.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the sons of jude" by brandt dodson

About the book (provided by the publisher): The body of a young woman is found in a dumpster in Chicago, and detectives Andy Polanski and Frank Campello are charged with finding the killer. The two are polar opposites. Polanski is the son of a disgraced Chicago police officer and is fastidious about his reputation. He has also recently been transferred from another district after having blown the whistle on some corrupt cops. Campello, however, takes a live-and-let-live approach to his life and job.

It soon becomes clear, as another young woman—a potential witness—is murdered, that a sex-trafficking operation in Chicago is preying on illegal aliens. As the ill-matched pair dig deeper, an influential alderman and his son are implicated. Then Polanski is framed for a narcotics offense, devastating the cases against the corrupt officers and the alderman. Only when Campello is challenged by a local minister, whom he meets when visiting Polanski, does he find the motivation to seek justice.

My take: At first, I wasn't sure what to make of The Sons of Jude, but as I got into the book, I began to really enjoy it. It's a fast-paced story with twists and connections I wasn't expecting.

As Campello struggled with whom to trust, so did I. I loved the changes in Campello from the beginning of the book to the end, and Polanski has to be one of my favorite characters in recent memory. I also loved the setting—Chicago. I've visited the city several times, and I enjoyed picturing some of the places the officers went.

The ethical issues raised in this book are very interesting. How far is too far to go in the pursuit of justice? Do the ends ever justify the means? Is whistle blowing laudable or contemptible? Dodson answers these questions with the truth of Scripture, yet he never comes across as heavy handed.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book (especially the unexpected twist at the end), and now I'm anxious to read the next installment in the series! 4-1/2 stars.

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book. (The Kindle version is on sale for $5 through Oct. 21!)
Read an excerpt. 
Watch the book trailer.

About the author: Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers and was employed by the Indianapolis office of the FBI. He has lived in Chicago and travels to the city regularly. He is the creator of the Colton Parker series and author of several stand-alone thrillers. You can find Brandt at www.brandtdodson.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"you don't know me" by susan may warren

About the book (provided by Litfuse): Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

My take: You Don't Know Me is an enjoyable return to Deep Haven. (It functions well as a stand-alone novel if you haven't read any of Warren's other Deep Haven books.) The plot—about a woman in Witness Security whose long-buried past comes back to haunt her just as secrets her family members are carrying come to light—is fascinating. The characters are great, especially Frank and Helen. And I loved having faces to put with several characters—if you follow Warren's blog, you know she "cast" Keri Russell and Scott Foley (Felicity's Felicity & Noel!) as Annalise and Nathan, with Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Milo Ventimiglia, and Rooney Mara in supporting roles.

While You Don't Know Me is an enjoyable read, I didn't find it quite as engaging (or, as I like to say, "unputdownable") as the previous two in the series. Still, it's a great story—worthy of the Susan May Warren name. 4 stars.

See what other reviewers are saying.
Buy the book.
Read an excerpt.
See my reviews of the Deep Haven books My Foolish Heart and The Shadow of Your Smile.

About the author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.

About the giveaway: Note: The Author Chat Party has been moved to December 12th, but the giveaway still ends October 22nd!

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22. Winner will be announced at the "You Don’t Know Me" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/12. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – 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 12th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

it's anti-slavery day. how will you get involved?

You may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know. ~William Wilberforce

I remember the first time I was aware—really aware—of the horrors of sex slavery and human trafficking. My baby sister Blendy was competing in Serious Prose at State Speech, and a girl in one of her rounds performed a heartbreaking (and far too explicit for a high school competition) piece about a Nepali girl who was sold into sex slavery by her father. I did a bit more research, and I was horrified by what I learned. But what could I do to help?

Then it hit me. I may not be able to go physically rescue people, but there are three other vitally important things that I can do.

1. Pray. This is the one thing I can do all the time. I use this prayer guide from the A21 Campaign.
2. Give. There are many wonderful anti-trafficking organizations; I'd encourage you to research them and, if you're able, choose one to financially support.
3. Spread awareness. This can be done through blogging (like this post) and social media, through wearing items that spark conversation (like the One Girl bracelet and A21 Campaign KEY2FREE necklace), through talking with your friends, and through many other means. (For ideas, click here.)

A few years ago, I ran an article about trafficking in the Advance, the school newsletter that goes out to NC parents, alumni, and supporters. The article was written by Sara, an alum who worked for World Vision as an associate expert on trafficking. Sara's article eloquently and tastefully opened people's eyes to the horrors of human trafficking. If your eyes need to be opened, I think this article is a great place to start. You can read it here—scroll to page six.

Here are a couple videos about trafficking:




I also recommend you watch Human Trafficking, an eye-opening, disturbing, action-spurring miniseries. If you have Netflix, you can watch it here.

Today, on Anti-Slavery Day, why don't you take a few minutes to consider how you might get involved in this fight for freedom? Educate yourself. Pray for the victims. Spread the word.

guest post: "the moral of the story is" by deborah heal

Yesterday and today, I have had the privilege of hosting author Deborah Heal on my blog. (See yesterday's guest post here.) Deborah is the author of Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. Check out my reviews of Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy, and be sure to enter the Time and Again giveaway!

I’m on chapter four of a Christian young adult novel. It starts out with an interesting premise, involves time travel, great characters, and excellent writing. I’ve loved it so far and can’t wait to see what happens. Review to come.

But I was a bit startled in chapter four when the main character suddenly begins calling upon God to help her. It’s not that she shouldn’t, but why did she not do so at any of the scarier, more suspenseful events that happened in the first three chapters?

In another Christian YA novel I recently read, a parody of Hell fire and brimstone preaching was the only “inspirational” element I found, at least before putting it down only half read.

It’s not that I purchase Christian fiction hoping to be preached at. This is what I was subjected to in another book—really a sermon disguised as a novel—by another best-selling author.

Her 16-year-old character had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. I lost track of how many interruptions to the actions I endured while she thought spiritual thoughts and prayed. That probably makes me sound like a heathen. But like most people, what I’m looking for is a good story with believable characters. Sure, I want the characters to be heroic, but I don’t mean perfect, sugary sweet, and able to spout Bible verses and Christian jargon with a single bound.

And I know I’m not the only one put off by this. These are excerpts from actual Amazon.com reviews of a Christian novel:

The book started really well, and I saw it as very promising, especially with accurate historical references . . . But as it dragged on, it became less of a novel and more of an over-religious Christian story. . . .The exaggerated evils and virtues of the main characters became a bit too hard to swallow as the story progressed.

. . . once the heavy-duty Christian proselytizing began, my interest waned. . . once I started feeling beaten about the head and shoulders with a religion stick, the author lost me.

I kept ignoring the signs, hoping the Christian theme was just a plot element, but at exactly 62% in, I started getting hit hard with the proselytizing. I have to give the book 4 stars because the writing is awfully good, but if you're like me and can't tolerate Christian fiction, skip this one and read . . .

Now I realize we’ll never please everyone. Some nonbelieving readers will be offended at any whiff of Christianity. Some Christian readers will be offended by the slightest bit of realism. But to reach the widest audience with the gospel through our fiction, we must continue to hone our skills—with characterization, dialogue, plot, but also our weaving skills. We must learn to weave biblical values and themes throughout so we aren’t left with trying to patch them onto the story.

Learn more about Deborah's books:

About Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station

The History behind Miles Station

About Unclaimed Legacy, the second book in the series

The History behind Unclaimed Legacy

About the Author

            Website: http://www.deborahheal.com

            Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHeal

Where to buy the books

            Amazon

            Barnes & Noble

About the author: Deborah Heal is the author of the young adult novels Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. She lives in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about southern Illinois history. She is married and has three grown children, three grandchildren, and a canine buddy named Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). Currently, she is working on book three in the Time and Again trilogy. You may learn more about the author by visiting her website: www.deborahheal.com, her Facebook Fan Page, and Goodreads. Her books may be purchased on Amazon.com.

"where the trail ends" by melanie dobson

About the book (provided by Litfuse): A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?

For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.

Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone?

Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

My take: When I was a kid, I played the computer game Oregon Trail at every opportunity. I almost always bought way too many supplies at the mercantile before the journey began, and my people frequently died of dysentery. But that game started my fascination for the Oregon Trail, and when I saw that an Oregon Trail book was up for review, I jumped at the chance to read it. I'm glad I did, as this has turned out to be my favorite of all the Melanie Dobson books I've read!

I absolutely devoured Where the Trail Ends, reading it from start to finish in just a few hours. It's a great historical novel with a healthy dose of romance mixed in. Samantha and Alex are both likable characters, and I didn't even mind that they didn't meet until chapter 17—their individual journeys were just as compelling as their romance. Where the Trail Ends is a book that both historical fiction lovers and romance lovers will enjoy! 4-1/2 stars.

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Buy the book.
See my reviews of Dobson's books Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan and Refuge on Crescent Hill. 

Melanie Dobson Talks About from novelcrossing on GodTube.

About the author: Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

About the giveaway: Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - 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 18th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"unclaimed legacy" by deborah heal + giveaway!

About the book (from Amazon): Abby’s weird computer program is working again. And it comes in handy when they agree to help the Old Dears next door with their family tree. Except Abby and John learn more about one of the ladies’ ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson, Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family’s reputation. But was he really guilty? Abby and John get inside the mind of a murderer to find out. But while they’re rummaging around in the Old Dears’ family history, they discover the truth of God’s promise to bless a thousand generations … … and a legacy waiting to be reclaimed.

My take: Wow! I enjoyed Time and Again (see my review here), but Unclaimed Legacy is in a class of its own! There's no sophomore slump for author Deborah Heal—Unclaimed Legacy is an absolutely fantastic book.

Unclaimed Legacy picks up right where Time and Again leaves off, with the special computer program on Merri's computer that allows the user to see into the past not working. John's tech-savvy friend transfers the program to John's laptop, and the action picks up there and doesn't quit until the end of the book. I loved digging into the past with Merri, John, and Abby, and I'm anxious to finish the story with book three! (Also, I'd now love to visit a Lewis & Clark museum!)

Unclaimed Legacy does deal with some weighty issues, like spousal abuse, infidelity, and drug use, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids younger than 13 or 14. But for older teens and adults (especially those who are interested in history or who live in Illinois), I highly recommend Unclaimed Legacy. 5 stars.

Read an excerpt: Merri leaned forward and studied the monitor and then, laughing, said, “It’s them.”

Frowning, John looked closely at the monitor. “That’s crazy. This is just a computer program. It can’t be them.”

“See the resemblance? Just project forward fifty to sixty years,” Abby said. “That’s definitely Beulah and Eulah.”

“Boo and Yoo,” Merri said. “Get it?”

“That’s insane! No one could make a program that could—”

“We don’t know what this is or where it came from. All I know is that it’s awesome,” Abby said. “And we really are seeing Beulah and Eulah back in the forties—you got the bit about food rationing, didn’t you? And if you think that’s wild, just wait until you see what happens when we lock onto one of them and go virtual mode.”

“Virtual mode? Show me.”

Abby smiled smugly and turned back to the controls. “Okay, John. Hold onto to your hat.”

First, there was a confusing blur of color and whirring sounds and then…

About the author: Deborah Heal is the author of the young adult novels Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. She lives in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about southern Illinois history. She is married and has three grown children, three grandchildren, and a canine buddy named Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). Currently, she is working on book three in the Time and Again trilogy. You may learn more about the author by visiting her website: www.deborahheal.com, her Facebook Fan Page, and Goodreads. Her books may be purchased on Amazon.com.

About the giveaway: Win a copy of Time and Again, the first book in the trilogy! ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­To enter, simply leave a comment telling me where you'd virtually time travel to if you had a computer program like Abby and Merri. One commenter will be chosen at random to win a copy of the book on Wednesday, October 24. For additional chances to win, see Deborah Heal’s official website and LIKE her Facebook Fan Page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"queen of the waves" by janice thompson

About the book (provided by Litfuse): When pampered Jacqueline Abingdon makes secret plans to elope with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

My take: I've always been very interested in the Titanic because family legend has it that my great-grandmother planned to emigrate from Wales to the United States on the ship ... but the third-class tickets sold out before she could get one. As a third-class passenger, her chances of survival would have been slim—so I am very thankful that she couldn't get a ticket!

This year, the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, has seen a wealth of Titanic coverage. From novels to miniseries to the re-release of the film Titanic, the Titanic has received the royal treatment. Queen of the Waves is the third novel about the Titanic that I've had the pleasure of reading this year, and it is unquestionably my favorite. Author Janice Thompson does a fantastic job of putting the reader on the Titanic. As I viewed the opulence through the character's eyes, I could truly imagine what it looked like. (Of course, it also helps that I've seen the movie Titanic!)

However, as great as Thompson's descriptions were, what really pulled me in were her characters. I loved Tessa, Nathan (the American who falls for Tessa-as-Jacquie), and Iris (Jacquie's lady's maid); I hurt for Jacquie when things didn't turn out as she'd planned; and I wished for a Roland (Jacquie's fiance) of my own. The only character I didn't fully connect with was Peter, Tessa's brother and Jacquie's boyfriend. But that's a small quibble when compared to the joy I derived from reading this novel!

I also loved that John Harper, an evangelist who died in the Atlantic while still proclaiming the gospel, made an appearance in the book. One of the other Titanic books I read this year was about him, so it was fun to see his name pop up again.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it. 4-1/2 stars!

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
See my reviews of the other Titanic books: Tricia Goyer's By the Light of the Silvery Moon and Robert Plant's Titanic: The Ship of Dreams.

About the author: Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.

Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.

About the giveaway:
Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – 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 18th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

guest post: "the right time to write" by deborah heal

Today and tomorrow, I have the privilege of hosting author Deborah Heal on my blog. Deborah is the author of Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. Be sure to check out my review of Time and Again and come back later today for my review of Unclaimed Legacy and information on a Time and Again giveaway!


I was cleaning the kitchen counter one afternoon in January 2011, when my dogs started barking. It was the FedEx truck. The cheerful driver handed me a flat document package. I wondered if it was a belated Christmas present. When I pulled out the packet of papers inside my heart did a strange gallop in my chest and I thought I might actually faint. It was a publishing contract at long last for my book, From a Distance.

The idea for the book first came to me in a creative writing course I was taking at Southern Illinois University way back in 1992. The assignment only required a short piece, but my story had a mind of its own and went way beyond the minimum word count. But it wasn't complete and there was no time to finish it, because life got hectic after graduation when I became a teacher. My time was spent grading other people's writing with no time to practice my own. My secret dream of being a published writer was put on hold so that I could make a living.

But I continued to work on my book when I could eke out a few hours here and there. And the story evolved and improved with each revision until I had the courage to submit it for publication. I studied the proper way to approach an editor and how to write the cover letter and the query letter and the proper format for the manuscript to be in. (Whatever you do, don't staple it!) And I did it all.

No one was interested. I thought it would help if I got an agent, so I read up on that and approached approximately one million. I eventually badgered an agent until he agreed to accept me as a client. But he couldn't get anyone to look at From a Distance either. He explained how difficult it is for a new writer to break into the field. It's like any new job. They want you to have experience, but no one wants to be the one to give it to you.

The stack of rejection letters continued to grow until one day I cried “uncle.” I boxed up my manuscript, all the chapter samples, queries, and rejection letters and stuffed it all in the closet. I sadly filed away the sequel I had begun. And then I mentally closed the door in my brain labeled "Author". God must want me to just focus on being an English teacher, I thought. But then that door slammed shut too. In a series of bizarre circumstances, I lost two jobs and found I couldn't get a new one, even after innumerable interviews. Now what did God expect me to do? What was the purpose of my life?

The years passed and I stayed busy, but it wasn't writing that filled my days. I didn't even think about it anymore. Then one day I stumbled across a publisher's website. They said they specialized in new and unpublished authors. They said they would read any manuscripts sent to them and respond quickly. That's nice, I thought. So I emailed my manuscript to them.

And then I forgot about it. All I was thinking about was getting the house cleaned and the Christmas decorations put up and the food cooked for all the family that would be converging at my house. When the contract for From a Distance (now known as Time and Again) arrived in January, I was totally surprised.

Then began the revision process, and I was surprised all over again. When I reread my story, I saw that the challenges and struggles of my life were woven all through it. The very lesson my characters learn—that God is good whether we understand our lives or not—is the one I needed to be reminded of. Ironically, re-reading my own book ministered to my wounded heart. I still don't understand why it had to take eighteen years to become an author. Maybe if I could see my life from a distance as Abby and Merrideth see Charlotte’s it would be clearer to me. But that's okay. Now is the right time for me to write.

Today, I am an official, actual author! (I still can’t believe it.) The very week I got the contract, I pulled out the sequel and began where I had left off. And now, Unclaimed Legacy continues the story of Abby, John, and Merri, and I’m hard at work on the third book of the trilogy.

Click to learn more:

About Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station

The History behind Miles Station

About Unclaimed Legacy, the second book in the series

The History behind Unclaimed Legacy

About the Author

            Website: http://www.deborahheal.com

            Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHeal

Where to buy the books

            Amazon

            Barnes & Noble

About the author: Deborah Heal is the author of the young adult novels Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. She lives in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about southern Illinois history. She is married and has three grown children, three grandchildren, and a canine buddy named Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). Currently, she is working on book three in the Time and Again trilogy. You may learn more about the author by visiting her website: www.deborahheal.com, her Facebook Fan Page, and Goodreads. Her books may be purchased on Amazon.com.