Getting to know you Thursdays with Sibella Giorello

Please welcome Sibella Giorello to my blog today. Im a little late for Thursday but what's the saying better late than never. Sibella's book The Clouds rolled away is on sale now and appropriate for Christmas.

 
 
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?  

    I play with imaginary friends. My favorite is forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon. An FBI agent who gets into enough trouble to keep things interesting, Raleigh's the protagonist of a mystery series published by Thomas Nelson. The most recent release is "The Clouds Roll Away." 
      After 7 a.m. each day, I'm a wife and homeschool mom who's been known to leave the house wearing two different shoes.

 
2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?  

     Any book that carried me away was my favorite. I wasn't devoted to one particular book, but the Narnia series had a huge impact on my imagination, along with Joan Aiken's "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase." That title still rolls off my tongue.

 
3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write? 
   

  Mysteries. They're immediately compelling -- tragedy, with pursuit of justice. What could be more captivating?

 
4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?  

     Not the usual suspects, since my grandmother was a well-read librarian who turned me into a literary throw-back. Growing up in Alaska, I was probably the only kid reading Karl Jung and Somerset Maughm.

 
5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?  

Maybe yesterday. 
Seriously, I don't think I ever wanted to be an author, as much as I wanted to write entertaining stories. Honest stories, about interesting people. Whatever happened after that, I didn't much care. My hopes weren't pinned on being published as much as they were linked to making happy readers.

 
6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I worked as a newspaper reporter, and enjoyed every gruesome ink-stained moment of it. Lightning turnarounds, sharp news angles, no precious phrasing -- newspapers are great training grounds. Or were. Maybe now blogging provides that. But journalism skills come out to play every day with fiction. It's all about the reader, making sure the reader is served. 

 
7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?  

It's a long list but at the top is doctor. Then architect. Landscape designer. Geologist. But here's the beauty of writing fiction: I can write about those professions, and live vicariously. Which is probably much better than actually doing those jobs.

 
8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

Spend time with my husband and sons. 
After that comes running. If my body could withstand the strain, I'd run several hours every day.  

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

Favorite place in the world: Alaska. There's not even a close second place. But then, I haven't been to Australia....

I was fortunate to grow up in Alaska, which is also the setting for the next Raleigh Harmon mystery, "The Mountains Bow Down." (March, 2011) I hope readers will come to appreciate the Last Frontier. And I'd like to take the opportunity right here to thank the Russians for selling that land.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
 

My husband and sons. Maybe that sounds corny but every meal with those guys fills my spirit with joy and laughter and curiosity. 

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

"The Clouds Roll Away" was recently named a "Top Ten" pick by Booklist. (Huge shout out to America's librarians -- I love you!)  In March, the next book in the series comes out, "The Mountains Bow Down." And the fifth book in the series, "The Stars Shine Bright," is eagerly awaiting my return, as soon as I type the last period of this fun interview. 
Folks can find me on the web at www.sibellagiorello.com. 
And now -- I'm off!

CFBA Tour Divine Appointments by Charlene Baumbich

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Divine Appointments WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010) by Charlene Baumbich



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.



Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh-especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, "There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!" That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.



I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don't Miss Your Life! Whether you're tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seatbelt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.



Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an

unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.



Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.



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

Review of Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

Product description:


Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface. The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie’s elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.


My Review:


This was a well written book on a very real subject prejudice. I can't imagine living with the fear of the klan coming and burning a cross in my front yard or killing someone just because of there colour but this is what Jessilyn and her family and whole community live with every day. Jessilyn and Gemma are friends with one is white and one is black and this causes issues. Things have been simmering in the community for many years and come to a head. A new doctor comes to town who is black and things get worse when he treats one of Jessilyn's elderly neighbors and is the first white person to be treated by a black doctor. Things ignite with the dead of a black boy and the hate and fear take off. We see how Jessilyn deals with her own feelings and what happens in this community. This book moved me to tears at times and also anger at how people could be so cruel. Having not grown up with this sort of prejudice it made me wonder how I would have dealt with issue. I love how Jennifer tackled the subject and brought it to light. This was a real part of history and this sort of story gives a more personal feel to the subject.
a riveting book.

Review of Uncertain Heart by Andrea Boeshaar

Uncertain Heart (Seasons of Redemption, #2) by Andrea Boeshaar

Book Description:


Unwilling Warrior began the saga of the McCabe Family series that continues with book two, Uncertain Heart. A farmer is the last man Sarah wants to marry! After all, if Sarah McCabe had wanted to marry a farmer, she would have stayed home in Missouri. Ensconced as a governess for Captain Sinclair of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sarah knows firsthand the life she has always desired, a life of luxury, culture, and social privilege. But then she meets Richard Navis, the captain's steward, and those highfalutin dreams seem to vanish in salt air. Sarah loves his teasing tenderness and she admires his commitment to the Lord. Why should Richard want to leave behind his career to buy, of all things, a farm? Sarah McCabe knows exactly what she wants... but what does God want for her?


My Review:

This is the second book in the series and another wonderful read. Sarah arrives in Milwaukee to work for Captain Brian Sinclair as a Governess, but when she arrives no one meets her. She then walks to his place of employment and meets Richard the Captains right hand man. Richard would give anything to be a farmer but has to work for the Captain til Dec. Sarah is only in the city for the summer then hopes to go back to work in Chicago. The story is interesting as the Captain Sinclair has the house and lifestyle Sarah would love to live in and Richard wants to be a farmer the lifestyle Sarah wants to get away from.
This leads to some interesting encounters between the three. I love the story and the different lifestyles and how Sarah reacts with both men and also the children. It is also interesting how because the Captain is rich he thinks he can buy people or control people to do as he wants.
A good read.

CFBA Tour The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lightkeeper's Bride Thomas Nelson (October 19, 2010) by Colleen Coble



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.



A word from Colleen: God has been faithful, though the path has not been easy. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. God wouldn’t let me give up, and I like to think the struggle made me stronger. God has given me so much in my life, most importantly my great family, a loving church family at New Life Baptist Church, and my wonderful publishing family at Nelson Books.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A thrilling romantic mystery set in the lush Victorian age.



Central Operator Katie Russell's inquisitive ways have just uncovered her parents' plan for her marriage to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Her heart is unmoved, but she knows the match will bring her family status and respectability.



Then Katie overhears a phone conversation that makes her uneasy and asks authorities to investigate. But the caller is nowhere to be found. Mysterious connections arise between the caller and a ship lost at sea.



Against propriety, Katie questions the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Then a smallpox epidemic forces their quarantine in his lighthouse. Though of low social status, Will's bravery and kindness remove Katie's suspicion and win her love. Katie and Will together work to solve the mystery of the missing girl and the lost ship as God gives the couple the desire of their hearts.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lightkeeper's Bride, go HERE.

Still awaiting my review book.

Focus on Christmas Fiction with Diane Craver with giveaway

Please welcome Diane Craver to my blog today. Diane's book was released this week and looks like a good read (am about to read it very soon) I love the cover. There is also a chance to go in the draw for a copy of this lovely book.

Thanks Diane for visiting today.

1.    Firstly can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! Jenny, thank you for having me here today! I met my husband while teaching at an orphanage, and we married in 1975. We live about twenty-six miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. While raising our six children, I started writing nonfiction. Several articles have been published in Woman’s World Weekly, Virtue, Down Syndrome Today, The Catholic Telegraph, Writers Weekly.com and other publications. Later, I decided it would be a nice escape to write fiction. I’m published through a variety of houses, including Booklocker.com, Samhain, Desert Breeze, Whimsical Publications, and Victory Tales Press. I write fun and inspiring stories filled with memorable characters. My books have received great reviews from readers and reviewers. I give thanks to God daily for all my wonderful blessings.

  2.  Can you tell us how you came to write a Christmas book?

When I realized the story I wanted to write, I knew it would be perfect and heartwarming to have the father reach out to his family in a special way on Christmas Day.

3.   How did you come up with the title?

The father gives the most wonderful gift to his wife and their four children on Christmas Day that will impact them for the rest of their lives so I thought of A Gift Forever. After more consideration, I decided A Christmas Gift would be the best title.

4.   How did you find the topic and was it easy to write for you?

      I had thought of writing a story about my father for a long time. His life was hard with his mother’s rejection and being raised by various relatives. Even though both parents deserted him, he had a deep faith and was able to be a good father to me and my siblings.

      Although A Christmas Gift is fictional, the setting and different events are based on true experiences.

 5.  How did you come up with the characters for your story?

My parents and siblings inspired the characters, except in A Christmas Gift there are four children and I have four siblings.

 6.   Do you have a message you hope readers take out of your story?

        I hope readers will enjoy experiencing a simpler life…a nostalgia for a more innocent time while reading A Christmas Gift. I think an important message is the faith of young Debby. She never wavers in her belief that Jesus will answer her prayers for her father. I hope the readers, too, will see age is never an obstacle to  accomplishing your goals in life as long as you have faith in God and in yourself.   Justin Reeves is fifty-four years old when he finally accomplishes what he wanted his whole life. 

7.     Can you tell us a little about your story?

        I’d love to. First of all, some of the book is based on my childhood experiences, but the story line and characters are fictional. Debby Reeves is an adult in the prologue   and epilogue of the book. The rest of the book is told through the viewpoint of  Debby as a bright seven-year-old. Debby’s father’s Justin Reeves is a man who has it all: a good job, a loving wife and children who are the center of his universe. Justin also has a secret he's hidden from everyone his entire life. One night Debby stumbles upon his secret and is shocked by what she finds. She confronts her father with the    awful truth, and together they embark upon a journey which takes her father  from the darkness of shame into the light of victory.

8.     Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share?

        I have a sweet contemporary romantic story “The Proposal” in A Christmas Collection. It releases the same time as A Christmas Gift by Victory Tales Press. There are three other stories in this anthology by talented authors.

9.     Finally where can we find you on the net?

 My website is http://www.dianecraver.com and my blog is          http://www.dianecraver.com/blog. I’m also on Facebook and various yahoo groups.

EARLY REVIEW OF A CHRISTMAS GIFT:
When I first opened this story I felt like I was reading an autobiography. A woman tells a story of a Christmas years ago that she remembers fondly. Let me start by saying that while I am not usually a fan of first person…..I really, really, really like it.

There was something so powerful and real about the story and the characters. The way a little girl looks at her daddy with hero worship in her eyes is a wonderful thing. And oh how my heart broke right along with Debby’s on several occasions. I cried more than once during this story…in a good way though. It was that touching for me that I was moved to tears.

A wonderful story that will really touch your heart. I highly recommend it.

www.sweetlyreviewed.blogspot.com

Want to win a copy of this book then Leave a comment to be entered in Diane’s drawing on Tuesday, November 30^th. The winner gets a $10 gift certificate to Amazon OR Barnes and Noble or one of Diane’s publishers, a signed print copy of either A Christmas Gift or A Christmas Collection Anthology, and an angel ornament. If the winner should live outside of the US, an ebook will be substituted.  you can leave a comment here or at the above blog which is Dianes blog.

CFBA tour The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Silent Order Summerside Press (November 1, 2010)by Melanie Dobson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.



Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.



Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.



Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural America - 1928. After the murder of his partner, Detective Rollin Wells hides away in an Amish home near Sugarcreek, Ohio, to find out who in the police force is

collaborating with Cleveland’s notorious mob. While Rollin searches for answers to his partner’s death, he befriends an elusive young Amish woman named Katie and her young son. As Rollin learns about Katie’s past, he’s shocked at the secret Katie is hiding - a secret that has haunted Rollin for eight years.



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

My Review:
Another great book by Melanie, I found this a good story with an edge of suspense. The book is about an amish woman Katie and a police dectective Rollin and is set in the probation years in Ohio. The events that lead to the two meeting is interesting. I love the characters and story and how the amish and outside worlds collide and what happens. I enjoyed the story and wanted to know what would happen next. I love summerside press books this series of suspense books from different time frames and have enjoyed each one.

CFBA Tour Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Long Time Coming Abingdon Press (November 1, 2010) by Vanessa Miller





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.



Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.



To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Two women from different worlds find hope together.



Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty all her life. She has three children by three different men and has just been diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer.



While the meeting between these two women appears accidental, it becomes their catalyst of hope. Neither woman expects the blessing that God has in store for her. While Deidre will guide Kenisha on the path to eternal life with Jesus Christ, Kenisha will teach Deidre how to stand strong against the hard-knocks of life.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Long Time Coming, go HERE





Watch the book video:





My Review:

I found this to be a very moving book. It had me in tears at times which is a good thing cos Vanessa wrote in a way that touched my emotions. I love the interaction between Deidre and Kenisha, they are from 2 very different worlds but they are the same in many ways. The book deals with many issues facing many people and the different ways we deal with them. It deals with preconceived ideas people have also based on where a person lives and there backgrounds and how this isn't always right. This book is one I am so glad I had the opportunity to read there are so many lessons to take out of it and to act on. Great read.

Focus on Christmas fiction with Donita K. Paul

Please help me welcome Donita K. Paul to my blog today to talk about her Christmas book. There is also a link to a great contest at the bottom of the post (this is a link not this blog). Thanks Donita for joining us today.

1.    Firstly can you tell us a little about yourself?

 I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, right near the foot of the mountains. I have two grown children and two energetic grandsons. I taught elementary school before I was a writer . I've always been a reader, and I think that is a strong foundation for those of us who cross the line and become writers.

  

2.    Can you tell us how you came to write a Christmas book?

 The first books I wrote were Christian romance novels. I started writing those in order to give my daughter, who was 13 at the time, something to read that didn't shock me. Later, I started reading fantasy books, and was inspired to write one. The Christian themes flowed naturally in my writing. That might be the result of teaching Sunday school for more than three decades. I love Christmas stories, and after I had turned in a dragon manuscript last year, I felt particularly drained. As a "vacation," from what I have been writing for the past 8 years, I dove into a modern winter city scene and found the most interesting characters trying to make merry for Christmas.

  

3.    How did you come up with the title?

Actually, the marketing department at WaterBrook did some brainstorming and came up with Two Tickets to a Christmas Ball. Aside: This is my favorite cover of all time. I love the colors and the feel of the scene.

  

4.    How did you find the topic and was it easy to write for you?

Usually, the topic finds me. I invest a lot in my characters and am truly interested in how they are going to resolve the problems in their lives. The story carries me to a point of making decisions. Hopefully, I convey that when you form your life around prime Biblical truths, you tend to make right decisions.

  

5.    How did you come up with the characters for your story?

A couple of the characters were inspired by people I knew, and even one of my dogs. However, most of them sprang out of depths of my vivid imagination.

  

6.    Do you have a message you hope readers take out of your story?

Even the unpleasant occurrences in life prepare you to enjoy your life to the fullest. 

  

7.    Can you tell us a little about your story?

 My Christmas book, Two Tickets to a Christmas Ball is a fun combination of romance, magic, and Christmas spirit. Contemporary matchmaking wizards decide to give a pair of protagonists the opportunity to fall in love. Neither protagonist is interested at first; they have opposite personalities. But as time passes, they begin to see each other as the ideal mate.

  

8.    Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share?

I have three recent books. My fantasy novel, Dragons of the Valley, is a continuation of the Chiril Chronicles.  Vanishing Sculptor was the first in this series and is the prequel to The Dragon Keeper Chronicles. Vanishing Sculptor will be reissued this spring as The Dragons of Chiril. My other recent book is co-written with my daughter, Evangeline Denmark. It is a picture book called, The Dragon and the Turtle. Evangeline originally told the story to her 3-year-old son when he couldn't sleep. It turned out to be a wonderful tale of friendship with the main characters actually modeling how to become friends.

  

9.    Finally where can we find you one the net?

My website is www.donitakpaul.com

The website for the picture books I wrote with my daughter is www.dragonandturtle.com

At the moment there is a great contest at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/contests-and-giveaways/  scroll half way down the page for the details. This contest will end 11/17/2010.

CFBA Tour Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAmy InspiredBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)byBethany Pierce



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After completing a master's in Creative Writing and working as a visiting instructor at Miami University in Ohio, Bethany Pierce now lives with her husband in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is a member of the McGuffey Art Center and continues to write. Her first book, Feeling for Bones, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2007.



ABOUT THE BOOK

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...



Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up--both from publishers and her boyfriend.



But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated.



When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?



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

CFBA Tour Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHatteras GirlBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)byAlice Wisler



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.



Facts about Alice

* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years

* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy

* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University

* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia

* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines

* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan

* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache

* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven

* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09



ABOUT THE BOOK

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.



There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.



When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?



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

Working 9 to 5 blog tour with contest.

Publisher: Beacon Hill Press 

of Kansas City 

ISBN-10: 0834125234 

ISBN-13: 978-0834125230

Released: September 2010 

Paperback: 192 pages 

Retail: $14.99

ROSEMARY FLAATEN’S successful book, A Woman and Her Relationshipshelps women process their outside-of-work relationships, so now she’s delving into these 9-5 relationships. She writes from a fully equipped life-experience toolkit. In it we find her varied work experience, a counseling and educational background, and a deep love for God as well as a passion to help others. Her Relationshipsbook won The Word Guild Award, which is Canada's top Christian literary honor. A dynamic speaker—Rosemary challenges women of all professions to view their work as a calling and their workplaces as opportunities to live out Christ’s love. Rosemary lives with her husband and three children in Calgary, Canada.

Working 9 to 5

Can't We All Just Get Along?

The Working Woman Blog Tour

Ever wondered...

• Why does one coworker become
  a best friend while another becomes
  a bitter enemy? 
• Why is the workplace a delight for some
      but a drudgery for others?
• What are the warning signs for an ungodly
      workplace relationship?
  

A Woman and Her Workplace helps women consider their part in workplace relationships. Rosemary Flaaten reveals attitudes that wreak havoc in dealing with others at our jobs and shows how to replace these thoughts with strong biblical principles—ultimately transforming your work environment.

KCWC is offering multiple ways to get in on this great book project. We'll send out a book to you in exchange for your book review or blog tour participation. 

BOOK SUMMARY:

CHAPTERS 

1. Building the Relationship Bridge
2. Pride Vanquished by Humility
3. Deception Defeated by Integrity
4. Anger Diffused by Forgiveness
5. Judgment Dissolved by Grace
6. Envy Rejected by Celebration
7. I'm Part of a Team
8. I'm the Boss
9. I'm NOT the Boss
10. I Work with Him
11. I Work with Her
12. Sharing Your Faith

For most people, the workplace is their home-away-from-home. We spend most of our waking hours with coworkers and employers. No blood relation, but yet we must build healthy relationships with them if we hope to excel at our work and enjoy our careers. Just like families, our work families are disturbed by dysfunctional issues. Interactions at work are often anything but ideal, let alone godly.

We find someone to vent about the grumpy boss, that arrogant team member, the lazy coworker who gets by doing nothing, and the undermining woman who makes our lives miserable. Yes, it’s easy to blame them for our workplace woes—but it’s better to look inward at what we have control to change.
A Woman and Her Workplace shows how God can perform a deep heart transformation within us so His love flows through us to the people in our workplaces. By delving into the issues that wreak havoc on our workplace relationships, author Rosemary Flaaten provides readers the help they need to develop and apply strong biblical principles of humility, integrity, forgiveness, grace, and celebration in the workplace.

Through discussing relationships such as boss to staff, woman to man, woman to woman, and teamwork, Rosemary guides women to develop healthy interactions in their workplaces. It makes sense to invest some effort into the relationships where we spend the lion’s share of our waking hours. This book isn’t just for women, though. Men find the book gives them insight into how to make the best of their working relationships with the opposite sex in their offices.

GRAND PRIZE:  

Give your desk a facelift
—transform your desk and your relationships!

• An autographed copy of 
  A Woman and Her Workplace
• Hard cover journal
• 40 piece stationary set
• Handbag styled refillable note dispenser
• Photo frame
• Stainless steel travel mug
• Mini stapler, pen, pencil and highlighter

One entry from this blog will go into the draw for this great prize. The last tour winner for this group actually came from my blog. To enter leave your contact email (myemail at email dot com) and a comment on this post or the one with the article for a chance to go into the grand draw. you have til Nov 18 6pm Aussie time.