Share a Laugh by Frankie Sherman

Share a Laugh—Bless a Friend In Honor of Celebrating Friendship Month By Frankie Sherman I live in a sleepy little town in the Deep South. Sometimes after my morning workout I’ll have breakfast at our local restaurant with some of my girlfriends. These women are diverse in age and background, but as southern as sweet tea. Over cups of hot coffee, we share things that only women can appreciate, and men would never understand. It’s times like these I am extremely grateful for this wonderful gift of friendship. No wonder our Creator designed us for fellowship. In between bites of a wholegrain muffin, my dear friend, Martha, told us about putting her mother in a nursing home and how difficult it had been. Yet in the next breath she reminded us of God’s incredible sense of humor. It seems her mother hasn’t a clue that she’s a patient there, but firmly believes she’s on staff as an employee. In addition, she had been complaining to management because they weren’t paying her, and had threatened to walk out. Martha is now bringing her mother money in a bank envelope and telling her that the nursing home is doing a direct deposit, and she’s cashed her check. So far Mrs. Floyd continues to see herself as a valued employee and is very helpful. Martha’s just praying her mother won’t ask for a pay raise! We laughed with Martha till our sides hurt as she told that story. Our laughter made the truth of the situation easier. That’s “why we need girlfriends!” Anyone who has put a parent in a nursing home realizes how heart wrenching that is. Something precious has ended. Roles have reversed and it hurts like a piercing knife.  This will be a hard journey for Martha, she’ll certainly need her girlfriends, and we’ll be there for her. I am so glad God gave us a sense of humor and laced it with laughter. When utilized for goodness it will restore a hurting soul. Who’s hurting in your circle of friends today? Now, go share some laughter. Both of you will feel better.  “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy,” Job 8:21 NKJV. Frankie Sherman is a national speaker, comedian, and Bible teacher for conferences, retreats, and women's events. She fell in love with Jesus at Vacation Bible School and takes every opportunity to tell others about the joy of being alive in Christ. She is a former choreographer for the Georgia Peach Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl Halftime Show. Her specialty is in theater musical/productions. Her first Bible Study, Why We Need Girlfriends is based on the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, from Luke's gospel. Two women brought together by extraordinary circumstances by an extraordinary God. Frankie is from South Carolina—loves sweet tea, BIG hair and her grand-girls. She believes there will never be another Elvis. And knows that her Jesus will return for her soon.

Glass Road PR Blog Tour Never Far from Home by Mary Ellis

Never Far from Home

Mary Ellis

ISBN: 978-0-7369-2733-8

Series: The Miller Family Series

Release Date: January 01, 2010

Mary Ellis follows her captivating Widow’s Hope with a new story from the heart of Holmes County, Ohio. In Never Far From Home, fifteen–year–old Emma Miller finishes school, starts her own wool business, and is longing for someone to court. When the object of her affection is a handsome English sheep farmer, with a fast truck and modern methods, her deacon father, Simon, knows he has more than the farm alliance to worry about.

Emma isn’t the only one with longings in Holmes County. Her aunt Hannah wants a baby and her uncle Seth hopes he’ll reap financial rewards when he takes a risk with his harvest. But are these the dreams God has for this Amish family? With engaging interactions and thoughtful characters, Ellis weaves a story about waiting for God’s timing and discovering that the dreams planted close to home can grow a lasting harvest of hope and love.

Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish Community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish in the country. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, meet Amish families, and enjoy a simple way of life. See our interview with Mary Ellis Please visit www.maryeellis.wordpress.com

A Word from the Author

“Did you ever date someone that your parents' didn't approve of? If so, maybe you'll sympathize with Emma who falls in love with another sheep farmer—only this one wears Levis and drives a fast truck. Her Uncle Seth has been blinded by an easy path to riches to solve the district's money woes—another common pitfall for us Englischers. Life may not be predictable for the Miller family, but with faith, all things are possible.” —Mary Ellis, author of Never Far from Home

Endorsements

“I was so entranced by the Miller family that I read the book within 2 days. The story that Mary Ellis weaves of this Amish family is spellbinding. The struggles, fears, and determination of the characters are to be admired.  So often we judge those that are different by our own standards. Ms. Ellis enlightens us as to how much we have in common regardless of our chosen paths. I look forward to reading the next installment.” —Eileen Pech “Mary is an artist, she paints pictures with words and her words have so much meaning. I truly enjoy her books and trust she will continue the Amish love story. “I do highly recommend Never Far from Home. It’s a great love story. Keep writing Mary.” —Blanche Robb

Editorial Reviews

“Ellis has painstakingly woven authentic Amish beliefs, culture, and way of life into a well-written storyline filled with interesting plots and subplots…Recommend to adults and teens, even ones who don’t generally read Amish novels.” —CBA Retailers + Resources “Is there anything better than an Amish book? “Mary Ellis grew up in and still lives in Amish country. Her first-hand knowledge of that lifestyle is evident in her writing.” —BookReviewsRUs.com “Never Far from Home is book two in Ms. Ellis' The Miller Family Series and it was as good as the first. This is a great Amish fiction and I enjoyed it immensely.  There was a surprise turn at the end that keeps you hopping. I can't wait to read more from this author!” —BookBargainsAndPreviews.com

Reader Reviews

“I couldn't stop reading once I started the book. Another wonderful story from Mary Ellis. I can’t wait for the other stories in the series to release.” —Marianne Roberts “My wait for the second book in the series of the Miller Family is over. I couldn't wait to begin the story and couldn't put the book down until it was finished. I have always admired the Amish way of life and have had short peeks into their way of life when my family shops within the Amish community near Pulaski County, Kentucky. While reading the book, Never Far From Home, I felt like I was part of the family and wanted Emma to triumph victorious with her family and her soul mate. I am more than sixty years old, and I found myself very interested in the Amish courting customs and the idea of a 'running around time' afforded the young people before their baptisms. Mary Ellis is quite the expert on the Amish way of life. It makes one wonder, ‘Did she grow up Amish?’” —Donna Taylor “It is rare to find a book with the ‘it’ factor, but Never Far From Home has it! I couldn't put the book down until it was finished. Mary Ellis has a unique way of allowing the reader to connect with the characters in the story. Even those who are not familiar with the Amish way of life would thoroughly enjoy this book. Thanks so much, Mary, for sharing your insight and writing talent with us! Finishing the book left me wanting more, so I can hardly wait for the next book!” —Margaret King (Jenny here) My book is still on the way seems it may have gone to South Africa instead of South Australia but not sure. Will post a review when I receive it. As I said before I only request books I am interested in and this book looked good. I also choose it cos it looked like a good book to be touring on my birthday.

Getting to Know you Thursday with Cecelia Dowdy

Please welcome Cecelia Dowdy to my blog today. I have loved Cecelia's books and have enjoyed learning more about her.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a Christian and I love books! Reading and writing are my passions!

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

I loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries and Laura Ingalls Wilder books! Those are the two that stick in my mind the most! But I read almost every kind of fiction that I could get my hands on! I got most of my reading material from the bookmobile that came to our neighborhood every other week! (Jenny here I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books too.)

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

Mostly Christian contemporary fiction. I enjoy romance and women's fiction, but I'll try just about any genre.

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

Not really. I can't think of an author that influenced me, per se.

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

I was about twenty-eight years old. I was on my lunch break and I didn't have a book to read, so I started writing my own book. I've been writing ever since!

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I just made time to write! I didn't have a husband and family at the time, which made it a bit easier for me to find time to devote to my writing. When I first started, I didn't have a computer, so I'd write my stuff out in long-hand and then type it up on my computer at my job! Needless to say, I didn't do that for very long! I got a second-hand computer, to use for my writing and I also joined Romance Writers of America (RWA). I made my first book sale to Crossings Book Club, and my second book sale to Love Inspired, as a direct result from contacts I'd made through RWA.

 

Later, after American Christian Romance Writers (now American Christian Fiction Writers - ACFW) was formed, I joined that group, too.

 

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

I'd probably be an editor, agent, or a pastry chef! I'd also think it'd be really cool to own my own bakery!

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

I love to bake sweets! Cakes, cookies, pies... you name it!

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

I love visiting hot tropical places, like the Caribbean! I love beautiful, lush, blue beaches and white sand!

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.

My next release will be Chesapeake Weddings! It'll come out in April 2010, and it's a re-release of my novels, John's Quest, Milk Money, and Bittersweet Memories in one volume! -

Chesapeake Weddings -Coming April 2010!
ISBN: 978-1602608023
Re-release of John's Quest, Milk Money and Bittersweet Memories in one volume! Preorder your copy now!
Relax along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay as you read about three strong African American women who suddenly face upheaval in life. Monica is caring for her abandoned nephew and trying to pick the proper tutor for him. Emily is struggling to save the family farm when a CPA turns up to do an audit. Karen has been deceived by her fiancé, and now she’s expected to trust a neighbor who knows too much of her business. Can God rebuild their tattered lives with new loves? Life sends three African American women into a tailspin. Monica’s blind nephew has been abandoned with her. Emily works to save her dairy farm after her father dies. Karen’s fiancé turned into an embezzler. Can these women let God rebuild their tattered hopes when new romances unexpectedly enter their lives?

 

You can find me at www.ceceliadowdy.com

You can also find me at www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com - be sure to visit my blog! I give away a box of novels each month to one winner! Stop by and leave a comment to enter the drawing!

(Jenny here for any Aussies out there I found at least one of Cecelia's books at koorong when I was there in January.)

CFBA Tour The Big 5-oh by Sandra D. Bricker

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Big 5-Oh!Abingdon Press (February 2010)


by


Sandra D. Bricker





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Author Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While writing in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant

and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.



One of Sandie's passions revolves around the rights of animals. She's been involved in fundraising for Lost Angels Animal Rescue for several years now; in fact, a portion of the proceeds of Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida will go to help the non-profit group with their expenses. And Lost Angels paid her back in a big way: They brought a free-spirited Collie named Sophie into her life after the loss of her 15-year companion Caleb.



It was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer.



In Sandie's words: "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. "Not only was I given the gift of getting to know my mother as an adult woman before she passed away, but I was also afforded the blessing of being able to focus completely on my dream of a writing career. I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost, so it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch their new Love Finds You line."





ABOUT THE BOOK

Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th, she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.



But now, as her 50th birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a local Cincinnati hospital.



Her best friend Hallie knows just the thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the Florida sunshine!



If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Big 5-Oh!, go HERE



Watch the trailer:

glass Road PR Blog tour Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge

Suggested Retail: $13.99

ISBN: 978-0-7369-2698-0

Series: Plain and Simple

Release Date: January 01, 2010

ABOUT THE STORY

Jayne Tate is an investigative reporter for a major daily. When her editor demands she take time off to grieve the death of her father and get her writing back up to par, Jayne instead follows her instincts. She's certain there's a story to uncover about the Amish, but where to start?

An initial interview with the intriguing owner of an Amish furniture store opens the door for Jayne to live with the Amish family he left behind. What she doesn't yet know is that her journalistic observations of this sincere, yet conflicted family are destined to cause reflections of her own childhood.
 
 

Hillary Manton Lodge

Hillary Manton Lodge graduated from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism.  She works as a freelance photographer while following her passion to write fiction. The author of Plain Jayne, she and her husband, Danny, live in Eugene, Oregon.  Please visit www.hillarymantonlodge.com

Editorial Reviews

“Smart, fast-paced and chock-full of endearing characters, Lodge’s entry into inspirational fiction is a keeper, plain and simple.” —Publishers Weekly “Lodge’s Plain Jayne isn’t just another ‘bonnet book.’ The author meshes the importance of family with the power of faith and demonstrates their significance when making life-altering decisions.” —CBA Retailers + Resources “Capitalizing on the recent popularity of ‘bonnet romances’ but with a very different focus, Lodge’s debut contemporary inspirational offers a fresh new voice as Lodge explores issues of self-worth, family, culture, and faith in a charming, fast-paced, coming-of-age story.” —BookList “Novels about the Amish are popular right now, but I have held none that tickle the funny bone quite like Hillary Manton Lodge’s ‘Urban Amish’ book, Plain Jayne.” —At Home with Christian Fiction “What a wonderful new take on the Amish lifestyle! I’m not a big fan of Amish novels, though many of my staff reviewers are, but I thought I’d give this one a shot. I’m so glad I did. It was an intriguing book with a good message. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Jayne’s antics! An extremely fun read.” —BooksBargainsandPreviews.com “Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge begins the Plain and Simple addictive series!!! This story captured my interest immediately.” —Five Star Reviewed Books “I’m delighted to say that Hillary Manton Lodge has defied my expectations and written a unique, witty and beautiful story marked with vivid characters, genuine emotions and sensitive insight into Amish life.” —TitleTrakk.com

(Jenny here) I signed up for the tour but there was some mix up and I didn't receive the book. I only sign up for the tours of books I really want to read and hope to still have a chance to read this book.

Glass Road PR Blog tour Becoming Lucy by Martha Rogers

Lucinda Bishop (Lucy) has lain both of her parents to rest and now must move West to family members in Oklahoma. But 1896 Oklahoma ranch life is far removed from the culture and society of Boston. Her aunt and uncle do their best to acclimate Lucy to her new life, though Lucy struggles with newfound feelings for ranch hand Jake Starnes and longings for her former reality. Between Jake's past and Lucy's future, will she ever be able to live this new life?

 

About Martha Rogers
Debut Novelist, Long-time Believer

Martha Rogers placed her faith in Jesus Christ 65 years ago. He has seen her through her step-father's sexually abusive behavior toward her sister and brother, her own breast cancer, two mastectomies, two miscarriages, her husband's heart attack, her grandson's cystic fibrosis, and the deaths of her parents. She holds a Master's degree in education and enjoyed a 36-year teaching career. To say she's an inspiration to those of us trying to walk a faithful path is a gross understatement. 

Jenny here, Im still waiting for the book to arrive when It does I will post my review.

Cowgirl at Heart by Christine Lynxwiler

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Cowgirl at Heart


Barbour Books (February 1, 2010)


by


Christine Lynxwiler





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Christine has been writing toward publication since 1997. She sold her first story in 2001 to Barbour Publishing. Since then she's written and sold fourteen Christian romance novels and novellas including the four novels that were included in the best-selling book Arkansas, which has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Her novel, Forever Christmas, ranked number 12 on the Christian Bookseller's Association Bestseller List in January, 2009.



A four-time winner of the prestigious American Christian Romance Writers/American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award, Christine recently signed a new six-book contract with Barbour Publishing bringing her total of contracted books to twenty. Besides, Along Came a Cowboy, her latest novels include Promise Me Always and Forever Christmas. She also writes mysteries with two of her sisters, Sandy Gaskin and Jan Reynolds. Their book, Alibis in Arkansas, is currently available nationwide, as well as in many bookstores. The first book in Christine's new McCord Sisters series, The Reluctant Cowgirl released in April, 2009 and was a TOP PICK in Romantic Times Magazine.



When Christine isn't at her computer, you'll often find her, with her husband, co-coaching their daughters' softball team, kayaking down beautiful Spring River with her family, or getting together with friends from church.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Elyse McCord always plays it safe─a fact she blames on being the biological daughter of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Even in the security of her adoptive family the McCords, the timid dog whisperer keeps her guard up with strangers. But when she discovers a dog being horribly mistreated, shy Elyse transforms into a mighty warrior and charges into a perilous situation, not only risking her life but also her heart



Reporter Andrew Stone has been fearless since the day his wife was shot and killed three years ago. He has one mission─use hid Texas Ranger upbringing to find her murderer and clear his own name of any involvement. When he sees a beautiful brunette in the hands of a pistol-welding maniac, he’s forced to abandon his covert surveillance and go to the rescue. The danger surrounding Andrew doesn’t scare him at all, but the awakening of his dormant heart terrifies him.



When painful pasts collide, the explosion is deafening. Can Andrew and Elyse pick up the pieces and go forward together? Or will they forever live with haunting memories, unable to forgive, unable to love?



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

My Review:
I enjoyed reading this book. I have loved all the books I have read by Christine Lynxwiler. One thing I enjoy is the fact Christine continues the story of previous books. The first book was about Crystal and Jeremy  and we get to see them again and continue there story as well. There are also appearances from the Characters in Along came a Cowboy. Right from the start we see Elyse helping a dog that looks like its being mistreated and starved she thinks first of the dog and ends up in danger, enter Andrew who helps her out. Elyse has had a hard childhood and she has major issues with trust and talking to others, she feels more comfortable with her dogs.
We learn more about Elyse and why she has some of these issues and we also learn about Andrews secret. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

blog tour The Country Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard

Love in the Country...

Beatrice, sister of the heroine in The House in Grosvenor Square, is intent upon landing as wealthy a husband as her sister managed. Yet her youthful heart is about to encounter life lessons that will leave her re-aligning priorities and re-considering the individual upon whom she can depend and love.

About Linore Rose Burkard Publishers Weekly acclaimed the work of Burkard in its review of The House in Grosvenor Square, saying, "Ms. Burkard's command of period detail is impressive..On the whole, it's a tasty confection." Burkard, a fan of classic romances and graduate of City University of New York, began writing stories when she couldn't find true Regency romance within the inspirational fiction category. "I knew that many women like me want stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God's involvement in our lives," she says. Raised in New York, Burkard now lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. To learn more about her, visit www.linoreburkard.com.  Q&A with Linore

Linore, Your tag line is "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul". How did a girl from Queens, NY become enamored with the Regency era and come to write novels in that genre but with an inspirational twist?
By my twenties I had discovered Georgette Heyer (called the Queen of the Regency Romance) and then I re-discovered Jane Austen. Christian fiction was just starting to take off, and I kept hoping for a Christian regency to read, but it never materialized. I finally realized that if this book was going to be written, it would have to be by me! So, I wrote the book I wanted to read.


How has Jane Austen's work influenced yours? Who else has inspired your writing?
Austen shows that "romance" does not have to be seen as less literary than other genres, and that wit, taste and depth of character are as important as plot. Georgette Heyer, as I mentioned, was an influence; and beyond them, I suppose it is just that I always read a great deal, and really longed to fashion a story where the gospel was included, but to have it in there naturally, so that readers wouldn't feel preached to. I love all the James Herriot books, Dickens, the Brontes, and other English writers.
You graduated magna cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Did you pursue that degree with the goal of becoming a novelist?
No, I wasn't confident enough to ever think I'd write novels and have them published. Writing was something I couldn't seem to get away from, but I never dreamed I'd succeed at it. I majored in English Lit. just because I love it!

What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I hope my readers will feel as though they've been transported to an amazing world of the past, with living characters and places so real they can almost reach out and touch them. I love it when readers write to me to say they just had a wonderful mini-vacation--reading my book! Some say they've had a spiritually encouraging journey while reading--and that means everything to me.

Any Regency romance is going to be compared to Jane Austen's novels ~ how are your books similar / different?
I don't think most regencies are written to be like Jane, and mine are no exception. I'm not competing with Jane Austen; I'm re-visiting the world she wrote about, though; and that is the similarity. When readers say my writing is "Austen-like", I take that as a huge compliment, but that's when I think it's wise not to believe my own press! (smile)
Do you have more Regency novels planned?
Right now I'm working on a regency time-travel that is dying to be a screenplay! I'm writing it as a novel, but little scenes creep in where, at their end, I actually type in "fade to black," before I realize what I've done. That's all I'm going to say about the new book for now, but readers can rest assured that it will be different enough to delight them, but similar in the sense that it's still me writing, it's still my voice.

Can you give us a sneak peek into The Country House Courtship?
Country House is the third book in the Regency Series, and gives one of the minor characters from the first books her own "day in the spotlight," her own romance. It begins about five years later (about 1818) and sees Mr. O'Brien (a curate, now) to a happy marriage of his own. There's a little bit of mystery, a villain (an Austenesque villain--not a serial killer, in other words!)and a denouement that I hope will leave people smiling and satisfied.

How do the secrets of your characters come to life?
Slowly. Some writers can easily locate the secrets of their characters, but mine usually take time. I need time to discover their weak spots, their tender points, and their regrets. I have to often ask myself, "Why? Why is this character acting or saying what they do or say? Why are they the way they are? Their secrets lie in the answers to these questions.

You are married and have five children. How have you been able to strike a balance between your family and your writing career?
This is not something you can do once, and then rest in. People are always growing and changing, and as the needs of my family change, I have to change too. Early on, I only wrote when my kids were asleep or when my husband watched them for me. I believe my word from the Lord at that time was that family had to come first. They were my first ministry. As they got older, I found more windows of time to work in, but striking a balance is sometimes like walking a tightrope and other times making conscious choices. No one can do everything. I try to put people before things (emotional needs come first, before a clean house, for example); and I use lists, career goals, monthly goals and daily to-do lists to help me balance it all.

What insight can you offer to aspiring authors?
Dare to dream big, because God is big! Remember that your success never depends solely upon you; there's a bigger plan at work and if you stay plugged in to your Guide, He'll move you along it. But you must work hard, seek to improve your craft by learning from those ahead of you, listen to advice and criticism-and get on the web. Start a blog if you aren't ready for a website. Join the ACFW-The American Christian Fiction Writers (if you write fiction). Or the Writer's Guild. Or another professional organization of like-minded writers. Network, do conferences, and write, write, write.

Some authors report writing 5-10 thousand words a day. Do scenes flow freely from your veins, or do you have to tweeze each word out?
In general, I write more than I need and later have to cut back. I don't use a word count, but I may set a goal of one chapter a day or two chapters for a busy week. Other times, I don't think in terms of chapters at all, just events. I may break an event down into four scenes, say, and so my goal for that day will be to get the whole event on paper. In other words, finish the four scenes. Life changes so rapidly with the children, that for me, a hard and fast writing goal just wouldn't work. And, I focus on results, not time spent. Instead of, "Now I'll write for three hours," I say, "Now I'll have this or that happen to a character, or, 'I'll show a different side to this person." When I have accomplished that goal, no matter how long it took, I feel satisfied, and only then.

(Jenny here I am still to receive this book but it does look like a good read)

Getting to Know you Thursday with Judy Christie

Please welcome Judy Christie to Getting to know you Thursdays. Its been good getting to know Judy more.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a new novelist who committed at age 50 to write the story that I'd been thinking about for 10 or 20 years.  I'm a former newspaper reporter and editor who grew up in the Southern U.S. and loves the quirks (and food!) of that region. The first newspaper I ever edited was The Barret Banner in elementary school, and I grew up to edit my hometown paper. I've had lunch at the White House, seen John Glen go back into space and gotten a black eye playing miniature golf. I like to have fun and think we all should slow down and enjoy life more. I  enjoy hearing from readers, and my website is www.judychristie.com.

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

Oh my! I loved "The Boxcar Children" series and a book called "Me and Caleb." I checked out all the biographies for children in my neighborhood library. The first place I ever drove when I got my  drivers license as a teenager was the public library.

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

 I'm have such a great time writing fiction. Making up characters and watching what happens to them is such a hoot!   I love to read contemporary fiction. I read a bit of everything -- including lots of books on how to write.

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

Growing up, I think I was more focused on the story than the author, but I did come to love southern authors. Among the first authors I can recall who "influenced" me were Carson McCullers ("The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" and "Member of the Wedding" are awesome) and Eudora Welty (just thinking about "Why I Live at the P.O." makes me smile.). These writers made me long to be a great Southern novelist.

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

I knew from the time I was about age nine that I had to put words on paper. I started keeping a journal then and still have all of them. I have always loved reading and writing. I started -- but never finished -- my first novel when I was about 11.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

As a journalist for many years, I learned about writing and editing from newspapers. Ideas for books starting coming into my mind, and I began to keep notes. I carry a notebook with me everywhere and am always jotting down ideas. My road to getting published started with a nonfiction book about my own journey to slow down and enjoy life more. That started my nonfiction "Hurry Less Worry Less" series. I was greatly blessed when my pastor read the manuscript, liked it and brought it to the attention of Abingdon Press.  What a great surprise when I wrote my first novel just as Abingdon decided to launch a fiction line -- and chose "Gone to Green" to be part of that endeavor. I very much enjoy working with the Abingdon fiction and nonfiction teams.

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

I'd own a cozy antiques shop that also sold books. I'd sit around and drink coffee with customers and talk about books, travel and great meals.

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

I love to go to flea markets and look for primitive antiques, walk in the park and sit in the porch swing. My husband and enjoy movies of all sorts and eating great food. I have a great family and lots of fun friends who I spend time with -- including getting together once a year with a group of fantastic college friends and visiting with a group of  girlfriends from elementary school.

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

My husband and I have such a great time traveling together, and we would like to go everywhere!  High on our list of to-go places are Australia  (!!), Ireland and Tonga. One of our favorite spots is Nova Scotia, and we love the state of Maine. (I'd like to write novels set in both of those places.) One of our challenges is choosing between returning to places we love or trying new spots.

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

I had such a great time with this question.  I thought of many people I'd love to sit down and break bread with. My list:

Bruce Springsteen because I love his music and think he'd be a fun person to visit with. His concert at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival after Hurricane Katrina was the best concert I've ever been to -- very moving and very fun.

    President Barack Obama because he has one of the most powerful and difficult jobs in the world and still seems to have a good time with his wife and daughters and because he will always have a special place in history as the first African-American president of the U.S.

Southern author Sue Monk Kidd because I loved "The Secret Life of Bees" and would love to hear about her writing journey.

11. 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.

"Gone to Green" is my debut novel, released in Fall 2009. It is about an ambitious big-city journalist, Lois Barker, who winds up running a tiny newspaper in the town of Green, La.  Lois changes the town, and the town changes her.  This is the first in a series of books about Green, part of the launch of the inspirational fiction line from Abingdon Press. "Goodness Gracious Green" will be released in Fall 2010, and "Green Through and Through" in Spring 2011.  I am crazy about these characters and the fictional town of Green and hope readers will have a great time going to Green.

I also have a series of nonfiction books called "Hurry Less Worry Less," encouraging people to slow down and enjoy each day more.  "Hurry Less Worry Less at Work" was released in Fall 2009, and "Hurry Less Worry Less For Families" will be out in Spring 2010.  These books are also published by Abingdon Press.

CFBA Tour The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Pastor's Wife Abingdon Press (February 2010)by


Jennifer AlLee

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California and for the first 10 years of her life lived over a mortuary one block from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never again to see the light of day. Her first inspirational romance, The Love of His Brother, was released in November 2007 by Five Star Publisher.



Besides being a writer, she is a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, her husband and teenage son have learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets there without severely impacting their waistlines. God is good!





ABOUT THE BOOK

Maura Sullivan never intended to set foot in Granger, Ohio, again. But when circumstances force her to return, she must face all the disappointments she tried so hard to leave behind: a husband who ignored her, a congregation she couldn't please, and a God who took away everything she ever loved.



Nick Shepherd thought he had put the past behind him, until the day his estranged wife walked back into town. Intending only to help Maura through her crisis of faith, Nick finds his feelings for her never died. Now, he must admit the mistakes he made, how he hurt his wife, and find a way to give and receive forgiveness.



As God works in both of their lives, Nick and Maura start to believe they can repair their broken relationship and reunite as man and wife. But Maura has one more secret to tell Nick before they can move forward. It's what ultimately drove her to leave him three years earlier, and the one thing that can destroy the fragile trust they've built.



If you would like to read the first Chapter of The Pastor's Wife , go HERE

My Review:
I enjoyed reading this book and it gives a new respect for wives of Pastors. I found it interesting how Jennifer used a situation to put Nick and Maura back in each others lives and how things played out. What I do love about this book is that it shows how in many cases being married to the Pastor means you are expected to do everything for the church also. It also shows that often alot of unrealistic expectations are placed on the wives and they are almost seen as an extension of the pastor and not there own person. I hope this book will help break down this perception and the wives will be seen as their own person first then as the wife of the pastor second. this was a good read.