Getting to know you Thursdays with Penny Zeller and giveaway

Please welcome Penny Zeller back to my blog for a getting to know you spot. Since Penny was last here for Christmas her new book Kaydie has been released and it is just as good as Mckenzie. Check at the bottom of the interview for a chance to win a book.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a wife, mom, and author of several books and numerous magazine articles. I also write a humor blog “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com). I am an active volunteer in my community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women’s prayer group. My passion is to use the gift of the written word to glorify God and to benefit His Kingdom. I devote my time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with God. However, all that being said, my greatest ministry is to, with my husband Lon, raise our two daughters for Christ. When I’m not dreaming up new characters for books, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

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

 I was an avid reader as a child. I loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries and read every copy of those books I could get my hands on!

This is funny and not something I have shared much, but beginning when I was 10 years old, I also loved the romance stories in the back of “Good Housekeeping Magazine.”  In those days, the stories were wholesome and I would sneak outside with my mom’s copy into our playhouse to read. I loved the stories because they would have pictures of the characters drawn by an artist with a little tidbit under each picture, such as “Lydia thinks she’ll never love again – that is until James unexpectedly walks into her life…” I laugh when I think of those early days reading those stories! I suppose I have always been a romantic at heart!

(Jenny here thats so cool and a great memory)

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

Historical romance is my favorite genre to write, followed by contemporary romance. In third place would be nonfiction, which I also enjoy writing as well. As for reading, I would have to say my favorite is historical romance. There’s something neat about being able to pick up this genre and escape into a simpler time. (Jenny here I have to agree with historical fiction)

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

 The Trixie Belden authors Kathryn Kenny and Julie Campbell; the Nancy Drew author Carolyn Keene; and the Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

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

I was bitten by the writing bug at age seven when I began writing Bible stories in my own words. (I suppose you could call it grade-school commentary!) My second grade teacher, Mrs. Vernon, encouraged me to continue writing about Jesus. In fourth grade, I began to write fiction stories about a dog named Muffie and her adventures, as well as, other short stories neatly composed in homemade wallpaper-covered cardboard books.  I loved telling stories at a young age and enjoyed sharing those stories with my sister and cousin.  In fifth grade, I won in the Young Authors contest at our school and had my first poem published in a children’s magazine shortly thereafter. My parents bought me my first typewriter (ok, I’m dating myself!) when I was 10 years old. I would sit and type up stories on that electric gray typewriter for hours on end.

Years later, my inspiration continues to come from the Lord and I pray daily that the path I have chosen in life will glorify Him. I get ideas from the Scriptures often and I build my book around certain biblical themes, such as, forgiveness and redemption. My Christian characters pray and seek God for direction. And as a writer I am in constant prayer for wisdom, guidance, and that my books would be life-changing – that they would bring others to the Lord or closer to the Lord. Writing is my ministry, and I have chosen Psalm 19:14 as my life verse: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

 In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social service agency to stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my writing career, beginning with numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. My first book, a children’s book about food allergies was published in 2003. I am humbled that God has called me into a ministry of writing. I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens a (much better) one and I firmly believe that if God calls you, He will guide you.

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

Probably a television talk show host for a Christian TV show. 

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

I love spending time with my family and camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? I love to visit the mountains. There’s something about being in His beautiful creation that makes me feel even closer to God.
Someplace I would like to visit is Hilton Head Island. I have always thought that sounded like a neat place to take the family for a vacation.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? Wow, I really have no idea!

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 first book is titled “McKenzie” and is the first in my Montana Skies Series. It is a Christian historical romance and was released September 1, 2010 by Whitaker House. Below is a short blurb:

Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston's high society, to respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new husband-whom she'll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister.

Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that also prompts Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God's own heart, to post an ad for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country. Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams.

When McKenzie arrives at Zach's ranch, she immediately puts her plan in motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart-and ruin her plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love Him, though, as McKenzie and Kaydie will soon see.

I’m so excited about my second book in the Montana Skies Historical Series, which comes out in April of 2011. It’s titled Kaydie and below is a short blurb:

For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother-in-law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby's birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down.

Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach's new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there's something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie's, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

(A side note: readers can read the first two chapters of Kaydie in the back of McKenzie).

I love to hear from my readers and can be found on the web at www.pennyzeller.com (website)

www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com (my humor blog – a Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/pennyzeller (Twitter)

Penny is offering a reader of my blog a chance to win Kaydie, If the winner comes from america or Canada they will receive a book if the winner is from elsewhere they will receive pdf of the book. To be in the running please leave a way to contact you if I dont already know it. You have till Friday April 8th 6pm australian time to enter.

CFBA Tour Wolves Among us by Ginger Garret

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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



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



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



ABOUT THE BOOK

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



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



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

Book Review Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall

Product Description:

A Pampered British Lieutenant Falls for a Lowly Baltimore Farm Girl 

Step into a breathtaking novel of adventure and romance set amid the War of 1812. During an assault by an enemy sailor, timid farm girl Rose McGuire is saved by the least likely of heroes—a British Naval Lieutenant. Now that he’s wounded, she’ll have to heal as well as hide him. Alex Reed is being aided and abetted by his enemy—albeit an innocent and attractive one. But he might be doing Rose more harm than good if his presence on her farm is discovered. As their love blooms, trouble looms. Will this couple survive another British invasion? 

My Review:

Another great book by M.L. This is the next book in the Surrender of Destiny series about the war of 1812 a war many have forgotten but for the people affected by this war it was brutal. Until the first book I hadn't heard of this war at all. This time the book is set in Baltimore where the city is under siege and the British soldiers think nothing of plundering and looting and causing as much mayhem as possible. Rose is living with her uncle and aunt on a farm and ends up caring for a Alexander Reed a British officer. I love how the story plays out and when the book ended I was sad I wanted more of this story. It was good seeing characters from the first book in your series and seeing where they are now and what has happened to them. Some of the secondary characters in this book really add to the story.  I cant wait for the last book in the series.  

Book Review Mary's Guardian by Carol Preston

Product Description:
William is used to looking after the street kids in England, but when transported as a convict expectations change. Mary has been on the streets as long as she can remember as well and expects to have to fight for survival in Australia. She is surprised when she meets up with Williams, who she hasn't seen for 10 years. She is more surprised when he proposes marriage. But their journey through convict and family life is anything but happily ever after. Through grief, crisis after crisis, triumphs, friendships, love and faith they grow in the harsh new country. A fictional story based on true events and characters that are not only believable but based on true convicts and settlers of Australia.


Book Review:
I was given the opportunity to review this book for my bookshop and all I can say is I am so thankful. This book is wonderful. It starts with William and Mary on the streets in England and then they are sent to Australia as convicts on the first fleet. The horrid conditions on the ship were bad enough but arriving in Australia they have to build everything and the food is scarce and the behavior of many is deplorable. We see the settlement of Paramatta opened up then the Hawkesbury area opened up. Reading the trying conditions the early settlers and convicts had to work in makes me appreciate what they did to make my country so good. It was also interesting to see Australia wasn't founded on Christian foundations. There were ministers but alot of them where there for themselves and not for the people or for God. I love the story between Mary and William and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This is a good read and for anyone who loves Australia history you will learn alot from this book.

Book Review The Rancher's Reunion by Tina Radcliffe

Product Description:

Will Sullivan's reason for refusing marriage is his biggest secret. To Will, it's part of his legacy, like the family's ranch. But then the woman he has secretly loved since childhood returns home after two years. Abandoned as a child the way he was, Annie Harris understands him. But she doesn't know the real reason keeping him a bachelor. A missionary nurse, Annie is planning to leave soon. Especially when a senseless scandal involving her threatens the ranch—and Will's future. But can he trust in rekindled love to see that Annie just might be his future?

My Review:

This is Tina's debut book and I loved it. I read it in an afternoon and didn't want to put it down.

The book is about Will who is a farmer and has a secret which has made him make a decision to never marry and Annie who has come back from Kenya where she was a missionary nurse hides a secret love of Will. Annie came to live at the Sullivan ranch when she was a child so Will and Annie had grown up together. Both Will and Annie have issues to deal with and its these issues that add to the story. Add an interesting business acquaintance who at times I would have loved to hit this book is a great read. Cant wait for the next book to come out.

Book Review Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James.

Product Description

In age of elegance and excess, Lilly Westbrook longs for a love both true and eternal.

Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Home of railroad magnates and banking tycoons--dashing young men and the women who aspire to marry them.

But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.

No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company...and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit.

But Lilly must put aside her feelings and follow the path that will maintain her family's social stature and provide the financial security that everyone is depending on.

Now Lilly faces a double dilemma. Can she continue to protect her secret identity? And will she have the courage to choose the man who will risk it all just to win her heart?

My Review:

This is Cara Lynn's debut book and a good read. I enjoyed the story of Lilly who has a passion for writing inspiration fiction but has to keep her writing a secret and how she deals with a newspaper that publishes scandal and is out to publish Lilly's true Identity. Jackson has loved Lilly since her first met her but left her 6 years earlier when I thought he wasn't good enough for her as he was a scholarship recipient. Jackson is back and still loves Lilly and has now bought the publishing company Lilly writes for but doesn't know she writes dime novels. Jackson may have left is run to late as there is a new suitor courting Lilly. I enjoyed the story and one think I loved is Lilly may be a lady of privilege but she is not the society airhead many would expect. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series. 

Book Review Into the Deep by Virginia Smith

Product Description:
When Ben Dearinger got hold of a flash drive carrying deadly secrets, the scuba diver did the only thing he could. He buried it-fathoms deep. Now a drug cartel wants the evidence back, and they're willing to threaten Ben's ex-girlfriend Nikki Hoffman to get it. Although Nikki caused him no end of heartache, forgetting her has been impossible, and Ben would risk anything to protect her. But what will he do when he discovers her secret-that he's the father of her child?"


Book Review:
Another wonderful book by Virginia Smith. The story is set in Florida and Mexico where Ben is a dive instructor. Its been a couple of years since Ben and Nikki have seen each other and it starts a series of events which get quite dangerous. I have never been scuba diving and during the book this is featured and rather than just being a bystander I felt like I left with a new understanding of some issues to deal with scuba diving I didn't know before. The story is fast passed with alot of excitement. I love the extra attention to detail Virginia provides like the information about scuba diving so even someone like me who knew nothing about the sport is aware of some of the issues with rising to quickly and even other tidbits. Another great read.

CFBA Tour False Pretenses by Kathy Herman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing False Pretenses David C. Cook (March 1, 2011) by Kathy Herman



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.



She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.



Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call.



Kathy's husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown. She owns a thriving Cajun eatery in South Louisiana and is married to the love of her life.



But it’s about to become hell. One day, out of the blue, she receives a series of anonymous notes that sends her life into a tail spin. Five simple words, “I know what you did.” Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Unbeknownst to anyone, even Zoe’s husband, Pierce, she has a past—a past she had covered so well she never thought she would have to confront. How could anyone know what she did? Can she find the courage to face her past?



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

Getting to know you Thursdays with Jeanette Grant-Thomson with giveaway

Today I would like you to welcome Australian author Jeanette Grant-Thomson on my blog. A friend sent me a one of Jeanette's book hoping I would review it on my blog and I am happy to review it and also have Jeanette visit.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I am a mature aged sincere Christian – a writer, speech and drama teacher and pray-er. I grew up in Brisbane a non-Christian and was converted to Christianity in my mid twenties. Since then I have worked as a high school English teacher, then a private speech and drama teacher and a writer.  I am involved in prayer ministry too.

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

L M Montgomery’s Emily books. I read them many times and identified with Emily’s struggles and triumphs as she set out to become a writer.

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

I love writing anything, even shopping lists. I mainly write biographies and women’s fiction (usually Christian, but not always.) I love a variety of reading, no special genre.

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

Yes. Judith Wright, T S Eliot and various other poets. I loved reading and writing poetry as a child and teenager. I also enjoyed romantic fiction, especially Georgette Heyer.

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

When I was about seven, I wrote my first “poem” – a four line verse

about going to school. It was then that I began to envisage becoming an author of some sort, although all through my childhood and teens I expected to be a poet!

6. How did you go about becoming an author? 

When I wrote that first poem, my father made me a little exercise book, with ‘Jeanette’s poems’ on the front. I quickly filled it with poems, some corny and some quite good for a child. My father also encouraged me to submit poems and essays to the Daily Telegraph and to enter essay competitions in the Sunday Mail, and I was fortunate enough to have most of these published.

During my high school and university years I attended several holiday creative writing courses, which were a lot of fun and very helpful. I continued to submit poems and short prose pieces to such publications as the university newspaper, and to attend creative writing groups. During this time the input from university professors convinced me that writing poetry was not my forte (I was devastated!) and that I should stick mainly to prose. I began to find that prose-writing is fun. I also wrote and directed a short film which was selected for the Sydney film festival.

My conversion to Christianity brought a change in the material I wrote. My church asked me to write Sunday School books, also tracts. After a while I began to write articles (testimonies) for the Teen Challenge newsletter. One of these was Jodie’s story, which moved me so deeply that I later wrote it in more detail as my first book. Its publication led to my being asked to write further books.

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

Well, I also teach speech and drama, so I guess that would be it! It’s a lot of fun and I get to read some very good literature for my pupils to use. I love acting and teaching it. 

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

I love having coffee or meals with friends, walking on the beach or in the bush, swimming, and prayer meetings. How’s that for a smorgasbord?

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

I love Tamborine and the North Coast and go to either whenever I have the opportunity. I would love to visit England, the Greek Islands, and parts of Africa.

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

Well, putting aside my friends, with whom I love having meals, if it could be anyone on earth, I’d like to get together Rolland and Heidi Baker and Steven Spielberg. Rolland and Heidi are highly intelligent and educated Christians, who are working  with the poorest of the poor in Mozambique. They see radical miracles, including people being raised from the dead.  Steven Spielberg is the founder of the Shoah foundation, which preserves the testimonies of survivors of the holocaust. His brilliantly directed films include The Colour Purple and Schindler’s List (Apparently he requested no payment for the latter.) I would hope the Bakers’ spiritual passion and Spielberg’s intense creativity would rub off on me. And who knows, perhaps Spielberg would decide to make a film of their work with in Mozambique!

The books I have currently in the shops are:

 Jodie’s Story, my first book. It has been a best seller – the true story of a heroin addict and prostitute who was converted to Christianity and freed from her former lifestyle (including the drugs). It’s an easy read – three hours – and is a great evangelistic tool. Teen Challenge Qld still use it in their ministry twenty years after its initial publication.

 Also Mirage, a novel inspired by various true stories. At the beginning the heroine is enmeshed in a cult and pregnant to the cult leader. The book follows her exit from the cult and her journey with her baby and a friend to her home, Christianity and happiness. It is a helpful book for readers to learn to distinguish between cults and Christianity as well as being a good story.

Both books are usually available in Koorong or Word, but can easily be obtained from me at jeanettegt@optusnet.com.au. I don’t have a website yet but can be contacted by email.

Jodie's story is also available at Amazon.

In the previous post I have put a review of Mirage.

Giveaway
I am giving away my copy of Mirage to one commenter on my blog. This is an open giveaway. To enter please leave a comment
on this post by Sunday April 3 at 6pm South Australian time with a way to contact you.  Leave your email as myemail (@) myemail (.) com to avoid spammers.

Book Review Mirage by Jeanette Grant-Thomson

Product Description:
Miriam is desperate. Her mind is a fog of drug-induced forgetfulness. She has forgotten her past, her family, even who she is. But who is the disturbingly familiar girl in the shopping centre?
Enmeshed in Soleternity, a cult in the Queensland outback, Miriam is pregnant, She believes her future - and that of her baby- lies with the cult.
Miriam loves Sol…but is Sol good and inspired, or a ruthless cult leader?
Bronwyn is determined to rescue Miriam. She has not bargained on falling in love with the journalist helping her.
Away from Soleternity, Miriam faces conflicts. Sol…Soleternity… and now Anna and Christianity. How can she know the truth? Who is to be trusted?
A story of hope. A journey from desperation to peace and joy. 


My review:
I wasn't sure if I would like this book so it did take me a little while to get to read this book but then I started it and would put it down only to pick it up within a few minutes. I read the book in one Saturday afternoon and wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. This is a book I would recommend others read as it deals with how easy it is for people to get involved in a cult but how hard it is to leave and when you do leave how hard it is to break ties with the cult. I loved Miriam's struggle and felt for her. Through the book Jeanette explains how someone trying to break away from a cult feels and shows thought patterns. Besides being a great book this is a great tool for everyone to better educate them about cults or also if you know someone dealing with a family member or friend in a cult give them hope. This is one of my top reads so far for this year.

CFBA Tour Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Vicious Cycle Zondervan (February 22, 2011) by Terri Blackstock



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.



Besides entertaining her readers, Terri tackles issues that she hopes will change lives. Her recent book, Predator, was inspired by her experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and her concern that people posted too much personal information about themselves. The book deals with an online predator who uses social networks as his playground. She hopes the book will change readers’ online habits. Her New York Times best-seller, Intervention, was inspired by her own personal struggles with a daughter on drugs. In the book, a mother hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter. But on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered, and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out to search for her daughter. Terri modeled Barbara after herself, and poured many of her own emotions and experiences into that character. As a result, many families experiencing drug addiction have written to thank her for telling their story and giving them hope. Vicious Cycle, Book Two of the Intervention Series, releases February 22, 2011. She’s currently working on Book Three.



Other recent books include a stand-alone novel called Double Minds, as well as Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light (from her acclaimed Restoration Series). She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 Series and Cape Refuge Series. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.







ABOUT THE BOOK

When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.



His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan---the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.



In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.



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



Watch the Book Video:

CFBA tour No safe Haven by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing No Safe Haven B&H Books (March 15, 2011) by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse



ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

A devoted wife and mother, Kimberley Woodhouse is a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years.



About fifteen years ago, Kimberley began writing seriously. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters - you name it - she's written it. It wasn't until a dear friend challenged her to "do something with it", that she pursued publication.



Kimberley and her family's story have been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel's Mystery ER. She has recorded three albums, and has appeared at over 700 venues. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly "Extreme" home.



Thirteen-year-old Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It's news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna's husband (Andi's dad) in a car accident.



But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but to kill them.



Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or AndiÑand they both sense Cole is hiding something.



A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna's late husband that some would do anything to possess.



Watch the Book Video:







If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Haven, go HERE.

CFBA Tour The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Caregiver Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 8, 2011) by Shelley Shepard Gray



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.

















ABOUT THE BOOK

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to cleveland

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?



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

My Review:
I only received this book Thursday and started reading Thursday night and finished last night. This is a good read and a book I didn't want to put down. I read my first book by Shelley at Christmas and this lives up to her standard. Lucy is dealing with past pain and is visiting her cousin Mattie who is dealing with cancer on the way she meets Calvin, his uncle and little sister Katie when the train breaks down. Calvin is also dealing with some issues and they spend time together after the train breaks down til something happens there. They finally arrive in Jacobs Crossing. I love the way we see how the different characters interact once in Jacobs Creek and seeing the different stories take place. Lucy and Mattie find there story has more in common than they realised. I love the secondary stories in this book and cant wait till the next book is out to see what happens next with some of these stories. Great read.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Cathy West with a review

Please welcome to my blog today Cathy West who has just released her debut book Yesterday's Tomorrow. It's been fun getting to know Cathy. Her book is very insightful and a good read.

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, will release in March 2011, through Oak Tara Publishers.

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

Blog: Http://www.internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised on the island of Bermuda, where I still live with my hubby and two-college age kids, when they’re home. J I went to school here and in England and Canada, where I earned a BA in English from the University of Toronto. I’m pretty shy around strangers but I love meeting new people and traveling.

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

I was a huge Enid Blyton fan. Many Americans probably don’t know who that is, but she was a prolific British author who wrote amazing children’s books. I devoured them all, and in fact begged my parents to send me to boarding-school because she made it seem like such fun. (It wasn’t). (Jenny here finally someone who shared my love of Enid Blyton although I wanted a magic faraway tree more than anything else.)

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

 Romance. I can’t get enough of it! I also love women’s fiction novels and a good historical now and again. I tend to stick to writing romance, with the occasional foray into women’s fiction.

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

 I’ve always enjoyed big whopping books such as Gone With the Wind, and The Winds of War. I read so much that I think all authors probably influenced me in one way or another.

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

 I always enjoyed writing stories, but I didn’t get serious about it until I was in my twenties. At first, I thought I would become a journalist. But the more fiction I wrote, the more I loved it. I showed a manuscript to someone at that time, and she liked it so much that she really encouraged me to pursue publication. Then I knew that it was what I was supposed to be doing.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

 Read a lot of books about writing and how to get published! At the time before internet, it was very difficult. Once the Internet was born, I had multiple resources at my disposal. I joined writing groups, found critique partners and started attending conferences. Each step brought me closer to publication. When I felt I was ready, I started submitting to agents. Once I landed an agent, it was actually a few years before the first contract came along. It is definitely not an easy road!

  

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

I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. And I’m really not good at anything else, so this is it for me.

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

 I love to read, write, go for long walks with my border collie and spend time gardening. I also volunteer at Bermuda Riding for the Disabled, which is very rewarding. I like to sing and you can often find me on the worship team at church with my hubby on a Sunday morning. We spend a lot of time with friends, and I love visiting family too.

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

 We have yet to visit Italy, so yes, I would love to go there!

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

 I would choose my sister, because we don’t get to each other often and I love spending time with her. Oprah, because I really want to know what makes her tick, and Matthew Mcconaughey, no explanation needed!!

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.

Yesterday’s Tomorrow – release date March 15^th, 2011

Publisher – OakTara – http://www.oaktara.com

It’s 1967 and Kristin Taylor wants to go to Vietnam to report on the war, and honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning journalist like he was. But no editor will send her. So she strikes out on her own and steps into a world more terrifying than she’d imagined.

As she encounters the horrors of war, Kristin struggles to report the truth while desperately trying to keep tabs on her only brother who enlisted some time ago, but both tasks seem impossible.

When she meets photographer Luke Maddox, Kristin knows she’s found a story. The mystery beneath his brooding eyes triggers her curiosity. She’s convinced he’s hiding something and determines to discover his secrets. The only trouble is, he won’t let her within three feet of him.

In an unexpected twist, Kristin and Luke are forced to work together. With war raging all around them, they engage in their own tumultuous battle of emotions. Headstrong and willing to risk it all for what they believe in, they’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill their own private agendas. Kristin is after a story that might get her the Pulitzer. Luke wants retribution from the enemy that took away his family. In the face of death, Kristin and Luke must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.

My Review:

 I found this an interesting book. The story is quite challenging as at the time so many were protesting against the war in vietnam and when veterans got back home they were often forgotten and didn't get the help needed. This story deals with the horrors of war and how being in a war zone can change a person. Kristin is a good reporter wanting to follow in her fathers footsteps and Luke is a talented photographer with issues. The books also deals with reentry into so called "Normal" life back stateside and the issues of readjusting where many do not understand what has been happening in Vietnam and don't seem to really care. I found the book informative and really gave an insight into being a war correspondent and how hard readjusting is. Watching Kristin dealing with different issues was interesting and I could feel her pain. A great debut  novel and well worth reading. You will gain an insight into this time and what the veterans went through. I was reminded of the show China Beach when I started reading this book. Can't wait to read more books by Cathy.