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I’ve about come to the conclusion that my writing career is over. And it never really began.
You see I’ve had some disappointing set-backs.
If these stories would just stop haunting me, then I could just quit, but they continue on in my brain until I write them down. I wish I could give it up. Stop doing it.
Last weekend I listened to Debbie Macomber’s keynote address to the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers conference. One of her books received an embarrassing critique at her first ever writers’ conference. The publisher told her to throw the story away instead of revising it. Debbie didn’t listen and it became her first published book. And we know how her career has been since that time. I take great comfort in that true life story of beating the odds.
So, I’ve got to try. Even if I’m the William Hung of fiction writing.
I have no regrets at all.
Book: Thirsty
Author: Tracey Bateman
Summary:
There’s no place like home, they say.
“Hello, I’m Nina Parker…and I’m an alcoholic.”
For Nina, it’s not the weighty admission but the first steps toward recovery that prove most difficult. She must face her ex-husband, Hunt, with little hope of making amends, and try to rebuild a relationship with her angry teenage daughter, Meagan. Hardest of all, she is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier–and her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone–or something–igniting a two-hundred-fifty-year-old desire that rages like a wildfire.
Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates an unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?
As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina’s feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfold to its startling, unforgettable end.
Click here for more info: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457158
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Book: Touched by a Vampire
Author: Beth Felker Jones
Summary:
EXAMINING TWILIGHT THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS
People around the world are asking the same question, enraptured with Edward and Bella’s forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl’s relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his “good” side. But the Saga isn’t just another fantasy–it’s teaching girls about love, sex, and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God’s plan for love?
Touched by a Vampire is the first book to investigate the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer’s Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.
Cautionary, thoughtful, and challenging, Touched by a Vampire is written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and pop culture enthusiasts. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups.
My comments:
I think this book is worth reading to determine whether the Twilight Saga is for your family. I haven’t read Twilight. Note: this book discusses the plots in all the books
Click here for more info:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422781
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Book: Limelight
Author: Melody Carlson
Summary:
Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.
Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.
Click here for more info:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070824
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Book: What Matters Most
Author: Melody Carlson
Summary:
Maya’s Green Tip for the Day: Recycled fashion is one of the most fun ways to go green. A pair of jeans could be transformed into a denim skirt. A sweater into a vest. A bunch of old ties into a dress. A blanket into a poncho. Accessorize it in new way–with beads, buttons, appliqués, buckles, stencils, or ribbons…your imagination is only the limit. (65 words)
Sixteen-year-old Maya Stark has a lot to sort through. She could graduate from high school early if she wants to. She’s considering it, especially when popular cheerleader Vanessa Hartman decides to make her life miserable–and Maya’s ex-boyfriend Dominic gets the wrong idea about everything.
To complicate matters even more, Maya’s mother will be released from prison soon, and she’ll want Maya to live with her again. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. And when Maya plays her dad’s old acoustic guitar in front of an audience, she discovers talents and opportunities she never expected. Faced with new options, Maya must choose between a “normal” life and a glamorous one. Ultimately, she has to figure out what matters most.
My comments:
I don’t read much teen fiction, but I liked this one. The character lives out what a lot of teens want–an American Idol like chance to sing on stage.
What else will you find in the book:
Mean girls
Moments of Jealousy
Tough Decisions
I think this will definitely speak to girls who don’t have the “ideal family”.
Click here for more info:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421197
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells. Can’t you hear them? I always think of Christmas even though I’ve never ridden in a sleigh.
As a young girl Beth Hertzler dreamed of riding in a sleigh. Now, as a young Amish woman she’s in mourning long after the death of her fiance. Living with the guilt of what happened, Beth shuns all social activities.
Beth’s well-meaning conniving Aunt Lizzy hatches a plan to get Beth to live again. And the plan involves a talented wood carver named Jonah.
I have always enjoyed Amish Fiction and have read many of Beverly Lewis’s novels. So when presented with the opportunity to read an Amish Christmas tale, I didn’t hesitate to accept.
Cindy Woodsmall has written a sweet story about two people, each having experienced tragedies and how forgiving oneself can heal old wounds.
To see Cindy’s interview on Nightline about her novels click here: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1. Her interview comes after the commercial.
If you would like to learn more, visit the publishers website: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307446534
**Note: This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Are you tired of being ordinary. Yeah? Me too.
John Bevere in his book Extraordinary says that “there is an innate desire in each of us to rise above commonness.” He added that the most popular movies of all time are not love stories, mysteries, thrillers, etc but instead have characters that have beyond-human abilities or powers. Why are we drawn to them? Because we were created to live extraordinary lives.
Bevere’s book looks into what gives us, as Christians, the ability to live extraordinary lives.
I usually read non-fiction books with a highlighter in hand and almost every page in this book has multiple passages marked. And many of those passages are scripture. I could list quote after quote from this book that spoke to me.
I highly recommend reading to find out how grace and faith work together to make your life extraordinary.
Summary:
Grace brings believers into relationship with God. But many Christians don’t understand that grace is also the power source for incredible joy, success, and peace in life. In Extraordinary, John Bevere presents a logical, compelling, and deeply inspiring case straight from Scripture for living a life far above “the ordinary.”
Author Bio:
John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit his ministry website at www.messengerinternational.org.
For more information or to purchase a copy visit Random House, Inc.
The second pirate book I started while on vacation at Myrtle Beach was Pirate Hunter by Tom Morrisey. I wish I had time at the beach to finish it there, but unfortunately we had to return home.
I’m a HUGE fan of Tom Morrisey.
The main character, Greg Rhode, a marine archaeologist is a Carolina and Duke graduate so I was immediately hooked. Then I discovered he also played in his father’s bluegrass group much like my real life friend David Kinton who also graduated from Carolina–his group is called GrassStreet. David and his lovely bride, Stephanie, are active in my church–music, youth, Awanas. We’re blessed to have them when they could so easily be pulled to another church in Durham.
Tom Morrisey is a master story teller. I wrote about his book, In High Places, in another blog.
Essentially the book is two books–a modern tale of treasure hunters and an 18th century tale of pirates. The stories are expertly woven together and are parallel stories of fathers and sons, forgiveness, and romance(which I always love).
If you like stories about peril on the High Seas with rich detail and a satisfying ending read Pirate Hunter.
Don't ask me why I took pictures of my son's feet
I’m back from a long weekend at Myrtle Beach, SC. My peeps and I have stayed at the Caribbean Resort for the last three years. So this year, I thought it appropriate to read Pirate themed books. And that I did.
The first book I read was the Blue Enchantress – Charles Towne Belles Book 2 by MaryLu Tyndall.
What you’ll find in the Blue Enchantress:
A captive woman
A sacrificial rescue
A raging storm
A maniacal sea captain
A shipwreck on a deserted island
Donald Maass says to have your character do something he would never do. And the author did this in a most excellent way. Her vivid descriptions put me on the decks of the tall ships. I could hear the waves lapping on the shore. Oh, wait a minute, those were actual waves lapping.
The faith element was expertly woven into the plot.
This book did not disappoint. An excellent beach read.
My Peeps
Sunrise
Summary:
His New York Times–bestselling phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next. You Were Born for This will inspire readers to look for the miracles God is ready to do through them on a regular basis.
Author Bios:
One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.
David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.
Click here to read an excerpt: You Were Born For This:7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles
For more information click here.
When I first saw the title I thought, I need to read this because I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Maybe this book will give me some insight. I didn’t find my perfect career, but I did discover a part of my life as a Christian that I was missing–partnering with God’s Holy Spirit to meet the needs of others.
I teared up several times as I read the stories of how God used people like me to miraculously meet the needs of someone hurting–whether financially, spiritually or emotionally.
Seemingly chance encounters can be orchestrated by God to work a miracle in someone’s life.
So, what do I want to be when I grow up–NOW? I want to be used as a delivery agent for God to deliver his miracles all to His Glory.
This book was written for Christians to help improve their serve. I believe serving in this way is an excellent way to open the door for witnessing to hurting people.
Read You Were Born for This to see if you are overlooking daily miracles.
This is an example from scripture of a miracle encounter:
Acts 8:26-39 (New International Version)
Philip and the Ethiopian
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a]eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
31“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”[b]
34The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?”[c] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
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