Introducing Buffy Andrews: Author, Journalist, Social Media Maven

Meet Buffy Andrews!

 

She's an author, blogger, journalist and social media maven.

By day, she’s a journalist, leading an award-winning staff at the York Daily Record/Sunday News (York, Pennsylvania, USA), where she is Assistant Managing Editor of Features and Niche Publications and social media coordinator.

By night, she’s an author, writing women’s fiction, young adult and middle grade.

In addition to her writing blog, Buffy’s Write Zone, she maintains a social media blog, Buffy's World.  She is also a newspaper and magazine columnist and writes middle-grade, young adult and women's fiction. Check out her author page.

She lives in south central Pennsylvania with her husband, Tom; two sons, Zach and Micah; and wheaten cairn terrier Kakita.

Her Books:

The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike

The Moment Keeper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas Violin

 

Upcoming titles:

The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom (coming soon)

The Lion Awakens YA (2014)

Ella’s Rain YA/crossover (2014)

Freaky Frank MG (2014)

 

Five quick questions with Buffy

Q. What do you do when you need to think or are stuck in your writing?

A. I run. For some reason it frees my mind and I often find that it provides the clarity and direction I need.  

Q. Are you one of those people who stop writing while you know what’s coming next?

A. Absolutely. Just like Hemingway. Does it always work out? No. But it’s what I aim for.

Q. First person or third?

A. It depends. I write in both. And sometimes, as in The Yearbook Series, I write alternating POVs.

Q. Coffee or tea?

A. Coffee -- a lots of it!

Q. What are you most proud of?
A. My sons and the fine young men they have become.

 

 

Connect with Buffy

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Book review: Treasures of Darkness by Trish Jenkins

Treasures of Darkness: A Prison Journey

Trish Jenkins

Publisher: Trish Jenkins (Seasonz Pty. Ltd. Trading as Trish Jenkins)

www.speakertrishjenkins.com

 

ISBN: 978-0-646-56039-7

 

 My Review:

Australian author Trish Jenkins shares her love for the Lord in an entirely accidental prison ministry. I have often wondered whether rehabilitation of persons actually takes place through a prison sentence. Trish’s heartfelt story confirmed much of my opinions.

 

Caught up in an investment trade operation that went wrong, Trish, who’d been a successful real estate investor, was caught using funs improperly when her partner couldn’t make his payments. It was later determined this partner had been a fraud, and Trish was charged with breaching the (Australian) Corporations Act. Eventually a domino effect and oddly (or Godly?) financial circumstances made it impossible for her to rectify the issue. An eight-month prison sentence was the result.

 

In the book about her experience, Trish, a Christian, tells the story of her incarceration through letters written and received, her journal entries, and observations after the fact. It’s a real prison journey dealing with other inmates in various settings as well as personnel in the system. I had to go back and read the beginning again after I finished the book, and really commiserated with her: “Each day felt like a week; each week, a month.”

 

Trish never denied her guilt. Being ignorant or naïve was not an excuse for what she’d done, as she learned many stories from other inmates who’d committed crimes that seem rather harmless. Hers was not harmless, and she accepted that. Using her faith to keep herself together, as well as reach out to others, both inmates and staff, became her lifeline. She learned to understand what it was like to live without the privileges she’d become used to “outside.” The emotional and spiritual impact of learning how to “be” after her sentence was wrenching.

 

Who gains the most from imprisonment? Those who are truly repentant before they go in, and never, ever want to return.

Eric Price: Unveiling the Wizard's Shroud Giveaway

 

Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud

By Eric Price

MuseItUp Publishing

November, 2013

About the Book:

As the only son to King Kendrick, Owen despises the idea of being king one day. Magician may be the only career he’d like less. He has dreaded the days leading up to his fifteenth birthday, when his father will certainly declare Owen heir to the throne. But at the birthday celebration, his father falls ill. The only person in the kingdom that may be able to save him is a magician–the very same magician Owen holds responsible for the death of his mother.

Owen and his companions will have to travel the continent of Wittatun in search of the cure for King Kendrick. On the journey, they will battle strange beasts and harsh climates, befriend extraordinary magicians, and meet a dragon before returning to Innes Castle–where much has happened in the days since he departed.

 

The Giveaway:

Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud comes out November 22. It’s available to pre-order now on the Muse It Up Publishing website. If you pre-order it, save your confirmation number and enter it into the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a T-shirt featuring the beautiful cover art by CK Volnek. I’d even scribble my name across the shirt, if you so desire.
Available in all sizes. For US mailing addresses only, sorry. Non-US readers, if you pre-order, keep your confirmation number as well. I have more giveaways planned for after the release.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I asked Eric what he loved about this book:
What I love about Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud is the surprises. With my publisher, authors go through at least six rounds of edits. Three with the content editor to make sure the plot elements stay consistent and the narrative is written in an active voice, not passive. Two rounds with a line editor to fix grammar mistakes and to weed out overused words. And one round with a format editor to make sure it transfers from a word processor file to the eBook format without any errors. Each time I read through the story, I discovered elements I forgot I’d included, from witty comments by the characters to subtle bits of symbolism. I once read, “If you don’t surprise yourself, you won’t surprise your readers.” I hope my readers will find a lot of surprises.

 

Read an Excerpt:

 

Chapter One

The Festival

             The late afternoon sun glared in the young warrior's eyes. Squinting, he could only see his opponent’s outline. His ever tightening leg muscles cried for a reprieve with each step, yet he continued to circle, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. After a long day of sword dueling with little downtime between rounds, Owen's whole body screamed for a rest.But he wanted nothing more in the world, at this precise moment, than to win the championship bout.

His opponent must also be tired. They had each fought four previous matches, and every contestant entered in the tournament presented a worthy challenge. Edward, Shield of the King—the commander of the King's Sentry, the strongest army in all of Wittatun—received continual praise for his skill with a blade. Owen, having already defeated two Sentrymen earlier in the day, hoped to beat one more. But to overcome the King’s Shield would require more skill than besting a Sentryman of lesser rank.

The fighters continued to circle one another. Sunlight gleamed off Edward's brilliant metal chest plate and helm. Now facing the westering sun, the Shield of the King squinted. The younger fighter saw his opportunity and sprung. He feigned a slash toward the commander's shield hand. When Edward raised his shield and braced for impact, Owen redoubled his assault.

He spun and sliced his blade at his opponent's neck. The loud clang of steel on steel resonated throughout the courtyard as Edward raised his sword to parry. The vibration transmitted up Owen’s arm, but he finished his compound attack by kicking the Sentryman in the chest plate. The judge blew a whistle to signify the landing of the first blow in the best-of-three veney.

The experienced warrior wasted no time mounting his counterattack by gaining the measure and reestablishing just distance. He made several quick jabs at Owen's head and chest, which the defender parried away with ease and countered with a testing jab. Edward sidestepped, moved back in line, and raised his sword to the en garde position. The younger fighter noticed Edward’s shield drop ever so slightly. The tiny gap in defense may provide the opening needed to finish him.

Owen lunged. He recognized the move as a mistake, but his forward motion could not be stopped. The tip of Edward’s sword slid between the hinge where the chest plate met the shoulder guard and dug into muscle. Sharp pain shot through his left shoulder, and he barely heard the judge blow the whistle through the anguish. Edward had lowered his shield as an invitation for a strike. When the younger fighter took the offering, the elder's stop-thrust found the only weak point of the armor.

Owen, large for his age, still stood six inches shorter than the Shield, whose muscular forearms resembled Owen’s thighs. The chainmail armor on his forearm, form fitting on most soldiers, clung tight to Edward. His muscles rippled as he pushed the sword tip a little deeper into the meat. A stream of blood trickled down the blade and dripped to the ground.

Edward sneered. Red drops splattered the trampled grass. “I wish we fought to first-blood. I hope the king doesn't put me to death for injuring his son.”

  

About the Author:

Eric grew up in central Illinois. He now lives in northwest Iowa with his wife and two sons. He began publishing in 2008 when he started writing a quarterly column for a local newspaper. His first short story, “Ghost Bed and Ghoul Breakfast,” a spooky children’s tale about a haunted bed and breakfast, came out later the same year. He has published more than 30 nonfiction articles/columns, four short stories, and a poem. Three of his short stories have won honorable mention in the CrossTIME Annual Science Fiction contest. This is his first novel.

 



Book Review, The Roman's Quest, Anne Baxter Campbell

The Roman’s Quest (The Truth Trilogy) book review

By Anne Baxter Campbell 

Helping Hands Press

Oct 2013

Historical fiction

 

Kindle book: $4.99

From the publisher:

Centurion Julius has eyes for a young Jewish woman, but a Roman is not what her father intends for her. Miriam is a pious Jewish girl, determined to do the right thing by her God and her parents, and she bows to her father’s wishes to betroth her to a Jewish fisherman, James ben Zebedee. Her heart yearns for the Roman, but their love is impossible. Miriam’s mother lies close to death, and her last wish is to see her daughter wed. The marriage has to take place before it’s too late.

My review:

Anne Baxter Campbell’s debut novel is an exciting look back in time, from two perspectives that are atypical – that of a young Jewish woman being wooed by James, who later became an apostle of the Christ, and a Roman centurian.

While it’s true that Julius Saturnus is more respectful than others of his ilk in that he can patiently wait upon his desires for the Jewish woman Miriam, he also discovers a deeper desire within, one that he has trouble understanding. The strangeness of the Baptizer’s words and actions touches him, and with help from the Greek doctor, Loukas, begins the journey of a proselyte—a non-Hebrew who wishes to learn the Jewish faith.

Most of Miriam’s friends are married, and she wonders what it would be like to be a wife and mother. Though she returns the attraction of the courteous Roman, her father would never agree to such a match. Her mother’s illness forces a wedding announcement to James…who surprises them all with an unusual request. Will Miriam and Julius overcome all the obstacles to achieve their heart’s desires? They soon learn that a possible relationship is the least of their troubles.

Touching and well-researched debut, told in both Miriam and Julius’s perspectives. Packed with quirky figures, like Julius’s slave, Cyril. Those who enjoy Biblical history will like this story. I look forward to the others in the series.

CrossReads Book Blast: Lisa Belcastro's Shenandoah Crossings

Title: Shenandoah Crossings By Lisa Belcastro

About the Book

Tess Roberts may live on Martha’s Vineyard, vacation spot for movie stars and presidents, but the Island feels anything but idyllic. Tess has had it with lousy dates, lying, cheating men, and the rules that forbid her from working on her family’s centuries-old schooner, Shenandoah. Lucky for Tess, she knows a secret—the Shenandoah has magical powers. Her best friend, Rebecca O’Neill, once stayed in Cabin 8 and discovered a time portal that transported her to 1775. A month after Rebecca’s “disappearance,” Tess’s father, brother, and Shenandoah’s annoying first mate, Hawk, plan to shut down the time travel for good by dismantling the cabin. But what if Rebecca might someday need to come home? What if Tess isn’t ready to say goodbye forever? Sneaking onto the ship late at night, Tess slips into Cabin 8 and drifts off to sleep. She wakes anchored off the New England coast amidst the American Revolution in 1776. The British frigate HMS Greyhound has seized Shenandoah and taken the crew, cargo, and all onboard hostage. To make matters worse, Hawk is relentlessly tracking her, determined to bring her back to the twenty-first century against her will. Sparks begin to fly, from more than cannonballs and gunpowder….

LINK to PAPERBACK

 

 

Lisa Belcastro Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She was inspired to write the Winds of Change trilogy while chaperoning two Tisbury School summer sails aboard the schooner Shenandoah with her daughter, Kayla. The weeklong adventure, sans electricity, Game Boys, iPods and modern conveniences, kindled her imagination to dream of an altogether different voyage. Lisa currently writes the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader. She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader and Sidelines. Lisa co-authored and edited two non-fiction books, American Horses in Sport 1987 and American Horses in Sport 1988. When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, trying to run a marathon a month or walking the beach with her husband looking for sea glass.

 

Follow Lisa Belcastro Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Lisa Belcastro!

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This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Book review: Inspiring Poetry

Life Inspired

Michelle D Evans 

Poetry

Kindle. 1.99

ASIN: B00G58G87A

 

My review:

This lovely collection of inspirational and inspiring free verse poetry will quiet your soul and encourage you to sit back and take rest. Often using one word to capture the moment, the accompanying beautiful photographs take the reader to the author’s home country of Australia and add depth to the music of the words.

From the mostly quatrain stanzas of Nature, the longest of the fifteen, to the close-up photograph of a thistle in Inconsistencies, to the wonder of pain in The Crash, the strength and flow of the poetry touched me.

Life Inspired is a sensual ride through emotion, a visual and empathetic feast. A delight for all who enjoy free verse poetry.

Book Review: Singularity by Steven James

Singularity

By Steven James

ISBN: 9780800734268

$14.99 paperback

$9.99 ebook

From the Publisher: Jevin Banks is searching for a killer--and answers to terrifying questions he never even thought to ask.

When his friend is murdered, illusionist Jevin Banks is determined to find out what really happened. Drawn deep into a web of conspiracy and top-secret research on human consciousness, Jevin won't stop digging until the truth is revealed. Soon he uncovers a dark secret that could change the very fabric--and future--of human life on the planet.

Based on frightening scientific realities and bristling with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, Singularity is the riveting sequel to Placebo.

My Review:

I’m a huge fan of the Patrick Bowers series and was a bit worried that Jevin Banks would be a clone to my fav FBI coffee snob. In some ways, a little bit; and mostly, not so much. Banks is still one of those males who can be a bit clueless, needing the help of the women in his life to figure out—yep, women; he still has a cocky sidekick for protection. He’s not a professional crime fighter, which makes him different. As an illusionist, there’s a little bit of Patrick Jane from the Mentalist TV show involved…intriguing. As a multi-millionaire, he has the ability to do things, to make things happen, that most others cannot.

I also admit to having Placebo in my TBR pile and decided not to read that one first. Although James refers to events in the other book, Singularity felt like it stood alone. Gruesome but never over-the-top to thriller fans, with non-judgmental faith elements mixed in, the story was about who gets to play God with the aging process. How far can we go with our science and experiments to trump death?

 

Told from multiple viewpoints, some of which are surprise one-time throw-aways toward the end of the book to ramp up tension, the story was riveting. The opening action sequence was a little OCO, but it did help to set the characters. I enjoyed learning some background staging for magic tricks and the world of Las Vegas felt very real and very sad. Entertaining cast of characters. I look forward to more.

“Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Jo Huddleston and Claiming Peace, the Caney Creek series

About the Author:

Jo’s career has spanned a variety of work. She was a high school teacher and guidance counselor, a state political campaign secretary, two-time small business owner, and a real estate agent.  She is a multi-published author of books, articles, and short stories. Jo has just completed the 3-book Caney Creek Series, her debut novels. Her writing career includes more than 200 articles and short stories, which have appeared in over 50 well-known Christian and secular publications. She contributes to ChristianDevotions.us.

Jo holds a B.A. degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Professional membership: American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Website

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Shoutlife

 

 

Claiming Peace

 

A Southern inspirational historical romance novel 

Facing her lowest moments, Callie’s life begins to crumble.

As he’s done with others of his extended family, can Jim help her find peace?

Visit again the Callaway family and friends in 1951 who live in the Southern Appalachians of East Tennessee. Why did Callie have an appointment with a neurologist? Will she work her way through whatever lies ahead for her and her family? Does Emmajean’s attraction for the young lawyer, Terry, blossom further or die on the vine when he wants her to meet his parents? Can Caroline and Jim find happiness in their long-delayed marriage? You’ll meet some new characters as the Callaway saga continues. Follow the Callaway family throughout the Caney Creek Series—live their triumphs, sorrows, achievements, and losses.

Buy Claiming Peace

Signed paperback copies available in left sidebar at www.johuddleston.com

Paperback copies available at publisher’s website

Paperback and Kindle copies available at Amazon

Nook copies available

 

The author shares:

1.Tell us what you love about Claiming Peace.

What I love most about my book is the characters. Perhaps all authors feel this same way but I know these people to their core. Most of them would be welcome to my dinner table any time. While writing this series, I have cried with them, laughed with them, struggled with them when their faith faltered, cheered with them in the happy times and prayed with them in sorrowful times. I loved watching them mature in years and in their closer walk with God. This book being the last in the Caney Creek Series, I had a real letdown when I finished the book. I had been with these people daily through three books. Then the book ended and they were gone. I moped around for a couple of days and was hard to get along with. It was like a good friend had moved away.

2.What did you learn during the research and publishing of this book?

I found myself letting a character turn on his car’s left blinker then stopped. Did cars have turn signals in 1951? I learned that they did—for the first time that year. I learned about the existence or nonexistence in 1951 of washing machines, dishwashers, bench seats in cars, the Korean War, lingering discrimination toward Japanese after World War II, and many more material things we have today that I had to make sure existed in 1951.

3.How did you carry out the theme of the book in the writing?

I concentrated on one character in the book that had the most need for peace. As this character proclaimed peace through most trying times, other family members and friends realized they could also claim the peace Jesus promised to leave with us. Others drew strength from this character’s holding on to God’s peace.

Book review: Am I Okay, God with Lorilyn Roberts

Best-selling author, Lorilyn Roberts, and her new winner!

 

Am I Okay, God?

Lorilyn Roberts

Kindle: 2.99

 

 

Devotional accompaniment to the Seventh Dimension: The Door

ASIN: B00FTP5G82

 

My review:

I knew Roberts’s The Seventh Dimension: The Door was a terrific story; an allegory that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though it’s targeted to young adult readers. It’s no stretch, then, to see how this lovingly thought-out devotional adds even more depth and meaning to The Door. Each of the twenty-six devotionals deals with an aspect of life we all know, from being bullied, to holding secrets you think no one else shares, to forgiveness and seeing God for who he really is. The individual chapters features a passage from The Door, some long and some just a sentence, which shows how the theme is played out in Roberts’s allegorical world. The author then shares an episode from her life or from another person or book in a brief essay that ties into the theme. Lovingly crafted prayers follow.

The most unique aspect of the devotional is the QR codes (and website links for those of us without smart phones) that take the reader to a YouTube video or song that illustrates the devotional. I appreciated the work that went into preparing this, and learned about a few artists I was unfamiliar with.

Am I Okay, God is a wonderful partner to your faith. Recommended for any junior high and up-aged loved one; younger if more mature. Makes a fantastic godparent/sponsor gift, too!

Book Review: The 10 Biggest Lies, Krystal Kuehn

The 10 Biggest Lies about God

Krystal Kuehn, MA LPC, LLP, NCC

 

 

 

ebook – 2.99

ASIN: B00G64W80O

My review:

Using quotes from some of my favorite authors, like JI Packer and Madeleine L’Engle, Kuehn sets out to debunk lies even Christians still occasionally harbor. The author explains in the introduction that her goal is not to convince agnostics or others of the truth of God’s existence, but to help Christians see God clearly. 

Kuehn chose ten modern-day concepts that I hear often, like God’s somewhere up in the sky and only wants to rain on our parade, or is a mean, old grouch who doesn’t want people to enjoy themselves. Many of these thoughts come from the old downer Puritan stock that tried to suppress any opportunity for sin. 

Each of the ten lies is introduced with a quote and an essay by the author. Kuehn then lists negative things people think, followed by a litany of positives to offset those negatives. A host of carefully selected Bible passages follow, proving the lie is just that—a lie. Not a myth, not a false doctrine, but an outright lie. 

For those who truly have yet to make a decision for Christ, Kuehn offers helps to take that step, as well as a list of resources to encourage all of us to keep our faith. A freebie is also offered! You’ll just have to read the book to learn what it is.

The 10 Biggest Lies packs a lot into a short space. I recommend it as a handy pull-out whenever you’re feeling down, or for a reference when you’re having a conversation with someone who holds one of these lies. Not just as a one-time read.

Prism Books Have Awesome Trailers! The Gingerbread House

Susan Miura, Show Me a Sign

About the Book:

In Show Me a Sign, seventeen-year-old Nathan Boliva is under investigation by the FBI for a kidnapping he didn’t commit. Deaf and beautiful Haylie Summers agreed to go on a date with him, then disappeared the day before. When the Feds discover a text was sent from Nathan’s cell phone, asking Haylie to meet him behind her garage, Nathan becomes a prime suspect.

Tied and blindfolded, Haylie struggles to grasp Nathan’s role in her captivity. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would kidnap her. Then again, if he didn't, who is holding her hostage, and why? 

Desperate to solve the crime and rescue Haylie, Nathan and his best friend, Alec, set out at midnight to gather intel…and end up with far more than they bargained for.

An action-packed plunge into intrigue and danger

 

ISBN: 978-1-60290-385-2

Can be purchased from: www.oaktara.com
Will soon be available (November, I believe) online from Amazon, Target, and other major booksellers.

 

About the Author:

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, longing for a horse and reading books by Marguarite Henry, Walter Farley, and Anna Sewell. A week after receiving my BA in journalism, I was hired at a local newspaper. Seeing my byline in every issue was a dream come true, but there was another goal to attain – moving out west. A year after graduating I headed for the wide-open spaces of New Mexico, where I worked in television for two years until my heart lead me back home to Illinois. Love and marriage followed, along with a career in public relations. Though my professional world involved writing, it didn’t provide a release for the stories in my head. When they wouldn’t stay captive any longer, I began a fiction journey, rough and rocky, but blessed with people who loved, mentored, cheered, taught, critiqued, and believed in me.

For the past 13 years I’ve worked full time as the public relations coordinator for the Schaumburg Library. I review books for The Book Reporter and give travel presentations throughout the Chicago suburbs. I’m the mother of two, stepmother of a married daughter, and wife of a police sergeant (who helps me get my crime scenes right). And…I am a member of the ACFW and Willow Creek Community Church.

 

Visit Susan's website.

 

Susan, what do you love about this book?

That it’s done and published! But I also love the relationship between my main character and his best friend, which I modeled after my son and his friends. It gave me the opportunity to mesh some humor into the drama. And I really like my other main character, Haylie, who is held captive during most of the book. Haylie is deaf, but I didn’t want the story to revolve around that because being deaf is not what defines her. She is smart, brave, and sticks to her faith even when faced with terrifying circumstances. I guess another aspect that I think/hope teens will like is that the characters are not stereotype sanitized, purified, saintly Christians. They’re real kids with real attitudes, desires, insecurities, dreams and emotions.  

 

Introduce us to the main character.

Well they get equal billing and have their own chapters, so I’ll have to do both. Nathan is Peruvian-American, which I chose because I always include different ethnicities in my books, and I happen to have Peruvian relatives. He’s got two adopted greyhounds, Ruby and Cougar, which his mom brought home from the animal shelter where she volunteers. Nathan doesn’t share the “ladies’ man” reputation of his English friend, Alec, but he works up the courage to ask Haylie on a date. Much to his surprise, she says yes. Unfortunately, she gets kidnapped before that happens. Haylie is an “A” student whose mother is a scientist for Zetalab, a high-energy physics research facility. Her stepdad is a zoo veterinarian. Both of these occupations play a role in the book.

 

What do you hope readers will tell other readers about your story?

That it’s on the New York Times Best Seller list…because that would mean it actually is. Seriously, I hope they find it to be a “page-turner,” funny in some spots, suspenseful in others, and that readers will grasp the subtle message that God is with us, even when He’s not making it obvious. Even when those miracles we ache for don’t seem to be coming our way. I also hope at least some readers will see the author’s note about human trafficking and decide to take action, or at least become more knowledgeable about an issue that breaks my heart.  

 

Susan Says:
Anyone living in the Schaumburg area is invited to my Book Launch Party at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9^th at the Schaumburg Library. There will be cake, lots of prizes, and a self-defense demo. Plus a very short and hopefully funny PowerPoint I’m putting together. Show Me a Sign will be available at a discounted price ($10).

CrossReads Book Blast: Carlene Havel's "Here Today Gone Tomorrow"

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

By Carlene Havel

About the Book

Disappointed, dumped, divorced. Everything Casey Slaughter counted on is gone. While contemporaries start their families, Casey works two jobs to haul herself out of debt. Friends and family recommend a new husband to solve all her problems, but Casey resists their well-intentioned advice. Although she longs for a soul mate, the last thing her flattened self-esteem needs is more rejection—and comparisons to her beautiful, talented older sister do nothing to enhance Casey’s confidence. Unable to have children, she feels she has nothing to offer in marriage. Will bitterness and insecurity destroy her, or can renewed faith in God provide some measure of comfort for this wounded heart? Can Casey ever find love again, or will a string of disasters keep her forever on the run?

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

  Carlene Havel has lived in numerous US states, the Philippines, and Turkey. Like most writers, Carlene has always loved to read, and her taste is eclectic. Her other hobbies include sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery. She especially enjoys Bible study, normally devoting one day each week delving into the scriptures with a small focus group. The Havels make their home in San Antonio, Texas, in the midst of a big, extended family.

Follow Carlene Havel

 

Website | Twitter

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This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Carole Brown's new book, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

About the Book:

How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?

 

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving reviews. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499948/

 

 

Sneak Peek:

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Carole Brown

Chapter One

 

Twenty years earlier

The shadow creatures on the wall shook their wings and legs. Heads with horns nodded. Scary, dark faces watched.

The little girl clasped her floppy-eared rabbit against her chest and stared into the dark.

“Mmm …” Mommy’s murmur reached to her through the walls, and the giggles from her mother tiptoed in, shooing the fear away.

Whoosh. She blew out a breath and squeezed her rabbit tighter. “Mommy has a friend with her, Ramsey. She loves me just like I love you and will give me hugs in the morning after the man leaves.”

Ramsey said nothing. She ran her fingers over his face and could feel his black button eyes staring at her, trusting her to protect him.

“And she’ll read to us and I’ll sit on her lap and we’ll snuggle—all of us together.” She nodded and tugged on Ramsey’s left ear then rolled over.

Real live whispers and laughter floated into the room.

Opening her mouth in a wide yawn, she patted Ramsey’s tummy and whispered again, “Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.”

“Please. That hurts.”

“Mommy?” The little girl frowned but her eyes wouldn’t open. Just like they did when she and mommy put cucumbers slices on their eyes. 

“Stop it—”

             Rubbing at her eyes the little girl sat up. Mommy had never sounded like this before, and neither had any of the men—the men who brought flowers and candy and money.

 

 

About the Author:

 

 

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

 

Connect with her here:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

 

Carole also blogs here:

Geezers Guys and Gals:  http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/