Warring Sprits, by April Gardner great historical read

There’s a party going on!!

Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon on Thursday, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list! Head over there now to see what the hoopla is all about. So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel.

Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel: 

Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom. In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome. Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Sound intriguing?

Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.

--April W Gardner is a multi-published author and the founder and senior editor of the fun literary site, Clash of the Titles.

She's visiting with us today. April, welcome!

Hi! Thanks for having me and for being such a vital part of this special day.

What made you choose to write about the Creek Indians?

My genealogy and the belief that Chief Red Eagle Weatherford is one of my greats prompted my research. It hasn’t been proven that he's family, but I don’t need proof to know that his life and that of his people are fascinating, inspiring, and sadly tragic.

Wow, I didn't know that. My dad thinks some of our ancestors might have been Sauk, but we haven't been able to prove it.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?  

Does plotting in the shower count? I really do my best plotting in the morning under a steaming hot shower. Our water bill doesn’t appreciate it, but my heroes do! 

Well, I plotted Meander Scar in Yosemite, and do a lot of thinking while mowing lawn or bouncing on the treadmill.
Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

I backed into my husband’s car, crunching the bumpers of both vehicles. Twice. In three months. I can solve a Rubik Cube. Takes me ten minutes, but I can do it. It’s my only claim to braininess. I collect antiquarian books.

Oh, my. The year we turned forty was a toughie in our house. Hubby backed into me, Andy into church, and I front-ended a trailer hitche and sideswiped a highway marker. If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?

Is it cheating to say books? LOL I’d love to open a coffee shop/used book store. As an author, I’m supposed to loath used books, but I can’t help myself. Used books are the best! Used books plus coffee…utopia.

So, here's my cue to tell everyone who lives in Colorado that Written World Communications will be open for business with your dream store--coming soon. What themes do you like to write about?

I get a thrill at finding an intriguing bit of history buried by time and lost to most. Any setting will do, although I prefer it be American. It’s important to know where we’ve come from and who carved our country into what it is.

What other books do you have in the works?

Next up is the release of the first book my children’s historical adventure series, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang. It takes kids 9+ back to 1940 and the Nazi invasion of Guernsey Island, UK. The book is based on the events in the life of Ruth Davies, my friend and sister in Christ. It’s a history lesson and story of faith wrapped up in an enticing adventure, and I can’t wait to share it! Head over to April's site to see what all the hoopla's about!

About April: April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.

Kia ora! New From Splashdown...

From Grace Bridges:

Kia ora everyone! Boy, have we got a lot going on at Splashdown this month! Want one of our paperbacks for less than $3.00? Read on...

But first, our latest release, this time from the strange realms of science fiction:

Caffeine, by Ryan Grabow

"Supernatural: above, beyond, in excess of nature. If the meaning of life cannot be found in nature, then I must determine if the answer lies beyond it."

In an authoritarian and overstimulated 22nd-century America, all Brandon can do to relieve his pain is indulge in the computer-simulated fantasies of a network called Dynamic Reality...until a virus takes control of the simulation. A philosophical thrill ride like no other - don't miss this one.

Ebook Sale: As of right now through Sunday night, all our ebooks are priced at $2.99 - including our November new releases. That's a saving of at least 50% - Come on in and grab your choice! Kindle books are discounted direct at Amazon and all are collected HERE in our Amazon store; if you'd like a different format, just say the word and we'll send you a voucher.

Fred Warren's Feast

Not only did we release Fred's second novel, The Seer, just a few weeks ago. Now, Amazon is discounting his short story collection in paperback, Odd Little Miracles! At the time of writing the price had fallen to $2.78, and it's even eligible for their 4-for-3 special - which means you can get four real paper copies for under $9.00. The perfect odd little gift for, well, just about anyone! But don't dally - Amazon is notorious for changing prices around at their whim. This discount is not under our control, so get it while the gettin's good!

By the way, the same 4-for-3 promotion also applies to Aquasynthesis, our collection of stories from all Splashdown authors to date. Something for all reading tastes, with companion stories to many of our novels.

~Grace and the team at Splashdown

Nickels, by Karen Baney

Nickels by Karen Baney

Niki Turner has finally arrived.  Her career as a Software Engineer is soaring—she has just been offered the company’s most sought after account, Helitronics.  Life would be perfect, if she could stop her roommate from playing matchmaker.

Then Kyle Jacobs mysteriously re-enters her life.  As painful memories resurface, his presence turns her life upside down and threatens to waylay her career.  She must find a way to work with him—after all, he’s the helicopter flight consultant for the new flight control system she’s coding.

Can she forget the past and see him as the new man he has become?  Or will her resentment keep her from finding what she has always been searching for?

Who is Niki Turner?  Character Marcy Jacobs, Niki’s best friend and roommate, stops by to give us the inside scoop.

Marcy, How long have you known Niki Turner?

About twelve years now.  My family was living on Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany when she came to live with her brother who was stationed there.  I was in high school, a sophomore, I think.  I could tell instantly that she didn’t fit in.  She seemed out of place with all of us military brats.  So I made it my mission to befriend her.

Wow.  That’s a long time, especially for someone in their mid-twenties.  How did you end up in Arizona as roommates?

Niki had a house here—that’s a long and sad story.  Anyway, we decided to go to Arizona State University together.  We lived in her house throughout college.  Still do even though we graduated four years ago.  She majored in Computer Science.  My degree is in Marketing.

So is she a geek then?

Laughs.  Don’t let her hear you say that.  Although, she might be flattered.  She’s certainly not the stereotype for a computer programmer.  She can actually carry on a conversation for more than a minute without feeling uncomfortable.  Niki is very bright.  Her career is really starting to take off.

Rumor has it that you’ve decided she should meet a man.

Yes.  She’s been lonely for too long.  We’re both 26—well, she will be soon—and we’re not getting any younger.  I’m one of those gals that has life mapped out on a schedule.  I just want to make sure my best friend isn’t left behind.  I would love to see her meet a guy and fall madly in love.  That’s why I’ve been hounding all my girl friends for any eligible single guys they’d recommend.  She’s bound to fall in love with one of them.

Do you know what Niki’s plans are for Christmas?

Probably head out to the other side of town at my parents house.  We both usually go.  Oooo.  If Kyle is coming, that might be a surprise for her…

--Sounds absolutely fascinating, Karen! Thank you and Marcy and Niki for stoping by!

About the author, Karen Baney

Karen Baney, in addition to writing Christian historical fiction and contemporary novels, works as a Software Engineer.

When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys traveling the state of Arizona with her husband, exploring museums and the picturesque landscapes the state has to offer.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs.  She also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Arizona State University.

Visit her web site.

Visit her on Facebook.

Join Karen and 9 other Christian authors as they celebrate the release of her new novel, Nickels,  on December 13.

This is the Christmas Gift You've Been Waiting For

I wasn't biased before I was asked to help work on it. I loved it from the moment the concept was born. I loved it when I started reading a proof copy with typos. I adored the gorgeous, perfectly designed interior.

You will too.
Have someone hard to gift this season of giving? Need a lift yourself? A half-hour getaway every once in a while? Stories from the poignant to bust a gut laughing, everyone will enjoy this book

Try this: Christmas Campfire Companion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iowan small press, Port Yonder Press, is pleased to announce the release of the

CHRISTMAS CAMPFIRE COMPANION.

Join 14 of today’s top western authors in this definitive collection. Stories by L. J. Washburn, Troy D. Smith, Frank Roderus, Tim Champlin, Larry D. Sweazy, Robert Vaughan, Douglas Hirt, Dusty Richards, Kerry Newcomb, Matthew P. Mayo, Robert Randisi, Rod Miller, James Reasoner, and Terry Burns in this heartwarming collection of Christmas stories in a western setting. Beautifully illustrated. Rated PG for some language.

Edited by Chila Woychik, managing editor at Port Yonder Press, Shellsburg, Iowa. 319-436-3015.

The Christmas Campfire Companion

ISBN: 9781935600084 (Softcover, $12.95)

ISBN: 9781935600107 (Trade Cloth $15.95)

Doctor Saundra - Seven Lies Women Tell Themselves

I am deeply honored to welcome Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to Living Our Faith Out Loud Today.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been actively practicing medicine since 1999. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville Tennessee. She completed her internal medicine residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah Georgia. Dr. Dalton-Smith has been a adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan. She teaches courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith has offered health care from 2002-2007 through the National Health Service Corp.

Dr. Dalton-Smith is married and has two sons. She is a committed Christian and passionate about helping others experience freedom in Christ. Dr. Dalton-Smith has been published in national medical journals discussing the physicians' role in spirituality and patient care. She is also a national and international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection. Dr.Dalton-Smith has a new book being released May 2011 by Revell/Baker Publishing Group titled Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the Seven Lies Women Tell Themselves that will be available wherever books are sold. You can pre-order you copy today at Amazon.com. Dr. Dalton-Smith is available to speak at women's conferences, lunch and learn meeting, and various church functions upon request.

1. Saundra, what motivated you to become a writer?

I've always loved reading and for me writing is a natural extension of that love. My writings began with my own personal journals. I never thought I would ever pursue publication, but a few precious women helped change my mind. One was a patient who presented to my office during a particularly busy day. I just did not have the time to spend with her that I desired. That night I thought, "I wish I had something I could have given her that shared my heart on her issues." From that I started putting together ideas for handouts to use at the office and it just escalated from there into a book.

2.  In Set Free to Live Free, you address not only patient’s physical issues but also their emotional and spiritual ones. To be able to give this type of guidance it seems like you would need longer than normal appointments with your patients. How much time do you set aside for appointments?

My office operates like most medical offices in that appointments are set at 15-30 minute intervals depending on the type of appointment. Every patient visit does not have the dynamics of those discussed in the book. There are quick visits for acute issues as well as longer visits where I manage chronic medical issues for my patients. During all visits I pay attention to the non-verbal language of my patients. I ask pointed questions based on my observations and see if a patient is ready to discuss further those areas. Some will be receptive leading to an extended visit and some will still have their personal walls up cutting our time short. So for every visit that goes over 10 minutes there is usually a corresponding visit that will be under the allotted time. It all just seems to work out in the end.

 3. Was there a section or chapter of Set Free to Live Free that was more difficult for you to write? If so, why? 

The section on balance (chapters 9 and 10) was definitely the most difficult for me to write. Balance is an area I am still working through myself, so it was as if I had to take a dose of my own medicine with each word. A much needed dose I must add. I think learning how to balance family and career is one of the hardest things a working mom faces. When I finally got to the point of writing Chapter 10 I had a hard time wording what I was feeling. So instead of just talking about what I was feeling I began that chapter actually describing the feelings as an analogy.  Sharing your raw emotions has a healing quality of its own. It began as the hardest chapter to write and ended as the one that gave me the most joy and peace.

4. There are many practical responses recommended in Set Free to Live Free. Do you recommend women go through the book on their own, join a study group, or go to a counselor for help in implementing the principles on a deeper level?

It really depends on the woman. I've had women come to me that have such a difficult time with self-disclosure that they would do best beginning the process alone (or one on one with a counselor) and then branch out to a group setting. I love small groups and I wrote the book with small groups in mind. It's beneficial to be with other women who are going through similar issues. You can build each other up and support each other. I would love to see little Diamond Societies popping up all over with women bound together in God's love and a shared journey to living free.

5. What’s next for your writing pursuits?

That's a great question but I don't have an answer for it! I do not currently have any other books penned. Of course I have some ideas and other areas I feel strongly about, but Set Free to Live Free is the book which discusses the issue I'm most passionate about: women living a flourishing and fulfilled life in Christ. For now I'm just thankful for the opportunity to share it with others and elaborate on applying it’s principles through online webinar bible studies and e-newsletter devotionals. 

~You can download the entire first chapter of Set Free to Live Free at www.setfreetolivefreebook.com ~

Dr. Dalton-Smith greatly honored me when she chose me to help edit this wonderful devotional.

I encourage you to check it out and sign up!

Night of the Cossack

A Review of this great novel will be featured at Reflections in Hindsight Sunday Book Review on December  11.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John 3:16 MARKETING NETWORK BOOK LAUNCH Thursday, December 8, 2011, Free eGifts Today Only When you purchase Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh ISBN-10: 0982902921 ISBN-13: 978-0982902929 Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield, faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack.

What Others Are Saying! 5.0 out of 5 stars night of the cossack, November 28, 2011 By jeaniet - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Loved this book I want another one from this author it has a little of everything, romance, mystery, wondering what is going to happen next. Enjoyed it very much! 5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Story!, November 22, 2011 By Lisa Tortorello "Author" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Follow Nathan Hertzfield as he journeys physically, emotionally, and spiritually along the road of life. While historical fiction is not my first choice when reading a book, I found myself captivated by Nathan's struggles and the decisions he was forced to make. From the moment he was kidnapped, Nathan's life changed forever. You will find yourself cheering for him until the very last page. In Night of the Cossack Tom Blubaugh does a fine job weaving history and fiction into a gripping story. I was so intrigued I even looked on a map to follow Nathan on his journey! 5.0 out of 5 stars a must read!!, November 17, 2011 By mustlovetoread - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh is a must read. This is a story about a Jewish boy whose father dies, then he is kidnapped by the Cossacks, and subsequently drafted into the Russian Army. You get drawn into the story from the start. Do you regret not knowing an ancestor who is gone now, and there is no one left to answer questions? Do you wish you knew their story? This is a historical fictional account of what might have happened to Blubaugh's grandfather. He knew his grandfather had been a Russian Cossack soldier and had immigrated to America in 1910. Blubaugh puts those pieces together--with the historical facts of the Cossacks--and weaves a believable fictional account of his grandfather's life. Night of the Cossack starts with Nathan waking up to the Cossacks attacking his village. He is kidnapped by Nikolai, a Cossack soldier. He takes him in as his son and teaches him the way of the Cossack. I enjoyed learning about the Cossack way of life. The story follows the adventures, betrayals, and challenges of Nathan and how he adapts to his surroundings to survive and make it to America. You will be amazed at Nathan's story--from changing his name a few times to escape capture to traveling the secret route set up to convey Jews to Bucharest. Nathan eventually gets a job on a ship and sails for America. If you love adventure, historical fiction, and suspense, I highly recommend this book, Night of the Cossack. 5.0 out of 5 stars Grabs your attention, November 10, 2011 By New Tribes Mission - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) I had a hard time putting down this book by Tom Blubaugh. This is a book about a young Jewish boy (Nathan) whose village was raided by Russian Cossacks. After being kiddnapped by this Cossak group, Nathan goes through much adventure, trial, sacrifice, and even love for his "Father-figure", a Cossak that taught and cared for him. This story caused me to do research on the Cossaks, as this is a part of history that I didn't know much about. This book was very enjoyable to read and I would recommend it to anyone pre-teen to adult. It would also be a good book to read together as a family. 5.0 out of 5 stars A good fall evening read., November 4, 2011 By prleg8s - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Night of the Cossack. What a joy to see someone put into words the family history that so many of us have, but really never completely understand. Using imagination, history and personal information an interesting and vivid description of what life was like for Tom's grandfather, he entertains and educates us on what that life must have been like as a Cossack. Night of the Cossack is an easy read, with clear concise descriptions and an interesting story line. I was captivated by the feelings of a young man suddenly forced into a different life than he ever imagined. His strength and determination to hold true to his roots made this story believeable and loveable. The ending of this book was particularly appealing and surprising. A wonderful story of the seed of a new life in America with the prospects of a new faith. Many of our ancestors began a new life in a new country in varied ways. This is a unique perspective of one of those stories. Tom Blubaugh is a freelance writer living in Southwest Missouri with Barbara, his wife. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom has written non-fiction most of his adult life, but has recently written a historical fiction titled Night of the Cossack, published by Bound by Faith Publishers. This is Tom's first novel. He co-wrote a devotional journal in 2009 for Barbour Publishing titled The Great Adventure. His other writings include articles for a denominational magazine and an insurance publication. He also self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974. Tom started writing poetry at the age of fourteen. His vision of turning them into lyrics for rock and roll songs for popular artists didn't develop. He considers writing to be a God-given talent and feels led to develop it. His first novel was published at his age of 69. Tom says it's never too late. He is now writing a sequel. Tom spent twelve years as an insurance agent and eleven years as a financial planner. He is the past president of Jericho Commission, Inc., and still serves on the board of directors.     BOOK TRAILER for The Night of the Cossack DON'T FORGET Thursday, December 8, is the official launch day for The Night of the Cossack by By Tom Blubaugh. If you buy The Night of the Cossack on the launch day, you will be eligible to receive free e-gfits. Visit Tom Blubaugh's author page on Facebook to learn more. Author Tom Blubaugh's Author Page on Facebook

Forgiveness Formula Book Launch and Book Marketing Strategies

Forgiveness Formula Book Launch and Book Marketing Strategies

Today I’m hosting an interview with Shelley Hitz, the co-author of the book, “Forgiveness Formula:  Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ.”  In fact, the book launch for “Forgiveness Formula” is today, December 6^th!   When you get your copy of the book today, you’ll also get 19 bonuses worth over $100 and be entered to win the grand prize drawing of one Kindle Fire, Nook or iPod Touch.  You can get all the details here: www.theforgivenessformula.com/gifts/

(NOTE: if you don't have a Kindle or Nook, you get the free application for your smart phone or pc by clicking on the link.)

Shelley, how did you come up with your title, “Forgiveness Formula:  Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ?”

To be honest, we recognize that there is truly no “formula” for forgiveness.  It is something supernatural that God does within us.  But as far as the title goes, “Forgiveness Formula,” – the word formula refers to the teachings that Christ have given us in His Word, the Bible.  His teachings or His “mathematics” that truly do “add up” to a full life (John 10:10). 

Often time, we scratch our heads - like the image on our front cover of a boy scratching his head and looking at the chalkboard of all these mathematical equations.  I think sometimes we look at our lives and we’re scratching our heads because our circumstances don’t make “add up” in our eyes.  They just don’t make sense in our human “calculations.”

Yet, when we truly do apply the teaching of Jesus regarding forgiveness, it opens the way for God to bring healing into our lives.  I actually learned about this during a counseling session when I was going through some deep healing.  The counselor shared with me the illustration of the forgiveness cross that I will never forget. It contains three parts:  forgiving others, asking God’s forgiveness and then forgiving ourselves.  That’s the three-step process that we explain in more detail in our book and one of the main illustrations I use in my section on forgiveness. 

Share a few of the marketing strategiesyou used to promote “Forgiveness Formula.”

For the first time since I published my first book in the fall of 2008, I wrote out a book marketing plan.  To be honest, I wish I would have started this habit a lot sooner.  As they say, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  And that’s also true with book marketing.

Since my husband and I co-authored this book, we sat down together and decided on a 4-month book marketing plan.  We didn’t have a huge marketing budget, so we chose options that were either free or low cost. 

Here is a list of what we put into place starting in September 2011.

• Book website
• Book blog with the theme of forgiveness
• Facebook business page
• Twitter account
• YouTube video marketing
• Press Releases

And I’m not going to lie….book marketing is a lot of work!  Not only did we start setting up our author platform through blogging and social media, but we also began planning a free online conference, book launch and virtual booktour.  Looking back I wonder, “What was I thinking?”  We don’t have a large staff, or any staff at all and so we’ve spent many hours investing into these book marketing strategies.

Is it worth it?  You bet! 

We are passionate about spreading the message of Christ’s forgiveness through our book and so if even one life is changed, it’s been worth it.  People have told us that they both laugh and cry as they read our book.  Ultimately, we pray that many lives are impacted by Christ through our book – through the testimonies we share and through the power of God’s Word.

Shelley Hitz is the co-author of Forgiveness Formula: Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ, along with her husband, CJ.  In this book they talks more about this topic of forgiveness as well as when bad things happen.  Visit their book website to check out their full virtual book tour schedule and special gifts with purchase at: www.TheForgivenessFormula.com 

And I, Lisa, have to say that having read this book and been completely blessed by it, it's a perfect gift for anyone who's married now, but especially for those contemplating marriage. Who we are is made up a lot of where we come from, and working out those things together before your lifelong commitment to each other is an incredible gift to your loved one.