Touring with Barbara Britton and her book Providence

Today we welcome debut author Barbara M. Britton.

Barbara, welcome!


Providence: Hannah’s Journey was a blessing to write, edit, and share with the world. Little did I know when I wrote this novel, that its theme would carry me through a challenging time in my own life. My main character, Hannah bat Zebula, is on a mission to find the prophet of Israel and find out what she needs to do to be healed from deformities she has suffered since birth. Hannah goes through many trials. Conflict and tension are mainstays in modern day writing, but as a writer, you want the chaos to stay on the page.

The theme I chose for Hannah is—God is in control even in the chaos of life. Great theme, eh? It was and is today. After I sold my story to Pelican Book Group and finished my edits, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lumpectomy and radiation were supposed to take care of the cancer. Though, after surgery, I still had cancer. What? That’s what I said. This news was a major bummer with major chaos. But, I remembered my theme. Through much prayer and consultations with doctors, I became a cancer ninja. I battled cancer with a bi-lateral mastectomy, physical therapy, and radiation. Is the cancer gone? The doctors are hopeful. I’m hopeful. I’m also prayerful.

I received my galley for Providence: Hannah’s Journey after my second surgery. I had to laugh at the timing. God knew I needed a distraction from hospitals and doctors and needles. What a blessing to focus on my debut novel rather than cancer, prosthetics, or a recurrence. Jesus was my rock. His gift of writing served as a diversion from the chaos of cancer.

That’s not all. Through radiation, I edited my second book in the Tribes of Israel series. Another wonderful distraction. Would I change anything? No, because God, in all His providence, knows what journey is best for me. And, I couldn’t have asked for a better release month for my print edition than October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I urge all my female readers to get regular 3D mammography. If something shows up, do not wait to have a biopsy. Cancer doesn’t want to be found. And remember, if you receive a cancer diagnosis, God is still in control. His church and His people can walk beside you on your journey.
Because He lives, I can face the chaos of life.

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My website: www.barbarambritton.com
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
My real name is Barbara M. Britton. The journeys will continue in February with “Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey.”

 
Thanks to Barbara for stopping by today. Be sure to pick up her debut Biblical fiction, Providence: Hannah's Journey.
 

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Visit all the stops along the tour

COTT Olympia Champion Jennifer Uhlarik

Many deserving competitors entered the fray. One became the victor!

Congratulations Jennifer Uhlarik,

2016 Olympia Award Champion.

We took a few moments to get to know Jennifer a little better, and now here's your chance to do the same:

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has won five writing competitions and finaled in two other competitions. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenaged son, and four fur children.

How did you come up with the idea for this book and what made you want to write this particular story?


While working with a few other authors on some novella collection ideas, I came up with the idea of three adult siblings who reunite after being separated by adoption in their youth. This story and the two that follow it are the result of that idea—three strong siblings devoted to law and justice, each in their own way.


What does winning the Olympia Award mean to you?


It is such an honor! I love the Olympia since the first round is judged by readers. That is probably the truest group of judges one can have. And I know the competition is always stiff in contests, so just to final is quite humbling. To win is indescribable (and I’m an author, so that says a lot. I’m speechless. LOL)


How can people find you online/contact you?


I can be found in the following places:

Website: www.jenniferuhlarik.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferUhlarikAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferUhlarik
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenuhlarik/

Don't Give Up in Transition by Jennifer Hallmark

Don’t Give Up in Transition

By Jennifer Hallmark

In transition can be the most difficult place to find yourself. Stuck between who you are and who

you are becoming. Wedged in the middle of where you are and where you’re headed. In the middle of a shift.

When Lisa asked me to guest on her blog, I told her I haven’t published my own book. I’ve taken part in several compilations by adding chapters or essays and those are wonderful. But no book of my own. Yet.

I’m close. It’s almost within my grasp. One agent called me a developing writer. An editor liked my voice. A publisher said I was highly unusual. I took it as a compliment.

While I wait, in transition, I keep my focus forward. If you are in a similar place, take heart. Here are seven ways I keep myself motivated…

(1)   Blog consistently. I’m part of two blogs and try never to miss a post date.

(2)   Write for others. I’ve taken part in four different book compilations, sold short stories to magazines, and wrote guest posts for a ton of blogs.

(3)   Write and edit my WIPs. (works in progress) I’m polishing my two complete novels and working on book two for both series.

(4)   Continue to add friends to social media and my email newsletter. My emphasis is on forming relationships more than just adding numbers.

(5)   Take time to daydream and ponder for future WIPs. If I get a good idea, I put it in a folder for later.

(6)   Read. I average one to two books a week. All types of fiction and non-fiction.

(7)   Study craft. I’m constantly reading craft books, listening to podcasts, and studying ways to become a better writer. Since I only had one year of college, I’m making up for what I’ve missed.

For ten years, I’ve tried to be consistent and continue to learn. I love what I do. Some asked me why I haven’t indie published. Simple. At the beginning of my journey, God laid it on my heart to follow the traditional road to publishing. (Good thing He didn’t tell me how long it would take) I haven’t heard anything different, so I just keep plugging away. If you are in transition, like me, don’t give up.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

You’ll be glad you didn’t. 

Now it’s your turn. 

What other activities beside the ones I named help you during times of transition? 

What makes transition harder?

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Hallmark is a writer of Southern fiction and fantasy; a combination that keeps the creative juices flowing. She’s published over 200 articles and interviews on the internet, short stories in several magazines, and been part of four book compilations: A Dozen Apologies, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Unlikely Merger, and Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage.  

When she's not working in the garden or keeping the grandkids, you can find her at:

http://www.jenniferhallmark.com

http://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhallmark

https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferhallmark

https://twitter.com/JenHwrites

https://www.pinterest.com/jenlhallmark989/

  

The Heart Seeker Series

For the first time, all four stories are offered in this boxed set. And for the first time, they're all offered in a single print volume.

A Dozen Apologies: Mara Adkins, a promising fashion designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to get up.  In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. Now, Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she humiliated.

The Love Boat Bachelor: What’s a sworn bachelor to do on a Caribbean cruise full of romance and love? Brent will either have to jump ship or embrace the unforgettable romantic comedy headed his way.

Unlikely Merger:  If her best friend has her way, Mercy will simply marry one of the single, available men she meets, but they overwhelm her. So handsome and kind. And so many. Even if she felt obliged, how could she ever choose?

The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt: Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.

Historical romance with Nancy Bolton

Answering Sarah

Nancy Shew Bolton

 

Prism Book Group

2016

Print $14.99

ISBN  978-1533575661

Ebook $3.99

Buy on Amazon

Historical fiction

About the book: After a fire destroys their home when she was a girl, Sarah’s family rebuilds their lives, yet the echoes of the fire’s damage remain. Sarah learned to turn inward, and keep her curious mind to herself, asking God all the questions that her own father used to delight in. But the fire silenced her father, and spread the stillness to the rest of them. Yet Sarah longs to express herself, to find answers to all her questions. A new, young pastor arrives, and captivates her heart. The prospect of a challenging and unexpected life dances before her, but then is held out of her reach. And with the new possibilities come questions she’s never asked herself before. Is she ready for the answers?

My Review:

What a delightful though slower-paced historical romance. Bolton uses interesting antagonists to weave the two love interests into a true cord of three strands throughout a courtship to their wedding.

I love a too-good-to-be-true hero. While true that the pastor, Mark, must undergo a transformation from his initial declaration of pure service to God to that of sharing his life with a God-ordained helpmeet, he does so with little struggle. Even the temptation of being with Sarah and the major obstacles in their way are a bloodless coup. But I meant what I said. I enjoyed this pastor’s maturity and would love to learn at his feet. Our heroine, Sarah, has all the right ingredients, too, in a youthful and spunky joie de vivre. Her solutions to handling her parents are a good lesson for us all. Her deep-seated faith life was truly inspirational.

Bolton’s setting of small town America during late settlement is a good microcosm of personalities and opinions. I was afraid for the fate of the library, and am only slightly shocked that times haven’t changed all that much. A local book club I belong to tries to read at least one “banned” book a year—only they keep changing! Readers will have to check this book for some sweet and entertaining way to deal with curmudgeons.

Answering Sarah is told through the eyes of both Sarah and Mark. Sarah learns not only to ask her questions at the right time and place, but to learn when silence is a golden, mature option. I enjoyed this story, and though it is quite long, it didn’t feel as though it dragged and kept me reading into the next chapters even when I knew my time was up. Recommended for those who enjoy rural and rustic historical romance that takes its sweet time to be told by achingly sweet and respectable characters who know when to pull the reins and when to smack them.

About the Author:
Nancy Shew Bolton is a wife of 43 years, mother of five grown sons, and grandmother to a boy and girl. Ever since she learned to write, she would jot down her thoughts and impressions in little snippets of inspiration in the form of poetry, song lyrics, or short essays. About six years ago, she decided to try her hand at writing a full length book. She’s since written five works of fiction, two non-fiction, and is working on an idea for a children’s book, as well as more fiction manuscripts. 

Biblical nonfiction from Guy Right

Who Told YouThat You Were Naked?

Guy Right

c. 2016

Kindle eBook

$3.99

Buy on Amazon 

About the Book:

Are You Facing Trials & Hard Challenges? Does God want to rescue you? Do you want Him to?

There is a grace revolution sweeping the world - the return to the New Covenant of grace as explained in the Bible. The Bible says that if we have to work for grace then grace is not grace. Grace is the unearned and undeserved favor of God. This book is a product of grace, where it is not our obedience but the obedience of Son of God that provides us with a way out in life when there is simply no way. We are rescued, not because we are good, but because God is good! Are you desperate? Are you suffering and in pain? Is the naked truth about your sins and failures disqualifying you from God’s help? Then you need to know that only the unworthy qualify for God’s grace. If you need to receive God’s help, then this book will change your mind about God and position you to receive the abundant life that Jesus promised.

My Review:

This non-fiction walk through the Bible by the author, a godly Christian businessman, is meant to dispel some of the more common misconceptions, or urban myths, many folks, even other Christians, have held about God. I always approach these types of books, no matter who the author is, leery about biblical interpretation, but I found Who Told You? to be an intriguing and informative read.

From the author’s comment in chapter two, “There is no insignificant detail in the Bible,” to his discourse in chapter sixteen about “natural” disasters, Right shares cross-referenced Old and New Testament verse proofs with resources about how people came to believe certain disparaging untruths about our heavenly Father. I had never heard about the ancient interpretation of the skin with which God replaced Adam and Eve’s clumsy attempt to retrieve their garments of glory they cast off when they gave themselves to Satan’s lies, but it certainly makes sense.

Focusing on the Garden of Eden and the connection to Job specifically, Right discusses the nature of mankind created in God’s image and clothed with glory, and Satan’s lie that we are naked. Always focusing on the act of grace, the author reminds us that God is love and is not the author of disaster, but surrounds us with His protection. Naked we might come into the world, but through God’s redemption, we do not have to depart that way.

Other obscure connections, such as the symbolism the particular stone Satan tempted Jesus with and the number of days between the Ark resting on Ararat and the Passover are certainly interesting for those who enjoy finding codes and marveling at the fascinating writing of the Bible. This book is not for those who are new to the faith or have spent little time in dedicated Bible study. My bottom line is, “Does this information affect my salvation?” The answer here is no. Who Told You? adds some interesting concepts to my faith, but remains consistently on the foundation of the redemptive gift of God’s only Son.

This Month's Clash Champ: Congrats to One Thursday Morning and T.K. Chapin!

Congratulations to T.K. Chapin

and his novel

One Thursday Morning

for taking home this month's Clash crown!

PURCHASE ON Amazon

About the book:
Running not only for her own life, but that of her unborn baby, Serenah moves across the country to a little town outside of Spokane Washington called Newport. It's here she'll begin to build a new life and go by a different name in the hopes of staying hidden from her abusive husband John. Can Serenah find happiness in her new life? Or will the past eventually catch up to her?

From the best-selling Inspirational Christian Romance Author T.K. Chapin comes a story of love, faith and passion that will keep your fingers turning the page to see what happens next.

One Thursday Morning is book one in the Diamond Lake Series by T.K. Chapin.

What Voters had to Say:

Thank you T.K. Chapin for providing real life in your books.

I really like books by T.K.Chapin, Because he writes with a theme of religion and hope. I especially like One Thursday Morning.

Excellent story. I have also read Friday Morning. Good story line Makes me feel like I am at the Lake with them.

T.K. Chapin, I was enticed by the beautiful cover and description of the novel, One Thursday Morning. Can't wait to read it.

I love your stories. Very enjoyable, heartwarming and inspiring. Keep them coming,

I enjoy finding new authors and found T.K. Chapin's writing adding to my authors' list.

I think "One Thursday Morning" by T. K. Chaplin will be one popular book. I love the plot and can't wait to read it.

I love to read and discover new authors. T.K. Chapin is quickly becoming a favorite! He tackles tough topics, and tells the story in such a way as to keep you interested. Ups and downs, twists and turns, T.K. knows how to keep the plot line tight and the story believable and uplifting.

Sounds like a good book. I hope you have a great career!

Keep writing. It helps me escape my everyday life.

TK - love your writing and your interest in your reader's lives.

I love TK CHAPIN books!

Have a blessed week, everyone!

From your friends at Clash of the Titles!

Crystal Stuart from Time Trap by Danele Rotharmel

An interview with Crystal Stuart

Character from Time Trap by Danele J. Rotharmel

Today, I’m talking with Crystal Stuart, a lab technician from the Temporal Counseling Program at National Science University. Crystal, I’ve heard that there’s an emergency at TEMCO. Can you confirm that two cadets have been kidnapped and that Director Peter Matthews and Dr. Laura Nelson have been sent through a time portal to investigate?

I’m sorry, Lisa, but I’m not at liberty to say. Commenting on the current situation could be extremely dangerous. As you know, TEMCO deals with time travel, and if we don’t handle things with extreme caution, the entire timeline could be jeopardized. I’m sure you understand.

Yes, I do. Let’s change topics. Marc Kerry, a professional time counselor with the TEMCO program, has become a popular figure in Washington D.C. Is it true that you’re dating him?

Wow! I’m not sure how that particular rumor started. Marc and I have never dated. Our interactions have been rocky, to say the least. In fact, we didn’t even speak to each other for four years. In the past, I wouldn’t even classify us as friends.

You said “in the past.” Have things changed recently?

Well… Lately, we’ve gotten along better. I used to think that Marc was pretty egotistical, but I’ve discovered that he’s actually a very nice man with an extremely kind heart. I’ve been told that we’ll be working together in the future. I’m looking forward to it.

Would you be willing to date him?

I can’t deny that Marc is extremely handsome. Nor can I deny that I like him now. But, Lisa, look at me! I’m not his type at all. He always goes for glamorous, gorgeous girls. I’m just a lab tech with big glasses. He’s out of my league, and I know it. It’s nice of you to think I could catch his eye, but we’re not living in a fantasy dreamland. Things like that just don’t happen in real life.

What would you say if I told you that I’ve heard he’s attracted to you?

I wouldn’t say anything, Lisa. I’d just laugh. If your sources told you that, you may need to check them for accuracy. You know that I enjoy crunching numbers, and I’ve run the statistics. Statistically, there’s less than a 7.8 percent chance of Marc asking me for a date.

You may be surprised.

Possibly, but not likely. I deal with facts, and it’s a fact that I’m not Marc’s type. Gracious! It’s also a fact that I’m late! It’s been a delight talking with you, Lisa, but I need to get back to the lab. I can’t talk about TEMCO’s current situation, but it’s extremely urgent. I’m sorry, but I have to go.

I understand. Thanks for speaking with us, Crystal. Best wishes with the current situation.

About Time Trap:

When problems arise during a field exam, Director Peter Matthews and Dr. Laura Nelson are sent through a time portal to investigate.  While they search for their missing cadets, they encounter an enemy who is calculating and brutal—a mysterious nemesis who is holding a grudge against the TEMCO program.  As Peter and Laura race to unravel clues directing them to their kidnapped cadets, their own survival comes into question.  A deadly trap has been set, and they are forced to pit their wits against a serial killer who is intent on playing a deadly chess game through time itself. 

Prism Book Group

$3.99 eBook

$16.99 Print

Buy on:

Amazon

Barnes& Noble

About the Author

Danele Rotharmel grew up with a love of the literary word, and by age five, she knew she wanted to be a writer. However, her life took an unexpected turn when a mysterious illness brought her close to death. Eventually, she learned that a low-level carbon monoxide leak from a faulty furnace in her home was slowly poisoning her. This poisoning triggered severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and partial amnesia.

      

During this time, the hardest thing she faced was a crisis of faith. She had to quit her job and stop going to church. She couldn’t write, couldn’t drive, and could barely remember who she was. To say she was upset with the Lord was an understatement. She began reexamining her faith in light of her illness, and eventually, she came to the firm conclusion that God is real, God is good, God is interested and involved, and God is trustworthy regardless of tragedy.

      

When her illness became even more severe, she was put into quarantine and could only talk to friends and extended family through the glass of a window. This quarantine lasted for seven years. During this time, she wrote the first six books in The Time Counselor Chronicles.

      

Danele currently lives in Colorado where she continues to write. Although her journey back to health was long and difficult, it provided her with the opportunity to grow closer to God and to write her books. For that, she is forever thankful. You can learn more about Danele by visiting https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/

Connect with Danele:

Testimony: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

Books: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/my-books/