Carlene Havel and Love Keeps No Wrongs

St. Paul took a whole chapter in I Corinthians listing various hallmarks of love. Rather than attempt a pat definition, he revealed some of love’s many facets, turning it over and over as one might a brilliant, perfectly-cut diamond.

Since love is such a broad topic, let’s zero in on one aspect—romantic love. When a special person makes the heart beat faster, regardless of the season of life, we begin to question our emotions. Am I in love? How will I know when it happens? How can I be sure when it is the real thing? Living a few years teaches us romantic love is accompanied with tender feelings, but that “gushy” feeling alone is not enough to stand the test of time. Love is more. Real romance involves two people who care enough for each to put the other ahead of themselves. In a “me first” instant gratification world, that kind of commitment is rare. Yet it is the kind of giving, sharing love we hunger for at our very core.

Do I love him? Does he love me? A simple test would be to consider each of the characteristics of love from I Corinthians. Are we kind to each other? Are we patient with each other? And so on.   Many heartbreaks could be avoided by thinking through that Biblical checklist, and turning away from a relationship with too many “no” answers. Another person’s love is not directly measurable.  We can’t take out a yardstick and see how it stacks up. Instead, we observe love by its impact. Oscar Hammerstein II is credited with this little rhyme that captures a singular way of looking at love:   

“A bell is not a bell till you ring it.

A song is not a song till you sing it.

Love in your heart isn’t put there to stay.

Love isn’t love till you give it away.”

Prism Book Group’s “Love Is…” series takes its inspiration from I Corinthians chapter 13.  Eventually there will be a short novel that takes its theme from one of the aspects of true love. My contribution to this series is Evidence Not Seen inspired by “Love keeps no record of wrongs.” Or, if you prefer the lyrical language of the old King James translation, “thinketh no evil.” I hope those who read my story find it to be true to that sentiment.  

In the final analysis, we are left with faith, hope, and love. What a marvelous trilogy! And the greatest, of course, is love. May we all practice it faithfully, daily, unrelentingly. Love never fails.

  

Check out Carlene’s contribution to Prism Book Group’s new Love Is series…

Evidence Not Seen

“Love keeps no record of wrongs…” 1 Corinthians: 13:5

Although attorney Jeff Galloway’s career is in high gear, his personal life is a mess. Just before his father returns home from a 27-year stretch in prison, his girlfriend dumps him. When a chance encounter begins to blossom into new romance, soft-hearted Melanie Clark encourages Jeff to find a way to forgive his father’s long absence.

My review:

A not-so-secret family secret leads to the lifetime estrangement of a young man from his father. Devotion to his mother justifies Jeff’s choice to keep utter disillusionment and resentment for his imprisoned dad shining bright all his adult life. Given his professional career as an attorney, Jeff has faith in the system, and there was never any hint to believe any other way than his father is a criminal, guilty of a hefty bank theft. The money was never found. When his father’s sentence is up, Jeff reluctantly collects him from jail and brings him back home where he witnesses a strangely joyful reunion between his parents. No condemnation, no shame, just joy.

Jeff’s position allows for financial comfort, and when he meets a young social worker set out to right the wrongs of society, he’s intrigued. The first chance encounter through a private office party turns into more encounters and a rescue operation for an errand of mercy and a strange connection with one of Melanie’s young clients. Jeff enjoys Melanie’s tactics to do the best she can and even attempts to overcome his lifelong unreasonable hatred of hospitals. As the two begin to spend more time together, Jeff realizes everything in his life has been an illusion. Not only is Jeff encouraged to forgive the past, he’s encouraged to look at his father from a different angle and in so doing, he is able to find and live with newfound purpose.

I loved this couple, their growing respect for each other, Jeff’s developing character and his ability to hurdle the barriers he’s set up for himself. Sometimes we have to explore why we believe what we do, not just our faith in God, but our faith in each other, even when misguided. Not everything is what it seems, and Jeff is able to journey toward a more healthy place with Melanie’s unconditional love. Told mostly through Jeff’s viewpoint with an occasional dip into his mother’s perspective, this addition to the Love Is novellas explores the theme of “keeping no record of wrongs” in a fresh and compelling way. Great short read that felt well-paced and complete.

Enjoy this short excerpt:

.     “Melanie!” The urge to sweep her into his arms was so strong he didn’t trust himself to move. “I brought you flowers,” he said at last. He half expected a smart alack response.

Instead, her brilliant smile made his knees feel weak. This can’t be happening, he thought. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?

Sneak Preview and Enter for a giveaway Keely Brooke Keith new book

Aboard Providence

Keely Brooke Keith

Publisher: CrossRiver Media Group

Released Date: October 20, 2016

Pre-order Link: CrossRiver Media

A voyage aboard Providence changes Jonah’s plans, but can it change his heart?

About the Book:

In November 1860, Jonah Ashton is determined to finish his studies at Penn’s Medical School before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When he learns his father has joined a group of Virginia families planning to sail from America to form a new settlement elsewhere, he travels to his family’s estate intent on saying goodbye. However, when an accident leaves his father in need of a physician, Jonah agrees to serve as ship’s doctor, but he resolves to return to medical school as quickly as possible.

While aboard the Providence, Jonah falls in love with former classmate Marian Foster. Despite their love for each other, Marian has no desire to return to America with him.

After an arduous voyage, Providence runs aground on an uncharted land in the South Atlantic Ocean. While the rest of the settlers celebrate finding the land they wanted, Jonah takes off to explore the island and he soon discovers a startling truth that changes everything, but can it change his heart?

What others are saying about the book:

“A delightful adventure reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson, Aboard Providence is one of those novels that will stick with me because I feel I’ve lived it. A captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale I can confidently recommend to a wide range of readers.” –Heather Day Gilbert, author of Amazon Norse bestseller God’s Daughter

“With vivid settings and multi-layered characters, Keely Brooke Keith whisks her readers off on a page-turning journey, not just across the ocean, but within the heart. You won’t be able to put Aboard Providence down until the final word is read and then you will long for more.” –Brenda S. Anderson, author of the Coming Home series

“A blend of history and romance with a compelling inspirational message, Keith expertly weaves an intriguing tale. Fans of the Uncharted Series won’t want to miss this journey.” –Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

“Keely Brooke Keith is a master storyteller, weaving adventure, love, and wonderful characters into a vivid story that will take readers on an unforgettable voyage to a new place. Full of inspirational messages and tales of God’s love, readers will find themselves longing for more. Keely’s story teaches all of us that the journey is just the beginning!” –Christina Yother, author of the Hollow Hearts series

About the Author:

Keely Brooke Keith is the author of the Uncharted series (Edenbrooke Press) and Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media). Her novels are known for blending genres in surprising ways. When she isn’t writing stories, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely resides with her husband and their daughter on a hilltop south of Nashville where she dreams up stories, hoping to encourage, comfort, and inspire readers. She is a member of ACFW.

Social Media Links:

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Cindy Lynch sequel Even Willows Weep

Even Willows Weep the second installment in the Bye For Now trilogy

Fiction/young adult/chick-lit

About the Book:

Even Willows Weep is book number two in the Bye For Now trilogy. This second book continues to follow Callista Lamply, on her journey in becoming a young professional art therapist, working with children dealing with cancer. Enter Pheonix, an imp of a child, dealing with her terminal cancer the best she can. Strangely, Callie has had visions of Pheonix in her dreams and shock registers now, having Pheonix, in the flesh, here at her art table. Callie becomes emotionally attached to this young girl as she prepares herself for the inevitable. This task of pushing facts aside so that she can continue to honor her professional duties becomes monumental with each tick of the clock.

Maddie, Callie’s best friend and roommate, is a quirky little thing leaving nothing to the imagination. She has no filter which, oddly enough, Callie finds endearing. Maddie made the leap, leaving Connecticut to start fresh in Missouri and try as they might to run from their past, history seems to be repeating itself. Will this cause Maddie to resort to her coping mechanisms that nearly cost her her life years ago?

Meanwhile Callie's brother Jimmy believes that he is happily living with his wife in their quaint cabin on Lake Carmi. However, the veil of deception is lifted leaving Jimmy with pain and uncertainty. He forges ahead in his role of a lifetime, becoming a father, unaware that the Sandy Hook tragedy looms ahead.

When dreams of lost love, causes images, voices and emotions to bubble up from the recesses of her mind, Callie wonders if she has finally found what she truly wants in life.

Each will decide their fate by allowing that little voice within to be heard.

Just listen and believe.

Buy on Amazon

A brief interview with Cindy

Tell us what you love about this sequel.

I really enjoyed writing this sequel. We continue to follow the main character, Callie, a few years after she leaves college, picking up where the first book ended. There are many twists that occur in this book that I didn’t see coming. There was one particular disturbing scene that I questioned, “that was dark. Where did that come from?” I really enjoyed watching these characters live their lives, growing and changing. I just never knew what was going to happen next.

Are you doing anything differently in your publishing process from your first book?

I’m basically following the same protocol. I’m still self-publishing through createspace and following the steps in Stacy Dymalski’s book Nine Steps to Self-Publishing Your Book: The Memoir Midwife. It seems to work well for me. I have to say, having one book under my belt made the second that much easier. The process wasn’t as daunting.

Introduce us to a character in Even Willows Weep.

Duncan Campbell is a suave, shaggy haired, bedroom-eyed musician that sweeps Callie off her feet momentarily. He has a roaming eye, but seems to be just what Callie needs at the moment. He was a lot of fun to write. There are several new characters that appear in this book. I had to create new friendships and relationships. I’m pleased with how it all turned out in the end.

What do you hope readers will tell others?

I want my readers to tell others that the book feels edgier than the last. My hope is that the readers can sense some growth happening within each character. Sometimes this growth isn’t positive, but that makes those characters more interesting. I especially want the reader to feel some kind of emotion through out the story.

What are you reading these days?

I just finished Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank. It was a light, fun read. I’m in the middle of Hollow City, the sequel to Miss Peregrine’s peculiar children. I’m really enjoying the ride in this one. I think Ransom Riggs did something clever that I had never seen done before.  He took old black and white photos he found and create a story around them.

What’s next?

My next book will be the final installment in the Bye For Now trilogy. As of yet it is unnamed and unwritten. I know where I want to take the characters, but I’ll just have to wait and see where they want to take me. I’m excited to see what journey they have in store for me.

After the final installment is finished and published, I’ll begin to work diligently on my first attempt at non-fiction. I’m very excited about that challenge.

Thank you for the opportunity to get my stories out there!

~My pleasure, Cindy, best wishes!

Summers Winter with Robin Johns Grant

Summer’s Winter

Robin Johns Grant

Jan 2014

Inspirational romantic fiction

Story Merchant Books

ISBN 978-0989715430

buy on US Amazon

2.99 eBook

12.9 paperback

When Jeanine finally connects with film star Jamie Newkirk, the object of her obsession, will it be a dream come true? Or will she be pulled into his family's nightmare of secrets, control, and death? 

At age ten, preacher's daughter Jeanine fell in love with young movie star Jamie Newkirk and the character he played--Danny Summer. Jeanine believed God Himself promised Jamie would be part of her life--that he would rescue her from boring rural Georgia. But eleven years later, she's graduating college and about to settle into the dreary nine-to-five life with no word from Jamie or God. 

And then Jamie bursts into her life in an amazing way. There are plans to resurrect the Summer series of books and movies, and Jeanine is right in the middle of it all. Jamie seems to be falling for her, just as she'd dreamed. And yet... 

She never expected all the dark undercurrents. Jamie is hiding out in Georgia following the suspicious death of his former girlfriend. And isn't it odd that he found his mother dead of a supposed suicide in that same house two years before, and that both women had the same strangely-shaped burn on their bodies? And who knew there would be so many sinister characters involved in Jamie's life, and in the Summer series? There's his young co-star, Charlie--the Summer author died in an unexplained fire at his house. And Jamie's stepfather, Elliott, and uncle Richard seem to be in a vicious competition for control of the Summer series and of Jamie's life. 

Jamie is obviously hiding things--about his family, about the deaths of his mother and girlfriend. The media and the public have declared him guilty. Jeanine longs to prove his innocence. Unless she can, Jamie's dark secrets may shatter her dreams, her faith--and her life.

My review

I love Grant’s way with words and her sense of story. It’s not breathless when it doesn’t need to be, and gradually sets up story in a way that’s a luscious down comforter and not a bumpy, worn blanket. Since reading Jordan's Shadow, I knew Summer's Winter would be just as good.

Young Adult fiction can cover a great deal of circumstances and settings, but the genre involves exploration of self, growth, and a lot angst getting there. Skillfully melding twists and romance, blurring the lines between bad guys and good, and identifying and taking responsibility for bad behavior without glorifying it, Grant has published a great story about a young lady with gifts on a sure path guided by the only One we can truly trust, and her obsession, a movie star from another continent portraying a beloved character in a series of motion pictures. While Jeanine may not truly believe that she’ll receive the longings of her heart, she has a firm foundation that the Giver of all good things has a plan for her.

Within the realm of believability, the movie star, Jamie, comes from a similar-enough background to feel guilt over actions he controls, as well as events that he cannot influence…or can he? It’s this sense of responsibility that bring Jamie and Jeanine together, yet keep them frustratingly apart.

Told in multiple points of view, Summer’s Winter is a story will keep readers of romantic young adult fiction turning pages. Set in contemporary America, the story has a genteel feel, despite the despair and drug use and less savory actions hinted at behind the scenes. The characters are rich and multi-layered, adding a satisfactory denseness to the beautiful settings and even the less than beautiful events. Star-crossed lovers? Sure, but emotionally satisfying and with just enough questions left over that make me drool for a sequel.

About the Author

While waiting for her writing to pay off, Robin Johns Grant did a lot of crazy fan stuff and was way too involved with books and movies like Harry Potter and Star Wars, which helped her dream up Jeanine and Jamie for Summer's Winter.

With a degree in English and a mid-life crisis coming on, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in library and information science. She now has her best day job ever as a college librarian, which keeps her young by allowing her to hang out with students.

Robin was named 2014 Author of the Year by the Georgia Association of College Stores, and Summer's Winter won a bronze medal in the Romance - Suspense category of the International Readers' Favorite Book Awards.

Robin lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband Dave and formerly feral felines Mini Pearl and Luna. She is also surprised to find herself part owner of a sweet pit bull puppy named Pete who showed up as a stray at her mom's house.

Clash Champ--Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Congratulations to Becky Wade 

and her novel

Her One and Only

for taking home this month's Clash crown!

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the book:

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Becky also has a FREE book sale going on RIGHT NOW!

Undeniably Yours

Free on Amazon

What Becky's voters had to say:

~I have read and loved Becky Wade's books for awhile now! She is talented and brilliant. I love having the option to read romantic fiction that is Christian based and clean for the soul. It's wonderful! Thank you!!
~I wouldn't even need a beach to want to read your book, Becky Wade!
~LOVE Becky Wade!! Loved the conclusion to the Porter Family Series!! Perfect book poolside or other Summer destination or really any place any time!! :)
~Even though I have only read one of the books on this list (I look forward to checking some more of these out) i want to thank all the authors for doing what they do. I believe God uses you to help others. I love reading because it can just help me escape sometimes and than start fresh and go forward. Also encouraging our relationship with God through seeing your characters growing in faith. Thank you for writing even when it toughs because it makes a difference and matters to people like me!!!
~I just received a whole set of Becky Wade's books and can't wait to read them
~Becky Wade, I love your books. Keep up the great work
~I have loved all of Becky Wade's books! I am never disappointed with any of her books - I look forward to each next one. They are always on my to purchase list as soon as they come out - one of my new favorite authors! :)

Inspirational YA from Leslea Wahl

About the Book:

He’s an egotistical snowboarder with a silver medal.

She’s a judgmental honors student with a flair for photography.

Slashed tires….False accusations….A coded text message….When all they can see are each other’s flaws, how can Jake and Sophie work together to figure out what’s really been happening at the abandoned gold mine?

Follow Sophie and Jake into secret tunnels as they unravel the mystery and challenge each other to become who God wants them to be.

Print $10.95

Ebook $10.40

ISBN 978-0819860132

Buy at Pauline Books and Media

Buy at Amazon

A Brief Interview with Leslea:

Tell about the story, how it took root for you.

The Perfect Blindside is an adventurous mystery about two teens. Jake, a silver-medal winning snowboarder who is dealing with his new found fame as well as the unwanted move to a small Colorado mountain town and Sophie, a studious high school student who thinks Jake is arrogant and full of himself. When they find themselves entangled in some strange events they must work together to uncover the mystery set in the town’s abandoned gold mine. The underlying theme of this book is to find and use your gifts from God to help others.

As a mother of three, I was often very frustrated with the things my growing children were exposed to through movies, television, music, and even literature. The societal messages that bombarded them didn’t always coincide with our faith. As my children grew and began reading middle grade and young adult novels, I struggled to find books that my kids wanted to read and exemplified the morals I was trying to instill in them. Then one day this story of Jake and Sophie literally popped into my mind. Characters and scenes just kept coming to me until I finally had to write them down. 

Share one or two things you learned during research or the publication journey.

I really feel God led me to write this book so what I’ve learned through this process is to listen to Him. Besides the fact that the story came to me in an unusual way, other odd things happened as well. Out of the blue things related to the story appeared in the mail, and when I researched the name of my fictional town to see if there had ever been a Silver Springs Colorado, I was shocked to find that not only had there once been such a town, but incredibly it had been located in the exact spot I now envisioned it. I had no doubt God was leading me.

When I finally felt it was ready, I began sending it out to publishers but wasn’t getting any interest. Even though the rejection letters were piling up, I knew God had a plan so I kept praying and asked Him to guide me. And He did. I was browsing at a local bookstore one day and came across a young adult book that changed everything for me. The novel combined all the elements I loved in a story - humor, action, mystery, a little romance, and amazingly it had a Christian message. I hadn’t considered writing the book from a Christian perspective, but I realized by changing the genre I could not only create characters that kids could really relate to - teens who struggled with everyday problems and relied on their faith - but could also include my belief that we all have gifts and talents from God that we should use to help others.

What do you hope readers will tell other readers?

I hope readers tell others - “Hey, I read this great YA book that is fun and adventurous. I love these characters and can’t wait to read their next adventure. You’ve got to check it out.”

What are you up to next?

I have a few things in the works. Right now I’m working on Jake and Sophie’s next adventure with a sequel to The Perfect Blindside. In October my second Christian Young Adult novel will be released, which I’m really excited about. You can visit my website at www.LesleaWahl.com for more information on all my upcoming projects.

An Unexpected Role – due out in October

Josie Del Rio has spent the last two years cautiously navigating the perils of high school.  Just as she is about to emerge unscathed and finally move up in social standing as an upperclassman, her author mother releases her newest YA novel. Though a work of fiction, Josie’s classmates assume the embarrassing events that fill the book are about her and mercilessly humiliate her, making the most anticipated summer of her life a teenage nightmare.       

Josie flees to a South Carolina island to stay with her aunt in hopes of reinventing herself. Her summer transforms into the one of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement. However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only begins to rely on her faith but along the way also discovers herself.

About the Author:

After a fulfilling career as a stay-at-home mom, Leslea Wahl has now turned her interests to reaching teens through encouraging Christian fiction. Her debut novel, The Perfect Blindside, won an Illumination Christian Book Award Silver Medal in January and was recently awarded First Place honors at the Catholic Press Association Annual Book Awards.

Never Tomorrow psychological thriller from Judith Rolfs

ISBN-13: 9781533305947

Publication date: 05/18/2016 from Prism Book Group

Pages: 336

$13.99 Print, $3.99 Ebook

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords

A compelling mystery with a powerful theme of forgiveness and healing...

Journalist Whitney Barnes investigates the mysterious death of her mother and three women from Cortland City seeking the thread that links them to an enigmatic killer. Why are women being murdered with no apparent motives for their death? Police are mystified at the lack of clues and a growing sense of fear surrounds the community. Who will be the next victim?

Determined to find the killer, Whitney discovers these women were dealing with wounds from their troubling pasts, but what was their connection? She teams up with Dr. Sarah Stevens, an expert on women’s issues, to ferret out information while TV talk show host Rich and real estate broker Jordan vie for Whitney’s affection.

Whitney discovers new strength within her but is it powerful enough to cope with this dark force of evil? Suspense escalates as Whitney becomes the killer’s next target.

My review:

Never Tomorrow is one of those mysteries that make the reader twitch and look over a shoulder while reading. It’s Whitney’s story, the daughter of the first victim in this troubling story of the investigation of a serial killer still at work. As a journalist, Whitney is in a prime seat of power to search for clues, with or without the cooperation of the small town police chief, who is on her side and not too proud to quietly accept help, as long as she stays on her side of the fence and doesn’t get herself killed too. Which is likely the deeper she digs.

Rolfs, a therapist, has created a large cast with multiple layers of personal issues that have you chasing down well-trampled bunny trails while the killer stares you in the face the entire time. While well-populated, each character has his or her own quirks and story line that keep them separated, even if you dare to put the book down for a day. Told in multiple viewpoints, sometimes a single time from a particular character, the reader is held at chilling arm’s length as the killer calmly presents the reasons behind the murder even as you get an inkling of what might be coming. Some repeated use of titles and full names and repetitious scenarios either heighten tension or slow the action depending on reader preference. For those who like a story laced with all the right reasons to live no matter who endangers your life.

About the Author:

Judith Rolfs is an award-winning author who writes about family and relationships in her mystery novels and non-fiction. She's been published in every genre. Her acclaimed adult mystery thrillers are Directive 99, Bullet in the Night and Never Tomorrow.

As an author and professional marriage and family counselor she focuses on motivating people to live their best lives - emotionally, physically and spiritually. In her thirties, she researched the complexity of the natural world and moved from agnosticism to faith in God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Judith has also written a Tommy Smurlee children's mystery fantasy series, how-to books for men and women's relationships and parenting, and devotionals like Breathless Minute Meditations.

Her home bases are Wisconsin and Florida where she lives with her husband and best friend, Wayne, and their chocolate lab, Alex. She says she has the best job in the world. "I meet amazing people every day and some are even real. I'm never bored." She blogs at www.judithrolfs.blogspot.com Website: www.judithrolfs.com