Winning Fiction: Face to Face

Interview with Catherine Lawton
Author of Face to Face

Hello, Catherine. Your bio mentions that you became a published writer (in a national periodical) at the ripe old age of 12! Did that experience boost your desire to write more?

Catherine: It certainly was affirming and satisfying to think someone would want to print and read something I wrote (It was a little poem about Jesus being my Friend, and a Sunday school teacher encouraged me to send it in). But the desire to write was there already and it grew into a sense of a calling.

In your biblical novel, "Face to Face," you fictionalize a story about a woman who is miraculously healed by Jesus. She is mentioned in the Bible only once, in Luke 13:10-17. With so little known about her, how did you develop her character and make her so believable?

Catherine: That woman, who was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, gripped my heart and imagination. She was unnamed in the story, so I named her Joakima, which means "One whom God has lifted up spiritually." She was bent over double for 18 years and "could in no way lift herself," which indicates that she had tried. I began to imagine what "cures" she might have used. Each has a parallel today, whether it's conventional wisdom and "old wives' tales," self-righteous religion, new-age spiritualism, or humanistic self-improvement methods. I considered the context of the scriptures and researched the historical period and life in those days. A good story needs conflict, and there's plenty in this account – between the woman and the spirit that crippled her, between Jesus and the leaders of the synagogue, between the people and the burdensome Sabbath laws, and between walking by faith versus walking by sight. I began to imagine Joakima in a colorful setting interacting with other vibrant characters until the story took on a life of its own. I was interested to see how my character would survive and finally thrive in the challenges of that setting.

One gets the sense that there may be experiences in your own life that parallel those of your character, Joakima. Is this perception accurate?

Catherine: The story formed in my mind while I was going through a period of inner healing. I read the book of Luke, and this woman who was so wretched and yet so tenaciously persevering, triggered my imagination as well as my faith. Jesus told the woman she was released and he said that Satan had kept her bound. This part is very personal. I have known people who are bound by various things 51; memories, addictions, sins, wrong thinking, bitterness, and even evil spirits. And I've seen people set free. I wondered what sort of spirit had taken hold of this woman, how Satan could keep a religious person of faith bound, and what might have caused that spirit to enter into her body and life. Luke also tells us that Jesus called her a "daughter of Abraham" which means she had faith. I wondered, how does such a person have such faith?

Now a question to help readers know you better. If you had three free tickets to go to any three places in the world, where would you go, and why?

Catherine: First I'd go to Israel to research my next novel! Next I'd go to Scotland and the Hebrides, where a mighty revival happened the year I was born. Third I'd go to Rome again, where there is a strong sense of the biblical world and the modern world intersecting.

Since music has played such an important role in your life: What music CDs happen to be in your player right now?

Catherine: I just put in a CD of Loreena McKennitt singing Christmas songs, and a Russian pianist playing Rachmaninoff concertos.

If you could spend a week with any historical person of the past ten centuries, who would that be?

Catherine: I might like to spend a week with Joan of Arc, though it might be dangerous. A simple peasant girl believed so strongly that God had spoken to her that she was able to convince leaders of her country and army to let her lead them to victory, out of a dark and troubled period. And talk about conflicts! Her faith and obedience led to her martyrdom. Amazing.

What writing projects are you working on now?

Catherine: Besides writing occasional poetry and other short pieces, I have started two other novels. As I was writing Face to Face, the character of Benjamin grew so strong and appealing, he almost took over the story. I would like to give him a chance to shine. I'd like to take Joakima and Ben to Jerusalem again, perhaps to be present during Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was outpoured, to be part of the early believers who were persecuted and dispersed. I'd like to see Joakima return to her childhood home of Dura-Europas. And like every good story, it would include lots of conflict and a little romance.

Where on the Internet can we find you?

Catherine: At my Cladach author page: http://cladach.com/Lawton.html ,
at my Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Lawton/e/B001K8YLA6 ,
and Cladach Publishing's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cladach-Publishing-wwwcladachcom/10150101184295035

Anything else you'd like readers to know about you?

Catherine: Here are some things about me: I've played the piano for years. Currently, I accompany a gospel quartet. My husband and I enjoy beekeeping in our backyard. I own Cladach Publishing, a small royalty press; and I spend lots of time editing and promoting other authors and their books. Writing and publishing is quite an adventure. And hearing from readers is like frosting on the cake!
---------------

Face to Face:
 
Set in the tumultuous world during Jesus' earthly life, here is a timeless story of suffering, longing, and healing. Conflicts arise between a young woman's devotion to God and the demon that holds her captive; between her attempts to free herself and the judgment and condemnation of others; between the rabbi named Jesus and the legalistic religious leaders; between the daily reality of Roman oppression and the Jewish hopes of a Deliverer-Messiah.

A vivid imagining of the account in Luke 13:10-17, where Jesus calls the bent-over woman to himself.

"I was fascinated." ~ Eva Marie Everson for CrossWalk.com

"I thoroughly enjoyed Face to Face." ~ Richard Wendley, screen writer/actor

"WOW! What a great book. I absolutely loved it... I know the next time I read about this miracle in the Gospels, I will think of this woman through the eyes of Lawton's novel... Thanks to Cladach Publishing for publishing such outstanding Christian literature!" ~ Shirley Silver

---------------

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Kathryn's Fountain

Interview with Dave Claassen

Author of Kathryn's Fountain

Dave writes part-time because his full-time calling is to give spiritual leadership and pastoral care to people of the Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church in Toledo, Ohio. Dave and his wife, Diann, make their home across the border in southeastern Michigan. They have two grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. Dave's other published books include Object Lessons for a Year (Baker Books) and Silent Words Loudly Spoken (CSS Publishing). For this blog tour we asked him a few questions:

1. Dave, what made you decide to become a writer as well as a pastor? Why do you write?

Dave: I've wanted to write since I was a teenager. I remember using an old Underwood portable typewriter (old already in the 1960s), to write short devotional/essay pieces, on the picnic table out under a tree on our Iowa farm. I write because I feel I can't keep from writing! I write to change the world more than to entertain.

2. What was your process of creating Kathryn's Fountain?

Dave: The basic storyline was there in my mind one morning when I woke up. At the time I was writing a science fiction novel (which I've just completed) and I interrupted that work to write Kathryn's Fountain.

3. In Kathryn's Fountain you use the symbol of a puzzle piece. What does that represent?

Dave: The puzzle imagery is meant to communicate that each of us is a part of the picture of God's grand scheme. Like a puzzle piece, each of us - at any age or place in life - has a shape and purpose to fit into God's big picture.

4. What is your writing routine? Is there something you typically do while writing a story - like drink coffee or listen to music?

Dave: I try to write Tuesday-Saturday for about 45 minutes each morning from 6:00-6:45am. I usually am sipping coffee at that time of the morning!

5. What would be a good present to give to a writer friend?

Dave: The recent issue of The Writer's Market.

6. Do you know a good joke you could share with us?

Dave: Yes. This farmer was working out in his field when a guy descended in a hot air balloon to get directions, because he was lost. When the balloonist was within shouting distance he leaned over the basket and shouted down to the farmer below. "Hey, mister, where am I?" The farmer looked around, then up, pointed his finger at the guy in the balloon, and said, "You can't fool me. You're up there!"

7. What other writing are you doing these days?

Dave: I'm tweaking my science fiction novel, writing a weekly inspirational newspaper column, a mid-week inspirational e-mail (e-mail me to get put on the list), and I write regularly for my blog.

8. Where on the Internet can we find you?

Dave: At my website/blog: http://www.daveclaassen.com/

9. Anything else you want people to know about you?

Dave: I am a serious amateur photographer and sell images on iStockphoto.com . I also do some ventriloquism for the kids at my church. Oh, yes, I have a backyard chicken coop with a few chickens.

---------------

Kathryn is resigned to living out her last days at Victorian Manor, a beautiful old home for senior citizens. Then one day something strangely wonderful happens to Kathryn at the garden fountain, and she begins living an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Love and sacrifice take on new meaning as she involves a social worker and a police detective in carrying out what she believes to be her calling ~ to rescue a street child named Jasmine. The miracle at the fountain brings adventure that bridges the generations with hope and love.

Kathryn's Fountain celebrates the gifts that the generations can bring to each other. The conclusion is a resounding affirmation that it's never too late to make a difference!

" A poignant story with surprising twists and turns that will keep you reading and touch your heart. You won't view life in quite the same way after reading Kathryn's Fountain." ~ Marlene Bagnull

"A story of miracles and self-sacrifice." ~ Kathi Macias

---------------

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Last Light freebie

I've recently been converted to ebooks.  I've dabbled with them before - especially when travelling - but always preferred the "real" thing. 

Until I recently realized a HUGE advantage - you can read the ebook in the dark!  (and in the park, and on the train, and on a plane, and in a box, and with a fox, and here or there or anywhere...)  This works perfectly in winter morning hours as a sweet, gradual way to get into the day...

(I've got the Amazon Kindle app on my iPod Touch - and it works great for me.)

Anyway, I just wanted to mention that Terri Blackstock's book, Last Light, is currently a Kindle Freebie on Amazon, and I HIGHLY recommend this book.  I just read through it today in the midst of all the other busyness, and it is well worth the read.

It's got a murder mystery for entertainment value, and I can't critique the scientific element of the story at all, but in terms of evaluating the essence of human nature (including my own), I found this to be a life-changing book.

We live in an age of entitlement.  American especially, we are raised with inalienable rights...  We have the right to food and clothes and happiness and equality and medicine and safety and security and transportation and education.  We have the right to high speed internet, good customer service, reasonable pay for our work, and a whole host of things that lead to HUGE culture shock when we travel to other countries and realize other people don't have all these entitlements...  And often, in our arrogance, we think we are worthy of more than others in third world countries, and we somehow rationalize, or ignore, all the discrepancies between what our rights are and what their rights are. 

This book highlights what happens when the apple cart gets upset - where those entitlements are suddenly taken away.  How do people react?  How would WE react?

Christ calls us to deny ourselves, our rights, our entitlements, and take up the cross.  It's easy to say this, and maybe even to act upon it, as long as we reserve the right to "give" - because giving itself presumes the entitlement that something was ours to give in the first place.  The reality is - God is the owner of all, and if He calls upon us to pass something on that was in our grasp momentarily, it's not OUR generosity that's at play.  Even scarier - our own lives, our families' lives, are not really OUR own. 

To grasp that which is eternal - the only thing we are indeed entitled to as heirs with Christ, we need to let go of the self-preservation - of our own lives and our families' lives.

Don't worry - all this pontification isn't in the book.  It's really an entertaining read, if that's what you're looking for.  But I find its value to be so much more than entertainment, and I'm still musing what its impact will be on my life.

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Review/Giveaway: The Perfect Blend

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: The Perfect Blend
Author: Trish Perry
Genre: Christian romance
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: January 10, 2011

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

---------------

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Trish Perry

and the book:

The Perfect Blend

Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Karri James of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Trish Perry is an award-winning writer and editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group.


Visit the author's website.




Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930159
ISBN-13: 978-0736930154

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Steph Vandergrift was jilted in a truly beautiful place.

She focused on her surroundings so she wouldn’t break down and openly sob in front of people passing her on their way to work. Eyes blinking and chin quivering, she desperately sought distraction in the old stone buildings, lush spring greenery, and fragrant wisteria and lavender from the well-tended landscape nearby.

Rick told her she would love Middleburg, one of the most charming little towns in northern Virginia. When he proposed—

She breathed deeply against the urge to wail as if she were at an ancient European funeral.

When Rick proposed, he said she would even love his law firm’s stately, historic building. This was where she sat now, her dark bangs in her eyes. Despite the warm spring air, she huddled outside on the front steps, certain her brain—or surely her heart—would burst if she didn’t stop and collect herself.

A sudden leave of absence. That’s what the receptionist told her. Rick had taken a sudden leave of absence. And Steph knew she was whom he had suddenly left.

She swallowed hard. She stood and dusted off her short flared skirt in an attempt to look nonchalant while she sized up her situation. Where was she going to go? Where? She wiped away a tear, but another one swiftly took its place. She needed to not do this here, in the middle of this quaint old town.

God, what do I do now? Please tell me.

Distraction. She needed another distraction right now.

Across the street a middle-aged woman stepped out the front door of a small building, the white-painted stone of which was gorgeously weathered. She bent to lift a watering can, and her loose blond curls fell forward. She tended to the flower boxes that hung, moss-laden, from green-shuttered front windows. Then she seemed to sense someone watching her. She turned around and smiled at Steph before calling out to her.

“Good morning, dear. Are you all right over there?”

Steph took a few steps away from Rick’s building and tried to look purposeful. She managed to say, “Yes, I—” before her throat seized and then released a torrent of weeping and incoherent babbling.

So much for her stoic resolve.

Within seconds the woman was across the street and at Steph’s side. She smelled like vanilla and strawberries.

“You poor girl. Whatever is the matter?”

Steph tried to speak between heaving sobs. “…were s’posed to elope…left everything…job, family, friends…he’s not here…leave of absence…what…gonna do?” And then full-on wailing obliterated any further at-tempts at communication.

The woman enveloped Steph with her free arm, the other still holding the watering can, and steered her toward the little stone house across the street.

“You just come with me this instant. You mustn’t stand out here all alone like this.”

Yes. That was it. She was all alone. Rick had lured her away from everyone she loved. Everything she knew. She had left them all to marry him. It seemed like such a romantic notion, to elope after her parents had expressed their disapproval of Rick. And then what did the dirtbag do but desert her here?

The enticing smell of fresh-baked bread wafted all around them when they entered the little shop. Despite her anguish Steph sensed a rumble in her stomach. She thought she must be more beast than damsel to actually harbor hope for a pastry or two in the middle of this catastrophe.

“You have a seat right there.” The woman coaxed her into a wicker chair at one of the lace-covered tables in the dining area. “What you need is a nice, soothing cup of chamomile. Just give me a moment.” Before she went too far away, she stepped back to the table and placed a box of tissues within Steph’s reach.

Once Steph was alone again, reality descended. What was she going to do? Granted, she hadn’t walked out on a stellar career. She could get another job selling men’s suits in just about any department store, she supposed. But she didn’t know anyone here in Middleburg. Should she hang her head and drag herself back home to Baltimore? Why had she made such a scene before leaving? She hadn’t quietly sneaked away. No, she had to pull an all-out, in-your-face confrontation with her parents. A dramatic disconnect with her friends and roommates. And all of them had simply been trying to save her from exactly what just happened.

As she had always feared, her judgment was completely whacked. She had forgotten plans for any long-term career once she and Rick became serious. She thought she would spend the rest of her life married to an up-and-coming real estate attorney and raise their two perfect children and faithful dog in this adorable, classy town. Why had she believed that would happen simply because Rick said it would?

“Here we go, dear.”

It finally dawned on Steph that the woman had a faint accent. British? That would fit with this cute little shop, with its delicately flowered wall-paper and elegant china cabinets. The small, framed paintings hanging here and there looked like scenes of the British countryside.

The woman set a serving tray on the table and placed each item in front of Steph. A white porcelain china pot, painted with miniature violets, from which she poured tea into a delicate rose-covered cup and saucer. A plate with a couple of triangular biscuits on it. They smelled like butter and sweetness. And two dainty bowls: one holding strawberry preserves, and the other holding what looked like sour cream.

Steph realized she was able to stop crying as long as she stopped focusing on herself for a moment. She looked up and pressed a tissue against her nose. “Thank you so much. You didn’t have to—”

“No need for that. Go on, now.” The woman gestured at the food and tea and sat down across from Steph. Her gentle blue eyes reminded Steph of her mother during better times. “You’ll feel better if you have a bit to eat and some nice, relaxing tea.”

As soon as Steph lifted one of the biscuits, the woman said, “I’m Millicent Ashford Jewell. Everyone calls me Milly.”

“Steph.” She spoke around an absolutely delicious bite. She rubbed crumbs from her fingers and shook Milly’s hand. “Steph Vandergrift. Thank you for being so kind.”

Milly smiled and put a spoon of the cream on Steph’s plate for her. “Clotted cream. One of God’s great gifts, in my opinion. Marvelous on the scones.”

Clotted cream. Now that sounded downright nasty. But Steph was a self-admitted people pleaser, and she had never been one to ignore God’s great gifts. So she put a little of the cream on her next bite of scone. And then nearly moaned, it was so fantastic.

“But that’s just really thick whipped cream!”

Milly said, “I think you like it, right?”

“I love it.”

Milly stood. “I have a few matters to tend to in the kitchen. Feel free to walk back and get me if you need me. We don’t stand on ceremony around here.”

The shop door opened as Steph swallowed a sip of tea. She followed Milly’s delighted gaze toward the door and took another nibble of scone. Mmm. “Absolutely yummy.”

A crooked smile spread across the face of the young man who walked through the door. He looked directly at Steph and acted as if her comment were all about him. With a lift of his eyebrows and a tilt of the head, he said, “Well, thank you very much.”

Milly laughed and approached him. They hugged each other.

“Welcome back, stranger,” Milly said. “How was vacation?”

Steph didn’t pay much attention to their conversation after that. The man seemed to be in a hurry, which was fine by her. Otherwise she feared Milly might want to introduce them. She’d rather a man that attractive not look at her too closely right now.

Steph watched his warm brown eyes, which never seemed to lose their smile. She noticed he never once messed with his short, tousled blond hair or fussed with anything else about his looks. Yet, when he walked with Milly toward the kitchen, Steph saw how perfectly, yet casually, he was dressed and groomed.

Her heart was broken, thanks to Rick’s wimpy, childish retreat from her life. But Milly’s chamomile tea and warm scones made her feel a little better. And despite her circumstances and the many question marks in her immediate future, she was still able to appreciate a good-looking man. She leaned sideways to watch him at the kitchen door until he disappeared from view. He and Milly were out of earshot, so Steph surprised only herself when she whispered it again.

“Absolutely yummy.”

What I Liked:  I am totally in the mood for a proper tea and a little bit of pampering after reading this book.  Though really, the reading felt like pampering in its own right.  This is one of those pleasant reads that transports you into another dimension where the town is small, people are good and life ends up all right - kind of like a Thomas Kinkade painting.  Oh - there are the rotten apples - after all, the book starts with the main character being dumped by her fiance - but the main characters make the reader feel right at home among friends, and there is a bit of humor in the mix that makes me positive I'll never work as a dog groomer.

A sweet, easy read that celebrates friendships, romance, berry shortcake and cucumber sandwiches...

What I Didn't Like:  Got nothing for you. 

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Review/Giveaway: Judgment Day

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Judgment Day
Author: Wanda L. Dyson
Genre: Christian suspense
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: November 10, 2010

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read. 

---------------

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Judgment DayWaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)



byWanda Dyson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson – "a shining example of what Christian fiction is becoming..." (Christian Fiction Review). She's been called a "natural" and a "master of pacing," but her fans know that whether it's police thrillers, suspense, or bringing a true story to life, Wanda knows how to take her readers on a journey they'll never forget.



Wanda is a multipublished suspense author, currently writing for Random House/Waterbrook. Her one attempt at a nonfiction book was picked for an exclusive release on Oprah. In addition to writing full time, she is also the appointment coordinator for the CCWC, Great Philadelphia Christian Writers, and ACFW conferences.



Wanda lives in Western Maryland on a 125 acre farm with a menagerie of animals and when she's not writing critically acclaimed suspense, or away at conferences, you can find her zipping across the fields on a 4-wheeler with Maya, her German Shepherd, or plodding along at a more leisurely pace on her horse, Nanza.



With the release of her newest hit, Judgment Day, Wanda is heading back to the keyboard to start on her next high-octane thriller, The Vigilante.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.



The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions.



Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find her deceased boyfriend, Dr. Guy Mandeville’s nurse, Cecelia Forbes unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Cecelia is dead, Suzanne has her blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.



Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.



Watch the book trailer:







If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Judgment Day, go HERE.

What I Liked:  A classic whodunnit with lots of interesting characters - and all kinds of twists and turns as the author reveals the background and motivations of the main characters.  It's a feel-good kind of ending - with obvious villains and heroes, as well as a mixed-bag character who experiences transformation and turns out good.

A page-turner with some interesting perspectives on the media and on human organ trafficking - it could motivate parents to take more precautions in terms of teen internet use.

What I Didn't Like:  Nothing in terms of its entertainment value - I found it to be a solid book.
Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Review/Giveaway: The Knights of Arrethtrae

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Books 5 & 6 of The Knights of Arrethtrae series:  Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor, Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest
Author: Chuck Black
Genre: Christian teen fiction

How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: November 10, 2010

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  The publisher provided these books for giveaway. 

---------------

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah

Physical Description: 208 pages; 192 pages; paperback

List Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: 9781601421289; 9781601421296
For More Info: http://perfect-praise.com/

Synopsis:

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor. 

Two friends face the Dark Knight’s deadliest scheme, but only one knight has the courage to overcome.

Sir Quinlan leaves his boyhood friend to serve the Prince, fighting a battle darker and more intense than any he’s ever known. The mysterious Sir Baylor recruits him into the ranks of an elite unit of knights known as the Swords of Valor, but when tragedy strikes and everyone blames Quinlan, the Swords of Valor disband, ending a legacy of heroic deeds.

Alone and despairing, Quinlan wanders the kingdom, fleeing his past. His providential encounter with Taras, a mysterious Silent Warrior and former trainer of Valor Knights, offers Quinlan a chance to redeem himself and learn the ways of the secret warriors.

The training is grueling, and just when Quinlan seems to have left his failures behind, he receives an impossible challenge from the Prince—one that will force him to face his past…and the mighty men who blame him for the tragedy that ruined them.

Can Quinlan reunite the Valor Knights in time to save the people from the Dark Knight’s evil plot to rule the Kingdom of Arrethtrae, or will the Valor Knights lose the most important battle of all?

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest. 

A knight left for dead. A country on the verge of ruin. And an evil lord rising to conquer.

Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death’s door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King.

But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight.

Rowan’s countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan’s purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause.

Rowan’s destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?

About the Author:

Chuck Black, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical communications engineer, is the best-selling, award-winning author of the Kingdom series and the Knights of Arrethtrae series. He has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. He lives with his family in North Dakota.

What I Liked:  Wow, wow, and wow!  This is a series I will definitely be acquiring for my daughter's library, though it will take a few years before she is ready for them.  I do believe a literary classic has been born here.

This isn't my usual genre, so I wasn't expecting to be immediately transported to a Robin Hoodesque era (with a few fantastical elements thrown in) and to become completely immersed in and inspired by the story.  And compared with the Robin Hood legends, the purpose for being and fighting are so much higher and more profound in these stories.  There is a perfect blend of narration, dialogue, and fast action.

Much more so than other Christian fantasy series (such as Narnia), the author uses direct and obvious parallels to the very real spiritual war we are in the middle of.  And unlike some realistic Christian end-time fiction (such as Left Behind), the use of fantasy gives the author room to interpret the spirit of the book of Revelation without getting into debates of prophetic interpretation.

Each book has a specific point as it portrays the grand battle between Lucius and the Prince.  Sir Quinlan's story deals with the danger of apathy, while Sir Rowan's tale highlights the sin of pride.  Discussion questions at the end are a perfect way for parents to engage their teens in meaningful conversations about the topic discussed, or to use in a teen study/book group.

Did I mention there are female knights and warriors included?  Love it!  It was tastefully done - with complete respect for the father and/or husband roles.  (And yes, I kept making a mental comparison to Maid Marion in book #6.)

I found the musical score included in each book fascinating as well.  My piano skills are a little rusty to play the pieces by sight, but a look through them makes me think they will contribute nicely to the tone and mood of the books.

I have only read books 5 & 6 of the series and find them to stand alone well, but am very much looking forward to reading the rest.

What I Didn't Like:  Really, really got nothing for you here.  The violence of the stories make them suitable for a more mature (think PG13) audience, but that violence in part is what allows you to see the awesomeness of the King and His Son.  I highly, highly recommend this book for the teens in your life - and encourage you to read them before gifting them!

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for the review and giveaway copies of these books, and to MamaBuzz for coordinating the tour.

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Julie Lessman

It's a Giveaway Extravaganza! Kindle Giveaway, Facebook Party and Book Bomb - OH MY!

Visit the Roaring 20’s with Julie Lessman in the Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway! Julie’s latest series has just ‘shimmied’ it’s way onto the scene with book 1 in The Winds of Change series, A Hope Undaunted! 

Find out more about the book, Julie here.

Enter The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a KINDLE preloaded with Julie Lessman's latest title. The Prize Pack (valued at over $150.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, with Wi-Fi

* A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form and be sure to tell your friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 7th.

Not only is Julie hosting the fabulous KINDLE giveaway, but also a FACEBOOK  PARTY and a BOOK BOMB!!!

Are you ready for PRIZES GALORE??? Then come to the Facebook Party!

How does a gift certificate and a signed book given away EVERY 10 minutes during an hour-long Facebook party sound? (Yeah, we think it sounds pretty great too!) On October 7th at 5pm PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, & 8:00 EST) Julie is inviting you to attend the A Hope Undaunted Facebook Party! She'll announce the winner of the KINDLE and in addition to the prizes every 10 minutes, she'll also be giving away great prize baskets filled with even more Romance and Technology (Netflix, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Champagne body Lotion, Pearls, & more!)!

BUT WAIT … there’s more (and no, this is not an infomercial … it’s WAY better!).  If you participate in the Book Bomb on October 7th you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. All you need to do to participate is buy a copy of A Hope Undaunted on October 7th and send your receipt (just transaction number from store, store name & date) to mailto:amy@litfusegroup.com?subject=I%20bought%20a%20copy%20of%20A%20Hope%20Undaunted%21! Each book purchased equals one entry, buy 10 books get 10 entries!

All this fun begins with Revell’s blog tour SEPTEMBER 19-25, when 122 blogger/reviewers will post reviews about A Hope Undaunted, followed by the Book Bomb and Facebook Party!

So mark your calendars with these important dates:
September 19-25: A Hope Undaunted will be making an appearance on blogs across the country (and beyond!) in Revell's blog tour!

September 20th: The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway launches (contest runs 9/20 - 10/6)

October 7th: Book Bomb Day (where everyone is encouraged to buy the book online at the same time!) and Facebook Party - meet and chat with Julie, win some great prizes & find out who won the KINDLE!

Want to help us spread the word about all this fun and be entered to win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate?

Share Julie's Giveaway Extravaganza on Facebook, Twitter or your blog and we'll enter your name into our random drawing to win 50 smackers to Amazon.com!

Once you've tweeted, posted on Facebook or added the button to your blog/website - simply email Amy and let her know you helped spread the word. Easy.

Here is a sample post for both Twitter/Facebook:

Tweet This: @JulieLessman is giving away a KINDLE and tons more during her giveaway extravaganza! Details here: http://ow.ly/2Czbn Pls RT

Share on Facebook: Julie Lessman is celebrating her new release, A Hope Undaunted by giving away a KINDLE, having a Book Bomb and a Facebook Party! Prizes Galore - don't miss the fun! http://ow.ly/2Czbn

Or add this button to your blog or website! Simply copy and paste the code in the box into the HTML screen of your blog or website. Then email Amy and let her know you did!

&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;a <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>href</SPAN>="http://www.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>facebook</SPAN>.com/event.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>php</SPAN>?<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>eid</SPAN>=143920688983543&index=1">&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>img</SPAN> alt="A Hope Undaunted <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>Facebook</SPAN> Party" width="125" <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>src</SPAN>="http://www.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>litfusegroup</SPAN>.com/images/stories/party_bomb_<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>facebook</SPAN>_button.3.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>gif</SPAN>" height="125" />&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;/a>&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>br</SPAN> />&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;a <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>href</SPAN>="http://www.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>facebook</SPAN>.com/event.<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>php</SPAN>?<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>eid</SPAN>=143920688983543&index=1">A Hope Undaunted <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>Facebook</SPAN> Party&<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow" class=goog-spellcheck-word>lt</SPAN>;/a>

Hey all!

I am in serious need of guest posters for our Winning Fiction series.  If you are a fiction author or a regular reviewer of family-friendly (aka clean) fiction and would like to do a guest post, please let me know!

By the way, we have no policy against reposting, so you could get a little extra exposure here from a post you've already written...

Thanks much!
---------------

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Mayan Intrigue

Congrats to Linda Weaver Clarke on the release of her book, Mayan Intrigue!  Today, she's guest posting about the difference between writing romance and writing mystery...

Romance vs. Mystery!

by Linda Weaver Clarke

I have written five historical romance novels but have changed to mystery. The writing process between romance and mystery is quite a change with a completely different mind set. It’s so different from telling a love story. With romance, you plan out the plot around the meeting of a couple. As you write, you develop some sort of charisma between the characters, making the reader feel excited that one day they're going to hit it off and fall in love. You, as the reader, know what the outcome will be. But with a mystery, the reader is in the dark. The author has to come up with a plot that no one knows about until towards the end of the story and hope they haven’t figured it out. In a mystery, you may or may not allow your reader to know who the bad guys are, according to whether it’s just a mystery or mystery suspense. Do you know the difference between a mystery and a mystery suspense novel? In a mystery, when a knock is heard at the door, the reader doesn't know who's behind it. With mystery suspense, the reader knows who's behind the door and yells to the heroine, "Don't open the door!"

Anasazi Intrigue is the first book in a mystery adventure series called “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.” It’s about a devastating flood that takes out several homes in a small town, the importance of preserving ancient artifacts, and a few puzzling and mysterious events. Julia is a reporter, and when she finds out about a possible poison spill that kills some fish and neighbor's pets, she has a feeling that something isn’t quite right. Before she realizes what is happening, Julia finds out that this incident is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. With dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants chasing John and Julia, they have their hands full.
Artifact theft is a very intriguing subject. That’s why I call it the Intrigue series. In my research, I found that archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year. Did you know that looting is only second to selling illegal drugs? While researching the second book in this series, Mayan Intrigue, my eyes were opened to the problems they have in southern Mexico. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. The reason why is because the Mayas used astrological alignments when planning their city. Looters have learned the layout of the Mayan cities so they know where to dig. With this knowledge, they can loot a sacred temple in a few days. I also found that artifact theft in Mexico has been taken over by drug dealers from Columbia. In other words, since organized crime has taken over, there is also an increase of violence.
Mayan Intrigue was released on August 30th, and I’m having a week long celebration with a book give-away at my Blog at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/. Mayan Intrigue is about the discovery of a priceless artifact that puts Julia’s life in great danger. While on assignment for the newspaper, John and Julia try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it’s too late. Before John and Julia realize what's going on, they find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan. To read an excerpt from each of my books, you can visit http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/.
 
---------------

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!

Winning Fiction: Review/Giveaway: The Gathering Storm

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: The Gathering Storm (Zion Diaries)
Author: Bodie & Brock Thoene
Genre: Christian historical fiction

How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: August 25, 2010

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

---------------

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Gathering StormSummerside Press (August 1, 2010)

byBodie and Brock Thoene

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.

Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.

Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE

What I Liked:  I'll admit it - I've been avoiding WWII fiction lately because it can be emotionally draining, and I'm just not sure I can handle much of that right now...  It's a matter of timing.  But Bodie & Brock have been on my list of favorite authors for years - so I decided to make an exception, and I'm glad I did!

The author combo provides again a book that captures your emotions while being loaded with fascinating historical detail.  It's one of those rare page-turners that you don't want to put down, but you also don't want to skip or skim or rush through for fear of missing the details.  And it really makes the WWII period come alive with believable characters that you can relate to.

And I love the theme that "We must speak for those who have no voice."  What a reason to live, to push on, even though our own lives may not seem worth it at the time!

What I Didn't Like:  Overall, nothing - I found this a fascinating read!  There was a supernatural twist that I wasn't expecting, however, that reminded me just a tadbit of fantasy literature, and I'm still deciding how I feel about it, or the possible reality of it.  I'm not going to give the plot away, so I won't go into more detail here...

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

---------------

BULLETIN BOARD

Do you have any recent clean fiction book reviews or other clean fiction-related post?  Here's your place to link up!  (Christian fiction especially welcome.)  Check the rules if you've got questions.

And be sure to check out some of the other great reviews linked up here!