Lynette Eason's Blog

 Welcome to the 2013 Fall Scavenger Hunt! This hunt has 25 stops and runs 10/18-10/20. You can make the loop, reading unique content from 25 different authors, and if you complete the loop, and fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #25, you'll be in the running for an iPad Mini, or one of two runner-up prizes---all 25 of our new releases in paperback. In addition, some authors are offering additional prizes, so be sure to read each post thoroughly to be in the running for all that are available. The contest is open internationally.
If you've JUST discovered the hunt, I recommend you begin at the beginning, Stop #1, found at LisaBergren.com. But you can also begin here, and keep on rolling.

Just be aware that you have to have the COMPLETED phrase in order, which you construct gathering the clue at each stop, within 24 hours of email notification from Lisa Bergren that you won. If Lisa doesn't hear back from you with the correct phrase within the time limit, she will move on to the next winner to enter. Ready? Here we go...





















PLEASE WELCOME OLIVIA NEWPORT




Olivia, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.






 Olivia has shared pictures with us that she used for the inspiration in her newest novel.


Glessner Bedroom
Glessner House

 UNIQUE CONTENT from THE INVENTION OF SARAH CUMMINGS
(Some backstory from the heroine Sarah Cummings when she was eleven years old)
 
Eleven-year-old Sarah Cummings set her jaw and rolled her eyes. Margaret Eddington, full of tales again, patted the bun on one side of her head. Sarah smirked. Margaret probably did not even know her hair was drooping out of its clip at the end of the school day.             “I must go.” Sarah shook the dark ringlets her mother had rolled meticulously the evening before, and they shuddered across her shoulders. “My mother is expecting me. We’re having a special dinner tonight to celebrate my father’s promotion at Mr. Field’s store.”            Margaret put her hands on her hips. “I’m not finished telling you about the party.”             Sarah smiled with graciousness that would have pleased her manners-minded mother but pivoted nevertheless. She tightened the strap around her books and scooted across the schoolyard, down the sidewalk, over four blocks, and around the back of the small square two story home to the kitchen door she knew would be unlocked. It was Tuesday. Sarah sniffed for the fragrance of fresh baked bread.            Instead she inhaled the drenching overindulgence of Mrs. Fordyce’s perfume. The gray-haired neighbor sat pale and stiff in a kitchen chair, her ankles crossed and a black hat and bag in the lap of her navy blue dress. Sarah’s fist unfolded, and her books thudded to the linoleum floor.            “Do you have a small carpet bag?” Mrs. Fordyce asked.            Sarah nodded as her throat thickened.            “Let’s go pack it. I’ve made all the arrangements.”            “May I ask what arrangements, ma’am?”            Mrs. Fordyce cleared her throat. “Your parents had an accident this morning. Their driver was going much too fast, I’m afraid, and the carriage overturned on State Street. I’m sorry.”            “Are we going to the hospital?” Sarah’s stomach burned.            “If only that were true.” Mrs. Fordyce stood up. “You’ll just need two dresses, I think. I shouldn’t bother with hair ribbons, if I were you. They’ll only be stolen.”            Sarah put a hand to the green band that kept her hair off her face. “If we’re not going to the hospital, where are we going? Where are my parents?”            “I’m sorry. I thought I was clear. Your parents did not survive the accident. It’s my understanding you have no other relatives.”            “My father was an only child, and my mother’s brother died when they were children.”            “Then I have assessed the situation accurately, I’m afraid. We’ll get your things and go straight to St. Andrew’s.”             Sarah’s stomach clenched in refusal to cry in front of Mrs. Fordyce.            Within thirty minutes they stood outside the mammoth brick building. Mrs. Fordyce did not even go in with her.             
If you've enjoyed this short excerpt, you'll be sure to love the whole book. You can find it here:
<!-- br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;} </style></span></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Sarah... style="color: black; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Amazon</span></a> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-i... and Noble</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-inve... Book Distributors</a></span><br /><br /><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">Olivia's contact information is:</span><br /><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/olivianewport</sp... /><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">TWITTER: @OliviaNewport</span><br /><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">www.olivianewport.com </span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">If you would like to be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card, you have two final steps before moving on to the next stop.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><ol style="border: 0px none; font-family: 'Open Sans',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason... style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-transition: 0.1s ease-in-out;">Like my Facebook Page</span></b></a> and leave a comment on it saying,<i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I found you via the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt"</i> (if you already Like my Page, leave the comment and say <i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I'm participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt"  </i><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.625;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.625;">…</span></span></li><li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.lynetteeason.com/" target="_blank"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sign up for my newsletter</b> </a>which is sent three to four times per year (I promise not to clog your inbox or share your address). Your name on the newsletter signup must match your name on Facebook. If you are already a subscriber to my newsletter, first click on the link and make certain your name is subscribed as well as your email address. Then private message me on Facebook with your email address so that I can verify and get your name entered in the drawing.</span></li></ol><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: 'Open Sans',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">All eligible names will go into a hat for a drawing after the close of the scavenger hunt. Winners will be announced on this blog, on Facebook, and via the email address signed up on the newsletter mailing list.</span></div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: 'Open Sans',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">USA mailings only...sorry to my international friends...</span></div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: 'Open Sans',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest.</span></div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: 'Open Sans',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"> Here is your clue:<span style="font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">encourages you</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Don't forget to head over to the next stop. You can find Olivia's post here:  </span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.olivianewport.com/2013/10/... style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">http://www.olivianewport.com/2013/10/... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">God bless and enjoy the weekend fun!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">Lynette </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>

Children’s Books:

The Blessings Jar: A Story About Being Thankful by Colleen Coble Alexa Grace is having a bad day, but then Grandma arrives with something special for “Grandma’s Little Punky Grace”-an Ebenezer jar that she thinks is very peculiar. Grandma explains that an Ebenezer is a “stone of help” and represents God’s blessings. Alexa Grace wonders if she can fill the jar with some of God’s blessings. She goes on the hunt with her furry Newfoundland puppy and Grandma, and Alexa Grace’s new blessing jar soon overflows with God’s wonders. (Children’s Book from Thomas Nelson)

Romance Releases:

Charisse by Fay Lamb — He wants a family. She wants retribution. Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection. (Contemporary Romance from Write Integrity Press)

A Wedding for Julia by Vannetta Chapman — Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother’s announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother’s imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café? When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God’s plan for her future? Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it? (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House)

Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — A spoiled rich girl spends years lassoing one cowboy after another with no strings attached until she runs into the man who broke her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Cooking Up Love by Cynthia Hickey — Tabitha McClelland knows accepting a job as a Harvey House waitress can be risky. Traveling alone to the rough-and-tumble West just isn’t done by young ladies of good breeding. But far more dangerous is her powerful attraction to Adam Foster. Family means everything to the widowed chef, but the self-sufficient Tabitha cherishes her freedom above all else. Adam is captivated by the fiercely independent Tabitha. Fraternizing with the female employees is strictly forbidden, but the Harvey Girl awakens feelings too compelling to ignore. Can Adam convince Tabby to share his dream of a future in California-together? (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Courted by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams — Sam Castlerock’s return to Bear Creek, Wyoming, may be the answer to Emily Sands’s prayers. Though she’s not the kind of girl to rely on anyone else, the handsome cowboy-turned-banker may be able to get her family a much-needed extension on their loan. But Sam also reminds Emily of her dreams of a husband and family of her own. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired)

Mistaken by Karen Barnett — Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough — Sarah Marshall just wants to go home. It wasn’t her idea to leave Chicago and head west in search of gold, but her uncle’s ambition left her no choice. Neither was her intention to settle in Kansas City with her ailing aunt, but being penniless and without possessions brings little bargaining power. Ethan Harper, the youngest of three brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family’s stage shop along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon-guilt over the tragic death of his oldest brother’s wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is finding another woman to marry his brother and help raise his motherless children. A match so incompatible, it just might work. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House)

Small Town Girl: A Novel by Ann H. Gabhart — Kate Merritt worries love’s passing her by until Jay Tanner shows up to charm her hesitant heart. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Romantic Suspense Releases:

Jungle Fire by
Rosemary Cottage (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble — Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . . The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder. (Romantic Suspense from Thomas Nelson)

Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall Dr. Grace Taylor, a driven pediatrician and single mom, needs divine intervention if she’s going to heal from the actions of her cheating, abusive ex-husband. But she never thought God would work through Chris Anderson, a tutor at the local learning center whose secrets keep him from opening up to her. Both Grace and Chris have been asked to walk through their trial by fire; they’ve come out alive, but they still smell like smoke. (Romantic Suspense from HopeSprings Books)

Historical Biblical Fiction Release:

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar — An arranged marriage. A man whose heart is closed to love. A king whose life hangs in the balance. A nation on the brink of annihilation. Sarah and Darius’s story continues in this long-awaited sequel to Harvest of Rubies. Fighting impossible odds, Sarah and Darius have to overcome the enemy against the king, against Jerusalem, against their marriage, and against their souls. Will they finally learn to love and trust one another? The prophet Nehemiah tries to help the struggling couple while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The only problem is that he comes under constant attack. Will he overcome? (Biblical Fiction from River North [Moody])

Welcome to the 2013 Summer Scavenger Hunt! This hunt has 32 stops and runs 5/17-5/19/2013. You can make the loop, reading unique content from 31 different authors, and if you complete the loop, and fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #32, you'll be in the running for an iPad Mini (loaded with all our books), or one of two runner-up prizes---all 31 of our new releases in paperback. In addition, some authors are offering additional prizes, so be sure to read each post thoroughly to be in the running for all that are available. The contest is open internationally.
If you've JUST discovered the hunt, I recommend you begin at the beginning, Stop #1, found at LisaBergren.com. But you can also begin here, and keep on rolling. Just be aware that you have to have the COMPLETED phrase in order, which you construct gathering the clue at each stop, within 24 hours of email notification from Lisa Bergren that you won. If Lisa doesn't hear back from you with the correct phrase within the time limit, she will move on to the next winner Rafflecopter draws. Ready? Here we go...
CAROL COX
I am pleased to host Carol Cox Author, because she's just a neat person. I've known Carol for a few years now and her books are amazing. Her adventurous spirit and sweet nature immediately draw you to her. Won't you join me in welcoming Carol to my blog?
Haven't heard of Carol before? Here's an official bio:Carol Cox is the author of 30 novels and novellas. A third-generation Arizonan, Carol has a lifelong fascination iwth the Old West and hopes to make it live again in the hearts of her readers. You can find her on teh web at AuthorCarolCox.com, Facebook.com/carol.cox, and @AuthorCarolCox on twitter




I thought it great fun that Carol wanted to share some UNEXPECTED INSPIRATION.
There's something about visiting a book's locale that revs up my creative juices, sparking new ideas and often inspiring new scenes. In researching the backdrop for Cedar Ridge, the setting for Trouble in Store, I made a trip to the Verde Valley area of central Arizona. On a whim, I added a side trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument, located in the northern part of the valley.

Montezuma Castle isn't what most of us picture when we think of a Native American encampment. Instead of lodges or tepees clustered in a village, this centuries-old, high-rise apartment is nestled into the side of a towering limestone cliff. Try to imagine the logistics of something as simple as making a daily trek to gather food or get water! These rooms didn't boast a lot of closet space, so some of the residents' food and other supplies were kept in storage caves, like the one I'm standing in front of in this photo--sort of a "downstairs pantry" concept.

While staring up at the abandoned dwellings, I felt a tingle. Suddenly, I could see a similar cliff dwelling as part of the area surrounding Cedar Ridge. That mental image inspired the background for some pivotal scenes in the book. And that is one of my favorite things about research--you just never know when an unplanned side trip will turn out to be the very thing that breathes life into a scene!









Carol Cox's new release, TROUBLE IN STORE, is a historical romantic suspense set in the Wild West. It is available at bookstores or online at Amazon , Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors and elsewhere.





AND NOW, YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Write down this clue:  novels Have it written down? Great! Now head on over to Carol Cox's website Stop # 18 for the next clue! Thanks for stopping by!

OPTIONAL: BONUS PRIZE!


BONUS: I'm just finishing proofing the Galley's for my December 2013 release, Hide and Seek (the 1st book in the Family Reunion series for Love Inspired Suspense). In celebration, I'm going to give away six copies of this book and ONE $25 Starbuck's gift card to six lucky participants of this scavenger hunt. I will draw six names then will draw one name from those six to receive a book and the gift card. The other five winners will receive a copy of the book. 

All you need to do is: Like my Facebook Page and leave a comment on it saying,"I found you via the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt" (if you already Like my Page, leave the comment and say "I'm participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt" and …Sign up for my newsletter which is sent three to four times per year (I promise not to clog your inbox or share your address). Your name on the newsletter signup must match your name on Facebook. If you are already a subscriber to my newsletter, first click on the link and make certain your name is subscribed as well as your email address. Then private message me on Facebook with your email address so that I can verify and get your name entered in the drawing.All eligible names will go into a hat for a drawing after the close of the scavenger hunt. Winners will be announced on this blog, on Facebook, and via the email address signed up on the newsletter mailing list.USA mailings only...sorry to my international friends...Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest.

Hey everyone, welcome to the next step along the blog tour. 

My guest today is Karen Barnett and she's giving away a copy of her newest release, Mistaken. We'll get to more about that in a moment, but for now, Karen, why don't you tell everyone about yourself? 

I live in Oregon with my husband and kids. Other than reading and writing, I love movies and television—watching everything from period dramas to science fiction. Creative activities energize me, so I dabble in photography, cake decorating, music, and crafts. I play guitar and Irish tin whistle and occasionally lead worship for my church’s women’s ministry and children’s programs.
Your tagline is Cannot Be Shaken. Tell us why you chose this?
[Actually, it’s my blog title, not my tagline.] I was drawn to that phrase when I was reading through Philippians 12. Paul writes of how God’s voice can shake the earth, knocking loose all things that are of no consequence, so only what cannot be shaken remains (paraphrase of Phil 12;26-27). The verses resonated in my heart, reminding me that all the trials we go through in this life point us back to the only thing that really matters—Christ. I deeply desire my writing to reflect that concept.
Tell us a little about Mistaken, your new novel set to release in July? 

In the prohibition era rumrunning business, first impressions aren't always to be trusted...
Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rumrunning gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. 
Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. But when Laurie pushes him away--for none other than Federal Agent Samuel Brown--Daniel wonders if Laurie really is the upstanding woman he thought her to be. 
The Strait of Juan de Fuca, just off the beaches of Port Angeles, Washington, was treacherous water for reckless rum-runners—and the agents who tried to catch them. So when she realizes her brother is in danger, romance is the last thing on Laurie's mind. Yet the people she believes she can trust, may not be so honorable after all.
Can you share with us your favorite line from this novel and tell us why?
There are some lines at the climax of the novel that are the closest to my heart, but I don’t want to give away too much of the ending. One of my all-time favorite sections is the first paragraph. I wanted to give readers the sensation of “a dark and stormy night” without using those words. Plus, the scene features a vintage Model T—a car that stole my heart during the writing of this book.
“Laurie Burke clutched the steering wheel of her father’s Model T as the car lurched down the deserted road toward the beach, the headlights barely denting the dark night. Rain spilled over the edges of the canvas top and soaked her coat, wetting her to the skin. The automobile plowed through a low bog, tires casting up a spray of muddy water.”
Which celebrity would you choose to play the heroine in your novel and why?
It’s funny, but I’ve never been able to identify a celebrity I felt perfectly matched Laurie in Mistaken. I used photographs of Keira Knightly, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, and Evan Rachel Wood to help me describe aspects of her look, but I can’t picture any of these actresses actually playing the part of Laurie. I know whom I would want to play the hero. Patrick Dempsey. No question about it—his wavy hair and smirk? He’s definitely Daniel.



Okay, now a couple of fun questions before you have to go! If you could be a character in any book you’ve written, who would you choose and why?
I’ve written several novels, though Mistakenwill be the first to be published. I would probably choose to be Laurie. Even though she’s had a difficult life, it’s shaped her into someone who is fiercely loyal and self-sacrificing. I respect her dedication to her family and those she loves, even though in this story it’s almost her undoing.
Do you have a favorite writing spot?I have a desk, but I rarely write there. I sometimes work from coffee shops or the public library because, oddly enough—I concentrate better in public. I’m less apt to be distracted by chores, television, and Facebook. Two years ago, we adopted a sweet dachshund that gives me sad-puppy eyes when I’m away for long hours, so since then I’ve been writing from home more often.  I usually curl up on the sofa or sprawl across my bed with the dog glued to my side.
Fill in the blank: A perfect day for me would be __________________
“…spent hiking along a mountain ridge.” I absolutely love travelling and getting out into nature. I even worked as a park ranger for a few years, at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. My perfect day would be spent somewhere breathtaking, either in the mountains or out on the water, soaking in the majesty of God’s creation. I’d probably have a book tucked in my backpack, so when I found the perfect spot, I could spend the afternoon reading.
Do you have a question you would like to ask readers? I’m fascinated by different time periods and had a blast writing about 1920s rumrunners for Mistaken. I’d love to know, if your readers could spend a day in another era, which one would they choose?
How can readers get in touch with you?
Blog: http://www.karenbarnettbooks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenBarnettAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/KarenMBarnettPinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenbarnett/

Thank you so much for stopping by, Karen! It was so cool getting to know you.
Thank you, Lynette! It was fun! I hope we get to meet in person someday. 

Same here, Karen! Thanks bunches!

****************************FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY*****************************
If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Karen's new book, Mistaken, just answer the question she asked, "If you could spend a day in another era, which one would they choose?"
I'm curious about this, too! Can't wait to hear your answers. Winner will be drawn May 16th at noon and announced shortly thereafter here on the blog and on my facebook page. www.facebook.com/lynette.eason
http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/2013/05/an-interview-with-ace-collins-suspense.html

Thanks for stopping by!

Best Selling Inspirational Romantic Suspense Author
Lynette EasonInfinite Suspense NewsletterJanuary/February 2013In This Issue Lynette's News Where you can find me Inspirational Romantic Suspense Author
Lynette Eason Inspirational Suspense Author Lynette EasonWelcome to my newsletter. I hope all is well with you. I have lots to share so jump in to the information on the right!Quick Links...Lynette's WebsiteInfinite Suspense Blog  Purchase books from Steeple HillEmail Lynette
Dear Readers,

Hello all! For some of you, this is the first time for you to receive this newsletter. If your name has been added and you don't wish to receive it, just unsubscribe and you'll never hear from me again! :)

Dear Wonderful Readers:

Hi everyone, Lynette Eason here. Yesterday I was working on my newsletter. Yes, this one. And lost the first draft after it was almost completely done. What??? Needless to say I was a little frustrated. However, once I calmed down, I decided to try to find the spiritual application there. I'll let you know if I find it. LOL. 
But seriously, sometimes things just go wrong. Sometimes life just throws us frustrations. I think God allows these things to happen to teach us how to respond to certain things. Now I realize losing a newsletter that I'd put several hours of work into doesn't compare to some things, but what if I respond with, "Okay, I'm not happy about this, but maybe there's some way to make this better?" I mean, it sure beats moaning and groaning about  the loss and pouting that I have to do the work over again, right? Maybe.
My fourteen year old daughter also recently learned a little about this when she fell off her horse a week and a half ago. She jumps horses on a regular basis and after nine years of riding has only fallen once before. This time her fall was a doozy. She sprained her back and couldn't hardly move for days. Pain medication gave her only partial relief. In the midst of her pain, she asked me, "Why did God let this happen?"
Of course I have no idea why He let it happen, but I asked her if she could learn something from it.
With no little sarcasm, she responded, "You mean other than the fact that I should have held on tighter?"
"Um...yes. Other than that."
She said something to the effect of, "Maybe it's so I'll slow down and make sure I'm keeping my focus on God."
Maybe.
In all of this, though, James 1:2 comes to mind: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." 
This is a hard one for me. I don't like trials. I don't like struggles. I especially don't like to see my child suffer. But when I--or my daughter-- come out stronger on the other side with the evidence that God is working in my life--and hers--, well, I have to admit, I like that part.
I pray that if you are facing trials or frustration, struggles and hard times, that God will touch your heart, that he will wrap his arms around you to give you comfort and bless the socks off of you right there in the midst of your trouble.


On the publishing front:
WHEN A SECRET KILLSreleases May 1, 2013! May I just say I'm super excited about this book?? I hope you are too!                       
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.


NEW FROM LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE I don't have a cover yet, but HIDE AND SEEK, the first book in the Family Reunions series will release in August 2013 and the second one will release in December 2013.    ******************************************************* 
Just a brief reminder that if you haven't read the SHORT E-BOOK sequel to the Women of Justice Series, you can still download it.Order Gone in A Flash from Amazonor Order Gone in A Flash from Barnes and NobleorOrder Gone In A Flash from Christian Book Distributors
I do want to say that if your local Christian bookstore has a way for you to download e-books from them, PLEASE support them and get the book from them.  Gone In A FlashReleased June 2012 
                        

Connor and Samantha Wolfe are finally taking their family on a much-deserved vacation aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Unfortunately, crime doesn't take a vacation.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY:

I would consider it an honor to come speak to your women's ministry, conference, workshop or writers group. If you are interested, you may contact me directly at lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com.

Don't forget to come see me on Facebook. I'd love to chat with you! 
Happy SPRING!

Until next time...

Because of Christ,
LynetteWhere you can find me

Upcoming Events for 2013. 
Hope I get to see some of you!

- April 19-20 - Carolina Christian Writers Conference - First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC - Carolina Christian Writers Conference - Spartanburg, SC- May 4, 2013 - Women of Honor - CalvaryBaptist Church, Greenville, SCRegister here for the Women of Honor Event
- May 18, 2013 - Women of Honor - Buffat Heights Baptist Church, Knoxville, TNRegister here for the Women of Honor Event 
- May 19-23, 2013 - The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference - Ridgecrest, NC
For more information, visit http://www.brmcwc.com/

-July 15th - Inman Library - Inman, SC- July 22-27, 2013 - I'm going to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip. We are going to build schools, work with the orphans and share Christ. I would love for you to be a part of that. If you would like to give a gift of $25 or more, I will send you the book of your choice. Yes, even the new book, When A Secret Kills. :) Just click the link and make sure you note that it's for the DR for Lynette Eason and I will send you your book! Donation for the Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

-September 5-8 - Writers Police Academy - Jamestown, NC
For more information, visitwww.writerspoliceacademy.com

-September 19-23 - ACFW Conference - Indianapolis, IN
For more information, visit www.acfw.com

-October (dates TBD) - The Novelist Retreat - Ridgecrest, NCI hope I'll be seeing some of you at some of these places!
**********************************************Promoting some friends' books!I love to tell you about great books so here are SIX that are fabulous!
Georgia Sweetheartsby Missy Tippens
Missy shares a little about how her heroine came to be such a "not so great knitter"
"When our church started a knitting group, I thought I'd join since I'd come up with a story idea involving a woman who inherited a yarn shop. When I got to the class and realized, with frustration, that re-learning to knit was difficult for me, I decided to stick my character with the same struggles. It made it fun to write as I was living the experience along with my heroine!"

Back Cover Copy:

A Pattern For LoveAfter inheriting her great-aunt's failing yarn shop, Lilly Barnes is determined to make it a success. All she wants is stability, something she doesn't think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline. At first Lilly wants nothing to do with Daniel's big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they're on. That is, until practical Lilly shows him that love is a risk worth taking.
*************************************************************************
 The Survivor by DiAnn Mills


Back Cover Copy:Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

**************************************************************
Stress Testby Richard Mabry


 
Back Cover Copy:
THEY MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT HIM, BUT THEY HAVE ENOUGH TO RUIN HIS LIFE.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life as a surgeon in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left the hospital at 2 a.m. have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is fleeing with his life. He does escape, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.
Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors after her last relationship. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.
Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a killer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured
"This is a terrific read, by a surgeon who clearly knows his stuff as a doctor and his craft as a writer." -MICHAEL PALMER, New York Times best-selling author of Oath of Office

***********************************************************Scorned Justiceby Margaret Daley
 
Back Cover Copy:
Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody's help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?************************************************************HISTORICALS!All in Good Timeby Maureen Lang  Back Cover Copy:Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver's roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.

Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he's the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he's built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.

Though he's certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa's passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission-but he also threatens to bring Henry's darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God's, between safety and love.**************************************************************City of Angelsby James Scott Bell and Tracie Peterson  Back Cover Copy:The courtrooms of 1903 Los Angeles are a man's world--until Kit Shannon arrives
With shoulders squared and dreams set high, Kit Shannon arrives in Los Angeles feeling a special calling to the law. Yet under the care of her socialite aunt, Kit quickly comes to realize that few understand her burning desire to seek justice and practice a profession known only to men. When her aunt adamantly refuses to support her unconventional career aspirations, Kit questions whether she is truly following God's will. And when her growing love for a man pledged to another threatens scandal, Kit knows her days might be numbered in Los Angeles.
A chance meeting with Earl Rogers, the city's most prominent criminal lawyer, garners Kit an apprentice position. And work on a notorious murder case. Someone has been killing prostitutes in Los Angeles, but Kit is certain it is not Rogers' client. Determined to find the truth, Kit runs full on into forces that want to stop her, forces that stretch all the way to the citadels of power in the City of Angels.
Thank you so much for your interest in what's going on with me and my writing! I hope you have a wonderful Spring!
Don't forget to turn you clocks ahead one hour next week!

God is good all the time! Sincerely,
Lynette Eason
Author Newsletter

Are you ready to be introduced to some new authors through a Blog Hop? Never heard of a Blog Hop? It was new to me, too. Here’s how it works: I’m going to answer ten questions, then at the bottom, I’ll be adding links to several authors I’d like you to meet. Now, here are my Q&A:What is the working title of your book?Right now, I’m working on a couple of books. The first one is the second in the FAMILY REUNIONS series. The title hasn’t been settled on yet. This book is for the Love Inspired Suspense line. The other book I’m working on also doesn’t have a title yet. The working title is No One You Know. This book is for Revell and is due on Jan 2! Not sure when it will release, but am hoping for fall of 2013. This book kicks off a new series that I’m really excited about. I’ve had a great time researching the WITSEC program.Where did the idea come from for the book?My editor. She emailed me one day and said, “I have an idea for a book. You want it?” I said, “Sure.” So she emailed me the blurb and I took it from there.What genre does your book fall under?My books are Inspirational Romantic Suspense.Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?Maybe Eric Culver who plays Deeks on NCIS los Angeles. The female might be someone like Grace Park who plays Kona on Hawaii 5-0. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?Summer Abernathy wakes one morning to find a gun pointed in her face, her husband missing and a short timeline to make things right before she’s killed.Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?My books are published through traditional publishing houses, Harlequin and Revell. I think I might like to self-publish something one day, just to see if the money is any better, but it’s a lot of work to do it right. Not ready to go that route just yet.How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?I’m usually writing two books at the same time. Writing the Harlequin books don’t take as long – generally two to three months. I give myself 4 months to write them, though. The Revell books usually take the entire 7-9 months to write because of all the research that I have to do.What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?Library Journal compared one of my books to Suzanne Brockman and Sandra Brown. I laughed, but was flattered. Just to make it clear, my books are very chaste as far as sexual content as I write for the Christian market, however, there is quite a bit of violence that would probably make the books more along the lines of a PG-13 rating.Who or What inspired you to write this book?Money. LOL. No, seriously, while the advance is motivating, I love what I do. Writing suspense/mystery is like figuring out a puzzle. I love it when all the pieces come together to form the big picture.What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?If you love mystery, forensics, a bit of law and order, suspense and a touch of romance, then you’ll enjoy my books.Next up on December 12th: Jessica Keller: www.jesskeller.wordpress.comLinda Ford: http://lindaford.org/blog/

Sandra Orchard hails from Niagara Canada, but we first got to know each other in my home state, when we roomed together at the 2010 Writer’s Police Academy. 

We’re the smiling ones on either end of the pic, and in true cop form, we’ve smudged out the rest of the faces to protect their identities.
 She likes to tell people that she’s been following in my footsteps ever since. She has three books out with Love Inspired Suspense and will debut with Revell Publishing in June 2013. And this month, we share the LIS shelf space.
Critical Condition is the third book in Sandra’s series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line. Deep Cover, the first book in the series won the 2012 Canadian Christian Writing Award and earned Sandra a spot on Family Fiction magazines top ten books of year in their Reader’s Choice Awards.

EVERYONE’S AT RISK
There's a murderer in the hospital, and nurse Tara Peterson is determined to prove it. With mysterious deaths in the cancer ward, anyone could be next. But no one wants to believe her…except undercover agent Zach Davis. The murderer wants Tara's suspicions silenced, permanently. To protect Tara, Zach lets her in on his secret, and unwittingly into his heart. Tara and her three-year-old daughter are like the family he lost years before. Zach will risk everything to keep them safe, no matter the cost.
What reviewers are saying about Critical Condition: “4 ½ Stars. "Well-developed characters and fast-paced action will keep readers fully engaged in this wonderful tribute to spouses struggling with a loved one’s illness.” ~ Romantic Times
“5 stars. I can say that I am loving this series and hope it doesn't end with this book.” ~ Goodreads reader

Connect with Sandra Online:

Visit her website ~ www.SandraOrchard.com
Visit her personal blog ~ http://www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com
Like her Facebook Page ~ www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard
Join her at Goodreads ~ bit.ly/Goodreads_SandraO

Tease from Critical Condition:
“What I’m about to tell you is for your ears alone. Understand?”A flicker of confusion crossed her face, but she nodded.  Zach glanced around to make sure no one was listening in. “My name is Zach Davis.” Her gaze dropped to his hospital badge—Zach Reynolds—and she scooted closer to her daughter. “I’m a cop, working undercover to investigate the deaths you reported.” “You are?” she said excitedly. “Why didn’t Detective Gray tell me?” “The fewer people who know, the less likely my cover will be compromised. You are the only one at the hospital who knows why I’m really here.” “I won’t tell anyone…I promise. In fact, I can help you.” “I’d appreciate that.” Tara’s inside knowledge could prove invaluable to closing this case quickly. “Cop,” Tara’s daughter Suzie parroted. With the purple crayon clutched in her chubby fist, she drew a circle on her paper, jabbed dots in the middle, and scratched two lines from the bottom. “Dak, cop,” she repeated gleefully.   Zach’s heart sank. This assignment had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.

Ginny, welcome to Infinite Suspense. So glad you could visit today. Like many of your fans, I love your books. Love the humor, love the fun, love the suspense in them! LOL. But anyway, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself? I am an alien—as my kids gleefully will tell anyone—a legal alien, since I was five and my parents fled Castro’s Cuba. I grew up in Venezuela, where I continued the ballet training I began at the age of three in Havana. As a total bookworm…well, while I wasn’t on pointe, practicing hours on end, I devoured books, and then wrote my first one at fifteen. Burned it when I got ‘smart’ at sixteen! I went to boarding school in Switzerland after high school, and received two university-level degrees while there. Came back to the US, went to college, married my college sweetheart, and had four wonderful sons. When I was pregnant with number three, however, I started writing again. Geoffrey being the…ahem...challenging child he was, I put the stories away while I was Mommy and freelance newspaper reporter, covering local government and the school board. But the writing bug wouldn’t let go, and when son number four turned eighteen months, I sold my first novel. I haven’t recovered from that bug yet, even after surviving four sons, various moves for my husband’s work, and twenty years in the publishing world. We currently live in Northwestern Indiana, and have an empty nest.

Tell us a little about your new release. Is it the first in a series or a stand alone? For Such a Time as This is the launch title of my new Women of Hope series for FaithWords. This series is a group of ‘books of the heart’, and one of my favorite writing projects so far. Each plot is lifted from Scripture, with each heroine facing the same kind of challenges faced by the women back then, the only difference being the external details and the setting of the tales. For Such a Time as This is the story of Queen Esther, tweaked a bit to fit into the American West in the 1800s.

How did you get the inspiration for this book? A reviewer of one of my earlier historicals made a perceptive comment years ago. She wrote that my book reflected the reality that Scripture remains relevant through all time since the problems people face are, when stripped down to the basics, the same—people are always the same. I began to ‘what if’ and The Women of Hope Series was born.

What kind of research did you do for this book?This one was a little more difficult, since I wanted to reflect issues related to a Scriptural character. Not only did I have to do the usual mountain of historical research (which I love! Can’t wait to dive into all those obscure details every time I begin a new historical project) but this time, I also had to read a lot of commentaries on the original Bible story. Trust me, there’s been a TON written about Queen Esther, and so I absorbed all that material, let it marinate, as my agent calls it, and then put together a story that reflects many of the circumstances the Queen faced, and puts forth the themes in her tale.

What do you hope your readers will get out of the story? I love Scripture, and turn to it all the time, especially when I face tough times in my life. I know the Lord will reveal Himself to me there, and the answers to my questions are already there. I hope my readers see how eternal the truths we see in the Bible really are. How we can trust it for our lives by seeing the examples presented there, the good examples as well as the bad.

Anything else about writing, yourself, or your books you’d like to add? Where can people find you?I love to interact with my readers, especially on facebook! I’m also available by email at ginnyaiken@gmail.com, and I have a new website which will be launching in a few days. As soon as everything is finalized (should have been a couple of weeks ago, but due to a case of stolen identity and checking account fraud, everything related to our business accounts as well as personal ones have had to be put on hold, awaiting the end of the investigation) I will be making the big announcement on my facebook page. Hope to see y’all there! And you can let me know how you liked For Such a Time as This ;-)

All right everyone, here you have it. I read this book in one sitting! It’s fabulous. You will be transported straight into the past and into the lives of characters you’ll want to keep reading about. I’ll be giving away a copy to one lucky reader. Leave a comment or ask Ginny a question and you’ll be entered to win. Thanks so much for stopping by!

ACFW New Releases: September 2012 Posted on August 31, 2012 by ACFW
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Love Reunited by Renee Andrews — A soldier returns home to find the love of his life is single again, but he also learns that she’s blind…and that his confession of love may have cost her a marriage and her sight. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Avenir Eclectia, Volume 1 by Grace Bridges, Pauline Creeden, Kat Heckenbach, Keven Newsome, H.A. Titus, Fred Warren and more — A human colony in the constellation of the Whale struggles to survive on an aging orbital station peopled with bureaucrats, wizards, beggars and cyborgs, and a violently unstable planet overrun with giant bugs and telepathic sea creatures. (Speculative Fiction from Splashdown Books).

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot — Can an itinerant carpenter searching for his father and a young widow who seeks only her daughter’s well-being find happiness in a small Wyoming mining town in the fall of 1882? (Historical Romance from Revell).

To Write a Wrong by Robin Caroll — In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence. At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. (Romantic Suspense from B & H Publishing).

Material Witness (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery) by Vanetta Chapman — Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure. This time it’s nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance. (Cozy Mystery from Zondervan).

A Mom’s New Start by Margaret Daley — Single mom, Maggie Sommerfield, is having trouble with her son and turns to Cody Weston, a counselor, but although he brings comfort and support to her, he has a few secrets of his own. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

A Cascade Christmas by Mary Davis, Mildred Colvin, Debby Lee, and Gina Welborn — While Artisan Sela Fox runs her gift shop, she creates rare and beautiful guitars from redwood burl just as her husband had until his death. When land developer Evan Black shows up on her doorstep, using his humor and good looks to try and persuade her to sell the small slice of heaven she owns, she refuses to give up the only reminder she has left of her husband. But Evan is even more stubborn than the lovely Sela, and he has plans of his own. When he shares his talent for classical guitar using one of Sela’s creations, he’d not intended to woo her, but she responds to his serenade. (Romance Novella from Barbour).

Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert — The football coach went too far with her daughter . . . now this mother will risk everything she holds dear to bring him to justice. (General Contemporary from Abingdon Press).

The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris — Josh Harrison, a contemporary Christian singer, and his wife Bethany face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Ben Abrams urges her to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and decide to carry the baby to full term. During the next few months, Josh struggles with his faith, Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever. (General Contemporary from Abingdon Press).

Seeking Unseen by Kat Heckenbach — It may be Angel’s wish…but it’s Melinda’s journey. Angel’s foster brother Zack needs help, but on the way she runs into her old friend Melinda, who demands to go along for the return to Toch Island. Melinda is more of an outsider than ever. A secret world surrounds her where even the bugs have magic. So when ex-con Doran Ashe offers her powers of her own, Melinda follows him despite – or maybe because of – everyone’s warnings. (Speculative Contemporary Fantasy from Splashdown Books).

Healing Love by Laura V. Hilton — What happens when an Amish midwife falls in love with an Englisch vet? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House).

Survive the Night by Vicki Hinze — Veteran and now Private Investigator Della Jackson is mourning the loss of her child and subsequent breakup of her marriage and now a stalker is determined to kill her, but she teams up with Paul Mason, the head of Florida Vet Net, to reclaim her life and discovers redemption and forgiveness and finally love. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig — With his military war dog, a former Green Beret embarks on the greatest mission of his life-but will it also be his last? (Romantic Suspense from Barbour).

Cedar Creek Seasons by Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti — Romantic in every season of the calendar, charming, touristy Cedarburg, Wisconsin, with its last standing original Wisconsin covered bridge, works its magic on everyone. . .From a driven young twenty-something to a recently retired woman, each finds love when she least expects it. (Romance Novella from Barbour).

Sandwich, with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips — She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle. (General Contemporary from Abingdon Press).

Stealing Hearts by Amber Stockton — Grace Baxton struggles to forgive a thief who took precious family heirlooms, yet threatens to steal her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour).

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin — World War II flight nurse Lt. Mellie Blake begins an anonymous correspondence with Army engineer Lt. Tom MacGilliver – when they’re both transferred to North Africa, will their future be held hostage by the past, or will they reveal their identities? (Historical Romance from Revell).

The Reunion by Dan Walsh — The Reunion is an emotionally charged story about a forgotten war hero who discovers that the love he lost can be restored. (General Contemporary from Revell).

The Shadow on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson — Juliana Sutton’s life looks perfect-from the outside. Until her husband’s untimely death reveals a devastating truth. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour).

Throughout my thirty years of driving experience, I’ve come to know that blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror are usually never a good sign. But I saw them. Recently. On Saturday, July 14th, I was on my way to Concord, NC for a booksigning going through the small town speed trap known as Cowpens, SC. Now you have to understand how my month had gone up to this point. On July 3rd, after 2 and a half years of “sell this house in your time, Lord” we got a contract on our house—with a closing date of Aug 2nd. While still in a stupor over the fact that our house had sold, I was now saying, “Lord, I gotta buy a house before Aug 2nd. But which one?”
Fortunately, we had also been looking at houses for the past two and a half years, so we knew where we wanted to move. We’d also been pre-approved and all that jazz. On July 6th, we put an offer in on a house. And guess what the listing said, “$3,000 appliance bonus if buyer can take possession by July 31st.” The house was perfect. You know why? Because it was empty. No waiting on the people to move out so we could move in before Aug 2. And yes, I really like the house.
So after we put in our offer, the craziness really kicked in. Packing, inspections, financing, underwriters, more inspections, appraisals, the house has termites, oh no, the people who are buying your house may not actually be able to afford it. Oh, wait, yes they can…crazy, right? I mean I have been running around, rushing here, rushing there, buying furniture, filling out paperwork to enroll kids in school. You can probably imagine.
And now I have this booksigning.            July 14th arrives, I hop in the car and head off to Concord for the booksigning. I’m in a hurry. I’m always in a hurry these days. Hence, the blue lights in the rearview mirror. I pull over. He pulls over and approaches the vehicle. “Where are you going ma’am?”             “To a booksigning in Concord.  I was speeding wasn’t I?” Officer Burnett nods “55 in a 35.” I duck my head in shame. “I’m so sorry.” “Ma’am, that’s 4 points and $433.” I shrink into my seat. “Oh please have mercy.” “Well, since you seem to be such a nice person, I’ll knock it to 2 points and $100.” “Oh THANK YOU!” He hands me the ticket. I say, “You realize I’m going to blog about this.”“So, you’re a writer?” “Um…yeah. Hey, you want a book?”“What do write?”I grin. “About law enforcement.”I wish you could have seen the look on his face. I give him the book and we wave our goodbyes.
But before I pulled out of that gas station parking lot, I thought about something.I’m racing through life too fast. Sometimes when you’re in the biggest hurry is when you need to slow down. I completely missed that 30MPH speed limit sign. What if a child had been playing along that street or someone decided to cross the road? Disaster could have happened. Thankfully that didn’t happen. Thankfully, I had a little wake up call. But when we’re hurry through life so fast, we often don’t see the signs God has for us along our journey in life. And we miss the stops he has planned for us. Sometimes God just has to slow us down for our own good and maybe to even keep us safe—and those around us safe. Sometimes he slows us down through illness or an unexpected financial issue or just whatever is going to get our attention off of ourselves and back on him. Sometimes, he has to slow us down long enough to show us what HIS plan is and let us know it might take a little longer to get to the final destination than WE planned on.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you.” I want to encourage you today that if you’re hurrying through life and are missing the stops God has along the way for you, that you’ll slow it down and pay attention and let God keep your speed at just the right limit.