Book Giveaway and Guest Jodie Bailey

There has been so much going on here - forest fires, my daughter and all her beautiful children moving away, my sister is visiting, and there is that thing ... oh yeah, the release of my book To Dance With Dolphins. But it is Wednesday and that means I have a new book giveaway and a guest. I'm thrilled to have Jodie Bailey here today. Welcome Jodie.

Jodie Bailey writes novels about freedom and the heroes who fight for it. Her novels include 2014 RT Reviewers Choice Award winner Crossfire, from Love Inspired Suspense and the 2015 Selah in Contemporary Romance for Quilted by Christmas, from Abingdon Press. She is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

http://jodiebailey.com/
https://www.facebook.com/writerjodiebailey


Jodie agreed to give us a behind the scenes look at her life as a writer and answer a few questions about writing.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am very, very proud to be a North Carolina girl. I am also very, very glad to have married a soldier whose career forced me to leave NC for a while. It was good to see new places and experience new things, but it sure did make me glad to come home again. I love the beach in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, I love Mountain Dew, chips, and salsa. I love quiet time with coffee and Jesus first thing in the morning, and I hate Brussels sprouts. In my family, the Brussels sprouts thing is the stuff of legend.

• Why did you start writing?

I don’t remember starting. I’ve written and told stories my whole life because I have loved it my whole life. I was in college before I realized not everyone enjoyed making up whole stories.

• How did you start writing?

When I was in my early thirties, I was sitting in Beth Moore’s Daniel Bible study thinking how lucky she was to have a job where she got to write and talk about God. Mind you, I’d been writing my whole life, sharing with friends or shoving notebooks into drawers. We’re talking lots and lots of notebooks. In that moment, it was like God whacked me with my Bible and said, “Duh.” (Really, I think He did.) “I did not give you this gift to shove in a drawer. Get serious.”

Hear that writers? A story in a drawer will never be read.

• How did you select your genre?

I love contemporary romance, so that’s what I wrote. And I still love writing it. It’s so… freeing and fun. But one day, my agent said, “As an Army wife, have you ever considered military suspense?” I laughed and told her no. But then I got an idea that wouldn’t go away. It just kept growing. And then I enlisted my husband’s help and we had so much fun plotting together. I discovered it was very interesting to write in a genre where nearly anything can happen, and the ideas have—thankfully—never stopped.

• What is your writing day like?

I get up and pack the family off to work and school, have my God time, get in some exercise, spend about half an hour chatting on social media, then sit down to work. Oh, with coffee, of course. I take a half-hour lunch break and watch some TV just to get out of my own head, then head right back to work. Well, in a perfect world. There’s a lot of Facebook drive-bys in that time…

• How do you organize your writing (outlines/note cards/post-its)?

I’m a very loose plotter. I come up with ten things that MUST HAPPEN and I write to those ten points. They are on one sheet of paper right by my side at all times. Other than that, there are post-its EVERYWHERE. Stuck to the desk, the monitor, the bulletin board… All of those reminders are there. I also made myself a white board where I keep Very Important Details that I don’t want to forget, so I can see them at a glance.

Good idea - visuals are so helpful.

• What's the most surprising thing a character has “told you?”

Hm. That’s a tough one. It would have to be when one of my characters showed up in the middle of the night (in story world, not at my actual house because, you know, that would be scary) to say another character had died. I never saw that coming. I actually cried. In Panera. On a personal level, in Freefall, when Josh busted out with the fact he saw Andrea’s brother on the night he died, I never knew he was carrying that secret all of this time. Knocked me over.

As a writer, I love it when characters surprise me. It's one of the extra fun things about writing.

• Do you have a list of characters that you're saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters?

Not really. I’m a character first writer, so if a character shows up, they have a story already. I do have one who has been talking to me for a long time, sort of unveiling her story at intervals. I know where she lives and works, who she’s falling in love with, what she wants to do with her life… but she has a secret she’s not telling me. Four years she’s been talking and she won’t tell me. And until she does, I can’t start her story. Stubborn thing, she is.

Love this. When she tells you, let me know. I will read that book.

• What does your work space/office look like?

I love my office! It was my grandmother’s sewing room, and my desk sits where her sewing table sat.  I have a big, glass L-shaped desk so I can sit and look out my big window at the yard and the woods. There are two closets, a big comfy green chair, and my filing cabinet. The closet is full of bookcases, of course. The walls are dark purple on the bottom and lavender on top, with white trim and chair rail. (Purple is the color of romance and royalty. Get it?) I covered one wall with black and whites of my family and of my husband in action before he retired. It’s a great picture. And I framed my book covers on another wall. The light is amazing in there. It’s my favorite room.

• What is your go-to snack when writing?

I try not to eat when I’m writing. But if I do, it has to crunch. I used to chow down on M&Ms and Doritos… mixed together. But that was decidedly unhealthy. So I turned to almonds. Now, it’s nothing. I snack out of control if I snack while I write. So I drink coffee. 

• If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. The characterization of Francie as we follow her from child to adult… the other people in her life… the way the story world revolves around her point of view… It’s such a beautiful, poignant story. I love it. It’s my favorite of all time.

• If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?

HA! I can’t crochet. I make knots. Only one? James Scott Bell’s The Art of War for Writers. TONS of info. TONS. Broken down into bite-sized pieces and easily searchable. I’ve read it a dozen times or more. I get to the end and start all over again.

• Is there anything else you'd like to add?

If you’re a reader, thank you. And share your favorite books. I’m always looking to add to my TBR pile! If you’re a writer and you’re just starting, don’t stop. Enjoy this time you have to wander in your story, to learn from the people around you, and to dig into new places. Learn, learn, learn. Read great novels. Read great books on craft. Go to conferences. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid. And finish. The world is full of people who have a good idea, but so many don’t finish. Get that thing done, then start another one!

Excellent advice.

I love the insights - so helpful.

Jodie has a new book out - Smokescreen. And she's giving away one FREE copy.

When her life is on the line, Ashley Colson is rescued by the last person she ever expected to see again. Military officer Ethan Kincaid might have disappointed her once in the past, but now he's the only person who can keep her safe. They're under the gun to decode top secret files that can save the life of a friend who is in enemy hands. But the killers will pull out all the stops to get their hands on the files…and Ashley. With time running out, can they put aside their past and find the answers that could give them a future?



Thank you for joining us, Jodie. And readers if you'd like a chance to win a FREE copy of Jodie's new book all you have to do for a chance is leave a comment. Make sure to include your email address so Jodie can contact the winner.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

CONTEST WINNER!

The results are in. And I want to thank all of you who participated in the To Dance With Dolphins Giveaway. I love this gift package!
But be watching for future giveaways.


The winner is ....

Gail Kittleson

CONGRATULATIONS!!

                                   

Forty-Four Years & Still Together

Forty-four years ago today, I pledged to share my life with Gregory Leon. Celebrating still.

I met my handsome hunk of a man when I was just seventeen. He was nineteen and in the Navy. He looked so good in his uniform.

Truly hunky, right?







I was on my way out to a party, when my brother walked into  our house with a guy who had the most amazing green eyes and broad shoulders. I decided there was no reason to hurry out the door.

Our exchange that night was brief, but I was hooked. I never dated another man. And two years after our first meeting we were married. 

And after that day it was utter bliss and has been ever since - NOT!

This isn't a romance novel. We had a rough beginning, full of anguish and heartbreak. After four years together, we separated for seven months, and my husband filed for divorce. 

But that wasn't the end of our story.

God had other plans for us. As he worked in each of our hearts we realized how much we loved one another and came to understand that we belonged together. We each had a life-changing encounter with The Great I Am and offered our lives to Jesus Christ. And then, we began again, brand new in the Lord.

So, is there a magic formula for staying together? Is there a way to guarantee that you'll enjoy a long and happy marriage? No. I wish there was a formula. And if you find one please make sure to tell the world, which is in desperate need.

This is what I do know:

• When Greg and I became children of the Living God, we were made new and the anchor of our marriage became Christ. He is where we begin and where we end.
• The "D" word, divorce, is not in our vocabulary. We committed to the long haul, no matter what.
• Sacrifice is part of our life. We each give to the other (even when we don't want to)
• Forgiveness - There is nothing that we can't forgive. God forgave us everything.
• We give our partner wings to fly. And cheer each other on. And when one of us doesn't fly well we help pick him/her up and encourage them to fly again.
• There is no score board in our home. We try not to keep score of the faults in one another, but do make note of each other's good qualities ... often. And we tell one another that we know these wonderful things about the other.
• Saying thank you is more than just being polite. We say it often. 

There are a lot of other things I could add, but this short list is what comes to my mind first. Greg and I are imperfect and we're not always nice to each other. But the core of who we are is strong and no matter how ornery we get, we always come back to the core of us which is secured in love.

I am thankful for our life together. There are so many wonderful things I'd like to tell you about my husband, only there isn't room here. I will say this, I am thankful that God brought him into my life. And I am certain we will not be parted by anything other than death.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

A DREAM COME TRUE

I've been waiting for this day, the day I get to tell you all about my book, To Dance With Dolphins. 


I got the idea for the book way back in 2005 and then made a cross country trip to do research for the story in 2006.  If you'd like to see some of my posts and photos from the trip just go to the blogs for late September and early October of that year. It was an amazing adventure. This photo was taken at the Grand Canyon.

You're probably wondering why it took so long to actually write the book. It's pretty simple - when I first presented the idea to my agent she was crazy about it (Thank you Wendy), but publishers just didn't catch the vision. So I went to work on other projects and stayed busy. But the idea never left me ... I knew I had to write this tale one day.

Early last year, I decided that no matter what this was the year. I was going to write the story of my heart, the tale that had been simmering inside and demanding to be told. I shared the idea with my friends at Ashberry Lane Publishing. They caught the power and possibilities of this unique story immediately, and said, "Yes. We want to publish it. Write it!"

And so I did. And I'm thrilled that today is here, the day I've dreamed of. I want to jump and leap, and shout to the world that the story of my heart is done and available for readers.

I hope and pray this talle touches the hearts of thousands, uplifts and encourages those who live with chronic pain or illness and that it will give understanding and insight to the people who stand with those of us who live inside wounded bodies. 

I wrote it for you. 

And I wrote it for me.

Twenty-two-year-old Claire Murray has suffered from a mysterious disease for years. Her social circle has shrunk to a small support group for people with chronic illness and disability. But what if life could be about more than doctors, pain, and medications?

Claire and three others—old grouch Tom, hippy-holdout Willow, and moody Taylor—hatch plans for a cross-country trip to swim with the dolphins in Florida. Only a day into the trip, they unexpectedly need help. And who happens to be hitchhiking along the highway but a young, good-looking loner named Sean Sullivan? However, the last thing he wants is to be harnessed to a bunch of ailing travelers.

Though the journey proves difficult, following God’s plan might be even harder. Will they find the courage to follow their dreams and dare to live again?


My cast of characters taught me so much. I hope you love them as much as I do. Make sure to get a copy of the book and become acquainted with Claire, Sean, Willow, Tom, and Taylor. I think you'll agree that they are very special people.

You can buy the book at your local bookstores or online.

http://amzn.to/1OSje2d
http://bit.ly/1HsfBdG
http://www.bonnieleon.com

And don't forget to enter my TO DANCE WITH DOLPHINS CONTEST. Just go to my home page at http://www.bonnieleonn.com. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Book Giveaway & Guest Blogger, Caryl McAdoo

It's Wednesday's book giveaway - make sure to read to the bottom to see who won from last week.

We have a fabulous guest back with us - Caryl McAdoo. Welcome Caryl.

Caryl McAdoo currently writes three series: the historical Christian ‘Texas Romance’; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; and The Generations, her Biblical fiction offerings. The novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints.

In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God
glory, she hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.

Where to find Caryl and her books:
All Books - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsAmazonPage
One and Done http://www.amazon.com/One-Done-River-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B0119YGNSS
Website - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com (All First Chapters are offered here)
Newsletter - http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/
(Get FREE books for subscribing!)
Reviewer? - http://carylmcadoo.com/christian-evaluaters/ (Join Caryl’s Street Team!)
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author
Blog - http://www.CarylMcAdoo.blogspot.com
GoodReads - http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl
Google+ - http://tinyurl.com/CarylsGooglePlus
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/CarylMcAdoo


Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

This is one of my favorite scriptures, and I committed it to memory many years ago. What a
blessing too have God's divine direction! But like most of His promises this one comes with conditions. When the future doesn't seem certain, and life is falling apart on so many levels, human nature is too try and figure it out.

What’s going wrong, why, and how can it be fixed?

Or perhaps it’s something fervently wanted, desired wholeheartedly. Something prayed for in faith with groanings, and yet it hasn't - or didn't - come to fruition. What do do next? Which way is right? Which direction?

Three actions are required. (1) Trust in God (2) Don’t try to figure it out and (3) Acknowledge Him in everything. If obedient in these areas, He will guide, show which way to go and how to change things for the better. His Word says so, and His Word is True, so that settles it. Pure and simple. No matter what else happens, that never changes.

In the boom and bust ’80s, I founded an asphalt company—I know, a strange sort of business for a lady to start, but I'd been working for asphalt contractors selling repairs and new construction jobs. Bosses kept doing me wrong though, stealing my earned commissions, firing me because I'd brought in too many contracts and booked them to far ahead. So we prayed, and I formed my own company with my husband's blessing.

My third year in business, I grossed a million two. Things couldn’t have been better as I sailed busily through those boom days. Then the bust showed its ugly face, and what could possibly goo wrong, did. Back then, my husband and I prayed every morning at our church from 6 until 7, had for a couple of years, only missing a handful of days.

I truly had no problem trusting in God by that time in my life (mid-thirties). He’d proven Himself over and over, and I had no doubts that He’d see me through—of course, thinking He'd save the company. Leaning to my own understanding was a different story and proved much tougher. I do think I acknowledged Him in all my ways though; since the '70s. I've loved giving Him praise and glory. But I needed to know which way to go, what to do to save the company, and I needed to know fast - I thought.

Though bathed in prayer, God eventually gave me peace in closing the doors. We didn’t go bankrupt, though we did lose some property, equipment, and vehicles to foreclosure and repossession. A humbling experience. And I say we because my husband had quit his job after the rapid growth when it became evident I couldn't handle everything on my own.

Closing the doors meant we were both unemployed with four children from seventeen to four years old.

Then the IRS audited us—of course! The man came to our house every day for a week since we no longer had an office. And I called my poor ex-boookkeeper and accountant several times each day since I'm a salesman and knew little about that aspect. The auditor said he had good news and bad. No shred of fraud, but we owed over forty thousand dollars!

Ha! You cannot get blood out of a muppet! We would’ve still been in business if we had that kind of money! The next months proved to be some of the best in our lives in so much as spiritual growth. God sent cash every day, His faithful provision. He spoke to us more as we drew ever closer in obedience.

Driving a taxi, my Ron read a lot and found a book called Noah. He declared it no good and claimed if that woman could get published, so could he. Instead of reading while waiting for a fare, he went to writing. I got involved. God led us to the DFW Writers' Workshop, and here I am thirty years later with twenty titles published and four more coming this year.

I love writing Christian novels and pray my story gives God glory! He always has a plan, a good plan, one of peace, not evil, and to give me an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 ) Another of my favorite scriptures! Truth be known, I love them all! 

My twentieth title launched this month ONE and DONE, the third contemporary Red River Romance.

ONE AND DONE

ONE AND DONE is an unlikely love story born of prophesy, nurtured in full view of the probing public eye, and seemingly doomed at its inception due to the condition of Samanthas Danielle's soul. The pitcher follows Christ through, but can his faith that she is God's woman for him carry them through to their happily ever after?

In this love story - sure to be enjoyed by  men as well as women - with its Texas Ranger baseball backdrop and strong pitcher/batter hero, Samantha Danielle, cutest weather girl on Dallas TV, only dreams of sports reporting. Then her station sends her to scoop an interview with a pitcher Rangers' management is hot after. George Herman Walter Johnson is undeniably a phenomenon on the mound, playing for a Mexican team. His charm and debonair owls her over, but turns out, he's such a goody two-shoes she can't even get him to first base.

Conflict flies as the wealthy ex-poker player, oldest Ranger rookie ever lays everything on the line in his quest to win her heart. She remains wary of his resistance. Will her bunt snag the man of her dreams ... or his home run drive her home?

Reviews

Faster than a major league outfielder pulling down a popup fly ball, Caryl McAdoo's romance is guaranteed to snag baseball lovers and romance readers alike. This Christian story is written with wit, verve and Caryl McAdoo’s usual flare for dialect and spicy dialogue. Be warned. Those readers searching for a saccharine, man-meets-woman story will soon discover this is no sanitized
romantic fairy tale.

From the beginning, the reader will identify with real people who live clearly in the mind, so much so clearly, that a person can almost smell locker room sweat or the mouthwatering scent of spicy Mexican food. Identification with the hero and heroine is nearly immediate. With so much to rave about, this review cannot begin to cover all the delightful surprises, so the reader simply must buy “One and Done” to see for themselves.

--Cassandra Wessel, a multi-published author of devotionals


Thank you for sharing your story, Caryl. What an encouragement to trust in the Lord.

Caryl is giving away one copy of her new boook. Just leave a comment with your email address and you will be included in the drawing.

And we have a winner from last week.The winner of Where Treasure Hides is Marie. Congratulations! 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Book Giveaway & Guest Blogger Johnnie Alexander

Welcome to Wednesday's book giveaway! And I'm  thrilled to have Johnnie Alexander as my guest blogger. She has a beautiful message to share.

Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). The first of her three contemporary romances, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series), releases from Revell in January 2016.

She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest).

A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area where her morning chores include feeding dogs, cats, chickens, and a small herd of alpacas.

Where to find Johnnie online:

Blog  

Facebook Profile (Friend or Follow!)

Facebook Author Page    

Twitter

GoodReads

Amazon Author Page

RSS Feed

A Gentle Whisper

When my father passed away, we held a memorial service to celebrate his life. A funeral without a casket.

You see, Dad’s last request was that his body be donated to research.

About eighteen months later, the immediate family gathered around a cemetery plot to bury his ashes.

Mom had asked me, as the oldest, to say a few words.

In the weeks leading up to our private service, I agonized over what to say about the dearly loved father who’d lived a simple, unassuming life. A man who worked long hours, often six days a week or more, but was never too tired to play a game or go hiking. A man who didn't earn oodles of money but gave his family the precious gift of fond childhood memories.

This was almost twenty years ago. I vaguely remember sitting at my computer, playing with words, trying to make them fit the right way, the most honorable way, and praying for guidance.

Later, while I was writing a note to one of my brothers, God reminded me of the prophet Elijah.

I found my answer in II Kings 19.

Elijah didn’t see God in a fierce wind or in a powerful earthquake or in a blazing fire.

Elijah found God in a gentle whisper.

This was the kind of life my dad had lived.

He didn’t change the world. He wasn’t a VIP (except in our eyes) or a superstar. He didn’t blow people away with brilliant discoveries or rock the world with amazing insights or set the world on fire.

Here’s what he was: a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful friend, someone who didn’t know a stranger.

A man who was generous with his time and his talents.

A dad who could fix just about anything. A dad who sang. A dad who teased. A dad who laughed.

At the family memorial to bury Dad’s ashes, I talked about God’s gentle whisper and about Dad’s quiet ways. Then I gave each of his grandchildren a stone imprinted with a word that fit their grandfather’s legacy to them.

These words: faith, courage, humor, imagine, celebrate, peace, and play.

I placed the final stone in my mother’s hand.

Written on it is the secret of my parents’ blessed marriage, the guiding principle for raising their children, and their precious gift to their grandchildren.

This stone simply says love.


'What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this Johnnie. I wish I'd known your father. He sounds a bit like mine.'

Johnnie's New Book

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She's certain that true love will only lead to tragedy--that is, util a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life.

Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles.

While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow.

As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

Chapter One:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3f5X1OTj89OZFU0MllxcFFaSkU/edit?pli=1

Where to find this book online:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Target

Walmart


You can have a chance to win a FREE copy of Where Treasure Hides. All you need to do is leave a comment and make sure to include your email address so Johnnie can contact you.

We have a book to giveaway from last week. Renee Blare is giving away a copy of her book, To Soar On Eagles Wings. And this week's winner is Lyla Swafford! Congratulations!

See you all again, soon.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Book Giveaway & Guest Blogger Renee Blare

Wow! Life has been busy here on my mountaintop in Southern Oregon, but I'm glad to be here today to welcome my guest Renee Blare. You are going to love her and her new boook!

Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, Renee started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and she's been counting pills ever since.

While writing is her first love, (After the Lord and husband) she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

Nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat, she serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and
intrigue. She loves to interact with readers and invites you to check out her website, blog, and social media.

Website: http://www.reneeblare.com/
Group Blog: http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/


Life is good. 

I was sitting around my house one day and got a notion. “Why don’t we get a fish tank?”

A trip to the local pet store revealed an interesting revelation: there are a multitude of choices that surround one categorical fact. It’s more work than I thought.

Undaunted, I loaded my car with a ton of paraphernalia and headed home. A few hours and shredded boxes later, the tank was up! Then came the rocks, the plants, and filter. A few drops here, a few drops there, and the water sparkled.

After several days and numerous trips back to the store, the tank came alive. Guppies, mollies, and neons…vibrant colors splashed across a field of blue. A mass of tropical life swarmed to the surface with a sprinkle of food.

It was perfect.

And then I thought was it may be like from the other side of the glass. I stopped and watched the little fishes swim around their home. What did the marbled molly think of her new home?

Life is so good. I have a place to live, food, a big guy to clean the place. It can’t get any better than this. Hey, the master put a new air stone in yesterday, so the water tastes really fresh today.

But I wonder when he’s going to change the filter. There’s algae everywhere. Poor Windex can’t keep up. Plus that food’s a little stale. I wish he’d buy some new stuff soon. Not to mention the man’s a little stingy with it. I mean, look how many fish are in this place.

And those guppies are such a pain…darting here and there all the time. As if the current doesn’t disturb the water enough. Oh well, I guess I’ll stay out of the way. It’s for the best anyway.

Do I do this? Does it sound familiar to you? How many times do I have everything I need, but still am not happy? I have air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and a roof over my head, but for some reason, it’s not enough. I want more.

Often, I act like that fish. I live in comfort, but complain about everything and everyone around me. Or vice versa, I hide…and avoid the chaos of life.

Are you in the tank? Gobbling up all you are given, only to whine about it later. Or do you drift in the shadows and escape the world?

Either way, before the next casual comment, whether complement or complaint, leaves your lips, stop and look around. Dry your gills, and thank the Lord…for everything, even the stale food. J

Remember, God and His gift of life is good…no matter which tank you’re in.

Act 26:16 (NKJV) “But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.”

Thank you, Renee, for this glimpse from the other side of the

glass. 

Renee's new book.

To Soar on Eagles Wings.

Spring’s in the air. While the sun shines in Timber Springs, snow falls on
the Snowy Range, and trouble’s brewing in the meadows. The area’s new
game warden, Steve Mitchell launches his first wildlife investigation of the
season but the trouble follows him—straight to town.

Rachel Fitzgerald’s on Spring Break. Or at least she’s trying. Between
paperwork, and harassing phone calls, she may as well have stayed in her
classroom. So much for relaxation. A ‘chance’ meeting with her brother’s
old roommate offers her weary soul a shred of hope, but she discovers
love, like life, isn’t easy.

He talks with the wisdom of the Lord but rejects the future. She wants to
soar with the eagles but walks alone. And trusting God proves to be more
of a challenge than ever before...


This sounds super. Can't wait to get a copy. 

Readers, please leave a comment with your email address and your name will be added to a drawing for a FREE copy!

We have a winner from last week's drawing. Karen Barnett congratulations! You have won a copy of The Journey of Eleven Moons. Please send your mailing address to bonnie.leon52@gmail.com.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Book Giveaway & Deep Roots

It's Wednesday, but I'm posting a day late. I've been working hard on a new book and just didn't get my blog done. I know you'll forgive me, because that's the kind of people you are.

My thoughts today are about change. Once again, it's come knocking at my door. And, again, I don't like it. I never have liked change, and as I've gotten older it's become more difficult to "go with the flow".  

Like death and taxes, change is a certainty in life. No matter how tightly we hang onto the familiar it will eventually slip out of our grip. And whether we want to let go or not, we need to find a way to release our personal plans and accept a new direction.

For me, this is a big one. It' not going to be easy. I've already shed more tears than I have too spare. And though our tears are a way of releasing emotions it's time for me to let go and move on.

One thing I know is that I do not carry this heartache alone. God knows what I know and far more. He will sustain as he always has. And even now is telling me to rest in him, not to worry. He's got this.

My roots are deep. I am like a tree planted and tended by God.

It is a comfort to know he will never leave me nor forsake me. He will always be my friend, my comforter, my redeemer. Because of him I have no reason to fear. And he will wipe away every tear.

How do you feel abougt change? Love it? Hate it? How do you deal with it?

I'll be giving away a book, one of my favorites - The Journey of Eleven Moons. All you have to do for a chance to win a FREE copy is leave a comment.

 

A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another a tsunami wipes their village from the rugged shore - everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya, who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness

A stranger a Civil War veteran with golden hair and blue eyes, wanders the untamed Aleutian Islands. He offers help but can Anna trust him or his God?

And if she doesn't, how will she and Iya survive?

We have a winner from last week's book giveaway. Congratulations to Jayne! Donna Robinson will be contacting you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Wednesday Book Giveaway & Guest blogger Donna Robinson

It's Wednesday and time to give away another book and too welcome my guest author, Donna Robinson.

 Donna Reimel Robinson is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her publishing credits include Tumbleweed Weddings, published by Barbour, as well as The Knotty Pine Chronicles and The God of All Tomorrows. She and her husband live in Denver, and they have
four grown children and eleven grandchildren. You can see a list of her books, both digital and paperback, at DonnaRobinsonBooks.com.

Where to find Donna on line:

Website: www.DonnaRobinsonBooks.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Donna-Reimel-Robinson/e/B00J43HJKI/
To buy The God of All Tomorrows (eBook): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01076ZPHY


GOD'S PROTECTION

Tomorrow my husband and I are taking a mini-vacation to visit his parents in Texas. We're driving our 2004 Honda Civic, which has over 125,000 miles on it. From our home in Colorado, the journey will take about 18 hours. I am praying for a safe and uneventful trip with no accidents because we did have an accident in this car one time.

We ran over an elk.

It was a Friday night in September, about eight years ago. Our son's high school football team had just played a game against the high school in Elbert, Colorado. (Elbert is a little town southeast of Denver on the eastern plains, and there is nothing around there. Only the town with this big high school football stadium.) Anyway, the boys played their hearts out (I don't remember who won), and we got in the car and started the journey home.

My husband was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and we had three kids in the back—our son, his friend/football buddy, and our daughter. We meandered through all those back country roads (with nothing out there) until we came to Castle Rock and got on I-25 North. Now we had a straight shot up the freeway to Denver. Smooth sailing with all the other vehicles going 70 miles an hour—until the unthinkable happened.

As we heard the story later, an elk trotted out of the Colorado woods beside the freeway. The first car to hit him was an SUV. The impact brought the elk down, totaling the SUV (and the elk too). We were the fifth car to run over that poor animal.

We had our first clue that something was amiss when the car in front of us suddenly swerved to the left, its two right tires leaving the road. Then we saw the elk—this huge blob of road kill with giant antlers—directly in front of us. My husband tried to veer off, but he ran over the elk's neck. The antlers scraped the underside of the car, piercing the radiator. As we pulled over to the side of the road, with five other cars, the fluid in the radiator completely drained out.

Good thing it was a warm night. We were waiting there by the side of the road for over two hours—first to give the sheriff a report, then to wait for the tow truck to take our car, then to wait for a friend from Denver (an hour away) to pick us up. Fortunately no one was hurt, including the people in the SUV.

I attribute that to prayer.

Years ago, when my husband and I first got married, we started the habit of praying in the car before we went anywhere. As our children joined the family, we included them in our prayers, praying for safety. Now, 36 years later, we still pray before we start a journey. So I'm sure we prayed before that trip to Elbert. The Lord honored that prayer and kept us safe and delivered us. And that's the only accident we ever had in that car.

The Apostle Paul was often in peril. He said in 2 Corinthians 1:10, "Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us" (KJV). Paul knew the Lord would keep him safe—past, present, and future—till he reached the finish line of God's will (2 Timothy 4:7). That's why we want to serve the Lord all our days. 

God's protection plan even includes a stray elk!

Thank you, Donna, for reminding us that God has us in His care ... always.

Donna's New Book

The God of All Tomorrows is a Christian historical romance novel.

Enjoy a heart-stopping adventure story combined with a sweet romance!

   In 1934, Launi Fairfield goes to the jungles of Peru to translate the Bible into an Indian dialect.
She thought missionary work would be exciting, but her days are taken up with the tedious translation project.
   Miles Stone has been a missionary doctor for ten years. He’s a confirmed bachelor, not wanting to be saddled with a wife and children as he moves around to the different Peruvian tribes. He’s content with his life, until he meets Launi.
   Together, they end up having more adventure than Launi ever bargained for. They battle snakes,
jaguars, sickness, earthquakes, and an Indian chief who wants to add Launi to his harem. Will
they trust God for all their tomorrows?


This sounds interesting and very exciting.

Donna is offering a free copy of The God of All Tomorows to one of you. To be included in the drawing just leave a message, along with your email address so Donna can contact you.

Last week's winner is Deanna Stevens. Congratulations!

Everyone have a great Fourth of July holiday.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Wednesday Book Giveaway & Guest Author, Alexis Goring

Hello. Welcome to my Wednesday book giveaway.

I also have a guest, Alexis Goring. Thank you, Alexis for joining us.

Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art
of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational
romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories.

When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the
newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).

Places to find Alexis online:
Official website - http://www.alexisagoring.com/
Official Author page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring
Twitter handle - @pennedbyalex 


Alexis took time to answer a few questions:

• Alexis, your new book, Hope in My Heart, is an inspirational novella composed of three short stories. This is somewhat unique in today’s market. What gave you the idea?

Honestly? I don’t know. I think what happened was that I had a collection of short stories from over the years, so I chose three of the best, set the stories into one manuscript and sent it to a book editor. 

Regarding short story collections, one of my favorite short story collections to read growing up was Christmas in My Heart by Joe Wheeler. My grandma had most of those stories and I liked to read through it. So when I decided that my first book would be a collection of short stories that shared the common theme of hope, and I prayed about what to call it, one day I felt the words “Hope in My Heart” land softly on my heart and in that moment, I knew that should be the title of my book. 

Since it is a novella composed of three fictional stories about hope/faith/love, I added the subtitle, “A Collection of Heartwarming Stories.”

My novella shares no relation to Wheeler’s famous collection, just a similar title. 

• Is there a theme running through the stories, as the book title implies?

Yes, the theme is hope. All of my characters are in need of hope in one form or another.

We all need more hope. I look forward to reading your stories.

• What did your journey into writing look like? What’s been the best and worst moments along the way…so far?

My journey into writing was steady and consistent yet filled with ups and downs. I’ve known since age 9 that I want to be a writer and since then, pursued it. I wrote stories on the family computer every chance I got and spent summers in the library reading books—mainly clean romances or series like Sweet Valley High.

When I started high school, I joined the Journalism and Yearbook staff and delved deep into learning how to be a good writer and photographer. After high school, I majored in Journalism and graduated with my B.A. in Print Journalism. Following that, I worked at a magazine as an intern then the ups and downs started as I took detours after that internship…working in office administration and teaching. 

Currently, I work as a freelance writer/proofreader and I love what I do but am still riding the rollercoaster to following my dreams.

The best moments are being able to do what I love to do. I write like I breathe. Writing to me is just as important as breathing. I don’t just want to write; I need to write! And God continues to give me plenty of opportunities to do just that such as through the release of my first book in Sept. 2013, my former job as the Growing Up columnist for Collegiate Quarterly (a faith-based publication), among other opportunities including my passion for blogging.

The worst moments are when I don’t know if this is meant to be a lifetime career or just something I do for free out of the pure love and innate need to connect with people through words and stories. 

Your story is impressive. You've invested a lot into your career.

• What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

Everything, seriously! I love everything about writing from character creation to dialogue to paying attention to the details in the storytelling process. The least favorite part is when I have to do more content edits than I think I can handle. 

Heavy editing can be grueling, but after its been done I'm always glad I did it.

• Is there something of yourself in these stories, or one you relate to more than the others?

I believe there’s a little aspect of me in just about all of my characters, especially these three: Chandra from Love Unexpected, Christina from The Best Gift, Elle from Peace and Love. 

Chandra is an independent woman who excels in the workplace but guards her heart when it comes to finding and keeping true love with the man of her dreams. 

Christina loves carbs but hates what it does to her body. So she’s into fitness and pursuing a healthy eating lifestyle not just to fit into her bridesmaid’s dress at her sister’s wedding but forever.

Elle is a “starving artist” who is seeking work that will allow her to be creative and support herself financially.

Anyone who truly knows me would agree. 

• When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?

Watching movies on The Hallmark Channel, visiting my favorite cafes and restaurants with loved ones, shopping, listening to music, relaxing at the spa or enjoying good reads at my favorite bookstore

• If you could share just one thing with your readers or other writers, what would it be?

Writers: Don’t give up. Hope is on the horizon.
Readers: Reading expands your horizons! So keep reading good books!

Good advice.  :-)

• What are you working on now?

My next book but I cannot share the details at this point and time.

Hmm. Intriguing. 

• Where can readers find you online?

Author page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring

My blog, “God is Love” - http://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com/

Website - http://alexisagoring.com/

Twitter - @pennedbyalex

Alexis New Book

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In Love Unexpected, a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman
Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and
Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten
pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop
trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually
learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In Peace and Love, three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching.
Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to
resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom
before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season
and fill their hearts with peace and love.

Alexis, this sounds really good and just what I need. 

Purchase links:

Amazon.com, http://amzn.to/1it3pxT
BarnesandNoble.com, http://bit.ly/1mGHW95
Christianbook.com, http://bit.ly/1RwEjQ2  

We have a winner from last week ... Deborah Thomas, congratulations! 

If you'd like a chance to win an ebook copy of this week's book, Hope in My Heart, just leave a comment along with your email address. I'll announce this week's winner next Wednesday.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

CELEBRATING THE FATHER

Father's Day came and went this week. In my family, we celebrate the fathers. I'm married to a good one. In the midst of our celebration, however, I'm also aware that Father's Day is difficult for some of my grandchildren. They have fathers who deserted them, leaving behind broken hearts and not knowing what they've lost. But there is a binding up, a healing process in the works in those little hearts. I can see it. 

This year, some of my grandchildren celebrated their stepfathers. One grandson gathered up scrap lumber and made a bench - his first effort - for his stepfather. It didn't cost anything more than his time, but it's value is greater than gold. Another grandson created a poster that included family photos and a touching poem about about how special his stepfather is. 

Blessings for this grandmother.

We each in our own way recognize the day - good or bad. I'm one of the lucky ones. My father was a good man who loved his family. He was honorable and worked hard. He could be tough, but was always fair. I knew he loved me. I never doubted it. He passed away many years ago and I miss him still.

Many of you do not have that same experience. You may have grown up without a father or under the brutality of a ruthless hand. 

I'm so sorry. I wish it had been different for you. I cannot imagine your sorrow.

There is a Father, one who will never let us down. He won't desert us. And will always love us, no matter what awful thing we might do or have done. 

We may not be able to celebrate an earthly father, but we can celebrate our Heavenly Father. He chose us. We belong to Him. He loves us.

John 1:12 - 13 says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."

Wow! That is something to celebrate - a child of God. That's me. Loved by The One who created the universe. I am unable to love in such a way, but I have witnessed that kind of love ... from Him. 

Thank you, Father, for loving me just as I am.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie