Friday, September 28, 2007

Hug your pet

Song Stuck on the Brain: Be Kind To Your Webfooted Friends

Total Days in Hospital: 28

I'm getting hints that I may get to go home this weekend. I'm trying to not get my hopes too high, but it's hard. I'm SOOO excited by the thought of getting out of here.

I think I miss Jack the most. His furry little face, his baby blue eyes.... My nephew took pics of him wearing my nieces' cheetah ears and sent them to me. Look how adorable - and annoyed - he looks.




Hug your pet today,
A.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

A New Look

I got bored in the hospital today, and decided that maybe it was time to freshen up the look of the site. Let me know what you think of the lighter scheme.

Is it easier on the eyes?

More refreshing?

Do you hate it and want the old scheme back?

A.

CFBA: Remembered by Tamera Alexander

Song Stuck on the Brain: My Cherie Amore


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


REMEMBERED
(Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 3)

by

Tamera Alexander
(Bethany House, 2007)





ABOUT THE BOOK:


Though loss is often marked
in a single moment,
letting go of someone you love
can take a lifetime...


The threat of war--and a final request--send Véronique Girard from France to a distant and uninviting country. In the Colorado Territory, she searches for the man who has held her heart since childhood--her father. Pierre Girard left Paris for the Americas to seek his fortune in fur trading, vowing to send for his wife and daughter. But twenty-five years have passed and his vow remains unfulfilled. Sifting through shards of broken promises, Véronique embarks on a dangerous search for a man she scarcely remembers.

His grief finally healed, Jack Brennan is moving on with life. After years of guiding families west, he is now working as a freighter to the mining towns surrounding Willow Springs. What he doesn't count on is an unexpected traveling companion on his trips up into the mountains, and how one woman's search will cause havoc with his plans... and his life.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"Alexander again delivers a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people. Though there are French words sprinkled throughout the story, they enhance the emotions rather than distract the reader." --Romantic Times

"...a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre." --Library Journal

"Alexander has done it again with Remembered, third in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES. She's fashioned characters that are as rich and deep as the mountains and valleys they explore throughout the pages, coloring the story as adeptly as the heroine does her canvas. I was drawn immediately into the ages-old heartaches of both of the main characters, understanding at once Veronique's reticence to make a place for herself in the unknown wilds of America and Jack's uncompromising love for this land that he’s cut a swath through time and again. They both have a series of mountains to overcome in the search for Veronique’s father, but I enjoyed watching their faith and appreciation grow with each turn of the page. And woven adeptly through it all is the encompassing truth of the Lord's sovereignty—that sometimes He takes away, and sometimes He gives us what we need, not what we're looking for.

Anyone's who's read the other Fountain Creek books won't want to miss this one, but it easily stands alone. The characters will take you by the hand and lead you heart-first into their stories, and by the time they release you at the end, you'll feel as though you've taken up residence just across the Creek from them, as surely as they have in your heart."
--Roseanna White, christianreviewofbooks.com

"Remembered, the third book in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES, takes us back to Willow Creek and revisits beloved characters from the previous two books in the series, Rekindled and Revealed. Tamera Alexander has the remarkable ability to create places, and characters who endear themselves to us, even those just briefly mentioned. If I had lived in the late 1800s, I would love to have met these people and would surely have been inspired by the way they lived out their faith.

Remembered is a delightful read, well-researched and well-written. I expect to see great things from this author in the future."
--Lindsey Freitas, bookloons.com

"Remembered is an absolutely wonderful continuation of the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES." --Amanda Schafer, armchairinterviews.com


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Alexander’s books have won multiple awards, including Romance Writers of America’s 2007 RITA® for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006.

Her books have received acclaim from Library Journal, True West Magazine and Historical Novels Review, and Rekindled debuted on the CBA fiction bestseller list. She has a professional background in business management and conference coordination. A leader of women's ministries for over twelve years, she is currently active in music ministry, facilitating small groups, and mentoring other women. A graduate of Harding University, Tamera lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Greeley, Colorado.

Her other two books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles are Rekindled (Book 1) and Revealed (Book 2)

To celebrate the release of Remembered, as well as the 3-volume boxed set of Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), Tamera is currently giving away boxed sets in a contest on her website. Check out the contest at http://www.tameraalexander.com/ .

From a Distance, the first book in Tamera’s next historical series (Timber Ridge Reflections) releases in spring 2008.


Enjoy,
A.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

My Life Unscripted by Tricia Goyer

Song Stuck on the Brain: I Wanna Be Loved By You


Today I'm featuring My Life Unscripted by Tricia Goyer


About the Book:

Using the metaphor of screenwriting, My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl's life-with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God.

Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships. They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise, so they are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens discover they don't have to get caught up in the drama.


An Interview with Tricia Goyer:

Q: Tell me about My Life, Unscripted

Sure! With real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, My Life, Unscripted helps teen girls explore their own inner struggles and outward relationships. It’s my hope they’ll learn the importance of “scripting” their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise. By contrasting real-life with TV/movies, it’s my hope that teen girls will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. They don't have to face situations as they arise, but rather they can think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before they hit the big screen of their lives.

Q: Is it true that much of YOUR story shows up in these pages?

Gulp. Yes, I’m afraid so. In fact, I shared parts of my story that I SWORE I’d never tell a soul.

My teenage script (portrayed in the book as Trish Valley) wasn’t one I’d suggest my
daughter, nor my readers to copy.

Q: Tell me about these scripts.

The introductory script of Trish Valley shows a scene where Trish urges her mom to follow Trish’s boyfriend into the McDonald’s parking lot so she can “spill her news.” The other girl in the car and her boyfriend’s response to Trish’s pregnancy are unfortunately not fiction. I wrote out the scenes as they would appear in an actual script. I even use all the correct terms and layout.

Q: In addition to teen pregnancy, what are some of the other “scripts”?

Do I have to tell? Well, I guess it’s in print now … Let me see: fists fights with a rival, sneaking out of my parents’ house, getting caught by my boyfriend kissing his best friend … does that give you an idea? Do I have to go on?

Q: No, you can stop there. But WHY? Why did you decide to share these stories?

First, because I want girls to understand the heartache of unwise decisions. I want to them to be able to relate to me . . . rather than feeling preached at. Also, I wanted to share my stories because many young women have faced the same type of situations, or they know friends who have. And finally because they are great object lessons for the importance of following biblical truth. That is something I did learn!

Q: What does your teenage daughter think about this book?

Leslie thinks it’s great I’m able to connect with other teens. She’s heard these stories for a while! She was 11-years-old when we first started volunteering together at a support group for teenage mothers together. As I taught the young moms things like nutrition and potty training, Leslie assisted adults in babysitting the toddlers. And while we loved giving and serving, it was the ride home that soon became the most meaningful part. As Leslie sat in the passenger’s seat, I could see her mind considering my life as a teen mom, and she started asking questions. Although it was hard to talk about my past mistakes, I knew this was an ideal opportunity to share real-life truths with my daughter. Each person walking this earth has regrets. Our talks showed me that instead of hiding my past troubles (and hoping my kids didn’t find out) sharing my mistakes could actually give my daughter a better understanding to why values and wise decision-making skills are important.

Q: So now you’re “having a heart-to-heart” with other teens through this book?

I sure hope that’s how they see it! Those first talks with my daughter brought us closer, but I knew not every girl has had someone to offer advice such as: “build a supporting cast of people you can trust” or “consider the character qualities you’d like for a leading man.”

Q: Okay, so your book is for teens, but what about the moms out there who feel they have past mistakes they don’t want to share?

Well, they could each write a book about their teen years … just kidding! But for those moms out there … maybe your teen years were not as drama-filled as mine. Or, if they were, maybe you are fearful of sharing them with your teen. The truth is, teens learn best not with information and knowledge, but rather by hearing life examples and understanding how decisions can affect all parts of our lives. So, time to get brave, Mom. Open your heart and share what worked and what didn’t. It just might help your daughter write a better script for herself.

Oh, yes, and consider buying your daughter My Life, Unscripted … hopefully every teen girl can get some take-away to scripting a bright future!


About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.


Tricia's Contest:




Calling All Teen Girls!


My Life, Unscripted
CONTEST!

YOU CAN WIN A $25 iPod GIFT CERTIFICATE



Here's what you have to do. Read My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer, and then write a review on her book and post it on your blog, myspace, shoutlife, or amazon.com. Sounds easy right? It really is. (Please forward this contest to any teens you think might be interested!)

To obtain a copy of My Life, Unscripted you can visit amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or check into your local Christian book store.

My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl's life--with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God.

Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships.
They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise and are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama.

In addition to the review, you may also include how you, too, have overcome temptation.


Many will enter - only Three will Win.

CONTEST ENDS NOVEMBER 30, 2007



Good luck!


A.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Peanut Butter and....

Song Stuck on the Brain: Hello Goodbye

Day 20 in the hospital:

Well, at least for this stay. I was here five days the first time, so I'm closer to a full month.

It's raining today, which I'm actually excited about. I love storms, and I can't really hear them very well inside my room. So, I'll probably wander out to the covered patio area today so I can enjoy the rain for a little while.

Ugh, I'm watching a cooking segment on the news and they're showing new ways to make a peanut butter sandwich. She just made a PB and BACON sandwich. Yuck. I don't think I could do that. PB and Marshmallow fluff, or bananas, or even PB and Pickles or Tomatoes. Just not bacon.

Actually, I would love a PB and Dill pickle on wheat right now. Hospital food sucks.

See ya tomorrow,
A.

Monday, September 24, 2007

CFBA: Blessed Assurance by Lyn Cote

Song Stuck on the Brain: The Only Promise That Remains by Reba McEntire and Justin Timberlake. It's off of Reba's new album Duets and it's amazing. By far the best song on the album.


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



BLESSED ASSURANCE

Avon Inspire (October 1, 2007)

by

Lyn Cote



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Now available for the first time in one edition--All three novels from Lyn Cote's beloved Blessed Assurance series

In Whispers of Love, Civil War widow Jessie Wagstaff must fend for herself and her son. When a stranger, Lee Smith, befriends Jessie's son, even though she recognizes nine-year-old Linc's need for a father figure, she's reluctant to let a new man into their life. When the Great Chicago Fire blazes, every heart is pushed to its limits.

In Lost In His Love, Jessie's son Linc, a social activist and reporter, charms his way through the upper class of San Francisco to build much-needed support for his fight against child labor. His main target is Cecilia Jackson, a beautiful heiress who doesn't recognize the crucial part she plays in this dangerous exploitation. As the secrets of her family's dark past are exposed, Cecilia must revive her own wounded spirit and find the strength to lean on the never-failing love of Christ. But when the 1906 earthquake hits, everyone's faith will be put to the test.

In Echoes of Mercy, Meg Wagstaff challenges the racial barriers of 1920s New Orleans in order to prove that her childhood friend did not commit murder. The stubborn lawyer prosecuting the case, Gabriel St. Clair, is an authentic Southern gentleman who makes the mistake of underestimating Meg, both her tenacity and her charm. Despite their many differences, sparks begin to fly. But when Meg discovers the truth, will Gabe be able to protect her from those who can't afford to have justice prevail?


"A beautiful tale of love, forgiveness, and acceptance." ~CBA Marketplace


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lyn Cote's journey to becoming a published author was a long one - she started her first book when her daughter was 13 months old and her first novel was published when her daughter was about to enter high school. But Lyn was writing for a market that hadn't taken shape yet - the inspirational fiction market.

In 1996, Lyn Cote's first inspirational historical manuscript was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Contest. This became her first historical novel, Whispers Of Love, in her BLESSED ASSURANCE series.

Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn's "Women of Ivy Manor" historical series was a 2006 RWA Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational, as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National REaders Choice Contest.

Lyn also writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She lives in the lovely northwoods of Wisconsin with her husband and three cats. Aside from writing, she also likes to knit, crochet, read, and do lunch with friends.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

SO many books to read

Song Stuck on the Brain: I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane

I think I'm just antsy to get out of this hospital room. Although, I have to say, I've had a wonderful doctor and nurses. I've been really blessed to be here.

As I've said before, I'm really behind on this blog. There are book reviews and tours I promised to participate in and this emergency made it impossible to keep that schedule. However, I really want to honor those promises and share with you the links and book info. I haven't been able to read these all yet, but be sure to check them out for yourself and if you have read any of them, let us know what you thought.

CSFF:
Return, book three of The Mars Hill Classified Trilogy (NavPress), by Austin Boyd

Visit other tour members for their thoughts

Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Lisa Cromwell
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Merrie Destefano or Alien Dream
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Rachel Marks
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise


CFBA:

THE EX FILES by Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone June 19, 2007)

LIFE, LIBBY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS by Hope Lyda (Harvest House Publishers March 1, 2007)

Sushi for One? by CAMY TANG (Zondervan, September 1, 2007)

THE DEAD WHISPER ON by T. L. Hines (Bethany House July 1, 2007)

To read more about these books and authors, visit :http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/

FIRST:

September's FIRST post featured Camy Tang's Sushi for One? To read the first chapter visit: http://www.camytang.com/sushiseries.html

LISA T. BERGREN TOUR:

Last but certainly not least, I was honored to be included in the blog tour for Lisa T. Bergren's The Gifted series. I will post reviews later when I can, but in the mean time, a couple of fellow writer friends posted interviews and reviews on their blogs. Visit Melanie Writes and Surviving the Chaos.

This great series is being featured at Target stores across the country in the "Breakout Books" section, so check that out too.

Enjoy the books,

A.


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Update

Hello, my blogger friends. I've missed you all so much! It's just been killing me to be offline for so long.

Update on my Sitch: I'm still in the hospital. Going on a total of three weeks in and one week out between stays. I was re-admitted to the hospital because my incision wasn't healing properly. I'm doing okay, but I'm possibly looking at several more weeks in here.

So what brought on all this medical leave? A tumor the size of a basketball that was wrapped around my right ovary. Now it's gone, we know it's benign and it's just a matter of healing. I do have a picture of the tumor, so at some point I'll post a link so that those interested can see it. It's very interesting.

In some good news, I made it as one of the 4 finalists in the Inspy chick lit contest I entered. Now it's more waiting to see who won.

I'm so far behind on this blog, and I will try to get caught up soon. Don't give up on me yet, I'm finally on an uphill swing. :)

Keeping the Faith and trying to be Joyful in the Journey,
A.