CFBA: A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

Song Stuck on the Brain: Private Eyes by Hall & Oates


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

A Passion Most Pure

by

Julie Lessman
(Revell January 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...

As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. Collin is trying to win her sister Charity's hand, and Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure is her first novel.

CFBA: Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

Song Stuck on the Brain: If I Had A Million Dollars by Barenaked Ladies


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Awaken My Heart

by

DiAnn Mills
Avon Inspire (February 5, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

1803, the colony of Texas


Awaken My Heart is set in 19th century Texas and tells the story of 18 year old Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Weston Phillips. Weston is involved in a hostile struggle with Armando Garcia, the infamous rebel leader of the 'mestizos' who claim to own the land that Phillips has settled.

Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. She is the author of numerous titles including novels, novellas, and a nonfiction. In addition, she's written several short stories, articles, devotions, and has contributed to several nonfiction compilations.

DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure." Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Several of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she remains a favorite author by Heartsong Present's readers. Two of her books have won short historical of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers both in 2003 and 2004. She was named Writer of the Year for 2004 at the 35th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and is the recipient of Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards for 2005 in the long contemporary and novella categories.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, ChiLibris, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn also belongs to Cy Fair Women's Networking, an exclusive professional women's networking organization.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she'd own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Happy Birthday, Allie-gator

Song Stuck on the Brain: I Belive that Children are Our Future by Whitney Houston

Today is Allie-gator's 9th birthday. I can't believe the baby is growing up so fast. She's the youngest of the 3 I've helped to care for. Dad commented today that in three years he and Mom probably won't be babysitting anymore.

I asked, "How come?"

"Because they'll be 12, 14, and 16. They won't need babysitters."

I feel old. Really old. Then I remembered that Mom and Dad will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 4 years. And I felt even older.

At this point, I'm ready to go home and try to roll back a few years.

A.

CFBA: Fallen by Matthew Raley

Song Stuck on the Brain: I'm in Heaven by Fred Astain and Ginger Rogers

Strangely enough, the movie that comes to mind with this song is Green Mile, not Fred and Ginger's flick. I always see John Coffee, watching them dance and sing. He has a look of such awe and amazement on his face and I want to cry with him. Love that movie.

A.


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Fallen

by

Matthew Raley
(Kregel Publications February 29, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.

Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.

Joy... Ache... Joy... Ache...

Song Stuck on the Brain: My New Dawn by Daniel Kirkley (Awesome voice, check out his link.)

Sad news....

The 4400 has been canceled. It's a thing to mourn. One of the best scifi shows to make it longer than one season, four to be exact, and they've canceled the show with no explanation. It's a tragedy. I'm very bummed.

However, according to a recent article in Women's World magazine, a neurologist has scientifically proven that looking at a good looking man will increase a woman's mood and make her feel happier. I believe the quote went something like, 'their brain lights up like manhattan.'

As if we needed a neurologist to prove this. We women have known this for how long? My office mates discussed it, and we've decided we all need 'our fav hottie' on our desktop to get us through the tough day of customers and idiots.

And since I'm a girl of many moods, and I need the extra boost, I pick two:

Dominic Purcell and Tom Welling

Need I say more?

A.

CSFF: Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet

Song Stuck on the Brain: Monday, Monday by the Mamas and the Papas

The CSFF is touring:

Auralia's Colors

by

Jeffrey Overstreet

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Two thieves find an abandoned child in the woods, lying in a footprint made by an unknown creature. Cloaked in mystery, the girl calling herself Auralia grows up in a community of convicted criminals who have been exiled from House Abascar–an oppressed kingdom threatened by encroaching Beastmen and persecuted by its own king.

Auralia develops an unsettling–and forbidden–talent for transforming simple things into manifestations of color that enchant and amaze all who behold them. Her talents open doors–from the gates of the kingdom to the cages of Abascar’s dungeons. This sets the stage for chaos as she divides the king from his son, and sets in motion events that could transform–or ruin the four great Houses of the Expanse.

MY TAKE:

This book is enchanting. Auralia is such in engaging character, I could hardly wait to read more. Auralia's world is just as real and captivating. I love the names he chose for the creatures. Unique and yet almost familiar, as if you somehowknew in the back of your mind that there really was a cracker jaw bird.

Don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself. Visit the author's site and hear him read chapter 1. I dare you not to be hooked.

A.

For more info, check out the rest of the tour by visiting these other great blogs.

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Power Windows

Song Stuck on the Brain: Benny and the Jets by Elton John

I went to see 27 Dresses with Angel and Lindz for Lindz' Bday. (Happy Birthday, Girlfriend) Great movie, and the Benny and the Jets reference will make total sense once you see the movie.

I haven't talked much about my dad before, but a friend sent me a video that was so 'Dad' that I just had to share it.

Dad has been nicknamed Inspector Gadget. He loves things that fit in your pocket. Knives, flashlights, pens, magnifiers, retractable magnets, tools.... etc. At church, everyone knows that if you need something, check with my dad. Chances are he has at least one in his pocket. If it's a knife you need, he has seven. He was even accused of having an inflatable life raft, but that's totally not true. They don't make those pocket size yet. He does however have a filter straw that allows you to bend over and drink straight from a lake. Angel got him that for Christmas. He loves it.

Dad's a great fixer too. He likes to MacGyver things (oh, that's his hero by the way.) He's a survivalist and a packrat at heart and has a use for everything. Someday he'll use those 3,000 plastic newspaper bags he's saved, and he'll probably save all our lives at the same time. So when I saw this video, it was just too perfect. I'm surprised Dad hasn't tried this yet for himself.

A.

 

Hug a dragon today

Today is:

Apreciate A Dragon Day!

Author Donita K. Paul registered the holiday in honor of her DragonKeeper Series, and it has flourished like Kale's dragons.

You can send a Dragon Greeting, Make your own dragon, or watch a Dragon Movie.

I happen to love Dragon stories, so to honor the day, I'm listing a few books you should definitely check out.

Donita's books are a given. Read them. Love them. Tell everyone you know about them.

DragonSpell
Book 1 in the DragonKeeper Chronicles
by Donita K. Paul

One Dragon Egg Holds the Key to the Future.
Once a slave, Kale is given the unexpected opportunity to become a servant to Paladin. Yet this young girl has much to learn about the difference between slavery and service.

A Desperate Search Begins...
A small band of Paladin's servants rescue Kale from danger but turn her from her destination: The Hall, where she was to be trained. Feeling afraid and unprepared, Kale embarks on a perilous quest to find the meech dragon egg stolen by the foul wizard Risto. First, she and her comrades must find Wizard Fenworth. But their journey is threatened when a key member of the party is captured, leaving the remaining companions to find Fenworth, attempt an impossible rescue, and recover the egg whose true value they have not begun to suspect...

Weaving together memorable characters, daring adventure, and a core of eternal truth, Dragonspell is a finely crafted and welcome addition to the corpus of fantasy fiction.

The series continues with DragonQuest, DragonKnight, DragonFire, and SOON, DragonLight.


Another favorite Dragon series is by Romance Author Shana Abe. I will warn you, the two series couldn't be more opposite. Ms. Paul's, are allegorical adventure stories, steeped in Christian faith. Ms. Abe's are secular romances. But I adore both series.


THE SMOKE THIEF

You are cordially invited to taste the clouds and hunt the moon. You are invited to learn how to fly....

Imagine a world where clouds could be dragons, and dragons could be people...where diamonds beckon with silent songs and a beautiful runaway turns out to be an infamous jewel thief who dissolves into smoke with just a whisper of a thought.

Now imagine the drákon lord sent to capture her.

For centuries they've lived in secret amid the green and misted hills of northern England, shapeshifters who have the ability to Turn from human to smoke to dragon, and back again. They skim the sky and haunt the stars, powerful beyond thought, beautiful, sensual. They are the drákon.

Like any hunted beast, they've survived the centuries by learning silence, by keeping the secret of the tribe absolutely sacrosanct. But one of them has broken the rules, has run to eighteenth-century London and is using his powers to steal fabulous gemstones. Dubbed the "Smoke Thief," he's the most serious threat to the drákon in memory. Christoff Langford, Marquess of Langford and Alpha of the tribe, has sworn to bring the runner home at any cost.

But even Kit doesn't realize that the Smoke Thief is a woman.

Rue Hawthorne is a halfling: half drákon, half mortal, and an outcast in both worlds. As a little girl she loved Kit from afar. As a woman she knows better to trust her heart to anyone, especially the charismatic, ruthless leader of the drákon. She fled her home to escape a forced marriage to him; as the first female in four generations to complete the Turn, she knows she'll be considered Kit's property. Rue, however, has much bigger dreams than that.

A spectacular diamond is missing, Kit's hot on her heels, and Rue's about to find out that even thieves can have their hearts stolen….

This is a continuing series as well. Dream Thief and Queen of Dragons are available now, with two more books proposed.

I know there are a million Dragon Tales out there and I'm positive I've missed a great deal of fantastic ones. Share them with me? I'd love to know which dragon fuels your imagination the most.

A.

CFBA: Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart

Song Stuck on the Brain: Song of the South by Alabama


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008

by

Sally Stuart
WaterBrook Press (January 15, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator," "Advanced Christian Writer," and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.

Check out her blog!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!

Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!

Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.

To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.

A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.

Win Orchard of Hope by Ann Gabhart

Enter to win Orchard of Hope by Ann H. Gabhart.

About the Book:

It is 1964, and 14-year-old Jocie Brooke is about to have an unforgettable summer. Her father has found a new love, her hippie sister is about to have a baby, and her aunt is finally pleasureable to live with. But, when a black family from Chicago moves into the quiet hamlet of Holly County, Kentucky, Jocie finds herself befriending a boy that some townspeople shun. Due to the unspoken racial lines in this southern town, the presence of these newcomers sparks a smoldering fire of unrest that will change Holly County--and Jocie--forever. Orchard of Hope, the riveting sequel to The Scent of Lilacs, takes readers along to experience unexpected love, fear, forgiveness, new life, and a deeper understanding of the value of each individual's story.

How to Win:

Just click on the cover in the sidebar and email me your entry. You must live in the US or Canada and all entries must be in before Midnight Januart 31, 2008.

Good Luck!

A.

And the Winner Is....

Congratulations, Cindi H.!

Cindi won Turquoise by Marilynn Griffith.

So, you're a writer, eh?

Oh so fitting...

Things I Heard This Weekend

Song Stuck on the Brain: Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkle

Saturday had an unusual start to it. I was getting ready to get into the shower, when my doorbell rang. I decided to ignore it, the water was running and I was seconds from stepping into the spray.

Ding Dong. It rang a second time.

Hmm, could be a family member with a key, and I don't want them coming in on me while I'm in the shower. I decide to peak out the window to see who's car is in the driveway, but there are no cars to be seen.

Ding Dong.

It must be a salesman.

Ding Dong, Ding Dong.

Or maybe a Jehovah's Witness.

Ding Dong.

They'll go away eventually.

Ding Dong, Ding Dong.

Crap. They're not going away. I run throw on my lounge pants and t-shirt and try to smash my hair down before answering the door. Opening it 8 inches, I peak around the edge. There stands the guy that shovels my snow on occasion. I only know him as Andrew and there is no snow in sight.

"Hi, I was wondering if you'd like me to rake your leaves."

Umm, you rang my doorbell ten times for this? "Sorry, I don't have the money right now."

After discussing this for a moment, he thanks me and starts to leave. As he's stepping off the porch, he turns and says, "Are you single?"

Brain. Stops. Functioning. Does not compute. I'm never prepared for this question. It happens so infrequently that it shocks me and the truth pops out before I even have a chance to think about fibbing.

"Yeah." I respond, brain spinning.

"Can I get your number?"

"Umm, I'm sorry, I uh, I'm not really into seeing anyone right now, but um, Thank you."

"Oh. Okay." He mumbles and leaves.

I close the door lock it. I look at Jack and whisper, "He hits on me today?!?"

Jack just cocked his head and gave me a look that says, "Beats me."

I mean honestly. No makeup, hair a fright and sloppy clothes. The only time he's seen me like this and he chooses today to ask for my number? Not that I would have given it to him anyway. I mean, I refuse to date the guy that asked permission to pee on the side of my house.

Later, I took the nieces to see The Waterhorse. Great movie, by the way. All the kids loved it. Anyway, we were standing in line at the concession stand when the 8 yr-old, Allie, said this:

"Hey, I accidentally called you Mom." She laughs.

"You did?" I missed this due to the commotion from the other two.

"Yeah. Can I call you Mom today?"

"Why would you want to call me Mom? You already have a mom."

"Just for fun, for pretend."

Her sister pipes in, "Yeah, so we can fit in while we're here. We'll pretend."

"I don't care, you can call me whatever you want." I'm corralling them forward in line.

"Okay, Mom." Allie grins. "Or how about Grandma?"

Evil child. "No. You can't call me Grandma, call me anything else, but not Grandma!"

She laughs hysterically. She didn't call me Mom anymore either.


Fast forward to Sunday afternoon. She's at my house helping me empty the dishwasher.

"Don't you get lonely?" Allie asks, dropping silverware into the drawer.

"Sometimes, but most of the time I'm fine."

"I can't believe you don't have any kids. Don't you want kids?"

"Sure, I just haven't had that opportunity yet. Besides, I've got you guys."

"Yeah, but that's not the same. You should have kids."

She hands me a glass to put in the cabinet.

"I'd be nice to them ... unless their evil or something."

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "They wouldn't be evil."

At least, no more so than the rest of them. Leave it to an 8 year old to find all the soft spots and poke at them. She can be so ornery at times, but she's also the most affectionate, and smart as a whip. Her one liners and comebacks are sharp as a tack and she always makes me laugh.

I have a picture of Clive Owen on my computer desktop at home. She saw the picture and said. "He's ugly."

"No he's not." I reply chuckling.

"Well, he's not cute." She says, face all screwed up.

"Yes, he is, he's just old to you."

"Yeah," face still screwed up. "I guess that could be it."

I guess he's no Zac Efron. She told me last weekend, "Ashley Tysdale likes Corbin Bleu."

Thank goodness I've seen High School Musical, so I know who she's talking about.

"But Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron broke up." She puts her claws up and hisses like a cat.

"HEEEE. That Vanessa, she stole my man."

Oh, help us all, she's only 8 and she had her 'man' stolen.

I'll give her this, Zac is a cutie.

A.

Name that tune...

Song Stuck on the Brain: Misc. bits of I don't know what. I've been humming this tune all day and I can't figure out what it is. And although most everyone in the office said it sounded familiar, no one could name it. Can you?




If you can name it, I'll be eternally grateful.

A.

CFBA: Happily Even After by Marilynn Griffith

Song Stuck on the Brain: Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Happily Even After

(#3 - Sassy Sistahood Series)

by

Marilynn Griffith
(Steeple Hill January 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK :

Superwoman doesn't live here!

I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait...did I say welcoming?

One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there's some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn't even know about!

And then there's my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can't stand me.

I'm about to lose my mind! So it's high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!

The Sassy Sistahood: They get by with a little help from their friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.

Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.

Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.

Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.

Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.

To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her thru her WEBSITE.

CONTEST:

Dont' forget you can enter to win Marilynn's book Turquoise. Click the cover in the top of the side bar and email me your entry. You have until midnight January 15, 2008 and must live in the US or Canada to win.

A.

Just call me Rain Man

Song Stuck on the Brain: Dear Joan by Rob Thomas

I took all the little nieces and nephew to see Alvin and the Chipmunks on Saturday. It was so cute. I was afraid they'd mess it up, but I ended up loving it as much or more than the kids.

Later in the afternoon, I met my sister and our friend Karen to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. SO excited about this one. Loved the first movie. What's not to love? Adventure, conspiracy theories, humor, romance, treasure. Book of Secrets has been on the top of my must see list for months now.

The movie did not disappoint either. It's funny though, because I was so involved in it, I created a problem for myself.

You see, there's this scene in the middle, where the president is telling Benjamin Gates where to find the Book of Secrets. He says, in a very grave voice, "You'll need to know, XY234786."

Benjamin say. "Okay."

And my brain says, "AACK! He'll never remember that long number. Must remember it for him!"

"You'll also need to know, 3794."

"Okay." Benjamin says again.

"XY234786 3794, XY234786 3794, XY234786 3794 ..." says my brain.

I walked out of the theater over an hour later still rattling that number off in my head. (Much to the amusement of Karen and Angel.)

Then we went back to my place. Anyone a Lost fan? Angel and Karen got me hooked on it last summer. They made me watch seasons one and two back to back (which, I have to say, is the best way to do it.) We just got season three and started watching it after the movie in prep for season 4's premier at the end of January.

The problem? Well if you're familiar with Lost than you know there's a series of numbers that are very important to the show. I have them memorized. 4 8 15 23 42.

We stuck the first DVD in, and as the 'previously on' scenes started, my brain kicked into high gear.

"XY234786 3794, 4 8 15 23 42. XY234786 3794, 4 8 15 23 42. XY234786 3794, 4 8 15 23 42..."

Are you beginning to see my problem? I've been saying them all day. I don't even realize it half the time."

I guess it's the curse of my job. I work with numbers all day long, so they tend to stick with me. This is a bit longer than normal though. I think it's also because 1. In the movie it was like being told: Remember this number. and 2. Lost's sequence is some kind of puzzle or cryptogram and my mind keeps trying to solve it.

Karen says it's because I'm a nerd.

She's probably right.

I wonder how long I'll be able to remember the numbers?
A.

Download Me

I've signed up for Snocap. You can now buy our original singles for download. I know - You were on pins and needles waiting for this, right?

Well, now you don't have to be, cuz it's all set up. The store link is on our MySpace pages at www.MySpace.com/aprilerwin or www.MySpace.com/erwinmusic. The player can be posted on on any blog page, so if you feel so inclined, feel free to put the store on your site. If you do, send me an email with the link to the page hosting the store and I'll send you a gift.

Thanks,
A.

Lip Synch

Song Stuck on the Brain: Too Late To Apologize by One Republic

My friend Mimi posted this on my facebook Super Wall and it made me laugh so hard, I decided to share it with all of you.

NEW Contest - Win Turquoise by Marilynn Griffith

Song Stuck on the Brain: U + UR Hand by Pink

My give away book stack is starting to tower higher than my computer, so I'm going to up the give aways again this month. We're going to do two a month for a while, so HAPPY NEW YEAR!

First book up is for Turquoise by Marilynn Griffith.

About the Book:

Chenille Rizzo loves God. It's people she has a problem with sometimes, especially after the death of her beloved husband. People such as her star account- a demanding bride long on money and short on tact- make Chenille feel more blue than she'd like to admit. The groom, a homegrown pediatrician, is just the opposite. He has wise eyes, a love for babies, and a comforting voice- a tenor, like Chenille's late husband. And he's just as quiet. Maddeningly so. Does he really love the spoiled diva Chenille is trimming a wedding dress for? Or does his gaze hold the longing she both hopes for . . . and fears? Will she risk losing her business for a chance at happiness with the gentle doctor? Fans of the Shades of Style series will love this satisfying conclusion.

Contest Rules:

This contest runs until midnight January 15, 2008, and is open to residents of the US and Canada only. All you have to do to enter, is click on the cover at the top of the sidebar and email me your entry.

Good Luck!

A.

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations, Kristie B.!

Kristie won Fearless by Robin Parrish. Come back soon for a new contest.


A.