This weekend. . .

I went to a book signing!!

It was for Amy Wallace and her first book Ransomed Dreams. I'll be giving a free copy away in less than 2 weeks so stay tuned for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance book tour!!

The book signing was at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. My friend Margaret went with me. I credit Margaret for sparking the writing bug in me.

When I worked full time, Margaret and I would walk trails in the technology park after work. While walking it's easy to cover many subjects, especially depending on the amount of time or miles you cover. Since we both love to read, Margaret is a much more avid reader than me, I eventually admitted to playing on my grandmother's typewriter as a kid, pretending I was writing a book. I guess after tossing around story ideas, Margaret said: "You should write a book."

So I did.

It was horrible.

I pulled it out this weekend thinking I would send the last chapter to a contest and knew after I'd changed POV (point of view) six times in the first two pages I needed to go back to the editing board on that one!

But back to the book signing Saturday. Amy looked really pretty and was standing at the front of the store. She had a lot of supporters there and we all stood around her and blocked the isle. It was so much fun. She had two tables, one for her books and another table had all these yummy snacks ~ sandwiches, Chick-fil-A nuggets, chocolate candies and cookies. She had a fountain of chocolate with marshmallows for dipping.

Ane Mulligan gave Downey, my two year old daughter, a chocolate dipped marshmallow and Downey loved it. Needless to say, she was literally bouncing around the bookstore after that and we left soon after. LOL!!! I have laughed about Downey enjoying that chocolate marshmallow all weekend! Wish I'd gotten a picture of that! Thanks, Ane!

It was definitely a fun day and I am glad Amy's book signing was my first because she is really a special lady. Margaret and I walked away with a good memory.

Margaret took pictures of Downey and I,for a scrapbook she's planning.

BTW, Margaret is pretty crafty. She was talking about us doing a decoupage for Mother's day. I would love to do that sort of thing but I'm afraid I would end up decoupaging my child!

Am I spelling decoupage right, anyway?

We got one with Amy, so if I ever get a copy from Margaret, I'll post it here, on my virtual scrapbook... It's decoupage free.

I love Historicals! And other ramblings...

I blog about my love for historical novels on F.A.I.T.H. today.

There's a lot of other interesting posts from this week. Check us out!

THE HEIR

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing



THE HEIR

(Bethany House March 1, 2007)


by Paul Robertson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and former independent bookstore owner in Blacksburg, Virginia. This is his first novel.








ABOUT THE BOOK:


Jason Boyer Just Got an Inheritance to Die For

The fortune wasn't supposed to befall him. Jason Boyer had known all along his father's business empire would pass to different hands. Which suited him just fine. The money was crooked and the power corrupt. But when an accident claims the old man's life, everyone is stunned by the unveiling of the will. With the passing of the Boyer crown, power-hungry politicians and shady business partners all try to force Boyer's hand. Fighting the temptation of influence and riches, he simply wants to be a better man than his father--but attempting to stand for what’s right soon brings murderous consequences. As those closest to him are endangered--and news emerges that his father's accident may be something more sinister--Boyer finds himself fighting for his soul…and his life!


Is There Any Escape for The Heir?
All the money he could ever crave. In the splintering crash of a car plunging through a railing, Jason Boyer's life is changed. All the fame he could ever desire. But the last thing he wanted was the throne of his father's corrupt business empire. All the power he could ever wield.
The estate should have gone elsewhere, but the will was changed. And now everything is Jason's. But gaining the whole world just might cost him his life.

THE HEIR is a Grisham-like tale of intrigue and murder with a lot of humor and well-drawn minor characters.

Endorsement:

"In THE HEIR, Paul Robertson serves up politics, privilege, and murder with a side of acerbic wit. What a fabulous book--a great mix of angst, humor, and ultimately, hope."
T.L.HINES--author of Waking Lazarus and The Dead Whisper On

Happy Birthday!

This is my husband, Billy. Here he is on the lake, fishing, which is one of his favorite past times. I believe this fish is a Striper.





Here we are in Las Vegas last May at the New York, New York Hotel. We had a blast! And as you can see by his jersey Billy is a HUGE Dodgers fan!






And finally, at Christmas helping our daughter, Downey, with her Christmas present.


Happy 31st Birthday, Honey! Love You ~ CB

I AM

Check out my post "I AM" on F.A.I.T.H. today!

A Bigger Life by Annette Smith

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

A BIGGER LIFE

Navpress Publishing Group (January 15, 2007)

by

Annette Smith


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In 1997, Annette was working as a home health nurse. She traveled the back roads from house to house, caring for ill and injured, homebound people. Because of her unique position in the lives of relative strangers, she often found herself bearing solitary witness to intimate behind-the-scenes situations full of grace and meaning. The desire to honor both a particular patient and a poignant scene involving the woman and her husband prompted Annette to write a fictionalized story, The Anniversary.

That first story appeared as a column in the Houston Chronicle newspaper and as an essay in Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Later it became a chapter in Annette’s first and best-selling book of short stories, The Whispers of Angels, that has sold more than 100,000 copies

Since then, Annette has penned four more books of stories, two volumes on parenting, and the Coming Home to Ruby Prairie trilogy.

Annette and her husband Randy, a High School teacher and coach, make their home on a wooded lot in Quitman, Texas. They are the parents of two young adult children, Russell and Rachel, both out on their own. Wally, a grateful, rescued mutt provides warmth and entertainment and keeps the Smith’s empty nest from feeling too lonely.

In addition to writing, Annette continues to serve part-time as a registered nurse. She finds the people she works with and the patients she cares for provide great inspiration for her fiction.



ABOUT THE BOOK:


Joel Carpenter did not plan for his life to turn out like this. He never meant to be a single dad, working at a hair salon in Eden Plain, Texas. But after making a careless choice four years ago, his marriage was permanently shattered. Now at twenty-seven, he finds himself juggling custody of his preschool son with Kari, the ex-wife he still loves, and sharing Sunday dinners with a group of other single dads.

Joel regrets the choices that brought him to this place, but it's not until the worst happens that he learns how much he still has to give. In the midst of deep tragedy, he learns that forgiveness is way more important than freedom. Hopefully it's not too late!

A BIGGER LIFE is a story of love in the midst of heartache, and friendship in the midst of real, everyday life.

Weekend happenings

Happy birthday to Kari, my sister in-law, who's celebrating the big 2-5 today!

Yesterday, I blogged on F.A.I.T.H. about Kid Chaos.

Today, check out F.A.I.T.H. for Jennifer Hudson Taylor's post.

And while you're traveling the blogsphere, check out Missy Tippen's blog. Her first book is coming out in '08 and she's chronicling what's happening after her book was accepted by Steeple Hill. It's information that's helpful and interesting to writers trying to get published.

Have a great weekend!

Amy Wallace Interview!!!

Amy's book, "Ransomed Dreams", is coming out next week. Go to Cindy Woodsmall's website to check out a really great interview.

These two ladies are in my local writers group and are such an inspiration to me! Both such wonderful writers. I have the privilege of reviewing Amy's book in May, right here on my very own blog for CFBA.

Only, you'll have to wait until May for my review.

But Cindy's review is up now!

And you MUST go out and get her book - Amy Wallace ~ Ransomed Dreams.

Another great review for Amy's book is on Novel Journey.

This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing: Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brandilyn Collins is the bestselling author of Violet Dawn, Web Of Lies, Dead of Night, Stain of Guilt, Brink of Death, and Eyes of Elisha just to name a few.

Brandilyn and her family divide their time between the California Bay Area and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

She also maintains an informative blog called Forensics and Faith where she daily dispenses wisdom on writing, life, and the Christian book industry.



ABOUT THE BOOK:



The figure remained still as stone. Leslie couldn't even detect a breath.

Spider fingers teased the back of her neck.

Leslie's feet rooted to the pavement. She dropped her gaze to the driveway, seeking...what? Spatters of blood? Footprints? She saw nothing. Honed through her recent coverage of crime scene evidence, the testimony as last month's trial, the reporter in Leslie spewed warnings: Notice everything, touch nothing...



Leslie Brymes hurries out to her car on a typical workday morning...and discovers a dead body inside.

Why was the corpse left for her to find? And what is the meaning of the message pinned to its chest?

In Coral Moon, the senseless murder of a beloved Kanner Lake citizen spirals the small Idaho town into a terrifying glimpse of spiritual forces beyond our world. What appears true seems impossible.

OR IS IT?


Presently this Kanner Lake Series of books has its own character blog called Scenes and Beans. Stop by and visit the folks from Kanner Lake!

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310252245

Rambling and waiting

I've never been an organized soul.

I like to think there's organization among my mess.

Sometimes, I get upset with my husband when he comes home and the house is in a bit of chaos and he asks: "What have you done today?"

He isn't buying my excuse that our toddler is wild and keeps me going. I mean, she does do that, but she also isn't awake 24-7 like I like to encourage him to believe.

My friend Mindy is blogging about wasting time on the F.A.I.T.H. blog today. All I could comment was "Ditto" to the entire post.

Everything she said was ~right on~ with me.

I mean, I've got friends who have spotless houses, who seem to have everything in order, but sometimes I wonder. Do they really? What's their Achilles heel?

For me, I say I'm a wanna-be writer, so all of my free time is spent conjuring up new stories. Who has time to cook or clean when I'm busy burning out the keyboard and my computer's smoking with all my new stories.

In my dreams, publishing houses are banging down my door, agents can't get contracts to me fast enough and editors are swearing there's nothing they'd change on my manuscript. My name is in lights. I'm flying in on a helicopter to my next book signing where thousands wait for me to arrive to buy my book. . .

Sheesh ~

My dreams sure are full of --it, aren't they?

Yuck. I can handle daydreaming things like that happening, but it isn't pretty to read it in black and white.

And realize I'm going to push the "publish" button and allow others to read it.

Maybe that's why I've been unable to write for several weeks.

Okay, months.

My ego needs a recheck.

Maybe God's trying to get me to open my ears to Him. It just took a bad cold for me and my daughter, illness happening in my family, to get me to open my heart to Him again and listen.

I'm listening, Lord.

I'm waiting.

My faith is in You.

Resurrection Day

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

I'm blogging on F.A.I.T.H. today!

This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing "In High Places"

Hi Gang,

It's book review time this week and boy does this one sound gripping! I haven't read it, but I plan to! Not one I want to miss out on!



IN HIGH PLACES
(Bethany House March 1, 2007)
by
Tom Morrisey




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom Morrisey is the author of four previous novels and numerous short stories, a world-renowned adventure-travel writer whose work has appeared in Outside, Sport Diver (where he serves as Executive Editor) and other leading magazines.

He holds an MA in English Language and Literature from the University of Toledo and an MFA in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University. He lives in Orlando, Florida.








ABOUT THE BOOK:
For Patrick Nolan, every climb tells a story. And now maybe it's his own …. He's right at the rim, staring over the cliff's knife edge and wondering how things went wrong so quickly.

It all started after arriving home from a weekend climbing trip with his father, Kevin. That's when word reached them. In a silent moment, they'd lost the person most important to them—her death raising unanswerable questions and dangerous doubts.

Launching a new life in a new town to escape their pain, son and father find themselves in danger of being torn apart forever. As his father seeks a route to solace on the dangerous high face of the rock, Patrick finds a path to hope with the unlikeliest of allies—a pastor's daughter. Together they must discover the one answer that can bring Patrick and Kevin back from the brink of the precipice.

Endorsements: "It is rare to find a 'man's man' who knows the human heart, much less one who can write with such a well-balanced combination of sensitivity and adrenaline-charged adventure."
—Athol Dickson, Christy-Award-winning author of River Rising

"Beautifully exciting, haunting, and satisfying. Morrisey leaves you hanging by your fingertips."
—Lisa Samson, award-winning author of The Church Ladies and Straight Up

"Tom Morrisey is a master wordsmith and an expert at weaving gripping stories. If I pick up a book with his name on it, I know I'm going for gold."
—Angela Hunt, author of Uncharted

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764203460

Palm Sunday

This is the beginning of Holy Week. The last week of Lent. The Sunday before Easter.

Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9 NKJV)

The people gathered to see him, applauding and praising him. They covered the streets with their cloaks and palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!" in hopes that he would declare his kingship and oust their Roman oppressors.

***********

This is an important week. This year is the first year that I have studied and prayerfully sought the true meaning of this week. What I've written above is my paraphrasing from the book "The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus" by John R. Cross and a new website I've found www.sundayschoollessons.com

Also visit www.intouch.org to read more about this week in the article "Before He Rose: Palm Sunday."

I hope you have a blessed and reflective week.