Friday means FAITH

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

Lisa T. Bergren: The Betrayed & The Begotten

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of 28 books, with over 1.3 million sold. She is a publishing consultant, writer, Bible study leader, mother and wife. Her hobbies include travel (mostly from an armchair), reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring with her family. Lisa's most recent books include The Begotten, The Betrayed, God Gave Us Heaven, What Women Want and The Busy Mom's Devotional. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To sign up for her monthly email (which includes a new, unpublished devotional) go to www.LisaTawnBergren.com and join her newsletter list.

The Betrayed and The Begotten will be featured in Target stores September 4th on the Breakout Books display.



Back cover blurb:
The year is 1339, and a secret a half millennium old is on the brink of being exposed.

Centuries ago, Paul's letters became part of the foundation of the Christian cannon. Only a few know of another letter, potentially written by Paul. Kept secret for generations, suppressed by the authorities of the Church, it speaks of men and women who, though begotten of men, possess mysterious spiritual gifts. The letter survived. So has the Church's fear of it.

The time has come for the Gifted to gather. Even as they grow in power, so do their enemies. They must race against time to find the rest of the Gifted, and to decipher the prophecy that foretold of their coming. For only by combining their powers will they vanquish those determined to destroy them and uncover the secret of the letter that will determine the fate of the Church...and the world.

"Never has a novel been more timely...Bergren has given us an amazing story-one that proposes a fantastic 'what if'...A wonderful read!"
--Angela Hunt, author of Magdalene

"[A] classic battle between good and evil." --Publisher's Weekly

"Lisa Bergren's The Begotten is a rich and carefully crafted medieval mystery, reflecting extensive research. I felt transported to another time and place, ushered into a fascinating world. Lisa tells a compelling story, and tells it extremely well."
--Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and Deadline

"A full-bodied, absorbing tale that combines authentic historical detail with a universally appealing and gripping story that will have readers cheering...crossover appeal for J.R.R. Tolkien and Madeleine L'Engle enthusiasts."
--Library Journal

**The Begotten was a finalist for this year’s Christy Award, one of three finalists for the Best Suspense of the Year award.**


Back cover blurb
The Year of Our Lord 1340

The secret, a half millennium old, has been revealed. An illuminated letter, long buried by the Church--prophesying a fellowship of men and women possessing powerful spiritual gifts--is the catalyst for a profound war that will bring either a new age of enlightenment or a darkness the world has never before seen. As the Gifted gather and gain strength, and find further clues as to where God is leading, their enemies grow more intent on controlling them.

Watching the Gifted from afar in Venezia is Cardinal Boeri, who is determined to use the blessed powers of the Gifted to secure his own place in the hierarchy of the Church. The doge, the duke of Venezia, has reasons of his own to seize control. But the greatest menace is the evil Lord Abramo Amidei, driven to turn the healer Daria d'Angelo to his own fold or destroy her in the process. He is determined to tear apart the firm fabric of her faith as he preys on the weaknesses of those she loves. For Amidei knows that together the Gifted are undeniably strong and growing stronger. But if he succeeds at dividing them, the Gifted--and then the world--will be his.

"A thrilling historical drama brimming with pathos and adventure from first word to last...a heart -stopping page-turner."
--Liz Curtis Higgs, author of Thorn in My Heart






Are you a member of a book group? A Reader’s Guide is included in the back of each book.

Three books you need to read...

After the numerous reviews that tie up the CFBA review of Tamera Alexander's Remembered, I feel a little small following up with my review of this book. However, it's my blog and I suppose you're here because you found me by accident or you want to know what I think about this book.

I loved it.

I loved all of the books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles Series. You must read these in order, however if you're a rebel and decide not to, you won't be lost. Each novel is a story of its own. However the characters are mentioned in each preceding book.

One reviewer below said that the characters in the books come alive. That is so true. I cared what happened to each heroine and each hero.

I recently took a workshop titled "Dissecting a Novel" given by Tamera at the ACFW Conference. She suggested highlighting parts in the books that moved you, tagging your favorite scenes... Well, if I started dissecting Tamera's series, I suppose the entire book would be highlighted, dogeared, and tabbed. These are books I want to loan to my friends and family, recommend they purchase because they are so good. And I have done just that. But they can't go far from my bookshelf because I may want to enjoy the stories again.

If you enjoy Historicals, and you haven't done so already, I suggest you introduce yourself to Ms. Alexander's Fountain Creek Chronicles, then sit back in a comfy chair, because upon opening the first page, you'll be taking a trip to the old West. And in "Remembered" you'll be taking a voyage to France. Now that's some awesome travelling, and you don't even need a passport.

Remembered by Tamera Alexander

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

REMEMBERED
(Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 3)
(Bethany House, 2007)

by

Tamera Alexander

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.


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.

"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

ACFW Conference - Dallas!

The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Dallas, Texas was awesome! From the time I stepped off the plane on Thursday until Sunday when I returned home, I hardly stopped! I can say that honestly, even being the mom of Downey, the busiest two-year old I've ever met.


ACFW conference was kicked off Wednesday by an Early Bird Session with Margie Lawson. Unfortunately, I didn't sign up for that, but spent the rest of the conference hearing how magnificent Margie's class had been. Darn. Why do I always miss the important stuff?

No worries. Thursday I attended a meeting for First-Time Attendees. Brandilyn Collins and Cara Putnam welcomed us and shared some insider information. This was proceeded by a month of emails, just for the first-timers, where we could send Cara and Brandilyn questions. These ladies made sure to answer all our questions on the email loop, included some other ACFW members in the loop who shared their opinions and wisdom. When Thursday arrived, our group of about 150+ didn't have many questions. We were ready to step out into the real world of writer's conferences and have a blast. I hope my fellow first-timers had a successful time, as I did.

Following the first-time attendees meeting, the conference began with a First Act Play. A group of writers acting as ACFW board members kicked off our weekend with a hilarious performance. Below is a picture of the gang. I'm sorry I don't know everyone, but the chick in the ball hat is my fellow FAITH sister Angie Breidenbach, in the role of Randy Ingermanson.

Here's a hazy picture of a Texas sunrise. Please forgive the glare of my camera and the dirty window. It was as close as I could come to the real thing. I knew if I tried to run downstairs to get outside, I'd lose my point of view and the sun would already be up. God doesn't mess around, you know.

Here I'm at a morning worship service. That's Rachel Hauck at keyboards and on lead vocals. She's got a great voice and I sat beside her in one of the workshops. I took the opportunity to tell her how much I enjoyed Diva NashVegas and shared with her some of my favorite scenes. (you can check out my review of that book under my label of "Books I Recommend")

Saturday, I took Dissecting a Novel - a workshop taught by author Tamera Alexander. Check back with me later in the week as her third book will be toured on the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and I'm planning to feature all three of her books - stories you MUST read!

Doggone it.

Photo op with one of my favorite authors and I look all squinty. Oh well, the class was good and I received a lot of good information.

* * *

Saturday night, just before the awards banquet. It's the F.A.I.T.H. Girls! - Well, four of us anyway! Me, Angie, Mindy(my superfun roomie), and Genesis finalist Jennifer.

Jennifer had two manuscripts final in the Genesis contest. She placed 3rd in the Contemporary Romance category for By His Plan. She placed 2nd in the Historical Romance category for Promised Blessings.

Way to Go, Jenn!!!

More good news! Ane Mulligan, fellow ACFW/WORD member, took 2nd place in the Genesis Women's Fiction category for her manuscript When the Wind Blows.

Congratulations Ane!

Here's Jennifer running from an adoring fan (Angie Breidenbach)!

Proud FAITH Sisters!
Missy and Lindi ~ We missed you!

Blessed Assurance by Lyn Cote

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

BLESSED ASSURANCE
Avon Inspire (October 1, 2007)
by
Lyn Cote

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 north woods of Wisconsin with her husband and three cats. Aside from writing, she also likes to knit, crochet, read, and do lunch with friends.


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

The first day of Autumn

October '06

Pickin' out the perfect pumpkin