CFBA Presents SHORT-STRAW BRIDE by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Short-Straw Bride Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.


ABOUT THE BOOK

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.

Rewriting my Debut Novel

In 2007, Five Star released my first novel, a contemporary romance titled The Love of His Brother. Boy, was I excited. It was the first step in an ongoing journey... the first time I seriously made the transition from writer to author (in my mind, anyway).

Now, five years later, TLOHB is out of print and the rights have reverted back to me. That means I have the ability to republish it, which I intend to do, in ebook format. In preparation for this, I decided to go over the manuscript and give a good polish and shine. What an eye-opener that was!

I still believe it's a good story, but the writing, well... let's just say I've come a long, long way since then. What I thought would be a quick touch up here and there has turned into a major remodel. Hopefully, I'll get through it by the end of the month... even with my hand in a cast (which I have to mention in order to elicit the appropriate sympathy sigh... awwwwwwwwe.)

Yep... It's Broken

My usual excuses for not blogging - busyness and laziness - are neither good nor original. But now, I have a really good excuse... a broken wrist!

And the story, while silly, is at least unique. I did it while gardening. Yes... pulling big, stubborn weeds, which resulted in a loss of balance and a fall on my backside. The moral of my story... never reach back to break your fall!

CFBA Presents MY STUBBORN HEART by Becky Wade

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing My Stubborn Heart Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
by

  Becky Wade   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.





ABOUT THE BOOK

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!

This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him. Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.
If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.

HARRIET BEAMER TAKES THE BUS by Joyce Magnin

In real life, Joyce Magnin is one funny lady. As an author, Joyce creates memorable, lovable characters that will make you laugh and possibly even shed a tear. Her latest heroine, Harriet Beamer, is no exception.

In Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus, the title character is a widowed senior citizen who collects salt and pepper shakers and has meaningful conversations with her basset hound, Humphrey. While decorating her Christmas tree, Harriet takes a spill and breaks her ankle. The discovery that the ankle is indeed broken causes her to lose an impulsive bet with her daughter-in-law. Always one to keep her word, Harriet must now pack up her shakers, sell her house, and move from Philadelphia to Grass Valley, California. Harriet's none too happy about it, but she decides to do it on her own terms.

Harriet decides to take the bus. And not a Greyhound. Oh no. Harriet will take public transportation across the country.

The ensuing road trip is filled with discovery as Harriet sets out on the adventure of her life. She meets every kind of person you can think of, touching lives along the way. As she changes them, Harriet herself changes. She trades in her nice shoes and dresses for sneakers and jeans. She learns how to use a smart phone and a GPS. Better still, God uses her experiences to transform Harriet on the inside.

This is a lovely, gentle book. As Harriet makes her way to California on buses, trains, motorcycles, and whatever way she can, her son, Henry and wife Prudence are dealing with their own issues. Henry goes from being worried about his mom to rooting her on. As does Humphrey, who waits patiently for his owner in California, encouraging the humans around him anyway he can.

Joyce has written a much-loved series of books about Bright's Pond . In her latest novel, she continues to live up to her reputation for creating characters with heart and soul. I'd encourage anyone to pick up Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus. It's a trip worth taking!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright's Pond series and the middle grade novel Carrying Mason. She is a writing instructor and frequent conference speaker. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

And now, for the legal stuff: I received and advance copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. There was no monetary compensation.

Time to Hit THE MOTHER ROAD

Yesterday, the lovely Fed Ex dude made a delivery at my house. It was copies of my new book, The Mother Road. It's exciting to hold your finished book in your hands. It's even more exciting to open a box and see a bunch of them in there.

How Helpful is Self-Help?

I've got a post up today over at the Inkwell Inspirations blog, taking a look at that famous quote, "God helps those who help themselves." I'd love it if you'd pop over and join in the discussion. For incentive, consider that we're doing a big giveaway this week in  honor of our 1000th post! Leaving a comment on ANY post this week gets you entered, so come on by!