First Page-The Prince of Val-Feyridge-Debut Author Helen C. Johannes

THE PRINCE OF VAL-FEYRIDGE, April 30, 2010, The Wild Rose Press

A warrior with a destiny, a woman with a gift. Can loving the enemy restore a broken kingdom? Or will forbidden love destroy it—and them—first?

by Debut Author Helen C. Johannes

PART I: D’NALEE

CHAPTER ONE

"Panting, Aerid yanked her cloak from yet another blackberry briar. Her fingertips still glowed green, and she paused for a precious moment to rub at the evenroot stain. If only she had worn gloves while pulling the tubers, she could have stripped off the gloves and hidden their glow in her pouch when she heard those men. But the evening seemed so mild, and it had been so long since she had encountered anyone in the forest after sunset, much less the rampaging Tolemak horde the local aledrinkers daily predicted would descend upon the land of D’nalee from the west.

Aerid spat on her nails and scrubbed again. Whatever those in their cups thought, she should have been better prepared to conceal herself. Outside the walls of Druemarwin fortress, not every D’nalian looked kindly on those of Adanak blood, not even those Adanaks who had lived among them for years. Touching the birthstone fastened at her throat, she thanked the Three Sisters again for showing her the sow-bear’s den under the oak.

Her fingertips still showed faintly green. Gulping a breath, Aerid hid her hands under her cloak and listened for sounds of pursuit. Nothing came to her but the chirp of crickets and the blood thrumming in her ears.

She set off again, telling herself if those men were not close upon her heels now, they would be hard put to find her. Only old Gam knew Myrinnen Marsh better than she. Years of gathering evenroot in the hour of deepest twilight, when Gam said it was most potent, of filling her healer’s pouch with foxtail and moonlily, alderrose and sweetwort, had made the pathways of the forest as familiar to Aerid as the halls of Druemarwin.

Perhaps the two men in the clearing had not seen her after all. Had they not withdrawn without a word into the far trees? Yet before going, the rider had circled the oak twice, slowly, as though suspecting she huddled under the tangle of roots. She had glimpsed his cloaked silhouette against the cloud-patched sky, and the vision imprinted itself on her mind. Like Death itself, he seemed—faceless, silent, and dark as moon shadow—the sweep of his unseen, probing gaze making her skin crawl. And tall too, impossibly tall, taller than any man who dwelt within the walls and lands of the fortress Druemarwin. As prentice to old Gam—indeed, as healer in the old woman’s stead these last two winters—Aerid had encountered them all."

Note: This is a secular fantasy and contains sensual scenes. But Helen is a good friend and I think her writing is beautiful.--Lyn

Coming up Friday July 2nd --Lyn's Summer Gift to Readers

Drop by Friday for something a bit special for my readers. Here's a hint!
Any guesses?

Book Monday-Author Gail Gaymer Martin & Bride in Training

About the Book:

Perfectionist Martin Davis's life is in turmoil. The lonely businessman's search for companionship led him to adopt a dog—a rather rambunctious terrier. And now Martin's at his wits' end. When dog trainer Emily Ireland offers to help, Martin is grateful—and intrigued. But he's wary of getting too close to the sweet, pretty Emily, especially when he learns of her scandalous past. Can Martin ever open his heart to the possibility that Emily just may be his perfect bride?

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Good decision? Bad?

Martin Davis gripped his steering wheel as he eyed the shelter's Time For Paws neon sign glowing in the dusk. He'd never thought he would darken the doors of a dog shelter, but here he was. Now the question hung in his mind. Was it a good decision or bad one? He'd become lonely without Suzette, his Bouvier, but he hadn't been able to handle her. Sometimes he wondered what he could handle. Not dogs or women, apparently.

So if he couldn't deal with Suzette, why come here to look for another dog? He released his grip on the steering wheel, fell back against the seat, and rubbed his temples. Because he couldn't bear coming home to an empty house any longer. He'd been a failure as a husband. Cats were too aloof. Dogs? He had hopes.

Martin ran his fingers through his hair. He'd been alone for eight years since his wife walked out on him. The loneliness had faded, he thought, but since his brother, Nick, married, he had stopped popping by for visits. That was the whole of it. Being alone wasn't for Martin anymore.

He turned the thought over in his mind. He recalled Steph and Nick talking about the unconditional love a dog provided. He'd never been one to worry about love or the lack of it, but unconditional love meant someone would be excited to greet him when he came home. A dog's happy yips and wagging tail filled the bill, and a dog wouldn't care if he were preoccupied with his business or even a little edgy at times.

Unconditional love. He shook his head. He sounded like a poet or a psychiatrist. The thought rallied an uneasy grin. Martin turned off the ignition and pushed open the door. If nothing more, he could take a look.

He slipped out of his car and gazed at the gray concrete building, once his friend Brent Runyan's unoccupied factory until Molly wheedled away his building and his heart. They'd married, too. Everyone had gotten tangled in that web of "two by two." He wondered if Noah had any idea what he started when he filled that ark.

Drawing up his shoulders, he headed for the door. The bell jingled as he stepped inside, and in the distance he heard dogs making a ruckus. He glanced at his watch. Dinner time, he guessed. His own stomach gave a rumble.

No one stood behind the desk. He waited, his impatience growing each second. He tapped his foot, staring at the doorway. Maybe this was a dumb decision. It could be God's way of telling him to go home. But maybe not. It might just be bad customer service. Or his impatience. If he asked Nick, that's what his brother would tell him. He had no patience.

Frustrated, he returned to the entrance and swung the door open and closed. The small bell jingled again. With no response, he walked deeper into the room and aimed his gaze at the door standing ajar. Through the opening, he could see a young woman at the far end of a long aisle, but before he could call to her, she turned and headed his way. Her dark hair brushed against her shoulders, her arms swinging past her trim hips as if she had nothing better to do. But he did.

Finally she noticed him and picked up her stride. When she came through the door, the woman paused, a look of curiosity on her face. "Sorry, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

About five minutes came to mind, but Martin didn't offer one of his biting comments. Instead he wondered why she gave him that questioning look.

She stepped closer. "What can I do for you?"

He motioned to the door. "You might change that bell to a siren."

Don't you love that last line? Sounds like another winner from Author Gail Gaymer Martin!

Lyn Reviews Author Kim Vogel Sawyer's Latest

A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kim Vogel Sawyer's classic mail order bride story takes wing and flies on its own! A delightful heroine and a mystery thrown in. A good summer afternoon by the pool read.

View all my reviews >>

Have any of you read any of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books? Remember leaving a comment and you're automatically entered into this month's drawing for an autographed copy of Her Abundant Joy.

First Page-Chesapeake Weddings-Author Cecelia Dowdy

Chesapeake Weddings by Cecelia Dowdy

The loud banging at Monica Crawford’s front door awakened her. Forcing herself out of bed, she glanced at the clock and saw it was two in the morning.

"I’m coming!"

She ran to the door. Looking through the peephole, Monica saw her little sister Gina smiling at her.

Her heart pounded as she opened the door, gripping the knob. "What are you doing here?" Playing an internal game of tug-of-war, she wondered if she should hug her sister or slam the door in her face. Humid heat rushed into the air-conditioned living room. She stared at Gina, still awaiting her response.

"It’s nice to see you too, sister." Gina pursed her full, red-painted lips and motioned at the child standing beside her. "Go on in, Scotty."

Gina had brought her seven-year-old son with her. Dark shades hid his sightless eyes. "Aunt Monica!" he called.

Monica released a small cry as she dropped to her knees and embraced him. "I’m here, Scotty." Tears slid down her cheeks as she hugged the child. Since Gina had cut herself off from immediate family for the last two years, Monica had wondered when she would see Scotty again. "You remember me?" Her heart continued to pound as she stared at her nephew. His light, coffee-colored skin glowed.

"Yeah, I remember you. When Mom said I was going to live here, I wanted to come so we could go to the beach in Ocean City."

Shocked, Monica stared at Gina, who was rummaging through her purse. Gina pulled out a cigarette and lighter. Seconds later she was puffing away, gazing into the living room. "You got an ashtray?"

Monica silently prayed, hoping she wouldn’t lose her temper. "Gina, you know I don’t allow smoking in this house."

Gina shrugged. After a bit of coaxing, she dropped the cigarette on the top step and ground it beneath the heel of her shoe. "I need to talk to you about something."

Scotty entered the house and wandered through the room, ignoring the adults as he touched objects with his fingers. After Monica fed Scotty a snack and let him fall asleep in the guest bedroom, she confronted Gina.

"Where have you been for the past two years?"

Gina strutted around the living room in her tight jeans, her high heels

making small imprints in the plush carpet. "I’ve been around. I was mad because Mom and Dad tried to get custody of Scotty, tried to take me to court and say I was an unfit mother."

Groaning, Monica plopped onto the couch, holding her head in her hands. "That’s why you haven’t been speaking to me or Mom and Dad for two years?" When Gina sat beside her, Monica took her sister’s chin in her hand and looked into her eyes. "You know you were wrong. Mom and Dad tried to find you. They were worried about Scotty."

Jerking away, Gina placed a few inches between herself and Monica. "They might have cared about Scotty, but they didn’t care about me." Gina swore under her breath and dug through her purse. Removing a mint, she popped it into her mouth."

Here's my website and purchase links:

www.ceceliadowdy.com

http://www.amazon.com/Chesapeake-Weddings-Romancing-America-Cecelia/dp/1602608024/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253149065&sr=8-2

Western Author Stephen Bly Speaks About Western Women

My guest today is Author Stephen Bly, a longtime Western author. Here's Stephen:

"A WESTERN WOMAN’S CHARM
For cowboys, sticking up for a woman’s honor…no debate. They don’t blink. And they don’t hesitate to offer help for a damsel in distress. But most cowboys admire strong women. That’s why I write about them. Gals like. . .wayward, banished Grace Denison in The Senator’s Other Daughter. Lixie Miller and her fight for peace and purpose (The General’s Notorious Widow). Determined Oliole Fontenot’s attempt to succeed or fail on her own merit (Miss Fontenot). Isabel Leon’s struggle with heartache and revenge in The Marquesa. Alena Louisa as a confident entrepreneur in a man’s world in Red Dove of Monterey. Christina Swan of Proud Quail of the San Joaquin, who strikes out on her own to oversee newly acquired family property that is barren, hot, and almost impossible to cultivate. Carolina Cantrell (Sweet Carolina), who is used to running her family’s import business, but finds a very difficult challenge to her business sense in the untamed Montana Territory.

But my favorite heroine is gutsy Martina Swan, the Last Swan in Sacramento. In a land and a time where reputations were gained and lost in a matter of weeks, Martina Swan discovers whether she has the faith and courage to survive. They were supposed to live happily ever after. Instead, Martina Swan, daughter of the legendary Wilson and Alena Merced, grappled to find peace in a marriage that is falling apart. Her husband is in Virginia City, Nevada, trying his luck at mining the Comstock Lode. A promise to come home a wealthy man “in three weeks” was given a year before. Meanwhile, Martina struggled to keep the family store solvent in Sacramento. And the pressures mount as she seeks to raise their child, the bank tries to close the store, and armed outlaws insist she possesses their stolen treasure.

Always living in the shadow of her mother’s beauty and her father’s valor, Martina finds that her one true source of joy is her daughter. But when a stranger shows up with a message from her husband, Martina determines to go and bring her man home. A shocking and toughening experience awaits her as she fights the most difficult battle of her life—learning to forgive and love again as she faces a deep lesson about herself, the nature of love, and God’s unwavering concern for her entire family.

My newest release, Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon, features not a female protagonist, but a 10-year-old boy in 1954 who suffers a first crush on his own damsel in distress. . .a woman who reminds him of a movie star like Clara Bow, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe.

It was Grace Kelly in High Noon that stole my own ten-year-old heart. I figured she wasn’t too smart, ‘cause she couldn’t understand why Will had to turn back and try to save the town. Shoot, that’s in a cowboy’s bones. . .and in the grit of a strong woman. But, my oh my, she surely was purdy. "--Stephen Bly. Christy Award Winner for Westerns"
Thanks, Stephen, that was quite a list of strong women. How many of you enjoy a good Western?

If you want more, drop by

www.BlyBooks.com

www.BlyBooks.blogspot.com

Book Monday-Author Robin Lee Hatcher & A Matter of Character

A MATTER OF CHARACTER

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Historical Romance

June 2010

Who says a woman can’t keep a secret?

It's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret.

A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne.

When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.

View the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84yGMuj21Uo

About the Author:

The author of over 60 books, best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She makes her home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family and her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet. She invites you to drop by her web site and her Facebook Page to learn more about her and her books.

Web site: http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-Lee-Hatcher-Novelist/48662178098?ref=mf

Author Lena Nelson Dooley & Strength when Needed

My guest today is Author Lena Nelson Dooley recounts a crisis in her life and how it impacted her writing. Here'e Lena:

"In April of 2009, I had a speaking engagement in Madisonville, Texas. My husband drove me down there. Because I have a problem with one leg, it’s hard for me to drive a long distance.

When we awakened the next morning, James’s face was swollen and a large lump hung below his chin. I tried to get him to go to the hospital across the street from the Bed & Breakfast, but he wouldn’t. Then I told him I would call the writing group and tell them we were heading home. He didn’t want me to.

After I spoke, he had trouble driving, so I had him pull off the highway and let me drive. God was with me. I was able to drive the long distance without pain or cramping in my legs. Halfway home, He told me to take James straight to the hospital instead of going home or to the doctor’s office. Of course, I obeyed. The doctor told me James would have been dead if I hadn’t gotten him there when I did. James had a life-threatening infection and spent a week in the hospital. After that, I had to give him three IV antibiotics per day for three weeks.
His recovery was long and slow. His spark finally returned in the middle of January this year. During that time, I finished writing my Summerside Press novel. Perhaps the strength I needed to care for James also poured strength into the story. I just did what was needed to save my husband, no matter how hard it seemed.


In Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, Madeline Mercer had to make hard choices, too. Fearing for the safety of some of her loved ones, she ventured farther from home than she’d ever imagined she would. She had to face many obstacles in her new life, but she continued to trust that God knew what was best for her. That’s what we all need to do as we go through our lives."

I'm so glad this story had such a happy ending. If you want to find Lena on the web, you'll find her. Here are her stomping grounds:

www.lenanelsondooley.com

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com - Author interviews/Free books

www.bustlesandspurs.com - Regular Blogger

www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley -
www.twitter.com/lenandooley

First Page-In Harm's Way-Author Irene Hannon

IN HARM’S WAY by Irene Hannon
Book 3—Heroes of Quantico

Prologue
In a matter of minutes, the baby would be hers.
Forever.
Debra flexed her fingers inside the snug latex gloves, tightened her grip on the loop of wire in her hand, and melted deeper into the shadows at the back of the dim, gothic-style church. As the final organ notes reverberated through the deserted sanctuary, their hollow echo fading into the murky alcoves along the perimeter, the woman behind the keyboard tilted a bottle of water against her lips, emptying it in two long swallows.
The hint of a smile touched the corners of Debra’s lips. Rebecca O’Neil was nothing if not predictable.
Standing, Rebecca leaned over the pew behind her and rearranged the blanket on the infant in a pumpkin seat. She cooed a few words Debra couldn’t distinguish, smiling as the child gurgled gibberish in response.
The mother bent close to press a gentle kiss to the tiny forehead, and Debra’s fingers twitched on the wire, itching to pick up the baby, to cuddle her close, to breathe her fresh scent. To experience all the sweet joys of motherhood that had been denied her. But they would be denied her no more.
Today she would rectify that wrong.
www.irenehannon.com

Author Roseanna White & Abigail

Today's guest is Author Roseanna White who is a fresh new face in Christian Fiction. She writes about her heroine Abigail. Here's Roseanna:

"Abigail was seven when she lost her father. Eight when her mother died, after being forced to remarry. She found herself alone in a family not her own and sold before her mother was even buried. Sold to the enemy of her people–a Roman soldier.

Still, Jehovah would not abandon her, even if she secretly wished he would. He wanted her to be a slave? So be it. She would serve her new master and mistress well and even love the kind couple who treated her as a daughter. She would be good. She would be humble.

She knew her place.

Her place changed when her master’s son returned from Rome.

Abigail was fourteen by then, and content with her lot. Why did Jason have to shake everything up? He was her master, she had no right to refuse his advances. She could go to no one–her fellow slaves may try to defend her, but it would mean trouble for them. She could not reveal such shame to her mistress . . . what was she to do but submit?

For A Stray Drop of Blood, I spent a lot of time familiarizing myself with the culture of Jesus’ day and plopped a heroine into it that was a mix of its best and its worst. She was a slave, so had humility forced upon her. But within her was a spirit that refused to bow and bend . . . which nearly made her break.

It’s hard for us today to remember what it would have been like for women two-thousand years ago. They were eligible for marriage as soon as they hit puberty. They had huge responsibilities for the house and children, yet none of it was theirs if their husband died. They were under the complete authority of whatever man was over them, be it father, husband, or master . . . yet within that system they could find such love and freedom!

Abigail was more learned than most, especially for a slave. She could quote Aristotle, recite Homer, debate Plato, and knew the Law of Moses. But when it came to applying it to her own life, she relied on the faith of her mistress. That’s something that transcends the time barrier, isn’t it? Taking faith from academic to personal requires more than strength. Abigail wonders at one point in the story how anyone can know the truth, especially as concerns the stories of Jesus she’s been hearing.

Then she sees him on the day he is crucified, a stray drop of his blood lands on her, and Abigail’s place changes again. She feels the fire in his blood, and it burns away the chaff in her soul. What it leaves behind is the knowledge that matters most, the conviction that she needs and has found a savior.

In that moment, she becomes mistress and teacher rather than slave and pupil. Through Jesus, she finds a freedom of the soul–and learns that true submission to the Lord is not clinging to the place you’ve been put, but seeking the place he wants you to have."


Roseanna M. White is wife, mommy, writer, reviewer, and lover of all
things literature-related. She has one book published, A STRAY DROP OF
BLOOD (WhiteFire Publishing, 2009), and another due out summer 2011. She is
the editor and senior reviewer of the Christian Review of Books, and a
member of ACFW, HisWriters, and HEWN Marketing. She makes her home in the
mountains of Western Maryland with her husband, two kids, and the colony of
dust bunnies under her couch.

Blog link: http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com

I wonder if any of Roseanna's dust bunnies are related to mine!--Lyn

Another Chance to Win a Copy of Her Abundant Joy

If you'd like to try for another giveaway, drop by Casey Herringshaw's blog today.
Thanks, Casey!

Words of hope to strengthen your Biblical worldview

Personal: Writing for Christ

Author/ Reader: Operation Encourage an Author

Group: The Writer's Alley

June Drawing for "Her Abundant Joy" & The VOTE

Hi! My latest book Her Abundant Joy is on the shelves of your local bookstore or library. I know, I know. You knew that!

But what I forgot to mention earlier this month was that I am doing a drawing in June.

If you leave a comment this month with your email address (Use the (dot) (@) form to frustrate Spammers please!), you will be entered in the drawing to win an autographed copy of the final book in my Texas Star of Destiny series. I think it's one of the best books I've written yet. And if you read it, I'd be interested in what you think.

Writing is a funny business. I spend months planning, researching, writing, and revising. Then my book goes off and ..... The book may sell thousands of copies. Yet I rarely if ever get to interact with someone who has read my book.

Just think of it as working hard to prepare a special family dinner and then---not getting to watch your family eat it. Blogs and social networks like GoodReads and Facebook help a bit. But writers really do live a life of DELAYED gratification. GRIN

Oh, well, I was born to write and that's what I do!

Thanks for the ten readers who voted to let me know if I should change the format of this blog or not. The unanimous (though small number) vote was to keep the mixture of my thoughts and the stories and thoughts of other authors and readers. I must agree.

Now be sure to make a comment this month to be entered into the June drawing. Blessings--Lyn
To purchase Her Abundant Joy, drop by my website and click the cover.

First Page-Her Abundant Joy by Author Lyn Cote

Her Abundant Joy
by Lyn Cote
Final book of Texas Star of Destiny series
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright:
for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 37: 37

Chapter One
Texas, April 1846

Gazing ahead through the pouring rain, Carson Quinn tried to take a deep breath and couldn’t. Searing tightness in his chest reminded him--he hadn’t been able to blot out the images. Images the past week with Blanche had blistered into his mind, knotted around his lungs. Late on his second day in the saddle, all he was looking forward to was a hot bath and a warm bed at one of Galveston’s inns, comfort for his body if not his spirit.

Draped within the dismal mist, he nudged his horse to churn quicker through mud and murky puddles over the last half-mile into the seaport. Amid the jumble of buildings, strange people clogged the streets. He pulled up on his reins. Something had happened here. Something out of the ordinary. Something that might force him out of his own misery into the misery of others.

People huddled under dripping trees, under canvas, and standing under the overhanging roofs of stores, everyone drenched. Rainwater funneled down his leather hat as he steered his horse through the throng. Those who peered up at him looked pale, forlorn and sickly. They weren’t dressed like Texans, or even Americans— He inhaled a shallow breath. He still thought of Americans as separate from Texas, from him. But Texas was part of the US now. Had been for over two months.

Who were these people?

Author Linda Windsor & Faith Over Feeling

My guest today is Author Linda Windsor, a strong woman if I ever knew one. Here's Linda:

"Healer is a story of a woman’s hope based on faith rather than feelings. Brenna of Gowys has been forced into hiding for most of her twenty years by her mother Joanna’s dying prophecy to her murderer.]: "My seed shall divide your house and bring about a love beyond your wicked ken." So Brenna is hunted by the O’Byrnes who seek to kill her and by her own clan, who would have her lead them to certain death against the stronger enemy. Brenna is a healer, not a warrior. So when she rescues a man ambushed and left for dead, she cannot know that he is her worst enemy. All she knows is that she is a healer and as such, has no choice.

For nearly fourteen years, I too was isolated. Not by some prophecy, but by chemical depression. Joy became a word to me, nothing more. Fear, anger and self-doubt formed my prison walls, shutting me off from family, friends, and, in the beginning, even God. Looking back, I can say today that it was the best thing that ever happened to me because my faith grew in ways it might never have otherwise. Over that span of time, God taught me that I could not trust my feelings. They are temporal, subject to change by the dip or rise of serotonin levels in my body or the ups and downs of life’s merry-go-round. But His Word is eternal and unchanging. I learned that negative feelings, self-doubt and helplessness were the devil’s favorite weapons to bring me down into darkness and rob me of joy. And that I had to use mind or knowledge of God’s Word as a shield against the negative. God told me through His Word that He would never leave nor forsake me…even when I couldn’t feel or sense His presence. That He heard every prayer I prayed, even when my mind was too battered and weary to form words. And that I was in the good company of some of God’s favorites like Moses and David…even His son.

One Easter I was to speak on Good Friday on one of the Seven Sayings From the Cross. “My God why hast thou forsaken me?” As I pondered it during a depressed low, a light kindled. Not just in my mind, but in my heart. That was how “I” felt—forsaken. So WWJD? His next words were “I thirst.” And to me God said, He thirsted for the Father…like me. Then Jesus turned His Spirit over to the Father. That’s what I had to do. When I felt forsaken or confused, I had to thirst for the Word and drink. Know there was a bigger plan I could not see. And then turn my despair over to my Father. Trouble? Thirst and Turn. Three T’s. Easier said than done. I’d run the three T’s and then add another—Take it back. Then I’d run the three T’s again. And again. And again. Because I knew—KNEW—this was truth and that my feelings were illusion…temporal. God’s Word with all its assurance and promise was eternal.

From this I began to take risks…stepping out into the circles of family and friends, speaking and singing in church and at writing conferences. No one could believe that bubbly, zany Linda Windsor had chemical depression. Or that she’d had to run the Three T’s just before speaking to them. It wasn’t my inner strength. It was God’s enabling a willing, if trembling, heart.

Brenna must face her fears as well. She must leave the security of her isolation because it is what God has called her to do. Even when it doesn’t feel like He’s there. Even when her prayers aren’t answered the way she expects. Even when extending His love to her enemy could cost her life. She runs through the three T’s, demonstrating faith under fire. And God never lets her down. He never let me down. And He will never let you down."--Author Linda Windsor

To check out first chapters of Linda’s books, enter contests or sign up for her umpthly newsletter, visit
www.LindaWindsor.com. (umpthly is a Windsorism for ‘when I have something to say’).

I wrote an endorsement for this book-if you enjoy, rich historical detail and breathless romance--this book is for you!--Lyn

Book Monday-Author Roxanne Rustand & End Game

Book Monday features a new Love Inspired Suspense, End Game by Author Roxanne Rustand.

Here it starts:

"I'll be seeing you again…."

The attacker's words still ring in Deputy Megan Peters's ears. Her attempt to trap the serial rapist terrorizing Lost Falls failed, but she has succeeded in becoming the target of his attention. Undaunted, Megan moves forward in her investigation, and Scott Anders, the only newcomer in town, draws her suspicion. Is his gentleness just an act? Yet as Megan and Scott grow closer, she finds herself questioning her instincts. What will she believe—her heart or the evidence that seems to be mounting against Scott?

First Page:
"I won't stop until I find this guy, Anna." Seeing the raw pain in her friend's eyes, Megan Peters took a deep breath and forced back the memories threatening to swamp her. "I promise."

"How?" Anna lashed out, pulling her hands away from Megan's. "I didn't see his face. I don't know who it was, and neither did the other woman who got away. And the two dead girls won't be talking."

The bitterness in Anna's voice stung Megan as if she'd been slapped. "No. But the DNA—"

"Hasn't matched anyone in the system so far, and probably never will, right? This guy will never be caught."

"But it does connect the crimes, so when we get him, we'll be able to send him away for good. There'll be a time when someone picks up on a clue. Someone else who escapes."

They both fell silent, Megan's words a chilling re minder of the two women who had been raped and murdered within the past six months. If a group of noisy hikers hadn't come by and scared off her attacker, Anna might have been number three."

Author

Drop by Roxanne's blog (see blog roll on lower right) or her website http://www.roxannerustand.com To purchase: http://www.eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=21626&cid=359
Roxanne never disappoints!--Lyn
REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY TO VOTE ON WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE ON THIS BLOG-VOTE TODAY--UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER!

Ever heard of Mustang Grapes?

Today I'm blogging on one of my favorite blogs Petticoats and Pistols

I am blogging about Mustang grapes. If you've never heard of them (I hadn't until I began researching Texas for my Texas Star of Destiny series), you should drop by and see what they are. You never know--you might be on Jeopardy someday and knowing this might win you thousands!

Petticoats and Pistols is a blog
where several historical romance authors call themselves--
the
Cheryl St.John
Elizabeth Lane
Karen Kay
Linda Broday
Margaret Brownley
Mary Connealy
Pam Crooks
Patricia Potter
Stacey Kayne
Tanya Hanson
Tracy Garrett
Victoria Bylin
Winnie Griggs

Drop by any day there and you'll find something fun, completely new to you or heart-stirring.--Lyn

First Page-Shades of Morning-Author Marlo Schalesky

The First Page today is from SHADES OF MORNING by Author Marlo Schalesky.

First Page Autumn snow fell like fat angels fluttering to earth. Emmit sat on the snowbank, his eyes closed, his head tipped back. He was a snowflake too, drifting on the breeze. Cold nibbled at his wings. Ice kissed his lashes. He stuck out his tongue and caught a flake. Why did the snow always melt away just when he finally got some? He reached up and scratched his too-small ears with a too-small hand. Then he adjusted his heavy, coke-bottle glasses. Something whispered in the wind. He held his breath and listened with all his might. He could almost hear the voices telling him that today he was fifteen years old. It was a big number. They all said so. He was a big boy now. All grown up. And that meant it was time for the prayer to be answered. Not some little prayer about sniffly noses and friends at school. Not one about nice weather or where to park a car. This prayer was important. It was about love. It was about family. And God always answered those. Especially today. Emmit wiggled deeper into the snow. The flakes fell in heavier clumps. He opened his eyes and waited. The pretty light would be coming soon. The big whirring one on top of the truck that picked up the garbage from the cans on the street. He liked the light. Round and round. Round and round. It would come.

Author Website: www.marloschalesky.com

Amazon Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601420250?ie=UTF8&tag=marloschalesh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1601420250

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marlo-Schalesky/103475746357601?v=app_389355083668

New Poll about Strong Women, Brave Stories-Please vote

Hi Blogging friends and readers,
I'd like to know which kind of posts that appear here are the ones you like best. I've posted a new poll on the top right for you to express yourself. Would you please tell me your opinion? I'm trying to decide if you want more of me every month or if you are happy with the mix of authors and me telling about the strong women in their lives and books.

So take a moment this week and vote. Thanks in advance!
BTW, the final book in my "Texas Star of Destiny" series is released TODAY!


I loved writing this book and hope you will love reading it. Be sure to ask for it at your local bookstore or library! Thanks!--Lyn