First Page-The Soldier's Mission by Author Lenora Worth

The first page today is From The Soldier's Mission by Author Lenora Worth.

Chapter One

"She couldn’t get his voice out of her head.

Laura Walton thought about the man she’d come to the desert to find. The man everyone was worried about. The man who, a few weeks ago, had called the CHAIM hotline in the middle of the night.

“My father died in Vietnam,” the grainy, low voice said over the phone line. “My brother was wounded in Desert Storm. He’s in a wheelchair now. And I just got back from Afghanistan. Lost my whole unit. Lost everyone. I think I need to talk to somebody.”

Laura had been on call that night, volunteering to man the hotline that CHAIM held open for all of its operatives. But only one call had come to the Phoenix hotline on that still fall night. One call from a man who was suffering a tremendous amount of survivor’s guilt.

Laura understood this kind of guilt. She didn’t have survivor’s guilt, but her own guilt ate away at her just the same. She’d lost a patient recently. A young patient who’d taken his own life. She’d failed the teenager.

She didn’t want to fail Luke Martinez.

The soldier’s tormented words, spoken with such raw pain, had stayed with her long after the man had hung up.

Which he did, immediately after confessing that he needed to talk."

To read a longer excerpt, click here.
http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?itemid=22733&cid=416

Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson & Smalltown Lies

Do you live in a small town? Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes about small town lies. Do you think this story could happen in your town?

Secrets Buried Deep!

Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.

WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR ABOUT LEGACY OF LIES:
I’ve always been fascinated by social dynamics in a small town. Having lived in rural communities all my life, I’m intimately familiar with the unique politics involved. Crafting a story about the shadow cast over a town by its founding family came readily to me. I was particularly interested to explore the affect past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.

The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444087/jillelizabeth-20"target="new">CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for book giveaways, excerpts, and information.

I lived most of my lives in cities over 90,000 population. Now I live in a small town. I don't think I'm really experiencing small town life since I didn't raise my children here or hold a job here. Do you think that makes a difference?

Author Leann Harris & Faith of the Heart

My guest today is Author Leann Harris who writes Love Inspired Suspense romances. Her next one is coming out in January 2011--which may sound a long way off. But it isn't! Here's Leann:

"It’s amazing the people God puts into our lives. I was blessed with a daughter who has been a strength and joy. She was such a determined child that all I could do was channel that energy into the correct path. She was one of those children on the first day of 1^st grade that didn’t cling to mom’s side, but she walked into the classroom, found the teacher, and asked if she needed any help.

I also tried very hard to discourage her from becoming a teacher, which I was, but she told me it was her life and butt out. But it was that strong determination that I believe saved my life.

I suffered a brain aneurism at the age of 45. A vessel in my brain burst, and I bled into my brain. That happened late in September. I had picked up our speaker for the local RWA chapter meeting at the airport, we had breakfast, and then went to the meeting. A suddenly and terrible headache hit me, and I ended up in the bathroom, throwing up. I was taken to the hospital and in there for months. If it could go wrong, it did.

One dark night, the doctors called my family into the waiting room and told them I had less than a fifty/fifty chance of making it through the night. It was more like 30/70 chances, not in my favor. My parents lost it and my husband was devastated. My daughter (19 at the time) refused to accept the verdict. She prayed and asked God not to take me. She needed her mother. Her faith was not shaken and she believed. That is a faith of the heart. I think she also carried the rest of the family through that dark time.

I’m truly awed at the power of prayer, and I think it was her faith that God honored."--Leann

Thanks, Leann. Tell us a little about your January 2011 book, Second Chance Ranch.
Zachary McClure lost his leg while serving in Iraq. When he came home his dreams were shattered and faith shaken. Ex-army medic, Sophie Powell, knows how a horse can heal the wounded part of a soldier’s body and spirit. As Zach and Sophie work together, they find the faith in God they lost and the love they denied years ago. But is love enough to heal their wounded hearts?

I have a tender place in my heart for disabled veterans. My own dad lost an arm and a lung in France in WWII. But it didn't stop him in any way. And evidently God had plans for you to write for Him!"--Lyn

Drop by Leann's website for more info:
www.leannharris.com,

Book Review-Author Roxanne Rustand's Final Exposure

Final Exposure by Roxanne Rustand

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I just finished Roxanne Rustand's Final Exposure, a Love Inspired Suspense novel. I loved her characters. It's the classic story of a wounded hero, a caring heroine and a little boy lost. Oh, and toss in a big white puppy! On the other side of the coin, a mystery from the past and red herrings abound in this story of romantic suspense that will keep you reading and pay off with a big surprise at the end!

Roxanne's Website is www.RoxanneRustand.com and on the lower right you can see her All Creatures blog.
View all my reviews

Book Monday-Author Camy Tang & Formula for Danger

Formula for Danger

by Camy Tang
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

Someone wants dermatologist Rachel Grant's latest research, and they'll do anything to get it. Including trashing the plants needed for her breakthrough scar-reducing cream—and trying to run Rachel down. Desperate for help, she turns to Edward Villa, the only man she trusts. But the greenhouse owner knows too much about Rachel's research, and now he's a target, too. Break-ins, muggings, murder…the would-be thief is getting desperate—and getting closer. Edward vows to protect Rachel at all costs. Yet with time ticking away, Edward knows they have to uncover the madman shadowing Rachel before their chance for a future is destroyed.

Camy Tang grew up in Wahiawa, Hawaii, a small town right in the center of the island of Oahu. Her family is still there, but they love to fly up to California to visit on the way to Las Vegas.

She majored in Psychology and took pre-med Biology and Chemistry classes at Stanford University. She decided not to go to medical school (well, she got an invitation to interview at a medical school, but turned it down), and instead worked as a biologist researcher for nine years. She did compound development studies for a major pharmaceutical company and product development and method-of-action studies for a smaller biotech company.

Recently, she's gotten into knitting! She loves it. She always has a sock project with her and she's been doing more lace knitting lately.

Camy and her husband are staff workers with their youth group at an Asian Christian church in the San Francisco Bay Area. They have one dog, Snickers, whom they adopted from the Santa Clara animal shelter.

She is an avid blogger and blogs on her own Web site, Camy's Loft, and at her Story Sensei writing blog. You can visit her Web site, where there are links to her blogs. She won the American Christian Fiction Writers award in the Debut Author category in 2008, and if she were an ice cream flavor, she'd be pistachio."--Camy Tang

I don't know how she chose pistachio as her ice cream flavor. I've met her and she's not green, a little nutty but not green. I've never thought of myself as an ice cream flavor. Have you? If so, which are 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!

Book Monday on Friday-Calculated Revenge -Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Book Monday became Book Friday because of LIFE. Here's the scoop about--Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, a Love Inspired Suspense.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s been eighteen years since Laney Thompson’s sister was abducted and killed, but the pain Laney feels has never faded. And now the murderer is back, taunting Laney with mementos of her sister and threatening Laney’s young daughter. School principal Noah Ryder is her best hope for protecting her daughter—if she can convince the former investigator to take the case. As the threats accelerate, a string of clues leads Laney to uncover old secrets. Unless Noah steps in with his expertise, how can she piece together the puzzle before her child—like her sister—is lost to a killer’s revenge?

READER REVIEWS:

I just finished your book. I love Christian Suspense books and this one is the best one I have read in a while. I never figured out the solution until it was evident to all. Wonderful suspense weaving throughout the book. Thanks, I will look for more books by you. I could not put it down once I got started.

Excellent, excellent book! It caught my attention from the first page and was so hard to put down! Keep on sharing God's love and gospel thru your writing - it is important to those who need encouragement as well as need to know our precious Savior!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an award-winning author of mystery and suspense. She writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. She and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild.

Visit Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s website at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for excerpts, book giveaways, and contests.

You can order this book directly from your local bookstore, retail stores such as Walmart, or online here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373443900/jillelizabeth-20

Jill Elizabeth Nelson
~~Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth~~
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com

Reluctant Burglar, Reluctant Runaway, Reluctant Smuggler from Multnomah Books
Calculated Revenge (April 2010) and Legacy of Lies (October 2010) from Steeple Hill

Book Monday-Author Roxanne Rustand & Fatal Burn

The book for this Monday is FATAL BURN by Love Inspired Author and one of my dearest friends, Roxanne Rustand. Here's all about the book and the author!

"Smoke and mirrors...


Someone's after Kris Donaldson. and they don't just want her hurt--they want her ruined. First, an arsonist tries to destroy her cabin, and evidence points to Kris as possible insurance fraud. Then an injured deputy is found at her place...with ballistics proof that he was shot with her rifle. Even Trace Randall, the arson investigator who's helped her before, seems to doubt her now. She has to prove her innocence, but how? Her reputation, her life--and her chance for happiness with Trace--are all on the line.




Roxanne Rustand is the author of twenty-eight romantic suspense and heart-warming relationship novels, including eleven inspirational titles. Her 2010 releases include two books in her Big Sky Secrets series for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense: Fatal Burn in February and End Game in June. In November, 2010, Winter Reunion will be released, the first book in her Aspen Creek Crossroads series for Love Inspired. She lives in the country with her family, and a menagerie of pets that frequently find their way into her books. For information, visit her blogs and website at:

www.roxannerustand.com
www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand
http://roxannerustand.blogspot.com (The All Creatures Great and Small Place)"

I never miss one of Roxanne's books! If you haven't tried her before, this would be a good one to start with!--Lyn




Author Rachelle McCalla & Fidelity and Courage

My guest today is a new Love Inspired Suspense author Rachelle McCalla. Here's what she has to say about fidelity.--

"A young friend of mine from church recently broke up with her boyfriend of over four years. Breaking up was a difficult decision, because she’d been seeing this young man for most of her adult life, and their families were close. But after he’d been getting much too friendly with another young woman, she’d put her foot down, and told him if he wanted to be with her, he had to stay faithful. Though he repented once, it wasn’t long before he returned to his straying ways. Rather than stay in a relationship with a man she couldn’t trust to be faithful, my young friend make the difficult decision to end their relationship. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing to do.

In my book Survival Instinct, heroine Abby Caldwell had a similar experience in her past. When she learned her fiancé had been unfaithful, she ended things with him and never looked back. But her painful past refuses to stay buried, and she soon finds herself relying on God and the help of a new man in her life just to stay alive. The secrets they uncover make her realize more than ever that she was right to end that first relationship. And God blesses her with a real hero who she can trust with her heart, and with her life.

It’s not easy to end damaging relationships in our lives, be they romantic or otherwise. But when a person refuses to end their emotional abuse and refuses to accept the help of God to change, sometimes the strongest, bravest thing a woman can do is leave and never look back. It takes courage, but over time, God shows us that he has a better plan for our lives, and a more faithful love we can count on. I’m praying that as my friend heals from the hurt of her boyfriend’s betrayal, that God will bring new love into her life—in His time.

May your life be filled with love as well.

Rachelle McCalla

Author Bio: Survival Instinct is Rachelle McCalla’s first published novel. Look for the sequel, Troubled Waters, coming June 2010. If you’d like to know more about Rachelle, her books, her four energetic children, or why she decided to be an author instead of an astronaut, you can visit her webpage at www.rachellemccalla.com "

Thanks, Rachelle. You can also read about her at http://www.eharlequin.com/author.html?authorid=1931

Author Kit Wilkinson & Protector's Honor

My guest today is Love Inspired Author, Kit Wilkinson. Here's Kit:

"Protector’s Honor released last month with Love Inspired Suspense. It’s my first novel and really is perfect for Lyn’s blog since we’re talking Strong Women.

Did you know that in the first chapter of Joshua God told Aaron three times in three different verses to, “Be strong and courageous.”? God does want us to be might warriors for Him. But sometimes we women are just too strong for our own good. You know what I mean? We try to do everything. Control everything. Our schedule. Our children. Our husbands. J We actually try to help God out with our life. We lead instead of follow. I don’t know about you, but I catch myself doing this all the time.

And my heroine from Protector’s Honor is just like that.

Tabitha Beaumont has her life all under control. She’s a successful lawyer with great family and friends. She leads a teen Bible study and runs triathlons in her spare time. Everything is picture perfect. Until—she’s attacked, followed, and hunted by two strange men and has no idea why. NCIS agent, Rory Farrell, wants to help, but Tabitha’s not sure she can trust him. A dark moment from her past leaves her thinking she can’t trust any man. In fact, Tabitha realizes she has some serious issues to deal with—that maybe she didn’t have things in such great control after all. This crisis has her turning to her faith and letting go of it all.

Ever had a moment like that? I have. I feel God is continually reminding me to let Him lead. And really, what am I thinking when I try to take control? That I’ll do a better job than the God that created the universe? Ridiculous.

So, I try to fix on His words from Matthew 6:33, a familiar but very powerful promise… “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given unto you…”

Being a strong woman is great when the strength comes from the Lord."--Kit

That's so true, Kit. Drop by www.kitwilkinson.com for more.--Lyn

Book Monday-Author Camy Tang's Deadly Intent

It's my pleasure to feature a wonderful relatively new author Camy Tang and her latest Love Inspired Suspense.

DEADLY INTENT

SCENE OF THE CRIME

The Grant family’s exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon’s reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi’s freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim’s ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?

Bio:

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service.

On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every week, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind.

To purchase, go to http://www.eharlequin.com/

Visit her website for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away fourteen boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT. And her blog. Drop by Wednesday when she'll be sharing her recipe for Deep Fried Won Ton--one of my favorites!--Lyn

Click the title below to take you to amazon to read the first chapter!

Deadly Intent
by
Camy Tang

Book Monday---Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson's Witness to Murder

Monday's book is Witness to Murder By Jill Elizabeth Nelson, another great Love Inspired Suspense novel.

Here's the book blurb.

"TV reporter Hallie Berglund walks into a murder scene instead. The victim’s boyfriend stands over the body, murder weapon in hand. Hallie couldn’t stop the crime, but as the star witness, she’ll see the man brought to justice . . . right? Not according to her colleague Brody Jordan, who is convinced the police—and Hallie—are targeting the wrong man. To prove it, he’ll need Hallie’s help. The victim was wearing a bracelet handcrafted by Hallie’s long-dead mother. Now Hallie is the only one who can unearth the secrets of the past—and bring the sinister truth to light.



Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an award-winning author of mystery and suspense. She writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: "Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth." Jill speaks at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. She and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild.

Visit Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s website at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for excerpts, book giveaways, and contests.

You can order this book directly from your local bookstore, retail stores such as Walmart, or online here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373443455/jillelizabeth-20

And drop by www.loveinspiredauthors.com for more Love Inspired Suspense Novels. Or
http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=359&month=1

Book Monday--Author Linda Hall & Shadows on the River

Today's book is by my friend Linda Hall who writes compelling suspense spiced with a great romance.

"SHADOWS ON THE RIVER is the story of Ally Roarke. When she was a young teenager she saw her best friend pushed to her death. Here are Ally's own words: "I was only fourteen when I witnessed a murder on the riverbank. A murder that went unpunished. Unless you count what happened to my family. We were forced out of town by the teenage killer's prominent parents. And the murder was forgotten—by everyone but me. Now, the killer is a respected businessman. I can't let him get away with it. But I'm a single mother with a child to protect, what can I do? The new man in my life, Mark Bishop, warns me to be careful. For there's already been another murder. Close to home."

What others are saying:- "With a voice well suited to mystery and suspense, Hall creates an almost gothic atmosphere and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion in this final installment of her Shadows series." Romantic Times 4 stars


A bit about Linda: Award winning and twice Christy-nominated author Linda Hall has written fifteen novels plus many short stories. She has also worked as a freelance writer, news reporter and feature writer for daily newspaper.She grew up in New Jersey where her love of the ocean was nurtured. Most of her novels have something to do with the sea. When she's not writing, Linda and her husband enjoy sailing the St. John River system and the coast of Maine. In the summer we basically move aboard their 34' sailboat aptly named - "Mystery." Linda invites you to her website: http://writerhall.com

Shadows on the River can be ordered from most online bookstores such as amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-River-Steeple-Inspired-Suspense/dp/0373443366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243103383&sr=8-1

or can be ordered from her website: http://writerhall.com "

Sorry, Linda, but when I saw your name for your sailboat, I thought better than "Misery." I have never sailed but it looks like hard work to me! Bravo for you and your dh.
And thanks for writing another book I can get my teeth into and enjoy--Lyn

Book Monday-Love Inspired Author, Roxanne Rustand newest Suspense

Today it's my pleasure to feature, Deadly Competition, the seventeenth book by a dear friend, Roxanne Rustand. She writes romances with suspense and yet a quirky sense of humor and a love of animals. Which pretty much describes her personality. Right now she owns 3 horses, 2 dogs, 8 barn cats and that's after all her children have left home. I don't want to tell you about her son's pet snake....

Here's the scoop on Deadly Competition--
"The single mother hasn't been found. And all her daughter, Sarah, has is her uncle. Clueless at parenting, Clint Herald seeks a loving, responsible nanny. What he finds instead is a stranger as mysterious as his sister's disappearance. Mandy Erick is secretive and seems scared, yet she's so good with Sarah that Clint can't help but trust her. In fact, he even enters Mandy in the town's Mother of the Year contest. But attention is the last thing Mandy wants. Her time in the public eye may prove just as dangerous as she fears. Excerpt: "The single mother hasn't been found. And all her daughter, Sarah, has is her uncle. Clueless at parenting, Clint Herald seeks a loving, responsible nanny. What he finds instead is a stranger as mysterious as his sister's disappearance.

Mandy Erick is secretive and seems scared, yet she's so good with Sarah that Clint can't help but trust her. In fact, he even enters Mandy in the town's Mother of the Year contest. But attention is the last thing Mandy wants. Her time in the public eye may prove just as dangerous as she fears. Mandy Erick flinched as the door of the Greyhound slid shut behind her. The bus lumbered away, taking with it her chance to reach Texas or California or Oregon anytime soon. Leaving her standing on the edge of Loomis, Louisiana, a backwater town in the middle of nowhere. Though maybe the middle of nowhere was the safest place for someone who'd had to leave her old identity behind."

To purchase: http://www.eharlequin.comstore.html;jsessionid=00C164E53E0203C5C0D554CDC6E6A90D?cid=359

For more about Roxanne Rustand, visit www.roxannerustand.com and her new blog "All Creatures Great and Small."--Lyn