Reviews are coming in for Higher Honor and this week, the Christian Fiction Review Blog is touring it!

Please check out what Rae had to say about my debut novel!

http://c-romance.blogspot.com/2008/10/cfrb-tour-higher-honor.html

Leave a comment and you could win a copy!

 We have a sock basket. No matter how I try to eliminate the need for this orphanage for socks, it creeps back into my life like a foot fungus. This one is a round, soft tote that is actually a cooler, but it serves well for a sock orphanage.

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So, Karina had this great idea as we im'd each other for an orphan sock week. You know, those orphans, or widows of the dryer. I was certain a week wouldn't be long enough to post about my orphans, but I was game. Sorta reminded me of a virtual milk carton. Have you seen me? Size 5T, white with flowers. Last seen when my kids could actually wear a 5T.

 

 

I brought out our sock basket, ready to search for an orphan and low and behold, I found one in the sock orphanage, but we don't print just one kid on a milk carton, I won't post just one sock, so I started digging for some more – looking for cute, memorable socks, cuz that helps.

 

Shock upon shock, I found a match. So I folded them together and found another orphan. A few moments later, a match! What the heck? No matches for like months, and now? Well, I pulled out a pink sock and guess what? A match.

 

No, wait. That's an imposter sock! Oh noooooooooo! That's even worse. Just slightly different in weight and knit pattern, it's easily confused with the mate of true orphans.

 

 

GRRRRRR, ok. Now what? Ah-ha. . . .wait – this one's for Chief and my buddies at NGC – a green ARMY sock! I haven't worn Army socks in two years. . .oooookaaaaayyyy, well then.

 

 

But, if any of you have seen my froggy sock, I'd appreciate it – I liked wearing them!

Gentle Journey

Elaine Lyons Bach

While historical romance isn't normally my thing, I found the story charming. Eden Barrett, the sanctimonious, altruistic governess finds herself in the home of the handsome Earl of Edmond, Colin Ashton, who sneers at her deep devotion to God. Undaunted, she continues to educate his high-spirited, controlling sister Diana.

Though Colin and Eden do not agree on matters of faith, they are both keenly aware of social injustices and work to right the wrongs of society through nursing ill orphans and reaching out to widows. Eden helps arrange employment for a former sculley maid, turned out due to an unplanned pregnancy, demonstrating practical compassion. But, she has made enemies of some, including a chimney sweep she angered by taking custody of his boys after he beat one of them.

What I liked most about this book was that while Eden at first came across as sanctimonious and haughty, she is shown as human and making mistakes, but she never waivers in her faith. This book is good to show faith in action and deals honestly and openly with questions young readers often ask. My favorite scene is when Eden tells Diana that it's acceptable to question the existence of God as long as it's done in the search of an honest answer.

I only wish that Bach had made it longer, giving life to some of the scenes that were brief, although the story reads well as it is.

 

 

About the Author:

Elaine Lyons Bach has been a director and teacher of drama and literature in high school and college over the last 30 years, taking sabbaticals to write and travel. She wrote Gentle Journey to fill two major voids she found common among her students: the need to plumb the depths of the things that really matter, and the need to know with certainty that we are loved unconditionally

About the Book:

Driven, altruistic Eden Barrett yearns to bring about social reform using her artistic talent. Unaware of the enemies lurking in her future, when her initial plans go awry, she finds employment as a governess, hoping to continue to hone her talent in her free time. Eden immediately defies tradition when she rescues two climbing boys and houses them on the estate of her new employer. A man of integrity, like-minded in all but one insurmountable aspect, Colin Ashton, Seventh Earl of Edmund, finds the sparks flying as he matches wits with the new governess to his high-spirited, precocious, and controlling sister. He would fire Eden if not for his sister's pleas on her behalf. Eden spurns marriage as a sure way for a female in Regency England's society to become a slave to the will of another. Fully aware, though, that her will and his do not agree and that he is far above her station, she is helplessly drawn to the capable lord. It seems his interest is in a beautiful neighbor, The Honorable Cassandra Bradley, whose brother is obviously taken with Eden . Lives will be transformed in their unforgettable journey of adventure, passionate emotions, and enduring love.

Gentle Journey
Elaine Lyons Bach
Fiction Romance
Outskirts Press (February 9, 2007) 248 pgs
ISBN: 978-1598009040

Purchase a copy of Gentle Journey at the following sites:

Amazon

Here's what I found on Bach's author's website:

http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=1598008862

There's also a book trailer.

You absolutely must check out Rebecca's review

Check out what Rebecca has to say about "Gentle Journey" tomorrow on her blog at: http://rebeccawire.com/

Rebecca received her B.A. in English from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2002.  She minored in History and Literature.  Her favorite courses included Creative Writing, military history courses, and "anything having to do with Shakespeare".  After graduating she married and moved from Maryland to  Virginia .

While living in Maryland , Rebecca had been an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor for several years.  In 2004, she founded a non-profit ministry helping English language learners practice their English.  Guide My Words functions today as a means for students to use the Internet to find Conversation Partners and for churches to learn more about establishing ESL ministries.  Rebecca has written dozens of Bible-based lesson plans, compiling several workbooks for ESL classes and Bible studies.  She has led a tutor training workshop and  is certified in Conversational English Language Training through the North American Mission Board.

Also in 2004, Rebecca began writing book reviews for Roundtable Reviews. Rebecca served as an occasional proofreader of reviews submitted by other writers with the site.  During her time with Roundtable Reviews, Rebecca wrote over 40 book reviews from a variety of genres.  She ended her time at Roundtable in early 2008.

In 2007, Rebecca began a freelance writing and editing career.  She became a member of The Christian PEN Proofreaders and Editors Network.    Rebecca also began offering manuscript critiques for aspiring authors.

Rebecca is now offering services in the form of Researching, Interviewing, Audio Transcribing, Copyediting, and Ghostwriting.  She is currently a Research Assistant and Audio Transcriptionist for an author writing a public relations career guide. Her next project is ghostwriting a nonfiction work.

Rebecca is a stay at home mom.  She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and their three boys.

 

 

When I thought God had abandoned me, I discovered that He had simply given me a different voice to praise--from "My Losing Season" by Pat Conroy

I'm still walking around higher than a kite. I'm floating and swinging somewhere between shock, awe, and elation. For the last three and half hours I've been in another world – making it very hard to actually do my job, but Sue told me I needed to share this story after I told her and left probably what amounted to gibberish on Cyn's answering machine.

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All this thrill from a county commissioners meeting. . .

 

After tonight's meeting, I was talking to the commissioners and one, Phil – yes, I call them by their first name, asked me how the book was coming. Phil is an awesome guy – he was once a reporter and doesn't hesitate to share with me. He also teaches college and is just really a nice guy. I've known something about Phil for a while and knew he could be a valuable piece of my network, but I never had to courage to ask him for any favors (for a variety of reason, insecurities, conflict of interest, etc).

 

I told him I was excited to have the advance review copies of Higher Honor and that I happened to have one with me. I pulled it out of my tote back, complete with sticky notes marking places I needed to change, and handed it to him. He read a couple pages, studied the front and back. He asked if that was a picture of ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />North Georgia College and if I used cadets on the cover.

 

We chit-chatted for a moment and I told him this wasn't the final edited version, that I was mailing review copies off to reviewers. He asked me who was reviewing it and I explained the process. He looked at the book again, then looked at me and the words out of his mouth almost blew me to the floor.

 

"What if I can get Pat Conroy to review your book?"

 

I'm thankful I didn't have to pick myself up off the floor – although I did have to retrieve my jaw. He told me last year that he and my all time favorite author are friends (as in eating dinner together, discussing art together) friends.

 

I can't tell you what even the thought means to me. Even if it never happens or it doesn't turn out the way I want it to – I'm so humbled and thrilled and thankful and, really, if God was right here, I'd throw my arms around him and give Him one of those Big Southern Hugs and probably some kisses, too. That's how much just the thought and idea mean to me.

 

Of course, I was grinning like a fool and told him if Pat Conroy read my book, I'd die.

 

Maybe that's why Phil didn't make any promises, but he is going to call Pat Conroy (for a list of his books, see my website – any of them) and ask him to consider it.

 

I shared some little tidbit with Phil that is sorta my little secret that only a few people know. Most kids choose their colleges based on reputation, location, scholarships, majors, you know, practical stuff. I choose NGC because, at the time, the Citadel didn't allow women and I needed to know if all that stuff in the Lords of Discipline was true – the brotherhood, the loyalty, the mystery and the allure. Phil promised to pass that on, too. One book, one author set me on that defining path that is my life. I went to NGC knowing I would write a book and wondering how different or how similar it would be to the saga shared by Will, Tradd, Pig, Mark, and this dark, mysterious group called "The Ten."

 

And even though I was not following Christ as a student and for most of my career there, I was angry at God and running, He used the people there and the events there to bring me back to Him and to shape me. I want to ask for prayers on this, but I think I want to ask more for praise and thanksgiving, because, like I said, just the gesture, the possibility has filled me with such joy and excitement I'm almost speechless.

 

I included my all time favorite quote at the top of this post because that one sentence truly describes how I feel as a writer, all of the time.

 

 

 

 

"Never Ceese" presented an interesting problem for the Kirkland household. You see, pre-Ceese, we lived in a smaller house. Yes, I’m going somewhere with this. To be precise, the bathroom. We had one bathroom in the little house and all good reads went to this multifunctional library. That way, EVERYONE had a chance to read a book at the same time.

But, then we moved to the "big" house -- which has 2.5 bathrooms. I spent a great deal of time hopping, legs crossed, through the house, screaming "Where’ THE BOOK?" as if it were some sort of requirement for bathroom duty. I argued several times with my husband, who was also reading it, about why I needed it to go to the bathroom.

Fortunately, I’m a fast reader and finished it, accident free, in just a few days. That just left my husband and our two teenagers to fight over it. More than once, we’d sneak upstairs to check on the kids and find our 14yr old, asleep using an open "Never Ceese" for a pillow.

And we have been loud, outspoken, and feverent recommenders of "Never Ceese" since then -- and that’s been over a year ago. I could talk about how deep and complex the characters were, as well as how thought-provoking the whole book is on matters of grace and mercy. I could tell you how this was a good, easy read for teens through adults, even with its depth. I could tell you about it being short listed for a Bram Stoker and ACFW Book of the Month, but you’ll read all those acolades at other sites (because you will visit them) But I’ve said enough and now I need something to read as I hop to the bathroom. . .

BTW -- this blog was posted using my friend, Melanie’s computer (it has DSL. . .) I think I’m going to do the "Never Ceese" blog tour while I tour different homes using their computers!

This is what others are saying about Never Ceese (these are the sites you’ll visit)
Steve Rice

Melissa Meeks

Geralyn Beauchamp

Cathi Hassan

Caprice Hokstad

Frank Creed

It’s been one of those days, but I’ve chosen to laugh, cynically, about it. First, after a restless night, I woke up, tired. Gracie was sick over the weekend and then we had baseball practice last night, which didn’t help, so I made the decision to stay home.
 
So, later in the morning, I get a call from George wanting the insurance information on his truck. Not his Nissan -- he’s new baby. He and his best friend swapped trucks, so Geo had an older model, big Ford 4-wheel drive farm truck (which we had fun with at the muddy landfill while parts of Georgia were being pelted with tornados). Well, the insurance information was in his truck, which, btw, was STOLEN! hence the need to call me. And since it was an older model, with no money owed on it, we had liability only. Geo is sick, he loved that truck.
 
Well, then I start working on "Higher Courage" the sequel to "Higher Honor." That happens to be going very well (all thanks to God on that, because He’s directed me to the experts I need in Special forces, k9 police, and drug addiction -- a whole bunch of cool stuff). I just got my replacement printer Friday because I complained to Epson two weeks ago about how sorry my new printer was. It says there is a jam, when there isn’t. So, the replacement printer started doing the same thing. I called, complained, they are sending a replacement for the replacement.
 
But, being persistent, I continued to try to print. Then it really jammed. I reached in, grasped the paper and pulled. in the process, the back of my hand went across the top of the inside of the printer, leaving several pieces of flesh behind. It hurts, it looks gross. I’ll have to clean bits of my hand off the printer up before I return this one.
 
So, that’s been my day, thought I’d share. I enjoyed some hot brownies. On a positive note -- Higher Honor will be out in September. I’m waiting on the advance review copies now.

 

The Void by Mark Mynheir

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention and taking care of her elderly mother, leaving no time for a social life. When a cop turns up dead, she is called to the scene, along with his best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, a genetics lab near the scene, hoping their security cameras hold clues to solve the crime. What they uncover is a scientist cloning humans. As Robbie and Eric pursue clues, they uncover both feelings for each other, and a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition. The clones want more than human life, they want human souls.

 

Demon possessed human clones. Unbelievable, right? Not in Mark Mynheir's "The Void." If I had known that was the direction the book was going before reading it, I would have passed. Instead, I was roped in and held prisoner. His plot is so believable, I, a skeptic in human cloning, could see it happening.

Mynheir has an easy to read style that with captivating characters. Robbie is still haunted by the death of her father and has followed in his steps as a law enforcement officer. If you are looking for preachy Christian fiction, you won't find it here. But neither is it short on faith. Instead a compelling story line is complimented with believable characters who practice, not preach a believable faith. What an incredible combination.

 

This book raises the bar on Christian fiction and I can't wait to read his previous works – "Rolling Thunder," and "Belly of the Dragon."

 

You can read what others are saying about "The Void" at:

www.cathischatter.blogspot

 

 

 

On sale now at Random House

And of course at Amazon.com

Be sure to check out Mark's personal site at Cop Writer

The mythical world of Byntar is ruled by dualities -- two suns by day, two moons by night. There are two breeds of humans -- tall, intelligent Elva and the small, docile Itzi. So when twin heirs are born to inherit the throne, the prophets or mages, advise Arx and Vahn both rule the kingdom. Instead, their father gives the throne to Arx, the oldest and makes Vahn the Duke of Latoph, the most prosperous duchy in the land. ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 

The first two books of Caprice Hokstad's "The Ascendry Triology" will thrust you headfirst into a "sword opera" with duals, nobility, slavery and betrayal. Duke Vahn Rebono runs his house with firmness and compassion, but in an effort to please his demanding, spoiled wife, he gives all his beautiful, obedient slaves to his less than honorable cousin, who secretly plans to use them to make money. The duchess still isn't pacified and one night, gives the Duke a sleeping potion so she can take his son and return to her home country.

 

"The Duke's Handmaid" and "Nor Iron Bars a Cage" tells the story of Duke Vahn's quest to find his son and the growing, forbidden love between the Elva master and his Itzi slave, Kee. This is seen more in "The Duke's Handmaid" – which, btw, is not required reading for NIBAC. Hokstad's story unfolds like a beautiful ballet of words; elegant descriptions of simple rituals bring Byntar alive. But romance is only a small part of the story; there is plenty of action and a good dose of humor when Duke Vahn learns the consequences of accepting an honor match against the woman he scorned. 

 

The humor in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage" captured me in some twisted way that I still chuckle over, weeks after I read the last page. I must say, I sort of enjoyed the Duke running around in loincloth. Sometimes, I felt a little sorry for him, but then I would imagine being there, pretty easy with Hokstad's masterful descriptions, and I would laugh all over myself. I think this book is the only one I've ever read while cooking. Plenty of books go to throne room with me, but not many follow me to the kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I liked Vahn, but, well, we've all known people who made foolish bets and lost.

 

On a more serious note, Hokstad's portrayal of the relationship between Vahn and his slaves, especially Kee, is beautiful and captivating. At first, I found Kee a bit too submissive, but it actually began to grow on me and in fact, she does learn to be more assertive. The fact that the names of slaves aren't capitalized really drives home the point of their place, but it is neither depressing, nor sadistic in Vahn's house where slaves are treated almost tenderly. The master..slave rituals are almost romantic in their presentation. It should be noted that Vahn's slaves are not wimpy little nillies, even if most are itzi and considered dumb and docile. In fact, his slaves are resourceful, strong, and for the most part, intensely loyal.

 

In fact, my favorite scene shows just how capable his slaves are. After losing the honor match with a villainous distant cousin, Vahn entrusts his kingdom to Timmalina, his former head slave, bestowing on her all of his powers and naming her acting Duchess while he played 'kitten.' At first hesitant and reluctant to run the kingdom in the absence of her husband, Timmalina quickly shows her true leadership abilities when she learns of the Duke's humiliation. I was ready for a cat fight when Timmilina, pregnant and angry at the humiliation her former master was enduring, invoked her powers of duchess to remove the spiteful mistress from the Duke's throne, where she could hear court and keep a protective eye on Vahn. Her quick thinking later on helps give the wicked woman her just due.

 

Here's some cool links to check out:

www.Latoph.com

The book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhHEWoFd3Aw

FREE excerpt (first 3 chapters)

http://members.aol.com/cfvici/latoph/NIBAC.html

The most economical place to buy Nor Iron Bars a Cage:

http://www.lulu.com/caprice

 

Check out what others are saying about "Nor Iron Bars a Cage"

 

Grace Bridges

Cathi Hassan

Michael A. Heald

Donna Sundblad

 

 

Hey, let me know if the links don't work  

I've always loved my time in service. I was broken hearted when I realized that my time had ended there. Savannah has always been proud of my service too. Every year, her school, Tolbert Elementary, just goes out of its way to say thank you. I've eaten a Veteran's Day lunch in the school cafeteria every year for five years now and I will continue to do so until Gracie leaves Tolbert in six more years.

This year the outdid themselves. I hung out for about two hours or so, since I had to enjoy lunch with all three children. I only ate once, though . They had red-white-blue ribbons on the door. The lobby was done in the same patriotic theme. Different classes had made different projects to say "thanks." There were wreaths made of hand prints, with different student's pictures in them. Hand printed flags (I love those!), pictures of family members who are serving or have served were done on nice backgrounds and covered the walls. There was a picture of Cody Warren, Gordon County's own fallen hero, who's mother works for our county schools.

Probably the kicker was each grade sang a patriotic song that was videotaped and played on the stage as vets ate with the children, grandchildren, nephews, etc. The time and effort put forth by this school touched me to my very soul -- I was misty eyed quite a bit there, and am as I write this. I really wish all my brothers and sisters-in-arms could experience it.

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you guys and say thank you to my friends still serving and their spouses (who really have the harder job). One of my favorite Bible verses is (Susan's paraphrase)and a very fitting end to this:  "There is no greater love than that of a man who lays down his life for his friends."