A Thousand Sleepless Nights

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Thousand Sleepless Nights Realms (October 16, 2012) by Michael King

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Mike Dellosso won a one-year battle with colon cancer he set out to help readers of his books discover it before they had to go through what he experienced.

“I want others to avoid what I had to go through,” he says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot about myself, others, and God, but one I wouldn’t want to repeat. If I can help even one person battling this disease, it would have been worth it.”

Mike set about writing a novel quite different from what his fan base had come to expect from him. Not a thriller, but a character-driven novel, so he wrote it under a pen name, Michael King, and entitled it A Thousand Sleepless Nights. His publisher, Charisma Media, went for it and the first copies went on sale in October.

Mike’s next step was to determine whether a partnership between him, Charisma Media, and the Colon Cancer Alliance was possible. This month both announced their cooperative fundraising venture, with Charisma Media making a significant contribution to CCA and Mike committing a portion of the proceeds from the book through December to CCA.

Speaking about A Thousand Sleepless Nights Mike says, “I want people to see colon cancer (and all the other cancers) for the monster it is, but also to show it does not need to defeat us. There is hope, there is strength, and there is courage and love. And though cancer may rob us of our physical vitality, it has no power over our spirit.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the 1970s, escaping a home where he knew nothing but violence and hate, Jim Harding found work, and love, on the largest horse ranch in Virginia. The object of his affections, Nena St. Claire, is the daughter of the owner—a man who ruled his ranch with an iron fist and would do whatever it took to keep Nena and Jim apart.

Against the wishes of her family, Nena marries Jim, and after her father dies, she sacrifices everything—including her family—to keep the ranch alive. Now their three grown children have lives of their own and want nothing to do with Nena. She was never the mother they needed.

When cancer strikes and Nena is given a devastating diagnosis, can Jim reconcile the family before it is too late?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Thousand Sleepless Nights, go HERE.

Beyond the Storm

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Beyond the Storm

Abingdon Press (October 2012)

by

Carolyn Zane

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon.  When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the

Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.”  Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012!  In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison!  They are hilarious!  You'll wet yourself, guaranteed!  Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?” 

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.

Hot Buttons

PRESS RELEASE
Latest Additions to Hot Button Series Prepare Parents to Discuss Difficult Topics
Nicole O’Dell helps address the Hot Buttons in teens’ lives before the issues become problems
Seattle: All parents were teenagers once, but with each generation there are new
challenges that teens face, at least in a different way than their parents did. This has
never been truer than today with the influences of social networking and a constant
connection to the internet and media. It’s more important than ever for parents to be
proactive in talking to their teens about hot-button issues such as the internet, dating,
sexuality and drugs. As a resource to help parents have those difficult conversations
with their children, Nicole O’Dell, author and popular radio host, has launched an
innovative, proactive strategy parents can use to prepare their teens for difficult
decisions with the release of the Hot Buttons book series.
What exactly is a hot-button issue? A hot button is any emotional or controversial issue
that has the potential to trigger intense reaction. What topics fit in this category?
“Pretty much everything that pummels your kids with temptation and threatens to pull
them away from a walk with God. Music, dating, computer use, texting, partying, drugs, the list goes on and
on,” says O’Dell. “These issues are real and often confusing. They require attention—before they arise—and
ignoring them can have dire consequences.”
This summer, the Hot Button series debuted with the release Internet Edition and Dating Edition to be followed
with the October releases of the Drug and Sexuality editions. Each book begins with a real look at the
temptations and situations that teens are faced with, including current statistics. O’Dell outlines questions for
parents to ask themselves before launching into a discussion as well as advice on how to approach their teens
to begin conversations. Speaking from experience, she gives parents do’s and don’ts guidelines on what
questions to ask and how to react.
The most unique and practical aspect of each Hot Button book is the strategic scenarios—short stories that
allow parents to introduce certain challenges to their teens in a creative “what would you do?” question and
answer format. Each Hot Button scenario is followed by three or four choices from which the teen can choose
to resolve the situation. Parents are then encouraged to help their children explore, ask questions, and discuss
the options so when the scenarios come up in real life, teens are prepared with their response.
O’Dell was inspired to start the series when looking for ways to talk to her own children. “I was searching for
ways to lead my children to make good decisions. I decided it would be far better to talk to them proactively
about issues they would one day face than it would be to wait until they were buried under poor choices,” she
writes. “I believed it would be easier to control the way they perceived the information and far easier to help
them see and understand the consequences of poor decisions if they could look at it objectively, without the
added stress of peer pressure and other outside influences.”
These first four editions are just a start to the Hot Buttons series. Upcoming releases in 2013 will include books on
Bullying and Image. Plans for an interactive app are also in development.  The series has recently received the
Focus on the Family seal of approval.HOT BUTTONS PAGE 2
Readers can get updates on the series, interact with Nicole O’Dell and more by visiting the Hot Buttons
Facebook Page, following Hot Buttons on Twitter, or visiting www.hotbuttonsite.com.
Parents and teens can join O’Dell for a special online live chat on November 1 (more details will be available
soon).
Hot Buttons Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics
include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.
978-0-8254-4240-7 (June 2012)
Hot Buttons Internet Edition helps parents prepare their teens for online challenges they may face. Topics discussed include:
internet activity, file sharing, social networking, and internet predators.
978-0-8254-4239-1 (June 2012)
Hot Buttons Drug Edition braves the scary world of substance abuse, equipping parents with facts, warning signs, and realworld scenarios on: alcohol; Marijuana and other drugs; inhalants; and prescription drugs.
978-0-8254-4241-4 (October 2012)
Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition offers: the facts about teen sexuality, backed by statistics; specifics for how to talk frankly about
sex with your kids, discussion about the growth of homosexuality and bisexuality among teens; and compassionate advice
for guiding your teen to reclaim purity.
978-0-8254-4242-1 (October 2012)
$9.99/ 168 pages each / 2-color interior / paperback
Advance Praise
“Nicole O’Dell has created something that is—in my opinion—revolutionary in helping parents of teens. The
idea of creating scenarios prior to issues arising and then coming alongside our teens to help them navigate
those scenarios is going to help me a ton! My only regret is that I didn’t read this [series] sooner! If you are a
parent, pick this book up. It will make you think differently about how you communicate with your kids!”
~ Marybeth Whalen, Proverbs 31 Ministries writer and speaker, author of The Mailbox and She Makes It Look Easy
“This series is the answer to the cry of my heart. It’s wise, it’s tactical, and it’s preemptive. Among the huge
selection of parenting books on my shelf, I’ve never had another one give me tingles and make me shout, ‘Yes!
This is it!’ I feel empowered and inspired as a parent and have already implemented the strategies this series
teaches.”
~ Jill Williamson, Christy Award–winning author of By Darkness Hid and the Blood of Kings trilogy
“Nicole O’Dell is back with a fresh series to help tweens and teens make godly choices. As a mom who works
with tweens, I know just how girl/boy-crazy this generation is. I’m thrilled to have another tool in my arsenal! I
can’t wait to read this book with my daughter and use it to help us have key discussions about a critical issue to
all teens: dating.”
~ Cara C. Putman, multi-published author of Stars in the Night and A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac IslandHOT BUTTONS PAGE 3
“Talented author Nicole O’Dell has created a [series] that is a must-have for every family. Her fresh insight and
voice of experience will speak to tweens/teens and parents alike.”
~ Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of the A Charmed Life series and the Katie Parker Production series
“I wish I’d had Nicole O’Dell’s Hot Buttons Drug Edition when I was raising children. It might have saved me a lot
of heartache later. Bad choices can destroy a child’s life, but preparation can protect a child from destructive
mistakes. This book teaches parents how to prepare their children in practical ways. A must-read for every
parent!”
~ Terri Blackstock, author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall
“Nicole O’Dell “gets” teens, and in Hot Buttons: Sexuality Edition, she helps quaking parents realize you can
have confidence to “power your kids” through the sex quagmire! She deals openly, honestly, and vividly with
the culture that our kids face, but reminds us that it’s not inevitable our kids will succumb. On the contrary,
Nicole shows how when we expect the best, equip them practically, and engage them honestly, our kids will
thrive.”
~ Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex and Honey, I Don’t Have a Headache
Tonight
About the Author
Youth-culture expert, Nicole O’Dell is the host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and
Teen Talk and the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, dedicated to guiding teens
through tough issues and helping parents encourage good decisions.
On air, O’Dell covers peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, popularity,
and anything else that comes up along the way.  Nicole writes and speaks to preteens,
teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life’s tough choices.
As an author, O’Dell writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her popular YA fiction includes
the Diamond Estate Series and the Scenarios for Girls interactive books that feature
alternate endings, allowing young girls to decide the outcome for  the main character.
Her nonfiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters
based on their popular advice column.
While her YA resources encourage and equip teens, Nicole also works to bridge the communication gap
between teens and their parents. The Hot Buttons series helps parents discuss tough issues with their tweens and
teens before the issues pop up in real life. Watch for future Hot Buttons books on subjects like bullying, image,
prejudice, friendships, politics, and more.
O’Dell, resides in Paxton, IL, with her husband and six children—the youngest of whom are toddler triplets.
Learn more about Nicole O’Dell and her books and Choose NOW podcasts at www.nicoleodell.com. She has
special sections set up for both teens and parents. Readers can also keep up with her via Facebook and
Twitter.
Suggested interview questions
• You are a mom of six. Did the idea for the Hot Buttons series come from your own experiences in talking to
your children?
• How did you become involved in youth ministry and guiding teens to make the right decisions?
• How do you decide the right age to discuss these hot buttons with your child? Should you talk about all of
these issues about the same time, or do some come earlier than others?
• What is an appropriate age for teens to start dating? Are there any variables to be considered?HOT BUTTONS PAGE 4
• How early do parents need to be talking to their children about sexuality?
• What signs should parents watch for if they suspect their teen of using drugs?
• How closely should parents monitor their children’s online activities? What are some of the things parents
can do to keep their children safe?
• Honestly, if parents don’t talk to their teens about the difficult topics such as dating and sex, where do they
expect their teens to get information in order to make good decisions?
• You write that parents have forgotten that they have veto power over their teens activities and
relationships, or at least they don’t use it. Why do you think parents no longer seem to rule the house the
way they did in generations past? (OR) What happened in our society to make teens believe they didn’t
need their parents’ approval or permission for certain activities or friendships?
• What are some of the most disturbing facts about teens that parents should be aware of?
• Why is it so important not to try to be your teen’s friend?
• Tell us more about the live online chat you will be having on November 1.
Nicole O’Dell is available for interviews to promote the release of the Hot Buttons series. To request a review
copy, schedule an interview or for more information, please contact Audra Jennings, audra@litfusegroup.com.

Accidentally Amish

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Accidentally Amish Barbour Books (October 1, 2012) by Olivia Newport

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.

We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.

Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)

Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.

Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen,
 hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs
from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s
Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she
spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common
ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus
strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Accidentally Amish, go HERE.

The Borrowed Book

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

No Safe Harbor

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Ludwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.

Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.

Practicing the Presence of Jesus

About Practicing the Presence of Jesus:

Experience the Gift of His Friendship

Do you want to experience Jesus as real? When we look at Jesus' life on earth, we see Him calling people to simply know Him. He made no demand on them to believe theological propositions. "Follow me" was the invitation which they accepted. They got to know and communicate with the real person. There is a big difference between believing something is true and experiencing it as real. This is the story of how Wally Armstrong learned to communicate with the real person of Jesus in his everyday life. Armstrong experiences Jesus up close and personal and introduces readers to the same experience. In a conversational manner, he explores what it is like to have a relationship with Jesus as if He is sitting right there next to us. He keeps an empty chair ready and imagines Jesus sitting beside him as they talk.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erBu0

Meet Wally:

Wally Armstrong is a professional golfer, teacher and dynamic life coach who has competed in over 300 PGA Tour events, including the British Open, the US Open, and the Masters, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Tour. In his first Masters appearance, Wally finished in fifth place, setting a rookie record for the lowest tournament score of eight under par. As a golf instructor and clinician, Armstrong has taught golf all over the world and has produced more than twenty golf instructional videos and DVDs covering every area of the golf game. He is the author of seven books, including the bestselling In His Grip (with Jim Sheard and Billy Graham) and The Mulligan (with Ken Blanchard). He resides in Maitland, Florida, and has been married to his wife, Debbie, for forty-one years. Together, they have three children and seven grandchildren. Armstrong invites readers to visit his website, www.oldprobooks.com, for more insights about the wonderful opportunity each of us has to know Jesus as the real person that he is.

Saving Gideon

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Saving Gideon B&H Books (October 1, 2012) by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Amy:I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gideon Fisher wants one thing out of life -- to be left alone. This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife and son to the point of losing his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does Gideon have but to let her in?

Dallas socialite Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere lifestyle. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through (yet another) bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.

But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. And there’s something more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.

Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. Yet as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles, or will their sheer differences pull them apart? If you would like to read the first chapter of Saving Gideon, go HERE

All Things New

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing All Things New Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.

Full Disclosure

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Full Disclosure Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…

Watch the book trailer:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Full Disclosure, go HERE.