Author Amy L Harden & If It’s Not All About Me….

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The TRUTH about I AM…

God has been wooing me with simple TRUTHS all of my life.

He has blessed me greatly throughout, giving me a mother and father, a home circumstance that could be portrayed as quite “Beaver Cleaver”….a circumstance that this proud human almost lost through her selfishness, pride and resistance to the molding and refining fire the Almighty perpetually thrust her in. My stubbornness and resistance to God’s plan has not only frustrated my parents and siblings; my husband, children and friends…but the Father, Himself. I have visions of Him slapping his forehead, shaking His head in disbelief or dissatisfaction; and at times picking up a 2×4 with my name on it to smack me across the back of my head.

I am a stubborn child!

My Aunt Muriel read me a story when I was child called “Pando Nombus”; a story about a boy who didn’t use his common sense. He innocently went about his day trying his best, but not quite getting it right. After each failed task, his mother would reprimand him saying, “Pando Nombus, PANDO NOMBUS! Ain’t ya got the sense you born with?!” I believe God would say this over and over again to me…”Amy…AMY!! Ain’t you got the sense you were born with…” The only thing God would add is…”It’s not about YOU, dear one…It’s about ME!”

I am innocent and…sometimes…a naive child!

My confirmation scripture was: “And surely I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” Matt 28: 20 (KJV)

When I was a teen my greatest FEAR was being alone or dying. I went through a period of time when I was scared to fall asleep at night. After several sleepless nights, my father handed me my Bible; telling me that the words would comfort and give strength…holding off the fear. He read the scripture in Matthew reassuring me that this is Christ’s eternal promise to all of us! I fell asleep that night…waking rested and knowing the TRUTH of Christ’s promise.

I have turned my back on the Father more than once during my life.

When in college, I was tempted and acted badly resulting in guilt and shame…the burden so heavy that I attempted to take my life. I am saved!

My first marriage, I was abused. I am saved!

I was told I would never have children. I am a mother of five.

I shook my fist at God when my father died. I am comforted.

I turned my back on my family and marriage resisting the changes in my mid-life season. I ran…escaped…squandered money and rolled with pigs. God pursued me…brought me home…

I am saved!

While lost and walking through the valley of shadow, God called me to help those who are also lost during these times. He revealed my purpose.

I am an undeserving child the Father continues to forgive. My strength and bravery is NOT my own…God is my strength…Christ is who makes me brave.

It is not about me…it is ALL about Him!

I humbly know the simple TRUTH…He blesses me with His presence always.

I am saved!

Note: I hope to reveal these lessons in all my blogs, web sites, forums and social networking and ultimately the characters in my novels when released. My characters and books, fiction or non-fiction are studies in how all humans need a relationship with the Father…that He is present even when we don’t acknowledge His presence….or even deny His existence.

Please go to http://womeninmlc.com to find my blogs, links to my forums and other mid-life blogs.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyLHarden

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-L-Harden/408518821256 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Women-in-MLC/120603961330116

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/shepherdess56

Thanks, Amy. I think in spirit, I may be your twin! Anybody else? –Lyn


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First Page-Prairie Courtship by Author Dorothy Clark

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Independence, Missouri

April, 1841

“Break camp!”

That was not Josiah Blake’s voice. Emma Allen turned in the direction of the barked order, stiffened at sight of an imposing figure atop a roan with distinctive spots on its hindquarters. So the autocratic Mr. Thatcher had returned to take command. She had hoped his absence since their arrival at Independence had meant he would not be leading the wagon train after all.

Brass buttons on the front of the once dark blue tunic that stretched across the ex-soldier’s shoulders gleamed dully in the early morning light. Pants of lighter blue fabric skimmed over his long legs and disappeared into the knee-high, black boots jammed into his stirrups. He rode forward, began to wend his way through the wagons scattered over the field.

Emma frowned and stepped out of sight at the back of the wagon. Mr. Thatcher did not need to wear the faded blue cavalry uniform to remind people he had been a military officer. It was in his bearing. And in the penetrating gaze of the bright blue eyes that peered out from beneath his broad-brimmed hat. Eyes that looked straight at a person, noticed everything about her—including a lace-trimmed silk gown that was inappropriate garb for an emigrant. Eyes that had unfairly impaled her on their spike of disapproval at that first meeting in St. Louis when he had simply assumed she was William’s wife and would be accompanying him on the journey to Oregon country—and judged her accordingly. Had the man bothered to ask, she would have informed him William was her brother and that she was not traveling with the train.

Not then.

But that was before everything in their lives had turned upside down.”

Links:
dorothyjclark@hotmail.com
www.dorothyjclark.com

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Author Jenness Walker & Tragedies–What to Do?

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My guest today is Author Jenness Walker who will share her co-author’s tragedies (yes, not just one) and how she copes. Do you think she’s right?

“The first time I handed my one-sheet outline for Bliss to an editor, the first comment I received was not on the story. Instead it was something like, “Your co-author really lived through a plane crash?” Yes. Into a soybean field in Santa Claus, GA. Not to mention surviving multiple accidents with cars (including falling out of one), having her house burn down, and finding the willpower to leave what was basically a cult, even if it might cost Tracy her relationship with some family members.

Part of being a strong woman, I believe, is taking the tragedies that come into your life and instead of despairing, allowing them to draw you closer to Christ. To lean on Him to find your strength. Tracy does that every day, while raising a special needs child, dealing with unfair criticism, and facing the many other trials that come her way. She also manages to find the humor in each circumstance. This quality in Tracy comes out in our work—humor, mixed in with learning more about God and finding Him during life’s journey, no matter where it may take you.

I’m honored to co-author with Tracy for so many reasons, a big one being that I have had the chance to get to know her better. Of course, it’s also handy to keep her around since I only need her bio to catch an editor’s attention.”– J


Do you agree with Jenness about what she believes about strength? Why do we have tragedies? Have you ever felt true despair?–Lyn


For more about Jenness and her books, drop by
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Book Monday-Author Cindy Woodsmall & The Sound of Sleigh Bells

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Today’s book is Author Cindy Woodsmall’s reissue of The Sound of Sleigh Bells. Sounds like a lovely story!

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/20098445/sn/72880656/name/The

The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

2010 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest winner
CBA and ECPA Bestseller

To read the first chapter and/or for purchasing info, go to http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/sound-of-sleigh-bells_excerpt.php

Bio ~

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

To visit Cindy’s Web site, go to http://www.cindywoodsmall.com

For information on how to receive free bookmarks and autographed bookplates, go to http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/bookplates.php

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Debut Author Nicole Zoltack & Women Knights-for real

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My guest author today is Nicole Zoltack, a very young woman to already be a published author! I met Nicole on GoodReads where I noticed her book which struck me as a perfect fit for my blog theme. Here’s Nicole:

“Aislinn, the heroine in Woman of Honor, is a lot like Queen Esther. Queen Esther loved her people, the Jews. When an evil man plotted the death of her cousin and the rest of her people, Queen Esther asked the Lord for courage and sought an audience with her husband even though going before the king uninvited could mean death. The king did not kill her, listened to her, and spared her people. Esther was a woman of faith, of goodness, devotion and courage. In short, she was a woman of honor.

My heroine, Aislinn, is also a brave woman, ready to lay down her life for her kingdom. When her older brother, a knight, died, Aislinn wanted to step outside the norm of society and asked her king for a chance to take her brother’s place and to train as a knight. The king was struck by her unusual request and granted Aislinn a probationary period. Aislinn proved herself time and again. Aislinn is willing to give up everything for her kingdom – her childhood, her life, even her heart. When Aislinn petitions the king, she has history on her side, real history.

In the 1100s, females protected and guarded their small town in Spain from Moor attack. These brave women were knighted and a new order formed – the Order of the Hatchet. Called dames, these female knights were given many boons including precedence over men in assemblies and exemption from taxes. Aislinn mentions these women when she asks to become the first lady knight in the land.

I first learned about the Order of the Hatchet while doing research on female knights in the Middle Ages. The story of courageous women who fought seasoned warriors to defend their homeland struck a chord within me, and I knew I would one day write a story about a female knight, strong in mind, body, sword and faith. Woman of Honor is that story. Woman of Honor: Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother’s horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn’s wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King’s Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything… her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.”–Nicole

Thanks, Nicole. Your book sounds like a winner and I wish you every success!–Lyn

Nicole’s website: http://www.NicoleZoltack.com

Nicole’s blog: http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com

Nicole’s author page at Desert Breeze: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/NicoleZoltack/Page.bok

Woman of Honor page at Desert Breeze http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-58/%3Ci%3EKingdom-of-Arnhem-Book/Detail.bo k

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First Page-Oxygen by Authors Randy Ingermanson & John Robinson

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OXYGEN by Authors Randy Ingermanson & John Robinson features a very strong woman as the lead character, Valkerie Jansen, who has the opportunity to be the “first man on Mars” — if she can survive the trip.

Chapter One

Valkerie woke up screaming. A viper bat clung to her face with fishhook claws, smothering her with its thin, leathery body. She tore at her face, but the creature had dug in too deep. She could already feel its venom burning into her lungs, constricting her chest in a long, convulsive cough. Struggling for control, she traced the contours of her face with tingling fingertips. Slowly, the clinging creature melted into her skin, fading back into the world of dreams.

The nightmare gradually faded, giving way to a new, more gripping terror. Valkerie was wide awake now. There was no such thing as a viper bat. But she still couldn’t breathe.

Valkerie flung herself from the camping cot and thudded to the floor. She lay on her back, gasping for breath. She was hyperventilating, but the burning in her lungs grew worse. An acrid stench filled the cabin-the smell of sulfur dioxide-SO2.

“Oh no.” The volcano was venting. “Oh God, please …” Valkerie rolled over and fought her way up onto her hands and knees. Dim red light filtered in through the cabin window, illuminating a large duffel bag in the middle of the room. She crawled slowly toward the bag, struggling through the coughs that wracked her body.

“Please, God.” Squeezing her eyes shut against the pain in her cramping muscles, Valkerie inched forward until she felt the heavy canvas. She dug underneath a metallic thermal suit and pressed her breather to her face. Her lungs choked shut at the rush of acidic gas. Idiot! She flung the mask across the room. Gina-Marie had warned her about the filter, but Valkerie had insisted it would be good for one more trip.

Her mind raced. If Mount Trident was venting, the whole valley could be filled with sulfur dioxide. She had to get out of there. Fast.
I’m attaching a photo of me and my coauthor John Olson and the cover art for OXYGEN.

Randy’s web site is at
http://www.ingermanson.com

John’s web site is at:
http://www.litany.com

Randy’s web site about writing fiction is at:
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com

And
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com/blog

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Bloggers Who Answered my 6 ?’s in August

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Back in August, I asked 6 questions about why people read blogs, what they do with the books they might win on blogs, etc. (The rose is for each of the bloggers who left comments.)

Several bloggers shared their ideas and I’d like to reciprocate by posting their blogs in my Blogroll and also introducing them today.

1-First is Hannah who often posts comments on my blog. Thanks, Hannah!
“Project Journal” blog

Description
Hi! Just the ramblings of a college freshman about books, movies, and life! Thanks for visiting! Happy reading!

http://hcprojectjournal.blogspot.com

Hannah, I found your blog too dark to read easily. Please lighten up the text!

2-Next Janet with her JKW Art Blog

Description: God, family, and friends are most important. Starting a new life alone is difficult. Wild art dolls are a new challenge that I look forward to. I enjoy the retirement stage meeting new people and volunteering/sewing for abused children and veterans.

http://jkwart.blogspot.com

Janet, I had never heard of Cloth Doll Artistry and your use as a mission or benevolence to others. So wonderful and unique! WOW!

3-Next is Jenny from the Missouri Ozarks, United States and her My Buckling Bookshelf Blog.

Jenny participates in the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
These are reviewers who receive Christian novels and blog about them.

So want some good recommendations of what to read next, drop by

http://mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com/

4-Our final blog for today (I’ve got about 10 more to share soon!)
AusJenny, a fun lady I met first on GoodReads as part of the Love Inspired Historical Group there. You might want to join us. We have a wide-ranging discussion from Dancing with the Stars to book giveaways to prayer requests.

Jenny who is from Australia also participates in the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, but posts reviews that bear her own particular take on each book.

So drop by
Come Meet Aus Jenny–she’s fun and very real!
http://ausjenny.blogspot.com

These are the rest of the blogs that I will be visiting and discussing soon!

http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com
http://cindywoolard.blogspot.com
http://blog.clark-stone.net
http://seekerville.blogspot.com
http://www.darkglassponderings.blogspot.com
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
http://wordplay-kmweiland.blogspot.com/
http://leesmithwriting.blogspot.com/
http://wwwbackyardhermit.blogspot.com/
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com/

More about these later this month!–Lyn

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Book Monday-Author Roxanne Rustand & Winter Reunion

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First of all, the winner of LaShaunda’s generous gift of Internet promotion on Shades of Romance goes to Mary Connealy! Congratulations, Mary!

And the Sormag Goodie Bag goes to reader, April (tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com). (She didn’t post but I chose her from readers from the past month who left a comment.)

A word to the wise, sometimes I don’t mention that those who leave a comment may win a prize but that is always a possibility!

Thanks again to LaShaunda for sharing the story of her strong mother and for LaShaunda’s gracious gifts. I hope you’ll all visit http://sormag.blogspot.com/

Now to our Book for this Monday–
Winter Reunion by Author Roxanne Rustand!


Winter Reunion
Roxanne Rustand
Love Inspired Nov 2010
Miniseries: Aspen Creek Crossroads

Blurb: When wounded marine Devlin Sloane comes back to Aspen Creek, he’s surprised by his late mother’s will. His new business partner for the next six months is Beth Carrigan. His ex-wife. This might prove Dev’s most difficult mission yet. He’s never stopped loving the sweet bookstore owner, but his military career broke them apart.

Now, as Beth and Dev work together helping others get a new start on life, Dev hopes that he can break down the walls between them. And explore the possibilities of a new life and love together.

A bit about Author Roxanne Rustand!

2010 Winner– WisRWA Write Touch Reader’s Award –FINAL EXPOSURE, Inspirational category

2010 Finalist– Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Inspirational Romantic Suspense & Mystery –FINAL EXPOSURE

2010 RT Bookclub Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee for Best Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense of 2010: END GAME (winner to be announced April, 2011)

To learn more about Roxanne and her books, drop by

http://roxannerustand.com/

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Publisher LaShaunda Hoffman & How She Learned to Be Strong

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Publisher LaShaunda Hoffman caught my attention several years ago when I read about her website, Shades of Romance, in the Writer’s Digest magazine. Her website was one of the top ones on the Net and remains that. I’ve gotten to know LaShaunda via email and she inspires me with her energy and commitment. Here’s LaShaunda:

“When I think of strong women, I think of my mother, Brenda J. Turner. She lost her mother at the age of nine. I believe that’s what made her the kind of mother she is today. She always wanted a mother, so she took all those feelings and became the mother she wanted.

She instilled in her three daughters a commitment to family, a hard work ethic, and to give back. She taught me to be strong even when my world is falling apart. When she was diagnosed with Lupus, she didn’t withdraw into herself. She kept going. She once told me if she stayed in bed every time she didn’t feel good, she’d never get out of the bed.

She is one who believes in dreams. She gave me my first typewriter at sixteen, when I decided to be a bestselling writer. She’s my biggest encourager even when 27 years later it hasn’t happen. She says God has a plan and I believe her.

My mother now battles diabetes. It keeps her from doing a lot of things she use to do, because she has dialysis three times a week. However she stays positive and is grateful the Lord keeps her here. I too am grateful for each day I have with her and for the example she sets in being a good strong woman.

I would like to thank Lyn for featuring me here today. She has been such a loyal supporter of SORMAG and I so appreciate her. To one of her lucky readers who is an author I would like to offer a book promo. Leave a comment about how your mother inspired you and be entered in a drawing to receive this:

BOOK INTRO – Eblast

Includes:

Cover

book blurb

author bio

1 chapter excerpt

website link

link to amazon.com

About LaShaunda:

In the real world, LaShaunda C. Hoffman is a happily married mother of three. She works for the government and is a Navy vet. In her fantasy life she loves, she is the publisher of Shades Of Romance Magazine – SORMAG. An award winning online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature. She is a contributor for the anthology, How I Met My Sweetheart. She is currently on the path to publication, working on a Christian romance and hunting for a literary agent.

Catch her online: SORMAG – http://sormag.blogspot.com, See Ya On The Net, her personal blog – http://lashaunda.blogspot.com

LaShaunda C. Hoffman – http://sormag.blogspot.com

SORMAG Publisher

Need help with your book promotion?
http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

I hope you’ll drop by and check out Sormag. I’m sure you’ll find some new books and authors there!–Lyn

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First Page-A Circle of Blessings" by Author Deborah Raney

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On Monday, I featured A Prairie Christmas Collection and here is an

Excerpt from “A Circle of Blessings”

by Deborah Raney

Chapter One

“Dakota Territory 1871

Stella Bradford hurried across the campus of St. Bartholomew’s Academy, a stack of textbooks in arm and a bulging drawstring bag looped over one shoulder. The petticoat beneath her long-sleeved cotton dress clung to her legs, and with her free hand, she dabbed beads of moisture from her brow with a crumpled handkerchief. One should not have to perspire in October! If she didn’t hurry, she was going to be late for class, and it would be the second time this week. She was having enough trouble with this infernal English grammar class as it was. It certainly wouldn’t help matters to be late again.

The tower clock in the center of the campus quadrangle began to chime the hour, and Stella lifted her skirts above her ankles and broke into a very unladylike trot. She rounded the ivy-draped corner of Andrews Hall at top speed but was halted in her tracks when she bumped headlong into a broad masculine chest. The only thing that kept her from stumbling to the brick walk beneath her feet, was the strong pair of hands that reached out to grab her by the shoulders.

“Whoa, Miss! Watch where you’re going there.” The voice was as deep as the brown eyes that looked down into hers.

“Oh, p-pardon me,” she stuttered, “but I’m about to be late for class.” She took a step backward, out of the man’s grasp.

The last chime of the carillon clock died away on the still autumn air, and Stella gave a little gasp of dismay.

“It looks to me as though you are late,” the gentleman told her. “And at the reckless speed you were going, I’d venture to say you would have arrived so out of breath that you might as well not have bothered going at all.”

“Please,” she pled impatiently. “Let me pass. I simply can’t miss this class again.”

“Oh, I see,” he said, a rather wicked gleam in his eyes. “So, you make a habit of tardiness? And let me guess––you are not exactly a candidate for honors in this particular class?”

She stamped her foot and took another step backward. Of all the impudent–– She did not have time for this.”

For more information, visit http://www.deborahraney.com

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