Grace Unplugged Sound Track-Want to Win One?

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A few weeks ago, I reviewed Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson. Here’s the post if you missed it. http://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/book-review/lyn-reviews-au…ugged-giveaway ?

Today I’m posting about the SOUNDTRACK for the move GRACE UNPLUGGED and if you’d like to win a copy, please leave a comment below.

Website:    www.graceunplugged.com

Social Media:    Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/GraceUnplugged
Twitter – https://twitter.com/GraceMovie

Official Trailer:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0zIUGjIR1Q

Synopsis:
A talented young singer and aspiring songwriter’s Christian faith and family ties are tested when she defies her worship-pastor father and pursues pop-music stardom in GRACE UNPLUGGED, a moving and inspiring new film that explores the true meaning of success.

Grace Trey has just turned 18 and aspires to do more than sing in her church’s worship band, which is led by her father, Johnny Trey, a one-time pop star who gave up his life in secular music when he became a Christian. Grace longs to escape his shadow and make a name for herself singing songs about something other than God, but Johnny warns her that fame is not as glamorous as it looks and reminds her that serving and worshipping God with the talent she’s been given is a far more worthwhile goal.

When Johnny’s former manager, Frank “Mossy” Mostin shows up 20 years after the two parted ways to offer him another shot at the big time, Johnny declines the opportunity. But Grace takes it – without telling her parents. She records a cover version of her father’s old Top 10 hit, runs away to Los Angeles and, under Mossy’s guidance, begins to taste the kind of success she’s always dreamed of, landing on the charts herself, attracting the attention of the entertainment press, even dating a popular TV star.  But with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels pressure to compromise her Christian values, and her relationship with her parents gets further strained. Even as plans move forward for her to record a follow-up album, Grace learns not everyone who says they’re on her side really is. The one exception is Quentin, an intern at her record company and a fellow Christian who urges Grace to reassess her choices and put God first again in her life. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith … or rediscover it?

To purchases, click here. Music From The Motion Picture: Grace Unplugged

Starring AJ Michalka, James Denton, Kevin Pollack, Shawnee Smith, Michael Welch, and Jamie Grace, GRACE UNPLUGGED arrives in theaters October 4 from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Inspired by a true story, GRACE UNPLUGGED is directed by Brad J. Silverman and produced by Russ Rice, the team behind NO GREATER LOVE.

If you’d like to win a copy of the Soundtrack for this new movie, please share if you’ve ever pursued a dream and what happened–Lyn

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Author Lisa Watson–When the Lord Speaks…You’d Better Listen!

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Lisa Watson1

My guest today is secular author Lisa Watson whom I discovered over at Shades of Romance http://www.sormag.blogspot.com Lisa writes for Harlequin’s Kimani Romance line, a secular line. I asked Lisa to share her experience in writing for a Guidepost devotional book in order to remind us that many secular authors also love Jesus. Here’s Lisa:

When God Creates an Opportunity

“I’ve learned that when God creates an opportunity for me, or presents a path I’m supposed to walk, it comes as a right place, right time prospect, or subtle suggestions.  I’m a published author and I write multicultural romances.  I love writing about strong characters drawn together by love, respect and familial ties.  I go about learning in a by-the-book manner, and never “wing” it when it comes to information I’m not well-versed on.  However, when this opportunity presented itself, I learned the true power of being brave, and just what faith was all about.

It started with a phone call.

My agent presented me with an opportunity.  She prefaced it with, “I know this is out of your comfort zone, but…” and asked if I were interested in writing for the new Mornings with Jesus devotional that Guideposts was publishing for 2013.  My first response was…Seriously? Me?  I pondered if I could even write a devotional, and what I would possibly have to say since I wasn’t a Christian fiction author, and not that knowledgeable.  But, like I said earlier, I believe that when we’re called to do something, especially out of our comfort zone, it’s for a purpose.

I asked my husband his opinion.

He said, “Can you write devotionals?”  I replied, “I don’t know, but apparently, I’m supposed to find out.”  I was intuitive enough to realize that God guided me toward this project for a reason.  I called her back and agreed.
I received a sample format and my deadline.  They wanted forty devotionals per author.  At first I worried.  “I’m not well-versed in scriptures…I’m hardly the most religious person I know…what if I made a mess of it?”  I decided to turn off the self-doubt and listen.  I had to be calm to hear the answers: That not being well versed in scriptures would help, not hinder me.  To trust that the words would be there when I needed them, my devotionals would be relevant, and would touch who they were supposed to.

I’d have Divine guidance to help me down my path—it was true.

Mornings with Jesus 2013_FINAL050812

To purchase, click here.

http://www.shopguideposts.org/devotionals-ebooks/mornings-with-jesus-2013.html

Scriptures that Moved Me

The words just flowed out of me and onto the page.  I found scriptures that moved me, and could relate them back to something that occurred in my life, or in someone’s life I knew.  Words can’t express how amazing the experience was—my cup runneth over.  The most memorable moment was receiving the first fan mail I’ve ever received by U.S. Mail.  It was a Thank You card from someone thanking me for writing my devotionals, and to say that I’d done a great job.  That what I said resonated in a profound way.
Had I not heeded God’s gentle prompting, I would’ve missed an opportunity to grow and touch readers in need of inspiration.  The abundant blessings wouldn’t have occurred had I not been strong enough to step outside of my comfort level—or had faith enough to walk my path.”–Lisa

Thanks, Lisa. I’m glad you took the challenge God laid before you.

QUESTION: Have any of you been faced with an opportunity to do something for God that challenged you? How did you respond? What happened?–Lyn

Connect with Lisa online:
Website: www.lisawatson.com Blog: http://www.lisaywatson.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCLisaWatson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaYWatson

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Anybody Remember The Unforgettable Perry Mason?–Lyn Reviews Erle Stanley Gardner’s The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe

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The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe (Perry Mason Mystery)The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe by Erle Stanley Gardner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe is one of Perry Mason’s early mysteries, written in 1938.

I will always love Perry Mason but I get a kick out of his early books. They are filled with 1930’s “snappy patter.” Just think of any of the vintage Thin Man movies with Myra Loy and Wm Powell and you’ll know what I mean. (Didn’t you just love Asta?)

Anyway in these early works, Perry Mason is not the staid middle-aged lawyer with the faithful discreet law secretary, Della Street. He is a snappy dresser and an audacious lawyer and it is intimated that he and Della are more than friends. 😉

In one phone conversation, Perry calls up Della and when the phone rings a long time before she picks up, he starts with: “Having a heavy date, Della?”
She snaps back, “If this was a heavy date, I wouldn’t have even heard the phone.”

I chuckled.

So if you love Erle Stanley Gardner and want to read how Perry Mason started out, this book is for you!

PS-I bought this one at a library book sale, an original 1938 two book cloth-covered hardback. Paid cents for it. You can’t beat a library book sale!

QUESTION: Anybody have a favorite Perry Mason episode you’d like to share?- Anybody find a great book at a library sale?-Lyn

To purchase, click here. The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe (Perry Mason Mystery)

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Lyn Reviews A Bride for All Seasons novella collection

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A Bride for All SeasonsA Bride for All Seasons by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher and Marry Connealy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed A Bride for All Seasons, a collection of four novellas centering around THE HITCHING POST MAIL ORDER BRIDE CATALOGUE. The idea is a fun one–the proprietor and owner of THE HITCHING POST embellishes the letters sent in by prospective brides and grooms.

Well, you can imagine how well that goes.

1-A man who doesn’t want children is faced with a bride who has a niece and nephew to raise. (Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher)

2-A man who says he doesn’t want a bible-thumper gets one. (An Ever After Summer by Debra Clopton)

3-A man who thinks he’s about to die realizes that his bride to be thinks he’s in the pink of health! (Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy)

4-And the gambler’s daughter ends up at her husband to be’s funeral. (And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley)

If you would like a variety of sweet and clever romances by tried and true authors, this one’s for you!

To purchase, click here. A Bride for All Seasons: The Mail Order Bride Collection

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FREE KINDLE Ebook by Love Inspired Author Ruth Logan Herne & FREE AMISH

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Free for LIMITED TIME ONLY–through this wekend.

Anne Kellwyn has a secret. It’s cost her everything to keep it, including her marriage. Now she may have to pay an even higher price to reveal the truth, but is she too late? Back home to care for her dying mother, Anne is faced with the past she ran from and a future she can’t have, a future that includes Joe McIntyre and the happily ever after she’d dreamed of years ago.

Chief of Police Joe McIntyre takes his position seriously. A lead-by-example Christian, he’s put to the test when his ex-wife appears with another man’s child after eight years of silence. Anger and pride challenge his small-town-hero existence, driving him out of his comfort zone. Faced with choices he made eight years before, can he tackle the present to ease Anne’s future so she’s no longer “Running on Empty”.

Here’s the second one AN AMISH STORY: (FREE ONLY TILL MIDNIGHT-FRIDAY, SEPT 13.)

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Lyn Interviews Author Tyora Moody & Deep Fried Trouble!

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T_Moody_author-CROP

My guest today is author and author promoter Tyora Moody. Here’s Tyora’s interview and scoop about her latest book–DEEP FRIED TROUBLE! (That’s the worst kind of trouble! 🙂

Tell us a little about your writing and your real life, Tyora.

 
I have worked with authors for over twelve years behind the scenes. I’m still pinching myself that I’m on the other side as an author now. I have always enjoyed writing, but the real starting point of my journey started in 2006. Characters showed up during my journal time and I found myself writing the type of novels I had been seeking. My novels are mystery and suspense under the Christian Fiction genre. What’s unusual about my books compared to the other books in this genre are the diversity of characters.  The stories reflect my diverse upbringing as well as my love for a good faith-based whodunnit.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually working on a virtual project (coordinate virtual book tours, hosting Facebook or Twitter chats) or a literary project (designing a book cover, scripting a book trailer, etc). I’m an all-around creative person. I simply refuse to be bored. 🙂

Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.

 Definitely! I never imagined being divorced and not a mother by now (early 40s). My parents are aging now and I’m finding myself in a place of being more aware of their health. A lot of circumstances can change in  the blink of an eye and it’s so easy to lose your footing. I have had to come to learn to become more dependent on God versus the natural desire to become super independent.  Strength is the ability to stand tall and do by yourself with a smile on your face. We are human and we are limited in our capacity to take on but so many burdens.

What is special about your most recent book to you?

The book Deep Fried Trouble is the first adventure of a retired schoolteacher and grandmother. It’s set in my favorite place in my state – Charleston, SC. A lot of authors may not want to be pushed into choosing a favorite character, but I generally love writing stories around the main character, Eugeena Patterson. She represents many of the older women who serve as mentors in my life. Let’s say I hope to grow up to be like her one day. LOL!I also deal with some issues you may not find in a fiction book. Eugeena Patterson has Type 2 Diabetes and as a recent widow, I wanted to explore the possibilities of romance during senior years. Is it possible to fall in love again in your 60s?”–Tyora

Thanks so much, Tyora, for being my guest. And yes, romance survives into senior years! The heart never ages.

OR AM I WRONG ABOUT THAT? DO WE EVER GET TOO OLD TO FALL IN LOVE???–Lyn

DeepFriedTrouble_vc

To purchase, click here. Deep Fried Trouble (Eugeena Patterson Mysteries)

ABOUT THE BOOK
 
Deep Fried Trouble
A Eugeena Patterson Mystery, Book 1
Widowed and officially retired, EUGEENA PATTERSON throws herself into organizing the neighborhood association. This presents a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and get to  know new neighbors like recently widowed Amos Jones, that is  until Eugeena stumbles upon her estranged neighbor’s dead body. Eugeena’s daughter is fingered as a prime suspect, but where is she?
Determined to find her missing daughter, Eugeena and Amos sort through a list of neighbors with shady or unknown backgrounds. The more she searches, the more Eugeena becomes unsure about this neighborhood association idea. Someone closer than Eugeena thinks, wants to keep it that way.
BIO
 
Tyora Moody is the author Soul-Searching Suspense novels, Deep Fried Trouble (June 2013), When Memories Fade (April 2013) and When Rain Falls (March 2012).  She is the 2013 Urban Literary Awards Debut Author Winner and 2013 Urban Literary Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Winner.  Tyora is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.
As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors with developing an online presence via her design and marketing company, Tywebbin Creations LLC.  Popular services include virtual book tours, book trailers  and book covers.

TyoraMoody.com

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SOUL-SEARCHING SUSPENSE
 
VICTORY GOSPEL SERIES

  • When Perfection Fails, Book 3 (March 2014)
  • When Memories Fade,  Book 2
  • When Rain Falls,  Book 1
 

EUGEENA PATTERSON MYSTERIES

  • Oven Baked Secrets, Book 2 (November 2014)
  • Deep Fried Trouble, Book 1
  • Shattered Dreams: A Short Story

PS-Last week’s winners are:Bonnie Traher for GRACE UNPLUGGED & Maxie won Hannah Alexander’s KEEPING FAITH!

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Author Hannah Alexander & Mother’s Only Weak Spot

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Cheryl Hodde

My guest today is my longtime friend Author Hannah Alexander. Hannah is going to tell us about her mother’s weak spot and her latest Love Inspired Historical Keeping Faith. And remember to leave a comment to enter the drawing for a copy. Here’s Hannah:

Mom Faced WWII

“My mother had a tendency to faint at the sight of blood. That, however, was her only weak spot. Everything else about her was strong, independent and determined. She worked at Hughes Aircraft as a machinist during World War !!, and farmed alongside my father while they both worked full-time jobs to dig their way out of the poverty that followed them from the Great Depression. Mom chose to drive a school bus in California in an era when folks thought driving a bus was a man’s job. She took the harassment that came with the job without complaint. Mom also often drove alone halfway across country if a family member was ill and needed her help’ however, she protested when I followed in her footsteps years later.

Mom’s example was why I had no trouble writing about strong heroines when I began my writing career. The irony is that, though I base my female leads on the strengths of my mother, most of my characters can’t afford to faint at the sight of blood, because they work in the medical field!

Keeping Faith

To purchase, click here. Keeping Faith (Love Inspired Historical)

 Dr. Victoria Fenway, my heroine in Keeping Faith,

is an unusual character because she not only learned her late husband’s skills in medicine in a time when it was taboo for a woman to practice medicine, but she also incorporated herbal remedies she’d learned as a child. And she continues treating patients after her husband’s murder. As my mother would have done in 1855, Victoria joins a wagon train to head west. Secretly, she intends to hunt down her husband’s murderer and stop him from killing others, but in order to gain entry as a single woman, she practices her healing skills on her fellow travelers, who have no choice but to accept her skills–since she’s the only physician traveling with them.

Even strong, independent women, however, can be weakened by the power of love, and Victoria’s weakness is the wagon train captain, Joseph Rickard, whom she nearly married ten years earlier. Her battle becomes more real when she discovers he has never stopped loving her.

My mother wasn’t often accepted in the social groups

available to her in her lifetime because, much like Dr. Victoria Fenway, she walked a different pathway from most women. Mom’s been in heaven for 1½ years, where I believe she’s accepted and loved as she is, and no longer has to struggle to fulfill her destiny.

As for Dr. Victoria Fenway, you can see her more clearly, and read about her in Keeping Faith if you pull up the first chapter at www.hannahalexander.com

Facebook:
facebook.com/author.HannahAlexander

Leave a comment for a drawing to win a copy of Keeping Faith  Here’s the QUESTION: What’s your weak spot? Or what was your mom’s weak spot?–Lyn

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Lyn Reviews Author Melody Carlson’s Grace Unplugged & Giveaway

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Grace UnpluggedGrace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read other books by Melody Carlson but this is the first time I read one that was written for Young Adults or the New Adult. The story is timeless–small town girl goes to Hollywood- or at least Los Angeles to become a singing star.

What sets Grace Unplugged apart is the great writing and deftly drawn characters. Also I liked the realistic situations that Gracie Trey, daughter of the one hit wonder, Johnnie Trey, finds herself in.

The book has been made into a movie which debuts October 4, 2013.

I’d recommend this book to any young person and their parents. It would provide a great jumping off point for parents and teens to discuss their conflict over the teen preparing to sail off into the adult world.

In my own series “The Women of Ivy Manor,” (four generations of women amid the tapestry of the 20th century) I found that every mother tried to prepare her daughter to save her from the struggles the mother had. But in each case, the mother couldn’t protect her child from life.

We all wish to wrap our children in cotton and keep them safe, but that’s not letting them become who they were meant to be and to face the challenges God has prepared to shape them.

To purchase, click here. Grace Unplugged: A Novel

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I have a copy of this book to giveaway. Please leave a response. QUESTIONS: Did you feel like your parents prepared you for adult life? Do you think it’s possible for a parent to prepare a child for the future? If so, how?–Lyn

PS-Ola Norman won Ann Gabhart’s book and Karen Frisch won Jo Ann Brown’s book!

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Author Jo Ann Brown & Grandma Loveland

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Jo Ann Brown

My guest today is Author Jo Ann Brown who says she can’t write wimpy heroines. But she is doing a giveaway of her Love Inspired Historical, The Dutiful Daughter. Here’s Jo Ann:

No Wimpy Heroines

“I don’t know how to write heroines that aren’t strong. I love daring heroes, and each of them deserves a strong woman who is willing to face the challenges life throws in her path.

Grandma Loveland

I learned about strong women from my mother’s mother, my Grandma Loveland. She never hesitated to help her family. She was a farm wife during the Depression and raised four children of her own plus one of her nephews who was deaf. When my grandfather had a bad heart attack while still quite young and could no longer work, she took a job cleaning houses. She tended to him, making sure he did not miss his meds and even convincing him to quit smoking after almost fifty years.

An uncle going blind

At the same time, she assisted my uncle who was going blind, making sure he was able to visit with his friends. I get tired just thinking about doing all that…every day. I’m sure she was exhausted, too, but she always had time to read a story to a grandchild or recite one of the poems she memorized during her eight years in a one-room schoolhouse. She gave me wondrous gifts.

Not only her love and her time,

but her belief that if I wanted something badly enough and was willing to work for it, no challenge was insurmountable.

dutiful daughter front

To purchase, click here. The Dutiful Daughter (Love Inspired Historical)

I can’t imagine a better gift any woman could give to a child. That’s probably why my heroine Sophia shares a similar gift with the two children in the book. Sophia Meriweather, the heroine of The Dutiful Daughter (the first book in the Sanctuary Bay trilogy from Harlequin Love Inspired), knows her duty is to marry a distant cousin who has inherited her late father’s title. It is what she needs to do to help her family.”–Jo Ann

Thanks, Jo Ann. Your grandma is an example to all of us. Question for comment to win a copy of The Dutiful Daughter.  What do you hope others will say about you after you’re gone or even now?–Lyn

my website: www.joannbrownbooks.com

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