Writing Webinar by Chandler Bolt

Yesterday I had the great privilege of viewing a wonderful live webinar on writing and self publishing! By popular demand he is hosting the same live webinar today!

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

It's about an hour and a half but you won't want to miss it. Chandler Bolt discusses 

• What dream killing myths keep you from becoming an author
• An approach on how to find your book idea (this was incredibly helpful!)
• How he and others started making money self publishing their books
• And how Chandler went from college dropout to 7-figure company in two years.

And that's only the beginning. This really is a well full of knowledge that would be waste if you missed it! If you've ever wanted to write a book, be it non-fiction, self help, or fiction, you absolutely should watch this webinar!

Register for your spot (completely free) and be ready to watch the live webinar this evening February 16th at 9pm EST. 

Chandler Bolt

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

See you all there! 

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

Book Description

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly  never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.  

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke. 

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review

I truly loved this book! The length of chapters were perfect; just short, and long, enough to keep me reading until the end!

Stories in small towns have always interested me, but the town of Banister Falls wasn't what drew me in. It was the people! A beautiful story of falling in love and learning to trust again.

Genevieve has had her heart-broken and her trust shattered. She can't stand to stay in one place. If she did, people would get to know her and that meant opportunities for someone to hurt her again. Always keeping a suitcase filled in the closet ready for a quick escape.

For her daughter, Raine, that made things hard on her. Raine felt alone, until she met Cody. Immediately catching her eye, it wasn't until her teacher paired together for a class project that she got to know him. But that wasn't the only person she became interested in. Reading Cody's answers on a questionnaire, she becomes interested in knowing God. After searching, she finds Jesus and hands her life over to him. Both Cody and Raine's relationship with the Lord bring them close.

Though this book is mostly about Dan and Genevieve, I really liked how she involved Raine and Cody's point of view's throughout the whole book.

Dan Marietta always loved Evie (Cody's mom) but he let her go when his buddy Max (Cody's dad) began pursuing her. After Max died in a fire while on duty, everyone thought Dan and Evie would get married, but Evie always kept him at arm's length. Dan is the handsome firefighter, but a gentlemen in every way! It made me wish he was real and interested in me! *wiggles eyebrows* Though you wouldn't know it, Dan has his own little suitcase, which I love that he unloaded that secret with Gin. It helped bring down more of the barrier she had surrounding her heart. And it just made Dan that much more real. 

The book was well written, I only wish their had been more! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to you all.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of BookLookBloggers Review program.

Guest Post: It's January by Susan May Warren

It’s January. 

This is what my town looks like in January. 

Do you see the cold pallor? The icy streets? Right now, I am currently sitting under a blankie, with little half-gloves on to keep my fingers warm. 

I know, I know. WHY do we live here? 

Because it’s a gorgeous place to set a story. Located on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, It’s a little touch of Lake Woebegone – all the men are good-looking, all the women heroic. And it has the overtones of small town Cheers, where everyone knows your name. Which means that when you get into trouble, the entire town knows about it. Ack! 

Welcome to Deep Haven, the home of the Christiansen family! 

Their resort…Evergreen Outfitters and Cabin Rentals is located on an inland lake in the woods, nestled among the pines, serenaded by the call of the loons and the waves against the shore. 

And If you haven’t met the Christiansens, they’re a crazy, love big and live life out loud family who *might* be a little like my family. (and one that might feel like yours, too!) The 6 adult children and two parents, run a resort and try to figure out faith while living life (that often goes wrong). They make mistakes, but they love each other through them. 

Not unlike our family. (That’s us, not the Christiansens. Just in case you might be confused.) 

The Christiansen family series follows each one of the adult children through their trials and triumphs of falling in love and finding their way in the world. The next book hits the shelves in the next month – Always on My Mind, a story about Casper, brother #2, who just can’t get the wrong girl off his mind... 

Right now, I’m hunkered down writing book #6…The Day After Forever, the last story in the series, a story that asks…can Prodigals come home? (Um, I sure hope so!) 

I wanted to write a series about a family with adult children, learning what it meant to carry on the legacy of faith into their lives. And I wanted to write a series that would really let readers dig into the family, feel like they were a part of their journey. The first two books ignite the series not only by introducing us to Darek and Eden, the two oldest children, but also set up the series with the loss of the family resort to a forest fire. Book 3, When I Fall in Love brings us to Hawaii and back home and sends our prodigal on his way, and scatters the family.

 Book 4 picks up the pieces of the prodigal’s actions and brings home the family peace-maker, Casper in Always on My Mind, and Book 5 adds in a new twist, when daughter Amelia has to choose between a hometown boy and a rich European she met while overseas. (And hello – have you see the hunk on THAT cover? The Wonder of You, baby!)

And then there’s Owen. Troublemaker Owen who just might surprise them all when he comes home…just in time to save the day. Or not… (Cover still pending!) 

As the Christiansens rebuild their resort, the kids need to decide whether they want to carry on the family legacy…or if life and faith might bring them somewhere else. 

And, did I mention romance. Oh yeah – we have to have something to keep us warm up here during the chilly months. 

It’s a series full of family drama, community and…some really great food. 

And cookies. (Seriously – check out: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/blog/2014/11/11/tuesdays-tasty-treat-eden-graces-lucky-kiss-peanut-butter-cookies/ ) 

That’s the news from Lake, um, Superior. 

Have a great January…and try to keep warm – Susie May the Siberian 

Always on my Mind by Susan May Warren

Book Description

After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

My Review

I couldn't wait to wait to return to Deep Haven. But boy, was I in for a treat of a lifetime! This book had so much to give, I wish I could talk about it all day without wearing you down. Haha. 

Casper has runaway in search of a great treasure. That's been his life's passion; to find something that every one else over looks. In "When I Fall in Love", he thought he found that treasure in Raina, but when he discovered she had relations with his brother, Owen, she broke his heart. He ran away to escape her, his family, his feelings. But, he couldn't get her out of his mind even thousands of miles away. 

When he comes back to Deep Haven, he's shocked to see she's having a baby. Owen's baby. But she refuses to let the rest of his family know about the baby because she is giving the baby up for adoption. Rains believes it's the best thing to do for her daughter. But, truth is, she is afraid she will make a terrible mother, isn't good enough, and wants to give her baby the best. 

In the middle of all this, another Christiansen is having his own troubles. Darek is drowning with responsibilities, and feels he is failing his family in all directions.

Months after the baby, both Raina and Casper have new jobs. Raina an at antique shop and Casper at a Sport shop. But both are pulled together in a common mystery.

The legend of Duncan Rothe!

But what I found truly profound in this book was something Darek said when Casper became really upset over Raina and who she was dating, etc,.

"The fact is, when God brings Christians into the lives of the hurting, it's because he intends to use us to be light and truth to them. Not fix their problems but to point to the One [God] who can."

It just pinged to very the core of my heart. 

Watching Casper pray for Raina whenever he thought of her or passed by her, had an uplifting affect on me as a reader, not just in the story. 

At first, I thought the title "Always on My Mind" was the essence of the characters and their current story, but I saw something more. I felt, and saw, it's about God and how we are always on his mind. He never forgets us. He is always planning for us with us in mind. 

Really, this book has left me pretty speechless, which is terrible for writing reviews. But, it's a testimony to how beautiful this book, and series, truly is. You won't want to put it down once you start. It has a wonderful message and an amazing love story. 

By the way, I am so glad Casper kicked Monte's BUTT! Thank you Mrs. Susan!

For everything. 


I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended to all. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Tyndales Blogging Review program.

Featured Fig: ME!?

You probably won't believe this, and I was so excited I was almost too nervous to do it, but, I am thrilled to announce

I am this weeks Featured Fig: Victoria W.!! Figment reached out to me a couple weeks ago and gave me some interview questions. It took me nearly a week to get through the nerves I had. Figuring out your own voice is harder than it looks. Do I try to be witty? Do I try to be serious? When is serious too serious and silly too silly? But, finally towards the end when I prayed and asked for the Lord's help did I find my voice and I was so proud in the end.

Please, feel free to check out the interview on Figment.com by clicking the link above or the picture below and leave a comment here on my blog. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Featured Fig: Victoria W.

I actually wasn't sure how Figment chose who to Feature each week but I discovered that Figgies like myself came and requested, voted, for me! You have no idea how much that meant to me. 

Thank you figgies! You are amazing!

Figgy Friday #12

Welcome to Figgy Friday Spotlight! Today I am glad to present...

Looking For Fireflies 

by 

Kristin Sherrill

I saw this and knew it looked interesting, but I didn't know it was going to be this good! The writing style is good, I like getting to see from more than one persons perspective, even in the beginning you get to hear the from the voice of the girl who was murdered! I cannot wait to read more! Very well done Kristin!

Until next time Figgy's and Guests!

The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson

Description

 In Dandelions in the Wind, Maren, a caregiver for the Wainwright family, wonders if she'll meet the right man. In Bending Toward the Sun, Emilie captures the heart of a teamster. And in Ripples Along the Shore, Caroline tries to convince a wagon train master to take her west.


Review

I was really excited to get this book. WWI is one of my favorite time periods, but I'm afraid to say this one was not one of my favorite books. The story and characters seemed to be interesting but I had a hard time following it and keeping up with the constant mingle of other characters. Focus kept shifting from one to another, but that to me wasn't so bad. What really kind of turned me off in this book was the consistent monotone throughout each novella. Occasionally there were peeks and I thought "yes, now this is getting better, I like it!" but then it would fall right back down to the flat monotone I thought I'd just left. I was a little disappointed, I really wanted to like this book. 

Despite that, I think my favorite novella was the first one, with Maren who is almost completely blind. She had a strong heart and didn't let her impairment bring her down or keep her from loving. I felt for her when she spoke of her past, coming overseas to marry but then leaves when she begins losing her eyesight. I wanted to run up to her and hug her tightly.

Mona Hodgson seemed to have  some really great ideas and her writing isn't bad, I think it just needed a little more rise to the bread dough. 

Others may enjoy it, but I'm afraid this time I am not one of them. 


I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging for Books program”.

Figgy Friday Spotlight #11

Welcome to today's Figgy Friday Spotlight... We're excited for today's feature is...

I was instantly drawn into this story from page one! The writing, description and detail, is really amazing in this sci-fi novel-in-progress. I've only read the first couple of chapters and I was already talking to the author about reading more! I plan to follow this story, hopefully all the way to the end! I highly recommend you do too. I don't know what's going to come next but it looks more than promising!

Until next time Figgy's and guests!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #9

The curtain is rising and today's Figgy Friday Spitlight is...

I started following this author two years ago. It was an exciting action spy thriller type story (I'm still waiting for it to be finished!) but this one was completely opposite and a what wonderful surprise it was too. 

It's a beautiful short story filled with heart. I wanted to cry. You just might too. I don't want to give too much away cause I really want you to read this story! It won't take but a few minutes of your time. But the way she described the boy, his actions leading up to him playing the piano and how he came alive when his fingers touched the keys. It was as if I were the one standing there, watching sand listening to him. It just touched by heart through and through. 

If you like her writing you can find her blog in this link shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com

See you back here March 14th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Figgy Friday Spotlight #8: Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day. Figgy Friday Spotlight and proud to present this week with...

"Jenny's Poetry Collection"

by

Jenny S. Cvek

I was so proud to find this little piece of treasure! Each poem is filled with love, hope, and inspiration. I wanted to cry with each chapter filling my heart. I wished I could have given it 10 hearts! Each one for each poem! She is a talents writer. I look forward to reading her other works and hopefully to share them with you right here! But until then see her work for yourself. ;) And find some love in her poems. God bless!

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Check back February 28th for the next Figgy Friday Spotlight!

Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick

Description

The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy:

A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.

A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.


My Review

Excellent wouldn‘t begin to tell the tale. But Jane Kirkpatrick did it with the Change and Cherish Trilogy (read chapter one free). I wasn’t really sure what to expect from it. I had never heard of Emma Wagner Giesy or the Bethel community. But every time I picked up the book I found myself reading more and more without even realizing it. That is how good it was.

In the first book, A Clearing in the Wild, you got to know the people and the community. Brother Keil was definitely an interesting one. I fought many times the urge to smack him in hopes it would clear his head and get him to see some of the things he was saying were wrong and manipulative! But Emma used that to her advantage, which I knew she would later regret going behind her husband’s back. Christian was a fine character indeed. Somehow he understood Emma better than the others. Though he did get frustrated with her a time or two; you really see how much he loved her more. I was sad when brother Keil came and made Christian out to be a failure on their mission for the new colony. But I was glad Emma was able to show that Keil was wrong and that they had listened to God and done their best.

In A Tendering in the Storm, I was shocked to tears. I had really hoped to see more of Christian, his death caught me by surprise. I was so sad. I hurt for Emma and her expected third child. I liked that we got to read from Keil’s wife’s point of view. It really opened your eyes to her gentle spirit, which in the first book it didn’t seem she really had. She truly loved her husband even though she didn’t agree with everything he said or did.
Later, I wanted to shout to the mountain tops and back to her though. Some things you can’t control but that’s when you ask for help, especially from the Almighty. I kept praying (though I knew it was fiction) that things would change for the better for her, but they didn’t. In fact, it got worse. A lot worse. Sometimes it takes falling all the way to the bottom before we look up to see the light. Thank heavens she did in time. My heart was racing in the last chapters and sighed with relief by the end.

Lastly, A Mending at the Edge was a beautiful and fantastic ending. Emma begins to learn from her mistakes and lets God grow in her. She continues to be unique in the colony but in a way that glorifies God and helps many others who had been wounded and scarred or still made mistakes as she did. They end up learning from her and growing as well. I wished she could have married Karl Ruge. He was one of my favorites throughout the series.
Brother Keil softens a lot through this one and they both begin to respect the other, which I was glad. I liked the things Emma learned because I learned from them too. Like (pg 1102) how our talents are from God and that by thinking less of them or even that no one wants them is demeaning to the one who gave them to me. I hadn’t really thought of that before. It was like God was saying that directly to me.

I really enjoyed reading this book, even after the end where Jane Kirkpatrick comes in and tells you about the real characters and what parts were fiction and what parts were facts, historically. Jane Kirkpatrick outdid on this series. She is an amazing author who I will be undoubtedly reading from again. This is the second time I’ve been surprised by a book that I knew nothing about or hadn't heard of before (the first was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) and it is now one of my all time favorite’s as well as the author.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging for Books program. 

Please rate my review and feel free to leave a comment :)