My review of The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

About the book:

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever.

My review:

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, though I suspected that I would given the author is one of my favorites. I haven't read a novel by Francine Rivers in the past four years, though, so it's been awhile. This story was engaging and well-written. Then again, all of her novels are easy to digest and enjoy. This story was set during the present day and in California. One of the main characters went from rags to riches and discovered both poverty and wealth bred discontent. The other main character lived under a cloud of shame for past mistakes as many women do. Of course, her choices came from a life of insecurity that started when she was a young child. She had lost her parents and was resented by the person tasked to take care of her. The characters had intense backgrounds and shared a trauma bond of sorts, though they didn't even realize that was one of the things that attracted them to each other in the first place.

I tend to enjoy historical novels the most, but I did enjoy this story for the redemption theme and example of how waiting on God's timing is always best. Jumping ahead will only get us hurt. Often our impulsive behavior interferes with God's greater plan. The message was clear. God can save anyone, but we have to trust Him and not try to change the person ourselves. We know this is true (those of us that believe) but this story shows how that process could ideally happen. Good story.

View all my reviews

My review of Shadows of Hope by Georgiana Daniels

About the book:

A story of hope in the aftermath of inconceivable betrayal and broken dreams...

What if. . .you struggled with infertility but unknowingly befriended your husband’s pregnant mistress?

What if. . .the woman you were seeing behind your wife’s back gets pregnant, threatening your job and marriage?

What if. . .your boyfriend never told you he was married and you discover you’re pregnant?

Crisis pregnancy worker Marissa Moreau suspects her husband is cheating, but little does she know how close to home her husband’s infidelity hits. College student Kaitlyn Farrows is floundering after a relationship with her professor leaves her pregnant. Soon she lands a job and a support system at the local pregnancy resource center and things seem to be turning around. But when Marissa and Kaitlyn become friends, neither one knows they share a connection—Colin, Marissa’s husband and Kaitlyn’s former professor. When their private lives collide, the two women must face the ultimate test of their faith and choose how to move forward as they live in the shadows of hope.

My review:

I loved the realistic theme in this book and particularly how it ends. Things don't always go the way we might expect, or even hope for in life. To portray a different ending would be to fluff up the harsh realities that are the consequences of our actions. Every action we take in life directly influences the lives of others whether they are complicit in the sin, or not. Too often the innocent are hurt the most. And some things can never be made right no matter how hard we try.

Ironically, I knew someone in the very same situation as the characters in this book. I can't be specific or it would be a spoiler. Let me just say that I found the ending to be very believable because the exact same thing happened to a friend of mine. They say truth is stranger than fiction. It would seem a bit too much of a coincidence if I hadn't known what happened to my friend by direct report. Any other ending would not have rung true to me. Bravo to the author for crafting a scenario that depicts what would really happen as opposed to what people wish would happen. I found even the internal dialog to be honest.

This is a bit of a heart-wrenching and sobering read, but it was well-thought-out and also very well-written. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it to people who are tired of stories that have unrealistic themes. This is a story you can really sink your teeth into. Savor it. I know I did.

Shadows of Hope will be released in April 2018. I was sent a review copy (ARC) from the author in exchange for an honest review. Most of the books I've started over the past two years I haven't finished. I can honestly say that I finished this one because it held my interest. To go ahead and pre-order your copy at a discounted price on Amazon click  HERE. 

My review of Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

About the book:

What happened to Brigitte Berthold?

That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and eleven-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.

Now a wealthy old man, Daniel's final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby's tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons--and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel's lawyer, Lucas Hough--the lure of Brigitte's story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.

My review:

Lately it seems I rarely finish a book because I tend to get bored with the story. I finished this one, so that tells me something. I wasn't bored. Nor was I on the edge of my seat. The author wasn't trying to create anxiety, but it was more like a tender longing and a deep need to understand the past and find healing in it. She did a great job showing the fear of abandonment and the wariness when it came to trusting anyone. I was intrigued with the story. It gave me a warm feeling in my heart rather than an anxious one. While nothing scary happened, it captured my heart anyway.

There is just something about Melanie's writing and characters that pulls me in. I have yet to come across a pathetic or annoying character in any of her books, and I have read plenty of them. Eleven so far (to be exact) and I have enjoyed them all. They are often quite different. It's not so much the subject matter that captures me (though I love WWII era fiction) but the author's voice that compels me to keep reading.  The first book I have ever read by Melanie was "Together for Good" and from that point forward I have been hooked. She never has tension in a story or a plot that feels contrived. Regardless of how far from my own experience the characters' experience tends to be, they always manage to speak to me and make me think about my life and my decisions. And like the author, her books have a sweet and calming tone to them despite how deep the story goes. None of her novels are fluffy and fake. All of them will pull you in. At least for me, that's how it is.

This book slips between the past and the present day. Both eras intrigued me and while a bit more was in the present day, at least a third of the book contained historical chapters. I tend to prefer the historical chapters but in this book I liked them the same. I felt some of the angst and fear that Brigitte had when she couldn't find her friend and was taken in by a man and woman who didn't like her and only used her for her knowledge of the German language. It was interesting how the twists and turns through her life caused her to develop a strong desire to help abandoned children feel loved. I also loved how the main character resisted feeling anything for the man in the story because she didn't want to get close to anyone lest they hurt her again. Well done!

I give this story five stars because of it's pull on me and my desire to finish it. I don't want to give any spoilers, which is why some of this review is a bit vague. Discovering things is half the fun of reading a good book so it ruins it for me if someone tells me the plot in the review.

Catching the Wind was published by Tyndale and released in May 9, 2017.

Radio Interview 2/21 at 7PM Eastern Standard Time

Check out my latest radio interview.

This one is for the Write Stuff radio program.

We'll be talking about some of my edgier books.

Here is a link!

http://tobtr.com/9788115

I am also offering a promo on Amazon kindle!

Never Without Hope is free 2/21 and 2/22 only!

It's one of my best-selling books and once people read the first book they tend to read all four in the series. So go ahead and give it a try. If you don't like it then delete it - hey, at least it was free. But if you're like most reviewers, you will love it!

My review of Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

About the book:

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit. When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

My review:

I enjoyed this book. It made me think of a warm and fuzzy Robin Hood themed story (the one made by Disney with the Fox and Hare, etc,) but  with a Christian twist. There is a strong faith element to the novel that makes it clear how our relationship to God must be personal to be effective. I could not agree more. There is also a bit of A Knight's Tale blended in with the knights fighting in tournaments and jousting. It put me in the mood to want to go to a Renaissance Festival, lol!

It was clear the story was tailored by the publisher to fit their typical readership. I'd say this book was rated G overall. There were a few realistic elements that shaped the main female character, like the physical abuse she and her mother suffered at the hands of her father, but it was a very small part of the story. It did fit the mentality of the times -- that women were supposed to be ruled by the men in the family.

I can see how Gwen's childhood and seeing what her mother endured would make her want to train to fight if needed to protect her family from the brutality of her father. I can see her hanging out in trees to get away from it all. I do feel a bit disadvantaged by not having read the first book in the series, which sounds like it had an even stronger Robin Hood theme, including a heroine named Merry. I do believe the story that comes next will be about Rosalind, and if so, it will no doubt tug on heart strings. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

Chivalrous was published by Bethany House and released in September 2015,

My review of A Love Stronger than Death by GS Davis

 
About the book:

While Isabella is still mourning the loss of her father, she receives a letter from him, mailed three days after he died. As she unravels the mystery, she discovers her father had ulterior motives. Professional photographer, Wesley Powers, believes he's working on a book of images with a retired eye-doctor. What he doesn't realize is that same doctor has more than the mere publishing project in mind.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story. GS Davis has a way of tugging at your heartstrings by bringing the old and new together in a supernatural way. This is a story about two people who have made mistakes in love but were fortunate enough to have someone from their mutual past proactively trying to bring them together because he has a vision for their future. This story has a Nicholas Sparks feel to it with an inspirational twist. In fact, there were a few times the author had me in tears, but they were tears of joy.

I learned a lot about the occupations of the hero and heroine (photography and building environmentally friendly housing.) The descriptions were actually quite fascinating in regards to the detail that the author includes as part of their daily lives. These characters felt real to me and even the secondary characters were well done. Without giving away any spoilers I can tell you for sure that the author's writing pulls you in and the story will tug at your heart. Highly recommended!

A Love Stronger than Death was published by GS Davis and released in August 2015.

My review of The Dreamer and the Cowboy by Debra Ullrick

About the book:

Born and raised on a ranch, Teagan Baxter has never felt like she belonged. She has no interest in ranching or cowboys. All she wants is to pursue her dream of dancing on stage. The one person who believed in her dreams was her mother. On her death bed, she makes Teagan promise to not let anyone or anything stop her from pursuing her dream, not even her father. Teagan is determined to keep that promise. However, she didn’t count on the handsome rancher from Amarillo riding into her life.

When Kage Jenkins hires on with the Circle B Cross ranch, it is with one purpose… to learn every phase of Colorado mountain ranching so he can buy a place of his own in Grand County. He feels an immediate connection to Teagan Baxter, but he refuses to pursue her because she was born to dance, not ranch. And he is determined not to do anything to interfere with her dreams.

My review: 

This story was compulsively readable and very well-written. The pacing felt just right and held my interest so I read it from start to finish in one day. There was believable tension between characters. Everything felt natural including their attraction to each other and their emotional responses to different things that came up.. Several times I was moved to tears and it may be that the heroine's emotional expression reminded me of other situations that I've experienced in my own life. Regardless of how it happened, this author had me in tears several times, but they were the kind that were rejoicing in the heroine's healing on her journey. They were not tears of grief or sorrow. The scenes that moved my heart were beautiful and healing. I dare say this book really brings out the author's passion for story-telling and is one of her best books. As soon as I got it I read it straight through. Highly recommended and worth every penny (and then some!)

This awesome novella just came out yesterday so get it today on Amazon HERE 

April is sexual assault awareness month! Here are some recommended books.

I have written about a variety of situations in my novels which include sexual assault from strangers, attacks while the victim is unconscious, incest, forced prostitution, and date rape, etc. Here are a few of my novels that depict different women's journeys (and one male's) showing how they deal with the after-affects of that kind of trauma. You can read about their emotional and spiritual healing and how they leaned on God and used the loving friendship of others to turn things around in their lives.

Some are in paperback and some are in e-book format only (at this time.) Just click on the covers to read more about the books...

Why so many books about this topic, you ask? I've been a social worker for over two decades and I've seen the after-effects of sexual assault that can damage many lives if ignored. The victim isn't the only victim when wounded people aren't able to function because of the pain. So I write about these situations to hopefully aid victims in the healing process. The more aware people are of these issues, the more they will realize that they have friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members, etc that have gone through similar scenarios. It's not as uncommon as you'd think. The statistics are staggering, in fact. So make yourself more aware by reading a good book! :)

Christian fiction... who says we don't tackle real-life issues?

While this is not an exhaustive list, I think it shows just how much ground Christian fiction does cover. If you see a topic on this list and know of a Christian fiction title that covers that topic, but that book isn't listed below, please post a comment and I'll make sure it's added. Thanks!!! (Oh, and I'll make my titles bold and maroon so you can see what I write about. Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want, right?)


Abortion
Tears in a Bottle (2006) by Sylvia Bambola
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Showers in Season (2001) Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2009) by Allison Bottke
Cherished (2011) by Kim Cash Tate
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Hush, Little Baby (2011) by Deborah M. Piccurelli
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok

Abuse/Rape
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
What She Left for Me (2005) by Tracie Peterson
When You Believe (2009) by Deborah Bedford
Why the Sky is Blue (2004) by Susan Meissner
Mending Places (2004) by Denise Hunter
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Antonia's Choice (2003) by Nancy Rue
In the Still of the Night (1997) by Deborah Raney
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Afton of Margate Castle (2000) by Angela Hunt
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
A Distant Music (2006) by B.J. Hoff
Justifiable Means (1996) by Terri Blackstock
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
The Watcher (2010) by Sara Davison
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome


Adoption
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe (2010) by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Zora's Cry (2006) by Tia McCollors
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller

Adultery
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Forgiving Hour (1999) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Scarlet Thread (2000) by Francine Rivers
The Breaking Point (2003) by Karen Ball
Redeeming Love (1997) by Francine Rivers
Breach of Promise (2004) by James Scott Bell
Private Justice (1998) by Terri Blackstock
Times and Seasons (2002) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Ulterior Motives (1996) by Terri Blackstock
Lying on Sunday (2008) by Sharon K. Souza
Deceit (2010) by Brandilyn Collins
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David (2008) by Eleanor Gustafson
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Agoraphobia
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
The Awakening (2004) by Angela Hunt

Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
Walking on Broken Glass (2010) by Christa Allan
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Beyond the Shadows (2004) by Robin Lee Hatcher
Looking for Cassandra Jane (2002) by Melody Carlson
Shadow of Dreams (2003) by Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
My Name is Mike (2003) by Gail Sattler
Intervention (2009) by Terri Blackstock
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Burnt Orange: Color Me Waster (2004) by Melody Carlson
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel

Anger
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel
The Heart of Memory (2011) by Alison Strobel
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena

Anxiety
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Bitterness
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton

Blended Family
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Broken Engagement
Love Turns the Tide (2009) by Gail Pallotta
The Perfect Blend (2010) by Trish Perry
A Man To Trust (2012) by Carrie Turansky

Cancer
After Anne (2002) by Roxanne Henke
A Time to Mend (2006) by Angela Hunt
Healing Quilt (2002) by Lauraine Snelling
Season of Blessing (2003) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Seaside (2001) by Terri Blackstock
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Child Abuse/neglect
Secrets Under the Midnight Sun (2010) by Elisa Maria Crites
Daisy Chain (2009) by Mary E. DeMuth
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
One Smooth Stone (2009) by Marcia Laycock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Side of Darkness (2011) by Linda Rondeau
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Touched by Mercy (2010) by Tina Pinson
Refuge (1999) by Stephanie M.E. Gallentine

Depression
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Songbird (2003) by Lisa Samson
When Joy Came to Stay (2006) by Karen Kingsbury
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines

Disability
The Attaché (2012) by Dave Bond
The Fragrance of Roses (2009) by Nikki Arana

Disfigurement
Refining Fires (2010) by Erin Rainwater
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Embrace Me (2008) by Lisa Samson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Grow Old with Me (2010) by Melinda Evaul

Divorce
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Bitter Rose: Color Me Crushed (2006) by Melody Carlson
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Can I Get A Witness? (2008) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Last Woman Standing (2009) by Tia McCollors

Domestic Violence
Sadie's Song (2001) by Linda Hall
Serenity Bay (2005) by Bette Nordberg
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Evidence of Mercy (1995) by Terri Blackstock
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2011) by Sarah Sundin
Remember to Forget (2007) by Deborah Raney
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Nothing But the Right Thing (2005) by Stacy Hawkins Adams
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Drunk Driving
The Living Stone (2000) by Jane Orcutt
After the Rains (2002) by Deborah Raney
Waiting for Morning (2002) by Karen Kingsbury
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Eating Disorders
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Skinny (2008) by Laura L. Smith
She Walks in Beauty (2010) by Siri L. Mitchell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

End-of-Life Issues
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
The Living End (2003) by Lisa Samson
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel

Envy
Deep Green: Color Me Jealous (2004) by Melody Carlson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton

Family Obligation/Expectation
The Artist's Granddaughter (2011) by Robin Bayne
Love's Pursuit (2009) by Siri L. Mitchell
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Fear
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2001) by Sarah Sundin
Just Between You and Me (2009) by Jenny B. Jones
Exposure (2009) by Brandilyn Collins
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart

Forgiveness
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (2010) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Undercurrent (2011) by Michelle Griep
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Risky Business, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Dare to be Different, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Seeking His Love (2012) by Carrie Turansky
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Gangs
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Gambling 
A Million's Blessings (2010) by Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and Marilynn Griffith
Til Debt Do Us Part (2009) by Michelle Larks
The Devil Is A Lie (2009) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Going for Broke (2007) by Melody Dobson

Grief
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
To Dance in the Desert (2010) by Kathleen Popa
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
It's Not about Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
They Almost Always Come Home (2010) by Cynthia Ruchti
Powerline (2011) by Deb Kinnard
Lost in Dreams (2011) by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Rhapsody in Red (2008) by Donn Taylor
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi


Guilt
Bound by Guilt (2011) by C.J. Darlington
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Almost Forever (2010) by Deborah Raney
Damages, 2010 by Deb Kinnard
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Homosexuality
Tiger Lillie (2004) by Lisa Samson
Spring Rain (2001) by Gayle Roper
A Season of Grace (2004) by Bette Nordberg
Edge of Grace (2011) by Christa Allan
Bright Purple: Color Me Confused (2006) by Melody Carlson
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
My Soul Cries Out (2007) by Sherri Lewis
The Things We Do For Love (2008) by Xavier Knight
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton

Infertility
The Long-Awaited Child (2001) by Tracie Peterson
Lullaby (2002) by Jane Orcutt
In a Heartbeat (2004) by Sally John
Song of Erin ( 2008 ) by B.J. Hoff
Breaker's Reef (2005) by Terri Blackstock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Fill These Empty Arms (2011) by Janice Hanna Thompson
Every Good and Perfect Gift (2007) by Sharon K. Souza
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Abiding Hope (2001) by Angela Benson
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok
A Promise Kept (2009) by Cara Putnam
He Remembers the Barren (2011) by Katie Schuermann

Infidelity
Grown Folks Business (2005) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Sins of the Father (2009) by Angela Benson
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Interracial Relationships
Boaz Brown (2005) by Michelle Stimpson

Kleptomania
Fool's Gold: Color Me Consumed (2005) by Melody Carlson

Loneliness
Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely (2003) by Melody Carlson
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
Shadowed in Silk (2011) Christine Lindsay

Marriage
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
One Little Secret (2007) by Allison Bottke
Happily Even After (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Mom's the Word (2009) by Marilynn Griffith
The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee
Faithful (2010) by Kim Cash Tate
Secrets and Lies (2009) by Rhonda McKnight
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Mental Illness
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
In The Midst Of It All (2010) by Tiffany L. Warren
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Secrets of the Heart (2011) by Jillian Kent
The Other Side of Darkness (2008) by Melody Carlson

Money Crisis
Samaritan (2011) by Robin Bayne
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Pain/Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Parenting
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Learning to Fly (2008) by Roxanne Henke
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Perfectionism
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh

Premarital Sex
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Courting Trouble (2007) by Deeanne Gist
Deep in the Heart of Trouble (2008) by Deeanne Gist
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Torch Red: Color Me Torn (2004) by Melody Carlson
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
A Heart of Devotion (2005) by Tia McCollors
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Only Uni (2008) by Camy Tang

Prostitution/Child Trafficking
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Redeeming Love (2005) by Francine Rivers
Deliver Us From Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
The Elite of the Weak (2011) by Precarious Yates
Deliver Me from Evil (2011) by Kathi Macias
Pearl in the Sand (2010) by Tessa Afshar

Pornography
Exposed (2010) by Ashley Weiss
Last Light (2005) by Terri Blackstock

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Digitalis (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Jenna's Cowboy (2010) by Sharon Gillenwater
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi

Racism
Trial by Fire (2000) by Terri Blackstock
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Above All Things (2009) by Deborah Raney
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Winds of Sonoma (2005) by Nikki Arana
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Chasing Moondrops (2010) by Jennifer Valent

Retirement
On a Someday (2010) by Roxanne Henke

Schizophrenia
House of Secrets (2011) by Tracie Peterson
Finding Alice (2003) by Melody Carlson

Self-Image
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
A Constant Heart (2008) by Siri L. Mitchell
Miss Invisible (2007) by Laura Jensen Walker
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Self-Mutilation
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred (2005) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel

Singleness
The Guy I'm Not Dating (2006) by Trish Perry

Spiritual Warfare
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Moon White: Color Me Enchanted (2007) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Substance Abuse
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes

Suicide
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
The Novelist (2006) by Angela Hunt
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Unlocked (2010) by Karen Kingsbury
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena
Traumatic Brain Injury
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton 
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
The Ex-Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray

Unplanned Pregnancy
Child of Grace (2001) by Lori Copeland
A Moment of Weakness (2000) by Karen Kingsbury
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Firstborn (2003) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

Workaholism
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel

Worry
Out of Her Hands (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Unforgettable (2011) by Trish Perry
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

ECFL presents - What a Character on the Christian Book Blog Festival blog tour!

Here is the question I have posed to Tony, one of my most complex characters who appears in both Never Without Hope (Sacred Vows, book 1) and the sequel Their Separate Ways (Sacred Vows, book 2.) He will make a final appearance in the third book in the series that will release in 2012. The title is Decision to Love (Sacred Vows, book 3.) 


So here is the question...

Tony, are you a womanizer or just a man who has trouble saying no to beautiful women?


Tony: I do not know why people think because I make mistake and have sex with a beautiful woman who is not my wife (okay, I do this more than one time, but still...) that I am womanizer. I am red-blooded Italian man and in my home country we are pleased with beauty. It is part of my culture, so is hard for me to say no, but I try very hard to be faithful. Is not easy to do in this in United States but I know that faithfulness is important to American women, so I try my best to do this. I cannot help that some women find me attractive. I do not see why this is true, but my accent has gotten me in trouble many times. I hear from many women that a man with accent, especially European, is "hot." When I am nervous around beautiful woman my accent is more strong than when I am just with friends. Is not intentional for me, but is just how it is. I am proud to say I have said no to many beautiful women. So I am not womanizer. I do not look for chance to have sex with someone who is not my wife. This problem finds me, and it is true that sometimes I have hard time saying no when a beautiful woman wants to be with me, but I do say no. A lot. Just not with Hope and someone else who has hurt me so much that I cannot speak her name right now. If you read Their Separate Ways you will find out why this is my problem. My wife, she is crazy, so this makes it much harder to say no to woman who has needs, if you know what I mean. That is all I am saying for now. I do think change is possible for me. I just do not know how to make this change. I think maybe faith in God helps, but this is not for me.


To read more posts on the tour go here... http://christianbookfestival.blogspot.com/

Here is an excerpt posted on Romantic Times book reviews... Read the excerpt HERE

Here is an article about the story behind the book and its relevance to marriage also posted on Romantic Times book reviews... Read that column HERE


To find out more about Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers please check out the site and consider joining. You won't regret it... http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com

Pics of me with my Desert Breeze Girls Deb Kinnard and Michelle Levigne at ACFW

We were all exhausted (especially me) but regardless, we had these pictures taken after our Free to be E (E-publishing Late Night Chat) on Saturday night. Aren't we something???

Sensuality in the edgy Christian novel - August 1st tour stop here...

You are now entering the blog tour zone for the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers first official Summer Blog Tour. Each tour stop on the blog tour contains topics that directly relate to new trends in what I call "reality" fiction, where authors write about real life situations and don't worry about toning it down. Why? Because many people, Christian and non-Christian alike, live on the "edge" and can better relate to the flawed characters. Here is a link to other stops on the tour so you don't miss out on reading great content. Hopefully you'll get a better feel for what exactly edgy Christian fiction is after reading these posts.

To find the links to other tour posts click here.

I've been asked for years to talk about exactly what edgy Christian fiction is. It means different things to different people. I always use the actual definition from the dictionary to make the meaning as clear as possible...

edg·y (ĕjˈē)

adjective  

1. Daring, provocative, or trend-setting: an exhibition of edgy photographs; an edgy menu.

Chris·tian (krĭsˈchən)

adjective

1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane.

noun

1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.

fic·tion (fik′s̸hən)

noun

1. anything made up or imagined, as a statement, story, etc.

lover (luv′ər)

noun

1. a person who greatly enjoys something or has great affection for something: a lover of fine wine

Now that we've established what the exact definition is of an edgy Christian fiction lover all you have to do is ask yourself it the above definition fits you. If your answer is yes, then keep reading.

I chose the topic of sensuality because I love to write romance. The dictionary defines sensual as this...


sen·su·al (sĕnˈsho͞o-əl)

adjective

1. Relating to or affecting any of the senses or a sense organ; sensory.

Now you are probably wondering how defining this relates to writing romantic fiction that is sensual enough to be memorable. Why is it necessary? Because that is every author's goal... for people to remember the story and the author who wrote it.

On to the interesting stuff now that we are grounded in what these things mean.

Everything human beings do behaviorally is directly tied to their senses. So when authors are told to not forget to use the five senses, it's for a very good reason.

If someone smells really good you might want to sit closer to them. On the flip side, if their body odor is appalling, you'll want to sit far enough away that it doesn't overtake your senses. Whether someone smells good or bad directly affects your thoughts about them and most likely your behavior toward the person.

If someone looks really good (think Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt here) you will want to get closer to them, maybe talk to them and get to know them better. On the flip side, if they look like Scarface or someone with an oozing skin disease your first thought would be to stay as far away as possible. Again, what you see directly affects your behavior toward others.

If someone has a pleasant voice whether they are talking or singing, most people would want to listen and get closer to that person. On the flip side, if their voice is screechy, whiny, nasally-sounding, or wimpy, you won't be as attracted to the person and will most likely want to leave the room or hang up, if talking with that person on the phone.

If someone doesn't have an invisible barrier up and not only receives a friendly hug with affection, but even welcomes it, if you were someone who enjoyed touch, you would most likely want to hug that person again and again. If they stiffen at your touch or there is a painful spark between you that isn't pleasant, chances are you won't want to touch that person again.

If someone tastes good, I mean really tastes good, then you are going to want to kiss them again. If their breath is sour or there is just something about their kiss that turns you off, you won't go back for more. It's pretty basic, but I have not dated men a second time who were very attractive, but I did not enjoy their kiss. So taste matters, especially if you are looking for something long-term, like marriage.

Last, if someone has a warm "spirit" about them you will be attracted to that person. If they are a Christian and you are of like mind, it's likely that there will be a profound connection between your hearts. If someone has a guarded or hostile "spirit" you are not going to want to get together with that person and get to know them better. Those types of people are draining and leave the other person feeling exhausted after every encounter.

Now that we've established that the senses are clearly a factor in whether or not one person will pursue a relationship with another, I think you can see why sensuality in fiction is critical in creating a memorable bond between characters. As an author, I want readers to release a satisfied sigh when they read the interactions my hero and heroine have in any given story. I want them to feel profound relief and satisfaction when the couple finally kisses for the first time. I want the reader to feel the same desire to pursue a relationship with the other character as the character does himself (or herself.) I want my readers to want to yell at the characters when they are upset, or cheer them on when they are headed in the right direction. Bottom line, I want their reading experience to be memorable.

When I am talking about sensuality in edgy Christian fiction I am not talking about inciting lust in the other person, just attraction. So don't picture a busty pole dancer here trying to lure a pastor into sliding bills into her garter. That is NOT even close to what I'm referring to. I am talking about creating characters that are so real that you forget you are reading a book, but instead you feel like you are hanging out with friends. Writing sensual scenes does that for readers.

Think of the scent of turkey baking in the oven on Thanksgiving. What does that illicit in your heart? Usually fond memories, right? Sensual experiences in fiction will illicit similar fond memories in the readers' hearts, or create new ones.

On to points of view...

While writing sensuality in Christian fiction you have to start with the visual when you are writing from a single man's perspective. He is not going to see an attractive, curvaceous blonde and wonder if she has a nice personality or not. He's going to like what he sees and want to introduce himself. Then he will hear her voice, get close enough to get a whiff of her scent, then the next step is touch, and if all goes well, it will culminate in a kiss. In Christian fiction the important thing is that romantic relationships really shouldn't go further if the characters' "spirits" aren't connecting, because what initially attracts Christians won't sustain the relationship over the long haul. However, a three-strand cord with Jesus at the center is not easily broken.

While writing from a woman's perspective she will notice what a man looks like just the same as men do, but from there things change a bit. If he is cocky or rude, then the woman won't care how good he looks. She's not getting any closer. However, if he seems kind, or strong and heroic and there is something she respects about him, then she'll want to get closer. After this initial step, things progress in a similar fashion. Men and women are different, but not that much different. Women may go for a less attractive man (just like men might go for a less attractive woman) if there are other things to like about the person, but that is rarely the first thing that will attract them.

I love to create characters that are tortured by their desire to be with someone of the opposite sex. I think there is nothing hotter than controlled desire and longing. When a man respects a woman as demonstrated by his behavior, but inside he is melting on the spot whenever she is near, that is the most fun and sensual scenario for me to read. I especially like to do this to my male characters. Ironically, people tell me that my "hottest" heroes are the ones who want the girl so much that they struggle, but don't behave badly by pushing themselves on her.

Now the main difference between a typical Christian novel and an edgy one is in their thought-life. My characters have are real thoughts that are not filtered by political correctness. If this is done well, the character will still be heroic. He can think about how hot the woman is but not resort to disgusting thoughts that make the reader want to kick him in the pants. Again, controlled desire is the key. The same goes for a woman. She has a lot of power and can stumble a man if he is melting whenever he is around her. Unfortunately, many women don't understand this and even Christians will dress provocatively around other men, and yes, even in church. I've had men say that church is the one place they hope not to stumble in their thought life, but if the woman singing special music is dressed in a short skirt that hugs her hips and wears a top that dips enough to show her cleavage, the man is not going to hear the music she is singing but will have to look away and thus destroy what inspiration he might have received from the song. Modesty can be very sexy to a man. At the very least it won't cause his mind to go places they shouldn't in a church setting.

How do I show attraction in a novel and make it sensual without going over the top? A lot can be said with a glance or a lingering stare, such as darkening pupils showing desire. The way the character speaks, like using a deeper or softer tone can be very sensual when written in the right places. Same with a lingering touch. A woman's hand lightly resting on the arm of a man, and having that woman notice the firm muscles beneath her fingers can be very hot. Or the way their bodies touch when one character hugs the other. A comforting hug and emotional experience can become sensual very quickly if the hug is lingering and the characters are close enough to pick up the other person's unique scent. These scents are called pheromones, and they are quite powerful. Even a soft, but lingering kiss can be very sensual when a man or woman notices the soft feel of the other character's lips, their unique taste, etc. So much can be communicated through one sensual, but otherwise chaste kiss. Of course, with my stories I make that brief sensual situation torture the characters until they want to be together again, and then when they are, I torture them further but having them try their best to control their desires. Sometimes they succeed, and sometimes they don't. Just like real life.

For me, the hottest romantic experience in a novel is unrequited love and controlled desire.

That, in a nutshell, is my take on sensuality in the edgy Christian novel. Nothing is more powerful than a scene where the characters want what they can't have until they are married. Watching that anticipation build until they tie the knot is half the fun. The other half - the edgy part - is being in each character's head and knowing exactly what they are thinking while they are falling in love. And it's never about how smart the other person is, or how nice they are. Trust me on that. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post. Now go enjoy the rest of the tour! Here is a link to get you to the list of tour stops...

http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/2010/07/check-out-first-edgy-christian-fiction.html