Sunday Funnies #46!

This is one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen!!! Must watch.

Andrea Boeshaar ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Andrea Boeshaar is telling us about her new book, Unexpected Love (Seasons of Redemption series #3 -- January 2011). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Andrea! Please tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve got 23 published novels, 8 published novellas to my credit, as well as a host of collective nonfiction under my belt. I know the peaks and valleys of the publishing industry and love to share my experience with other writers. I was an agent for more than 10 years, but now I’m writing full-time and I’m represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

Additionally, I am a certified Christian life coach. I am also a cofounder of ACFW. I’ve taught at several of the organization’s conferences as well as the Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Write-To-Publish, and Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

Tell us about your salvation experience.
I was gloriously born again on Ash Wednesday in 1991. I had gone to a friend’s church and heard the gospel, plain and simple. I cried on the way home, feeling extremely convicted of my sin. Once I reached home, I shooed my kids off to bed and began washing dishes. I asked God to save me right there in the kitchen, with tears, streaming down my face and my hands soaked in soap bubbles. Right then and there, Jesus saved me – and it turned my life around. I was never the same again!

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
Very spontaneous and seat-of-the pants, although I am trying to be more scheduled and disciplined.

Stubborn, or compliant?
It depends on the situation. :)

Organized or completely chaotic?
Organized to a fault…except I hate filing.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
I stress over crises until the stress becomes so great that I totally fall apart. Then after a couple of days of prayer and praise to God, I feel better. What’s interesting is all the while, no one would guess that I’m falling apart like a country song. I handle what I need to and make important decisions. Then I go up to my bedroom, clutch my Bible to me, and sob. But then I realize that I either trust God or I don’t – if I trust God, then I must have faith that He will bring this crisis (whatever it might be) to an expected end. I simply have to walk in His mercy and grace. I often wonder why that is so difficult sometimes!

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
I’m very sensitive and very capable. On the flipside, I’m very sensitive. I guess it’s the best and worst thing about me.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I have never revealed this before! I like to go up to the top of the hill in my back yard, gaze over the quarry below (like a mini ampatheater). I spread my arms out wide and belt out the first line of The Sound of Music. “The hills are alive with the sound of music…” Just like the character, Maria, does as the movie by the same name opens. No one is around. Just my 9 month old puppy, who is getting rather used to my goofy antics.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I would say my style is similar to Robin Lee Hatcher’s. She is a fabulous author and one of my favorites. I read her books and try to learn from her. I don’t copy her. Of course not! But I try to learn and be a better writer by reading what I enjoy.

However, I read many other authors’ books too. Francine Rivers, Cathy Marie Hake, Lauraine Snelling, DiAnn Mills, and Karen Kingsbury. And when I love a story, I re-read it with a critical eye, trying to learn why those characters touched my heart. How the book drew me in.

And that’s the best education a novelist can get: Read!

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I just began writing a brand new, 3-book series for Realms / Strang Book Group. It’s called Fabric of Time and it’s about a Norwegian family that settles in Wisconsin. The first book, Threads of Hope, is set in 1848 – the year Wisconsin became a state.

Meanwhile, I’m anticipating the release of book 4 in my series Seasons of Redemption. It’s titled, Undaunted Faith, and it will hit bookstore shelves in May.

How can readers get in contact with you?
Readers can contact me via my website: http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/
I am also on Facebook and Twitter – log onto my site to find the links to those networks too.

Book blurb:

Nurse Lorenna Fields is drawn to a blind patient searching for his past. But as his memories return, will there be a place for her in his future?

Lorenna Fields has always taken her job at Chicago's Mercy Hospital seriously, determined never to become personally involved with her patients. But when a mysterious man with eyes like onyx is admitted after a shipwreck on Lake Michigan, she develops a connection with him that she can’t deny.

Slowly her patient regains consciousness, but to Renna’s dismay he has lost both his sight and his memory. Dubbed “Mr. Blackeyes” by her, the two build a strong, trusting friendship as they search for clues to his past. But part of her dreads the day of his recovery, convinced that his memories will take him away from her and his regained sight will reveal a secret about herself that Renna has been trying hard to hide.

In Unexpected Love, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar continues the dramatic saga of the McCabe family that she began in Unwilling Warrior and Uncertain Heart.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?
http://www.amazon.com/

~~~~~
**USA addresses only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Unexpected Love!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.
+1 Put my SCD blog button on your sidebar.
+1 Put my CBG blog button on your sidebar. (You will find the html's in each respective blog's sidebar. It should say "Grab My Blog Button" or something like that)

Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
+2 Fatal Judgment

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (January 28) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (February 3). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 4th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Faith's Reward winner!

And the winner of Faith's Reward by Tammy Barley is:
Charity U (photographer4ever832@...)

Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon ~ 5 stars + Favorite!

Fatal Judgment

Irene Hannon

Guardians of Justice series #1

Revell Publishing

About the book:

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

My review:

Being an avid fan of the hit show, NCIS, I was leery about reading this book in case it didn’t measure up to my high standards. I’m happy to say that it did. And some!

The suspense was so well written that I couldn’t put the book down. I read it in one day, so I’m warning that you need to set aside time to read this. It is not a “by bits and pieces” read. You won’t want to be interrupted! The romance fit naturally into the book, and didn’t seem forced or boring. I loved all the characters!

I would say that this is an excellent romantic suspense, and I will definitely be checking into reading other books by this author!

Thanks to Revell for my free review copy of this book!

Sunday Funnies #45!

Chonda Pierce is hilarious! Please watch this video, you will crack up!

Tammy Barley ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Tammy Barley is telling us about her new book, Faith's Reward (The Sierra Chronicles #3 -- January 2011). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Tammy! Tell us a little about yourself.

I have lived in twenty-seven places in eight states (so far) and have visited nearly all. When I'm not writing? I judge a number of top writing contests and love my work as a manuscript editor and biographer. I am also Mom to two sons, one daughter, a rescued American Eskimo dog, sixteen parakeets*, and an aquarium full of fish. The children I homeschool; the dog I taught to sit. She also barks at parked cars.

In my spare time, you're likely to find me baking, gardening, behind a camera, or hugging a horse.

Are you a spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
Both! I schedule my work hours, but if an idea for a scene strikes in the middle of the night, me and my bunny slippers hurry to the keyboard.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
I always see the cloud’s silver lining. When I learned I had suffered kidney failure, I thought, “Well, at least I won’t have to get up anymore in the middle of the night and run to the restroom.”

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be?
My writing style is unique. My novels will carry you back in time to the far reaches of the American West, place you into the saddle of a running horse, and slip you into the cool water of a purling river on a sweltering summer night. I write that you may experience it all firsthand, the stories unfolding around you, so that you feel you are there.

How can readers get in contact with you?
Links to my Facebook, ShoutLife, Goodreads, and other pages are all at my Web site: http://www.tammybarley.com/index.html (where you can also enter the drawing to win The Day of Your Dreams contest)

Book blurb:

The year 1865 starts out as a nightmare come true for Jessica Bennett. The cattle she and her husband, Jake, fought to save from drought the summer before now face the threat of freezing to death. Her fears worsen when Jake contracts pneumonia.

Springtime brings trials of a different kind—the snowmelt causes the ranch to thrive so much that Jake must sell off the last of their cattle to make room for their horses and the young foals to be born. In the meantime, Jess endeavors to recover her rightful inheritance, which mysteriously disappeared from the bank. When she discovers a link between the banker and a group of murderous Unionists, who continue to target Southerners even though the war is over, Jake launches an undercover investigation.

The conspiracy runs deeper and wider than either of them could have imagined. Jess must put her life—and the life of her unborn child—at risk to stop the ringleader and save the lives of many others. Yet, Jess refuses to give up hope in the God she serves—a God of love who often provides above and beyond our greatest dreams.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?The woman on the book cover is the perfect Jess, and Hugh Jackman is the perfect Jake.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?

http://www.amazon.com/Faiths-Reward-Sierra-Chronicles-V3/dp/1603741100/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b#reader_1603741100

~~~~~

**This giveaway is open to anyone**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Faith's Reward!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.
+1 GFC follow my other blog, Christian Book Giveaways.
+1 Subscribe by email to my other blog, Christian Book Giveaways.

Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
+2 Hatteras Girl

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (January 21) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (January 27). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 28th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

A Suitor for Jenny winner!

And the winner of A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley is:
Debbie (bigpinelodge@...)

Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler ~ 3 stars

Hatteras Girl

Alice Wisler

Bethany House

About the book:

Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

My review:
Well, I hate to give an unfavorable review, but I will be honest regarding my thoughts on this book.

There were some things I liked about the book. The setting. The dream Jackie had of one day owning the Bailey House. But, the things that I didn’t like seemed a little louder than the things I did.

*The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so beware* I found the dialogue in some places to be unbelievable. (Such as when she confronts Davis at the Grille.) If I was having an argument and someone was speaking that way to me, I would think they were mentally unstable. It was very random dialogue.

Also, Jackie didn’t seem to have any spiritual growth throughout the book. There were moments early on where she asked questions regarding God and why He let certain things happen, and I never felt like she was resolved with any of it.

Finally, the book broke one of my pet peeves. That is when there is more romance (and focus on the relationship) between a heroine (or hero) and the person they don’t end up with than there is with the person that they do end up with. That bothers me, but I know it doesn’t for everyone.

There were a couple other things too, but I don’t want to go on forever on the book’s issues. I think there will be some people who enjoy this book, but, sadly, I wasn’t one of them.

Thanks to Bethany house for my review copy of this book.

Sunday Funnies #44!

Apparently, I used to do the "evil look" when I was a baby too, only my parents called it the "mean look". LOL

Blog Renovations

Hello, everyone! I have been working lately on improving my blog in various ways. (Today I organized all of my "labels" and put them in my sidebar. You can now use them to help you find things on my blog!)

A few weeks ago I started my new Blog List. That is really a work in progress... :)

Now, I am thinking of ways to improve my interview questions. I'm going to change them up for the new year. Yes, I know it's a little late... But, better late than never!

So this week for +4 entries in my Suitor for Jenny giveaway, I'm asking that you help me by taking a few minutes to read over a couple of my interview questions.

I want to know if you think either of these questions (below) should stay in the interviews for now. Just leave a comment here telling me what you think. (Some of my other Qs I have already decided to get rid of, so they will not be listed. I was just unsure about these two.) Let me know if you think they are keepers or not!

Tell us about your salvation experience.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?

Pretty simple, huh? :) Thanks!

Margaret Brownley ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

Today author Margaret Brownley is telling us about her new book, A Suitor for Jenny (Rocky Creek Romance series, book 2 -- October 2010). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Margaret included this in the interview. It's hilarious!
Some timely advice for landing a husband from A SUITOR FOR JENNY:

1) Charm and composure must prevail at all times. If a gunfight erupts, exit the scene with grace and serenity.

2) If you don’t know whether or not to kiss a handsome man, give him the benefit of the doubt.

3) Never engage in boisterous laughter. If you must show mirth, a polite smile or titter will suffice.

4) Never criticize your beau. If it wasn’t for his faults he’d probably be courting someone else.

5) A woman more knowledgeable than a man is obliged to hold her tongue and feign ignorance in all matters except, of course, childbirth.

6) Never show affection in public. Love may be blind but the townspeople are not.

7) Once your vows are exchanged devote yourself to domestication—his.

8) Eschew secrets, for they are normally discovered at the worst possible time. If confronted, weep and deny everything.

Welcome, Margaret! Tell us a little about yourself.

First, I want to thank you for inviting me to visit with your readers. It’s a joy to be here. As for myself, I always wanted to be a writer and wrote my first book in 5th grade—a mystery with no ending and probably no value. I went on to other things but that old writing bug never left me. It wasn’t until my children reached junior high that I decided to follow my dream. I started by editing the church newsletter. After making the church picnic sound like a John Grisham novel my then pastor took me aside and suggested that perhaps God was calling me to write fiction. So that’s what I did. A SUITOR FOR JENNY is my 23rd book.

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
I’m at my desk every morning at 4 a.m. rain or shine. When I first started writing my three children were still at home and I worked outside the home. The only way I could find time to write was at 4 a.m. It’s a habit I can’t seem to break. I guess that makes me a scheduled writer.

Stubborn, or compliant?
Let’s just say I’m determined.

Organized or completely chaotic?
I guess you could say I’m half and half. My writing tends to be chaotic. Plan a book? Me? I don’t even plan dinner. On the other hand, my drawers and closets are tidy and I can’t stand dishes in the sink. My husband often tells the story of getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and coming back to find the bed already made. Part of the fun of writing is being surprised. I never know where my characters will take me. Come to think of it, dinner always surprises me, too.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
I usually remain perfectly calm in a disaster—and fall apart after it’s over. As for the BIG problems—I let God handle those.

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
I have an enormous amount of energy (people say I’m hyper. My family calls me Everready after the Energizer Bunny because I’m always going, going, going). My worst trait is…I can’t sit still.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I flunked 8th grade English (still can’t diagram a sentence), and got through history by the skin of my teeth (all those dates and battles!). I’m probably more qualified to be an astronaut than a writer of historical fiction.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I’ve been compared to Mary Connealy because we both write western romances with humor. I consider this a tremendous compliment. I really don’t know how to rate the romance. My stories are about two people falling in love—truly a gift from God—and yes, sometimes they kiss and sometimes they simply wish they could.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
The next book in the Rocky Creek series is A VISION OF LUCY to be published in June. I just complete a short story for the Log Cabin Christmas anthology. I’m currently working on book #1 in my Spinster Brides series.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I love to hear from readers. You can contact me through my website:www.margaretbrownley.com

I’m also on facebook and Twitter.

Book blurb:

When looking for a husband it's best to go where the odds are in your favor.

After their parents died, Jenny Higgins felt responsible for taking care of her two younger sisters. Learning that Rocky Creek has the highest number of eligible bachelors per capita, Jenny rolls into this Texas town with a clear objective: find suitable husbands for her two younger sisters and then start fresh somewhere far, far away.

Jenny believes that women who fall in love at first sight often wish they’d taken a second look, so she diligently begins to follow all the rules set forth in her handy manual on how to land a husband. Leaving nothing to chance she subjects each eager bachelor to the Potential Husband Attitude Test (otherwise known as the PHAT), which even Marshal Rhett Armstrong fails.

But while Jenny is interviewing the less-than-promising candidates, her sisters are falling in love the old fashioned way. Jenny is convinced she knows how to pick “perfect” men and it will take two rebellious sisters, a handsome marshal and a whole lot of faith to convince her otherwise.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Scarlett Johansson would make a great Jenny. Cool and independent on the outside, vulnerable within.

Finding a rugged, handsome cowboy type actor to play Marshal Rhett Armstrong would be a problem. They just don’t make that kind of thirty-something actor anymore. The closest would be Hugh Jackman (think Drover in Australia).

Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?

Thank you for spending time with me today. I wish I could send you all a book. God bless and have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

~~~~~

**USA addresses only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of A Suitor for Jenny!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

+4 GO HERE. (Very simple. I'm only asking for your opinion on something.) :)

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (January 14) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (January 20). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 21st, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Jewel of Persia winner!

And the winner of Jewel of Persia by Roseanna White is:
Terry (angelmom1165@...)

Sunday Funnies #43!

These were sent to me by Virginia Rush. Aren't they amazing?!?

Roseanna M White ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details*

**The details for this giveaway are a little different, so please read the directions at the bottom of this post.

Today author Roseanna M White is telling us about her new book, Jewel of Persia (ebook- January 2011, print- June 2011). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Roseanna! Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a young mom with two small children, aged 5 and nearly 3, who keep me hopping. We just began homeschooling in August, which is a whole new experience to add to our daily life, too! My family makes our home in the mountains of Western Maryland, where my hubby runs quite a few businesses, including WhiteFire Publishing, where I'm the editor. We also run the Christian Review of Books. And, when possible, I squeeze writing in there. =)

Tell us about your salvation experience.
I grew up in the church from about the time I was 5. It was a way of life for me, one I took seriously. I didn't have any huge experience, but I remember saying the sinner's prayer in Children's Church when I was 6 or 7, along with everyone else. And I meant it. My faith has grown and has had its challenges as time went by, but I never for a moment doubted that those words I muttered under my breath were what made me who I am.

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
Oh dear. I'd like to be scheduled, but I've discovered that's a tough one with my kiddos. So I've learned to seize whatever moments I can, whenever I can. I never would have thought I could write a book in ten minute increments, but I do much of my word count that way these days!

Stubborn, or compliant?
Both? LOL. I'm compliant more often than not, but that doesn't mean I don't stubbornly cling to the muttered, “But I'm right . . .” on occasion. ;-)

Organized or completely chaotic?
Err, unfortunately I tend toward chaotic. I really wish I didn't. So if anyone wants to volunteer to be my housekeeper, for the starting salary of a lot of smiles and laughter, contact me at . . . ;-)

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
Hmm . . . the big things I can usually handle with grace and patience—it's the little things that drive me crazy, LOL. For some reason, the story that leaps to mind first is concerning a lamp. My great-grandfather collected oil lamps, and when he died I asked if I could have one sitting on his desk. It's probably from about the Civil War era, and is sooooo gorgeous, complete with chimney and globe. When my husband and I moved to a townhouse after college, I took special care to pack it and carried it with me in the car, observing how it was probably the most valuable piece we owned. I gave it the position of honor on the mantel in the spare room.

A couple months later a friend came to visit, and his suitcase bumped into the fireplace, jostling the mirror behind the lamp, which fell over and brought the lamp down with it. I knew as soon as I heard the crash what had happened, and hubby and I rushed in. My first reaction was, “Rob, are you okay?” And as he launched into profuse apologies, I kept assuring him that it was just a “thing,” and that as long as he wasn't hurt, it was fine. (As it happens, only the globe part broke, and it wasn't original anyway. The main part of the lamp was fine.) I decided at that point that I was ready to have kids, LOL.

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
My best trait is that I'm not a worrier. My sister must have gotten my worry genes, because seriously. I just CAN'T worry about stuff. Of course, that can also translate into my worst trait, because I tend to neglect stuff that ought not be neglected, and I occasionally fear I'll shrug off something that turns out to be crucial.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
From the ages of 20-24, I had hair down to my butt. It's fairly short now, so people are usually shocked to realize that. =) I always said I'd cut it when I got tired of it but not until (other than trims), and that's exactly what I did.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I'm most often compared (by others—I would never dare make this comparison myself!) to Francine Rivers. Given the nature of my Biblical fiction and my attempt to keep things true to the time and give an accurate view of life for the women I write about, it does sometimes border on edgy. In JEWEL OF PERSIA my heroine is married early in the book, so though I make sure to keep the heat level appropriate for Christian readers, there is certainly kissing, and other, ahem, intimate issues are alluded to without being explicit. Still, given the topics that arise I would rate it between PG and PG-13, with the understanding that it's never explicit, just an issue for my characters to deal with.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
Right now I'm working on a story set in 1784 Annapolis, during that brief span of time when it was the nation's capital. Once I finish that up for the editor who has it penciled into her 2012 schedule (vague because nothing's in writing yet, LOL), I'll probably try to finish up a contemporary romantic suspense I've been working on, or else start on the sequel to JEWEL OF PERSIA that my publisher keeps hinting about.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I absolutely LOVE chatting with readers! I welcome emails at roseanna (at) roseannawhite (dot) com, through the contact page at my website, www.RoseannaMWhite.com, messages on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/roseanna.white), or comments on my blog at http://www.roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/

Book blurb:

How can she love the king of kings without forsaking her Lord of lords?

Kasia grew up in a poor Jewish home with more siblings than luxuries. But when a chance encounter forces her to the palace of Xerxes, she becomes a concubine to the richest man in the world. She alone, of all Xerxes' wives, loves the man beneath the crown. She alone, of all his wives, holds the heart of the king of kings.

Traveling with Xerxes through Europe as he mounts a war against Greece, Kasia knows enemies surround her, but they’re not the Spartans or Athenians. The threat lies with those close to the king who hate her people. She determines to put her trust in Jehovah—even if it costs her her marriage.

Years of prayers are answered when Kasia's childhood friend arrives at the palace after the war, but even as she determines to see Esther crowned in place of the bloodthirsty former queen, she knows the true battle is far from over. How far will her enemies go to see her undone?

Combining the biblical account of Esther with Herodotus's HISTORIES, JEWEL OF PERSIA is the story of a love that nearly destroys an empire . . . and the friendship that saves a nation.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

 

When I was searching for actresses to play Kasia, I decided that Moran Atias is the closest—but I have to say that the young woman we found to be the cover model captures her even better. The model, Perla, is the friend of a friend and at first thought said friend was crazy when she asked her if she wanted to be a model for a book cover, LOL. Thankfully, it was fully explained and she agreed. But if we were making a movie, Moran would suffice. ;-)

 

I've yet to find the perfect Xerxes, but Oded Fehr comes close—his face is good, but I think he needs to be taller. (Always the critic, LOL.) And of course, I loved him in the Mummy movies. ;-)

 

For Esther I would pick Emmy Rossum, who has that something-sweet I ascribe to the queen.

 

For Kasia's brother Zechariah, I'd go with Wentworth Miller. Mostly because he's got the build. ;-)

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter or an excerpt of this book?
http://www.roseannawhite.com/index.php/books/jewel_of_persia/first_chapter/

Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?
I do, as a matter of fact. ;-) Because Ancient Persia is such a rich but foreign society for us, I took the time to put together a Companion Guide to go along with JEWEL OF PERSIA. It not only gives some background about the society and the war that plays a huge role in the story, it has lots of fun pictures and details where fact ends and fiction begins in my version of events. You can find it at http://www.roseannawhite.com/index.php/books/jewel_of_persia/companion_guide/



Okay readers, here is your chance to win a copy of Jewel of Persia! Roseanna has offered this: if you're an e-reader fan, I'll send you a digital, which obviously can't be autographed;-) But if you'd like a paperback, I'll put you on a list to get one the moment my copies arrive (around June), and those will indeed be signed and personalized.

So, for this giveaway, you must specify which version you would like to win. :)


TO ENTER:


*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.


*Here are the ways to get entries:


(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.


+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.


Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 In Every Heartbeat
+2 Within My Heart


**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**


*The contest will run from today (January 7) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (January 13). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 14th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.


Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

~~~~~

**USA addresses only, for print version. See below for details**

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ 5 stars

In Every Heartbeat

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House

About the book:

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My review:
I enjoyed this story very much. The sweetness of the friendships, families, and blossoming love really touched me. Sawyer has a writing voice that is unique in its gentleness. That is the only word I can think of to describe the way she writes. It is a gentle, flowing voice that weaves a story around you. I love reading her books, even if the romance is not the main theme in her them.

Libby, Pete, and Bennett were excellent characters to use together. They were so similar in circumstances and occasional reactions, yet so different in their character. One thing that I wished changed was Bennett’s story. I wish more was told about his journey. This book just seemed to scratch the surface of his story, and left me wanting to know more. But, who knows, maybe he will get his own book one day. *I do want to say that this is the sequel to Sawyer’s other book, My Heart Remembers. The main characters are not the same, but they do play a large role in this book. If you are a stickler about reading things in order (like I am) you might want to check that book out first.*

Thanks to Bethany House for my free review copy of this book.

Blog Party!

Hey guys! Be sure to check out this upcoming blog party. I know it's going to be awesome. :) I can't wait!

http://katieslegacy.blogspot.com/



Sunday Funnies #42!

I thought I would start off the New Year's Sunday Funnies with one of my favorites! Enjoy!

End-of-the-Year Celebration WINNERS!

Sorry I'm a little late posting this. We were up so late last night! LOL Happy New Year, btw! :D

DAY 1's winner received Blood Ransom, Portrait of Love, and Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

The winner was Renee Ann! (reneeasmith61@...)

DAY 2's winner received Meander Scar, The Seeker, and A Love of Her Own.

The winner was Virginia! (vrush729@...)

DAY 3's winner received Wild West Christmas, Somewhere to Belong, The Blacksmith's Bravery, and Larkspur Cove.

The winner was groovyoldlady!

DAY 4's winner received iFaith, Orphaned Hearts, It's Not About Me, It's Not About Him, and A Stray Drop of Blood.

The winner was BookAddict! (DreamingEvermore@...)

DAY 5's winner will receive McKenzie, Kaydie, The Price of Trust, Maverick Heart, Stars Collide, The Search, Special Mission, and The Trouble with Brides (3-in-1 omnibus from Deeanne Gist).

AND THE WINNER OF DAY 5'S GIVEAWAY IS:

EMILLIE ROSE!! (hisprincess886@...)

Congrats!

I will be returning next Friday to my normal giveaway schedule. See you then! :D