The Inheritance

If you haven't entered to win a copy of The Inheritance, please head over to my website and sign up!

The contest ends this Saturday, February 28th. 

Here's a peek at The Inheritance which released last week:

An unexpected inheritance. 

An unknown future. 

An unending love.

Determined to tame her younger brother’s rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin’s invitation to move west, and to begin again. But she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado is far from what she expected. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs, instead of the older sister he resents. But an “untimely inheritance” challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust—and perhaps even her heart.

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna Ashford, he comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive—and the one woman who can help him find the future he’s been longing for.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover  an inheritance beyond imagination. But it will come at a price.

Bethany House Cover Survey

If you're interested in participating in a short survey about possible covers for an upcoming book for Bethany House Publishers (not one of mine, btw), click here to take the survey, which should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. You can also use the following address to link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=BerEU4qVkTxx3xk9m1oXZA_3d_3d (paste into your browser all on one line)

Giveaway Time (for our Canada friends too!)

My shelves are full of great books. I love them but there's no way I can keep them all, and no reason to...when I have you to share them with! ;)

Typically we only mail to U.S. addresses, but this time we're including our Canadian friends too. I've noticed lots of Canadian friends visiting my blog/website and this is my way of saying thanks to you, too.

So if you're interested in winning a copy of either the True Identity Bible by Zondervan (for U.S. addressees), or Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure (for our Canadian friends), feel feel to follow the instructions below to enter the giveaways. Deadline is March 6th (two weeks from today).

Here's a quick blurb on the True Identity Bible:

No matter what your stage in life, you're probably facing a challenge or a change. You're starting a new job or a new relationship. You're deciding whether to move or maybe to go back to school or whether you want another child. Or maybe you're just trying to figure out how to get 25 hours worth of things done in a 24-hour day. Whatever you're facing, you probably share your struggles with a friend. Now imagine your friend has incredible wisdom and is available anytime of the day or night! That's what this Bible is about: becoming who you are in Christ through your relationship with him.

And here's a quick blurb on A Passion Most Pure:

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household.

This was Julie's first book and I was thrilled to endorse it. It's a wonderful read! 

To enter to win a copy of one of these books:

Please leave a comment on this blog post, giving your name and saying you’d like to enter. Due to mailing costs, we usually only ship to U.S. addresses but this time we're including our Canadian friends. (Sorry, other international friends. We'll catch you soon!). Please leave a working email address where we can contact you (use this format with the brackets—you [at] yourmail.com—or something similar to prevent spamming). It’s the winner’s responsibility to check back and confirm whether they’ve won. Name of winners will be posted on this blog. Leave your comment by Monday, March 6th, 2009 to be included. We'll draw names on the following day. 

Also, you can always leave a comment and not enter (just note that in your comment).

Beyond This Moment is printed!

My wonderful and oh-so-talented editor, Karen Schurrer, at Bethany House called Tuesday with the news that she was holding one of the first printed copies of Beyond This Moment. I couldn't believe it! So it will be shipping from the warehouse soon. 

Beyond This Moment is the second novel in the Timber Ridge Reflections series. Here's a quick peek:

Lives are made up of tiny steps. Some are chosen for us;
some we choose. All hold the power to change who we become—but only if we let them.   

When Dr. Molly Whitcomb, Professor of Romance Languages, steps off the train in Colorado Territory, she makes a choice—one that goes against everything she stands for. Yet it’s the only choice that offers her a chance to regain a fraction of all she’s lost.

Sheriff James McPherson’s instincts about people rarely miss the mark. He senses Professor Whitcomb is hiding something. He just doesn’t know what. When James learns Molly’s secret, his own reputation is undermined. But when Molly Whitcomb’s reinvented life begins to unravel, it threatens his job, the stability of Timber Ridge, and what he always knew to be true about himself.

All of the books in my series are "stand alones," meaning they're part of a series but can be read individually (in other words, no major story threads are left dangling). I'm currently writing Within My Heart which will release this fall, so that means three books are coming out this year. And I hope you'll join me on each of these journeys.

Latest in Christian Fiction

Writer and friend Terri Blackstock has a new release out this month that's sure to satisfy your cravings for suspense and intrigue. Check out Double Minds!

DOUBLE MINDS

A Stand-Alone Novel by Terri Blackstock

Were the bullets intended for her?

As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce – even deadly. When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems. Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore? 

“Blackstock’s superior writing will keep readers turning pages late into the night to discover the identity of the culprit in this amazing mystery. The unique setting and peek into the Nashville music scene are fascinating. Suspense lovers are in for a delightful treat.” Romantic Times, February 2009.

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Known for her “Up All Night Fiction,” Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children. 

See the Video Trailer for Double Minds on her website here. And her Facebook page here.

Your thoughts and prayers

Your thoughts and prayers for my mom's health and for our family mean so much to me. Thank you for your comments both here on this blog and the personal notes you've sent in recent days. You guys are the best! A quick update, but first...

My parents visited the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando last summer, and this picture was snapped before my book signing at the Baker/Bethany House Booth. We had a great time together and they really enjoyed meeting the booksellers and my writing buddies.

Now for that update...

My parents met with the doctors today and mom's going to undergo more surgery in coming weeks to determine the extent of the cancer, and the exact condition of her liver. So, for a while....we wait. Not an easy thing to do but we're resting and trusting in the truth that God is sovereign and that His will is good and perfect. Whatever His will may be.

I'll share more in coming weeks as we learn something and would ask that you please continue your prayers. They're powerful and effective, and are so appreciated.

Free "igbok" bumper sticker

If you'd like a free igbok bumper sticker, click here, fill out the form, and one will be sent to you.

For more information on igbok, check out the igbok website.

Blessings all...

igbok

That's what's printed on a bumper sticker that Lloyd Shadrach, one of our ministers, handed out following his message on 1/11/2009. Igbok stands for "it's gonna be o.k.,' and is based in the truth that, in the Bible, God repeatedly tells His followers not to worry, to trust Him, that everything--in the end--is gonna be o.k. 

Not being a real bumper-sticker-kinda-gal, I took one that morning as we left church but shoved it in my Bible and didn't think much about it--until last Friday morning when it slipped from the pages of Psalms as I ran there seeking comfort and direction, and reassurance that everything is, indeed, gonna be okay. 

As I wrote in my last post, I went down to Atlanta last week to be with my mom as she recovered from gallbladder surgery. The surgery turned out to be more invasive than they originally thought (couldn't do a laparoscopy) but she healed well throughout the week. We had such fun together, my dad included, and we took turns staying with mom at night. One of my nights fell on an American Idol evening so mom and I had an "AI Party" (complete with ice cream from Chick-fil-A) and then we washed her hair. We had such fun.

While the first of the week went well, we got some "not good" news Thursday night before she was released. Mom's gallbladder was malignant, and the doctor says they have every reason to believe it's spread to her liver. It's likely in her abdominal cavity too. Even typing this now it still doesn't quite seem real yet. 

The surgeon came in to see mom and dad Thursday night around 7:30 (before she was released) and said he was shocked, that they didn't suspect this at all. I won't go into the details but suffice it to say that we're waiting to see what the next steps will be, and where God is leading.

How quickly things change. I helped mom get ready for bed the last night I was there and I told her that I honestly believe she'll beat this. Then she and dad and I talked about how we want whatever God wants. And I do. I just also want my mom here for a while longer. I'm not ready to let her go. Yet I'm finding comfort in knowing God's walking this road with us and that He knows what lies ahead. He'll give us strength for whatever that is. 

In brief, igbok.

On Friday morning I took mom to get her hair done (thanks Vicki and all at Arden Salon in Cumming for how you ministered to us while we were there). If she's going to have cancer then you'd better believe she's going to look good (mom's sentiment). A true Southern belle. I'm back in Nashville now. Came back late Saturday afternoon, and will return to Atlanta in coming days after we know more. I appreciate your prayers for healing for my mom and strength in days ahead for the family.

If you have a moment, download the MP3 of Lloyd's lesson 1/11/2009 and listen to it as you're walking or running errands. It will bless you, I promise. God uses our present pain for our eternal good and for His eternal glory. I believe that. No matter what comes, I hold to that. And to Him.

P.S. As soon as that bumper sticker fell from the pages of my Bible, I ran outside and slapped it on the back of my vehicle. Turns out, I am a bumper stick kind of gal after all! 

And a fun thing--as I was driving around Nashville yesterday, I saw another "igbok" car, and felt a heavenly hug.

Atlanta, gallbladders and biscuits

"We are not responsible for the results of the gospel. We're not called to be successful. We're called to be faithful."

One of our pastors, Michael Easley, said this during his lesson this weekend, and it struck a chord in me. God calls us to be faithful to Him in carrying out the gospel "living and breathing" in us, but never does He call us to "be successful." He calls us to obey.

That's so freeing. Now, to clarify, this doesn't give us license to give any less than our best in whatever God calls us to do. Whatever ministry He's given us. But it does release us from worrying about "the outcome" of our efforts.

In the end, if I've poured my best into a novel, if I've been true to the story and characters that God gave me to write, then I've been faithful. And so have you. Whether it's cuddling your toddler close today, reading them a story, wiping baby bottoms, slogging through another Monday at work with a head cold, being that light of Christ to others around you... If you've given your best, if you've been obedient to what God has called you to do--no matter how great or small the task--you've been faithful.

And remember...some of the smallest tasks are often the greatest. Don't let the world tell you otherwise.

I'm out the door now. Headed for Atlanta. My mom (pictured here with me and my dad) had surgery on Friday in what was supposed to be a simple laparoscopy for removal of her

 gallbladder. But it was far more invasive than that and she's scheduled to be in the hospital all week. I'm going to take care of the sweet woman and am so grateful I'm able to help my dad do this. We always have such fun together. As the years pass, I cherish the time I have with them more and more.

If you'd say a prayer of healing for June, my mom, I'd appreciate it. And one for me too as I continue to write Within My Heart in the hospital by her bedside. She asked me, "Well what if I start talking too much and we get to laughing and you can't write?" I just told her I'd punch

 her little "medication button" until she goes to sleep. :) LOL!

I had a treat last week when author and friend Kim Vogel Sawyer (far right) came to Nashville with her friend Cathy. I met them at the Loveless Cafe for dinner and we had SUCH a fun time! We laughed and laughed while eating the famous biscuits served there, along with fried chicken. Does it get any better than good food and good friends?

One last thing--Beyond This Moment (a Timber Ridge Reflections novel) went to press last week! Woohoo! And The Inheritance (Women of Faith Fiction) releases this week! I sincerely hope you enjoy these next two journeys.

More later this week from the hospital bedside...

Latest in Christian Fiction

Take a look at a book that's hitting the shelves this month! If you love suspense, check it out.

Evidence of Murder

by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

The photographs Samantha Reid uncovers in her new store are shocking. Horrifying. And dangerous. This new evidence could reopen a decade-old multiple homicide case that someone wants desperately to keep closed. And when the evidence comes out, a reluctant Samantha is drawn straight into the spotlight. Then she meets Ryan Davidson, the last surviving member of the murdered family. In spite of herself, she’s drawn in by his need to find the truth. Together, they work to unravel the mystery, while the killer works to keep the secrets buried—forever.  

More about Jill:

By day, she's a manager at her local health care complex. By night, she morphs into a wild and crazy writer, itching to share with her readers stories full of adventure seasoned with humor, romance, and faith. Jill and her husband have been married for over 27 years, and they enjoy life in rural Minnesota, where they raised four children and now have a grandbaby due any day.

Visit Jill’s website at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com

Views from Colorado

I love Tennessee, but I also love these glimpses of Colorado (my former home) that Delmar Schroeder of Greeley, Colorado, shares with me on occasion. 

I've been saving up so there are some from winter, but also some from fall. Enjoy! And thanks, Delmar, for sharing with us your talent for capturing these glimpses of God.

I often pull these photographs up for inspiration as I'm writing, so don't be surprised if you "see" these pictures again in my books. 

Thanks again for sharing, Delmar.