Some of the Best in Christian Fiction

This month I’m very excited to have Diana Lesire Brandmeyer as my featured author. 

Diana was gracious enough to interview with me.  You can learn more about Diana at her website: http://www.pencildancer.com/

I am also giving away a copy of Diana’s book “Hearts on the Road” entry information is available after the interview. 

Enjoy!

When you reach heaven, other than Jesus, what Biblical character are you most looking forward to meeting and why?

I'd really like to meet the woman who modeled for the Proverbs 31 chapter. I know she isn't real, or is she?

What would be the first question you would like to ask him/her?

I'd like to ask her how did she achieve so much and how was she able to get others to do her bidding so her day would go well. I've spent years with that chapter printed and posted on my fridge. I took it down two years ago, my kids were out of the house and I bought a new fridge. I meant to put up a fresh copy but never did.

When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a roller derby girl, but my dad discouraged me. Then I found Harriet the Spy at the library and knew I wanted to be a writer.

Is there one character in this book that you relate to more than the others?

Randi, many times in my life I've felt that abandonment she felt and like her I finally accepted I was not, God has been there always for me.

We see a lot of advice out there for writers, but what advice would you give someone like me, who enjoys reading and writing reviews on a book?

First, writers love people like you! Without reviewers and readers our purpose would cease to exist. It also helps writers if you use twitter and facebook to tell people to come read your review. www.fictionfinder.com is also a good place to post reviews. American Christian Fiction Writers has set up this new interactive website that helps readers find books that are similar to ones they've read and liked. For it to work though we need readers to review the books and post them.

What makes a good review?

A great rule for a reviewer is never give away the ending of the book. Even when it's pretty easy to guess in a romance that the characters will end up together. It's the how they are kept apart  that is best left unsaid in a review. It's fun to read about what the reviewer thought of the characters, why did they like them, what about the theme of the book intrigued you. Offer reasons why someone might enjoy reading it or suggest people they might want to give it to. For instance in Hearts on the Road the book centers around the trucking industry a great thing to do would be to purchase a few copies and take them to the local truckstop and place them in the lounge. Books can be great ministry tools and sometimes I think we read them and put them on the shelf instead of letting them work a bit harder.

Thanks so much Diana, based on your character, Randi, my guess is you would have made a great roller derby girl!  But I’m glad you decided to take up writing.

My Review

As Diana said, this story is based within the trucking industry. Randi is an independent woman who drives a truck.  She has experienced tremendous hurt in her life and when she’s thrown more than one curve ball she is determined to stay in control of her world. Diana has written a wonderful story of romance with a little twist of mystery as well. She did a good job of developing each character with a unique personalities that are easy to identify with. It is a quick easy read that will keep you engaged throughout the story. Being a romance the ending is somewhat predictable, but Diana does a great job of taking you through several different truck stops along the way. The thing I liked most about this story was the underlying reminder of the importance of our priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in things that just don’t matter.

The Giveaway

December means Christmas so if you would like the opportunity to win this great book, leave your name, contact information and your favorite Christmas decoration! I’ll pick the winner December 15th at 9:00 PM and is open to US Residents. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries. I’d like to thank Diana for the opportunity to read her book and for her taking the time to interview.

I am very excited to introduce all of you to a friend of mine, Steve Wilkens. Steve is a professor at Azusa Pacific University where he teaches theology and ethics. He is here today to share a little bit about himself and I’m giving away his book, The Original Dr. Steve’s Almanac of Christian Trivia.

When you reach heaven, other than Jesus, what Biblical character are you most looking forward to meeting and why?

I would be really interested to meet the John the Seer of Revelation.  Revelation is one of the most fascinating books of the Bible because of its imagery and it setting during the first major persecution of Christians.  It is also interesting because it has always been something of an enigma to Christians in the various ages of the church.

What would be the first question you would like to ask him?

I want to ask John about the visions and what they mean.  How were they understood by the original audience of Christians who read and heard these writings?

When you were a little boy what did you want to be when you grew up?

I don’t know if it was my first choice (a lot of memory fades with age), but the first I remember is wanting to be a music teacher.  I actually received a scholarship offer to go to college as a music theory and composition major.  Obviously, I ended up going a different direction.  I don’t know if the world of philosophy is better off for my choice, but I strongly suspect that the world of music benefitted from my decision to go a different direction.

What prompted you to write The Original Dr. Steve's Almanac of Christian Trivia: A Miscellany of Oddities, Instructional Anecdotes, Little-Known Facts and Occasional Frivolity

“Dr. Steve’s Almanac” grew out of several impulses.  The first is my own love of trivia.  Perhaps I should check myself in for a mental health examination, but odd and unusual stories really grab my attention.  I also love history, and in any institution that has been around for 2000 years, as the Church has, is going to have some fascinating stories.  Teaching is a deep love for me, and some of these stories, both the heart-warming ones as well as some of the examples of heart-breaking goofiness in our history, can function as great teachers.  Finally, most Christian books are completely devoid of any humor, which I think has to be a great disappointment to God.  We Christians have plenty of reasons to laugh at ourselves and, if we can to that, I think we become more teachable.  This book is my attempt to encourage Christians to have some fun and, at the same time, learn a bit more about the richness of the family of God.

I hear you are working on a new book with your good friend and colleague, Don Thorsen, are writing a book together, would you like to tell us about it?

Obviously, I must like long titles because the book we are finishing now is entitled, “Everything You Know about Evangelicals is Wrong (Well, Almost Everything).”  In this book, we attempt to confront caricatures that originate from within evangelicalism as well as outsider perceptions.  The chapters attempt to show that evangelicalism is a broad movement that should not be identified with or limited to such things as rapture theology, inerrancy, the Republican Party, middle-class America, anti-evolutionism, or Calvinism.  These views are held, and properly so, by many evangelicals (but not all), but they are not part of the essence of the family.  Other chapters address impressions that evangelicalism is racist, sexist, mean, dogmatic, stupid, and homophobic.  These perceptions are causing great damage to evangelicalism and the cause of Christ, and we note that all too often there is more than a grain of truth in the accusations.   We jump right into the middle of deeply held convictions and speak rather frankly about problems in the evangelical world today (often with a humorous touch), so we are pretty sure that every reader will find something to disagree with.  However, our goal is to encourage unity and reflection within the evangelical community so our witness to the Gospel is not diminished or damaged.

I really can’t write a review for this book, especially since I haven’t read it cover to cover.  But I will tell you it is full of fascinating information.  For example, learn the Gideons International, the organization responsible for the Bible you find in your hotel room was named after the Old Testament Gideon.  Ironically, however, since many Gideon Bibles are New Testament with Proverbs and Psalms and do not included the full Old Testament, you won’t be able to read about the namesake of the group in their own Bible. (31)

You can also learn how St. Nick went from Saint to Santa or how chapter and verses came about in our Bibles. (Because believe it or not, they weren’t in the original languages of the Bible!)

This week I’m giving away a copy of Steve’s book The Original Dr. Steve’s Almanac of Christian Trivia.

This giveaway is open to those in the US and Canada.  Your chances of winning are based on the number of entries.  I’ll choose a winner on Wednesday, November 18th at 9:00 PST.

To enter please leave a comment with your name and a way to contact you.  Also, since Steve enjoys Trivia, share your favorite Thanksgiving Trivia!!

Blessings All

 

I was first introduced to Virginia Smith when she was looking for people to review her book, Age Before Beauty.  In that book I found another wonderful author and a friend. Ginny and I have exchanged many emails and of course, we’re friends on Facebook!

This month I’m excited to have her as my featured author.

When you reach heaven, other than Jesus, what Biblical character are you most looking forward to meeting and why?

The apostle John. I just finished reading Beth Moore’s The Beloved Disciple, and I learned so many things I didn’t know about John. He was there with Jesus from the beginning, and one of the three who were often pulled aside. I want to get his perspective on Jesus as a person, and as a leader, and as the Christ to a young Jewish man of that time.

What would be the first question you would like to ask him/her?

Scholars believe John was the youngest disciple, so that might mean he took the special role traditionally reserved for the youngest during the Passover meal. I want to ask him about that. I also want to know whether some of the historical notes uncovered about him were true – how did the Romans try to kill him before they exiled him to Patmos? What was it like to be exiled on a prison island? And I want more details about his vision of Revelation!

When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up?

A criminal judge. When I was in seventh grade, my Social Studies class did a mock trial and I was selected to be the judge. Judge Jezebel Justice! I loved the experience, and decided I wanted to study law, practice law for a few years, and then become a judge. Then for a while when I was in high school, I changed my desired occupation. I decided I wanted to be a rock star.

Of all the characters you've written which one would be your favorite? and why?

I can’t possibly choose just one! I get really attached to each one of my characters. Of course, Mayla Strong, from Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla is a special one, because she has such a unique personality and a sincere desire to serve the Lord. Joan Sanderson from Stuck in the Middle is special because she is so much like me in her relationship with her sisters and her search for a meaningful relationship with her heavenly Father. Allie Harrod in Age before Beauty is also like me in the way she jumps into everything head-first and gives it her all. And Tori Sanderson in the upcoming Third Time’s a Charm is also a favorite because when I first started writing her book, she was the least like me – or so I thought. But as her story unfolded and I got to know her better, I realized she and I have more in common than I thought. I really could go on and on. I love every one of my characters!

Oh a lot more books i need to read!!!! YEAH!

We see a lot of advice out there for writers, but what advice would you give someone like me, who enjoys reading and writing reviews on a book? What makes a good review?

Oh goodness, a reviewer is actually asking me, a writer, what makes a good review! Woo hoo! I love this question! To me, a good review is one that starts out with an engaging, brief summary of the story, and then gives the reviewer’s honest opinion of the book. A good review never gives away critical points in the plot, or the ending. A good reviewer limits his or her comments to the book being reviewed, and doesn’t go off on sidetracks or diatribes, or make personal attacks on the author. As a writer, I hope reviews of my book will be written in a manner that makes other people want to read the book. But I also am extremely interested in hearing what a reviewer really thinks. Unfortunately, not every book appeals to every reader, and if my book isn’t that reviewer’s cup of tea, it’s okay to say so. Authors tend to be a little touchy about their ‘babies,’ though, so I appreciate reviewers who possess enough skill to state their opinions with sensitivity. Remember, many writers do read reviews of their books.

Thanks for the advice, I will try to keep these in mind! And thank you for taking the time to let me interview you. 

You can visit Ginny’s website at: http://www.virginiasmith.org

 

My Review

I bought Scent of Murder back in July during my read-a-thon vacation. I was pleasantly surprised that Ginny Smith not only writes excellent contemporary stories, but she writes a very good mystery. The characters in this story have personality and spunk. The story moved quickly and kept me turning the pages.  There are a couple of nice twists in the story that added an unexpected dimension.  

If you’re a fan of Ginny Aiken then you will find Virginia Smith equally as enjoyable.  

Contest

To enter the contest please leave a comment with contact information. It’s also a good idea to mask your email address by using (at) and (dot) in your email address.  Also in honor October share either your favorite Halloween Costume or your favorite Halloween Candy! 

This contest is open to US and Canadian Residents only. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries.  An email address must be included to be entered into the contest only one entry per person.  Drawing will happen October 15, 9:00 PM PDT.

The fourth and final book in the “Caught” series. Merry is two weeks from her wedding when she stumbles on a dead body.

This series is just fun. It’s a lighthearted mystery that invariably will keep you guessing. The characters are likable and I find myself relating to different characters at different points in the story. This series reminds me of a Ginny Aiken mystery.

It appears this book and series is no longer being published. So you’ll have to pick it up through used book resources. You don’t have to read the earlier books to follow this one, but I enjoy having the foundation that reading a series gives.

When I read the first book in this series “Deeper Water” I enjoyed it but wasn’t overly impressed. However, I wasn’t about to miss the second installment to the Tides of Truth Series.  I was not disappointed.

Tami Taylor, a beautiful law student from an ultra conservative religious home, is continuing to grow as a person and a law student at a prestigious law firm . This story opens with Tami being assigned to a case that makes her extremely nervous. A wealthy real estate developer wants to sue a local pastor.

In this story we see Tami struggle with her need to show reverence to her family and her upbringing and becoming her own person.  In a sense she is“working out her faith.” Her relationship with Zach goes to new levels when Tami takes him home to meet her family. To say that sparks fly, well, you need to read it to believe it.

Once again Mr. Whitlow story has many diminishes and subplots all woven together in an entertaining and thought provoking story.

You can learn more about Robert Whitlow and his books at:

http://www.robertwhitlow.com/

Higher Hope, Tides of Truth Series #2 By Robert Whitlow / Thomas Nelson Tami Taylor faces impossible challenges in life, law, and love--until she discovers a higher hope. In historic Savannah, Georgia, a prestigious law firm assigns law clerk Tami Taylor to a libel case against a humble street preacher whose disciples claim she has uncanny prophetic abilities. Taylor's strict religious upbringing proves to be the firm's ace-in-the-hole as the case grows increasingly complex. When Tami begins to date one of the firm's lawyers, her convictions and litigation skills are put to the test. Turns out this case will require more than legal maneuvering, but also the summoning of a greater hope than Tami has ever known.

Can I just say “WHAT A RIDE?” This was an amazing story with several subplots happening.  I enjoyed the way Mr. James told the story from a first person view as well as the omnipresent view.  The characters were all well written and I found myself being caught up in the emotional pain they were experiencing.

If you enjoy Brandilyn Collins, Mr. James is a more intense and more graphic writer.  (Which after reading the Kanner Lake Series I didn’t think I would ever find someone more intense!) Some of the scenes were so well written they made me a little squeamish.

The Pawn, The Bower Files Series #1 By Steven James / Baker Special Agent Patrick Bowers has met only one person he's feared---until now. Working on a North Carolina serial murder case, he's caught in a macabre game of cat-and-mouse with a cunning killer called the Illusionist. The pieces of the puzzle don't add up. Can Bowers unravel the pattern in time to save the next victim?

If you would like to win my copy of “The Pawn” leave a comment with an email address.  I’ll choose a winner on September 30.

Blessings,

Holly

In the Fall of 1983 I began college 45 miles from home at a small Christian college called Bartlesville Wesleyan College. During my time there I met Claudia Flye and Bart Fletcher. Partly because I was a student worker for one of the Religion Faculty members and Bart was a “theolog” I ended up knowing Bart a little better than Claudia. I have two very distinct memories of Bart. One he so enjoyed making fun my “Okie” accent. And the other was when we participated in an obstacle course team building event prior to the beginning my sophomore year.  Let’s just say it was a time where we all learned the importance of teamwork and Bart learned to trust in a somewhat awkward situation. 

In the past year Claudia and I connected on Facebook and I began following her blog Never A Dull Moment where she shares the many adventures of being a mom to 12 adopted children.

Recently, Claudia who is an Adoption Matching Specialist, Adoption Worker,and Bart a pastor in the United Methodist Church, wrote a book of their adoption story. Their story, Out of Many, One Family – How Two Adults Claimed Twelve Children through Adoption to say the least is heart warming. 

This book is easy to read taking only a couple of days to finish. Claudia and Bart present their story in a clear and concise manner despite the little “mishap” with search and replace. Each chapter ends with practical things that they learned through the process. 

This book will give anyone thinking about adopting practical advice and encouragement and a few reality checks. Even though, I don’t feel that God is calling me, at least at this stage of my life, to adopt it reminds me that there are thousands of kids in the foster care system that need my prayers.  There are thousands of families that need prayer for determination to stick with the often long and difficult process.  And the families who take the step to adopt older kids need our prayers for wisdom and discernment as they face the different situations they will surely face.

Even if you don’t win the book, I hope you will buy it and read this wonderful story.

Claudia was gracious enough to interview with me:

1.  First off, how long have you and Bart been married?

Bart and I were married in June of 1996.  We met in 1982 but never dated back then and it took us a while to grow up enough that we could tolerate each other. ;-)

2.  At what point did you guys know that adoption was the plan for you?

We actually knew that foster care was our desire before we even started dating.  In fact, that is what brought us together.  We were having a youth convention planning meeting while both still single in 1992 and we started talking about why we never married... and it was because we hadn't found someone who wanted to do the risky things each of us hoped to do as single people.  One of the things we mentioned was foster care.  And from that conversation came a relationship and eventually a marriage.  We have what Bart has termed a "missional marriage" because it was based more on what we believed God wanted us to do in the world than anything else.

Adoption because the clear plan after we did foster care for a while, because honestly, neither of us knew that there were 130,000 legally free children in the country waiting to be adopted.  During our foster care journey, we found out about "waiting children" and knew that is where we wanted to invest our time.

3. What is the message you want people to get out of your story in this book?

That just because something is hard doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, or in other words, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.  We aren't special and the book clearly shows that I think.  And if one more family chose to adopt an older kid because they read our story, it would be worth all the time it took to write the book.

4. Fun question: It's your second day in heaven, you've spent some quality time with Jesus (hopefully, Bart doesn't doesn't criticize my theology too much) what Biblical character would you seek out to talk to and why?

I think Abraham because his journey is a lot like ours.  He obeyed God and headed out into an unknown world, not knowing or understanding where he was going.

5.  Part two of the fun question:  What would you ask him/her?

I would ask him how it felt to pack up and start walking without a map or a clear destination in mind.  I would ask about how his family and others responded to what seemed like a crazy idea and how he answered their questions.  And I would ask him how he developed the kind of faith he had -- or if he really had lots of doubts that he never spoke outloud or that were ever recorded.

To me, having the kind of faith to set out on a journey without knowing where you're going, is amazing.

Thanks so much Claudia for sharing with us.

You can follow the ups and downs of being a mother of 12 children at:
Never A Dull Moment

I’ll be drawing a winner September 15 9:00 PM PDT.  Please leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you.  Only entries with contact info will be entered in the drawing.

Click here to Order the book

Visit the Claudia and Bart’s Website