Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #23

Welcome to the 2013 Fall Scavenger Hunt! This hunt has 25 stops and runs 10/18-10/20. You can make the loop, reading unique content from 25 different authors, and if you complete the loop, and fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #25, you'll be in the running for an iPad Mini, or one of two runner-up prizes---all 25 of our new releases in paperback. In addition, some authors are offering additional prizes, so be sure to read each post thoroughly to be in the running for all that are available. The contest is open internationally.

If you've JUST discovered the hunt, I recommend you begin at the beginning, Stop #1, found at LisaBergren.com. But you can also begin here, and keep on rolling.

Just be aware that you have to have the COMPLETED phrase in order, which you construct gathering the clue at each stop, within 24 hours of email notification from Lisa Bergren that you won. If Lisa doesn't hear back from you with the correct phrase within the time limit, she will move on to the next winner to enter. Ready? Here we go...

NOTE: IF YOU ARE USING INTERNET EXPLORER, YOU MAY HAVE SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THIS PAGE



PLEASE WELCOME OLIVIA NEWPORT

Olivia, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.






 Olivia has shared pictures with us that she used for the inspiration in her newest novel.

Glessner Bedroom

Glessner House

 UNIQUE CONTENT from THE INVENTION OF SARAH CUMMINGS
(Some backstory from the heroine Sarah Cummings when she was eleven years old)
 

Eleven-year-old Sarah Cummings set her jaw and rolled her eyes. Margaret Eddington, full of tales again, patted the bun on one side of her head. Sarah smirked. Margaret probably did not even know her hair was drooping out of its clip at the end of the school day.

            “I must go.” Sarah shook the dark ringlets her mother had rolled meticulously the evening before, and they shuddered across her shoulders. “My mother is expecting me. We’re having a special dinner tonight to celebrate my father’s promotion at Mr. Field’s store.”

            Margaret put her hands on her hips. “I’m not finished telling you about the party.”

            Sarah smiled with graciousness that would have pleased her manners-minded mother but pivoted nevertheless. She tightened the strap around her books and scooted across the schoolyard, down the sidewalk, over four blocks, and around the back of the small square two story home to the kitchen door she knew would be unlocked. It was Tuesday. Sarah sniffed for the fragrance of fresh baked bread.

            Instead she inhaled the drenching overindulgence of Mrs. Fordyce’s perfume. The gray-haired neighbor sat pale and stiff in a kitchen chair, her ankles crossed and a black hat and bag in the lap of her navy blue dress. Sarah’s fist unfolded, and her books thudded to the linoleum floor.

            “Do you have a small carpet bag?” Mrs. Fordyce asked.

            Sarah nodded as her throat thickened.

            “Let’s go pack it. I’ve made all the arrangements.”

            “May I ask what arrangements, ma’am?”

            Mrs. Fordyce cleared her throat. “Your parents had an accident this morning. Their driver was going much too fast, I’m afraid, and the carriage overturned on State Street. I’m sorry.”

            “Are we going to the hospital?” Sarah’s stomach burned.

            “If only that were true.” Mrs. Fordyce stood up. “You’ll just need two dresses, I think. I shouldn’t bother with hair ribbons, if I were you. They’ll only be stolen.”

            Sarah put a hand to the green band that kept her hair off her face. “If we’re not going to the hospital, where are we going? Where are my parents?”

            “I’m sorry. I thought I was clear. Your parents did not survive the accident. It’s my understanding you have no other relatives.”

            “My father was an only child, and my mother’s brother died when they were children.”

            “Then I have assessed the situation accurately, I’m afraid. We’ll get your things and go straight to St. Andrew’s.”

            Sarah’s stomach clenched in refusal to cry in front of Mrs. Fordyce.

            Within thirty minutes they stood outside the mammoth brick building. Mrs. Fordyce did not even go in with her.

            

If you've enjoyed this short excerpt, you'll be sure to love the whole book. You can find it here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Olivia's contact information is:
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/olivianewport
TWITTER: @OliviaNewport
www.olivianewport.com

If you would like to be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card, you have two final steps before moving on to the next stop.

1. Like my Facebook Page and leave a comment on it saying,"I found you via the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt" (if you already Like my Page, leave the comment and say "I'm participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt"  and …
2. Sign up for my newsletter which is sent three to four times per year (I promise not to clog your inbox or share your address). Your name on the newsletter signup must match your name on Facebook. If you are already a subscriber to my newsletter, first click on the link and make certain your name is subscribed as well as your email address. Then private message me on Facebook with your email address so that I can verify and get your name entered in the drawing.

All eligible names will go into a hat for a drawing after the close of the scavenger hunt. Winners will be announced on this blog, on Facebook, and via the email address signed up on the newsletter mailing list.

USA mailings only...sorry to my international friends...

Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest.

 Here is your clue: encourages you

Don't forget to head over to the next stop. 

You can find Olivia's post here:  

http://www.olivianewport.com/2013/10/scavenger-hunt-stop-24/

God bless and enjoy the weekend fun!

Lynette

Karen Barnett stops by on the Mystery Blog tour. Enter to win a free book!

Hey everyone, welcome to the next step along the blog tour. 

My guest today is Karen Barnett and she's giving away a copy of her newest release, Mistaken. We'll get to more about that in a moment, but for now, Karen, why don't you tell everyone about yourself? 

I live in Oregon with my husband and kids. Other than reading and writing, I love movies and television—watching everything from period dramas to science fiction. Creative activities energize me, so I dabble in photography, cake decorating, music, and crafts. I play guitar and Irish tin whistle and occasionally lead worship for my church’s women’s ministry and children’s programs.

Your tagline is Cannot Be Shaken. Tell us why you chose this?

[Actually, it’s my blog title, not my tagline.] I was drawn to that phrase when I was reading through Philippians 12. Paul writes of how God’s voice can shake the earth, knocking loose all things that are of no consequence, so only what cannot be shaken remains (paraphrase of Phil 12;26-27). The verses resonated in my heart, reminding me that all the trials we go through in this life point us back to the only thing that really matters—Christ. I deeply desire my writing to reflect that concept.

Tell us a little about Mistaken, your new novel set to release in July? 

In the prohibition era rumrunning business, first impressions aren't always to be trusted...

Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rumrunning gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. 

Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. But when Laurie pushes him away--for none other than Federal Agent Samuel Brown--Daniel wonders if Laurie really is the upstanding woman he thought her to be. 

The Strait of Juan de Fuca, just off the beaches of Port Angeles, Washington, was treacherous water for reckless rum-runners—and the agents who tried to catch them. So when she realizes her brother is in danger, romance is the last thing on Laurie's mind. Yet the people she believes she can trust, may not be so honorable after all.

Can you share with us your favorite line from this novel and tell us why?

There are some lines at the climax of the novel that are the closest to my heart, but I don’t want to give away too much of the ending. One of my all-time favorite sections is the first paragraph. I wanted to give readers the sensation of “a dark and stormy night” without using those words. Plus, the scene features a vintage Model T—a car that stole my heart during the writing of this book.

“Laurie Burke clutched the steering wheel of her father’s Model T as the car lurched down the deserted road toward the beach, the headlights barely denting the dark night. Rain spilled over the edges of the canvas top and soaked her coat, wetting her to the skin. The automobile plowed through a low bog, tires casting up a spray of muddy water.”

Which celebrity would you choose to play the heroine in your novel and why?

It’s funny, but I’ve never been able to identify a celebrity I felt perfectly matched Laurie in Mistaken. I used photographs of Keira Knightly, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, and Evan Rachel Wood to help me describe aspects of her look, but I can’t picture any of these actresses actually playing the part of Laurie. I know whom I would want to play the hero. Patrick Dempsey. No question about it—his wavy hair and smirk? He’s definitely Daniel.

Okay, now a couple of fun questions before you have to go! If you could be a character in any book you’ve written, who would you choose and why?

I’ve written several novels, though Mistaken will be the first to be published. I would probably choose to be Laurie. Even though she’s had a difficult life, it’s shaped her into someone who is fiercely loyal and self-sacrificing. I respect her dedication to her family and those she loves, even though in this story it’s almost her undoing.

Do you have a favorite writing spot?

I have a desk, but I rarely write there. I sometimes work from coffee shops or the public library because, oddly enough—I concentrate better in public. I’m less apt to be distracted by chores, television, and Facebook. Two years ago, we adopted a sweet dachshund that gives me sad-puppy eyes when I’m away for long hours, so since then I’ve been writing from home more often.  I usually curl up on the sofa or sprawl across my bed with the dog glued to my side.

Fill in the blank: A perfect day for me would be __________________

“…spent hiking along a mountain ridge.” I absolutely love travelling and getting out into nature. I even worked as a park ranger for a few years, at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. My perfect day would be spent somewhere breathtaking, either in the mountains or out on the water, soaking in the majesty of God’s creation. I’d probably have a book tucked in my backpack, so when I found the perfect spot, I could spend the afternoon reading.

Do you have a question you would like to ask readers?

I’m fascinated by different time periods and had a blast writing about 1920s rumrunners for Mistaken. I’d love to know, if your readers could spend a day in another era, which one would they choose?

How can readers get in touch with you?

Blog: http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenBarnettAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenMBarnett

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenbarnett/

Thank you so much for stopping by, Karen! It was so cool getting to know you.

Thank you, Lynette! It was fun! I hope we get to meet in person someday. 

Same here, Karen! Thanks bunches!

****************************FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY*****************************

If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Karen's new book, Mistaken, just answer the question she asked, "If you could spend a day in another era, which one would they choose?"

I'm curious about this, too! Can't wait to hear your answers. Winner will be drawn May 16th at noon and announced shortly thereafter here on the blog and on my facebook page. www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/2013/05/an-interview-with-ace-collins-suspense.html

Thanks for stopping by!

Story and THEME

Themes and the story.

Theme is what your story is about. Theme gives your story a below-the-surface deeper meaning.

Recently I’ve begun thinking about different themes that run through stories. I love it when I’m reading and the theme begins to emerge and by the end of the story, I get it. I go, “Wow.” And the story stays with me even after I’ve reluctantly read the last word.

Have you read any stories like that lately? I’m reading one now. I was asked to read it and consider it for an endorsement. I’ll definitely be endorsing this book. It’s about helping others. Serving others even when it’s not convenient for you. And it has a great murder mystery woven throughout. That’s was a great book does. It has the reader examining his/her own life because the theme has touched her. It’s made her go, “Oh, how am I doing in this area?” Or is has the reader saying, “Wow, my friend, Ann, needs to read this because she’s struggling in this area.” A book like this is much more than just a story. It’s power. Power to change lives. The power to offer encouragement, to fill someone with determination, to offer hope.

And that’s just amazing to me.

As a writer, sometimes I start with an idea for the theme. Other times, it comes to me as I write. It’s absolutely possible to start a story with no theme in mind, but I’ve found that as I fill out my character sketches for the hero and heroine, and sometimes a secondary character, a theme will emerge. Because as I learn about my characters, get to know their pasts, their baggage, their likes and dislikes, their hurts and triumphs, the theme of the story is related to that. In my stories, theme is character driven. I might have a sketchy idea of the plot, a few scenes that I know I want to incorporate, who the villain is, and what’s going to happen by the end of the book, but if I don’t know my characters, I find I have no theme. I know a lot of authors write their stories around a theme they’ve already picked out, but I’ve never done this.

What about you? How do you decide on a theme for your story? Does it come as the story progresses or do you decide before you start writing? And if you’re not a writer, but a reader, what kind of themes do you like to see in the stories you read?

Thanks for stopping by!

August ACFW New Releases

A Horseman’s Heart by Myra Johnson — Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. When Kip Lorimer shows up with a horse to donate to the family’s equine therapy program, Sheridan Cross can’t help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What’s wrong with this picture?

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Whitson — A Historical from Bethany House. They are opposites in every way. . . except how neither one can stop thinking about the other.

Agent Undercover by Lynette Eason — Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired. A little boy with a secret, a killer with a vendetta, and a man and a woman who will stop at nothing to protect the child while catching the killer.

Aquasynthesis by Grace Bridges, Fred Warren, Caprice Hokstad, P.A. Baines, Adam Graham, R.L. Copple, Travis Perry, Mike Lynch, Keven Newsome, Kat Heckenbach, and Ryan Grabow. — Fantasy from Splashdown Books. From classic-style fantasy and science fiction stories, through speculative tales that delve deeper into motivations and meanings, we move from humor to sacrifice by a linking story that connects many very different themes.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin — General Fiction Historical from Revell. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?

Edge of Grace by Christa Allan — General Fiction from Abingdon. Unable to cope with her brother’s news that he is gay, Caryn Becker rejects him. But when he is attacked and nearly killed, she is forced to make hard choices that take her to the very edge of grace.

Lost in Dreams, Book Two; Altered Heart Series by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner — Young Adult from Barbour. Eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger discovers the victory Jesus provides during the most trying of circumstances as she learns to lean on other Christians.

Marrying Miss Marshal by Lacy Williams — Romance from Love Inspired Historical. Her job is to protect the town… but who will protect her heart?

Out of Control by Mary Connealy — Romance from Bethany House. Rafe Kincaid controls everything in his life … until he meets Julia.

Ransome’s Quest by Kaye Dacus — Historical Romance from Harvest House. Romance, intrigue, and swashbuckling leaps of faith create a wonderfully heroic close to this beloved series.

Something Old by Dianne Christner — Romance from Barbour. Love is rarely plain and simple.

Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall — A Historical from Barbour. You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.

The Matrimony Plan by Christine Johnson — Historical Romance from Love Inspired. A rich girl falls in love with a poor boy — until the tables are turned.

I suppose it's time to catch up here

Hi all, I've been a little slack lately, wouldn't you say? But all that's about to change. I've been hit with requests to blog, so I'm going to give it my best shot. Pretty soon, I'll have author interviews up and going and will be running contests for you to win. Just wanted to let you know. Also, Holiday Illusion, the third in my Amazon Adventure series is just about to be released to stores. I hope you'll pick it up!

God Bless,
Lynette