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

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.

Carol Award Finalists!

2011 Carol Awards Finalists

Debut Novel:
The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House - Dave Long/Sharon Asmus, Editors)
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, Editor)
Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Long Contemporary:
The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)
Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers - Randy Bishop, Editor)
Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House - Dave Long, Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance:
Plain Jayne by Hilary Manton Lodge (Harvest House - Kim Moore, Editor)
Anna's Return by Marta Perry (Berkley - Ellen Edwards, Editor)
Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

Long Historical:
Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press - Laura Barker, Editor)
Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley (B&H Publishing - Karen Ball, Editor)
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press – Susan Downs, Editor)

Long Historical Romance:
The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors)
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)
Mystery:
Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz (Sheaf House - Joan M. Shoup, Editor)
Muslin Mystery by Vera Dodge (Guideposts - Beth Adams, Editor)
The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Novellas:
The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense:
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs, Editors)
Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)
Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Publishers - Karen Watson, Editor)

Short Contemporary:
The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired - Allison Lyons)
A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense:
Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)
Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)
Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Love Inspired Suspense - Tina James, Editor)

Short Historical:
Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, Editor)
Promise of Tomorrow by S. Dionne Moore (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)
The Columns of Cottonwood by Sandra Robbins (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Speculative Fiction:
The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin (AMG Publishers - Rick Steele, Editor)
Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)
König's Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

Suspense/Thriller:
Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)
Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll (B&H Publishing – Karen Ball, Editor)
Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry (Abingdon Press – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Women's Fiction:
Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)
They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon – Barbara Scott, Editor)
Beyond Summer by Lisa Wingate (NAL - Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Young Adult:
Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell - Lonnie Hull Dupont, Editor)
Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)
Katy's New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)

Elizabeth Goddard is giving away a free book!

Hi Bloggers, I have a special guest today. Beth Goddard is a fantastic writer and I'm really excited she decided to stop by today. I hope you'll read about her and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for her latest book, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES. I know you don't want to miss this opportunity!


Elizabeth Goddard is a 7th generation Texan who grew up in a small oil town in East Texas. Surrounded by Christian family and friends, coupled with her love of reading, writing Christian fiction seemed like a natural outcome. Elizabeth attended the University of North Texas where she received her degree in computer science. She spent the next seven years working in high-level sales for a software company located in Dallas, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. At 25, she finally met the man of
her dreams and married him a few weeks later. When she had her first child, she moved back to East Texas with her husband and daughter and worked for a pharmaceutical company. But then, more children came along and it was time to focus on family. Elizabeth loves that she gets to do her favorite things every day-read, write novels, and stay at home with her four beautiful
children and wonderful husband.

1.Plug Time: Tell us about your latest book and/or share with us the back cover blurb.
Back Cover Blurb: Photographer extraordinaire, Polly Perkins, runs her business in a small town on the Oregon coast. Though it is her primary source of income, there are limits to how many mismatched jackets, earrings and shoes she can take. Still, people fascinate her—their smiles might brighten with the flash of the camera, but their eyes never lie. When Polly is hired to photograph a wedding at Caldera National Park, she captures a murder victim instead. Will her uncanny ability to read emotions through a camera lens help her prevent another murder—and find romance for herself?


2.What do you hope readers take away from the book and think about long after they've finished the story?
That’s an interesting question because I didn’t write the story with a take-away in mind, but there are several spiritual nuggets. The one that stayed with me after the book, and I hope others will pick up on it, is more a question. Have you ever in the darkest corner of your heart wished ill-will upon someone? Polly has to face the music when her ill-will comes to pass, but not by her hands, then she wonders if she is still guilty. Of course, this all has to do with forgiveness, but what if it’s only a crime of the heart?

3. Are there any particular spiritual themes you like to write about?

Years ago when I began crafting stories (none of those I submitted for publication) I wanted my themes to center around treasures in heaven, and putting emphasis on what is really important in life. Now, looking at the books that have been published, they all have something in common—my characters are looking for purpose and direction, something they can only find through a relationship with God.

4. How did you learn to write? Did you have a mentor? Do you have a specific way that you write? For example, are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you use a spreadsheet? Storyboarding? Or do you just sit down and start writing?

I have to credit the critique group I joined in 2001 when I joined ACFW. I read voraciously, but I didn’t have a clue how to write a novel. Joining the group, I had to send in a chapter a week and through that process, I learned the craft, along with books and attending conferences. But that got me started. Because I started out by writing for Heartsong Presents, and they require a chapter synopsis, I learned early on to plot out my story. Now, I find that to be an invaluable tool so I’m not staring at the page wondering where the story is going. Of course, it’s a loose outline, because I’ll often change things around, or add a different element, but for the most part the story follows the synopsis. I’ve purchased several programs, including Scrivener, and the Snowflake, thinking these could help make my lfie easier. But I haven’t found the time to go through the learning curve, plus I’m not sure changing the system that works for me is a good thing in the middle of deadlines!


5. What are your goals for the future when it comes to your writing career? Where do you see yourself in five years?

I love writing category romance and I hope to always write for Heartsong and Love Inspired Suspense, but in addition to writing those, I’d love to add bigger books. I enjoy the fast pace of romantic suspense so I would hope in five years, I could be writing category and romantic suspense.


6. Is there a particular Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Psalm 45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. This is the verse the Lord continued to bring to me repeatedly during those years he was calling me to write. This verse speaks to my heart and says that my voice can be heard through writing.


7. How can readers find you online? (i.e. website, facebook, twitter, etc.)

Please stop by my website and join my newsletter at www.elizabethgoddard.com and follow me daily at my facebook author page, www.facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor and twitter, twitter.com/bethgoddard


8. Anything else you’d like to share?

The Camera Never Lies released in December 2010, as well as Praying for Rayne. In October 2011, I have two books releasing. Under the Redwood Tree (Heartsong Presents) and Freezing Point (Love Inspired Suspense)




Thanks for having me Lynette!

Thanks for being here, Beth. Winner will be announced one week from today, so check back to see if you won. God Bless and happy reading!

April new releases from your favorite ACFW Authors

A Family for Faith by Missy Tippens -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Even though Faith Hagin thinks she’s content being just friends with Gabe Reynolds, spending time with him and his daughter Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone’s prayers.

A Place to Belong by Linda Goodnight -- Romance from Love Inspired. Faith and warm memories have helped widow Kitty Wainwright endure the loss of her husband. That's all she's ever needed…until she hires contractor Jace Carter to repair her motel.

Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis -- A Romance from Harvest House. As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, she's is faced with some hard choices.

At the Captain's Command by Louise M. Gouge -- A Historical from Love Inspired. A heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family's devastating secret.

Canyon Walls by Julie Jarnagin -- A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Sunset Camp changed Cassie’s life, and she is determined to keep it alive.

Chosen Ones by Eileen Rife -- General Fiction from Oak Tara. While Maggie and Gavin Munsfield adjust to a new baby, missionary friends, Dan and Yvonne Pratt, experience the heartbreak of infertility and miscarriage. Will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different than what they expected and hoped for?

Dare to be Different; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Delivered With Love by Sherry Kyle -- General Fiction from Abingdon. An old love letter found in the glove compartment of a young woman's inherited 1972 Volkswagen propels her to leave her life in Los Angeles and go to the small town of Capitola, California. There her dream of finding the writer of the letter leads her on an unexpected journey that changes her life forever.

Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry M.D. -- A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon. When Dr. Elena Gardner's comatose husband dies in the ICU while on life support, the whispers begin. More deaths turn the whispers into a shout: "Mercy killing." What is the dark secret that keeps Elena's lips sealed when she should be defending herself?

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott -- A Romance from Thomas Nelson. A young woman and man haunted by the past seek love and freedom as they assist fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough -- A Romance from Barbour. Will reporter Jacqueline Davis uncover his secrets before Noah Jeffers can capture her heart?

From Darkness Won; Blood of Kings Book 3 by Jill Williamson -- A Fantasy from Marcher Lord Press. Achan and Vrell seek out their place in the coming war to push back Darkness for good.

Griselda Takes Flight by Joyce Magnin -- General Fiction from Abingdon. Now that her sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing home, Griselda has time to fly—literally.

Kaydie by Penny Zeller -- A Romance from Whitaker House. Kaydie Worthington builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down. There's something about Kaydie that draws Jonah Dickenson to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

Love Finds You on Prince Edward Island by Susan Page Davis -- A Romance from Summerside Press. Molly Orlund is honored to serve as a maid where the Prince of Wales will be a guest. Peter Stark, an understeward in the royal party, is attracted to Molly, but an uncovered secret could change everything.

Oregon Weddings by Kathleen Kovach -- A Romance from Barbour. An alpaca, a lost family treasure, and an ornithophobic actress all take center stage in these three stories of love and faith that are as eclectic as the state of Oregon itself.

Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton -- Romance from Whitaker House.Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community; Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin--instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap.

People of the Book; Book 4 in the Extreme Devotion Series by Kathi Machias -- General Fiction from New Hope. Farah lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, and wants nothing more than to develop a deeper devotion to her Muslim faith. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself.

Risky Business; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Swept Away; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Tea for Two, Book 2 of the Tea With Millicent Series by Trish Perry -- Romance from Harvest House. Zack Cooper tries his best to raise his children, but he's losing his grip on them. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel has the perfect woman in mind to help Zack.

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Ann Kirkpatrick -- General Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah. Based on a true story of a mother and daughter who walk across the country in 1896 and the consequences of the journey to both of their lives.

The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey -- General Fiction from Revell. She’s embarking on a new life—but can the past truly be left behind?

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh -- General Fiction from Revell. Inspired by a true story, The story weaves a tale full of action and suspense, and yet it is also an amazing love story that could only happen if miracles do come true.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble -- Olivia Stewart’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, who has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé.

The Sheriff's Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery -- A Romance from Love Inspired. A down-on-his-luck gambler on the run from a dangerous enemy meets the richest girl in a small Texas town and turns his life around to become worthy of her.

The Unforgivable; Wounds of South America, Book 1 by Tessa Stockton -- A Thriller/Suspense from Risen Books. Accused of the worst war crimes in the history of Argentina, Carlos Cornella is despised by a wounded nation…

Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot -- Romance from Revell. Can Harriet Kirk and Lawrence Wood ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. As the mother of a beautiful daughter and the wife of a wealthy entrepreneur, Melora Hudson seemed happy. No one knew about the secrets hidden behind closed doors—secrets Melora was forced to keep.

Yukon Wedding; Book 1, Alaskan Bride Series by Allie Pleiter -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Widow Lana Bristow won’t abandon the only home her son has ever known, even if it means wedding Mack Tanner, the man she blames for her husband’s death.

Gotta love the good review. Latest for Don't Look Back.

Casey, I think you're my new favorite reader! Hope you don't mind that I posted your review here. :)

Thanks,
Lynette

Oh. My. Goodness.
Talk about a wild ride! Breathless does not even begin to describe this book!
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started DON'T LOOK BACK, I certainly did not expect to be up late and awake early, hungry for the next turn and high stakes drama. This has to be hands down the fastest paced, nerve wracking and can't-put-it-down suspense book I think I have ever read.

Jamie Cash is being stalked. What ensues is not a story for the faint of heart. I must admit I was a bit surprised at the physical description of some of the crime scenes, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it was gory, just very gripping!

Chilling is definitely a word I would use to describe this book. What a villain! I felt every single emotion Jamie went through. My blood ran cold and my heart beat stilled. The anguish, the high stakes that constantly got higher, I admit there were times I wanted it all to slow down! I literally could not put this book down. It is a masterful romantic suspense. A satisfying story from beginning to end, I HIGHLY recommend it. THIS is what romantic suspense is all about. A must read!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Available October 2010 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers.

Review of Too Close to Home

I had a great review of my upcoming Revell book. I'm so excited that this LONG process finally has an end in sight. True, April 2010 seems like it will take forever to get here, but time is moving so fast that I'm sure I'll blink and it'll be here. I'll be giving away quite a few copies so I hope you'll check back for contests. I'll also announce contests in my newsletter. Go to my website to sign up at www.lynetteeason.com.

Click on the link above to see it.

Happy reading to all!