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Just “borrowed” this quote from the WordPress sidebar:

Easy reading is damn hard writing. Nathaniel Hawthorne

Amen!

The 1st 100 words of “Winds of Wyoming” were entered in a Flash Clash contest this week against a worthy opponent and won, PTL! The best part about winning is that 25 book bloggers will feature “Winds” on their sites next week. What a wonderful promo opportunity! Many thanks to April and Michelle at Clash of the Titles.

www.clashofthetitles.com

Though yesterday’s calendar indicated it was the first day of spring, our neck of the woods (or desert, depending which side of the mountain you’re on) was hit by a cold wind and snow. But today is much nicer. We have a hint of sunshine; plus, crocuses and daffodils have begun to color our neighborhood.

Spring not only brings relief from long, drab winter months, but it’s also a time of renewal and re-creation, which reminds me of the original creation. In the beginning, God made the heavens and the earth. And the flowers, trees and grass, and so much more.

The creation audio/visual that C.S. Lewis provides in The Magician’s Nephew is one I’ve remembered since I first read the book years ago. “In the darkness something was happening at last. A voice had begun to sing.” Later: “The Lion was pacing to and fro about that empty land and singing his new song … a gentle, rippling music. …As he walked and sang, the valley grew green with grass. It spread out from the Lion like a pool [and] ran up the sides of the little hills like a wave.”

There’s so much more to Lewis’s version of creation, from the making of stars to formation of the earth and filling it with good things. If you need inspiration for describing a setting or just want to get into the mood for spring, pick up a copy of Book 6 in the Chronicles of Narnia, “The Magician’s Nephew.”

“On a Wing and a Prayer – Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry” is now on sale on Amazon. 

The night God told Donna Roth he was sending her to jail to share his love with incarcerated individuals, she said, “Lord, you have the wrong house!” She had no experience or interest in prison ministry; yet, she was obedient, and Freedom Fellowship was formed. “On a Wing and a Prayer” features stories of inmates who found freedom inside prison walls through the ministry of Freedom Fellowship.

http://www.amazon.com/On-Wing-Prayer-Fellowship-ebook/dp/B005VGNAFK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331819642&sr=8-2

The teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

http://www.amazon.com/Its-God-Thing-Life-Changing-ebook/dp/B005JUPT4S/ref=sr_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331314846&sr=1-3Both the paperback and eBook versions are on sale today:

http://www.amazon.com/Its-God-Thing-Life-Changing-Friendships/dp/0615525237/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331313973&sr=8-3

Thank you, PenTalk Community!

http://pentalkcommunity.blogspot.com/

Early bird $55 registration has been extended to Friday, March 9. Join us for a great day of learning with Jeff Gerke, founder of Marcher Lord Press and author of Plot Versus Character: A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction and

Mave Robertson, a recent empty nester, wants the fire back in her marriage, but her husband, Jerry, remains aloof. Is he having an affair? A midlife crisis? When a neighbor suggests she “get a life,” Mave accepts the challenge and volunteers at an inner-city teen ministry where she is thrown into a culture of drugs, gangs, and unwed teen moms. She soon discovers someone she can help, but might he also be the cure for both her stale marriage and her crumbling relationship with her father?

~~

Dareece Jackson, a teen from the projects, wants something in Mave’s purse…and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.

~~

“Gently unfolds the truth that sometimes, the best is yet to come, from unexpected people, and places, and hearts.”

—Sandra Byrd, author of To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

“Transcends race and reaches the extremes—from suburbia to the ghetto, from guilt over a loved one’s murder to a marriage gone dull. With a dash of humor for balance, Second Chance will speak to your heart, no matter your station in life.”

—April W. Gardner, author of the Creek Country Saga; Sr. Editor of the literary site, Clash of the Titles

 “Refreshing and thought-provoking.”

—Jennifer Slattery of Novel Reviews and Clash of the Titles

“Transports readers into the worlds of two very diverse characters. With laughter, tears, and sighs, you’ll enjoy every turn of the page.”

—Fay Lamb, author of Because of Me, Treble Heart Books

“Lovingly crafted imagery and dialog will carry you into the lives of two very different families and show you what forgiveness really looks like.”

—Lisa Lickel, author of Meander Scar

~~

About Second Chance: A poignant story of middle age, surprising friendships, and unexpected places. Inspired by Eileen’s own journey through the empty nest and her daughter’s and son-in-law’s work with inner city teens.

About Author Eileen Rife:

An alumna of Christian Writers Guild and member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Eileen has published several non-fiction books, written newsletters, a marriage column, and over ten church dramas. Her byline has appeared in magazines, such as Discipleship Journal, Marriage Partnership, Mature Living, Christian Home & School, Drama Ministry, and ParentLife, as well as other print and online publications. Her fiction works include Journey to Judah, Restored Hearts, and Chosen Ones in the Born for India trilogy, and a stand-alone novel, Second Chance.  She and husband, Chuck, conduct marriage seminars in the States and overseas. Her favorite pastime in this season of life is dancing with hubby, spending time with her daughters and sons-in-law, and playing with her six grandchildren.

http://www.eileenrife.com
http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com
http://http://www.oaktara.com/bookpage-secondchance 

love2readnovels.blogspot.com

Kate Neilson’s terrible childhood lead her down the road that eventually landed her in the Pennsylvania Penitentiary. While there, she finds the Lord and earns a marketing degree and is offered an internship at a Wyoming Guest Ranch. Desperately wanting a fresh start and to be a truly changed person she heads there with high hopes. But her high hopes are soon crushed when a man from her past finds her and will stop at nothing to get her back. Mike Duncan is trying hard to fill his father’s shoes in running the ranch along with his mom. He’s not sure about her hiring a new intern but when he meets Kate there is an immediate attraction. But it seems like the trouble their having started when Kate hit town. Will Kate get that fresh new start or will her dark past, she’s tried so hard to hide, be brought to light? And will her new found faith be strong enough to carry her through?

What an amazing story of God’s redemptive love and the power of His grace! I was totally immersed in the story from beginning to end and loved hanging out at Whispering Pines. Kate Neilson is the total embodiment of God’s amazing grace. She was such an encouragement to me. Dymple was one of my favorite characters in the story. Everyone should have a Dymple in their life. She exemplified the love of God in her life. This was a very gritty and realistic story. This author didn’t white-wash evil or sin. Yet this story is filled with hope that God can truly change hearts and lives. I love the way the author so naturally blended scripture throughout the story. It really caused me to ponder these truths in my own life. This tale has suspense, humor, romance and something happening on just about every page. It was difficult to put down. One of my favorite parts was toward the end. Although we are treated to a great conclusion, there are a few things left open. Nothing that would drive you crazy, but I am hoping there will be a sequel! This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author but I will definitely be watching for her next tale to arrive! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take a trip to Whispering Pines Guest Ranch. I guarantee it’s worth the trip. Great job, Rebecca!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 609 KB
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink; 1 edition (January 2, 2012)
ASIN: B006SPP7G8love2readnovels.blogspot.com