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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

WELCOME SUSAN REINHARDT

About the author: Susan J. Reinhardt's journey to publication began as a non-fiction writer. She's been published in The RevWriter Resource, Devotions Magazine, A Secret Place, Vista, Live, and numerous other compilations and periodicals. Her appreciation for using fiction techniques inspired her to use fiction as a vehicle for truth. Her novel, "The Moses Conspiracy," was released on March 16, 2013.

A widow, stepmom, daughter, and active church member, Susan enjoys reading, couponing, gardening, and searching for small treasures in antique shops.

About the book: A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a
buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community.  Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.

The small community is shattered when the unthinkable occurs. Will family, friends, and neighbors band together or allow fear to prevent them from taking action?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Lessons in Trust

"That's it! That's your book! And you'll write it in four months and call it Ghosts of the Past."

It's not often that someone, especially one's husband, makes such a startling declaration. We were discussing an experience I had in Gettysburg eight months before. I "heard" the voices of the forefathers as echoes fading in the distance. There were a couple of problems: 1) I had no idea what to write, and 2) I was a non-fiction writer, not a novelist.

Yet, I couldn't shake the sense that something important had occurred, both in Gettysburg and in my heart. I sat down at the computer and started writing. In exactly four months, I held a manuscript in my hands with a revised title of, "Echoes of the Past."

I soon discovered my skills didn't match my enthusiasm for the project and set about learning how to write fiction. In the midst of this process, my husband was diagnosed with leukemia and died 14 months later. Six months after that, I broke my elbow and went through two surgeries.

Once some semblance of order returned to my life, I picked up the thread of my book. I was determined to finish it, not only in my husband's memory, but also because the story burned within me.

After eight years of rejection, hardship, and much discouragement, the re-titled book, "The Moses Conspiracy," was released by Helping Hands Press (an ACFW-approved, royalty publisher) as an e-book. I'm now working on the second book in the trilogy.

As I look back, I can see many of those rejections kept me from going down a wrong path. Throughout the years, I learned much about patience, perseverance, and trusting the Lord with every aspect of my life.

To God be the glory! Great things He has done.


 Moses-Conspiracy-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BV8ZQ0Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1363620282&sr=8-4&keywords=The+moses+conspiracy
https://www.facebook.com/susan.j.reinhardt
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-moses-conspiracy-a-novel-susan-j-reinhardt/1114847096?ean=2940016213866
 http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

And now, Behind the Book:


Lessons in Trust

"That's it! That's your book! And you'll write it in four months and call it Ghosts of the Past."

It's not often that someone, especially one's husband, makes such a startling declaration. We were discussing an experience I had in Gettysburg eight months before. I "heard" the voices of the forefathers as echoes fading in the distance. There were a couple of problems: 1) I had no idea what to write, and 2) I was a non-fiction writer, not a novelist.

Yet, I couldn't shake the sense that something important had occurred, both in Gettysburg and in my heart. I sat down at the computer and started writing. In exactly four months, I held a manuscript in my hands with a revised title of, "Echoes of the Past."

I soon discovered my skills didn't match my enthusiasm for the project and set about learning how to write fiction. In the midst of this process, my husband was diagnosed with leukemia and died 14 months later. Six months after that, I broke my elbow and went through two surgeries.

Once some semblance of order returned to my life, I picked up the thread of my book. I was determined to finish it, not only in my husband's memory, but also because the story burned within me.

After eight years of rejection, hardship, and much discouragement, the re-titled book, "The Moses Conspiracy," was released by Helping Hands Press (an ACFW-approved, royalty publisher) as an e-book. I'm now working on the second book in the trilogy.

As I look back, I can see many of those rejections kept me from going down a wrong path. Throughout the years, I learned much about patience, perseverance, and trusting the Lord with every aspect of my life.

To God be the glory! Great things He has done.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

GIGANTIC BOOK GIVEAWAY

Beginning this week and continuing for this month or until I give away 200 books . . .

Every person who contacts me at belovedfranklin (at) msn (dot) com sends their mailing address will receives 1-2 books from me.

I would also love to  hear your answer to one (or both) of the questions below.

How did you hear about this giveaway?

Which of my books is your favorite? (if you have read my books before)  And why?

This week's featured book (not everyone will receive the featured book) is A Bride's Rogue in Roma, Texas


Inheriting a steamboat from a father she’s never met leaves Blanche Lamar in a quandary. Add to that a likeable rogue, Ike Gallagher, and the water muddies even more. Can she and Ike successfully navigate through love, or will they abandon ship?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

WHOLE HEARTED

I was debating what to write about today (like the spirit-lifting performance of the 40-ish Mom of three climbing open steps at the top of a 60-story building, with each step, I will not be defeated [by her fear of heights].  Patty has already won my heart for The Hero.)

Anyhow, a church came to sing with us today. The words of one of the hymns struck as so rich with everything I've been learning from my Daily Nibble (my devotional blog) for the past few months. It's never been one of my favorite hymns, but after this, I might change my mind. So I thought I would share the words with you, highlighting the phrases that made me think of the books of history in the Bible.

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; 
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Chorus:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, look down from thy throne in the skies,
And help me to make a complete sacrifice.
I give up myself and whatever I know,
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, Thou seest I perfectly wait,
Come now, within me a new heart create.
To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst no.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
                         --Written by James L. Nicholson, 1872

After this week of physical weakness and emotional despair, I cry with the hymnist, "I long to be perfectly whole."

May I seek the Lord, confess the idols in my life, offer myself as a living sacrifice.

The Lord will always wash me whiter than snow.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

BOOKS, BEDREST AND TORNADOS

I apologize for missing last week. I was on assigned bedrest and it just plain slipped my mind. (It's not as bad as it sounds. I have to get pressure off a sore in a sensitive spot. I still can work at my table, just not as easily.)

Not to mention tornado central - they have evacuated all the resident to the dining room three times in the past two weeks. Nothing struck here. My son lives in Moore, which has had two tornados touch down and wrought such devastation. My dil's extended family spent the storms in the storm shelter under her grandmother's property and are safe. Her sister, however, lost her home (90% demolished). And of course they know several people who lost someone close to them. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Today I will continue to toot my own horn: My book, Calico Brides, released on June 1st. I wrote all four novellas in this anthology While sowing good deeds, four Kansas women reap romance. Gladys Polson helps a crotchety widower. Annie Bliss knits for soldiers. Birdie Landry sews dresses for saloon girls looking for a career change. Schoolteacher Ruth Fairfield takes on three orphan children and their new guardian. How will God stitch love into their lives? Available at http://amzn.to/1aRBm7c



My ebook titles available for 99 cents this month (all of them listed at http://amzn.to/15tcja7
   
 Barncastle Memorial
     Knight Music
     Prodigal Patriot

Speaking of books, it's been very gratifying to see my books popping up on ads for Facebook game applications!

And to end, here is a review of Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell, which was a wonderful read that made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Blowing on Dandelions is a gentle love story between a man (Micah Jacobs) whose faith is shattered at the losses (wife, business) life has thrown at him and a woman (Katherine Galloway) who withers under her mother’s critical tongue. 
The romance is authentic, sweet, and well-paced, but the heart of the story is the relationship between Katherine and her mother. There are no easy answers to “why?” and no instant changes, but the promise of love and communication that will allow them to grow together.
For anyone who has ever felt she must be perfect to satisfy her mother—for everyone who has questioned God during trials—Blowing on Dandelions is for you.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

HAVE YOU FINISHED YOUR BOOK and other questions

Many people know I'm a writer.  So the question they ask me (instead of "how are you?") is, "Have you finished your book?"

Hmm . . . in the words of my friend Cindy Hickey . . . "Which one?" Since I arrived in the nursing home last July, I turned in two books in August, one in October, one in December, one in February, one in May, and I'm closing in on my June 1st deadline.  It's been an extremely busy year, God's blessing in spite of my physical ailments.  (For a look inside my internal battle this month, check out http://www.novelrocket.com/2013/05/why-did-i-quit-my-day-job.html, "Why did I quit my day job?" 

I have a box in the right column called "What I'm writing," broken into the four category my friend Janice Thompson pointed out: proposing, writing, editing, marketing. If you ever wonder what is involved in being a full time writer, check it out.

May 2013 is a month to celebrate: I have three new releases.  So I will give the pics, blurbs, and descriptions below.  Check them out, and hopefully buy one. 


Barncastle Memorial is my first venture into self-publishing an ebook. It is novella #7 in the Celebrate Any Time series, begun with Christmas at Barncastle Inn. My co-authors are Lynette Sowell (Springs Comes to Barncastle Inn), Susan Page Davis (Revolution at Barncastle Inn) and Janelle Mowery, who is writing a wild-west themed story for Father's Day.

Barncastle Memorial is, obviously, centered around Memorial Day and a tribute to our veterans, past and present. It's available only in ebook form for purchase for $.99 at http://amzn.to/17PCnj2  ASIN: B00CKVD5B8  



Hidden Dreams starts a new historical romance series in Maple Notch, Vermont. It is my first book with the new owners of the Heartsong bookclub, Love Inspired.  Hidden Dreams brings the Tuttle family into the early 20th century, when Wallace Tuttle must rescue Mary Anne from an accident--and the mob.
It's available for purchase at http://amzn.to/10GmZNl ISBN-13: 978-0373486564


Texas Brides is a novella anthology that include nine stories by seven of Christian fiction's best authors. It is a compilation of two earlier anthologies featuring Texas Rangers and a family of outlaws. My story, Angel in Disguise, is a Christian take on the Robin Hood myth. 
It's available for purchase at http://amzn.to/10GnlUq  ISBN-13: 978-1620294635


Also available for $.99 this month only (electronic format) is Knight Music, my contemporary romance on the Colorado plains where art thief meets artist.  
It's available for purchase at http://amzn.to/17PFJm7 ISBN-13: 978-1616265311

Other highlights of the month: I had a "happily editor after" appointment with Emily Rodmell, editor of Love Inspired Historical, and she wants a complete proposal from me. Kathy Davis at Heartsong asked for a title change on the book I'm writing, so that has become Homefront Dreams. (Yes, it's book 3 in the series starting with Hidden Dreams.) 


Sunday, May 12, 2013

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I had decided not to think (overmuch) about how much I miss Mom and Jolene on this day. Yesterday God gave me comfort from the oddest verse in 2 Kings, and I wrote about it at http://mydailynibble.blogspot.com/

I intended positive news today until this morning, on GAC, the first time I have seen the video and never associated with country music, they played "Held" by Natalie Grant.  It goes in part "To think that providence would take a child from his mother while she prays is appalling."

In context, the song appears to be about an infant, but it applies just as well in Jolene's case. And with Natalie, I know "this is what it means to be held."  The only thing that got me through those dark early days was the loving arms of God, holding me close.

If you don't know the song, go ahead and listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABjNDl2z7sA

Even more poignant--the song was one Jolene's favorites. We played it at her funeral.

I can and do affirm that God held me and delivered me through a "bitter hard time," the words used in 2 Kings. Perhaps that is the key: As a Christian, the time was hard. But with God, it didn't have to make me bitter. I hope I'm not being "proud" to say that I'm not bitter about it. It was "bitter" hard, mentally painful, but I don't believe it has resulted in "deep-seated ill will."

I will leave it there . . . the room where I work is buzzing people setting up for a mother's day party. Too loud for me to come up with something new to say.  :)

For all the mothers out there with empty arms--my heart goes to you.
For all the daughters out there missing their mothers--we never grow too old for our mothers. (I had a lady with dementia come into my room the other night, calling me "mother."  I'm sure she's older than I am.)

But our God, who like a mother hen protects us under his wings, is here, with us, in the present. May you find rest in Him.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

WELCOME EILEEN RIFE TO BEHIND THE BOOK

About Eileen:  "Healing words for hurting hearts," is how Eileen Rife describes her books. Whether through
fiction or nonfiction, Eileen wants readers to come away with love that extends beyond themselves, faith that can see the impossible, and hope that endures against all odds.

As a child, Eileen loved writing and telling stories. Walking to school every morning, she created characters, then talked to them as she ambled down the road, which was often her way of dealing with grief and loss. After the death of her brother, Eileen learned to empathize with the underdog. Many of Eileen's stories revolve around issues that many find difficult to talk about--death, homosexuality, sex trafficking. Through her characters, she offers readers an opportunity to draw close, peel back the layers of their own hearts, and examine what lies within.

And added to the mix--romance, always a romance around one corner or another!

About the book:   One brother's dark secret. Another brother's scorn.
Newlyweds Gavin and Maggie Munsfield return to care for the sick and wounded at The Oasis Compound in Chennai, India, which is still suffering from the recent tsunami. Gavin's brother, Tim, a successful landscape architect, joins them for the clean-up and rebuilding of the Compound. But Tim harbors a dark past that threatens to destroy his relationship with his brother...and a promising new love. Will family ties be strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed

Author's links: www.eileenrife.com


And now . . . Behind the book:
I’ve often wondered what secrets lay in the heart of the person sitting in the pew next to me. Is she grieving a lost love? Is he mourning the death of a spouse? Has she recently endured a serious illness or a divorce?
When my counselor husband asked me to write a pamphlet on homosexuality for his office several years ago, I reluctantly agreed. However, after I delved into research I realized I couldn’t do it. What I learned was simply too upsetting and depressing to continue. I wanted to help since five percent of his client case load struggled with this issue, but I couldn’t. So I dropped the project and wished him the best.
A few years passed and I endured some struggles of my own in which God had to reach deep within my heart and rescue me.  When I began brainstorming characters and plot line for book two, Restored Hearts, in the Born for India trilogy, seemingly out of nowhere the idea struck me that a character I’d introduced at the end of book one, Journey to Judah, would resurface in Restored Hearts as a young man who struggled with homosexuality.
I wondered why God would create a desire in me to tackle this topic. Intrigued, I jumped into research, but this time I didn’t give up, even when I thought I couldn’t go on. Even when I worried that my writing would not do justice to the topic.
The more I wrote, the more I began to identify with my central character Tim who desperately wanted to flee homosexuality once and for all. While I have not struggled with this issue, I have been held captive by other equally-destructive habits. My heart softened for this young man. I found myself rooting for him, praying for him, agonizing for him.
By the end of the novel, I celebrated with him. And my life was changed. I began to wonder if someone in the pew next to me suffered in silence with this sin.
Since writing this novel, God has allowed me to encourage several who’ve either struggled themselves or watched a family member struggle. I no longer view one sin as worse than another. I no longer laugh at homosexual jokes. I no longer wince when I’m in the presence of a homosexual.
Instead, I offer the love of Jesus, praying that the same God who redeemed me from all my sin will do the same for this individual.