Healing Sands by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

Ryan Coe is a photojournalist who loves to capture the essence of a person through a camera lens. What she didn’t expect is to see her son on the other end of a crime scene. What makes it more difficult is she has been separated from her son, Jake, for some time now. She and his father, Dan have divorced and he has moved on to a new woman, Ginger, who is not only beautiful but has grabbed Dan’s heart. Jake is not the only child in this fiasco. Jake has a younger brother Alex and Ginger has a son, Ian. Divorce is complicated especially when there are kids involved.

Ryan is angry and she turns to the Sullivan’s Healing Choices Clinic for help. She is resistant to Dr. Crisp’s tactics to control her anger. Events keep her coming back for help until one day Dr. Crisp himself is in trouble with the law. How will Ryan survive without his help?

The real main story thread is God. It shows how He will use any situation to bring you closer to Him. It doesn’t matter how hopeless the situation may be, He is there. It’s only later that it’s realized that He was there the entire time.

I'm So Sure by Jenny B. Jones

Jenny B. Jones has penned a funny tale about the mishaps of living in Bella’s world. Bella’s stepdad made the cut for a wrestler reality show. The paparazzi seem are everywhere – especially to catch Bella with her many mishaps. Nothing like having your face splashed in tabloids for all to see.

Bella has given herself a name in solving mysteries that surround Truman High School. This time, the prom queen candidates are the target. Luke, the newspaper editor-in-chief calls the shots for Bella and decides which stories she will write and investigate. Luke gives Bella mixed signals and she reciprocates the same. Getting closer to the truth, can be a dangerous feat. Will it be discovered before it’s too late?

Bella loves to visit her Dad but things get a little complicated with his new girlfriend. Her ex-boyfriend, Hunter, helps her escape some of the heat by showing up or calling at the right time. After what happened with him before, can she trust him again? She begins to talk to God again. Will her heart be open to His answer?

I loved this book. As with Jenny’s other books, she is out-loud funny! I highly recommend her books to all for great stories and tons of laughter!

The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado and Illustrated by Maria Monescillo

The Tallest of Smalls is a delightful story about a young boy, Ollie, who eagerly waits to be picked to receive a set of stilts. The stilts will prove that he’s someone important. Each evening, the Too Smalls of Stiltsville gather together and wait to see who will be chosen. To Ollie’s surprise, he is chosen!

To Ollie’s dismay, being at the top with his stilts is no fun after all. He struggles and ultimately falls. No one is there to catch him except the One that really matters.

The story is another twist to show that we are not a mistake. We are all made of different shapes, sizes, colors, and perfect.

I think we are all guilty at one time or another of wanting to fit in and be part of the crowd. Or even climb the ladder. As Ollie learns, it can be quite alone at the top and one can fall. Hard.

No matter how far or hard we fall, Jesus is there for us. We are made in His image. Ollie realizes this. He was never insignificant in the eyes of Jesus.

This 32 page book is beautifully illustrated by Maria Monescillo. I can hear the kids begging their parents, “read it again!”

A Slow Burn by Mary DeMuth

Mary’s new book, A Slow Burn, a follow-up from Daisy Chain is powerful beyond description.

Emory Chance is emotional and she has every right to be. Her daughter, Daisy, has been murdered. She is on a mission to find the killer. Due to her own selfish choices, she feels that maybe she is the real cause of her death. If that’s the case, how do you ever forgive yourself?

This book is so powerful. If you know of anyone who has had a difficult childhood or life, or striving to forgive oneself for the unthinkable, this book is a must-read. If you are the one touched by sadness, then this book may change your thought patterns. I think that having a less than perfect childhood may be more often the case than not.

Personally, this book touched me to my emotional core. It made me think about how I look at things, the power of forgiveness, and the choices that I have made or have yet to make.

I thank Mary so much for bringing shining a BRIGHT light into the dark tunnel of despair. You will realize that no matter what your circumstances are – you are NOT alone. God loves you. When you wept, so did He.

This book is staying on my book shelf. I pray that it will touch your lives as deeply as it touched mine.

I recommend this book and if you haven’t read Daisy Chain yet, please do.

What's He Really Thinking? by Paula Rinehart

Ever struggle to figure out what men think? They are much less complicated than we realize. We are able to love them more by taking the time to understand them.

There are some general types of men that we will run across. They are The Fighter, The Protector, The Adventurer, The Builder, The Nurturer, The Reflective, and the Scientist. The Fighter is the man that will be there to help in a time of need (such as a car breakdown). According to Paula Rinehart, he can be described as a pit bull and anger will be his downfall. Rinehart describes each category and what you can expect.

The most interesting aspect to me is that women are able to read facial expressions much more accurately than men. If we were hooked up to computers, an average of six times as many neurons will light up in a woman’s brain compared to a man’s.

Men are the happiest when they are respected by the women in our lives including their wife, daughter, niece, etc.

I give it three stars because it failed to keep my attention. I'm not sure if it's because I've heard and read the same stuff before or it wasn't my type of book.

There is much more covered in the book. She includes a section for guidance on praying for the men in your life, understanding him, and in-depth questions for each chapter that is covered.

Special Guest - Christina Berry, Author of The Familiar Stranger

I am thrilled that Christina Berry has agreed to be my special guest on my blog today. Here’s a little bit of information about her:

Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, releases from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

I loved The Familiar Stranger. It kept me on my toes until the very end. It was a moment of wishing I could call in sick the next day. Tell me more about the Familiar Stranger.

The Familiar Stranger is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. Which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn’t raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or … they might not.

Wow, how did you come up with this story?

In the summer of 2006, two stories appeared in the newspaper. One was a huge, national story; the other a smaller, local-interest item. I wondered what it might look like if those two stories conceived a child. Boom! I had the entire plot for The Familiar Stranger. It will be interesting to see if readers can figure out which stories inspired the book.

I like a challenge. I’ll have to think about that one! Have you always love to write?

Buried deep within my closet, one might find some angst-filled poetry from my teenage years and a very spooky seven pages of the novel I started in high school. Though I was in love with the idea of being a writer, it wasn’t until I finished college and stayed home with my first child that I actually decided to write a book. Truthfully, my mom told me we were going to write one together, and being the obedient daughter I am …

Obedient indeed! How long did it take to get published?

My mother, Sherrie Ashcraft, and I began writing in the summer of ’99. We figured the accountability of having a co-writer would make us actually do what we’d always dreamed of but never put action to. It took a long road of learning how much we didn’t know, tons of re-writing, brooding over rejections, making connections, pitching at conferences, and directional prayer to make our writing salable.

In the summer of 2007, when Mom was busy caring for her dying mother-in-law, I got the itch of a new story idea. Undiscovered was written by February 2008, edited by June, won second place in the ACFW Genesis Contemporary category, and was renamed The Familiar Stranger and contracted by Moody Publishers in October.

One decade from naïve first scribbles to debut novel!

ACFW (http://www.acfw.com) is great place for authors and aspiring authors. I’m a current member and it’s the best out there. You get to rub shoulders with others (like Christina!) and learn from one another. We talk about anything from developing your characters, plots, and themes to rejections. Speaking of rejections, how do you handle them?

I pout and throw things.

No, really, I believe my skin has thickened from the 47 rejections I’ve received over the years. I tend to get down for a day or two, but know God directs more clearly (in my life) through “no” than through “yes.”

Each rejection means a writer is one step closer to finding the perfect publishing home.

The story about Craig and Denise is powerful. They say that there’s a little bit of the author in the characters. Is that the case with The Familiar Stranger?

Any character has some aspect of my personality, for better or worse. I can only write what I know. I’ve seen a richness develop in my writing as I’ve grown in my faith and walked through some valleys in the last decade.

Denise and Craig’s story is based on the lessons of forgiveness God taught me when my marriage fell apart … the first time. Accordingly, many of the emotions Denise goes through correspond to what I felt, though our situations differ. However, I also wanted to really understand the male perspective, so Craig had parts of me in him as well. The path away from God and following temptation is something we can all recognize and, unfortunately, identify with.

During the editing process and years after my husband and I reunited, our marriage of thirteen years unexpectedly ended. The words I had written as a happily married woman ministered to me in my singleness. My heart’s hope is that this book will lead people to Live Transparently—Forgive Extravagantly!

For the readers-wannabe writers that would like to be published one day, what is the best advice you can give?

(If you've been writing for years and have yet to get published, this is especially for you!) To start a new novel.

I'm a stubborn girl—just ask my parents. My mother and I reworked and reworked a co-authored story for eight years, each time putting our newly acquired writing knowledge/skills to use. We were determined that it wouldn't end up in a box in the closet or shoved under the bed. I still love that manuscript, and it's actually very close to selling as I write this, but it wasn't until I took the advice of others far sager and experienced with writing to start a new novel that I finally made my first sale.

What was the worst advice you were given?

At a Christian conference, I met with a New York agent. The conference doesn't require the faculty to sign any kind of statement of faith, though it is blatantly Christian in tone. The man actually told me replacing "Jesus" with "God" would make an easier sale and not offend as many people.

With all due respect, excuse me? The very Cross itself is offensive. (See Galatians 5:11) I'm going to use the name of Jesus because in His name dwells power and glory and honor. And really, because when you love Someone, even His name is beloved.

I love that you are transparent with your faith. How does writing fit into your spiritual life?

I see writing as one of the tools He uses to form me into His image—a tool to teach me patience, self-control, determination, reliance on Him, and other life lessons. I also see writing as a gift that brings me hope, fulfillment, and purpose when the rest of life is not so nice. The journey has sharpened me, yet also softened me.

I loved The Familiar Stranger and am excited to hear that you are working on another book. You have a newsletter too? Can you tell me more?

I’m about 1/5 of the way through my next manuscript, Unafraid, a story about a girl’s kidnapping, and how her life unfolds because of the trauma. One of my characters is a PI, so I’m having loads of fun with the research.

The humor Sherrie Ashcraft (my sometime co-author and always mother) and I display in our infrequent, humorous newsletters--sign up at www.ashberrylane.net/update.aspx--has garnered the attention of an editor. You just might see a funny, non-fiction cooperative work from the Ashberry Ladies at some point in time. Plus, I have a funky TV-based devotional a house is interested in … Busy, busy, busy!

I’m looking forward in reading it! I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Please be sure and check out Christina’s newsletter at www.ashberrylane.net/update.aspx I do not want to miss your future books, so I’ve signed up. Sign up today for a chance to win either: your choice of a MP3 player or free autographed books for the life of her writing career. Personally, I’m going for the books!

You are busy! What is a typical writing day like for you?

For one short year after my youngest was in school and before becoming a foster parent, I would write or market from 9-2:45 with a short lunch break. This last year has been more sporadic, with email and online marketing in the morning along with frequent breaks to play with or get snacks for the child in my care. Lunch with her, then phone marketing, editing, and writing while she naps. After dinner and once the kids are in bed, I usually log 1-3 more hours of work time.
I’ve found I’m most productive at actually writing when I play games with myself. For instance, I might write down all the chores I have to do on one side of a paper and my word count in hundred word increments on the other. For every hundred words I write, I complete any chore. In a few hours, I’ve made good progress on both lists. Many writers hate to “interrupt” their writing time like that, but my brain seems to process better with frequent breaks and words spill out when I set back down at the keyboard.

Of course, if I get a call to substitute teach, I don’t get much done that day!

I know that you have been through a painful divorce. Do you have a favorite verse that keeps you going? One that keeps you writing?

This is constantly changing! During the divorce, my agent, Sarah Van Diest, sent this verse to me: “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 Completely His: that’s what I want to be.

For writing, I like James 1:2-3. “Consider it pure joy, my [fellow writers], whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV) If we’re experiencing rejection after rejection on a manuscript, it's not the right time or there’s still something to be added. I think of the timing God planned out for my marriage to end as this book releases and I am awed and astounded at His love for me.

But if I could pick a verse to symbolize The Familiar Stranger it would be this one: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."1 Samuel 16:7

Those are great verses! I pray that others will read your book and be blessed as much as I have. Where can readers go to purchase your book?

Here are two links:

http://www.christianbook.com/familiar-stranger-christina-berry/9780802447319/pd/447319?netp_id=612553&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Stranger-Christina-Berry/dp/0802447317/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239913987&sr=1-1

You can also have any bookstore order copies for you if they don’t have any in stock.

Great! Thank you, Christina for allowing me to be a part of your blog tour. Where are you headed next?

My next stop is http://jodiebailey.blogspot.com/

I hope this interview has enticed you to check out Christina's book, The Familiar Stranger, this is an author to keep tabs on. She has a heart for Jesus and to show His heart through her writing.

Please leave a comment. At the end of her blog tour, Christina will be drawing 10 names on 10/31/09 for a chance to win The Familiar Stranger!

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry is a page-turner.

Denise knows that Craig is not himself. When he decides to skip church to go hiking, she doesn’t fight it. In the middle of church service, she takes a phone call that changes her life. Craig has been in an accident. Could she have prevented the accident? If only she had persuaded him to go with them instead.

Denise rushes to his side and vows that she will do everything in her power to make their marriage work. It will take much more than her effort because he has amnesia and doesn’t even know his own wife. Not wanting to hurt his two boys, he wills himself to do what he would normally do (as told by Denise) with them even though he doesn’t remember them. This is a chance for them to start over. Or is it?

Craig is tore apart in attempting to regain his memories. The more he remembers, the deeper the secrets lie. Each secret revealed digs a deeper hole for Craig. Can Denise remain by his side and forgive him?

This was a difficult book to put down. I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong. Christina Berry kept my attention the entire book. It was full of plot twists and surprises. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in their marriage or not. The characters remain with you after the book has ended.

If you want to know more about Christina Berry and a chance to win a copy of this book, come back and visit my blog on October 13, 2009. I’m thrilled that I will have an opportunity to share much more information about her in an interview. You will not want to miss it!