is the winner of Clash of the Titles's fifth annual Laurel Award.
CONGRATULATIONS, DAWN!
Dawn will receive the following: a beautiful banner to display on her website; a year-long page on COTT dedicated to the winning book, The Bound Heart; a "Heart of the Matter" radio interview with author and Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L Simmons; a feature tour on COTT's Blog Alliance; a lovely plaque.
The Bound Heart was chosen by a panel of judges who narrowed the list of competing novels to three. From there, the panel put their choices to a straight vote. Dawn's novel, The Bound Heart,took home the crown.
Special thanks to each of our judges who volunteered their time to this contest!
BRIEF SUMMARY OF The Bound Heart:
One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her best friend...
Stay tuned for the full-length feature of Dawn's winning novel, The Bound Heart!
On the hunt for an assassin, Titus Ray faces a threat he never imagined.
Can he overcome the obstacles and capture Ahmed Al-Amin before it's too late?
In this pulse-racing Christian thriller, CIA intelligence officer, Titus Ray, travels from Costa Rica to Venezuela in an effort to stop Ahmed Al-Amin, a Hezbollah assassin, from murdering a high-profile government official. Along the way, a family crisis jeopardizes his mission, and an Agency division head threatens to destroy his career. As the danger mounts, he’s forced to partner with an untested operative to complete the mission and bring Ahmed to justice. Will he make it in time?
--Great book. So exciting! Two Days in Caracas.
--The first book, One Night in Tehran, was excellent so reading the second book in the series is a given. Looking forward to it!
--Loved the book, "Two Days in Caracus" by Luana Ehrlich
--Luana Ehrlich is a wonderful storyteller! LOVE her books!
--Luana, I love the realism of your characters and the accuraccy of your research into the espionage community.
--I will be reading Luana Ehrlich's newest book!
--Luana, you are a fabulous writer. I am so excited to read Two Days in Caracus!
Q & A with Luana:
Is there a message for readers to take away after they read these stories?
If there's an underlying message in the series, it's that God is always at work in the lives of unbelievers to bring them to faith in Christ. Titus is a career intelligence officer, dedicated to carrying out deceptive, treacherous, sometimes violent, operations against both individuals and governments. He was raised in a dysfunctional family with no spiritual upbringing. Yet, while hiding out from Iran's secret police, he is confronted with the truth of the gospel. The message is simply that a conversion experience often happens to the most improbable people in the most unlikely of
circumstances.
In addition, contained in each of the books is the reality all believers must face—how to live out the Christian faith. Titus is forced to deal with what it means to be a follower of Christ in the world in which he operates. The first book primarily deals with his attempts to pray, but he also buys a Bible and attends church for the first time. Then, in Two Days in Caracas, Titus is thrust into several situations where he’s faced with the need to offer forgiveness for past sins. These are gut-wrenching episodes, and he’s not always successful.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up as a preacher’s kid, and it was actually my dad who gave me my first spy novel when I was eleven years old. After that, I was hooked on the thriller/suspense/mystery genre forever. I’m also a news fanatic, and I follow events around the world on a daily basis, particularly the Middle East.
I married a minister, and we’ve lived in several states in the South and Midwest and have served as missionaries in Costa Rica and Venezuela. For the past two decades, we’ve lived in Norman, Oklahoma, where my husband has been the pastor of a Baptist church.
I’ve also done freelance work for Baptist Press, a national news service for Baptists, reporting on the experiences of newly converted Christians. And, in a similar fashion, when we lived in Indiana, I wrote a weekly column for The Indiana Baptist, which told the stories of ordinary people who became followers of Christ. I belong to several organizations for writers, including the American Christian Fiction Writers.
What a great bunch of books to take on vacation or read under a shady tree
this summer. Selections include a Regency romance, a thriller, the story of
an abandoned child found by the shore and two Westerns. Peruse below and
let us know which one you’ll put on top of the stack in your beach bag.
Scroll down and vote in the survey box. Then let your friends know about
these interesting reads.
Unmasked Heart by Vanessa
Riley
A young woman reconciling the lies of her birth must learn her true worth,
unmasking her heart to true love, but will she find her soul mate in a duke
running from scandal? With everything she knows to be true evaporating
before her spectacles, can the mulatto passing for white survive being
exposed and shunned by a powerful duke who has taken an interest in
her?
Rodeo Reunion by Shannon Vannatter
Slade Walker, the bronco-riding rodeo chaplain breaks all of widowed
Raquel’s rules—find a father for her son with a safe occupation, who’s home
every night. He can’t turn his back on the cowboys who need him, but Raquel
and her boy need him, too.
Two Days in Caracas by Luana Ehrlich
In this pulse-racing Christian thriller, Titus Ray, travels from Costa Rica
to Venezuela in an effort to stop Ahmed, a Hezbollah assassin, from
murdering a high-profile government official.
Finding Mia by Dianne J. Wilson
Isobel is on the beach hunting for her muse. What she finds is a toddler,
sunburnt and close to death.
The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty Beller
When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only
choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch.
When danger escalates in the form of a band of cattle thieves with deadly
intent, can Anna learn to release control to God’s capable hands...and
those of the blue-eyed cowboy who’s stolen her heart?
This follow-up story will delight readers of Thomas’ previous novel, but,
it reads perfectly as a standalone as well.
– RT Book Reviews Top Pick – 4.5 stars
About the book:
When a family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. Although Henry tries to find escape in bad company, the only things that can tamp down his anger and grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and sweet but unusual pre-teen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, with the freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has the opposite effect. Worse, she’s his grandmother’s housekeeper and helper, so she’s always around and ready to push his buttons. At first he thinks she doesn’t care about his loss, before beginning to understand she’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries, and Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as both Henry’s future and Mayfair’s life are put at risk.
Eating and telling stories are two of my favorite things so it’s only natural that food turns up in my writing over and over again. The second book in the Appalachian Blessings series—Until the Harvest—opens with the hero, Henry Phillips, enjoying one of his favorite dishes–venison steak. And a little later he partakes of . . . fried squirrel.
Now, before you turn up your nose, understand that in my growing up years we ate quite a bit of game including squirrel. Plenty of folks still enjoy it. And my mother made the best squirrel gravy. If you tried some on a biscuit, I bet you’d think so, too.
My books aren’t about food, but food plays an important role in each one. Life on the farm—in West Virginia or anywhere else—centers on raising and harvesting food. Readers often comment that my books make them hungry, so today I thought I’d share a couple of recipes with you. One for Emily Phillips’ fried squirrel (courtesy of my mom, Nancy Loudin) and one for Margaret Hoffman’s egg salad (courtesy of WV chef Dale Hawkins).
Hope you enjoy the book AND a good meal!
What COTT voter had to say:
--I have enjoyed "getting to know" Sarah Loudin Thomas via social media and eagerly look forward to reading both of her novels.
--I absolutely loved Until The Harvest, by Sarah Loudin Thomas!
--I love Sarah Loudin Thomas's books! She is a favorite of mine!!
--Absolutely LOVED Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas. UTH has it all--life lessons, "get real" God moments, and the sweet stirring of love--all set amidst the beautiful backdrop of Appalachia country. No ten dollar words here--just great storytelling at its absolute finest!
--Sarah Loudin Thomas, I have loved both of your books! Keep 'em comin'!
--Sarah Loudin Thomas: keep up the good work and allowing God to reach people through your writing!
--Sarah Loudin Thomas is one of my favorite authors. I love the way she tells a story! I can always feel what the characters are feeling.
Fried Squirrel with Gravy
Makes 4 servings
2 large squirrels
1 cup flour
Salt and pepper
Oil or lard for frying
Milk and water
Soak the cleaned squirrels in a pan of water in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Cut into pieces, place in a large pot, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the meat is tender, but not falling off the bones. Drain. Season the meat with salt and pepper and roll in the flour. Heat oil or lard to shimmering in a cast-iron skillet and add the pieces without crowding. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove to drain on a brown paper bag. Leave about two tablespoons of oil in the skillet and add two tablespoons of the flour left over from dredging the squirrel. Stir the flour until it’s lightly browned. Add milk and water alternately, stirring constantly, until your gravy is as thick as you like it. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with hot biscuits.
Egg Salad
8 eggs
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. prepared yellow mustard
¼ cup chopped green onion
¼ tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool. Peel and grate on a box grater. Place the eggs in a bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, and green onion. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and serve.
About the author:
Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, released August 2014 through Bethany House and won the 2015 Selah Award and an INSPY Award for debut fiction. Book #2, Until the Harvest, released May 2015.
A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.
Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and play tug-o-war. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.
I know, technically Summer just started,but... Thank you all for participating in our special May releases Clash of the Titles. We appreciate the efforts of all of our fans, and particularly our authors this month:
Some of the very encouraging words from our readers include:
--Love reading your books. Can't put them down.
--Great lookingreads. All new authors to me. So, looks like I have great TBR pile for therest of the summer.
--Love all of Amanda Cabot's books. I have FireflyValley here ready to read.
--I love Heather Gilbert's books. She writes in such a fresh and wonderful way, I feel I'm right there with hercharacters. I especially love Tess's character!
--Sarah Loudin Thomas,I have loved both of your books! Keep 'em comin'!
--Trial by Twelveis a masterful suspense novel. I love that it is set in West Virginia and has a married couple as main characters. I hope there is a sequel! Bravo,Heather Gilbert!
--Blue Columbine is a favorite and can't wait formore of Jen's books to come out.
--Rachel James is an exciting new author of engaging historical characters.
She’s lost her dream job—but has she found the man of her dreams?
Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest house might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa’s dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake’s real identity?
This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who helped make In Firefly Valley thewinner of this month’s Clash of the Titles. Your support means so much to me! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you’re the reason I write.Thank you for your belief in me and my writing.
I’ve been delighted with the response to this book. A number of you have told me you think it’s even better than the first of the Texas Crossroads stories, At Bluebonnet Lake. Since I hope that my writing improves with each book,hearing that has been the encouragement I need to work even harder on the next book.
I’ve also been pleased with the praise reviewers have given In FireflyValley. RT Book Reviews rated it a page turner and said, “Cabot’s heartfelt storytelling rings true as she addresses the pains of bitterness andresentment, as well as the hard fight to love again and forgive all hurts....Charming secondary characters and the beautiful Texas Hill Countrysetting cap off a story that is a delight to read.”
Blogger Trudy Shiroma Koeffler had the following to say:“To say I have a new favorite author is an understatement! This book was absolutely fantastic on so many levels! First of all it brought deepspiritual truths into the story naturally and realistically. The love story was the sweetest one I’ve read in a long time, but it was not a predictablelove story at all. It had twists and turns, and nail biting episodes that had me guessing till the end. I was impressed with the mature way love wasdisplayed in this story on all fronts with the various characters. Thisbook is not some fairytale romance but rather a tale of characters withreal issues, fears, heartaches and hang-ups. The author deals with each issue in a detailed, emotionally healthy and spiritual rich way. The description of landscape, cabins, cooking and friendships will make you wish you could take a little trip to Dupree and visit Firefly Valley yourself!”
Thank you again for your support. I’m excited, overwhelmed and more pleased than I can ever say at having In Firefly Valley win this award. And, for those of you who’ve asked “what’s next?” the third of the Texas Crossroads books, On Lone Star Trail, will be released in February 2016. If you’d like to learn more about that and my other books, I invite you to sign up for my online newsletter. It’s simple: just send me an email. You’ll find the address on my web page. I look forward to hearing from you.
About Amanda:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels including the Texas Dreams trilogy, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. A former director of Information Technology, she has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. Amanda is delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian romances, living happily ever after with her husband in Wyoming.
Good morning! I'm very excited to have Lucie Ulrich with us here today to tell us about her new release, Diamonds or Donuts. First, isn't this such a fun cover? Wow!
Blurb:
Sarah Alexander’s marriage to millionaire Logan Montgomery is put on hold when Logan is offered the opportunity to go on an extended archeological dig in Egypt. Though not happy with his decision, Sarah supports her fiancé, despite the fact she’s already given up her apartment and teaching position.
When Sarah’s best friend, Pippa, suggests Sarah move to Sunset Cove, she figures a new town, new job, and new friends are just what she needs to help her through the separation. If she’d known one of those friends would turn out to be kind-hearted, good-looking, well-built, Officer Kevin Jenkins, she might have figured a little harder.
Though Sarah goes out of her way to keep her relationship with Kevin on a friends-only basis, it’s clear their feelings for one another are teetering toward something more. Now Sarah must make the most important decision of her life. Will she choose the man who can shower her with diamonds or the one who isn’t able to offer much more than free donuts?
***
This sounds like a WHOLE lot of fun! (And really makes me want a donut.) Want a sneak peek? Lucie was kind enough to share an excerpt with us today, too.
Short Excerpt:
Sarah changed into her pajamas, pulled out the sofa bed, and crawled under the sheets. Sleep, however, didn’t come easily. She wanted to talk to Logan—needed to talk to him, but it wasn’t possible.
When sleep finally came, it was accompanied by dreams of missed phone calls, arguments, and misunderstandings. There might even have been a fight between Logan and Kevin, but it was all too blurry to remember. She awoke with a headache and heartache.
Pippa’s bedroom door opened and she appeared makeup applied, dressed and ready for church. She stopped short at the side of the couch. “Yikes! Who did you wrestle with last night?”
“Crazy dreams.” Sarah pushed herself to a seated position and ran a hand through the tangles in her hair.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Pippa placed a hand on Sarah’s arm. “What’s going on?”
Tears clouded Sarah’s vision. “Guess I’m having a harder time dealing with Logan’s absence than I thought I would.” She blew out a breath. “I should be planning my wedding, not moving into a new apartment. Alone.”
“It’s barely been a month since he broke the news. Your reaction is normal. I’m sure it’ll get better with time.”
“He got mad at me yesterday.”
“Who? Logan?”
His harsh tone replayed in Sarah’s head. She nodded. “He was upset that I didn’t have dinner with his folks, and we parted on less than loving terms.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. You seemed to be having such a good time with Kevin that I never suspected anything.”
Her headache intensified. “Yeah, that’s another thing. I’m starting to feel guilty about spending time with Kevin. He’s a great guy and I like him a lot, but I’m afraid I might be giving him the wrong idea.”
Pippa’s eyes widened. “Like how? I know better than to think you’ve been flirting with him.”
“No, nothing like that.” Sarah thought back to last night and the other times they’d been together. Had she been flirting? Had he? “It’s just that I really like him. We’re so comfortable together, I forget he’s a gorgeous, well-built guy and I’m an engaged woman.
***
Ruh-roh Methinks someone's in trouble! The kind that's oh-so-fun to watch unfold. ;-)
A few questions for Lucie:
1. Diamonds or Donuts is an interesting title. How did you come up with it?
My first two novels delve deeply into the world of hurting people. Physical and emotional scars, feuding brothers, and long-kept family secrets barely scratch the surface. Before tackling another such story, I felt the need to try my hand at something more lighthearted. I decided to play around with the idea of a girl who has to make a choice between two men—one rich, the other not. When I decided to make “the other man” a policeman, the title came very quickly. I love being able to begin a story with the title already decided.
2. Is there a message or moral to your story?
Absolutely! Even though Diamonds or Donuts is a light read, there is substance to the story. I don’t like flighty characters—at least not lead characters, and I didn’t want that to be the case with Sarah. I chose to show her struggle between remaining faithful to her fiancé, while battling her emerging feelings for another man. One reviewer spoke about Sarah’s moral compass being right where it should be, which is exactly what I was going for. When we think we know what’s best for us, God often has different plans.
3. Share a bit about your writing process.
I don’t outline, so I take things as they come. I do have notes and ideas, and I usually know how my books will begin and how they will end. For me, the best part is watching the characters evolve, and allowing them to take me along for the ride. I’m always thrilled when I see something one way in my head, but my characters beg to disagree. Needless to say, the characters win the majority of the time.
4. If you had to do it again, would you change anything in your book?
There are a number of things I would change in books one and two, but I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing in Diamonds or Donuts. It was a blast to write. I love all the characters, the setting, and especially the ending.
Those are the best! :) Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Lucie. Readers, you can get a copy of the book at the following links:
Lucie Ulrich took her time becoming a writer. Not much of a reader as a child, writing was of no interest to her--until she joined a church drama team. The desire to write a skit, and not simply act out someone else's was so strong, that once she started, she couldn't seem to stop. That first skit led to her becoming the drama team director, then eventually, the performing arts director at a small Christian school.
Lucie's first novel was penned under a tree in a field in Holland. Though her first, second, and third attempts never saw the light of day, parts of each of them became the foundation for "Broken Vessels," her first published work. No longer involved with the performing arts, Lucie enjoys going on photo shoots with her husband, and taking long (or short) road trips. She hopes to find inspiration as she and her husband explore the four corners of the United States.
Poignant romance of two lost souls learning about the things that gowrong, humanity’s fault lines and how to grow and love again despite thepotholes that inevitably crop up. Baganz manages to throw some laughter and joy into desperate situations in this debut novel. Read Pesto and Potholesf or a crazy adventure that makes Italian food with a side of Ninja warriors seem natural.
--Lisa Lickel
Pesto & Potholes
by Susan M. Baganz
About the book:
Renata tries to escape her past and runs straight into . . . love.
Renata Blake has moved to the Milwaukee area to leave behind a painful pastas a victim of abuse. She discovers a family like she’s never had before atOrchard Hill Church and is drawn to handsome Packer fanatic, Antonio. After all she’s suffered through, could she ever trust a man again?
Antonio DeLuca has a full life with his family, church and his job as chef and manager at DeLuca’s Cucina. Having been betrayed in love, he is afraid to trust a woman again. How would he fit her into his already full life anyway?
As circumstances draw them together and attempt to tear them apart, life becomes a combination of savory pesto and painful potholes as both Tony and Renata learn that with God’s help, and the support of a faith community,they can both learn to love again.
--Susan, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to read yourbook. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
--Loving reading this, Susan Bagnanz.
--I'm so excited for you, Susan! Congratulations.
--Going to order this one today, Susan Baganz! Thank you for writing greatbooks!
--Great job, Susan. Way to go!
--Great cover and great story premise, Susan Baganz.
--Excited about Susan's book. The title is so intriguing.
--Susan M. Baganz - I like the happy sound of this story!
--Sounds intriguing, Susan Baganz!
--Susan M. Baganz - You are doing great and your stories are socaptivating! Thanks for writing and sharing your gift with others!
We don't often get excerpts from authors, so enjoy this one from Pest and Potholes!
Sunday was cold. The sun shined brightly, and Renata sat at church surrounded by more of the De Luca clan. Tony winked at her, and they worshipped together. She experienced such joy and freedom in the music and lyrics. This was the new Renata. Free. Joyful. Loved. What a difference from a year ago.
After church, she raced home to change into jeans, sneakers, a sweater and coat. She pulled on knit gloves to keep her hands warm and found a matching knit cap to put on her head.
Tony arrived to pick her up in his car and they went through the drive-thruat Taco Bell for something to eat. Renata laughed when part of Tony’s burrito dribbled onto his sweatshirt.
They arrived at Brown Deer Park early, and Tony suggested they take a walk over by a small pond.
“This is such a peaceful place.” Reverent awe filled her voice as she gazed about.
“Sure is, but watch out for the goose doodoo.”
“Doo doo? Is that an Italian term for poop?”
Tony laughed, “No,that’s me trying to be more delicate since I am with a gorgeous woman in a beautiful place.”
“Awww, Tony, you are sweet.” They walked side by side, not touching. Renata could see their breath in the air.
“Edith agrees with you.”
“Edith? My neighbor?” Renata stopped to stare at him.
“Yeah, the other night she gave me a kiss because you had neglected to do it for her.”
Renata laughed. “Is she my competition for your affections?”
“Are you seeking my affections?” He looked at her with one eyebrow raised.
Renata looked away. Her entire neck and head grew warm.
“You have no competition. No one can compare to you.” His voice was seductive to her ears when he used those words.
“Now you go too far, Tony. I’m not as perfect as you think I am.” She had to reign this in. She didn’t want to lead him on.
“Who said you were perfect? Surely not I.”He placed his hand flat on his chest.
Renata laughed and gaveTony a playful punch in the arm, but was quickly distracted. She pointed to the pond. “Look at the geese coming in to land. They look like they are water skiing when they put their feet down.”
“Water skiing geese.Now I’ve seen everything. What will you think of next, Ren?”
“I don’t know. I thought it was your turn to be absurd for a while.”
Tony reached out and tickled Renata. “Stop!” She laughed and started tickling him back and took off running into the grass. Tony ran after herand with his longer legs managed to catch her causing them both to fall on the leaf-covered lawn. Renata grabbed a handful of leaves and tossed the mat Tony, and he returned the favor. Soon they lay there in the leaves giggling and gasping for a breath.
“It is beautiful out here.”Renata said. “It’s hard to believe this is Milwaukee.”
“It’s hard for me to believe my good fortune to be sharing this with you.” Tony looked over to Renata and reached to grab her hand to give it a squeeze.
Renata’s shoulder muscles seized at his touch. The touching, the laughter, and the sense they were alone in the world without any past orpresent or future to worry about, shook her. She needed him too much. No.She wanted him. She desired him. She looked at his face, so close to hers and imagined what it would feel like to kiss him. Stop. This has to stop. No man will ever love you. No man will ever see you as more than a plaything. The messages bombarded her.
The monsters wereback.
About the author:
Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin.She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.
Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all Hehas created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology,a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church. Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chailatte.
Congratulations to Dawn Crandall! Her book, The Captive Imposter, won this month's clash!
Thank you all for voting, and a special thank you to all of our authors this month!
Here are a few of our voter comments:
Dawn Crandall is a very gifted writer. She is a master @ blending romance & suspense !
Dawn! You know I love your books so much that I dream about the character!! :)
I love the writing style of Dawn Crandall. This is one of my favorite books. Keep up the good work Dawn
The Everstone Chronicles series is not to be missed! The characters are so absorbing and their story compelling. Readers, keep a look out for these and future stories by author Dawn Crandall! You will be glad you did. YaY, Dawn Crandall; thank you for sharing your story adventures.
Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone is living under an assumed name in the awkward presence of her ex-fiance. However, as hotel manager Dexter Blakeley, slowly captures her heart, will the layers of family secrets and the knowledge of her true identity end up severing his love for her?
~~~
The Captive Imposter is book three in THE EVERSTONE CHRONICLES. Here are some reviews for the series:
PRAISE FOR THE EVERSTONE CHRONICLES
Romantic! Engaging and absorbing! Dawn Crandall brings America�s Gilded Age to life on the page with vintage amour and emotional depth. KRISTY CAMBRON, author of The Butterfly and the Violin
Visit a bygone era filled with romance, intrigue, and characters who will stay with you long after you close the book. Dramatic and engaging, THE EVERSTONE CHRONICLES is one series you won't want to miss. MICHELLE GRIEP, author of Brentwood�s Ward
PRAISE FOR THE HESITANT HEIRESS
*Winner of the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award for Excellence Romance Writers of America book contest
Delving deep into the human heart with prose as polished as beach stones, THE HESITANT HEIRESS is a marvelous romance and an impressive debut. LORI BENTON, author of Burning Sky
Dawn Crandall is a new author to watch! ELIZABETH CAMDEN, author of Against the Tide and Beyond All Dreams
PRAISE FOR THE BOUND HEART
Dawn Crandall's second novel in the Everstone Chronicles is an intense, powerful journey of one woman's search for true love and true forgiveness. It is a beautiful reminder to us that nothing is too broken for God to piece together with the power of his grace. Lawry is a delightful and consistent hero worth falling for and Meredyth's desperate longing for wholeness comes to its full completion in being loved well! Absolutely beautiful. PEPPER BASHAM, author of The Thorn Bearer (May 2015)
In THE BOUND HEART, Dawn Crandall creates a cast of broken characters whose struggles spoke to me from the prologue. CARA PUTMAN, author of Shadowed by Grace
PRAISE FOR THE CAPTIVE IMPOSTER
Dawn Crandall is a fresh new voice in inspirational romance, and her latest offering, THE CAPTIVE IMPOSTER, does not disappoint! Estella is sweet but imperfect, intelligent but not harsh. Blakeley is handsome: mysterious and contradictory, the perfect Byronic hero. Is Estella the woman to soften his hardened heart and is he the man to help her put her past firmly behind her? Creepy, mysterious settings with lots of lush, sensory details escort the reader through the pages as we wonder, will her secret spill? As more and more people learn the truth about this imposter, that coming reveal might just change everything.�� SANDRA BYRD, author of Mist of Midnight (March 2015)
A blend of elegant drama and mystery, THE CAPTIVE IMPOSTER tells the story of a love unexpected. Dawn Crandall quickly became a favorite author with her first two books, and the element of hidden identity in The Captive Imposter entwines with the style I�ve come to expect from Crandall, resulting in one satisfying read. RACHELLE REA, author of The Sound of Diamonds (June 2015)
Dawn Crandall writes long inspirational historical romantic suspense. She has a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University and lives in northeast Indiana with her ever-supportive husband, her three cats [Lilly, Pumpkin and Clover] and their newest addition, a little baby boy named Rhett (March 2014).
A former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn didn't begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
Thanks to all of our participants for their wonderful submissions.
Congratulations to Our Winner!
Having his younger sister at camp was a pain, but Taylor Dixon never expected the pain to go so deep. At 15, Taylor dreams of getting his driver’s license and driving racecars when he’s older. Only his younger sister, Marissa, believes in his dreams, but her adventurous spirit keeps landing him in trouble. Dad won’t let Taylor get his license and predicts he’s heading for the same jail cell as his once-favored older brother.
Taylor returns to Rustic Knoll Bible Camp, expecting softball, swimming and sermons. Then he discovers a classic Mustang in the camp’s machine shed, and the owner’s invitation to help restore it fuels his dream of driving racecars. But when Marissa falls for his snobbish cabin mate, the ensuing war of words and pranks escalates until it threatens to destroy both the car and his dreams for the future.
Will Taylor fulfill Dad’s prediction?
Or will the message of the old Mustang’s engine set him free from the prison he built himself?
Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a youth camp in southern Wisconsin, much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. Her stories feature kids who bring their real life issues to camp
and gain new perspectives on themselves and their problems.
Mary is a graduate of two Long Ridge Writer's Group courses and an ACFW member. She's an award-winning author who started out writing articles and a Christmas play, "Homespun Angel,"
before trying her hand at novels. She and her husband raise three terrific kids and live in Texas with a rescued Golden Retriever.
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Twitter:@mhamilton122<;br />
What our Voters Had to Say:
God Bless you Mary Hamilton. Speak No Evil caught my heart.
Mary, your writing is truly inspired! Thank you for answering The Call!
Another great camp tale...waiting for #3
Mary Hamilton, I think your books are truly relevant for teen age kids and good for parents to read as well.
I got hooked after reading the first book in Mary Hamilton's series. Speak No Evil is definitely on my "must-read" list!
An Interview with Mary
How did you come up with the idea for this series?
While raising my three children, I saw so much pain in the lives of their friends who were dealing with all the aspects of their parents’ divorce, as well as conflicts with parents and siblings.
Because of my own background, I believe in the power of Christian camping, so I decided to use some real life issues that kids face and let them deal with them at camp.
Are any of the characters based on real people?
Most of the adult staff in the book are modeled after people I knew as a child. Often, the characters are a combination of people I knew.
The first book in the series is Hear No Evil. This book is Speak No Evil. Will there be one titled See No Evil?
Yes, I’m working on that one now. It’s scheduled for release in May 2015.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love the connection with my readers. It’s very humbling to know that people not only want to read my words but that they get such enjoyment out of the stories. That makes my day!
Can you believe Clash of the Titles is FOUR years old?
It hardly seems possible.
Four years ago this month, COTT's arena opened for its first Clash, and it's been going strong ever since! Hundreds of Christian authors have competed, and 58 have left victorious. Each author has earned a special place in our hearts, and we at COTT find it an immense privilege to promote Christ through their work.
Join us this week as both COTT champs and COTT staff celebrate these four,amazing years together!
Over the next four days, our generous champions will be giving away 61 oftheir books.
Sixty-one!
We've divided those books into four giveaways--one for each year God has blessed us!
(See below for today's list.)
Each participant has myriad opportunities to enter the four drawings,
Don't miss out on the fun! Below, you'll find the four links, one for each giveaway.
See the Rafflecopter at the end of each article for your entry options.
COTT will be conducting FOUR giveaways, one for each year
we've been promoting Christian fiction.
During these giveaways, TWENTY of our former champions will bedonating
62 copies
of their books!
You read right--62 novels!
(Distributed among four differentwinners.)
Mark your calendars to return to COTT on September 15.
You don't want miss this amazing event!
And now, our featured novel....
***
Clash of the Titles' next featured author comes in with a storm ofhigh-five comments from some very dedicated fans! Cindy'snovel, Annie's Stories, was the runner-up in our August Clash,and for good reason. Doesn't that cover just make you want to dropeverything and float away on a good book?
Why not grab, this book...?
About the book:
The year is 1901, the literary sensation The Wonderful Wizard of Ozis taking New York City by storm, and everyone wonders where the next greatbook will come from. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more thanentertainment—they’re a sweet reminder of her storyteller father. After hisdeath, Annie fled Ireland for the land of dreams, finding work at HawkinsHouse.
But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconductand authorities threaten to shut down the boardinghouse, Annie fears shemay lose her new friends, her housekeeping job . . . and her means offunding her dream: a memorial library to honor her father. Furthermore, thefriendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie—and in herfather’s unpublished stories. In fact, he suspects these tales may hold agrand secret.
Though the postman’s intentions seem pure, Annie wants to share herfather’s stories on her own terms. Determined to prove herself, Annie mustforge her own path to aid her friend and create the future she’s alwaysenvisioned . . . where dreams really do come true.
--Annie's Stories was a sweet novel. Cindy Thomson was a new author to me.I will definitely be reading more of her books!
--Love your stories, Cindy Thomson!
--Sounds wonderful Cindy Thomson. Reminds me of be read to by my lovelyparents.
--Looking forward to reading Annie's Stories, Cindy Thomson!
--Cindy Thomson is such a talent!
--I loved this novel by author Cindy Thomson.
--Vote for Annie's Stories!
--Cindy Thomson I am really looking forward to reading Annie's Stories! Iknow I can carve out some quality reading time really soon! -Ronda R
--Go Cindy Thomson! Her books are great! You won't regret picking up herbook!
--I just love the way Cindy weaves a story :-)
What Cindy's readers have to say:
"Now and again there comes along a book that holds a personal message forme. I believe these messages come from God. In that alone I’m so very gladI read this book. The influence a book can have on a reader is a specialmessage gleaned from this book. Annie looks to the characters in TheWonderful Wizard of Oz while dealing with her life challenges. Any readercan relate to having been influenced by a book." ~ChristianManifesto, 2014 Lime Award Nominee
Amazon reviewer: "A good historical novel will take you back through theyears and let you remember a time you never experienced. Cindy Thomson'sEllis Island series is doing just that. A great historical novel won'tstop there, though, it will also give you characters to befriend whileyou're in its pages. Cindy Thomson's books do that as well."~TheophilusFarrell4
About the author:
Ciny Thomson is a writer and an avid genealogy enthusiast. Her love ofhistory and her Scots-Irish heritage have inspired much of her writing,including her new Ellis Island series. Cindy is also the
author of Brigid of Ireland and Celtic Wisdom: Treasures from Ireland. Shecombined her love of history and baseball to co-author the biography ThreeFinger: The Mordecai Brown Story, which was a finalist for the Society forAmerican Baseball Research's Larry Ritter Book Award. In addition to books,Cindy has written on a regular basis for numerous online and printpublications and is a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian WritersGuild. Cindy and her husband have three grown sons and live in centralOhio.
A hearty thanks to all the voters who turned out for this month'sclash!
The scores have been tallied and a winner chosen.
But before the grand reveal, an announcement...
***
Clash of the Titles is having a
BIRTHDAY BASH!
During the week of
September 15-23
COTT will be conducting FOUR giveaways, one for each year
we've been promoting Christian fiction.
During these giveaways, TWENTY of our former champions will bedonating
62 copies
of their books!
You read right--62 novels!
(Distributed among four different winners.)
Mark your calendars to return to COTT on September 15.
You don't want miss this amazing event!
***
And now, the winner of our August Clash...
The Rose Ring
by Lucie Ulrich
Congratulations, Lucie!
As you'll note from the comments (below) left during the voting, Lucie's fans simply adore her.
Lucie, welcome to the family.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With a will that reads like a piece of fiction, the return of his long-lost brother, and the possibility of losing the family ranch, Micah Cooper calls on high school friend, Sky Baxter, to bailhimout of a bad situation.
Though her brain tells her no, Sky’s heart says yes. Sheaccepts Micah’s in-name-only proposal, knowing it’s unlikely anything permanent will come of it. She’s been in love with him since the ninth grade, and if he hasn’t figured it out by now, there’s little chance he ever will.
When an unexpected kiss ignites a spark, giving Micah hope for a possible future with Sky, a tragic accident threatens to take it all away. Torn between following his heart, doing the right thing, and forgiving the past, Micah is lost in a whirlwind of pain and emotions. Will he make it through the next two years, or will a long-kept family secret be the undoing of them all?
Lucie Ulrich took her time becoming a writer. Not much of a reader as a child, writing was of no interest to
her--until she joined a church drama team. The desire to write a skit, and not simply act out someone else's was so strong, that once she started, she couldn't seem to stop. That first skit led to her becoming the drama team director, then eventually, the performing arts director at a small Christian school.
Lucie's first novel was penned under a tree in a field in Holland.Though her first, second, and third attempts never saw the light of day, parts of each of them became the foundation for "Broken Vessels," her first published work.
No longer involved with the performing arts, Lucie enjoys going on photo shoots with her husband, and taking long (or short) road trips. She hopes tofind inspiration as she and her husband explore the four corners of the UnitedStates.
What COTT voters had to say:
-Great job Lucie!
-Lucie Ulrich, wonderful story-I really enjoyed it
-Always enjoy reading books written by Lucie Ulrich...hard to put down!
-Lucie Ulrich I can't wait for your next book!
-I love, love, love Lucie Ulrich's work. Ms. Ulrich expertly weaves true-to-life stories that trap the reader in a web of heartache, absolution, forgiveness and acceptance.
-Excellent story, Ms. Ulrich! I couldn't put it down and look forward toseeing a return of these characters in future stories!
-Keep writing, Lucie!
-Loved the book Lucie Ulrich! YG
-Cindy Thompson is one of my favorite authors. She and I share the same passion--genealogy. I look forward to reading her Ellis Island series.
-Way to go Lucie Ulrich. Your books are wonderful!
-Lucie Ulrich is a wonderful author. I have read both of her books and absolutely loved them.
-Lucie Ulrich's book THE ROSE RING is a must read. I didn't want to quit reading. I love it, Lucie!!!
What Lucie's Readers Have to Say:
"The Rose Ring is a story of wounded souls who find healing as they learn to lean on God and come to trust one another. Ulrich has a knack for creating complicated, compelling characters that readers can't help but fall in love with. What I liked best about this story was that it is woven around realistic family fractures,and that it has a real world ending."
"Lucie Ulrich doesn't just tell us a story,she brings us into the story! I felt their pain and joy, their confusion and relief....It is a story about love and loss, tragedy and forgiveness, inspiration and faith. You’ll be teary-eyed many times throughout the story, so keep a boxof tissues close by. And you'll become so attached to these characters that you'll be better for it! It is emotional, inspiring and unforgettable. Thiswill be a book I will pick up again and again and will recommend it toeveryone I can."
