March Release Clash Results!

The Votes have come in, and we've got a winner!

DRESSED FOR DEATH

by Julianna Deering

Congratulations, Julianna!!

About the Author

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted from Bethany House with Rules of Murder (2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (2014), Dressed for Death (2016) and Murder on the Moor (Coming 2017). Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and six contemporary mysteries for Annie�s Fiction. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).

Find her On the web:
www.juliannadeering.com
www.deannajuliedodson.com

On Facebook:
https://business.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering/
https://www.facebook.com/julie.dodson.9659

On Twitter:
@DeAnnaJulDodson

On Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565151.Julianna_Deering

Dressed for Death Back cover:

A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, But it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery--and Murder--Are on the Guest List

Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew's former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fianc�e, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she'd taken the drugs intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

The police have their own information though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he's trusted and admired since his childhood--someone who's been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn't know whom to trust, and he's not ready for the secrets he's about to uncover--or the danger he'll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

Clash Comments:

• "Dressed for Death" is the best Drew Farthering mystery yet, and I'm really looking forward to the next one (and yes, even more after that)! Julianna Deering has a gift for storytelling that keeps me turning the pages long into the night, and her characters are always so vivid and lifelike! I love pulling out her books and re-reading them over and over again.

• Julianna Deering captured our hearts and attention with Drew Farthering mysteries....can't wait for more.

This sounds like such a FANTASTIC read! Ready to dive in? Want to peek at the sample? It's right here:

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD

And don't Miss Drew's Upcoming Adventure:

Murder on the Moor

At the urgent request of Drew's old school friend, Hubert "Beaky" Bloodworth, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a Bront� hero. According to Beaky, there have been several incidents of mischief making out on the moor, property destroyed, fires started, streams dammed up, sheep and cattle scattered and, if local gossip is to be believed, the sighting of the shadowy figure of a great black hound. Worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church, and no one can imagine who would want to kill him.

Beaky is obviously smitten with his wife of eight months, the gorgeous and vivacious Sabrina Bloodworth, though it's hard to imagine what she sees in a man as awkward and plain as he. Drew can't help wondering if Sabrina's affections lie more with Beaky's money than himself and, just perhaps, with the fiery Welsh gamekeeper, Rhys Delwyn. Delwyn says poachers are to blame for the recent trouble, Sabrina claims the moor is haunted, and Beaky suspects that Carter Gray, a neighboring landowner with a longstanding grudge against the Bloodworths, is behind the episodes. But when someone else is murdered and the troubling incidents grow more threatening, Drew begins to suspect local ne'er-do-well Jack Midgley of more than poaching. But just how does Midgley fit into the scheme and who is paying him? It's up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what is really going on, and find the killer before it's too late.

>>Would you like to see the cover for Murder on the Moor? Sign up for Drew�s News at http://www.juliannadeering.com/newsletter.php for exclusive series information and giveaways.

Have a blessed week, everyone!

From your friends at Clash of the Titles!

August Winner and Upcoming GRAND Event!

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?

PURCHASE 

Amazon   

B&;N 

iBooks1

Smashwords

Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

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."

Laurel Award, Coming Soon!

THE 2014 LAUREL

Hear ye, hear ye!

Clash of the Titles's 2014 Laurel Award

will soon be open for submissions.

Novels participating inthe Laurel are judged by their audience—readers who are well-versed in Christian fiction
yet not a part of the CBA industry. This contest judges the first two chapters (or 3,500 words) of published novels.

READERS

Are you a fan of Christian fiction, yet not associated with the publishing industry? Then we want you! If you enjoy reading and giving your opinion, Clash of the Titles invites you to join our reader-judge team. Each judge reads 5 to 7 two-chapter excerpts of recently published Christian novels, then completes a simple point system score sheet. If you're interested, please contact us at contactcott@gmail.com.

AUTHORS
Eligibility for the Laurel: Christian novels (30,000+ words) of any genre published between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.

Self-published novels accepted.

Submissions Open: June 02, 2014

Submissions Close: July 18, 2014,

or when submission max is reached.

2013 Laurel Winner
Veil of Pearls
by MaryLu Tyndall

Limited Submissions: In order to not overburden our volunteerjudges, we are limited in the number of submissions we can accept for the Laurel. Act soon!

One entry per author. Co-authored entries accepted.

Fee: $10 payable via Paypal

Please visit our website for submission guidelines.

Prizes: One first-place winner will be chosen. He/she will receive a special feature on Clash of the Titles' blog. A tour throughCOTT’s Blog Alliance. A dedicated page on COTT’s site for a full year. An on-line radio interview with author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. A digital winner’s badge. A beautiful plaque.

Stay tuned for updates by

subscribing to COTT's blog and “liking” our Facebook page.

2013 Laurel Award Feature--Veil of Pearls

On October 18, 2013 Veil of Pearls took home Clash of the Titles's Laurel Award. Over the course of six weeks, the novel's first chapters were read and judged by avid readers of Christian fiction who determined Veil of Pearls to be the worthiest to receive the 2013 Laurel Award.


Clash of the Titles extends a heartfelt congratulations to author MaryLu Tyndall for her exemplary writing. We wish God's richest blessings on her future work. 

About Veil of Pearls:

Be swept away to Charleston of 1811, a city bustling with immigrants like Adalia, who is a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world—a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin them both—suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?

PURCHASE YOUR COPY

Listen to Cynthia L. Simmon's" Heart of the Matter" radio interview of Laurel Award Winner, MaryLu Tyndall!

About MaryLu:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author

of the Legacy of the King's Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. 

MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people's eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. 

For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at http://www.mltyndall.com or her blog at http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/

2013 LAUREL, OPENING SOON!

Authors, take note! 

In NINE DAYS, Clash of the Titles opens its doors for submissions to the Laurel. 

The Laurel is a contest available to any genre of Christian fiction published in 2012. The novels are judged by their audience—readers well-versed in Christian fiction yet not associated with the CBA industry.

Authors write for readers, so why not have readers be the judges?

With a submission fee of only $10, easy electronic submission, a bevy of prizes, and judges devoted to Christian fiction and author encouragement, the Laurel is a contest like no other.

But act quick! Slots are limited. To avoid overburdening our volunteer judges, we are limited in the number of submissions we can accept.

* All previous COTT champs whose winning novel was published in 2012 have an assured spot (fee waived) in the 2013 Laurel.

Submissions:

June 03, 2013-July 19, 2013 

For more details, please visit our site: http://www.clashofthetitles.com/p/the- laurel.html

Stay tuned for updates by  subscribingto COTT's blog  and “ liking” our Facebook page .

Sensational September 2012 Releases

**Guest post by Michelle Massaro

For most of us around the country, Fall is in the air. In Southern California we're still seeing temps in the 90s, but hey--I say Autumn is a state of mind. And I'm ready for comfy sofas, hot cider, and a great new book to curl up with. Oh, and chocolate! Maybe a cat purring nearby. George Winston playing in the background. But the main thing I need is the book.

So, I've been searching through the titles released last month, including a long list that YOU guys recommended to me through our survey (thank you very much), and I've come up with a list of FIVE. Now I want to hear from you. Which of these most appeals to you? Which will be highest on your to-be-read pile this month? Take a look at the cover and the summary, then cast your vote. Polls will remain through Wednesday, closing on Halloween night (oooeeooo) at midnight PST. (Yep, when I'm the hostess you get a few extra hours to vote because, well, once in a while it only seems fair to go by West Coast time. Right?)

All of the books below captured my attention for one reason or another. I'm sure they'll capture you as well. After voting, I invite you to click over to Amazon and purchase one or more of these puppies!

The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris

 

Bethany and Josh Harrison are faced with a decision that could cost her life--and the life of their unborn child; Dr. Ben Abrams is lost without a heritage of faith. Can Bethany’s choice save them both?

~~~

The Shadow on the Quilt (The Quilt Chronicles) 

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Juliana Sutton's life looks perfect-from the outside. Until her husband's untimely death reveals a devastating truth. Will the shadow of her dead husband's name stand between Juliana and Cass, or will Juliana choose a love she never thought possible?

~~~

Deadly Additive by Donn Taylor 

Soldier-of-fortune Jeb Sledge’s rescue of kidnapped journalist Kristin Halvorsen from Colombian guerrillas reveals a hidden threat to the global balance of power. Jeb and Kristin must also learn that virtuous lives without a spiritual dimension remain incomplete.

 ~~~

Restored Heart by Jennifer A. Davids

Anne Kirby and Peter McCord are both determined to hide their pasts. But they soon discover that love – and God – has a way of revealing everything. 

~~~

Hidden in the Heart by Catherine West

"You existed before you were adopted."

... Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach ...

~~~

So there you have it! Please make your selection in the Survey Monkey below. And send your friends to cast their votes as well! (good practice for November, right? lol)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

p. s.  Are you an aspiring author of Christian Fiction? This is the last week to enter Clash of the Titles' annual contest for unpublished authors, the Olympia. Hurry! Submissions close Friday, November 2nd. 

Clash of the Titles Announces Judges

Clash of the Titles

 is proud to announce the round three judges for the Olympia Contest!

DEBORAH RANEY,

award- winning author of over 30 books

AMANDA LUEDEKE,

literary Agent  of Macgregor Literary

STEVE HUTSON,

literary Agent of WordWise Media

Three privileged Olympia finalists will have their work read by the above judges. The winner will receive recognition on our site and a beautiful plaque similar to this one:

The Olympia is currently OPEN for submissions.

If you're an unpublished author, don't miss out on this opportunity to get your work before these industry specialists!

Aspiring authors can visit our submissions guidelines for more information.

Please share the below button on your blog or website to help promote Christian Fiction.

<a border="0" Href=http://www.clashoft hetitles. com/p/the- Olympia.HTML target="_blank" ><img src="http://i140. photobucket. com/albums/ r38/DeliaLatham/ Design%20Stuff/ Olympia1a. png" border="0" alt="Olympia Button" /></a>