A NEW LINE OF MYSTERIES FOR YOUR E-READER

It's FICTION FRIDAY on Woman of Faith, and today's guest is author Susan Sleeman. Enjoy.

Susan Sleeman here. Do you have an e-reader or maybe an iPad? Then I'd like to tell you about a line of cozy mysteries that has recently released with most books retailing for only .99 for a limited time.

Spyglass Lane Mysteries are published by a group of cozy mystery authors who have joined together to bring you a new cozy mystery every week. Currently, there are over 25 wonderful mysteries in this line.

Stop by the website to view all of the available books and while you're there, be sure to sign up for our email newsletter where we announce each new book that releases and our authors share behind the scenes stories about the books.

I'd also like to share a little bit about my Garden Gate Mystery Series that is releasing as part of this line. The first book, Nipped in the Bud has already released and book two, Read Between the Tines will release in February 23rd. Here's a little bit about both books.

NIPPED IN THE BUD

WHEN YOU FIND YOUR BOSS PUSHING UP DAISIES. . .

Life in full bloom, landscape designer, Paige Turner, scores her first landscaping contract to spruce up the park, her radio talk show shoots to number one, and her retail shop is simply blossoming. Yes, her life is a bed of roses. Until she finds the city manager served up on the blade of her favorite shovel mere hours after she’s threatened to have his head on a platter, then the thorns come out. And there is none thornier than the local police chief declaring Paige the one and only suspect and threatening to plow her under.

YOU’VE GOT TO FORMULATE A PLANT OF ATTACK . . .

Paige teams up with dashing attorney, Adam Hayes to weed through the list of suspects, and clear her soiled reputation. And along the way, discovers that Adam just may be the man of her dreams.

» Read an Excerpt          »Order It Now

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READ BETWEEN THE TINES

IF YOUR LIFE IS A BED OF ROSES. . .

Recovered from her near death at the hand of a killer, landscape designer Paige Turner is certain her life will soon be a bed of roses. That is, until her employee, Daisy Rose Plante, finds a dead body, and the thorny police chief looks no further than Daisy for a suspect. Paige digs in and weeds through the list of potential killers, and before long, her sweet smelling rose of a life is soundly trampled.

YOU’LL HAVE TO SURVIVE THE THORNS. . .

Paige would be much happier working over-thyme on her budding relationship with handsome attorney, Adam Hayes, but it soon becomes clear she’ll be in a hoe lot of trouble with him if she continues digging for the killer. Does Paige risk all and try to unearth the killer? Or does she settle down in peaceful bliss with the man of her dreams?

» Read an Excerpt

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SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com.

Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson.

To learn more about Susan visit: Website, her Facebook page, or on Twitter

When Abortion Becomes Racism

We can't really have a fully beautiful life as long as there are other human beings without the opportunity to enjoy the same. No segment of humanity has been denied this opportunity--the very RIGHT to LIFE--more than the unborn.

The link attached to the title of this post is a powerful and important message from Pastor John Piper, one of the leading men behind the Sovereign Grace Ministries of Churches (one of which I attend here in Xenia, Ohio).

It's not a two-minute YouTube, but a full sermon. Be patient and let Mr. Piper build his message--it gets riveting. If you'd rather read than listen, here's a link to the full text.

Piper says, "I would like you to link abortion and race the same way you link lynching and race." I agree.

To whet your appetite, here's a short excerpt:

My aim is that just as once even though the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case of 1857 held that Black slaves were property without rights as free persons, yet today we view that as unthinkable; so also even though the Supreme Court in the Roe v. Wade case of 1973 did not give the unborn the rights of free persons, nevertheless the day may come when that too is viewed as unthinkable. Racism might—and often did—result in the killing of innocent humans; in our history, it often did. But abortion always results in the killing of innocent humans. Between 1882 and 1968, 3,446 Black people were lynched in America. Today more Black babies are killed by white abortionists every three days than all who were lynched in those years (Life Education and Resource Network).
John Piper, from, When Abortion is Racism

Piper's message includes the truth of forgiveness for abortionists, those who have had abortions or forced them upon others. GOD is a forgiving God. But it doesn't make our responsibility to end the slaughter any less needful.

Sit back and listen to the sermon when you get a chance.
Rethink abortion in terms of racism.

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Image from: http://www.liliesofhope.com/doodleacres/2008/11/04/if-they-could-have-walked-in-my-shoes/

When Being Beautiful Turns Ugly

Note: This is something I wrote a few years ago for a column called "Media and the Home." It was a standing feature of Dionna Sanchez's blog, "Inner Fulfillment." I'm no longer a homeschooling mom, but I still have three young women beneath my roof, one of whom is only nine. The topic here is just as relevant today as it was then, and not just for me or for homeschoolers, but for any parent of a girl.

When Being Beautiful Turns Ugly
Parents today are concerned about media influences on their kids, and with good cause. Suicide is the second-highest cause of death among teenagers in the US—after car accidents. Why are so many young people killing themselves?

The answers are complex, and stem from the breakdown of the family, legalized abortion (which devalues human life), the loss of faith in society as a whole (if there's no God, how does life have meaning or purpose?) and, finally, an unrealistic sense of failure to measure up.

Measure up to what?

All too often, the media's idea of how and what they should be. And nowhere is this insidious idea more powerful to young psyches than in the area of appearance. Teens are hard on each other, but not nearly as hard as they can be on themselves, especially when they compare themselves to photo-shopped images. Beauty gets ugly really fast when it takes on visions of perfection that are simply unattainable.

Young women are particularly vulnerable to the society-fueled obsession with weight and appearance, as they are constantly bombarded with images of hyped-up beauty. From Britney to Sleeping Beauty to Barbie, women are supposed to be slim and flawless. School teachers report that girls as young as nine and ten can be heard worrying about over-eating and being on diets. Meanwhile, at the same time, there is so much computer and video game usage today that staying in healthy shape is a greater challenge for today's kids than ever before.

As a parent, I struggle to find ways to affirm my girls' attractiveness—just the way they are—when there is so much out there telling them a different message. At age ten, my middle daughter is now saying to me (when I tell her how beautiful she is), “You only think that because you're my mother!” Or, “You're supposed to say that because I'm your daughter.” She is already internalizing society's message that being “beautiful” is directly correlated to how sexy you are, and what brand or type of clothing you wear. She might not put it that way, but this is what it comes down to.

Where is she getting these ideas?

They are seeping in from all sides! We have a protected environment in our home—to a degree. (No TV, just selected videos and DVDs) but as I mentioned earlier, even Barbie is picture-perfect and skinnier than Twiggy.

On an up note, Dove (the beauty products manufacturer) has produced a video showing the transformation of an ordinary girl (read: could be your daughter. Could be you!) into a super-glamorous billboard model. I had both my daughters view this and my ten-year-old was shocked. It's an eye-opening message we need to get out.

I suggest you view this with your daughters--and your sons(Guys can get unrealistic expectations, too). After viewing the video, make it a point to pick up magazines that show stars “as they really are”. Celebrities hate this, but it's a shot in the arm for girls who are struggling with self-image or self-worth issues (and what girls do not?). Finally, remember to affirm that God has created them specially (they're not an accident); He has a personal plan for their life (purpose); and they ARE beautiful—truly beautiful--in Christ, just the way they are.

Once you watch the video let me know what you think. Do you have an effective method for instilling your girls with a confidence that doesn't come solely from what they see in the mirror? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
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Hush Little Baby, Part II

Yesterday's post introduced us to author Deborah Piccurelli and her brave new work of fiction based on the sordid industry of abortion and fetal harvesting, Hush Little Baby.


Today we'll learn just a little bit about Deborah; and don't forget the drawing for a free copy of her book--comments will be accepted for the drawing until next Wednesday, 2/22, so don't be shy. : )

I asked Deborah what made her write this particular book, and here's what she said:

Two things: When I heard about fetal harvesting (a.k.a., baby body parts trafficking), it angered me. Even though this was way back in 1999, I want to make people aware that this still happens. Many people already know about it, but many do not, or some have just forgotten. Secondly, I used the characters that I did, because I had seen little people on daytime talk shows, and felt they were being exploited. I vowed to myself that I'd someday write a book showing them living normal everyday lives, just like the rest of us.

I then asked her what message did she hope readers would take away with them?

Several. Grace and forgiveness, redemption, that we shouldn't live by our feelings, but always consult the Lord for every decision we make.

As I said above, I wrote this novel to create awareness about fetal harvesting, but I also want to help alleviate it. I will be donating 10% of the proceeds to Life Dynamics, an organization that works to stop it.

And what is Deb working on now?

I am in the very early stages of a novel where (without giving too much away) a young woman overhears some very incriminating information being conveyed without realizing it. The next thing she knows, while driving to her boyfriend's home after work, her car is rammed from behind by another vehicle, causing her to crash. Devastating circumstances result from both the accident and the secret information.

Sounds intriguing, Deb! We wish you much success.
Thanks for doing the book giveaway here at Woman of Faith.

I bought a copy of Hush Little Baby for my Kindle yesterday, and I know I can't wait to read it.

[Baby image from: http://listsoplenty.com/pix/in-utero-amazing-pictures-from-the-womb]

Hush Little Baby

Due to a hectic day yesterday, my "Beautiful Life Wednesday" post is a Thursday post. Not that it matters, really. Read through for details of this week's book giveaway. And note that this is a two-part post--tomorrow we'll hear directly from Deb with some of her thoughts about why she wrote this particular book.

Today's guest is author Deborah Piccurelli who wrote Hush Little Baby.


Now, please understand: The book doesn't highlight the beauty of life directly; in fact, quite the opposite is true. But light shines brighter in darkness and Deb is giving us a fictionalized account of the darkness that is always present and seeking to destroy life. In the case of abortion darkness seems to succeed.

But we don't fight battles by closing our eyes to the enemy.

For this reason I thought her book was perfect for a "Beautiful Life" post, since nothing, not even beauty or life itself comes without a cost. We are called to be a voice for those without one. No minority population on earth has less "voice" than the silent unborn.

But don't get me wrong. Hush Little Baby is fiction. It's like a great detective show. They begin with a murder and even though murder is ugly and wrong, you watch the show to see the murderer brought to justice. You even enjoy it along the way. (Right now, the favorite in our family is "The Mentalist." Gotta love that Patrick Jane!)

Here's an early editorial review of Hush Little Baby:

The plot arcs, character arcs, subplots, etc., are all good. I've read several books that deal with abortion and fetal harvesting, etc., that are obnoxious in the handling. You have done an excellent job of showing us that real people, likeable people, can get sucked into this for very strong reasons. The characters and the story held my attention throughout the story.

Here's the back-of-the-book description:

Investigative journalist Amber Blake is a little person bent on payback for the death of her twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor's romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what's behind a mysterious door in his office.

Wow. I have yet to read Hush Little Baby, but it's on my TBR list, I assure you.

I say we support this brave author who has dared to bring an ugly industry to light in her first novel. Will you join me?
Hush, Little Baby Amazon Purchase Link
Publisher's Purchase Link

And what do you think about this industry? About someone writing fiction to draw attention to it?

Leave a comment and you'll be entered in a drawing to get a free copy of Hush Little Baby.

I would urge you, however, if you can afford to do so, to support this author and to support the unborn by getting a copy now even if you win another later. You could give the book to someone you know, or leave it at a doctor's office.
Hush, Little Baby Amazon Purchase Link
Publisher's Purchase Link

Thank you, Deborah, for sharing this work with us and for having the chutzpah to write about a sordid industry. May God bless your efforts with His empowering grace! I'm off to get a Kindle edition of your book!"
Warmest Blessings,

Linore
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DEVO MONDAY

From Ron Hutchcraft Ministries

Years ago when I was a new believer living in NYC, one of the brief radio "minutes" of meaty messages I had access to was from Ron Hutchcraft. A sound, sane voice amidst a lot of iffy theology.

Today's message is from Ron, via Crosswalk.com's newsletter. (Great newsletter, by the way.) Enjoy.

The Gospel According To the Birds

So who needs an alarm clock in our neighborhood? We've got ravens! Yeah, those big black birds discovered our backyard. Now, ravens apparently are early risers, a little earlier than most people are. And they are also, shall we say, active conversationalists. Which makes them wonderful alarm clocks for those early morning hours whether you want them or not! Frankly I don't mind it. It's great to have all the birds singing their little spring concert in our yard. Actually, they do more than sing, they preach!

Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Luke 12, where we find the Gospel from the birds. The Gospel's not for the birds, no, it's from the birds. The subject of their sermon is security. And that might be an issue that you have reason to be concerned about right now.

Well, Jesus has just told this in this passage about a man whose idea of security echoes that of almost everyone around us. He has a lot of crops to take care of, and he says in Luke 12:18, "I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.'" Well, that's pretty much our world's concept of security. "What have you got in your storeroom, man? What have you got to fall back on? What have you got in your IRA? What have you got for retirement? What have you got in case medical emergencies come up?"

Then here comes the message from that bird passage in the Bible as Jesus talks to us beginning at verse 22, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens...'" Well, I have no choice. They make sure I consider them every morning. Jesus said, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds!"

I love these simple words, "They have no storeroom, yet God feeds them." And then He says, "If He'll do that for the ravens, He'll surely do that for you." Now, we live in a world that says surplus equals security. The Gospel according to the birds is simple but eloquent. It says, "Our security is this: We have a Father who is a great provider. That's where your security is; not what you have in your storeroom."

Jesus goes on to talk about how the pagans are chasing after things and after material security. But He says, "You seek His kingdom, and then sell what you have and give to the poor, and pass on the kingdom to other people." You're secure. Not because you can see where it's going to come from, but because of who your Father is. In fact, I wonder if some day Jesus isn't going to return and say to a lot of us, "What are you doing sitting on all of that? Why do you have so much in your storeroom?"

See, we are Father-fed people. We don't need big reserves. We're to feed others with the gifts that He's given to us. You don't ever have to worry about having enough. In fact, one day those ravens proved that God will always find a way to meet your need. When every other source of security and supply was cut off from Elijah, the ravens brought it. God will always find a way, even if you have to keep your window open for the ravens to come in with it.

If the usual means of supply are cut off, God doesn't need those. It's been God that's been the source all along. He'll deliver it another way. He will feed you from His storeroom. If you don't believe me, just ask the birds.
© (c) Ronald P. Hutchcraft
Distributed by Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
via Crosswalk.com's newsletter "A Word With You"

Still waiting to hear from the winner of Melanie Dickerson's, The Merchant's Daughter, grannyd. Contact me so Melanie can send you her book!

Check my last post for the lastest giveaway: an e-copy of Donna Sherpherd's humorous "just-in-time-for-Valentine's Day novelette, "Love Under the Bubble Wrap."

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Read This for a Valentine's Day Treat

NOTE: Winner of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson is GRANNYD.Congratulations,Granny, and thanks to everyone who entered last week!

I promised I'd only post about books I could endorse for you. Today's belated "Fiction Friday" post, "Love Under the Bubble Wrap," is one I'm happy to let you know about--and just in time for Valentine's Day!


No, it's not a Valentine's Day story, but it begins with the arrival of a mysterious gift (hence, the bubble wrap). And it's fun and sweet and even romantic --perfect as a Valentine's Day gift for yourself.

According to the author, this is a novelette--short fiction, so it won't consume your whole day (or evening). Just curl up with some dark chocolate and get cozy.
Best of all? It's available for only .99 on Amazon Kindle!
You can't beat that price for a treat.

No Kindle? No Problem

Eventually, Donna will get it on Nook and Sony and other formats, but for now,
if you don't have a kindle, get the FREE Kindle App from Amazon and read it on your pc, iphone, ipad, or android.

Not Your Typical Heroine

Donna's story is one you'll really want to devour because the female leading lady isn't your typical twenty-something reedy willow who's drop-dead gorgeous. No, ladies--this is a story about YOU. This is a story about ME. That's the fun of it, too.

Here's the Amazon Blurb:
"Love Under the Bubble Wrap"- A novelette. A sweet escape for anyone wanting to discover love in everyday life. A charming, witty, engaging short story. - Mary DeMuth, author of The Muir House

"With a story aimed to encourage older marrieds (not just singles), Donna Shepherd's characters are as familiar as a best friend and yet this tale is as fresh as an unopened present. Realistic and humorous--can't wait to see more from Ms. Shepherd!" - Linore Rose Burkard, author of Before the Season Ends. (Hey, that name sounds familiar. Really.)

Product Description
"Love Under the Bubble Wrap" hits the mark for fun with a short story sure to tickle the hearts of women, married or single, young or old. Ms. Shepherd's debut romantic escape resonates with comedy, love, and enough mystery to keep the pages turning. The perfect length to read on your lunch break - or anytime!


Donna J. Shepherd is best-known for her children's books, although the members of the church she and her husband pastor might think it's for singing on Sundays, or leading women's groups. Besides writing children's books, Donna does voice-overs, and is the Co-Leader (with me) of Greater Harvest Workshops for Writers. Donna also loves to blog! Visit her on her website or one of her many blogs at:

Devotionals by Donna: http://www.devotionalsbydonna.com
Topsy Turvy Land: http://www.topsyturvyland.com
Donna and Friends: http://www.donnashepherdandfriends.blogspot.com
Reviews by Donna: http://www.reviewsbydonnashepherd.blogspot.com/
Recipes by Donna: http://www.recipesbydonna.blogspot.com/
Oodles of Fun (Dog Blog): http://www.poodleanddoodle.blogspot.com
VoiceOvers by Donna: http://donna-shepherd.blogspot.com/

My Ratings for "Love Under the Bubble Wrap" (to help you assess this work)
Five Star
Contemporary romance
Sweet, funny
Faith Element: Low

EXTRA: A New You-Tube video to Donna's latest book for children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tINWwlRj8zg

Giveaway Alert!

Let us know what you think of the story! Don't wait to get a copy--it's only .99 cents, but you can also win a copy for a friend, loved one, mother, daughter, sister, etc. by leaving us a comment about how you liked it. Winner's name will be posted next week. So get your copy of "Love Under the Bubble Wrap," right away!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/