CAPTURE THE MAGIC: A Sale and a New Release!

This contemporary retelling of Queen Esther's story is the first stand-alone book in the Mended Vessels Series. Not only can you get FOR SUCH A MOMENT for 40% off ($2.99) but today is the RELEASE DAY of the 3rd book of the Mended Vessels Series, THE SECRET HEART. Here's the information about FOR SUCH A MOMENT, but check below for the short version of THE SECRET HEART!

Get FOR SUCH A MOMENT!

Revealing her secret could save lives … or change hers forever. In this book that re-imagines the story of Queen Esther in a contemporary setting, Ellen Neilson enjoys her comfortable life as the wife of an American CEO. Having lived in America since the age of ten, she has forsaken her mixed heritage and kept aspects of her childhood secret. Her husband has become engrossed in his job, and she believes having a child will salvage their troubled marriage. When her cousin Manuel, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years, shows up as one of her husband’s managers, Ellen fears that her past will be revealed. The company buys a banana plantation in her native country of Guatemala, and Manuel informs her that illegal pesticides have poisoned the water. People are dying, but she doesn’t know who’s to blame for the cover-up.

 Readers loved this book; twenty-eight of them gave it 4.9 Stars!

• "I couldn't put this book down!" 
• "This is one of those books that pulls you into the story and won't let go till you finish it!"
• "This book was very intriguing and inspiring. Very well written!"
• "A bit of mystery, intrigue, travel, espionage, betrayal ... Glad I read it!"
• "Loved it! Got hooked on the characters!"

And you also need to get THE SECRET HEART!

Truth is messy. But will their shared secret destroy his political career—or sabotage their marriage? 

After a whirlwind romance, beautiful Shawna Moore marries Hunter Wilson, the governor of Tennessee. Now, she wonders if the governor ever loved her or only hoped to avoid a scandal. 

In this modern re-imagining of the biblical story of Bathsheba and King David, an investigative reporter is asking questions—the wedding took place only six weeks following the death of Shawna’s first husband in Iraq. If he discovers the truth about Shawna’s baby, Hunter’s chances for reelection, as well as Shawna’s reputation, will be ruined. 

But keeping their secret is destroying their marriage. 

Will Hunter’s choice mean the end of his political career or his family?

Outstanding reading from a master story-teller! Don't miss this opportunity!

CAPTURE THE MOMENT: Riveting YA Novel

Called "the Judy Blume of this generation," Cynthia Toney broaches delicate issues in this her second of the Bird Face series. With 4.7 Stars, this book is a steal at only 99¢ - TODAY ONLY!

Get 10 STEPS TO GIRLFRIEND STATUS!

"Without knowing or caring where I'd wind up, I sneaked out of the house and took off running." 

Wendy Robichaud is on schedule to have everything she wants in high school: two loyal best friends, a complete and happy family, and a hunky boyfriend she's had a crush on since eighth grade--until she and Mrs. Villaturo look at old photo albums together. That's when Mrs. V sees her dead husband and hints at a 1960s scandal down in Cajun country. Faster than you can say "crawdad," Wendy digs into the scandal and into trouble. She risks losing boyfriend David by befriending Mrs. V's cute hearing-impaired grandson, alienates stepsister Alice by having a boyfriend in the first place, and upsets her friend Gayle without knowing why. 

Will Wendy be able to prevent Mrs. V from being taken thousands of miles away? And will she lose all the friends she's fought so hard to gain?

This story addresses first innocent romance, a blended family, friendship with an Alzheimer's victim, and an ancestral interracial relationship.

Here's what readers have said about 10 STEPS TO GIRLFRIEND STATUS:

A Judy Blume for this generation. With refreshing candidness, the author lets us see through Wendy's eyes as she navigates her first crush, her first heartbreak, her first dealings with mortality, and the difficulties in blending a family and learning about dark family secrets.


This is another winner for Cynthia Toney. I loved Bird Face, the first in the series. However, 10 Steps to Girlfriend Status can be read without reading Bird Face as it is a stand alone novel, but I highly recommend you don't miss out on either one. These are great coming of age stories for young people. So insightful. I wish I had been able to read these books when I was growing up. Do yourself a favor and read these two novels, and then give them as a gift to some young people you know, because they have something to offer everyone.


Cynthia Toney's attention to detail makes this book outstanding. And Wendy's unique voice is still spot on. Cynthia has a knack for active use of verbs, no passive writing from this author. Cynthia kept my attention through the whole book, especially when Wendy set out to discover what happened to a relative of the past. I found the relationship between Wendy and her boyfriend sweet, and very clean. Nice going!


If only I had read a book like this when I was in junior high! Wendy is so much like I was, but I didn't figure out the 10th step until way past high school.
Cynthia Toney brings back to my mind all those horrible insecurities of the teen years, and weaves a story of wise advice against the background of our nation's history in race relations.

This book won't be on sale again this year, so don't miss your opportunity to get it at 75% off!

And while you're in the mood to get a good deal on a great book, pre-order THE SECRET HEART by Marie Wells Coutu (the 3rd stand-alone story in her Mended Vessels series) for only $2.99 - a 40% discount! AND get a free book - THE DIVIDED HEART - a prequel to her third story. (Send your Amazon confirmation to freebookforpreorder@gmail.com.)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT: Romancing an Award-Winner!

Betty Thomason Owens won The Grace Award for ANNABELLE'S RUTH and has received 4.8 Stars from reviewers. This outstanding book is available TODAY ONLY for 40% off (just $2.99) at Amazon.

Get ANNABELLE'S RUTH!

“If you think you can come back here and throw yourself on my mercy, you are quite wrong.” After their husbands perish in a fishing boat accident, Connie Cross determines to follow her mother-in-law, Annabelle, from Southern California to Tennessee. Her misgivings begin as they cross the bridge over the muddy Mississippi River. In their new town, where living conditions are far below their previous expectations, they must set up a household and hunt for work to survive. Thanks to the kindness of Annabelle’s handsome, young cousin, life begins to settle down. But Connie has a secret that could uproot them once again.

Inspired by the Book of Ruth, Annabelle’s Ruth is a 1950’s era “Ruth” story, set in western Tennessee. How will Connie adapt to her new life amid the cotton farms, racial tension, and culture shock?

Here are some of the things readers have said about ANNABELLE'S RUTH:

When I began reading Annabelle’s Ruth by Betty Thomason Owens I decided to put aside my knowledge of the biblical story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz and allow the author’s story to carry my imagination. After reading Annabelle’s Ruth I went to the Bible and read once again the wonderful story of love that endures. The author triumphed over the challenging endeavor to take a well-loved story and make it fresh and relevant.


This beautiful story is told gently and thoughtfully--trademark of Betty's writing. Readers of women's fiction will enjoy this one.


The tone and atmosphere of this Appalachian-feel story was so realistic I felt like I was living in 1950's Tennessee. The dialect was perfect, the setting beautifully described, and the characters completely identifiable.


I thoroughly enjoyed this 1950's-era retelling of the biblical story of Ruth. Connie and Annabelle are both such sympathetic characters. The depiction of Tennessee was very well done. The blossoming love between Connie and Alton was sweet. And I loved the dog! I highly recommend this book!

 This outstanding story won't be on sale again before next year! Take advantage of the opportunity!

And while you're in the mood to get a good deal on a great book, pre-order THE SECRET HEART by Marie Wells Coutu (the 3rd stand-alone story in her Mended Vessels series) for only $2.99 - a 40% discount! AND get a free book - THE DIVIDED HEART - a prequel to her third story. (Send your Amazon confirmation to freebookforpreorder@gmail.com.)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT: Nowhere to Turn!

Fay Lamb's suspense books tend to have a sweet romance, and her romance series is just as highly acclaimed. CHARISSE, the first book of Fay's Ties that Bind series, has received 4.9 of 5 stars from 20 different people. An outstanding rating! And you can get the book TODAY for on 99¢ (that's more than 80% off!)

Get CHARISSE!

Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection.

Gideon Tabor can’t believe that the woman interviewing for the job is the girl he loved in high school. Charisse is hesitant about accepting his job offer, and when she does, Gideon makes every attempt to apologize for his relationship-ending blunder in high school. Charisse accepts his apology, but she keeps him at a distance. When Gideon learns that Charisse’s anger actually stems from his release of the man who ran down her husband, he tries to explain, but Charisse doesn’t want Gideon’s excuses or the love he has to offer. She wants her husband’s killer to pay.

Here are some of the quotes from readers:

Haven't enjoyed a book like this in a long time. So used to my mysteries & historical romance, I forgot the joys of a real life story & God's role in our lives. Refreshed & uplifted is how this story comes across. Tragedy can lead to true forgiveness & love if we step out of God's way.


I love this book. Charisse and young V.J. come to vivid life through the author’s skilled writing. From the first paragraphs I cared about her predicament and her son’s stark grief. When Judge Gideon Tabor is introduced, it’s easy to picture the football quarterback turned successful lawyer. More handsome than any guy has a right to be, with the bonus of a soft side. The relationship between Charisse, VJ and Gideon tugs at the heart as they struggle through present and past disappointments and dreams. Misunderstandings become huge barriers, as they can in real life. But faith also plays an important role in this story, and that brings hope.

With its well-written, heart-warming message of forgiveness and second chances, Charisse readily earns five stars. Highly recommended.


I'm so mad at myself! I started this book at about 11:00 p.m. And it is now 3:20!!!! I could not put the book down! It is one of the best books I have ever read! I am so glad I purchased this! Please keep writing! You are a fabulous author !! I loved the spiritual truths, I loved the romance, I loved the unexpected twist! I would give this book far more than five stars! Great job!


I really enjoyed this book. It was such a wonderful story of second chances, love, forgiveness and God's love. As a widow, I could definitely relate to the main character's emotions and her journey in finding God's plan for her life. This was a wonderful read and I definitely look forward to the next book in the series.

Don't miss this highly acclaimed read for more than 80% off! Your comfy reading chair deserves this uplifting, inspiring romance! Get CHARISSE!

And while you're in the mood to get a good deal on a great book, pre-order THE SECRET HEART by Marie Wells Coutu (the 3rd stand-alone story in her Mended Vessels series) for only $2.99 - a 40% discount! AND get a free book - THE DIVIDED HEART - a prequel to her third story. (Send your Amazon confirmation to freebookforpreorder@gmail.com.)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT: Near Death Experience

This moving, powerful book has accolades from almost 50 reviewers! (4.7 Stars!) And today ONLY, you can get an e-book copy of SAVING ERIC for only $2.99. That's 40% off the regular price.

Get SAVING ERIC!

Templetons don't break down. Even when their worlds are falling apart. 

Eric Templeton's well-ordered life as a top CIA agent is shattered when a traitor within the agency plots to have him eliminated. Sent on a bogus mission to Africa, Eric is ambushed and critically wounded. A helicopter pilot flies him to a remote mission hospital where Dr. Brock Whitfield and his daughter, Ellie, work to save his life. 

If Eric survives, his life may never be the same, and he still has to deal with the traitor who wants him dead. Eric wants justice, but Brock and Ellie know that Eric's survival is the least of his worries. What he needs most is mercy and truth.

 Here's what readers are saying about SAVING ERIC:

"What a blessing! This book came highly recommended by my daughter who read it in two days so I took the ebook on my flight to Israel. Altough I have over 2,000 book in my library, I NEVER read fiction books. However, this book sure passed the time much faster than all of the heavy reading to which I am accustomed."


"I loved this story! Joan Deneve combines the elements of betrayal, suspense, romance, and redemption beautifully into an exciting read that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next."


"Saving Eric is captivating! It catapults the reader from CIA Headquarters to an African mission hospital with stops in-between. Its characters are believable. Its plot is engrossing. Its message is profound. Having read it quickly to find out what happens next, I will read it again slowly to reflect on redemption. Definitely hope Joan Deneve has another work in progress!"


"What a powerful, heart touching story Joan Deneve has crafted in Saving Eric. I picked up the book after seeing it recommended by a friend and I have not been disappointed. Just the opposite actually. I am thoroughly impressed with Joan's storytelling gift and completely in love with the characters she's created. Except for the bad guy of course."

Enjoy your reading getaway with this outstanding book, but don't miss this sale. SAVING ERIC won't be on sale again this year! Get it TODAY before you miss your final chance!

And while you're in the mood to get a good deal on a great book, pre-order THE SECRET HEART by Marie Wells Coutu (the 3rd stand-alone story in her Mended Vessels series) for only $2.99 - a 40% discount! AND get a free book - THE DIVIDED HEART - a prequel to her third story. (Send your Amazon confirmation to freebookforpreorder@gmail.com.)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT: Unexpected Places

With almost a perfect 5.0 ranking on Amazon (with 20 reviews) this book is DEFINITELY worth it's HUGELY DISCOUNTED price (99¢) Today Only! 

Get STALKING WILLOW!

Bitterness, a stalker, and a neighbor to die for. What's a girl to do?

Trailed by a stalker in New York City, Willow Thomas, a young ad executive, scurries back to her small North Carolina hometown and the lake house where ten years earlier a scandal revealed her entire life had been a lie, and a seed of bitterness took root in her soul. The cocoon of safety Willow feels upon her arrival home soon unravels when she meets opposition from her family, faces the man she left behind, and the stalker reveals he is close on her heels.

Can Willow learn to trust God to tear out her roots of resentment, reunite her family, ferret out a deadly stalker, and to rekindle the love she left behind?

Here is what some readers are saying about STALKING WILLOW.

Great book! It keeps you turning the pages with it's suspense and surprises. No doubt one of the best thrillers/love stories I've ever read. I can't wait to order Fay's other books.


What an exciting book. At 3:00 am I was still reading, trying to figure out where this entwined plot was leading, and couldn't stop until I found out. Nice twists.


Be prepared to be so caught up in this book that you forget everything around. Very hard to put down, the storyline was written so well, it was like watching a movie. I loved, loved this book!


This novel is possibly the finest example of contemporary Christian romantic suspense I've read. It kept me guessing throughout as to the familial relationships, motivation, and intent of each character I met. At one point, it made me cry, attesting my strong emotional connection with one of the characters.

Only 99¢ today and for the last time, at least for 2017. Don't miss this opportunity!  

CAPTURE THE MAGIC: Time Hopping

The Roaring Twenties! What an intriguing era! Time hop at a huge discount and enjoy this fun read and tender romance from that bygone generation. 

Get AMELIA'S LEGACY!

It's the Roaring Twenties and anything goes! Orphaned and living with her grandmother since the age of six, Nancy Sanderson desires only her freedom from her strict grandmother, Amelia Woods Sanderson, who divides her time between Nancy and a successful career.

Her grandmother’s plans include a wealthy, smart, and well-connected young lawyer named Robert Emerson, who bores Nancy. Instead, Nancy seeks the company of the wild-hearted Nate Conners. When her rebellion turns deadly and her dalliance with Nate leaves her in trouble, Nancy turns to Robert, who promises to protect her. But Robert has underestimated Nate’s thirst for revenge. 

As hidden truths become known, can Nancy find the strength to forgive herself and gain true and lasting freedom?

Here's what readers are saying about AMELIA'S LEGACY.

"I absolutely love this story about Nancy and Robert. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. The characters are well-developed and realistic. I loved them but hated the antagonist. Lots of suspense with unexpected twists and turns kept me glued all the way to the surprise ending. Lovely romantic plot.Get the tissues ready!"

"Betty Owen's roarin' twenties setting spiked my interest, and her smooth-paced writing kept it above the norm."

"I would recommend this book to young adults and as well as adults who enjoy a clean inspirational, historical romance. This is much more than a girl-meets-boy story. It is a story of family love, faith, and forgiveness with an ample dose of suspense mixed in."

TODAY ONLY, it is 40% off and available at $2.99. It won't be on sale again during 2017! Don't miss your 24-hour window of opportunity!

CAPTURE THE MAGIC Only 99¢ - 5-Star Ranking with 32 Reviews!

There's DEFINITELY something about this book! 

Get IMPERFECT WINGS!

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE / ACTION ADVENTURE / EXOTIC LOCALES
A young woman in the wrong place at the wrong time... An ex-soldier determined to finish the mission...Assassins, traitors, passions, and a deadly race against time in pursuit of justice.

Evil stalks TJ McKendrick. 

Three years after burying her father, TJ visits Honduras where he died. While there, she witnesses a murder and is forced to flee.  

Don Castillo dreams of power. Funnel the drugs into the States and it's his. First though, he must kill the woman who dared spy on him.  

The last thing Garrett Cameron needs is another woman interrupting his life, but when the feisty vixen that put a monkey wrench in his mission two years ago shows up at his ranch running for her life -- what's a man to do? 

The attraction between TJ and Garrett bursts into flame in the midst of danger, a fierce desire that neither is prepared for. Her past is filled with betrayal. He's lived a life of violence, and love isn't for someone like him.

And TODAY only it's 99¢. Now it's not the first time it's been this price, but it will be the last time, at least for this year. Don't miss this riveting story.

CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF ROMANCE!

Capture the Magic: Special Treat from Elizabeth Noyes

Today is our LAST DAY to give away a free copy of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES, but our Capture the Magic promotion continues! Tomorrow, Imperfect Wings - the first book of the Cameron series - is only 99¢, part of the second half of our celebration of the season of love! Don't miss this chance to enjoy an excellent collection of romance!

***

Excerpt from IMPERFECT LIES, Book 4 of The Imperfect Series, Coming Summer 2017

The fine lawn handkerchief, her something blue gift to the bride, lay on the dresser, waiting to be tucked into the sleeve of the wedding dress. Words adorned one edge of the linen, a short phrase, hand-stitched with silken thread the color of a perfect summer sky—A Forever Love.

How cliché, and yet it summed up Lucy’s lifelong dream perfectly. How fitting they chose a Valentine wedding.

A forever love. Did such a thing really exist? Her parents' marriage of fifty-years would suggest so. But, how could a person know with any degree of certainty that they truly loved and were loved?

A fragment of scripture came to mind, wisdom from the New Testament. “Love is patient … love is kind … not easily angered … keeps no record of wrongs … perseveres.”

Wow. If the Bible speaks truth, then love means selfless devotion, unconditional loyalty, and can’t be turned on or off like a light switch. It endures despite a person’s worthiness or shortcomings, does not require qualification or justification, or even that your special someone loves you in return.

Since love is not a physical phenomenon with a quantifiable measure, it is difficult to apply a standard definition. Saint Bonaventure came close: “Love is its own measure and standard.”

How did you know you were in love with your special someone?

***

This book sounds intriguing, but the question is deep. What confirmed that you had found the one

you were to be with? Share your answer, if you choose, below. Leave your email address in the comments to enter in order to win today's copy of The HEART SEEKER SERIES.

Last but not least, our Capture the Magic continues on February 14-21 with a book on sale every day. One book per day will be discounted 60% or more. Look HERE on our website, for more information and a schedule for the when the books will be on sale.

Come back tomorrow to see our winner listed and enter again by leaving another comment! Super-simple!

And learn more about Elizabeth Noyes and her Cameron series at her author page on the Write Integrity website.

Capture the Magic: Oh, How He Loves

What a blessing to be about the Lord's work on the Lord's day and in His house with His people.

The Lord shows his amazing love for you in so many ways! Sometimes He shows it by pouring out his blessings, "pressed down, shaken together, running over," and poured into your lap! (Luke 6:38)

And such blessings: exceeding abundantly more than you can ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)

Sometimes, the Father loves you with purpose. He builds passion in your heart for the plans He has for you; "plans to give a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11) and then He will "equip you with everything good for doing his will." (Hebrews 13:21)

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

And sometimes our Father loves us with training. He loves us far too much to allow us to wallow in our bad habits, mistaken beliefs, and improper expectations. And like a potter scraping the unneeded clay from a work of art, or a gardener clipping back unnecessary branches, He is working to make us perfect in Him. 

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

May your time with the Lord, today, be a reminder to you of how deep and abiding is His love for

you. That you may "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:18b-19)

If you'd like to enter for our second to last copy of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES, please leave a comment below with your email address. In what way is the Lord showing His love for you, today? Or are you having trouble seeing that great love?

Capture the Magic: What if ...

What a question!

For authors, that's the jumping off point of an exciting story.

• What if all the computers died at once? 
• What if the man hiding behind the plant is a desperate fugitive? 
• What if those little lights in the sky started moving? 
• What if the the lightning revealed a shadow of a man at the window?

Okay, not gonna lie. Some of those questions send a shiver down my spine.

Sometimes the scariest ones can come from the mouths of kids. Scary and confusing and able to silence the boldest of teachers without even trying.

But in this season of love, sometimes, that question, and those like it that deal with possible futures, are the type that tighten a grip around your gut and send sharp pains through your chest. With others getting engaged and married, the common concern is being "left behind."

And even being in a relationship doesn't solve the concern. When can you know you're "in love?" How can you speak the "L" word aloud? If you do, what will be the result? Does the relationship mean an eventual marriage? Is there "forever" in the other person's eyes? Will that expression actually remain forever?

If you're a Christian, you're completely immune to the worry and concern of the What if question.

Not.

But you do know that you won't be "left behind." You know that you ARE loved. You can speak what's in your heart to your Father and know you'll still be accepted and adored. And yes, the forever in the Father's eyes LITERALLY means FOREVER!

Totally cool.

So what "What if" question has you uptight today? Share it in the comments as your entry to win one of the final copies of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES! And beginning Tuesday (Valentine's Day) we've got a book each day that is going to be on sale. Don't miss this!

Capture the Magic: The Romance of Being There by Betty Thomason Owens

Betty's book, Amelia's Legacy, inspires her post today. And Amelia's Legacy just happens to be one of the books that we'll be deeply discounting next week. Stay tuned for that, but in the meantime, leave a comment here with your email address to enter for a chance to win today's copy of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES!

***

Being there.

Sometimes that’s the most romantic thing. In my book, Amelia’s Legacy, the hero has a way of showing up at just the right time. Even when Nancy thinks she doesn’t need him, he’s there. Nancy learns to appreciate that, even comes to depend upon it.

In a marriage, “being there” can be a very romantic thing. Being there in the moment, whether facing each other over a family dinner, or standing side-by-side on a pier gazing at a beautiful sunset. By the way—no phones allowed, no television in the background—only the two of you. Remember those days?

I recently spent a week in the hospital with my husband as he recovered from a near-death illness. The experience drove home the importance of being there. Holding his hand, helping him eat and drink, sometimes just letting him see my face, so he’d know I was there.

For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health—present. And I knew through every excruciating moment, if the tables had been turned, he’d have been there for me.

Isn’t it romantic? Very. Better than a couple dozen red roses. Even better than a pound of my favorite chocolate-covered caramels.

Robert Emerson was there for Nancy in Amelia’s Legacy. He stayed, even when he thought she didn’t want or need him. He stayed, because he loved her. Being there seals your love, binds your relationship, kindles the flame, and keeps the fire burning.

“It burns like blazing fire,
    like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
    rivers cannot sweep it away.” Song of Songs 8:7, NIV

***

When has being there been all that you needed from your loved one. Or maybe you were the one who

blessed with being present. If you choose, share your experience in the comments.

Our Capture the Magic continues on February 14-21 with a book on sale every day. One book per day will be discounted 60% or more. Look HERE on our website, for more information and a schedule for the when the books will be on sale.

Come back tomorrow to see our winner listed and enter again by leaving another comment! Super-simple!

And learn more about Betty, her Legacy series and her Kinsman Redeemer series, at her author page on the Write Integrity website.

Capture the Magic: Saving Eric: The Birth of a Novel by Joan Deneve

Congratulations to Paula for winning yesterday's copy of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES! Will you win the next one? Simply leave a comment with your email address to enter for today's free copy!

One of our outstanding romances that will be discounted next week, SAVING ERIC has a beautiful story about its beginnings, even beyond the novel itself.

***

July 18, 2016

I'm still surprised when God answers prayer. Don't get me wrong. I've been a believer and practicing woman of faith for over forty years. I've seen God do some amazing things, and yes, even miracles, in answer to prayer. On the other hand, I've experienced times when God remained silent to my anguished cries.

My mouth will tell you that I believe God can do anything, but sometimes my heart counters, "But will He?" At such times, I try to fall back on what I know to be true: That God is a good God who is also wise and all-knowing; That our God is sovereign, which is a fancy way of saying He is God and I am not; that He gets to call the shots.

It was out of these thoughts, feelings, and questions that my first novel Saving Eric was born. I wanted to illustrate that God's plan is sometimes bigger than what we can presently see, and that we can trust God to always do what is needed and right.

Through this character-driven novel, three basic truths about God come to light:

1. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think. These words, taken from Ephesians 3:20, are the foundational truth behind Brock Whitfield's faith. Brock's faith is strong because it was forged in the crucible of deep failure, disappointment, and loss. He passes on what he has learned about trusting God to all the staff at the mission hospital he started in Angola.
2. God sometimes lets us be the answer to our own prayers. This is probably my favorite truth. Brock had prayed for Eric Templeton for years, but he never dreamed God would allow him to be part of the answer. What an exciting thought! God not only gives us the desires of our hearts, but He also lets us be part of the answer! 
3. God uses broken people to help other broken people. We are all broken. That's why we need a savior. God is in the business of changing lives. Brock, Ellie, Eric, and Bob—all are broken and in need of God's truth and God's grace to turn their lives around. 

These fictional characters struggle with things we all struggle with. Using Brock as spiritual mentor, I take the reader down the path of some of my own spiritual battles and questions. My goal was to portray God realistically and faithfully. He is a God who does not always answer the way we think He will or should, but His answer is always the best one. It's a hard lesson to learn, and one that must be relearned many times in one's life.

I wrote the book, tweaked, re-wrote, and tweaked some more, and after three long years, I doubted that I would ever get my book published. So in 2014, I did the unthinkable. I gave God a deadline. Granted, I gave Him a year, but it was still a deadline. I asked for two specific requests. Big requests. Not the generic, "God bless my children and keep them safe." (Nothing wrong with that either)
I prayed on January 1, 2014 for God to come through and answer the two requests I had been praying for three years. I committed to prayer that 2014 be the year both requests would be answered. At every prayer meeting, everybody knew my hand would go up, and I would mention two unspoken prayer requests.

Did I ask in faith? You bet. Did I really believe the requests would be answered? Sort of. In September, fully nine months after asking that original prayer, I was thrilled beyond words to finally have a contract for my novel to get published! Check off first request!

I'll tell more about the second request after the photo

The second request was more of a challenge. Okay, I'll go ahead and tell you, I prayed for God to let my son find a good, godly wife. I still had hope, but I had already decided to let God off the hook in case it wasn't His timing or His will. (Like He needed for me to let Him off the hook.)

The answer came on Christmas Eve. My son visited and announced that he had met a girl, a special girl, who just might be "the one." Unfortunately, like Rhoda who refused to believe Peter was actually out of prison and knocking on the door, I responded with "You're kidding."

How's that for faith?

I'm thankful God answers even weak faith! My novel was published on February 14, 2015, and I like to think of it as God's Valentine to me. My son was married in October of 2015, probably not just because of my prayers, but because God is so good!

Let me sum it all up. God is real. God is good. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think. Our God loves us and delights to show Himself strong on our behalf. But His ways are not our ways. Sometimes He says, "No." Sometimes He says, "Wait." Sometimes He is silent, and at such times, we must do as the song says, "When we can't trace His hand, we trust His heart."

***

What a touching post. Have you waited on the Lord? Maybe you're waiting now. Please share your

thoughts when you leave your email address.

Last but not least, our Capture the Magic continues on February 14-21 with a book on sale every day. One book per day will be discounted 60% or more. Look HERE on our website, for more information and a schedule for the when the books will be on sale.

Come back tomorrow to see our winner listed and enter again by leaving another comment! Super-simple!

And learn more about Joan Deneve and her books at her author page on the Write Integrity Press website.

Capture the Magic: Capture the Moment by Fay Lamb

Yesterday's winner is Ginger Solomon! Yea! You'll receive THE HEART SEEKER SERIES link at the email you left in your comment.

So thankful that Fay Lamb shared her romantic tidbit! Be sure to leave a comment with your email address to enter for the free copy of THE HEART SEEKERS SERIES that we'll be giving away first thing in the morning.

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My husband is a data machine. He remembers dates and times while I can’t even recall today’s date or what occurred yesterday. I’ve been sitting with this data machine in the University of Florida’s stadium, affectionately known as The Swamp, for years.

You have to picture my husband, sitting in the seats we inherited from his father, seats he’s enjoyed since he was six years old. That’s a half a century. He’s grown up surrounded by die-hard Gator fans. Yet, he can gather all their attention by pointing to the field and declaring, “I remember in 1966 when Steve Spurrier …”

Me? I have to ask him who the Gators played last week and if they won—even if I attended the game.

The data machine doesn’t sound very romantic, does he?

But he also has a romantic side, and he woos me with it when he says, “I wouldn’t trade walking into the room on July 11, 1987, for all the money in the world.”

I wouldn’t have remembered the year short of his repeating it often, but I do remember what happened on that date. My data machine walked into a room and pretended to be my date because some deviant was hitting on me. I left the party with the data machine and never looked back, and every anniversary of our first date, he romances me off my feet with his declaration.

He woos me on our wedding anniversary as well, but shh … don’t tell him. We married on his birthday so that I’ll never forget the date.

***

Be sure to leave your comment with your email address. Fay's hubby has an unexpected romantic
side. Have you experienced that before? One of the comments yesterday was about how her husband just showed up unexpectedly with a single rose. Oo-la-la! It's the little things that can make such a difference! Share one of yours or something you've witnessed!

And don't forget that our Capture the Magic continues on February 14-21 with a book on sale every day. One book per day will be discounted 60% or more. Look HERE on our website, for more information and a schedule for the when the books will be on sale.

Come back tomorrow to see our winner listed and enter again by leaving another comment! Super-simple!

And learn more about Fay Lamb at her author page on the Write Integrity Press website.

Capture the Magic: Watch Out by Marji Laine Clubine

This month, the season of romance, is the time when we relish in the love we have for others. And it’s the time for romance!  Nothing better than snuggling down in front of a fire with a loved one. And snuggling down in front of that same fire with a sweet romance is almost as delightful.

Today, we’re giving away a free e-copy of THE HEART SEEKER SERIES. Leave a comment below with your email address to enter. We'll be drawing a winner every morning from the day's comments. And while you're at it, share a funny, romantic experience that you’ve had or heard about.

Here’s one from my history. My mom always had a saying, “Watch out for the railroad tracks.” See, when my brother or I drove to church, we had to drive over 4 sets of tracks. It was her way of saying “I love you.” But before I get all mushy …

Railroad tracks have a whole new meaning when you have to get braces. And I had them three times; first in 6th grade, then as a freshman in college, and finally my senior year in college. I got them off for the last time just a few months before my wedding.

And I’ll never forget the way my mother’s words echoed through my brain the time that my fiancé’s lip got pulled by the bracket on my front tooth.

“Yeah, dude. Be careful of the railroad tracks!”

So, share something from your past or that you’ve heard. Tuesday’s always a good day to chuckle!

And here are a few things to remember: First, tonight at 7PM Central, Marie Wells Coutu and I will be chatting on Blog Talk Radio at the Publishing Laine program. We’ll be talking about her new book and also about the current awards season. Join us!

Last but not least, our Capture the Magic continues on February 14-21 with a book on sale every day. One book per day will be discounted 60% or more. Look HERE on our website, for more information and a schedule for the when the books will be on sale.

Come back tomorrow to see our winner listed and enter again by leaving another comment! Super-simple!

And learn more about Marji and her books at her page on Write Integrity Press.