Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Coming May 2008 from Bethany House:

It has been said that without George Washington, there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self." Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children when she was courted by, then married to the French and Indian War hero. Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.

Known for moving first-person portrayals of Nannerl Mozart and Jane Austen, Nancy Moser now brings to life the loves, tragedies, and accomplishments of Washington's Lady, the mother of the United States.

Merciless by Robin Parrish (Book #3 in the Dominion Trilogy)

Coming in June 2008 from Bethany House:

Deep under the earth, Grant Borrows has supposedly fallen to his doom. But when something crawls out of that pit—something dark and merciless with unrestrained power—it proclaims itself "Oblivion" and begins molding the planet into a twisted, barren, dangerous world. A Dark World. Is it Grant Borrows, returned from the dead? Or something more sinister—something no human ever imagined possible?

As Grant's remaining friends finally learn the ultimate truth behind the events that have shaped their lives, they secretly gather for one last battle. A final showdown between good and evil that will prove to every soul on earth that even in the bitterest twilight, when all is lost, hope still lives.

Read our review of Book #1, Relentless here.

Author Chris Coppernoll on cover of Jan. Christian Single

Author, speaker, and radio host Chris Coppernoll appears on the cover of the January 2008 issue of LifeWay's "Christian Single" magazine, as his debut novel, Providence: Once Upon a Second Chance, from David C. Cook, goes into its second printing. Providence tells the story of a single, college pastor who pens a national bestseller that overturns his life during the Christmas season. The book has received exceptionally positive responses from reviewers and readers alike.

"The emails from readers have been amazing," says Coppernoll. "Both singles and married alike have connected with Providence and its story of forgiveness and the renewal of lost love. The story in ‘Christian Single’ talks about God's grace and His wonderful plans. Being single myself, I hope readers are inspired by it."

Coppernoll recently signed a new contract with David C. Cook for two new novels to be released in 2008 and 2009. Following the August publication of his debut novel, Coppernoll established the ““Providence Cares”” initiative to help raise money for families of children with catastrophic illnesses. Speaking and signing books at “Providence Cares” events, all proceeds go directly to benefit a family’’s health care expenses.

In addition to his work with “Providence Cares,” Coppernoll continues to make appearances around the country in support of Providence. He has appeared on Faith Café, The Harvest Show (LeSea Broadcasting), USA Radio Network, Moody Radio, WJIE, Deeper Life, WQME, Bridges, and has been featured or reviewed in HomeLife Magazine, CCM, and on numerous websites. He's been a guest speaker on college campuses, including Penn State in Altoona, Pennsylvania; Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana; and Taylor University in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, addressing audiences on Providence's themes of singleness, as well as creative writing and Christian broadcasting. Additionally, Coppernoll has appeared at book signings at Sam's Club and LifeWay Christian Stores, and at conferences like ICRS and the Global Missions Health Conference at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

Coppernoll is the author of three nonfiction titles: God’s Calling: Searching for Your Purpose in Life; Secrets of a Faith Well Lived; and Soul2Soul. He is also the founder and host of the internationally syndicated Christian music radio program “Soul2Soul" and has conducted hundreds of interviews on faith issues with personalities such as Max Lucado, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Sheila Walsh. He also serves as a deacon at The People's Church of Franklin, Tennessee, and is currently working toward a Masters in Ministry Leadership degree through Rockbridge Seminary.

Learn more or buy Providence at Christianbook.com

Jerry Jenkins' next novel Riven

Described be Jenkins as, "...the novel I was born to write," his next novel from Tyndale is due in March 2008.

Riven tells the story of a man put on death row for murder who wants his execution to be a recreation of Christ's crucifixion.

Read our latest interview with Jerry and his film maker son Dallas here.

Read our full interview with Jerry here.

Anathema by Colleen Coble

Coming in March 2008 from Thomas Nelson:

An Amish Romantic Suspense Novel from Million-selling Award-winning Novelist Colleen Coble.

Hannah Schwartz slipped away from her Amish family to meet with her beau, Reece Ericson. When she returned, she discovered her parents murdered and their handmade quilts stolen.

Years later, a shunned Hannah returns to the scene of the crime in hopes of restoring her family and her faith. But while much has changed in Hannah's life, the danger at home now threatens with a vengence.

Thanks to our friend and contributor Rel Mollet for bringing this novel to our attention. Visit Rel at her blog Relz Reviewz here.

Nikki Arana's Winds of Sonoma to be movie

Nikki Arana has recently sold the film rights for The Winds of Sonoma to a production company. Shooting is scheduled to start next summer. She will be a script consultant for the project which is tentatively scheduled to release in early 2009.

Read our interview with Nikki here.
Read our review of Nikki's latest novel As I Have Loved You here.

Sibella Giorello signs with Thomas Nelson

Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of novel The Stones Cry Out (Revell) has just recently signed a 4 book deal with Thomas Nelson.

The first book is scheduled to to be a sequel to The Stones Cry Out.

Read our interview with Sibella here.
Read our review of The Stones Cry Out here.

Dawn's Light by Terri Blackstock

The 4th and final installment of the Restoration series from Terri Blackstock (Zondervan) will hit shelves in May of 2008.

Summary:

As the Pulses that caused the outage are finally coming to an end, thirteen-year-old Beth Branning witnesses a murder. Threatened by the killer, she keeps the matter to herself. But her silence could cost her life.

Meanwhile, as Deni’s ex-fiancé returns to Crockett with a newfound faith and the influence to get things done, Deni is torn between the man who can fulfill all her dreams and Mark Green, the man who inhabits them.

As the world slowly emerges from the crisis, the Brannings face their toughest crisis yet. Will God require more of them than they’ve already given? How will they keep their faith if he doesn’t answer their prayers?

Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker

Coming in June 2008 from Zondervan:

Summary:

When Chloe Adams’ fiancé dumps her—the night before their wedding—two girlfriends from her book group decide it’s time to take charge, and suggest that a little adventure is in order for the three of them. After all, why let a perfectly good honeymoon cruise go to waste?

Adventure? Chloe Adams? No way! Chloe’s lived in one town her whole life. The closest she’s ever gotten to actual adventures is reading about them. But her girlfriends won’t take no for an answer.

One good adventure calls for another as Chloe’s friends try to coax her out of her post-dumping funk, and soon she finds herself living out the adventures in her book club’s latest selections. Hiking. Sailing. River rafting. Traveling to new places and eating exotic food. The play-it-safe Chloe begins to blossom into a new, daring Chloe. A Chloe who just might be ready to take on her biggest adventure of all …

Laura Jensen Walker has a knack for quirky heroines and real-life humor. In Chloe, she’s created another memorable character that will live on in readers’ hearts.

The Restorer's Journey (Book #3 in the Sword of Lyric series) by Sharon Hinck

Coming this February is the third and last installment of Sharon Hinck's wonderful Sword of Lyric series. *spoiler warning* You might not want to read the summary if you haven't read the previous books yet.

Summary:

From the innovative Sword of Lyric series comes an all-new fantasy adventure.

Back in our world with her teenage son, Jake, in tow, suburban mom Susan Mitchell is ready for life as usual. But when a foreign threat invades their comfortable home, Susan and Jake soon find themselves drawn back through the portal to the world of the People of the Verses. Now she will struggle to love a people who have become her captors, while Jake suffers a tragic betrayal and discovers his destiny as the next Restorer.

Filled with adventure, warmth, and humorous asides, the Sword of Lyric series offers readers an exciting reading experience unlike any other.

Read our review of Book #1, The Restorer here.

Barbour Publishing Confirms Commitment to Fiction

Demonstrating its continuing commitment to fiction, Barbour Publishing has signed five authors to exclusive, multi-book contracts. Current authors Mary Connealy, M. L. Tyndall, Christine Lynxwiler, and Kelly Eileen Hake, along with new author Marcia Gruver, will write a combined 30 books for Barbour over the next few years.

"Barbour has long been known for doing inspirational romance well, and we have plans to continue to grow that strength with the launch of our cozy mystery series in January 2008 and with more full-length fiction novels on each new list," said Rebecca Germany, fiction editor for Barbour.

Mary Connealy, whose first two books Petticoat Ranch and Golden Days released in February, is known for bringing humor to historical settings. Connealy has agreed to write nine books for release over the next three years, beginning with Calico Canyon in August 2008 and Gingham Mountain in spring 2009. Following that series, she will write a series of humorous romances set in Montana. Her next book, Of Mice...and Murder, releases in early 2008.

M. L. Tyndall, who earned a 2007 Christy Award nomination for her book, The Redemption, has agreed to a six-book contract over the next three years. Tyndall, who has written three inspirational pirate romance novels set in the Caribbean, will release The Falcon and the Sparrow in August 2008, a stand-alone novel set in England during the Napoleon Wars, followed by a sisters' trilogy set in Charleston, South Carolina, prior to the American Revolution.

Award-winning author Christine Lynxwiler is set to release six books starting in spring 2009. Lynxwiler, who won the Book of the Year award from American Christian Fiction Writers, writes lighthearted contemporary fiction. Barbour reports strong sales for her latest release, Forever Christmas, and her Arkansas story collection has become a Barbour bestseller. Her next book, Along Came a Cowboy, is due out in fall 2008.

Kelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents program, where she has released several books. Currently a credentialed Secondary English teacher, she is pursuing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Her Prairie Promises trilogy, set in the 1850s Nebraska Territory, features her special style of witty, heartwarming historical romance. Barbour plans to release the first of this collection, The Bride Bargain, in fall 2008.

Joining the Barbour family will be new author Marcia Gruver, who has agreed to a three-book series. Gruver, who lives in Texas, found out about her contract when Germany made the annual surprise announcement at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in September. The first book in Gruver's historical Texas Fortunes trilogy, Diamond Duo, is scheduled for a fall 2008 release.

Publisher's Weekly names "Quaker Summer" by Lisa Samson one of the "Best Books of the Year"

In a starred review of Quaker Summer ($14.99; 978-1595542076; February 2007) earlier this year, Publishers Weekly hailed Lisa Samson as "one of the most powerful voices in Christian fiction" and "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks." This month, the trade journal bestows another honor on Samson, naming Quaker Summer to their list of "Best Books of the Year."

The gold standard industry trade journal, Publishers Weekly reports to have reviewed a staggering 6000 books in 2007. Their "Best Books of the Year" list is a diverse compilation of the staff's favorite 150 titles across all genres. Three positions on this year's list belonged to religious fiction titles.

"We are thrilled for Lisa to have received this well-deserved honor from Publishers Weekly," said Allen Arnold, Senior Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson's Fiction division. "Lisa continues to impress readers with her compelling writing. Her unique voice makes her a valuable asset in our mission to reach the broadest possible audience with the best stories always told from a Christian worldview."

Samson's novel is in good company. Among the honored selections were National Book Award nominees, Oprah picks, and highly-anticipated releases like J.K. Rowling's conclusion to the Harry Potter series.

Also honored as the 2007 Women of Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer is the compelling story of Heather Curridge, the typical super mom living a life of privilege. But somehow at the end of the day, Heather feels so inadequate. When she wrecks her Suburban outside of Baltimore, things start to fall into perspective. Through this ordeal, Heather comes into close contact with an inner-city nun and a Quaker spinster. Inspired by their radical lives, Heather experiences a summer of awakening and grace. With the help of these remarkable women and her devoted friends and family, she discovers just how much she is able to give.

Lisa Samson is the Christy-award winning author of 19 books and lives in urban Lexington, KY, with her husband and three children. Quaker Summer is her first title with Thomas Nelson. Embrace Me, an intriguing story of love and belonging set in a traveling circus, releases March 4, 2008.

Read our review of Quaker Summer here.

Ashberry Lane book giveaway!

A special announcement from mother-daughter writing team Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry:

We co-write books about relationships. We are a relationship. We want to dominate the relationship brand. And we want to have at least 500 subscribers to the Ashberry Lane Newsletter by the first of the year. Should we expect you to sign up and work hard at strong-arming your friends to sign up while you get nothing out of the deal? No way!

Compassionate as we are, we've worked up a HUGE new incentive. How better to promote our relational fiction than featuring other fiction that focuses on different types of relationship? Why don't we give our supporters a chance to win EIGHT autographed books? What a great Christmas present that would be! Or what a lot of Christmas shopping done for you!

Without further ado, we present, with a booming voice,

ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

For the Friend Relationship: Roxanne Henke's After Anne

One of our absolute favorite books. As you watch Olivia and Anne struggle through a difficult challenge, you'll want to be a better friend.

For the Prodigal Relationship: Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me
How many of us have walked away from what our father wanted for us? Or away from our Father? This story will remind you that the you can go home again.

For the Marriage Relationship: Robin Jones Gunn's Wildflowers Wildflowers

Married Genevieve falls in love with the man she least expected could win her heart. It's not who you might think ....

For the Sibling Relationship: Lauraine Snelling's Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1)

In the first of this frontier series, Ruby must deal with her new "inheritance" while protecting her sister from its influences.

For the Man's Perspective on Relationships: James Scott Bell's Breach of Promise

A heart-rending story of a man trying to keep his family together.

For the Supernatural Relationship: Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir

Don't let the title of this book scare you away. There is no glorification of the demonic, but an enlightened fresh look at what History means.

For the Relationships Gone Bad: Bette Nordberg's Serenity Bay

A truly terrifying story of woman who married Prince Charming and discovered he wasn't.

For the Single Among the Marriage-Minded: Camy Tang's Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1)

You'll laugh. You'll relate. You'll be impressed with this debut novel from up-and-coming author Camy Tang.

EIGHT books. ONE winner. Here are the ways to win:

Current subscriber and previous referrals are already in the hat. Any new subscriber or referral will gain another entry.

Publicize this to your homeys through newsletters: one entry.

Blog about the contest: one entry. (Email us if you need what to post.)

Include it in your Christmas cards: two entries.

Tuck it in the gift bag with the fruitcake you'll be leaving on random doorsteps: five entries.

Subscribe! Spread the word! Flood the blogosphere! Take over the world!

Coming in July from Karen Kingsbury, This Side of Heaven

Summary:

No one believed he had a daughter he’d never met . . . No one listened when she cried for the daddy she didn’t know . . . Now, in the ashes of tragedy, lies a vindication neither could’ve imagined.

Annie Warren never talked much about her oldest son, Brad. Years of failures and bad choices had created heartbreaking separation between mother and son. Then one dramatic night, a terrible tragedy reveals things about her grown boy that Annie never would’ve otherwise known. He was a good friend, an honest worker, and a hero. Most of all, Annie learns that Brad has an 8-year-old daughter, Savanah.

Meanwhile, in London, Fran Ito, is a single mother who lives on the streets, lost in a nightmare of drugs and illegal activity. She has no idea what to do with her daughter, Savanah, until she gets word of a financial settlement – one that might belong to her little girl. Spinning a web of deceit and desperation, Fran connives to get the money – one way or another.

A story of family secrets, broken relationships, and a love strong enough to span an ocean – this side of heaven.

Read our interview with Karen here.

Pre-Order This Side of Heaven at CBD.com

Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist

Coming in May 2008 ...

Summary:

The last time readers saw Essie Spreckelmeyer, she was courting trouble. Four years later, she's wearing bloomers, leading the Corsicana Velocipede Club, and running her father's oil company—and she couldn’t imagine trading any of it. Even for a husband.

Tony Morgan, the disinherited son of an oil baron, arrives in boomtown Corsicana, Texas, with the intention of rising to the top and proving himself to the world. His new job with Sullivan Oil, however, finds him butting heads with a headstrong blonde who contradicts his orders, drafts him to represent the company in a bicycle race, and tangles with his ambitions. Is love around the corner, or are they deep in the heart of trouble?

DEEANNE GIST, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging, has a background in education and journalism. She previously wrote for People Magazine, Parents, and Parenting, and has a line of parenting products called "I Did It!? Productions". She has a degree from Texas A&M and lives with her family in Houston, Texas.

Flywheel movie novelization by Eric Wilson

Novelist Eric Wilson has once again been tapped for the novelization of a Kendrick brothers film. His previous was Facing the Giants, but now he's working on Flywheel (Thomas Nelson, April 2008).

Summary:

Jay Austin wants to sell cars in the worst way---and that's exactly how he conducts business at his dealership. His manipulative behavior spoils his relationships---even his family can't trust him. But as he restores a classic auto, he comes face-to-face with a startling reality---God's restoration! Will he take the road to redemption?

America the Beautiful by Laura Hayden

An interesting new novel coming from Laura Hayden called America The Beautiful (Tyndale House) in 2008.

Summary:

Emily Benton has spent her entire life immersed in politics. Having been raised in the industry, she has the kinds of contacts that it takes most politicians decades to build. She knows that she can win the race for president of the United States, but only if she destroys her rival first, before he can find and use hidden ammunition on her. If Emily destroys him, the election will be hers. A groundbreaking novel about the intersection of politics, power, personality, and the future of our country.

Playing God by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Michelle McKinney's Hammond's second novel (the first being The Last Ten Percent) is coming from Harvest House in May 2008.

Summary:

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” After seven years as a counselor, the once idealistic Tamara Roberts has absorbed so much of the loss, doubts, and trials of her clients that she begins to question how God can let so much hurt happen in the lives of good people. Corinne Collins’ husband, a respected religious leader, is unfaithful with another man; Lela Deveraux tries to take matters into her own hands to settle the score between her and her famous but absent producer husband; Jamilah, Tamara’s best friend, is trying to save a young girl neglected by her mother. In contrast, Felicia Sample (featured in The Last Ten Percent) is married, saved, and feeling blessed after a past of indecision and mistakes.

Snow Angel by Jamie Carie wins USA News Book Award

USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2007 AWARDS today. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print, audio books & courses, e-books and interactive CD-ROMs. Awards were presented for titles published in 2007 and late 2006. Snow Angel by Jamie Carie won in the Fiction & Literature: Religious Fiction category.

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists. Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Penguin-Putnam, HarperCollins, Random House, McGraw-Hill, Houghton Mifflin Co., John Wiley & Sons & hundreds of independent titles contributed to this year’s outstanding BBA competition.

Carie’s novel has been receiving stellar reviews--including notice in Romantic Times Magazine and The Library Journal. Reltz Reviews out of Australia claims: “Snow Angel captured my imagination from beginning to end. It is an epic romance with fast paced intrigue and an emotional intensity rarely achieved. Jamie Carie's gifted characterization is of a caliber expected from a multi-published author not one writing her debut novel. Prepare to be swept away by this powerful tale of love and sacrifice and become a devoted reader of anything Jamie Carie pens in the future.”

Jamie Carie will be signing copies of her award winning book throughout the fall and winter. A complete calendar of book signings can be found at www.jamiecarie.com.

Jamie Carie, an Indiana native, is pleased her book has won a National Book Award. "It is so exciting to watch everything that is happening with Snow Angel. It’s like sending your child into the world and then feeling so proud by what they accomplish. I am honored to win in this category."

Karen Kingsbury's next Sunrise series books

Sunset (Book #4)
The power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption.
To be released Spring 2008

Someday (Book #3)
A desperate time, a determined love, and a sister’s quest for reconciliation.
To be released February 2008.

Read our interview with Karen here.
Read our review of Sunrise here.
Read our review of Just Beyond the Clouds here.

New YA series Dreamhouse Kings coming from Robert Liparulo in July 2008

In this stunning YA adventure series from acclaimed author Robert Liparulo, a house that is more than meets the eye will change the lives of the King family forever.

When the Kings move to a new home in a new town, the house seems odd at first; but things get really strange when they realize that some rooms are portals to other worlds.

House of Dark Shadows - The Kings face terrifying dangers within the rooms of their home, but it still seems like an adventure until people start coming out of the rooms and into the house. When one of the intruders kidnaps their mother, they must find a way to rescue her-but who would believe such a fantastical story?

Watcher in the Woods - The King Family begins their search, quickly realizing that they must learn more about the worlds in order to find their mother. But they also must pretend that all is well at home. When a stranger appears and tries to force them to sell the house, their desperation reaches new heights.

Read our review of Germ here.
Read our review of Deadfall here.
Read our interview with Robert here.

Travis Thrasher signs with Faithwords

An update on Thrasher's website gives us info on his upcoming projects:

This past January, I was supposed to have a new book out entitled Isolation. It was a supernatural thriller (a horror story) that dealt with a missionary family under attack. Several people in my writing circle (editors, agent, mom) felt it was my strongest book to date. This title was pulled a month before publication because the publisher felt it was too dark and intense for them.

I’m pleased to announce that Isolation will be seeing light of day. I just signed a four-book contract with Faithwords which is a part of Hatchette Book Group (one of those great big New York houses). This is a fabulous opportunity for my writing to move to that famous “next level.”

At this point, 2008 will have two releases that I’m excited about. In the springtime, Out of the Devil’s Mouth will be released by Moody. This is an adventure tale about an expedition in the Amazon jungle. Think Raiders of the Lost Ark. It takes place in 1929. It’s fun and action-packed. Then Isolation will be released in the fall.

Thanks for your interest in my writing. I realize that I'm quite diverse. But I think that’s a good thing. I never want to be predictable. Hopefully I’ll continue to get better, to tell interesting stories, and move you (to joy, to fear, to tears). Just like every author wants.

Read our review of Sky Blue here.

Beverly Lewis' The Parting on NY Times & USA Today bestseller lists

Minneapolis, MN—Beverly Lewis' latest novel, The Parting, is currently at #8, its second time at that ranking, on the New York Times Paperback Trade Fiction list. It debuted October 1 at #23. This is the highest ranking that a novel by Lewis has reached on the Times list. Her previous novel, The Brethren, reached #12, while The Englisher reached #29 and The Prodigal reached #32.

The Parting also debuted on the USA Today Bestseller List at #39 on October 11, 2007.

The Parting, book one in Lewis' new series The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, is published by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Based on actual events that caused a split in a Pennsylvania Old Order church, The Parting follows Nellie Fisher, a passionate, if stubborn, girl who may lose her beloved Caleb to the church rift. Yet if she follows Caleb, she may lose her family. As the church perches precariously on the brink of a separation, Nellie and Caleb continue to meet—but at what cost?

Beverly Lewis was born in Pennsylvania Amish country, but now lives in Colorado with her husband David. She is an accomplished musician and was previously a schoolteacher. An award-winning, bestselling author, Lewis has written more than 70 books, including many for children and teens. Her newest children's release, In Jesse's Shoes, is available now. To read more about her life and writing, visit www.beverlylewis.com.

Angel by Alton Gansky

Just released from Alton Gansky ...

An earthquake shakes Southern California and sets the stage for the appearance of Aster, a stranger from a world far from our own. Miracles happen around him, spectacular promises are made, and wisdom flows forth from his lips. Aster says he has come to complete our knowledge, to explain our beginnings, and to correct our spiritual errors. He speaks of one greater than he who will soon return to the earth he seeded long ago. And the world is ready to receive him: politicians seek his advice, religious leaders wish to call him friend, scientists want to study him, and philosophers wish to debate him. But not everything is what it seems in Aster s world. Priscilla Simms, an investigatory journalist, is the only one with doubts. This messenger seems too good to be believed. With the courage of conviction and faith, she sets out to find the truth. It s a search that may cost her reputation, and maybe even her life.

Want a sample? Here is the prologue:

Prologue

Last Will and Testament of Priscilla Cloe Simms Digital video recording from somewhere in Minnesota.

“My name is Priscilla Simms. Yes, that Priscilla Simms. This is my last will and testament. Being of sound mind and weary body, I make this recording of my own volition and under no compulsion. Before I pass my earthly belongings on, I wish to make a statement, to give an account of what has led me to this place, and what will likely lead to my death.

I’m recording this from a secret location…Scratch that. By the time you see this, I’ll be in another location—or dead. Since I can’t edit this video, I’m afraid you’re going to have to endure raw footage. Sorry. I wish I could do better, but things aren’t ideal for me. Not anymore.

“Sorry. I say that word a lot now. More than I thought any person could. I know it’s not all my fault, but logic doesn’t always withstand the onslaught of emotion.

“I doubt I’ll be here much longer. I have to keep moving—keep hiding, but I suppose it’s only a matter of time. From reporter to rebel in eighteen months seems too much to believe. Half the time, I think I’m dreaming, but when I open my eyes, the nightmare continues.

I know you—whoever you are—don’t need me to tell you all that’s happened since Aster’s arrival, but you do need me to tell you what few others will: the truth.

You know some of the story; the part Aster wants you to know; the parts we all believed; the parts I helped broadcast to the world. There’s more—much more. All the goodness you see… Things aren’t what they seem, and I’m not what the authorities say I am. I wish I could prove that to you—to the world, but I harbor no illusions about that. Still, I must try. This is bigger than my opinion or me. This is larger than any one person. This goes beyond this life. It extends into eternity.

I should have known better, really. Hindsight, as they say, is always 20-20. The clues were there and had my eyes been open, I would have recognized them.

I had been warned, too. A dear friend, an insightful woman… She knew. Somehow, someway, she knew. I didn’t listen. I couldn’t see what she did and I should have, we share the same faith.

Yes, I said faith. That was the key. That is the key. Had I bothered to see the situation through the eyes of faith, I would have recognized the lie and maybe made a difference. But I didn’t. I suppose this video is as much a confession as it is an attempt to get the truth out to any who will listen.

Will you listen? I can’t force you to believe me, but maybe, just maybe, my account will ring with enough truth you will recognize it. At any rate, it’s the best I can do now.

That's why I have to do this and do what comes next. That's why this video...

Where to begin…

Visit Alton online at his website here.
Read our interview with Alton here.

Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

Following on the heels of Book #1, Hollywood Nobody, Lisa Samson returns in February 2008 to tell us more of Scotty's story.

Spoiler warning! Don't read the below summary if you haven't read Hollywood Nobody.

Summary:

For fifteen-year-old Scotty Dawn, life is starting to resemble a movie.

After learning that her movie-industry mom is actually her grandmother, Scotty receives more shocking news: Her father was killed by the mob. With his murderer still at large, Scotty hides out on a film set in Texas. There she encounters old rivals, new friends, and a young girl caught in a desperate situation. But in the middle of her fears and intense loneliness, Scotty discovers the life-changing power of prayer.

Lisa Samson presents the second in a four-part series for young women. Readers will encounter entertaining stories, smart dialogue, and meaningful themes that impact their everyday lives.

Read our review of Hollywood Nobody here.

Skid by Rene Gutteridge

The next novel in Rene Gutteridge's Occupational Hazards series, Skid, is scheduled for a May 2008 release. This one features the character Hank.

Read our interview with Rene here.
Read our review of Scoop here.
Read our review of Snitch here.

Harvest House to Launch ConversantLife.com Books

EUGENE, OREGON—October 15, 2007—In a move that will reach out to a technology–driven culture as well as non–traditional believers and those searching for faith, Harvest House Publishers is launching ConversantLife.com Books, a new line that will bring four new titles in January, including I’m Fine With God...It’s Christians I Can’t Stand by popular authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz.

In conjunction with the new line, Harvest House has partnered with the Conversant Media Group, a company dedicated to delivering quality content to a wide–ranging audience, utilizing the “new media” phenomena found on the Internet, in digital technology and in the rapidly evolving communications world. The group’s website, ConversantLife.com, will launch in January.

I’m Fine With God...It’s Christians I Can’t Stand relates how many non–Christians find the behavior of some Christians offensive rather than inviting. Many Christians do too! Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, authors of Knowing the Bible 101, take an unflinchingly honest and often humorous look at some believers’ outlandish behavior. This candid assessment of the church will bridge the communication gap, empowering Christians to share their faith more freely and helping those who don’t yet believe discover the truth about God without being distracted by...

• judgmental attitudes, hypocrisy, and condemnation
• confusing mixtures of politics and the gospel
• defensive positions in the “God vs. science” debate
• extreme teachings about prosperity

This refreshing call to authentic Christianity will help Christians and non–Christians get past the peripheral issues and communicate openly and honestly about God.

Other ConversantLife titles releasing in January include: Wrestling with Angels by Carolyn Arends; Why Guys Need God by Michael Erre; and Five Sacred Crossings by Craig J. Hazen (all four titles currently available for review in galley format).

“Our main goal in this partnership with Conversant Media Group is to encourage people in their faith by presenting biblical truths in compelling, creative and culturally effective ways,” says Bob Hawkins, Jr., president of Harvest House. “ConversantLife.com and its authors will present content and encourage communication in such a way that will motivate people to relate and engage in conversations, interact with trustworthy content, and more. It’s a venture that we hope will generate dialogue throughout society, crossing barriers and breaking down walls.”

According to author Stan Jantz, the intellectual questions about God and the Bible are still important to this new generation of people, but they are more likely to be drawn to Christianity first through the back door of conversation and community.

“Without this relational aspect, people seeking faith may never ask the questions whose answers will lead them through the front door of God’s truth,” says Jantz.

One More Sunrise by Michael Landon, Jr. & Tracie Peterson

Originally scheduled to release in January but now scheduled for Spring 2008, Michael Landon Jr. & Tracie Peterson's One More Sunrise has also been assigned a new cover.

A mysterious feather…an odd stranger…another chance? Joe Daley's life is spiraling out of control. In more ways than one…

His dreams of WWII glory died along with his plans to serve his country. Fifteen years later, Joe Daley flies a crop duster and struggles through life, with his marriage to high-school-sweetheart Meg running on fumes.

Until one morning when Joe's daily routine turns into the ride of a lifetime as his beat-up biplane begins a heart-stopping spiral toward earth. What did he hit? An enormous bird? With the only evidence a long white feather, Joe embarks on a new odyssey.

When an old high-school suitor of Meg's—now the charming representative of a corporate farming enterprise—arrives in town, he offers better lives for everyone. Is this the opportunity Joe and Meg have been waiting for? Or a collision course with disaster?

A Gripping Story of Lives Turned Upside Down and
Dreams Transformed Into Something Beautiful and New…

Read our interview with Michael Landon, Jr. here.

James Scott Bell updates

James Scott Bell is a busy man these days. His latest offering Try Dying has just been released. It's the first book in a series, which marks Jim's first foray into writing a suspense series character.

In a recent interview Jim conducted at Novel Journey he explained more about Try Dying:

"This is not strictly in the inspirational genre. This is a book I wrote for the general market, and here's why. I got mad. I think there's a trend in secular thrillers that is too dark and gratuitous. I wanted to go the other way. I wanted to write in the tradition of 1940s and 1950s film noir and crime fiction. These managed to be suspenseful without gagging you. Why can't we still do that? We can."

The next Buchanan novel comes out in July, and is titled Try Darkness."

In other news, Jim has also penned another writing how-to book for Writer's Digest Books called Revision and Self-Editing. Its description is thus:

"This unique guide provides writers with an exclusive four-draft plan that takes them from an organic draft though the rough draft to a final draft, and ultimately a polished draft. This comprehensive plan makes the task of revision manageable and helps writers to significantly increase their odds of publication. In addition, the book features specific revision tips geared toward the first read-through, as well as targeted instruction that focuses on the individual elements of a novel like plot, structure, characters, voice, style, setting, and endings."

Read our interview with Jim here.
Read our review of No Legal Grounds here.
Read our review of Presumed Guilty here.