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.