Cover for Deceit by Brandilyn Collins revealed

Today, Brandilyn Collins revealed the cover of her next Zondervan suspense novel (summer 2010) over at her blog. Click it to enlarge. What do you think?

Read our previous interview with Brandilyn.
Read our review of Exposure.

New Dragon series coming from Bryan Davis

A new dragon series is coming from Zondervan in March 2010 from the author who brought us the Dragons In Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series. However, this series is not related to any of the author's other works.

Summary

Jason Masters has heard his older brother Adrian’s tales about dragons kidnapping humans. Supposedly, almost one hundred years ago, a dragon stole away several humans and enslaved them on its own planet. These Lost Ones, as Adrian called them, live terrible lives as cattle. Yet, the Underground Gateway, the portal to the dragon planet, still exists somewhere, and a secret society of the same name has long tried to find it so they can rescue the Lost Ones.

When Adrian leaves to find the portal, Jason takes his place as the Governor’s bodyguard. Although the government has tried to cover up the evidence, he learns that the legends are true, and after being accused of murder and learning that Adrian’s life is in danger, he has to conduct his own search for the portal, a journey filled with danger and intrigue.

Aided by a gifted young lady named Elyssa and an eccentric escapee from the dungeon named Tibalt, Jason ventures into the wilderness to locate Adrian and the Lost Ones. Yet, what he finds on the dragon planet proves to the biggest surprise of all. Koren, a lonely slave girl, is a powerful being called a Starlighter, the slaves' only hope for survival and rescue, though most refuse to believe that their ancestors ever came from another planet.

Brandilyn Collins sells movie option for Dark Pursuit

This just in from Brandilyn Collins' blog:

I'm pleased to announce that a contract has been signed for the movie option of Dark Pursuit, my stand-alone novel released in the fall of 2008.

Maggie Field of Maggie Field Literary Consulting discovered Dark Pursuit while searching for new novels with film potential. She alerted producer Harry Gittes, who liked the book very much. Gittes has teamed up with screenwriter Chuck Pogue to purchase the option.

Before the contract was negotiated, Gittes and Pogue spent about an hour on the phone with me and my agent, Lee Hough of Alive Communications, talking about their vision for the film. It was a good conversation, and I appreciated the time they took to fill me in on their thoughts. After that conversation, all parties decided to proceed with negotiations.

If you're unfamiliar with the term "movie option," think of it as a rental of film rights for a book. For the specified time of the option, the purchasers tie up the film rights while they create a screenplay and see if they can gain interest in funding the film. If they do, the film rights are then bought outright. If not, when the option runs out the rights revert to the author, who can then option or sell the film rights to someone else.

Read our 1st review of Dark Pursuit
Read our 2nd review of Dark Pursuit
Read our interview with Brandilyn

Brandilyn & Amberly Collins Live Like A Rock Star Contest!

Know any teens age 13-18? Tell them about the “Live Like a Rock Star” sweepstakes, sponsored by Zondervan to promote Always Watching, my young adult suspense novel co-written with my daughter, Amberly. Entry into the sweepstakes is easy. And each entrant can enter up to ten times, resulting in a greater chance to win.

Grand Prize: $850 night out on the town, including dinner for six at a restaurant of winner’s choice, and limo service for the evening. The first 200 entrants will receive a free copy of Always Watching.

*TO ENTER SWEEPSTAKES, go here.

Join The Rayne Tour Series Fan Club at Facebook.

Watch the book trailer.


Always Watching—Rayne Tour Series book #1
Seatbelt Suspense® for young adults.
This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.

During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens' death connected to her?

Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at times like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom's killer—before he strikes again.

“Mother and daughter team Brandilyn and Amberly Collins have stormed onto the YA scene in exhilarating style with this great new series. Always Watching is a fast paced whodunit set against the intriguing backdrop of rock star celebrity .... Shaley’s struggle to balance her public status with her true identity is one of the most interesting aspects of this story. [Brandilyn Collins’] adult fans will find much to rave about here, while new teen readers will love the youthful voice and perspective that Amberly Collins brings to the table. Underlying the tension and dread is a strong spiritual message about trusting in the God who is always watching over us.”

—Jake Chism, The Christian Manifesto

Book Trailer for Always Watching by Brandilyn & Amberly Collins

Navy Justice series released in audio!

The first three novels of the Navy Justice Series, Treason, Hostage and Defiance, have new been released on audio! The books are read by the British narrator James Evans.

If you'd like to listen to portions of the prologue for each novel, you can online, without having to make a purchase! Simply click the link associated with the novel, and then click "Sample" under the cover picture for the book.



Links:

Treason
Hostage
Defiance

Read our review of Defiance.

Swope's Ridge by Ace Collins - coming in August!

Coming in August from Zondervan is Ace Collins' second novel, Swope's Ridge. According to his website, the novel is a sequel to his first, Farraday Road.

Says Ace:

This is the second in the Lige Evans' Mystery Series. If you are wanting to know more about Lije, Janie and the rest of the people who survived Farraday Road, this book has the answers. As it solves the first novel's mystery, this book takes readers far beyound Swope's Ridge to Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Berlin and Washington D.C. The mystery unravels to reveal not only who killed Kaitlyn Evans, but to also uncover a terrorist plot meant to crippled the U.S. government. Filled with dramatic plot twists, the book has more adventure and thrills than Farraday Road and provides deep development of the men and women who are such a vital part of this book series.

Read our review of Farraday Road.
Read our interview with Ace.

The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher Wins Christianity Today Award of Merit

Christianity Today has announced The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennet has been given an "Award of Merit" in its 2009 Book Awards. Read more about the winners here.

Read our review of the novel here.

Summary:

Meet Ryan Fisher. He’s young, energetic, and needs an edge in the real estate market. He’s found the perfect niche: Christians. His business doubles when he advertises in the Christian business directory, and he begins to think he could really cash in by planting a church. But when the church takes off, Ryan is in over his head. Also features Z+ bonus materials; including, author interview, added content, fun facts, and more.

Countdown in Cairo by Noel Hynd

Here's a peak at a book that isn't releasing until January of 2010 (Zondervan). No word yet on a summary.

Read our review of Conspiracy in Kiev, Book #1 in the Russian trilogy here.

Also, our friend and TitleTrakk writer Rel Mollet of Relz Reviewz has a terrific interview online with Noel Hynd here.

FREE audio book download: Sin Boldy - Limited time

For a limited time, Zondervan is offering a free audio download of the book Sin Boldly : A Field Guide to Grace by Cathleen Falsani.

Summary of the book:

Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. And grace is getting what you absolutely don't deserve.

Award-winning author and columnist Cathleen Falsani says, “People regularly ask me why I believe in God. The simple answer … is grace.” In Sin Boldly: A Field Guide to Grace, Falsani explores the meaning and experience of grace through story and song, quotes and photos.

Falsani says, “Grace makes no sense to our human minds. We're hardwired to seek justice, or our limited idea of what that means, and occasionally dole out mercy. Grace is another story.” Sin Boldly is an uplifting, multifaceted, and thought-provoking look at what makes grace so amazing.

Click here to access file.

Camy Tang signs again with Zondervan for 3 more books!

Just reported at Camy's blog:

My agent called me today with the great news! Zondervan has contracted me for another three books!

Right now, they’re all stand alone books—not a series.

The first book is slated to release May 2010 and is tentatively titled The Year of the Dog (they’ll probably change it). It’s a women’s contemporary novel. Here’s the back cover blurb from my proposal:

Tessa Ota, a professional dog trainer, is having a bad year.

While moving ahead with renovation plans for her new dog kenneling and training facility, Tessa needs to move in with her disapproving mother and her antagonist sister. She convinces her ex-boyfriend to take her dog for a few months … but discovers that his brother is the irate engineer whose car she rammed a few weeks earlier.

Charles Bretton has enough problems. His mama has just shown up on his doorstep all the way from Louisiana, and his brother has to move in with him after being kicked out of his apartment—with a dog in tow. And guess who the dog’s owner is?

His brother’s slovenliness, Mama’s diabetic bouts with low blood sugar, and the dog’s bad behavior are all distracting Charles from his wedding plans with a woman whose family connections will help Charles in his career. But he can’t help being attracted to the dog trainer whose sunny smile masks her bitterness at hypocritical Christians, and he starts to wonder about his own professed faith.

Will Tessa’s disjointed family and Charles’s disruptive home prevent both of them from discovering what’s really important?

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins

Coming in May 2009 from Zondervan is Brandilyn Collins' novel Exposure.

Here's the back cover copy:

When Your Worst Fear Comes True

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everybody knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s nationally syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money off her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof. Everything she “sees” disappears.

Maybe she is going over the edge.

Then real danger strikes someone close to Kaycee. And her own disturbing incidences escalate. Are the two related? Is she responsible for it all? Kaycee’s world is about to explode.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. But her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.

Read our interview with Brandilyn here.

Double Minds by Terri Blackstock

Coming in February 2009 from Zondervan is Terri Blackstock's stand alone title Double Minds.

Summary:

As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce – even deadly.

When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems.

Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?

Deceived by James Scott Bell coming Spring 2009

An exciting looking release coming from James Scott Bell in 2009.

Summary:

Two bodies in an isolated canyon. A fortune in diamonds missing. The love of money is the root of many kinds of evil, and for Liz Towne those roots grow deep. Deep enough to lead to murder. But is Liz too clever for her own good? A suspense thriller from James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Presumed Guilty.

More detailed description:

Two bodies in an isolated canyon on the edge of L.A.

One with saddlebags filled with diamonds. That's how it begins for Liz Towne, a stunning blonde with a devout husband who has given up a prime job for reasons Liz cannot understand—for "Mac" MacDonald, a Gulf War vet who's done time in prison and is just now finding his way back to normal life—and for Roxanne "Rocky" Towne, Liz's sister-in-law, who suspects things she cannot prove. All three are thrown together after a tragedy in Pack Canyon. After stumbling upon the stolen diamonds, Liz is faced with an escalating set of choices: Truth or lies? Love or money? Saint or sinner? Liz thinks she knows who she is and what she wants, but when the web gets terribly tangled, is her game of deception a clever lie or a deadly trap? A new suspense thriller from James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Presumed Guilty.

Read our review of The Whole Truth here.

Zondervan launches new teen website + contest

Just launched is Zondervan's new website featuring their YA line. The launch list includes books by Bryan Davis, Melody Carlson, Bill Myers, Robert Elmer & Debbie Viquie.

Check it out here, and be sure to enter their contest for a cool prize pack---a library of Zondervan teen titles.

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins cover unveiled

Cover unveiled for Brandilyn Collins' next novel, Dark Pursuit! (Click on cover to enlarge.)

Summary:

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, recluse and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she is rebuilding her life.

In Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered. She is about to discover the third. The only possible culprit? Her boyfriend, Craig, son of the town’s police chief.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the illusive plot he seeks …

Read our review of Amber Morn here.

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins

Dark Pursuit (cover not yet available) is a stand-alone “Seatbelt Suspense™” from bestselling author Brandilyn Collins. Releasing from Zondervan in December.

Description:

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, recluse and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she is rebuilding her life.

In Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered. She is about to discover the third. The only possible culprit? Her boyfriend, Craig, son of the town’s police chief.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the illusive plot he seeks …

Read our interview with Brandilyn here.
Read our review of Crimson Eve here.

The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennett

An interesting looking novel coming out with Zondervan this June:

Meet Ryan Fisher. He’s young, energetic, and needs an edge in the real estate market. He’s found the perfect niche: Christians. His business doubles when he advertises in the Christian business directory, and he begins to think he could really cash in by planting a church. But when the church takes off, Ryan is in over his head.

Description:

Meet Ryan Fisher—a self-assured real estate agent who’s looking for an edge in the market. While watching a news special late one night, he sees evangelical Christians raise their hands in worship.

It’s like they’re begging for affordable but classy starter homes, Ryan thinks.

He discovers the Christian business directory and places an ad with the “Jesus fish.” His business doubles in a week.

But after visiting an actual church, Ryan realizes that with his business savvy, he could not only plant a church—he could create a church empire.

When he starts a church it quickly blossoms into one of the largest and most influential in the state. But Ryan must lead while trying to hide his struggling marriage and the fact that he’s not really a pastor—let alone a Christian.

The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher is a hilarious, spot-on, and often heartbreaking satire in the tradition of Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Perrotta, and Douglas Adams.

Rob Stennett is an award-winning screenwriter, produced playwright, and film and theater director. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Julianna, and serves at New Life Church.

Zonderkidz announces fiction for teens

“While revenue in other sectors of the book industry remains flat, YA is booming.”
—Los Angeles Times*

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Teens are reading like never before with books like Eragon and the Harry Potter series fueling the Young Adult market. The growing rate of teenage readers, who want entertaining books that meet their spiritual needs, can now look to Zondervan. In May 2008, Zondervan will launch their Young Adult line with fiction titles by three of the top five selling Christian YA authors: Melody Carlson, Bryan Davis and Bill Myers.

“Book sales to teenagers are booming in the secular market. But there is very little out there for Christian teenagers,” explains Alicia Mey, vice president of marketing for Zonderkidz. “We’re excited to be able to fill this gap with the best authors in the business: Bryan Davis, Melody Carlson, Bill Myers, Robert Elmer, Brandilyn Collins and DJ Reynolds.”

To meet the interests and spiritual needs of a growing youth market, Zondervan will publish in a variety of genres, including chick lit, supernatural, adventure and fantasy for teenagers 12 to 15 years old. Readers can look forward to books by bestselling fiction author Brandilyn Collins. Collins will make her debut in 2009 bringing her trademark “Seatbelt Suspense” to the YA market. Author DJ Reynolds, the author of Scarlet Moon and Midnight Pearls, which was recognized as an ALA 2005 Popular Paperback for Young Adults, will debut in 2008.

By entering this market, Zondervan will bring their family-friendly, Christian values to a group that is searching for the influence of Christ-centered books. In a recent study by the Barna Group, two-thirds of all born-again Christians make a profession of faith before age 18. Zondervan intends to publish ten titles a year to help provide the resources necessary for teenagers making this profession and commitment.

(Thanks to Brandilyn Collins for this information.)

My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder

An interesting title coming in March 2008 from Zondervan:

Synopsis:

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents’ house for good. He’s convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.

Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.

The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once—the enormity of his family’s dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.

At its heart, My Name Is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God’s redemptive purposes.

About Michael Snyder:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He’s never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog. The author has published several short stories online, is the winner of the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference short story contest, and has received an acceptance letter from the Ankeny Briefcase literary journal. Michael Snyder also writes a bi-weekly column for The Master’s Artist and serves as editor for Rejected Writers magazine.