ROMANCE, A NEW BOOK, and A SWEET GIVEAWAY

Some great news today. I've invited my friend, critique partner, and romance aficionado, Myra Johnson, to visit the cafe and tell us about her new book. Hint: It's very timely and if you read all the way to the end, we also have a very sweet deal for you.

Welcome, Myra.

Hi, Carla! Thanks for inviting me to join you today and talk a little about my latest release, Romance by the Book (Heartsong Presents, February 2010).

What woman doesn’t long to feel beautiful, cherished, special? I’m sure that’s a big reason romances are so popular, and it doesn’t seem to matter whether we’re single, married, young, or . . . not-so-young. Imagining for a few sweet hours that we are the object of the handsome hero’s desires carries us away from the tedium of everyday life and into a world where the dishes are always done, our jeans always make us look skinny, and there is always a happy ending.

In Romance by the Book, my heroine, Sailor Kern, is so quiet, shy, and plain that she can’t believe anyone would ever be interested in her. Instead, she has centered her romantic yearnings on her favorite romance author, Chandler Michaels. Anyone who writes such heart-tugging love stories, she reasons, must certainly be the most romantic man alive.

But then Sailor has the chance to meet Chandler in person, and he surprises her in more ways than one. By the end of the story she discovers her true hero has been right there all along, and that real life is so much more wonderful than anything she imagined.

The thing about fantasies is that they usually disappoint. The grass only looks greener on the other side of the fence, but that’s only because of all the manure—excuse me, fertilizer—it’s been laced with!

So, while I both read and write romances, I always prefer little doses of realism. A heroine who’d never be a cover girl. A hero who doesn’t quite fit the macho mold. Real-life problems that don’t have easy answers. In the end, it’s always about keeping the faith that somehow, someday, love will conquer all.

About Romance by the Book: In reality, Sailor Kern is a swimming instructor at her local YMCA in Birkenstock, Missouri. But in her dreams, she shares a life with famous romance writer Chandler Michaels. And now she's about to meet him in person! And not only meet him, she gets to be his assistant the whole time he's visiting Birkenstock. But romance and reality don't always mix, and Sailor is in for some big surprises. Will Sailor follow her dream man, or will she see the true hero God has placed before her, right in her own hometown?

About Myra: Myra Johnson’s roots go deep into Texas soil, but she’s proud to be a new Oklahoman. Empty-nesters now, she and her husband share their home with two loveable dogs and a snobby parakeet. Her debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas, released in September 2009 from Abingdon Press. She also writes for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line. Autumn Rains, winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript, was a November 2009 Heartsong Presents book club release. Romance by the Book is part of Heartsong’s February 2010 collection, and Where the Dogwoods Bloom is expected later this spring. Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. The Johnsons, married since 1972, have two gorgeous daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and five amazing grandchildren.

Thanks bunches, Myra. I'm anxious to meet Sailor and Chandler. NOW, for you readers. You, too, can be romanced by Myra's new book. She's offered to give one reader here a signed copy of Romance by the Book. And to sweeten the deal, I'm throwing in a box of chocolates. Not sure which brand they'll be yet, but they'll be good ones. Creamy and yummy. Maybe nutty. So here's what you need to do. Leave a comment. Tell us your all-time favorite romantic movie AND (this is important), leave your contact information. Don't delay. I'll be drawing for a winner on Valentine's Day either right before or twenty minutes after my hubby and I exchange our Valentines.

Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. US and Canadian residents only (unless prohibited in your area). Book provided by the author.

THIN PLACES: A Memoir by Mary DeMuth

I've been anxious to share this important book here at the cafe. Mary's been a great friend, mentor, and encourager to me and many others. She's an an amazing novelist, parenting expert, and now a memoirist. Her transparency in Thin Places is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching.

About Mary: Author and speaker Mary DeMuth helps people turn their trials to triumph. Her books include Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God; Building the Christian Family You Never Had; Watching the Tree Limbs; Wishing on Dandelions; Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture and the first two books in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy: Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn.
National media regularly seek Mary’s candid ability to connect with their listeners. Her radio appearances include FamilyLife Today, Moody Midday Connection, Point of View and U.S.A. Radio Network and is frequently featured on Chuck Colson’s BreakPoint. She has published articles in In Touch, HomeLife, Writer’s Digest and The Writer.
Mary lives with her husband Patrick and their three children in Texas.

Mary's a busy mom, wife, writer, leader, and mentor. Want to learn more about Mary? Go here.

About Thin Places: Every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted and of the millions of sexual abuse and rape victims, 15 percent are under the age of 12, according to a 2007 study by the U.S. Department of Justice. Critically acclaimed author Mary DeMuth is among the millions of adults who are victims of childhood rape and are living with the emotional scars of the haunting abuse.

DeMuth bravely shares her painful story in her new memoir, Thin Places (February 2010). Repeatedly raped by two neighborhood boys at a young age, DeMuth details her traumatic and disturbing childhood in the memoir. Raised in a broken home, she lost her biological father when she was ten and was stripped of her innocence growing up in an unstable environment where drugs were commonplace.

But Thin Places is about hope and healing more than it is about the traumatic events of DeMuth’s childhood. According to DeMuth, thin places are “snatches of time, moments really, when we sense God intersecting our world in tangible, unmistakable ways.” When she encountered the true love of Jesus at a Young Life camp in high school, DeMuth’s life trajectory changed. God reassembled the pieces of her emotionally fragile self, which initiated true healing and peace.

“Folks may wonder why I’ve spent all this time looking back,” says DeMuth, “dredging up what God sees of my story, what my eyes see. Jesus says truth sets people free. This is my way of doing that—of telling the stark truth on the page so others can be set free.

Watch the book trailer of Thin Places.

Follow the blog tour.

Buy Thin Places.

My review: * With courage and honesty, Mary DeMuth writes of her struggle through numerous childhood traumas including neglect, the death of her father, and being raped at the age of five. Woven in the poignant prose are threads of Mary's sometimes wry sense of humor and glimmers of grace which comes not as a swooping cure-all, but as the ever present and constant guidance of a holy God. In what Mary describes as thin places, she experiences Jesus, his beauty, and his provision for her life.

Although those who've experienced similar abuse will likely find the memoir a place of shared community, there are many chapters with universal themes. In particular, I found the chapter on envy to be one that touched me. Envy of childhood friends who had fancier houses, thinner bodies, and more boyfriends morphed into adult envy of moms with better behaved children, cleaner houses, and spiritual auras that left me feeling inferior. So in many respects, Mary has built a bridge that spans generations and circumstances, letting those who savor her words know they are not alone, no matter what life has dealt them. Well done, Mary.

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.

MY WRITING JOURNEY - Waiting on the Lord

Today I'm once again blogging at

SERIOUSLY WRITE

Join my friends Dawn Kinzer and Annette Irby and me as I share my writing journey
and what "Waiting on the Lord" means to me.

NEVER SAY NEVER by Lisa Wingate up on CFBA

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing Never Say Never Bethany House (February 1, 2010)byLisa WingateABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa lives in central Texas were she is a popular inspriational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. Her novel, Tending Roses, received dozens of five-star reviews, sold out thirteen printings for New York publisher, Penguin Putnam, and went on to become a national bestselling book. Tending Roses was a selection of the Readers Club of America, and is currently in its fourteenth printing.

The Tending Roses series continued with Good Hope Road, the Language of Sycamores, Drenched in Light, and A Thousand Voices. In 2003, Lisa's Texas Hill Country series began with Texas Cooking, and continued with Lone Star Cafe', which was awarded a gold metal by RT Bookclub magazine and was hailed by Publisher's Weekly as "A charmingly nostalgic treat." The series concluded with Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner.

Lisa is now working on a new set of small-town Texas novels for Bethany House Publishers. The series debuted with Talk of the Town and continued with Word Gets Around and Never Say Never. A new series is also underway for Peguin Group NAL, beginning with A Month of Summer (July 2008), and continuing with The Summer Kitchen (July 2009) and Beyond Summer (July 2010). Lisa's works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Pics, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for the LORIES best Published Fiction Award. In 2009, A Month of Summer was nomiated for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence.

And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the winds blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Never Say Never, go HERE

A Chat with Canadian Friend, Koala Bear Writer

I'm also chatting today with a special friend and lovely writer from Canada.

THE KOALA BEAR WRITER

She asked about my "getting the call" and wanted a sneak peek at Chasing Lilacs.
Please stop by her blog and say hi!

TEN TIPS FOR ENGAGING YOUR READERS

I'm blogging today at
Seriously Write.
Join Annette Irby, Dawn Kinzer, and me today as I share
Ten Tips for Engaging Your Readers.


See you there!

CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK - Pasta Jambalaya

In honor of the New Orleans Saints first ever appearance in the Super Bowl, this week's special is a tribute to all things Cajun! You might cook this hearty dish the day before or after church on Sunday and reheat during half-time of the big game. Dish up in earthenware bowls and have plenty of hot French bread on hand. This is a crowd pleaser no matter which team you're rooting for.

PASTA JAMBALAYA

2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound seasoned sausage (I prefer the spicy Italian)
½ cup chopped green onions
2 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 ½ cups canned tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon crushed thyme
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
8 oz. penne pasta
1 ½ cups water (more if needed)

Prepare shrimp and keep in refrigerator or on ice until time to add to jambalaya. Sauté sausage with garlic, onion, and pepper in an 8 quart or larger Dutch oven. Drain off excess fat. Add parsley, tomatoes, seasonings, pasta, and water. Stir in thoroughly. Boil until pasta is nearly al dente. Add shrimp and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until shrimp are pink (about five more minutes). Do not overcook shrimp.

The sausage gives this recipe a special “zip”. Serve with crusty French bread.


So, the obvious question: Which team are you rooting for?
Bonus Question # 1: Have you ever attended a Super Bowl? If so, which one?
Bonus Question # 2: What's your favorite Super Bowl recipe? Leave a comment and I'll run a Super Bowl Food Guide on Saturday. Help me out here, fans!

BEGUILED by D. Gist and J. Mark Bertrand featured on CFBA

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingBeguiled(Bethany House March 1, 2007)byDeeanne GistandJ. Mark Bertrand
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

J. Mark Bertrand has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. After one hurricane too many, he left Houston and relocated with his wife Laurie to the plains of South Dakota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her... Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything. As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of , go HERE

Check out their video:

CHASING LILACS and Other Fun Stuff

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the release of my upcoming book, Chasing Lilacs. The truth is, I’m not all that comfortable tooting my own horn. I don’t want people—meaning you, my readers—to grow weary of it before it even hits the shelves. And yet, it’s never far from my mind, so please rejoice with me on these latest updates:

I’ve been blessed by endorsements from several fabulous authors that simply take my breath away. You know who you are, and I thank you.

The ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) have been sent to reviewers. Biting my nails on what might come of that.

The Christian MomLogic Book Club has chosen Chasing Lilacs as its next selection, and will be reading the book in late February (pre-release). Thank you FaithWords for providing ARCs for this group.

The FaithWords Spring/Summer Catalog is out, and the cover art of Chasing Lilacs is on their cover. No words to describe how humbling and exciting that is. Also a terrific write up in the New Release section inside. This somehow makes it seem more real that my book is on the precipice of being out there. My prayer is that it blesses the socks off those who read it.

The book is available for pre-order here and here and also available on Kindle.

Marketing and publicity seems to be the next big thing, and I’ll give you links from time to time on where I’ll be guest blogging. In the meantime, you can follow me on Twitter @ChasingLilacs, stop in and say hi on Facebook, or if you’re new here and want to know more about my book, visit my website.

Now for the fun part:

In honor of Chasing Lilacs being set in 1958, here’s a rundown of what things cost back then:

Car: $2,200
Gasoline: 30 cents/gal
House: $18,000
Bread: 19 cents/loaf
Milk: $1.01/gal
Postage Stamp: 4 cents
Stock Market: 584
Average Annual Salary: $5,500
Minimum Wage: $1.00 per hour

The Ford Edsel was released in 1958, and “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry was the No. 1 song of the year. This song, though, was the one playing at Sammie Tucker's first dance. I think you'll enjoy it too.



Ah, the good old days . . .

Since most of you probably don’t remember 1958, tell me what childhood year you do remember and what made that year a standout. Can’t wait to hear your answers!

CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK - National Pie Day

Saturday, January 23, is National Pie Day.
National Pie Day? Well, why not? There’s no better comfort food. What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, President’s Day without cherry pie, the Fourth of July without . . . uh, well watermelon? Okay, so not all holidays have a pie associated with them, but every holiday is more special with pie.

Some tips from the American Pie Council for ways to celebrate the day:

• Eat pie. Whether you make it yourself, buy it at a supermarket or bakery or order it at a restaurant, eat some pie on National Pie Day. Pie is great with lunch or dinner or as a late-night snack.

• Make pie. Bake your favorite homemade pie on National Pie Day.

• Share pie. If you make or buy a pie, share it. By its very nature, pie is meant to be eaten with others. Have a pie potluck get-together.

• Teach pie making. Stage classes and demonstrations and samplings at stores and schools. Invite seniors who KNOW pie to teach a class. If you don't know how to make pie, ask a pie maker to show you or attend a pie-making class.

• Hold a pie night. Gather family and friends for a pie celebration. Everyone must bring one homemade pie for the pie buffet. We have heard of events where more than 100 folks come with 100 pies.

• Hold a pie-making contest. Invite the best pie-makers in town to compete for prizes in various categories.

• Hold a charity pie-throwing or pie-eating contest or a pie auction. We suggest you donate the proceeds to your local community food bank.

• Pass along pie memories. Our pie heritage is slowly fading away. Call older members of the family and ask them for pie recipes. Ask them to teach you how to make them. Talk about your favorite pies and the family history behind them. Publish pie memories and recipes. Make pie often and serve them to the next generation.

• Eat more pie! You can always have another slice, preferably warm and a la mode.

Check out the website for even more ideas, and no matter how you cut it, pies are a great reason to celebrate! Now . . . drum roll please . . . my hubby Max’s all-time favorite – Old-Fashioned French Apple Pie.

OLD FASHIONED FRENCH APPLE PIE

7 c. sliced, peeled cooking apples (about 7)
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Dash of ground cloves
1 tbsp. lemon juice or 1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell

CRUMB TOPPING:
1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In large bowl, mix together apples, brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Spoon apple mixture into pie shell.

Make Crumb Topping by mixing 1/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar together. Cut in 3/4 cup flour. Stir in nuts. Sprinkle topping over apples in pie plate. Bake for 50 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.

So how about you? Ready for some pie? What's your favorite? Do you make them from scratch, call on Sara Lee or visit the bakery? I have a sneaky feeling I'll be in the kitchen tomorrow working on an Old-Fashioned French Apple Pie.