REINVENTING LEONA by Lynne Gentry

Today I'd like for you to meet a friend of mine, Lynne Gentry. The first time I saw her was several years ago at an ACFW conference when Sarah Palin was the Vice-Presidential candidate. Lynne sat a couple of rows ahead of me in the workshop we were both attending and had her dark hair pulled up and was wearing cute glasses. The resemblance to Sarah Palin was uncanny, and when someone mentioned it, Lynne laughed and said something clever. At the time I thought she was someone I would like to know.

As fate would have it, we ended up with the same agent, and a year later, we did get acquainted. Since then I've learned that she is gracious and more witty than I even imagined, and I'm honored to have her for a friend. I was thrilled to learn that her debut book was coming out with Tyndale's Digital First line of novels and am hoping that you'll all discover for yourselves what I've learned - Lynne Gentry is also a fabulous writer!


Here's a bit about her:

Lynne Gentry knew marrying a preacher might change her plans. She didn’t know how ministry would change her life. This author of numerous short stories and dramatic works travels the country as a professional acting coach and inspirational speaker. Lynne lives in Dallas with her husband Lonnie and counts spending time with her two grown children and their families her greatest joy. 

And her debut novel, Reinventing Leona, is about . . . are you ready for this? A pastor's wife.

Leona Harper loves being a pastor's wife. Her impressive resume touts thirty years of coaxing hot water from rusty parsonage plumbing, planning church potlucks, and standing beside her husband while members take potshots at his sermons. Except for the little tiff with her grown children, Leona feels her life is right on track with the wishes of the Almighty . . . until her husband drops dead in the pulpit.

When the church board decides to fill the Reverend's vacated position, Leona is forced to find a paying job, mend her fractured family, and tackle her fears. With life spiraling out of control, Leona might find the church members' antics comical if she weren't so completely panicked. Can the faith of an overwhelmed widow withstand the added heartache of two resentful children and several underhanded church members? If Leona can't trust God, how will she learn to trust herself?

To learn more about Lynne and learn how to get a copy of her debut novel, please visit her website. I loved this book and am thrilled to give it the following endorsement:

Reinventing Leona is a delightful read that will have you laughing one minute, pondering the next, and then reaching for the tissues as the words dance from the pages. Lynne Gentry's voice sparkles with originality as she draws you into Leona's world. Highly recommended. Bravo! 

 

Introducing the lovely C.S. Lakin

Today is NATIONAL AUTHORS DAY!

And it's my pleasure to introduce you to an author who has just exploded on the publishing scene. You see, a while back I started hearing the name Susanne Lakin pop up on the blogs and networks I frequent. She and my friend, Camille Eide, were two of the three finalists for the Zondervan/Mount Herman contest in 2009. Susanne came out the winner, but Camille later told me what a gracious and lovely person Susanne was, and that her writing was stellar. I'd read Camille's entry, which was amazing, so I knew that Susanne must be a very special writer.

Fast forward one year: I met Susanne, who has chosen C.S. Lakin as her author name, in September at the ACFW conference. Lovely, sweet lady, who I'm glad to call friend. Her debut book, Someone to Blame, released October 1, and is a contemporary psychological mystery.  The writing is lyrical, the subject about the loss of a child and the surprising resolution of a family stricken with grief. I hope you'll check out this debut author.

SOMEONE TO BLAME

In the wake of heartrending family
tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move
with their fourteen-year-old daughter,
Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to
get far away from the daily reminders
that leave each of them raw and guilt-
ridden. Their hope is to find redemption,
repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads
of their relationship unravel even more.

Breakers is a small community
perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific
Northwest. Its cold isolation seems to
mirror the hearts of the family seeking
solace there. As they settle into their new
life, old grief settles with them. They've
once more set the stage for calamity.

Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a
young drifter with his own conflicts,
whose life unexpectedly entangles with
the Moores’. His arrival in Breakers parallels
a rash of hateful and senseless
crimes, and soon the whole town – eager
for someone to blame – goes after Thurber
with murderous intent. Out of this
dangerous chaos, however, the Moores
find unexpected grace and healing in a
most unlikely way.

A bit more about C.S. Lakin: 

 

C. S. Lakin writes novels in numerous genres, focusing mostly on contemporary psychological mysteries and allegorical fantasy. Her novel, Someone to Blame (contemporary fiction), won the 2009 Zondervan First Novel competition 2009, with a publication date of October 2010. Lakin’s three fantasy novels in the Gates of Heaven series has been contracted with AMG-Living Ink Publishers. The first book in the series, The Wolf of Tebron, released July 2010. Her contemporary mystery, Innocent Little Crimes, made the top one hundred finalists in the 2009 Amazon Breakout Novel Award contest, earning her a Publisher’s Weekly review that noted her book was “a page-turning thrill-ride that will have readers holding their breaths the whole way through.”

Lakin grew up collating television scripts for her screenwriter mother. As an adult, Susanne assisted in developing series for television, and while raising two daughters and running a bed and breakfast inn in northern California wrote her first three novels and a cookbook. She currently works as a freelance copy editor and writing mentor, specializing in helping authors prepare their books for publication. She is a member of The Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network), CEN (Christian Editor Network), San Francisco Editors Guild, CAN (Christian Authors Network—regular blogger), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), and two regional writers’ groups.

Susanne has just finished her ninth and tenth novels and started another psychological mystery. A very busy lady. And a delightful writer. So whether you like a little mystery or lean toward fantasy, C.S. Lakin is a name you want to remember. Find her here and sign up for her e-newsletter to get the latest news from her publishing journey. 

So, on National Authors' Day, who's your favorite author?

My First Book Signing

I thought I would lump my two signing/launch events together, but then I decided that my first book signing should have its own post. What a fun evening. My publisher set up the signing with the Mardel Christian Book store in Tulsa and provided beautiful posters and flyers announcing the event. And the host store was so accommodating, I kept looking behind me to see if Francine Rivers or Ted Dekker had just walked in and they had me confused with a bona fide author. Okay, I'm bona fide. I've got my name on the cover to prove it, but it's all a bit surreal to me. The evening was a huge success, and I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

Chet and Leslie

Tulsa Night Writer Friends

Max, James, and Allison

My cousin, Val

Store display (check out the great poster at the top)

Myra and Cindy, my writing pals

Pam Sherrer - She knew I needed a hug!

Leanor, my friend for life

Great evening with just the right balance of friends, family, and a few customers. A special thanks to the two Gayla's (you know who you are) who sent the beautiful bouquet for my first book signing.

I'll share some of the highlights of the book launch in Texas next time. Happy reading!

The UPS Man Came Today . . .

. . . And guess what he brought??

I've been waiting my whole life for this day, it seems. And it met my every expectation. I cradled the books in my arms, counted them, inhaled the scent of new paper, read each and every endorsement (thank you lovely friends for your amazingly kind words), wiped a tear as I read the dedication, checked to see that all the pages were there (288, in case you're interested), then I spread them out, stacked them, letting my fingers linger on the beautiful matte covers.

No matter how you look at it, it was a lovely day. Thank you, Jesus, for your grace and your blessing. Thank you, FaithWords, for believing in this book. Thank you, friends, for all your support. Thank you, family, for putting up with me on this long journey.


And thank you, readers, for this glorious indulgence.

CROSSING OCEANS by Gina Holmes UP ON CFBA with Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Crossing Oceans Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 1, 2010) by Gina Holmes
MY REVIEW:

From the back cover copy and what I’d heard about this novel before I read the first page, I knew the main character, Jenny Lucas, was facing the end of her life. A life that would be cut short by cancer. I prepared myself for that in the way that I did when I read Marley and Me. It wasn’t the ending that mattered so much, but the celebration of life on the pages.

What I didn’t know was that Jenny’s cancer was melanoma—the cancer that claimed my own mom ten years ago. And although my mom wasn’t leaving a young child behind, it was impossible to read Crossing Oceans without reflecting on the mother/child relationship and the fears we all face—what will happen to the ones who are left behind when we die? What legacy will remain?

Gina’s writing is graceful, poignant, and emotional, but sprinkled with enough light-hearted moments to keep it from being melodramatic. Yes, you will cry, but not for the reasons you might think. Of course, I’m not going to tell what happens because this story of love and healing and sacrifice is one you should savor for yourself. I’d suggest you pick up a copy today. Lovely debut.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. To learn more about her, visit May 2010's issue of CFOM at Interview with Gina Holmes or Novel Journey.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But being told you’re dying has a way of changing things. Years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank–toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter. As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love and its ability to change everything—to heal old hurts, bring new beginnings . . . even overcome the impossible. A stunning debut about love and loss from a talented new voice.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans, go HERE.

Watch the Video Book Trailer:

Read First Chapter of Chasing Lilacs

Today it's only 37 days until the release of Chasing Lilacs. It has seemed like forever at times, and now that it's drawing near, my mind is racing wondering whether I'm really ready. Sort of like a wedding day or becoming a new mother for the first time, although trust me, I do not in any way compare the birth of a book to the precious linking of two lives through matrimony or the sweetness of a newborn's first breath. But, it is a feeling like no other - the debut of the novel I've poured my heart and soul into.

To celebrate the occasion of 37 days until launch, I've posted the first chapter at Fiction Finder. It's a great site that is growing daily with more and more great fiction. And as always, Chasing Lilacs, is available for preorder at your favorite online book places: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christianbook.

Introducing Sarah Sundin and her debut novel, A DISTANT MELODY

Two years ago, I met Sarah Sundin at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She had a friendly smile and an easy manner, and one evening we found ourselves chatting. While we both agreed that nothing on earth is as sweet as a week in the redwoods, we also lamented the fact we didn’t have a book contract or even one on the horizon. Much to our dismay, no one was interested in the stories we had poured our hearts into.

As we shared our frustrations, we agreed to pray for one another, and as God’s timing would have it, we both received contracts within the year . . . multi-book contracts! I am thrilled for Sarah that A DISTANT MELODY, Book One of the Wings of Glory series, has hit the book shelves! It could not happen to a nicer person OR a more gifted writer.

The book is a delight. Here is the review I will be posting on Amazon and other places around the internet. Below that, you’ll find a bit more about Sarah and where you can purchase her book. Trust me, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Once in a while a book comes along that wraps its arms around you and so enchants you that you don’t want to the story to end. Sarah Sundin’s debut novel, A Distant Melody, is one of those books. At the height of WWII, a chance meeting brings Allie Miller and Walt Novak together, but Allie’s upcoming marriage, arranged by her wealthy parents, and Walt’s dispatch to pilot a B-17 bomber from an airbase in England, halts the romance before it has time to spark. Only the letters which cross the Atlantic keep the flames burning.

At times I felt I had a front row seat in a Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra/Betty Hutton movie. The story is warm and witty, with authentic characters and poignant situations. While Walt deals with the tragedy of war, Allie is consumed with wedding preparations to a man she doesn’t love and volunteers for the war effort stateside. Multi-layered with tender subplots, Sarah weaves this lovely story with finely drawn details and finesse.

Did I mention I didn’t want it to end? The good news is that this is the first book of three in the Wings of Glory series. I can’t wait until book two. Highly recommended.

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her debut novel.

Sarah’s blog is chock full of WWII facts and fun memorabilia. You can order her book here and here.

Thanks, Sarah, for allowing me to be part of “launch week.”

My appreciation to Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group) for providing me with this book for review.

TOP FIVE INSPIRATIONAL DEBUT NOVELS OF 2009

I am fortunate to be sharing my writing journey with other authors whose first novels released this year. Although I’m not personally acquainted with all the debut authors on this list, I’ve been entertained with a great variety of inspirational fiction. These ladies have set the bar high for me and others trying to break into the magical world of publishing.

For your reading enjoyment, I present – in no particular order – my Top Five Debut Novels for 2009: Inspirational.

• One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
• The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry
• The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin
• The Bartered Bride by Erica Vetsch
• Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove
  

Lovely books from some great up-and-coming authors.

Next week – Ten Great Novels from 2009!

And to round out the year, the last week in December – Top Four Amazing Novels from 2009 and why you should read them.

I can’t imagine a world without books, can you?

CHASING LILACS Available for Pre-Order on Amazon

Have I mentioned lately how much I've enjoyed the publishing process? Each phase has been like the movie Fifty First Dates - a brand new world at every turn. Most recently, I've been writing discussion questions for the Reader's Guide which will be in the back of the book and providing my publisher with a list of "dream" endorsers. One of the things that has surprised me the most is how far ahead of the publication date everything has to be done. It's now about seven months until Chasing Lilacs will be in stores, but . . . please indulge me here . . . The book is already available for pre-order on Amazon!

Here's the editorial description:

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

Up until now, everything has been done undercover, so to speak, between my agent, editor, art department, and marketing experts at FaithWords. Launching my book into the world is exciting, to be sure, but also a bit like taking my clothes off in the fountain of the city square (gasp!). No longer flying under the radar, I'm throwing myself at the mercy of readers, critics, and reviewers. So, here's to a safe landing for my debut book. And if you're so inclined, you might click over to Amazon and take a peek.

THE COVER OF MY DEBUT BOOK - CHASING LILACS

Here it is—the cover of my first book, Chasing Lilacs! I’ve been anxious to share it with you (and all creation) since I first saw it a while back, and now I have word from my publisher that it's official. I’m not sure which has been the greater thrill—getting my first contract or viewing my first book cover. I understand now what others have said - the process of waiting for the birth of a book is a bit like being pregnant. An over-used analogy, but true.

Sort of. The gestation period for a book is more like that of an elephant, but the really cool thing is you get to see your “baby” book about halfway through the pregnancy. It’s like having a tiny window inserted in your tummy so you can get a glimpse of what your little one will look like.

The real live flesh and bones book is still developing, growing into the 5.25 X 8 inch baby it will become. And with a little over seven months until the due date (Mark your calendars - June, 2010), I’m content to just have a cover to feast my eyes on.

A word about my publishers. The team at FaithWords has been wonderful, asking my opinion every step of the way and then creating what I believe is a fabulous cover. For me, it conveys the nostalgia in the book, the intoxicating smell of lilacs, and a touch of whimsy with butterfly ready to light on the blossoms. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m thankful and blessed. Hats off to Whitney, Anne, April, Katy, and the art team who’ve all had a hand in making my dream come true.

Later I’ll share more about the story and keep you abreast of some of the exciting things planned for the debut of Chasing Lilacs. Until then . . .