Wednesday, December 23, 2009

FictionFinder.com: Finding Christian fiction the easy way!

ACFW launches new free online resource to search for titles!

PALM BAY, Fla. — With over 500,000 books published each year, it is harder than ever to find a new book that’s just right. A simple Amazon search in the Christian literature and fiction category yields more than 17,000 results. Consumers wading through the exhaustive, seemingly endless list of choices now have a more manageable resource to help them purchase their next book.

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the nation’s leading Christian fiction writers’ organization, is launching FictionFinder.com, a new free resource for retailers, readers, media and other Christian fiction fans to search for authors and books. The search engine allows users to sort by author, title, genre, topic, publication date, and target audience.

Cynthia Ruchti, president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), believes this trusted, easy-to-use resource is a significant development in the search for Christian fiction authors and new titles.

”The idea rose from a roundtable discussion between the ACFW leadership team and Christian booksellers looking for a better way to connect their customers with great Christian fiction,” says Ruchti. “ACFW responded by rolling up our sleeves and creating a comprehensive database to serve readers, booksellers, publishers, authors, book club coordinators, librarians and others on the hunt for information and inspiration.”

The site also allows readers to learn about the nature of the content of each book. Each title is rated for action, conflict, humor, mystery, romance, spirituality and suspense, in addition to more sensitive issues like language, sensuality and violence. Users can also post reviews to the site and learn more about soon-to-be-released titles.

The database is the first of its kind and is not limited to books written by ACFW members. The organization is also working with publishers to ensure Christian novels by other authors are incorporated as well.

ACFW’s presence as the voice of Christian fiction and its industry prowess has long been recognized, and its authors are a mainstay on bestseller lists. FictionFinder.com is the organization’s latest effort to make finding the best in Christian fiction as easy as possible for fans around the world.

Quick facts about fictionfinder.com:
* Book information pages include facts about the publisher, main themes, setting and the author’s other titles.
* A special “similar books” section offers other titles the user may be interested in reading.
* Users can create an account with their preferences, making it easier to find new favorites.

With nearly 2,000 members and 19 chapters in 14 states nationwide, ACFW seeks to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry. Founded in 2000 under the banner of American Christian Romance writers, in 2004 the organization was renamed American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) to reflect its dedication to Christian fiction writers of all genres.

ACFW is headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida. Their advisory and operating boards work to give writers the tools they need to develop their craft, grow ACFW’s extensive publishing knowledge and secure relationships with industry professionals. To learn more about ACFW and their authors, please visit www.acfw.com.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Her Patchwork Family by Lyn Cote



Here's one for historical fans to be aware of--in stores like Walmart and Target now! I don't have a giveaway copy, however.

Her Patchwork Family
2nd in Gabriel Sisters series—
"In the wake of the Civil War, three women combat injustice and find true love."
Love Inspired Historical
ISBN 978-0373828258

In spite of opposition from the rich and influential,can Felicity Gabriel establish a home for children orphaned by the Civil War and heal two wounded hearts?

Christmas is for Families…
And Felicity Gabriel intends to build a family right away! When she
inherits a mansion, she decides to turn it into a home for orphans.
But her first charges test her resolve. One child is a thief,
suspicious of her kindness. The other is the local judge's traumatized
daughter. Broken by war, Judge Tyrone Hawkins is devastated when his
little girl runs from him to Felicity. But Felicity's courage despite
the town's scorn for her orphanage and her caring way with his
daughter restore his lost faith. Now he wonders if they all can find
the family they seek…just in time for Christmas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lyn and her husband her real life hero are becoming in-laws as their son marries his true love in fall 2009. Lyn loves her future daughter in law and is looking forward to this new adventure. She and her husband still live on the lake in the northwoods where they watch a bald eagle and its younger eagle soar and swoop overhead throughout the year. And she wishes the best to all her readers. You may email Lyn at l.cote@juno.com or write her at P O Box 864, Woodruff WI 54548. And drop by her blog www.strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com and read stories of strong women in real life and true to life fiction. "Every woman has a story. Share yours."

TO WIN BOOKS:
To win books by Lyn Cote and more!
There are 4 ways to win books which include Lyn’s.
1-Enter the quarterly drawing at http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com
2-Drop by Lyn’s blog http://www.StrongWomenBraveStories.blogspot.com in MEGA MAY. A large basket of goodies and autographed books will be given away in a drawing from the names of those who send in stories about brave women in their families (including their own) or a friend which I will post as a blog; also those who post a comment this coming May.
3- Drop by my website http://www.LynCote.net and click Meet Lyn Page and scroll to the bottom to join the ChapterAWeek Club. Several times a year, this group gives away a prize of 10 lbs. of autographed books by notable Christian Authors, including Lyn.
4-Join www.goodreads.com and then click on Explore and then Books, there you will find scores of book giveaway drawings which you can sign up for. I give 1-2 copies of each of my new books here.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis

Leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy!


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Sheriff’s Surrender

Barbour Books (December 1, 2009)

by

Susan Page Davis



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!



ABOUT THE BOOK


Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards, but she wants Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When the sheriff of Fergus, Idaho, is murdered and Ethan is named his replacement, Gert decides she has to do whatever she can to help him protect the citizenry. So she starts the Ladies Shooting Club. But when one of their numbers is murdered, these ladies are called on for more than target shooting and praying. Can Gert and the ladies of Fergus find the murderer before he strikes again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sheriff’s Surrender , go HERE

BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

I have a giveaway copy! Leave a comment with contact information at the end of the post for a chance to win!

This is a wonderful book written by a talented new author. She delivers unforgettable characters in a situation that will wring your heartstrings. Don't miss it!


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Familiar Stranger

Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)

by

Christina Berry



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. All that confusion must have influenced her decision to be team captain of a winning team on Family Feud.

Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, released from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

Her work has also appeared in The Secret Place, The Oregonian, and Daily Devotions for Writers.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.

They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?

But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Familiar Stranger, go HERE

BUY IT AT AMAZON

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Raising Rain by Debbie Fuller Thompson

I've got a giveaway copy! Leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win!


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Raising Rain

Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)

by

Debbie Fuller Thomas



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie writes contemporary fiction from an historic Gold Rush town in Northern California. By day, she manages after school and day camp programs, and she burns the midnight oil to write what she loves. Her first book Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon, is a Christy finalist. Raising Rain, her second book became available September 2009.

Debbie has contributed to story collections such as Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul, and Lord, I Was Happy Shallow, along with articles in Coping With Cancer magazine.

She has two teenagers and her husband is the executive pastor on Sonrise Church with 1,000 members. Debbie is a manager at Auburn Area Parks and Recreation.



ABOUT THE BOOK


Raised to be a 'new woman' by her mother and three college roommates in
the 70's amid anti-war protests, feminist rallies, and finals, Rain
Rasmussen discovers that putting her career first has left her overdrawn
at the egg-bank, and her baby fever has now driven off her significant
other.

When her terminally ill mother demands a Celebration of Life before she
dies; they all confront ghosts from the past on a 'stormy' weekend in
Monterey. Bebe, the roommate closest to Rain's heart, revisits choices
that have impacted Rain the most, raising doubts about God's—and her
own—willingness to forgive and to be forgiven.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Raising Rain, go HERE.

BUY IT NOW AT AMAZON!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Monterey Memories by Gail Gaymer Martin


Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of this lovely, three-in-one book to give away, but I do provide information in this post on where to purchase it. :-)

Three novels by Gail Gaymer Martin set in the beautiful Monterey area in the central coast of California. The Barbour anthology includes the novels And Baby Makes Five, Garlic and Roses, and Butterfly Trees.

Book Description

Walk the streets and countryside of Monterey, California, with three couples who are surprised by love in the midst of their busy lives. Chad helps Felisa when she goes into labor in his lettuce field. Juli meets Alan while volunteering at a soup kitchen. Ross takes an overdue vacation at Alissa’s bed-and-breakfast. Can busy people slow down enough to realize the love God has brought into their lives?

Reviews from AMAZON

Monterey Memories, an anthology, is a must buy. I truly love this book. In each of the three novels, set in the central coast of California, Gail writes of God's love with such ease and weaves His love throughout each story.

We see how faith and growth in the Word affects every aspect of the characters lives. Everyday normal people with trials and decisions, which we too, can identify. From trust, or acceptance to forgiveness, each of the story's characters learn to lean on God through their faith.

I'm adding this book to my gift list for friends and family. Who wouldn't want to find this warm, engrossing book in their stocking at Christmas? Or simply a gift to share.
Reviewer: Carolyn J. Devaney


Gail's Bio:

Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin is the author of forty-three novels with three million books in print. Her novels have received seven national awards and was presented the Favorite Heartsong Presents Author Award for 2008. She writes for Steeple Hill, Barbour Publishing, and is the author of Writing the Christian Romance from Writers Digest. Gail is a co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers and a popular keynote speaker and workshop presenter at conferences across the U.S. www.gailmartin.com


Purchase the novel in bookstores everywhere or click this link to purchase on Amazon.

BUY MONTEREY MEMORIES NOW!

ISBN-13: 978-1602605824
from Steeple Hill Love Inspired