Exposure CFBA

I'm really trying to be a good girl as I work under deadlines, so I haven't read this book in one setting like I usually do. HOwever, I can tell you that Brandilyn has done it again. She's set up a book that is filled with interesting, very real characters in situations that are all too familiar. Who hasn't struggled with fear? The fear of the unknown? The fear of not having enough? The fear of being overlooked and unloved?

This book is a compelling, page-turning suspense with that deeper layer of spiritual truth that propels the story forward rather than slowing it down. Get this book if you love suspense!

ExposureWhen your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

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

To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakz

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

The Two-O’Clock Cup of Coffee

I’ve learned that I hit the wall at about 2pm. Emotionally. Physically. Creatively. It’s definitely my down-time. If I’m getting cranky, just look at your watch--chances are it’s 1:54. I’m thinking that perhaps I never outgrew the whole nap-time thing (although I’m not a napper by nature).

I used to try and gut through it. You know, press on, keep at that ol’ to-do list. Then came the invention of the Starbuck’s drive-thru. Now, don’t get me wrong, caffeine is definitely one of my favorite flavors, but a mocha latte is more like masking he symptoms than caffeinating the bloodstream. A grande-skim-mocha in the car cup-holder is not a real, true coffee break.

A real, true coffee break, I’ve discovered, is a nice cup of coffee in a pleasant, unhurried surrounding. It’s more about the act of drinking something warm and comforting than the actual beverage. At 2pm, I need to be rejuvenated, not just caffeinated. There’s a difference.

Life comes at us from every angle. Often, the deluge shows no mercy, and it all hits at once. We’d all love to get away for a two-week tropical vacation, but most of us won’t get that chance. The daily break, whenever you discover you need it (even if you need three), is a wise choice. Creatively. Emotionally. Physically.

My hero and heroine in BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS learn this lesson the hard way--by being taken over the edge of their ability to cope. Each of them is looking for affirmation and rejuvenation in places that only mask the symptoms. They end up in the wrong places and require serious u-turns. God loves those, I think. Because He knows the real high-octane of life comes from being where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing, surrounded by people who care. Always has.

Stop tomorrow at 2pm and ask yourself “what do I really need?” There’s power in the answer.

Bio:

An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework. She grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, spent fifteen years in the field of professional fundraising, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing nine years ago has given rise to a career spanning two parenting books, six novels including the multi-nominated MY SO-CALLED LOVE LIFE, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com <http://www.alliepleiter.com> or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com <http://www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com>

Back cover copy:
BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS

BOOK 3 IN THE KENTUCKY CORNERS SERIES BY ALLIE PLEITER

Everyone in Middleburg, Kentucky lines up for baker Dinah Hopkins’s cinnamon rolls. Everyone except her handsome new landlord, Cameron Rollings. The jaded city man doesn’t like anything about small-town life--from the fresh air to her fresh-baked snickerdoodles. And he clearly considers Dinah as quirky as her eccentric oven. The way to Cameron’s heart is not through his toned stomach. But the Lord led him to Kentucky Corners for a reason. And Dinah plans to help him count his bluegrass blessings.

Critical Care Review

Did you enjoy watching ER? Love any of the medical dramas on TV? Then this debut novel from Candace Calvert is for you.

Critical Care takes a former ER nurse Claire Avery and throws her into her worst nightmare -- back into an ER with another doctor who is constantly looking for the weak links and booting them before they can harm his patients. What he doesn't know is that she was the weak link after she watched her brother die in her former ER.

Dr. Logan Caldwell carries the responsibility for his patients in the ER. If he pushes his staff, he doesn't any harder than he pushes himself. And the staff push themselves hard. But even a finely tuned team needs help when unexpected tragedy occurs.

This book isn't suspense; instead it's a gripping romance that takes the reader deep into a field that fascinates many of us. I loved watching ER -- even though I went to law school rather than med school for many reasons -- not the least of which was the blood! In fact, it's the layers in this book that kept me reading and turning the pages as fast as I could -- not typical with a straight romance and me.

Dr. Logan Caldwell and Claire are both fully-developed characters; each have unique flaws and scars that they have to overcome before they can decide whether the sparks flying between them might be more. This book was a quick and satisfying read. I'm already anticipating Ms. Calvert's next novel. And I hope it focuses on one of the many secondary characters that are developed in Critical Care.

Critical Care, Mercy Hospital Series #1 By Candace Calvert After her brother's tragic death fighting a fire, former trauma nurse Claire Avery can't face going back to the ER. But when she must offer staff counseling after a propane explosion in a local day care center, Claire's plan self-destructs. She's back in the ER, battling painful memories-and the handsome and surly doctor who thrives on chaos. Dr. Logan Caldwell has learned to distance himself from painful emotion. He expects his ER staff to be as tough as he is, and when hospital administration sends a beautiful but pushy education nurse to offer counseling, he'll have none of it.

			Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the "other side of the stethoscope" after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her that love, laughter—and faith—are the very best medicines of all. The inspirational account of her accident and recovery appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul and launched her writing career.

Love's Pursuit Giveaway

With my deadlines, I haven't had a chance to read this book yet, so I'm sorry there's no review. However, to make it up to you, I'm giving away a copy of the book. Be sure to leave a comment below after reading about the book -- tell me what most intrigues you about this book.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love's Pursuit
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Siri Mitchell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

A Constant Heart was her sixth novel. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. She has been called one of the clearest, most original voices in the CBA.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's Pursuit, go HERE

Smiling in the Frying Pan of Life

My friend Ane Mulligan sent me this photo. She told me it happened last week when her son was cooking.

That picture sums up my life right now Best laid plans and all, but I am getting slammed. It definitely feels like a frying pan -- and not just from the heat. Summer has hit Indiana with a vengeance. We had a long string of days last week where the heat index was close to 100.

I have a court appointed criminal appeal that was delayed for several months, so instead of writing it in April when I didn't have a book deadline, I'm working on it at all hours. I have one more week of lectures in the class I teach at Purdue, then the final exam and a stack of grading. My next Heartsong is due August 1...I've made great progress on it, but really want this to be my best book for them yet. And I have sample chapters to write for a couple requested proposals as well as a couple other series proposals sitting with publishers. Add in a full summer of activities for the kids and I'm in serious need of a Calgon-take-me-away week. :-)

I have several books on rest and Sabbath that I can't wait to read and glean from...when I can finally breath! So how do you find the smiley face in life's frying pan?

The Vanishing Scultpor Giveaway

If you follow my blog, you know I don't read fantasy -- other than Sharon Hinck :-) But I have a copy of Donita Paul's latest book -- The Vanishing Sculpture to giveaway. All I can tell you about her books are that people who love fantasy and teenagers inhale these books. Here's some info on the book.

Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly-crafted novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.

In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

Author Bio:
Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

Food for Thought

Today, instead of posting, I want to direct you to a thought-proving opinion piece in Salon. Written by Frances Kissling, it addresses whether prochoice activists and leaders need to start addressing the ethics of abortion. Fascinating and interesting read. Pop over. Regardless of the side of the issue you fall on, this article will make you think.