Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky

Slips of paper, notes of regret. And a boy who sees through it all.

Marnie has her life just where she wants it. At least that’s what she tells herself – her past is hidden, her regrets locked tightly in a box on her shelf, and her bookstore and coffeeshop business is booming.

No one knows what she’s done, who she’s been. That is, until the man she once loved finds her again and brings startling news – she’s now the guardian of her 15-year-old nephew, a boy she never knew existed.

To make matters worse, when the boy arrives, she discovers he has Down Syndrome. The past collides with the present, the box of regrets is exposed, and Marnie’s world shattered and rebuilt through the love of one special boy who makes all things new.

Shades of Morning – Coming June 15, 2010!

Pre-Order this Book

Read an Excerpt

Read the Story Behind the Story!

About Marlo:

Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of seven books, including her latest novel, Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of novel that she hopes will impact readers at their deepest levels.

Marlo’s other books include If Tomorrow Never Comes, Beyond the Night, Veil of Fire, a novel about finding hope in the fires of life, Empty Womb, Aching Heart- Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility, and Cry Freedom.

She’s had over 600 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, Decision, Moody Magazine, and Discipleship Journal. She has contributed to Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples, Tyndale’s Book of Devotions for Kids #3, and Discipleship Journal’s 101 Small Group Ideas.

She is a speaker and a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlo is also a California native, a small business owner, and a graduate of Stanford University (with a B.S. in Chemistry!). In addition, she has earned her Masters in Theology, with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Marlo lives with her husband and five young children in a log home in Central California.

When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and speaking to groups about finding the deep places of God in the disappointments of life. For more info please visit Marlo's website!

Do you feel loved?

Yes, women are complicated that’s true, but in the end we only want one thing. To be treasured, cherished, adored, pursued.

Okay, maybe there is a little bit more than that, but it’s a good start. In fact, I think husbands could understand us better if they understood this:

Think of the deals you’ve struck in your life. Your first car. Your first real job. Your first house. You saw what you wanted, did what you had to do to get it—and you came home with a done deal.

No deal compares to winning a wife, though. You pursued her with all the creativity and resources you could muster, and the deal was done. Your wedding day was the day you proved your love to the world, and to her . . . marriage feels like the most obviously closed deal in your whole life.

Right?

Well, not exactly . . . it just feels closed for you.

No, your wife isn’t still out looking for other suitors. But in an unusual and powerful way that married men don’t really understand, your wife doesn’t feel permanently loved once the marriage papers are signed. Yes, she knows you love her, but there are periodic times when her feelings need to be convinced and reassured.

Men may think we’re crazy, but we can never be convinced and reassured enough. Just like we are hungry for food regularly (and coffee and chocolate . . .), we are hungry for reassurance.

Do you still love me? we wonder every day. (Or at least I do.)

Do you think I’m wonderful? Even though we don’t ask, we want to.

When I’m mad, I wonder these questions. When I’m happy too. When I make dinner. When I sweep the floor. When I feel fat. When I fix my hair and look nice. When I get dressed up. When I get naked. When I accidentally get a ding in the car. When I forget to make a bank deposit like he asked. When I come home with a bagful of clearance items. I don’t mean to be insecure, but I am.

I know my husband loves me, but I want to hear it, see it, and feel it.

You might wonder why I’ve chosen to talk about this in this chapter, rather than the chapter on romance. That’s because, to me, it’s not romance. It’s a daily need, just like air. And for some reason, God made me (made us) this way. We are different by design. And when we are loved like this, we cling to our lover . . . whether it is God or our spouse.

“It’s common for men to think that pursuing goes with dating, not with marriage. But women don’t see things that way. There is never that magic moment of closure, when they feel permanently, fully, deeply loved. They think that’s what the rest of married life is for! That’s why they need and deserve to be pursued every day,” says Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, authors of For Men Only.

“In fact, several women compared the need to feel pursued by their husbands with the need that a man has to feel sexually desired by his wife! If it’s that important, what is a smart married man to do?

“Big-screen answer: Give chase.

“Pixel answer: Ask yourself, What did I do when I was dating that made me so pickin’ irresistible?”

Lastly, I think appreciating our differences all comes down to one thing: Trust. We have to trust that God designed men and women differently for a reason. We have to trust that our spouse does love us and has our best interests in mind.

God made men to rise to the challenge of responsibility and crave authority. He made women to desire to be pursued. And when we embrace these differences and meet the need of the other . . . watch out. We will have a marriage that shines. One that displays God’s design, brings Him glory, and is filled with a whole lot of joy too.

So what DID you do while you were dating?

© Tricia Goyer author of Generation NeXt Marriage
http://triciagoyer.com/nonfiction.html#GenerationNextMarriage

On Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer: Mary DeMuth

Join me on Thursday as I chat with my friend Mary DeMuth! Mary is a GREAT writer with a passion for helping others both heal from their past hurts and achieve their dreams. Mary will be sharing with us about her latest release, Thin Places. And we'll also be talking about what has Inspired her to make changes in her life.



About Mary DeMuth:
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

TPTexas Trilogy: Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn. Mary lives with her husband Patrick and their three children in Texas. Find out more at http://www.marydemuth.com/.

Mary is also an amazing writing coach! Be sure to check out Mary's The Writing Spa!

About Thin Places: In this moving spiritual memoir-Thin Places-Mary DeMuth traces the winding path of thin places in her life, places where she experienced longing and healing more intensely than before. From surviving abuse as a latchkey kid to discovering a heavenly Father who never leaves, Mary's story invites you to a deeper understanding of your own story. She calls you to discover new ways to look for God in the past so that you might experience him more profoundly in the present. What if you could retrace your life and discover its thin places-places where the division between this world and the eternal fades? You can purcahse a copy on Mary's website.

Do you have your own secret you need to share or perhaps you can encourage someone who is suffering - please visit My Family Secrets.

Part of the team!

Some people claim that women are from Venus and men are from Mars, but actually both men and women are designed by their Creator to be unique and necessary. God created us this way for a reason. In a world that touts “equality,” I’ve spent more time marveling over the specific roles of men and women and rejoicing in the beauty of our differences. I’ve even come to truly appreciate headship and submission . . . yes, even in today’s world.

Most of all, I’m just glad that the lyrics by Simply Red weren’t accurate when they sang, “If you don’t know me by now, you will never, never, never know me.” It’s never too late to understand and appreciate our spouse’s differences. And never too late for them to appreciate ours.

Your partner’s quirks of character are there for the duration,” says Toni Poynter, author of Now and Forever. “They really are not calculated affronts to you. Try not to take them personally.”

I love this bit of wisdom!

Of course, it took me and John a while to understand that. I wasn’t just trying to annoy him when I burst out crying in an argument. I wasn’t grilling him when I asked about every aspect of his day. I truly wanted to know his interactions as a way to connect with him.

When asked what marriage represents to them, Gen Xers use words like “family,” stability”, and “lifelong love.” But they also want egalitarian marriages, in which they are peers, partners, best friends, part of a team. We want to have adventures, learn together, and be the kind of couples to challenge old stereotypes and succeed at a lifelong marriage of equals. We want the kind of marriages that we’ve always fantasized about but have never actually seen.

The phrase, in the above quote, that stood out to me most was ‘part of a team.’ Like my son’s varsity basketball team (go Crusaders!), some of the best teamwork happens when each player excels at his or her specific role. My son is tall and husky, that makes him perfect for the key, under the basket. Other teammates are small and quick . . . they excel at taking the ball down the court on a quick break.

“In God’s mind our differences are designed to be complementary, not to cause conflicts. This principle is illustrated by the Christian church, described in 1 Corinthians 12 as being similar to the human body—composed of ears, eyes, legs, feet, hands, arms, and so forth. Each member of the church is seen as an important part of the body. When everyone works in unity, each part enhances the others and together they serve the purposes of God,” writes Gary Chapman, author of The Four Seasons of Marriage.

“Similarly, in the institution of marriage, God intends for husbands and wives to bring their unique characteristics together to form one team that will work together under God’s direction to accomplish his eternal purposes. God designed our differences to be assets, not liabilities. When we learn to maximize our differences for the benefit of the marriage, we align our lives with God’s purposes.”

Do you feel like you're part of the team? How can you be more complimentary to your spouse in your roles?

© Tricia Goyer author of Generation NeXt Marriage
http://triciagoyer.com/nonfiction.html#GenerationNextMarriage

The heART of Love

The heART of Love

We all know men speak another language than women. Husbands and wives naturally communicate in entirely different styles. But add to that mix, the fact my husband’s first language is Afrikaans. Although he speaks better and more eloquent English than me, I was convinced our marriage would never be hindered by any language barriers. Or at least that is what I thought!

About a year before my husband and I were engaged a friend asked me, “So are you going to learn Afrikaans?”

I muttered something like, “Well… someday… I hope… if I find the time. I do want our kids to be able to speak it, and I wouldn’t want the rest of my family speaking in Afrikaans behind my back!”

My friend was only slightly encouraged by my feeble desire to learn my husband’s native tongue. Her poignant response changed me forever, “You need to learn to speak Afrikaans Charissa. It’s his heart language.” {Gulp.} I swallowed hard. I knew the implications of this statement would prove to be difficult. Sacrifice would be a given. I also knew, deep down, she was right.

At this point, we are 8 months into marriage and the phrase “heart language” still rings in my mind. I try to ignore it by reasoning that I can demonstrate my love for him in countless other ways like serving, encouraging, kissing and hugging him. Is learning his language really that important? After all, he speaks, thinks, and reads in English most of the time. And, even I have learned to roll off the occasional, “Ek is lief vir jou” or “Jy is my sonskyn.” {Translation: “I love you” “You are my sunshine”}

Who said anything of a language barrier? Not here.

But the more I try to reason my way out of having to learn Afrikaans, the more I realize there is no getting around it. A few days ago, I decided to re-read the vows I spoke to my husband on our wedding day, and I was suddenly reminded that speaking English is simply not good enough.

The weeks prior to our wedding I had practiced several phrases in Afrikaans so I could surprise him at the altar. While looking into his eyes I declared my love for him through his heart language.

“Ek vertrou jou.{I trust you.} Ek begeer jou. {I desire you.} Ek het respekt vir jou. {I respect you.} Ek kyk op na jou.{I adore you.} Ek verbly my in jou. {I delight in you.}Ek staan in verwondering oor jou. {I am amazed by you.}Jy is my beminde. {You are my beloved.} Ek is lief vir jou. {I love you.}Ek gee my hart vir jou. {I give my heart to you.} Ek kies jou. { I choose you.}

My husband’s smile spoke a million words. Not only did his mom burst into tears as I stumbled my way through the end of my vows, but so did his friends watching our wedding through internet in South Africa.

Heart language. Important? The memories at the altar confirmed it! I did not need to look any further to escape what I already knew- I needed to learn Afrikaans.

In the midst of this revelation, I looked at my husband who was sitting at the table busy with work, and spoke softly, “Ek kyk op na jou.” Without hesitation, he stopped, reached across the table, and planted a huge kiss on my lips, “I love it when you speak to me in Afrikaans.”

He spoke my heart language. Why didn’t I speak his?

Now that I have acknowledged our language barrier is more than just our different genders, Afrikaans children’s books are stacked beside my bed, dictionaries are adorning my bookshelf, and online tutors are loaded up onto my computer.

I have begun the journey of demonstrating love to my husband in one the deepest ways imaginable –through learning heart language. Even though it may take a lifetime of practice, being able to communicate in Afrikaans to him on a daily basis will be worth every bit of time and effort.

Along with speaking Afrikaans to my husband on our wedding day, I also declared to him that I would demonstrate, “A love that seeks your good first and not my own- to love you the way you need to be loved.”

Although a couple says their vows at the altar, it does not stop there. Every day of married life should bring us back to the altar, where our selfish rights are laid down. Beyond just physical touch, encouraging words, a home-cooked meal, or even romantic date nights, the altar persuades us to do something more lasting- to learn one another’s heart language.

Walking in our brokenness, wearing our skin, Jesus was a living testimony to God’s desire to speak our heart language. God’s powerful way of communicating His love touches our hearts and transforms lives, but it can also revolutionize your marriage!

Although you may not need to learn Afrikaans, what barriers do you need to cross in order to practice speaking your spouse’s heart language?

Do you need to return to the altar where you promised selfless love to your spouse?

Even if it takes a lifetime, learning to speak their heart language will be worth every minute of practice!

________________________________

Charissa Steyn lives in awe of God’s love. After searching desperately for her identity – in work, relationships, outer appearances-she has finally found her heart at home in Jesus Christ. While doing ministry in Austria for four years she met her South African sweetheart, Michal. They fell in love {several times!} and finally got married in August 2009. They now reside in South Africa. Charissa is currently working on her Masters degree in counseling. When she is not studying for school, or taking care of her new hubby, she can be found running, baking fattening {but yummy! }cookies, and writing about life’s unique little lessons on her blog, Everyday Adventures. She believes that everyday God draws us closer to His heart.

Guest Blogger ... Ben Whiting

The Fiction Writer’s Platform

In March I flew out to California for a writer’s conference. As was the case last year, I learned a lot, met many great people, and came back revved for more writing. Additionally, I found the idea I think will become my next novel, which I am especially excited about because I had been struggling to come up with a new idea that really sparked my interest.

All of that aside, one thing I learned more about at the conference was author platforms. I already had a basic understanding, but somewhere along the way I had got it into my head that I needed to build a web presence if I hoped to find publishing success. I knew publishers weren’t really worried about platform for fiction writers in the same way they are for non-fiction, but it seemed like a bonus to me—that thing that would really make sales take off.


Success?

I came back from that first conference ready to build up a following on Twitter and to get myself a blog so people would know my name and would buy my book one day. Honestly, I think I had a moderate amount of success with at least part of that goal. I focused on Twitter content about writing—how to write dialogue, how to plot better, why adverbs are evil, etc. I posted what I found, retweeted similar content, and in the year that I’ve been on Twitter I’ve built a following of about 700 people, which is pretty good considering I don’t follow the spam accounts that inflate some people’s statistics.

I also started posting a regular guest post here after meeting Tricia at the conference. I took a similar strategy on my blog topics, covering different how to aspects of writing most of the time. I got a little bit of positive feedback, and brought in some listeners from Twitter as well.

All in all, I showed up at the conference feeling like I had done pretty well with my goals. But I had a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, that pesky question—will any of this really make anyone want to buy a book by me? I had my doubts, and I asked a few more knowledgeable friends for their opinion. Unfortunately, I was right.

I was accomplishing very little.


Audience

My problem, it turned out, was that I was drawing in the wrong crowd. I was offering content that other writers learning their craft would be interested in, which meant that, unless I wanted to write a book on writing books, few of my followers would turn into purchasers.

My target audience should have been people who love stories that are suspenseful and thought provoking. That is what I write, so those are the people who would be most likely to buy a book by me should one ever come out. My activity here and on Twitter might draw some of those people, but it would be coincidence because that isn’t the content I’m using to attract followers.


The Platform

It was at this point that I learned the truth—a fiction writer’s platform is an amazing novel. It all starts there. The energy that I had been putting into Twitter and blog posts would be better expended making my book the best it could possibly be.

Once the book is ready, polished to shimmering brilliance, there are things I can do that resemble platform building. I can record myself reading the book and release it a chunk at a time in a podcast or post chapters on a blog. If the book is good enough, these and other creative ideas can generate interest and followers, but notice the difference. Those people would be following because they want to read what I want to write.

So this is my last post on here for the foreseeable future. I’ve enjoyed it and learned from it, so I don’t consider it a waste. But I think my creative time and energies are better spent honing my craft and writing more stories at this stage, so that’s what I intend to do.

I encourage you to do the same. Keep writing—but keep writing what you want to write.

~o~

Ben Whiting is a recent English graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington and former co-general editor of the award-winning collegiate publication Marine Creek Reflections. He loves writing dark, psychological suspense and plans to devote more time to writing more of it.

On Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer: Shannon Stewart Ratliff

Tune in tomorrow at 3:00 pm CST on Living Inspired to catch the interview I did with Shannon Stewart Ratliff from America's Next Top Model and her husband Matthew.

Shannon is best known for her appearance on ANTM's 2005 season. Stewart competed on the first season of America's Next Top Model. In the first week of competition, Shannon landed in the bottom two and if she hadn't won that week's challenge, she would have been eliminated. However, the following two weeks Shannon received two consecutive first call-outs, and performed consistently in the following weeks. But, in the semi-finals during a nude photoshoot in Paris, Shannon and fellow contestant Robin Manning caused controversy when they refused to take part in the photo shoot because of their Christian faith. However, this did not hinder Stewart's progression in the competition finishing second overall to Adrianne Curry. She was known on the show as the very "commercial , edgy girl".

So tune in and find out more about Shannon and Matt!

Want a copy of Life, In Spite of Me?

Enter for a chance to win one {HERE}!

AND

Don't forget to enter the Twitter contest to win a 5 BOOK TRICIA GOYER LIBRARY! DETAILS {HERE}!

Help spread the word.

From May 23-28, LifeChurch.tv and XXXChurch.com present ThePornEvent.com, a 25-minute interactive experience focused on the real-life effects of pornography.

During ThePornEvent.com we will examine the effect porn has on our lives and relationships, and look at next steps for those who are struggling. Expect a non-threatening environment featuring stories, helpful answers, and an open conversation with people whoʼve traveled a similar path. ThePornEvent.com is for anyone who is interested in what it looks like to live a life beyond pornography.

Men's Segment
During the men's segment of ThePornEvent.com, we'll take an honest look at how porn affects us as men, fathers, and husbands. Through stories, answers to common questions, and open conversation we will talk about the hope men can find in
life beyond pornography.

Women's Segment
During the women's segment of ThePornEvent.com, we will talk about how porn affects us as women, mothers, and wives. Through stories, answers to common questions, and open conversation we will talk about the hope found beyond our personal
struggles with porn and also how to support and care for family members that are dealing with sexual addiction.


-42.7% of Internet users view porn
-20% of men say they view porn at work.
-53% of Christian men consume pornography.
-Breakdown of male/female visitors to pornography sites: 72% male & 28% female
-17% of all women struggle with pornography addiction.
-The average age of first Internet exposure to pornography is 11 years old.
-90% of 8-16-year-olds have viewed porn online (most while doing homework).

Help spread the word.

Almost Forever by Deborah Raney

A Hanover Falls Novel
from Howard/Simon & Schuster

Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything she holds dear. but could it also set her free?

Volunteer Bryn Hennesey was there at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter the night five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was her husband, Adam.

Now a terrifying absence of memory has her wondering if she might, in some way, be responsible. Garrett Edmonds' wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. He was supposed to protect the woman he loved.now she's the one who's died a hero. How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss? And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer...

Deborah Raney books always captivate me! Almost Forever is a beautifully written and enthralling read. It made my heart sing, dance, cry, and turn more than a few flips!
~CindyWoodsmall, New York Times best-selling author
As a fan of the very talented Deborah Raney, I expected a great read and I got it in the richly emotional Almost Forever, a story of faith, forgiveness and redemption. It began with a gripping scene and proceeded to hold me enthralled to the end. Don't miss this one!
~Karen Young, author of Missing Max and Blood Bayou

DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her 20th novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Almost Forever, first in her new Hanover Falls Novels series, will release in May from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They are new empty nesters with four grown children and two precious grandsons, all of whom live much too far away.

Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com
Order her books here: http://snipurl.com/raneybooks

Are you a devoted fan?

It has been said, “The goal of marriage is two-fold: to reveal the glory of God and to enhance the glory of one’s spouse”.

How come this second half is so hard? Why do we find it so difficult to be our spouse’s biggest fan, cheering him or her on, and offering the gift of affirming words?

Of course, words are only the beginning. What our moms also told us is true, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our love can open wonderful possibilities, and cheering on our spouse can bring amazing growth to many levels of our relationship.

“One miracle of marriage is that we discover in ourselves and in our partner a true desire to help the other person become his or her best self. I think it is the part of us that is most noble, even the most godly, because it is about creating—not in our own image, but in the image of God we see in one another. It is love that draws this from us: an intimation of the divine pushing us to realize our potential and to help our partner to do the same.”

As I think about helping John become his best self, the weeks are counting down toward the Super Bowl. It makes me think what a great time it will be to snuggle next to John’s side and observe—not the game, but the devoted fans who flock to the stadium.

Here are a few traits of a devoted fan:

1. A devoted fan sits as close as possible, mesmerized. Am I that focused on my spouse?

2. A devoted fan shouts words of encouragement. The player has fumbled and is feeling discouraged. The fan reacts by cheering, “You’ll do better next time.” What praise do I give when John feels he’s messed up?

3. A devoted fan will boo the opponent. Life’s offender, Satan, is trying constantly to ruin my spouse’s game plan. I can put this enemy in his place through prayer.

4. A devoted fan will issue affirmation. “In marriage, each partner is to be an encourager rather than a critic, a forgiver rather than a collector of hurts, an enabler rather than a reformer,” say authors H. Norman Wright and Gary J. Oliver, How To Change Your Spouse (Without Ruining Your Marriage).
“Keep going! You can do it!” a fan calls. How often do I offer intense words of dedication?

5. A devoted fan celebrates.
This reminds me to applaud every victory John has, even the small ones, as if it were the Super Bowl.

How can you be a devoted fan?


© Tricia Goyer author of Generation NeXt Marriage
http://triciagoyer.com/nonfiction.html#GenerationNextMarriage

TOMORROW on Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer - Robin Jones Gunn!

If you missed the first Living Inspired when I interviewed my dear friend Robin you'll be able to hear it this Thursday! I hope you get an amazing glimpse of the Robin I know. Please join us at 3PM CST!

Besides being my friend, Robin Jones Gunn is a best-selling, Award Winning Author, and International Speaker

Over the past two decades Robin has written 70 books including the popular Christy Miller Series for teens and the Sisterchicks® Series for women. Combined sales of all her titles have reached over 4 million with translations in seven different languages. Robin has won numerous awards for her work including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and finalist for the Gold Medallion.

As a sought after speaker, Robin has appeared in public auditoriums from Helsinki to Hawaii and Brazil to Belfast. She serves on the Board for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild and for Media Associates International. Married for over 34 years, Robin and her husband live near Portland, Oregon and have a married son and a grown daughter.

JOIN US THURSDAY MAY 13th AT 3PM CST: http://toginet.com/shows/Livinginspired

2010 CHRISTY AWARD NOMINEES

The Christy Advisory Board is pleased to announce nominees in nine categories for the 2010 Christy Awards honoring Christian fiction. The Christy Awards will be conferred in advance of the International Christian Retailing Show at a ceremony at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, Sat., June 26, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. Author and entrepreneur Lisa Samson, a two - time Christy Award winner and seven-time nominee, will present the keynote address.

Tickets to the event are $30. For more information about the awards reception and to make reservations (beginning Apr. 30), visit the Christy Award website at www.christyawards.com.

The 2010 Christy Award nominees are:

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills • Tyndale House Publishers

How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus • Barbour Publishing

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS

Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson • Thomas Nelson

The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth • Zondervan

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE

June Bug by Chris Fabry • Tyndale House Publishers

The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson • Thomas Nelson

Veiled Freedom by Jeanette Windle • Tyndale House Publishers

FIRST NOVEL

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry • Moody Publishers

Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent • Tyndale House Publishers

Scared by Tom Davis • David C. Cook

HISTORICAL

A Flickering Light by Jane Kirkpatrick • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey • Revell Books: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

HISTORICAL ROMANCE †

Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander • Thomas Nelson

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

SUSPENSE

Intervention by Terri Blackstock • Zondervan

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson • Howard Books: a Division of Simon & Schuster

The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

VISIONARY

By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson • Marcher Lord Press

The Enclave by Karen Hancock • Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group

Valley of the Shadow by Tom Pawlik • Tyndale House Publishers

YOUNG ADULT

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma • Thomas Nelson

The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason • David C. Cook

North! or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

†Historical Romance includes four nominees due to a tie in scoring.

Life, In Spite of Me - the Kristen Anderson story!

Be sure to visit the blog tour and see what the reviewers have to say!

LEAVE A COMMENT HERE ON THIS POST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 5 COPIES OF LIFE, IN SPITE OF ME!

Are you on Twitter?

Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo

(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide to be entered)

For a chance to win a 5 book Tricia Goyer library – any five books of your choice!

I am so excited to announce that Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After A Fatal Choice. This is the story of my friend Kristen Anderson.

After her fatal choice… extraordinary hope.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have a bottom.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited—for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt… but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.

But Kristen's story didn't end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her—when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Watch the video trailer here!

Today on Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Don't miss Living Inspired on Thursday at 3:00 pm Central! (To listen to the show, just follow this link and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen.) Don't miss our guest on Thursday - talented author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is currently the only author writing both fiction/non-fiction Amish books. She has a ten book contract - wow. That's huge. :) Besides talking about writing Amish books (I too am writing a three book Amish series) we'll be chatting about Hong Kong and Guide dog puppies. Hmmm.... the Amish, Hong Kong and puppies. Sounds a little random - don't miss this one. :)

About Suzanne:
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author, a wife, a mother, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a cook and a gardener…the latter two with inconsistent results. A former contributing editor to "Christian Parenting Today," Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines, including "Today’s Christian Woman," "Worldwide Challenge," and "Marriage Partnership."

“The Choice,” a novel about a young Amish woman, is the first in a three-book series, is in its third printing and is an ECPA and CBA bestseller. Wal-Mart chose “The Choice” for its January Inspirational Book Shelf, and it was the Main Selection for Crossings Book Club, as well as Doubleday, BookSpan, and a large print edition for Literary Guild. In August of 2010, Suzanne will release another non-fiction book, “Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life.” In October 2010, “The Waiting” will release; it is the second in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series. Six other books—both fiction and non-fiction—are contracted to release over the next two years.

Another new venture for Suzanne is “Amish Wisdom,” a weekly radio program in which she interviews all kinds of interesting guests who have connections to the Amish. You can listen on-line at www.toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom. And you can always find Suzanne at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Win a copy of Amish Peace or The Choice - by leaving a comment {HERE}.

Rekindle Romance

I can still remember the night John proposed. We’d asked my mom to baby-sit my son Cory, and then John drove me 70 miles away to a nice dinner. After that, we strolled in the moonlight at a local park. We laughed, talked, and joked. John even did a little song and dance, to my delight. Then, he led me toward the light of a streetlamp and he knelt on one knee, produced a beautiful ring, and asked me to marry him. Ahhh . . .

Even though we live 1,000 miles away now, we’ve been back to visit that park. A huge bridge crossing the Sacramento River has been erected on the very spot he’d proposed. As we gazed at it, once again in the moonlight, John whispered in my ear, “It’s only right that such a beautiful structure be erected as a monument of our love.” Double ahhhh . . .

The longer I’ve been married, the more my idea of romance has changed. Sure, I still enjoy dinner out and walks in the park, but my face really lights up when John sees me in the kitchen and helps me with dinner, or when he picks up Mr. Clean and spends 45 minutes on a Saturday morning making our bathroom shine. Those things mean a lot to me because John sees my need and strives to alleviate some of the work that comes with raising kids, writing books, and serving in church.

Likewise, John appreciates it when I curl up next to him on the couch during a movie . . . especially if it’s one I wouldn’t choose to watch. Or if I take him a sandwich while he’s working in the garage. Or if I give him a massage after a long day at work.

Romance doesn’t have to fade away with the years. With or without kids, romance can flame, spread, and provide a fire in the hearts of mates. Yet romance doesn’t have to be trite. True romance impacts the deepest part of our heart—where media, movies, and love songs can’t possibly touch.

Here are a few ways to Rekindle Romance:

Revisit Your History
“Tell each other what you saw in one another when you first met. What was it about your true love that intrigued and attracted you? That crooked smile? That infectious laugh? Courteous behavior? Endearing diffidence? Quiet confidence?” writes Toni Poynter, author of Now and Forever. “I remember my husband, on our second date, asking, ‘May I?’ before he took my arm as we traversed an icy patch on the sidewalk. It was so unexpected—so sweetly courtly. I fell hard—and not on the ice.

“It’s nice to know what we saw in each other—it connects us to a time when the energy between us was thunderous, crackling with possibility. Together, remember your common history. Sharing it with each other binds you together.”

Run Away . . . Together
Last January John and I started the year by running away together to Banff, Canada, which is only four hours away. We found January worked well for us, because I’m usually tired from balancing kids, book deadlines and holidays, and John is tired from end-of-the-year crunch at work.

We had the best time together: sleeping in, going on walks, bubble baths, talking . . . you get the picture. We liked it so much in fact we’re planning another weekend get away this year. And I’m hoping it turns into a yearly event!

Remember and Reflect
“Tomorrow morning, get your eyes off the toast . . . long enough to LOOK at your spouse . . . Look at his or her hands,” wrote Ed Wheat, author of Love Life for Every Married Couple. “Do you remember when just to look at those hands made your heart lift? Well, LOOK … and remember. Then loose your tongue and tell him or her how you feel . . . Ask the Lord to give you a sentimental, romantic, physical, in-love kind of love for your spouse. God will do this. His love in us can change the actual physical quality of our love for our spouses.”

I love how this author urges readers to go beyond remembering to reflection. Don’t keep your warm thoughts to yourself. Speak them to your spouse. Also, speak them as thankfulness to God. Apostle Paul says, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God,” Philippians 1:3 (NIV). Can you imagine how much love we’d feel toward our spouse if we did that? Can you imagine how loved we’d feel if our spouse did the same?

“Identify your spouse’s positive characteristics and choose to thank God for these traits,” adds Gary Chapman, author of The Four Seasons of Marriage. “Thank God that your spouse is made in his image and is therefore extremely valuable. Thank God that your spouse is uniquely gifted and has a unique role to play in the Kingdom of God. Thank God that marriage was his idea and ask him to give you the ability to be his messenger by communicating positive statements to your spouse. Then begin to express appreciation for the positive traits you observe in your spouse. You can choose a winning attitude even when your spouse shows no interest in improving your marriage.”

Relate
To me romance means wooing someone. Nothing solicits my affections more than when John puts my needs above his. And you know what? It makes me want to return the gesture . . . simply out of consideration.

Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:2–5 (NIV)

Jesus gave everything . . . to show His love. Thinking of this, I realize that giving a back rub doesn’t sound too difficult.

Do you need to rekindle the romance in your marriage relationship?

© Tricia Goyer author of Generation NeXt Marriage
http://triciagoyer.com/nonfiction.html#GenerationNextMarriage