SOMEONE'S SON by Brenda Rhodes - Book Review

Brenda Rhodes is a retired co-owner of a successful family business, an amateur artist of ceramics and wall murals, a lover of children, an active member of her church and a compassionate friend to many. Her love for family is a strong passion in her life and holidays are very special events for her, especially Christmas.

In her younger years she married and had two children, a daughter Wendi and a son Ronal Paul. She is now single and has one living child, her daughter, who is married and one grandson and three step-grandchildren.

You can find Brenda at http://brendarhodes.com/

Personal:

Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

I was born in Houston. Came to Dallas when I was 11 because my Dad was starting the family business: Bowling & Billiard Supplies of Dallas, Inc. Have lived in the Dallas area ever since.
I married at 18 and had my first child, my daughter Wendi, also at 18. My son, Ronal Paul, was born three years later. My marriage was very troubled and failed in 1971 the year my son was born. I re-married my ex-husband in 1973 when he was incarcerated for armed robbery - yes, you read that right. I believed he had hit rock bottom and had come back to God. That marriage failed again in 1977 about one year after he came home. married again in 1980 - 1983 to a man I later found out had molested my son. Yes, you read that right too.

In 1981 I brought my mother into my home because of her failing health and mental/emotional condition. This arrangement was very hard on my kids. She passed away in 1989.
I married again in 1991 until 1998. Bad track record !!

My Dad was my hero who passed away when I was 27 he was only 59 - in 1976. I have one old brother, Ronnie, who became my business partner in our family business for 25 years and we remain partners in real estate. We sold the business in 2001 and are now partially retired - we stay busy!!


I became a Christian as a child, but had no mentoring. I walked close to God in my twenties, but walked away from God when my Dad died. Came back to God on January 20, 1999 during the crisis with my son's drug addiction, homosexuality and HIV status.
Was that a "little bit"?


What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

These days I don't have much spare time. I am a group leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) a Stephen Minister (a one to one crisis care giving ministry) and I work part-time.
For fun: I pick up my grandson, Lorenzo, from school on Wednesdays and spend time with him and Wendi (my daughter) and her family.

I keep my step-great-grandson, Evan, every other Thursday.

I enjoy painting pottery and I have too many Munchkin cats which I breed. They have little short legs and are adorable.
I love any and all family get togethers. We have a lake house on Cedar Creek lake that we enjoy spending time at whenever we can.
Love love love holidays and cooking for our family and friends.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

This is a hard one. Let me think . . .(smell the smoke?) This is really hard because I serve a super God who is all powerful and I depend on Him, so what would assist Him? Hmmmmmmmm I know! If I could fly I could get to hurting people faster and bring them the good news of our Lord Jesus and God's love.

What has God been teaching you lately?

Patience - that one was easy! The process of getting this book out was very long and I struggled with waiting. Well meaning people would say, "God's timing is perfect." Yeah yeah yeah - I struggled with waiting - did I already say that?

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A hair stylist, like most little girls I loved to "play" with my own hair and that of friends. I was pretty good. One day the dad of one of my friends said, "Oh, Brenda, you can't do that, you're too heavy to stand on your feet all day." Busted my bubble. So, I've always sat at a desk.


Where are you headed next?

I don't know and don't care - I'm following my Lord wherever He leads.



Writing:

How did you get involved in writing?

I am not a writer or an author. God called me to write this book to tell my story of His love and faithfulness and His redeeming power. So I got involved because God made me! It took me two years to surrender to Him.

What's the most difficult part of the writing process for you?

Proof reading and editing - then proof reading again - then editing again - then proof reading again.........I think I've read Someone's Son a dozen or more times. Want me to stand up and recite it to you by heart?



What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?

Since my book is a true story of personal and family trauma and crisis, the most fullment I received was feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit reveal what words to use to express the truth without being too harsh or too revealing of myself or others. To cry as I wrote and feel God's healing of my heart in the process. To know this is not me, but God. The feeling of obedience is wonderful.

How do you find time to write?

I' m not a real structured or self-disciplined person so I didn't have a designignated time each day to write. I wrote when I felt compelled to and God would cover me with alone time without interruptions. Many times, Mary DeMuth, my co-writer-ghost writer, would email me questions about specific things or times in my life: and off I would go. Not having a full time job anymore helps a lot.

What would you say to someone who wants to become a published author?

Pray pray pray - then pray some more. And be willing to work hard.


Book:


Where did you get the idea for the book? What compelled you to write it?

.We have pretty much covered this. My book is a true story of personal trials, the toughest being my son's self-destructive death over an eight year period of drug abuse. God compelled me to "Tell your story. Tell others of my love and faithfulness" which eventually became my book, Someone's Son.


What are the major themes of the book?

Mary Demuth felt we should tell of my childhood and young adulthood struggles with my mother's mental/emotional illness and my failed marriages. Along with my love for my Dad, although he was not perfect.

My wonderful children Wendi and Ronal Paul. Ronal Paul being such a thoughtful, kind, considerate and absolutely wonderful son.


The heartbreak of watching his life turn to homosexuality and drug addiction which led quickly to HIV status.

 The effects of his choices not only on me, but the whole family since we all worked together in our family business

My fall into deep depression.

God's redemption of me.

Victory in Jesus even in the eventual death of my beloved, precious only son.


What kind of research did you have to do for the book?

Since this is a true story, not much. But, I did have to learn some details of my son's life that no mother wants to know in order to express to readers how deep his fall and how great God's redemption can be.

How did you know you were ready to write this book?

I knew God was urging me to do so, but I resisted out of fear of failing Him. It was on my 60th birthday, two years ago, that I realized I was so afraid of failing God that I was failing God. My eyes were opened to my lack of faith in Him and I surrendered. And, guess what, He provided everything I needed immediately!! Starting with Mary DeMuth as my "guide" through the process.


What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

This is the easiest question of all! My heart's desire and prayer is for readers to see God's redemption and His love and faithfulness as He carried me and my son through the fire.
To bring glory to God for all He has done and is still doing in my life and for my family.

I will rejoice in Him always!

My review: This true story depicts "a mother's fight for her gay, drug-addicted son". As it says on the back cover, Someone's Son is a memoir of personal tragedy, but it is more than that. It is an account of God's faithful love for a prodigal. This story is heart-rending and unforgettable. I just couldn't put it down. For those who look at individuals who struggle with drug addiction, homosexuality, and HIV/AIDS, these sufferings are given a human face. I will never look at one of these individuals in the same way again. They are not just "another addict" a "gay" man or woman, or an AIDS sufferer. They are someone's son or daughter, someone's brother or sister.

Brenda Rhodes, moved by God to write from the depths of her own personal crisis, has given us a message of hope. God is the Redeemer. Her theme throughout the book is "REJOICE".

I was interested to learn that Brenda is a Stephen Minister. I am also involved in Stephen Ministry, reaching out one-on-one to people in crisis. This is a book which have no hesitation in recommending to my ministry colleagues. Thank you, Brenda, for your willingness to become vulnerable. And thanks to Mary DeMuth for her involvement in bringing this book to publication.This book is published by WinePressPublishing.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

AN UNLIKELY BLESSING by Judy Baer - Book Tour and review

About the book: An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastor and life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose—lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there.

Alex quickly finds that this lovely place is in quiet peril. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet: Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing the farm. Alex believes that part of why God called him to Hilltop was to help turn things around, and steps in with ideas for saving the Owens' land. But can even God's minister help save this rural community?

There are a lot of firsts for the new pastor—the annual Hunter's Breakfast, julebukking (also called Christmas fooling), King Oscar's fish balls, and the melody of the musical saw. And the new, single pastor creates remarkable excitement among the unmarried women in the community. If you could die of hot dish overdose, Alex would be a dead man. Whether performing weddings, counseling his flock, or herding cattle by snowmobile, Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he will teach them. Day by day, he falls more in love with the people of Hilltop Church. People may leave Hilltop, but Hilltop never leaves them.

Book is available through Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Blessing-Forever-Hilltop/dp/0824948149/ref=sprightly-20


In celebration of the release of An Unlikely Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.

One lucky winner will receive:

Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com
To enter just click HERE (http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html) and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy's blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress

http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html )

Win a KINDLE with Wi-Fi from Judy Baer during the An Unlikely Blessings Giveaway. If you loved Karon’s Mitford series, you’ll love Judy’s Forever Hilltop series! Find out more and enter to win the KINDLE at the link below! http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html



My review: This is the first in Judy Baer's new series, Forever Hilltop. Alex Armstrong is a middle-aged professor who becomes a minister, and he discovers that his first chargwe is not in the city, but in a tw-point country parish. And it is definitely out of his "comfort zone". There are more twists and turns in Alex's life that in the winding country roads ina nd around Hilltop. He has both amusing encounters and serious problems to solve. He soon discovers that there is more to life in Hilltop that what is being served at the next pot-luck! Through it all, Alex discovers that God is at work in his new circumstances. When his faith is tested, he learns from his parishioners much about God's mysterious ways. This series should prove to be very interesting indeed!

Thanks to litfusegroup.com and Guideposts for providing a copy of the book for review purposes.

MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa TerKeurst - BOOK REVIEW

Enter to win a KINDLE in Lysa TerKeurst’s Made To Crave KINDLE Giveaway! Find out who won during the Made To Crave Facebook Party on February 8th! All the details here: http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/made-to-crave-by-lysa-terkeurst.html


Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!


Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal - and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages. Companion Bible study DVD set also available. http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/

My review: I love the subtitle, Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food. This book is all about replacing our cravings for things with a craving for God, the only One who can truly satisfy. It is not about weight loss and skinny jeans, but about the attitude of our heart, and the choices we make. God has designed us to live victoriously. The choices we make have more to do with our freedom to become who we are meant to be, rather than restrictions. This is not a temporary "fix", but is all about the next decision we will make.

Lysa concludes each chapter with thoughtful questions, personal reflections to help us think through and apply the things she has shared. At the conclusion of the book, Lysa has included helpful Scriptures that she has mentioned in each chapter, or which relate to the chapter theme. She also includes healthy eating 'go-to' scripts for a number of scenarios. This book is written compassionately from Lysa's heart, and will be very helpful for any woman who is serious about a commitment to be all God meant her to be. Be sure and visit Lysa's website and blog for further encouragement.  DVD curriculum is also available for group discussion.





Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.


Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa's website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Made-Crave-Satisfying-Deepest-Desire/dp/031029326X/ref=sprightly-20


Win a brand new KINDLE from Lysa Terkeurst during the Made To Crave KINDLE Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Made to Crave and the MTC Small Group DVD Study Set, Lysa is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.00! To enter just click on one of the icons below! (you’ll find these in the attached html code document) One winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle with Wi-Fi & the New E Ink Pearl Screen

KINDLE editions of Lysa’s Made to Crave and Becoming More Than A Good Girl

But, wait there is more!
Lysa will be announcing the winner of the Made to Crave KINDLE Giveaway on February 8th during the Made To Crave Party on Facebook!


During the party Lysa will chat with guests, host a trivia contest or two, and give away lots of other fun prizes (copies of Lysa’s other books and Amazon.com, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates) – including a live Author Chat with Lysa for your small group!

Don’t miss the fun! Lysa is looking forward to learning more about you – so be sure to stop by Lysa's Facebook Author Page on February 8th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

Blog Tour Schedule: Be sure and check out all the blog reviews at the following:
http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/made-to-crave-by-lysa-terkeurst.html )


Made To Crave is published by Zondervan, and a copy was provided for review purposes by Litfuse Publicity.

MINE IS THE NIGHT by Liz Curtis Higgs - Video book trailer

Liz Curtis Higgs concludes the story which began in Here Burns My Candle.  Mine Is The Night is now released!

THE SEARCH by Suzanne Woods Fisher - BOOK REVIEW , CONTEST, and MORE!

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

"Beautifully written, 'The Search' is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past."

My review: I found this book enjoyable on many levels. It is skilfully written, and the author's interest in and knowledge of all things Amish is evident. I learned much about the Amish beliefs and way of life. The characters are well developed, and the reader can relate to the two girls, Lainey and Bess. We go through ups and downs with them, and tension mounts as details from the past are revealed. Suzanne weaves biblical truth throughout the story, with her themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, trust, and unconditional love. We accompany each character through their disappointments, discouragements, and inevitable trials as they face difficult decions. I highly recommend this book, and I also recommend keeping a box of tissues close at hand!  Everyone who enjoys Amish fiction will absolutely LOVE this book. I am looking forward to reading Suzanne's books in the future.Well done, Suzanne. You kept me turning pages well into the night.

About Suzanne:

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.

Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.

After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.

Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple awards). With help from an agent, she now has numerous books under contract with Revell. Also look for Suzanne's Amish non-fiction, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, as well as Amish Proverbs, and coming in Spring of 2011, look for Amish Values for Your Family. The Choice and The Waiting are the previous books in the Lancaster County Secrets Collection.

Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

Suzanne can be found on-line at:
http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/

Enter to win your very own iPad in Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Search iPad Giveaway!
Enter by clicking the link below, then be sure to attend Everything Is Coming Up Roses Party of February 3rd to see if you won - and to chat about books and win one of the MANY other prizes Suzanne is giving away.

http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-search-by-suzanne-woods-fisher.html

The above link also includes reviews by other members of Litfuse. Check them out!

Thanks to Litfuse Group for providing a copy of the book for review purposes. The book is published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and is available now through http://www.amazon.com/.

FATAL JUDGMENT by Irene Hannon - BOOK REVIEW

Fatal Judgment, the first book in Irene Hannon's latest series, Guardians of Justice, is romantic suspense at its best. Elements of faith are subtly yet intricately woven into the plot. Characterization is superb, and one feels with them from the beginning. Clearly, this novel is well-researched. It is gripping and believable. This is not the genre I usually read, but I have to say that it was  a thoroughly enjoyable page-turner. I look forward to reading other books by Irene in the future.

From back cover: "U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband-and Jake's best friend-to despair...and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to change his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life-and his heart-are in danger."
       Up Close and Personal with Irene Hannon



An interview with the author, taken from her website, http://www.irenehannon.com/

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?


I can’t remember ever not being a writer. I really believe people are born writers. It’s a gift, just like any other talent. I did toy with the idea of becoming a psychologist, but in the end, writing won out. However, my psychology degree is a great background for writing about relationships—a key ingredient in romantic fiction!

Until 2009, you wrote contemporary romance only. Why did you branch into suspense?


The truth is, the very first book I ever wrote was a romantic suspense novella. It was SO bad, however, that I stashed it in the deepest, darkest corner of my closest, where it will forever remain. I just didn’t have the necessary technical background to make it work, and in those days (20+ years ago), it was far more difficult to do research. So I focused on contemporary romance. But as an avid Nancy Drew reader in my younger days, I guess it’s no surprise that I eventually found my way back to suspense!

What inspires you to write?

Writers write. They have to write. It’s almost a compulsion. I can’t imagine my life without writing in it. As for what compels me to sit down every day at my computer—I like how one well-known writer once responded when asked if he waits for inspiration to strike before he writes. He said (and I’m paraphrasing), “Yes, I do. And I make sure I’m inspired every day at nine o’clock.”

What is something your readers might be surprised to learn about you?


While researching my Heroes of Quantico series, I enrolled in the local Citizen Police Academy. As part of that experience, I did a heart-pounding ride-along with a patrol officer that included a tense domestic violence call and a high-speed burglary response. The poor guy had to practically peel my fingers off the dashboard when we finally stopped. What I quickly learned is that I prefer to experience my suspense vicariously—safely tucked in the pages of a book!

What is your favorite book?

I don’t have one favorite. I’ve read many books I’ve liked. A few that come to mind are Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn, Mila 18 by Leon Uris and A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I’ve also enjoyed the Mitford series by Jan Karon, as well as books by LaVyrle Spencer and Dee Henderson.
What is your favorite movie?

Again, no single movie. But I do like happy endings! And for pure enjoyment, it’s hard to beat a Cary Grant flick. The Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer is fabulous if you like romantic comedy. And it’s timeless. Of more recent vintage, I enjoyed While You Were Sleeping and Return to Me.

What is your favorite Bible verse?


Matthew 6:21—“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Who has had the most influence on your life?


My parents. They have always been my ardent fans, encouraging me every step of the way in any venture I undertook. They believed in me, and because they believed, I believed, too. There’s an old saying about the two gifts parents can give their children—roots and wings. My parents gave me both. They created a home where I was accepted without question, loved without conditions and encouraged without restraint. With that kind of foundation, it’s easy to take on the world. I give thanks every day for the gift of their continued presence in my life.

Name one of the bravest things you've ever done.

Signing up for voice lessons in college—and going to auditions for musicals. I’d always wanted to sing, but had zero confidence in my abilities. Taking the first step of committing to voice lessons was tough…and going to those first auditions in front of a roomful of competitors who wanted you to fail was even tougher. But I wanted it badly enough to persevere—and it paid off. Kind of like getting published!

You juggled two careers concurrently for a long time. How did you manage that?


In the beginning, it wasn’t difficult. The demands of my entry level job in corporate communications were reasonable and I had regular hours. By the time I left the corporate world, however, I’d risen to the executive ranks. I was a senior group director in a Fortune 500 company, managing three departments and overseeing major projects like the annual report. I was also managing editor of the company’s worldwide magazine and the speechwriter for the CEO and president, as well as for other executives. When the job became 24/7, I knew I had to pick between the two careers. Winning the RITA award and being offered a three-book contract made the decision much easier, though.

Sounds like your corporate job was interesting—and a little glitzy!

It had its moments. My favorite memories include skimming over an Alaskan glacier in a float plane, flying first-class to a prestigious spa to get the full treatment as background for a magazine article I was writing, jet-setting with the CEO on the corporate plane to a cruise ship in the Caribbean for a business lunch, visiting a remote island in Ireland and soaring over the Grand Tetons in a hot-air balloon. Plus, I met some wonderful people along the way.

How did you make the adjustment from such an exciting, high-powered career to the rather solitary life of a writer?


The truth is, there was no adjustment. I’m perfectly happy spending my days with the fascinating characters who people my novels. And I definitely don’t miss the rush-hour commute, corporate politics or a relentless BlackBerry that never slept!

Any advice for aspiring writers?


Learn as much as you can about how the industry works. Read exhaustively in the genres that interest you. Target your work carefully. Join a professional writers organization like Romance Writers of America. Master the basics (spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.). Listen to criticism with an open mind. Set aside time to write on a regular basis. Believe in yourself. And don’t give up your day job!

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

Every reader letter touches me, and many have been memorable. A few stand out. With my contemporary romances, I recall one from a very atypical romance reader—a 23-year-old man who stumbled across my book, read it because he was bored, and told me it inspired him, taught him some valuable life lessons and gave him the guidance he’d had trouble finding himself. And I love the reader who wrote, “No one but Nicholas Sparks can grab me and get my attention after reading only a few pages—until YOU!”

With my suspense books, I’m getting feedback from both men and women, and I’m loving the letters that contain lines like this one: “I bought your book this past Tuesday evening and spent the entire day today reading it! I did have to put it down a few times just to breathe.” And I was thrilled with this comment: “I have been a Nora Roberts fan for a few years now and have just worked my way through all of her romantic suspense books. Your book was just as captivating.”

Do you have a pet peeve about the writing business?

One of my biggest pet peeves is how commercial fiction—and the romance genre in particular—is often considered less worthy than “literary” fiction. Not long ago, I read a review about a romance novel that said readers must pick between mental nourishment and romance—snarkily suggesting that stories about two people working to overcome formidable obstacles in order to build a life together can’t engage the reader’s mind as well as the heart. The reviewer also denigrated what she called “the best romance tradition” of an ending suffused with “a sense of almost religious redemption and possibility.” What a sad commentary on our world when a hope-filled ending seems so implausible that it renders a book too unrealistic to be taken seriously.

What has surprised you most about being a published novelist?


I didn’t realize how much making that first sale would change the complexion of writing. When you’re seeking that first contract and writing for the pure joy of following your muse, all you have to worry about is creating your best story. Once you’ve landed that contract, however, you realize that publishers don’t want one-book wonders—they want authors who can produce regularly. The first sale isn’t the summit; it’s the start of a whole new journey. And in addition to being expected to continually create new books, you now also find yourself doing promotion, creating/maintaining a website, answering reader mail, keeping accounting records, proofing galleys…the list keeps growing. So the pressure is on, and writing becomes a business as well as a passion. It’s still fun, but it’s a job—with deadlines. Which means you now have to plunk yourself in front of the computer even when you’d rather be doing something else. And that’s an adjustment.

What is your average writing day like?


Long! I’m usually at my computer by 8:30 a.m. First I answer e-mail and check a couple of websites and writing loops. Then I edit the work I wrote the previous day. At lunchtime I take a walk, then I’m back at the keyboard. I write 5-10 new pages a day, minimum. In the first third to half of a book, I’m usually closer to five because the characters and plot are loosely formed and still gelling in my mind. And depending on the subject matter, research can also slow the writing process. But I’m a stickler for accuracy, so I don’t shortchange the research piece. Without distractions, I can hit my page count by 5 or 6 p.m. So that’s my ideal writing day. However, distractions are common. Galleys show up, publicity requests come in, prep has to be done for speaking engagements…you get the idea. So I’m often at my computer well into the evening. It’s a busy life!

What do you hope readers take away from your books?


I have three goals with every book I write. First, I want to entertain. People need wholesome ways to unwind in today’s stressful, fast-paced world, and I do my best to write books that help them put aside their cares for a few hours. Second, I want to leave people with hope; with a belief that no matter how tough life gets, a happy ending is always possible. And finally, I want people to close the last page with a better appreciation for the tremendous power of love—both human and divine—to change lives. To sum up my goal in three words: entertain, enrich, uplift.

Are your books available in other countries?


Many of my novels are available in English-speaking parts of the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. I’ve also had books translated into German, Dutch, French and Afrikaans.

How do you integrate faith into the stories and lives of your characters?


For me, the faith element is organic to the story because at least one of my main characters has a strong faith that guides his or her life. But my books aren’t preachy. The faith content is subtle and reflected more in characters’ actions than in words. I prefer to show characters living their faith rather than talking about it.

Any parting words?

I’d like to say a few words about Christian fiction. For years it’s had a reputation as being too preachy and heavy-handed in terms of evangelizing. In truth, some of that is deserved. But the genre has changed considerably over the past few years. Now, Christian fiction refers more to books with a certain worldview. As a result, any reader who likes fiction that features traditional values would enjoy many Christian fiction books. I would love to find a way to convince more secular readers to wander into the Christian fiction aisle at their local bookstore. I think many of them would be very pleasantly surprised.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

DEEPER INTO THE WORD by Keri Wyatt Kent - BOOK REVIEW

Finally, a practical, easy to read reference book for every Christian desiring to delve a bit deeper into the meanings of New Testament words. One does not require a theological education to understand the nuances of Greek words, as Keri demonstrates so clearly.

In her new book, Keri Wyatt Kent presents us with reflections on 100 words from the New Testament clearly and simply, but in a way which will deepen our understanding of biblical passages. Keri lists the words alphabetically, and each entry is insightful yet concise. She also includes an appendix of helpful websites for those who wish to dig deeper, as well as an alphabetical index to the Greek words, together with the page(s) on which they are found in her book.

From the back cover: A fresh look at the words within the Word. Words matter. God cares about them and so should we. Going a little deeper into the Bible's words can make an old passage new again, enriching your understanding of God's message to his children. Why was this word chosen rather than that one? What does it imply in its original language that you can't see in English? And without knowing Greek, how can you learn to explore the details of God's Word for yourself? Keri Wyatt Kent provides a fresh encounter with the most important words of the New Testament.

I was delighted to pick up this book and to discover how readable it is. Keri explains the meaning and its usage in the biblical context in such a clear way. I recommend this book as a welcome addition to anyone's library for ready reference, as well as to be read devotionally. Each entry is short, yet packed with meaning and practical application. My copy is sitting beside my Bible, at the ready when I need a meaning clarified, or when I want to pick up a book for devotional reading. Hopefully Keri will now write a similar book of reflections on Hebrew words in their Old Testament context!

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of seven previous books. She speaks at churches and retreats and frequently appears on Christian radio programs. Keri lives with her husband and two children in suburban Chicago.
For more information about Keri, check her website, http://www.keriwyattkent.com/. You may also follow her on Facebook.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".