Until Forever By: Darlene Shortridge Plus Book Giveaway

Until Forever

By:

Darlene Shortridge

• Perfect Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Tate Publishing (January 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1617392448
• ISBN-13: 978-1617392443
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches

Purchase at Amazon

Interview with Darlene

Hello everyone. I am happy to have a new author with us today, Darlene Shortridge,  talking about her book Until Forever. Darlene can tell you better than me about this wonderful book.  so after you read the Book Blurb, read Darlene’s interview and see why this book means so much to her.
Also Darlene is giving a copy of this book to one blessed blogger, so here is what you need to do.
Leave a comment about this interview by Nov 23rd
Leave your name AND email…if you don’t leave your email, I can’t get in touch with you!
Rate my Blogging for Books review HERE  This will give you 2 extra entries

Book Blurb

More than a Book………..

Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi’s pain and Mark’s guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforseen circumstances bind them together?
Join Jessi and Mark as they travel many roads that lead them to places of healing and forgiveness.  Where will God draw the line at allowing circumstances in our lives that lead us to Him?  Is there any earthly pain that isn’t tolerable if it leads us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?  As you read “Until Forever” you may find yourself asking these types of questions.  As in real life, the answers don’t come easily to Jessi and Mark.  You will find yourself walking in their shoes, crying their tears and laughing with them as they experience real pain and find true joy.

1.       Hey Darlene, it’s great to have you on my blog today. Thank you so much for being here. Tell us a bit about yourself.  Joy, I am thrilled to be here, thank you for having me.   I am an author of Christian Fiction, a speaker and singer based out of northeast Wisconsin.  I enjoy speaking to groups of all sizes and genres.  I am married to the greatest guy ever, have two awesome children and a dog, (who can sometimes be very naughty) Ms. Leia.  I homeschool our youngest son, Jeremiah.  I love spending time with my family and my church family.  Worship is favorite thing to “do” and writing comes in a close second.
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2.       How long have you been writing?  I truly cannot remember when I started writing.  I did not have a fairy tale childhood and most of my memories are suppressed.  I do know that as far back as I can remember, writing always seemed to be a part of my life.  Whether it be poetry, songs and lyrics, short stories or full length novels, writing has been my way of expressing myself. 
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3.      What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most? Oh my goodness.  Sometimes I feel so guilty for sleeping in til 9 or 10 o’clock.  Alright…sometimes even later!  But…I love it!  I love staying up til the wee hours of the morning, when everything is quiet and my imagination is able to run wild with no outside distractions.  I do my best writing late at night.  It also gives me extreme joy to know the stories I write touch and change lives.  To make a difference in someone’s life, to give them a reason to hold on to hope through circumstances that would tear them down, is a priviledge that I count as one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me.  When readers contact me and tell how much this story meant to them, or how they were able to forgive someone because of what they read, it means the world to me. 
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4.       What is your favorite Scripture?  The scripture that I have been hanging on to is Matthew 19:26.  With men things may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible.  This scripture has been my lifeline lately.  My husband was laid off four years ago and has worked at a variety of jobs since then.  We have watched the hand of God do the impossible in our lives over and over again.  When things get tough, when we seem to have reached the end of the line, suddenly God moves and leaves us wondering why we ever doubted in the first place. 
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5.       How do you find characters for your books? Are the influenced by family and friends?  My characters are loosely based off of friends and family.  While Until Forever is fiction, my grandfather was an alcoholic.  The events that happen in my story were hatched in my imagination with a whole lot of inspiration from the Holy Spirit.  I tried to make my characters as close to you and I as possible, to make them as real to life as I could.  What I do is, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I live in the head of each character as I write him or her.  I will speak the dialogue out loud, cry with them, sneer with them…whatever it takes to make them seem real and to make sure I got it right.  For the children in my book, I took a hard look at my own children and gave them some of their personality, some of their spunk. 
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6.       What are 4 things about yourself that most people wouldn’t know about ?  Well, I really don’t consider myself to be an interesting person, or to have done much that would be interesting to others so this is what I came up with.  1)  I used to run long distance in college.  I love running and hope to one day start back up.  2) I played a mean air guitar in high school…and got a lot of flack about it.  Really, I was just socially inept and was trying to find my way!  3) I sing.  I mean, I really sing. Even though I never finished, I started college as a voice major.  I have either led or been on a worship team since I was 18 years old.  I can pretty much sing harmony to anything.  4) Per my son, I am the best cooker in the world! 

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7.       When will your next book be out?  I am hoping spring of 2012. 
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8.       What are you working on now?  I am currently working on the sequel to Until Forever.  I actually came up with a working title today, so we’ll go with that as long as we all remember I am a woman and I retain the right to change my mind at any time.  For the moment, my WIP is called, Forever Blessed.  It is book two in the Women of Worship Series.  While Until Forever tackles the subject of alcoholism, Forever Blessed deals with domestic abuse both in and out of the church.  Laney finds herself in an abusive marriage with three children in tow.  She flees her home and every bit of security she has ever known.  With nothing but the clothes on her back and a will to survive, she forges her way in a world that is leary, if not down right suspicious of anyone claiming they are physically, mentally or verbally abused.  If you look me up on Facebook and like the page Until Forever, you can read the prologue and the first chapter of Forever Blessed.  Make sure you leave a comment and let me know what you think so far.  I hope to be finished with this project by the end of December.
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9.       Where can our readers find you?  You can find me on twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/ShortridgeD  And on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/darlene.shortridge  You can also like my Until Forever page on facebook and read the prologue and first chapter of Forever Blessed under discussions:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorDarleneShortridge  I’m on Googleplus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=yX#114109879839110417142/posts.  My website is http://www.darleneshortridge.com/ and my blog address is:  http://www.darleneshortridge.blogspot.com/  Look me up.  I look forward to hearing from you!
 ***
10.   11.   And I wanted to save this one until last, Tell us a bit about Until Forever and what Inspired you to write this wonderful book.  Until Forever is the story of a young married couple, Jessi and Mark, and their young son, Ethan.  Mark is an alcoholic who doesn’t think he has a problem.  He even commits himself to rehab just to prove he can go without a drink.  One day after his stint in rehab, he stops at a bar and has a few then proceeds to drive, all the while forgetting that their young son, Ethen, was curled up on the back seat asleep.  Mark gets into a head on collision with a tree and their lives are irrevocably changed from that moment on.   
Journey with Jessi and Mark as they learn the meaning of forgiveness.  How do you forgive someone when they have done something “unforgivable?”  This is a story of forgiveness, redemption and unconditional love. 
 As I stated above, my grandfather was an alcoholic.  I also have many family members who are in chains because of the choices they have made and continue to make.  It pains me to see so many people lose themselves in a bottle, lost and desperately searching for a meaning to life.  If only they knew there is a much better way.  There is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing that can seperate us from the love of God.  He is faithful to forgive us, no matter what “unforgivable” act we have committed.  All we must do is repent and ask Him to be the Lord of our lives.   

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My Thoughts about Until Forever
A life destroyed, ruined by alcoholism, Mark Jensen doesn’t think he has a problem. Even though he’s just out of prison for his addiction, he is still not convinced. That’s why Jessi is uncomfortable with leaving their young son with Mark while she goes to her teaching job at the school. While Jessi is gone, Mark take in situation into his own hands and goes out to the grocery store with his son. On his way home, he takes a different route, going past a local bar. He’s just going in for a few minutes, his son is sleeping and will be ok in the car, despite the freezing temperatures. And Mark stays much longer than he thought, drinks much more than he thought, and Marks actions causing the most heart-wrenching tragedy any parent has ever had to face.
Wow, what can I say about Until Forever? This is one of the best books I’ve read on God’s love, grace, forgiveness, healing and restoration. I know this is fiction, but as the author states in her interview, she has family members who are alcoholics and these dear people are on her mind while she is writing this. This is a subject that affects so many families today, so many children are hurt by it in many ways. This would be an awesome book to give someone dealing with this issue.
Until Forever is a most wonderful love story. A story of God’s love to us as well as a story of God changing a life in such a dramatic way that no one even recognizes him. Mark and Jessi’s journey is a love story that will stay with you for a long time.
I want to thank the author Darlene Shortridge for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

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About the Autho

Darlene Shortridge attended Alderson Broaddus College as a voice major.  She found she was more passionate about her writing classes than her vocal classes.  She left college early and since that time has written various projects such as Bible School Curriculum and poetry.  She has also written and recorded a CD of original music.  She lives in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and two children.  Until Forever is her first novel. “I can’t remember the exact age that I started dreaming of writing the “All American Novel”, but I was very young.  It took many years to finally start putting the words to paper and now I find myself unable to stop writing.  I find it is much easier to express my feelings through words on paper versus the spoken word.  This book served as a creative outlet to share what is in my heart.  I truly believe, given the chance, that “Until Forever” will touch hearts and bring understanding and healing to many.”

BOOK of DREAMS By: DAVIS BUNN plus Giveaway

BOOK of DREAMS

By:

DAVIS BUNN

Trade Paperback ISBN: 9781416556701

eBook ISBN: 9781451610550

$14.99; 352 pp.

October 2011 from Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster

About Book of Dreams   

For Dr. Elena Burroughs, life is divided into two chapters—before and after the death of her husband. Today marks the point that her span of being a wife is equal to her span of being a widow. Even her success as a psychologist and her worldwide acclaim for a book on the interpretation of dreams is dimmed by an unspoken “If only.”
Then a new patient arrives, one so private only her first name is given. Impeccably dressed and escorted by two bodyguards, Sandra recounts a frightening series of recurrent nightmares. Elena agrees to consider her case more carefully, convinced that something ominous may be at work here.
Elena’s interpretation of Sandra’s dreams confirms that, indeed, the new patient and her family confront a powerful global network of dangerous forces. As the story unfolds, they face a key question of the Christian life: How do you understand and fulfill the will of God?

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My Thoughts on  “Book of Dreams”

While Elena is helping her patient Sandra deal with her dreams, she finds the help she needs to deal with her husband’s death. An old friend gives her a copy of an old ancient book that no one has deciphered down through the years. But it just so happens that when Elena starts reading and checking out this ancient book, interesting things start to happen in her life.  And this book is so detailed, so much stuff here there is no way to explain it all.  So to find out about these things, you really need to read the book.
Well, Davis Bunn has done it again! I will have to say this is one of the most fascinating and intriguing books I have every read. The first pages captured my heart and I was hooked until the very last page. These characters were just real! Well they seemed real to me, that is. After getting to know these characters through this story, I felt like I had a new set of friends!
What can I say except that this is just an awesome, professionally written book by one of Christian fictions greatest authors. I am always in awe of the detailed and complex stories written by Davis Bunn. I appreciate the way he teaches readers in Book of Dreams how we can trust God and have the confidence that He will direct our paths, even when He calls us to do those things beyond our confidence level. And he helps us understand the question, ‘How can we understand and fulfill the will of God?’
This book is mixed with a little of everything, romance, thriller, historical things of the Bible, and an exciting mystery with a little lesson on the international front as well.
I think this book could be for just about anyone. So grab a copy, read and enjoy it. You just can’t go wrong reading  Davis Bunn!
This book was provided by Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Read Chapter 1 of Book of Dreams for free

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Book-of-Dreams/Davis-Bunn/9781416556701/excerpt_with_id/17972
About Davis Bunn
Davis Bunn did his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where he earned honors degrees in both economics and psychology. He then travelled to London, where he continued this dual approach, earning a Master of Science degree in both industrial psychology and international economics. After teaching at a Swiss university for a year, he entered into a business career that took him to more than 40 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Davis came to faith at age 28, and began writing two weeks later. Before that point, he had never written anything longer than a business report. He wrote for nine years and completed seven novels before the first was accepted for publication. That book was The Presence, released by Bethany House in 1991. Davis and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis at www.davisbunn.com

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I want to thank Davis Bunn for answering questions for us about his new book, “Book of Dreams.” If you haven’t read this book, you are missing a blessing!

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Q & A with Davis Bunn                   

Your novels usually have a very strong sense of place, and Book of Dreams is no exception. Why did you set this story in Oxford?   

When it became possible for us to live from the writing, Isabella and I moved to Oxford. She had been offered a position to do her doctorate here in Christian ethics and law.
I did not particularly want to come, but she was so instrumental in making my own dreams of becoming a writer take wing and fly. Her dream for years had been to obtain her PhD and teach. That’s just the kind of mind she has.
The city and the university have become a true gift to us both, with amazing opportunities for service and personal growth. I have wanted to place a story here for a long time.

In Book of Dreams, you revisit a theme from one of your earlier books, The Warning. Why did you write about the crisis in the banking industry?
 The Warning, published in 2003, focused on the then-current financial crisis. It was about a man who felt called by God to warn people that financial upheaval was coming, and the difficulties he had in getting his message across. That book was in the top five on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) best-seller list for 14 months.
The week I started writing Book of Dreams, the news broke that not one single banker responsible for the mortgage crisis and bank crisis had been convicted of a crime. The banking industry came out of this crisis relatively unscathed while 3 million American families lost their homes — that’s almost 15 percent of all homeowners in America. That, to me, is just not right.
The banking industry is all about self-interest and making money. The American banking industry spends $1 million a day lobbying Congress, while the international banking industry spends another million per day lobbying the American political system. With that much money on the table, there’s a potential for huge profits – the banking industry wouldn’t invest that much money for any other reason.
The question became: “What could happen that would stymie this self-absorbed lobbying?”
The answer: An independent commission that would oversee these transactions so there’d be nowhere for these people to hide. I built Book of Dreams around that premise.

Book of Dreams explores the question: “Where does the human psyche end and God begin?” Why did you choose that question as the framework for your story?
Psychology has always fascinated me; so much so that it almost became my profession. One question I love to explore is why so many psychologists are vehemently opposed to the idea of a personal faith.
Those in the camp opposed to faith and religion say that psychology is about wrestling with and identifying personal issues, emotions, and things from the past that block one from being happy. Opponents believe that when you insert faith into the situation, it serves as an excuse for not looking at the past, not being honest about one’s emotions, and not taking control of one’s life.
On the other side, there is a deepening within a group of psychologists and psychiatrists who are strong in their faith. Rather than trying to convince the larger group about the value of faith, their goal is to look at things honestly, with God and prayer as components of the healing process.
In my story, the main character, Elena Burroughs, is the world’s foremost authority on dreams. A psychologist who is deeply involved in current trends in human psychology, Elena is also a devoted believer. She is in the process of discovering that the barrier between God and the human psyche does not exist.

Your story explores how God uses dreams and visions to communicate with people. What inspired that idea?

My wife and I did a wonderful Bible study on the book of Daniel, in which we explored how dreams were one component of Daniel’s gift of prophecy.
When I wrote the book, I tried to build in two key components about communicating with God through dreams or visions. The first is humility. Rather than using a vision or dream for one’s own aggrandizement, I believe that the less the person is involved, the more God can shine through.
The second component is, “How does this vision tie in to the scriptures?” When I was in the Middle East, I saw beautiful cryptograms of the Lord’s Prayer. It was so telling to see the Lord’s Prayer in terms of artwork. This inspired the idea of a book written in Aramaic – the language Jesus spoke – with each verse of Lord’s Prayer on one page of the book.
As I drafted the story, I looked at the Lord’s Prayer one verse at a time and that became my prayer time. It took three months to write the book and I did not finish the Lord’s Prayer in three months. It was a beautiful experience for me.

When the character of Elena follows God’s lead, her life takes a different path than the one she planned or expected. Davis, in what ways does your own dependence on God’s leading take you in surprising directions?  

It’s remarkable how this question comes up now, because it seems like this entire year has been one of being open to God’s OTHER direction. This has been true both in my creative work and in my walk of service.
Obviously I had no idea what was in store for us when I wrote the Book of Dreams (remember, the story is completed between nine and twelve months before its publication). But this really has been a reflection of what the story has tried to reveal – that sometimes the most important gift is what at first is what we fear.
Change often feels threatening, but so long as we struggle, we can’t see the true divine intention. To arrive at this point, where our prayer becomes one of genuinely seeking God’s call and His illumination, we must first embrace the change that is there in front of us.

Do you write down your prayer requests? In what ways do you recognize and acknowledge God’s power at work in your life?

What a beautiful question. There are several components to this, and it goes back to the earlier issue of accepting change. There are moments in my prayer life when I feel as though God is speaking the words for me, and my task is first and foremost to treat my heart and mind like an open window. To hold onto nothing except the moment, and allow the spiritual winds to pass through me and on into the world. At these times it is important to write them out, because oft when the moment is past I cannot otherwise even remember what has transpired.
The other segment here is in dealing with change. I often feel in such uncertain moments that I have no real understanding of what is happening, or what God wishes to bring me to, until it is done. Looking back becomes vital, and it is also sometimes rather hard, because the rush of events and the speed of unfolding newness requires all my attention. And yet, if I can pause just for a moment, and reflect upon all the uncertainty and fear I had to wade through in order to simply respond with a simple openhearted ‘yes’, the wisdom that comes from this moment of backward reflection is a gift, and needs to be recorded.
Too often we seek completion, a sense of drawing everything together into a nice tidy bundle before we stop and draw the prayerful breath. But life is not like this. And here is the third element of discovery that has come through my prayer time during this year of transition. It is important to stop, just for a moment, in the pressure and the fatigue of a day’s end, and give thanks for having made it this far.
For me, when the uncertainty of unfinished work pushes at my every waking moment, there is a great temptation to forget this simple task. But if I can stop and simply affirm the goodness of this incomplete day, this human hour, this imperfect world, my NEXT day is so much fuller, and my vision so much clearer.

Is a sequel for Book of Dreams planned? If so, when can we expect it?

I am this very moment completing the sequel, which is entitled Hidden in Dreams. Howard/Simon and Schuster have this slated for release in July 2012.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website, blog, and interactive discussion group are at www.davisbunn.com
I update my blog at least three times per week. To subscribe to my latest posts via your feed reader or via email, click http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davis-Bunn-author/134762129885578
Twitter: @davisbunn – http://twitter.com/davisbunn
E-Newsletter: My free e-newsletter always includes a giveaway contest for my latest book. To subscribe, fill out the form at www.davisbunn.com or send a blank e-mail to davisbunn@aweber.com. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail. Click the link in that e-mail, and you’re all set.


Ok folks….Davis Bunn has offered one book to a blessed blogger……Here is what you need to do.
Sign up by Nov 23rd
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Book Launch Free Gifts with Purchase The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

BOOK LAUNCH 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011

******LIMITED TIME OFFER******

WHEN YOU PURCHASE

THE BOOK OF RUTH-A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

FREE BONUS GIFTS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED

THE DAY OF THE LAUNCH ONLY!

About the Book

THE BOOK OF RUTH-A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

A Daily-Bible-Reading Study

of

The Book of Ruth

By

Deborah H. Bateman

Published by

Christian Daily Resources

The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption is a love story from the Bible. The characters in “The Book of Ruth” deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah, the promised land.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read “The Book of Ruth”, you will see the story unfold and see God’s provision for these two ladies.Reading“The Book of Ruth” will help you recognize God’s sovereignty and provision in your own life.

About the Author

The Author, Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry.
Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was started.
Deborah has learned to trust God through the many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and Ruth’s dependence on God to see them through their life’s experiences.

What Are the Benefits of Reading 

The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption

• You will be studying The Book of Ruth from the Bible.
• You will enjoy a beautiful love story.
• You will be reminded of God’s provision in our lives.
• You will see God’s ultimate plan of salvation come into being.
• You will see how God leads, guides and directs in our lives.
• You will be encouraged in your walk with God.
• You will see God’s grace at work.
• Your faith will increase from reading this book.
• You will see God’s hand of provision throughout this story.
• You will get a clearer picture of God’s sovereignty.
• You will see how God brings different people into our lives.
• You will learn about what a kinsman-redeemer is.
• You will see God’s blessings in Ruth’s life.
• You will be encouraged by reading The Book of Ruth.
• You will learn how God provided for the salvation of humankind through the genealogy of Ruth.

What People are saying about

The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption

The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a new revelation of God’s hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today.

– Janet Perez Eckles, author, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta

Deborah sheds light on the truths in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection between Ruth and Boaz and Christ and the church. Even though I’ve studied Ruth before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn’t known. It’s amazing how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first release. I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future.

– Amanda Beth, author, You Can Have a Happy Family

I appreciated the attention to detail, the explanation of the Hebrew customs, and making the story relevant to my life so I could relate to Naomi and Ruth. Each chapter ends with a rendering of the passage in the King James Translation with a short, heart-felt prayer and study questions for further reflection.
I also appreciated that the book is Biblically sound and concise and written in a style that is easy to understand.The Book of Ruth – a Story of Love and Redemption, would serve as a helpful study guide for women of all ages.
– Lorilyn Roberts, author, Children of Dreams, The Donkey and the King,  How to Launch a Christian Best-Seller Book, and founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network

Author Deborah Bateman does a great job of explaining the role of the kinsman-redeemer in reclaiming the family of one who has died. She also explains the relationships that are key in the story: 1) Ruth who loves her mother-in-law so much that she leaves her own family and homeland to care for Naomi in Bethlehem; 2) Boaz who marries Ruth as the kinsman-redeemer; 3) God who honors the lineage of Boaz & Ruth by becoming the ancestors of King David and eventually the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Book of Ruth by Bateman is a tender and valuable study for a week of looking into your own family relationships as well as your relationship with God.
– Diane Tatum, author, Gold Earrings

The author of this handy, easy-to-read volume, Deborah Bateman, has captured the essence of this love in her first publication, The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption.
Bateman begins each chapter with a simple expository, followed by the Scripture verses  to which it refers. Writing it thus makes it easy for the reader to remain in the book and not have to move from book to Bible. This format also makes it easy to follow the Biblical record and use it as a daily Bible reading. The prayer and thought for the day, which concludes the chapter, enabled me to reinforce what I had just read.
– Yvonne Pat Wright, author, From Spice to Eternity

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption by Deborah Bateman is a daily Bible reading study of the book of Ruth. It is broken up into eight chapters beginning with the loss of Naomi’s husband and sons. Deborah relates the story of Ruth in modern language and the reader is invited to travel with Naomi and Ruth on their journey to Bethlehem.
–Theresa Franklin, author, Triumph Through Trial, Don’t Forget Daddy,  Journey to Fulfillment, From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones, and A Sunny Tomorrow

This Bible study of the Book of Ruth is more of a reading guide, breaking the book into bite-size pieces for adults “on the fly” who have time to read a bit but not do an in-depth study. It is simply written, easy to read and follow.
–Carol Brown, author, The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity

2 EASY STEPS

1) Make your purchase on Amazon of

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption

Write down your order number

2) Come back to this page

Enter your name, email and order number

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FREE BONUS GIFTS THAT ARE OFFERED BY PARTNERS OF AUTHOR DEBORAH H. BATEMAN WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE BOOK OF RUTH-A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

There will be a drawing for a $250 Gift Certificate for the online book store of James Paris who is over the Christian Internet Coaching Program that the author Deborah H. Bateman participates in.

Gael McCartGe

is offering a copy of

her book

Jayden Daze

Amanda Stephans

is offering a portion of

Lonely Hearts

We will be having a drawing

for a free copy of

YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY

By: Amanda Beth

Lorilyn Roberts
is offering a copy of her book
The Donkey and the King




Deborah McCarragher
is offering chapter 3 of
Mission Possible




Kimberley Payne
is offering a choice of a
free eBook on fitness



We will be doing a drawing
for a copy of 
Santa’s Birthday Wish
By: Sherrill S. Cannon

 Diane Tatum is offering

the first chapter of her book

Gold Earrings

 We will be having a drawing for 5 free copies of

Patience: Harvesting the Spirit’s Fruit, an Ebook

By: Larry Armstrong

Joyce Schneider

is offering her book

Chili and Chocolate Cake

We will be doing a drawing

for a free copy of

Make Your Life Worth Living

By: Serge Roux-Levrat

We will be doing a drawing

for a free copy of

How to Enjoy An Abundant Health

By: Serge Roux-Levrat

Steve Miller

is offering a portion of

Sell More Books




Steve Miller

is offering a portion of

Enjoy Your Money

Tom Blubaugh

is offering the first three chapters

of his book

Night of the Cossack

Kimberley James

is offering a PDF copy of her book

Running on G

 Paulette Harper
is offering her book
Completely Whole





Saundra Dalton Smith, M.D.
is offering the first chapter of
Set Free to Live Free





April Gardner
is offering a portion of
Wounded Spirits




Anita Estes
is offering 2 chapters of
Letters to God on a Prodigal Son






Shelley Hitz
is offering a PDF copy of
Frazzled No More

Yvonne Pat

is offering a chapter from
Spice to Eternity



Amanda Stephens
is offering
3 chapters of
Price of Trust



Lynn Dove
is offering
5 chapters of
Shoot the Wounded




Lynn Dove
is offering
5 Chapters of
Heal The Wounded




Scott Shafer
is offering a 20 Minute
Christian Dream Interpretation Consultation





Elaine Cooper
is offering the Prologue &
First Two Chapters of
The Promise of Deer Run 

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**The Free Bonus Gifts are not offered by Amazon. They are offered by Friends and Partners of the Author-Deborah H. Bateman***

Much Gratitude to each one of the Partners for their generosity and support of the Book Launch for The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption.

Surrender the Heart & Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender the Heart

&

Surrender the Dawn

by

MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender the Heart
Book 1 in Surrender to Destiny Series

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602601658
• ISBN-13: 978-1602601659
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches

Book Blurb
Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?

My Thoughts on Surrender the Heart
Marianne Denton needs to marry Noah Brenin so she can get her inheritance. This is the only way she can afford the medicine her mother needs. But neither Noah or Marianne is very excited about the wedding, why Noah even walked out on his own engagement party! If Noah could make enough money from the cargo he is taking to England maybe he won’t have to marry this woman he doesn’t even like. But little did he know that Marianne would follow him to the ship, only to get stranded there when the ship sails. And of course when she was found, the ship was too far out at sea to take her back. To Noah’s horror, running out on his engagement party was not so smart after all! Oh! What a tangled web we can weave!
I absolutely loved this book! Noah and Marianne’s journey as their adventures at sea started captured me from the very beginning. Not knowing a lot about cargo ships, I really enjoyed the bit of information I learned about ships, shipmates, pirates, and all of the other workers and stuff involved in running a ship. MaryLu has a way with weaving details of the story together with romance and the importance of living Godly lives that makes a most interesting and enlightening story for her readers. In my opinion, MaryLu is just one of the best!
I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of each book in this series to read, enjoy and pass along to others for their enjoyment. You will not be disappointed!
A huge thank you to the author MaryLu for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own honest opinions. The publisher for this book is Barbour Books
Purchase at Amazon     or    Barbour Books
To read the first chapter, see press release, download discussion questions, go HERE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Qfc30zpbg


Surrender the Night
Book 2 in Surrender to Destiny Series
Book Blurb
Step into a breathtaking novel of adventure and romance set amid the War of 1812. During an assault by an enemy sailor, timid farm girl Rose McGuire is saved by the least likely of heroes—a British Naval Lieutenant. Now that he’s wounded, she’ll have to heal as well as hide him. Alex Reed is being aided and abetted by his enemy—albeit an innocent and attractive one. But he might be doing Rose more harm than good if his presence on her farm is discovered. As their love blooms, trouble looms. Will this couple survive another British invasion?



review on my blog here
http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/category/book-reviews/marylu-tyndall/
Paperback: 320 pages

• Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602601666
• ISBN-13: 978-1602601666
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches

Purchase at Amazon       Or at Barbour Books
To read the first chapter, see press release, download discussion questions, go HERE

http://www.youtube.com/user/BarbourPublishing1?blend=1&ob=5#p/u/0/ncWZ2ZYk10s


Surrender the Dawn
Book 3 in Surrender to Destiny Series

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books; Original edition (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602601674
• ISBN-13: 978-1602601673
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches

Book Blurb
You’ll be gasping for air in this seafaring romance by popular author and Christy Award nominee MaryLu Tyndall. Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love—and each other?
My Thoughts on Surrender the Dawn
With her father and brothers gone from home, Cassandra Channing is taking care of her family. She wants to invest her money into something reliable, but no one wants to take investments from a woman. That is until Luke Heaton comes into the picture. Luke won a ship while gambling and he needs money to restore it, but with his drinking and gambling, can he be trustworthy? Will Cassandra turn all of her money over to Luke for the ship fixer upper? And it doesn’t help matters when Cassandra and Luke start having feelings for each other as they spend time together. Read this wonderful historical story to find out these answers.
In Surrender the Dawn, MaryLu Tyndall writes another page-turning historical romance. The unique characters were so real I felt like I knew them personally. And I love that she so professionally weaves the characters from all three book together in this last book in the series. I will miss reading about these charming and fun characters.
This is my first series by MaryLu to read, and I am hooked! I love the passion she has for writing historical fiction, and the way that passion comes to life in her writing. Another thing I almost forgot is the message in her stories of the importance of living Godly lives. Of course these characters are just like people today, they struggle daily with difficult issues, causing them to turn their backs on God, but MaryLu so consciously teaches through her writing that when we let God control our lives, things are not perfect for us, but God will be there for us, carrying us through our difficulties.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian Fiction of any kind. You will not be disappointed in either book in this series!
A huge thank you to the author MaryLu for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.
Purchase at Amazon     or Purchase at Barbour Books
To read the first chapter, see press release, download discussion questions, go HERE

http://www.youtube.com/user/BarbourPublishing1?blend=1&ob=5#p/u/0/c3_JWJ9dfqs

About the Author…MaryLu Tyndall
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; Isaiah 43:2

Biography

Many other miracles have happened in my family since I gave my life
to Jesus, and all I can say is I truly look forward to every day.

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people’s eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at http://www.mltyndall.com or her blog at http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/

Something Old…by Dianne Christner

Something Old…by Dianne Christner

Book Blurb

Travel to Plain City, Ohio, to witness the Mennonite and English culture clash. As Katy Yoder accepts a new job and struggles to define her place in the world, childhood friends and a past romance get in the way. Even when her friends try to help her change her judgmental attitude, Katy is certain that seeing things as black and white is the only way to please God. But as love softens her heart, slowly shades of gray seep into her world, and she discovers the right answer isn’t always the easiest one.

My Thoughts on Something Old
Katy Yoder is 19 and doesn’t date anyone because of the heartbreak she experienced with Jake Byler joined the Englisch world, meeting worldly girls and doing things she doesn’t approve of. Their last time together, Jake was drunk and pushed himself on her, so she has hated his since. But she still just can’t get over him enough to date anyone else.  But what a surprise she gets when Jake shows back up in town, and it seems like everywhere she goes, he is there. Not only that, everything she is involved in, Jake is involved in it too. She just can’t shake loose of him. All she was interested in now was moving in with her childhood friends for a while.
Jake Byler’s life changed while he was away and he wants to come back to the church and try to win his only love Katy back. But this will be a challenge because of her hatred and bitterness over him leaving her.
I enjoyed this Mennonite story as I met Katy and her best friends Megan and Lil, and was in on the excitement of their moving in with each other. The author created a cast of characters that played their parts so well in the story and it was fun getting to know them, even though at times some of them were irritating.
The main character Katy sometimes acted like goodie-two-shoes because she was always judging others. And Lil really got on my nerves when she was trying to nose into Katy’s life, pushing her to go back with Jake. I wanted to scream at her sometimes and tell her to tend to her own business. At first I didn’t like Jake, but as I got to know him, I really liked him because he was real. He had accepted the Lord and his life had definitely changed for the better.  And David, well I couldn’t figure out if he really liked Katy or he was just being a jerk because Katy’s dad kinda forced her to go on three dates with David. And then he was so jealous of Jake, but that could have just been a male thing, right? I was proud of Jake for finally speaking up to Katy about her attitude, she really had that coming.
Over all this was an enjoyable read and I hope there is a second book to follow these characters further in their lives. Though I do think this could be a YA book too, it just seems like something younger people would enjoy reading. Which is a good thing, we need more YA books!  I encourage you to grab a copy of this book, read and enjoy it. You will not be disappointed.

About the Author
Dianne Christner’s first book was published in 1994, and she now writes full time. She has written several historical fiction titles and has started writing contemporary fiction from her experience of being raised in the Mennonite church. Dianne lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys the beauty of her desert surroundings and life sizzles in the summer when temperatures soar above 100 degrees. Dianne and her husband have two married children and five grandchildren.
Purchase this book from AMAZON   or from the PUBLISHER BARBOUR BOOKS

The Book Of Ruth...Showcase By Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ruth: Book Showcase

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption
By Deborah H. Bateman


About the Book

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is a Daily-Bible-Reading Study of The Book of Ruth from the Bible. It is perfect for a personal Daily Devotional or for a group Bible Study class. The book contains eight lessons, each with a commentary, the Daily Bible Scripture, a Prayer of the Day, and several questions at the end of each lesson for reflection or discussion.


About the Author


The Author, Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to “Sharing God’s Word”. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry. Deborah also enjoys cooking, crafts, interior decorating, and working on her computer creating websites and blogs. She is happily married, the mother of two daughters, and a grandmother to five grandchildren.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where “The Book of Ruth” was born. Bible Verse Tweet is another of Deborah's blogs where she shares a Daily Bible Verse. For more information about Deborah and her book go to her author website at: http://www.DeborahHBateman.com



WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE BOOK OF RUTH A STORY OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

Each episode detailed in Ruth teaches lessons—of God’s plan, precise and solid. Ruth reminds us of God's plans; the ones we might not understand, yet vibrant in His eyes. The theme illustrates the journey that can take one to places impossible for man, but possible with God. The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a new revelation of God’s hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today.
---Review by Janet Perez Eckles author of Simply Salsa


I love the story of Ruth. Deborah shed light on the truths in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection between Ruth and Boaz, and Christ and the church. Even though I've studied Ruth before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn't known. It's amazing how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first release! I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future! Great job, Deborah:)
---Review by Amanda Beth author of You Can Have a Happy Family


The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption is now available

Amazon at:
http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2

Amazon.co.uk at:
http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj


Smashwords at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96550

A Whisper of Peace....By: Kim Vogel Sawyer

A Whisper of Peace....By: Kim Vogel Sawyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother’s dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separate her from her tribe.
Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay and his stepsister, Vivian, arrive in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athbascan people. Clay is totally focused on this goal…until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he’s ever seen.
But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe, and befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Whisper of Peace, go HERE.

My Review

A Whisper of Peace….by Kim Vogel Sawyer…..Bethany House
Lizzie Dawson is in Alaska taking care of herself because she is not welcome among the Athabascan tribe since she is half white. Her mom married a California guy who decided to leave them and go back to his home in California; after all he was only in Alaska as a trapper. What a jerk he was! One good thing though, he did teach Lizzie how to trap and take care of herself so she is able to survive on her own.
Clay Shelby shows up in Alaska to build a school and church, ministering to the Athabascan tribe, following in his dad’s footsteps. He brings his sister Vivian along and hopes she is able to survive the rough life Alaska has to offer enough to stay and help him out. While there, he meets Lizzie and the two are attracted to each other. The only problem is, if he has anything to do with Lizzie, the Athabascan tribe will block him out of their lives, not listening to him and not helping him with anything.
Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves an awesome story of love, abandonment, survival, forgiveness and grace with well developed characters that the reader will grow to love. The research was well done leaving the reader to feel they were living the story right along with the characters. I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and those who enjoy a good ole Alaskan Story.
This book was provided by Bethany House. I was not required or expected to give a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Purchase at Barnes and Noble

**************************************************

Kim Vogel Sawyer      ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down

Book Blurb
This uplifting book meets people when they are down, helping them to transform their lives. In each chapter the author explores a response to a crisis and shows how working through crises can lead to strength, peace, forgiveness, and hope. Kingsley offers snapshots of different people and their responses to difficult situations, including his own tough times and how he has overcome. This faith-based book will appeal to a wide range of readers, both Christians and non-Christians.

My Thoughts

This is a nice book to keep on hand because we all have those times that life just knock’s us down. The author offers us practical and yes sometimes simple advice to get back on track after these times. For me I like the simplicity in some of his advice because when I’m down, that’s just what I need, simple stuff! 

One of the quotes in the book that is so true is: “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Lewis B Smedes. And in this chapter on “Finding Freedom In Forgiveness” the author takes us through the steps of truly forgiving someone. Helping us indentify the feelings of hurt, anger, and bitterness in our lives. And this is just one issue the author deals with. Some of the other things are: The Hurt That Heals; Letting God of Guilt; Turning Anger Into Positive Action; and Worry Less, Laugh More.

I encourage you to grab a copy of this book to keep on hand for when you have those difficult times that life just gets in the way. Using this book along with your Bible will help you transform your life into what God wants it to be.

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.               

About the Author


Jeremy Kingsley is a Bible teacher and a leader for a new generation.
Every year he challenges large audiences of people in the US and internationally at universities, music festivals, special events and conferences “Don’t read the Bible to finish, read it to change,” “Humility and service is the path to true greatness.” Jeremy Kingsley is a third generation minister. He is passionate about knowing Christ and making Him known. A talented and creative communicator, he has become one of the most sought after speakers in the country. Jeremy’s early years were spent in the frigid winters of Wisconsin and his teen years in the politically charged environment of Washington, DC. In both places Jeremy learned many personal lessons about character, integrity, and persecution (that comes when Christians refuse to compromise Jesus’ standards).
After playing three years on the varsity basketball team in high school and scoring over 1000 points, Jeremy was named the Conference Most Valuable Player his senior year. Colleges pursued him, but so did a higher calling. With an all-consuming desire to “know Jesus,” Jeremy made a difficult decision to give up the opportunity to play college basketball in order to attend Columbia International University in South Carolina and enter full-time vocational ministry. There he earned two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Biblical Teaching and a Master of Arts in Teaching.