Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Boneman's Daughters
Center Street (April 14, 2009)
by
Ted Dekker



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Would you kill an innocent man to save your daughter?

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who’s abducted six young women. He’s the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan’s estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.


If your an avid Dekker fan, and would like wallpaper and counters for your blog, go HERE.

You can listen to an audio clip HERE

Watch the VIDEO:

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If you would like to read the first chapter of Boneman's Daughters, go HERE

My Review of Sister's Hope

In book three of Sisters of Holmes County the sage continues as the Hostettler family is continued to be hit by pranks or attacks. There is someone out there that really has it in for the this family. Though each family member has their own idea as to who is behind the attacks. The family never knows when, where or how the next attack will come. They are constantly having to look over their shoulder. Not a good way to live. They have to learn that the tragedies will either bring them closer to God or tear you away from Him. For over two years the attack hit this family and it get harder for them to keep their hope and faith. The scripture that Wanda brings out in this book is: Psalm 31:24 - "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen you heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." I love the fact that Wanda uses a verse as her center theme of her books. Wanda keeps you wanting to turn the page with each attack that hits the Hostettlers. You have to keep reading to find out who is behind all the harassments. I love Wanda's books and will continue to read Wanda. I don't think you'll be disappointed; however, you'll need to read the whole series to keep in touch with the plot.

Read First Chapter here.
Read Author Interview here.

Guided By Him by Julie Morris & Sarah Morris Cherry

Guided by Him is wonderful 12-week Christian weight-loss program. Each week has a lesson and 5 days of quiet time devotional sessions for the student to go through. This book is a nice workbook and devotional everything you need in one book. You learn how to cope with eating in new ways and conquer the over-eating habit. Recipes, cooking tips, ideas for setting up a healthy kitchen. For those like me that are on a Plateau there are some tips called Plateau busters. I liked this book in that the authors when referring to something they have already gone over will give you the page # to look back if you are forgetful as I am. You can go back and reread and refresh your memory as to what they are talking about. Review is always good. They take you through 12 step from the Bible to a healthier lifestyle. They also teach you the ACTS prayer method. (p.11 & 12). Charts & pages you can photo copy for personal use. It is a very unique approach to a healthy lifestyle. Why not try Guided By Him to a thinner, not so stressed-out you and see if you like the results.

Read more about this book here.

This blog tour is through:

The Secret by Beverly Lewis

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Secret
(Bethany House May 1, 2009)
by
Beverly Lewis


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not until her own children were well into middle school did Bev seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular CUL-DE-SAC KIDS series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Bev's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and playing with their three grandchildren. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."






ABOUT THE BOOK

In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered.

Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her long-time beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment.

Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County-- the last place she and her mother had visited together.

Will Heather find healing for body and spirit? As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.

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


Read my Review here.

Deadlock by Robert Liparulo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Deadlock
Thomas Nelson (April 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. Readers of his action-thrillers were not surprised when his visual storytelling style caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers released in January, and number four, Timescape, comes out in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

He is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects a bit of the supernatural into his gun-blazing stories. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on the critically acclaimed short story he contributed to James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.


ABOUT THE BOOK

John Hutchinson thinks it's no coincidence that Brendan Page runs this modern Praetorian Guard, and that the billionaire military industrialist must have had something to do with the atrocities his son Declan committed in Canada. The Canadian and U.S. Justice departments disagree, but Hutch has been digging for dirt ever since.

Brendan Page has some dirty not-so-little secrets. he's built an empire on supplying futuristic weapons and highly trained soldiers to the world's most powerful armies. But he's saved his most destructive weapons for himself.

When Hutch discovers the secret of Page's success, Page decides to teach him a lesson. But the operation goes terribly wrong, and Hutch's son is kidnapped. While a lone man stands little chance against the best black op soldiers ever issued M-16s, Hutch manages to survive longer than Page anticipated. As far as Hutch is concerned, high-tech helmets, machine guns, and hand grenades are nothing compared to a man determined to save his son. It's a lesson he sets out to teach Page-and one that he can only hope works as well in the real world as it does in his heart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadlock, go HERE

It Can Be Done! by Lisa Buldo

Learn how you can live a victorious life with Lisa Buldo. Lisa explains it in easy terms how you Can Do It! Her book is very easy to read. She uses many scripture verses to back up what she is saying. Lisa knows from experience that addictions don't help. Only God can help. You must surrender to Him. Leave your past baggage is the first step in the right direction. The answer to every issue in life is found in God's Word. She helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Encourages you to surround yourself with Godly counsel and friends, but most important seek God's Word because it is full of instructions on how we are to live. Lisa uses many Bible versions in her book, but she always backs up what she says with the Word of God. If you want to live a Life of Victory then Lisa has some good points she brings out in her book.

Some highlights of the book:

* The #1 Secret to Living the Good Life
* How to Stop Living in Yesterday
* The Power of Words to Create Your Future
* How to Master Your Emotions
* How to Get Fit and Stay Fit for Life
* How to Make Money Doing What You Love
* The BEST Investment You Will EVER Make

Blessed Easter

Chasing Charity by Marsha Gruver

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Chasing Charity
Barbour Publishing (April 2009)
by
Marcia Gruver


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marcia Gruver is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing.

Awarded a three book contract by Barbour Publishing for full-length historical fiction, Marcia is busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock. Diamond Duo, the first installment in the trilogy entitled Texas Fortunes, is scheduled for release in October 2008.

Marcia won third place in the 2007 ACFW Genesis contest and third in the 2004 ACFW Noble Theme contest. Another entry in 2004 finished in the top ten. She placed second in the 2002 Colorado Christian Writer’s contest for new authors, securing a spot in an upcoming compilation book. “I Will Never Leave Thee,” in For Better, For Worse—Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, was released by Christian Publications in January 2004.

She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Fellowship of Christian Writers, and The Writers View—and a longstanding member of ACFW Crit3 and Seared Hearts, her brilliant and insightful critique groups.

Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter—so far.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When, in full view of family and friends, Charity Bloom's fiance leaves her stranded at the altar and takes off with her best friend, Charity is humiliated. How will this raven-haired beauty ever recover from losing both her betrothed and best friend on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life?

When tall, handsome roughneck Buddy Pierce finds oil on Charity's mama's land, he hopes to free the Blooms from their poverty-stricken state. But will Buddy find the real treasure lies above ground-in Charity herself?

Ruing the day he left his fiancee for Emily Dane, Daniel Clark is determined to recapture Charity's affection. But can he remove the three things that stand in his way-a manipulative mama, a spurned lover, and the stranger at his ex-fiancee's side?

When Daniel re-stakes his claim on Charity's heart, tongues wag and minds speculate amid schemes and scandals in Humble, Texas. Whom will she choose-the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rouge?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing Charity, go HERE

Daniel's Den by Brandt Dodson

If you want Suspense then this book is for you. This book will keep you turning the pages. You'll want to know how Daniel is going to get out of each predicament he's put into. Daniel is a stock analyst. He's a hard worker. He's been framed by a colleague, that is now dead. If he bolts he'll be hunted down for sure, but he has to run so he can think and try to figure out who it is he can trust to help him in his time of need. He must clear his name, but who can he get to help him. Daniel generally plays by the right code of conduct. He has to run to get out of the den of thieves that he's been thrown into. Now he's having to look over his shoulder at every turn. Running causes more problems and more people become involved in this lion's den. Crime doesn't pay and you'd better be on the right side-God's-in the end. You can find God wherever you go whether you are on the mountain, in the valley or in the Lion's Den. God is there to help see you through.

My Son, John by Kathy Machias

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Son, John
(Sheaf House Publishers April 2009)
by
Kathi Macias


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.

A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.



ABOUT THE BOOK


Murder.

Could there be a more chilling word?

Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive?

When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?

Watch the chilling trailer!!

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If you would like to read the first chapter of My Son, John, go HERE

A Vote of Cofidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

Hold on to your hat as you enter into this adventure with the Bethlehem Springs sisters. Robin will take you on a thrill of your life as you read about two sisters that are twins but as different as night and day. However, their bonded together in love that is unbreakable. You'll come to love Guinevere and Cleopatra and other characters in the this story setting in Idaho in 1896, when women's right to vote in Idaho was granted.

Guinevere better known as "Gwen" is miss prim and proper though Cleo, her twin, calls her Gwennie. She's the city slicker. Now living back in Bethlehem Springs after (14 years) being raised by her mother in NJ. She's the one that needs to gain everyone's Vote of Confidence as she runs for mayor of the small town of Bethlehem Springs. Gwen is beautiful, gentle and refined, unmarried and makes her own decisions. She controls her own money, property and lives as she wants. She likes it that way. Doomed to being a spinster by choice. Gwen writes editorials for the local newspaper and loves music and teaches piano-desiring to see her students excel. Intelligent, articulate, serious, business-like and very able to lead. Though she can be headstrong, opinionated and obstinate. Loves her garden and watching it flourish. Gwen loves order.

Cleopatra known as Cleo is opposite her twin, Gwen. She's right at home in the saddle and can rope with the best of the ranchers. She's a tomboy from the word go. She a freethinker. Cleo is Gwen's #1 supporter in her mayoral race. She wasn't pretty in the conventional sense and wasn't noticed as a woman. She's better with horses than green things. She'll speak her mind too; very direct and to the point. She is very confident and sure of herself and what she wants to do.

Then there's Morgan McKinley. A businessman desiring to open a resort right out side of Bethlehem Springs. He's Gwen's #1 opponent in the race for mayor. He has an abundance of confidence, self-assured. He has magnetism, charm and knowledge of the world at large. He a genial man and intrigued with his opponent.

There just isn't enough time to list all the characters. You'll just have to get a copy of the book and take the adventure and see where it leads. It has my 'Vote of Confidence'! I'm sure you won't be disappointed and will give your 'Vote of Confidence' when you're done reading the book too. I can't wait for Fit to be Tied to come out in the fall.

His Name is Jesus by Max Lucado

What better way to start Easter week than with a book review about Jesus, Himself. Travel with Max Lucado through the life of Jesus. What a journey you'll take as you turn the pages. Start in Bethlehem at the Inn, where there was NO ROOM! You'll learn of Jesus' two natures as they intertwine each other: Human & Divine. Go with Max and Jesus as we see His life in Nazareth as a carpenter's son. Then on to His baptism and wilderness journey. Walk with His disciples as He performs the many miracles. Come to His final week on earth - as Judas, His Friend, betrays Him, The Cross, The Resurrection, Then read of His Legacy in the final pages.

Jesus...those who saw him were never the same.

He is the solution for weariness of soul.

These are just a few sayings over top of absolutely beautiful pictures. This book is just loaded with short snippets about Jesus. This book is a very nice hardback gift book in a slipcase cover. The pictures will capture you as well. It's a nice book for leaving set on the coffee table, doctor's office, etc.




For more information on this book click here.

Angel Of Wrath by Bill Meyer

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Angel Of Wrath
FaithWords (April 8, 2009)
by
Bill Myers


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Well, one thing led to another and even though I got C's in my one writing class in college (and told God I could do anything for him but write) I got my first writing job for a TV series. And then another and then some directing jobs and finally some books. (I think I've written and/or directed a few dozen films and about 60 books). The projects have won about 40 awards, I get to travel all over the world, and I'm having the time of my life. I often think that none of this would have happened if I lived my life my way. I would have never chosen writing and directing for a living. Instead, I might be in somebody's mouth this very minute drilling away as a dentist. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being a dentist, it's just not what I was designed for. So, everywhere I go, I encourage people to say yes to God, no matter how foolish it may feel, because by doing that, they'll be in the center of His will and living a cooler life than they'd ever dreamed possible. It's not always easy and it can be a little scary…but it's anything but boring!

Today I live in California, not too far from Hollyweird (where I'm still trying to make a difference) with two cats, two kids, one dog and one wife.

Another Faithword book by Bill Myers is The Voice.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Thirteen-year-old Jazmin, her ex-Special Ops uncle Charlie, and former FBI agent Lisa are reunited in the second of the Voice of God series to stop a an assassin driven to murder members of a megachurch led by Lisa's brother. This assassin has drawn in a coven of teens toying with satanic practices to support his efforts. The naive youth engage in ceremonies that appear to usher in the death of each of his victims. When their rituals open a portal into the spiritual realm, a terrifying and mysterious entity crosses over to our world.
The battle culminates with the capture of Lisa's father as the next target and a Black Mass requiring both their deaths as a sacrifice. The team will, once again, have to rely on all their wits, strength, and faith to survive in this action-packed, unearthly warfare.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Angel Of Wrath, go HERE

Author Interview Kathi Macias

I understand you sometimes refer to this book as "discipleship with a grin." What do you mean by that, and why did you choose a humor format for a discipleship book?
Actually, I chose a discipleship theme for a humor title. As much as I hate to admit it, the title came to me one day and I knew I had to do something with it--just too good to pass up! So the more I thought/prayed about it, the more I realized it described my life, both naturally and spiritually. I began to try to lay out my spiritual growth via humorous life stories, and found they produced a natural pattern. From there I developed the five stages of spiritual growth into five sections for the book, and I was off and running! Besides, I learned from a friend/mentor years ago that you can "shove a lot of truth down people's throat when their mouth is open laughing," so I figured, why not???


What are some of the funniest "loose cannons" stories included in your book?
One of my favorites is the story of my very first women's retreat as a brand new Christian back in the "Jesus freak" days of baptisms at the beach and praise-ins at the park. I shared a room with three ladies I had never met, one of whom ended up being my "bunk mate." She snored, she was quite a bit overweight (taking up much more than her side of the bed!), and she "leaked" because she was still weaning her youngest child. You'll have to read the story to see how that experience taught me a lot about "spiritual face plants."

Another favorite story is about the time I took my three sons (two pre-teens and one elementary school age at the time) to the community swimming pool. The older boys decided to use their younger brother as a human beach ball, and when they ignored my cries from the side of the pool to stop, I actually had the nerve to jump into the water and swim right up to them and order them to stop. Their level of humiliation at being seen in the pool with their mother was as close to social suicide as it gets. But we all survived and learned a lot in the process.


Your book is divided into five sections. Can you briefly explain what they are and what they have to do with discipleship and humor?
As I mentioned earlier, the five sections correspond with what I consider the five stages of spiritual growth: crawling (infants or "rugrats") on our knees; walking (toddlers who are still a bit shaky but exploring and learning); running (stronger, more mature believers who are beginning to make a difference in their world); flying or soaring (eagles with a solid foundation and maturity to share with others); resting (back on our knees and realizing that place of utter dependence on Him is really the best place to be after all). The discipleship correlation is, I believe, evident in these stages; the humor comes in simply because I'm one of those slow learners who needs God to "hit me upside the head" at times, and I haven't been bashful about explaining those times in the book.


What advice can you give to the young mom out there who is juggling two kids, a fulltime job outside the home, a husband, housework, pets and church?
Life happens in seasons! You CAN'T be all things to all people at all times. It simply doesn't work. And if you don't believe it, read about my many crash-and-burn episodes as I tried! The Proverbs 31 woman is a composite picture of many women from different walks and stages of life; when we get a grip on that, it releases us to enjoy the season we're in right now, even as we prepare for the next one.


How did raising your own children help prepare you for the parenting side of the proverbial woman? Any tips you'd like to share?
Relax and enjoy them! Yes, even the rugrats and teenagers, because "this too shall pass." There were times I thought I'd go bald from pulling out my own hair over the frustrations and failures of that season of my life, but now it's my grandchildren who are passing through those rugrat-to-teen stages, and hey, I still have my hair! You'll make it--and so will your kids--in spite of your frustrations and failures. And yes, I know there are too many of those to mention (or admit to). I'm the queen of mom-failures, and yet my kids never cease to bless me with words of love and praise. Do I deserve it? Probably not. But I love every minute of it!


Do you have a favorite part of the book or a favorite chapter?
Several, in fact, but one in particular: Chapter 26, "Back Home Again," contains the story of my precious father, a man who lived for 88 years denying God's existence and then finally turning to him in his last week of life. It's one of the more serious stories in the book, but even that one ends on a humorous note.


If the Proverbs 31 woman is alive today, what does she look like?
She looks like me--and you--and every woman whose heart longs to please God and to raise her children according to the Scriptures, even though she knows she's doing well just to make sure they all have their sack lunches before they leave for school in the morning. She's thin, overweight, short, tall, black, white, brown, red, yellow, and polka dot when she catches her kids' chicken pox. And she's absolutely beautiful!!!


Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
I want them to learn to relax and laugh and enjoy this voyage called "life," and to trust the Captain of our souls to take us home safely when our trip is over, rather than struggling to "man the oars" ourselves.


What makes your book different than other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
There are countless books written for "control freak" women who want to do it all and be it all--perfectly and completely at all times. This one, however, is not only written with a humorous tone, but it also takes the reader through what I call the five steps of spiritual growth: crawling, walking, running, flying--and back on our knees, totally dependent once again. I do this by exposing many of the sometimes humorous--and sometimes not so humorous--events in my own life as I progressed through the five stages.


Are there any authors that either influenced you personally or influenced your style of writing? Who are they and how did they influence you?
Brennan Manning, Henri J. M. Nouwen, and Max Lucado have to be right at the top of my favorite nonfiction authors list, simply because they call me back to the heart of worship, to a fresh appreciation of grace and a clarion call to rely totally upon God and not myself. I need those reminders on a regular basis. In addition, I love their writing styles. Their words "sing," and it is my goal to do the same with the words I write.


When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
Okay, now I have to 'fess up to how nearly one-dimensional I am. If I'm not writing, I'm...well, reading someone else's writing. That's at the top of my "what I like to do" list. However, I also spend time riding on the back of my husband's 2003 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle. He's been riding HD's since 1970 and says he will never outgrow that youthful passion. On the road we are known as "Big Al" and "Easy Writer..."

Want to win Kathi's grand book give away. Learn more about her book. Read an excerpt here.

How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surounded by Loose Cannons? by Kathi Macias

About the Book:

(Homeland, CA) - For all the Christian women in the world who dread reading Proverbs 31 and wonder who on earth could ever live up to that woman - this book is for you. Between dirty diapers, complaining children, housework, husbands and a multitude of other attention-grabbing detours women face, award-winning author and speaker, Kathi Macias finds a way to encourage and biblically instruct women of all ages and phases. Women everywhere are the glue that holds their families together. Keeping everything under control challenges even the most organized household CEO. Kathi uses humor, God's Word, as well as practical insight and instruction to lovingly encourage women to grow in this progression of grace.

Readers will find How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons?: Proverbs 31 Discoveries for Yielding to the Master of the Seas, filled with scriptural explanations and journaling pages to process and write their personal feelings and prayers. With sections of the book focused on each step of the learning process to guide our ships to safe harbor, readers will be happily surprised to find the funny without the fluff. Kathi's words are the "spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down." Her vulnerable approach facilitates the teachings of Proverbs 31, making it easier for women to swallow. The truth of the scriptures is very much alive and well throughout the pages, yet the ease and charm of the author's words entice readers to press forward and embrace the plan for God's woman today.

About the Author:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored 26 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women's clubs and retreats, and writers' conferences. She recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend free time riding their Harley.

"Will the Real Superwoman Please Stand Up?" (an excerpt from How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons?)

I've always been a control freak who wanted everything to run smoothly--perfectly, actually. No bumps or surprises, just--well, a "tight ship," as they say. And somewhere along the line I got the idea that I could make that happen--if I just tried hard enough. I think it may have started when I first saw Superman on our family's black and white TV and wondered, Is there a Superwoman somewhere? When I put that question to the adults in my life, they smiled and patted me on the head and said, "I don't think so, dear." So I decided to sign up for the job--a reasonable if somewhat naïve aspiration for a six-year-old, not so reasonable and way beyond naïve at twenty-six. Two decades after the birth of my Superwoman dream, I was still running as fast as I could and getting nowhere. My twenty-year-old dream was going down for the count, and I was nearly at the point of throwing in the towel--and then I met Jesus.

What a difference! Now I could latch on to verses like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "All things should be done decently and in order"--biblical affirmations of my desire to do things right, to do things efficiently and effectively, to do things with power and authority. Finally I was invincible--in Jesus, of course. Now all I needed was a godly role model and I'd be on my way.

I began my search in earnest, reading through the Scriptures until I came to Proverbs 31. Eureka! There, at last, was the epitome of the Superwoman I'd been hoping to become since I was six years old. The perfect woman--perfect wife, perfect mother, perfect housekeeper, perfect entrepreneur--all rolled into one! Not only did her husband and children praise her, but God must have approved of her as well or He certainly wouldn't have included her as an example in the Bible. My dream was alive and well once again! At last I would be able to "get it all together," to win instead of fail, to run a tight ship, and to keep things under control. Life was good, and the future looked bright.There was only one problem. I hadn't figured on all the loose cannons rolling around the deck of my not-so-tight ship...

Author Interview here

Read my review here

For more information:

www.kathimacias.com

Follow the Blog:

http://tightships.wordpress.com

Order the Book:

www.newhopepublishers.com

Paperback: 208 pgs

New Hope Publishers

Retail: $13.99

Release Date: February 1, 2009

ISBN-10: 1596692049

ISBN-13: 978-1596692046

What Others Are Saying:
“Note to marketing department: Retitle this book How Can I Get Any Work Done When I’m Surrounded by Funny Stories? The antics of Kathi Macias made me laugh out loud! As a recovering perfectionist and survivor of three workaholism-related crash and burns, I identified with Kathi’s quest to do it right. Her transparency regarding both her faith and her foibles make this book an essential read for any woman who struggles with that insidious “not good enough” syndrome. Kathi has charted the way to smoother sailing for us all. Anchors aweigh!”

—Debi Stack, humorist, speaker, and author of Martha to the Max: Balanced Living for Perfectionists and Smotherly Love™: I Know Where Your Buttons Are and I’m Not Afraid to Push Them

The blog tour host having the most comments left on his or her site for this tour will be able to conduct a random drawing from the reader comments for this very special giveaway.

Kathi Macias has put together a lovely collection of books, which include:

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser
A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Depression by Archibald Hart, Ph.D. and Catherine Hart Weber, Ph. D.
Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity by Keri Wyatt Kent
Dragonlight, a novel by Donita K. Paul
Blue Heart Blessed, a novel by Susan Meissner
Taking a Stand by Janet Lynn Mitchell

And her own books:
Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World
The Train-of-Thought Writing Method: Practical, User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers
Emma Jean Reborn, a novel

Sally Stuart's 2009 Christian Writers Market Guide

You all have done excellent in the past leaving comments. I'd love to be the blogger host that gets to give this away to one of you. What I'd love for you to comment on this time is tell me how you found out about this give away. 1.) Are you a faithful follower of mine? 2.) Are you a subscriber? 3.) Did you follow a link? Where did you hear about me? 4.) Also if you'd like to tell me where in the world you live I'd love to know where I'm reaching. KCWC says they'll mail to the winner anywhere in the world so tell me where in the world you are.

I'm just a curious George type of person.

This give away will run until April 20th. Winner can be anywhere in the world. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. I have in the past had to go to winner #2 because winner #1 didn't leave a contact e-mail.

I'm so excited. I was able to pick a winner of this lovely book basket.
The winner was Jinxy and Me.

This blog tour through