Marcia Lee Laycock has just released “An Unexpected Glory”, Volume 5 of Best-Selling Author Kathi Macias’ “12 Days of Christmas” series.

Pastor Steve is thrilled with the ticket sales for their big fund-raiser - a spectacular Christmas pageant that raises enough money to keep the homeless shelter running all year. Then the phone rings. The news goes from bad to worse and it looks like the entire show will have to be cancelled. But Steve's right hand man, Stanley convinces him the homeless men in the shelter can make it all happen. And the unexpected glory unfolds. It is available on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble Nook. Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Macias-Days-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00GBCMFMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383340174&sr=1-1&keywords=marcia+lee+laycock Marcia is a pastor's wife, the mother of three grown daughters, a freelance writer and Christian speaker. She is a published author and editor, having written for Christian magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as home-town newspapers. Her short stories, articles and poetry have won awards in Canada and the U.S. and been broadcast on CBC radio. Her work also appears frequently on the world wide web. Marcia is a frequent speaker for women's groups of all sizes and has often taught writing courses for the Alberta Adult Education Department, Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship, and The Word Guild (Write! Canada).

In 1996, Marcia and her family served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. While there she wrote for the Non-print Media Department of the Summer Institute of Linguistics, producing radio and video scripts. For six years Marcia held the communications portfolio for the Associated Gospel Churches in Western Canada, writing, editing and producing their quarterly newsletter. She is now serving on the executive of Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship (www.inscribe.org). She currently writes a weekly column, The Spur, which is published in Living Light News, (Edmonton), CrossWalk and The Country Sunrise News (Central Alberta). It also goes out to subscribed readers each week. To subscribe email Marcia at vinemarcAT telusDOT net or visit her website at www.marcialeelaycock.com Marcia's devotional book, The Spur of the Moment won an Award of Merit at Write!Canada in 2003, a second devotional, Focused Reflections, is now in print and she was the recipient of the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel One Smooth Stone which was released by Castle Quay Books in 2007. The Sequel, A Tumbled Stone, was recently short-listed for an Award at Write!Canada. Marcia and her family currently live in Central Alberta, Canada. Of Herself, Marcia Says - I was raised on an island in Lake Huron, ran away to Alaska and then the Yukon, had a "road to Mayo" conversion in 1982, leaped by faith into Briercrest Bible College with my husband in 1985 and landed in the "promised land" of central Alberta in 1988. I've had the privilege of living a few miles south of the Arctic Circle (Dawson City Yukon) and a couple of degrees south of the equator (Papua New Guinea). I suppose that's why my writing is steeped in the imagery of winter, with the odd palm tree thrown in. For the past 20+ years I've been a pastor's wife, mother of three girls, caretaker of two dogs, two cats and sundry fish, and oh, yes, a freelance writer. The writing began in the attic of my parent's house where I wrote stories for my dolls. None of them complained, so I kept it up. The Lord has abundantly blessed, challenged, rebuked, healed and restored me through the process of writing and being involved with writers. Visit my website - www.marcialeelaycock.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/marcialaycock

Christine Lindsay author of Best-Selling author Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas - Volume 4 - Heavenly Haven

Avalanches happen to other people, not us. Marital problems happen to other people, not us, especially nine days before Christmas. At least that’s what Jack and Avery Burke thought. Married for ten years, avalanche control expert Jack, and ski pro Avery, only wanted to celebrate their December anniversary in a romantic way, until the shifting snows on the mountain bring havoc tumbling down upon them. Can they find renewed love in a heavenly haven of snow? Irish-born Christine Lindsay writes multi-award-winning inspirational historical novels. Her great-grandfather and grandfather both worked as riveters on the Titanic. Several more of her ancestors served in the British Cavalry in India, seeding Christine’s long-time fascination with Colonial India, and became the stimulus for her series Twilight of the British Raj. In her novels, SHADOWED IN SILK and CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT, Christine delights in weaving the endless theme of God’s redemptive love throughout stories of danger, suspense, adventure, and romance. The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home. Like a lot of authors, Christine’s chief editor is her cat. The story is available on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and Barnes and Noble Nook.Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Macias-Days-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00FZVCO0I/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383399677&sr=1-3&keywords=christine+lindsay

Jessica Ferguson - "If You Believe" , Volume 3 - Best-Selling author Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas Series

When Marketing Assistant Bretta Richert helps tie up loose ends for the extravagant Louisiana Wedding Gala held that very night, she's stunned to come face to face with her ex-fiance. Cory is back in town and worse, he's a huge part of the Gala. Bretta has held grudges and nursed hurts for the past five years, but Cory acts as though they've never been apart. Can he explain why he never called or sent one measly post card? Should Bretta forgive and forget? Will she accept his gift of a lifetime? Jessica Ferguson is a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine and co-owner/co-editor of Swamp Lily Review, an online literary journal. Her novella, a romantic suspense called The Last Daughter, is available now from The Wild Rose Press and If You Believe, the third story in Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas series will release on Oct. 1st. Jess is also a part of the Hearts, Hearths and Holidays anthology with her Christmas short story, A Child Was Born. Her work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover’s Soul, Daily Devotions for Writers, and a number of regional magazines and newspapers. Writing as Jessica Travis, her novel, The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes, thrilled Elvis fan clubs everywhere. Follow Jess on twitter @jessyferguson and get to know her on her blog: http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com The story is on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble Nook. Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Macias-Days-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00FKLY5BE/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383330371&sr=1-3&keywords=jessica+ferguson

Best -Selling author Kathi Macias - "12 Days of Christmas - Volume One - Rules of Engagement"

Twelve days before Christmas, in windblown Amarillo, Texas, Megan Bosworth works with her mother to decorate the house for Christmas. Only a few months into her first teaching job, Megan has met and begun to date a handsome and popular teacher named Marty Givens. Marty has asked her to marry him and is pushing for her to agree so they can announce their engagement to their families on Christmas Eve. Megan is uncomfortable with the need to make the decision so quickly, though Marty insists he loves her and can’t live without her. Then a salty old veteran at the Veterans’ Home where Megan volunteers gives her some unwitting but valuable advice on the “Rules of Engagement,” which helps her make her decision. Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 40 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 won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al. The story is available on Amazon Kindle,Kobo, and Barnes and Noble Nook.Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Macias-Days-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00EX5DN48/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383227598&sr=1-1&keywords=kathi+macias+12+days+of+christmas

Marian Baay author of "Murray Pura's Blue Heaven Romance Series - Volume 4 - Heaven Is Not Far"

Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay Newly arrived in America during the beginning of the Civil War, Dutchman Albert Van Ampting winters in Detroit, hoping to travel to the Holland colony when spring begins. During his stay in Detroit he meets the lovely Miss Michelle Lefèvre and falls head over heels in love with her. A sweet romance develops which is sealed in matrimony during the spring of ’62. However, only a few months after their wedding day, Albert feels he must leave to fight in the war. When Michelle receives the heart-rending news that Albert is seriously wounded at Gettysburg, she desperately searches for him on the battlefield. Will she find him alive or has he become one of the casualties of war? The story is available on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and Barnes and Noble Nook. Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-Heaven-Romance-ebook/dp/B00FCK90DG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383154939&sr=1-1&keywords=marian+baay

William Tasch author of "Murray Pura's Blue Heaven Romance Series Volume Two - Blister Creek"

Justice is a young man who was raised in the Arizona desert by lawmen and had studied the law as well, but instead of choosing that path, he has turned into a hard drinking, gambling, womanizing gun fighter. After a gun fight with the wrong family turns the town against him, Justice is given an opportunity to start anew as the sheriff of a small town in desperate need of some law and order. It’s there Justice meets Sarah, the new towns preachers daughter and is mesmerized by her beauty. Can Justice change his ways, keep the peace, get the girl and settle down or will his past sneak back up on him? Find out in this tale of romance and old west action in the town of Blister Creek.

William Tasch (1962-present) was raised in a small town in Wisconsin and was the youngest of five children. After graduating high school and working for a while, he joined the army and his world travels began. He also married his wife Deena and raised a family of three kids while traveling around the world. He finally settled down in Southern California where he works in law enforcement and enjoys writing in his spare time. He enjoys writing Christian fiction with everything a good book should have, suspense, love, action, twists, humor and a positive message. “Blister Creek” is available on Amazon Kindle,Kobo,and Barnes and Noble Nook.Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-Blue-Heaven-Romance-ebook/dp/B00F02MVAA/ref=la_B007XTR0SG_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383077500&sr=1-3

Murray Pura's Blue Heaven Romance Series - Volume Five - The Whispers of Angels - Jen Cudmore

Jen Cudmore has just released a new novel,”The Whispers of Angels”. It is part of best-selling author Murray Pura’s “Blue Heaven Romance Series”. Here is the Amazon Kindle link, the story synopsis, and a little bit about the author. The novel will be released in paperback later this month. http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Heaven-Romance-Series-ebook/dp/B00FQ55ISS/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381328827&sr=1-3&keywords=jen+cudmore After being shunned by society for most of his childhood, Raymond Foss has learned to let ridicule roll off his back. Abandoned by his father and despised by his step-father, he does his best to run the farm and ensure his family can survive on what little they have. All that matters to him is helping his mother raise his siblings to be responsible and considerate. Eliza Potter's life has been entirely opposite of Raymond's. Both her parents doted on her and her sister, providing a loving home where they could flourish. Heartache and misfortune are troubles she knows very little about. Yet despite her good upbringing, she never became acquainted with her closest neighbors, the ill-fated Foss family. When Raymond's mother dies and he's left to care for his four small siblings on his own, Eliza and her parents step in to help. Preferring to hide away on the family farm, Raymond struggles with reaching out to others. Eliza soon learns there's much more to the odd neighbor boy who has been avoiding her. Just when the young couple comes to an understanding, Raymond's stepfather returns from his travels. As events unfold, Raymond and Eliza realize just how complicated life can be and how much a simple mistake can affect their future. When life become increasingly difficult, what will they hold on to? And what will they let go?

Thw Whispers of Angels"For love is as strong as death, its ardor unyielding as the grave." Song of Solomon 8 Not once in the first twenty-five years of my life did I consider writing a novel. Now I can't keep the story ideas from compiling in my brain! I hope my stories encourage women to look for positive qualities in a life partner, and to foster an environment of real romance, rather than fantasy, as they grow old with that special someone. I grew up on the Columbia River Gorge in a tiny cabin built by my father. After high school, I left the Gorge area to attend Northwest University, where I graduated with the first group of students to earn a bachelor's of psychology. My goal was to become a marriage and family therapist because I had seen too many families torn apart. I wanted to join the ranks of great counselors like Kevin Leman and Gary Smalley. Instead, I'm now, after years of hard work, a published author. I don't think I'll be going back to graduate school any time soon! I'm a member of the Christian Writers Guild as well as the local Alaska Writers Guild, where I served for 4 years on the conference committee. I currently live in Alaska with my husband, 2 children, 2 boxers, and a cat. For a more information about me and my books, visit my website! www.jencudmore.com Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/jen.cudmore.56 Goodreads = http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998231.Jen_Cudmore

Listen to Mark Venturini on blogtalk radio!

Mark Venturini was on blogtalk radio yesterday. His debut YA novel will be released in July. Here is the link to the show, catch it live or on the archives: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2013/06/24/mark-venturiniauthor-of-whispers-from-forbidden-earth Two lives, two worlds, bound together by one accident. When the young elf Strum first heard the whispers, some on Eversong called it a gift. After all, he is the first of the Iunctus Unus (United Ones) born in centuries. But the whispers are from a bizarre land called Chicago where twelve-year-old Jason Snider lies comatose in a hospital after a terrible accident, an accident that binds the two lives together. If Jason dies, Strum dies. Forcing open the long-locked portal throws Strum and a pintsize baby dragon into the terrifying world of Chicago. Worse, Her Royal Pain torches the hospital lobby and escapes before Strum can revive Jason. Strum must find the lost dragon and heal Jason before he can hope to return home. He teams up with a street-smart girl who has her own painful ties to Jason, and the battle is on. For not only is all Chicago chasing them, so are evil mages banished to Earth centuries before. Strum is their chance to return and conquer Eversong. He must stop them, even if it means forfeiting his chance to go home--or worse, his life. Mark Venturini’s short fiction and flash fiction has appeared in various print and electronic magazines over the years. He founded the Pittsburgh East Scribes critique group in 2010 with the aim of helping aspiring writers pursue their dream of publication. The group has flourished beyond his wildest dreams. By day, Mark is a Senior Software Engineer for a large regional bank. He enjoys the outdoors and loves to kayak and backpack through the beautiful mountains of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Mark and his wife Kathy also provide pro bono IT services to a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Do You Love Historical Fiction? Do you enjoy a great Southern Romance?...

…then Murray Pura has just the right Best- Selling series for you! “Seven Oaks” What is this series all about? Sarah Nunley is her Uncle Thomas’ favorite niece. Uncle Thomas is a godly man, telling her stories about Jesus and the Bible and taking her for walks in the Virginia woods to point out the marvels of Creation when she is a child. But war comes to Virginia when Sarah is a young woman and soon Uncle Thomas is famous and known by everyone, friend and foe alike, as Stonewall Jackson. But to Sarah Nunley he remains her beloved Uncle Thomas and Seven Oaks remains a plantation of peace in a time of war. To date Murray Pura has released 4 stories in the series with the fifth one –“A Wedding in Virginia” set to come out June 21st. Here is what some have said about “Seven Oaks” so far: “I have always thought a lot of Thomas Jackson when I would read history books. This story was one that helped bring out how all people should be treated with dignity and have the right to an education and not be left as slaves!!” “Murray Pura brings these characters to life with his wonderful writing style. I could envision all the characters and the great plantation on which they lived.” “I'm enjoying the historical description, the Christian conversations (rather or not I agree) and the expected high quality writing that Murray Pura puts into all of his work.” The “Seven Oaks “ series is available on Kobo, Barnes & Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle. Here is the Amazon Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Oaks-Volume-Plantation-ebook/dp/B00B508REA/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3

Best - Selling author Jen Cudmore wants to know: "What's on Your PLaylist?"

What's on Your Playlist? The sound of an approaching horse met her ears and she returned to the living room to look out the window. It was Gunner. She headed straight for the door, slowing long enough to grab the Winchester rifle leaning against the wall. “Lynette, wait,” Ma called out behind her. The gun made a clicking sound when she cocked it. “Get off our property.” Gunner halted the mustang, his face grave. “Nettie, I need to talk to you.” “Talking time is over.” He raised a hand in the air. “Come on now, Baby.” Lynette lifted the rifle to her shoulder and leveled the barrel on his chest. Lynette Ellis, the female protagonist from my story Athena Creek, evolved one day when I was listening to Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Instead of smashing a truck, I could easily picture a jilted female, with her long braid and billowing skirts, chasing her fiancé from the house with a rifle or stealing his horse in revenge. From there the story took shape into a novel about Lynette's dream of starting over and finding a hero. A feisty woman always makes for an interesting protagonist, and who better to tame her than a marshal! Authors find inspiration from numerous sources. Many of my characters and plot points sprouted from music. My second story, Willow Ridge, was inspired by the song "East to West" by Casting Crowns. In a series about lawmen, there must be at least one outlaw who struggles to overcome his past, and thus, Barrett Walcott was born. To round out his backstory, I was reminded of the testimony of Nicky Cruz, a gang leader turned minister who was never arrested for his crimes. I wanted to convey that sometimes our merciful God doesn't require a punishment.

Although the third story, Castleton, wasn't based of any particular piece of music, I did find several love songs that prompted some of the scenes. I won't bore you with a list, but what I've done to help harness the inspiration is to create specific playlists in my iTunes account. For example, I have a list of fast-paced country songs, 80's love songs, sad lost-my-love songs, and Lindsey Stirling's violin music. I choose the playlist that fits the scene I'm writing to keep me motivated. Honestly, I've even been inspired by High School Musical and Barbie! Go ahead, laugh. It's ridiculous even to me. But this is the way God made me, and it works. Maybe one of these days I'll list on my website which music inspired what scenes/characters/stories. You might be surprised by what you see on the list! Jen Cudmore's first story Athena Creek, separated into two volumes, was just recently released. The next book in The Lawmen of Clayton County series will be available later this summer. For more information, visit www.jencudmore.com

Murray Pura set to release "Seven Oaks - Volume 2 - Stonewall" this weekend!

Sarah Felicity Nunley could not be more excited - her coming of age celebration is being held in the mansion's ballroom, guests have arrived from all over the county, and her uncle has brought a lovely burgundy dress for her to wear as well as dozens of military cadets for her to dance with. But the greatest surprise of the evening is the sudden appearance of childhood friend Malcolm Becket Ross who she always spurned as an ugly duckling. Sarah has grown up and turned into a woman and she soon realizes Malcolm has grown up and turned into a man. Yet their happiness at discovering one another again is short-lived for Virginia is at war and soon her uncle and father and brothers must march off the to the fight and handsome Malcolm Becket Ross must go with them. Murray Andrew Pura was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1986, Pura has served five churches in Canada and headlined numerous speaking engagements in Canada and the United States. He has five books published, was a contributor to the Life With God Bible, has been a finalist for The Paraclete Fiction Award, The Dartmouth Book Award, and The John Spencer Hill Literary Award, and has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2010 Kobzar Literary Award of Canada. The link to Murray Pura’s Amazon Author page is: http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Pura/e/B002IU3O6C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1361368950&sr=1-2-ent

Murray Pura has just released "The Rose of Lancaster County - Volume 7 - A Rose in Winter"

The winter snows may be falling on Lancaster County but the cold does not have a chilling effect on Rose Lantz or Ethan Daniels - their love for one another, suddenly set free, blossoms from day to day. There are hay rides and sleigh rides and learning to snowshoe. There is a surprise birthday party, cooking meals together, Rose learning to shoot a Lancaster County long rifle. But all the time the young couple are going from joy to joy several English families are making plans to get revenge on Rose Lantz for what she said in court that set her friend at liberty. Another witch hunt is about to begin. About Murray Pura : Murray Andrew Pura was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1986, Pura has served five churches in Canada and headlined numerous speaking engagements in Canada and the United States. He has five books published, was a contributor to the Life With God Bible, has been a finalist for The Paraclete Fiction Award, The Dartmouth Book Award, and The John Spencer Hill Literary Award, and has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2010 Kobzar Literary Award of Canada.

The link to Kobo for this title: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Rose-Lancaster-County-Volume/book-2cM01Qvsy0SXDCfaG_KL0A/page1.html?s=t52C5m9ckUW5bjqfR2Szbg&r=2 The title is also available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook!