NEW RELEASE: Patti J. Smith "Christmases Past - Volume 4 - The Pearls of Christmas"

The romance between Sarah and Jason bloomed as the war in Vietnam escalated. Jason avoided the draft by enlisting in the Air Force with hopes of being assigned stateside. Those hopes were dashed when he received orders for Thailand.
Sarah waited nervously as he served his year-long tour, relieved when he returned unharmed. They began planning their future together but because peace talks with the North Vietnamese failed, Jason was recalled to participate in an operation that would eventually lead to the end of the war. This time he didn't make it home.
The story follows Sarah as she struggles to get past the grief and on with her life. A life that takes a surprising turn after a tragic accident.

What are readers saying about story?

"Patti J. Smith continues Christmases Past with a tender love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. "The Pearls of Christmas" examine the delicacy of the human mind when face with tragedy. Can spirits touch one another across the miles when they are truly one?
For a quick but worthwhile read, grab some hot tea and "The Pearls of Christmas."

"This is Volume Four of the Christmases Past series, and Patti J. Smith has created a wonderfully heartbreaking and heartwarming story set in the Vietnam War era.

Jason Jacobsen volunteers for the Air Force the day after he graduates from high school, leaving behind his sweetheart Sarah Anderson. At first, it's not all that scary. They exchange almost daily letters and frequent phone calls. Jason stays stateside until he has a brief tour in Thailand. No phone calls then, but the letters are regular. Even so, Sarah has a recurring nightmare of a chaplain showing up with Jason's dogtags to report his death.

When he is released from the Air Force, they think their fears are past--but he gets a recall notice. He's optimistic, though, that he will be home by Christmas. Just in case, he sends her gift--a string of pearls and a scarf--that arrive a couple of days before Christmas. Then her nightmare comes to pass. The chaplain tells her and his parents that there is no hope and they need to accept that Jason won't be coming home.

Beyond all reason, Sarah refuses to accept that reality. "

The Amazon Kindle link for the story is:http://ow.ly/DxICn

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

NEW RELEASE : Ruth L. Snyder "Uplifting Devotionals for Parents"

Have you ever wanted to resign from parenting? The responsibility is overwhelming some days. Thankfully, we don't have to parent in our own strength. God walks with us each day, strengthening us, guiding us, and giving us wisdom - if we ask. As you'll see in these readings, I'm still learning. My prayer is that God will use these devotionals to provide encouragement, help, and joy in your parenting journey.

The Amazon Kindle link for the Devotional is:http://www.amazon.com/Uplifting-Devotionals-Parents-Ruth-Snyder-ebook/dp/B00OSSQLE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414502745&sr=1-1&keywords=ruth+l.+snyder

"If you think you're the only parent whose kids ...... you'll want to read Ruth Snyder's Uplifting Devotionals for Parents. Her honesty and humour in dealing with a rowdy, dynamic, and very normal family brings God's love into perspective in a gentle, accepting, and most of all, believable way. Parents, grandparents, and anyone who knows anyone raising kids will enjoy this short, but, yes, uplifting book."

Ruth L. Snyder was privileged to spend the first 10 years of her life in southern Africa where her parents served as missionaries. From there her family moved to Canada, settling in Three Hills, Alberta. Ruth enjoyed her years as a "staff kid" at Prairie and is grateful for the biblical grounding she received there. She now resides close to Glendon (the pyrogy capital of Alberta, Canada) with her husband and five young children. Ruth enjoys writing articles, devotionals, short stories, and Christian fiction. She is a member of The Word Guild and The Christian PEN. Ruth currently serves as the President of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship.

Ruth's children have taught her many things about living with special needs. She is a strong advocate and spent several years serving on the local public school board.

Ruth loves her job teaching Music for Young Children. She is fascinated by children's imaginations and enjoys helping young children learn the basics of music through play.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoys reading, crafts, volunteering in her local community, photography, and travel. Several years ago, Ruth and her family traveled through 28 States in 30 days! Find out more about Ruth and her writing at http://ruthlsnyder.com

HELP Joseph Max Lewis pick a COVER for his NEW release "Baghdad Burning"!!!!!!

HELP Tony Hilling PICK a cover for his new Fantasy series!

My Writing Process by Anne Baxter Campbell

MY WRITING PROCESS

I suppose there are as many different writing processes as there are writers. And really? I’m not too sure I have a process! I realize most people are going to write about how they go from point A in their novels to point Z in the publishing process. Therefore, I choose to be different.

I write every day. I can’t remember the last day when I wrote nothing at all. Even on days when I’m “taking the day off,” I usually answer emails and check Facebook. Okay—I admit it. I’m addicted to written communication.
My day usually starts out with email. There are always a few to answer or initiate, because, you see, my brain didn’t stop when I went to sleep. It kept going. Then I check the blog to see if anyone has commented on a post, share it to Twitter and Google Plus (it’s already been shared with Facebook automatically), and if it’s a book review, I copy the review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, or wherever else.

Then Facebook—I go to my timeline and share that blog to a few other places on Facebook as appropriate. Oh, yes, also check messages, accept or reject friend offers (what is it with spammers anyway?), and see if my family or friends have posted neat stuff. (Okay, so not everything I do is work-related.)
After that, I dive into editing and writing. I usually have a blog post to do, sometimes a guest blog for someone else, or an interview. Finally—I get to splash around in my own creations—fiction. Love it. Fiction is where I get to live the life I wish I could live. Well—sometimes—except when my heroes and heroines get into trouble. Can’t say I’d love to be captured by slave traders or be run over by a horse-drawn chariot. I’ll leave those adventures to my characters, ones who usually have more strength and stamina than I do.

Long story shortened mercifully: I write. Pretty much all day every day. On Sundays I try to limit it to devotionals (after church, of course) or something relaxing (games of Scrabble, for instance). Occasionally, there’s a deadline I can’t postpone though.
So, six days a week, ten to twelve hours a day…Write on, Write on, about and with His Majesty, our Lord and King. It’s not work—it’s joy.

Memory Challenged, the Bermuda Triangle of my brain by Patti J. Smith

Life brings us subject matter for future writing projects every day...a long lost memory, a profound statement, an event, a random thought or even a dream. I don't know about you, but my memory is no longer the steel trap I had in my youth...and as quickly as an idea comes to me, it disappears into the Bermuda Triangle of my brain.....never to be seen or heard from again.

I now accept the fact I'm "memory challenged", and am doing something about it. I now have a notepad that goes with me everywhere. No matter where I am ... the grocery store, a parking lot, a restaurant ... my new best friend is there. I do get funny looks at church when I jot down a verse or something the priest says, and my husband gets a tad bit annoyed when I wake up in the middle of the night from a dream, and turn on the light to document an epiphany ... interrupting his slumber...but it's worth it. My days of lost inspiration are over...as long as I remember the pencil!


HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

Amazing Journey By Karen L Kosman

Amazing Journey
By
Karen L Kosman


When God steps in and changes the direction of your life get ready for an amazing journey. Many of us have experienced moments in life when circumstances seemed beyond our control. During those times we feel stuck and question, “What am I supposed to do? Why can’t things just stay the way they are?”
For years, I’d worked as a trainer in the field of phlebotomy. Then the unexpected happened when I became ill. Medical tests were taken to disclose the reasons behind my kidney infections, respiratory infections, and joint pains that suddenly plagued me.
My doctor’s words still came as shock. “Karen, you have lupus. I’d advise you to retire, because of the stress in your job.”
Six months later, I finally gave in to his advice. During the first month of retirement I walked from room to room at home and asked, “Lord, what am I to do the rest of my life?”
His answer came as gentle whisper, “Write.”
I shook my head and whispered, No, I must have misunderstood.
I continued to pray, and I asked, “Lord, please send me a mentor if this is your plan for my life.”
The following Sunday I woke with a sense of anticipation. The beautiful blue sky and fluffy white clouds added to the joy in my heart. That morning a new family placed membership in our church and as our pastor introduced them he said Cynthia McClure was an author and inspirational speaker. She became my mentor and her words always encouraged me to move forward.
I began attending writer’s conferences where I met wonderful, loving people who shared with me their world of journalism: Their language seemed foreign and their lifestyles seemed out of reach. But as I began writing I felt a mounting elation inside of me. And when my first article was published I did a happy dance! Even more astounding was when my physical symptoms, of my illness, went away. My immunologist said, “Lupus is a hard disease to diagnose. You have been misdiagnosed.”
Today, as a published author, I know God used my diagnosis to change the direction of my life. It has been an amazing journey, one that continues even today. Recently, together with several other authors I have written my first fiction for Helping Hands Press. The setting for our stories is in a country town known as Sweetland. Added blessings are the friendships being formed among the authors.

Anne Baxter Campbell Devotional - "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like..."

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like...

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:1-5, NKJV)

Why would Jesus say we need to become like small children? Children are messy: They spill their milk, push food on the floor, throw their toys everywhere. Children test our patience constantly. They lie to get themselves out of trouble, steal cookies, hide cell phones.... Oh, the list could go on and on.

And yet--Jesus wants us to be like children. What is there about children we need to emulate?

They are honest in their affections. They don't pretend to like someone because that person is richer, more important, better looking. And--if your hair is a mess, they will tell you if you ask them--but they will still love you.

They have an avid curiosity. They soak up information with amazing eagerness. If we could learn during our entire lives at the rate children do--wow. Computers couldn't store anywhere near as much information.

They believe without reservation that if they jump, you will catch them.

Prayer: Lord, may we become like children who will believe You can catch us when we fall--or even when we jump and shouldn't--if we just trust You. May we be like children eager to learn more of You. And Father, may we give You all of our honest affection. You are deserving of all this and so much more! Amen.

A Dutch Author Writing American Civil War Stories by Marian Baay

A Dutch author writing American Civil War stories.

Early 2013, author Murray Pura asked me to join his new Civil War series. I seriously doubted his wisdom in asking me – a Dutchie who hardly knows anything about the American Civil War – to write a story about this very same war. So, I declined.
Until then, I simply thought it was impossible to write about a place I had never visited.

However, the idea to write did not leave my mind. Several months later, I finally decided to give it a try. And so it happened that my research began about a place I had never visited and about a war I hardly knew anything about. A story idea had begun to form in my mind, and now I only needed to find the right city or town in the United States where the story was going to take place. After googling on ‘Dutch in the Civil War’ I was led to Michigan and I started reading everything I could find online about this state. So, for my debut story, Heaven Is Not Far, the internet was the main source of my research.

For my second story, The Officer’s Daughter, I downloaded several free Kindle books. I found most info about the war background that I needed in Union General Sherman’s memoir. Although Sherman was not in Nashville during the battle of Nashville, he did write about his correspondence with General Thomas who was in command of the Union army in the city. An eyewitness account of someone who lived in the hills around Nashville gave me the info I needed about the weather and how the area looked back then.

U.S. Army veterans have helped me understand the military ranks and terms and other info about the army I didn’t know.

During my research, I also use Google Earth and Street View Maps to visit the places I am writing about. Of course, everything looks different 150 years later, but it gives me a good idea of hills and woods and streams in the area.

It was—and still is—lots of fun to write about this period in the American history. However, it can be hard to read about all the horrible things that happened back then. Therefore, I try to add a touch of romance and hope to my stories. Even during the time that the states were at war, people did fall in love and hoped for a better future with their loved ones.

Marian Baay lives in the Netherlands, together with her husband and dog, near the North Sea. She enjoys reading a good book, hiking in the woods, dunes, or nature reserves. As a lover of animals, she has always had various pets to brighten her world. In the outdoors, her imagination runs wild and seeds for stories are planted there.
Marian likes to read and write in various genres, but romance is an important ingredient in her stories. The love between a man and woman is such a wonderful gift from God that she likes to add a touch of that heavenly delight into all her stories.


Find Marian online at:
Blog: http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianBaayAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marian_Baay
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marian-Baay/e/B00G51X9QA/