Welcome Back, Clare Revell! A Review of 'A Mummy For Christmas!'

I'm in love with the Christmas season! Snuggled up by a fireplace with flames snapping, a sparkling Christmas tree standing sentinel nearby, and of course, a good book in my hands is a top-fav for me. We need those times of decompression, don't we? I don't know about you, but for me, the week between Christmas and New Years is the best time to take advantage of those delicious 'lulls' in the holidays and relax. Pelican Book Group has brought to life its annual Christmas Extravaganza, and I'm delighted to spotlight Clare Revell's latest title, A Mummy For Christmas!

Here are the details:


Stan Fuller juggles a full time job as an airline pilot, along with being a single father to eight year old Haley Jo. When he becomes a reluctant Father Christmas at his daughter’s school Christmas party, she stuns him and the whole school, never mind the attending press, by announcing she wants a mummy for Christmas.

Carly Jefferson is covering the party for the local paper. New to the village, she is running from a bitter adoption argument with her mother which resulted in a rift lasting several years. Haley Jo’s simple request rocks her to the core, especially when her editor wants her to run several follow up pieces on a single father at Christmas. 

Not even Father Christmas can grant this request.

Purchase Links:

Amazon ~ Pelican Book Group ~ Barnes & Noble

Author Clare Revell, Getting Her Christmas On!

Marianne's Review

Once again, Clare Revell has managed to tie up a Christmas romance with tinsel, silver and gold glitter, and a big, red bow! I love her writing, and A Mummy for Christmas does not disappoint. This charming novella perfectly demonstrates that God uses every circumstance, every joy, every laugh--and every heartache--to work for His good. I'm delighted to give this read an enthusiastic two thumbs up!!

Say Hello to Dora Hiers and Beck's Peace

First of all, let me tell you how much I adore today's guest on A Minute with Marianne. I had the honor of meeting Dora face-to-face in Chicago a few years ago, and she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. A true gem of a friend and what a talented author. I'm also blessed by the opportunity to share blog space with her at Seriously Write. In all, she's a dear friend, and I'm delighted to welcome her back and bring you up to date on what's new in her writer world!

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son no longer wanted her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing Heart Racing, God-Gracing romance. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers.

Dora and her real life hero make their home in North Carolina. When she takes a break from cranking out stories, she enjoys reading, family gatherings, and mountain cabin getaways. She despises traffic, bad coffee, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with a happily-ever-after!

Dora loves to mix and mingle with her readers, so here's where to find her:

Fiction Faith & Foodies, Seriously Write, Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest.

So, now that you've met this lovely lady, let's take a look at BECK'S PEACE, her brand new release from Pelican Book Group!

*****

Burn survivor Savvy McCord doesn't blame her best friend for running away. She can't even look at her scars without wincing. When Beck's disappearing act spans years, she relinquishes dreams of love and marriage. 

Unable to face Savvy's expectations of happily-ever-after, Beck Harmon deserts her, far away from the rumors that he's just like his father. 

When the wanderer returns, dreams of forever blossom in Savvy's heart, but she worries he'll leave again. 

Can Beck convince Savvy that her true beauty comes from her inner strength and faith? Will his idea to help burn victims regain their self-confidence restore Savvy's trust in him? Will love be what the wanderer needs to find peace for his hurting soul?

*****

Here's a juicy tidbit:

His head dipped to within a fraction of a centimeter, his short wisps of breath teasing her.

She licked her lips, anticipating, waiting…

It didn’t take long….but yet, it felt like a lifetime.

His lips grazed hers, just a hint of a kiss. He pulled back, and then with an anguished moan, his hands curled around her waist to bring her tight against his chest. All she could breathe was summer and outdoors, hard work and leather, horses and hay. All things she loved.

Just like the man.

Heaven had come to earth.

That’s what his kiss felt like. Intoxicatingly sweet, but laced with a powerful sensation, a connecting, not just of the heart, but also of minds and spirits, swirling together to form a tight bond, filled with a promise of love.

But look where his last kiss had left her.

Alone.

Oh, my! Do you want more? Well, of course you do! Here are the purchase links so you can grab a copy ASAP:

Pelican Book Group Purchase Link

Amazon Purchase Link

Enjoy, friends, and until next time, keep shining!

~ Marianne

Clare Revell's Latest - November-Charlie

Clare Revell

I always find it a delight to spend time with Pelican Book Group author Clare Revell.

She's an aficionado of suspense, and recent efforts of channeled that gift into the Christian Young Adult genre. I admire this effort, because to my mind, there's nothing better - and more important - than capturing the interest and hearts of young readers. They're our future, and they're smart. Here's what else: they know good books when they find them.

Therefore, without further fanfare, allow me to introduce Clare's upcoming (July, 2015) release, November-Charlie!

~~~~~

When Jim and Staci Kirk's parents go missing, he decides to search for them himself. Unbeknownst to him, his sister and their best friend Lou, stow away to join him. 

It seems so simple on paper, sail from England to the Philippines and find the Kirks. But a hurricane named Erika and a relentless shark conspire against them to make the voyage one of the most perilous trips the teenagers have ever lived. 

Can they endure the danger? Will they find the Kirks alive or does God have another idea in mind?

EXCERPT

Lou heard a siren and turned to look behind them. A flashing light identified the fast approaching boat as police. Four armed officers stood on deck and the loud hailer instructed them to pull over.

"Jim? What are you going to do?"

"Do what they want."

"You can’t."

"I have to." Jim began to slow the boat and moved it to rest at the side of the waterway.

The police boat shot past and one of the officers waved his thanks.

Lou released a sigh of relief. "For a moment I thought..."

"We all did," Jim said. He pulled out into the main waterway again and followed in the wake of the police boat.

"Wonder where they’re going," Staci said.

"Somewhere in a hurry. Maybe they’re late for lunch," Lou said.

"With guns?"

"Maybe they’ve had lunch, and they’re off to kill the cook," Jim said grinning.

"There it is." Staci pointed. "It’s slowing down."

Suddenly an almighty explosion fragmented the police boat into a mass of flames and smoke. Shattered timbers and twisted metal flew everywhere.

MARIANNE’S REVIEW

What an amazing adventure. These three musketeers (well, four, really because you have to count that adorable dog Deefer) set out to sea with the noble intention of finding Jim and Staci's missing parents. Dealing with numerous perils along the way--I won't spoil with specifics, trust me, you'll want to read and take the ride along with them--they stretch and grow as individuals and in their faith, which is a wonderful aspect of Christian YA fiction. Revell always delivers on the suspense, and November-Charlie is no different, but I'm particularly impressed by the way she develops her characters and paints a very real portrait of YA life with all of its joys, insecurities, fears, sadness and overriding determination. 

MEET CLARE REVELL

Clare lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, or sewing, she's keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life and attends Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars.

Connect with Clare at:

http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell/

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

Meet Author Kathleen Friesen, Author of Nila's Hope!

Kathleen Friesen

Kathleen Friesen lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. 
She enjoys reading, travelling, kayaking with her hubby (on calm waters only!), and spoiling their grandkids.

Kathleen completed her first novel, Melody's Song, a story of Redemption. It was published via WestBow Press and is available at all major online retailers or through your local bookstore.

Her second novel, Nila's Hope,is now available. The theme of this book is Release, the kind of freedom that only God can give. Harbourlight Books, an imprint of Pelican Book Group, is the publisher. 

****

NILA'S HOPE

Just when her career as a carpenter and a relationship with Will Jamison are within reach, Nila Black’s abusive ex-boyfriend is released from prison. He’s out of jail, out for revenge, and making promises she knows he’ll keep. 

Nila will do anything it takes to save Will and her friends from the evil that will come their way if she doesn’t put distance between them—even if it means abandoning her new-found faith. It will take a miracle and an angelic messenger to show Nila that God is her greatest protector. He has never left her side, and He wants only the best for her and for the man she loves. 

****

MARIANNE’S REVIEW:

A female carpenter (such an interesting twist!)...a vengeful and abusive ex-boyfriend...and the love of a lifetime. Can Nila and Will find a way to forever, or will evil and past pain shatter their dreams? Can forgiveness and redemption sing their song within two hearts scarred by fear and feelings of unworthiness? With a gift for page-turning suspense, heart-wrenching personal conflict and an exquisite writing voice, Kathleen Friesen hits all the right notes with her Harbourlight release, Nila's Hope. I look forward to her next release!

****

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ ChristianBook ~ Pelican Book Group

I hope you enjoy, and happy reading, friends! God Bless! 

~ Marianne

Meet Authors Cindy K Green & Ashley Ludwig!

MEET AUTHOR CINDY K GREEN

Cindy K. Green

Author of Andrea & the 5-Day Challenge (Book 1 in the Aubrey Christian Academy Series), Cindy K. Green has worked as a middle school history & English teacher, a frozen yogurt server and a golf magazine employee. 

Today she's a multi-published, award-winning author, a mother, a wife, and a homeschooler, too. This native Californian now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and two cats named Chloe & Kassey. 

To find out more about Cindy and her work, please visit her website: www.cindykgreen.com and her blog: www.cindykgreen.blogspot.com. She's also on Facebook (Cindy K. Green) and Twitter (@cindykgreen) and you can e-mail her at: cindy@cindykgreen.com

*****

ANDREA AND THE 5-DAY CHALLENGE

Dear Lord, 
I need Your help and sooner would be better than later. Wouldn't you know it, just as soon as I decide to attempt the 5-Day Bible Study Challenge, my parents start heaping on loads of pressure to get me into Julliard. My friend Amy isn't any better, urging me to ask Luke Ryan to homecoming. As if the cute, transfer jock would actually go out with me. I mean, we're kinda friends, and I've enjoyed our Geometry study sessions, but in case Amy hasn't noticed, I'm the invisible one at Aubrey Christian Academy, and I like it that way. On top of that, I have a feeling Luke's concealing something behind those chocolate-brown eyes of his. I know I can be self-centered and a bit melodramatic, but I really do want to seek Your will for my life. Then maybe I'll even figure out which direction points up. 

Sincerely, 
Andrea Jamison 
High School Junior 
Change-o-phobic & complete neurotic

MARIANNE'S REVIEW

I think what I enjoyed most about Andrea and the 5-Day Challenge is that she reminds me of me when I was a teen—quirky but hopeful. Andrea’s life is a roller coaster,  overwhelming at times—but she paves her way through challenges and doubts  by leaning on her friends, her faith and a wonderful young man who sweeps into her life. With humor and heart, Cindy K Green puts right in the middle of Andrea’s world, which is a treat. I love finding great YA books like this one that are geared toward Christians. Really looking forward to what happens next at Aubrey Christian Academy!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christian Book ~ Pelican Book Group

MEET AUTHOR ASHLEY LUDWIG

Ashley Ludwig

Ashley Ludwig is an inspirational romance writer and Arizona native who received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona with a degree in Anthropology, and a minor in History & Humanities.

Some of the more obscure jobs she's held include: pouring wine (for a living – and for fun!), constructing silk trees, working as a cook, server, and caterer for a small catering company. She's worked as an assistant Exhibits Preparator for the Tucson Children’s Museum, and briefly worked as a docent for the La Brea Tar Pits. She spent a summer interning for Casting Director, Mali Finn, on the Warner Brother’s Lot and worked as a PA for a Nickelodeon Kid’s show, The Secret World of Alex Mack. 
.
She's turned her passion for research and attention to historical detail to her true love: writing inspirational and historical romances. To find out more, please visit Ashley at: http://www.ashleyludwig.com

*****

MAMMOTH SECRETS

Mammoth's new pastor is starting over. Using the pseudonym, Jake Gibb, he plans on staying far from his infamous father's shadow. 

When Jake meets the misunderstood Lilah Dale--a woman in the midst of a divorce and with nothing to hide thanks to the local prayer chain--he is convicted in the choice he's made to hide his true identity. 

With mutual deceptions marring their future, Jake and Lilah must form a careful relationship, and together learn that only the truth can set you free.

MARIANNE'S REVIEW

With a deft hand at characterization and a plot line that features enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, Ashley Ludwig has crafted a wonderful, emotion packed Christian romance. Jake and Lilah's story touched my heart because they are relate-able. The scene-setting is top notch as well. I can't wait for what's next from this gifted author!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christian Book ~ Pelican Book Group

Happy reading, friends, and God bless!

~ Marianne

Marian Merritt, The Vigil, and a Giveaway!

Marian P Merritt

I'm thrilled to welcome author Marian Pellegrin Merritt to the blog today and tell you all about her new release, THE VIGIL! 

Marian writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots which leads to her tagline, Where the Bayous Meet the Mountains.

She is an author and freelance writer with over ten years experience. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and online websites and garnered a first place award in ACFW's Genesis contest.

Marian’s published books include: Deep Freeze Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, and Southern Fried Christmas.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and an accounting certificate from the University of South Alabama. This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.

Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter

If you’d like to be part of her reader’s group on Facebook where she has giveaways, shares behind-the-scenes tidbits, and recruits Beta readers, you can join at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marianpmerritt/

I’m so glad she's paid a visit to the blog. Since I'm always curious about what inspires a story to spring to life, I had to ask Marian for a quick summation as to why The Vigil came to be:

"The nurse’s character came to me first before the story. As I interviewed the character, the story unfolded and had to be told!"

Talk about character driven.  Love it! The book sounds awesome – here’s a pair of tidbits to whet the appetite!

~~~~~

~~~~~

Blurb

Cheryl Broussard made two vows: She'd never fall for an abusive man, and she'd never return to her Louisiana hometown. But she's learned all too well the lesson of never-say-never. Now, back in Bijou Bayou after fleeing from an abusive boyfriend, Cheryl finds work as a Hospice nurse. While reading a dying patient's Korean War love letters, family secrets shatter Cheryl's beliefs about her family and herself and shed light on the reason she fled her hometown. When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew? 

Excerpt

The drive east from Houston to Bijou Bayou, the only place I knew I'd be safe, proved to be the longest four hours of my life. Home. At the prospect, my sweating fingers tightened around the steering wheel. But the larger revolt came when I thought about staying in Houston. I couldn't risk being in the same town, no matter how big, with Jarrod Trumont. I feared for my life. And his.

Yet, the greater question loomed ahead:  could I tolerate living in the same town as my mother?

~~~~~

But wait...there's MORE!

Marian has graciously agreed to give one lucky commentator an e-copy of The Vigil! Let us know you’re out there – I know Marian would love to meet you!!

Happy reading, friends, and happy commenting! Blessings!