10 Steps to a Healthy Marriage

Open publication - Free publishing - More authors

I'm one of the featured authors in this month's edition of Book and Trailer Showcase E-Magazine, and the topic I'm discussing is marriage.

I'm nobody's marital expert, but I will say without hesitation that the process of writing my upcoming Harbourlight Books release, Devotion, taught me a lot about maintaining a relationship, and helping it grow even stronger!

10 Steps to a Healthy Marriage is on page 35 of the magazine - just a couple of pages after this excerpt from Devotion. I hope you enjoy the column, and the glimpse into my Christian fiction debut, arriving in stores everywhere on October 15th!

77, 7 & 7 --- I'm It!!!!

Tag, I'm IT!!

I've been tagged by April W. Gardner! April has challenged me to:

1. Go to page 77 of my manuscript.
2. Go to line 7.
3. Copy the next 7 lines/paragraphs.
4. Tag 7 other writers to do the same.

My seven tagged authors are:


Katy Lee
Mary Manners
Dora Hiers
Tanya Stowe
Tanya Hanson
Delia Latham
Clare Revell

Ladies, share your link with me so I can come read your excerpts!

And now....from my October release, DEVOTION, here's 77, 7 & 7!!!  Hope you enjoy!! And April, I hope I answered the challenge!!  :-) 

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He shook his head firmly, just staring at her. Unsettled, enchanted, Juliet realized he kept quiet on purpose. Awareness settled in. So did attraction—in a large, heavy dose. She perched her hands on her hips and arched a brow at him, refusing to give him too much of an upper hand. “How can I make amends?”

“I leave town the day after tomorrow, so I don’t have a lot of time, but I’d like to take you to dinner.”

Take her to dinner? As recompense for dumping a tray of drinks on him? “That’s not exactly making amends.”

“It is to me.” Kellen stepped a bit closer, closing the space between them, but not encroaching too much. “Do you like to dance? I’d love to check out the Wild Horse Saloon.”

The suggestion stirred delighted expectation. The Nashville institution was one of her favorites for great food, socializing, and the hilarity of attempting to line dance. “You’re serious about this?”

“Very much so.”

His presence pulled at a ticklish, sensitive place in her belly. She nodded her acceptance. Reaching into the breast pocket of his suit coat, Kellen extracted a business card and held it out to her. He maintained possession for an extra beat when she tried to claim it. "My cell number is on there. What's yours?"

Advance Praise for DEVOTION....

Sometimes it's tough to go 'all in' and pre-order a book based on nothing much more than the cover, or the blurb, or the author's reputation. Therefore, I thought I'd use this blog post to, hopefully, assure you about the powerful message being received by readers of my upcoming Harbourlight Books release, DEVOTION. Head to www.pelicanbookgroup.com or Amazon.com's Pre-Order Page and grab your copy today! DEVOTION will reach you in October. Meanwhile, check out my Facebook Reader Page and follow me on Twitter. In the months to come, I'll be giving you glimpses into Kellen & Juliet's story and I'll keep you up to date about exciting developments underway in conjunction with its release. Give it a go! Become DEVOTED!!

*****

Powerful. Emotional. Moving. Touching. Awakening. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I reflect on Devotion. Throughout this very true-to-life story, master story-teller, Marianne Evans, creates a believable and relatable situation between a husband and wife who have naturally become comfortable in their marriage . . . and the consequences of allowing the temptation of new passion to burn brighter than the flames of true love.


What struck me while reading this book is that while everyone enters a marriage with the best of intentions, no one is immune or above the throws of temptation. In fact, it’s usually in the area where we Christians are the strongest that Satan will try to sneak in and destroy us. Satan loves division, loves to tear the family apart, and too often he is successful.

However, this book also beautifully illustrates what restoration can occur when the mistakes and failures in our lives are completely turned over to Jesus. Through Him, true forgiveness happens and where families were once broken true healing occurs. Marianne Evans illustrates this truth so eloquently.

I recommend this book to anyone who is hungering for an amazing story of redemption from human weaknesses and the restoration of relationships that mean the most. I highly recommend this story to married couples to read together as a reminder of what is most important in life and how one moment of weakness can put it in jeopardy. But Devotion is a MUST READ for every couple struggling with the pain and betrayal of infidelity. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, THERE IS HOPE. Thank you, Ms. Evans, for sharing this hope with everyone who reads Devotion and for reminding your readers of the truth that true love really can conquer all. ~Jen Stephens, author of The Heart’s Journey Home and The Heart’s Lullaby

*****

Marianne Evans has written a touching story that will leave readers breathless. She has such a gift for the written word. ~ Mary Manners, Award winning author of Wisdom Tree, Tender Mercies, Light the Fire

*****

Marianne Evans has crafted an outstanding, beautifully written and compelling tale of love, loss and second chances. Devotion opens a window to see what can happen when you become complacent in your marriage. It shows the effects of not listening to God's still small voice. It spells out clearly that sin does not just affect the one committing it.


One verse that kept coming to mind while I was reading was Proverbs 23:7 'whatsoever a man thinks in his heart, so he is'. Don't entertain inappropriate thoughts! That's why the Bible is clear about guarding our hearts because out of it flow the issues of life.



Devotion is more than just a story, it's life-changing fiction and one I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It’s just what today’s world needs to hear. ~ Sherry Kuhn, Reviewer, Love2Read Novels

In Honor of Mother's Day...A Giveaway of Hearts Communion

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm giving away two autographed, print copies of Hearts Communion - which was recently named Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year in Romance!

This giveaway means a lot to me for two reasons: First and foremost, Hearts Communion is all about celebrating the power of motherhood, and the beauty of family. Wait until you meet Monica and JB--and experience their journey to love! Second, I'm all about sharing the joy I feel that Hearts Communion earned such a wonderful award from CSPA.

So, with out further fanfare, share a memory about your mom, a memory of Mother's Day, or share a tradition. Every comment equals an entry to win, and I'd love to hear from you. Let's celebrate Mom!

I'll announce a winner right here on Mother's Day morning. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so we can connect if you win. 

God bless!

Marianne

COTT Blog Alliance Welcomes...Delia Latham!

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I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him.

~ Delia Latham

Welcome, Delia! It's a pleasure starting our day off visiting with you. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Do I have to go directly to jail if I confess to rarely eating breakfast?  I've never been a fan of breakfast foods. To make it even worse, I usually get out of bed and feel my way to the refrigerator (instead of the coffee pot) for my wake-me-up Dr. Pepper. Oh, no! I think I just heard the clang of a slamming jail cell... Uh-oh, lol. I'll give you a place to hide when you go on the lam. So after that can of morning law-breaking, you must then head for the closet to get dressed. Would you consider yourself a skirt, jeans, or sweats kinda gal? Sweats when I'm home with no company expected and no errands to run. Jeans otherwise. And, although you didn't ask, bare feet. I'm addicted to socks personally. Preferably fuzzy ones. But besides our feet, we probably look a lot alike in the outfit department. Nice to know I can dress casual if I ever visit your house. Which makes me wonder... If you were having me over for dinner, what would you be serving? Hmmm...good question, since I'm not the cook in my family. My husband does that, and loves it. (Am I blessed? Oh, yes, I am!) Off the top of my head, I'd say you might be dining on his famous chili verde burritos. They're mmm-mmm good! Dessert would be chocolate Heavenly Hash, which is a scrumptious concoction made of chocolate pudding, cool whip, and...I'm not even sure what else is in there, but you're going to love it! And, since it's you, it would all be served on a silver platter - my contribution to the meal. LOL Oh Yum! I think I'll bring the whole fam. They might get bored of our book talk though. Can you tell me, of the books you've had published, which is nearest and dearest to your heart? Come now, darling...surely you wouldn't ask a mother which is her favorite child?  But, for the sake of cooperation, I'll just say that the new baby always gets the most attention. Of my older "children," however, I think Goldeneyes is probably the most "like" me. A vintage romance (set in 1936 and 1959), it is set partially in Weedpatch, the tiny, California farming community where I grew up. How could it not have a little of my own heart and soul written into its pages? That sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it. =) COTT is lucky to have such a talented writer on staff. How long have you been on staff at Clash of the Titles and what do you envision for its future? I don't think it's been quite a year yet. Seems like I started about the beginning of August 2011. As for its future, I see COTT becoming a very important cog in the wheel for helping authors get noticed. It's already becoming known within the writing field, and has enjoyed participation by some widely recognized authors. I can't help believing COTT will become one of the places on which authors look forward to claiming a spot, and the Laurel Award could easily become one of the sought-after crowns (ummm...laurels?) of achievement within the industry. I honestly believe we have the potential for that kind of success, because everyone on staff truly cares about our authors and their success. I'm so proud to play a small part behind the scenes! Sounds like a bright future for COTT and we love you being a part of our family of staff. We love your sweet spirit and the way Jesus shines through you. When do you feel closest to God? When I'm alone with Him...shut in with God, in a "secret place," as the old hymn goes. Just me and the Lover of my soul. I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him. Even though I know He gives that same assurance to many others, it's absolutely true for each of us. He loves us all the most. Ah, that is so beautiful. Love it. Thank you, Delia, that was so wonderfully well-put. You have such a way with words. And on that note, tell us about the last book you had the pleasure of seeing reach reader's hands. That would be Gypsy's Game - Book Three in the Solomon's Gate series...and it reached reader's hands only last Friday, March 16! I'm very excited about Gypsy's story, and can't wait to start hearing what readers think. Here's what it's about:

Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything but a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn’t make it easy. A stipulation in the man’s will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers. Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her ailing mother’s life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband. Someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him. Jal Garridan is neither of those things, but he's willing to take on the challenge presented by the beautiful stranger—on his own terms. What Gypsy doesn’t know is that Solomon’s Gate is a dating agency with a Divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother’s life. It may save Gypsy’s soul.

I must  admit, there's a certain melancholy that goes along with knowing this book will most likely be the last time I'll swing open the giant portals of Solomon's Gate. But then...only God knows the future...perhaps He hasn't thrown away the key. The first in that series was one of our summer book club selections and it was a great read! I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and I hope our readers will head over to Amazon to check it out too. They won't be disappointed! 

Thank you so much for chatting with us this morning. Go grab another Dr. Pepper and have a wonderfully productive day. And readers, be sure to visit www.clashofthetitles.com for the latest Clash and giveaway.  Have a blessed day!

Cover Lovin' - Sal's Place Series!

Search & Rescue ~ Holding on…for a hero

Jennifer Foster isn’t one for fairytales. Her life is grounded in the practicality of living day-by-day. The tenderhearted waitress loves to swap food and affection with the regulars at Detroit's legendary diner, Sal’s Place. She's also a source of emotional support for her troubled mother.

A robbery at the diner sends her life spinning into that of Detroit Police officer Ryan Douglas. Ryan steps to the forefront of her life—whether she's ready to accept his loving care or not.
But Ryan contends with his own set of family difficulties and circumstances that just might overwhelm their fledgling relationship.

Will the blending of their lives, and the love they feel, bring about heartbreak, or will God’s ultimate plan be allowed to play out, and bring them both to a point of acceptance, and love’s embrace?

Beautiful Music ~ Can love become their sanctuary?

Escaping the black residue of her past, Callie Phillips finds sanctuary at Queen of Angels Church. The reformed rebel is a middle-school choir teacher by day, and music director on the weekends, mingling with parish members over breakfast at her favorite after-church-haunt, Sal’s Place.

Luke West embraces a devout belief in the sacredness of human life. An EMT, he takes charge of life-and-death situations and acts as guardian for his ten-year-old niece, Dawn West.
Dawn’s passion is music, which inspires Callie to take the youngster under her wing. Callie becomes a mentor and surrogate mother to the gifted, seeking little girl.

Despite Callie’s former life, can Luke’s love teach her there’s nothing God’s mercy can’t wipe clean? Will Luke forgive even the bleakest form of sin and desperation in order to embrace the love of an extraordinary woman?Can love become their sanctuary?

I can't wait for you to dive into the lives and loves of the folks at Sal's Place! The journey will be a heart's adventure to savor!!!

All the credit in the world goes to cover artist extraordinaire, Nicola Martinez!!

Welcome, Dora Hiers & Journey's Edge!

I'm delighted to introduce you to one of the bright stars of White Rose Publishing...Dora Hiers.

Dora has a freshly minted release, the second in her Marshals of Journey Creek series titled Journey's Edge! Dora's skill with romantic suspense is winning her much acclaim from readers and reviewers alike! Dora and I, along with fellow White Rose author Mary Manners and Thomas Nelson author Dorothy Love will be in Chicago, at the RT Booklovers Convention next week, discussing the topic of faith and romance. I can't wait to meet this remarkable woman in person. She's a treasure!

So...without further fanfare, let's meet Dora, and find out about Journey's Edge, and the heroine of her story, McKinley Frasier!!!

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 didn’t want her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing heart racing, God-gracing books.

Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. Dora and her husband make their home in North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Dora enjoys reading and family gatherings. She despises traffic, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with happily-ever-after’s.

Readers can connect with Dora:
Website: http://www.dorahiers.com/
Autographed copy and blog: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Facebook: Dora Hiers Author
Twitter: @DoraHiers

And now, here's a glimpse into the world of Journey's Edge!!

A Routine Audit? Hardly.

Red flags—including some goon who's following her—raise McKinley Frasier's suspicions that numbers don't add up at the insurance firm. When someone tries to snatch McKinley's daughter from school, she turns to police officer and ex-fiance, Renner Crossman—the cop who walked out on her a month before their wedding.

But Renner's not the same guy who broke her heart ten years ago. He calls himself a "new man." She trusts the new Renner with her daughter's safety...but what about her heart?

Let's meet the heroine of Journey's Edge: McKinley Frasier!

Hi. I’m McKinley Frasier. An Auditor with a CPA firm, not my dream job, but it pays the
bills and keeps a roof over our heads. I’m a mom to an adorable nine-year-old
daughter, Tessa. I’ve cherished a lifetime friendship, and I’m single by
choice. People may think I have my life together.

Hah!

They’d be wrong. Right now I’m desperately ducking the creep who followed me to
the hotel, this week’s client, Malcolm Brugman. Or should I say, fraudster?

And avoiding the ex-fiancé who dumped me ten years ago, Renner Crossman, who
happens to be staying in the same hotel. Why am I thinking about Renner
Crossman now anyway? I haven’t thought of him in what? Two days? Not since his
totally-off-the-radar phone message. Yeah, well, that apology was about ten
years too late. Did he really think I would come running to accept his face-to-face
apology?

As if!

So explain to me how I ended up wrapped in Renner’s strong arms, hearing his heart
thump and shivering when his breath whispered against my hair? What is it about
him that latches on to my innermost dreams and desires and won’t let go? His
grin? His have-no-cares-in-the-world attitude colliding with my organized,
have-to-know-everything-beforehand outlook?

OK, so maybe I’m not totally over him. But I will be when he finds out about Tessa.
And Tessa’s father? It’s probably best not to go down that road…

Ooooooohhhhh! OK, I've snapped up my copy, and I can't wait to read it and post a review soon!!! Dora, thanks for visiting, and congratulations on the release of Journey's Edge - Can't wait for Journey's Embrace!!! God bless, and hug ya' in Chicago, lady!!!