THE LONG JOURNEY AND FRIENDS WHO HONK

My low-rider died. Again. At least this time it was in the driveway instead of at my daughter's school, the grocery store, or the public library (all places my vehicles have gone kaput.) After unloading my children and depositing them inside, Hubby returned my frantic call. I desperately hoped he hadn't yet left town.

"Honey, help! The car won't start. It sounds like it's going to start, but then won't turn over."

"Here's what you do. Open the hood, then get rubber gloves, a screwdriver, and a Coke."

Huh? At this point, things were not looking good for our heroine. "What am I supposed to do with all that?"

"First you're going to...." {{insert Charlie Brown wah, wah, wah.}}

I silently ran through my short list of options, and realized there weren't any. And no way was I going to do anything that involved rubber gloves and a screwdriver. "Honey, I'll call you back."

I went inside, threw on my new shoes, and put my oldest dd in charge of the kidlets. Then, water bottle and cell phone in hand, I set out on a 3-mile journey to my hub's work to get his vehicle--after a 1-hour cardio-weights class, no less. On my trek I encountered about a zillion ground hogs, and was appalled by my friends who drove by with a honk and a wave. Still, I realized that despite the grim situation, I am thankful.

I am thankful...

to be healthy enough to walk

for my new shoes--woot woot!

that we have a 2nd vehicle for back-up

for Betsy, who texted with me the whole time. In fact, there was quacking involved, and it must have something to do with THIS.

for burning enough additional calories I could eat the extra pizza, a Coke (since I didn't use it for car repair), and a caramel mochaccino. Oh, and a cherry ice cup. And yes, the calories balance out because of extenuating circumstances.

Now, if I can be thankful after the long, long journey, not to mention ripening in the sun, I KNOW you have things you're thankful for too.

What are you thankful for today?

THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN

Wow--an amazing debut book! Never a dull moment in this high-octane romantic suspense. You'll fall in love with the strong and protective hero, who goes undercover in prison to protect the spicy heroine. It's a story of new love and betrayal, and the ending will shock you!

SUMMARY:

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love.

BIO:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thornis her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/.

To get your copy, CLICK HERE!

I'M A FERRET???

Last week when I picked up my kids at the athletic club, they'd managed to corral moths.....to take home as pets. Yep, I'm one of those moms who doesn't do the fur, poo, chewed shoe thing. So they decided moths were perfect. When I gave them an emphatic NO, 5-year-old tried to sneak hers out by cupping it in her hand behind her back. Sadly, 3-year-old accidentally squished hers inside a paper cup.

In honor of pets, and all you parents who care for them, today we have a pet quiz. Evidently I'm a rodent--er, ferret--and I think I'm liking it. Come back and tell me what you are!

You Are Like a Ferret

You are happy, carefree, and a total kid at heart. You have a ton of energy, and you're always up for having fun. You are a total charmer, and people can't help but be delighted when you're around. You are affectionate, social, and friendly. You love people as much as they love you.

What Pet Are You Like?

I THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD!

The 4th of July started uneventful enough since we decided not to let the kids be in the parade. (Yeah, yeah, mean mommy...oy.) As we cruised toward Village Inn for a dose of carbs and sugar, we passed a parking lot where my husband spotted a body in the weeds!

If you've been reading my blog for long, you know that we have a sad homeless problem here in town, and people on the side of the road are not uncommon. But this was different, the dude was half in the bushes, half out, and he wasn't moving. Not. One. Inch.

We stopped, but not sure if we had a crime scene on our hands, we stayed in the car and dialed 911. The tots lobbed question after question while we watched for rescuers. (It all happened so fast, they figured out something grim was up.) Less than 2 minutes later, we pulled forward (our view blocked by a building) as an ambulance came onto the scene.

I held my breath, and waited.

Moments later, the presumed-dead man rounded the corner....pumping his fist in the air as though he'd won the lottery!

I can't remember the last time I woke up so excited--and I wake up in a bed. Could I learn from this? But yes! God's mercy is new every day, and every day is full of possibilities. Who knows what's in store? Jesus came so that we can have abundant life. Heaven is awesome to look forward to, but we can have BIG LIFE here and now. Woohoo!

So friends, pump your fist in the air and make the most of today!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Exposure
Zondervan (June 1, 2009)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone
knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper
column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in
her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her
experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a
dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police
arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this
coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror,
twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee
pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.


To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

IS IT POSSIBLE?

Are the 80's coming back? Say it's so! First I saw the ad for Bumpits--a hair do-dad to give you lift and volume (I adore big hair!!!!).

Then I saw these:




Then this:



These videos do my heart good.

Kinda makes me want to burst into random dance......

RETURN TO LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Today is a special day! I am SOOOO proud of my friend and critique partner, Betsy St. Amant, for her new release, Return to Love. It's been an honor and a privilege to have travelled alongside Betsy while she wrote (and re-wrote, LOL!) this delightful story about a penguin keeper who tries not to fall in love with her former childhood friend. If you like sweet romances, exuberant youth groups, and have an affinity for penguins, THIS IS A BOOK FOR YOU!



I'm so thankful for Betsy's success. It couldn't happen to a sweeter person, friend, and woman of God. Now, without further ado, let's hear from the woman of the hour:

* Penguins? What made you decide to feature our feathered friends in Return to Love?

I've always loved pengins and collected them over the years. It just seemed to fit that Gracie would work with them at the Aquarium of the Americas! Plus it gave me the excuse to do fun research. =)

* Besides working with your critique partner (not that I'm trying to brag--really!!!) what was your favorite part of writing Return to Love?

My crit partner IS the best!! =) Let's see, my fav part was probably the research. I normally detest stopping the writing process to find things out but this was fun because I got to call real places like The Gumbo Shop and ask whether their floor was concrete or tile. I could just see the hostess' head drop as she automatically ducked her head to check!! LOL! Then less than an hour later I called back to ask about the outside street entry wall. I'm sure they were wondering what in the world...

* Besides God's timing, what's the single biggest thing that propelled you to publication with Return to Love? In other words, what do you believe was different about this book that caught an editor's eye?

Definitely God's timing, but if we're bypassing that angle for this particular question, I'd have to say it was unique in setting and plot. Hopefully my voice made it unique as well! My editor has told me that my younger-than-average age (25!) makes my stories fresh and fun, so I hope I can keep that up. =) Guys, if my books start sounding "old", tell me! haha.

* If you were casting Gracie and Carter in a movie, who'd play the leads?

This is always a tough one! I think I'd say Isla Fisher for Gracie - she's the right age and the right hair color. (bright red!) Carter is totally uncastable. (is that a word?) I've racked my brain but no actor seems quite right for him. Maybe my readers can suggest someone to me after they finish the story? I'd love to hear their thoughts! =)

* Please give us a sneak peek into the sequel, A Valentine's Wish!

Oh thanks for asking! The sequel picks up with Gracie's best friend Lori, as Lori leaves her job at the aquarium gift shop to work in a upscale chocolate boutiqe in the French Quarter. One disaster after another leaves Lori questioning her future career options - and the sudden onslaught of gifts from a secret admirer doesn't help her confusion! Are the presents from her handsome Italian co-worker? Her youth pastor best friend? Or her ex-fiance, back for a second chance? Find out February 2010!

BACK COVER:

"I'm not the man I used to be!" - if only Gracie Broussard could believe that. Years ago, Carter Alexander broke her heart and betrayed her. Now, just when she needs him most, he's back -- asking her to believe he's changed. But this time, its not just Gracie who'll be hurt if he disappears. A penguin keeper, Gracie urgently needs to find a new home for her beloved birds. Carter is the only one who can help. He promises that she can trust him, that he's not the rebel he once was. And that he needs Gracie as much as her birds do.

AUTHOR BIO:

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her contemporary romance RETURN TO LOVE is under contract with Steeple Hill Love Inspired for a July 2009 release, and the sequel A VALENTINE’S WISH is contracted for a February 2010 release. Betsy has also been published in the Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, Kickboxing or Chocolate, appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Betsy has a B.A. in Christian Communications and regularly contributes articles to Crosswalk.com. Betsy is a wife, author, new mother, and avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.

Remember to visit Betsy on her BLOG and her WEBSITE!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN--get your copy today, and tell a friend! This is one story you're sure to enjoy and walk away with a smile, and a heart full of romance. CLICK HERE to purchase.