Review: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton

Book cover. Hand-drawn illustration of hands clasped in prayer. Title: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton.

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer, by Tyler Staton

Do you love to pray? Avoid it? Flat-out think it’s pointless? Wherever you are on the spectrum, this book’s for you.

I love this invitation in the introduction:

Most of us get about knee-deep in the Christian life, discover that the water feels fine, and stop there. We never swim in the depths of the divine intimacy Jesus won for us. This book is an invitation to swim. [Kobo version, introduction, page 5 of 7]

In an accessible, nonthreatening (and non-judging) manner, author and pastor Tyler Staton acknowledges the many questions we have about prayer and shares stories of both victory and disappointment.

Drawing from the Bible and from a wealth of diverse sources past and present and across denominations, chapters explore ten basic aspects of prayer, inviting readers to begin where we are and to grow from there. Each chapter closes with a simple and practical application exercise, making it clear that there’s no fast track to mature prayer. It’s very much a process and well worth working through the exercises.

Readers are encouraged to learn stillness before God, leading to adoration and worship and confession. We’re challenged to grow in intercession and petition, and to persist in what can seem like a long silence. (A note on stillness: Chapter 2 does an incisive job of unmasking the cost of the hurried lifestyle that has a hold on so many of us.)

Burned by past experiences that have left scars? Chapter 9 invites us to “Hold your deep question before God, inviting him to bring healing. …It is through this process that you will discover the faith to ask again…” [Kobo version, page 26 of 26]

Ultimately, the book invites us to make prayer a daily part of our lives, both our own spontaneous prayers and also the prayers of the psalms, the Lord’s Prayer, and more. The intent is to use the words and phrases to shape and direct our prayers rather than simple repetition. (See also my review of Praying the Bible, by Donald S. Whitney, which expands on this method. Note, I think Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools is the richer of these two resources, yet both are valuable.)

My only negative with this book comes in the epilogue with the description of King David entering Jerusalem as king, bringing the Ark of the Covenant in the procession on a cart. In 2 Samuel 5:6 – 6:19, we read a different story. The takeaway from the illustration still applies.

I highly recommend Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools for anyone with even a passing interest in prayer. If you can, get a print copy so you can mark it up. I have the ebook (highlighted in many places) and have also listened to the audiobook (read by the author himself, which is always a plus). Although it reads like a letter, it has the depth of a textbook and one pass wasn’t enough. I expect to read it again.

For more about author/pastor Tyler Staton and his ministry, visit tylerstaton.com. If you’re curious about the book, check out the Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools Podcast (introduction + 7 episodes). I see there’s also a short video series, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: One Year Later, and a video study guide.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

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New Releases in Christian Fiction (September 2024)

September 2024 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary General:

Kristen by Dawn M Klinge — In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one’s heart to the unanticipated blessings of life’s sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

 

Contemporary Romance:


Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton — Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])


Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter — A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)


The Farmer and Adele by Candice Sue Patterson — Second chances aren’t for the faint of heart. (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])


Historical:


Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas — With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published)


New Star by Lana Christian — You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)


Historical Romance:


The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin — She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett — She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)


Virginia by Shannon McNear — Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)


A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky — In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Middle-grade Chapter books:


Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen — Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)


Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille — A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

Romance:


A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver — As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)

Romance – Amish:


A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard and Mindy Steele — Four Stories of Romance by Four Authors set in the Heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills — A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)


K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner — Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer — Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)

Western:


Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst — God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western from Independently Published)

Young Adult:


The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs — Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a starpalm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin — Ringing in the holidays just hit a sour note. With mayhem threatening to turn festive carols into dirges, can a gifted pianist unmask a nasty scrooge? (Cozy Mystery)

The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary by Danielle Grandinetti — Romance, history and intrigue at Our House on Sycamore Street. (General Historical)

The Marble Hill Crime Blotter by BD Lawrence — Life in a small town isn’t always as serene as one might think. The Marble Hill Crime Blotter is a series of thrilling stories that follow Police Chief Tom Petrosky and State Police Forensics Specialist Patricia Johnson. (Mystery/police procedural)

La Elegida para Harley by Heidi Gray McGill — Esperaban una novia por encargo y obtuvieron más de lo que esperaban. (They were expecting a custom bride and got more than they bargained for.) (General Historical)

Hidden Danger by Gail Pallotta — Left at the altar, Emily Hanover flees to Sky High Campground to put her life back together, but danger strikes in the night. Harassed by a man who seems to disappear into thin air, Emily and Nick, the security guard, discover a sinister plot, never dreaming danger could bring romance. (Romantic Suspense)

Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas — Desperate to begin a new chapter after a heartbreaking betrayal, Canadian photographer Georgia Brooks retreats to her quaint English cottage—only to discover she could be in possession of incriminating evidence framing a criminal ring in the ugly underbelly of the art world (Romantic Suspense)

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Review: Abiding in Christ, by Andrew Murray

Book cover: Grapevine, leaves, grapes. Abiding in Christ, a classic devotional for today's reader, by Andrew Murray.

Abiding in Christ, by Andrew Murray (Updated edition. Bethany House, 2003)

This year, when I sensed God’s nudge to focus on the word “abide,” I searched out resources on the topic. This straightforward devotional classic from Andrew Murray has been a liberating source of hope.

What can I say in a review without trying to summarize all of Andrew Murray’s teaching?

First: He takes the pressure off. Yes, believers need to do our part and keep turning to God and choosing to abide in Christ. Yet despite our limitations we can believe it’s possible—not through human strength but because it’s God’s invitation – instruction – command in the first place. It’s the Father who metaphorically “grafts us into the Vine” who is Jesus, with the Holy Spirit as our nourishment.

So, whether I feel it or not in a given moment doesn’t change the fact that on God’s end it’s a done deal. I can rest in that and keep turning back to Him.

The other key point I remember is the challenge to abide fully in Christ—which means not also abiding in self.

Beyond that, I recommend you go read the book! A digital version is available through the Hoopla app, if your public library has that service. But a print copy is inexpensive and a valuable resource for any Christian.

I like the updated language, although I’m surprised the revisions didn’t convert the original use of “he” for “the believer” to something more inclusive. The book was published in 1895, at which point “he” was the catch-all for male/female/unknown. I hope this won’t be a barrier for younger readers.

Andrew Murray (Wikipedia link) was a South African pastor, teacher, and writer. His books are considered classics by many Christians and are often quoted in more current works on Christian living.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

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Virtual Brainstorming (Guest Post)

Computer monitor with a stream of bright colours leading into it and out the far side.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Virtual Brainstorming

by Steph Beth Nickel

Not long ago, I probably wouldn’t have given much thought to using generative AI as a brainstorming partner. Then, a Christian couple I highly respect shared how they are using it to greatly increase the efficiency of their business. As an author, Kathi would never put her name to something generated by AI, but she does use it to brainstorm possible titles for her podcast episodes and to compile the transcript. Saving time and inspiring ideas . . . I’m all for it!

While a trip to Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland is bound to provide a plethora of inspiration for endless writing projects, I decided to brainstorm some ideas before boarding the plane on September 10, 2024, to get my creative juices flowing.

My brainstorming partner? Anthropic’s Claude AI.

Regarding my upcoming trip to Europe, I asked it the following questions:

  1. What writing topics could be inspired by a trip to Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland? (And yes, I did use proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling. It’s what I do.)
  2. What influence has evangelical Christianity had on Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland?
  3. Give me picture book ideas for books set in Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland.
  4. Give me ideas for cozy mysteries set in Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland.
  5. Give me ideas for fantasy books set in Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland.

Will I use any of the ideas “as is”? No.

Will I draw inspiration from Claude’s answers? Absolutely.

Did the answers serve as a “priming of the pump” as it were? Absolutely. Especially the ideas for picture books, which quickly got my mind in gear as well as my daughter’s. She’s an illustrator and could immediately imagine pictures to go along with the suggestions even though Claude included only a suggested title and a single sentence summary.

What would take me hours to research, Claude AI did in seconds.

Would I ever include the information the program provides without further research? I wouldn’t. But, as writers, we all know that using a single source of information is never a good idea. This has always been how misinformation and “fake news” spread so quickly.

As writers, we know the importance of developing good research skills. To me, generative AI can serve as one source of that information, one source that draws from numerous others in a fraction of the time it would take me to do the same.

Asking Claude AI these questions cleared the cobwebs and has provided a great springboard for potential writing projects. I feel significantly better equipped to create a more focussed game plan for the type of further inspiration to look forward on my European Adventure.

Plus, Claude provided a list of things to pack, which will help me make sure I don’t forget anything—after I asked for the list of course. Bonus!

Note: While programs such as Grammarly and ProWriting Aid are technically AI, when most people use the term, they are referring to generative AI programs such as ChatGPT, Claude AI, and others. While there are serious concerns as to how generative AI is being used, it has several ethical, timesaving applications as well. Used wisely, it can be a helpful addition to the writer’s toolbox. If you have been hesitant to give it a try, you may want to dabble as I have. The free option is great and will likely be all I use for quite a while.


Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Review: A Quiet Life in the Country, by T. E. Kinsey

Book cover. A stately British manor house, silhouettes of Lady Hardcastle and her maid. Title: A Quiet Life in the Country, a Lady Hardcastle mystery, by T. E. Kinsey.

A Quiet Life in the Country, by T. E. Kinsey (Thomas & Mercer, 2016)

From the back cover:

Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.

With the subtitle, “A Lady Hardcastle Mystery,” we know the quiet life won’t materialize as intended. Emily and Flo quickly find a body and insert themselves into the investigation.

They’re a fun pair of protagonists (the narration is from Flo’s point of view) with some definitely atypical behaviours and conventions. Although they try to maintain proper employer-employee conventions in public, in private they eat together and banter like the good, long-term friends they are. And this may have been intended as retirement, but we learn near the end of the book that Lady H is only around 40. Flo is likely a little younger.

This is a gently-paced, light-hearted look at historical British country life of the period, with the refreshing take that these two characters bring it.

It’s always a treat to discover a new series to follow, and I expect to read one of the Lady Hardcastle mysteries every so often until I catch up. I think they’re on book 11 now (plus there’s a bonus book 3.5).

T. E. Kinsey is the British author of two series of historical mysteries, the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries (1908) and the Dizzy Heights Mysteries (1925). For more about him and his work, visit tekinsey.uk. And if you visit this page on his site, tekinsey.uk/about.html, you’ll find brief bios not only of the author himself but of Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Well worth the read—then go pick up book 1 in the series 😊

[Review copy from the public library.]

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Short-listed for The Word Awards

Short-listed for The Word Awards: Deadly Burden. With book cover image (cabin in snowy woods) and descriptive text.

Deadly Burden has been short-listed for The Word Awards! Winners will be announced September 14, 2023. To learn about The Word Awards and view the short-list, visit thewordguild.com/the-word-awards-winners-finalists.

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New Releases in Christian Fiction (August 2024)

August 2024 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the
ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical:

A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans — Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome. (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary:

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox — Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration. As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls–pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name. When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story–one that’s not over yet. (Contemporary from Revell)

Contemporary Romance:

One Glance of Your Eyes by Myra Johnson — With a heart for lifting men out of homelessness, Carl Anderson is a dedicated counselor-in-residence in a transitional home. When recent setbacks threaten the program’s continuation, he proposes an innovative plan to increase success by pairing at-risk residents with shelter dogs. One glance from Carl’s stunning new supervisor, and he’s convinced his proposal doesn’t stand a chance. Rae Caldwell admires Carl’s passion, but for her, every canine encounter is a heart-rending reminder of her late daughter’s final months and the loyal service dog who never left her side . . . and the tragic end of a marriage too shattered by grief to heal. As they collaborate on the pilot program, Carl catches glimpses of the vulnerable woman beneath Rae’s chilly façade. Reluctant smiles turn to stolen glances and unspoken hopes for something more—until their carefully guarded pasts intrude and everything goes awry. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Bonding with the Cowboy’s Daughter by Lisa Jordan — After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main — Training service dogs is Autumn McCaw’s passion. She won’t let anything jeopardize her business’s chance of success, including her former love Wyatt Nelson. But with a looming deadline to prove herself capable, she has no choice but to hire the one man who hurt her years ago. Relying on the single dad is tough—especially since he has trust issues of his own. But can Autumn and Wyatt overcome their past to save her business…and open their hearts to love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus — In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Historical:

Unfit to Serve by Sandra Bretting — When the United States military adopts a newfangled test from France called the “intelligence quotient test” during the first world war, no one expects the turmoil that follows. Thousands of immigrants fail it and are forced to return to homelands devastated by war, disease, and famine. For Josephine Pembrooke, the shy schoolmarm at Camp Travis in Texas, the problem quickly becomes apparent. How can soldiers pass a test they can’t even read? So, Jo labors in secret to create a better test. Knowing all along it can’t save the one soldier she’d hoped to help. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing)

The Farmer and Mrs. Lombardi by Maryann Diorio — When a middle-aged mother of four delivers a child with Down syndrome, she faces the destruction of her marriage, her family, and her dream. (Historical, Independently Published)

Rise of the Outlander by Stephanie Guerrero — As hard as Magnus Stewart MacDonald works to be worthy, someone blocks his every move. Already the clan runt and disappointment to his family, his loss in the Highland Games pushes him to the brink of despair. In a twist of good fortune, Magnus rescues an Earl’s daughter giving him a path to compete for glory and the lady’s hand. Even an Earl can’t change the Stewart blood running through his veins. When his bloodline pits Magnus against the newly crowned King James Stewart, he’s forced to decide between safety or fighting for his birthright and his lady. Will Magnus choose the refuge of the Glen or emerge to push back against a vengeful King after his Stewart blood? Surviving isn’t good enough anymore. It’s time to go beyond every obstacle and risk everything in a battle for the ages… (Historical from Winged Publications)

New Creations by Sarah Hanks — Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he’s presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something. Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he’s always been. Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived. (Historical from SonFlower Books)


Historical Romance:

Redeeming the Rake by Lorri Dudley — A rogue spy is bent on destroying everything a vicar’s daughter values, stealing her heart in the process. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

 

Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe — How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom? Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems. Caleb Martin agrees to one final job as a deputy U.S. Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn’ t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’ s determined to undermine his every step. Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together? (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Romantic Mystery:

Home at Last by Penny Frost McGinnis — Lucy Grayson grew up on Abbott Island. At fifteen she worked at the General Store then bought the business at age twenty-four. Now nearing thirty, she finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of the grind at work and missing her free time, she considers selling the store, but what then? Owen Miller moved to the island after his short-lived professional baseball career ended. Now he wants to embrace his uncle’s farm and create a landscaping business. Bitter after his ex-girlfriend ditched him for someone with more money, he buries himself in his work. When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. Owen helps Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? (Romance Mystery from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams — When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Fireline by Kate Angelo — As the niece of a legendary smokejumper, Nova Burns is tough as nails. When their crew chief Tucker Newman breaks his leg, Nova longs for the opportunity to helm the team, ready to take risks and prove herself. But there’s one risk she refuses to take-falling in love. Undercover Homeland agent Booth Wilder is seeking redemption. Scarred by a past explosion that took the life of his partner, Booth is hunting a rogue CIA faction known as the Brotherhood. Now, he’s determined to uncover their secrets and find a hidden nuclear weapon that could turn the world to ash. Only problem…summer sparks have ignited between Booth and Nova. Then the wildfire threatens the home of the Jude County Firefighting team, and Nova doesn’t care what secrets Booth might be hiding-she needs everyone to save the town. But when the Brotherhood discovers Booth and his goals, the fight becomes personal. Now, Booth must choose between accomplishing his mission and saving the woman he’s come to love. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen — In the sleepy town of Shadow Cove, Maine, a woman’s desperate flight becomes a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Join the Wright Heroes of Maine for an edge-of-your-seat international romantic suspense that takes you on the run with a heroine in hiding, a secret baby, and unrequited love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative:

Forged in Fire by A L Evans — When Light and Dark collide something explosive is destined to happen. Born into a world of heartache, Elizabeth cannot fathom a life beyond the rejection that she has always known. Then, one day a chance encounter in the ER begins the unraveling of threads. A humble man ignites a fire long held dormant. Little do they know that this is only the beginning. The supernatural world has been watching her. Everything Elizabeth has ever known suddenly shifts, and she finds herself immersed in a fated supernatural prophecy. The armies of hell have been sent to destroy her. How can she survive if she doesn’t know who she was created to be? It will all come down to sacrifice–life & death. In the end someone will lose. Mystery, Betrayal, Angels, Demons, and a dash of Humor with a hint of Romance. (Speculative Fiction from A L Evans)

Young Adult:

Birds of Paradisum by Stan Lewis — Birds of Paradisum is an allegorical tale of one man’s struggle to find peace and freedom while being pulled in two directions by spiritual forces that are at war with each other. (Young Adult Action/Adventure from Morgan James)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Rose by Another Name by Lee Carver — A Depression-era newspaper typesetter secretly creates the character she would like to be and dares to hope for the life she may have missed. (Contemporary)

Closer Than Brothers by Mary Connealy — Prequel to Trouble in Texas Series and Kincaid Brides Series. (Western)

Broken Trust by Jane Daly — Two women face unexpected challenges with the ones they trust the most, and must also learn to trust themselves and each other in order to find happiness and love amidst chaos. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

The Pastor’s Perfect Wife by Jane Daly — Former Mean Girl Mariah and Pastor Ethan Walsh shouldn’t have fallen in love. But they did. Together, they must weather the storms of their pasts and find strength in each other to overcome the challenges before them. (Contemporary Romance)

Rumors are Flying by Jeanette Hanscome — Plans to turn and historic Victorian home turning into a museum and upended when Janet and Debbie delve into WWII mysteries surrounding the Townsend family, revealing secrets that revive a Dennison landmark. (Cozy Mystery)

Molly by Shanna Hatfield — Their romance began while wearing gas masks and uniforms. Will their love survive returning to civilian life? Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I. (Historical Romance)

Matters of the Heart by Kelly S Irvin — He’s the community’s jokester auctioneer. She’s the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together? (Amish Romance)

Stitched on My Heart: Delphina’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — When a chance at love and a new life presents itself, will Delphina have the courage to seize it? (Historical Romance)

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear — Can a chance encounter be the connection they have always needed? (Historical Romance)

Healer by Ava Murbarger — Old rivalries rise to the surface. Each of the planets has its own story to tell. Will the Phoenix remain silent? (Speculative Fiction)

Covering Grace by Davalynn Spencer — When her trick-riding ways put her in danger while filming a local flicker, he risks more than his time intervening. He risks his heart. (Western Romance)

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Scheduling Ideas for Non-Schedulers (Guest Post)

White electronic weekly planner, hand holding stylus
Image by Jess Bailey from Pixabay

Scheduling Ideas for Non-Schedulers

by Steph Beth Nickel

One of the biggest plusses of freelancing is the opportunity to set a flexible schedule.

And one of the biggest challenges of freelancing is the opportunity to set a flexible schedule.

Even when I worked outside the home, I especially enjoyed jobs without a rigid schedule.

If you regularly set specific days and times to accomplish each tasks—and stick with your schedule—some of the following tips may seem self-explanatory and others ill-advised.

But for those of us who prefer to see each day as a brand new, somewhat unpredictable adventure, here are some thoughts:

  1. Make a list of all the tasks you want to accomplish during the day or the week. (Make note of any deadlines, especially those that are externally imposed. It can also be good to set a reasonable deadline for other tasks, especially those you tend to put off. This one I’m learning from experience.)
  2. Make note of those things on your list that have specified times (i.e., doctor’s appointments, coffee dates, birthday parties, etc.)
  3. Divide the remainder of the items into three categories, something like Yes!, Important, and Would Be Nice.
  4. Determine how best to accomplish everything on the first two lists and maybe one or two things from the third.
  5. Instead of setting a specific time to accomplish a task, determine if you will do so in the morning, the afternoon, or evening. (Be sure to be honest with yourself. I often leave things until the evening and then flame out on the couch.)
  6. Learn to be content with the fact that there will be days that you have to move things to another day—even things that were on your Yes! and Important lists.
  7. Remember that taking care of your health will help you accomplish things more quickly and efficiently. (When we understand this, we realize we actually don’t have time to neglect physical activity and healthy eating.)
  8. Finding the rhythm that works best for you will likely take trial and error. You may want to experiment using a timed planner. You may be surprised at how well it works for you, even if you do identify as a Non-Scheduler.
  9. Don’t try to work on every area at once. (I’m speaking to myself here.) Better to implement changes little by little whenever possible. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits suggests breaking down goals into habits that take two minutes—TWO MINUTES—to accomplish. The more you implement and then add to those two-minute goals, the more you’ll see progress as you move toward creating an achievable Action Plan (aka your To-Do List).

I’d love to hear your suggestions for scheduling and achieving tasks.


Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

What’s better than Book 1 in a series for 99 cents?

Answer: Books 1 and 2 🙂

Book covers for Unknown Enemy and Hidden Secrets. Text: Summer ebook sale ends Aug. 2, 99 cents each, Start the Green Dory Inn Mystery series today! Link address: books2read.com/janetsketchley
Click the image to reach the buy links.

If you haven’t read my Green Dory Inn Mystery series, now’s the time to get started! 

And if you have, now’s the time to share this sale with your mystery-reading friends.

The digital versions of books 1 and 2 are reduced to 99 cents each until August 2 (AU, CA, NZ, UK, US). Find them wherever* you buy ebooks, or use these links:

Unknown Enemy https://books2read.com/unknownenemy

Hidden Secrets https://books2read.com/hidden-secrets

*[Kindle, Kobo, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Smashwords, and more.]

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Author Interview: Heather Day Gilbert


Author photo: Heather Day Gilbert. Also contains a tree and a river.

HEATHER DAY GILBERT is an RWA Daphne Award-winning author who writes Hitchcock-style suspense with tenacious female leads who know how to fend for themselves. Like her characters, she’s a little bit sweet and a little bit dangerous. She loves nothing better than to surprise her readers—and herself—with unpredictable twists. A West Virginia native, she brings modern-day Appalachia to life in her novels. Find out more at heatherdaygilbert (dot) com.

Janet: Writers are shaped by what they read. Who or what have been your key
influences in the suspense genre?

Heather: I grew up reading all the Agatha Christie, Phyllis Whitney, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark I could get my hands on. So it makes sense to me that I largely read psychological thrillers and mysteries today!

Janet: Why did you choose a protagonist with autism, and what do you hope
readers will take from being in Alex’s head throughout this story?

Heather: I really wanted readers to understand that autism doesn’t always look like Rain Man. You might know or be related to someone with high-functioning autism and just think they are quirky. In fact, THEY might just think they’re quirky. But neurodivergence can eventually manifest itself in many different ways, such as anxiety or burnout or OCD or depression, so it’s always good to research the root of the issues at hand.

Janet: You’ve written cozy mysteries, Christian romantic suspense, Viking
historicals, and now psychological suspense. Are there certain elements
you find yourself including across these different types of fiction?

Heather: I’ve asked myself that question many times, when searching for a quippy tagline! But there are certain things I’m drawn to in books and in life, such as strong female characters who don’t back down from fights, wooded (and Appalachian) settings, family dynamics, marriage dynamics, and survival scenarios, as well as the theme of justice. I love plots I can’t predict, with plenty of twists, and characters who stick with me. That’s what I’m trying to write, along with clean reads that are appropriate for teens through adults.

Janet: What’s next, writing-wise?

Heather: Hopefully, many more psychological thrillers, but I’m also planning at least two more books in my Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series, and I have a time-travel fantasy coming down the pike at some point. 

Janet: Sounds like fun! How can readers connect with you (in a non-stalkerly way!) and how can they buy a copy of Queen of Hearts?

Heather: You can read all about me and my books at heatherdaygilbert.com, and there’s a Contact Me page if you want to get in touch (definitely in a non-stalkerly way, though!) 😉 And Queen of Hearts is available for Kindle preorder on Amazon now, and the audiobook and softcover versions will release along with the Kindle version on July 23, 2024! 

Janet: Thank you so much for taking time for a chat. Despite my increasing timidity with suspense novels, I throroughly enjoyed Queen of Hearts. Readers can find my review here. Highly recommended!


Book cover: Queen of Hearts, by Heather Day Gilbert. Open door of a small building, dark sky, clouds.

Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an “invested reader” escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she’s not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor’s advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.

Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she’s about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.