Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Goodbye 2008

I have to admit, I'll be glad to say goodbye to 2008. It wasn't exactly the best year for me and mine. But before I "mentally" move ahead to 2009, there are some blessings I need to recall for this year. Kind of a reverse New Year's resolution. So, here are my top 10 blessings I'm thankful for in 2008, in random order:
1. My family is together and healthy.
2. My friends who love me despite my oddities. (Or maybe they love me because of them-lol)
3. My eldest is sharing her faith, done well on the ACT, and received her first college acceptance letter.
4. My extended family is healthy for the most part.
5. Hubby and I get to close a chapter in the nightmare ordeal we've lived for the past 6 years and move on to a rebuilding phase.
6. The outpouring from members of the industry in my time of need has reflected Christ-like love.
7. God's blessing on my writing career and having those contracts come when needed the most.
8. God's grace to get me through the hardest phase of my life so far.
9. God's love that lifted me when I felt I couldn't go on.
10. The changes in personalities that are for the better. Not just mine, but other family members as well.

Hope your 2008 was filled with many blessings. I'll post my goals for 2009 later this week!

Friday, December 05, 2008

What Is Our World Coming To???

I'm incensed. No, I'm beyond that. I can't even see straight I'm so infuriated. THIS is my daughter's school in the news report...
Read the full story here
Now, what gets me is some kids got messages to their family/friends yesterday afternoon about what was happening. I know some parents who called the school and were told by school personnel that the school was merely "practicing our emergency procedures." What a LIE! Kids were telling their parents about the weapon found, but the school was telling parents on the phone that it was a practice. So, parents were thinking their kids were lying to them. Until this newscast broke last night.

I can't believe #1 that it's come to kids bringing weapons to school, but also #2, that schools are LYING to parents.

Maybe I'm a kickback from the older days, but man, I wonder what the world is coming to these days.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Guest Blogging

Since my kiddos are home for Thanksgiving break, I asked the two youngest to write a "guest blog" about books, reading, or their opinion of either. Here are their submissions to share with you all:
Here is Remington (age 8) and her guest blog:

Books can teach you. Others are entertaining. I like fiction books. Fiction means fake or not real. I like when authors make up their own stories. There is another kind of book. It is called non-fiction. Non-fiction means it's real. We have to read those at school. I love books.

Here is Isabella (age 6) and her guest blog:

Reading is fun. Some books are funny. Some are sad. Some are very, very sad. I like books. I love to read.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Happy Birthday, Emily!



Having a hard time adjusting to the fact that my BABY is 18 today! How'd THAT happen? I don't FEEL old enough to have an 18 year old! I love this picture of her because it reminds me of the little girl she used to be. :D And now she's a beautiful young woman!

Happy Birthday, Emily! I love you!

Friday, October 31, 2008

My baby is missing Halloween

Today, around 1:45pm, hubby and I got a call from the school--our 8 year old 3rd grader, Remington, was in the sick room with a fever of 101 and throwing up. As we drove to pick her up (and check out her sister in 1st grade--they get out at 2:45), I called the doctor's office and they squeezed us an appt in at 2:30. They do a strep test and exam--some sort of viral bug. She feels miserable. We come home and she changes clothes and crawls on the couch. Falls asleep almost immediately. Poor thing. Hubby just left with Isabella to take her trick or treating with some friends. But poor Remington is not only sick, she's sick at heart to miss being Ms. Scarlett! And this momma's sick, too, because my baby is.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

My Little Halloweeners!


Portraying Raggedy Ann is Isabella (6) and portraying southern belle Scarlett O'Hara is Remington (8).

Thems my girls! :D

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dark Pursuit, by Brandilyn Collins


Yes, I LOVE this picture of Brandilyn, taken at the ACFW 2008 Conference in September. Now, on to the book info, and why I recommend it:

Does fiction imitate life, or life imitate fiction? This is the question plaguing me after reading Brandilyn Collin's latest suspense novel, Dark Pursuit. When a best selling novelist (King of Suspense) gets up there in years, compounded by an accident that leaves him unable to complete a book, he wants to recapture his fame and respect. But how to do that when he can't plot any longer? Enter his estranged granddaughter who's gotten herself mixed up in a rash of ugly murders. Her predicament could hold the key to his plot problems when she runs to him for help. But she has a few secrets and pains she's not sharing just yet. In Dark Pursuit, Brandilyn Collins weaves together a story of racing-against-the-clock suspense, but really probes the inner workings of the most difficult ties of humanity--family relations. The pacing of the story definitely fits in with Brandilyn's "seatbelt suspense" trademark, yet the emotional layers work to pose readers to question their own family relations, as well as reflecting upon their own decisions of actions. For the reader who's looking for more than just a thrilling story, I'd highly recommend Dark Pursuit. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you flip the last page.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

I'm Sad...and Angry

Today in Little Rock, a local news anchor woman died, following a beating she received in her home--IN BED. Her mother got worried when she didn't answer her wake-up call Monday morning and found her. BEATEN and left for dead. This young, beautiful woman had someone visciously attack her in her own home, where people should feel the safest, and now she's died. It's a tragedy. And I'm outraged that these things happen. I'm appalled the police have no leads. My heart aches for this woman's parents. And it's hard not to cry when I turn on the news. Yes, things like this happen every day, but are we so desensitized to all the violence until it happens close to home? I stopped watching the news for a year because it broke my heart to see all the pain and suffering occuring in the world today. People, it's time for us, as Christians, to come together and pray for our nation. No matter our political views . . . no matter our stand on abortion or taxes or the financial crisis or the war. PEOPLE matter. How many times do we read a story in the paper and tsk over the horror, but move on to another cup of coffee? How many times do we pass the man on the street--you know the one, he's holding the "will work for food" sign--and feel pity, but keep on walking to that 50% off sale at our favorite store? We don't do anything. We don't do enough. And tragedy occurs. Travesties run rampant. Well, no longer will I sit idly by. I can't ignore the pain in the world today. Starting now, I will dedicate to pray for our nation, and ALL people. I will try to reach out to those I see with a need I can fill. I will practice random acts of kindness EVERY DAY. And I will remember Anne Pressley and the appalling attack that took this young woman's life.

What about you?

What will you do?

Monday, October 20, 2008

I Love Your Blog Award


This blog has received the award from Peg's blog. What an honor! Thanks, Peg!

I'm going to bestow the award on the following blogs:

Seekerville

Cheryl Wyatt's blog

Girls Write Out

Ronie Kendig's blog

Novel Journey

Cynthia Hickey's blog

and

Spiritually Unequal Marriage

Friday, October 10, 2008

News

Yes, I promised and several of you have emailed me asking about my news! So, without further ado....I was blessed at the ACFW conference to be officially offered a 3 book contract with B&H. I'm so excited, but now busy! :D But it's wonderful! I still can't put my giddiness into words to relay my excitement! That's my news...and how are all YOU doing these days?

Saturday, October 04, 2008

More ACFW Conference Pix

Karen & Mike
Angie Hunt & Robin
Dineen Miller & Pam Meyers
Dineen, Ronie, & Becky
Pamster and Pammer
Pammer & Wanda

Friday, October 03, 2008

ACFW Conference

Whew! It's been a LONG recovery from conference as our family was hit with strep throat immediately upon my return from Minneapolis. Happy to say we're all fine now. I apologize for not having gotten these pix up sooner. But, we're here now. Also, I have some WONDERFUL, EXCITING NEWS that I'll post next week. (Yes, that was a teaser! LOL) Without further ado, here are some pix from the ACFW 2008 Conference!

Our fabulous keynote speaker, Angie Hunt
At the Mall of America--booksigning and panels
Me being "gifted" with boas--LONG story
Camy Tang, Genesis coordinator and Pamela James, VP
Booksigning Cheryl Wyatt, and Kathleen Y'Barbo
Treasurer Pam Hillman and Membership Director, Becky Yauger
BTY Coordinator, Ronie Kendig and Designer, Dineen Miller
Me and my daughter, Emily, who joined me at conference
Our amazing worship team
Me, Sarah Sumpolec, Jim Bell, Susie Warren, and Rachel Hauck
Steeple Hill authors at the meet & greet


I'll be posting more pix, and my EXCITING news next week! Stay tuned.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

ACFW's 2008 BTY Winners

Debut Author

1.. Sushi for One (Camy Tang) Zondervan, Sue Brower
2.. Bayou Justice (Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll)
3.. In Between (Jenny B. Jones)

Contemporary Novella

1.. Finally Home (Deborah Raney) Barbour Publishing, Susan Downs
2.. Moonlight & Mistletoe (Carrie Turansky)
3.. Remaking of Moe McKenna (Gloria Clover)

Historical Novella

1.. Love Notes in Love Letters Anthology (Mary Davis) Barbour
Publishing, Rebecca Germany
2.. Beyond the Memories (DiAnn Mills)
3.. The Spinster & The Tycoon (Vickie McDonough)

Lits

1.. Splitting Harriet (Tamara Leigh) Multnomah Books, Julee
Schwarzburg
2.. Sushi for One (Camy Tang)
3.. One Little Secret (Allison Bottke) & The Book of Jane (Anne
Dayton & May Vanderbilt)

Long Contemporary

1.. Within This Circle (Deborah Raney) Steeple Hill Books, Krista
Stroever
2.. Like Always (Robert Elmer)
3.. Autumn Blue (Karen Harter)

Long Historical

1. Veil of Fire (Marlo Schalesky) RiverOak, editors Jeff Dunn/Jon
Woodhams
Where Willows Grow (Kim Vogel Sawyer) Bethany House, editor
Charlene Patterson
2. Fancy Pants (Cathy Marie Hake) & Then Came Hope (Louise Gouge)
3. Courting Trouble (Deeanne Gist)

Mystery

1.. Your Chariot Awaits (Lorena McCourtney) Thomas Nelson, Amanda
Bostic
2.. Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Sharon Dunn)
3.. Sticks And Stones (Susan Meissner)

Short Contemporary

1.. The Heart of Grace (Linda Goodnight) Steeple Hill Love Inspired,
Allison Lyons
2.. Heart of the Family (Margaret Daley)
3.. Wedded Bliss (Kathleen Y'Barbo)

Short Contemporary Suspense

1.. Caught Redhanded (Gayle Roper) Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Suspense, Krista Stroever
2.. Pursuit of Justice (Pamela Tracy)
3.. Nowhere to Hide (Debby Giusti) & Her Christmas Protector (Terri
Reed)

Short Historical

1. Canteen Dreams (Cara Putman)
Golden Days (Mary Connealy)
2.. A Wealth Beyond Riches (Vickie McDonough)
3.. A Time to Keep (Kelly Eileen Hake)

Speculative

1.. The Restorer's Son (Sharon Hinck) NavPress, Reagan Reed
2.. Demon: A Memoir (Tosca Lee)
3.. DragonFire (Donita Paul)

Suspense

1.. Black Ice (Linda Hall) WaterBrook Press, Traci DePree
2.. Coral Moon (Brandilyn Collins)
3.. Abomination (Colleen Coble)

Women's Fiction

1.. Remember to Forget (Deborah Raney) Howard Books/Simon &
Schuster, Philis Boultinghouse
2.. Watercolored Pearls (Stacy Hawkins Adams)
3.. A Promise To Remember (Kathryn Cushman)

Young Adult

1.. In Between (Jenny B. Jones) NavPress, Jamie Chavez
2.. Sara Jane: Liberty's Torch (Eleanor Clark)
3.. Saving Sailor (Renee Riva)

Sunday, September 07, 2008

More Booksignings

Love Christian Fiction? Love to meet authors? Aside from the MAJOR ACFW booksigning on Saturday at the Mall of America, here are some additional local booksignings. If you're in the area, drop by and say hello!
  • Judy Baer and Jill Elizabeth Nelson will sign books on Saturday,
    September 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverdale Crossing, 13040 Riverdale
    Dr., Coon Rapids, MN, and from 2:30-4 p.m. at Ridge Square North, 13029
    Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka
  • Cathy Marie Hake and Julie Klassen will sign on Monday, Sept. 15,
    from 3-5 p.m. at Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN; Tuesday
    Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek
    Blvd., Maple Grove, MN; and from 6-8 p.m. at Cobblestone Court, 14150
    Nicollet Ave., S., Burnsville, MN 55337
  • Robin Caroll, Rachel Hauck, Cara Putman, and Susan May Warren will
    sign books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm
    Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN
  • Patti Hill and Sharon Hinck will sign
    books Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave.,
    South, Edina
  • Colleen Coble, Gail Gaymer Martin, and Deborah Raney,
    will sign books Wednesday, September 17 from 11 to noon at the Arbor Lakes
    Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, MN and from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at
    Yorkdale Shoppes, 6819 York Ave., South, Edina
  • Elizabeth Musser will
    sign books and participate in a bookclub meeting Wednesday, September 17
    beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple
    Grove, MN
  • Brandilyn Collins will sign books on Sunday, September 21,
    from 2-4 at Arbor Lakes Mall, 12985 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove,
    MN

If you love Christian fiction, this is the week to be in
Minneapolis for booksignings!

Friday, September 05, 2008

Our Babies

My daughter got a Rott puppy, named him Chewy (yes, after the character in Star Wars). Here is Moodoo and Chewy after a long day of playing together. :D


Friday, August 29, 2008

HUGE Booksigning

I'm excited to announce in September, 127 Christian authors (including myself--what a thrill) are converging on the Mall of America for a book signing and author panel. Here's the info. If you're in the Bloomington, Minnesota area, please drop by and see us:

What: Booksigning and Author Panels at the Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)
Who: 127 Christian novelists
Where: Best Buy and Sears Rotundas and connecting hallway
When: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008
Why: To meet your favorite Christian authors

Here's the list of authors who will be participating:

Tamera Alexander
Jennifer AlLee
A.K. Arenz
Diane Ashley
Karen Ball
Janet Lee Barton
James Scott Bell
Joseph Bentz
Terri Blackstock
Robin Caroll
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Eleanor Clark
Debra Clopton
Gloria Clover
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Lyn Cote
Kathryn Cushman
Margaret Daley
KM Daughters
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Brandt Dodson
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cecelia Dowdy
Sharon Dunn
Wanda Dyson
Lynette Eason
Meredith Efken
Leanna Ellis
Sharon Ewell Foster
Miralee Ferrell
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Jonathan Friesen
Rhonda Gibson
Terri Gillespie
Debby Giusti
Beth Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Rachel Hauck
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Sharon Hinck
Joan Hochstetler
Steven Hunt
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Annette Irby
Jennifer Johnson
Jenny B. Jones
Golden Keyes Parsons
Deb Kinnard
Julie Klassen
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Patti Lacy Maureen Lang
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Michelle Levigne
Sherri L. Lewis
Elizabeth Ludwig
Christine Lynxwiler
Richard L. Mabry
Sharlene MacLaren
Gail Martin
Debby Mayne
Vickie McDonough
Andrew McGuire
Susan Meissner
Becky Melby
Dana Mentink
Amber Miller
Judith Miller
Sara Mills
Siri Mitchell
Nancy Moser
Janelle Mowery
Elizabeth Musser
Mark Mynheir
Jill Nelson
Mae Nunn
John Olson
Donita K. Paul
Trish Perry
Marta Perry
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Paul Robertson
John Robinson
Martha Rogers
Cynthia Ruchti
Gail Sattler
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Shelley Shephard Gray
Virginia Smith
Lynette Sowell
Candice Speare
Kathryn Springer
Denice Stewart
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice Thompson
Cindy Thomson
Missy Tippens
Carrie Turansky
ML Tyndall
Amy Wallace
Susan May Warren
Linda Wichman
Beth Wiseman
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

Many authors will have freebies to give away and some may have prizes and contests. With a group this big, you can bet there'll be chocolates. Hope to see y'all there!!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Need A Crit Before Conference????

Double Crit Editorial Services is the brain-child of Ronie Kendig and Sara Mills. Ronie and Sara were brought together as friends and critique partners because they are both represented by the same agent, Steve Laube.

In their experience on various writing loops and in networking with other writers, Sara & Ronie saw a gaping need for high-level critique services for writers who wanted to attend conferences and have their proposals ready. Thus, Double Crit was born.

A great book proposal can open publishing house doors for a writer. Sara & Ronie want to help you to tighten your proposals to sharpen your edge in the publishing world.

Visit Double Crit today, and get your stuff polished before the ACFW conference in September!

Friday, July 18, 2008

ACFW Book of the Year Finalists Named

2008 Book of the Year Finalists:

Debut Author

Bayou Justice (Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll)
In Between (Jenny B. Jones)
Sushi for One? (Camy Tang)
My Soul Cries Out (Sherri Lewis)
Petticoat Ranch (Mary Connealy)


Contemporary Novella (*six finalists due to a tie)

A Cloud Mountain Christmas (Robin Lee Hatcher)
Finally Home (Deb Raney in Missouri Memories anthology)
Mississippi Mud (DiAnn Mills in Sugar And Grits Anthology)
Moonlight & Mistletoe (Carrie Turansky in Big Apple Christmas anthology)
Remaking of Moe McKenna (Gloria Clover in the Race to the Altar anthology)
Sweet Dreams Drive (Robin Lee Hatcher)


Historical Novella

Beyond the Memories (DiAnn Mills in Mississippi Memories anthology)
Finishing Touches (Kelly Hake in Missouri Memories anthology)
Love Notes (Mary Davis in Love Letters anthology)
The Spinster & The Cowboy (Lena Nelson Dooley in Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner anthology)
The Spinster & The Tycoon (Vickie McDonough in Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner anthology)


Lits (*six finalists due to a tie)

Around the World in 80 Dates (Christa Banister)
One Little Secret (Bottke, Allison)
Renovating Becky Miller (Sharon Hinck)
Splitting Harriet (Tamara Leigh)
Sushi for One? (Camy Tang)
The Book of Jane (Dayton/Vanderbilt)


Long contemporary

Autumn Blue (Karen Harter)
Like Always (Robert Elmer)
Taming Rafe (Susan May Warren)
When the Nile Runs Red (DiAnn Mills)
Within This Circle (Deb Raney)




Long Historical (*seven finalists due to TWO ties)

Courting Trouble (Deeanne Gist)
Fancy Pants (Cathy Hake)
Lady of Milkweed Manor (Julie Klassen)
Remember Me (Maureen Lang)
Then Came Hope (Louise Gouge)
Veil of Fire (Marlo Schalesky)
Where Willows Grow (Kim Vogel Sawyer)


Mystery

Days And Hours (Susan Meissner)
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Sharon Dunn)
Gone With The Groom (Janice Thompson)
Sticks And Stones (Susan Meissner)
Your Chariot Awaits (Lorena McCourtney)


Short Contemporary

Heart of the Family (Margaret Daley)
The Heart of Grace (Linda Goodnight)
The Perfect Blend (Allie Pleiter)
Wedded Bliss (Kathleen Y’Barbo)
When Love Comes Home (Arlene James)


Short Contemporary Suspense (*six finalists due to a tie)

Caught Redhanded (Gayle Roper)
Her Christmas Protector (Terri Reed)
Nowhere to Hide (Debby Giusti)
Pursuit of Justice (Pamela Tracy)
See No Evil (Gayle Roper)
Vanished (Margaret Daley)


Short Historical (*six due to a tie)

A Time to Keep (Kelly Hake)
A Wealth Beyond Riches (Vickie McDonough)
Canteen Dreams (Cara Putman)
Corduroy Road to Love (Lynn Coleman)
Golden Days (Mary Connealy)
To Trust An Outlaw (Rhonda Gibson


Speculative

Demon: A Memoir (Tosca Lee)
DragonFire (Donita Paul)
The Restorer (Sharon Hinck)
The Restorer’s Son (Sharon Hinck)
Isle of Swords (Wayne Thomas Batson)


Suspense

Abomination (Colleen Coble)
Black Ice (Linda Hall)
Coral Moon (Brandilyn Collins)
Crimson Eve (Brandilyn Collins)
Ransomed Dreams (Amy Wallace)


Women’s Fiction

A Promise To Remember (Katie Cushman)
Bygones (Kim Sawyer)
Remember to Forget (Deb Raney)
The Oak Leaves (Maureen Lang)
Watercolored Pearls (Stacy Adams)


Young Adult

In Between (Jenny B. Jones)
On The Loose (Jenny B. Jones)
Sara Jane: Liberty’s Torch (Eleanor Clark
Sarah’s Long Ride (Susan P Davis)
Saving Sailor (Renee Riva)

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Bayou Paradox Review

Tara LeBlanc has been taught the ways of the bayou by her grandmother for years. She’s always felt the Louisiana bayou was a place of sanctuary not fear, until now. Two elderly women with close ties to Tara are in unexplained comas, and Tara knows neither incident is an accident. Why would someone harm an old woman and what could the medicinal foliage found in the bayou have to do with it?

There’s only one man who can save Tara from herself and a fate similar to that of other elderly women, Sheriff Rene “Bubba” Theriot. However the Sheriff doesn’t share Tara’s beliefs, nor is he sure her assumptions are correct. However, he won’t let that keep him from protecting her. But will his feelings for Tara prove more dangerous for Bubba than he expects? Will Tara find that her long held beliefs are false? Or will a killer prove to be more dangerous than anyone thought?

BAYOU PARADOX is book four in Ms. Caroll’s Bayou Series. However readers can follow along with ease if they have not read the previous titles, BAYOU JUSTICE, BAYOU CORRUPTION, and BAYOU JUDGEMENT. Just be warned that once you met Ms. Caroll’s cast of characters you’ll be eager to read about them.

BAYOU PARADOX may be my favorite book to date. The story is engaging, suspenseful, easy to read, fast paced, and inspiring. It offers readers an intriguing look at following God’s path and gives them a look into the heart of new faith. The setting of the Bayou offers a fun, spooky and often refreshing backdrop for romance and suspense. I am eager to see this series continue. I highly recommend BAYOU PARADOX and Ms. Caroll’s Bayou series to all readers. You are sure to be delighted and inspired. --Reviewed by Wendy Keel, Rating 4 ½, The Romance Readers Connection

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

What I Did Today

This is how I spent the day...presenting at Robinson High School. It was a lot of fun and I think the juniors enjoyed it as well! The entire junior class of the school read BAYOU JUSTICE as an assignment, so the Q&A time was very lively!

Friday, May 16, 2008

My "baby" Grew Up On Me

Ahhh...the life of a writer. We create our own world, where we can control everything. Funny how reality crashes in. My "baby" attended her first prom tonight. I couldn't share ALL the photos, but here are some of my favorites. Let me know what you think...




Thursday, May 15, 2008

Congrats to MY editor, Krista!

AWSA Announces Finalists for Golden Scroll Awards
Contact: Linda Evans Shepherd, Founder, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), 303-772-2035, LSwrites@aol.com

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) recently announced the 2008 finalists for the Golden Scroll Awards for Publisher, Editor, and Fiction Editor of the Year. Finalists will be honored at the eighth Annual Golden Scrolls Award Banquet July 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

This year's Golden Scroll finalists are:
Publisher of the Year Award — Crossway Books, Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, and New Hope.
Editor of the Year — Philis Boultinghouse of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Judi Perry of Beacon Hill, and Ramona Richards of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Fiction Editor of the Year— Nick Harrison of Harvest House, Sarah Long of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Krista Stroever of Steeple Hill

The Golden Scroll Awards go to editors and publishing houses best demonstrating outstanding ministry partnerships with their authors.

For more information about AWSA, the Golden Scroll Awards, or Right to the Heart Ministries, go to www.AWSAWomen.com.


WAY TO GO, KRISTA!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Having to Share!

My oldest daughter, Emily, has been inducted into the National Honor Society in her junior year. Needless to say, we're extremely proud and I just wanted to share with everyone!

This is Em after having gotten her certificate and membership papers...

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Reviews for Bayou Judgment

BAYOU JUDGMENT is book three in Ms. Carollʼs Bayou series, following BAYOU JUSTICE, and BAYOU CORRUPTION. While readers will be eager to read more about these wonderful characters, and I do feel they can read BAYOU JUDGEMENT alone, it is my opinion readers will be even more deeply touched having read the previous titles. This is a series readers do NOT want to miss out on. The stories are intriguing, engaging, and fast-paced with enough romance to keep readers quickly turning pages and cheering the characters on. Within BAYOU JUDGEMENT Ms Caroll tackles some tough issues and handles them with expert care. I highly recommend BAYOU JUDGEMENT to all readers who love romantic suspense with a wonderful message. I can hardly wait for the next installment in Ms. Carollʼs series, BAYOU PARADOX coming in June.--Wendy Keel, The Romance Readers Connection, 4 1/2 stars

BAYOU JUDGMENT is a fast paced, suspense filled read. The secrets of Lagniappe leap out from every dark corner. Felicia is fearless, with Spencer determined to protect her. Spencer is caring, warm, and fearful of facing his own truth. But, if he and Felicia can both put the past to rest and find Jolie’s killer, then nothing will stop these two as they discover their love.

Robin Caroll spins a terrific story. BAYOU JUDGMENT is the third installment in the Bayou series. However, this book can stand on its own. The characters are inspirational, and the readers will embrace them. The suspense and emotion of the story along with a blooming romance in the small town of Lagniappe will keep the reader turning the pages. Secondary characters from book one, BAYOU JUSTICE, and book two, BAYOU CORRUPTION, make reappearances. The good sheriff, Bubba Theriot, is once again in the mix of the story, and in the next installment, we will see more of him. I look forward to Bayou Paradox. Enjoy.--Deborah C Jackson, Romance Reviews Today

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Workshop

I'll be presenting a workshop entitled "GMC--it's not a vehicle" to the Arkansas Inspy Writers on May 10th at the FamilyLife Center on Ranch Drive at 1 pm. Feel free to email me for more details!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Book Reviews

From Lena Nelson Dooley, multi-published author.....

On BAYOU CORRUPTION:
This second book in the Louisiana bayou series by Robin Caroll didn't come soon enough for me. I could hardly wait to read about the three sisters and the men in their lives. The characters are believable, the emotions deep, the suspense heart-thumping. And the way Robin puts words together is artistic, bordering on lyrical. I had a hard time putting the book down.

Now to get my hands on the next one! I'll read every book written by this wonderful author. You won't want to miss one either.


On BAYOU JUDGMENT:
When I received this book, I expected to be reading about Tara, the third sister, but instead, it's about Luc's sister. As with the other two books by Robin Caroll, I loved this. She writes a tight story painted with authenticity. The setting is skillfully woven into the story to give readers enough glimpses to allow them to picture everything.
I love the characters and the suspense is spine-chilling. A masterful job from a very good author.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Moodoo



I've gotten lots of emails and cards from you readers who've asked where I came up with the name Moodoo for CoCo's alligator. It's cajun and means "cursed." I just really liked the name. In fact, when my husband got me my Catahoula/lab mix puppy just before Christmas, I named him Moodoo. This is his picture. Isn't he a doll? And stay tuned...in book 5, Bayou Betrayal, releasing in January 2009, there will be a catahoula, so you'll find out details of this Louisiana-based breed of dog!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Another Review of Bayou Judgment

Bayou Judgment is an amazing “who done it” with the right amount of murder, mystery, intrigue and romance to keep readers engaged. The author, Robin Caroll is a wonderful author, she knows what works in a suspense novel. Bayou Judgment is the third book in the Bayou series.

Written by Pat Glans--Cataromance.com, 4 stars

Review of Bayou Judgment


Yet another story where the heroine finds a dead body, Bayou Judgment (4), by Robin Caroll, is sure to grab your attention. When crisis hotline counselor Felicia Trahan finds her roommate's body, tough-guy pastor Spencer Bertrand, who runs the center, vows to protect her. Spencer feels he doesn't deserve the beautiful Felicia's attentions, but he's quickly losing his heart. Suspense and romance mix nicely in this compelling story.

—Robin Taylor, Romantic Times Magazine, 4 stars

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

New Book



My true short-story, OUR ARMOR OF GOD, is included in the SOUL SAVORS FOR WOMEN as pictured above and is available in stores now! Check it out and let me know what you think!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Guest Blogger...Camy Tang


Top 10 reasons to visit Robin and stay for a month

10) Her husband’s bacon gravy over freshly baked biscuits is to die for.

9) We’d write all day.

8) Her new puppy Moodoo—who could resist playing with a puppy?

7) The cats are totally cute. Some are more friendly than others, and I think they realize I like them because they deliberately avoid me. Or maybe it’s the smell of my dog Snickers that’s lingering on my clothes.

6) We’d write all day.

5) Her girls are incredibly well-behaved.

4) We’d gripe about edits together. Nothing like company in my misery. And I could use a brainstorming partner if I reach a particularly sticky point. And she points out things like how my heroine twists her ankle on page 12 and it’s miraculously gone on page 15.

3) We’d write all day.

2) I have the most fun just sitting on her porch and chatting with her. I can be completely myself with her and say anything I like.

1) Robin’s chocolate pie. Need I say more?

Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Review of BAYOU CORRUPTION

BAYOU CORRUPTION - Robin Caroll
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
ISBN: 13:978-0-373-44279-9
February 2008
Romantic Suspense

Lagniappe, Louisiana - Present Day

Alyssa LeBlanc is reluctantly returning to Lagniappe, because Grandmere is in the hospital. Alyssa bitterly believes that only pain comes out of the bayou. After her parents were killed, she and her two sisters came to live with Grandmere. She was severely ridiculed because Grandmere is a voodoo priestess and her grandfather was a member of the KKK. Her mood is as dark as the storm that is breaking. With the torrential rain, it is almost impossible to see, much less drive. As soon as Grandmere is okay, Alyssa plans to return to Shreveport where she works as a reporter for the Shreveport Times. Suddenly, her car spins out of control and lands in a ditch. Luckily, Alyssa sees the lights of a car coming her way but, before she can run up to the road and hail it, the car stops, and a very large bag is thrown out. Alyssa hides and, after the car leaves, runs to the bag, opens it up and finds Sheriff Bubba Theriot, beaten, barely alive. As she calls for help, Alyssa can’t help thinking things have now gone from bad to worse. Why me?

Jackson “Jacks” Devereaux thrives on the perils of a dangerous story, which is why he is a top notch investigative reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune. So, when his good friend from college, Sheriff Bubba Theriot, calls him asking for help, Jacks is there. Bubba believes he has a mole on his staff. He has discovered evidence that shows there is smuggling going on in and around the intercoastal port. Every lead and piece of information found gets lost, and he is being stonewalled. Hearing on the scanner that Bubba has been gravely injured and may die, he races to the site and can only pray that Bubba will survive.

Jacks and Alyssa meet over Bubba’s body. Since both are reporters, they know there is something serious going on. After the FBI interviews them, both are told not to leave town, and they decide to investigate on their own. So as not to lose her job, Alyssa calls her editor and is given the assignment to interview Senator Mouton, who is accused of corruption. However, in her interview, the senator comments that this is only gossip from the rumor mill from those who are jealous of him. Alyssa’s reporter instinct kicks in; the senator is just too smooth. Could the Senator be connected to the sheriff’s attack? What about the smuggling? Is he connected to her parents’ death? Will Alyssa fall victim to the bayou that she so despises?

BAYOU CORRUPTION will keep the reader spellbound. Jacks knows whoever is doing the smuggling also tried to kill Bubba. He will find them. He is seriously attracted to Alyssa, yet she keeps pushing him away. Why is Alyssa so bitter? When Alyssa is around her sister, she sees how CoCo has achieved a peace and calmness in her life. This brings Alyssa to contemplate her own spiritual path -- can she let go of her anger, bitterness and regret to move forward? Alyssa begins to feels hunger to learn more about God.

The story surges forward with suspense built into the twists and turns. Robin Carroll has once again woven a tale that will leave the reader wanting more. Jacks is a hero the readers will embrace, smart, funny, and caring. Alyssa, so engrossed in her self pity, she is hard to warm to. However, the reader will see a transformation as she comes to terms with herself, Jacks, her family, and her relationship with God. Can Jacks and Alyssa see that they were brought together for a reason? This is the second book of the BAYOU TRILOGY. The inexplicable beauty of the bayou is the backdrop, and even Moodoo, the gator from BAYOU JUSTICE, puts in an appearance. Secondary characters are superb, each with his or her own eccentric traits and secrets. I look forward to the third installment, BAYOU JUDGMENT, coming in May 2008.

Enjoy.--Deborah C Jackson, Romance Reviews Today

Saturday, February 09, 2008

BAYOU JUDGMENT

Here's the cover for book 3 in the bayou series....whatcha think?

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Bayou Corruption Reviews

Here are the first couple of reviews on BAYOU CORRUPTION....

Reporter Jackson Devereaux is in Cajun country doing undercover work for his best friend, the sheriff, who suspects smuggling. Reporter Alyssa LeBlanc is there too, and they join forces to find the truth. It's not easy, especially for Alyssa, who has emotional conflicts that must be conquered. Robin Carroll's Bayou Corruption (4) is a quick story with a riveting conclusion. —Robin Taylor, Romantic Times Magazine


BAYOU CORRUPTION
Robin Caroll
Love Inspired Suspense
ISBN: 0-373-44279-3
February 2008
Christian Fiction - Category Romance

Jackson Deveraux arrived in Louisiana to assist his friend the sheriff in discovering whoʼs behind money drops on the bayou. However, Jackson is unable to save his friend when heʼs left for dead and slips into a coma. Now all he can do is try to finish the investigation they had started and hopefully find out who hurt his friend. He never expects Alyssa LeBlanc, the woman who found his buddy and possibly saved his life. Nor does he expect the feelings she inspires.

Alyssa LeBlanc had hoped to never return to her hometown, but when her grandmother is put in the hospital she knows she must. Then she has an accident while on the way to her grandmotherʼs house and sees what she thinks is trash thrown from a car, but soon discovers it is actually the sheriff, left for dead. Soon Alyssa finds herself in the midst of an investigation, one that may uncover secrets from her past she had hoped to never face again, as well as being forced to be in the company of a man she hates, namely Jackson. Soon Alyssa must face the truth about her faith, and her life. She may not be prepared for what she uncovers, hidden deep within the bayou, nor may she be ready to lead the way to that truth.

BAYOU CORRUPTION follows BAYOU JUSTICE, and is just as wonderful as Ms. Carollʼs previous story. If you have not read BAYOU JUSTICE you can follow BAYOU CORRUPTION easily enough however you will want to rush out and get that story. Ms. Caroll has written a story that is sure to touch readers on many levels, the spiritual journey that Alyssa faces is one that is sure to move readers to tears. The suspense that is found within BAYOU CORRUPTION will leave you quickly turning pages eager to find out how things will end, but also sad to see that conclusion come. The characters are realistic and will soon find their way into your heart. This is a series that is sure to find its way onto many readerʼs keeper shelves. I highly recommend BAYOU JUSTICE to everyone. I can hardly wait for more of Ms. Carollʼs work and am eager to see what the future holds for these characters, itʼs sure to be thrilling.

I want to add an extra side note; this story came at a time when I truly needed to be reminded that God can handle all the struggles we cannot, I also want to add that readers in need of a gentle reminder to hand our cares over to him will find in BAYOU CORRUPTION a message that is sure to reach your soul. --Reviewed by Wendy Keel
Rating 4 ½ , Romance Readers Connection

You can order BAYOU CORRUPTION now from my website, www.robincaroll.com and click on NEW BOOKS.