Robin Caroll

Innocent Man Served THIRTY Years

2012-01-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

...."Whatever your truth is, you have to stick with it," Dupree, 51, said Tuesday, minutes after a Dallas judge overturned his conviction.

Read the complete article on THIS website.

My truth? Knowing our Department of Justice has this much power has me terrified. What about you?

Wrongful Convictions Continue to Scare Me

2012-01-26T04:17:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else alarmed at the rising rate of wrongful convictions being overturned because of DNA testing being proof that innocent people are at risk? I'm terrified. Our legal system has become a mockery...we are so quick to convict, and in a growing percentage, INNOCENT PEOPLE.

Need more proof? Read THIS website, which states: A judge has overturned the rape conviction and life prison sentence of a Palmetto man who has served 17 years in prison.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/30/3072529/rape-conviction-of-palmetto-man.html#storylink=cpy

I don't know about you, but personally, I'm terrified at the power our legal system has to put innocent people in jail...or worse. This fear is what prompted me to write the Justice Seekers series.

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2012-01-25T04:56:00.000-08:00

Today's recommendation: The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

Before Audrey was the baker's wife, she was the pastor's wife.

Then a scandalous lie cost her husband a pastoral career. Now the two work side-by-side running a bakery, serving coffee, and baking fresh bread. But the hurt still pulls at Audrey.

Driving early one morning to the bakery, Audrey's car strikes something-or someone-at a fog-shrouded intersection. She finds a motor scooter belonging to a local teacher. Blood is everywhere, but there's no trace of a body.

Both the scooter and the blood belong to detective Jack Mansfield's wife, and he's certain that Audrey is behind Julie's disappearance.

But the case dead-ends and the detective spirals into madness. When he takes her family and some patrons hostage at the bakery, Audrey is left with a soul-damaged ex-con and a cynical teen to solve the mystery. And she'll never manage that unless she taps into something she would rather leave behind-her excruciating ability to feel other's pain.

Over 200 Wrongful Convictions Overturned...

2012-01-24T04:12:00.000-08:00

...but how many have NOT been overturned because there's no DNA evidence to re-test?

From THIS website:
Since 1989, 206 people around the country have been exonerated by DNA testing, according to the Innocence Project, a New York-based group that works to overturn wrongful convictions.

To me, this just screams that there are more wrongfully incarcerated who have no DNA evidence to retest...and that terrifies me. That's the reason I wrote the Justice Seekers series-to show that injustices DO happen everyday. I hope you'll pick up the first book, Injustice For All, and let me know what you think!

1979-2011 Incarcerated...INNOCENT

2012-01-23T04:07:00.000-08:00

Taken from THIS website:

A Texas man imprisoned 30 years ago on aggravated robbery charges had his conviction overturned on Tuesday after DNA evidence exonerated him.

Dallas County Judge Don Adams overturned Cornelius Dupree Jr.’s conviction Tuesday, clearing his name officially.

Visit the website to read the full story...if this doesn't convince you that our legal system needs to be overhauled, I don't know what will!

Saturday Night Special

2012-01-21T04:19:00.000-08:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre.

Today's recommendation: Accidential Bride by Denise Hunter

When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she's an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can't seem to keep her head above water-and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart-the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she'll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn't sure if the recent events are God's will or just a preacher's blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

Touch DNA and Overturning Wrongful Convictions

2012-01-20T03:56:00.000-08:00

Nine people were freed on DNA evidence, overturning wrongful convictions. A new test "touch dna" was utlized. Read all about it on THIS website.

That so many people have been wrongly convicted simply terrifies me. What is with our legal system?????

In my Justice Seekers series, each book focuses on injustice in some form. I hope you'll check out the first book, Injustice For All, which released January 1st!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Colleen Coble

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Colleen Coble is one of my dearest friends, prayer partners, and amazing mentor. I just love her! So join with me in wishing her the happiest of birthdays today!

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2012-01-18T04:51:00.000-08:00

Today's Recommendation: Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy

A crazed killer invades the streets of Chicago, patterning his murders after the Old Testament’s ten plagues. Detective Keren Collins, gifted with the ability to discern good and evil spirits, is on the case, as is ex-cop, now mission pastor Paul Morris. Can they put their differences aside long enough to catch the maniacal murderer?

Believe in the Death Penalty?

2012-01-17T03:53:00.000-08:00

I don't. Not anymore. Not since I began researching for my Justice Seekers series and discovered how many innocent people are wrongly convicted--and put to death--for crimes they never committed.

Don't believe me? Visit HERE for some eye-opening information! That was 110-ONE HUNDRED AND TEN--people freed that were wrongly incarerated! Even one is too many for me!

Exonerated Wrongful Convictions

2012-01-16T03:51:00.000-08:00

Information from THIS website

Wrongful convictions are as old as justice itself, and any system of criminal justice is a human endeavor, which will inevitably make mistakes. However, it wasn't until the advent of DNA testing that these mistakes were exposed beyond a shadow of a doubt. DNA has changed the criminal justice system forever: thousands of people have been convicted based on DNA evidence, and more than 220 have been exonerated. Other forms of evidence have also overturned thousands of convictions, but the standard is proof in non-DNA cases is much, much higher.

Visit the website for the complete article

Saturday Night Special

2012-01-14T04:16:00.000-08:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre.

Today's recommendation: Shades of Truth by Naomi Kinsman

It's Going to Be a Bear of a Year Sadie thought she'd have a perfect fresh start when she moved to Owl Creek, Michigan, but finding her place in her new school proves harder than she expected. In this divided town, Sadie's father's job mediating between bear hunters and researchers doesn't help her social life. Sadie's art instructor encourages her to explore her beliefs and express herself through her sketchbook, and things improve after Sadie befriends a kind girl from school and a researcher's son---but she can't stop worrying about the bears. As everything swirls around her, Sadie must learn what it means to have faith when you don't have all the answers.

More On DNA Evidence Overturning Convictions

2012-01-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

Taken from this website:

It wasn’t that long ago when it was shocking to hearing that someone convicted of a serious crime was exonerated because of new DNA evidence; that people could be forced to sacrifice years of their lives – or even be killed – because of an error in the justice system was unthinkable.

Visit the website to read some sadly startling information!

DNA Evidence Overturning Convictions

2012-01-12T04:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some interesting facts on wrongful convictions:
There have been 273 convictions overturned on DNA evidence in the United States, 26 of them in New York State.

Texas leads the nation with 41 wrongful convictions.

17 of those wrongly convicted people served time on death row.

The average length of time they served in prison was 13 years.

Read all about it and the full article on THIS website

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2012-01-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

Today's recommendation: Protection for Hire by Camy Tang

Tessa Lancaster's skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa's abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there's a problem or two ... or three .... There's Elizabeth's abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There's Uncle Teruo, who doesn't understand why Tessa's new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there's Elizabeth's lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn't know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch. Factor in both Tessa's and Charles's families and you've got some wild dynamics---and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.

Why Does the Justice System need an overhaul?

2012-01-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Because innocent people are being convicted of crimes they didn't commit!!! Even one person is unacceptable, to me.

One website has this information: People are wrongfully imprisoned – even wrongfully put on death row – at astounding rates, which strips innocent people of their basic human rights – freedom, autonomy, dignity. Over 400 people have been exonerated by proving their innocence through DNA testing.

Visit the website HERE for the full article

More On Overhauling the Justice System

2012-01-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

Washington, DC--Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to create a blue-ribbon commission charged with conducting an 18-month, top-to-bottom review of the nation's entire criminal justice system and offering concrete recommendations for reform. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee, is the principal Republican cosponsor.

The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009, S.714, is the result of decades of investigation and more than two years of intensive fact-finding in the U.S. Senate. In the 110th Congress, Webb chaired two hearings of the Joint Economic Committee that examined various aspects of the criminal justice system. In October of 2008, he conducted a symposium on drugs in America at George Mason University Law Center.

[For a copy of the legislation, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/email/criminaljusticereform.html]

...read complete article HERE

Saturday Night Special

2012-01-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre.

Today's recommendation: Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt and Denise Hunter

With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners-Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese--decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They'll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!

As Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese work to save the town, each discovers romance in her own life. Meanwhile, the faith of a little child reminds the whole town what it means to have real faith in the God who is the always and forever Love.

Discover a novel written by four of Christian fiction's most popular romance novelists- friends in real life who've drawn an amazing story of four friends! Includes a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors".

Senate Passes Bill to Overhaul Justice System

2012-01-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 21, 2010
Contact: media@famm.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that could result in an unprecedented overhaul of the nation’s criminal justice system. Sponsored by Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) and a bipartisan group of senators, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 would create a blue-ribbon commission to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the entire criminal justice system and offer concrete recommendations for reform within 18 months.

Read the complete story HERE

Attempt to Overhaul Justice System...

2012-01-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

..."America's criminal justice system has deteriorated to the point that it is a national disgrace," according to Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat from Virginia.

The bill, known as the National Criminal Justice Commisson Act of 2009, is also concerned with racial disparities within the system. A recent report by the Pew Center on the States details these troubling numbers: "Black adults are four times as likely as whites and nearly 2.5 times as likely as Hispanics to be under correctional control. One in 11 black adults - 9.2 percent - was under correctional supervision at year-end 2007."

Read the full story HERE

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Read

2012-01-04T04:45:00.000-08:00

Today's recommendation: Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

I read this book on a recent flight on my kindle...Terri has done it again! Don't miss this intriguing read.

Injustice: US Criminal Justice System Needs Overhaul

2012-01-03T04:29:00.000-08:00

Charles Young told Press TV's U.S. Desk that "the American criminal justice system needs to be overhauled from top to bottom" and he would start with the Supreme Court.

He told the U.S. Desk that "If the state does not have an absolute obligation to tell the truth in their prosecution, we're all in danger of getting locked up for any reason."

....visit HERE for the full story

NEW RELEASE

2012-01-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

In honor of my newest release, Injustice for All, which launches the Justice Seekers series, all month long, I'll be featuring stories about injustice! I hope you'll find the information interesting and informative! I know when I was researching for the series, I was entranced with all the problems in our legal system.

In the meantime, I hope you'll pick up my book, post a review, or at least let me know what you thought of the book!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

May 2012 rain blessings down daily on each and every one of you!

Injustice for All--Coming January 2012

2011-08-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hiatus

2011-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

As I said, I'm taking a blogging hiatus until after the ACFW conference in late September. I'll be back with the Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading and Saturday Night Special reviews in October!

UPCOMING RELEASE

2011-07-23T11:22:00.001-07:00

Here is the cover for my upcoming release, INJUSTICE FOR ALL, releasing on January 1, 2012!

A federal judge lies bleeding on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to disappear after witnessing this crime? When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell, Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you trust?

.MOM in Alabama

2011-07-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

My writing friend, Ginny Yttrup, is speaking at this event...check it out if you are in the Alabama area:

Have you ever thought, I wonder if other moms feel ...? However you finish that sentence, the answer is yes. The journey of motherhood is exciting, scary, lovely, and challenging. Which is why we've created .MOM—a weekend that will encourage and refresh you, connect you with other moms, celebrate motherhood, and draw you closer to Christ.
Featuring:

Keynote sessions from prominent Bible teachers (who are moms just like you!) and mothering experts
Breakouts sessions taught by experienced leaders, including: Esther Burroughs, Catherine Hickem, Constance Rhodes, Sissy Goff, Betty Bussey and more
A broad range of breakouts, such as: The Working Mom, Infertility/Adoption, Raising Godly Kids, Single Moms, Home School Moms, and more
Opportunities to shop at sponsor booths
Free goodies & giveaways

ROBIN CAROLL NEWSLETTER

2011-07-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hope your summer has so far been fun, fun, fun. Here in the Natural State, it's been hot, hot, hot. So hot that I'm really tired of watering my garden. But looks like I'll get some veggies soon, so it'll be worth it.

Latest News

I'm thrilled to announce that Deliver Us From Evil was bestowed a Holt Medallion Merit Award in the long inspirational category! So honored. If you haven't read the book yet, order it HERE.

Am VERY excited to announce the Fear No Evil is a finalist in the Carol Awards, suspense category. Winners will be announced at the ACFW Conference in September. I can't wait. If you haven't read the book yet, you can order it HERE

Upcoming Release

I am so thrilled to share with y'all the book trailer for my January release, Injustice for All. This is the first book in the Justice Seekers series. Let me kinow what y'all think! View the trailer HERE

Until next time, may God bless and keep you!

Robin Caroll

Robin's Recommended Wednesday Reading

2011-07-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today's Recommendation is: Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze

FEAR NO EVIL is a Carol Award Finalist!

2011-07-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Carol Award Finalists are:

Debut Novel:

The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House - Dave Long/Sharon Asmus, Editors)

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, Editor)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Long Contemporary:

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)

Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers - Randy Bishop, Editor)

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House - Dave Long, Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance:

Plain Jayne by Hilary Manton Lodge (Harvest House - Kim Moore, Editor)

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry (Berkley - Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

Long Historical:

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press - Laura Barker, Editor)

Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley (B&H Publishing - Karen Ball, Editor)

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press – Susan Downs, Editor)

Long Historical Romance:

The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors)

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)

Mystery:

Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz (Sheaf House - Joan M. Shoup, Editor)

Muslin Mystery by Vera Dodge (Guideposts - Beth Adams, Editor)

The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Novellas (Contemporary and Historical were combined into one category):

The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense:

The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs, Editors)

Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)

Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Publishers - Karen Watson, Editor)

Short Contemporary:

The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired - Allison Lyons)

A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Winter’s End by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense:

Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)

Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)

Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Love Inspired Suspense - Tina James, Editor)

Short Historical:

Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, Editor)

Promise of Tomorrow by S. Dionne Moore (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

The Columns of Cottonwood by Sandra Robbins (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Speculative Fiction:

The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin (AMG Publishers - Rick Steele, Editor)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

Suspense/Thriller:

Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)

Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll (B&H Publishing – Karen Ball, Editor)

Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry (Abingdon Press – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Women’s Fiction:

Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)

They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Beyond Summer by Lisa Wingate (NAL - Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Young Adult:

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell - Lonnie Hull Dupont, Editor)

Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)

Katy’s New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)

Saturday Night Special

2011-07-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre.
Today's HIGHLY recommended historical romance with a touch of intrique is:
Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-06-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

As a social worker, Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children and seeing that justice is served on their behalf. But when she starts getting harassing phone calls and bizarre "gifts," it seems she may be the one in need of protection. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, her brother Cole comes to her aid, along with his new partner, Detective Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Protecting Alison has become more than just a job--because his own happiness now depends on keeping her safe.

SO Excited to Shared....

2011-06-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

Am SO excited to share with everyone that my dear friend, Pam Hillman, has her debut novel up on Amazon for kindle!

This is a book NOT to be missed! Check it out. I highly recommend it!

Saturday Night Special

2011-06-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest The Lightkeeper's Ball by my dear friend, Colleen Coble.

Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.
Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred-the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt-and the more she is drawn to him herself.

When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they're forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement-she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness.

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-06-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Sometimes the smallest towns hold the biggest secrets.
Ambitious young attorney Tom Crane is about to become a partner in a big-city law firm. One final matter has to be cleared from his docket--the closing of his deceased father's law practice in the small town of Bethel. Killed in a tragic boating accident, John Crane didn't leave his son anything except the hassle of a bankrupt estate.

Then, within twenty-four hours, Tom loses his job, his girlfriend, and his cat. Job didn't have it much worse.

Returning to Bethel with his pride ground to powder, Tom's plan to quietly shut down his father's practice and slink out of town runs into an unexpected roadblock - two million dollars of unclaimed money stashed in a secret bank account. Tom follows the money into a tangled web of lies, theft, and off-shore financial transactions manipulated by powerful men who will do anything to stop him from discovering the truth.

Saturday Night Special

2011-06-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest Hope Rekindled by Tracie Peterson.

At long last, Deborah Vandermark is preparing for her own wedding... but the groom suddenly goes absent. Tragedy has befallen Christopher's family in Kansas City, upsetting the doctor's future with Deborah. With five siblings now under his care, can he return to Texas and impose a ready-made family on Deborah?
Deborah herself finds her resolve faltering as her fears about marriage and career start to overwhelm her. How can she marry and be a mother to Christopher's siblings, and still be able to pursue her work and training as a physician? When an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah's life seems to be spiraling out of control. How can God possibly work this for good? And can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in their way?

Check it out and Let Me Know what you think

2011-06-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

So Happy... Holt Medallion Award of Merit

2011-06-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to be notified that DELIVER US FROM EVIL was awarded a Holt Medallion Award of Merit in the long inspirational category! I'm so honored!

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-06-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Special agent Marc Royce's job in the State Department is routine---until two CIA operatives, a high-placed Iraqi civilian, and a humanitarian aid worker go missing in Iraq. As Marc engages in a covert operation, the underground dialogue between sworn enemies heats up. Will the ultimate Reconciler bring peace between ancient opponents and current foes?

Happy Birthday, Papa

2011-06-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday...thought I'd wish him a happy birthday here and share some of my recent fav photos! Happy birthday Papa!

New Grandson!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce my newest grandson, Zayden Brody Forgy, arrived a little over 3 weeks ahead of schedule on June 9, 2011 at 4:36pm, weighing in at 5# 13 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long. Here is a picture of Zayden with his big brother, Benton!

School's Out

2011-06-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

School is officially out here in central AR. That means my two girls are home. All the time. And I have a deadline. Sept 1st. I need to write. They want to play. I need to write. They need to be fed. I need to write. They're tired of swinging & jumping on the trampoline. I need to write. They're tired of playing in the sprinklers. I need to write. They don't want to watch a movie or play a game on the computer. I need to write.

Ok, it's a viscious cycle. Anybody out there have some good ideas on what they can do (ages 11 & 9) that will give me at least a few hours of writing time?????

Saturday Night Special

2011-06-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest Learning by Karen Kingsbury.

Bailey Flanigan is growing closer to her dream to be an actress and dancer in New York while Cody coaches a small high school football team . on and off the field. But neither feels complete without the chance to share their dreams with one other.
Can distance truly make the heart grow fonder? Or will Cody learn to turn to others to share in his happiness? And when tragedy strikes? Who will be there to provide comfort in the face of loss?

As Cody's past catches up with him, he must learn to reach out for help or risk withdrawing permanently inside himself. Both Bailey and Cody find themselves learning significant life lessons in this poignant love story, featuring members from Karen Kingsbury's popular Baxter family.

Looking Back...

2011-06-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Funny thing, I recently was asked to revisit the day I received my first contract. I found myself feeling a 100% total recall. That feeling...wow, it blew me away as much recently as it did back in 2006 when I got the call. Just remembering made me realize I have the best job in the world and I'm blessed He called me to write. :)

Favorite Cover?

2011-06-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

As I review all my covers, it's hard to pick my favorite. Why don't YOU tell me which cover is YOUR favorite???

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-06-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is The Ambition by Lee Strobel

An unputdownable thriller from the best-selling author of The Case for Christ! Drawing on his years as an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Strobel weaves a gripping insider's tale of power, politics, and payoffs set in a gleaming suburban megachurch, a big-city newspaper struggling for survival, and the shadowy corridors of political intrigue.

Writing Buds!

2011-06-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, my good friend, amazing author, and critique partner, Dineen Miller, came and visited. We had an amazing time eating and visiting and eating and brainstorming and eating and writing and eating...

Happy Birthday, Steve Laube

2011-06-06T03:54:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's my agent's birthday. Time for embarassing Steve stories! Nah, it's his birthday...I'll just post some pictures of him and thank him for being a wonderful directing force in my career! :)

Saturday Night Special

2011-06-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest The Mercy by Beverly Lewis.

Rose Kauffman pines for prodigal Nick Franco, the Bishop's foster son who left the Amish under a cloud of suspicion after his foster brother's death. His rebellion led to the "silencing" of their beloved Bishop. But is Nick really the rebel he appears to be? Rose's lingering feelings for her wayward friend refuse to fade, but she is frustrated that Nick won't return and make things right with the People.
Nick avowed his love for Rose--but will he ever be willing to sacrifice modern life for her Meanwhile, Rose's older sister, Hen, is living in her parents' Dawdi Haus. Her estranged "English" husband, injured and helpless after a car accident, has reluctantly come to live with her and their young daughter during his recovery. Can their marriage recover, as well? Is there any possible middle ground between a woman reclaiming her old-fashioned Amish lifestyle and a thoroughly modern man?

My Daughter "Graduated"

2011-06-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my middle daughter, Remington Case, "graduated" from elementary school. I can't believe she'll be attending middle school next year. Where does the time go? Here are some "progression" pictures of her!

Recent Teaching

2011-06-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had opportunity to teach "GMC: It's Not A Vehicle" at the central AR ACW conference. I had a wonderful time, met some awesome people, and enjoyed visiting with my friend Tricia Goyer.

Here is a quick photo Tricia snapped!

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-06-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker

The last thing Renee Gilmore remembers is being rescued by a pair of unknown arms after her drug-dealer boyfriend attempts to murder her. She wakes up in a beautiful glass house surrounded by doctors and the man that saved her life, Lamont Myers. Lamont offers her protection, if she abides by his rules. Among these; she must not leave the house, making her the bird in his gilded cage.

Saturday Night Special

2011-05-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini

How do you restore a soul? One brush stroke at a time ...

Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won't allow her ex-husband's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California's central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.

But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz's heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

Acclaim for Julie Carobini's Otter Bay Novels:"The perfect combination of playfulness, charm and enrichment. Julie Carobini has a winner on her hands."

--Relz Reviewz (Sweet Waters)

"A creative and fun story about trying to honor and preserve God's creation . . . I almost expected to shake out sand from between the pages."

--Author's Choice Reviews (A Shore Thing)

"Carobini has a talent for creating characters that come alive." (4 stars)

--RT Book Reviews (Fade to Blue)

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-05-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

Today's recommendation is Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky

Major Jeff Struecker (a real life Black Hawk Down veteran) and his award-winning coauthor tell a space-based intelligence story of intense extremes in their new novel, Fallen Angel, named for the "Angel-12" American satellite that is ambushed by China and falls 22,000 miles to land in remote Siberia. U.S. Sgt. Major Eric Moyer and his Special Ops unit are deployed to find Angel-12 and keep its advanced nuclear fuel from enemy hands-and there are many. A Russian shadow government bent on restoring the former USSR pursues the satellite as does the Chinese special forces group that knocked it from the sky. A rash of military and domestic hostage concerns ensues as the stark truth looms: three nations are racing to the satellite, but only one will get there first.

Saturday Night Special

2011-05-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

Signing at Christian Life Tapes & Books-Shreveport

2011-05-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

I also had a recent signing at Christian Life Tapes & Books while I was in Shreveport. Here are some photos there to share!

More Photos from LifeWay Signing to Share

2011-05-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-05-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?

Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.

As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check.

In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?

My take: “With the return of beloved character Ray Quinn, The Corruptible is a prime example of a book that grabs you from the beginning and won’t let you go. Mark Mynheir has created another flip-the-pages and stay-up-late-to-finish-the-novel story with characters so real they become your friends and a plot that will make your heart hammer. Don’t miss this fantastic read!”

Recent Signing-LifeWay, Shreveport, LA

2011-05-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun signing at the Shreveport, Louisiana LifeWay with Tricia Goyer! Here are some photos from our signing!

Saturday Night Special

2011-04-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this:

The Secrets Beneath by Kathleen Fuller

Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery-that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she's fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she's sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don't realize is there's not just secrecy lurking next door-there's danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

Fans With Pictures

2011-04-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

So in my monthly newsletter {Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? No? Seriously? You need to do that. Visit HERE.

Now, back to what I was saying....if readers send in a picture of themselves with one of my books, I'll enter their name into a drawing for a special prize from me! I thought I'd randomly share some.

Here's Sonya A:

Who's next????

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-04-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Shadows in the Sand by Gayle Roper

Just Gotta Recommend This Book

2011-04-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possesion of a vial of blood and a cryptic vellum. When consumed the blood will revive his emotions and when decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love. But the blood, at terrible risk, will also resurrect hatred, ambition and greed.

Set in a grim future where pageantry masks death, this tale of passionate love and dark desires peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the journey.
About the Author
TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels with a total of more than 5 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

TOSCA LEE is the critically-acclaimed author of Demon Memoir, a Christy Award finalist and a Publisher's Weekly Editor's Choice. Her novel, Havah received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and 4.5 stars from Romantic Times.

ROBIN SEZ: I just gotta tell you...this story blew me away! I read it on a flight from New Jersey to Houston and LOVED IT. My advice? Although it doesn't release until September, go now and preorder! You don't want to wait even one extra day to read this one!

Conferences—Advancing Your Writing Career

2011-04-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

As a little girl, I had a dream—to be a writer. Life ensued. I went to college and graduated with a paralegal certificate, then realized I hated the legal industry. I wanted to experience life, so I went to work in the automobile industry. Stayed there, in customer service, for ten years. Let me tell you, THAT was an experience. Every now and then, I’d remember the dream and write a poem. Enter it in a contest, got a couple published. Then I got married and had my first daughter. I had such a busy life, how could I think of my dream? Until the day my little girl and I were reading, and I thought to myself, “I love reading, have always loved reading. I want to be an author, have always wanted to be an author.” I decided to do something this time. I enrolled in a Writer’s Digest fiction course. Completed it, and began work on a manuscript.

Life interrupted again. We moved—twice. I had two more children, both girls. But the dream didn’t die. And ten years after I completed my fiction course, I decided to do something again. I bought craft books. Joined writing groups. And learned about writing conferences. Before then, I hadn’t a clue that there were conferences you could attend to take workshops and classes to learn and study. Places you could go and be taught by nationally recognized authors. Events where you could meet with *gasp* editors and agents, face-to-face. Boy, was I hungry for that.

I attended some small, local conferences. Learned what a pitch was. Realized I was nowhere ready to pitch to an agent, much less an editor. Honed. Studied. Absorbed. It took me having gone to four conferences before I attended the “big” ones—ACFW National and RWA National.

At conferences I’ve:
• Met my critique partners face-to-face and our relationship changed from just writing partners to dear friends for life.
• Met my mentor in person and realized I loved her just as much as I did on email and telephone.
• Met my agent in person for the first time.
• Pitched to the editor who ended up contracting my first book—the one I’d pitched to her.
• Networked with editors who I just like hanging out with because they’re fun
• Been blessed to have taught and encouraged other writers
• Realized how much I NEED conferences to feed my writing spirit

Want to advance your writing career? GO TO A CONFERENCE. Yes, it takes money to go. Plan ahead. Apply for scholarships. Sale the kids. (Ok, I’m kidding about that.) But the expense is worthwhile—you’re investing in your career. And for me? It’s investing in my mental stability to be around others in this crazy industry.

Saturday Night Special

2011-04-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this:

A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller

In the Mysteries of Middlefield series, readers will be immersed into exciting mysteries and authentic Amish culture.

With a twin brother and five younger brothers, Mary Beth Mullet's house is in constant chaos. Her parents don't seem to mind the noise, but she needs a break from all the pestering and babysitting.

It's the summer before eighth grade, and Mary Beth plans to escape to her secret place as much as possible. The old barn in the neighboring field is dangerous, and her parents have forbidden her to go there, but she escapes to it as often as she can.

Mary Beth soon discovers she is not alone in the barn. Someone is living there; someone who needs help. Can Mary Beth help the stranger without losing her secret place? And what if the barn is as dangerous as her parents say it is?

Readers will identify with Mary Beth's struggles for peace and independence and be engrossed in the excitement and danger of A Summer Secret.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

The celebration of Good Friday is ancient, and some of the practices associated with Good Friday are attested to by Egeria in the 4th century. The day gradually became a time of penance and fasting as the anniversary of the death of Christ. The name "Good Friday" possibly comes from "God's Friday," although the exact reason for the current name is unclear. The custom of venerating the cross on Good Friday probably originated in Jerusalem in the 7th or 8th century, and continues to this day in many Western Churches.

So, how are YOU celebrating Good Friday?

Writing Contests—The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-04-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

Overall, writing contests get a bad rap. Oh, when a writer finals, places, or wins, it’s all good. But if they don’t . . .

First, there’s the whole deal of score sheets. Really, on a scale of 1-5, you expect someone to put a point system to our works of art? And feedback? If the author is published, how good is the feedback if the book’s published? Can’t exactly change a character arc because the score sheet showed the hero’s journey was a bit too slow.

And judges! Who are these unnamed, faceless people? If a writer gets a good score, they’re wonderful, brilliant and insightful, of course. But a bad score? Oh, the judge didn’t “get” the story. Had to be someone unfamiliar with the genre.

But I like contests, always have. Unpublished and published. I like feedback. I like score sheets. Call me strange, but I like to know how my story interacts with the reader. A very wise person once told me that your story is just a story until a reader interacts with it. Stuck in my head. I like that—to think that readers are interacting with my story, my characters, my settings.

How to cope with bad scores? Don’t. No, I’m serious. If you get a bad score and there’s nothing useful you can use in the feedback, shut it right out of your mind. If you can’t get it out of your head, here’s a thought—praise God that particular judge didn’t feel compelled to go write a review of your book up on Amazon!

I’m blessed. I finaled and placed in some amazing contests. I’m in a group of writers who are so talented, I’m awed to be listed with them. Will I ever win? Probably not—hey, were you not paying attention? I said those who finaled with me are awesome! But it’s enough for me just to make the list. Have I NOT finaled in a contest as a published author? You bet. The Edgar Awards. Didn’t even come close. But you know what? I’m proud that I had enough guts to enter.

Contests are what they are—subjective because each reader/judge will interact with your story differently. Good, bad, or ugly, I love ’em. I just like to know that readers ARE interacting with my story. That’s enough for me.

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-04-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

The Chair, by James Rubart

If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?

As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?

Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.
About the Author
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. He serves on the board of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and lives with his wife and sons in Washington State.

Putting It Aside, Moving On

2011-04-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

I remember the first manuscript I hacked out on a typewriter. (Showing my age, aren’t I?) It was bad, and I mean, bad. That was back in the 90s. Thank goodness I lost that manuscript in one of my moves. Yes, it was THAT BAD. Then I wrote a story I just loved. Wrote it, rewrote it, polished it until it was “ready.” Submitted it to a publisher. Um, it wasn’t ready. It now sits happily UNDER my desk. That was early in 2000.

Between then and now, there have been many a manuscript on my computer in various stages. Some completed, some not. Some I really love, some, not so much anymore. But there is a story on my system that I love. It’s one that comes straight from my heart. It is ready for submission. Matter-of-fact, it’s been submitted to many places. Oh, I’ve gotten the personal, nice rejections, but not a contract. Again, let me reiterate, I LOVE this story. My writing buddies love this story. But for some reason, editors don’t. Or it’s not right for them. Or it’s too similar to something they’ve already contracted. Or . . .

Know what I’m talking about? There comes a time in every writer’s career when they have a story that means so much to them, is so personal to them, that it’s almost obsessive in the way we write. And when it’s done and edited and ready to go out, we just KNOW it’s going to be snapped right up. But it doesn’t. We get rejection letters. We get depressed. We pull the story out again and revise. We resubmitted until our story has seen every editor’s desk in the business. We’ve revised until we can’t revise anymore. And still it’s uncontracted. We can spend months, years even, on this one story to no avail. No contract. No interest.

Each writer will come to this crossroads sometime in their career. Each writer will have to cross the hurdle, much like overcoming writer’s block. Each writer will have to make that painful decision to put the story aside and move on. Yep, you heard me—put the story of our heart aside and move on to something else.

Ouch, that hurts. For me, it was several months of pouting. Kicking the couch. (Would never kick my dog) Pouting again. Stomping around the house until the hubby and kids were cowering in closets. Depressed. Angry. Depressed again. Pouting. Watching others getting their stories of their hearts published. Pouting. Depressed again.

And then I grew as a writer.

I saved the story of my heart onto a disk. (Ok, two different ones—I’m obsessive, what can I say?) Then I did the hardest thing, I deleted it off my desktop. My heart pounded, I felt nauseous. But I knew I had to. And then I did the unthinkable—I started a new story. I’d learned there’s a time to put away a story and move on to something else. I’d grown. I’d become a “professional” in my career thinking because I would write something else, something that might have a chance of being published. One story does not a writer make.

I still miss that story of my heart sometimes. Every six or seven months, I pull out the disk and read through it. I don’t save it to my computer though. I read it, then put it away. I’ve moved on to something else, and doing so got me published.

One story does not a writer make.

One day . . . one day it’ll be that story’s time. It’ll be its turn. And I’ll take it out, probably revise it for the millionth time, and send it out again. Who knows? It might be snapped up in a minute.

But until that time, I’ll keep pressing forward. Keep writing what I can. Keep giving each current story all my attention. I’ll keep doing so because I want to be an author, because I DO have more than one story in my heart.

One story does not a writer make.

Happy Birthday, Isabella Co-Ceaux

2011-04-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

My sweet "baby" turns NINE today....happy birthday, Bella-boo!

Saturday Night Special

2011-04-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this:

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18-year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many Englisch influences awaken within Marianna—and even her father—the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.

Endorsements:

"A wonderful story about the Amish and the way they live their lives by the writings of the Bible . . . Goyer is a talented author . . . Readers will delight in this."

--RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

"I was transported into the world of the Amish. Tricia's expressive storytelling and vivid descriptions drew me into the heartache and joy of the characters as if they were real people. So compelling."

Robin Jones Gunn, author of the Christy Miller series

"A sweet, tender tale that's sure to please readers. Amish fiction fans will be wanting more from Ms. Goyer!"

Kathleen Fuller, AmishHearts.com

"Only a gifted writer like Tricia Goyer could present such a captivating story about a group of Amish forging a new community in Montana. Tricia writes in such a way that the reader can't wait to turn the page and learn more about main character Marianna's experience. Tricia's talent for connecting our heart to Marianna's plight also connects us to our need for one another. Beside Still Waters draws you in with its genuine characters, and it holds you there with its enduring bonds of love and family."

Suzanne Woods Fisher, best-selling author of the Lancaster County Series

"A moving and gentle story that touched my heart and stirred my soul. I'm recommending Beside Still Waters to all my friends who enjoy Amish fiction."

Marlo Schalesky, author of Christy-award winning Beyond the Night and Shades of Morning

About the Author
Tricia Goyer is an acclaimed and prolific writer, publishing hundreds of articles in national magazines including Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family while authoring more than twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books combined. Among those are 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Award winners Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights. She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives with her husband and four children in Montana.

It's BACK!

2011-04-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's the final season. Yes, it's been on DTV (I have DISH). But I'm SO HAPPY Friday Night Lights is back on regular television tonight! In celebration, let's look at some of my favorite shots:

And my favorite:

So, don't bother me tonight...I'll be in front of my TV...enjoying the final season!

Why I Write for HIM

2011-04-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

I’m a stubborn person. Okay, all who are reading this who know me are now laughing aloud and thinking, “That’s putting it mildly.” Anyway, I’m stubborn and independent and a little headstrong. (Ok, stop laughing now.) I just knew that when I wrote my first book, it’d be published. I mean, I wrote it, right? It should be published. Wrong. I spent many a year writing stories that I thought were good, but something just wasn’t right. Wasn’t there.

And one day I realized why. Because my stories were like the ones I’d read and finished, then been depressed or sad. While I had given my stories a happy ending, I wasn’t honoring the One who gave me the storytelling gift.

What an aha moment that was for me. To write a story, but bring honor to God within the lines. It was a brand new concept for me. But I didn’t know how to do that, or was there even such a thing.

My sister introduced me to Christian fiction by loaning me some of her books. I’d had no clue there was even such a thing as inspirational fiction. I was hooked from the first one. I devoured those stories. Just had to get more. And it occurred to me that I could do this—I could write a story and fill it with hope and honor My Savior in doing so. Wow, amazed me.

So I joined writing groups that focused on edifying and teaching, directed at the Christian market. I bought craft books and attended conferences. And I prayed. A lot. I told God that published or not, I’d write to honor Him.

I made that personal decision years ago and have never looked back. I love writing stories of hope, of promise, of sharing the love I have for Christ with others. There’s no job I could love more. And even in the midst of tight deadlines, I remind myself to be thankful of being able to do what I love, and bring honor to God.

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-04-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

Praise for The Corruptible

“Mark Mynheir is one of my new favorite authors. As a homicide detective, he knows his stuff and his characters reflect it. I’ll be one of the first in line for his next book!”
—Terri Blackstock, author of Vicious Cycle and Predator

“Because of the Night Watchman series, Mynheir has joined my short list of detective novelists I anxiously await new releases from, along with Connelly, Riordan, and Landsdale. After a great start with The Night Watchman, The Corruptible takes things up a notch. If you demand both great plots and great characters from your thrillers, you need to spend some time with Ray Quinn and The Night Watchman Detective Agency. It’s like opening a bag of potato chips—you can’t stop with just one chapter. I read the whole thing in twenty-four hours, through lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Be forewarned.”
—Brad Whittington, award-wining author of Welcome to Fred, Living with Fred, and Escape from Fred

“In The Corruptible we find Mynheir at his best, providing a true insider view on the gritty world of the private investigator. Mynheir’s made up world first whispers, then scratches its way to life with great characters. He mixes delicious evil and the slap of addiction with an even rarer ingredient in the world of crime fiction: the hope of redemption. I want more.”
—Harry Kraus, MD, best-selling author of The Six-Liter Club

“Mark Mynheir knows how to deliver crime fiction with a punch—a terrific setup, strong characters, sparkling wit, crisp dialogue, and viable suspects that keep you guessing right up to the arrest. I’m thrilled that Mark has followed up The Night Watchman with another action-packed Quinn novel. Put this one at the top of your ‘must read’ list.”
—Wanda Dyson, best-selling author of Judgment Day and Shepherd’s Fall

“With The Corruptible, Mark Mynheir scores a home run. This book is the perfect package of a broken hero to root for, a murder that spirals into so much more, and a tangled web of suspects and motives that literally kept me guessing to the bitter end— a rarity! A perfect follow-up to The Night Watchman that stands fully on its own. I loved it!”
—Cara Putman, author of Stars in the Night

“Rich with realism and wit, Ray Quinn grips the crime scene and doesn’t let you go until the murder is solved. Hold onto your seat!”
—DiAnn Mills, author of Pursuit of Justice

“I’ve fallen in love with Ray Quinn. I’m even fond of his sidekick, Crevis. With The Corruptible, Mark Mynheir has written another winning Ray Quinn Mystery. I love Mynheir’s authentic police-crime details and complex, compelling characters. And the plot never makes a false step or lags behind. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of The Corruptible ASAP and enjoy!”
—Lyn Cote, author of Her Abundant Joy

“With the return of beloved character Ray Quinn, The Corruptible is a prime example of a book that grabs you from the beginning and won’t let you go. Mark Mynheir has created another flip-the-pages and stay-up-late-to-finish-the-novel story with characters so real they become your friends and a plot that will make your heart hammer. Don’t miss this fantastic read!”
—Robin Caroll, author of Deliver Us from Evil and Fear No Evil

“A first rate detective novel from a real detective. Mynheir tells a fast-paced, gritty tale of murder and money in Orlando, Florida. His characters are flawed, funny, and deeply human. You’ll find yourself rooting for them—especially main character Ray Quinn—even when they’re making mistakes. The Corruptible is a winner!”
—Rick Acker, author of When the Devil Whistles and Dead Man’s Rule

“The Corruptible raises the stakes, intensity, and storytelling of crime fiction to a whole new level of amazing! The insider details immerse you in a dangerous world of high-adrenaline suspense and raise soul-stirring questions you’ll wrestle with right alongside Ray Quinn. As you fly through the pages, take time to laugh, cheer, and say a prayer or two for Ray.”
—Amy Wallace, author of Enduring Justice

Product Description
How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?

Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.

As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check.

In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?

UPCOMING BOOKSIGNING

2011-04-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! If you live in the Shreveport, LA/Bossier City area, I'm coming your way next month!

May 14th at LifeWay Christian Bookstore on Youree Drive from 11am-1pm!

Come out and say hello. Register for prizes!

Booksignings

2011-04-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some various photos of previous booksignings that I thought I'd share:

Saturday Night Special

2011-04-09T03:42:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this upcoming release:

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

About the Author
Pamela Binnings Ewen practiced law for twenty-five years before following in the authorial footsteps of relatives such as James Lee Burke (The Tin Roof Blowdown) and Andre Dubus III (The House of Sand and Fog). Dancing on Glass is her third novel. Ewen lives in Mandeville, Louisiana.

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Nice review from TitleTrakk

2011-04-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

On my recent release...In the Shadow of Evil:

"Robin clearly excels in interweaving redemption, forgiveness and the release of bitterness as the foundational ingredients in her contemporary novels." ~TitleTrakk

:)

Ideas

2011-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ideas, Ideas—They’re Everywhere

I’m often asked how I get ideas for my books. I always want to answer, “Where don’t I get ideas?”

I get character ideas by people watching. Now, my friends and family know I detest shopping. If I never had to walk into another mall in my life, I’d be happy. But with three daughters, that’s not gonna happen. Sigh. So when forced to brave the elements of humanity (although, I seriously question this—have you ever seen women at a 75% off sale act really human?) and venture into stores or malls, I watch people. I study them. Yes, even been known to snap a picture of one with my cell phone because of a certain hairstyle, or quirk, or expression. All of this information filters down and finds its way into a character.

Newspapers, television, and yes, even those true-crime shows all provide fodder for my plots. No, I don’t see something or read about it and then just change minor events for my story. I play a game called what-if. For example, I’ll hear a story about a woman who shot her husband for having an affair. My mind starts the game: What if the woman had hired a private detective to get the “goods” on her husband? What if the private detective had a grudge against the husband for some wrong years ago? What if the man wasn’t having an affair, but the private detective made it look like he was, just so his wife would kill him? Oh, what if the woman didn’t even suspect her husband was having an affair, but this guy who had a grudge against the husband pretended to be a private detective and sent incriminating evidence to the wife? . . . and so my mind goes.

Ideas are everywhere, you just have to look for them. Now, back to The Game. What if a writer was on tight deadline? What if she kept playing on email and the internet instead of making her word count? What if . . .

Saturday Night Special

2011-04-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this upcoming release:

Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews

When scandal and murder rock Dinah’s life, the daughter of the great patriarch Jacob is sent away to Job’s household. After Job’s own world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-03-30T03:19:00.000-07:00

Point of No Return by Susan May Warren

An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail. Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?

Relz Reviews

2011-03-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Rocks! Check out her review of In the Shadow of Evil HERE!

Who is One Desert Rose?

2011-03-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

Find out here and what she thought of In the Shadow of Evil

Saturday Night Special

2011-03-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this upcoming release:

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

Three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times.

RITA finalists....

2011-03-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Calls are supposed to go out today for the RITA finalists! Good luck to everyone who entered!

Just One More Paragraph....

2011-03-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out her blog? Do so here and find out what she thought about In the Shadow of Evil

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-03-23T03:17:00.001-07:00

Martyr's Song by Ted Dekker
When a group of bitter soldiers stumbles upon the peaceful village of Bosnia at the close of World War II, the women and children there suddenly face an insidious evil.and the ultimate test. It is then in the midst of chaos and pain that the Martyr's Song is first heard. It is then that love and beauty are shown in breathtaking reality. With, Martyr's Song you will have in your hands the story and the song that changed everything!

ME!

2011-03-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

Do You "Like" It?

2011-03-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

So, check THIS out!

Saturday Night Special

2011-03-19T03:04:00.001-07:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this upcoming release:

Jersey Brides by Laurie Alice Eakes

Riches Become the catalyst for love in New Jersey. Issues of wealth and status have three nineteenth-century women tied in knots.

And the winner is....

2011-03-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

The winner of the CFBA free prize drawing is....Cathy from visitng BOOK REVIEWS BY MOLLY

Come Visit Me...

2011-03-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here as I hang out for minute with fellow B&H author, Jamie Carie.

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

2011-03-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock
When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan-the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own.
Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies. In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

Who is Quintessentially Quilly?

2011-03-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

And what did she say about In the Shadow of Evil? Find out here

Where Am I?

2011-03-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

On CFBA blogs! If you see In the Shadow of Evil featured on a blog with CFBA, leave the link and your name & email in the comments section to be entered into a drawing for a prize! Winner will be drawn at random on Friday, March 18th!

Saturday Night Special

2011-03-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. This week, I'm pleased to suggest this upcoming release:

Bathsheba: A Novel; The Wives of King David Series, Book 3 by Jill Eileen Smith

Will one night of unbridled passion destroy everything Bathsheba holds dear? Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God—and David—forever?

What about CarlyBird?

2011-03-11T03:51:00.000-08:00

And what is she saying about In the Shadow of Evil? Find out here!

Come Visit Me...

2011-03-10T03:43:00.000-08:00

On the Big Thrill .... learn why I was in the trunk of my husband's car!

Booksigning for Novelist Robin Caroll

2011-03-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

Booksigning for Novelist Robin Caroll