Romance Writers of Australia and Friends

After two years of not being able to attend our own RWA conference, this was my year again at last! Like many other writers who also make it to writers' conferences, I did arrive in Sydney feeling weary from the efforts of simply getting ready. For me this time there were several extra events during my three weeks on the Australian mainland I also had to prepare for - as well as trying to leave an "orderly" house for my husband, Ray. During the weeks leading up to RWA it had become very evident once again how God is a fantastic organiser of schedules! He opened up so many wonderful opportunities to meet old friends not only at the RWA conference but each weekend afterwards.

There is simply no space here to share all about that RWA conference. As great as it was to meet some of my Aussie romance writer friends I have known for many years, I have to say the highlight for me was meeting other Christian writers. First of all there was a wonderful time with Rita Galieh and Jo-Anne Berthelsen the evening before conference commenced. Unfortunately they were unable to attend the conference but our other ICFW blog contributor was there the whole time!
It was so good to meet and hug Narelle Atkins again! And this year I had the privilege of meeting for the first time Karen Ward and Laura O'Connell who are also writing Christian fiction. Over the weekend I did meet another couple of writers interested in targetting the inspirational romance genre but I did not think to take photos! It was lovely to be able to share even briefly with them and I know we will now be in touch via the internet. I "happened" to sit beside them both at our dining tables. One is from California while her husband is working here and the other lives near my home town in Queensland.

One writer I was proud to have my photo taken with was Valerie Parv, now sometimes called "Australia's Queen of Romance." It is now nearly twenty ago that I was privileged to compete her course on "The Art of Writing Romance". This included a critique by her for a manuscript - which eventually became my second Heartsong Present's novel, "Damaged Dreams." Valerie has since had the course published in book form as well as other "How to..." books for romance authors. She is an expert at writing novels and very generous to other romance writers, including sponsoring the Valerie Parv Award through our RWA.

And yes, I did take part in the booksigning event also. However, my books were the only inspirational romance novels offered. I sure would love to be joined in future years by other Australian writers interested in writing inspirationals! I was privileged to have a chat with Diane Moggy about the Love Inspired line at Steeple Hill. She is  a very senior editor at Harlequin and her attendance at our conference was very much appreciated by everyone.

Also present at the conference were editors and agents from Australian publishers and also Jennifer Schober from the Spencer Hill Associate agency in New York. The main speaker was Debra dixon of Goal, Motivation conflict fame.

As well as my wrter friends I had a very, very special few hours with a dear woman, her husband and a Rotary District Governor who drove them to meet me. We hosted Ania Wosko about twenty years ago when she was one of the first Rotary Exchange students allowed out of Poland. So incredible that on the only day I had not registered for a workshop at the conference was the morning they were going to be in Sydney and able to share breakfast with me! Such a precious, precious time. She had made a commitment to Christ not very long before coming to Australia as a teenager and God had worked it out in His own unique way that my husband "happened" to be her Rotary Youth counsellor that year. As soon as I can I will be sharing photos of these lovely folk on my facebook page.

The weekend after RWA I was the speaker at the Australia Christian Writers Fellowship's day seminar in Sydney. That evening and the next day we so enjoyed meeting old friends as the church we planted at Maitland in the Hunter Valley north of Sydney thirty years ago celebrated its anniversary. Ray was able to join me for that special time but had to return home while I stayed on. This last weekend was an awesome time of praise and fellowship as the main speaker at our denomination's Newcastle & District Women's Retreat. 

Truly we live in a global fellowship of writers - and especially fellow Christian writers! I am weary but have been so richly blessed throughout these times of renewing old friendships and making new friends. Perhaps the older we get the more precious and to be treasured are these times. Today my thoughts have turned to the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in just a couple of weeks. How I would love to again be able to travel to America as we did last years to meet friends face to face for those lovely hugs. Perhaps there may be another year - if God of course has it in HIS schedule for me!            

GIANT HARVEST--By Christine Lindsay

It happened just as we prayed. Don’t you just love that when it happens? It doesn’t always, but man . . . when it does . . . .

I was there to see a Guinness World record beaten. On a quarter section—for the non-farmer-type reader that means a quarter of a square mile— I saw 200 giant, gleaming combines harvest wheat in record time. The event was so big that Guinness sent not one of the regular people out to judge, but one of their main administrators.

It was a hot August day under a clear, cerulean sky. And this Canadian felt pride in the size of the golden wheat field around me. To me that represented a lot of bread baskets--a lot of food for empty stomachs.



I also felt joy to see the various Christian communities from this small prairie town come together in support of the event. You talk of old fashioned barn raisings—this was bigger.

Over 200 farmers gave up their time out of a busy harvest season. Many local businessmen in southern Manitoba, Canada, gave of their product and time to cultivate, plant, and nurture this wheat field.



I felt goosebumps as I watched the mammoth combines, in two steady rows of 100 combines each, roll in an unwavering line to meet in the center of the section. And my heart rejoiced with these God-loving prairie people.



The event began with a group of farmers singing our national anthem--Oh Canada--and then heading out to their machines. Three yellow crop-duster planes flew in formation over the field. Several helicopters and two other visiting planes also flew overhead. The Lord even sent a gentle breeze to blow the chaff away so that the spectators weren't covered in dust. A petting zoo entertained the children, and Christian music entertained everyone.

It was a great day. And it all happened because of the love of hundreds of volunteers who want to make a difference in the world, folks who want to feed the souls of the spiritually starving with the Bread of Life—Jesus Christ. But why would simple, Christian farmers go to the bother of breaking a world record? Why work so hard for 15 minutes of fame?

A Christian organization I’m associated with arranged this huge fund raiser. I’m not naming or promoting this group on this website, because most of the writers on this forum are involved in ministries all over the world.

But for all of us in the Lord’s service, it’s good to share when the sun breaks through the clouds of struggle, hard work, and months and years on our knees praying for something. In each of our own ministries and our work, it’s good to be reminded that God does allow our plans to succeed . . . more often than not.

God couldn't have provided a more perfect day for our event that brought in over 10 thousand spectators, TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, and dignitaries. So that on this past August 6th, the Lord graciously rewarded this ministry I associate with. It was especially sweet when many of us remembered the faith-testing disappointments of a day back in 2006 when they attempted the same thing, and did not receive the prize.

It just goes to prove that when we step out in faith, and our hearts are set on honoring God first, He lovingly rewards that faith.

So I say to you today, Go to it—whatever the Lord has called you to. Though you win no awards on this earth, though no one sees the hard work you put in. The Lord sees, and the Lord will reward.



To read more by me, Christine Lindsay, please stop by my website www.christinelindsay.com There you can find encouragement if you are someone whose life has been touched by adoption or missions, or the grinding struggles of life. You can find out about my recent trip to India, and the books I am currently writing. Thank you for dropping by. Blessings on you today.

SUNDAY EDITION

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Christine Lindsay: Giant Harvest

Tuesday

Mary Hawkins

Wednesday

Valerie Comer: Interview, Review & Giveaway - Alpha Redemption

Thursday

Rita Galieh

Friday Devotion

Lisa & Ermalee: Encounter with God

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Contest Giveaway Winners

Judylynn is the winner of David Ferreira's book, David the Warrior King (from Shirl's post, August 17).

Stina Rose is the winner of Kay Marshall Strom's book, The Voyage of Promise (from Narelle's post, August 23).

Congratulations to all our winners!

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Reader Survey

We want to get to know our readers better! Please take this quick survey. The survey will be open until September 7. Thank you!

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22B45LDV3YP

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New Book Release

Kathi Macias' historical set in Rome, Valeria’s Cross, is a September 2010 release by Abingdon Press.

Amidst lost love, torn loyalties, and a dangerous faith, Princess Valeria discovers that all the riches of Rome can’t protect her from the evil that encroaches at every turn…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in China, Red Ink will be released in October 2010 by New Hope Publishers.

They took her child, her family, and her freedom…but not her faith.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recent Book Releases

Lisa Harris' thriller set in Africa, Blood Ransom, is an April 2010 release from Zondervan.

Harry Kraus' book, The Six-Liter Club, is an April 2010 release from Howard Books.

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in Mexico, More than Conquerors, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Will Pastor Hector Rodriguez continue to take Bibles into the dangerous Mayan area surrounding San Juan Chamula, even after his mother disappears and his little congregation is threatened by unimaginable violence?

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in South Africa, No Greater Love, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Chioma discovers forbidden love amidst the hatred and violence of Apartheid—and then must decide exactly what it is she’s willing to die for…

Legendary Space Pilgrims by Grace Bridges

If Pilgrim's Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like...

On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?
http://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Space-Pilgrims-Grace-Bridges/dp/098645172X/

Also available at a discount direct from the publisher: www.splashdownbooks.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest News

Jeanette Windle's book, Veiled Freedom (Tyndale) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee and a 2010 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist - congratulations Jeanette!

Tom Davis' book, Scared (David C. Cook) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee - congratulations Tom!

Harry Kraus' book, Salty Like Blood (Howard), is a finalist in the suspense/thriller category of the ACFW 2010 Carol Awards and the romantic suspense category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest - congratulations Harry!

Christine Lindsay placed second in the historical category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Touched By Love Contest - congratulations Christine!

DEVOTION: Therapeutic Pruning by Ray Hawkins

Do the plants feel anything when I prune them? I wonder!  Future blooms may be their way of telling me they ‘forgive me’ for the pain. Still Lord, there is something therapeutic to my heart and mind as I cut off unwanted growth and dead stalks. I know also that I will receive a dividend from the plants for the effort expended which expresses my interest in them and their potential.

As I cut and snip with creative energy I think about my Heavenly Father’s role as a gardener according to John 15:1. When He prunes I feel it. There are times I react for what He considers ‘dead wood’ and I happen to enjoy or have a special attachment to it.  The secateurs of His Word also cuts my unsavoury behaviour, unholy attitudes, excuses and self interest without mercy. I sometimes cry “unfair” for others I know don’t seem to be suffering the same attention.

In my spiritually sane moments (some may say they are very rare) I understand His purposes. My Heavenly Father has invested a great deal in redeeming me from the worthless realm of Darkness. His Word says He desires me to be ‘filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and  praise of God.’ (Philippians 1:11)

Lord, for whom is the fruit?
It cannot be for the ‘tree’, me in this case. The credit for the fruit goes to the gardener that’s obvious. However, He doesn’t need my goodness, patience, self-discipline etc. Therefore He prunes so the ‘fruit’ produced goes to meet the needs of others. In thinking about the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22, 23 in such light I have to admit with sorrow I don’t often have much ‘fruit.’

Can I apply your principle of pruning to my writing? 
Why do I bother pruning my book creation or specific article? I like it as it is, plus I to battle my ‘near enough good enough’ temperament. Unfortunately editors have word limits and readers don’t enjoy the obscure or verbiage. They want to enjoy the ‘fruit’ of my labour and have a sense of pleasure from an ‘eating through the eyes’ experience.

More than that, I prune words and phrases so you Lord might turn words into seeds to implant into someone’s heart and mind!

How I long to produce a ‘future fruit tree, flower garden, majestic lawn’ in barren lives, rocky relationships, lonely wildernesses. So I guess that’s why you keep pruning me as a writer to sharpen my ability to prune for the best outcome of my writing.

What you said in Hebrews 12:11 sums it up rather nicely, ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.’ Maybe I’d simply add ‘and who have read my pruned publication.’

‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.’ Proverbs 11:30

©Raymond N. Hawkins 2010.

Raymond N Hawkins(Tasmania) is a retired Churches of Christ (Australia) minister. He is married to Mary, a multi-published author. They are parents to three children and ‘spoilers’ of 5 grandchildren. Ray still preaches at a newly formed Baptist Church and as other opportunities arise. He helps at their son and daughter-in-law’s sea horse and fresh-water fish farm. He and Mary have experienced three short-term mission trips to African countries as well as ministered in the U.K.

ISS: International Space Story - Alpha Redemption by P.A. Baines

No, not the International Space Station, though that might be fodder for another post :) Today I'm going to introduce you to a fabulous book I'm publishing and that I'm really excited about. It is the fifth book to be published through my own Splashdown Books, and the fifth author I contracted.

I came upon this tale when it was entered in the Marcher Lord Select contest last year. It didn't win, sadly, but I got in touch with the author and asked if I could read the manuscript. He said yes, for which I am very grateful, and the rest is history. I don't just like this book. I love it very much.

From despair he fled, through tragedy he lived on, and journeyed to innocence. 
His trajectory: the stars. His companion: a computer poised at the brink of sentience. 
An unlikely friendship on a prototype spaceship at lightspeed towards Alpha Centauri, and redemption.

So what makes this an International story? Well, the author, P.A. Baines, is an Englishman educated in South Africa and living in Holland. And in the book, the main character, Brett, is an Englishman living in the USA - at least, until he sets off on his space journey.

I won't try and review it; that would be biased. But let me say that I am publishing it because I can stand behind it fully and completely. It has true depth of character and emotion, as well as humour and a very personal touch.

Alpha Redemption is now available for pre-order at Splashdown Books. There is going to be an online book launch chat party on Saturday September 4th (or variously depending on your time zone!), where one lucky attendee will win a copy. More details on that can be found on the Facebook event page. If you sign up there I'll be sure and remind you closer to the time.

And just for you readers of this International blog, we'll do another giveaway right here next week, so watch out for that along with a review. You can read more reviews on the pre-order page linked above.

Come join us on a most unusual space journey that takes Brett not only to Alpha Centauri, but deep inside himself and his past...

Summer Vacation

Alice Valdal here, posting for Cathy West, who is still enjoying her summer vacation, dabbling her toes in a lake and inaccessible by Internet.
I'm just back from my own summer trip. I went home, to the place where I was born, walked the lane ways of my childhood, swam in clear, deep water and, one magical night, watched falling stars streak through the heavens. Ah, thought I, summertime!

Then we went visiting, reconnecting with my family, meeting the newest babies and greeting a bridegroom. We lived in a car, navigated strange cities, desperately seeking rest stops, and wondered loudly why "they" can't post signs for the blinking freeways. Ah, thought I, a visit is not a vacation!

Two nights in a stuffy hotel room, too much food, too much noise, too little sleep and I had a cold. With a determined smile, we waved farewell to family, boarded the subway and headed for the airport. On the way, the express bus broke down. We got caught in a cloudburst. We trundled through miles of airport hallways -- desperately seeking a rest stop -- printed our own boarding passes, tagged our own luggage and finally made it to the departure gate, only to encounter a long wait. The incoming plane was late. Finally on board, forty minutes behind schedule, we taxied down the runway. My head ached, my eyes burned but, I figured out the flying time and the time zone changes, and took heart. I'd be home before dark. Then the plane stopped. We waited again, while a brake cooled down. Ah, thought I, I hate holidays!

Landed at last on Vancouver Island. The temperature had dropped and a wind blew hard across the parking lot. At least the cool air felt good on my fevered skin. A short taxi ride and we were home. I dumpedthe suitcase of dirty clothes into the washer, waded through the drifts of cat hair that now covered the pristine floors I'd left behind, popped a cold tablet and fell into bed. Ah, thought I, my own pillow!

Next morning I turned on my computer and found 1000 items in my inbox. I opened the fridge and found it bare. I wandered out to the garden and beheld a jungle. Pumpkins grew through the roses, squash vines strangled the peas, bean plants bent under the weight of their crop. The grass was long, the weeds in full array and tucked into my freezer were buckets of plums my neighbour had plucked from my tree and saved for me. Ah, thought I, what a friend!

Today the laundry is done, I've fruit for jam, simmering on the stove. The cats have forgiven our absence. One is curled on my lap right now. The sun is shining. The lawn is mown, my inbox is empty and this morning's devotional is Matt. 11: 28. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Ah, think I, rest in the Lord. Now that's a vacation!

Anyone care to share a vacation memory?

http://www.alicevaldal.com/

Getting to know you!

For those of you who visit our blog on a regular basis, I'm sure you discovered quickly that we are a diverse bunch of writers, living across the globe, and writing everything from prairie romances to science fiction. We love to read, travel, write, cook, and share our faith through our posts.

But what about you?

We'd love to find out a bit more about you! Are you a writer looking for inspiration, or do you simply love finding out more about people in other countries? And what about reading? Do you love reading historicals, suspense, or women's fiction?

We want to know!

I've prepared a short survey where you can share a bit about yourself with us along with what you'd like to hear from us in the future. It won't take long, I promise! So click on the link here and quickly take the survey. I'll let you know the results later next month. The survey will run live for two weeks through September 7th, so what are you waiting for?

Thanks bunches! We look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.

Lisa Harris


Writing from the Heart of Africa
Author of Blood Ransom, a powerful thriller about the modern-day
slave trade and those who dare to challenge it. (Zondervan)

Interview with Kay Marshall Strom and Book Giveaway

Narelle here. I'm delighted to welcome back Kay Marshall Strom to our blog. Today we’re giving away a copy of Kay’s September release, The Voyage of Promise. Please note the giveaway is limited to residents in the USA and Canada.

Kay Marshall Strom is the author of thirty-five published books. Four were chosen as book club selections, nine have been translated into foreign languages, and one was optioned for a movie. Her current Grace in Africa trilogy has received high praise in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Kay, travels the globe, speaking out against social injustice, especially modern-day slavery. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.

“This compelling drama will challenge readers to remember slavery’s brutal history, and its heroic characters will inspire them. Highly recommended.” An excerpt from The Call of Zulina Library Journal starred review.

Grace Winslow, the daughter of a mixed marriage between an English sea captain and an African princess, escapes a detestable betrothal and is swept up in a slave revolt. As the truth about the fortress Zulina unfolds, Grace begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family business—the capture and trade of slaves. She knows freedom and she knows slavery. But Grace will not be enslaved, and she will not give up on the man she loves. Through her struggles in West Africa and London, she finds God reaching out to her.

Narelle: Grace Winslow is the daughter of an English slave trader and his African wife. How has her mixed cultural heritage influenced her thoughts and ideas on slavery?

Kay: That’s the big issue. Despite being pulled between her father’s wish for an “English lass” and her mother’s desire for a daughter of Africa, Grace reaps the privileges of growing up on the side of power. Yet she suffers greatly from her parents’ “slave or slaver” mentality. In book 1, The Call of Zulina, a major theme is her need to choose a side—slave or slaver—then to live with the consequences of her choice.

Narelle: What do you find most fascinating about 18th Century West Africa?

Kay: Thanks to the West’s rabid hunger for slave labor, the African coast was ravaged and oppressed, and tribes armed with guns and gunpowder were set one against the other. The first time I visit a reconstructed slave fortress—the prototype for Zulina Fortress—I was struck dumb by the sight of a pair of baby-sized manacles bolted to the wall. The most fascinating thing about 18th century West Africa? What depths to which otherwise decent human beings can plunge when driven by greed, their eyes fixed on money and power.

Narelle: Please share with us a few of your research tips.

Kay: Much of my writing is non-fiction, focused on international social justice. I call myself a 21st Century Abolitionist. It was in my research and travels to Africa for other books that I found the seeds of “Grace in Africa.” The prototype for Grace’s parents, Joseph Winslow and Lingongo, are the real life 18th century couple who kept John Newton (author of Amazing Grace) enslaved for almost a year. Of course I read, read, read everything I could about the era. But my travels to West Africa brought the whole situation alive. Also, I developed friendships with several Africans, and was able to call on them for help and advice.

Narelle: The Voyage of Promise is book 2 of your Grace in Africa trilogy. We first meet Grace in The Call of Zulina, and The Voyage of Promise is the continuation of Grace’s story. How has Grace’s faith evolved and influenced her decisions?

Kay: On my trips to Africa, I’ve been greatly impressed with the stories of people who have had absolutely no Christian contact except a Bible or New Testament they found somewhere. I wanted to reflect that in the book. Grace could have talked with a Christian and had a dramatic conversion in book 1, but that just didn’t ring true. So, yes, her faith definitely does evolve.

In book 1, the spiritual influence is the slave who raised Grace—Mama Muco who, as a child, came in contact with a Western missionary. Mama Muco saved the missionary’s Bible, and Grace teaches her to read it. Though Mama Muco’s faith is strong, her knowledge is sketchy.

In book 2, Grace comes in contract with several people of faith who offer her more guidance. Also, she is confined for many weeks on board a ship to England with nothing to do but read the Bible. Grace’s evolving faith does influence her decisions, and it leads her to challenge the duplicity of the Christian slavers.

And then in book 3—The Triumph of Grace, due out in February—well, you’ll have to wait and see!

Narelle: Please tell us about your upcoming releases.

Kay: Book 1, The Call of Zulina, released last year, is set in West Africa in 1787. Grace, naïve and protected, is caught up in a raging slave rebellion at her parents’ slave fortress. With a foot in each world, she must choose her allegiance, and be willing to pay for her choice with her life.

Book 2, The Voyage of Promise, takes place five years later, after villagers have grown comfortable and complacent. Slavers burst back into Grace’s life with guns blazing and tear her family apart forever. Old enemies reappear, but so do friends she never knew she had. This book starts in West Africa, then sails to London where abolition groups brew. But the opposition there is powerful, aggressive, wealthy, and wields terrifying influence. Once again, Grace is caught in the middle. Though it seems hopeless, she will not give up her determination to reunite with her husband. (This book will be released September 1)

Book 3, The Triumph of Grace, takes up the action the following year and moves from London to the plantations of South Carolina, and then… Nope! Can’t give it away. (This will be released February 1, 2011)

Kay, thanks for joining us today. By commenting on today’s post, USA and Canadian residents can enter the drawing to win a copy of The Voyage of Promise. The drawing will take place on Friday, August 27 and the winner announced on Sunday, August 29. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached.

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

Lisa Harris posted an interview with Kay on January 18. You can read Lisa's interview here.

To learn more about Kay Marshall Strom and her books, please visit her website.

Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.

SUNDAY EDITION

Coming Up This Week

Monday

Narelle Atkins: Interview and Book Giveaway with Kay Marshall Strom

Tuesday

Lisa Harris: Getting to know you!

Wednesday

Alice Valdal

Thursday

Grace Bridges

Friday Devotion

Ray Hawkins: Therapeutic Pruning

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Contest Giveaway Winners

Judy Dudley and Anita Mae Draper are the winners of Cynthia Ruchti's book, They Almost Always Come Home (from Valerie's post, August 9).

Congratulations to all our winners!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Book Release

Legendary Space Pilgrims by Grace Bridges

If Pilgrim's Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like...

On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?
http://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Space-Pilgrims-Grace-Bridges/dp/098645172X/

Also available at a discount direct from the publisher: www.splashdownbooks.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Book Releases

Kathi Macias' historical set in Rome, Valeria’s Cross, will be released in September 2010 by Abingdon Press.

Amidst lost love, torn loyalties, and a dangerous faith, Princess Valeria discovers that all the riches of Rome can’t protect her from the evil that encroaches at every turn…

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in China, Red Ink will be released in October 2010 by New Hope Publishers.

They took her child, her family, and her freedom…but not her faith.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recent Book Releases

Lisa Harris' thriller set in Africa, Blood Ransom, is an April 2010 release from Zondervan.

Harry Kraus' book, The Six-Liter Club, is an April 2010 release from Howard Books.

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in Mexico, More than Conquerors, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Will Pastor Hector Rodriguez continue to take Bibles into the dangerous Mayan area surrounding San Juan Chamula, even after his mother disappears and his little congregation is threatened by unimaginable violence?

Kathi Macias' contemporary set in South Africa, No Greater Love, is an April 2010 release from New Hope Publishers. Chioma discovers forbidden love amidst the hatred and violence of Apartheid—and then must decide exactly what it is she’s willing to die for…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest News

Jeanette Windle's book, Veiled Freedom (Tyndale) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee and a 2010 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist - congratulations Jeanette!

Tom Davis' book, Scared (David C. Cook) is a 2010 Christy Award Nominee - congratulations Tom!

Harry Kraus' book, Salty Like Blood (Howard), is a finalist in the suspense/thriller category of the ACFW 2010 Carol Awards and the romantic suspense category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest - congratulations Harry!

Christine Lindsay placed second in the historical category of the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America's 2010 Touched By Love Contest - congratulations Christine!