About the Book A practical handbook on how to fight better—together—for your marriage. In every marriage, there is conflict. And with every conflict, there is a choice for resolution. Will you ignore the issue until it seemingly goes away? Or will you work together to find peace? In Don’t Go to Bed Angry, Deb and Ron DeArmond give you permission to fight. Conflict isn’t the problem, after all; the real issue is how we deal with the conflict. Deb and Ron demonstrate how communication through conflict can safeguard—and even strengthen—your relationship. Immensely practical features including worksheets and discussion questions make this a definitive go-to resource to help you start fighting—together—for your marriage. About the Authors Deb DeArmond is an author, speaker, and coach with a focus on communication, relationships, and conflict resolution. Her writing explores marriage, parenting, in-law and extended family relationships. She is the author of “Related By Chance, Family By Choice” and “I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last.” Deb is the founder of Living-Write, where she coaches aspiring authors. She’s monthly columnist and feature writer for Lifeway’s “Mature Living” Magazine, and has published more than 120 articles online and in print publications. ||**|| Ron DeArmond has a hungry heart for the Word, and has studied the Bible for 45+ years. Ron’s call to serve men is evident in his previous ministry positions with Christian Men’s Network under Dr. Edwin Lewis Cole and Faithful Men Ministry. Ron is currently the Associate Pastor of men’s ministry at Catch the Fire/ DFW and has ministered around the world. The DeArmonds live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. ReviewThere are conflicts in every marriage, but there are different ways to handle this conflict. Don’t Go To Bed Angry discusses different ways to have conflict, but not have it ruin a relationship. Respect while disagreeing and learning to work together to find an outcome are essential to a long-lasting relationship, as well as other advice for couples is provided in this book. At the end of each chapter there is also a husband/wife discussion section. I would recommend this book to readers that want to strengthen their marriage relationship. Genre: non-fiction, relationships Publisher: Abingdon Press Publication date: June 21, 2016 Number of pages: 208 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 4 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse. GiveawayEnter to win a copy of Don’t Go to Bed Angry—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced July 19th on the Litfuse blog!   Top Ten Tuesday: Facts About Me
7/12/2016
 1. I am an avid reader. I love reading. And have always loved reading. I especially remember my 5th grade teacher giving me books as gifts and prizes, as well as my grandma, a 3rd grade teacher at the time, also giving me books as gifts. This helped feed my love for reading. 2. I am a librarian. Presenting at the May 2015 ULA Conference. I graduated with an MLS degree with an emphasis in services for children and young adults in December of 2014. I would love to be a children's or teen librarian some day. 3. One of my greatest passions: There is a book out there for everyone. I am extreamly passionate about the fact that there is always a book out there for everyone. Even that person that originally states that he/she does not read or does not like to read. I believe it is just a matter of time and finding them the "right" book to pull them in! 4. I love libraries. Salt Lake City Public Library Whenever I travel I always like to check out the local libraries. I have come across some beautiful libraries. I also have come across several online lists of best libraries. Check out my Pinterest board for Libraries. 5. I love kids. Fairytale Storytime at the North Logan City Public Library I have always loved kids. When I was growing up I used to go tend a bunch of the neighborhood kids all the time and I loved it. That may in part have influenced my desire to become a children's or teen librarian. 6. I love music. As much as I love books, I also love music. While going to college for my undergraduate degree I studied School LIbrary Administration and Vocal Music. I currently have a small private voice studio and where I teach young adults how to improve their singing skills and techniques. So what about you? Share something about yourself with me in the comments.Hidden Agendas by Steve Brown -- Review
7/11/2016
About the Book Hidden Agendas: Dropping the Masks that Keep Us Apart(New Growth Press, May 2016) We like to pretend that hidden agendas are just for self-important bosses or egotistical politicians, but we all have them. Deep down, we all have a secret plan for getting from where we are to where we want to be, even if we refuse to admit it to ourselves. And if our hidden agendas aren’t enough, we wear masks to obscure the truth even more. We put on these masks—like religion, appearance, power, politics, or protection—to drive our agendas. But all of this leaves us feeling phony, ashamed, guilty, and afraid. It’s killing us and hurting those we love. But for most of us, it will be a cold day in a hot place before we will be fully honest with anyone else. There is so much more to life than hiding, pretending, and never being loved. In fact, there is already one person who sees behind the masks we wear and the hidden agendas that drive us. It does no good to tell God that you’re sick when you’re drunk, that you love him when you don’t, or that you didn’t steal and eat an apple (with apple juice dripping down your chin). God always recognizes and loves the “you” behind the mask. So what can we do about the hidden agendas we have and the masks we wear? How can we gather the courage to be real? “Being real” has to start with your relationship with your heavenly Father. God already knows you inside and out. But God doesn’t know you in order to “out” you to your friends. His unconditional love for his own is reason we can pray to our Father without fear of rejection or judgment. Knowing God’s love, knowing that your heavenly Father is for you not against you is the only reason to give up your masks and develop the type of authentic relationships you never thought you could have. About the Author Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, author, and the founder of Key Life Network. A former pastor, he also sits on the board of Harvest USA and devotes much of his time to the radio broadcasts “Key Life” and “Steve Brown, Etc.” ReviewHidden Agendas is a resource written by key founder of Key Life Network and former pastor Steve Brown for study groups to read and consider the “hidden agendas” in our lives. The topic of learning how to shed our many “masks” of what we want to be and try to become who we really are. I would recommend this novel to readers that want to learn to become your true self. Genre: non-fiction, Publisher: New Growth Press Publication date: May 16, 2016 Number of pages: 168 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 4 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.  About the Book When Stanley saves a man, he's given a mysterious device that allows him to travel through time. But he soon learns that changing his past doesn't necessary lead to a better future. Traveling over 100 years into the future may be the only way Stanley can change his fate and save his family. About the Author Melanie Bateman was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States at age nine. She has an associate’s degree in fine art from Utah Valley University, emphasizing in illustration. From a very young age she’s had a passion for drawing, specifically nature and the human figure. It is from this creative look on the world that she began to write stories. ReviewA magical and captivating story of time travel and mystical creatures. This is a story that will pull you into the adventure from page one and tug you along and keep you there until the very beginning. Common themes in the story deal with family, redemption, and sacrifice. Melanie Bateman has written a fun, riveting, and thrilling adventure and time travel story that readers will absolutely not want to miss. Genre: science fiction, fantasy, time travel Publisher: Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort Publication date: June 14, 2015 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: PG, violence, nothing graphic Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort.  
Eternal Mercury by Elaine Pinter
Chelsee Taylor has been in love with her boyfriend, Max, since they started kindergarten together. She has no idea that high school graduation will be the last perfect day of her life. After a tragic car accident, she refuses to accept Max's death because she can still feel his presence. No one believes her and she is completely alone. But all of that changes the moment she meets Blake Andersen. It's not just that he believes her . . . or even just that he's so understanding . . . but why is Max's presence so strong when she's with Blake? Eternal Mercury is two intertwined books in one. Book one follows Chelsee’s bittersweet journey and book two uncovers Blake’s story of redemption. In the end, it is Max who will inspire them both to trust fate, live life, and finish well. Praise for Eternal Mercury “Overall, this novel made me really think about how life can change so completely in the blink of an eye. It was an amazing, life altering story.” “I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry but most of all it made me feel like there is always hope in this world.” “I could not put this down. What an amazing story of love, tragedy, strength, triumph, and family.”
Guest Post: Eternal Mercury, Organ Donation, and Cellular Memory
When I first realized that I wanted to write a book, I knew that I wanted it to be different. Shortly after I began brainstorming for that unique idea, a car-crash scene on a mountain highway started playing in my head. Not only was I looking for a unique story idea, but I was also looking for a positive message. I began to wonder if, instead of something scary like a ghost, could something good be left after someone died? The answer became clear to me: organ donation. What could be more beautiful than that? And what could be more romantic than true love that could survive the boundaries of death? To my surprise, the idea turned out to be more realistic than I expected. Through research I discovered the phenomenon of cellular memory. Cellular memory is when people who receive transplants take on traits of people whose organs they receive. It’s rare, but when it does happen, it can come in the form of food cravings, changes in musical taste or hobbies, and sometimes even glimpses at other things about the donor. Although the level of cellular memory I portrayed in Eternal Mercury is fictional, the need for organs definitely isn’t. It’s hard to think about death, and the common misconceptions about organ donation don’t help. But by understanding the facts and then making your decision known, you just might be able to bring something good out of the bad. That part of Eternal Mercury isn’t based on fiction. Here are the facts: Over 100,000 people, including kids, are in need of transplants. Over 20 of them die waiting each day. One person can save up to seven lives by donating their heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and small intestine. That same person can improve the lives of many others through the donation of tissues such corneas, skin, veins, tendons, ligaments, and bones. You won’t receive less medical care if you decide to become a donor. Doctors and nurses make every possible effort to save their patients’ lives and will not even consider organ donation unless a person dies. Income, social status, and race are not factors in deciding who receives organ transplants. You’ll be helping people who need it the most and your family will not be charged for the procedure. Most major religions support organ donation. I’m not sure that there could be a more loving or selfless gift, but don’t be afraid to check with your spiritual advisor. Almost anyone can be an organ donor. Age and/or medical history don’t necessarily disqualify you. The most important thing you can do is let your family know whether or not you want to be an organ donor. No matter what you decide, telling your family will save them from the pain of trying to guess your wishes at a time when that’s the last thing they need. And if the choice is right for you, to let someone else continue on when you’ve reached the end down here, don’t think about what it means for you; instead think of the incredible gratitude you’d feel if someone did it for you or someone you love.
 
Author Elaine Pinter
Elaine Pinter lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and son. When she’s not hanging out with them, she’s jotting down ideas for her next novel in the tattered notebook she carries everywhere. Her writing journey began in June of 2012 when a reading spree set off an unexpected chain of events. After poring over the pages, her own ideas began to appear and she found herself glued to her laptop after her family went to bed every evening. The late nights continued until her first two YA romance novels, Eternal Mercury and Between the Starlight, were published. She’s one of those hopeless romantics who believes love always wins and that the best stories are the ones that drag you through the tears and reward you with a smile when all the pieces fit together perfectly in the end.
Rachel Laine by Jennifer Peel Blast
7/11/2016
Excerpt 1
With reluctance, I answered. “Hello.” “Hey, Rachel Laine.” “Andrew, why are you calling?” “If I didn’t know better, I would think you didn’t want to hear from me.” “Imagine that,” I responded. His laugh came through, loud and clear. “I wanted you to know I made it safely to Chicago.” “Don’t take this the wrong way—” He laughed even louder before I could finish. “—but why would I care?” I got in. “Ouch. That hurts, Rachel Laine. You know, when I use that line on you, at least I follow it up with a compliment.” “Yes, and I can’t tell you how nice it is to hear a man tell me all weekend he’s not interested in me.” “It wasn’t all weekend.” “Why are you calling?” “I wanted to check in with you, because of the weather.” “That’s nice of you, but we only got a few inches, and we’re used to the snow up here.” “Yeah … of course you are. So, what did you guys do today?” “We went to church and then overdosed on super hero movies.” “Sounds great.” “It was.” “Aren’t you going to ask how my day was?” “Are you being serious?” “It’s only polite.” “Okay … How was your day?” “It was horrible. My first flight got cancelled and then I had to wait for hours in the airport for the next available flight, and to top it off, I had to fly coach.” “Oh, how terrible.” “You’ve seen how long my legs are. They don’t belong in coach. And now I find out I could have been watching action movies with you guys all day.” Was this guy for real? I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. “And what makes you think you would have been invited?” “Why do you think I would have waited for an invitation?”
Praise for the Book
"You nailed it!!! These books keep getting better and better each time! I looovvved it!" "How is it possible that you just keep getting better? I swear this one is my favorite." "I literally got lost in Merryton again. It is one of my favorite places to visit."
Author Jennifer Peel
Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.Blast Giveaway$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/28/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
First Line Fridays -- 07.08.16
7/8/2016
 It is Friday and I am joining Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower, Rachel from Bookworm Mama, and Beth from Faithfully Bookish in First Line Fridays. If you would like to join us, send Carrie a meassage and let her know! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today's first line is coming from Towers of Brierley by Anita Stansfield. This is one of my all time favorite books. I have read it many times and would highly recommend it to those that enjoy historical, Christian fiction. Add this book to GOODREADS or order from AMAZON--KINDLE & PRINT.  "Gavin waited quietly behind a massive tree at the edge of the trail."
GIVEAWAY: One Kindle e-copy of the book will be gifted to one commenter! (So include your email address in your post in a non-spam format). What are you reading? What is your first line? Opent the book nearest you and post the first line... About the Book You feel more than mommy guilt. You feel a deep and growing conviction that you must do something to disciple your daughter. But what? How can a busy mom make sure that her daughter learns about the most important things in life: what Jesus did for her on the cross and how to be faithful to him in this broken world? Author Trish Donohue has been there, and that’s why she wrote Between Us Girls: Walks and Talks for Moms and Daughters. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship. Between Us Girls is more than a devotional; it’s a conversation guide, and the twenty-six “chats” are just the beginning. Ultimately, Donohue’s book teaches mothers and daughters a new way to communicate and starts them on a wonderful, lifelong journey of getting to know one another better and learning to love their Savior more. Between Us Girls was written by a busy mom for busy moms, so no prep time is needed! Just schedule some time with your daughter, grab this book, head to your destination of choice, and cherish every moment you share with your girl. About the Author Tricia Donohue is a wife and mom who writes from her kitchen table in West Chester, PA. A desire to disciple her girls paired with a love for writing inspired this book. She and her husband, Jim, have two sons and two daughters. They attend Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where Jim serves as a pastor. Find out more about Trish athttp://www.reminding-myself.com. ReviewA great book for mothers and daughters to use to connect with each other and with God. This book is a good resource not only for mothers to use with their daughters, but for aunt-niece or older sibling younger sibling relationships as well. I love how there are questions for both the “moms” and “daughters” to ask and discuss. I would recommend this to mothers that want to better their parenting skills. Genre: non-fiction, parenting Publisher: New Growth Press Publication date: June 6, 2016 Number of pages: 144 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.  About the Book A simple act of kindness hands Stanley the ability to time travel. But to fully understand this power, he needs to find a mystical seer a hundred years in the future! About the Author Melanie Bateman was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States at age nine. She has an associate’s degree in fine art from Utah Valley University, emphasizing in illustration. From a very young age she’s had a passion for drawing, specifically nature and the human figure. It is from this creative look on the world that she began to write stories. ReviewA great read from Melanie Bateman. Watch for a full review coming soon! A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. Tour ScheduleJune 16: Community Bookstop June 17: Jodi Woody June 18: Making Life a Bliss Complete June 19: Kaylee Baldwin June 20: Rockin’ Book Reviews June 21: 2 Kids and Tired Books June 22: Literature Approved | Fire and Ice June 23: Bookworm Lisa June 24: The Reader’s Salon June 25: Bookworm Nation June 26: Wishful Endings June 27: Connie’s Bookmark June 28: Once Upon a Time | Writing Worm June 29: Storyweaver June 30: The Unabridged Girl July 1: Mel’s Shelves July 2: Blooming with Books July 3: The Book Addict | Inklings and Notions July 4: Novel-ties July 5: Singing Librarian Books July 6: Reading Lark July 7: Paranormal & Romantic Suspense Reviews  About the Book
All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness
Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe--until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology. Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare. Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority--to keep Shelby and her son safe--could prove to be the biggest challenge of all. As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive. In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos. About the Author
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace, including romantic suspense and Amish romance novels. She is the author of seventeen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country.
Guest Post: Heroes and Heroines of Dystopian Fiction
What’s your favorite kind of hero/heroine? Do you envision the hero riding in to save the day on a horse? Or driving a sports car? Is your heroine a woman with a career or a stay at home mom?
My upcoming release, Deep Shadows, is a dystopian story. These are tales centered around a dramatic change in society, major what if scenarios. They are stories about relationships and how they survive or crumble when what we’ve feared, as a society, occurs. They’re stories of faith and hope in the most desperate of times. And the major characters in these stories are a bit different! Dystopian heroes/heroines:
Deep Shadows is the first book in my upcoming Remnant Series. It’s a significant change from the Amish books I’ve previously published, and for me this journey began with a few questions: Would I know how to survive if the technology I use every day disappeared? Would I be strong, physically and emotionally, to care for my family? Would my faith, my belief in God’s care and provide, remain strong? Deep Shadows is a journey into fast paced, unexpected journey through a world turned topsy-turvy. I hope it’s a journey that you’ll take with me. Review
A new fun and exciting dystopian novel from Vannetta Chapman!
Watch for a full review coming soon!
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Vanetta Chapman's Street Team.
Giveaway
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