White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing White Christmas Pie Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008) by Wanda E. Brunstetter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fascinated by the Amish people during the years of visiting her husband's family in Pennsylvania, WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER combined her interest with her writing and now has eleven novels about the Amish in print, along with numerous other stories and ministry booklets. She lives in Washington State, where her husband is a pastor, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the states.

This year Wanda also published A Sister's Hope.


ABOUT THE NOVEL

Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you'll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

Abandoned by his father, Will Henderson was raised by an Amish couple. Now he's about to marry Karen Yoder but is having second thoughts. Can Will overcome the bitterness of his past in order to secure his future? Karen cannot break through the barrier her fiance has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will begins to see green. Has he already lost his chance for happiness?

When an accident threatens Will's life, the strength of blood ties is tested. Will a recipe for White Christmas pie contain the ingredients for a happily-ever-after?

If you would like to read the first chapter of White Christmas Pie, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

My Personal Testimony

Reprinted by permission from SharperIron.org.

Confessions of a Classic Performer

I grew up on a farm without animals—domesticated animals, that is. Wild cats came and went like vagrants seeking shelter for a few months before setting off in search of something better. Those cats especially liked our classic circa 1900 red barn. As a boy, I remember sitting in the barn’s hayloft while dust motes danced in shafts of sunlight at my feet. Peering up at the cavernous ceiling, I imagined that I was inside a massive cathedral until the flutter of wings drew my attention to a four-paned window inset into the peak. Birds that had been trapped inside the barn fluttered against the glass panes in search of a way out. (Photo, clockwise: Adam, Kim, Laura, and Julia)

In many ways, aren’t we all like those birds before we meet Christ—trapped in the "barn" of self? No, I’ve never been trapped in a physical sense. In fact, I experienced a Christian background many might envy: godly parents and siblings; fundamental, Bible-preaching churches; and a quality Christian school education. But like everyone at birth, I was trapped in my sin as much as any drug addict. Though God spared me from the more obvious pitfalls of a life without Christ, He gave me just as much saving grace as He extends to anyone who calls upon Him. For that I am indeed thankful.

Sealed My Pardon

My mom led me to Christ when I was four years old. I remember sitting next to her in a Buick Opal (I’m dating myself now) on our way to who knows where and chatting about heaven and hell as casually as two friends might discuss the weather. Even at four, I knew I was going to hell if I didn’t trust Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. My mom pulled the car off to the side of the road, and Jesus "sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!" Yet as is often the case with early conversions, I had doubts. At age nine, I attended a Word of Life concert about the rapture. I remember a big auditorium, lots of people, red carpeting, and a balcony seat. The woman on stage sang a beautiful but frightening song about God's leaving unbelievers behind. Unsure about the decision I had made when I was four, I left the building with confidence that I was on my way to heaven and wouldn't, in fact, be left behind.

One Holy Night by J.M. Hochstetler

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces One Holy Night from Sheaf House (April 1, 2008) by J. M. Hochstetler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


J. M. Hochstetler writes stories that always involve some element of the past and of finding home. Born in central Indiana, the daughter of Mennonite farmers, she graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Germanic languages. She was an editor with Abingdon Press for twelve years and has published three novels.

One Holy Night, a contemporary miracle story for all seasons, released in April 2008. Daughter of Liberty (2004) and Native Son (2005), books 1 and 2 of the American Patriot Series are set during the American Revolution. Book 3, Wind of the Spirit, is scheduled for release in March 2009. Hochstetler is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, and Historical Novels Society.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1967 the military build-up in Viet Nam is undergoing a dramatic surge. The resulting explosion of anti-war sentiment tears the country apart, slicing through generations and shattering families. In the quiet bedroom community of Shepherdsville, Minnesota, the war comes home to Frank and Maggie McRae, whose only son, Mike, is serving as a grunt in Viet Nam.

Frank despises all Asians because of what he witnessed as a young soldier fighting the Japanese in the south Pacific during WWII. The news that his son has fallen in love with and married Thi Nhuong, a young Vietnamese woman, shocks him. To Frank all Asians are enemies of his country, his family, and himself. A Buddhist, Thi Nhuong represents everything he despises. So he cuts Mike out of his life despite the pleas of his wife, Maggie; daughter, Julie; and Julie s husband, Dan, the pastor of a growing congregation.

Maggie is fighting her own battle--against cancer. Convinced that God is going to heal her, Frank plays the part of a model Christian. Her death on Thanksgiving Day devastates him. Worse, as they arrive home from the gravesite, the family receives news of Mike s death in battle. Embittered, Frank stops attending church and cuts off family and friends.

By the time a very pregnant Thi Nhuong arrives on his doorstep on a stormy Christmas Eve, Frank is so filled with hate that he slams the door in her face, shutting her out in the bitter cold. Finally, overcome by guilt, he tries to go after her, but driving wind and snow force him back inside. With the storm rising to blizzard strength, he confronts the wrenching truth that what hate has driven him to do is as evil as what the Japanese did all those years earlier, and that he needs forgiveness as desperately as they did ...

Frank doesn't know that what God has in mind this night is a miracle. As on that holy night so many years ago, a baby will be born and laid in a manger--a baby who will bring forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Holy Night, go HERE.

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Until We Reach Home Bethany House (October 1, 2008) by Lynn Austin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. She has published twelve novels. Three of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, and Fire by Night have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, and 2004 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005.

Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Among her lastest books are A Proper Pursuit and A Woman's Place.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's and father's suicide. Ellin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare and when it circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Ellin, Kirsten, and Sophia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America's story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Until We Reach Home, go HERE

November Newsletter

November 8, 2008

Dear Reader,

Do you ever wish life would slow down? It’s almost mid-November, and here I am working on my second newsletter already. What’s the status of Fatal Illusions? Kregel has said that the novel will be their “lead fiction title of the season,” so I’m getting excited. Right now, a copyeditor is fixing typos and other mistakes. I will have two more opportunities to read the novel: once after Thanksgiving (I can make minor changes) and around Christmastime (I’ll be checking page proofs only for mistakes). The novel goes to the printer at the end of January, and Kregel’s official release is sometime in March.

What else is there to do? I need to finish writing my dedication, acknowledgments, and the Reading Group Guide (discussion questions for reading groups). Several "endorsers" (established novelists) will read the novel and hopefully write positive reviews and recommendations. Review snippets of Kregel’s choosing will appear in promotional materials and somewhere in the novel. A Kregel publicist plans to discuss a marketing plan with me soon. Book signings? Radio interviews? Blog tours? I'm not exactly sure, but I guess I'll find out.

Will the Novel Be Available at My Local Bookstore?

I get this question a lot. Kregel reps are currently pitching the novel to various booksellers, but I have no way of knowing which bookstores will carry it. You may always purchase the novel from online bookstores (see "Ways to Pre-order" at my Web site). Also, with the novel’s ISBN number (available at my Books page), you may order the book from any bookstore in the country. By the way, here’s a special thank you to those who have already pre-ordered a copy. Your vote of confidence is a big encouragement.

What Am I Working on Now?

I’m revising a young adult historical novel with the working title of Part the Waters. Based on a true story, the novel is about an American family trapped in Nazi Germany at the outbreak of World War II. After Part the Waters, I plan to write the sequel to Fatal Illusions.

Book Drawings

Congratulations to Joe and Norma Keys for winning October's book drawing. They will receive a free copy of Shoofly Pie by Tim Downs. For November's drawing, I will be giving away a copy of The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers. Winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award, this is one of the most powerful Christian novels I’ve ever read. Current and new subscribers to my mailing list will be entered in this free drawing. Please invite family and friends to sign up today.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement. May the Lord receive all the glory!
--Adam

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My Author's Web Site: www.adamblumerbooks.com
My Freelance Editing Services: www.blumer.org/adam
My Writing News and Book Reviews: www.northwoodsblumer.blogspot.com
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Rain Song by Alice Wisler

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rain Song Bethany House October 1, 2008) by Alice J. Wisler
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice sold her first story to David C. Cook for a take-home Sunday School paper called Sprint. The year was 1988, this was her first submission to a paying market, and the check sent to her was for $125.00.

She was on her way!

Since then, Alice has sold articles and devotions to the Upper Room, Alive Now, Standard Publishing, ByLine magazine and others.

In 2006 she sent her novel Rain Songto Bethany House...and the rest is history! She signed a two -book deal and the second, How Sweet It Is will be out in 2009.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his emails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rain Song, go HERE.