'A Legacy of Lies' by Stephenia McGee - Book Information + Author Bio + Book Giveaway

Yesterday, I published a guest blog post from a new author named Stephenia McGee. Today, I want to share with you some information on her debut novel, 'A Legacy of Lies,' plus her biography. I also have a copy of her book to give to one blessed reader! 


Here is Stephenia's biography:

Stephenia McGee wrote her first story from a first-grade spelling list. Many more have followed, but A Legacy of Lies is her first novel. She is a member of the Christian Writer's Guild and continues to work with other writers to hone her craft.

In addition to writing, Stephenia also enjoys painting and working with horses. She has a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in animal science and has worked and trained for several equestrian farms. She is the Chairman at Spirit Horse Ministries, and continues to use these skills in the youth programs.

She is a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and a member of the Fort Rosalie chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Stephenia is married to her best friend and greatest blessing, Jason, and they currently live in Mississippi with their two sons.

Here is the synopsis of 'A Legacy of Lies:'

Sarah Sanders is so stressed-out at college that she’s having fainting spells. She’s behind on the rent and facing eviction. Dropping out of school feels inevitable. Needing a break, she accepts her boyfriend’s invitation to visit his parents’ ranch out west. But she finds much more in Montana than fresh air and mountain trails.

Ranch hand Jim Anderson has suffered from night terrors for over a year. But despite this secret struggle, his life at the ranch had been a welcomed escape from his past. Until those terrifying dark shadows started coming for him in the middle of the afternoon.

Brought together by an unseen hand, Sarah and Jim must travel across the country to unravel a web of deceit and uncover Jim’s long history of lies before the evidence is sealed away forever.

And please enjoy this excerpt from 'A Legacy of Lies:'

Jim settled into the brushed leather of his ranching saddle. The saddle had a deep seat and the fenders turned the stirrups out perfectly. He was as comfortable here as most men were in a recliner in front of the television. He tried to keep his mind off Sarah's emerald eyes. No luck.

Focus on something else.

The deep indigos and golden streaks had faded from the sky, the sun now sat high enough over the white mountain peaks to start warming the air. A clear sky promised a peaceful day. It would be nice to spend the day--

What the...

A streak of color blurred past him. Ciervo lurched underneath him. Jim cursed under his breath, trying to steady his spooked mount. Up ahead he saw clods of soft earth flying up from behind galloping hooves. Panic set in.

Runaway horse.

Sarah.

Jim squeezed his legs as he leaned into the saddle and lowered his head. Ciervo dipped his haunches and rocketed forward. Within a stride his horse extended to a full gallop, his hooves barely hitting the ground. In mere seconds, they were gaining on the other horse. A sorrel.

Jim flung the reins around his body. The leather ends popped into Ciervo's thick hindquarters. The horse lowered his head and surged. Amazingly, the powerful buckskin found another gear. Jim's hat flew off, the leather strap catching hard against his neck. The wind buffeted his face. He squinted his eyes, leaned forward in the saddle, and gripped the reins with both hands. His body was now moving in rhythm with the horsepower beneath him.

Ciervo heaved in massive amounts of air. Pounding hooves and the horse's deep snorting breaths drowned the startled cries behind them. Ciervo's tail whipped through the air. Jim urged him on. Ten more feet. Five. He came even with the sorrel and reached for the reins, his fingers barely grazing the leather. He leaned further and Ciervo followed Jim's lead, nearly brushing against the other horse as the two animals raced across the valley. He reached out again and finally grabbed the runaway horse's rein.

"Hang on." Jim shouted above the deafening thunder of pounding hooves.

In one fluid motion, he planted his feet in the stirrups, rocked back in the saddle, and jerked Sarah's left rein down to his thigh. Sassy's head jerked, her neck curving until her muzzle met her shoulder. The mare's front feet planted into the soft earth, her massive weight tearing loose the grass underneath. As Sarah crashed into the saddle horn, a whoosh of air escaped her lips. Ciervo lowered his haunches and buried down to his hocks in the dirt. They came jerking to a halt. For a second no one moved. Jim let out his breath.

He looked at Sarah. She bent over the saddle horn, gasping for air. Her face splotchy red. When she caught her breath, she glared at him, her eyes nearly shooting daggers.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy?" Sarah yelled at him and snatched her rein from his hand. Jim's jaw dropped. He could only stare at her. He'd just risked his life to save hers and she yelled at him? His fingers tightened on his reins, clenching into tight fists.

He knew it. Nothing but trouble.

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Stephenia has generously offered a PDF copy of her book to one blessed person! Thanks, Stephenia! There are several ways to enter:

1) ‘Like’ Stephenia’s author page on Facebook.  Please leave a comment to that effect, and make sure you leave your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

2) Follow my blog as either a Google Follower or a NetWorkedBlogs Follower. If you already ‘follow,’ that counts, too! Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

3) Follow Stephenia on Twitter.  Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

4) Follow me on Twitter. Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by the Random Number Generator. The next to all of you!

‘Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace’ by Deanna Nowadnick – Book Review and Giveaway

I enjoy the opportunity to learn about a person by reading his or her autobiography. That is the case with my latest ‘read,’ ‘Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace’ by Deanna Nowadnick.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Is there really a place in God’s heart for a defiant child? In His divine plans for a self-centered teenager? In His family for an adult who gets tired and impatient?

In a memoir of missteps and misdeeds, Deanna Nowadnick writes of the hugeness of God’s love and faithfulness. Reframing life in God’s grace, she discovers an indescribable, indefinable, inexplicable love that has encircled her without fail through joyous, sad, cringe-worthy, heartwarming, forgettable, memorable moments in life.

Fruit of My Spirit is for anyone who’s ever questioned God’s ability to love and forgive, who’s ever wondered about their place in God’s family or God’s place in theirs. Nowadnick offers hope for those who dare to question, who secretly wonder, and who fear to ask. Through stories of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you will experience the enormity of God, too.

Here is the author’s biography:

This is Deanna Nowadnick’s first book. What started as short story for her sons quickly became a larger story. When not writing, she serves as the Client Service Coordinator for a financial advisor. She’s active in her church, playing the violin and editing the monthly newsletter. She loves to knit, adores chocolate, and most important, enjoys a blessed marriage to Kurt. Deanna and Kurt have two sons, Kevin and Kyle, and live in Monroe, WA.

Deanna is a terrifically gifted writer. Here is an example from her Preface:

….I know the important stuff’s on the inside, but honestly, I’m not so sure that the inside stuff’s any prettier. Perhaps I’ve been expecting God to act as my own fairy godmother, ready to pop into the scene any moment now with a twinkle in His eye and a wand in His hand. I’ve been waiting to be tapped ever so gently on the forehead and magically transformed into a loving, joyous, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled delight in His life, adorned in a nice white ensemble, cute shoes, and fresh nail polish. In thinking that, I’ve not only trivialized God’s love and forgiveness, but I’ve missed the magnitude of His mercy that’s been shared with me over and over again. I’ve overlooked the fruit of His Holy Spirit that’s already a part of my own spirit in all that I do and all that I am. (p. xiii)

I loved reading about Deanna’s wonderful marriage to her husband of 37 years, Kurt. Here she is sharing about what a wonderful man God blessed her with:

Despite the perceived failings of our premarital instruction, Kurt and I left with simple, yet profound advice: “Try every day to do something unexpected, something special, something unspoken, and unselfish for the other person.” Thanks to the pastor, not a day goes by that I haven’t been the benefactor of an act of kindness, as I enjoy life with a man who continues to shower me with his grace. Some days it’s a kind word; other days it’s a clean car with a full tank of gas. Some days it’s the patience to listen as I rant about the insignificant; other days, it’s a calm, sincere reassurance of my skills and abilities. Every day it’s something – just for me. (p. 41)

How sweet!

She shares the one constant through the trials of life:

Through it all, God has been the only constant. As life changed, as people came and went, as a small community quietly closed its doors, God’s love and grace were unwavering, caring for all humankind while never losing sight of a young woman and her family. In a world of disposables, in a time when something’s obsolete, if not new and improved, God remained faithful. To a girl who questioned and strayed and struggled and failed, God remained faithful. (p. 81)   

WOW – this book really spoke to me! Deanna has gone through some of the same things I did as a younger person, including obstinacy against a parent (my mother, in my case), plus an eating disorder. Also like Deanna, I have learned of the love and grace of God toward me! And God has blessed me with a wonderful husband (Fred), also. For those things, I am thankful for both of us!

You can order this book here.

You can download a sample from the book here.

This book was published by Rhododendron Books and generously provided by the author for review and giveaway purposes.

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Deanna has graciously offered a copy of ‘Fruit of My Spirit’ to one blessed reader of my blog; thanks, Deanna! There are several ways to enter:

1) ‘Like’ Deanna’s book page on Facebook.  Please leave a comment to that effect, and make sure you leave your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

2) Follow my blog as either a Google Follower or a NetWorkedBlogs Follower. If you already ‘follow,’ that counts, too! Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

3) Follow Deanna on Twitter.  Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.

4) Follow me on Twitter. Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in this format – name at domain dot com.


5) Tweet this tweet:

Enter to win 'Fruit of My Spirit' by @DeannaNowadnick from @andrealschultz. http://bit.ly/FOMSGiveaway Please RT. Thx!

You can tweet once per day. Please leave a comment to that effect with your email address in the above referenced format - name at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Friday, April 6, 2012 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen on Saturday, April 7, 2012 by the Random Number Generator. The next to all of you!

The Person Spending 'Mornings with Jesus 2012' Is.....

The Random Number Generator has chosen the winner of 'Mornings with Jesus 2012.' That person is....


RubynReba


Congrats, RubynReba! I have sent an email to you.


For those of you who would like to spend 'mornings with Jesus' and this wonderful devotional, you can order your copy here.


Thanks to all of you who entered. Please come back soon, as there will be more giveaways to come.

Check Out This Link to Look Up Bible Passages in the Common English Bible!

For those of you who are curious about the new Common English Bible translation that I have been blogging about as part of the 'Change Your Heart and Live' blog tour, there is a website set up where you can go and look up any Bible passage. You can check up your favorite verse here.


One of my favorites is Philippians 4:13; check it out:


I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. (CEB) 


If you like what you see (!!), you can enter to win a Common English Bible paperback copy of your own, courtesy of the Common English Bible Committee. Just leave a comment here at this post. The deadline for entry is Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:59 pm. The Random Number Generator will choose a winner on Sunday, February 26, 2012.

Winner of 'Conquering Your Goliaths' Is!

We have a winner of 'Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones' by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, thanks to the Random Number Generator. 


Congratulations to Kendra! I will be getting in touch with you shortly. Thanks for stopping by!


For those of you who are interested in reading this interesting book, you can order your very own copy here.


Many thanks to Kathryn for providing her book for this giveaway! 

Author and Book Info Post – Thom Hunter’s “Who Told You You Were Naked?” The Counterfeit Compassion of Culture + Book Giveaway!

Yesterday, I shared on my blog a guest post by Thom Hunter, entitled ‘Christians and Sex: The Deafening Silence.’ I found it to be powerful; it ‘forced’ me to question my views on a number of topics. If you missed it, you can read it here.

Today, I want to share with you more information on “Who Told You You Were Naked?,” as well as sharing Thom’s autobiography.

Here is the synopsis of Thom’s latest book:

Truth Hope Faith Grace "Who Told You You Were Naked?" is for men and women who seek freedom through Christ from the bondage of sexual sin. Thirsting for lasting freedom? Searching for truth? Crying out for uncompromised compassion? Yearning to move beyond shame and guilt? Ready for restoration? Sexual sin -- whether it manifests itself as homosexuality, sexual addiction, pornography, lust, idolatry, or adultery -- wreaks havoc. It can destroy the broken one and devastate the lives of family members and friends close enough to feel the impact of the personal implosion. Our 21st Century enlightenment leads us down a very dark path. In the interest of compassion, we re-define marriage, re-manufacture the military, re-shape education to focus on sexual identity, re-define the family, and refrain from sharing the truth. Christians are like the cowardly lion whose courage vanishes in the presence of a louder voice. As a result, Christians who struggle with sexuality either go into hiding or into the arms of the counterfeit compassionate culture. People who are not Christians, but are looking for answers to sexual problems, see the church as irrelevant, not as a place to find hope and restoration. While Christians debate whether it is too painful to be truthful or too compromising to be compassionate, culture doles out anesthetics and everyone goes numb or plays dumb. As a result, culture assumes the mantle of compassion and Christians seem loveless and fearful, judgmental and condemning. “Who Told You You Were Naked?” reminds us that God restores and rebuilds based on His never-changing truth rather than by surrendering His people to the whims of ever-changing cultural chaos. In the midst of all this chaos, there is truth, if we can find the courage to share it and the compassion to voice it. "Who Told You You Were Naked?" not only does that, but it shows the reader how he can as well. It will make a difference in the lives of men and women who want to be free from the bondage of whatever sexual struggle has enveloped them.

Here is Thom’s autobiography, as seen on his blog, ‘Signs of a Struggle:’ 

I am a married father of five who has fought and fallen and risen again to fight against same-sex attraction. It's been a long and difficult journey and my desire now is to encourage others not to give up, but to press on. I've moved beyond excuses to claiming responsibility and therefore power through the Grace of God, who knows me and walks with me. I believe that the church should be the place where those who struggle with sexual brokenness find hope and healing and support as they journey into freedom.

And here is additional information from his Amazon page:

Thom Hunter is the director of BridgeBack Ministries, based in Norman, Oklahoma. He shares the truth with compassion and encouragement for individuals and families who struggle with sexual and relational brokenness, particularly within the church and in Christian families. Thom and Lisa have been married for more than 35 years. He is available to speak to your church or group. Contact him at thom@bridgebackministries.com

Thom has generously offered to give away a copy of “Who Told You You Were Naked?” here; thanks, Thom! In order to enter, please leave a comment (including your email address, in this form – yourname at domain dot com) telling us why you want to win this book.

The deadline to enter is Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Saturday, March 3, 2012. The best to all of you!

‘Mornings with Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul’ by Various Authors – Book Review and Book Giveaway

I can think of no better way to start your morning than to spend it with Jesus. ‘Morningswith Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul’ offers a fantastic tool to help readers to grow closer to Him.

Here is the synopsis of this wonderful book:

        Invite Jesus into your Day.

“Be Still and Know That I am God” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible. But it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus 2012 will help usher you into the quiet that you crave, where you can experience more of Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence.

In a year’s worth of devotions, Mornings with Jesus 2012 offers a fresh perspective of who this Healer, Comforter, Good Shepherd and Son of God is, and gives a deeper understanding of what that means for you.

The warm and friendly voices of seven women reflect on the character and teachings of Jesus, and encourage you to draw near to Him and invite His presence, truth and relevance into your life. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, an insightful reflection on Jesus’ words, wisdom, compassion and comfort, and a faith step that will inspire and challenge you.

Spend time with Jesus in the morning, and experience His nearness and peace throughout your day.

Here is a short biography of each author:

Judy Baer was born on a farm and grew up in the prairies of North Dakota. Judy is married, lives in Minnesota, and has two daughters and three stepchildren. She is the author of more than seventy-five books.

Gwen Ford Faulkenberry lives and writes in the mountains of Ozark, Arkansas. She and her husband, Stone, have three children. Gwen teaches English at Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus and is the author of two novels and three devotional books.

Tricia Goyer is a best-selling author who has written more than twenty-seven books. Tricia’s intention is to serve ordinary women by encouraging extraordinary things with God’s help. In addition to writing, she enjoys sharing Jesus’ love through volunteering as a mentor for teenage moms in her community and ministering in the Czech Republic on missions trips. Tricia and her husband, John, have four children and live in Arkansas.   

Sharon Hinck is a wife and mother of four, who loves spending mornings – and all day – with Jesus. She has a master of arts in communications and her award-winning novels explore ordinary women on extraordinary faith journeys.

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of many devotionals, including Simple Compassion and Oxygen. She writes and speaks to help people slow down, simplify, and rest so that they can listen to God. She and her husband, Scot, live with their teenage son and daughter in Illinois.

Erin Keeley Marshall is the author of Navigating Route 20-Something and The Daily God Book. She was raised in Chicago’s western suburbs and graduated from Taylor University in Indiana. In her spare time, Erin enjoys exercise, outdoor activities, lake living, decorating, traveling, reading and hanging out with her husband, Steve, and their two children, Paxton and Calianne.

Camy Tang grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and her rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of the Sunday worship teams. Camy has authored many novels.

I like to review devotional books by focusing on significant dates in my life – February 21 (my birthday), my anniversary (June 10), and my husband, Fred’s, birthday (June 12).

February 21’s devotion was written by Judy Baer and feature Hebrews 6:17-18. I love this paragraph:

In God there is no variation or shadow due to change. There are no discrepancies or inconsistencies in God. People are fickle, changeable and unpredictable, but God is exactly the opposite. He never changes or takes back His offer of grace and salvation. Difficult as it is to imagine this great generosity, we can hold it as true. God does not – cannot – renege on His promises. What a comfort that is. Our salvation does not depend on a fickle God but one whose promises endure forever. (p. 52)

That is one encouraging paragraph!

June 10 was written by one of my favorite authors, Tricia Goyer and features Luke 5:18-20, about the paralyzed man. This inspired Tricia to write about her friends and her Lord:

I know now that when I’m facing a struggle I don’t want anyone to know about, that’s the time I need to seek support from the people God has brought into my life. It’s hard to admit weakness, but true friends are those willing to carry us when we’re too weak to take a first step. (p. 162)

The Faith Step (which is included each day) for June 10 is very impactful – and wonderful advice:

Think of a private struggle you haven’t shared with your friends. Consider a way you can confess to them and ask them to help you find Jesus even in your weakness. (p. 162)

Tuesday, June 12 features Exodus 3:14: “I Am Who I Am” (NIV). Erin Keeley Marshall asks the question, ‘Who does God think He is anyway?’ She provides her answer to this question:

After spending thousands of years showing His awesome character, God the Father introduced His Son, Jesus, to the world. Jesus, in turn, proved that He is just like His Father – knowing exactly who He is and what He is about. He said He has the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6), He would be in the grave for three days (Matthew 12:40), He commands angels (Matthew 13:41), He is the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-17), and He would rise from the dead (Luke 18:31-33).

Imagine if any Person of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – were not wholeheartedly confident of His identity. What kind of God would He be? Not one we could trust, that’s for sure.

Today be confident that Jesus will continue to be Himself. (p. 164)

I love finding a worthwhile devotional book; ‘Mornings with Jesus 2012’ is certainly that. I encourage anyone to spend the rest of their mornings in 2012 with Jesus and this heartfelt and encouraging book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Guideposts and provided by them for review and giveaway purposes.

As part of the LitFuse blog tour, I have a copy of this wonderful devotional to give to one person! In order to enter, please leave a comment telling me if you’d keep for book for yourself or to whom you would gift the book.

Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – yourname at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.  The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The best to all of you!

‘Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs’ by Patty Mason – Book Review + Giveaway!

As is the case with a multitude of people in this country (and worldwide, for that matter), I have had bouts of depression. It is so debilitating. My lovely friend, Patty Mason, has written a book about her journey with depression – and her deliverance from it – in ‘Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs.’

Here is the synopsis of this impactful book:

If you are suffering from depression there is HOPE! Millions are suffering, facing an onslaught of pain and despair that seems unending. Countless individuals are trapped under the weight of depression. Where is help? Where are the answers? Can freedom ever be theirs again?

Patty Mason knows the pain and devastation of depression, but she is no longer in that dark place! Her passion and deep-seated conviction to help others learn the truth and break the cycle, compelled Patty to extend hope by earnestly sharing her story of how she became Finally Free, Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs.

Learn to:

·         Find hope and freedom from emotional bondage

·         Let go of a painful past and move forward

·         Get to the root of depression pain

·         Recognize that your pain has purpose

Here is the biography of this author:

Patty Mason is an award-winning author, speaker, and the founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries. She has been teaching, mentoring and inspiring women of all ages through her writings and her talks. Patty has reached audiences all over the world through Sisters on Assignment, ChristianTV, Salem Communications Network Channel Light Source, and as a co-host on WLGT Blog Radio Live.

Patty was recently on the ‘700 Club.’ Here is her amazing story:

In the Preface, Patty shares what she hopes for her book and its readers:

As you read my story, my hope is that you will discover renewed strength, courage and determination – that you will find hope and freedom from your emotional hurt. Let my experience inspire you to let go of a painful past, to move forward, and to get to the root of your depression. Permit my story to bring you to comfort in the midst of your suffering. (p. 3)

One paragraph in particular in the book could have been written by me; I could definitely related to Patty’s struggle:

The consequences of my suppressed emotions surfaced for the first time when I turned thirteen, and for years I lashed out at everyone around me, even those I loved. In what seemed like a flash, I went from being a sweet, shy, soft-spoken child to an angry teenager full of resentment. I was very sensitive, so my feelings were easily hurt, which I released through fits of fury. I could no longer contain all those years of fear, hurt, and abuse. Like a dam breaking, the raging river burst through my broken heart, and wiped out anyone or anything in its path. (pp. 9-10)

Another area where I could relate to Patty’s journey is her belief in the world’s lies:

When I assumed the world’s way of doing things would define me as a person, and who I was meant to be, I set the stage for the ultimate sense of unhappiness. It felt awful to have put all of my hopes and dreams into something I thought would deliver great reward, only to find out that the rug had been pulled out from under me.

What should have been my greatest journey toward satisfaction, turned out to be my worst nightmare. Nothing made me whole; nothing gave me the sense of life, love and purpose I was frantically searching for. From the time I was 18, I searched for life, love and happiness in all the wrong places. In an attempt to find myself – I lost myself. I didn’t have a clue where to turn. I didn’t know where to look anymore. (pp. 28-29)

Patty gave her life to Jesus one day, and she shares how He changed her life:

From the day Jesus came into my life, the relationship we share has continued to grow closer and deeper. As a result, I have found meaning in life and a reason to live. I found purpose. My life has direction; a true sense of determination that is leading me down paths I never dreamed I would take. For example, if you told me, prior to the depression, I would one day be an author and speaker, and be involved in women’s ministry, I probably would have laughed. Even though I didn’t see myself this way, God did. He knew the plans he had for me long before I was born. He knew what he desired to accomplish in my life, and he knew the path I would have to take to find my way to those purposes. God knew, from the beginning, how to win my heart, draw me close to him, and bring me into the plans he had for me. (pp. 59-60)

After salvation, we aren’t immediately transformed; it is usually an ongoing process. One area that we need to focus on is forgiving those who have hurt us:

Harboring any wrongdoing in your heart will eat away at you like a cancer. Harboring an offense, carrying it in your heart like a bitter memory, will keep you locked in an emotional prison. So, even though none of this may be your fault, forgiveness is an important step toward finding freedom and being released from the past. (pp. 76-77)

I found this book to be powerful and geared to help heal people by pointing them to the only real source of complete restoration – Jesus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered from depression or who have friends and loved ones who are or were suffering – and that includes a high percentage of the population. I appreciate Patty for baring her soul this way, and using her trials for the good of others.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Patty in Nashville last April along with our mutual dear friend, Charlotte Hunt and the equally lovely SherylGriffin (both of whom are mentioned in her book and its Acknowledgement pages). You can read my review of Charlotte’s ‘Damaged Goods’ here, and Sheryl’s ‘Scarlet Cord of Hope’ here.Here is a photo of the five of us (my husband, Fred; me (please disregard my unfortunately placed fanny pack….), Charlotte, Patty & Sheryl). It was a lovely morning, and I look forward to meeting the three of them again someday!

You can order this book here.

This book was generously provided by the author for review and giveaway purposes.

Patty has generously offered a copy of her amazing book to one blessed person; and she will personally autograph it for you if you’d like! In order to enter, please leave a comment telling us why you’d LOVE to win this book. Please also feel free to ‘write’ to Patty, as she will be visiting the blog during the giveaway period to read comments.

Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – yourname at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.  The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. The best to all of you!

‘Conquering your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones’ by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones – Book/Author Information + Personally Autographed Book Giveaway!

Yesterday, I posted a guest post from Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, telling us about her journey to the publication of her second book, ‘Conquering Your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones.’ Today, I wanted to share some information about her and her book, and to share some exciting information at the end of this post!

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

David gathered 5 smooth stones to meet and defeat Goliath. What did these stones represent and how can you use them to conquer your Goliaths in your own personal quests? Ms. Virginia Bean will show you how. Travel with her on her own personal journey. See what she does. Learn how she grows. Discover what she becomes. “Conquering your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones” is for anyone desiring to travel beyond mediocrity, pain and fear. Learn of the great power within you, a power given to you from God, a power that must ultimately be unleashed to conquer the Goliaths in your own life. Come to an even deeper understanding of God and what he wants for you. Come…

Here is Kathryn’s autobiography from her website:

When I was young I thought I had to sound like a great writer to be one. It was all so overwhelming; now I know I only need to sound like myself. My ideas come from two primary sources. My work might spark from the enlightening words of a friend, teacher or writing prompt. At other times, I am sitting in a very still space and the words I should write come to me like a powerful and glowing wind.

My favorite tool is the pen. Though computer keys get the words down quicker and easier, I like to put pen to paper, smell the ink, see the words as they are developed and renewed by new phrases or thoughts.

I enjoy traveling to wherever the character takes me. This often means even I am surprised and warmed at the outcome. In the end, when my writing is done, I like to watch the eyes of the reader whenever I can. Their reflective expression gives me the greatest glimpse into what my writing has become. 

Before I was one, I loved to read books-or at least, pretend to. I couldn't walk yet but I would crawl to the bottom shelf for what I wanted. My Grandma says my books were placed near the floor for that very reason, and my mother speaks of me pulling my favorite book from the shelf and crawling back to the couch with the book safely in tow.

I would sit on the couch and pretend to read, speaking the language of some foreign diplomat-or perhaps, the tongue of angels, my mother wasn't quite sure which, and when I was done, I would crawl back to the shelf for another story.

When I am not writing I'm reading. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am an avid reader of the scriptures and books of spiritual merit. I have been married 30 years and enjoy teaching and working with youth and children-including my own three girls, three grand-daughters and grandson.

A published writer since 1987, I have published various newspaper and magazine articles for teens and adults.

Kathryn has generously offered a copy of her latest book, ‘Conquering Your Goliaths,’ to one blessed reader of my blog. Thanks, Kathryn! To enter, please tell us why you’d like a copy of her book! Please include your email address, in this form – name at domain dot com. Deadline for entry is Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (which is my birthday, incidentally!). The Random Number Generator www.random.org will choose a winner on Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Blessings to all of you!