Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER:

I do not read every book/author I spotlight or book tour I host!
Readers, Please research and use wisdom before buying

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

COTT Blog Alliance Guest Post by Michelle Massaro

*guest post by Michelle Massaro, Asst. Editor at COTT

Can you believe it's almost December? I love the holidays, but I always struggle this time of year. My heart aches for the Thomas Kinkade paintings, for smiles and laughter and goodwill toward man (especially between siblings in the house!), for snuggling by the fire, kisses under the mistletoe, all that good stuff.

Real life is not a painting. Or an old black-and-white movie. (That's often why we love escaping into our novels.)

Nope. Real life finds too many dust bunnies when it's time to move furniture to make room for the tree. Real life has pouting kids who don't want to help lug in the decoration box or be pulled away from their video games in order to just sit by the fire with mom. Husbands who tolerate, but don't enjoy, watching White Christmas, and who grimace and sweat--and possibly even swear--while wrestling with the Christmas lights.
Add to that the fact that I never got around to shedding that extra five pounds--and now feel it's too late to try--the constant pain in my neck, the myriad bills we aren't sure how to pay, a toddler in the throes of the "terrible two's" (to be fair, he's the sweetest boy in the world, just extremely rambunctious), and homeschool pressures...and each day starts to feel overwhelming. Beyond my ability. Sucking me under. Life does not meet my expectations. I'm failing.

And sometimes "failing" at something as simple and earthly as creating the "right" home atmosphere can lead to a depression that slips into spiritual darkness. Lies. All lies. But too often, I believe them.

Maybe you can relate. Or maybe your set of challenges lies elsewhere. Regardless, we all have seasons, or areas of our life, where we don't feel up to the task. And we grieve that ineptitude.

A dear friend recently gave me a gift--a daily devotional--and the first day's reading hit its mark in my heart. In essence, it reminded me that the measure of God's strength given to me on a daily basis is determined by two things: The difficulty of my circumstances, and my willingness to depend on Him for help.


WOW.

This concept completely changed my thinking when it came to facing challenges. Demons. I don't need to assess the situation and measure it against my usual ability and strength. I need to depend on Him and believe that He can and will empower me that much more in order to handle the task. And tomorrow, when the challenge is not so great, He will give me just the strength I need for that day.

Today it might be preparing the house, encouraging generousity in my kids, and finding ways to trim the grocery budget so that we can get that tail light replaced.  Tomorrow it could be the death of a loved one, a falling away of a brother or sister, or the loss of a job. But the degree of His power available to me will match whatever circumstance comes my way.

And the same goes for you, too. So if there's any chance that one of you share this struggle of mine at this time of year, I pray this truth shines like a beacon in your heart and gives you hope. It did for me.
If you're interested in the devotional I mentioned, it's called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. The entry I referenced was November 11th. :-)

And if you want some great Christian novels to dive into or pick up as gifts, you always know where to find some winners. (There's always a contest going on at COTT, so I hope you'll join us this week for a look at a couple great cover images.)

Have a blessed week!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well today is the one day set aside as a nation to show our thanks to the Lord for His bountiful blessings - and a great day it is--although I'm a firm believer Thanksgiving should be expressed every day!

Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one knows the holidays are most bittersweet; the joy of living tempered by sorrow of living without that/those special one(s). This is the third Thanksgiving without my husband  and yet, I have a LOT to be thankful for!

One thing I am eternally grateful for (besides the love & support of my family) is the love and support of you, my dear reader friends and I pray God's richest blessings upon each and every one of you!

Since today is one in the month-long blog tour for The Visionary, I decided to not interrupt any of my hosts' holiday with their family, but to mention it here.

Previous stops:

Nov 16th: Amber Stockton: http://amberstockton.blogspot.com
Nov 17th: Karen Kelly  http://www.authorkarenkelley.com/blog.html  --Cancelled due unforseen problems - but Karen will reschedule!
Nov 18th: Interview up @ Author Expressions blog http://authorexpressions.blogspot.com/
Nov 19th: Chat @ Coffeetime Romance! 7-8pm CST: http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2Fkarenfindoutaboutnewbooks%2F
Nov. 20th: Jessica Ferguson http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
Nov. 21st: Guest @ LASR blog http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/
Nov. 23rd: Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/


Upcoming Stops:


Nov 25th: Tanya Hanson   http://www.tanyahanson.com/Blog.html
Nov. 26th: Delia Latham   http://delialatham.blogspot.com
Nov 28th: Raquel Byrnes   http://nitewriter6.blogspot.com/
Nov 29th: Marianne Evans  www.marianneevans.blogspot.com 
Nov 30th: Shawna Williams http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/
Dec 1st: Jan Riter Newman  janridernewman.blogspot.com
Dec 3rd: Justin Lugbill http://christian-book-review.com
Dec 4th: Curt Iles http://creekbank.net  
Dec 5th: Dana Pratola  www.danapratola.webs.com
Dec 7th: Shonell Bacon http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com/ 
Dec 9th: Nona Cross http://winonacross.blogspot.com
Dec. 10th: JoAnn Carter   http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/  
Dec 11th: Donna Basinow  http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/
Dec 12th: Guest Post/Edgy Inspirational Romance  www.edgyinspirationalromance.com
Dec 14th: blog post up @ Pen Talk Community  http://pentalkcommunity.blogspot.com/
Dec. 15th: Judy Leger:  http://judithleger.blogspot.com/
Dec 16th: Janet K Brown http://www.writingwithhope.blogspot.com


Remember, every time you leave a comment, your name is put in the drawing for an autographed copy!

Take care, God Bless, and remember...Jesus is the reason for EVERY season!
PamT

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

COTT Clash - Amish Fiction Winner!

Guest post by Delia Latham


The Amish are known for their quiet, unassuming manner. Their love of all things peaceful…and shunning of competitive pastimes.

Well. I'm afraid that all flew out the window in the COTT Clash featuring Amish fiction. It was a fight to the finish.... a nose-to-nose race...a no-holds-barred dash to the finish line!

Contestants were:

Suzanne Woods Fisher
(Click on the cover to read Suzanne's Excerpt A)


and

Laura V. Hilton
(Click on the cover to read Laura's Excerpt B)


Both authors hit the ground running with sizzling teasers that presented a definite challenge to our readers. Both were super-fantastic! Both offered a tantalizing glimpse into an amazing read.

But only one of these fabulous excerpts could take the win.

When at last the dust died down…the crowd silenced in expectation…and the winner stood revealed…

LAURA V. HILTON
held the finish line ribbon firmly in hand!
CONGRATULATIONS, LAURA!

The choice was not an easy one, as our readers made perfectly clear in their comments:

"Both of these excerpts are immediately engaging—I think I'd like to read both books!"

"Both excerpts are winners. Can't wait to read them."

"I enjoy the Clash of the Titles!! Each author is fantastic!! And such a great place to hear of new authors that perhaps you haven't read before. Good luck!"

"I love to read stories of the Amish. Thank you for your hard work."

"The authors who write Amish fiction are doing a great job keeping true to the Amish ways while holding the reader's interest with wonderful story lines over and over again."

Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to both Suzanne and Laura. I wish we could call it a tie and put both in the winner's slot, because both authors truly are winners.



Delia Latham
Heaven's touch in earthly tales

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Saturday Spotlight ~ New Releases from Pelican Book Group!

Good Morning Friends,

And a glorious day it is! Today I'll be joining a few fellow authors for a group book signing at The Son Shine Shop in Sulphur, LA - then a chat tonight on Coffee Time Romance loop and don't forget the month-long blog tour going on with The Visionary...Today's stop is Tracy Krauss's blog. Now on to our spotlight.....

2 new releases from Pelican Book Group!

This week we welcome Linda Wood Rondeau to the Pelican Book Group family. Linda brings us a suspenseful tale wrought with danger, redemption...and some quirky characters that will have you smiling through your fear. Don't miss THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS.

The Other Side of Darkness
Three lives intertwined, tied together by dangerous circumstance and the faint echoes of an elusive hope. To make it through, each must find their way to the Light that’s found only on the other side of darkness.

After setting out on a forced vacation, and literally running into a moose, Manhattan Assistant D.A. Samantha Knowles finds it’s not so bad being stranded in a quirky but intriguing Adirondack town. But when her three-year prosecution against a convicted killer begins to unravel, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of haunting memories, fear, and danger...and suddenly, Haven isn’t so safe, after all.

With no future in Haven, and no way to escape the small town, teacher Zack Bordeaux fears he’s doomed to a life of mediocrity.

Haunted by the deaths of his wife and son, landscape artist Jonathan Gladstone feels bound to an estate he both loves and loathes.

When Zack and Jonathon meet Samantha, their lives take on a different course.

This week, also, Mary Manners brings us another tale from the Sweet Treats Bakery Series--a reader favourite. One bakery, four sisters, four romances! Don't miss this third installment.

Tessa's Teacakes
Tessa, the youngest Spencer sister--and the most impulsive--rushes into the Mount Ridge crisis center bent on saving her brother-in-law. She's ready to handle Brent's abductor, with or without help. What she's not ready to handle is the effect policeman, Colin Phillips, has on her. Romance is the last thing on Tessa's mind. She longs for the adventure and fast-pace of New York City, not being tied to Mount Ridge and a man who insists she shouldn't be so impetuous. After all "independent spirit" is what Tessa does best!

Colin transferred from the police force in Atlanta in order to find closure after the brutal murder of his younger sister. He wants a nice, safe future, not one filled with caring and worrying about another impulsive woman. His sister was naïve and unpredictable, and while Colin is drawn to Tessa's spunk and vitality, her willingness to rush into danger scares him. No way could he cope with another devastating loss. His heart must remain closed where Tessa is concerned. But God has His own plans...and His own way of changing hearts and cultivating love.

Other books in the series include:
Kate's Kisses
Grace's Gold


Well friends, that wraps up another week. Stop by often and don't forget, Every Time you leave a comment along the blog tour, your name is entered in the drawing to win an autographed copy of The Visionary!

Until later....take care, God Bless and remember...God's vision for your life far exceeds yours so - look up!
PamT

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Visionary - Blog Tour

Hello Friends,

WooHooo! Today's the day~Official Release Day of The Visionary and kick-off of our month-long blog tour - Nov 16 - Dec 16.

Each blog stop will be different - some will feature cover/blurb/excerpt, some will have interview questions and some will be a guest post I've written so it is sure to be entertaining and enlightening!

On December 17th I will pick at least 4 lucky winners to receive an autographed copy of The Visionary. So drop by every day, each stop along the way and leave a comment – because the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win!

**Note** Check out my guest post on RT Book Review blog where The Visionary received a 4star review!


Here is a list of tour stops.....

Nov 16th: Amber Stockton: http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/
Nov 18th: Interview up @ Author Expressions blog http://authorexpressions.blogspot.com/
Nov 19th: Chat @ Coffeetime Romance! 7-8pm CST: http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2Fkarenfindoutaboutnewbooks%2F

Nov. 20th: Jessica Ferguson http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
Nov. 21st: Guest @ LASR blog http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/
Nov. 23rd: Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/
NOV 24TH - THANKSGIVING DAY - http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com (right here!)
Nov 25th: Tanya Hanson   http://www.tanyahanson.com/Blog.html
Nov. 26th: Delia Latham   http://delialatham.blogspot.com
Nov 28th: Raquel Byrnes   http://nitewriter6.blogspot.com/
Nov 29th: Marianne Evans  www.marianneevans.blogspot.com 
Dec 1st: Jan Riter Newman  janridernewman.blogspot.com
Dec 3rd: Justin Lugbill http://christian-book-review.com
Dec 4th: Curt Iles http://creekbank.net  
Dec 5th: Dana Pratola  www.danapratola.webs.com
Dec 7th: Shonell Bacon http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com/ 
Dec 9th: Nona Cross http://winonacross.blogspot.com
Dec 11th: Donna Basinow  http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/
Dec 12th: Guest Post/Edgy Inspirational Romance  www.edgyinspirationalromance.com
Dec 14th: blog post up @ Pen Talk Community  http://pentalkcommunity.blogspot.com/
Dec. 15th: Judy Leger:  http://judithleger.blogspot.com/
Hope to see you all along the tour!

Oh and as promised...here is the complete cover flat!
Isn't it just beautiful!
Until later....take care, God Bless & remember....The Visionary is available for pre-order now on Amazon and B&N!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Meet Julie Arduini and Renee Chaw


*guest post by Michelle Massaro

Today it is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on two more amazing women who are both members of the COTT Blog Alliance.

Julie Arduini was born on Good Friday with tornado warnings. A description that she says could not be more accurate!

She lives in NE Ohio with her husband and two children. She's also a step-mom to two adult children who live in out of state. Her writing is featured in ten books (learn more on her site!) She also blogs monthly for the marriage counter at the Internet Café. She loves serving in children’s and women’s ministries through her local church and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) chapter.

Julie says: "I love my strong coffee, lilacs, NCIS, and Beth Moore Bible studies (not in that order!)" Her site has been up since December 31, 2006 and was her first act of surrendering fear of what others would think about her. That fear had kept her from doing what she loved since childhood but her baby step into blogging quickly led to many other writing opportunities—a true testament to listening to the whisperings of the Lord.

Julie's warm, transparent personality is woven throughout her blog posts. "I’m not a scholar, just a wife and mom trying to help anyone willing to read know that Jesus is close and intimate with arms open to receive, not turn away." Her focus is to encourage readers, mostly adult women, to find "freedom through surrender."
An avid reader, Julie provides book ideas on her site based on what she's reading. On Sundays you can take a peek at her amateur nature pictures with a few thoughts about God’s love. She posts 5-7 days per week so there's always something new! If you're looking for a blog-hostess gift, I hear she really really loves chocolate!

Surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate


**********
Say hello to Renee Chaw (and her 3 year old dog, Coco.) Renee's blog features reviews of Christian fiction, romance and young adult fiction as well as posts about some of her favorite movies, TV shows, and Steelers football. Woot!

Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot is a fun place to gather. Renee is always looking for a way to make you chuckle or at least inform you about some great books and movies. She also sometimes posts about her other interests like vintage jewelry, TV, antiques, sports, pets etc. She always makes you feel welcome!

Another great reason to add her to your blog roll: she loves doing giveaways and hosting authors.
Renee says she's an avid reader of just about anything from the back of the cereal box to the back of a book. ^-^


"I love to blog. I've met so many great people through the blogging world and have had the opportunity to read so many wonderful books that I might not have otherwise had the chance to. I love being a member of FIRST Wild Card and this Blog Alliance, two other great groups that I wouldn't have had the chance to join if it wasn't for blogging. I'm loyal to the local sports teams, especially my Pittsburgh Steelers (LOVE those Black 'n Gold guys ;-)) and I'm a crazy car girl LOL! Take me to a car show over the mall any day of the week!"

She tries to post everyday but sometimes 'real life' limits her blogging to 3 times per week. If you want to bring her a blog-hostess gift, make sure you get a big box with holes in it. Renee loves big, furry dogs! =) Of course, it might be easier to just bring a treat for Coco.

Be sure to check out these two blogs and make a couple new friends!

* Michelle Massaro is Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles. Find her on twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Countdown Has Begun!

Good Morning Friends and I must say a glorious day it is!

No Saturday Spotlight today but next week watch for 2 new releases from Pelican Book Group!

I'm home again in Louisiana for a couple of weeks - flew in Wednesday from TN where I've been visiting & working on The Wordsmith Journal since Oct 30th. We've accomplished so much it is amazing ~ God is so good!

Today is Bayou Writers Group's annual "A Bridge to Publication" conference and I am so looking forward to visiting with all of my BWG friends again! Yes, I'll have copies of The Visionary there as well as at a group signing on the 19th at the Son Shine Shop in Sulphur.

IMW, I'm counting down the days until official release date of The Visionary: Nov 16th which also kicks off the month-long blog tour for the book. Be sure to follow all the stops and leave a comment because I'll be giving away autographed copies at the end of the tour.

The  Visionary will also be featured on Romantic Times Book Review website on Nov 16th along with the wonderful 4 Star review featured in the December issue of the magazine!

Although this is not part of the tour, The Visionary will be featured on Books, Products and More blog on the 14th where Cheryl is featuring women's fiction books all month long.

If you don't feel like (or don't have time to) follow the tour, you can order your copy of The Visionary directly from Amazon or Barnes and Noble or get your autographed copy from me! Details on my website.


A visionary is someone who sees into the future, Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disgustingly prevalent in today’s society.  Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Find out in…The Visionary ~ Where the awesome power of God’s love heals the most wounded of souls


Well friends, that's about it for now. Until later....take care, stay in touch and remember.....You are never too far down that God can't raise you up!

PamT

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Virtual Book Tour - The Promise of Deer Run

Hello Friends,

It is my pleasure to bring to you a virtual book tour from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications ~ The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper.



ISBN: 9781462037964           
Softcover: $16.95           
ISBN: 9781462037971           
Hardcover: $26.95           
ISBN: 1462037968
E-book: $9.99
Released: August 16, 2011

An Absolutely Charming Tale!
Once again, Elaine Marie Cooper pens an absolutely charming tale of eighteenth century Americana. War, no matter the era, takes its toll on both soldiers and families. The Promise of Deer Run is a precious next story following Mary and Daniel’s story in The Road to Deer Run, picking up with Mary’s sister, Sarah a few years down the line. Be sure to read the first book too! As a historian and author, I am grateful to Elaine for her dedication to authenticity.  —Lisa Lickel,  author of A Summer in Oakville
 
About The Promise of Deer Run: 
America’s war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still haunt the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run. Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns has withdrawn to a life of isolation as he awaits his father who never returned from the war.
 
A near-tragedy in the woods brings Nathaniel face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, someone he had long admired but he assumed had eyes for another. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms.
 
But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790, this book continues the story of the Thomsen and Lowe families as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.

                                                            Watch the book trailer at
                                                        www.PromiseOfDeerRun.com

The Story Behind the Story:
How The Deer Run Saga Was Birthed
By Elaine Marie Cooper
 
When I was young and first heard that one of my grandfathers had been a Redcoat during the Revolutionary War, I was somewhat embarrassed. Growing up in Massachusetts had made me proud of our country’s heritage. But instead of finding zealous patriots in my bloodline, my DNA was from an enemy soldier named Daniel Prince!
 
Calmer reasoning prevailed, however, as I thought about the reality of his story. Living conditions in Colonial times were difficult, to say the least. It was a frightening period of our history for both Americans and the British. And in the midst of our nation struggling to be birthed, two people on opposing sides in a bloody war met and fell in love.
 
This story from my family’s history was transformed in my thinking into an inspiring one of romance, unhindered by the politics of the day. It became, purely and simply, a love story.
 
And so was birthed the idea to create a fictional account of actual events. Since the story is from my imagination, I opted to change last names, the names of the communities, and many other details of the time. However, many of the historical events are documented facts.
 
The particular information on Daniel Prince’s military background was discovered thanks to the diligent work of Betty Thomson, independent researcher at The National Archives, Kew, in England. 
 
In book one, The Road to Deer Run and now in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run, I made every effort to stay true to the colonial times. Descriptions of food, homes, clothing, farming, worship practices, medical care, etc. are the result of extensive research.
 
It has been a personally inspiring experience to write these novels. While the times have changed since the 18th century, the same struggles of their day are our own. Forgiveness, fear, pain, illness, despair, the pain of having a family member at war, the death of a loved one—these are all the battles we contend with in the 21st century. But we also share faith, laughter, love, the excitement of that first kiss, the wonder of looking at a newborn. These are the same joys that we share with our ancestors who are so much a part of who we are.
 
Their journeys are interwoven with our own.
About the Author:
Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

 Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest calledThe Barn Door and a blog on Christian living calledReflections In Hindsight. She is the author of The Road to Deer Run and the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run. Prior to becoming an author, Elaine worked as a registered nurse.
 
The Road to Deer Run won the following honors:
  • Finalist: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards 
  • Honorable Mention: 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival
  • Best Romantic Moment: ClashoftheTitles.com, February 2011
There is a contest for this blog tour with great prizes! All you have to do is leave a comment and I'll do the rest. On Nov. 18th I'll send a name to KCW to be entered in the drawing. Good luck!


Grand Prize (Retail Value: $297.38) Contains:
  • Basket
  • $25 Starbucks gift card  
  • Spode Christmas teapot  
  • Spode Christmas mugs   
  • Yankee candle
  • Hardbound copy The Road to Deer Run
  • Hardbound copy The Promise of Deer Run 
  • Bath and Body Paris Amour scent  


Well Friends, that wraps up the VBT - be sure and follow my tour with The Visionary beginning Nov. 16th (all stops listed in the sidebar) because I'll be giving away autographed copies!

Until later....take care & God Bless.
PamT




Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tournament of Champions: Week Four


Week FOUR of COTT's Tournament of Champions saw four more authors compete and three more scavenger hunts played. 
Here's a recap:

Becky R went to Gail Pallotta's Blog on Monday to find out when Love Turns theTide's Cammie sees a different side of Vic. She got the correct answer and walks away with a $10 Starbucks card from Lisa Lickel. Pumpkin Latte, anyone?

Megan D visited Marianne Evans' blog Tuesday to discover which of Marianne's books was a Christian Small Publisher's Book of the Year nominee. She won a $10 Amazon gift card from Amanda Stephan. Awesome!

Theresa M stopped by Margaret Brownley's Blog on Wednesday and found the name of the Christmas anthology which Margaret contributed to. She also received a $10 Amazon gift card donated by Raquel Byrnes.


Congrats ladies! Clash of the Titles has awarded over $125 worth of game prizes, thanks to its generous sponsors. Thanks, COTT--and another round of applause for all those game winners!

This was the last week of reader games, but fear not! There's still a chance to win the Grand Prize! I'll share how in a minute. But first...


Which Books Won the Clashes?
Rosslyn Elliot's "Fairer Than Morning" and Delia Latham's "Destiny's Dream" clashed last Monday. "Fairer Than Morning" came out the winner.


Shellie Neumeier's, Driven and Ann O'Barr's Singing in Babylon struck swords on Wednesday. Driven took the top spot. 


These two victorious titles competed together on Friday to determine which would move on to the finals for a chance to win the Laurel Award. And that finalist is...


Rosslyn Elliot's "Fairer Than Morning"
She joins Marianne Evans' Hearts Crossing, Elaine Cooper's The Road To Deer Run, and Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride. We now have all four finalists vying for the ultimate COTT honor.
Voting for the Big Winner is going on RIGHT NOW, and continues all week long. The big announcement will be made on November 12th. Public vote determines the outcome, and one reader will receive a Grand Prize of 15 books!!!  Want a shot at it? Enter by sharing links, putting up buttons and banners on your blog, becoming a follower of COTT (just make sure you tell them you've done so--they aren't psychics!) Details on the prize basket and full instructions on how to enter can be found here. To make it easy to grab n go, here are the banner and button codes.


OR

Clash of The Titles

Here's the button code:




Find me on twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Saturday Spotlight - Marianne Evans & Hearts Key!

Good Morning Friends and a Blessed Saturday to you All!

Please forgive the lack of posts about The Visionary - things are moving right along as I continue to gear up for the release date (Nov 16th!) and the month-long blog tour. Be sure and follow the entire tour and leave a comment on each spot as I'll be giving away autographed copies at the end!

I'm still in TN visiting and working withFriend, Partner & CEO Penney Carlton and we've been working our tails off getting The Wordsmith Journal up and running. I'm pleased & blessed to say it's taken of with a bang! Right now we're running Christmas Ad Specials so if you're an author and haven't cashed in on these great low prices - email me at: pthib07@gmail.com for details! Oh and don't forget the Author/Reader contest with GREAT prizes!

And that's my life in a nutshell!

Now without further ado, please welcome back to our spotlight, prolific author and friend, Marianne Evans with her latest release, Hearts Key - the final installment to her Woodland series.

A chorus of faith sung in the key of second chances. 

Once the effervescent leader of the pack, Amy Maxwell should have had the perfect marriage. Instead, she escapes with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper. 

Once the shy teen, Tyler Brock has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper. 

But Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same. 

Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?


Hearts Key is available now from Pelican Book Group!

And while you're there, check out Marianne's other titles!

Well friends, that wraps up this week's edition of Saturday Spotlight, hope to see you next week!

IMW, take care & God Bless!
PamT

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Tournament of Champions: Third Week Recap

*Guest post by Michelle Massaro
Week THREE of COTT's Tournament of Champions saw four more authors compete and three more scavenger hunts played. 
Here's a recap:
On Monday, players were sent to Elaine Cooper's Blog with a mission: Find the full name of the girl Nathaniel Stearns falls in love with in the book trailer video on her home page. Renee C won a $10 Amazon gift card from Marianne Evans, author of Hearts Crossing.

Tuesday, the hunt was on at Shellie Neumeier's Blog. The question: What is the name of the book Shellie co-wrote with Lisa Lickel? Tammy G won a $10 Amazon gift card from April Gardner, author of Wounded Spirits.
Wednesday we were led to Naomi Musch's Blog. The question: In her new release, The Red Fury, Colette's daughter Lainey is seeking solace from tragic loss and two searing rejections by doing what 2 things? B.J. Robinson won a $10 CBD gift card donated by Ann Gaylia O'Barr, author of Singing in Babylon.
Want your own spending spree? Be sure to play in this week's hunts. Check Clash of the Titles for game info.


And what about the competing books? Who won?
Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride and Lena Nelson Dooley's Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico battled on Monday. A Tailor-Made Bride came out the winner.
Christine Lindsay's Shadowed in Silk and Naomi Musch's The Green Veil struck swords on Wednesday. The Green Veil took the top spot.
These two victorious titles competed together on Friday to determine which would move on to the finals for a chance to win the Laurel Award. And that finalist is...

Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride!

There are now three finalists vying for the ultimate COTT honor. In this final week they'll be joined by a fourth book, then all will be thrown into the ring until only ONE remains. Who will it be? It's up to readers to decide, so cast your votes!

The Laurel will be awarded on November 4th, along with the 15-book grand prize that will be given to one lucky reader. Want a shot at it? You can enter by sharing links, putting up buttons and banners on your blog, becoming a follower of COTT, etc. Details on the prize basket and full instructions on how to enter can be found here. To make it easy to grab n go, here are the banner and button codes (just don't forget to let them know if you put them up!)


OR



Clash of The Titles

Here's the button code:




* Michelle Massaro is the Assistant Editor for COTT. Find her on twitter @MLMassaro, Facebook, and Adventures In Writing.