Special Guest - JoAnn Carter & The Floating Palace

Hello Friends,

Today I'm happy to share with you a new book by an old friend, JoAnn Carter.



JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 17 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking. On the side she also writes book reviews for her local Christian radio station, THE LIGHT RADIO NETWORK.

In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and as a substitute teacher. This year however, she is at home, to home school one of her children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats. To contact her, please write jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com or visit her web-site http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

The Floating Palace (Book One)

ELLIE DUNKLING’S life long dream has been to work on one of Lake Champlain’s steamboat, the Ticonderoga. There’s only one problem. Men, not women, are hired to work on ships. Ellie, however is determined to change that. After all, it is 1923 and far from the dark-ages.

Captain PHILIP LAWHORN is a man’s man. When Champlain Transportation Inc. informs him a woman has been hired to work on his ship as stewardess, he’s anything but pleased. First, he doesn’t appreciate the fact someone’s hired on his twenty-eight-member crew without his knowledge. Secondly, how is he supposed to handle this company mandated—sure to be—disaster?

EXCERPT

"Excuse me, captain?"

Philip whirled on his heel. A petite woman with a creamy complexion stared at him with wide, hazel eyes. "Yes?" The lady hesitated then put one foot into his room. She held out a gloved hand, which he took automatically. No matter how glad he might be for a distraction, passengers weren't supposed to be in his quarters. He made a mental note to have a word with his crew later. For now, he had to find an inoffensive way to get rid of this interloper.

"What can I do for you, miss?"

She withdrew her hand and lifted her chin. Determination sparked in her eyes, and Philip hoped what he'd heard about redheads wasn't true. The last thing he needed right now was a hot-tempered, stubborn woman -- however beautiful she may be -- to upset things even more. He took a step closer and held out his elbow. "Let me escort you back to the purser's desk to find someone to help you locate your stateroom."

The woman frowned as if he spoke a different language. Finally, she smiled. Her whole face radiated warmth that enveloped him. "I don't think you understand. I'm Ellie Dunkling, your new stewardess."

"My... my what?" So much for distracting him, she was the distraction.

"Your new--"

He cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I heard you, but I don't agree." He wheezed, "You are not a steward."

Her arched brows drew together. "There must be some misunderstanding. Mr. Trembley said you were expecting me."

Expecting her? Not hardly.

"Lady." He shook his head. "You have no idea." The situation was so ludicrous he was tempted to pinch himself. However, the only thing he was sure to wind up with was a bruise for his efforts. Before him stood an elegant woman in a long, drop-waist garment, insisting she had a place of employment... here.

If there had to be a stewardess, shouldn't it be a frumpy, gray-haired spinster with thick round glasses and a substantial waistline? At least then he wouldn't feel as uncomfortable about the dirty, difficult responsibilities she would need to carry. Nor would he have half the worry over the reputation of his crew and boat, or even the state of his heart for that matter.

--

Purchase Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-185/JoAnne-Carter-Cherished-Moments/Detail.bok (Also available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.)

Just for Pamela's blog~

If you enjoy this story, please leave a review up on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Then, shoot me a quick e-mail and I'll send you an e-book of your choice from stories I have available.

Also, please feel free to post this link to your twitter or FB!

 

Blog Blitz with JoAnn Carter & Paradox!

A note from JoAnn......

This morning while I was lying in bed in the early pre-dawn I heard a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not today. Today was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing! God used two rather "ordinary" things to create and extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

This sends Goosebumps up my spine as I think about it. It's a paradox and truly a God thing. Especially since this word, paradox, has been near and dear to my heart. In fact, I kid you not; this is the very title of the book that I wanted to share with you today. Yet, perhaps paradox is not a word you're familiar with, so let me explain. Paradox is flowers on snow, joy in the midst of trials, compassion for others as your own heart breaks. It's what many of us just celebrated, Easter-- Jesus laying down his life for me, someone sinful and undeserving. It's victory and life born out of death and suffering.

Through this experience, God reminded me that He delights in using those ordinary things to accomplish His marvelous purposes. And that's super news! If He can use Fishermen, tax collectors, birds, and thunderstorms, I know He can use me—a very average, ordinary person to do extraordinary things for Him. Perhaps you're feeling "ordinary" today. Take heart, it's through that very thing that God can show His creativity, His power, and even His love just like He did for me in the midst of this early mornings storm.

Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?

I hope you'll be able to pick up a copy of Paradox today @ http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

You can watch the trailer here ~ http://youtu.be/mnOQeNeQuUE

A CONTEST TO HELP ME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF PARADOX!:

Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)

How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 5/26/11.

JoAnn Carter writes stories that will encourage your faith through inspirational fiction novels and novellas. She resides in Vermont with her wonderful husband and four children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministries events, school events, and church retreats.

 Find her here:

Visit JoAnn's Web site
Connect with JoAnn on Facebook
                                                      JoAnn's Blog

Saturday Spotlight - JoAnn Carter

Good Morning Friends,

Please join me in welcoming back to Saturday Spotlight, JoAnn Carter with her book Daniella.

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 17 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking. On the side she also writes book reviews for her local Christian radio station, THE LIGHT RADIO NETWORK.

In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and as a substitute teacher. This year however, she is at home, to home school one of her children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats. To contact her, please write jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com  or visit her web-site http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

When Harrison Beckman meets his father's secretary, Daniella Duncan, she's shy and self-conscious. Harrison, however, is determined to get to know her better. Before he gets to do that a rival comes along to steal Dani's heart as quickly and thoroughly as the company's contracts, which have been disappearing. As the mystery unfolds, Harrison has to fight for the woman he loves, even though this means crossing swords with his father and his determined adversary. Will Harrison be able to find the love that could await them or will it be too late?

Excerpt: (c)2009 by JoAnn Carter

Harrison watched this attractive but peculiar woman stand awkwardly by his door. It looked as if she wanted to hide behind the inter-personnel folder she was holding. "Come on in," he urged, as he left his desk to walk closer to her, hopefully to put her more at ease. "I promise not to bite."

That seemed to make it worse. Her rosy cheeks turned deathly pale.

Harrison resorted to grabbing for words, like a metal arm in a toy machine, hoping he’d come up with something. "You’re really quick. Thanks for dropping the minutes off. I always like to review them while the meeting is still fresh in my mind."

Dani held out the folder with the notes and spoke so softly, he had to bend down to catch her words. "I understand, Mr. Beckman."

Harrison took the folder from her extended hand. Her hand seemed so small and he had the strangest desire to protect her from whatever inner battle she was fighting. "I’m sorry, I know you’ve been with us for quite a while now, but until today I’ve never met you." He added with a smile, "Forgive me, I’m horrible with names. What’s yours again?"

Dani eyes grew wide. With a nervous catch she replied, "Daniella Duncan."

"I like that name. May I call you Daniella?"

She shrugged, "Everybody calls me Dani."

"I think I prefer Daniella." Still studying her face, Harrison added, "Somehow, Dani doesn't seem to fit you."

"Oh, Dani fits me all right. It sounds short and fat." Her hand clamped over her mouth and her eyes grew even wider. Harrison’s heart nearly broke when she asked, "Did I really say that out loud?"

It had been drilled into his head since he was a boy, never to talk to women about two things, their age and weight. Now what should he do with this hanging hot potato? Ignore it. "I didn’t hear anything if you didn’t." He tried to continue with the previous introductions. "Everyone calls my father Mr. Beckman, so I go by Harrison."

"Okay. I'll try to remember that." Dani seemed to have reached her limit; she looked like a cat being chased by a mouse, desperate for escape. "Umm, I really need to get back now…"

"Sure. Thanks again." Harrison didn’t even know if she heard him as she turned and left with quick steps.


Note from JoAnn  ~ White Rose Publishing recently learned how beneficial it is to have reviews up on Amazon.com. To this end, JoAnn is running a contest, from now through 8/15/10.


How do you enter? Simply place a review up for any of her stories which you'll find here: http://www.amazon.com/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=JoAnn%20Carter  and you will be entered to win a surpriserise gift package.

Winner will be announced Aug. 16th, 2010. So, get those reviews up!
 
Well Folks, hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of Saturday Spotlight - check back weekly for more great authors & their books!


Until later...take care and Be Blessed!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - JoAnn Carter

Hello Again, Friends!

I'll be over in Alexandria, Louisiana today for a book signing at Hastings Entertainment 1460 McArthur Drive so if you're in the vicinity, drop on in!

IMW, please welcome JoAnn Carter back for another edition of Saturday Spotlight with her book, By the Book.

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 17 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking. On the side she also writes book reviews for her local Christian radio station, THE LIGHT RADIO NETWORK.


In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and as a substitute teacher. This year however, she is at home, to home school one of her children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats. To contact her, please write jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com or visit her web-site http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Blurb:

Perky 24 year old police dispatcher, Sarah Murphy, is held captive by images of her past. She doesn't trust men and is determined to hold onto her heart at all costs. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Dylan Eldredge of the Hampton Police Department believes she’s the woman God has intended for him and is equally determined to have her for his wife. Will he be able to prove he’s the man for her?

Excerpt: (c)2009 by JoAnn Carter

Sarah swiveled her chair so she could face Helen. "Now, what were we saying?"

Helen grunted and pushed her thick glasses up further on the bridge of her nose. "Independence," She remarked dryly. "Have you ever stopped to consider, being able to depend on someone other than yourself might not be such a bad thing?"

Here we go again, Sarah gritted her teeth to keep from saying something she would regret later. She picked a piece of lint off her pants. "You're right."

"I know I'm right." Helen's eyes widened as if Sarah had a temporary loss of her senses. "But in the five years we've worked together you've never agreed with me before."

"That's because you've never quite said it that way. But where man will fail, God will not. He is the only one I ever want to depend on." Sarah put her headset on and watched the monitor's black blinking cursor.

With a groan, Helen put her head into her hands and murmured, "Back to square one!"

Sarah lowered her eye lashes, "Helen, honestly, I like my life just as it is." Sarah knew the concern she saw in Helen's eyes was for her. However, she also knew men were on a whole were a problem, not a solution.

"Fine. But, I don't understand why you won't even entertain the thought of dating someone."

Sarah swatted at the finger Helen had pointed at her nose. A spurt of anger drew her chin up a notch as she wondered why, of all times, did the radios need to be quiet now? "I'm happy. Why spoil it?"

By the Book as well as JoAnn's other titles are available NOW at White Rose Publishing!
 
Well Friends, hope you enjoy this spotlight - stay tuned each week for more great authors and their books!
 
Until later take care, stay in touch, BE BLESSED and remember....the kingdom of God is within and that kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!
 

Saturday Spotlight - JoAnn Carter

Good Morning Friends!

Well it's March - wonder if that means Spring is just around the corner? I sure hope so cause I am SO T-I-R-E-D of the cold and rain!

Of course, Spring usually brings it's own share of rain to our area - uuuggghhh! I hope we can skip right through that and bring on the sunshine and heat of Summer.

I know, probably be complaining then that it's TOO hot LOL!

Today's guest is fellow White Rose author JoAnn Carter with her book, Smuggler of the Heart

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 17 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking. In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and as a substitute teacher. This year however, she is at home, to home school one of her children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats. To contact her, please write jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com

Disheartened and tired, Samantha Warren returns to Vermont during the winter break. Her passion for history rekindles after finding an old smuggler’s chest hidden in her grandparents' attic. Will she be able to return to New Jersey without her heart being smuggled like the chest once was? Or is it already too late?

Excerpt: © 2009 by JoAnn Carter


“Follow me.” Tim laid out a blanket, sat down, and patted the place beside him. Samantha joined him. The lights from the sleigh cast a dim, romantic shadow over their blanket. “I have something for you.” Tim unzipped his backpack and low and behold, there was the chest.

“What…what are you doing with that?”

“Your grandmother gave it to me.”

“Do you…do you know the story?”

His eyes sparkled. “I do. I couldn’t let you go again without you realizing what you mean to me.” Tim held it out to her. “Here, open it.”

It couldn’t be a ring. We hardly know each other anymore. He’s going to be a youth pastor now, and yet it feels as if we never were apart.

She inched the chest up; half hoping it was a ring and half not. Inside a letter rested upon a pile of silk cloth.

Tim smiled. “Disappointed?”

“What is it?”

“Just something for you to take back to New Jersey.”

It was as if the clock struck midnight and her carriage was now a pumpkin. The reality of life reared its ugly head. Yes, back to New Jersey.

Buy Smuggler of the Heart Here!

Well folks, that wraps up the first Saturday Spotlight for March 2010. Stay tuned next week for another author and book.

Don't Forget! Wednesday (March 10th) I'll be hosting PPS's first Virtual Book Blast with Deborah McCarragher and her book, Mission Possible, Spiritual Covering. I hope you'll join us for this exciting event. Be sure and join our Face Book Group, Good Reads Group and Yahoo Loop so that you can chat with the author and be eligible to win prizes!

Hope to see you all there.

Until later....take care and Be Blessed!
PamT