Yearly Archives: 2009

99-Cent Novels!

Okay, I have a couple of things to blog about! First, the winner of the October Book Giveaway is:
Michelle Tuller – Salida, CA
Michelle, I should be snail mailing your novels to you sometime this weekend!

I’ll be posting a special Christmas Book Giveaway around the first of November. Be sure to check back later for details about that, or subscribe to my blog to ensure that you don’t miss any of these great blog posts!

Also, since I occasionally purchase books from Christianbook.com, they’ll send me
e-mails about different sale items in stock. I recently found out that the following two books are selling for only 99 cents each:

Alabama by Kay Cornelius

and

A Texas Legacy Christmas by Diann Mills

You still have to pay $3.99 for postage for these books, BUT, since they are only 99-cents each, you could always order several copies and use them as Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers! Think about it! From what I can see, you can order several and still pay the same amount in postage! I’m not sure how long they’ll be for sale, but I rarely see books this size selling for less than a dollar! You can’t beat that price!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Washington – Small Town Romance In Four Novels

Washington – Small Town Romance In Four Novels by Wanda Brunstetter and Lauraine Snelling
From Amazon.com
Product Description
Contemporary Romance: Four unique women have found themselves alone: Sinda wants to leave her past behind. Tabby has been bruised by a life-long speech problem. Robynn determines never to risk her heart again. Lareana must carry on after her husband’s death. Can love, human and divine, make a way to open sealed hearts?

Book Description
Four unique women have found themselves alone–“some closed to love because of haunting secrets, others because of fear and loss. Sinda moves into a rural neighborhood to start a new life and leave her secrets behind. Tabby is a timid woman who steps out to conquer her greatest challenge. A talented jockey, Robynn will risk her life for the race, but she’ll never risk her heart again. Lareana is left with a newborn and a farm to manage after her husband dies tragically. Can these women, bruised by life and love, find the courage to open sealed hearts?

This novel collection, published by Barbour, contains four old Heartsong Presents novels by Wanda Brunstetter and Lauraine Snelling. What’s unique about Wanda’s novels is that these titles are NOT Amish titles. They’re just regular contemporary romances. Wanda’s titles were a bit different because both used child-like objects as part of the plot. Wanda’s first novel, The Neighborly Thing is about a woman who owns a doll hospital and her second novel in this collection, Talking For Two, is about a ventriloquist, so there’s a dummy involved.

I’m going to review this collection a bit differently than my usual method. Three of the stories reminded me of other fiction titles, so I’m going to compare them to other books. I also wanted to point out that I found myself skimming the stories instead of reading them word for word.

This is an old novel collection that has been sitting on my bookshelf for years, and I purchased it myself. A free copy was not provided to me by the publisher, author, or publicist.


From Heartsong Presents website: Sinda Shull has secrets from her past which are the reason she feels she can never marry. When Sinda moves next door to widower Glen Olsen and his daughter, Tara, she struggles to leave the past behind. Sinda’s home business keeps her hands busy, but Glen’s neighborly gestures occupy most of her thoughts. Glen is drawn to Sinda believing it’s his responsibility to do the neighborly thing and befriend her. His daughter, though, has other plans. The would-be detective tries to prove that Sinda is up to no good – and Tara does everything she can to keep her father and Sinda apart.
I thought this story was cute, and it was a unique concept for Sinda to own a doll hospital. People bring their rare, antique dolls to Sinda’s shop for repair. However, the little girl in this story got on my nerves! She was extremely obnoxious and after awhile, I got tired of reading about the bratty kid. The romance was sweet and endearing, though!

Talking For Two by Wanda Brunstetter

From Heartsong Presents website:
Her stuttering and lack of self-confidence have her locked in a trap she can’t escape. She’s faced these problems since childhood, when her pretty, outgoing sister was born. Wanting to serve the Lord–and show her family she can amount to something–Tabby enrolls in a class on ventriloquism. When she visits the shop of accomplished ventriloquist Seth Byers to inquire about buying a dummy, he quickly notices her potential. With the help of Tabby’s best friend, Seth begins a campaign to turn Tabby into what he thinks she should be–the perfect woman to be his wife. But Tabby knows she will never be perfect. Will she ever let go of her shyness and use her talent to serve God? Will Seth be able to love her just as she is? Or will Tabby spend the rest of her life letting her dummy talk for two?

When I read this book, the first thing I thought about was a young adult novel I read several years ago called Alan And Naomi.

In Wanda’s novel, Tabby has a stuttering problem, but when she speaks using her dummy, her stuttering disappears. I read Alan and Naomi a long time ago. I saw that it was re-released and it was originally published by Simon and Schuster back in 1977. I recall getting this novel out of the school library. In Alan and Naomi, Naomi is a traumitized girl, and Alan is expected to spend time with her, against his wishes. When he brings out his dummy and speaks, he is able to get a reaction out of Naomi. The only time Naomi communicates is when Alan uses his dummy. I remember liking this novel as a youngster, but I thought the ending was very sad.

Race For The Roses by Lauraine Snelling
From Heartsong Presents website: As a talented jockey, Robynn O’Dell risks her life every day. But some dangers she avoids at all costs-like putting herself and her young son at risk of being hurt again. Ever since her husband deserted her and then died in a car crash, Robynn has sealed her heart from pain… and love. However, that was before Dane Morgan strode into her life. Stubborn, opinionated, and driven, Dane is determined to win Robynn’s heart. But he hides his own fears and hurts. Will these two wounded people learn to risk being vulnerable, or will fear keep them from discoveing what God has prepared for them?

When I started skimming this book, I thought….hey, wait a minute, I’ve read this book before! I read it when I was member of the Heartsong Presents bookclub years ago! This novel reminds me of my own novel, John’s Quest, because there is a blind little boy who is a secondary character.


Song Of Laughter by Lauraine Snelling
From Heartsong Presents website: Lareana Amundson can almost find something to smile about, even with the tragic death of her husband John, a new baby son to bring up alone, and a large dairy farm to manage. Like majestic Mt. Rainier, the rugged peak that stands sentinel over her property, her faith in God remains unshakable, her sense of humor intact. It is only when she remembers Johnny’s accident at the hands of a drunken driver or the mounting bills that she lapses into a uncharacteristic bout of the blahs. When Trey Bennett, wealthy entrepreneur, offers to buy a parcel of her farmland to help her keep going, she has no way of knowing how their lives will be linked. Though he shares a dream to match her own, his views on drinking challenge everything she has come to value since John’s death. And what about the man who took her husband’s life? Can she ever know real joy again until he is brought to justice?

This novel reminded me of my novel,
Milk Money. The reasons is because both stories are set on a dairy farm, and they deal with the subject of drinking and alcohol.

It’s interesting to read the early works of two of the current bestselling authors of Christian fiction – Lauraine Snelling and Wanda Brunstetter.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Gone To Green By Judy Christie


Gone To Green by Judy Christie
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (August 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426700245
ISBN-13: 978-1426700248

From Amazon.com:
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Lois Barker, a successful big-city journalist, never imagined ending up in the tiny town of Green, La. She never guessed that within months she would unexpectedly inherit a smalltown newspaper. She never believed she would leave her rising-star career impulsively after a quiet, inner prompting urged, Go… I’ll help you. Yet that improbable route to upheaval is precisely where Christie (Goodbye, Murphy’s Law) engagingly guides both readers and the charming yet flummoxed Barker. As the editor and owner of the Green News-Item, the ever uncertain Barker transforms from an overwhelmed and overly self-reliant Jane Doe into a considerable power for reform and revitalization in her depressed Louisiana borough. Refreshingly realistic religious fiction, this novel is unafraid to address the injustices of sexism, racism and corruption as well as the spiritual devastation that often accompanies the loss of loved ones. Yet these darker narrative tones beautifully highlight the novel’s message of friendship, community and God’s reassuring and transformative love. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

==
This novel was a refreshing change from the usual Christian fiction available today. Christie creates realistic, quirky characters that draw you right into the story. When Lois Barker inherits a small-town newspaper in Louisiana, she quits her high-profile job, rolls up her sleeves and dives into her new ownership. While she runs this paper, she discovers all kinds of dishonest and illegal activity lurking in the small town of Green. Also, romance happens on the fringes of her new life. I recommend this book if you want a quick, easy, and engaging read with realistic setting and wonderful characters!

Oh, almost forgot, Abington Press provided me with a free copy of this novel. Even if they hadn’t, this is a novel I probably would have purchased myself if I’d been browsing in a bookstore! 🙂

~Cecelia Dowdy~

E-Readers


I was talking to one of the parents at my son’s daycare today. He told me that he wanted to get his wife an e-reader and that she wanted a Kindle. However, he mentioned that Barnes And Noble just released their new e-reader today, and he wondered if he should get that for her instead.

The conversation got me to thinking…I’ve never tried an e-reader before! I love books, the feel, the smell, the look…I can’t imagine reading a book on a screen. I’m old-fashioned and I enjoy the actual, honest-to-goodness paper product in my hand. Maybe I’ll need to borrow someone’s e-reader one day just to see what all the hoopla is about!

Do any of you use an e-reader? Do you like it? Which one do you use and what are the benefits of the different e-book readers available? Do you miss the feel, smell, and look of a print book? Inquiring minds want to know!

Click on the image above to enlarge! I think it’s beautiful!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Interview With Author Lauralee Bliss



I welcome Lauralee Bliss to my blog today! Sit back and read this interview and check out her latest release! I also look forward to reading her future releases through the Heartsong Presents book club!

How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

Since I was fourteen when I wrote creative pieces for my English teachers. They were supportive of my early endeavors, and I owe them a great deal for putting me on the path I am walking today. Never underestimate your education.

How do you come up with your storylines?

Many come from my own experiences. Some from the travels I have taken (I have been to 49 out of 50 states as well as traveling oversees, so there’s bound to be interesting tales to tell from all those adventures). And some stories just come to me as I ponder them and think of the characters and the unique situations they might find themselves in.

Do you do a lot of research when writing?
Research is very important to me. I am a stickler for historical detail. To do any less cheats the reader out of things and ways they can learn history while reading a good story. Many years back I used a variety of resources from the library, but now with the Internet, history is at your fingertips. Though I do still like to take out library material and thumb through written research material. But if you can go yourself and actually see the place you wish to research, you can bring out much more accurate and vivid detail. And have a great conversation, too, with a historian, such as I had when researching this book.

What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Each book is different in regards to a theme. I like to write an entertaining book that ministers to the heart. In each of my books I write a spiritual lesson that Christian readers can take away – from forgiveness, to being a servant, to finding hope and purpose in time of greatest need.

What do you want readers to know when they’ve read your books?

That God has a special plan for their lives. He is intimately acquainted with all our ways. He wants us to experience all the fullness of joy and peace He has for us, even if that way can bring trial, and times of doubt. He has a perfect plan for our lives that He wishes to fulfill, if we will allow Him. I know this because I have experienced it in my own life – allowing Him to take control and giving my desires and dreams to Him. And He is faithful.

Tell about your latest release.

Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire is what another reader calls – a “twist” on the mail order bride story, sort of like the mail order bride meets up with My Fair Lady. In it there’s an uneducated and penniless orphan whose well meaning friend answers an ad for a bride, and the unsuspecting suitor who has no idea what to make of the woman that arrives at the train station. Even if he feels he cannot marry her, he will provide for her. But both are in for a surprise and a change of heart and attitude – thus leading to the idea of the first Bethlehem – that the most precious gifts don’t always come as they’re expected.

What’s coming next?

I have a three book contemporary romance series set in the beautiful state of Utah coming in 2010 by Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. The first book, “Love’s Winding Path” is based on the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. Visit my web site to learn about my books for the holidays and for 2010.
www.lauraleebliss.com
And my blog
www.blissfulwritingthoughts.blogspot.com

I’ve enjoyed having you on my blog today, Lauralee! Be sure to check out her latest book! It certainly sounds like a good, intriguing read!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Thomas Nelson


I just found out yesterday that Thomas Nelson will start offering self-publishing packages under their Westbow imprint. I have mixed feelings about this for various reasons. I’ve been reading about this on blogs all day. I don’t talk about industry topics on my blog much, but this has been heavy on my mind for the last 24 hours! I’m not a Thomas Nelson author, but, geez, this is a big deal to me…and to others! Here’s a few blog posts about the topic, but, beware, there are tons of comments on Rachelle’s blog about this…over 100!! Sandra Bishop, an agent with Macgregor Literary, blogged about it today, too.

I’d ask what do you think about this, but, I believe all has been said on the other blog posts!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

In Search Of A Hero By Cheryl Wolverton


In Search Of A Hero by Cheryl Wolverton
Pub. Date: March 2002
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 252pp
Series: Steeple Hill Love Inspired Series
ISBN-13: 9780373871735
ISBN: 0373871732

From the back cover:

TO ERR IS HUMAN…

But attorney Rebekkah Hawkley figured it would take nothing short of divine intervention for Andre Watson to learn forgiveness. The stubborn Texan might have come home to save his father’s law firm from a shadowy threat, but he refused to forget an age-old family feud. If only Rebekkah could convince Andre that his dad needed his love — and that she didn’t….

As Andre saw it, unyielding Rebekkah ought to practice what she preached. But her troubled past didn’t concern him nearly as much as her future. He had every intention of showing her that a woman needed more in her life than church and a career. Namely: love, marriage — and him!

I bought this book used a few months ago. I was talking to the author on a writers’ loop and she told me she’d written a Love Inspired with an interracial couple – a black heroine and a white hero. I knew she had to be kidding because I would’ve remembered seeing a Love Inspired with a white hero and black heroine. Cheryl told me the title of the book and I placed my order. Since it’s so old, I could only purchase it used.

One reason I probably didn’t realize the heroine was African American when the book was released is because the only person on the cover is the hero! I wish they’d placed the heroine on the cover too!

It’s a romantic suspense. It appears this book was published before Love Inspired started their romantic suspense line. Andre Watson has returned to his father’s law firm to help them investigate an old case they’ve won. Wondering if the evidence has been tampered, both Andre and Rebekkah, a current lawyer in his father’s practice, work on this case together.

Amidst candlelit dinners and dangerous events the two struggle to come to terms with their deep feelings for each other. Both also try to learn forgiveness and try to make amends with estranged family members.

It was a quick, enjoyable read, so if you can find it used, you should read it.

Anybody know of any other Love Inspireds with minority characters? The only ones that I know of are the book mentioned in this blog post, my own novel, First Mates, Felicia Mason’s Love Inspired novels, and Camy Tang’s Love Inspired suspense.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Reserves Against Returns

Angie asked the following question when she commented on my last blog entry:
What are reserves against returns?

I’ll try and answer the best that I can! Reserves against returns is when your publisher holds back (meaning they don’t pay you) a portion of your royalties until they’ve received a greater majority of the returns on your book. When a publisher receives returns, they deduct your royalty amount for each return against your amount earned.

For example, if you earned $500.00 in royalties, your publisher may decide to hold back $100.00 of this amount in reserve. As time goes on, maybe a year or so later, you might get $25.00 worth of returns – this $25.00 represents the amount in royalties you would have received if those books had sold. Once most of the returns are in, the publisher would then pay you the $100.00 minus the $25.00 in returns, netting $75.00 royalty check to you, the author.

I noticed from the link that I posted that the author did not receive a royalty check on her April 2009 statement. This happens when you receive your first one or two statements, you might not get a check, or you might get a small check. I sense that this author will receive a royalty check on her next statement, or the one after that.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

How Much Money Does A New York Times Bestseller Make?

If interested, see this link. I’d meant to place this on my blog awhile back, but I forgot to do it! I know a lot of authors dream about making the NY Times Bestseller’s list (myself included). Here are the highlights of the post:

The author’s book, Twilight Fall, debuted at #19 on the New York Times mass-market list back in July 2008.
She received the first royalty statement for this NYT novel in April 2009 (Yes, publishing can be quite slow at times.)
First print run was 88,500 copies.
Total sales units, as of this royalty statement, are 64,925
Royalties = $40,484.00 (this amount does not include the reserves against returns)
The author received an advance of $50,000
She’ll be receiving the next royalty statement October or November 2009.

So take a look at the link to glean more information if interested. I’m glad the author shared her royalty statement with the rest of us!

~Cecelia Dowdy~