Serenity Sunday

Free Coloring Page for April

Here's this month's FREE COLORING PAGE FOR READERS, just as a thank-you for visiting my blog. Feel free to print, download, share, and duplicate as desired. Enjoy!

Serenity Sunday

Meet Your Favorite Amish Authors in Lancaster County

If you enjoy Amish fiction, then consider attending this awesome event. I'll be there for the Authors Luncheon & Book Signing along with other Amish authors including Rachel J. Good, Charlotte Hubbard, Sherry Gore, J.E.B. Spredemann, Laura Bradford, Kelly Long, and more.

TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE:

Thursday, June 20
     5:00pm - Welcome Reception at Harvest Drive Inn

Friday, June 21
     7:00am - Breakfast/Bus Tour
     7:00pm - Game Night

Saturday, June 22
     3:00pm - Authors Luncheon & Book Signing at Yoder's Restaurant

Sunday, June 23
     9:00am - Muffin breakfast at hotel followed by departure

For more information about the event, visit Miss Tina's Facebook page or call Miss Tina's Amish Country Market at 517 919 9082.

Hope to see you there!

Serenity Sunday

Louisiana for Book Lovers

Years ago, I noticed that when reading a novel where setting was an important element, I'd sometimes find myself incorporating that setting into my daily life–such as cooking certain foods, listening to certain kinds of music, etc. Do you do this too? Once I recognized the tendency in myself, I began to be more deliberate about it, seeking specific smells and sights and sounds that helped evoke the mood of whatever book I was reading.

One Caveat

Within reason, of course. Last week I read the YA novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and decided to try making a batch of Indian Fry Bread, which is referenced in Chapter 13. It just sounded so good! I changed my mind, however, when I realized that the recipe called for making the dough and then deep frying it in lard. Oh well, duh, guess I should've figured that out by the name!

In the end, I settled for putting on this cool song whenever I started to read more of the story.

Getting in a Bayou Mood

Last month I read one of James Lee Burke's "Dave Robicheaux" novels, which always paint a vivid picture of life in southern Louisiana. Though I've lived in Pennsylvania for years, I was born and raised in Louisiana, so there's no shortage of bayou-related mood setters around here, many of which I enjoyed as I was reading. Today I thought I'd share some of my top picks with you.

Before I do, however, here are linked pics for my own books that are set in Louisiana, in case you're in the mood for a down home Mindy mystery. (Click on any of the book covers for more info.)

 

FREE Audiobook

Also, don't forget that you can get the audiobook version of Whispers of the Bayou for FREE by clicking on this link and giving Audible.com a try!

And Now For Some Real Louisiana Mood Setters

Whether you're reading with your eyes or your ears, here are some fun ways to put you in a Louisiana mood.

First, grab something to munch on, like these Bayou Snackers...

...then brew up some delicious Louisiana coffee.

Pour it into your Louisiana mug,

then put that mug on a Louisiana coaster.

Next, set the mood by lighting a Louisiana candle

and turning on your Louisiana lamp.

Then slip on some Louisiana socks (Biegnets! Yum!)

And, for added comfort, grab your Louisiana pillow and blanket.

Now you're finally ready to settle in and start.  Just be sure to keep this Louisiana bookmark handy, so you don't lose your place. 

Happy reading y'all!

Serenity Sunday

April 2019 Christian Fiction Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Children’s The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio -- Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is preparing her for a greater mission — far beyond what she could imagine. (Children’s from Ambassador International)



Contemporary Romance: Faith and Hope by Amy R. Anguish -- Younger sister Hope has lost her job, her car, and her boyfriend all in one day. Her well-laid plans for life have gone sideways, as has her hope in God. Older sister Faith is finally getting her dream-come-true after years of struggles and prayers. But when her mom talks her into letting Hope move in for the summer, will the stress turn her dream into a nightmare? Is her faith in God strong enough to handle everything? For two sisters who haven't gotten along in years, this summer together could be a disaster...or it could lead them to a closer relationship with each other and God. Can they overcome all life is throwing at them? Or is this going to destroy their relationship for good? (Contemporary Romance from Mantle Rock Publishing)

Match Made in Heaven by Julie Arduini -- Beth Prescott wants to make a difference with the senior citizens she serves as a volunteer coordinator, but their matchmaking efforts leave her guarded. She’s experienced too much pain to make that leap again. Dean Kellerman returns to the Finger Lakes area to help his grandfather and heal his own broken heart. He’s recommitted his life to Christ, and doesn’t want any distractions. When his grandfather needs assistance with a senior program, it places Dean right in Beth’s path. Can these two surrender their pasts to Christ and have faith in each other and their future? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

  An Amish Reunion by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kathleen Irvin, and Beth Wiseman -- Their True Home by Amy Clipston: Marlene Bawell’s new friendship with an old crush is threatened when change once again disrupts the home she’s tried to make in Bird-in-Hand. A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman: Separated after tragic grief, husband and wife Ruth and Gideon Beiler are reunited when they accept an invitation to a family reunion they each believe the other has declined. A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller: Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else? Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin: Abandoned by her father, penitent single mother Hannah Kauffman finds support in her old friend Phillip, who has loved her for years, but fears risking another mistake by opening herself up to love. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

  Her New Amish Family by Carrie Lighte -- Widower Seth Helmuth needs a mother for his sons, but for now, hiring the Englischer next door as their nanny will have to do. Trina Smith plans to stay in Amish country only long enough to claim her inheritance and sell her grandfather’s house. But as she falls for Seth, his twin boys and Amish life, will she inherit a home and a family? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


  Beauty for Ashes by Kathleen Neely -- Well-known novelist Nathan Drummond revisits painful memories when family responsibilities force him to return to his home town. Although he’d intended the living situation to be temporary, Nathan didn’t count on falling in love. As guilty memories threaten a return of panic attacks, Nathan begins to write a novel paralleling the tragic event from his youthful folly. Will the novel be seen as a work of fiction, or will it expose his secret? (Contemporary Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

  Restoring Her Faith by Jennifer Slattery -- An artist fighting to save her career must find a way to work with the handsome yet stubborn cowboy overseeing a church restoration project--without falling for his southern charm. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])




  Sweet On You by Becky Wade -- Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long. As they work together to investigate Zander's uncle's mysterious death, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker])



General Contemporary: The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli -- A dying request from an elderly neighbor forces a woman in a troubled marriage to find the 300-year-old story of a young colonial woman—one forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden to her by society. (General Contemporary from Hope Creek Publishers)



  All My Tears by Kathy McKinsey -- Meet five women who struggle with life’s deep sorrows. Beth fights to recover from alcoholism and to mend her relationships with her family. Ann doesn’t believe God will forgive her. Kathleen wrestles with a years-old fear and with saving her marriage. Cassie needs to learn to deal with chronic depression. Martie finds herself the single parent of the eight-year-old niece she barely knows when the child’s parents die in a car wreck. See how God gives them the gifts of hope, healing, and love. (General Contemporary from Mantle Rock Publishers)


Historical: The Refuge by Ann H Gabhart -- Can Darcie Goodwin find love and a way to keep her baby in a community that doesn't believe in marriage or individual family units? (Historical from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group)





Historical Romance: The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere -- At loose ends in London after a near-tragedy, Cara Bernay finds herself at odds with the Earl of Morestowe after she befriends his brother, a talented but troubled young artist. Soon she finds herself drawn to the earl as she becomes more involved with his family. Like Cara, they are suffering from unresolved mistakes in their past. Can they form an unlikely alliance and find a way to a new beginning? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

  The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse -- Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working her brother’s restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the 1849 Gold Rush. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother’s friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense: Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley -- An escaped victim of sex trafficking must find the courage to report her captors to the authorities—some of whom could be corrupt—when her niece is kidnapped by the ringleader. (Romantic Suspense from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group)



  You Shouldn't Have by Susan Page Davis -- “I SAW MY NEIGHBOR MURDER HIS WIFE!” But the police don’t believe Petra Wilson. There’s no body, no evidence, no murder. But Petra knows what she saw. And now her dangerous neighbor knows it, too. Her sisters introduce her to private investigator Joe Tarleton. Petra tells Joe her story, expecting him to decide there is no case. But the dedicated P.I. accepts her word, and he vows to uncover the truth. Still, he can’t guard Petra twenty-four hours a day. In spite of her precautions, her neighbor makes inroads in her vulnerability. Petra is left open to a killer intent on silencing the only living witness. (Romantic Suspense from Tea Tin Press)

  Beauty in Battle by Robin Patchen -- Harper doesn’t want to return to Maryland to face the police. The mess she left behind makes her look guilty of the worst, but it’s too late to run again. Red is safe and the authorities are waiting. At least Jack is by her side. Now that Jack knows the truth, his feelings for Harper are deeper than ever. He’s not about to leave her side, especially knowing a killer is after her. But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s come unhinged. And he may not be the biggest threat lurking. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative: Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse -- Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new role as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself. With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: accept the Dark Lady's offer or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other freedom. But time is running out, and if she doesn't choose soon, her decision will be made for her. (Speculative Fantasy from Bethany House [Baker])

  Snow Globe Travelers: Samuel's Legacy by K.A. Cummins -- Transported into another world, an Austrian girl must face a genetically-engineered warrior with an army of vicious hybrids. (Hard Science Fiction (for Children), Independently Published)



  The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings -- A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job. A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding. And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive. When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcases from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave. (Speculative Allegory from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])