Awaken My Heart, by Diann Mills

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Introduces
Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

Available February 5, 2008 from Avon Inspire

ABOUT DIANN MILLS

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. She is the author of numerous titles including novels, novellas, and a nonfiction. In addition, she's written several short stories, articles, devotions, and has contributed to several nonfiction compilations.

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should "expect an adventure." Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Several of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she remains a favorite author by Heartsong Present's readers. Two of her books have won short historical of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers both in 2003 and 2004. She was named Writer of the Year for 2004 at the 35th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and is the recipient of Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards for 2005 in the long contemporary and novella categories.

DiAnn Mills is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, ChiLibris, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn also belongs to Cy Fair Women's Networking, an exclusive professional women's networking organization.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat,=humidity, and Harleys. In fact she'd own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

ABOUT THE BOOK

1803, the colony of Texas

Awaken My Heart is set in 19th century Texas and tells the story of 18 year old Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Weston Phillips. Weston is involved in a hostile struggle with Armando Garcia, the infamous rebel leader of the 'mestizos' who claim to own the land that Phillips has settled.

Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?

Recommended. DiAnn Mills' Awaken My Heart is spellbinding!

--Vicki

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008 by Sally Stuart, WaterBrook Press, January 15, 2008

ABOUT SALLY STUART
Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual Christian Writers' Market Guide for the last 23 years.

Her other writing includes several Christian education resource books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the Christian Communicator, Advanced Christian Writer,"and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter.

She speaks and teaches at Christian writers conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of three and grandmother of eight. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2008 is now in its 23rd annual edition! Including writers conference listings, book publishers, magazine publishers, and a ookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business.
Need a manuscript evaluation? Want a book contract? Sally spends her time researching and compiling all of the information you will need in Christian Writer's Market Guide 2008. And check out the Writer’s Resource links. Sally Stuart has placed everything you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer. Each book includes a searchable CD.
To keep up to date with the latest marketing news visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog Christian Writers’ Marketplace at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/

HAPPILY EVEN AFTER by Marilynn Griffith

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces

HAPPILY EVEN AFTER by MARILYNN GRIFFITH

Number 3 in the Sassy Sistahood Series -- Available January 1, 2008, Steeple Hill Publishers

Marilynn Griffith is one of my favorite writers. When I pick up one of her books, I'm brought into her life immediately. Reading Marilynn Griffith's writing is like sitting at her breakfast table and listening to your best friend sharing hilariously funny and poignant details of her life. You'll laugh, cry, and enjoy Happily Even After immensely-- Vicki.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a deacon, and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.

Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL, and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.

Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.

Marilynn has served as vice president and publicity officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women, and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.
Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years.

When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.

To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her thru her WEBSITE.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Superwoman doesn't live here!

I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait...did I say welcoming?

One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there's some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn't even know about!

And then there's my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can't stand me.

I'm about to lose my mind! So it's high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!


The Sassy Sistahood: They get by with a little help from their friends.