Tuesday, December 29, 2020

ANNOUNCING Susan Marlene’s Short Story Collection: Short Stories Some Fanciful Some True A COLLECTION FROM VARIOUS TIME PERIODS & ADVENTURESOME TALES


 


          This short story collection is varied concerning humor, seriousness, and time periods!

ASAP, I will provide these entertaining shots that can be enjoyed when you have little

time to read but want a little adventure in your life!  


 I'll keep you posted about when I release this short and entertaining read!

         

            


JONATHAN CAHN: URGENT MESSAGE DECEMBER 2020 | Where We Are Now And What ...

Tuesday, November 10, 2020




Regina had me at the rainbow-colored mud pots—and then again at Alberta’s pies! NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS is a feast for my imagination. Just the mention of the craggy rocks, Fairy Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the numerous geysers spiked my interest and put me squarely in every scene. These are places I’ve never seen except for occasional photographs. Oh, what a lush experience to visit—via novel—this diverse and comely land with a tale mixed with romance and suspense during an interesting period of time in American history.

Regina is particularly talented with her many characters. There are young, old, and in-between age groups placed in challenging situations that make the story hum. Mixing a notorious poacher, US Calvary, and big business interests along with a struggling smaller hotel owner and you have a backdrop to the action and suspense these characters must navigate through! 

Yes, I was given this book by Regina Scott and Revell Publishing House to read for an honest review if I’d like to provide one! Well, as you can see, I was thrilled to give a review on NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS, American Wonders Collection, Book 2 by Regina Scott! Thank you, Regina, for another wonder-filled tale that kept me turning pages and wishing and hoping I can visit Yellowstone Park for myself! I highly recommend NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS! And just think dear reader—Christmas is coming! Do you want to bless a relation or friend with adventuresome romance? 

Here is my link for my review for Regina's first novel in this series! A DISTANCE TOO GRAND, American Wonders Collection.
http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/10-2019

On Regina's website, I enjoyed historical elements posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.





 

Michele Bachmann On Voter Fraud & Tonight's Prayer Meeting From The Firs...

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

 

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Zoom Conference

Anyone wishing to attend, please contact me at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com at least 2 hours before the meeting. I will send you the information needed to join the meeting.

 

So, in essence, the meeting is held at your home - USA

 

Your couch or chair. Your choice of refreshments from your fridge—still no running to Kathy’s house for treats! 😊 How I long for a good in-person meet and greet Pens gathering with you all. 

TRIBES & TECHNIQUES by Susan Marlene and Anyone Who Will Chime in!!

Let’s discuss how to find and connect with our tribe and how to make sure that the encouragement we are encouraged with can be shared as it should be. We must take advantage of the extra time at home and write with abandon!

PROMPT: Describe your reader reading one of your pieces!

I will send the lesson materials to our Pens of Praise group. If anyone else would like this information pre-meeting, please request TRIBES & TECHNIQUES at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!

We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or

Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

 

Saturday, September 12, 2020

AIRORNE by Award Winning Author DiAnn Mills!



The Paper book is out! 

Yeah! I love Kindle books because of the convince of being read to during busy times in my schedule but there is nothing like a hardcover or paperback!  DiAnn Mills' book is timely and doesn’t disappoint. This is an exciting novel that nearly flips the pages on its own accord! It’s Rife with authenticity and tension, Airborne is a story that will earn your respect and attention. DiAnn submerges herself into factual information that medical experts, FBI, and other professionals provide. Then she pours out the story of her heart, which amazingly commands the ability to reach into this reader's imagination. Could that be because DiAnn is so familiar with the situations and people involved that her computer keys naturally reveal the essence that makes stories great? Yes, I think that is why!

FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence, Dr. Chad Lawrence, Special Agent Laura Tobias and Special Agent Javier Rivera and many other characters kept me guessing and interested and concerned! The characters DiAnn introduced in Airborne made this reader feel as though she’d known them for years! The hero and heroine are complicated, engaging, and hamstrung with issues to overcome, which pulled me into this story so powerfully that I didn’t want to leave. I’m not naturally one to read about pandemics, earthquakes, or even watch Godzilla movies. Sorry, Godzilla! But this story’s layers were intriguing, meaning, and hopeful, so much so that I had to trail through until the very end! I must say that I finished this story in record time. I love suspense that twists with unexpected turns and causes me to care for more than the situation. This is a highly recommended read that offers more than entertainment. It provides hope in times that try our souls.

DiAnn Mills is an award-winning spunky writer who I am honored to recommend! Find out more about this very author-reader engaged writer on her website, https://diannmills.com/.




 

Saturday, September 5, 2020



The name of this devotion is powerful and clicked in my spirit immediately. How about you? Prevail means to prove more powerful than your opposing forces and to be victorious. I could use a bit of that. I think we all could use a bit of that, especially in our modern times. There is much going on in our cities and the world. News stations seem bent on discouraging the stoutest of hearts. Many are wallowing in unforgiveness, anger, fear, and violence. Believers who genuinely connect with our Father bring the opposite to the table. They bring forgiveness, joy, hope, and peace into the equation.  

This isn’t the type of devotion to pump you up temporarily or feed your ego. This is a devotion that links your heart with Jesus. The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You..” Isaiah 26:3. Each devotion in PREVAIL offers a scripture before Susie’s short yet powerful wisdom and heart-felt inspiration. Then there is a suggested chapter or part of a chapter of the Bible to read. Then Susie gives you a FLOURISH suggestion to do or reflect upon. And she finishes up the devotion with a prayer. I’ve been reading Susie’s devotion in several ways. I have looked up topics, started at the beginning, as well as just opened up the devotion to see where my focus landed. Every time was an excellent experience. Susie stirred me to reflect on Him and my relationship to Him in a wonderfully profound and strengthening way.   

I’ve read many nice devotions. This isn’t a ‘nice’ devotion. This is a sit on my use it daily shelf because I rate it up there with MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by Oswald Chambers. Susie assists the body of Christ in keeping our minds stayed on Him, like Isaiah 26:3 states. She shares her struggles, victories, and observations because she leans close to His heart. I want to be the one who brings forgiveness, joy, hope, and peace into the situations I find myself in. Susie’s devotion will assist me in prevailing against the tide of negativity and discouragement that runs rampant today. I love how Susie reminds me that He loves me and hasn’t given up on me. He has a plan and purpose for each situation—that joy can engulf my heart even in the worst of times, because of HIM. I could just go on and on. . . but I’d rather you place your order for this extraordinary devotion that will support your vibrant walk with Him through the days ahead! 

I preordered this book, and yes, I’m on the launch team to promote Susie Larson and PREVAIL. I jumped at the chance to do so. Susie spoke at a conference I attended. I was awed at how much she brought our Father into the focus of each of her talks. I'd purchased her book and video for Your Beautiful Purpose, Discovering and Enjoying What God Can Do Through You. Here is the link for my review of that book.  http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/04-2020


How to find Susie Larson:
You’ll find a morning and evening blessing each weekday on Facebook (Facebook.com/deeperlifeinChrist), Instagram (SusieLarsonAuthor), and Twitter (SusieLarson). My website is, www.SusieLarson.com






 

Saturday, August 29, 2020

BUSHWHACKED, Mystery at Point Beach, Book Four by Award-Winning Authors, Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Erdmann


What an adventure! Just when I think that Dominic, Forest, and Sailor have solved all—they discover another mysterious situation that only they can investigate. I loved this book. I believe it’s tops! I must confess that every time I read a Mystery at Point Beach book, I think I’ve found my new in the series favorite!

This book kept me interested—no shocker there! The characters were lifelike in attitude and goals yet very different from one another! The mystery began with a 1939 local lumberjack and a secret map that leads to an artifact. Dominic, Forest, and Sailor are contemporary kids who discovered that someone has recently messed with clues that were hidden long ago. Who could that be? I’m not telling. I loved learning more about the past linked with Point Beach. Keep your tissues ready—to pat your brow—Kate and Debby, you had me worried for the characters a couple of major times! But that’s fine. You have me yearning for the next offering in this series! No wonder that you are award winners! The codes and danger that these courageous characters are challenged with make this novel shine.

I look forward to the summer camping that Dominic, Forest, and Sailor experience. This book had many familiar characters revisit, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve come to enjoy the kid’s families and the bothersome Ranger Rick. Sally is new to this series, and she made me smile! Well done, Kate and Debby! Did you hear that applaud? 

If you like engaging characters, suspense, humor, mystery, a touch of history (not too much—just enough), and a well written and paced novel, then BUSHWACKED is your next read! I bet you could guess that I highly recommend this youth book.

 

You may find Kate and Debby and their books on their website http://www.mysteryatpointbeach.com/ and on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach



 

Sunday, August 16, 2020

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Tuesday, August 18, 2020

 




Zoom Meeting Starts at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18

Free Zoom meetings last 40 minutes. We will set up two meetings—one after the other--
So that we have longer to connect! I sure miss meeting at the library with you all! Cyber hugs and keep your chins up and those computer keys busy! 
 
For ZOOM password please contact me at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com.
will send you the information needed to join the meeting on the day of the meeting in an email. 
 
The topic this month is WRITER’S TIPS & SHARES by Susan Marlene. Sometimes the path ahead seems impossible to tread. We will share and inspire one another and both non-fiction and fiction alike will benefit. Bring your ideas, information, and inspiration to ZOOM so that we can encourage one another to keep writing during this pandemic! We hope to see you there!

PROMPTI thank God for ___________________? 
 
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
         We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

Sunday, August 2, 2020

where tomorrow leads by DiAnn Mills





Sudan, July 2005

This novel continues the suspense from A LONG WALK HOME. DiAnn transports readers into the conflicts simmering and afflicting Sudanese, Muslims, and Christians in Sudan. As a reader, I’m able to imagine the heat and beauty of this untamed land occupied by people fighting to survive lack, war, and religious conflicts. There are so many needs, yet courage and faithfulness abound. 

Despite dangerous wild animals and limited resources, the characters, Doctor Larson, Paul Farid, Colonel Ben Alier press on. They overcome extreme circumstances and trials, both personal and situational. I couldn’t stop turning pages. 

The love and admiration that DiAnn Mills has for the Sudanese are apparent in this novel. The writing was lovely and inviting. I admit it, I’d stop—though I wanted to page through quickly to see what was going to happen next—to reread. Not because the story was confusing. I knew who I was with and what was happening at all times. It’s just that the story world is so intense, and I wanted to stay. My hope is that there will be a book 3 in this series! This series is only on eBook.  

I want to thank you, DiAnn, for loving well and writing strong as you brought the struggles of Sudan and the beautiful people there to light! I highly recommend this eBook novel and encourage those who do to read DiAnn’s Acknowledgments and A Note from the Author.


DiAnn Mills is an author to pay attention to and follow!  Here 
is her author bio!


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is Director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Here are some of her recent awards:

2019 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year – High Treason
2018 ACFW Member Service Award
2018 Rank #6 on July CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #3 on June CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #3 on May CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – Deadly Encounter
2018 Rank #7 on February CBA Best-sellers for Fiction Romance – High Treason




Friday, July 17, 2020

THE ARTIST’S HEALER, GRACE-BY-THE-SEA, Book 3 by Regina Scot



Dorset, England, July 1804

Regina Scott has done it again! She has provided entertaining fun characters with diverse and fully flavored personalities. In England, the town of Dorset Grace-by-the-Sea is small and dependent upon their local spa. It’s now equipped with a doctor, to attract vacationers to boost local business sales. This is a tight community where the residents watch out for one another—definitely not a place to keep secrets. Unless you are French spies who may have infiltrated the area. That’s the mystery, though. In the last book, local artist Abigail Archer was shot in the arm and now has need of the spa doctor. Their foibles and strengths are like oil and water. Could their needs be a possible connection? I can say no more—except if you want to see the plot unravel and entertain, I encourage you to order an eBook or novel of your own.

This is definitely a book about family, friends, romance, and intrigue pulled together with mystery. How do you suppose Doctor Linus Bennett will get along in Grace-by-the-Sea with his young son, Ethan? Napoleon’s spies add tension as well as talk that there are press gangs close at hand. Danger, misunderstandings, and romance will pull you into this tale that is adorned with forgiveness, overcoming spirit, and hope!

I did receive a free copy of this story so that I could write an honest review.  And now, you may discover if this is a valuable tale worthy of your time, which I believe it is. The above comments are my true observations of Regina’s latest novel. The last Grace-by-the-Sea story that I reviewed was on January 18, 2020, and you may look there to see Regina’s answers to her interview and the photo of the area she used to write THE ARTIST’S HEALER in the beautiful town of Grace-by-the-Sea, England!

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA:

Have you read any historical accounts from anyone dealing with those French spies?
Not the spies specifically, but I have read historical accounts of the fear of invasion that swept England during those years. Villagers all along the coast were watchful, expecting to see the French at any moment. So adding some spies into the mix seemed appropriate for the story.

Do you know any artists whom you based Abigail’s character on? (Your descriptions of her thoughts and observations are well written. Insightful!)
When I was researching another of my books, Art and Artifice, I read about Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser, female painters who helped found England’s famed Royal Academy of Art. So, I knew a bit about what it took to create oil paintings at that time. I also had a dear friend who has since passed, who was a talented artist. I relied on her stories to get the feel of painting.

Are you a big city girl or a country girl? You have this town so realistic!
Small town girl all the way! London was the only large city I have visited where I felt at home. Right now, I live south of Seattle, on the way to Mt. Rainier, and I love seeing her in the distance on the days she is out. I always breathe easier when I am surrounded by fields and trees.

What extra info would you like to say about Ethan?
It was surprisingly difficult to write about an introspective, creative childlike Ethan. Most of the children I know have been remarkably resilient in times of trouble. But Ethan has been through a great deal, so making him a bubbly sort seemed wrong. My youngest son is rather introspective, and creative, though he has had few traumas in his life, for which I am thankful! I used him as Ethan’s model.

What is your next novel called, and can you give us an introduction to the storyline?
My next novel, out in October, is Nothing Short of Wondrous, the second book in my American Wonders collection from Revell. Widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine welcomes the U.S. Cavalry to protect Yellowstone. When her son is kidnapped, she must work with world-weary Lieutenant William Prescott to rescue the boy. Will they find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control?

The next Grace-by-the-Sea story, scheduled for January 2021, will be The Governess’s Earl. Rejected by the man she loved, quick-witted bluestocking Rosemary Denby is determined to win the position of governess to the temperamental Lady Miranda, daughter of the Earl of Howland. But is it the widowed earl who truly needs a lesson, in love?

Where do you wish your readers or potentially new readers to connect with you?
On Regina's website, I enjoyed the historical elements that she posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 4550 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Sunrise Crik, Book One by Rebecca McLafferty











Book One of the Sunrise Crik series is a contemporary suspense novel that includes many of my favorite qualities for story! Like the strong beginning, the first scene puts the main character in the middle of a crisis—and I admired Evah Rois on the first page. I love a novel that pulls me quickly into the character’s lives and concerns and adds a healthy dose of problems and complications that the characters must deal with. This novel isn’t the Die Hard or 007 types of suspense but profoundly grabbed my heart and attention because I could relate to situations and believe that their victories could be mine.

And the location—Montana—is majestic with those gorgeous mountains in the background and a small town nestled alongside. I could almost imagine myself there and feeling small as I gazed up the mountain’s heights. The diverse characters are interestingly challenged or troubled by past hurts. The threaded mystery drew me in, and I just had to know—but I’m not going to tell—why ruin your fun!

I know that previously, Rebecca McLafferty and her husband had their own Alpaca ranch, and they worked hard to keep those adorable creatures safe, happy, and well. Any scenes, which included the Alpacas were written from Rebecca’s heart and experience! So, if you love large animals and small ones, I believe that you will enjoy Intentional HeirsThere are so many facets of human emotion, pain, and overcoming woven into the fiber of this story, and that makes this a reread for me. This is a wonderful anytime read. Rebecca McLafferty gave me this story to review, and I’m giving my honest opinion and reaction to her story. Once her novel published, I bought my own paperback and Kindle copies! I highly recommend Intentional Heirs and hope that you will discover the worth of this new writer and her debut novel for yourself! 

QUESTIONS FOR REBECCA:
 
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A SMALL COUNTRY TOWN IN THE BEAUTIFUL MONTANA AREA FOR YOUR SUSPENSE NOVEL?
 
This is a great question. I have always loved the western U.S and, at a young age, I became a Midwest cowgirl. How many people in Wisconsin own Stetsons and full-length duster coats? (chuckle) Years later, my husband and I visited the Livingston area of Montana. The picturesque mountains were forever etched in my memory. My story takes place in the fictitious town of Woodridge, located between Livingston and Bozeman.
 
I chose a small Montana town because of the western lifestyle and the honest, down-to-earth people from that area. The story also takes the reader to the Bozeman and Livingston areas. Rich Montana history inspired some of the story’s scenes.
 
 
DO YOU WISH TO SHARE ANYTHING ABOUT FORGIVENESS THAT YOU DIDN’T GET TO INCLUDE IN INTENTIONAL HEIRS?
 
Some character traits in Intentional Heirs illustrate that forgiveness is critical to our peace of mind. I feel that when someone is unwilling to forgive, for whatever reason, anger and bitterness steal that person’s joy. It seldom affects the person who did us wrong. It hurts our own mental state, and our actions often hurt the people we care about the most.

One of my favorite scriptures is, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

That is so powerful!

 
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCENE TO WRITE? (GETTING TO KNOW A CHARACTER OR SUSPENSEFUL CONFRONTATIONS?)
 
Both types of scenes are satisfying from the writer’s point of view, but I would have to say that I enjoy writing action scenes the best. For example, when Police Chief Nolan Quinn is in the middle of a brawl, I love his karate kicks and take-charge attitude.

And when Jane is heading up a rescue, I’m thinking, “Go get them, Jane!”

 
 
I SEE THAT YOU HAVE RECIPES IN YOUR NOVEL. DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL ABOUT ANY OF THE RECIPES? DID YOU CREATE ANY OF THESE?
 
Within the pages of Intentional Heirs, the heroine, Evah, is a bakery chef. When she bakes at the McCormick ranch, these are three of her recipes. I love to bake, too, and created these recipes years ago. In my own yesteryear, I taught enrichment classes, including Baking Breads, where we experimented with breads and cinnamon rolls.

These days, I have a gluten intolerance and have made the recipes adaptable that way.

 
 
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK IN THE SUNRISE CRIK SERIES?
 
I am really excited about book two of the Sunrise Crik Series, Intentional Fires. It takes place in the same Montana area. Toni Lublow is an Iraq-Marine widow running a Christmas tree farm with 10- and 12- year old boys. Park Ranger Sam Duncan is putting out fires ranging from campgrounds to national forests. Some of the characters from Intentional Heirs are involved in the story, too.

Disagreements with neighboring campground owners, Trevor and Dani Riley, are hard to set aside—especially during the Christmas Tree Farm’s Centennial Celebrations. There’s plenty of fire fueling their multi-generational 90-year-feud.

 
 
WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
 
I am most active on Facebook (Author Rebecca McLafferty). I invite readers to my website at www.rebeccamclafferty.com and welcome emails at rebeccamclafferty4353@gmail.com.

Thanks for allowing me to answer these questions. It was great fun!




Thursday, May 14, 2020





PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Tuesday, MAY 19, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom Conference    

Anyone wishing to attend, please contact me at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com. I will send you the information needed to join the meeting. You must do so before noon on Tuesday, May 19th.
So, in essence the
meeting is held at your home - USA

Your couch or chair. Your choice of refreshments from your fridge—still no running to Kathy’s house for treats! 😊

Susan Marlene will share To Tag or Not to Tag & Footnotes or No Notes for the topic this month. Let’s enter the wonderful world of tagging dialogue for your novel or memoir together! Also included are those nuggets of whatever she can dig up on that almost forgotten art of adding footnotes to your nonfiction projects. I’m sure that many writers are taking advantage of extra time at home to pen encouragement, how-to, or fiction amid this pandemic. When it is in your power to lift another—what will you say? How will you say it?



I will send the lesson materials to our Pens of Praise group. If anyone else would like this information pre-meeting, please request To Tag or Not to Tag & Footnotes or No Notes at susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!

We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or