The Times of Southwest Louisiana

Here's the latest issue of The Times of Southwest Louisiana. Check it out here.

CFBA Presents Beloved Counterfeit by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

Beloved Counterfeit Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 2009) by

Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


KATHLEEN MILLER Y’BARBO is a tenth-generation Texan and a mother of three grown sons and a teenage daughter. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and an award-winning novelist of Christian fiction whose first published work jumped onto the Christian Booksellers Association bestseller list in its first month of release. Kathleen is a former treasurer for the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a member of the Author’s Guild, Inspirational Writers Alive, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and the Fellowship of Christian Authors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker, and her kids think she’s a pretty cool mom, too…most of the time, anyway.


ABOUT THE BOOK

LOVE CAN COVER A MUTITUDE OF SINS

Washed ashore on Fairweather Key, Ruby O’Shea and her three nieces─the offspring of the pirate Thomas Hawkins and Ruby’s late sister─have a chance for a new beginning as Ruby takes a job in a boardinghouse and the girls are passed off as her daughters. But will Ruby be able to confess all when she falls for Micah Tate, a widower, wrecher, and soon-to-be preacher?

Micah is determined to marry the young woman who has captured his heart despite knowing she has something to hide. But will he be able to remain true to his vows when his lady love’s shady past comes to light?

Captain Thomas Hawkins will go to any length to discover the whereabouts of his daughters. What will his determination cost the folks of Fairweather Key?

When Ruby finds herself bereft of her newfound love and protector, will she run away in an attempt to escape her present as she did her past? Will Micah’s love cover the multitude of Ruby’s sins, or will Ruby’s duplicity cost her everything?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Beloved Counterfeit, go HERE

People I Love

This is a picture of Susan, my very sweet sister-in-law and my husband (her brother) Jim. Sus and I have always enjoyed talking books, writing, authors. She used to read romance but switched to mysteries. She enjoyed reading Patricia Sprinkle. Once, years ago, Susan and I wrote a couple of books and short stories together. Nothing ever came of them but it was fun. I think we tried hard not to step on each other's 'creative toes' when it came to the rewriting and editing.

The other picture is Susan and her husband, Raymond. I can't imagine why he's in a cowboy hat. I've never seen him dress like a wrangler, but I love the pic. It reminds me of a romantic hero and heroine I might enjoy reading about. I think it shows how much they love each other. Look at her smile. See how he's gazing down at her? Usually when we go to Longview, we'll call Susan and Raymond to meet us at Bodacious Bar BQ for a quick meal before we get with the rest of the family. We're going to Longview this week but things will be different this visit. We're going in for Susan's funeral. We're in shock from her unexpected death. We're in denial because it just doesn't make sense. I can only imagine what trips home will be like from now on. Different. Empty. Forever sad. There will always be something sweet missing.

Thank God for my sweet sister-in-law, Susan Wingerd. I hope she knew how much I loved her.


Jesus said...

I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Amanda Susan Ferguson Wingerd

Amanda Susan Ferguson Wingerd went to be with her Lord and Savior on the 5th day of May, 2009, surrounded by her precious sons and loving husband. She was born in Longview, Texas, on October 21, 1954, to Travis and Flora Ferguson. She graduated from Longview High School in 1972 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches where she graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. On June 12, 1976, shortly after graduating from college, she married Raymond Earl Wingerd at the First Assembly of God Church in Longview. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Earl Wingerd, and their four sons and families, Zachary Daniel Wingerd wife, Lindsey, and grandson, Joshua Alexander Wingerd all of Jacksonville, Texas,Taylor Aaron Ferguson Wingerd of Longview, Pierce Caleb Wingerd of Longview, and Lincoln Joseph Wingerd of Longview. She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters and their families, Jim Ferguson wife, Jessica, and children, Brian and Chaney, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Thomas Ferguson wife, Cynthia, and children James, Sommer, Skye, and Storey, of Carrollton, Texas, Janet Traylor husband, Gary, and children, Matthew, Caroline, Lucas and Rebecca of Dallas, Texas, Carol Ferguson and son, Trey Wilson of Frisco, Texas, Samuel Ferguson wife, Lisa and children, Olivia and Levi of Longview. Susan also is survived by niece, Jennifer Lynn Ferguson, of East Mountain, Texas. Susan taught Economics, History, French I and II, Bible, and Geography at Grace Christian School, Maranatha Christian High School and most recently at Longview Christian School from 1990 through May, 2009, where she will be remembered as a teacher who loved her students and took an interest in their lives outside of the classroom. She was a member of Victory Assembly of God Church in Longview and been active in church ministries all her life.
Funeral services are to b e held at 10 a.m. today, May 9, 2009, at First Assembly of God Church, 2900 Fourth Street, in Longview with Pastor Curtis Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park. She was preceded in death by her mother, Flora Ferguson, and grandson, James Darcy Wingerd. She will be sorely missed by all.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at http://www.raderfh.com/

CFBA Presents A Vote Of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

I'm not a fan of historical romance, but I am a Robin Lee Hatcher fan and never miss a book. I'm never disappointed. Hatcher always yanks me into the story from the get-go. One reason I continue to sing Hatcher's praises (book after book) is because she's a great storyteller with a strong, simple style. I like her dialogue, and how she builds the tension. I'm not much of a 'pleasure reader' anymore so I analyze everything I do have time to read. I suppose that's another reason I always enjoy Robin's Lee Hatcher's books. She's mastered plotting and characterization, and I learn something from reading her: about writing and in A Vote of Confidence, about history. If you enjoy historical fiction, pick up A Vote of Confidence. I promise you won't be disappointed.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Vote Of Confidence Zondervan (April 2009) by Robin Lee Hatcher
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a “mans’ world.”

Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life, For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?

But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she’s in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he’s building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Vote Of Confidence, go HERE

Gardening Eden by Michael Abbate

What a passion for God, and for the beauty God created. Makes me want to hug both.


Book Summary :

Gardening Eden: Before the snake, the apple, and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.

“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron—it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God’s original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility—or even possible?

Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbaté outlines the Bible’s clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual environmentalism.

Green living is no longer a fad—simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Gardening Eden shows readers how this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they’re drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.

I have two copies of Garden Eden to give away. Leave a comment and I'll toss your name in the hat. OR... you can order a copy HERE or HERE.

A Song for You

I hope everyone is having a blessed Sunday. I'd like to sing you a song, but since I sound like a sick frog, I'll just post the words here. This song goes out to special friends and loved ones in need of prayer. I thought of each of you as we sung this song in my Bible Study class this morning. I love it. I realize it's a song of invitation and acceptance, so I invite you to hide these words in your heart, and accept Jesus' promise that He will not fail us. He promised.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - words and music by Helen H. Lemmel

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

His word shall not fail you--He promised. Believe Him and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

I love the old hymns that I grew up singing. I love the memory of my grandfather being asked to pray, seeing him kneel beside the pew.

Today, I'm praying for Eric, Susan, John, Alvaro, Johnny, Brenda. And of course, if you could breathe a healing prayer for these six, I'd appreciate it.

Many blessings to you this week. I hope you're writing!
jess

CFBA presents The Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Boneman's Daughters Center Street (April 14, 2009) by Ted Dekker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Would you kill an innocent man to save your daughter?

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who’s abducted six young women. He’s the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan’s estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.


If your an avid Dekker fan, and would like wallpaper and counters for your blog, go HERE.

You can listen to an audio clip HERE

Watch the VIDEO:




If you would like to read the first chapter of Boneman's Daughters, go HERE