Orphaned four years earlier when their parents–active in the African National Congress (ANC) Movement against apartheid, were murdered–16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner family’s farm.

When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owner’s son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revenge–or forgiveness and selfless love.

Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 and his ascendance to presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces and likely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

Kathi and I discussed a lot during our interview from catching up from old times to her two recently released novels No Greater Love and More than Conquerors and finally discussing whats next for her. Check out our Interview…

Post a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Kathi’s novel No Greater Love.

With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness–particularly in some areas of Chiapas State–is rapidly decreasing.

Despite increasing difficulty and persecution, Hector Rodriguez carries Bibles deep into Mexico, where those with Mayan beliefs grow more hostile as 2012 approaches. While Hector lives and pastors a small church on the outskirts of tourist-popular border town Tijuana, his mother, Virginia, lives in the village of San Juan Chamula, in the heart of the Mayan hostilities. She uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it–until she disappeares.

Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children and his search for Virginia. His young protege from California, Marty, wants to help Hector expand his ministry, but wonders if he and his future family can bear the persecution they, too, will likely face.

You’re probably asking yourself the same question I asked when I initially saw the title of this book, “how do you pronounce this?” Just listen to our interview and you’ll find out!

If you like what you hear, post a comment to win a FREE copy of Glaen!

In a world where love is romanticized by vampires and far-off adventures of undying love-at-first-sight, audiences don’t always have the opportunity to read stories that reflect God’s design for love. Author Fred Lybrand takes an in-depth look into relationships and dating, plus a little common sense for the real day-to-day world, in his latest book, Glaen.

Lybrand has chosen a unique and effective way to present his knowledge of human relationships and romance by creating a storyline that allows readers to walk alongside believable characters as they discover and explore an exciting and more effective way to relate to those with whom they will share life’s most intimate relationships. Having spent more than twenty-four years as a pastor, Lybrand is deeply involved in caring for people, and he wants others to know the freedom that can be found in relating to others truthfully and without pretense.

Glean introduces the character of Annie Hughes just as she suffers the loss of one of life’s foundational relationships—her parents’ marriage. As a graduate student, Annie suddenly finds herself at a loss to understand how any relationship finds and maintains lifetime staying power, especially a relationship as intimate as marriage.

When Annie meets her professor new writing professor, a rather unconventional teacher named Glaen, her life is set upon a path of both self-discovery and the exploration of romantic relationships. She begins this class with the intention to help others but quickly learns that she must first develop a teachable spirit, and her own faith proves to be the pivotal starting point for her journey. Annie then begins to honestly explore how men and women relate to one another as God designed them to do.

Lybrand’s character development of Annie Hughes allows him to outline several foundational truths. Using Annie’s “research” and “journal” entries as the vehicle to present thought-provoking ideas to the reader, Lybrand first uncovers the lies of a secular world-view and then counters those lies with the truth of God’s design for the marriage relationship. These observations are made even clearer as the reader observes Annie’s interaction with other couples and friends who are in the process of dating and considering marriage. As she questions her friends’ choices, she also takes an honest look at the relationships she is developing within her own life.

Annie’s discoveries are both simple and profound, and truth itself proves to be the foundation upon which all relationships hinge. The discovery that truth can only operate effectively within a relationship when people relate to one another without pretense and unrealistic expectations proves to be life-changing for the characters in many ways.

The life changing principles found in Glaen are the gems Lybrand wants readers to take from the story and experience in their own lives and relationships. Thus, Glaen is a book that demands a second reading, as those who read its story will want to go through it again and highlight and examine the truths Annie uncovers throughout her journey. This book will serve as a great teaching tool for parents to use with their children as well as for church leaders guiding couples who are seeking a more satisfying marriage relationship.

Glaen by Fred R. Lybrand

The Barnabas Agency   February 2010

ISBN: 978-0-578-04652-5/softcover/171 pages/$14.99

Website: www.glaen.com ~ Blog: www.glaen.wordpress.com

Become a fan of Glaen on Facebook!

I was absolutely flattered when asked to interview novelist extraordinaire Alice J. Wisler, who keeps her readers comin’ back for more finger lickin’ southern fiction.

How Sweet It Is is Alice’s second book, which is a follow up to her first book Rain Song.

Alice shares some amazing stories regarding her background, the creation of her novels, and her journey to publication. She is an inspiration to not only myself but to other writers because of her perseverance.

I am excited about where God leads Alice on her journey as an author, I am confident He will continue to use her creativity, insight, and experience to equip her along the way. She has my support and prayers and I look forward to her returning to the show to discuss all her books to come.

For your chance to win a FREE copy of Never the Bride, post a comment below!

Jessie Stone has spent thirty-five years fantasizing about marriage proposals, wedding dresses, and falling in love.  She’s been a bridesmaid eleven times, waved dozens of couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping in the love-of-her-life department hasn’t been quite as productive.  The man she thought she would marry cheated on her.  The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing.  And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that God has a better love story than one of the thousands she’s cooked up in her journals?  Will she trust Him with her pen when it appears her dreams of being the bride are forever lost?

A romantic comedy with a spiritual twist, Never the Bride is what it means to lose control—and getting more than any woman could ever imagine.

Abigail Bennett was completely in control of her life.

But then tragedy pushed her to the brink of something she’s never experienced: obsession. Now, she’s given up everything she’s ever worked for to chase down the object of that obsession. His name is Tyler Kamp.

As Abigail follows him across the border into Canada, her journey is awash in memories of family and childhood, especially those of her younger sister Halley. Even as Abigail races into her future, her past continues to pull her back. Only when she is brought to the edge of her obsession she will be able to come to terms with the tragedy that ignited it.

About the Author: Nicol Baart was born and raised in Iowa, where she and her family now live. She taught high-school English for several years in Canada, but is now the full-time mother of two young sons and the wife of a pastor. After the Leaves Fall and it’s sequel, Summer Snow, are Nicole’s first two novels. To learn more about Nicole visit her website at www.NicoleBaart.com.

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Mysteriously banished to live with demanding Aunt Augusta on Florida’s remote, untamed Merritt Island of 1904, young Emma-Lee Palmer discovers a dark family secret. Befriended by a kindly sea captain Emma-Lee and Aunt Augusta discover courage, renewed hope, and the importance of family in this transcendent story of healing and redemption through God’s unconditional love.

Inspired by a true story,  The Distant Shore is a powerful blend of action, adventure, romance, and the quest within each of us to find our hearts home. Love, after all is never too lost or too late.

About the Author: Debora Coty is a seasoned raconteur (storyteller), raqueteer (tennis player), and racketician (loud laugher). Plus, she makes up cool words! She’s an internationally published freelance writer, humorist, and columnist.

A lifelong resident of Florida, Debora has encountered firsthand many of the natural disasters, frightening critters, and crazy calmities you’ll meet alongside Emma-Lee and her friends. Learn more about her at www.DeborCoty.com.

]]> http://booksalatte.com/2009/04/17/the-distant-shore/feed/ 0 http://booksalatte.com/2009/01/07/johns-quest/ http://booksalatte.com/2009/01/07/johns-quest/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:57:33 +0000 admin http://booksalatte.com/?p=575

I had the privilege of interviewing Cecelia Dowdy, she is the author of John’s Quest an inspirational romance novel (by the way, look for her next book Milk Money to be released this month!).

Prior to her writing career she worked as an accountant for a travel agency and during her ten years there she traveled to numerous exotic and romantic places around the world. Cecelia has been writing for several years now.

Cecelia has over thirty short stories published in various national women’s magazines and are working on more novels. She hopes to have a young adult series one day, and I think she is well on her way. To learn more about her visit www.CeceliaDowdy.com.

When “Big Tim” Creighton spies the mincing fop headed for Forsaken Ranch, he is appalled. Thankful his boss isn’t around to witness the arrival of his kin, Tim decides he’ll turn “Fancy Pants” Hathwell into a man worth of respect.

Lady Sydney Hathwell to don men’s attire, but when her uncle mistakenly assumed she was a male, the answer to her problems seemed clear. Her disguise as “Syd” was meant to be temporary…but the arranged married she’s fleeing, her uncle’s attitude toward the fairer sex – and her own pride – compel her to continue the guise far longer than she had planned.

When her deception is exposed, will she be forced to abandon her hopes for family…and true love?

Cathy Marie Hake is the author of over twenty novels, though past endeavors have included making Bible covers and cutting out convertible car tops! She and her husband live in Anaheim, California. To learn more about Cathy and her books visit www.cathymariehake.com.

Greetings ladies and gentlemen. I had the privilege of interviewing two sisters with a unique story to tell. I was absolutely amazed with the way the Lord has orchestrated theirs lives so that He receives the glory. This is an intriguing story indeed. I invite you all to listen in as they share how their journey to publication was a spiritual awakening for them as well.

For more information regarding the K.M. Dauthers please visit www.kmdaughters.com

After his graduation from college Thomas Ollenburger is filled with big dreams and even bigger questions. What will he do for a job? Should he marry? Where will he call home? Torn between his Mennonite roots on the Kansas Prairie and his love for the big city of Boston, as well as his affection for a girl from each location, Thomas doesn’t know which path he is meant to take. He has always sought God’s help with his decision-making, but now it seems Heaven is staying stubbornly silent. What will Thomas choose? Will the desires of his heart lead him away from his Mennonite upbringing?

Kim Vogel Sawyer, the best selling author of Waiting for Summer’s Return.