Introducing My New Publisher and a Goodreads Giveaway

Posted on: May 6, 2013May 6, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

As I eagerly await copies of my first book with Revell Publishing, I’d like to introduce you to a few of their recent releases. I’m sure many of you will recognize the names of these popular authors, and I feel honored to be in their company, and to have the opportunity to get to know them better.

According to their website, “Revell began over 125 years ago when D. L. Moody and his brother-in-law Fleming H. Revell saw the need for practical books that would help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. …This same vision for books that are both inspirational and practical continues to motivate the Revell publishing group today,” now a division of Baker Publishing.

In the Romantic Suspense genre, they’ve just released Lynette Eason’s When A Secret Kills

She’s come home to put a killer behind bars.
But the killer plans to put her six feet under.

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do–find the truth and expose it. And the truth is that Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago–and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn’t she?

Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to this explosive series.

Here’s what others are saying:

“A fabulous read! Eason is a master at romantic suspense. I gobbled up the novel in two days and promptly ordered the first two books in the series. Highly recommended!”–Colleen Coble, author of the Rock Harbor and the Hope Beach series

In the Historical Romance genre, Lorna Seilstad’s May release When Love Calls

When romance calls, will she choose to answer?

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list does not include following rules. So when she must apply for a job as a switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. Hello Girls must conduct themselves according to strict-and often bewildering-rules, which include absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Hannah doubts it will be difficult to keep that rule-until a handsome young lawyer starts getting under her skin.

With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of companionship that blossoms into sweet romance.

And… Julie Lessman’s April release, Love At Any Cost.

Fooled by a pretty boy once, shame on him. Fooled by a pretty boy twice, shame on me.

Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassady McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who just as soon hogtie a man as look at him … until Jamie MacKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well lassoes her heart. But when Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than him, Cassie finds herself bucked by love a second time, sending her back to Texas to lick her wounds and heal her heart. In her absence, Jamie discovers money can’t buy love, but love built on faith can set a heart free, a truth he discovers a little too late … or is it?

In the General Fiction genre, Dan Walsh’s April release, The Dance, written with Gary Smalley

Love’s recovery starts with a single step . . .

After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs-a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.

After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she’s too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons-something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.

Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn’t anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him-starting with himself.

“I believe every person who reads The Dance will be deeply touched and changed for the better. This book is worth your time!”-Jimmy Evans, founder and CEO of MarriageToday and author of Lifelong Love Affair

And Dann A Stouten’s April release, The Gate

Every life is a story. Schuyler Hunt is about to come face-to-face with the author of his.

When a planned getaway with his wife turns into a shopping trip for the girls, Schuyler Hunt finds himself looking for something else to do. An ad for a vacation cottage catches his eye, and he sets off in search of a much-needed break. When he arrives, he finds something far different from the typical summer home experience. In fact, he may have found a little slice of heaven.

The proprietor-along with a number of unexpected and yet familiar guests-welcomes him with food, rest, and conversation, until what started out as an escape from everyday life turns into something much, much more . . .

Your Turn: What piques your interest in any of these books? Cover art? Blurb? The endorsement? The topic? The author?

P.S. Revell is giving away 5 copies of Deadly Devotion on Goodreads this month. If you’re a member of Goodreads, here’s the link to enter the giveaway, and/or… to add Deadly Devotion to your “to be read” pile. 😉

Brenda Novak’s Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research

Posted on: April 29, 2013April 29, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

Brenda Novak’s Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research is gearing up for its biggest year yet. Thanks to all who have participated in the past — both donors and shoppers — the auction has raised a cumulative total of $1.6 million. This year they are hoping to surpass $2 million to help all those with diabetes.

The auction opens on May 1, 2013 and this year they’re doing something new. Each person who registers as a shopper for the 2013 auction will be entered to win a brand new iPad (Value $499).

Each year they also offer an amazing prize package to the person who places the most bids over all. This year it will consist of: A brand new MacBook Air ($1100 Value), a $200 Macy’s gift certificate and much more.

Browse the site to find lots of awesome packages for readers and writers and anyone–like a week at a timeshare in Hawaii!!!

My own contribution isn’t nearly as exotic, but I hope you’ll find it fun!

THE UNDERCOVER SPY KIT CONTAINS:

ONE of each of the following:

A Spy Pen – a working ink pen, with mini video camera and audio recording (not exactly as depicted)

A little black notebook –for recording those all important furtive moves

A blonde wig – so no one recognizes you

A pair of spy shades – unique sunglasses that will conceal where you’re looking, including the side mirrors that allow you to see behind you

One trade paperback copy of Sandra Orchard’s June 2013 romantic suspense/mystery Deadly Devotion

A black satchel to conceal the items when not in use

Approximate value over $65.00.

Click the picture or the kit name above to bid or tour the site. (Shipping within US is included for all items. For the spy kit shipping within both US and Canada is)

Your Turn: What are some causes you like to support and why? What’s the most unique or successful fundraiser you’ve ever seen?

A Healing Heart

Posted on: April 22, 2013April 22, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

I’m delighted at the opportunity to introduce you to Angela Breidenbach’s debut fiction book, A Healing Heart. with Abingdon Press’s Quilts of Love series.

About A Healing Heart:

What would you do if the one man who can help is the one man you can’t trust?
A heart attack has stopped Mara Keegan in her tracks, leaving her daughter’s unfinished photo memory quilt hanging by a thread.

Little does Mara know, this quilt—and the memories it bolsters—are the key to her rehabilitation. But Mara’s heart needs to be healed in more ways than one. And Joel Ryan is fraying her last nerve. With her daughter’s graduation fast approaching, even Mara starts to wonder if she—and her faith—can mend in time. Will Joel’s photo find a place on the quilt… and in Mara’s heart?

I asked Angie to share with us what inspired her to tell this story.

Mara Keegan is really every mom to me. She’s a workaholic with her kids best interests on her heart, but it’s a very damaged heart. Mara gave up her dreams in order to provide for her family. Behind the scenes, I know so many women who have done exactly this sacrificial provision. Personally, I didn’t write for ten years in order to meet the needs of other people. But deep in my heart, I was miserable. I wasn’t doing what I was born to do.

In writing A Healing Heart, I wanted to heal the hearts of women like me who have given up their dreams. For the longest time I thought I’d never be able to write for publishing, my biggest dream, and be a public speaker. But God has a way of bringing people into our lives that opens the door to those dreams. After all, God put those dreams in us.

A Healing Heart is about helping women find a way back to their true purpose, the one God designed their dreams around. It’s about understanding it’s never too late to let God heal our hearts and lead us in the path He’s set before us.

That is so true. Thank you, Angie.

Angela Breidenbach is a speaker, coach, and author of A Healing Heart April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series. Her family tradition is to create the life story on a photo memory quilt for each graduating senior. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach.

You can connect with Angie at:

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

Twitter/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

Get your copy of A Healing Heart

Your Turn:

What dream have you set aside? Do you think God will provide a way to lead you back to it? Or if you’ve started on that path, what obstacle did you have to overcome to take the first step toward your inborn dream?

Here’s what others are saying about A Healing Heart:

“A Healing Heart weaves tears, cheers, laughter and delightful moments to keep you saying, ‘this is my story, my own healing and my own victory.’”—Janet Perez Eckles, author of #1 best-selling Simply Salsa

“As beautifully woven as a keepsake quilt, A Healing Heart wraps itself around you, offering a cozy, heart-tugging story. This is definitely my kind of tale—one that pulls you in from the first page and keeps your emotions engaged throughout. Highly recommended.”—Janice Thompson, author of Queen of the Waves

Five Things to Love About Inspirational Fiction

Posted on: April 15, 2013April 15, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

I am thrilled to be able to share with you the exciting news that Critical Condition won the 2012 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Love Inspired Suspense. Yee!!!

If you’d like to see the list of RT Reviewers’ Choice Winners, click the link. Scrolling down brings you to the Love Inspired categories, scrolling up a ways brings you to the categories for trade-length inspirational books.

And with Reviewers’ Choice Awards topping the news, what a perfect day to chat about what we love most about inspirational fiction. To start us off, I’m delighted to introduce Amber Perry, founding blogger of The Historical Christian Romance Review. She’s stopped by to share the top five things she loves most about inspirational fiction.

I first “met” Amber when she hired me to do a critique for her very first manuscript through last year’s ACFW conference. We quickly became good friends. She hails from Washington state, where she lives with her hubby and two adorable young daughters. She loves to read, and although she reads mostly historicals…I’m hoping that reading some of my current WIP has inspired her to try a little romantic suspense. 😉

Without further ado, here’s Amber… and please chime in at the end with the things you love!

I love Christian romance books (specifically historical) and even though there are gobs of reasons to like them, here are my top 5! Maybe your reasons are similar, maybe they are different—either way, you’ll have to comment and let me know. *grin *

1. Great Characters

What’s a story without great characters? That’s why I love this genre—I am rarely disappointed!

2. Clean Romance

I love a great romance! But, I don’t want to read anything that would be inappropriate. That’s why I LOVE these stories. I can enjoy the romance without all the unnecessary stuff. You know what I mean. *wink *

3. Good Christian message

Not only are these books entertaining, they are uplifting as well! I know I will come away with my faith in God stronger, in one way or another—and I love that.

4. Fun settings (this is where the historical stuff comes in—for me anyway)

I love to be swept away to another place and time. These books take me to Boston in the 1920’s or Montana in the 1870’s. How fabulous is that? But the same thing can happen with contemporary stories as well—or any genre for that matter!

5. Happy Endings

Believe it or not, there are some stories that don’t end happy! And there are some people who like those, and that’s great. For me, I gotta have a happy ending—and I can always count on that from a Christian romance.

Your Turn: So what are your top 5, or top 3 or even your number 1 thing when reading these kinds of books? God bless and Happy Reading!

Review of Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley

Posted on: April 8, 2013April 8, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

I have enjoyed Margaret Daley’s books for years, and aspired to emulate them, so… you can imagine how thrilled I was to be asked to write an endorsement for Scorned Justice, the newest installment in The Men of the Texas Rangers series.

The book has now released from Abingdon Press, and if you enjoy romantic suspense, you won’t want to miss it.

Margaret Daley is a prolific writer who is probably best known for her many titles with Harlequin’s Love Inspired lines. But she is a master at romantic suspense. Scorned Justice kept me glued to the page into the wee hours of the morning with its fast-paced action, wonderfully-developed characters and romance, and an explosive twist I didn’t see coming.

Romantic Times Magazine agrees, giving it 4 1/2 stars.

I asked Margaret why she wrote Scorned Justice, what theme prompted the story. Here’s what she had to say:

I wrote Scorned Justice because I wanted to explore what revenge does to a person. How far will a person go to get back at someone? How does that change the person? Why is it so hard to forgive someone who has wronged you? In the story the reader sees what revenge does to the person who exacts it as well as the person who is the object of the revenge.

Each novel in the series is a standalone story, so you won’t be left hanging at the end, or not know what’s going on if you haven’t read Saving Hope and Shattered Silence, but if you’re wondering, there is one more to come. Severed Trust releases in October.

Don’t you love those titles?

Here’s the book’s backcover blurb:

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody’s high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca’s help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody’s faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?

Your Turn: The link for the books in Margaret’s series is that all the heroes are Texas Rangers. What occupations would you like to see a hero or heroine have (or have enjoyed reading about) in a Christian romantic suspense?

Joy is a Decision

Posted on: April 1, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

Joy is a decision. At least, that’s what our pastor said yesterday. I’ve heard it said of love–along the lines of act loving and the feelings will follow–but never of joy.

It’s a compelling thought. One I’ve been contemplating ever since.

The Apostle Paul prayed in his letter to the Romans (15:13) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The decision part is in the trusting–something the characters in my current work-in-progress are also learning.

Speaking of which…I need to get started. But I’m praying that verse for each of you today.

Have a joy-filled day!

5 Things I Love about Traveling South

Posted on: March 11, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

I’m enjoying a working/writing holiday in sunny Florida for the next few weeks so while you’ll see new photos appear on my FB page (which feeds to the sidebar of this blog), I probably won’t write here again until April, unless…something really cool happens that I can’t wait to share. 😉

So here’s what I love about traveling from what was snowy Canada when I left:

1) Sunshine!

2) Hotels, nice hotels with refrigerators and microwaves and coffee makers and continental breakfasts, for under fifty dollars with the nifty coupons you pick up at the visitor’s centers.

3) While on the topic of money, the cost to eat on the road is super reasonable, too. I had a delicious rainbow trout dinner with a baked sweet potato and vegetable for ten dollars, including tax and tip! And via the fast food route, I ate for under five. Can’t do that back home.

4) Another thing we don’t see in restaurants back home are tea biscuits. I looove tea biscuits. 🙂

5) Did I mention sunshine?!! Yesterday, I was out in shorts and sandals and short-sleeved tops. Even went swimming.

Wherever you are, I hope all is well. Have a great day.

Your Turn: What have you liked about vacation spots you’ve visited?

Why Writers Need First Readers

Posted on: March 4, 2013March 4, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

Last week was a whirlwind of re-revising revisions to the second book in my Port Aster Secrets series debuting this June. The really scary thing is that I didn’t get further than chapter five!

I quickly realized that the story made perfect sense to my critiquers/first readers who’d read Deadly Devotion, but was perceived very differently by readers who weren’t familiar with the first book. Worse than that, they found the heroine unlikable and judgmental. Ouch.

Those readers who knew her from book 1 understood why she felt the way she did toward a particular person at the beginning of book 2 and had no problem with my opening chapters.

So…long story short. 🙄 I needed to fix that in a big way, and will be chatting with my editor this morning about the changes I’ve made and how to proceed. Since I imagine that afterward I’ll be very busy with revisions of my re-revisions, I may be a little slow responding to comments or moderating those from first-time visitors. But please feel free to ask any questions or comment.

And have a blessed week, whatever your endeavors!

What would you call it?

Posted on: February 25, 2013February 25, 2013 by Sandra Orchard

Every once in a while an editor will ask an author to change a word that is not commonly used in the US, at least not to their knowledge. This has happened to me a few times.

Recently a fellow Canadian author was asked what “squares” are, as in the woman put cookies and squares out on the table. The author’s NY editor had never heard the term, and I was amazed how many other American authors hadn’t either.

So… I thought it would be fun to find out what each of you call things in your neck of the woods. I hope you’ll chime in in the comments and be sure to let us know what state or province or country you’re from.

Here in most parts of Canada that I’m aware of, we typically call goodies that are baked in a 8 by 8 or 9 by 13 inch pan and cut into squares “squares”, unless of course it’s cake. How about you?

2) Image courtesy of chayathonwong2000 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Where I live (Ontario) we call flavored carbonated drinks as pictured above “pop”. My editor asks me to change it to soda or soda pop. To me soda is plain carbonated water. Ick! Unless of course it’s cream soda…the pink pop. Mmm. I hear that Southerners call it all coke whether it’s coke or not. What do you call it?

3) In one of my manuscripts I called the shoes pictured above running shoes. My editor wasn’t familiar with the term and suggested tennis shoes as an alternative. To me, tennis shoes are those flat canvas shoes with no arch support that no runner would ever wear. At the time, the other word we commonly call them–runners–escaped me. I think I changed it to sneakers, which I’d never call decent running shoes. What do you call them?

4) Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’ve never used this in a story, but here we’d call it a knapsack or backpack. My British parents would call it a rucksack. I’ve run across other names for bags women use in books that I have no idea what they are. What would you call this bag? Are there other “bags” that heroines in your area would more commonly carry?

5) I’d call this a couch, although in my novels I call it a sofa, because I thought that’s what my editor would prefer. Except I just thumbed through a book written by an author from Colorado and she calls it a couch. So…now I’m really curious. My grandma would call it a settee (at least the old fashioned, fancier kinds). In shows, I’ve also heard them called chesterfields and davenports, which I suspect were earlier manufacturers…haven’t taken the time to google it. 😉 What do you call it?

6) Image courtesy of sattva at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lastly, how would you say the past tense of leap and of dive. Her heart leapt, or her heart leaped? I’d say leapt. Interestingly, it isn’t in the US dictionary on Word, however, it is in the British dictionary on Word. Likewise, would you say “He dove into a pool” or “He dived into a pool”? I’d say “dove”. But my most recent copy editor changed them to “dived”.

Your Turn: Please let us know where you’re from and what you’d call items 1 to 6. Feel free to share other things that you call something differently than you commonly see in American published books.