A View from Holly Starr's Window!

“I just wanna serve You. Please take my life. This is my cry.”

This is the heart cry of one of the most amazing contemporary Christian song writers…Holly Starr. I had the blessing and privilege to meet this young lady (she’s 20!) during the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta. Her quiet countenance and gentle voice don’t give you any clue to the astounding vocal talent this lady possesses! But when you hear her sing…watch out! Prepare to have your heart lifted to the Father!

Join me as we discuss her second release Tapestry, and her journey into the music industry.

How long have you been interested in music?

I’ve always known that music was part of my life. I began taking piano lessons in first grade, and then in middle school I started taking voice lessons. During that time of my life I also joined a youth band. In my junior year of highschool I was approached by a producer in Washington state and it wasn’t long before I released my first CD, Embraced.

Did you always dream of being part of the music industry?

No. I planned on becoming a cosmetologist! But my music career has taken off, and so that’s the plan God had for me. I just released my second CD, Tapestry.

Is writing music similar to writing books? I don’t know much about this process.

It is similar, because even while you are working on one project, you are inspired and begin to write new material. It’s a continuous process.

Do you write your own music?

Yes. I write music and lyrics. I’ve been fortunate to work with other recording artists on different projects in addition to working and releasing my own titles.

Can you tell us a little about your latest project? What is your favorite song on this album?

My Cry is a reflection of the entire album. That song tells about a time in my life when God just blew me away with His name and His character. It was as if He was telling me, “If you don’t believe that I will provide for every single need, then you don’t believe in Who you say you believe in. If you don’t believe God is in control to the depths of what that really means, you don’t believe in God.”

That’s what faith is all about. I wrote My Cry in response to what God was showing me.

There is a real heart cry for today’s youth, and I have a very strong feeling that you need to be real with my generation.

What does your song writing mean to you? How does that process work?

When I’m writing, I spend time in God’s presence. From my time in His presence He shows me what He’s been teaching me. Then a phrase will come, and then the music follows. Then the words of the song will follow.

What words of encouragement would you like to share with others?

Stay in the Word. Persevere. Pursue God.

Holly is one of four children, and one of three that is serving God full-time in ministry. She is passionate about reaching her generation with the gospel, and she loves being able to connect with her generation through music.

Please add Holly Starr to you Christian music collection today! You will be abundantly blessed! I know I was when I met her, and I am ministered to by the message in her music!

Tapestry releases on October 19th. Go to Holly’s site to learn more about her music and her ministry.

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott - REVIEW and PARTY!

About the Book: (from the publisher)
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.


On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

My Thoughts:

This is a spectacular debut novel! The characters are well developed, the plot draws you in immediately and captures your imagination, and the plot - has many unexpected and satisfying twists that you will never see coming! This makes for a fantastic read! I know that I will be looking forward to any novel with Rosslyn Elliott's name on the cover!

This is much more than a historical romance. Yes, there are relationships that wax and wane in intensity, and there are family relationship that realistically show the depth and complexity of the human heart, but there is an underlying current in the story line that captivates and surprises the reader. I am happy to recommend this novel to everyone!

Read an excerpt here: http://www.rosslynelliott.com/books.php

About the Author:

Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children's ministry.


For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com/

You can purchase your copy of this great debut novel HERE!!




To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.



Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.



Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest -



One winner will receive:



* Kindle with Wi-Fi



* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)



To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.



Then be sure to RSVP for Rosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

I'm taking a long weekend to spend time with my sons, so I hope you have a blessed and safe holiday! If you want to know the history of this holiday, you can read about it here. I'm proud to live in the U.S.A!!

A View From Beverly Lewis' Window!

I tried to schedule and interview with Beverly Lewis when I attended the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, but alas, my schedule would not allow us to meet. Once again, God was at work behind the scenes, and I was able to schedule an interview for late August just before the release of her latest novel, The Mercy!

What a wonderful blessing this interview was to me! Beverly was kind and gracious, and she ministered to me in many unexpected ways! It was a real encouragement to me, and it is my hope that you will also be blessed!

Please welcome Beverly Lewis to my Window!

Can you tell us about your most recent project?

The Mercy will release on September 6^th. This is the last book in The Rose Trilogy and it is set deep in Lancaster County. Rose Kaufman is a very devout Amish young lady. Her sister married an Englisher and wants to raise their child Amish. The husband disagrees. However, he eventually tells her to return to her Amish family and get it “out of her system”.

The thread of the Amish caring for children in foster care, despite the usually large number of biological children, is also vital in this story and readers will enjoy the part that this theme plays in the story line.

The Shunning will also be releasing on DVD on September 13th, and readers are very excited about that!

What other project are you working on “behind the scenes” as it were?

Thursday is the deadline for the final draft of the first novel in the Home to Hickory Hollow trilogy entitled The Fiddler. The location is one that readers of The Shunning will recognize. This trilogy is really a series of stand alone novels that are loosely tied together by cameo appearances of characters from a previous story. This book is scheduled to release on April 10^th, 2012.

Can you tell us briefly about how you became a writer?

I began writing at the age of eight, and by the time I was in sixth grade I had completed a 77-page novella. I had parents who recognized and encouraged my gift. I published my first novel in 1994. It was the first novel in the Summerhill Secrets series for young adults. When The Shunning released in 1997 it really touched a chord in people’s lives. Many people had been shunned because of their sins, and even though they repented, they were not accepted in the community of believers. Readers really related to this story and I received many, many letters in response to that novel.

Can you tell us if you feel like you pioneered the Amish genre?

I’ve been told that, but I believe I just wrote the stories that God laid on my heart. When I write I become my characters. This creates a very intimate way to connect with my readers. God has developed this in my writing over many years, and I’ve been asked to teach the technique, and I’ve tried, but I’m not sure it can be taught. I think that if any writer will write the story they are passionate about then it will resonate with readers.

I grew up as the daughter of a pastor, and our family literally lived by faith. It was because of my parent’s example that I gave my writing to the Lord early on. My heart’s cry is to touch people with my stories. God has been vey faithful to answer my prayers in this area of my life.

What is God doing in your life that excites you?

I’m really excited that the Lord is moving in a mighty way among the Amish. There are people who are sharing the gospel with the Amish and there great revivals going on among the people. Many are seeking a personal relationship with Christ. There are only 20% of the Old Order that claim salvation through Christ, so there is a wide mission field in the Amish community.

I remember when my parents conducted tent revivals that there would be Amish couples and individuals come and stand on the outer edge of the tent in order to hear God’s Word. They are hungry to understand, and they are seeking light and truth. It is just a huge mission field.

Do you have words of encouragement that you would like to share with your readers?

Zephaniah 3:17 has been a verse that the Lord impressed upon my heart to encourage women right now especially. God’s Word says: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” If we are willing to give all to Christ He will transform our lives.

I also want readers to know I am available. I am on Facebook several times a day, and I can be reached through my website. I see this as a vital part of the ministry that God has called me to. I try to answer my readers directly. I am not any different from other believers. I want to obey God in what He has called me to do. There are times when I’m drawn to my knees, tears streaming down my face as I try to write the story God has given me.

I want encourage others to give themselves totally to God.

Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown - REVIEWED

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Thunder in the Morning Calm


Zondervan (August 2, 2011)


by


Don Brown
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES, a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. After TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES, was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, Don Brown was named as co-chairman of national I LOVE TO WRITE DAY, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools.



Paying no homage to political correctness, Don's writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radical Islamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century.



Don graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law.



During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Lieutenant Commander 'Gunner' McCormick is assigned as an intelligence officer to Carrier Strike Force 10, being deployed to the Yellow Sea at the invitation of South Korea for joint exercises with the US Navy. During his pre-deployment briefing, he discovers a TOP-SECRET MEMO revealing rumors that the North Koreans may still be holding a handful of elderly Americans from the Korean War in secret prison camps.


As it happens, Gunner's grandfather, who was a young marine officer in the Korean War, disappeared at Chosin Reservoir over 60 years ago and is still listed as MIA in North Korea. Sworn to silence about what he has read, the top-secret memo eats at him. Gunner decides to spend all his inheritance and break every military regulation in the book to finance his own three-man commando squad on a suicide mission north of the DMZ to search for clues about the fate of his grandfather.

Risking his career, his fortune, and his life, Gunner will get his answers, or he will die trying.


Don Brown is building a loyal fan base by writing what he knows best: thrillers with heart. A former Navy JAG officer and action officer in the Pentagon, Brown pens action-packed plots and finely-drawn characters that are credible and compelling. Thunder in the Morning Calm is a novel of bravery, duty, and family love that will keep readers of all ages reading straight through to the last page.

My Thoughts:

What a premise for a suspense novel! WOW! I don't think I've ever read anything from this point of view before. And what's so neat about it, is it is entirely plausible given the world situation. So, you let Don Brown engage your imagination and you are off on a grand and exciting adventure! Yes, the pages will turn and quickly from beginning to end!

My 17-year-old actually read this before me, so it was fun to share the story and get his take on things. He thought the fight scenes were exceptionally exciting, and he liked the fact that the protagonist joined with "underground" Christians to help facilitate his mission. He thougt is was a great read, and he will add Don Brown to his list of authors to watch for in the mail!

So there you have it! If you need a special story to end your Summer with a BANG! This is it! Buy a copy today!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thunder in the Morning Calm , go HERE

A View from Steve Arterburn's Window

It was a true priviledge to be able to sit down with Stephen Arterburn in Atlanta last month and listen as he shared his heart about the many facets of his life and ministry. Walking Into Walls is his latest release, but he has many other projects that we as readers can eagerly anticipate.

I hope you will give a warm welcome to Steve Arterburn and we catch a view from his Window!



What projects are you currently working on?

My current project is Walking Into Walls by Worthy Publishing. Next will be the release of The Encounter, a novella by Thomas Nelson, and as all of that is taking place I will be working on another project with Zondervan about the things you need to address before you get married. I forget the exact title, but it’s something like Last Days Before I Do or Is This The One? There are a lot of projects going on right now.


Can you tell us a little about the novella?

The Encounter is about a mother who has abandoned her son, and the son discovers she is not as evil as she was once portrayed to him. The story is based on two true stories that are included at the back of the book. Non-fiction is much easier for me to write, so I had some help on this project. I’m pleased with the end results.


You are a teaching pastor, writer, radio-show host, counselor – how do you balance the many roles of ministry that God has called you to?


I have a lot of great people who help me. God has really brought some very talented people to manage a lot of facets of the ministry, and that frees me to write, speak and teach. The radio show is live for one hour a day, five days a week, and we have to pray and depend on God to provide the answers people need. My teaching pastorship gives me opportunity to meet scriptural challenges and grow in my knowledge of the Word.


What would you consider to be the most prominent ministry need today?


I think that pornography and sexual addiction is a very dangerous problem. The internet has created a private and easy-to-keep-secret problem that people struggle with for a long time before the problem becomes evident. The results of these addictions are devastating, and without a transformation program it is almost impossible for people to recover.


What’s the most exciting thing God is doing in your life right now?


He has allowed me an opportunity to tape an episode of Wheel of Fortune with my daughter. This will be a great memory that we will always share, and I’m really excited about it!


How many children do you have?


I have a 20-year-old daughter, 13 and 12 year old sons from my wife’s previous marriage, a 4-year old son and a 2-year old daughter. And I have a t-shirt that I like to wear that says, “No, I’m not the grandfather.”

Steve was a very delightful person to talk to, and he leads a life that is blessed with God's leadership. He had a real heart for all those whom he serves in ministry, and it was a true honor to be able to spend some time together.

Walking Into Walls By Stephen Arterburn - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Worthy Publishing)

Stephen Arterburn identifies five blind spots that cause us to make poor choices – stubborn resistance, self-centered entitlement, justifiable resentment, blind ignorance, disconnected isolation. He then offers life-changing advice to help us conquer these self-defeating reactions – and make the changes permanent.


All of us crash into self-constructed walls and bloody our noses from time to time. These walls block growth, healthy relationships and overall contentment and happiness. Most of us are blind to our own self-defeating behaviors and attitudes, so we repeatedly walk into the same walls again and again. Best-selling author Stephen Arterburn leads us through the process of deconstructing the issues that built those walls as well as find the permanent healing that frees us to live the joyful life we were meant to live .




My Thoughts:

Once again, God has sent a book to my life for a specific purpose and during a specific time in my life in which a specific need exists and for which need the message is perfect. As I face a particularly difficult trial in my life, it is easy for me to place the blame on everyone involved but me. Yet when I'm honest with God and myself, I know that some of the blame lies at my feet, and I'm left asking myself , "How did I let myself get to this point?"





Stephen Arterburn's book sheds a huge amount of light on areas of life at which we all stumble at some point. If we take a careful and honest look at our hearts, we will easily recognize the "walls" of Stubborn Resistance, Arrogant Entitlement. Justifiable Resentment, (this hit me suqare between the eyes) Desconnected Isolation, and Blind Ignorance. Arterburn uses personal examples from his life and some from the lives of others he has encountered in ministry to illustrate the walls which he names in this book. He also uses a lot of Scripture to teach readers what God has to say about each area of our lives that blind and block our way to a healthy, productive life lived as God intended us to live.




I have been deeply touched by this book, and I am happy to reccommend it to others! I had the opportunity to interview Steve Arterburn while I attended the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta last month, so come back tomorrow and enjoy a view from Stephen Arterburn's Window!




About the Author:

Stephen Arterburn is an award-winning author with over 8 million books in print, including the bestsellers Every Man’s Battle and Healing Is a Choice. He has also been editor of 10 Bible projects, including the Life Recovery Bible. Steve founded New Life Treatment Centers in 1988 and is currently host of the radio and television show “New Life Live.” In 1996 he started the most successful traveling conference, Women of Faith – attended by over 4 million women. He and his wife live with their 5 kids in Fishers, Indiana.