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Sample Saturday- Julianne March 30, 2013

edgar allen penguin buttonThe rippling water flickered like hundreds of camera flashes at a rock concert, causing Julianne to squint as she walked past the marina. She came to a stop in front of a bright yellow door and checked the address on the business card, hesitating. She was nervous about what waited on the other side.

Get a grip, she thought, you are going to have to be brave and confident if you want to impress Cameron. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she raised a hand and knocked.

The door flew open and Peter Raphael’s face lit up as he recognized Julianne. “You came. I am so happy! Come in.”

Julianne stepped into a spacious studio lit by floor to ceiling windows along the north wall. Four easels were evenly spaced in a straight line in front of the windows, all but one covered by old, spattered sheets.

The concrete floor was a work of art itself with splashes of paint around each easel. To her right, Julianne saw paintings leaning against the wall; six columns containing eight to ten canvases each. To her left there was an old refrigerator, a microwave, a small wooden table, and a deep sink.

“You were the only person who took notice of Sunburst last night,” Peter said, a look of sadness flickering in his eyes.

“Maybe they were just overwhelmed by the number of pieces being shown.” Julianne tried to sound reassuring but knew her words were hollow. “You do seem to be quite prolific.” She waved her hand toward the stacks along the wall.

Peter gave a dismissive shrug. “Those are okay, but nothing special. I can paint those in my sleep and yet that seems to be what everyone wants to buy. Can you believe Sabastian sold eight of my paintings last night?”

“That’s amazing. Congratulations.”

Peter shrugged again. “I only sell those so I can work on the ones I truly love.” He took Julianne’s hand and led her to the easels. Before placing her in front of the first, he stopped. “Close your eyes.”

She hesitated, but after studying Peter for several seconds, she consented. She felt him take her by the shoulders and guide her steps, then she heard a swoosh of fabric as the sheet was removed and dropped to the ground.

“Now open,” Peter said and Julianne could hear his excited smile.

She opened her eyes to find a canvas similar to the one at the gallery, but in purples, whites, and blues. At the heart of the swirling colors was a shape of a house like the one she had discerned in Sunburst.

“It’s beautiful,” Julianne whispered. Where Sunburst had made her feel energized, this piece relaxed her, reminding her of the peace she’d felt in the park only a week ago.

“It’s the view through the moon, right?” Julianne turned to find Peter practically shaking with joy.

“I knew you would understand. I call it Moonglow.” He slipped an arm around her shoulder and guided her to the next canvas. This time he didn’t make her close her eyes, but whipped the sheet off with a dramatic flourish.

This canvas was darker, predominantly black and grey with pricks of gold. Julianne studied it, looking for the now familiar house, but not seeing it. Peter stood slightly behind, waiting for her to speak. Julianne could sense him bouncing in anticipation new book cover

and feared disappointing him. She allowed her eyes to lose focus and then she saw it. Two of the pricks of gold were perfect squares, like lights shining through windows. With that realization, she was able to make out the faint outlines of the house in pale grey swirls.

“It’s almost like looking into a black hole and finding its core,” Julianne finally said, turning to face Peter. His expression assured her she hadn’t disappointed.

“Actually, looking from the black hole down on Earth, but you had the general idea. This one is Darkness.” Peter moved her on to the final covered canvas. When he removed the sheet, Julianne gasped.

The scene was completely different, but she understood right away that the house she could barely see in the other paintings was now before her, although obscured by a haze, as if she were flying over it and a thin layer of cloud spread between her and the scene below. But what truly took her breath away was the building itself. It was Garner House.

 Want to read more? Julianne is currently on sale for .99cents for Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Diesel, iBooks, & Sony readers

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March Madness March 26, 2013

Welcome to March Madness!

Where You Can Get Discounts, Free Books and More!
March 27th-28th only

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For two days only, several best-selling authors have joined together to offer their books for free or 99 cents to avid readers.
Readers can download or order 40+ new books, saving over 50, and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card to get even more books!
The books are listed below – Fiction first, followed by Non-Fiction, and the Gift Card Giveaway can be found at the bottom of the page:

Fiction:

Free Books

Amazon ImageDear Tiz by Aslaug Grbitz
This story is about two seventeen year old girls who live in two different centuries. They are connected in ways they have yet to discover.
The men in their lives are chivalrous and honorable, not to mention multi-ethnic – the Italian, the Irishman, the American Indian and the Norwegian.
There is true love, adventure, pioneering and a little magic involved. No wait, maybe it is the hand of God.
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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Amazon ImageThe Difference Between Night and Day by Melissa Turner Lee
Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from “dark times.” That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the Light is hidden, not gone.
Free On Smashwords With Coupon: UA44U
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Amazon Image Prince of Alasia by Annie Douglass Lima
Twelve-year-old Prince Jaymin, heir to the throne of Alasia, barely escapes with his life when invaders from neighboring Malorn attack. Accompanied by Erik, his young bodyguard and friend, Jaymin flees to a nearby town to live in hiding. There, coming face to face with the hardships suffered by the poor, he determines to improve his people’s lives someday when he takes the throne, assuming he can reclaim his kingdom. In his struggle to retain his identity and yet blend in with children in the local school, Jaymin’s life depends on his ability to protect his secret from both enemy troops and unsuspecting townsfolk. Meanwhile, Erik must resort to his skills in unarmed combat to defend Jaymin against everyone from a gang of schoolyard bullies to the Malornians who regularly patrol the streets looking for trouble – and for the missing prince. As the search intensifies and his enemy’s suspicions grow, Jaymin seeks desperately for a way to save his kingdom and himself. Then he stumbles upon a startling discovery that will challenge his assumptions and forever change his view of Malorn and the events that altered his life.
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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Amazon Image In The Enemy’s Service by Annie Douglass Lima
When the Malornian army invaded Alasia and Prince Jaymin was forced to flee for his life, what happened to those left behind? In the Enemy’s Service tells the story of ten-year-old Anya, imprisoned among other survivors and forced to work for the occupying troops. While pretending to follow orders and serve diligently in the palace, Anya discovers ingenious ways to spy on enemy officers and slip valuable information to the Alasian resistance.
But as she helps to craft plans that may eventually free Alasia, Anya accidentally uncovers a disturbing reference to her own family. Her fears are strengthened when she is confronted by a mysterious Malornian who seems somehow to know the truth behind the role she has been playing. Holding her life in his hands with that knowledge, he claims to bear information implicating her father in the betrayal that led to the Invasion itself.
Free On Smashwords With Coupon: MX74U
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99 Cent Bargain Books

Amazon Image Times of Trouble by Cliff Ball
Terrorist plot expert.
Bodyguard to the President.
Tested faith and personal troubles–
How will Brian Atwood face the End Times?
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Amazon Image Times of Trial by Cliff Ball
Three Christian families suffer from persecution as the President declares himself dictator, implements something called Order 21, and begins targeting his political and spiritual enemies. Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Iran intensifies as the End Times approach.
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Amazon ImageThe Book of the Harvest by Brad Francis
For those who chose to follow Jesus Christ in life, heaven is nothing short of paradise. Time has no meaning and all is blissful reward and endless praise and communion with the One whose very presence makes eternity glorious. These believers lack nothing and their eternal lives are made complete by uninhibited access to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Eternity leaves endless time to grow and worship and play and learn and discuss. It is not surprising, then, when a man begins to wonder about the lives he had a chance to touch during his life on earth. He has no idea where his simple question will lead.
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Amazon ImageA Dodge, A Twist, And A Tobacconist by Sophronia Belle Lyon
This series melds some better and lesser-known characters of classic literary fiction: A literary dream team of crime fighters including nods to Dickens, Stevenson, Alcott, Austen, Kipling, Doyle, and other writers across the pond, with plenty of homages to great books sprinkled throughout. Prowl the foggy London streets on the track of a ruthless enslaver of souls. Travel the Thames in a Giant Catfish. Soar over London in a stealth glider, and witness true redemptions and restorations no one ever imagined.
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Amazon ImageNehemiah, LLC by Michael J. Findley
The surface of Mars is swept by violent storms but the Nehemiah Group lives almost idyllically beneath the surface in thousands of acres of “Glop-dropped” parks and sandblasted living quarters. Soothed by the buzzing of bees and chasing the occasional escapees from their small herds of livestock, these people actually research and develop methods to protect the lives and welfare of all the people of the Space Empire. When a plea for help with their specialty comes their lives are turned upside-down. Life support has failed on the balloon ship Sojourner.
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Amazon ImageOut Of The Wilderness by Anita K. Greene
Former Navy SEAL Grayson Kerr’s honor has eroded working as a soldier for hire. His newfound faith in God has him longing to restore his integrity. His new mission is to qualify for a job with the SeaMount Agency. He wants to be one of the good guys. In the midst of a wilderness survival trial, he discovers a woman and her children lost in the forest. Abandoning his own mission in order to help them could disqualify him for the job.
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Amazon ImageTrapped by Gloria Repp
Book 3 of Tales of Friendship Bog
A boxful of puzzles.
A booby-trapped tunnel.
A baby squirrel gone missing.
—Pibbin needs a team for this one.
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Amazon ImageThe Forever Stone by Gloria Repp
No matter what they think, Madeleine decides to go. She’ll help her aunt restore the old house; she’ll sign up for an online baking course; and she’ll bury–yes, bury–those terrible memories. ”From now on,” she tells herself, “I’m going to be strong and independent.”
Her plan seems to be working, except for the panic attacks, until she has to deflect the attentions of two men.
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Amazon ImageThe Missing Piece by Carol McCormick
After only a few months of marriage, Lorraine left Dylan on a wintry night after he’d spent one too many nights out with the guys. Unable to cope with the loss, Dylan escapes the painful feelings by drinking them away. This decision costs him a year-and-a-half of his life after he stops in a little mountain town and ends up in the local jail. When he’s released, he returns home in search of a job to get his life…and his wife back.
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Amazon ImageThe Earth Painter by Melissa Turner Lee
The Earth Painter is a Young Adult Supernatural Romance set in the small mill town of Chesnee, SC. It revolves around Holly Scruggs, whose family has just moved back to Chesnee after her dad lost his job along with pretty much everything they owned. Her image conscious parents correct her to the point of brokenness until she meets Theo. He is the artist responsible for all the beauty of the land and he thinks Holly is beautiful, too. Together they will fight against Fritz, the water painter, who hates humans and is hiding a secret under the high school.
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Amazon Image Chosen by Barbara Ellen Brink
With tongue firmly in cheek and genuine Amish-made stakes at hand, Jael the vampire slayer is ready to kick some serious bloodsucker butt. Seriously.
Move over Buffy – there’s a new slayer in town! Raised in the desert of Nevada, and destined for the Minnesota Loon Lake Amish Community, Jael Shetler is the Chosen One.
Trained by her uncle and father in twenty-one different forms of hand-to-hand combat – she also throws a knife with the speed of a bullet, and is accurate to within two centimeters of a cold, dead heart with her crossbow – she is a bloodsucker’s worst nightmare.
Her parents, forced to leave their plain and simple upbringing to escape the clutches of the new Bishop – an ancient and powerful vampire with plans to use the Amish Community as his own personal Jamba Juice – raise and train their daughter to continue the fight begun thousands of years earlier by another Jael, and to fulfill the prophecy in the Book of the Shunned.
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Amazon Image Hearts On The Road  by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Will Randi find love on the open road? Abandoned, betrayed, and feeling forsaken by God, truck driver Randi Davis crisscrosses Wyoming with a broken heart, vowing never to love another man. Suddenly Matthew Carter, a pastor in search of a mobile ministry, is thrust into her life and into her cab. And there’s nothing she can do about it.  Matthew sees the seedier side of trucking every day, and he feels a pull toward the people there—a definite call to minister to them. But getting this ministry established is proving more difficult than he imagined.  Soon Randi and Matthew find themselves at cross-purposes. His life on the road has just begun. Her eight-year-old niece needs a parent to come home to every day. Will this be the end of the road for Randi and Matthew’s romance?
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Amazon Image That Hoosier’s Cap by Dave King
Stan Leidel has vanished from Beatty … again … leaving his two sons, Tim and Mark, to once again fend for themselves. But this time, there just has to be a good ending to the story!
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Amazon Image Julianne  by Rebekah Lyn
Julianne is a story about a young woman’s struggle to find inner peace and spirituality. Julianne Finnegan has experienced relationship issues, career confusion, and is overshadowed by a successful sibling. Dissatisfaction is evident in every facet of her life. She meets Oliver, a handsome young actor who struggles with demons of his own. Through her encounter with Oliver, Julianne begins to learn about faith in herself and in others, although she is faced with some difficult choices when a former love appears. Julianne is an exploration of the guidance we may seek in establishing relationships with others and a higher power.
Get Your Copy Now For Only $0.99:
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Amazon Image Joe The Dreamer by A.B. Brownell
When Joe’s parents disappear, he becomes the target of the radical militant group that enslaves them and his fate could be worse than death.
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Amazon Image Deep In The Heart by Staci Stallings
Just out of college and completely alone in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayers. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayers and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie’s whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp?
Keith Ayers despises his life. As the son of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayers and the fiance to a Senator from Texas’ daughter, it looks great on the outside, but inside, he is dying. He would vastly prefer to manage and train his father’s racehorses. However, everyone else thinks that is beneath him. He needs to get into industry and build on his father’s success. Suffocating under the constrictions of his life, he meets Maggie who begins to teach him that wealth and power is not everything in this life. But can Keith defy the most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart?
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Amazon Image To Protect & Serve by Staci Stallings
Houston firefighter, Jeff Taylor is a fireman’s fireman. He’s not afraid of anything, and no situation is too dangerous to keep him on the sideline if lives are at stake.Lisa Matheson runs a semi-successful ad agency that’s on the brink of falling apart. Her employees are incompetent and her schedule has become exhausting. When she takes on a client with a brilliant idea for a big conference, she thinks that maybe, finally this is her lucky break. However, the fire station wasn’t what she had in mind for finding conference speakers. When she falls for a handsome but shy firefighter, it’s possible that life might just be going her way for a change. The only problem is she can’t control Jeff and the death wish he seems to have…
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Amazon Image The Captives by Precarious Yates
Three lives weave together inextricably.
Qoshonni: the warrior.
Shunda: the orphan.
Mookori: the prince.
They fight against the MerKing and rescue the captives.
Can they trust themselves in their fight against this mutual enemy? Can they trust one another?
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Amazon Image Pyromarne by Precarious Yates
The MerKing has access to the magical metal, pyromarne, and the world of Aiqua Marrin is falling apart according to his designs. All his pieces are set in place. But he doesn’t anticipate the resolve of men, the dedication of the Ulys or the purity of the aquavians. Is there enough time to defeat the MerKing before the end that was foretold comes to pass?
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Amazon Image March Madness Revisited by Teirrah McNair
At first glance, Tiny, a young Silicon Valley worker, mightn’t have passed for much more than a pretty yuppie, up and about her sprightly life. When Tiny however meets an unexpected turn in her life, losing her job, without anyone to turn to for help, a desperate casting of doom spells over her.
She is left to fend with absolutely no money, no one to care or her, no rent money and not even gas money that can get her to her next job interview. Alone in a world that so suddenly turns perilous when one is without financial support, Tiny treads through her life with extreme caution, despair and just by blindly clutching on to hope, hope that will eventually redeem her, in a tale of twists, surprises and events that can only be described as put in place by destiny.
March Madness is about triumph of the human spirit. It shows how even people who seem like ordinary people can reach deep into themselves, to pull up amazing bouts of tenacity, fight, resolve and dogged determination, to overcome obstacles that just seem to keep tumbling down when they down on their luck.
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Amazon Image Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes
Alexia Wheaton’s problems go far beyond picking a dress and a date for the homecoming dance.
For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory – the memory of her parents’ horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet about the identity of the murderer to protect herself and her family and friends, but when a journalist over hears her secret and writes about it in the local newspaper, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents’ murderer will soon find her – and silence her forever.
Alex is catapulted into a race against time to save her own life and bring her parents’ murderer to justice. She will face many secrets, lies, and betrayals before the truth about their murder is revealed.
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Non-Fiction:

Free Books

Amazon Image Living a Life of Faith: 21 Days of Faith Challenge by Shelley Hitz
Do you want to live a life of faith?
Do you want your faith to be more than simply saying “I believe in God”?
Do you want to have a genuine faith that overflows from a heart that is fully trusting in God in every area of your life?
If so, consider embarking on this 21 Days of Faith Challenge through this short but powerful eBook.
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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Amazon Image Desires of My Heart by Heather Bixler
The TRUTH is……You don’t have to be perfect to delight in the Lord. You don’t have to have it all together, or have the perfectly balanced life. For so long I thought before I could move forward in certain areas of my life I needed to at least have a perfectly balanced life.
But now I realize that isn’t so. God will bless your efforts, and He will honor your humility. So when you feel like delighting in Him requires action from you to improve or be better at being a Christian, know this, God is strong where ever you are weak, and your actions for the Lord will not go in vain.
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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Amazon Image Purposeful Planning by Phyllis Sather
Does having your spouse’s undivided attention appeal to you? Planning weekends give you time to dream, to talk together about what you wish, or want, at a time when the other person is really listening.
Do you need a plan to keep your family moving in the direction the Lord is leading you? Perhaps you don’t know where the Lord is leading you. Phyllis takes you step-by-step through the process of planning a time together for your family to help determine the path the Lord is choosing for each area of your life. Her family has followed this format for over 12 years and has found that it provides the compass they’ve needed to plan and stay on course.
This time-tested method of planning will give your family new direction for the future. Start today! Choose the dates for your planning weekend, read her book which has the entire “how to” included, and go for it!
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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Amazon Image 21 Teen Devotionals… For Girls!  by Heather Hart and Shelley Hitz
Our lives are ruled by habits. We are defined by them. How our days play out, how we act and react, and even how we eat, sleep and talk are all affected by our habits – for better or for worse.
It’s said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit or break an old one, so why not spend the next 21 days forming a habit of spending time with God? If you’ve got 21 days, we’ve got 21 devotions specifically written for today’s teen girls.
Are you up for forming a habit of spending time with your Creator?  If so, download this book and get started on these devotionals!
Free Today On Amazon Kindle:
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99 Cent Bargain Books

Amazon ImageFuel For The Soul: 21 Devotionals That Nourish by CJ Hitz
It’s been said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. I don’t know about you but it sure seems difficult to break the bad habits and keep the good ones going. You may have several good habits you’ve formed in your life that have become second nature to you.
For me, running has become one such habit. What started out as a legitimate way to lose some extra pounds and help speed up my metabolism eventually turned into my favorite sport and primary outlet for competition. The daily run is something I look forward to as it leaves me feeling energized and full of life.
If you’re not a runner, you might not be familiar with something called an energy gel. These are little 100 calorie packets of mainly carbohydrates. Brand names include GU, Clif Shot, Hammer, and Stinger to name a few. They are a simple, easy-to-digest form of fuel. I’ve had several instances where I felt low on energy while out on a training run or in a race but then felt an energy surge after consuming one of these little guys. It’s amazing what a difference just 100 calories can make.
It’s my hope that these 21 days of devotions will serve as an “energy gel” or fuel for your soul. They’re meant to be quick yet powerful and thought-provoking no matter what time of day you prefer to read (eat) them.
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Amazon Image Starting Off On The Right Foot: A Beginner’s Guide To Running Well by CJ Hitz
No matter the sport, everyone has to start somewhere. The simple sport of running is no different. Running came natural to us as kids but for various reasons, many of us gave it up at some point.
In Starting Off on the Right Foot, best-selling author CJ Hitz (Smoothies For Runners) shares some of the valuable information he’s learned along the way since picking up running again in 2008. After running in the 1989 State Cross Country meet in Eugene, Oregon as a high school
sophomore, CJ gave up running for nearly 20 years before being drawn back into the sport.
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Amazon Image Another Second Chance by Troy Lewis
This is a very powerful book about the author’s experience in facing the ups and downs of kidney disease–After playing Jesus Christ in a local passion drama for 9 years, his world is turned upside down; As he states in the first chapter, “this would cause me to question who I was, all that I had believed, and God himself.” We live through Troy’s journey and the emotional and spiritual roller coaster with him, but always we sense God in control of the situation-even when all seems hopeless.
You will find yourself eagerly reading, in suspense, wanting to find out what happens next and how God will work. The author merely talks to us as if to friends, sharing something wonderful and awesome that happened to him; How at death’s door step, he found God’s Hope, Peace, and the reason for it all.
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Amazon Image A Mom’s Battle Cry for Rest  Battle Cry Devotional Series by Laura Marshall
Tired? Stressed out? Overwhelmed?
In this little book, set in an easy seven day format, join one Christian mom on her journey to enter into the rest that refreshes and find freedom from weariness.
This is a Battle Cry for Rest.
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Amazon ImageBody Image Lies Women Believe by Shelley Hitz
Are you insecure about your looks? Have you ever compared yourself to someone else and found yourself wanting? Do complements or put downs determine the image you have of your beauty?
Throughout this book, Christian women share their stories of how they have struggled with body image lies and a distorted view of themselves. However, each of their stories also contains hope – the hope of replacing these lies with God’s truth. Our prayer for you is that you find encouragement within these pages and allow Christ to transform you with His truth.
God has created each one of us with unique abilities, unique talents and a unique personality. As women we are influencers and God has given us that role and our beauty to share with others. Yet so often we settle for a counterfeit. The enemy has counterfeited our idea of beauty, convincing us to share our beauty with the world in a distorted way. Today that often means that we see our beauty as what we look like on the outside.
Get Your Copy Now For Only $0.99:

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Amazon Image My Treasure  by Heather Bixler
There are plenty of Christian resources out there telling us how to manage our money. From budgeting, to couponing, to saving, to investing, (there are numerous) books, courses, and blogs available for all Christians to learn how to steward their money to better honor and glorify the Lord.
I think these resources are amazing and have often used them in my own life in order to become debt free and learn how to better manage my family’s finances. But one burning question always entered into my mind as I began to budget, coupon, and bring down my debt – what’s the point? my heart still struggled daily with greed and fear when it came to money.
In this four week mini Bible Study, we are not going to examine how to manage our money. Instead we are going to examine our heart towards money. One thing I have learned when it comes to money is this, it’s really not about HOW much money you have that will determine whether you are broke or rich, it’s WHERE your heart is towards God and towards money.
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Amazon Image Thoughts On Being Left Behind by Phyllis Sather
At one time or another we all feel left behind – whether because of illness, loss of a loved one, or the busyness of parenting and/or homeschooling. These timeless pieces, written by someone who went from the life of an active and involved woman to a near invalid within just a few weeks, speak to the heart of anyone who feels like they’ve been put on the shelf and possibly forgotten.
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Amazon Image Swallowed By Life by Ada Brownell
In Genesis immediately after Adam and Eve sinned and knew they would die, God promised a Redeemer. Jesus was that Redeemer and He came to do something about death–and He did.
Does the book prove what we read in the Bible? Read it and find out.
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Amazon Image FaithLeaps by Alyssa Avant
Do you believe God has placed a purpose and plan in your heart for business?Do you need help channeling your passion into profits?
Are you scared to death to pursue the plans you believe God has placed in your heart for business?
This Book is for You If You’ve Ever Considered Taking . . . A Leap of Faith
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Amazon Image The Book of Esther: A Story Of Love And Favor  by Deborah H. Bateman
The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor is a Daily-Bible-Reading study of the book of Esther. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther’s cousin Mordecai told her maybe she was born for such a time as this. God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her identity in Christ and her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this. You too can find your identity in Christ.
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Amazon ImagePsalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet by Deborah H. Bateman
Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet is a Daily-Bible-Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is located in the center of the Bible. It is about the importance of God’s Word, the Bible in your life. It is broken up into twenty-two stanzas of eight verses each so Deborah created twenty-two short lessons which can be used for personal daily devotions or weekly group Bible studies. Each stanza starts with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet so you will also learn about one letter of the Hebrew alphabet with each lesson. Deborah includes a prayer and a few questions at the end of each lesson for personal reflection or group discussion.
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Amazon Image Proverbs of the New Testament by Lara Velez
A Relevant Study of the Book of James. Unlock the Secrets to Living a Victorious Christian Life… the Way God Intended
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Amazon ImageHoliness Revealed by Lara Velez
But just as He Who called you is holy, so be holy in all your conduct and manner of living; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:15-16The word “holy” seems to be completely insane and utterly unattainable at first glance. It can also make many cringe at the mere mention of it. In today’s culture, the words: “holiness” and “holy” sound like something out of the dark ages–or at the very least, words spoken by some overzealous religious lunatic.
Thankfully, being holy is not crazy, “old fashioned thinking” or unattainable! It is what we are called to, and if God calls us to it, then He will make a way for us to walk in it!
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Amazon Image The Way of Salvation by Teirrah McNair
Comfort food for new Christians, The Way breaks down salvation basics into easily digestible bites. 5000 words. A great quick read for individual and group study.
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Amazon Image Financial Empowerment Realign Your Finances To God’s Will by Pamela Carmichael
Are you in a constant financial struggle and juggle where there never seems to be enough? Do you wonder if God is able to or even willing to provide for you? Are you constantly paying bills and covering debt payments without seeing much progress? Are you faithful in tithing and giving but yet you cannot see on outpoured blessing?
Then this book is here for you. Financial Empowerment discusses the problems we face in different areas of our finances and shows how to manage money in a God-pleasing manner. In a simple easy-to-read manner, it provides biblical and practical solutions to personal financial management.
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Amazon Image God’s Promises in 8 Key Life Areas That Will Change Your Life Forever by Krystal Kuehn and Violet James
God’s Promises in 8 Keys Life Areas That Will Change Your Life Forever helps you to know and understand who you are and what you have as a child of God. With personalized confessions of Scripture applied to 8 key life areas, you will easily be able to receive God’s promises and live life to the fullest. You will be empowered and changed from the inside out as you walk in the truth of God’s promises in your relationship with Him and others, in your life purpose, in your thought life and more.
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Amazon Image Think Like A Winner by Krystal Kuehn and Violet James
One of the greatest challenges we face in our Christian walk is the renewal of our minds and the application of Biblical truth and principles to our lives. This is an ongoing process, and it is the key to our victory and fulfillment. Think Like a Winner – How Renewing Your Mind with God’s Word Empowers You to Win in Life will inspire and motivate you to live the fulfilling life Jesus died to give you. You will gain a deeper understanding of the power and importance of renewing your mind. You will be given examples and exercises on how to apply and practice Biblical truth and principles.
This book is a perfect companion to In Christ, I am… and God’s Promises on Who You Are in Christ that Will Transform You from the Inside Out. You can win every battle and have victory in your mind, relationships, family, work, health …. because you are born to be a winner!
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Key-Lime Pie Mini Trifles March 18, 2013

Filed under: Baking,Recipes — itsrebekahlyn @ 7:25 AM
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Have you been thinking about the mini key-lime pie trifles all week? I have, so I thought I’d share the recipe IMG_1880with you. I needed 16 servings so I doubled the recipe, yet I ended up with enough custard and whipped cream to make 6 key-lime tarts as well. Those are now in my freezer for a quick treat when I’m having a sweet craving. There are three steps in this process, the custard recipe can be used in a Boston Cream pie mini trifle as well. Recipe from Tea Time magazine, May/June 2011 issue.

Start by mixing up your Vanilla Bean Custard. This recipe will make approximately 2 ½ cups and takes about 25 minutes to make.

2 ½ cups whole milk

½ vanilla bean, split, scraped, and seeds reserved

6 egg yolks

2/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon salt

  • In a large saucepan, combine milk and reserved vanilla-bean seeds. Scald milk over medium-high heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt, whisking well to combine. Slowly add scalded milk, whisking well.
  • Return mixture to large saucepan. Bring to a boil for 1 minute over medium-high heat, whisking continuously. Remove from heat. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Next you will need to make your whipped cream unless you plan on using store bought. I highly recommend making your own though. It is so light and easy to whip up. I’ve also learned that if you put the mixer beaters in the freezer for a short time before whipping the cream it speeds up the process.

2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

  • In a large bowl, beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixture until soft peaks form. Slowly add confectioner’s sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.

Finally, you add key-lime elements to your Vanilla-Bean custard. You will need to add:

2 cups Vanilla-Bean custard

3 tablespoons key-lime juice

2 tablespoons lime zest

2 cups graham-cracker crumbs

¼ sugar

2 cups whipped cream

  • In a medium bowl, combine Vanilla-Bean custard, key-lime juice, and lime zest, mixing well. Set aside.
  • In another medium bowl, combine graham-cracker crumbs and sugar.
  • In 8 minature trifle dishes, layer half of graham-cracker mixture, half of custard, and half of whipped cream. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
  • Garnish with lime slices if desired.

As I mentioned, I doubled the recipe for the custard and whipped cream. I had extra graham-cracker crumbs as well so I pulled out my mini-tart pans, baked a graham-cracker crust and poured the extra custard in. I froze these then added the whipped cream, it spread much easier on the frozen custard. I then put them back in the freezer until the whipped cream was frozen and I could wrap them up. I’m looking forward to snacking on these over the next few weeks. Image

 

Saturday Tea March 11, 2013

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Over the weekend I had the immense pleasure of appearing at another Afternoon Tea with the Author event. This time I was delighted to have my friend and fellow author, DiVoran Lites join me. We had a great time of fellowship with a group of Christian women and then shared about our adventures in writing and publishing.

Even though I was one of the guests of honor, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to do some baking. I saw a recipe in my Tea Time magazine last year for mini Boston Cream, Key Lime, or Strawberry trifles, but haven’t had an opportunity to make them. With spring right around the corner, well, technically already here in Florida, I thought the Key Lime trifles would be a good fit. I pulled out the various serving glasses I have collected and got down to business. It was a joy to make the custard and whipped cream from scratch. I used to think cooking from scratch was a lot of work, but I’ve come to appreciate it. I feel a real connection with the foods I’ve made from the ground up, quite literally when using produce from my garden.

It was tricky getting the custard and whipped cream into the miniature glasses, so I thought I would try using a pastry bag. This was only my second attempt at using a pastry bag but it definitely got easier as I went along. By the time I completed 8 of the 16 servings I was feeling pretty confident and was able to pick up the speed. I think they turned out nicely and enjoyed the ohhs and ahhs when they were served to our guests.

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Mini trifles weren’t enough for me though. I wanted something crisp as well and turned to a Lemon-Lavender Shortbread recipe I found on one of my favorite food blogs, Chelsea Bakes. You can find that recipe here.

I loved getting to meet some new friends and reconnecting with others I haven’t seen in years. I have to extend my sincere thanks to our hostess, Pam. She provided a beautiful and warm setting for us to share our experiences and may have even convinced one of the guests to host her own tea. I also have to thank the talented Ginger Morrison for the amazing cake she made.

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