Guest post with author K. Dawn Byrd

Today I want to welcome author K. Dawn Byrd to my blog. Her newest release is Amazing Love. Here's a bit about the story.

Gabe Knight, a pastor in a small coastal town, finds his life is turned upside down when Dee Dillow arrives and hires him to remodel an estate she's inherited from her aunt. Dee dashes his plans for wedded bless when on a drunken binge, she divulges that she's the highest paid call girl in Nevada and part-owner of the ritziest brothel in the state.

Gabe falls in love with her, but can't believe he's hearing the voice of God when a still, small voice tells him to marry her. After much questioning, they marry and he is deliriously happy. Until, Dee betrays him.

Gabe soon discovers just how hard it is to have the unconditional love God calls him to have for his wife, the kind of love God has for his children. When faced with losing her, Gabe realizes what true love is, how much it hurts, and just how much God loves and is willing to sacrifice for his children.


An Interview with the heroine of Amazing Love

1.Dee, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I'm not sure how interesting it is, but it would be pretty shocking to most people. I grew up in a brothel outside of Vegas. My mother owned it and since I was home-schooled, I spent most of my life there. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I became the highest paid call-girl in all of the state.

2. What do you do for fun?
Shop. I love fancy cars, fine jewelry, and designer bags and shoes. I also like to invest money. It's exciting to watch it grow. I left the brothel when I was teenager and ended up trying to survive on the streets when my mother turned her back on me. I never want to live like that again and that's why I save money.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I put off going to church with my husband, Gabe. I'm just not into all that religion stuff. I know he expects me to go, but I'm pretty good at coming up with excuses why I can't.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I'm afraid of having to live on the streets again as a prostitute like I did when I was a teen. I'm also afraid of going hungry.

5. What do you want out of life?
All I want is to have a family. I never even thought about a husband and kids until I met Gabe and now that's all I think about.

6. What is the most important thing to you?
My money and Gabe.

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
Remodeling magazines. Gabe is remodeling a huge estate I inherited from my aunt.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd want to make Gabe happy. He expects me to accept his God, but I just can't. It's hard to believe in a God you can't see.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No pets. I really don't have time for them.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to the day I was born and find a way to take me away from my mother. She allowed terrible things to happen to me.

An Interview with the hero of Amazing Love:

1. Gabe, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I'm a preacher and God told me to marry a prostitute. Am I crazy? Am I hearing voices? I know God told Hosea to in the Bible, but this is 2012!

2. What do you do for fun?
I love working with my hands, especially carpentry work. I also own some old vehicles and like to work on them. Sometimes they're a challenge to keep running and my wife, Dee (the prostitute) hates them, but I can't afford all those fancy sports cars she drives on a preacher's salary.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I put off dealing with drama. An ex-girlfriend has stirred up all kinds of trouble in my relationship with Dee. Maybe I shouldn't look the other way so much. Maybe I should tell her like it is. I just hate hurting people and I have the church to think about. My greatest fear is that something will split it.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Dying alone. I want a wife and kids.

5. What do you want out of life?
I want it all. A wife. Kids. A little white house with a picket fence. Of course, I'll settle for Dee's mansion on the hill overlooking the ocean since that's where she wants to live. She inherited it from her aunt and I've been working on it for her.

6. What is the most important thing to you?
My faith. I've worked long and hard to get as close to God as I am and I don't want anything coming between us.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I read remodeling magazines.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be my past. I didn't always live for God. I did my share of drinking and had my share of women. If I could go back in time, I'd live my entire life for God.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No, I don't own any pets. I'm so busy with my job as a preacher and my side jobs remodeling that there's no time for them.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I'd love to meet Hosea face to face. Dee has put me through torture. She's ripped my heart out. I'd like to ask Hosea how he dealt with that kind of pain when Gomer was unfaithful to him.


About the Author
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational novels in several genres, including, historical, suspense, romance, and young adult. Some of her favorite things are chocolate, cars, and her pets. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and riding down country roads in the passenger seat of her husband's Corvette Stingray. When asked why she writes, her response is, "For the simple joy of placing words on the page!"

Order your copy of Amazing Love today.

Don't send fruitcake; send bread in a can!

Christmas is coming. Instead of fruitcake, why not send bread in a can?

I like modern technology and that includes the oven and range, but when it comes to making bread, I don’t mind being old fashioned. Neither does Ashlyn. She’s the sheriff’s daughter in my new release, Still Life in Shadows. Ashlyn makes bread. Not just any bread, but bread steamed inside a can.

Generations ago when there were no stoves and only fires to cook over, bread was made this way. A coffee can was used to pour flour, milk, and other ingredients into and then the can was sealed and steamed in a kettle of water. As the water boiled, the bread inside the coffee can, baked.

After two hours, the can was removed from the pan and if greased well, out slid a round bundle of bread. Often known as Boston brown bread due to the color of the flour and the molasses, some cooks also added raisins as an ingredient.

The recipe Ashlyn uses has molasses, buttermilk, raisins, cornmeal, whole wheat and rye. It’s truly a tasty and healthy treat. Her finance Luke, an ex-Amish man who left the Old Order lifestyle and now works as a car mechanic, likes it when she brings the bread to his shop.

Sound good? It is! Slice a round of this bread, warm it in the toaster oven or microwave and serve with butter or a dab of cream cheese. Tastes great at breakfast!

If you like the flavor of gingerbread, you'll love bread in a can!

Orders for Bread in a Can will be taken the whole month of November. Place your order by November 30th. The bread will be packed and shipped to you or to a friend's and arrive between December 11th and 15th.

Simply use Pay Pal or send a check to the address below. Also, you can order a round of bread and a copy of Still Life in Shadows. Pricing is as follows:

* 1 delicious loaf (actually in the shape of a round coffee can) of bread -- $14.00 (includes priority shipping)

* 1 delicious loaf plus an autographed copy of Still Life in Shadows -- $27.00

PAYMENT
Send check to:
201 Monticello Avenue
Durham, NC 27707

OR
Use the PayPal tab below

Bread in a can

Bread in a can $14.00 USD Bread in a can and Still Life in Shadows $27.00 USD

Book Review: Straight Pipes

Devotions for bikers---I wasn't sure whether or not it was appropriate to laugh. I imagined a bunch of burly men and women tearing through a town, tossing beer cans as they sped. I guess I never associated these being the types that would stop to pray or ask God for wisdom. (I know, I do have my stereotypes.)

As I read Straight Pipes: Devotions for Bikers by Barbara Ann Derkson, I decided that it was okay to laugh at myself, and in the process pause to enjoy the richness of her words. With clear explanations and in an easy-to-read style, Barbara gives insight into many biblical passages we might have once glossed over. This devotional has words of wisdom for us all. One paragraph that spoke volumes to me is: "Has God called you to a place where your encouragement is needed? Look around. It won’t take long for you to find a hurting soul or someone floundering in their faith. Are your doors open? Can people call you when they need a word of encouragement or prayer?"

Yes, I thought, may I never be too consumed with myself to seek ways to reach others through a word of encouragement.

Barbara's devotional can be ordered here. Pick up a copy today!

In honor of Dixie

Today, and today only, I am offering any of my inspirational novels (autographed) to you for only $11! It's Dixie, my beagle's 11th birthday and she thinks this is a great way to celebrate her life and the joy of reading! (Of course, she reads.) The $11 price includes shipping costs. My novels retail for $14.99, so this is a nice birthday deal! (And if you like cake, How Sweet It Is is about a cake decorator in the mountains of North Carolina.)

Simply send a check today for $11 (USD) to the address below or pay via PayPal.
Specify which novel you'd like.





Address:
201 Monticello Avenue
Durham, NC 27707

OR

Use the Paypal button below.

Choose your novel

Rain Song How Sweet It Is Hatteras Girl A Wedding Invitation Still Life in Shadows

The Mom Spa Journal

Want to get away and have some time for yourself? As a mom, and especially a mom of small kids, that can be hard to do. Yet having time to read, ponder and write is needed.

How can you spend some quality time alone? Grab a copy of The Mom Spa Journal and you'll have a meaningful respite. Find a quiet (or semi-quiet) place and let the guided prompts in the pages of the book take you to a world where you can use the gift of writing. Some of the subjects include forgiveness, gentleness, waiting and love. Scripture verses provide food for thought and creativity.

You can either print the book or use it along with your personal journal. Either way, you'll find that penning heart to paper does wonders for your spritual growth.

Taking time for you makes you a better mom to your kids.


The Mom Spa Journal is an e-book, so it's easy to download onto your Kindle or onto your computer as a file. This book is designed for moms of all ages. Order a copy now!

Order from Smashwords
The Mom Spa Journal
by Alice Wisler
$2.99

The Oldest Enemy starts, grips the reader, and doesn't let go. I would equate it to being on a roller coaster ride; once you're spinning over the tracks, there is no letting up.

A pastor, a woman whose sister was killed, and a World War II concentration camp survivor all join together to battle enemy forces, many of which are unseen by the naked eye.

Michael Webb does an incredible job of keeping the momentum going in this well written story where the characters are nicely-drawn and the suspense is intense.

Pick up a copy today!

Book Review: Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope

The psalms became very real to me after the death of my son Daniel in 1997. Daniel was four and had cancer. His death devastated me.

It was in my despair that I found the beauty of the biblical psalms.

There are psalms of despair, anguish and fear, as well as psalms of praise, expectation, and hope. It is my hope that you'll dig into Bob Saffrin's Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope and discover what reading the psalms can do for your spirit. Bob unveils much about the psalms and their meanings. At the end of each chapter he concludes with a Life Lesson, and a chance to consider and discuss. By pondering on the questions he asks, readers can reflect on their own spiritual journey.

Perhaps one of the aspects that I found most comforting about Bob's devotional is that he stresses God's love for us. What a privilege to be loved by the creator of the universe!

"Oh, LORD Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9.

You can pick up an e-copy of Bob's Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope by clicking here.

Guest Post about the death of a child

I usually have guest posts about grief and loss at my Writing the Heartache Blog, but wanted to share this piece on this blog today.


How to Cope With the Loss of a Child


Losing a child is just about any parent's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, I experienced this nightmare nine years ago. My son died unexpectedly, which made losing him even harder. Losing a child was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, and to this day I still struggle with the loss of my son. Luckily, I have a strong support group of friends and family, and over time, the pain has subsided considerably. Here are five ways that I was able to cope with the loss of my child, and hopefully they are as beneficial to you as they were to me.

*Support System*
I leaned heavily on my family and friends for years after my son died. I luckily, did not suffer from depression, and I think having such an outpouring support group helped tremendously. For the first month, my friends stayed over at my house, to keep my mind occupied and from going crazy. As painful as it was, I became closer to a lot of my family and friends after my sons death.

*Physical Health*
I will admit that in the first few months, I let my physical health suffer. I would advise anyone grieving over the loss of a loved one to avoid this mistake. I ate so poorly that my physical health was obviously deteriorating to anyone I came in contact with. This caused a further deterioration of my mental health, as I had no energy and it was as though I was trying to "feed" my depression (ironically). After the first few
months, I made sure to take walks on a daily basis and continue eating a healthy diet. Remember that poor physical health will affect all facets of anyone's life.

*Stay Busy*
Anyone who is grieving finds it difficult to stay busy - this is okay. After the initial month, I made it a point to stay as busy as possible. I started going back to the gym and even took a weekend trip to Las Vegas at the urging of my friends (after a few months). Grieving is natural, but when I started getting busy, I felt my mind clear up and a sense of normalcy returning.

*Tried & True*
I was lucky enough to find a wonderful support group for people who have experienced loss, and it was immensely helpful. I initially found message boards online where I communicated with other people who were also grieving. Eventually, I got up the nerve go visit to a local support group, where I was able to feel liberated when discussing my problems with people in the same situation. I am not religious, but a couple of people in the group found solace in their local church groups. When I found support, I
felt as though I was able to grieve and not be judged.

*Counseling*
On the recommendation of a friend, I obtained professional counseling. This helped me find happiness and meaning in other areas of my life. Although I did not take any medication for anxiety or sleep, my therapist did teach me some relaxation and breathing techniques. One on one counselling was tremendously helpful in my recovery, and I would recommend it to anyone who is grieving.

When I lost my son, my whole prospective on life changed. It took a couple of years for me to regain a sense of normalcy in my life. Remember, when grieving, do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Without a support group, the process would have been more difficult. Though, I cannot say I feel perfect, life has improved as I have learned to cope.

Peter Rhimes is a contributing author at http://www.homeownersinsurance.org.

Faith Matters: Book Review

"Are you as close to God as you would like to be?" asks Carol Round in her devotional Faith Matters.

Carol Round is the type of person who takes her faith seriously. She wears a cross around her neck to remind her of what Jesus did for her on that old rugged cross 2,000 years ago. She also keeps a daily prayer journal to keep her in tune with what she's learning throughout the seasons of her life.

Each selection of Faith Matters begins with a scripture verse and then a short text where Carol expands on the meaning of the verse by using an anecdote from her life. Some are self-explanatory, with titles like, Get off the Pity Pot, Called to be an Overcomer and Fully Rely on God (F.R.O.G.). Carol writes each one in an upbeat style. She doesn't sugar-coat a believer's walk with God. She knows there are trying days.

For Christians, it’s not so much a question of whether we’ll have to face a trial but a matter of when.~ Carol Round in Faith Matters

For a sound, positive way to start your day, pick up a copy of Faith Matters. The book is also available in Kindle format.

Night Stories: Book Review

Do you ever wonder about your dreams and what they mean?

Do you believe that God might be using your dreams as a way of reminding you of His truths?

Kimberley Payne's booklet (it is short, so I'm naming it a booklet), Night Stories, deals with some of her dreams and the interpretations she gives them.

Here's one example:

My parents’ home served as the setting of this dream. I attempted to enter their house through the front door but found the frame and door handle covered with thousands of creepy bugs and swarming bees. I dashed in through a cloud of yellow jackets and bumblebees. I rushed to the bathroom frantically checking my clothes to make sure bees didn’t get under any layers. I cried out as I felt a sting to the right side of my nose. I swatted the bee away and looked at my face in the mirror.

Just then, I heard a voice in my mind that sounded clear and strong, “You don’t know what you’re getting into.” I knew that the ominous voice referred to my attempts at righting a wrong and facing up against an enemy – a definite threat and warning to me.
Still busy swatting away the pesky bees I said out loud, “You’re right. I don’t.” However, my response did not come from fear but rather it remained a childlike statement. I thought it obvious that I didn’t know what I was getting into but that didn’t bother me because I felt that it wasn’t my battle. It belonged to God. I allowed God to use me and work through me to face this enemy. Although I would’ve felt fear and threatened from the enemy if I intended to go up against him on my own, I didn’t plan to. It wasn’t my fight. I prayed to God and let Him do the battle.

This dream reminded me of the story of David and Goliath. All other men were afraid to fight the giant because they were relying on their own strength. They knew they were not as strong as him and they knew they would perish if they even tried. But, David relied on God’s strength when he went into battle. He believed that he served as God’s instrument and put the outcome of the battle in God’s hands. David placed his confidence solely in God’s power. We can too.

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands (1 Samuel 17: 47 NIV.)

Reading the above and other chapters, made me think more about my own dreams and what they mean. And I always enjoy a book that makes me think.

Pick up a copy of Night Stories at Smashwords today.

Book Review: Adjust your attitude and land that job

I just finished Sidney Frost's Job Seekers' Attitude Adjustment Guide. And I'm ready to try out some of his tips and land a job.

In his easy-to-read upbeat style, Sid understands the job seeker. He knows that there may be anger and frustration, even blame, when a person suddenly finds himself unemployed. But Sid doesn't let you stew and fret, he wants you to adjust your attitude and carry on.

As you read his short, informative chapters, you'll note the importance of the things Sid stresses when looking for a job:

1) Set daily goals
2) Make lists
3) Stick to your lists
4) Be patient
5) Be willing to put in hours
6) Network
7) Stay focused and organized

Along with how to prepare for an interview, what to wear and how to better yourself within your field, Sid offers encouragement. He tells you to believe in you, to speak words of affirmation, to be your own cheerleader, and even to make time for laughter. He knows looking for employment begs the support of others. Because Sid believes that having someone who will listen to the ups and downs of the tedious task in landing the perfect job, he suggests finding a progress mentor. Daily reports are to be sent to this mentor, sharing what has been accomplished during the search, as well as honest feelings encountered during the difficulty of the journey.

Looking for a job? Pick up a copy of Job Seekers' Attitude Adjustment Guide and believe that success is around the corner.

Getting Out of Bed in the Morning

For years I've wanted to write a book about grief, loss and the brokenness of life. I've journaled and written articles, edited newsletters, spoken on heartache, taught writing workshops, cried, wondered, and pondered. Thanks to Leafwood Publishers, my devotional comes out in January! Getting Out of Bed in the Morning: Reflections of Comfort in Heartache holds forty different entries that each have prayers, scipture verses (many from the Psalms), and tips on reaching out to a God who sustains on every rocky journey.

Here's a little taste of my devotional, starting with the preface.

I set out to write a book about me—my anguish, my loss, my pain, my doubt, my questions. Instead I was pointed to God and wrote about His grace, His love, His faithfulness and His forgiveness. In those are His answers.

We often think it’s all about us—how much we suffer, how much we cry, how tormented we feel. But when we weigh all of our misery against His grace, His grace outweighs it all. God’s compassion is stronger, fiercer than our struggle, His love more constant, radiant and healing than any problem in our den of lions.

If you are early in your grief, you may not understand what I’m talking about. You might still be at odds with God and while you like the title of this book, as you flipped through the pages, that’s all you like. That’s okay. God meets us wherever we are and no amount of disbelief, anger or frustration keeps Him from loving His children. It has taken me fifteen years from the worst heartache of my life to come to this place of comfort, this stream of beauty. And I never thought I’d be here. When my son first died, I told God that we would only communicate in passing, like a neighbor I don’t like when I see her over the fence. I almost wished I had had no past with God—no history, no conversion story—so that I didn’t have to be angry with Him for my loss. God would be distant from now on. I would not expect anything from Him again as I learned to adapt to my heartache.

I am one who had to wrestle. Like Jacob, I did. I groaned and I fought and groaned some more. And through it all, I was surprised. What I thought I’d discarded for good instead became a new song in my mouth. I welcomed a stronger, genuine, more realistic faith—a possession I keep within my broken heart, a gift no moth or thief can steal.

~*~*~*

With the pre-launch of Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, I've created a blog called Broken Psalms. This blog will be a plce where we can share heartache and comfort from a Old and New Testament perspective. I hope you'll join me there.