Secrets And Lies By Rhonda McKnight

Secrets And Lies by Rhonda McKnight

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

About the Author
Rhonda McKnight owns Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today (www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com ), a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s also the vice president of the Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for almost twelve years.

Rhonda, tell us how you came up with the idea for this story?
I woke up one morning and these people were talking in my head, or rather arguing. (LOL). I thought this could be interesting, turned on the creativity, and came up with the “issues” in their marriage. I also did a lot of research about heart disease. Jonah is a pediatric cardiologist and that’s central to the story. I knew absolutely nothing about heart disease before I wrote this novel.

Who is your ideal reader?
I think most people will think my ideal reader is women who are married. While I think the book will definitely appeal to married women, I’d love for single woman who are thinking about marriage or waiting on Mr. Right to read the book. There is a valuable lesson for single women in the story. Faith chose to overlook a very important issue prior to her marriage to Jonah. This issue becomes a huge source of pain for her. Ten years later her ideal black man has her pulling her hair out.

Name something about the book that will appeal to readers?
I think readers will find it appealing, because more than half of it is written from Jonah’s point of view. My informal research amongst readers has taught me that women readers love stories that are written from a man’s perspective. Like most men, Jonah is complex. He’s a love to hate kind of guy. People will love him because he’s dedicated his life to physically healing children, but he’s emotionally and spiritually sick himself. What a burden for Faith. Faith’s pain will have some folks shaking their heads at Jonah.

When’s your next book being released?
My second novel, An Inconvenient Friend comes out August 1, 2010. I have a nasty little character in Secrets and Lies who gets her own story, and what a story it is. She’s up to no good. Can she be redeemed?

How can readers find out more about you?
Readers may contact me at my website at www.rhondamcknight.net. I love for people to sign my guestbook and share their thoughts about the story. I’m also a complete Facebook addict. You’ll definitely find me there more than you should at www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight

I've enjoyed having you on my blog today, Rhonda! Readers, check out Rhonda's story! Go to a bookstore and pick up a copy today! I just received my copy from Amazon a few days ago and I look forward to reading it and reviewing it on this blog!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I doubt I'll be posting over the next few days, but I just wanted to be sure to wish all of you scribes and Christian fiction readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Leave a comment and let me know how you celebrated your holiday. What did you have to eat? Who did you visit? Did you have to cook a big meal? If you did, what was on the menu? My curious mind wants to know! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

And The Winner Is....

Edna Tollison - Laurens, SC
Edna has won the box of ten Christmas books! Edna, I'll be mailing your books out to you sometime this week!

I'll be posting another book giveaway around January 1!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Autographed Pics Of Young And The Restless Stars

I'm in the midst of cleaning out my office and I found some old autographed photos of Neil and Malcolm from The Young And The Restless. Before you ask, yes, they are authentic...I saw them sign the pics with my own eyes. Back when I was still in my twenties, I used to get out more and go to events. Both Malcolm (Shemar Moore) and Neil used to come to mass events and sign autographs. I even chatted with both of them for awhile. I was going to toss the pics, but figured somebody would want them. If you want them, leave a comment and let me know why you want the pics. Also, leave your email address, if you don't leave your email address, then I won't enter you into the drawing!

As usual with my giveaways, I'll add your email to my email list but I only send out mass emails a few times a year, so don't worry about getting huge amounts of email from me!

For those that are curious, if you want to see previous blog entries about soap operas, please look here and here. This is a blog about Christian fiction, but, I used to be a big soap opera fan. I still manage to watch when I'm on vacation and on some holidays. If I had more time, I'd watch more often!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Skin By Ted Dekker

Skin by Ted Dekker

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 3, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595542779

From the back cover:
A freak storm has spawned three tornadoes that are bearing down on the town of Summerville. Yet under the cover of the storm looms a much more ominous threat: A vindictive killer known as Red who's left a string of victims in his wake and is now bent on exacting his final revenge on the unsuspecting town. But there is an enigma surrounding Red that the FBI is unwilling to admit-closely guarded secrets of something gone terribly wrong beneath the skin of Summerville. Secrets that will destroy far more than one small town. Wendy Davidson is caught in the middle. She's a recovering cult survivor who takes refuge in Summerville on her way to visit her estranged mother. And with her, four strangers, any of whom could be the next victim . . . or the killer.

==
This book gave me nightmares. No, I'm not kidding. It was chilling, gruesome and bloody.

HOWEVER, I wanted to keep reading the story. I wanted to see what happened to Wendy, Colt, Pinkus, Nicole, and Carey. I also wanted to find out the identity of the killer named Red.

Five people are drawn together, being influenced by an evil killer named Red. Red is obsessed with ugliness...The five people are forced to decide which one of them is the ugliest...therefore deciding which one of them will die next. Red gives the five ultimatums throughout the book.

This isn't the usual genre that I read, and in order for me to tell you my full thoughts about the story, I'll have to give spoilers. If you want a chilling story that'll keep you reading, this book is for you. But, if you're somewhat squeamish, I wouldn't recommend this novel. See below for my further thoughts....











SPOILER BELOW

I read this novel very quickly. I've been reading it the last few nights before going to bed. The book somehow crept into my mind and stayed there...I had bad dreams for two nights. My husband told me to stop reading the book, but I told him that the book was written in a way that made me want to finish.

This book was filled with so much darkness, sadness and evil...I felt that Dekker could have placed more light into the story...more goodness. It may have been in the story...hidden...and I just didn't "see" it. I caught a glimpse of truth and goodness at the end, but that's about it.

I wanted to rewrite the novel and take out some of the blood and gore! Chopped-off fingers, chopped-off hand, hanging deaths, shooting deaths, beautiful face disfigured with a knife, beautiful face disfigured with a blow torch...death, death, death....It was like the streets were swimming with blood...and I just wanted to say, "Stop, enough already!"

It was a bit of a relief to find out that the town was not real and the whole thing was a game. I'm not the most scientifically-minded person, but I found the ending a little bit confusing. Even though it was a game, the events physically affected the players...sometimes. For example, Pinkus's fingers were severed during the game, but, when they came out of the game, his fingers were intact. Yet, brother and sister Nicole and Carey both died during the game and they were really dead when the game was over. [SEE MY ADDITIONAL INSIGHT BELOW. I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING ELSE ON 11/23/09.]

When the killer is revealed, it's definitely a shock.

I won't rant that I didn't see much of an inspirational message since I've heard that this was marketed as a secular book. If I could rewrite this story, I'd place some light into it. [SEE MY ADDITIONAL INSIGHT BELOW. I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING ELSE ON 11/23/09.] Show them praying, calling out to Jesus. It didn't appear that any of the characters were Christians. I know Carey dealt with the occult, using his pentagram and candles and stuff.

I think this book will stay in my mind for a long time. I didn't purchase this title. After I read Three and Black, my sister heard me raving about how much I enjoyed Dekker's work. She found this book in the discount bin at Barnes and Noble and called me, wanting to know if I wanted it. I told her to purchase it for me and she did. I haven't read all of his books because his genre is not my usual preference, but, his genre (at least the older books) are something I can read and enjoy occasionally.

Parts of this novel reminded me of the following three movies:

It (Stephen King wrote the book. I can't read King, either. I tried to read a King novel when I was in my early twenties and I didn't make it past chapter one. The novel was well-written, but, he gave me nightmares, so I stopped reading and never tried again.)
Jumangi - Just Google it to find out what this movie's about. Not sure if I spelled it right. Robin Williams starred in it and he was swept into a board game as a child, but returns from the game once he's an adult.
The Matrix

As time goes by, and if the mood permits, I'll probably read some more of Dekker's older stuff within the next year or so, like the rest of the Circle series. If he has other titles as gruesome as this one, I don't think I'll read them.

***Additional thoughts...this book is still heavy on my mind and I just wish it would go away! I did come up with a thought on the inspirational aspect of this story this evening (11/23/09). Carey was involved with the occult and I'm assuming his sister Nicole was, too, therefore making them evil/bad as far as God is concerned. The killer, Red, is also evil, for obvious reasons. All three of these people end up dead while the good people, Wendy, Colt, and Pinkus, manage to live throughout the game. The "goodness" of Wendy, Cold, and Pinkus is portrayed by the fact that they are now alive and there was no physical damage - that's why Pinkus still has his fingers. It's the goodness protecting him and this protection obviously didn't cover Nicole, Carey, or the killer? I'm rambling now, not sure if I'm on the right track...but that's all I have to say about this novel. Now, hopefully it'll leave my mind, allowing me to focus on something more positive and uplifting!
~Cecelia Dowdy~

Interview

Stop by Sharon Ball's blog and read my interview!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Brownies!

My email box has been exploding with correspondence about Harlequin Horizons. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just look at yesterday's post. After sifting through a few hundred emails about this, I feel everything has been said, or is being said, and there's so many issues that I don't feel like covering them in this blog post. Suffice it to say, Harlequin just sent an email to all their authors, stating they would change the Harlequin Horizons name so that the Horizons books are not linked with the Harlequin brand...or something like that.

I'm done talking about that for now!

Have any of you tried Godiva's new baked goods? Usually, during the holidays, hubby and I will treat ourselves to a big box of Godiva candy, or we'll get the Godiva chocolate-covered pretzels, or their biscuits (cookies). I've now noticed they have baked goods and we were wondering if we should purchase the brownies from Godiva. Here's a pic (borrowed from the Godiva website.)



They also have chocolate cupcakes and chocolate ganache layer cake. They have chocolate coconut macaroon cookies, too, but I'm not a big coconut fan.

If you've tried any of these, let me know if you enjoyed them. I'm pretty sure we'll be trying the brownies for this holiday season! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Harlequin Horizons

I can't believe it. I just found out today that Harlequin - the largest romance publisher out there, has now started their own self publishing division called Harlequin Horizons. Yikes! Sad, sad, sad. I know they want to make money, but then, I think about all the hard work I've done to get published. Now somebody can just pay to be a Harlequin author...I did look through the website. Not sure how to comment on the prices and such since I'm not very familiar with self-publishing models.

Also, if you submit the traditional way to Harlequin, if you get rejected, they'll just tell you in their rejection letter...why don't you give Harlequin Horizons a try?...Now, they might be able to make money from the slush pile...but not with traditional contracts. If the Harlequin Horizons title is what Harlequin considers successful, then they might offer you a traditional contract. My mind is beginning to wander now...will Harlequin Horizons eventually take place of the slush pile? Think about it, you get tons of people to pay money to get their romance novel published, then, when Harlequin has some open slots to fill, they just pull out the list of stats for their Harlequin Horizons titles. When they figure which ones are successful, they offer the Harlequin Horizons authors a traditional contract, and then have no need to dig through the slush anymore? Frightening thought!

I'm not knocking self-pubbing, but, I'm just shocked that Harlequin's doing this. First Thomas Nelson, now Harlequin...who's next???

~Cecelia Dowdy~

More Writing Advice

Novelist Hillary Manton Lodge left the following comment on this blog post:

I think it's important to add that, even as you shop books, it's important to be writing others, and mention them in your queries/cover letters. If an agent/publisher likes your writing style but isn't interested in that particular story, listing others can be a wise move.


Thanks for pointing that out, Hillary. I've come across lots of writers who do one book and work hard to find a publisher, but they don't do another! You have to keep writing...start another project. Let those editors, agents, and publishers know that you're working on another piece. If you meet an editor at a conference, and she doesn't like your idea, you could always say..."Well, I'm also working on XYZ project, maybe you'll like that idea better."

It's worth a shot. For the most part, I'm always working on something, and if you're trying to get a contract with a commercial publisher, then you should always be working on a book!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

A Passion Most Pure By Julie Lessman

A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

From Amazon.com
Product Description
Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page. Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.

I loved this book! The passion was so realistic and the emotional drama between the characters, especially the sisters, was very genuine.

I read the third book in the Boston series awhile back, and I reviewed it here. I read it for a blog tour and I loved it so much that I went to Family Christian and purchased the first and second novels in the series. However, I suggest, if you're interested in reading this series, that you read the books in order. I would've done that myself if I'd realized that I'd enjoy the books so much!

Since childhood, Faith O'Connor has always had a crush on handsome Collin Mcguire. Collin and Faith have been friends briefly in the past, however, Faith must accept that Collin is in love with her beautiful sister, Charity. Collin, a good boy gone bad, finds himself smitten with Faith, but can't accept her deep religious beliefs. Charity, knowing the depth of her beauty, is elated to snag Collin for herself. The emotional turmoil between these characters, as well as the doom of a war, are the perfect ingredients for a passionate, page-turning novel. Just like the third book in this series, I enjoyed the realistic physically charged attraction between the characters. It was great being able to read a Christian novel that actually tells how it feels to kiss your love interest!

I have the second book in the Daughters of Boston Series in my to-be-read pile!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Question From A Writer

I know I'd said the whole Ted Dekker subject was closed, but wanted to mention literary agent Chip Macgregor's interesting blog post about the incident. I believe Chip eloquently expressed the views of most of the Love Inspired authors. Also, I forgot to mention in my earlier post, about Love Inspired's list that Ted was talking about...I'd forgotten all about that list until Ted mentioned it. Most inspirational romances have to follow strict rules, and when I'm writing a Christian romance, I barely pay attention to a list. I just kind of know what needs to be done, and if the manuscript needs some changes, the editor will tell me and I'll change it. So far, it hasn't been a big deal. Okay, so this subject is now closed...for real this time!

Now, onto a writing question!

Philip wrote to ask the following:

I'm a twice published author, both are inspirational fiction. I enjoyed reading your blog and you seem to be very open and willing to assist others in the writing business. I'm working hard at getting into a larger publisher as mine is only a print on demand and seems to be more like a self-publishing company.
I'm currently working on a supernatural thriller. I would enjoy hearing from you as to if you ever refer other authors to your publishers or agent. I look forward to hearing from you.

Philip, I wish I could help you with a referral, but I can't! I write Christian romance novels, and the publishers that I deal with don't publish supernatural thrillers. It's difficult for me to give you advice without knowing what steps you've taken to find a publisher. Since you say you are working hard at finding a publisher, then I'm assuming you've been submitting your work to commercial publishers? Read this post, and in addition to that advice, I wanted to mention the importance of researching a publisher before submitting to them. You need to know the market - which publishers currently publish works that are similiar to yours? Go to a bookstore or go to Amazon and see if you can find titles similiar to yours. Once you've targeted some publishers, then you can go to their website and find their submission guidelines. Chances are, nowadays, you'll need an agent to submit to them.

I can't refer you to an agent because I don't have one. As I mentioned in this post, I'm searching for an agent now. I've sold five Christian romances, and all of them I was able to sell without an agent. I suggest, after you do your homework in researching publishers, that you attend a writers conference. You might want to make sure your targeted publishing house will be attending the writers' conference that you choose. Meet with an editor from your targeted publishing house at the conference. Usually, most writers' conferences have a limited amount of one-on-one appointments. I landed my first two book deals as a result of attending writers' conferences.

Philip left me a link for his website! Stop by and check out his novels! I think the covers are very tastefully done...very striking!

I hope my suggestions helped! If you have any more questions, feel free to send them to me!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Done!!

I'm finally finished with the project that I mentioned here.

I've been working on this thing sporadically for about five years...BUT, the only reasons it's taken me so long is because:

1. I had a baby (who's now four years old).
2. I've been selling other novels to Barbour Publishing, and contracted work takes priority over my recently-completed project entitled Southern Comfort.
3. I've also written another novel, since I've started this one, that was rejected. However, writing that other novel took time away from my working on Southern Comfort.
4. I work full-time, and I run a household! Takes lots of time to do that!
So, there you have it! That's why it's taken me years to complete this big tome of a book! I plan on submitting the full to an agent who requested it awhile back. I've also got two other agents that I'm going to submit to, also. I normally don't take this long to write a book...I can usually have one done in a matter of months if I set my mind to it and concentrate. When you have a contract, you're forced to finish by a certain time!

Just feels good to be done! Now hopefully, and prayerfully, my Southern Comfort will find a home!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Ted Dekker And Love Inspired

Ted Dekker ticked me off a bit. I know Love Inspired's guidelines may seem as if they're unrealistic, but, they're writing for their readership, plus, people pick up a Love Inspired novel expecting a certain standard. This post makes me angry because I don't think Ted's ever read a Love Inspired! He's putting down the whole line, and that simply stinks! Read a Love Inspired, Ted, and do some investigating and look at the Love Inspired sales figures!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Stephen - Stoned!

Acts 6:15 (NIV)
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 7:51-59 (NIV)
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Man, what powerful words! Can you imagine being stoned to death, then telling the Lord to forgive those persecuting you? Makes you stop and think of those suffering for the sake of the Lord. Imagine the pain of being stoned to death...brutal...makes me think, you know, as a Christian, I haven't been through anything remotely related to this. Such suffering and intense physical pain. When you think your life is getting tough, think of how Stephen suffered...think of how Jesus suffered...

~Cecelia Dowdy~

My Website!

I re-did my website a couple of months ago, but I don't think I announced it here on my blog. Check it out! I changed the coloring from that dark burgundy to a light tannish color. I also added a floral arrangement at the top and I added a few other pages. Take a look around and tell me what you think!

Here's the link!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Tired! :-(

I'm exhausted. I'm trying to finish up a manuscript that an agent requested awhile back. I'll be posting another writing-related question and topic within the next week.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Questions From Writers

Kelli wrote to ask me this question:
Could you please advise what a writer is do when all
avenues have been exhausted in trying to get their book
published and self-publishing/co-publishing is not even
an option. I am feeling a little like I should just stop trying and stop
writing, this is my second book.

My response:
Don't quit! I was writing for FIVE AND A HALF YEARS before I got a contract with a traditional/commercial publisher. During that five and a half years, I wrote during most of my spare time and completed several books - most of those will remain in my basement closet, they're so bad! All I can say is put that book back on the shelf and start another novel. Also, are you involved in a writers' group or a critique group? If you congregate with like-minded individuals, that may help you. Since I write Christian romance novels, the two organizations that have helped me the most is Romance Writers Of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. Both of those organizations may have chapters and critique groups that meet in your area? You'll need to check and see. Also, two blogs that you might want to visit regularly are Literary Agents Chip Macgregor and Rachelle Gardner. I visit both of these blogs and they are always giving cool advice for both new and seasoned writers. Go to those blogs and scroll through some of the old posts. They're a wealth of information to use if you're trying to get your work commercially/traditionally published.

I can't really advise about self-publishing because I'm not very familiar with it. I know I never wanted to get self-published - I wanted to sign a contract where I'd be getting an advance and royalties for each copy of my novel that sold. I didn't want to pay to have my work published. I do know that if you self-publish, you need to be sure you have a solid marketing plan so that you can sell lots of books. I know self-publishing USUALLY works better if you're doing NON-FICTION.

Vanessa wrote:
I'm a writer and I've been "shopping" my novel around for a little while. I've gotten good responses from editors, but no one is willing to give me a chance so I'm trying to decide how to proceed. I've done some partner publishing with Beckham Publishing on two other books with my husband, but my novel is what I really want to get released. Any advice? An editor from a major company really liked my book but when it came before the larger group it was rejected. This person has put me in touch with an editor they use and I'm planning to work with her to do final edits on the book before proceeding.

My response:
Read my advice for the previous question. Also, you might want to send that editor, the one from the major publishing company, a letter, thanking her for considering your work and, you'd like the opportunity to submit another project to her in the future.

I'm not sure how to tell you to proceed from here. If you've already shopped it around, and there's no other place to submit it, then you need to place that book on a shelf and start another? If you're asking how to proceed as far as self-publishing is concerned, I'm not sure what to tell you to do since I've never self-published my work.

You could also search for a literary agent. It's possible that there are publishers out there that may be interested in your work but they take agented submissions only?

Hope my responses helped!

Got anymore questions? Please send them in!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Christmas Book Giveaway - Rules

Thanks so much to all who are entering the Christmas Book Giveaway. As of this morning, there are 64 comments. Somebody mentioned that they didn't see any rules for the giveaway, but they want to be entered. In order to be entered in the giveaway, you need to leave your email address in your comment, or your email address must be accessible through your blogger ID. If you comment, without leaving an email address, and your email address is not visible on blogger, then you WON'T be entered. If there's no email address for me to access, there would be no way for me to contact you if you do win.

Several have said that it was generous of me to purchase these books and give them away. These books are brand new, and I did purchase them, but, I also want to build up my e-mail list from doing the book giveaways. Therefore, if you enter the drawing, you're giving me permission to add your email address to my mailing list. I only send out mass emails via Constant Contact a few times a year, so, if you enter, you won't have to worry about being bombarded with massive amounts of email from me.

I've noticed there are some who entered the Christmas Book Giveaway, but have unsubscribed from my Constant Contact email list. If you've been on my mailing list, then unsubscribed, then want to enter this giveaway, you won't be entered. Reason being, you have to be willing to be a part of my mailing list in order to be entered into the drawing. Since I use Constant Contact, if a person unsubscribes, I can't resubscribe that person myself - Constant Contact won't allow that. I'm not sure if you can try and re-subscribe on your own on Constant Contact after you've unsubscribed?

Final "rule" is if you win, you automatically give me the right to post your first and last name on my blog, along with your city and state of residence, announcing you as the winner. I want to keep this contest honest, so I have to annouce the winner on this blog. In the past, I've had a few people to get disgruntled when they see their first and last name on my blog, then they'll ask me to remove their last name from my blog post. I've started stating my intentions of posting the first and last name when I post the contest. If you don't want your first and last name posted on my blog if you win, then don't enter the contest!

And, last thing, even if you don't win, I wanted to tell you about how I came across these great books at a reasonable price! If you don't win the books featured on my blog, you still might have some spare change in your wallet to purchase these! Christianbook.com has some great sets of books for a cheap price - this is where I purchased the books for my giveaway:

Set of nine Christmas books for $9.99!

Set of four Christmas books for $7.99!

Set of four Christmas books for $7.80!

Set of six Christmas books for $9.99!

Notice that some of these sets overlap, so if you order more than one set, you might want to make sure that you're aware that you may be purchasing some books twice! No, I don't work for or represent Christianbook.com! I'm just being a nice gal and letting you know about these great deals! I don't think I could have afforded such a large Christmas book giveaway if I'd had to pay full price for these novels! I'm not sure how long these books will be available at this low price!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Christmas Book Giveaway!

***This contest is now over! I've selected a winner! The winner is listed here. I'll be posting another book giveaway around January 1, 2010!! I've reviewed some great books, so visit and read about some of the great novels I've been enjoying lately!

I know it's still a little early for Christmas, but I'm having a Christmas book giveaway this month because I want the winner to receive the books at the beginning of December - in time to enjoy for the holidays. You can also give these books away as Christmas gifts. All of the books are brand new, never read! These are Christmas novella collections and, as always, if you enter this drawing, I'll automatically add you to my mailing list. However, I don't send out mass e-mails often, so you won't be bombarded with too much correspondence from me. The contest is limited to U.S. and Canada residents only. If you enter, please leave an email address so that I can contact you if you win. If you do win, I retain the right to place your first and last name and city and state on my blog, announcing you as the winner! I purchased these novels, free copies were not given to me by the publisher. All ten novels will be given to ONE winner! Here are the novels that I'm giving away:

1. Lone Star Christmas by: Pamela Griffin, Cathy Marie Hake, Vickie McDonough, Kathleen Y'Barbo

Anything can happen when four meddlesome, retired Texas Rangers try their hand at matchmaking. As Christmas draws near, clandestine meetings are held to foil Peony Potter's plans to leave town. Will the folks of Cut Corners learn that no matter what plans they hold, God is the grandest planner of them all.

2. Homespun Christmas by: Birdie L. Etchison, Renee DeMarco, Colleen L. Reece, Janelle Burnham Schneider
A child leads four couples to love in this heartwarming holiday collection. Ben and Sarah struggle to save their town in Hope for the Holidays. Susanna discovers that Christmas is More Than Tinsel. Is this The Last Christmas for Walt and Dee? And Brinn finds love and purpose on a Winter Sabbatical.

3. Snowbound Colorado Christmas by: Susan Page Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin, Tamela Hancock Murray
During the Christmas of 1913, Colorado is buffeted with snow and four young couples seek refuge for their hearts in a whiteout of romance.

4. A Connecticut Christmas by: Diane Ashley, Janet Lee Barton, Rhonda Gibson, Gail Sattler
Snowbound Village, Connecticut, is full of holiday charm, especially at the mall's Christmas Collectibles Shop where romance is in the air!
Nick Jackson seeks to add to Delia Wilkin's collection of sa ntas and turn her heart toward Jesus. But will working so closely with Delia become awkward since he has ended their romantic relationship?

Jonathon Griffin shops for something to enhance Cindy Morrow's new cookie shop and attract her attention. Will Cindy slow down enough to recognize the plans the Lord has for her when she's presented with a cookie jar full of love.

Sheila Fisher's storytelling is inspired by Morgan Frost's collectible critters. When she meets the man to ask permission to write about his creations, will the encounter lead to dreams of love or dreams stolen?

Rochelle McWilliams collects snowflakes, adorning everything with them, much to Kade Guilford's chagrin. Will Kade allow Rochelle to melt the ice around his stubborn heart?

5. A Bride By Christmas by: Linda Goodnight, Kelly Eileen Hake, Vickie McDonough, Therese Stenzel
Jackson needs a mother for his niece. Jerome needs money that can only come by taking a wife. Katherine needs to fulfill a promise. Anastasia needs to escape an evil plot. Can each find a spouse by Christmas? When there's a deadline on Christmas, the results are anything but conventional! Don't miss these four touching historical novellas set on the American prairie.

6. Christmas Duty by: Paige Winship Dooly, Janelle Burnham Schneider, Tammy Shuttlesworth, Jill Stengl
Servicemen and women discover that holidays in the military are difficult---but seldom humdrum! Tragedy convinces Cathy that Tim doesn't live up to his reputation. Jacob and Lucy can't seem to overcome their differences. Nick risks everything when his former fiancee is abducted. And Katrina tries to believe in Brian---and the promises of Christmas.

7. Simply Christmas by: Pamela Dowd, Christine Lynxwiler, Wanda Luttrell
Commercialized craziness or consecrated Christmas? Four women must choose! Will Maggie's break from the mad holiday rush drive her family mad? Lorraine needs peace this season, but others need her. Mary Martha's ad for a dining room table sets up a hurting soul for healing. And can Penny's family survive Christmas in a cramped RV?

8. An Old-Fashioned Christmas by: Tracie Peterson, Colleen L. Reece, Loree Lough, and Sally Laity
Take a break from your hectic holiday schedule and curl up with these romantic tales of Christmases gone by. This heartwarming 4-in-1 volume features God Jul by Tracie Peterson, Christmas Flower by Colleen Reece, Miracle of Kismet Hill by Loree Lough, and For the Love of a Child by Sally Laity.

9. A Big Apple Christmas by: Vasthi Reyes Acosta, Gail Sattler, Lynette Sowell, Carrie Turansky
Enjoy a contemporary romance collection of four heartwarming novellas that capture the sights and sounds of Christmas in New York City. Christmas plans are set askew when a schedule-bound professional organizer meets a free-spirited poet. Holiday bustle is the means two tourists try to use to get lost in the crowds. Christmas in Rockerfeller Center puts a widow's dreams on center stage. The gift of the Magi comes full circle for two lonely Latinos. Romance is in the air from Fifth Avenue to Chinatown, but can faith bring the love home?

10. Wyoming Christmas Heroes by: Jeanie Smith Cash, Linda Lyle, Jeri Odell, Tammy Shuttlesworth
A cup of Christmas, a dash of heroics, a sprinkling of romance, and a heap of faith creates a recipe for holiday magic in four novellas.
Widowed and pregnant, Annie Benson moves to Wyoming just in time to deliver her twins in a snowstorm. What's the chance that her handsome new neighbor is also a doctor?
A snowmobiling mishap in Yellowstone leaves Chris Jennings trapped in a remote cabin. How can it be considered answered prayer when the park ranger on duty is Paul Rogers,her ex-fiance?
Upon meeting a handsome paramedic,Holly Olson's matchmaking daughter suddenly becomes accident prone. Will Luke Jolly join the game and charm the stubborn widow?
Stacey Waters will protect her son at all costs, even from Santas with daddy-like potential. Jack Trenton fights fires when not playing Santa, but can he quench the fire of resentment around Stacy's heart?

I'd also like to invite you to check out my next release, Chesapeake Weddings (a 3-in-1 including John's Quest, Milk Money, and Bittersweet Memories)! It's available for pre-order on Amazon.com and Christianbook.com! If you've already read John's Quest, Milk Money, and Bittersweet Memories, I appreciate your support!

~Cecelia Dowdy~