Paradox by JoAnn Carter

I'd like to welcome JoAnn Carter this week. I asked her to tell us a little about herself as well as her new story.

Good morning, JoAnn.

Good morning! What a glorious day this is and I just have to share something with you all.

Well, go right ahead, by all means!

This morning while I was lying in bed in the early pre-dawn I heard a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not today. Today was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing! God used two rather "ordinary" things to create an extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lightning flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

This sends Goosebumps up my spine as I think about it. It's a paradox and truly a God thing. Especially since this word, paradox, has been near and dear to my heart. In fact, I kid you not; this is the very title of the book that I wanted to share with you today. Yet, perhaps paradox is not a word you're familiar with, so let me explain. Paradox is flowers on snow, joy in the midst of trials, compassion for others as your own heart breaks. It's what many of us just celebrated, Easter-- Jesus laying down his life for me, someone sinful and undeserving. It's victory and life born out of death and suffering.

Through this experience, God reminded me that He delights in using those ordinary things to accomplish His marvelous purposes. And that's super news! If He can use Fishermen, tax collectors, birds, and thunderstorms, I know He can use me—a very average, ordinary person to do extraordinary things for Him. Perhaps you're feeling "ordinary" today. Take heart, it's through that very thing that God can show His creativity, His power, and even His love just like He did for me in the midst of this early mornings storm.

Wow! Thank you for sharing that with us, JoAnn. Yes, God is amazing, and even more amazing, is the fact that He would use us...US, to bring Him glory with the gifts He's given us.

So can we have a peek at Paradox. Pretty pleeeease...

Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than to ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?

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EXCERPT

It was only Tuesday evening... a few days on the job, but it already felt like a few years. The last thing she wanted to do was drive Sharon back to her condo in Jericho, but she had promised. Ric rapped twice on the office door before popping his head in. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

He came in and leaned up against the doorframe. "The truck's loaded up."

Lilly shut down the computer. "Great, thanks for helping Sharon get her stuff out there."

"No problem." Ric looked over his shoulder and then back to Lilly. "I don't have any plans for the evening. Would you like me to help you ladies get Sharon's stuff unloaded?"

Lilly shook her head and looked at him -- really looked at him for the first time since he came into her office. His broad shoulders filled the doorway. The sheer breadth made her wonder if he could easily carry any burden life handed to him, physical or emotional. Tempted though she might be to share some of her concerns, she couldn't afford to grow to depend on him -- or anyone for that matter. Granted, it was nice to spend time with Ric and get to know him more. She valued his friendship and looked forward to the times when she could be with him, but this was only a temporary situation. There was no way she would ever let herself forget it. If she did -- she might lose sight of her own dreams -- dreams that didn't include Paradox when all was said and done. "You don't need to worry about us, Ric. We'll manage."

"Are you sure? It's no problem and it might be nice to have some company on the way back."

Lilly sighed. "You're right. It would be, but honestly I'd rather take care of this myself."

Ric stood up and took a few steps into the room. With him came the smell of clean soap and shaving cream. "It can be a mighty lonely life if you never let anyone get close to you, you know."

Shoot, he saw right through the walls that she was trying to erect to protect herself. "There are people I'm close to."

"Oh yeah, who?"

Joyfully,

JoAnn Carter

A CONTEST TO HELP ME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF PARADOX:

Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)

How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 5/26/11.

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JoAnn Carter writes stories that will encourage your faith through inspirational fiction novels and novellas. She resides in Vermont with her wonderful husband and four children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministries events, school events, and church retreats.

Find her here:

Visit JoAnn's Web site

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook

JoAnn's Blog

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I hope you'll be able to pick up a copy of Paradox today @ http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

You can watch the trailer here ~ http://youtu.be/mnOQeNeQuUE

Christian romances

Looking for a good Christian romance? White Rose Publishing has another wonderful story from Marianne Evans and she has graciously decided to let me spotlight her for this week.

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of Christian contemporary romances and fiction. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marianne is an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, but most notably for two terms as Chapter Treasurer and two terms as Chapter President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Find out more about Marianne and her releases at: www.marianneevans.com,

www.marianneevans.blogspot.com or on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

While we were chatting, here are some of the highlights I thought you might like to know about Marianne and her writing style.

1) How do your stories come to you? Are they a full blown idea? or are they a vague idea and you create as you go?

I'm contracting on proposal now, which has forced me to transform from a panster (who writes as they go along...) to much more of a plotter (one who maps out the plot in detail, then writes it).

Well, God bless you. I've tried plotting and squashed a couple stories that way. I hope you have much better luck with it!

2) Are your stories plot driven, or character driven? VERY much character driven. My stories are driven by what my characters feel, and how they react to the world/circumstances around them. Those are the stories I love to read, so they 've become the stories I write. :-) I love putting myself into a pair of fictional shoes and taking them for a walk!

Lovely analogy!

3) How well do you know your characters before you start writing, and do they ever surprise you?

That's the hard part of being a reformed Panster - my characters LOVE to take me by surprise (just like God!!). I'll think I've got everything mapped out nice and clear, and BOOM - in comes the story THEY want to tell!

I know how that is, but I love every minute of it!

4) Are you a part of a writer's group? or have you ever been?

I belong to a number of writers groups: RWA, Greater Detroit RWA, Mid-Michigan RWA, Detroit Literary Network and American Christian Fiction Writers.

5) Do you have a critique partner or someone you count on for a first read before you submit your stories?

I have a critique partner who has been part of my writing life forever. I love her and wouldn't make it through without her support, expert eyes, and ability to kindly tell me where my plot has holes the size of the grand canyon....! :-)

LOL Don't fall in!

6) Do you work on more than one story at a time?

Yes, I do. I'm wrapping up a mainstream book and am already starting work on a three-book series I'm eager to pitch to my editor!

Wow! You are one busy lady!

7) What's your next project?

My Woodland Series continues with Hearts Communion this fall from White Rose Publishing. The series concludes in the spring of 2012 with Hearst Key. I've just handed in final edits on Hearts Key. Meanwhile, I'm finishing up a mainstream Christian novel titled Devotion that I'm eager to send to my editor! Devotion tells the story of a marriage in crisis that undergoes the test of commitment, and trust. I'm also mapping out a three book inspy-romance series centered around a mom-and-pop style diner in downtown Detroit and the wonderful characters who stroll through its doors and occupy its booths! I'm eager to tell their stories!

They all sound wonderful! I'll be waiting anxiously for them all!

So here's a little peek at her most recent story, A FACE IN THE CLOUDS :

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit . But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God's call toward faith and all of its mysteries.

Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth—hyperbole. To Sandy, it’s everything—and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves.
Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relationship from shattering?

EXCERPT

“I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That’s part of why I love you so much. I’m torn in two about my feelings for you.” Sandy’s declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts.

“Your reporter’s instinct toward authenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There’s nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths.”

“Like God.”

“Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight with both hands.”

She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul. Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight’s event—out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet here they were—together—out of a frustrated sense of love.

And if he wasn’t mindful of her beliefs, she’d step away from him.

Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back. “I’ll keep an open mind, OK?”

She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. “Keep an open heart. That’s much more important.”

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/A-Face-In-The-Clouds