5 Audio Books that I LOVE!

I am ALL ABOUT the audio book! I used to be able to read as many books as I wanted but now as a busy wife, homeschooler, and writer...boy, that made me tired just typing that...audio books are just the way to go.

I am a faithful subscriber to AUDIBLE. It's affordable and worth it!

I listened to a lot of audio books while my hubby was deployed since my reading time was even more limited. They were like friends who would tag along with me on a trip or while I washed dishes. I'm so thankful for the technology of audio books...and iPhones!

Here's a list of 5 books (in no particular order) I've recently listened to that I LOVE. Not all of these are from Audible...fyi.

5. Saturdays with Stella by Allison Pittman. It is also read by the author...which is really fun! So, I loved this book. It's nonfiction and filled with sweet nuggets of knowledge that the author learned from her puppy. I have to admit...Allison is one of my best friends...a writing mentor to me for several years...I highly recommend this book.

4. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. I've listened to this several times in the past few years because the message is so very powerful. It is difficult to hear because of the terror that she went through in a Nazi labor camp...but the faithfulness she found in the Lord and her message to the masses...outstanding. I cannot recommend this book more.

3. Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery. One of my favorite classical writers. I have read tons by LM Montgomery and this is one of my favorites. It translates so well to audio. I laughed. I cried...then cried a little more. This one particularly I listened to for free on Librivox. All the readers are volunteers. I especially loved the reader of this book. Oh, and...THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT. ;-) Check it out.

2.  Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner. This was a fantastic story. It goes between a contemporary setting and storyline and a historical one. I just love when an author can do this effectively. I could not put this book down...er...take the headphones off. ;-) It happens to be one of my favorite historical eras of all time...since I'm obsessed with all things Henry VIII listening to a story that surrounds the era just after his death is fascinating to me.

1. A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell. This is a wonderful story by an author that I just admire so much. Her writing is impeccable and her story lines are less traditional or expected. Three women, three pasts to overcome and three futures in jeopardy. Early American setting and a beautiful read. Highly recommended.

These are just 5 of the wonderful books out there on audio just waiting for you to listen to. Right now I'm listening to The Kitchen House. Not only am I enamored with the rawness and realness of this book but the narration is very good. There are 2 women narrating and I couldn't have "casted" their voices better.

You're turn: Do you listen to books? If so, what would you recommend? If you don't...are you intrigued? 

Cheers,
Elizabeth

5 things...about ACFW writing conference

Allison, myself, & Raquel...amazing writing pals!
ACFW Conf 2011 Roomies! 

I'm headed to the ACFW writing conference this week! Here are 5 things that I'm really looking forward to.

5-It's in Dallas! That means it shouldn't be very cold yet. I'm a northern girl in my heart but I've been living in warm climates for a long time...I just hope the AC ain't cranked up too high in the conference rooms!

4-Meeting authors I read! It's so fun to meet other writers in general...but especially when you've read their books and they are your FB friends...which practically makes you blood relations.

3-Having the opportunity to pitch your work! Wow. This is a huge opportunity...though it can be daunting and even scary. I pray that I represent my writing and new book for what it is. I know that God provides divine appointments that are invaluable. I want to rest in His plan no matter what.

2-Classes, lectures, and workshops. I am just a geek. I love to learn. I love to get my brain dirty with something new that I can't figure out right away and have to discuss and re-discuss it. I can't wait for my mind to just sponge in everything I need and hopefully incorporate it in my writing going forward.

1-MY WRITING PALS!!!! The best thing about conference in my heart of hearts is getting to see some of my dearest friends! Because I'm a military wife I move around a lot and there are several writers who have been with me for several years of my more serious writing journey that I get to see at this conference. I haven't seen them for a whole year and my heart is ready to be in their presence and just enjoy them!

If you're a writer, are you heading to the ACFW conference? What are you looking forward to? If you're not a writer, do you have an event that you save your pennies for annually? Tell me all about it! I'd love to learn more about YOU!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Must Reads for 2012!

So...I'm gonna make this one simple for you all! Here are some blogs that you MUST read, follow, & share!

Bloggers I can't live without:
Michael Hyatt, Chairman of Thomas Nelson, blogs about all things from publishing to leadership to techy computer stuff.
Chip MacGregor, Literary Agent Extraordinaire, focusing on marketing & branding.
Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent Extraordinaire also, blogs about writing/publishing nitty-gritties.
Raquel Martina Martinez, Writer and amazing blogger...the wittiest blog I read. I love Mondays because of Raquel.

My Go-To Authors:
Allison Pittman
Nicholas Sparks
Lynn Austin
Tricia Goyer
Siri Mitchell
Ted Dekker

New Authors with MUST READ Debut Books:
Victoria Thurman
The Dack Brothers (Christopher & Michael Dack)

Homeschooling Mom-stars:

Confessions of a Homeschooler, fantastic mom who has an amazing affordable curriculum

Raising Rock Stars, a new to me blog & I'm loving it! Awesome mom...awesome homeschooling ideas!

And I'll just end here & say...you're welcome.

Your turn: What sites do you recommend & why?

Cheers,
Elizabeth

My 2011 Book Recommendations

For the last 3 years my husband and I have a running competition throughout the year...who can read the most pages! I won the first year...he's won years 2 & 3...by major landslide numbers! It's a fun way to record what we read and our ratings and we can easily see what we'd recommend...and what we WOULDN'T.

Here's my list of recommendations:

The Help, by Kathryn Stockton
The Book Thief, by Marjus Zusak
Lilies in Moonlight, by Allison Pittman
A Woman's Place, by Lynn Austin
Forsaking All Others, by Allison Pittman
Love's Pursuit, by Siri Mitchell
While We were Far Apart, by Lynn Austin
Beside Still Waters, by Tricia Goyer
Circle Trilogy & Green, by Ted Dekker
Dating Dilemmas of Delilah Dunnfield, by Victoria L. Thurman
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins (listened to this audio...amazing)

and last, but not least, the resident Vampire book...

Bloody Mary, by The Dack Brothers (Christopher Dack & Michael Dack)

Each of these books I would recommend for 1 reason or another. The main thing you'll notice is that the majority of these books are historical fiction and also Christian. That is typically what I like to read but sometimes I make a diversion into contemporary, fantasy, dystopian and even vampire.

Your turn: What books did you read last year that you'd recommend? I'd love to hear about what you love to read!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Book Review: Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman

Here's another VLOG book review on a fantastic book Forsaking All Others, by Allison Pittman.

Allison Pittman is one of my favorite authors. I love that she writes so authentically and the range from prostitution in the wild west to romantic love over baseball to polygamy...and as if that's not enough, even about the spiritual lessons she has learned from her furry-friend, Stella. Seriously, she covers it all!

You can buy her books here (and a lot of other places): AMAZON

YOUR TURN: What do you think of this book? Have you read or are you going to? What are you reading? I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers,

Elizabeth

ACFW CONFERENCE!

laundry...lists upon lists for hubby...more laundry...trying clothes on to see what I want to pack...getting frustrated because I don't like my clothes...more laundry...oh, gotta make sure hubby knows how to get to horseback riding on Friday...make sure all homeschooling lessons are in order...laundry...wash, dry on line, fold, and put away cloth diapers...buy disposable for hubby...go shopping and buy nothing because baby is crying the whole time...groceries for hubby & kids...homeschool...do more laundry...consider blogging about your busy-ness...

Okay...so you get the point...

Can't wait to see so many great writers at ACFW! Several of whom I consider some of my closest & dearest friends (you know who you are AP & RM)...and happen to be rooming with! Yay for writing groups that span miles and stick with you even when you move far, far away!

So looking forward to learning more about the craft of writing...meeting new peeps...eating with adults who typically don't need to be reminded to not eat with their mouths from the table top...not needing to have the handicap bathroom because I am rarely in public without 2 "younguns"with a stroller or cart...having food prepared for me...buying books...giving books away or selling a few (yay for Seasons)...seeing writing friends from my critique group that I miss so much since my move...getting all gussied up for the awards night...did I mention going to the bathroom by myself!?

EXCITED! Jumping out of my skin excited!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

PS: What am I reading? I'm reading Dekker's Circle trilogy (even though there are 4 books)...but the book is so honkin' huge I'm leaving it behind and working on critiques while I travel...and I have my kindle for iPad so I can read something random on there too...but I have A LOT of critiquing to do. Or I could...duh...WRITE!

Steven James Storytelling Conference

Steven James is the author of more than 25 works of fiction and non-fiction, including the bestselling thriller seriesThe Patrick Bowers Files.We invite you to come join us and spend the day under the instruction of an author Publisher's Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game" as he challenges and guides you to explore the depth of your own writing.

My amazing weekly writing critique group is hosting this event. For those of you familiar with Allison Pittman, she is co-president of my group and will also be at the e

vent. This will be a fantastic mini-conference.

I've heard Steven James speak before on the craft of writing and I was blown away. He, I believe, has a Masters degree in Storytelling. His ability to teach the hows of storytelling is just amazing. I don't write thrillers or anything truly action packed but I still can't wait to hear more from this talented writer. Storytelling is not genre specific, so don't let his thriller genre distract you from coming.

Hope you decide to make this conference a priority!

Date:Friday, June 24, 7-9 pm, Dessert Reception
Saturday, June 25, 9 am - 4 pm, Workshop

Fee: $50 -- Includes Friday Reception, Saturday Workshop and Lunch
Location: 1401 Pat Booker RoadUniversal City, TX 78148

Visit Christian Writing Group of San Antonio for future events and writing resources.

Click Here for Registration Form

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Book Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Kimberly who won For Time & Eternity!

BOOK GIVEAWAY: For Time & Eternity

I am super thrilled to do another Allison Pittman GIVEAWAY!!!! This time for her book FOR TIME & ETERNITY. Wow! I LOVED LOVED this book!!! I can't wait to give one away to a special reader and promote it as a MUST-READ!

This book was my favorite read this year. Seriously, I loved it! It was one of those books that I carried around the house with me...every few minutes mattered. I think my 3 year old was neglected for, like, 3 days when I was reading this book. {grin}

I’m a pretty avid Historical Fiction reader and a Pittman fan, so when I heard that she was writing a book based on the history of the Mormon church, I was instantly intrigued. Two words consumed my mind...

Plural marriage! 

I have a huge fascination with this culture of plural marriage and sister-wives. Not because I’m interested...oh no, but because I am so curious about how people, real men and real women, go about making these decisions. I devoured For Time & Eternity.

I’m not going to go into super detail of the story line so NO BIG SPOILERS here...but I do want to go into the way I was emotional reeled in with the writing and characters. 

Camilla Deardon is a young girl at the outset. She knows that she is supposed to stay away from the Mormon camp but when she meets Nathan Fox, she can’t. Imagine being a lonesome 15 year old girl who suddenly is being charmed up & down, backwards & forwards by an attractive young man who has an entire family (his church) to offer. Everyone seems happy & cheerful, unlike her household where her father is unyieldingly strict and her mother is just a very dutiful mother, nothing more, nothing less. The companionship she feels with Nathan and the people he introduces her to were unlike anything she had ever experienced. ...and they are on their way to ZION.

What Pittman does so well is that you fall in love with Nathan along with Camilla. You know she shouldn’t let him dupe her but you can’t help but keep pushing her toward him. He’s handsome, charismatic, and completely smitten with the Mormon prophecy. She has never met someone so passionate about spirituality. Can you blame her near instantaneous love for Nathan and what he says he can provide her with? No...you can’t. Camilla is also so likable...sweet, naive, and longing to belong.

Camilla does go against her parents and runs away with Nathan. I was so invested at this point I couldn’t put the book down. The story moves forward rapidly here and she has been married for several years and has two daughters. She seems happy and still as in love as the day she met Nathan. Plural marriage is running rampant at this point and while she does not appreciate the practice, she also assumes that it won’t touch her life because she and Nathan are so in love. But, when Nathan and Camilla go through a devastating loss they both seem to reflect on their emotions, spirituality, and perspective...just as we all do in real life. As they consider their future they are suddenly on different planets, neither really understanding the other. 

The wonderful thing about this story is that you can really put yourself into Camilla’s, and even Nathan’s, shoes. Camilla believing whole-heartedly that plural marriage is not right and you want to fight for her. But, Nathan is so lovable and charmingly handsome, you can see yourself swooning, lost in his gaze. You feel his loss, his hurt, and love for Camilla as much as you feel Camilla’s righteous anger about plural marriage. Pittman's writing is spot on. She owns the craft!

As the reader, you’ll have huge emotional reactions to names like Evangeline, Brigham Young, Rachel, and...AMANDA. Beautiful. Sweet. Innocent. Amanda.

And with that I will let you figure the rest out. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Extremely well-written. Well-rounded characters. Believable and superb story-line. Compelling. 

In my opinion...best book of the year! 

**********

If you want to enter the giveaway here's what you do...


You have the chance to get your name in the hat 2 times! You may do this on Facebook or on Blog.


1-comment on this blog post.
2-post a link from your blog or Facebook page back here (comment a 2nd time to let me know this is done).


Don't let this giveaway pass you by! 


A winner will be drawn on FRIDAY & receive a PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED copy of For Time & Eternity, by Allison Pittman.


by Elizabeth

Pittman Workshop!

YAY!

I get the pleasure of hosting a rather intimate workshop tomorrow featuring Allison Pittman. YES, THE Allison Pittman.

I am so fortunate that she is one of my critique partners and our group decided we wanted to take some time to learn more about the craft of writing and who better than to hire Allison to teach us. If you've been at a workshop facilitated by Allison then you know what a fabulous teacher she is. I've learned more in a few of her short workshop sessions than I thought possible.

Allison Pittman is a great writer and is up for a CAROL award for Stealing Home. I'm so thrilled for her and just praise God that she leads my critique group. Truly...what a blessing!

Allison also has an amazing new book coming out on September 1st. I could not put this book down! It is her Sister-Wife Series...the book is titled For Time & Eternity. I will likely be doing an interview & give away in the next month. Sooooo, stay tuned!

If you'd like to learn more about Allison (& you should!)...see the following links.

Allison's Website
Allison's Blog

Check her out!

by Elizabeth

Book Review & GIVEAWAY: The Bridegrooms

I truly enjoyed this book! A story of sisters always appeals to me and not only did I have a growing curiosity about each girl, I also found elements of myself in each.

The Bridegrooms, by Allison Pittman, is about four sisters whose mother abandons them in their young years. This book only covers a week of time when each sister is thrust up against a situation where it seems only a mother would be able to guide them through. But they have none.

The story focuses on Vada, the eldest Allenhouse, and the decisions and temptations she experiences. She must suddenly weigh the options of the long-term, dependable lawyer beau, who has yet to propose or the dashing, spontaneous baseball player, who makes her feel like she's never felt before. All of this, however, takes a backstage to what her family needs and expects of her. Residing, or sleeping rather, in an upstairs room is a young man who was hit in the head with a baseball during a game between the Spiders & the Bridegrooms. Their father is a doctor and the unconscious man is in his care. This unfortunate circumstance brings along several very colorful characters (and a lot of drama) straight off the baseball diamond just before the turn of the century. There is so much anticipation in this story I regretted every time I had to put the book down because duty called in the form of my three year old or my desperate need for sleep.

I was truly turning every page curious about what Pittman would do next to these girls. Their meal time conversations were always filled with laughter, tears, and even fits of anger and I found myself wondering how in the world this would conclude. I thought of every scenario that may work and still couldn't guess exactly what would Pittman choose to do or what I even wanted to happen. I felt just as torn as Vada was!

I so enjoyed this read and the instant I opened the pages to wherever I'd left off before I found myself smoothly transported to almost turn of the century Cleveland. What I love about Allison Pittman's writing is that no matter what era she is writes in everything runs seamlessly and the research is impeccable…but what I think she does better than so many writers is that her pacing and witty styles change with the era. This is not the slower life frontier America where it seems you have time to smell (and write about) every rose but her writing matches the witty, faster-paced city life. I loved how it clipped along and you went from one action scene to the next. Every conversation carried with it conflict and information. Even in the short time frame that the book was set in her characters were well-developed and came full-circle in the most believable ways. I found myself rooting for each of them…and loving the conclusion.

I would highly recommend this book to any historical reader and even contemporary readers because of its tight and witty writing. The Bridegrooms is a perfect book for a stay-at-home mom like me who loves to be transported to another time and place during those few stolen moments of peace throughout the day…and between laundry piles.

If you would like to win a copy of this terrific book, leave a comment here or on my Facebook page by Monday, May 17th and you'll be entered into the drawing. If you comment on this blog post PLEASE be sure to give me a way to contact you back with an email address. 

The winner will receive an autographed copy of The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman and may be signed to you or anyone else you choose.

Disclaimer: No one has paid me for this review nor given me the book for a give away. 

Stealing Home: Book Signing

What a book!  If you haven't read this yet...you should!

You can buy it HERE and HERE and HERE!  And a lot of other places!

I read this almost immediately after it came out and it was the 4th book of Allison Pittman's that I read.  I loved her historical Crossroads series and was a little afraid I wouldn't like this one as much...as it was a deviation from what she'd done in the past.  BUT...I can honestly say...I LOVED IT! 

The writing was beautiful!  The characters were well-rounded and so well-written.  Allison has quickly become a favorite of mine as a writer learning the craft and as a reader who is in puffy-heart-love with historicals...even though I write contemporary.

Allison has a book signing TOMORROW!  I am really looking forward to it...even though my book is already signed.  Allison is as good a friend and mentor as she is a writer.  She is sweet, loyal, and honest!  She will help brainstorm...give great advice...and has a terrific laugh that is contagious.

HERE is the Facebook link to her signing.

If that doesn't work...here's the info:

Saturday, August 22, 2009
10a-1p
Lifeway Christian Store (The Rim)
17802 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 115

If you're not in the San Antonio area...go buy the book anyway.  You'll love it!

by Elizabeth