Library News From Author DiAnn Mills

Hey guys, my friend, DiAnn Mills' new novel, When the Nile Runs Red, is being used to raise awareness about the atrocities taking place in Sudan. To that end, book sale proceeds will be donated to restore the Sudanese community.

Here's what Ashley Denis of FrontPage Reviews says about the book: "I cannot put into the appropriate words how truly amazing this novel was. I felt like my heart was being pulled in all different directions; I highly recommend this novel. You get to take a look into the current events in Sudan, see the love grow and flourish between Larson and Paul, and see the fate of Ben that will have you wipe a tear from your cheek. This book is an emotional rollercoaster that is worth reading again and again."

Here's the storyline: Paul Farid, who once persecuted the southern Sudanese, now loves the weary people whose lives have been destroyed by war. Colonel Ben Alier has led his battle-hardened soldiers for two decades against the North, yet he pursues a relationship with his son even as his own demons pursue him. Dr. Larson Kerr Farid works long hours caring for the sick, but fatigue and worry about her husband, are taking their toll. And she's just learned something that will make everything more complicated. These three friends face constant danger as tensions escalate between the north and south, and as Paul's family schemes to kill him and Larson. Will Paul and Larson bridge the gap that seems to grow between them? And will Ben find peace as more than a soldier?

For more, go to www.diannmills.com

A Cool Thing

Hey,
I just got back from Crawford Communications here in Atlanta, a really hip, high-end communications company. My publisher arranged for me to do a one-minute radio spot, advertising the new ESV Bible. I was able to introduce myself, and my new novel (NOBODY), and then read a scripture that impacted my life, and tell about it.

The guys in charge told me to prepare 2 scriptures and stories. A guy down at Crawford named Steve Warner ran the show, and we were hooked in with the producer in Nashville at the same time. They ushered me into an air-tight studio, and I got to have a couple shots at trying to sound smooth on the air.

The ads will be played on hundreds of radio stations. When I finished my two stories, I was really psyched. Not at all about getting my books out there, but about getting the testimony of God's Word out there. Here are the two scripts I read:

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Hey, my name is Creston Mapes, author of the suspense thriller, Nobody.

It was 1986 and I was 25 when I heard the words of Revelation 3:15-16:

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Sitting in an adult SS class, I heard these verses and was pierced to the core. Up to that point, I had lived with one foot on earth, running with the sinners, and one foot in heaven, running with the saints. But the sword of God’s word showed me that I was a hypocrite, totally apathetic and uncommitted toward God. I was lukewarm.

This text served as one of those “hard words” from God that radically changed my life and eventually led me to understand his unfathomable love.

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Hey, my name is Creston Mapes, author of the suspense thriller, Nobody.

This verse from 1 Peter 2:24 came to me early one morning when it was still black out, and the house was completely quiet.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

I’d been struggling with temptations from my old life when these words fell like a warm rain on me as I sat at my kitchen table. Suddenly, this truth was so simple, concise, and powerful—He took my sins to the cross. I was dead to them. He did this so I could be salt and light to the world.

Next time Satan tries to trick you into thinking you’re obligated to those old, habitual sins, remember 1 Peter 2:24: By his wounds, you have been healed!

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Any thoughts? Share with the group!

Until next time, take care. cm

Library News From Author Angela Hunt

Angie is a friend of mine who keeps turning out great story after great story. Here's a bit about her latest:

How do you live when God asks you to bury a dream?

Jennifer Graham, the no-nonsense chief of staff for a Virginia senator, quits her job after her divorce—and finds herself an unemployed single mom. Forced to live with her mother until she can find work on Capitol Hill that does not involve her gregarious ex-husband, her efforts are stymied until she learns that she has inherited a funeral home in picturesque Mt. Dora. Jennifer journeys to the small Florida town with her two sons and her mother, never dreaming that within a mortuary she will uncover mysteries of love and life.

Check it out on-line and at stores everywhere. cm

Library News From Author Susan Meissner

Days & Hours, a Rachael Flynn Mystery (#3) by Susan Meissner

A newborn is found alive in a trash bin and a young, single mother insists her baby was abducted. While St. Paul police are skeptical, attorney Rachael Flynn’s strange dreams lead her to believe the mother is telling the truth. But who would steal a baby only to leave it for dead?

When the baby disappears again, Rachael agonizes over her decision to allow the baby to be returned to his mother. Did she make a terrible mistake? And where is that missing baby? Who would wish the child harm? Rachael races to see past the deception that threatens to send a young mother to prison and a newborn to a terrible fate.

Library News from Author Elizabeth White

Off the Record by Elizabeth White

Judge Laurel Kincade, a rising political star, is announcing her candidacy for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Her aristocratic Old South family, led by her judge grandfather, beam as she takes the podium. Then her eyes light on a reporter in the crowd-and suddenly her past is on a collision course with the present.

Journalist Cole McGaughan, religion reporter for the New York Daily Journal, has received an intriguing call from an old friend. Private investigator Matt Hogan has come across a tip-that Laurel's impeccable reputation might be a façade. Matt suggests that Cole dig up the dirt on the lovely judge in order to snag his dream job as one of the Journal's elite political reporters.

There's just one problem: Cole's history is entangled with Laurel's, and he must decide if the story that could make his career is worth the price he'd have to pay.

A sensational scoop becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can Laurel and Cole find forgiveness and turn their hidden past into a hopeful future-while keeping their feelings off the record?

First Glimpse of NOBODY This Week!

I'm so excited. My third novel, NOBODY (Random House/Multnomah) is being printed overseas right now and I am due to receive my first copy this week. Each of my three novels has taken 4-6 months to write, another 3-6 weeks to edit, another week or two to line-edit, and a bunch of time (weeks/months) doing marketing, interviews, PR, etc. So, when the big day comes and all that work and blood, sweat, and tears culminates in the form of a FedEx package on your front doorstep, well....you can imagine the overwhelming emotions.

My other two books had embossing (raised letters) on the cover. NOBODY will not. And it will also not have any spot varnish. The publisher and designer think that the bright, colorful photo on the cover is really going to "pop," and that is my prayer.....that God will really capture some attention with the homeless man on the Vegas street.

Before I leave, I want to put in another plug for some books by some friends of mine, inclduign: A Shred of Truth by Eric Wilson; The Void by Mark Mynheir; Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser; and Never Look Back by Kathy Herman.

That'll do it. cm

Eric Wilson In Town

Friend and novelist Eric Wilson was in Atlanta recently, recording some segments on Deeper Living TV. Eric and I had talked on the phone and communicated a good bit, but had never met in person until this meeting. What a great guy this dude is. I think you'll really enjoy his books. Here's a word from Eric that I pulled from his CCM profile:

"My goal is to give you great stories that'll allow you to explore questions in imaginative ways, leading to the One I believe is the Answer: Jesus. Life's messy, though, and so my characters often face messy pasts and situations. Hmmm. Sounds familiar.

Hope you get a chance to read one of my books and let me know what you think.

Books: Dark to Mortal Eyes ('04), Expiration Date ('05), The Best of Evil (06'), A Shred of Truth ('07), and Facing the Giants--novelization (Sept '07). Look for my upcoming Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy, kicking off in Fall 2008."

Eric met with the makers of the Facing the Giants movie (two million sold) here in Georgia and the creators of that screenplay were extremely happy with the way he put their script into novel form. That novel hits shelves Sept. 4, I believe, and I encourage you to get a copy for all those student athletes you know, as well as any teens and big readers in your family.

I can attest to his latest novel, A Shred of Truth, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The upcoming thriller series with Thomas Nelson (Jerusalemn's Undead Trilogy) is going to be the bomb and, he says, his most spiritual work yet. He even went to Israel to research this series. Talking with Eric at length, hearing his heart, hearing what he reads, and hearing what he's been through on this writing journey, I just have a feeling he is going to do great things for Christ's kingdom...because he is a vessel that's ready and willing to be used.

Gotta run. If you've read Eric's work, share with others about what you've found.

Blessings, cm