Today's Wild Card author is: Megan DiMaria and his/her book: Searching for Spice Tyndale House Publishers (March 5, 2008) In this debut novel, readers will meet Linda Revere, a woman who longs to experience true romance with her nerdy, practical husband of twenty-four years. Her desire to add a little pizzazz to her marriage only confuses her husband and frustrates herself. Linda struggles to ignite romance and excitement into her marriage amid the turmoil of contemporary life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Megan DiMaria has fond memories of childhood trips to the public library where, amid the mural of Gulliver’s Travels and stacks of books, she began a lifelong love of the written word. Searching for Spice is her debut novel. It was written as a response to a running joke she had with some girlfriends because despite being happily married, women still want romance in their lives. Her second novel, Out of Her Hands, will release in October 2008. Megan is a member of American Christian Fict

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing DragonLight (WaterBrook Press - June 17, 2008) by Donita K. Paul ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.” She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops. “God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn’t very productive unless I include some time with kids.” Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh. Donita is an award-winning author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicle series including DragonFire and DragonKnight . When not writing, she is often engaged in mentoring writers of

Captain's Log, Supplemental Rita Gerlach has listed the ACFW Book of the Year finalists on Stepping Stones Magazine: August issue

Captain's Log, Supplemental Remember that romantic suspense proposal I blogged about earlier? Well, it just sold to Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line! I am so jazzed! I am beyond jazzed! The story’s working title is Sinister Spa The story's title is Deadly Intent and here’s a blurb (but it’s probably not what will appear on the back of the book): Massage therapist Naomi Grant could use a massage herself. With her father at home recovering from a stroke, Naomi is put in charge of the family’s elite day spa in Sonoma county. The new responsibilities sit awkwardly on her shoulders, and things only get worse when handsome Dr. Devon Knightley breezes into the spa, demanding to see one of the female clients. And the woman is found dead in Naomi’s massage room. Suddenly, Naomi is a suspect and her family’s spa is shut down. How could God let this awful thing happen? Devon only needed to see his ex-wife about a family necklace she still hadn’t returned, but when she dies and

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.30.2008 The Falcon and the Sparrow by M.L. Tyndall The intrigue and passion of The Falcon and the Sparrow will leave you breathless. Follow the trail of Dominique Dawson, a reluctant spy who is forced to betray England or never see her brother again. As she takes a position as the governess of a Rear Admiral's son, her real mission is to gather intelligence information for Napoleon. Chase Randal, irresistibly drawn to his son's new governess, reluctantly allows the attraction to grow. Is there a future for the spy and the rear admiral? Or will Dominique's deception crush any prospect of a lasting happiness? Camy here: I adore Regency romances, but there aren’t many Christian Regencies, and so I was thrilled to be able to read this one. I have to admit, it starts off very slow. I had a hard time sympathizing with Dominique because she’s a very quiet personality whereas I am rather loud and obnoxious. However, I think that readers who are quiet

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.29.2008 Yes, I am a thief, but obviously not a good one since I admit I’m a thief. I stole this meme from Danica Favorite : 1. What is your occupation? Full time writer, although I used to be a full time biologist and part time writer. 2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing any 3. What are you listening to right now? Captain Caffeine’s snoring--and yes, I’m in my office and can hear him through the walls. 4. What was the last thing that you ate? Beef taco salad from Burrito Factory. Very yummilicious! 5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes 6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? PINK! PINK PINK PINK PINK PINK! 7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My dad. 8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love the person I stole this from. 9. Favorite drink? English Breakfast tea with milk (whole) and honey. And a piping hot scone on the side would be nice. 10. What is your favorite sport to watch? volleyball 11. Have you eve

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.29.2008 The first chapter of Sushi for One? is up on blogs all over the blogosphere today! Mucho thanks to the following blogs, in no particular order: Sparks of Lava My Book Reviews Pam's Private Reflections Serenity Ponderings from my Heart This That and the Other Thing Bookroomreview's Weblog Somewhat Official Woodside Bible Blog Faith-Walkin Can See God I Don't Wanna Blog Writing by Faith Great Reads from Jasmine The Heart of Pais Charos The Musings of a Roh Midnight Reviews Lee Franklin Loving Heart Mommy Ausjenny WORD up! See Ya On The Net Creative Madness That Makes Me Myself A Disciple's Steps Mimi's Pixie Corner If you posted and you’re not listed, well let me know so I can list you!

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.28.2008 I posted yesterday on Girls, God, and the Good Life about knitting (or doing anything remotely non-normal) in public .

Grits and Glory By Ron and Janet Benrey When Hurricane Gilda visited Glory, North Carolina, her winds tore the steeple off Glory Community Church. Everyone thought the town had narrowly escaped a major disaster until the body of the town's favorite resturant owner was found under the rubble. Was Gilda to blame ... or did someone else take advantage of Gilda to commit the perfect murder? Try Darkness by James Scott Bell A Buchanan suspense novel from Center Street Ty Buchanan is living on the peaceful grounds of St. Monica's, far away from the glamorous life he led as a rising trial lawyer for a big L.A. firm. Recovering from the death of his fiancee and a false accusation of murder, Buchanan has found his previous ambitions unrewarding. Now he prefers offering legal services to the poor and the under-represented, from his "office" at local coffee bar The Ultimate Sip. A mysterious woman with a six year old daughter comes to him for help. She's being il

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.25.2008 (If you're on Ravelry, friend me! I'm camytang.) I made tabi socks again! (At the bottom of the pattern is the calculation for the toe split if you're not using the same weight yarn that I did for this pattern (fingering). I also give an example from when I used worsted weight yarn with this pattern.) I used Opal yarn, Petticoat colorway. It’s a finer yarn than my last pair of tabi socks, so I altered the pattern a bit. Okay, so here’s my first foray into giving a knitting pattern. Camy’s top-down Tabi Socks I’m assuming you already know the basics of knitting socks. If you’re a beginner, here are some great tutorials: Socks 101 How to Knit Socks The Sock Knitter’s Companion A video of turning the heel Sock Knitting Tips Yarn: I have used both fingering weight and worsted weight yarn with this pattern. You just change the number of cast on stitches according to your gauge and the circumference of your ankle. Th

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.24.2008 I am at Faithchick today in a rant about self-control, or rather, my lack of it.

Today's Wild Card author is: Jeremy Kingsley and his book: Be Last Tyndale House Publishers (Jun 15 2008) In a world where people are driven tirelessly to climb the ladder that leads to power, wealth, fame, and success, Jesus beckons us to boldly descend into greatness. Be Last! Revolutionary? Yes! But Jesus, no stranger to humility, has already set the ultimate example for all who are courageous enough to follow. Humility + Service = Greatness Jeremy Kingsley appeals to us to live lives of authenticity, filled with devotion and transformed to put others first by being last. In God’s equation, a life that honors Him through this type of humility, sacrifice, and service offers far greater blessings and everlasting benefits than we have ever imagined. Through our example, God can teach others to live as servants. We have the opportunity to make an impact on an entire generation and ultimately, on the world. Start the revolution—Be Last! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Touching the

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.23.2008 I can honestly say this is something new that I haven’t seen in a book (yet—watch, now someone will say they saw this online at FoodNetwork.com or something like that). I took a couple recipes and combined them, and then modified them according to what I had in the pantry. It turned out really good! The balsamic vinegar combined with the broth was a good compliment to the salty bacon and the starchy potatoes. And our yellow squash was from our co-op vegetable basket this week, and they were soooooo fresh and crisp and sweet! And now I’m sharing it with you! Yellow squash, bacon, basil, potato pasta 3-4 slices of bacon 2-4 garlic cloves, minced 3 tablespoons olive oil 2-3 red potatoes, diced (You could use any potatoes on hand, I think—I just happened to have the small red potatoes. If you have russet potatoes, which are a bit larger than red potatoes, use just one or two of them.) 1/4 to 1/3 pound dry penne pasta (actually, any of those short pas