Don't miss this week's show, I'll be chatting with talented author Julie Lessman. Julie will be talking about family, writing and Julie's latest book, A Hope Undaunted.

About Julie: Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her white-hot passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and 2009 Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever and is the author of The Daughters of Boston series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied.

I love the way Julie describes herself on her website:

I’ll give you a hint: When I was little, my brothers and sisters used to call me “Walking Nervous Breakdown.” Okay, so I’m a bit wired … there’s no harm in that, is there? I mean I do everything fast—I walk fast, I talk fast and I eat fast—a natural byproduct of being # 12 in a family of 13. Imagine 15 people at a Last Supper-style Formica table with long red vinyl benches on either side. Like a school of sharks waiting for meat to hit the water. If you didn’t grab for the grub, chances are there wouldn’t be anything left. Can you say “plague of locusts”? To this day, buffets put a twitch in my eye because I feel like the food will run out. J

And, yes, I am dramatic … okay, “melo”-dramatic, but in my opinion that makes for a good storyteller. I like drama and passion— LOTS of it—especially in my reading material, which is why my books are not sweet, easy reads. But the flip side is that ALL that PASSION and ENERGY are also channeled into my love affair with God, which is a very good thing!

About A Hope Undaunted: WINDS OF CHANGE SERIES, BOOK 1

What happens when the boy she loved to hate ... becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

And be sure to friend Julie on FACEBOOK - she's launching a contest later this month and giving away a KINDLE! She's announcing the winner at a FACEBOOK Party on October 7th! All the details will be announced on her Author Page!

Win a copy of Julie's latest book - leave a comment along with your email address to be entered to win!

I have two fabulous guests this week. The first half hour we'll meet Mary Ann Kirkby, author of I Am Hutterite.The second half hour we'll be chatting with Dallas Woodburn, a young woman who started a literacy non-profit for children called Write On Books.

 Mary-Ann Kirkby: Mary-Ann Kirkby was born on a Canadian Hutterite colony near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. One of nine children, Kirkby was raised in the Hutterite tradition, similar in some respects, to that of the Amish or Mennonites. At age10 her life was turned upside down when her parents abruptly left behind the comfort and security of the colony and relocated their family to a lonely farm house in the “English” world. The transition to a startling fast-paced society was overwhelming for a young Mary-Ann as she clashed head on with popular culture.

Growing up in the isolated self-sustaining Hutterite community of Fairholme Colony, Kirkby had little contact with the outside world. A primarily agricultural community dominated by male leadership, Kirkby’s childhood dreams included a happy marriage with healthy children, good food, strong friendships and a deep devotion to her unique way of life. Those dreams where shattered when her parents packed up their large family and moved to a new world, full of unknowns.

Thrust into a foreign universe that she didn’t understand, Kirkby worked hard to adapt to a new way of life and a new identity by abandoning the culture that had defined her. She struggled to reinvent herself by denying her Hutterite heritage in an attempt to avoid the stigma and cruelty associated with being different.

A graduate of the National Broadcasting Institute Kirkby made her way into the world of journalism as a news anchor and reporter. She was the senior reporter responsible for aboriginal issues at CTV in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and worked in Ottawa for several years as a freelance journalist and as Media Relations Consultant for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The recipient of two Can-Pro Awards, Kirkby has made a career of telling other people’s stories. She is gifted singer, a sought after speaker and member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

Finally embracing her role as a daughter of two cultures Kirkby has used her talents to chronicle her own life story. Her first book, “I Am Hutterite,” was published in Canada in 2007 and will be released in the U.S. by Thomas Nelson Publishing in May 2010. The book has garnered rave reviews as readers react to the Kirkby’s honest and compelling story told in her charming style. “I Am Hutterite” won the Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Non-Fiction in 2007.

About her fascinating book: Mary-Ann Kirkby revisits a hidden past and weaves it into her ground-breaking memoir “I Am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Heritage.” This compelling story will keep you glued to every page vicariously reliving the memories of Kirkby as a young child, now a storyteller in her own right as an award-winning author and news reporter. She was awarded the Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Non-Fiction and received notable acclaim in the first edition of “I Am Hutterite,” published for the Canadian audience in 2007. With outstanding reviews and affection from readers who were awed by her courageous story, she has partnered with Thomas Nelson Publishers to bring her book to the United States. Releasing in the U.S. in May 2010, Kirkby’s memoir will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced a desire to fit in. But perhaps those who will enjoy this book best are those eager to peel away their own defenses and embrace the simple truth that beneath every human exterior beats a heart longing for understanding and acceptance. For more please visit: http://www.iamhutterite.com

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of I Am Hutterite! (Don't forget to leave your email address!)

More about Dallas: At the ripe old age of 22 she has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others! She is so inspiring. She has created an orgainization called Write On Books which is dedicated to encouraging kids to discover joy, confidence, and a means of self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing endeavors.

Dallas is a 2009 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She published her first book, There's a Huge Pimple On My Nose, when she was ten years old, and has been hooked on writing ever since. She is the author of a second story collection, 3 a.m., and has signed with a New York literary agent to represent her first novel manuscript.

Dallas Woodburn is the author of two award-winning collections of short stories and a forthcoming novel. Her short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in numerous literary journals including Monkeybicycle, The Newport Review, and flashquake. She has also written articles and essays for Family Circle, Writer's Digest, Motherwords, The Los Angeles Times, and eight Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Dallas is the founder of Write On! For Literacy, an organization that encourages kids to discover confidence, joy, self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing. She teaches writing workshops, holds essay contests, and organizes an annual Holiday Book Drive that has donated more than 11,000 new books to underprivileged youth. Her latest endeavor is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes anthologies of short stories, essays, and poetry written entirely by young writers. The first anthology, Dancing With The Pen, features more than sixty young writers from all across the U.S. and is scheduled to be released this summer. Learn more at www.writeonbooks.org and http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/

Join me this week as I interview author Deb Kalmbach who writes about living with an alcoholic spouse. We'll hear her touching story as she found the grace to love her husband through his illness and how her husband was able to stop drinking. Don't miss Deb's redemptive story of the power of forgiveness.

About Deb: Deb is the author of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage (co-authored with Heather Kopp) and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has been a contributor to many books, including The New Women’s Devotional Bible and Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, and many other publications.

Deb married Randy Kalmbach at 19. They thought all they needed was love—and the possessions they could fit in their metallic blue VW bug! What they didn’t realize was how much it would take to live with adversity, disappointment and heartache. They never imagined their journey taking them into the depths of addiction with Randy battling alcoholism for almost 30 years before he experienced the miracle of sobriety.

Deb isn’t just theorizing when she gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Her own brokenness has given her great compassion and insight for others who are hurting. With her vibrant and engaging manner, she speaks profoundly about God’s faithfulness and how to embrace a God-honoring life in the midst of almost unbearable circumstances. Deb and Randy are grateful beyond words for their 40 years of “not-so-perfect” marriage. For more about Deb, please visit her website: www.debkalmbach.com

They make their home in rural Washington state with their two lively Jack Russell Terriers, Kramer and Kosmo (yep - they even have their own blog!). Their grown sons, Chris and Jeremy, and a daughter-in-law, Jen, live on the Seattle side of the North Cascades Mountains.

About Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage: A recent study indicates that Christian marriages don't fail as often as secular marriages -- they fail more! Debbie Kalmbach, the wife of a recovering alcoholic, understands the longing to leave but offers Christian wives solid reasons to stay in a difficult marriage. This is not a "how to save your marriage" but more a guidebook for wives on how to save their ability to love, to honor their commitment to their husbands, and to maintain their faith in God while in marriages that may never live up to their dreams. Debbie tackles tough questions such as "Why won't he go to counseling?" "Can I change him?" and "What do I do when I don't feel in love anymore?" with a warm, compassionate approach sure to encourage and inspire every struggling wife.

Win a copy of Deb's book by leaving a comment on this post! Don't forget your email address - the winner will be notified via email.

Purchase a copy of Because I Said Forever here.

Don't miss this week's show with homeschool maven Amanda Bennett! She has written over sixty homeschool curriculums and is perhaps busier than even I am. (Is that possible?) Plus she's a total hoot! Hear how she got started homeschooling, how she made it her business and learn a little about the woman behind the whirlwind who is Amanda Bennett! Join us on Thursday at 3:00pm Central.

About Amanda: Amanda Bennett is the author of more than 60 books, popular conference speaker, wife and homeschooling mom of three. She has had quite an interesting journey in life so far, from receiving her degree in engineering, to working as an engineer and professional researcher, to eventually going home to raise their three children. She has learned about parenting the hard way – practicing on their children and remembering that a sense of humor is an important survival skill. Her story is full of ups and downs, just like yours.

With more than seventeen years of homeschooling experience, Amanda has a wealth of tips and ideas to share and encourage homeschooling parents. Two of their children have finished college, one is a veterinarian and one helps manage their family tree farm. Their youngest child is still being homeschooled through high school, and life at their house is never boring.

Her groundbreaking unit studies have become very popular with homeschool families around the world. Amanda’s new Download N Go unit study/lapbook series, published by The Old Schoolhouse, has been a huge hit with the K – 4th grade crowd.  As a result of her unique and effective unit studies, Amanda travels to speak at conferences and retreats, sharing tips, ideas and encouragement to help others along the way. Visit her website, www.unitstudy.com, to learn more about Amanda and her books.

“While I have learned so much about teaching children in these years of homeschooling and writing, I have also stayed busy trying to learn how to live, love, and be the parent that the Lord had in mind. Writing these studies is a labor of love – one that I can’t believe that I get to do day after day. I write to help children discover His creation and sense the wonder and excitement that learning offers. I write so that children can know what it is to anticipate days of learning adventures!”   Amanda Bennett

Amanda has generously offered two copies of Birthday Bonanza to give away this week. Leave a comment here for your chance to win! Birthday Bonanza is only available with a purchase and can not be purchased separately. Cool!

About Birthday Bonanza:  Would you like to jump start your children’s excitement and interest in their studies?

Give them a birthday boost . . . a FUN enlightening celebration they’ll never forget!

Day 1: Let’s Spend Today Learning About ME!
Day 2: What the World Like When I Was Born?
Day 3: How Am I Special?
Day 4: This Is My Life . . .
Day 5: Celebrate Me!

A birthday is such a special occasion—for any child. So who wouldn’t be thrilled to enjoy a week long birthday celebration? Really! Why not use this opportunity to help your children learn more about themselves and their own “birthday” history while preparing for a fun celebration of their very special day?

Weave daily lessons and lapbooking together with eye-pleasing pages and exciting, interactivity-based learning! With Birthday Bonanza, you may start a new birthday tradition at your house. Help your children discover how truly special they are!

    * How did I get my name and what does it mean?
    * Who else was born on my birthday?
    * How many days old am I today?
    * What did the night sky look like on the day I was born?

This study is not available for individual purchase, only as a BONUS item
with the purchase of the 38-week bundle.

Take a peek inside or read reviews about Birthday Bonanza

I'm thrilled to have my friend Cheryl Ricker on this week. Her beautiful book of poetry, A Friend in the Storm, has just been published by Zondervan. We'll be chatting about poetry, family and life. Don't miss this show and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Cheryl's book!

About Cheryl: Cheryl Ricker is a prize-winning poet who resides in southeast Minnesota with her husband and sons.

Born and raised in Canada, Cheryl graduated from York University in Toronto with a degree in Creative Writing.

Her passion to draw people closer to God led her to Christ For The Nations Institute, Dallas, where she expressed her evangelistic heart by ministering on the streets, on stage, and in prisons.

While visiting a young mother with terminal cancer, Cheryl discovered she could share peace, assurance and comfort through personal poetry from Christ’s point of view.

After five years of writing and praying, Cheryl’s poetry was turned into a life-changing, Zondervan gift book.  A Friend in the Storm is available in stores this August, 2010.

With fun, flair and transparency, Cheryl writes and speaks about God’s big-picture hope.  She’s passionate about helping people in pain keep their eyes on Jesus so they will experience Him in a deeper, more personal way.

For more about Cheryl or to purchase her book, visit her beautiful website.

About A Friend in the Storm: Author Cheryl Ricker reaches into the depths of human suffering from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic truth. This elegant gift book lightens the heart and soul of anyone facing difficult circumstances, leading them through their suffering into the arms of a faithful loving God.

Each two-page spread includes a poem, as well as reflections written by Christian leaders, along with healing Scripture verses. An elegant foil-stamped fabric binding makes this the perfect gift.

Don't miss our guest on Thursday - talented author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is currently the only author writing both fiction/non-fiction Amish books.She has a ten book contract - wow. That's huge. :) Suzanne also has her own show here on Toginet - Amish Wisdom on Thursdays right after my show - 4:00 pm Central! Besides talking about writing Amish books (I too am writing a three book Amish series) we'll be chatting about Hong Kong and Guide dog puppies. Hmmm.... the Amish, Hong Kong and puppies. Sounds a little random - don't miss this one. :)

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author, a wife, a mother, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a cook and a gardener…the latter two with inconsistent results. A former contributing editor to "Christian Parenting Today," Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines, including "Today’s Christian Woman," "Worldwide Challenge," and "Marriage Partnership."

Her first novel, "Copper Star," a World War II love story, was published by a small press and received three literary awards. It opened the door to a literary agent. The agent knew of Suzanne’s connection to the Plain People—her grandfather was raised Plain—and introduced her to an editor at Revell, a division of Baker Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was Suzanne’s first book release with Revell. It’s a non-fiction book of true stories about the Old Order Amish and was chosen as a book selection by Doubleday, Crossings, and Book of the Month 2 Clubs. It is also a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award.

“The Choice,” a novel about a young Amish woman, is the first in a three-book series, is in its third printing and is an ECPA and CBA bestseller. Wal-Mart chose “The Choice” for its January Inspirational Book Shelf, and it was the Main Selection for Crossings Book Club, as well as Doubleday, BookSpan, and a large print edition for Literary Guild. In August of 2010, Suzanne will release another non-fiction book, “Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life.” In October 2010, “The Waiting” will release; it is the second in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series. Six other books—both fiction and non-fiction—are contracted to release over the next two years.

Another new venture for Suzanne is “Amish Wisdom,” a weekly radio program in which she interviews all kinds of interesting guests who have connections to the Amish. You can listen on-line at www.toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom. And you can always find Suzanne at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Don't miss Suzanne's latest release: Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life. If you want to know a people, know their proverbs. These small, concentrated packages of insight allow outsiders to peek into a fascinating closed community. In Amish Proverbs, a collection of more than 200 proverbs uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Amish people. Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows.

Last March I was fortunate enough to interview the great Liz Curtis Higgs - what a fun interview. If you missed it the first time around, you can catch it this Thursday.

About Liz: In her best-selling series of Bad Girls of the Bible books, workbooks, and videos, Liz Curtis Higgs breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in scriptural history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene. Biblically sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God's grace anew. Her best-selling historical novels, which transport the stories of Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, and Dinah to eighteenth-century Scotland, have also helped her readers view these familiar characters in a new light. And her nonfiction book, Embrace Grace, winner of a 2007 Retailers Choice Award, presents her message of hope in an engaging and personal way, speaking directly to the hearts of her readers.

A veteran speaker, Liz has presented more than 1,600 encouraging programs for audiences in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries:
South Africa, Indonesia, Germany, France, England, Canada, Thailand, Ecuador, Scotland, Portugal, and New Zealand. In 1995, she received the Council of Peers Award for Excellence from the National Speakers Association, becoming one of only 32 women in the world named to their CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame.

For ten years Liz was a columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Articles by Liz have also appeared in Faith&Friends in Canada, WomanAlive in Great Britain, and Enhance in Australia. And more than 4,000 churches nationwide are using her video Bible study series, Loved by God.

On the personal side, Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bellarmine College, and is married to Bill Higgs, Ph.D., who serves as Director of Operations for her speaking and writing office. Liz and Bill enjoy their old Kentucky home—a nineteenth-century farmhouse in Louisville—and are the proud parents of Matthew, a college grad, and Lillian, a college senior. For more information visit www.lizcurtishiggs.com

About her latest release: Here Burns My Candle

September 1745

Edinburgh is a bustling city of fifty thousand inhabitants, the narrow closes and wynds crowded with rich and poor alike. Tongues are wagging over the impending arrival of Charles Edward Stuart—the young pretender to the throne—and his Highland army. Scotland, though bound by English law, is thick with Jacobites, who support the restoration of James and the overthrow of King George II.

Safely ensconced in their well appointed rooms overlooking the High Street are the Kerrs of Selkirk. Landed gentry from the Scottish Borders, the Kerrs have called Edinburgh home for a decade, all but abandoning their quiet country estate in favor of Edinburgh’s heady mix of culture, commerce, and political intrigue.

A spiritual famine has inflicted this family, a waning devotion to God. The Kerrs don’t belong in the city, and instinctively they know it. Edinburgh is foreign, unfamiliar, and even dangerous. Yet, they remain.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Lord Donald Kerr has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

Bound by marriage, then torn asunder by cruel circumstance, the Kerr women will be forced to depend upon one another. And that's when things will get verra interesting...

A mother who cannot face her future.
A daughter who cannot escape her past.
A timeless saga of love and betrayal,
flickering against the vivid backdrop
of eighteenth-century Edinburgh.

Here Burns My Candle is based on the beloved Old Testament story of Naomi and Ruth, set in another time and place to demonstrate the timelessness of God's Word. Scotland forever, dearie!

Don't miss Thursday's show. My guest is a dear friend who has an amazing testimony of how God uses the difficult things in our life for His good. One night when her husband was gone at a late night meeting, a man broke into Heather's house and raped her while her children slept in their bedrooms. She became pregnant as a result and decided to keep the baby. Don't miss Heather's incredible story of redemption and freedom of forgiveness.

More about Heather: Heather (Hiemstra) grew up near London, Ontario, on a hobby farm where she hiked through corn fields with her faithful collie, swam in a water hole with the ducks, and shoveled manure in pig pens. She is the youngest of five children born to her Dutch immigrant parents, and she also had numerous foster brothers and sisters who made her life very rich. Her parents are godly people who remain strong role models of the faith for her.

Heather moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to attend Calvin College as a young adult and graduated with two degrees‹a BA and an MRS‹four years later. After graduation, she did editorial work for Zondervan Publishing House.

The Gemmens had two boys together, adopted another, and welcomed their baby girl into the family (see Startling Beauty for more). After ten years living and working in the inner city, the mountains of Colorado began to call their names. The Gemmens relocated to Colorado Springs where Heather took a job at Cook Communications as an acquisitions editor. She began her writing career by authoring children¹s books and she continues to make editing and writing her livelihood today. In 2004 Heather began working from home‹writing and editing for various Christian publishing houses.

After almost fifteen years together, much to Heather's shock and dismay, the marriage disolved when her husband informed her he was leaving. The divorce left Heather devastated. Rejected and afraid, she felt as though she had failed God, her kids, and her ministry. God, however, offers his wonderful restorative love to everyone, and Heather clung to it. The Psalms became her refuge and she discovered for herself how those powerful words restore life.

While attending a writers¹ conference in Florida as the keynote speaker in the spring of 2005, Heather met Larry Wilson, an author and editor from Indiana who was also faculty. They began chatting professionally and soon discovered they had much in common personally as well and five months later they married. Heather and her four kids moved to Indiana, to join Larry and his two children.

In Indiana, Heather's oldest son married and had a child, making her a proud grandmother. Please visit Heather's website: www.heathergemmen.com

About Startling Beauty: Raped in her own home, Heather's terror went beyond her own safety: Were the kids sleeping soundly in the next bedroom, or did their silence mean something else? Would her husband save her, or would he face the same knife she did? And Heather's agony did not end after the rapist left: Against all odds, she became pregnant as a result of the rape. Would she and her husband remain united as they faced the tyranny of the choice before them? Would they endure the strain of anxiety as they waited for HIV test results and answered strange telephone calls?

This gripping true-life story walks readers through Heather's journey—from rape to restoration. Startling Beauty is undeniable proof that God can bring blessings out of the worst situations in our lives.

"Startling Beauty is very moving and encouraging.
It shows how the Lord can heal a shattered heart and bring unexpected and startling blessings even from the darkest experiences of our lives."
—Francine Rivers, award-winning author

"I suggest you run out and get a copy yourself."
—Montel Williams

Win a copy of Heather's book by leaving a comment on this post. Be sure to include your email address, the winner will be notified via email.

Please join me on Thursday as we chat about raising children with special needs. My guests, Maureen and Cynthia are both authors and amazing moms. Come be encouraged by their stories.

About Marueen: Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She hand wrote her first novel around the age of ten, put the pages into a notebook she covered with soft deerskin for a “hardback” cover (nothing but the best!) then passed it around the neighborhood for rave reviews. It was so much fun she’s been writing ever since. Eventually Maureen became the recipient of a Golden Heart Award from RWA, followed by the publication of three secular romances. Life took some turns after that and she gave up writing for fifteen years, until her faith sent her in a new artistic direction. Soon she won a Noble Theme Award from American Christian Fiction Writers, and a contract followed a year or so later for her Inspirational historical fiction Pieces of Silver, (nominated for a Christy in 2007). The sequel, Remember Me, released in February of ‘07. She also has three women’s fiction novels from Tyndale House Publishers, The Oak Leaves released in May of ’07, On Sparrow Hill and My Sister Dilly released in ’08. She has a new 3-book series, the first of which will release from Tyndale in the fall of ‘09, set in Europe during the First World War. Maureen lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their dog, Susie.

About Maureen's latest book: Whisper in the Wind -- Available This Fall! - Whipser on the Wind  Book 2 in The Great War series. She risked everything to rescue him. But what if he doesn’t want to be saved?

In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper among the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart.

For more about Maureen, please visit her website: http://maureenlang.com

About Cindi: Cindi enjoys speaking on topics that will encourage men and women to make a difference in their sphere of influence by being all they can be for the Lord, their families, and themselves. Joe and Cindi are on the speaking team for Family Life Ministries, a marriage-focused ministry founded by Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Joe (a dentist) and Cindi have enjoyed ministry together as they direct the City Focus Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ in the Northeast Ohio area as associate staff since 1989. They helped to bring the Billy Graham Crusade to Cleveland in 1994 and served as trained counselors, supervisors and leaders. They were also responsible for the direction of distributing over 32,000 pieces of material to inquirers that came forward throughout the crusade. The Billy Graham Association asked them to establish follow-up in the NE Ohio area because of the discipleship ministry they already had in place. They have also served as City Ministry Directors of the FamilyLife conferences in Cleveland (NE Ohio) from 1990-2001 with expansion to Akron in 2000 and an Urban Familylife Conference in Youngstown, OH, in October of 2001! Joe and Cindi now speak nationally for the Familylife Marriage Conferences. For more info, please visit  http://www.cindiferrini.com

About Unexpected Journey: A book by a husband and wife whose course in life changed from the birth of their first child. Yet, it did not stop there. Unexpected Journey shares the life of a family where daily challenges became a way of life - caring for a child with special needs and parents in their declining years.. Select the link above to read and listen to more about this compelling story.

To win copies of each book leave a comment on this post along with your email address. We'll randomly select one winner for each book and contact you via email.

Angela Harris is the author of "Dance in the Rain: His Joy Comes in the Mourning" - a journal and bible study on death and dying. Angela's testimony is a powerful tribute to the redemption God offers us and the forgiveness that frees us. She was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida. Dr's doubted she would live,let alone walk, talk, or have a normal life. She also suffered physical and sexual abuse during her childhood by her outwardly appearing "Christian, Church-attending" family. By God's mercy she came to know the true saving grace of Jesus as a young adult trying to comprehend her difficult situation. Despite the dire medical predictions and an abusive past, God has blessed her with a full life. Today she possesses both physical and mental health, as well as a wonderful husband and two children whom she was told she'd never have.

About Angela: Angela Dockter-Harris has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and has worked as a medical social worker and assisting families when facing death and dying. She has experienced several losses in her own life and along side of loved ones, both in earthly relationships that were not what God intended, and through the separation of  death. Angela was born with a neural tube defect known as spina bifida and has overcome many odds with this in her life. Angela is also a nutritional consultant teaching and educating on the importance of nutrition and natural health. Angela has been married to her husband David for 16 years and they have two children. They reside in Colorado. Please visit her blog for more info: http://angelaadockterharris.wordpress.com/

About Dance in the Rain: Have you lost someone significant in your life? Do you feel swallowed up by sorrow? Are you trying to find the purpose and plan for your life so you can move forward? Where is God now? Why did He allow this to happen? What if that person I love is not in heaven? So many painful thoughts surround those hurting from a loss. Those in the midst of such paincome. Journey with author Angela Dockter-Harris as she guides you through the healing process. This Journal and Bible Study were created for anyone who has lost someone, or is currently facing a loss, either through death or a strained relationship. Presented in two-parts, Dance in the Rain: His Joy Comes in the Mourning allows you to personalize this book. Fill the journal with memories of the person you love, memories youll treasure forever. Then read on and find healing as you study the Bible and lean on the comfort of Jesus Christ. You can experience hope and healing during mourning.

WIN A COPY OF ANGELA'S BOOK - LEAVE A COMMENT (WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS) ON THIS POST!

HAVE A QUESTION FOR ANGELA? CALL IN TO THE SHOW: 1-877-864-4869.

I'm so excited about our guest this week. Kim is an amazing woman whose family was featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Kim is also an author and she and her teen-age daughter, Kayla, just landed a writing contract for a series of books they will co-write together. Cool!

About Kim: Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 650 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008.

An avid reader and writer, she’s had dozens of articles and short stories published in nationally recognized magazines and books. Her non-fiction book about their amazing story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy released in September of 2009 from Tyndale House Publishers, and a new three book suspense series, written with daughter Kayla, begins with No Safe Haven which releases in March 2011 from B&H Publishers. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home.

About Kayla: Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery’s Mystery ER have all had shows focused on this incredible girl and her family. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. Her first release, No Safe Haven, from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher.

About the books:

BLURB for NO SAFE HAVEN by Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse
Jenna Tikaani-Gray and her twelve-year-old daughter, Andrea, are on their way home, hoping for a fresh start after a lifetime of medical trials and great sorrow. But when sabotage brings their small plane down, they find themselves fighting for their lives. And they don’t know what’s more dangerous:  the weather and terrain of Sultana—one of the most hazardous mountains in Alaska—or the armed men chasing them.

Hardened by the loss in his life, Cole Maddox knows the best path is one he walks alone. No one to care for—or about. That way he can focus on what matters: getting a secret technology safely into the hands of the US Military. But when the plane he’s on with Jenna and Andie crashes, it will take all his skill and strength to get them out alive—and all his determination to stay in his self-imposed solitary confinement.

BLURB for WELCOME HOME by Kimberley Woodhouse
Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy

Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, you can shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peek inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.

Win a copy of Welcome Home by leaving a comment on this post (don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!)

Join me on Thursday as a I chat with fellow Montana author (oh, I guess now that I live in Arkansas, I can't refer to myself as a "Montana" author anymore - boo!) and friend Rebecca Ondov. Rebecca embarked on her writing career in an interesting way  - don't miss Thursday's interview at 3:00PM Central.

About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov was born into the small Norwegian farming community of Austin, Minnesota.  “Horse” must have been her first word, for that word took her on an adventure of a lifetime in Montana.  Fifteen years she rode her horse through the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex from May through December.  Thirteen years of that she led groups of people on horseback, packing their gear on mules through miles of rugged winding trails. The other two years she rode for the U.S. Forest Service as the Wilderness Ranger for the Scapegoat Wilderness.  With her German Shepherd trotting along side, she roamed thousands of miles of mountain trails—alone—pulling her pack mule behind her.  Often times, on the ten-day hitches she never saw another soul. 

Through the years she developed a unique outlook on life.  Each day proved simple—either she lived or she died.  If she lived, then she tackled the next day’s adventures.  “Believe me,” says Rebecca, “I developed tons of character as I encountered everything from grizzly bears to injured horses!  Most of the time, I worked at least a two-day horseback ride from the nearest help.  All I had to fix the situation were my wits and God—God always turned out to be my best bet.”  

In1992 she felt led to enter a Guideposts writing contest even though she had no interest in writing—or talent, she thought. Then, out of 5400 manuscripts, she won. Guideposts flew her, along with 14 other winners, to an intensive weeklong all-expense-paid workshop, which was tutored by some of the top Christian Writers in the world. “The whole week I felt like a fish out of water, but I knew God would only ask me to do the impossible.”

In 2000 her children’s picture book, “The Once In A Blue Moon Boot Bus,” was released (Cook Communications). Her career also includes: writing for magazines, attending UCLA, and being accepted into the non-profit Christian organization Act One: Writing for Hollywood (a spin-off from Hollywood Presbyterian Church) where she was privileged to study in New York City under their exclusive and intensive screenwriting program. Currently she has some producers interested in a couple of her scripts.

Rebecca is honored to have been added as part of the “Daily Guideposts 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010” “family of writers.” Of course her devotionals are popular Western flavored stories of how her relationship with her horses and mules has led her to a more intimate relationship with God. She says, “The best part of writing for “Daily Guideposts” is the friendships she has developed with the readers through their personal correspondence.”

In February 0f 2010 “Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections Along the Trail with God” was released. In this book, Rebecca has corralled a collection of Wild-West stories, written in a devotional format, from the years she worked in the saddle.  The book is already in its second printing! And hot off the press is “Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition,” in which the publisher has chosen 10 stories from the original Horse Tales book, condensed them and paired them with art from the internationally famous horse artist, Chris Cummings.

Rebecca lives on a ranchette with her three horses, two mules, one dog, and one barn cat in Western Montana, where by day she brokers lumber, and by night she forges ahead with her passion—equipping Christians with faith building-blocks—through the power of “story.” For more info about Rebecca or her books, please visit her website at http://rebeccaondov.com.

About her books: Horse Tales From Heaven - More than 4.6 million Americans own horses or are directly involved in horse-related industries. And country living is enjoying a huge revival today. Horsewoman Rebecca Ondov reaches out to outdoor enthusiasts with dynamic stories of God’s faithfulness and protection.

Drawing on 15 years of living “in the saddle” guiding pack trips and working as a wilderness ranger, Rebecca takes readers into the mountains and down rugged trails to see God at work. Vignettes include…

    * a night-blind horse and pack mule’s unusual relationship
    * a horse, a dog, and a cowgirl surviving a violent storm
    * a horse camp tale about one animal’s cure for snoring
    * a frisky cayuse and an early morning chase
    * a sleepless night guarding horses in grizzly country

These western stories use real-life adventures to point readers to their greatest resource for love, provision, and care—Jesus.

Coming Soon - the gift edition.

Rebecca has offered to give away a copy of each edition. Leave a comment here to win one. (please include your email addy.)

Join me on Thursday as I chat with beloved author Diann Mills. We'll hear about her work in Africa and all about her latest books. She is a wonderful and prolific writer. She also has a bit of a Cinderella story. I hope I can coax her into talking about how she and her husband met. GREAT story!

About DiAnn: I had always dreamed of becoming a writer, but I didn’t have the courage to take the first step. I wrote poetry and stories and even books, but as soon as they were completed, I tossed them in the trash. Looking back, I think some of them weren’t so bad and maybe I should not have given up on them so soon. So if I can encourage you in whatever life holds for you, don’t give up on your dreams.

We are all driven by specific callings and goals. I like to call these passions. Obviously one of mine is communicating through the written word. I believe in mentoring serious new writers and encouraging them to reach their dreams.

As you consider your personal aspirations, expand your horizons to include the opportunities around you. We’ve all been given gifts and talents to further the kingdom of God. Don’t let them go to waste.

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has fifty books in print and has sold over 1.5 million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her titles have appeared on the CBA Bestseller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2008. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007, a finalist for the 2010 RITA and a Christy Awards finalist in 2008 and 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman Mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. They have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church. For more about DiAnn and her many other books, please visit her website at www.diannmills.com

About her books:

Sworn To Protect: Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales has sworn to protect the southern borders of our nation, but that oath has cost her. Two years ago, her husband, Toby, was killed trying to help the very immigrants Danika was responsible for sending back to Mexico. His murder was never solved.

But now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone in McAllen is profiting from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country . . . and it may somehow be tied to Toby’s death.

A Woman Called Sage: They took away everything she loved ... now, she's out for revenge.

Sage Morrow had it all: life on a beautiful Colorado ranch, a husband who adored her, and a baby on the way. Until five ruthless gunmen rode up to their ranch and changed her life forever.

Now Sage is a bounty hunter bent on retribution. Accompanied only by her majestic hawk, she travels throughout the Rocky Mountains in search of injustice, determined to stamp it out wherever it's found. The stakes are raised when two young boys are kidnapped and Sage is forced to work with Marshall Parker Timmons to rescue them. But Sage may ultimately get more than she bargained for.

In this exciting historical romance set in the late 1800s, murder, intrigue, kidnapping, and questions of faith will keep you in suspense until the final pages.

Win a copy of DiAnn's books by leaving a comment on this segment post! (Don't forget to leave your email address!

This week I'm away visiting my kids in Kalispell, Montana. Be sure to tune in for this encore presentation of Mary and Mary!

A bit about the host, Mary Byers: Mary M. Byers successfully juggles both a freelance writing and speaking business and her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two school-aged children.

She is the author of Making Work at Home Work, The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family and How to Say No . . . And Live to Tell about It.

She is also a columnist for two professional trade journals and edits two others. Byers lives in Chatham, Illinois. for more info visit www.marybyers.com

The Mary's will be chatting about two of my favorite topics: adoption and food! Yeah!

I love what Mary has to say about herself on her blog:

My name is Mary Ostyn. I’ve been married for 23 years to the guy I met in math class at age 17. We have kids in college, high school, junior high, grade school, and preschool, 10 altogether. Six girls. Four boys. Six of our children arrived via adoption, 2 from Korea and 4 from Ethiopia.  Our oldest daughter just got married. Our second is in college.  Our ‘baby’ is 5.

I homeschool. I kiss owies. I eat chocolate. I garden. I cook. I watch our budget. I take pictures obsessively. And I write. My 200-recipe cookbook/ shopping guide Family Feasts for $75 a Week came out in September, 2009, and is available at amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, CBD, and Costco. I also wrote A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family which came out in March, 2009 and is available at Amazon.

This week we'll be hearing about author Susie Larson's work to fight human trafficking. Did you know there are more slaves today than at any other time in history? Hard to believe that startling statistic is true. What's worse is that it is happening right here in America. Join me on Thursday at 3:00 PM Central as Susie shares stories of tragedy as well as stories of hope and healing.

About Susie: Ask Susie about her conviction for women, and she’ll tell you, “The two pillars in my ministry, the two things I care most about are for women to be drawn into a ‘deeper life in Christ’ that they might live more ‘powerful lives on earth.’ When we pursue a thriving, personal, intimate walk of faith, we can’t help but be compelled to make a difference in our world”
 
With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. Susie worked as a freelance writer for the Focus on the Family and published over 50 articles with them. This spring she released her sixth book, “Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places” (Moody Publishers). Susie has been interviewed on radio stations across the country and serves as a regular guest host for Connecting Faith which airs on six stations in the upper Midwest (on the Faith Radio Network). Susie’s new radio show, Live the Promise is set to launch on the 12th of June on the same network. Susie was also recently hired by Moody Radio to record weekly features on women’s issues. Her pieces will air every Friday on Moody’s 36 stations around the country starting on June 11th.

While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with national recording artist Sara Groves and her husband Troy, represented International Justice Mission’s*concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. The four of them serve as co-chairs for the IJM benefit banquet in Minnesota. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go.
 
Susie and her husband Kevin just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have three wonderful grown sons, and now, a new daughter-in-law. For more about Susie and her other books, please visit her website.

*IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking (visit ijm.org)

About Susie's latest book:Embracing Your Freedom

Many women feel stuck in their faith. They are bored living in a Christian bubble and long for the greater adventure of significance God designed for them! But just how do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? Embracing Your Freedom will give you a deeper understanding of your freedom in Christ and a bigger view of God's heart for the world. Walk with Susie Larson as she helps you to:

    * Prevent fear from bullying your dreams.
    * Know increased boldness in the face of insecurities.
    * Experience fulfilling adventures through compassionate service

Foreword by Sara Groves
Moody Publishers

WIN A COPY OF EMBRACING YOUR FREEDOM - LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST (DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDY!)

Join me on Thursday as I chat with my friend Mary DeMuth! Mary is a GREAT writer with a passion for helping others both heal from their past hurts and achieve their dreams. Mary will be sharing with us about her latest release, Thin Places. And we'll also be talking about what has Inspired her to make changes in her life.

About Mary DeMuth:
Author and speaker Mary DeMuth helps people turn their trials to triumph. Her books include Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, Watching the Tree Limbs, Wishing on Dandelions, Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture and the first two books in the Defiance

Texas Trilogy: Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn. Mary lives with her husband Patrick and their three children in Texas. Find out more at www.marydemuth.com.

Mary is also an amazing writing coach! Be sure to check out Mary's The Writing Spa!

About Thin Places:In this moving spiritual memoir-Thin Places-Mary DeMuth traces the winding path of thin places in her life, places where she experienced longing and healing more intensely than before. From surviving abuse as a latchkey kid to discovering a heavenly Father who never leaves, Mary's story invites you to a deeper understanding of your own story. She calls you to discover new ways to look for God in the past so that you might experience him more profoundly in the present. What if you could retrace your life and discover its thin places-places where the division between this world and the eternal fades? You can purcahse a copy on Mary's website.

Do you have your own secret you need to share or perhaps you can encourage someone who is suffering - please visit My Family Secrets.

  Leave a comment here to win a copy of Thin Places! Be sure to leave your email  address too!

Tune in Thursday at 3:00 pm CST to catch the interview I did with Shannon Stewart Ratliff from America's Next Top Model and her husband Matthew.

Shannon is best known for her appearance on ANTM's 2005 season. Stewart competed on the first season of America's Next Top Model. In the first week of competition, Shannon landed in the bottom two and if she hadn't won that week's challenge, she would have been eliminated. However, the following two weeks Shannon received two consecutive first call-outs, and performed consistently in the following weeks. But, in the semi-finals during a nude photoshoot in Paris, Shannon and fellow contestant Robin Manning caused controversy when they refused to take part in the photo shoot because of their Christian faith. However, this did not hinder Stewart's progression in the competition finishing second overall to Adrianne Curry. She was known on the show as the very "commercial , edgy girl". So tune in and find out more about Shannon and Matt!

I get to fly back to Montana this week to see my kids ... in my absence I've got Robin's inerview lined up for Thursday. I hope you get an amazing glimpse of the Robin I know. Please join us at 3PM CST on May 13th!

Besides being my friend, Robin Jones Gunn is a best-selling, Award Winning Author, and International Speaker

Over the past two decades Robin has written 70 books including the popular Christy Miller Series for teens and the Sisterchicks® Series for women. Combined sales of all her titles have reached over 4 million with translations in seven different languages. Robin has won numerous awards for her work including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and finalist for the Gold Medallion. 

As a sought after speaker, Robin has appeared in public auditoriums from Helsinki to Hawaii and Brazil to Belfast.  She serves on the Board for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild and for Media Associates International.  Married for over 34 years, Robin and her husband live near Portland, Oregon and have a married son and a grown daughter.

Don't miss our guest on Thursday - talented author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is currently the only author writing both fiction/non-fiction Amish books.She has a ten book contract - wow. That's huge. :) Suzanne also has her own show here on Toginet - Amish Wisdom on Thursdays right after my show - 4:00 pm Central! Besides talking about writing Amish books (I too am writing a three book Amish series) we'll be chatting about Hong Kong and Guide dog puppies. Hmmm.... the Amish, Hong Kong and puppies. Sounds a little random - don't miss this one. :)

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author, a wife, a mother, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a cook and a gardener…the latter two with inconsistent results. A former contributing editor to "Christian Parenting Today," Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines, including "Today’s Christian Woman," "Worldwide Challenge," and "Marriage Partnership."

Her first novel, "Copper Star," a World War II love story, was published by a small press and received three literary awards. It opened the door to a literary agent. The agent knew of Suzanne’s connection to the Plain People—her grandfather was raised Plain—and introduced her to an editor at Revell, a division of Baker Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was Suzanne’s first book release with Revell. It’s a non-fiction book of true stories about the Old Order Amish and was chosen as a book selection by Doubleday, Crossings, and Book of the Month 2 Clubs. It is also a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award.

“The Choice,” a novel about a young Amish woman, is the first in a three-book series, is in its third printing and is an ECPA and CBA bestseller. Wal-Mart chose “The Choice” for its January Inspirational Book Shelf, and it was the Main Selection for Crossings Book Club, as well as Doubleday, BookSpan, and a large print edition for Literary Guild. In August of 2010, Suzanne will release another non-fiction book, “Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life.” In October 2010, “The Waiting” will release; it is the second in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series. Six other books—both fiction and non-fiction—are contracted to release over the next two years.

Another new venture for Suzanne is “Amish Wisdom,” a weekly radio program in which she interviews all kinds of interesting guests who have connections to the Amish. You can listen on-line at www.toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom. And you can always find Suzanne at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Amish Peace or The Choice!

Join me on Thursday as Rebecca and I chat about all things MARRIAGE!

About Rebecca: Dr. Rebecca Price Janney is a theologically trained historian and the author of 18 books including Who Goes There: A Cultural History of Heaven and Hell, Great Women in American History, Great Stories in American History, Harriet Tubman, and two young adult series as well as hundreds of articles in magazines and newspapers. She began writing professionally as a teenager when she covered the Philadelphia Phillies for a New Jersey newspaper. A graduate of Lafayette College, and Princeton Seminary, Rebecca received her D. Min. from Biblical Seminary. She resides with her husband and son in suburban Philadelphia. Visit RebeccaPriceJanney.com to find out more!

About Then Comes Marriage? A Cultural History of the American Family?  Author Rebecca Price Janney examines how people in other eras throughout American history conducted their relationships. How did they fall short of God’s ideal as presented in the Scriptures? How did they get it right? What has led us to becoming a culture of “anything goes” morality? And, conversely, have there been any surprising improvements in recent years? This book is not a culture-war screed, but rather a historical look at the American family, showing that the pattern is more complicated than a downward spiral of morality from our country’s founding to the present. In addition, one of the intriguing features of the book is the author’s close look at marriage and relationships within subcultures that are not often considered, including those of Native Americans, Conquistadors, and slaves. In order to better understand the state of marriage and relationships in the U.S. today, Christians need to better understand not just Scripture but our nation’s history—and Then Comes Marriage? gives readers an accessible, broad, and thought-provoking introduction to both.

Win a copy of Then Comes Marriage - leave a comment here (with your email addy!)

I'm excited to be chatting with my dear friend Marlo on Thursday! We'll be talking about infertillity, writing, family, and more! Don't miss the show!

About Marlo: Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of seven books, including her latest novel, Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of novel that she hopes will impact readers at their deepest levels.

Marlo’s other books include If Tomorrow Never Comes, Beyond the Night, Veil of Fire, a novel about finding hope in the fires of life, Empty Womb, Aching Heart- Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility, and Cry Freedom.

She’s had over 600 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, Decision, Moody Magazine, and Discipleship Journal. She has contributed to Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples, Tyndale’s Book of Devotions for Kids #3, and Discipleship Journal’s 101 Small Group Ideas.

She is a speaker and a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlo is also a California native, a small business owner, and a graduate of Stanford University (with a B.S. in Chemistry!). In addition, she has earned her Masters in Theology, with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Marlo lives with her husband and five young children in a log home in Central California.

When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and speaking to groups about finding the deep places of God in the disappointments of life.

About Marlo's latest release - If  Tomorrow Never Comes
They say you should reach for your dreams. This time, they’re wrong…

Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams—marriage, children, a house by the sea…everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn’t plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes.

Now, all that’s left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until…

Kinna rescues an elderly woman from the sea, and the threads of the past, present, and future weave together to reveal the wonder of one final hope. One final chance to follow not their dreams, but God’s.

Can they embrace the redemptive power of love before it’s too late? Or will their love be washed away like the castles they once built upon the sand? The past whispers to the present. And the future shivers. What if tomorrow never comes?

Win a copy of If Tomorrow Never Comes by leaving a comment below (be sure to leave your email)!

I'm thrilled to be chatting with this week's guest, Jason Rovenstine. He is the creative director at Summerside Press. He is also an amazing man, dad & husband with an incredible story to share with us. Don't miss this interview Thursday at 3:00 pm Central!

A bit about Jason:

Today, I am: Normal. I think. I raise kids, eat whole wheat toast, love my wife, and can’t resist the temptation to explain magic tricks to kids.

My Past: I’ve had an ongoing love affair with greeting cards, letters and  anything that brings people together in authentic relationships.

Biggest ever, most awesome stunt ever pulled: Getting my wife to say, “I do.”

What I do: I work with books. Actually, that’s not true. I work with people. I find good people, with a clear passion, and a message that is for now and then make sure books don’t get in the way of that message getting out.

What get’s me really excited: I love taking my family on adventures overseas and bringing working hope to some of the most destitute and needy people of the world.

Jason has generously offered to give away 10 copies of HopeMinute during the show today! For your chance to win one, just leave a comment here (include your email address)!

About HopeMinute: More than just another book in the Summerside Press™ Spring 2010 line, HopeMinute came out of a special relationship between Summerside Press™ creative director, Jason Rovenstine, and the HopeKids organization. When Rovenstine’s young son was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it was Rob and Susan Cottrell and HopeKids who helped make a difficult path somewhat more easily traversed because it was attended by a series of kind acts done for the family over an extended period of time. With things as small as tickets to movies, concerts, or sporting events for the whole family, HopeKids helps families have fun and make memories in the midst of trying times.

“HopeKids helped us be a normal family through some abnormal circumstances. In fact, without them, we would have spent a lot more time focusing on cancer this past year than on sharing special times as a family and getting through this together,” Rovenstine said. “The HopeMinute book is a natural expression of what they already do. We knew from the start that we wanted to share the message of HopeKids with people—facing all kinds of situations—who need a life-giving dose of hope.”

Reaching these families comes out of the heart and life of HopeKids founder Rob Cottrell. As part of his work, Cottrell sends simple email messages to the families of those battling cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions. Those emails touched many lives, and they have been expanded in HopeMinute. In the book, Rob offers his perspectives on faith, fear, dreams, and hope as a powerful medicine, and Susan adds inspiring and heart-warming prayers at the end of each selection. Working with Summerside Press™ to produce HopeMinute, Rob said, “What a thrill it is to partner with Summerside Press™ and see the HopeMinute book come to life! It has been such a blessing to get to know the people at Summerside and see the love and care they put into this book.”

Cottrell continues, “The HopeKids organization comes alongside nearly 1,500 families, each with a child battling a life-threatening illness. We are a unique charity with a powerful program and message. We are a family, a community, and we go through these battles together. We play together, we pray together, we laugh together, we cry together, and we stand together believing in the power of hope and believing that the future is indeed full of wonder and life! Summerside Press™ and the HopeMinute book will enable us to reach so many more people with the same message.”

HopeMinute releases in January 2010 and is available everywhere books are sold. For more information on HopeKids, visit www.hopekids.org or www.summersidepress.com.

I'm excited to be connecting with my friend Kristin on Thursday. Kristin is an amazing woman ... and I think she knows EVERYBODY. Wow - the circles she travels in. :) Kristin will be sharing a bit about her story, her life and her new book, Imagine Being. Don't miss Kristin's unique approach to life on this Thursday's Living Inspired!

A bit about Kristin Andress: Kristin is the CEO of Andress Consulting, based in Solana Beach, California. Andress Consulting has been in business since 2002 and brings to clients the value proposition of exploring their ideas, passions, or visions—and exploding them to the possibilities. Kristin consults with authors, businesses, and entrepreneurs to create business, marketing, and promotional strategies; and craft key messages and the collateral to describe and position the person, product, or service offerings. She specializes in getting into the fabric of her clients’ lives, work, or businesses, and simplifies what is seemingly complex. In doing so, her clients become laser-focused and clear, which leads to creating the connections with complementary businesses, media, and distribution avenues required to generate scale.

Prior to launching Andress Consulting, Kristin enjoyed a ten-year career with Arthur Andersen, serving as Director of Tax and Legal–Performance and Learning. She led global operations of a fifty-two person team in the United States and had coordination oversight of twenty-five people in Cambridge, England, and Asia/Pacific, with responsibility for a multi-million dollar budget.

Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication/Human Relations from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Kristin enjoyed growing up in the small town of Pittsfield, Illinois, and regularly returns to visit family. Short stays are coupled with the niggling need to rub in her return to the ocean air and golf courses of Solana Beach, California, where she resides. Kristin can be reached at Kristin@ImagineBeing.com.

Buy a copy of Kristin's SUPER helpful book, Imagine Being!

Don't miss Living Inspired on Thursday! We'll be interviewing author and Senior Acquisitions Editor at B&H Publishing, Karen Ball. I will be working with Karen as I write the books in my new Amish series.

Karen Ball has always loved stories. She considers it a gift that for the last twenty-five-plus years she's been able, both as an author and an editor, to use that love to bring wonderful novels to readers. Also hear Karen's personal story of how she and her husband struggled through a difficult marriage and God transformed their marriage!

Karen the Editor:
Currently the Senior Acquisitions Editor for B&H Publishing Group, Karen learned her craft while heading up fiction for Tyndale House Publishers, Multnomah Publishers, and Zondervan.

She loves the synergy of editing, and the chance to come alongside authors and help them craft the very best novels they can. "My job as an editor is to come alongside the author and serve. And I love that!"

Another inexplicable blessing is the fact that she's been allowed to work with a number of notable authors, including Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Gilbert Morris, Liz Curtis Higgs, Angela Elwell Hunt, Robin Jones Gunn, Terri Blackstock, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and Lori Copeland.

Karen the Author:
Karen's latest  full-length novel, What Lies Within, has been nominated as the Best Inspirational Novel of the Year. Readers regularly call Karen's writing powerful, uplifting, and fun. She writes from her home in Oregon, where she lives with her husband, Don, and their two "kids": Dasha, a mischievous 4-month-old Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-Terrier mix that should have been named Psycho.

Next to working with words, Karen's greatest joys are playing with her dogs, laughing, savoring nature and wildlife, and finding wonder in everyday life. For more about Karen and her books, please visit her website: www.karenballbooks.com!

Leave a comment here (and your email) for a chance to win one of Karen's books!

Join me for Living Inspired this week ast a chat with guest Liz Curis Higgs. I'm super excited about this weeks' topic -- mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. My son just got engaged last month. Sigh... We love the match our son has made. So in the midst of adopting our little Alyssa and moving to Arkansas, we're also making plans for a July wedding. Exciting times.

Please join me on Thursday as Liz shares what she's learned about being a mother-in-law. We'll also hear about the latest book/s from this prolific and wonderful writer.

About Liz: In her best-selling series of Bad Girls of the Bible books, workbooks, and videos, Liz Curtis Higgs breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in scriptural history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene. Biblically sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God's grace anew. Her best-selling historical novels, which transport the stories of Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, and Dinah to eighteenth-century Scotland, have also helped her readers view these familiar characters in a new light. And her nonfiction book, Embrace Grace, winner of a 2007 Retailers Choice Award, presents her message of hope in an engaging and personal way, speaking directly to the hearts of her readers.

A veteran speaker, Liz has presented more than 1,600 encouraging programs for audiences in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries:
South Africa, Indonesia, Germany, France, England, Canada, Thailand, Ecuador, Scotland, Portugal, and New Zealand. In 1995, she received the Council of Peers Award for Excellence from the National Speakers Association, becoming one of only 32 women in the world named to their CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame.

For ten years Liz was a columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Articles by Liz have also appeared in Faith&Friends in Canada, WomanAlive in Great Britain, and Enhance in Australia. And more than 4,000 churches nationwide are using her video Bible study series, Loved by God.

On the personal side, Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bellarmine College, and is married to Bill Higgs, Ph.D., who serves as Director of Operations for her speaking and writing office. Liz and Bill enjoy their old Kentucky home—a nineteenth-century farmhouse in Louisville—and are the proud parents of Matthew, a college grad, and Lillian, a college senior. For more information visit www.lizcurtishiggs.com

About her latest release: Here Burns My Candle

September 1745

Edinburgh is a bustling city of fifty thousand inhabitants, the narrow closes and wynds crowded with rich and poor alike. Tongues are wagging over the impending arrival of Charles Edward Stuart—the young pretender to the throne—and his Highland army. Scotland, though bound by English law, is thick with Jacobites, who support the restoration of James and the overthrow of King George II.

Safely ensconced in their well appointed rooms overlooking the High Street are the Kerrs of Selkirk. Landed gentry from the Scottish Borders, the Kerrs have called Edinburgh home for a decade, all but abandoning their quiet country estate in favor of Edinburgh’s heady mix of culture, commerce, and political intrigue.

A spiritual famine has inflicted this family, a waning devotion to God. The Kerrs don’t belong in the city, and instinctively they know it. Edinburgh is foreign, unfamiliar, and even dangerous. Yet, they remain.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Lord Donald Kerr has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

Bound by marriage, then torn asunder by cruel circumstance, the Kerr women will be forced to depend upon one another. And that's when things will get verra interesting...

A mother who cannot face her future.
A daughter who cannot escape her past.
A timeless saga of love and betrayal,
flickering against the vivid backdrop
of eighteenth-century Edinburgh.

Here Burns My Candle is based on the beloved Old Testament story of Naomi and Ruth, set in another time and place to demonstrate the timelessness of God's Word. Scotland forever, dearie!

Leave a copy here to win a copy of this book! Be sure to leave your email address!

I'm super excited about our guest this week - she'll be sharing about two of my favorite topics: adoption and food! Yeah!

I love what Mary has to say about herself on her blog:

My name is Mary Ostyn. I’ve been married for 23 years to the guy I met in math class at age 17. We have kids in college, high school, junior high, grade school, and preschool, 10 altogether. Six girls. Four boys. Six of our children arrived via adoption, 2 from Korea and 4 from Ethiopia.  Our oldest daughter just got married. Our second is in college.  Our ‘baby’ is 5.

I homeschool. I kiss owies. I eat chocolate. I garden. I cook. I watch our budget. I take pictures obsessively. And I write. My 200-recipe cookbook/ shopping guide Family Feasts for $75 a Week came out in September, 2009, and is available at amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, CBD, and Costco. I also wrote A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family which came out in March, 2009 and is available at Amazon.

Leave a comment to win one of Mary's books!

Join me for Living Inspired as I chat with my friend and fabulous author, Kathi Macias. Kathi has some amazing stories she'll be sharing with us as well as giving away a copy of two of her books, Beyond Me and How Can I Run a Tight Ship when I’m Surrounded by Loose Cannons. Leave a comment on this segment post with your email to be entered to win!

For more about both of these book and Kathi's new fiction series, Extreme Devotion, check out her book page!

One of the fascinating stories Kathi will be talking about is her experience of working with Mark, a homosexual activist who died from AIDS, claimed to be an atheist and hated Christians, and whom she had the privilege of leading to Christ! Don't miss this episode of Living Inspired!

About Kathi: Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer and radio-show host who has authored 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Two of her books, Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World and My Son, John, have taken the number-one spots for best book of 2008 and 2009, respectively, by The Book Connection. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley. For more about Kathi visit her www.kathimacias.com

Join me this week as I chat with my guest, Stefne Miller, about adoption! I love that my husband and I are in the middle of an adoption and God has worked out the timing of Stefne's segment! Cool!

A little about Stefne: Stefne Miller was born an "Army Brat" and lived in many states growing up including: Oklahoma, Hawaii, Georgia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Before trying her hand at writing, she held various jobs including working along side her husband in Children's Ministry; becoming the Director of Operations and later a Public Policy Specialist and Cabinet Liaison for then Governor of Oklahoma, Frank Keating; and later, a pharmaceutical representative for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

In 2008, while visiting a friend out of state, Stefne had a dream in which the Lord asked her to join him on a new journey. Upon waking, she wrote down the dream and Salvaged was born.

Stefne currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma and has been married to Shaun, a realtor, since 1994. Shaun and Stefne have three sons - Jacob (13), Caleb (11) and Yohannes (10). Her passions include writing and Oklahoma Sooner football.

Stefne will be giving away a copy of her first novel LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST TO BE ENTERED TO WIN (be sure to include your email), Salvaged during the show. She's also offering a $2 discount on the book if you mention you heard about the book on Living Inspired.

About Salvaged:

Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why?

When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good.

Can Attie’s life be Salvaged?

Join me this week as Kendra and I chat about Kendra's difficult childhood and what it was like for her growing up with an alcoholic father. Kendra will share with us the story behind her books and life. A life, that by God's grace, has been used to impact the lives of many.

Live Intentionally! That phrase describes Kendra Smiley’s life and the message she brings to her audiences.  Kendra challenges and encourages her listeners to become aware of the many choices in life and to make the next right choice.  She has a unique, humorous approach that appeals to listeners of all ages.  In each message, she teaches skills essential to move forward in life.  She also provides the audience with the motivation to make positive life changes.  These audiences have included the Women’s Conference on Possibility Thinking at the Crystal Cathedral, the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, a prayer breakfast for the Independent Bankers of North Dakota, teachers’ conventions, Hearts at Home conferences, the Vienna Christian Center, an international church of Vienna, Austria, and women’s retreats around the nation.  She has traveled and spoken from coast to coast and internationally with her most recent European trip scheduled for this March and April, speaking in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. She and her husband were guests of World Gospel Mission as they traveled to Bolivia for a week of teaching and speaking in March of 2007.

BACKGROUND
Kendra was born and raised in central Illinois.  The daughter of a local dentist and youngest of three children, she was very active in her school and community.  The over-achieving “baby” of the family graduated with highest honors (bronze tablet) from the University of Illinois.  She went on to earn her Master of Science from the University of North Dakota, graduating again with highest honors.  She quickly became a well-loved public school teacher and coach before landing her role-of-a-lifetime.

Her role-of-a-lifetime began over 30 years ago when she and her husband, John, began their family.  Together, they have raised three sons – the eldest, Matthew, married and a graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of North Dakota;  the second son, Aaron, married and a student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois; and Jonathan, an undergraduate at the University of Illinois.  John, a school teacher turned salesman, was an officer and a pilot in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 30 years.  A natural-born entrepreneur, Kendra kept the home fires burning, while growing a home-based business, serving as a youth leader in her church for over 20 years, and staying active in her community.  Her love of sports and ministry resulted in the opportunity to serve on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) state board. 

Kendra’s work as a mother, entrepreneur, church and community leader did not go unnoticed.  In 2001, she was chosen as the Illinois Mother of the Year.  This prestigious award recognizes women who have excelled at motherhood while having an active role in their community, church, and schools. In 2002, Kendra was awarded the Tri Delta's Women of Achievement Award.  Awarded along side of Kendra were 4 others including Katie Couric.  The award recognizes alumnae members who display achievement in volunteer, philanthropic, civic, or professional pursuits. 

A natural and gifted communicator, Kendra honed her public speaking skills through countless speaking engagements and through instruction like that given at CLASS (Christian Leaders and Speakers Seminars), where she now is on staff as a facilitator.  A member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a presenter for the Understanding Your Teenager Seminar, Kendra capably connects to diverse audiences.   By drawing from years of experience as an educator and coach in public schools, a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and active participant in her church and community, Kendra has obtained the ability to communicate with people.

Politicians… Hospital Staff… Educators…Women at Church Retreats… Men and Women at Church Events… Members of Agricultural Groups…  New Parents… Parents of Teenagers… Couples at Marriage Retreats…  These are just a few of the diverse people that find Kendra’s messages challenging and inspiring.  Connecting with people – nobody does it better than Kendra.  Teaching people to make the next right choice – that’s Kendra at her best. 

Win a copy of Kendra's Empowering Choices! Leave a comment on this post! 

Kendra Smiley points out that no matter what our circumstances, each person has the ability to not only survive but thrive. "It's not about being a rocket scientist, or even a saint, " she says confidently. "People can have a more joyful life simply because of the choices they make."

Kendra has had 9 published titles.  They include:

• Empowering Choices
• Helping Your Kids Make Good Choices
• It’s a Mom Thing
• Give Your Heart a Good Spring Cleaning
• High Wire Mom
• One Rehearsal Christmas Plays
• Journey of a Strong Willed Child
• Be The Parent:  Seven Choices You Can Make to Raise Great Kids
• Do Your Kids a Favor.  Love Your Spouse.

Kendra has a regular column in Prairie Farmer magazine.  Her articles have been published in Christian Parenting Today, Successful Farming, and Proverbs 31 magazines.  She and her husband, John, co-author of Be The Parent, are guests on WICD – channel 15 the ABC affiliate out of Champaign, Il each Monday morning and Thursday midday.  They are also regular guests on MidDay Connection, a MBN show with Anita Lustrea, Total Living Network, and The WMBI Morning Show with Mark Elfstrand.  Their segment, Parenting Life A Pro, is featured once a week on many Moody radio morning shows.

Join us this Thursday on Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer as we chat about overcoming adversity and the tough stuff by allowing God to work in the middle of our mess.

Heidi knows first hand how life can break our hearts. After her husband died unexpectedly, God "transformed me from the inside out, and changed my illusion of finding happiness in this world, to delighting and finding joy in Him."

Get to know more about Heidi: Heidi McLaughlin is an international speaker and author of BEAUTY UNLEASHED: Transforminng a Woman’s Soul. For twenty-five years Heidi has been teaching and inspiring women to reach their full potential for who they were created to be. She does this through speaking, teaching Bible Studies, mentoring and writing. Her favorite part is sitting across from a woman over a freshly brewed cup of coffee and sharing heart connection stories. Heidi is married to Pastor Jack and they have a blended family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. They live in the beautiful vineyards of West Kelowna, British Columbia.  Visit her website to learn more.

Heidi is also the author of Beauty Unleashed: Transforming a Woman's Soul

Heidi's life-changing book was released in June 2007. Heidi believes, "The secret desire of every woman is to be more beautiful, both inside and out, and yet we can’t seem to find the magic formula. We are bombarded with solutions, but nothing seems to satiate our longing for value and significance. The fact is that you and I are beautiful because we are created in the image of God, who is the essence of beauty. It's all right there inside of us; we just need to allow God to reveal it to us and unleash it."

Tune in Thursday at 3:00 pm CST as I interview Shannon Stewart Ratliff from America's Next Top Model and her husband Matthew.

Shannon is best known for her appearance on ANTM's 2005 season. Stewart competed on the first season of America's Next Top Model. In the first week of competition, Shannon landed in the bottom two and if she hadn't won that week's challenge, she would have been eliminated. However, the following two weeks Shannon received two consecutive first call-outs, and performed consistently in the following weeks. But, in the semi-finals during a nude photoshoot in Paris, Shannon and fellow contestant Robin Manning caused controversy when they refused to take part in the photo shoot because of their Christian faith. However, this did not hinder Stewart's progression in the competition finishing second overall to Adrianne Curry. She was known on the show as the very "commercial , edgy girl". So tune in and find out more about Shannon and Matt!

Tune in this week as I interview Kathy on the tough subject of child abuse.

Hear Kathy talk about this tough subject with an insider's perspective. Tall, slim, with flashing blue eyes, this pretty mother of two radiates warmth and compassion. With her trademark teaching, “The 1% Principle,” she inspires her audience to “excel still more” and never give up on God’s ability to create change.

Kathy’s power comes from the work God did in her life by delivering her from being an abusive mother. Even though she had been a Christian for ten years at the time, she couldn’t grasp God’s strength to control herself. She hated her life and wondered if she’d ever experience God’s love and joy again.

But God is faithful. He replaced her anger with patience, rebuilt her love for her children, and restored the joy between Kathy and her husband, Larry. God has used Kathy’s inspiring sharing to encourage and bless many lives through both her speaking and writing.

Her speaking engagements have taken her to 30 states and 5 foreign countries. She speaks about 30-40 times a year.

The best selling author of the God’s Vitamin “C” for the Spirit series (co-compiled with her husband, Larry), she has authored 48 books, including Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries, Princess to Princess, Daughters of the King Journal, God’s Abundance, God’s Unexpected Blessings, Why Do I Put So Much Pressure On Myself and Others?, The Useful Proverbs, Through His Eyes, and The Undevotional for Teens.

There are 12 books in her Daughters of the King Bible Study series including Contentment, Celebrating the Heart of Marriage, and Character of the King. Kathy has also developed two tape series, Writing Professionally and Speaking Professionally.

Her articles have appeared in Moody, Today’s Christian Woman, Virtue, Charisma and many other publications.

Kathy has appeared on many TV programs including the 700 Club, Joy, 100 Huntley Street, and numerous radio programs. Kathy is on CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, Speakers Seminar) teaching staff.

For more info about Kathy, please visit her website.

Hello Listeners! I'll be out of town on Thursday - traveling with my husband (yeah!). But don't worry, you'll be in great hands with my guest host and friend, Margaret McSweeney. Margaret hosts her own show on Fridays called Kitchen Chat.

Let me introduce you to this week's guest, Brittney:

After surviving one of the nation’s first and deadliest school shootings, Brittney developed an untamed passion for social justice issues across the globe.

It was in Cambodia while working in water purification and health education programs that Brittney was first exposed to the underground world of human trafficking. Upon returning to the states to continue her education, Brittney soon discovered that modern-day slavery was happening right in her own backyard…and from there the rest is history! Brittney received her Masters in Public Health, became a member of the Lexington, KY Human Trafficking Task Force and soon found herself as the state director for the “Not For Sale Campaign” (www.notforsalecampaign.org).

Brittney has been a guest speaker at awareness events and educational seminars on issues regarding school violence and human trafficking. To learn more about Brittney visit her blog, Lopsided Halos!

Brittney shares her story in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiecing Grace. Margaret will   be giving away a copy of the book. Please leave a comment on this post to enter to win! Pe sure to leave your email so we can contact you!!!

Join me Thursday the 21st as I chat with Mary Byer's, author of The Mother Load and How To Say No ... and Live to Tell About It!

Mary Byers is a national speaker who is dedicated to helping people live and work more fully. An award-winning communicator and member of the National Speakers Association, Byers has been speaking professionally since 1988. She currently consults with, and speaks to, a wide variety of associations, corporations, civic groups, women’s groups and social service agencies.

A professional writer for 20 years, Byers is the author of The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family, How to Say No and Live to Tell About It and Extraordinary Women.

She has also written for several publications, including Entrepreneur, Association Management, and the Fort Wayne News Sentinel. In addition, she is currently a columnist for two professional trade publications and managing editor for a quarterly journal.

Byers is a frequent media guest, discussing women’s topics on national radio and television programs produced by the Total Living Network , Crossroads Christian Communications, LeSea Broadcasting, North American Mission Board, Moody Broadcasting, and Trinity TV. She has been quoted in Women’s Day, Parents, and Organic Style magazines and featured in the State Journal-Register, The Pantagraph and The Janesville Gazette.

Byers graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Telecommunications. She is a Certified Association Executive and a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers.

Byers and her husband, Stuart, reside in Illinois with their two youngest children.


Win a copy of Mary's The Mother Load by leaving a comment on this post!

Oh, I'm thrilled to have my dear friend Robin join me on my inaugural show! I hope you get an amazing glimpse of the Robin I know. Please join us at 3PM CST on January 14th!

Besides being my friend, Robin Jones Gunn is a best-selling, Award Winning Author, and International Speaker

Over the past two decades Robin has written 70 books including the popular Christy Miller Series for teens and the Sisterchicks® Series for women. Combined sales of all her titles have reached over 4 million with translations in seven different languages. Robin has won numerous awards for her work including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and finalist for the Gold Medallion. 

As a sought after speaker, Robin has appeared in public auditoriums from Helsinki to Hawaii and Brazil to Belfast.  She serves on the Board for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild and for Media Associates International.  Married for over 34 years, Robin and her husband live near Portland, Oregon and have a married son and a grown daughter.

Robin will be giving away a copy of her wildly popular

Take Flight! a Sisterchicks® Devotional

Spread your wings and soar with Take Flight! the first book in the Sisterchicks in the Word series! Robin Jones Gunn and her Sisterchick, Cindy Hannan, offer a collection of fresh, insightful devotions that will rejuvenate the quiet time gone dry. Along with key Scripture verses, they offer wit, whimsy, and wisdom (such as, when a woman knows shes loved, she can do anything).  Complete with ideas for Sisterchickin (slang for Sisterchicking: activities for Sisterchicks to do together, as in, “Dont bother us now; were Sisterchickin!” Not to be confused with Sisterchicken). New. Deep. Different. Fun!

to enter - just leave a comment for Robin on this post!

Find out more about Robin's trip to Nairobi!