RT Book Reviews Awards December 2015 SEAL OF EXCELLENCE to The Memoir of Johnny Devine

In addition to being a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award Nominee, The Memoir of Johnny Devine (Ashberry Lane, 2015) has been awarded the RT December Seal of Excellence — the RT Editors' Book Pick of the Month.

Each month, RT reviews hundreds of books in several romance genres, including inspirational, mainstream, erotica, paranormal, and more. The Memoir of Johnny Devine was selected by a board of editors representing many romance genres. If I’m not mistaken, Johnny Devine is the first inspirational title ever to earn this recognition.

“The RT Seal of Excellence is awarded to the one title each month that stands out from all the rest. The RT staff nominates contenders which the editors then read and discuss at length. Sometimes a book is propelled to the top of the list by an innovative twist on a familiar story, or a villain that leaves readers chilled to the bone. In other instances the setting or the author’s writing style has set the story apart. But every title that wins the RT Seal of Excellence is our pick for the best read of the month.” —RT Book Reviews

What RT Editors are saying about The Memoir of Johnny Devine:

“I am having a difficult time finding the words to describe exactly how much I loved The Memoir of Johnny Devine. Religion, particularly as a person’s saving grace, is a deeply personal and highly subjective topic. However, Camille Eide introduces the plot point with such sensitivity and respect that it’s easy to identify with the characters. I cannot tell you how much I loved reading about an educated, unmarried woman making her own way in the 1950s. In a time where women were expected to stay home, marry and take care of the household, our heroine Eliza is committed to her career and correcting social injustice. Her intelligence, sensitivity and grace immediately endear her to her new boss, the famous Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Devine (whom I pictured as George Clooney...you’ll see what I mean when you read). The most intriguing (and also disturbing) thing about this story is that despite the 1950s setting, the need for gender and racial equality as well as the ongoing witch hunt that is the Red Scare are very relevant today, in 2015, and I applaud Eide for being part of the conversation. She has managed to intertwine a beautiful love story, the desire to build a personal relationship with God and the necessity for social change into one truly fantastic read.” —Kristin Wise

Read the rest of the RT editors' reviews HERE.

The 12 books awarded the Seal of Excellence in 2015 are the nominees for RT BOOK OF THE YEAR. Only these twelve are nominated out of thousands of books RT reviews each year. It is a tremendous privilege and honor to be included in this list. But even more, it is especially meaningful to see God and the story he inspired set apart and honored in such a way. I'm extremely pleased and grateful for this.

Southern-fried Fiction: "Heartie" Camille Eide Talks About Her New Book

I'm thrilled to be a guest at Ane Mulligan's Southern-Fried Fiction blog this week. Follow the link and leave a comment, question, or high fives. We'd love to see you there!





Southern-fried Fiction: "Heartie" Camille Eide Talks About Her New Book

RELEASE DAY for The Memoir of Johnny Devine Plus a Ridiculously Cheap Deal

I

It’s HERE! 

My “classic” romantic inspirational drama, The Memoir of Johnny Devine, released TODAY and I’m thrilled to report that the paperback version, which was scheduled to release in a few weeks, is available now as well! This is definitely a plus for those who love to give the inexpensive but lasting gift of Story for Christmas. 

The Story: A young WWII widow hired to write an exclusive memoir lands on McCarthy’s hit list and must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with the born-again, ex-Hollywood heartthrob whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her. Or does it?

SALE: To celebrate Johnny D's launch, Ashberry Lane is offering my first two books ridiculously cheap! This week only (Dec. 1-7), grab your e-copies of Like There's No Tomorrow and Like a Love Song for only $0.99 each! Find these titles at your favorite bookstore, but that price won't last long.

Book reviews are already coming in, and it's an indescribable honor to hear how the story is touching hearts. Reviewers are using phrases like “romantic tension” "grace" and "redemption" about this story. 

Check out what readers are already saying about The Memoir of Johnny Devine.

Here's just one of several great FIVE-Star reviews:

Get Ready to Curl Up with Johnny's Memoirs

“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.”   -Cary Grant

It's not easy being one of Hollywood's leading men. There's something about the glare of the spotlight that makes people do things that they never thought they would - take chances with their life and gamble recklessly with the lives and emotions of others. All while flashing a white smile on the red carpet.

Johnny Devine had a meteoric rise to stardom, becoming known for two things; his immeasurable charm, and the number of starlets he wooed. But soon his acting skills weren't enough to cover the pain he felt and the alcohol forever lingering on his breath. When Eliza Saunderson takes the job as Johnny's biographer, she's determined to keep her distance. She doesn't want to add falling in love with a womanizer who claims he's changed to her list of woes. The Federal Agent accusing her of being a Russian Communist has given her enough to worry about. But as she helps (John) tell his tale, she discovers grace, redemption, and something even deeper. 

Camille Eide hasn't simply written a story; she's masterfully unfurled a glamorous world of Hollywood, intrigue, and love. As you follow the threads of Johnny and Eliza's stories, you find yourself transported to another time and another place. Reading Johnny's memoirs is like watching one of your favorite black and white movies late at night, wrapped in a blanket and eating popcorn. Comforting, familiar, and simply divine.

What a stunning review! 

Find The Memoir of Johnny Devine at these booksellers:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble 
• Kobo
• iTunes
• Smashwords

And don’t forget to enter the Goodreads Giveaway (right) for a chance to win a signed copy!

If you would like to receive news, updates, & special offers, please sign up for 

Camille's Book News mailing list and Ashberry Lane Publishing News.

OPEN HOUSE & BOOK SIGNING Dec 19, 2015

RT Book Reviews *FIVE-Star* Top Pick

The Memoir of Johnny Devine

OPEN HOUSE & BOOK SIGNING

Saturday, December 19

11:00—2:00

Sandy Assembly of God Church

39800 Hwy 26, Sandy, OR

Copies of Camille’s books will be available

(limited copies @$10)

Camille Eide launches her third romantic, inspirational novel in December with Ashberry Lane Publishing. It will be available in eBook Dec 1 and print Dec 15.

Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, but it can

cover a multitude of sins—one page at a time.

A young WWII widow hired to write an exclusive memoir lands on McCarthy’s hit list and must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with the born-again, ex-Hollywood heartthrob, whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her. Or does it?

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is a 1950s “classic” love story set in a time when post-war America seeks security in prosperity, Hollywood’s Golden Age is coming to an end, the “Red Scare” reaches new heights of paranoia, and unrest over civil rights continues to grow. It’s a story for those who enjoy a character-driven, inspirational drama, a strong but chaste romance, and a touch of intrigue.

RT Book Reviews (Dec issue) gave The Memoir of Johnny Devine a rare FIVE Gold Stars, their highest rating.

“Sharp, on-point writing immediate engages and makes it difficult to tear one’s attention away from this emotionally riveting novel. The romantic tension sizzles nearly from the beginning, and readers will often find themselves breathless from the sheer delight of it. Snippets from the compelling but fictional memoir peppered throughout the novel not only give vivid life to the protagonist, but also make it easy to forget that one is indeed reading fiction. The message of redemption is conveyed with such poignant elegance that it will linger long after turning the last page.” —Carrie Townsend, RT Book Reviews

Kindle special preorder price ($1 off) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015TOA05Q or visit www.camilleeide.com for other retailers.

The Rare FIVE-Star RT Book Review

RT Book Reviews recently gave The Memoir of Johnny Devine (Ashberry Lane, Dec 2015) a glowing review! I’m amazed at how much insight the reviewer was able to squeeze into the 175 word limit. She also rated it 4½ “yellow” stars and Top Pick.

I didn’t realize the different color (usually the stars are blue) meant anything until a senior RT reviewer pointed out to my publisher that those are GOLD stars. She also said the gold rating is a rare, only given once or twice a year. In fact, 4½ gold stars is equivalent to 5 stars, which they did away with years ago (for some mysterious reason).

But then, a few days ago, I heard that RT is planning to bring the 5 star back. The next day, I discovered that the rating on Memoir had been changed to FIVE GOLD STARS. As far as I know, no book has received 5 stars from RT Book Reviews in years.

So this is huge!!

And to top that off, I also learned that The Memoir of Johnny Devine is an RT 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award Nominee! This nomination is for books that reviewers consider the best of the best. I’m thrilled that Memoir is listed alongside such fine, talented inspirational romance authors such as Laura Frantz, Sarah Ladd, Robin Lee Hatcher, and Jen Turano.

 

I’m thrilled, honored, and grateful, but I’m not sharing this to get pats on the back. I’m hoping that this special nomination and rare five-star rating will help give Johnny Devine a better chance to reach readers who will love and be touched by this God-inspired story. And I hope those who love it will share it with every reader they know. In the literary world, the best advertising is still word of mouth.

Find out more about this story and where to get your copy at www.camilleeide.com. 

When The Story Is Too Real

Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, but it can cover a multitude of sins—one page at a time.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine, a Novel, is coming out soon, and I am excited to be sharing this story. While it's a work of fiction, so much of the character's lives, their hopes, fears, hurts, needs, etc are borne of real life and real situations. In fact, nearly everyone who has edited or read the manuscript has declared that this story feels so real, they forget they are reading fiction.

And for that, I'm glad. There are messages of very real hope woven throughout the story. 

Sometimes, it's difficult to hear stories of hope, because sometimes, we have to see what hopelessness looked like for the "hero" before we can truly understand and appreciate the hope they've found. In the case of Johnny Devine, not only it is painful to relive things he would much rather forget, he has to share certain things aloud with a woman of good, moral character, making the task even more uncomfortable.

Do you ever hear stories of lives transformed by God? Do you have difficulty hearing the pre-transformation details? When might the sordid details of past mistakes be helpful to others, and when might they best be kept private?

While you're thinking about that, let me just report that Romantic Times Book Reviews just published a review of The Memoir of Johnny Devine, and not only did the reviewer give a glowing account, she gave it a 4.5 GOLD star Top Pick rating! (5 stars are never given -- I think those are reserved for once-a-century phenomenons like To Kill A Mockingbird). I didn't realize until this review was published that Gold stars are rarely given. This is about the highest possible rating they give. I'm deeply honored, but even more, I'm excited because this might help put Johnny Devine on more "To Be Read" lists. 

Is it on yours? (Go HERE to add it to your Goodreads list)

Also: be sure to PRE-ORDER (the eBook version) and save $1 but only for a limited time. Visit my Website for links.

One last thing: If you're in the Portland/Gresham/Sandy/Boring area, I'll be having a Book Signing and Open House on Dec 19. Copies of all my books will be available. Go here for details.

Sign up for book news at http://www.camilleeide.com/contact.html or http://www.ashberrylane.com

Leslie Gould Hosting a Giveaway!

I'm so honored and thrilled to be a featured guest at author Leslie Gould's blog today. She's a not only a extremely talented, multi-published author, she's also an amazing wife, mom, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Hop on over HERE for more, and comment while you're there for a chance to win a signed copy of Like There's No Tomorrow!

AUDIOBOOK version of Like a Love Song is HERE!

Love audio books?

Like a Love Song is now available at Audible.com, narrated by professional narrator and author 

Becky Doughty.

Not a subscriber? No worries! 

Get this book FREE when you sign up for a free trial of Audible.

Special thanks to Ashberry Lane Publishing and BraveHeart Audiobooks 

for making this audio book possible!

Goodreads Book Giveaway: Like a Love Song

What could be better than a FREE BOOK?

A Goodreads Giveaway is now open for a chance to win a paperback copy of Like a Love Song. Enter by Oct 12 (US only).

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Like a Love Song

by Camille Eide

Enter by Oct 12, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Like a Love Song is a romantic, faith-filled drama about a desperate woman, some cast-off kids, and finding the courage to believe in a Love that never fails. Romantic Times Book Reviews gave this story a glowing 4½ star, “Top Pick” review (May 2015).

Good luck!

Johnny Devine Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Deal

I LOVE THIS COVER!!

KUDOS to Nicole at Miller Media Solutions and Ashberry Lane Publishing for this stunning book cover for my upcoming novel! I think it is the perfect blend of of Hollywood glamour, nostalgic mood, intrigue, and romance, don't you?

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is a “classic” love story set in 1953 at a time when post-war America seeks security in prosperity and conformity. Hollywood’s Golden Age is coming to an end, McCarthy's “Red Scare” reaches new heights of paranoia, and unrest over civil rights continues to grow. It’s a story for those who enjoy a character-driven, inspirational drama, a strong but chaste romance, and a touch of intrigue.

This novel was a blast to write and research. In fact, the idea for it came to me in a dream one night at a time when I was in the middle of writing another book. I was so moved by the dream that I set the other book aside and began plotting. Soon, Johnny "Devilishly" Devine was born. (He may possess a few attributes similar to Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and Gregory Peck. Their best ones, of course. :) )

Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, 

but it can cover a multitude of sins

---one page at a time.

Rumor had it that Johnny could seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he could hail a cab. But now, the notorious womanizer claims he's born again. Trouble is, everyone knows who he is and what he's done, and they'll never forget---the tabloids have made sure of that.

1953: Eliza Saunderson is a young war widow appalled by societal injustice and inequality. She also resents the notion that modern women are expected to look fashionable, keep house, and play bridge. What if a woman has other aspirations, other skills, other dreams? And then there was the expectation of marriage. Her's hadn't turned out to be the fairy tale her sister promised. Instead, marriage had taught her a painful lesson: Love wasn't worth the constant work of earning and fear of losing it. If what she had could be called love.

Desperation forces Eliza to take a job writing the memoir of the ex-Hollywood heartthrob, Johnny Devine. But to her surprise, she finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become. Meanwhile, her passionate articles on racial injustice land her on McCarthy’s hit list and she must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with a man whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her.

...Or does it?

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is the dramatic story within a story of a bad boy reformed and a good girl in need of reform. It’s a powerful tale of love, redemption, intrigue, and the miracle of God’s deliberate grace.

Johnny releases in print and eBook in December, but the eBook is now available for pre-order at a Special Price of 3.99 ($1 off) thru release day.

Captive, the Movie: Messy, Real, and Captivating

My husband, friends, and I had to drive an hour away to the one theater in our area that was showing Captive. Which is not surprising. Even though this film was distributed by Paramount Pictures, films labeled faith-based or inspirational usually don't make it to many screens. Perhaps the reason is the thinking that faith films are not compelling enough to fill more theaters.

My posture while viewing this film? Captive—literally. Held taut for 136 intense minutes and forgetting to exhale.

"Captive" is based on the true story of Ashley Smith, a single mother struggling with drug addiction, taken hostage in her apartment by a man on the run after breaking out of jail and murdering the judge assigned to his case. We are first introduced to Ashley (Kate Mara) in an addiction recovery group. Ashley pulls no punches about what drugs have cost her. She has a daughter she adores, but drug use has taken away what is most precious to her. No, next to most precious: she admits she can’t stop using because she likes it too much. We study her transparent expression as her resigned words replay in our ears, and we decide in that moment to applaud her honesty and sympathize.

When help is offered in the form of a book, The Purpose Driven Life, she tosses it in the trash. She is ruining her life and can’t stop. Won’t stop. What good can a book do? She is honest, she is helpless, and she is hopeless.

Soon, through a violent chain of events, escaped killer Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo), takes Ashley hostage in her apartment. Desperate and hunted, he also pulls no punches about what he is capable of. He killed a judge who wanted to enslave him, and “it felt good.” Ashley’s already hopeless life takes a sudden and unexpected turn for the worse.

Two lives intersect and the course of each changes in a most unusual and unnatural way. It’s that unnatural element that often piques my interest. The book Ashley tossed into the trash ends up on her kitchen table and becomes a catalyst of hope.

As a novelist, I create fictional characters, places, and events, yet work hard to weave in elements of truth, of universal realities that people experience. Real flaws, mistakes, and wounds, basic human hopes and fears bring stories to life, make them tangible, meaningful. And most importantly (to me), my stories include a real God who touches real lives in a very real and often “unnatural” way. It is the supernatural, subtly portrayed in this film, which adds that spark, that tangible hope to Ashley’s story. It is done carefully and organically, not forced, not tidy.

Like life.

The story is well-written, touching on universal elements of human experience people feel and even crave, like hope, second chances, and spiritual truths that empower and liberate. The acting is superb. Mara and Oyelowo are spell-binding as they portray realistic, complex characters who grip us from beginning credits to end. 

"Captive" is a high quality, thought provoking, “captivating” film that lingers long after you leave the theater. I highly recommend this film and plan to buy it and watch it again when it releases on DVD. 

Director: Jerry Jameson, Writers: Brian Bird (screenplay), Ashley Smith (book), Cast: Kate Mara, David Oyelowo

Watch the Trailer & get local showtimes here.

Question: Have you seen Captive? What was your takeaway?

Captive Movie Opens TODAY!

Today is release day (US) of the film, Captive, based on the true story of Ashley Smith in Atlanta 10 years ago. It's a powerful, faith-inspiring story, written for screen and produced by Screenwriter/Producer Brian Bird. I plan to see it tonight with a truckload - ok a minivan full - of friends.

Do you plan to see Captive? If you do, I would love to hear your feedback on the film. I will post my review here soon, stay tuned!

Click HERE for more info on this story, trailer, and showtimes in your area!

This novel is coming in December!

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is the story-within-a-story of a bad boy reformed and a good girl in need of reform. This “classic” romance is set in 1953 at a time when post-war America seeks security in prosperity, Hollywood’s Golden Age is coming to an end, the “Red Scare” reaches new heights of paranoia, and unrest over civil rights continues to grow. It’s geared toward those who enjoy a character-driven, inspirational drama, a strong but chaste romance, and a touch of intrigue.

Will be available in print, ebook, and audiobook.

Visit www.camilleeide.com for release news or sign up for publishing news from Ashberry Lane.

You CAN Be A Great Dad - Even If You Didn't Have One

“It’s easy to talk about being a great dad . . . but when the rubber meets the road it’s not always so easy . . . If we didn’t have those qualities modeled for us by a father, it makes it even more difficult. Interestingly enough though, the qualities that make a great dad are easily learned and mastered by all men. Most men want to be a better dad, even a great dad, but just don’t know how . . .” From 10 Things Great Dads Do: Strategies For RaisingGreat Kids - by Rick Johnson, releasing September 15, 2015

My review: Fatherhood can be challenging, but it can also be fun, rewarding, and fulfilling. 10 Things Great Dads Do is packed full of things that fathers (as well as moms and grandparents) can begin doing today to improve the challenging but doable task of raising confident, healthy, great kids. This book is an easy read (YES!) and an excellent tool for providing some very doable things to develop the kinds of characteristics in you, dads, that will positively impact your kids lives as well as yours.

This book is a godsend that fills in the gaps of what may be missing in our “toolbox” of parenting.

My kids are adults now and beginning families of their own. My husband did (and still does) a tremendous job as a father, but even so, I wish we’d had this book when our kids were young. Even after raising three great kids into great adults, this book is full of eye-opening information about what kids need that I wish I’d known. As someone who didn’t have the blessing of a great dad until I was an adult myself, I found myself nodding (tearfully) in agreement with everything Mr. Johnson said about what children need from their dad.

As grandparents, we are looking forward to putting some of these wonderful strategies into practice. I highly recommend this book to dads as well as to moms who want to partner with the father of their children to give them the best chance in life they can have.

The Author: Rick Johnson is a bestselling author of That's My Son, That's My Teenage Son, That's My Girl, and Better Dads, Stronger Sons, as well as Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half and Romancing Your Better Half. He is the founder of Better Dads and is a sought-after speaker at many large parenting and marriage conferences across the United States and Canada. Rick, his wife Suzanne, and their grown children live in Oregon. To find out more about Rick Johnson, visit www.betterdads.net

Pre-order the book on Amazon

SECOND CHANCES: Screenwriter BRIAN BIRD on Upcoming Film CAPTIVE

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

“All of us have loved ones or friends who have hurts, habits, or hang ups they need help with.” ~Brian Bird

CAPTIVE (2015 Paramount Pictures) is the compelling true story (in 2005) of a single mom taken hostage by a man on the run for murder, and the events that turned a deadly situation into lives forever changed. Captive stars Kate Mara (Fantastic Four), David Oyelowo (Selma, The Butler), and Michael Kenneth Williams. Directed by Jerry Jameson, screenplay by Brian Bird. This film releases September 18, 2015.

 “CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives. When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life. While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope.” (from the official movie website)

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

The film's screenplay was written by producer/writer Brian Bird, 30 year Hollywood film and TV veteran. Bird is co-founder and partner with Michael Landon, Jr. of Believe Pictures, specializing in life-and-faith-affirming films and television.

I became acquainted with Brian Bird through the television series “When Calls The Heart” (Hallmark Channel), which he and Landon co-created and produced. Fans numbering in the tens of thousands (and growing) appreciate the work that these men are doing and the vision they have for bringing faith-affirming, family values back to TV and film.

When I saw this trailer for Captive, I was both hooked and disappointed that I’d have to wait until September 18 (!!!) to see the film. In the meantime, I asked Brian if he would talk about this remarkable true story and share what he hopes its telling will accomplish.

CE: Brian, what first drew you to this story?

BB: I’ve been a member of Saddleback Church for the last 20 years, so I was very familiar with Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life and I even had an opportunity with 20th Century Fox to try to get some version of a movie made using the principals in Pastor Rick’s book. But it was only after the Ashley Smith story happened that Rick emailed me and suggested that we try to make Ashley’s story into a movie instead of trying to cook something up that was purely fictional. He was totally right. After that, it took about seven more years to finally get this movie made, but God’s timing could not have been more perfect and I am so grateful. I really believe this is a movie that could have a transformative effect on the culture, and perhaps even save some lives.

CE: I appreciate that the real, positive impact on lives, more than entertainment, fame, and fortune, is at the heart of your work, your goal. One of the taglines from the film is “When you have God, you have nothing to fear.” At what point in the creation process did it become apparent that this was a key truth in this story?

BB: That principle could not be any more true, not only in Ashley’s Smith story, but also in my own. When I started working on the screenplay for “Captive” I was at a particularly vulnerable point in my life. I was questioning my career, my future in the Hollywood industry, and my calling as a writer. Rick Warren called me one day and challenged my doubts. He told me that there is no such thing as being “uncalled.” There is no such thing as “un-ringing” that bell. I guess you could say it was a bit of a “come to Jesus” phone call, and a great encouragement to me to keep pushing forward. The fact that we have nothing to fear when we’re walking with God is absolutely an essential truth for all of us. And I am praying that “Captive” will help a lot of people around the world conquer their fears.

CE: It’s a powerful story, and yet, even though it’s based on true events, I believe a good storyteller draws on some kind of personal, core connection to make any story—real or fiction—come “alive” for others. Was there something in particular about the story that resonated with you personally?

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

BB: You’re right, when we are telling or adapting true stories into books or films, we are not making documentaries. We are making entertainments. That means we can’t let the truth get in the way of good storytelling. But in the case of the Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols story, I did not have to fill in too many gaps. We just chose to be as authentic with the story as possible. One of the big lessons in the true story, which became magnified in our film, is that we all need second chances in life. We’re not all murderers or meth addicts, but we have all made mistakes that we need to be forgiven for, and for which a second chance in life means everything. Some of the biggest sinners in history are recorded in the Bible. Moses was a murderer. David was an adulterer and a murderer. Yet God remembers them as powerful forces for good in the world. Imagine what the world would be like if there were no second chances.

CE: We would have no hope! I thank God every day for second chances. What were some of the challenges involved in bringing Captive to the screen? What kept you going?

BB: “Captive” is a “widow’s mite” kind of film. When my colleagues and I first embarked on putting this film together, we had very few resources to work with. There was no big bank account full of investment money to fund creation of the script or the plan for this film. We had to step out in faith with a sense of destiny that we could make this plan come together. But I think it’s more satisfying that way, because that’s what faith is always about. Faith is about stepping into the darkness, not knowing what the future holds, but doing it anyway. Our job is to be obedient. God does the amazing part. Just like when the children of Israel were trying to cross the Jordan River into the promised land. They had to wade out into the river at flood stage. The water didn’t start receding until they were in the middle of the river. That’s the way God works in our lives sometimes. We do obedience, and he does amazing.

CE: Amen! I found the storytelling and the acting/writing quality in just the trailer alone to be very impressive for a faith-based film. Do you anticipate a growing trend in high quality, faith-affirming TV and film? What can viewers do to help grow this trend?

BB: Any of us working in storytelling, whether it be writing novels or making movies, should be absolutely committed to excellence in our craft. We do the world, God, and ourselves no favors by playing small. When it comes to our creativity, there should be no such thing as the “good enough principle.” We were all made the image of the Author of the Universe. We all have a tiny strand of that author’s DNA in us. That means that every aspect of creativity that comes out of us should strive for excellence. Our goal should be to become the Michelangelo of our own gifts and talents, not for our own glory, but to point to the glory of the One who made us. That’s not to say we will be perfect in our creative endeavors, but I believe it’s a sin not to attempt to be the most excellent image-bearers we can be. I will let others judge whether we accomplish that aspiration with “Captive,” but I sure pray it’s so. And if they do see the film and believe it worthy of their recommendation, I pray they will tell everybody and their brother about it very quickly. The first week’s box office numbers are crucial to determining how many people will be able to see this film (and Lord-willing, have their lives changed). If people wait, thinking they will see it in weeks 2 or 3, there may not be a week 2 or 3. But if week 1 is big, we may be around for weeks 7 and 8!

CE: Thank you for making that clear. What do you hope viewers will gain from seeing this film?

BB: My hope and prayer for “Captive” is that millions of people will be exposed to this important story of Second Chances. All of us have loved ones or friends who have hurts, habits, or hang ups they need help with. I would like nothing more then to see thousands of our loved ones get into get into recovery or rehabilitation with ministries like Celebrate Recovery, the Salvation Army, and Alcoholics Anonymous. It took a killer to save Ashley Smith’s life because she was a meth addict who was on the brink of losing everything in life, including her life. The night Brian Nichols took her hostage a decade ago was the night she got a clean and sober, and she has been clean and sober ever since. Imagine if God was able to use this movie to do that same miracle in the lives of tens of thousands of people. That would be the biggest and most important accomplishment of my life.

CE: Thank you, Brian, for giving us a glimpse into the story behind the film, and for sharing your heart in bringing it to screen. I hope everyone will:

1. GO see this film OPENING DAY

2. SHARE the word with others

3. PRAY for lives to be touched by God in a powerful way

Sign up to get updates about the film here: http://www.captivethemovie.com/register.html or visit Captive on Facebook.

Share on Twitter: MUST SEE: CAPTIVE the MOVIE 9.18.15 starring @KateMara #DavidOyelowo @Captive #FollowYourPurpose CaptiveTheMovie.com  (CLICK TO TWEET)

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

Visit AMAZON for Ashley Smith's story: Unlikely Angel

QUESTION: Do you believe God gives second chances? Do you have a second chance story? Would you like to share it?

Do You Dare Hope?

Sue, the main character in Like a Love Song, finally dares ask God if he is really there. The thing is, she didn't doubt his existence before, she just didn't want proof. The idea of a giant, invisible father was always abhorrent to her. But a little bit of hope had slowly replaced just enough fear to bring her to ask, in spite of her fear of what she would find and fear of gross disappointment. So the simple act of asking was not simple at all.

I know. It was the same life-changing question that I once asked.

Hope empowers. And it doesn't take much. Have you lost hope? It's never too late to ask God to make himself real to you. He is Father to the Fatherless, defender of the weak. Have you struggled to believe? I have. It takes a measure of Faith to reach out and put your trust in an unseen Person. But fear not. Faith is a gift from God and he is happy to supply.

What's Your "Joseph" story?

Friends! Please take a minute & visit me and Kathy Harris at Divine Detour. Tell us your "Joseph" story. Or just leave a comment & make our day!!!

http://kathyharrisbooks.com/camille-eide-like-a-love-song/

I Almost Forgot! I'm a Finalist! Winners Announced Aug 12!

If you haven't already heard, my first novel, Like There's No Tomorrow, is one of 3 finalists in the Contemporary Published Novel category in the Oregon Christian Writer's Cascade Writing Contest. I'm very excited and just honored to be counted among such fine authors.

*****************UPDATE*************

2015 OCW CASCADE WRITING CONTEST WINNERS 
(IN BOLD - MORE TO COME...):

Published

Published Contemporary Fiction Book

Like There’s No Tomorrow by Camille Eide

Pure Evil by John Lawe (aka Don Crabtree)

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Published Historical Fiction Book

I Was There: Eyewitnesses at the Foot of the Cross by Peter Falconer Hansen

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Forget Me Not by Miralee Ferrell

Published Memoir

God and Grandpa: Lessons Learned on the Road Trip of a Lifetime by Justin Farrell

Those Were the Days by Mary Catherine Martin

Surviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe by Erin Taylor Young

Published Nonfiction Book

Naked and Unashamed: How the Good News of Jesus Transforms Intimacy by Robert Toornstra

Persevering Parent: Finding Strength to Raise Your Child with Social, Emotional or Behavioral Challengesby Karen Crum

With God . . . on a Tanzanian Safari by Annette Friesen Cone

Published Children’s Book

Catch Me Doing Something Good! by Janie Berry

A Trip for Mrs. Claus by Laura Lee Scott

Little Beth of the Forest by Cheri Turk

Published Speculative Fiction Book

Blood for Blood by Ben Wolf

A Time to Endure by Kyle Pratt

The Republic of Texas 2022: Texas’ last stand for faith and freedom by Gary Bray

Published Young Adult/Middle Grade Book

The Snowball Fight Professional by Angela Ruth Strong

A Gentile in Deseret by Rosanne Croft

The Water Fight Professional by Angela Ruth Strong

Published Articles, Columns, Blog Posts

“Some New Growth Just Needs Time” by Dorcas Smucker

“They’re Watching” by Rebecca Olmstead

“In God We Trust” by Linda Jett

Published Devotional

“The Gift” by Heidi Gaul

“Treasure Keeper” by Andi Hines aka Andi Lee (pen name)

“Pork Problems” by Laura Bradford

Published Flash Fiction or Short Story

“Except for My Dog Tags” by Jeanette-Marie Mirich

“Lost and Found” by Roberta Hegland

Published Poetry

“Poet’s Song” by Gayle Carlson

“When the Soul Felt Its Worth (A Poem on Christmas)” by Jason Hague

“Sojourners” by Lynn Hare

Unpublished

Unpublished Contemporary Fiction

Blood for Blood by Leanna Hollis

David King by Pamela McDavid

Twining Vines by Rebecca Cuadra George

Unpublished Historical Fiction

Trusting a Thief by Joanna Davidson Politano

No One Would Know by Kathleen Freeman

Nom De Plume by Joanna Davidson Politano

Unpublished Children’s

I’ll Tuck You in Mama by Kim Conolly

Little Flame Shares His Light by Tina Louise Gollings

Sofia and the Golden Cage by Becky Cuadra George

The Thudding Footsteps by Cheryl Secomb

Unpublished Memoir

Grieving Gumdrops: The Sweeter Side of Grief by Daphne Greer

Intimacy with God: One Man’s Journey by Rob Oberto

Remarkable by Larry Lent

Unpublished Nonfiction

Up Against the Chalkboard by Karen Dorsey

Healing Words for Hurting Women: Ten Women Find Healing in the Words of Jesus by Bethany Hayes

The Gift of Social Anxiety by Julie Rajnus

Unpublished Speculative Fiction

Rebirth by Amy McNew aka Amy Brock McNew (pen name)

The Heir of Draven by Dana Black

Aalok & the Coming Future by Glenn Turner aka Glenn Turner and Angel Torres (pen name)

 Unpublished Young Adult/Middle Grade

Pursued by Megan Menard

Rebuilding Shelby Merritt by Ashley Mays

Caught in Flames by Sarah Tipton

 Unpublished Articles

“Hurry to Goodbye” by Patti Lee

“Surprised by Squash” by Abigail Schreiner

“Limitless God” by Kelly Fritz

 Unpublished Devotionals

“Into His Presence” by Shari Caroll

“Sleeping with Parakeets” by Carole Harmon

“The Birthday List” by Karen Alban

“Flying Blind” by Shari Carroll

Unpublished Flash Fiction/Short Stories

“The Judge” by Rachel Baugh

“A Gift of Straw” by Dan Campbell

“Rose” by Connie Edwards aka Stephie Joans (pen name)

“Not Again!” by Sandy Zaugg

Unpublished Poetry

“Winter” by Debbie Kees

“Smooth Stones” by Jane Reid

“Maybe, Just Maybe” by Victoria Kenow