Some Wildflower In My Heart, a novel by Jamie Langston Turner

Some Wildflower In My Heart is the story of Margaret, a deeply wounded woman who has spent decades closed off to love, relationships, and especially God. She ensures distance from others by being cold and unapproachable. Yet In spite of her brusque demeanor, she finds herself the recipient of the persistently kind, friendly attentions of a woman named Birdie with an inexhaustible capacity for love.

In the real world, anyone behaving like Margaret is sure to go to their grave friendless. But because one woman’s love for Jesus flows like an underground spring and touches everyone she meets, there may be hope for Margaret.

Some Wildflower In My Heart is quietly deep, beautifully written; rich in word, touching in story. The kind of book I love to read (and write, I pray). Not everyone would enjoy spending time with an "unlikable character" such as Margaret. But some of us have a soft spot for those who wear an unlikable demeanor to disguise something heartbreaking. 

So what's intriguing about this story is that it is told in Margaret’s point of view. If I were only able to observe Margaret’s outward behavior, I wouldn't be interested in her story. But her thoughts tell a very different tale. What Margaret is only telling the reader is that she was inexplicably drawn to this kind woman. And that drawing rattled her. She tells how Birdie’s gentle, persist love eventually broke past Margaret’s cold shell and brought warmth to the painful, neglected places in her heart.

I love both the rich writing and the realistic-ness of the characters -- though I have not personally met a lot of people quite like Birdie. And yet, I have met the same gracious spirit of God in people and can recognize the way of grace that God shows to us, if we receive it. 

Lovely, touching story. I highly recommend.

I blogged a little more about how this story makes me think of the phrase in 1 Corinthians: "Love keeps no record of wrongs." Visit Along the Banks & Love See No Wrong

UNRAVELED, A Novel - by Sharon K. Souza

Unraveled: Masterfully Woven, Powerfully Tender

“Heart-of-the-matter Fiction with a good dose of humor” is a spot-on description of Sharon K. Souza’s latest work, an intelligent, engaging style of storytelling I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing is stylish and masterful, full of wit and fresh turns of phrase. The story is thought provoking yet entertaining, and full of endearing characters. I rarely find a story so hard to put down as I did this.

Eager and idealistic, Aria Winters sets out on a mission to be the “hands and feet of God” to those in need. It’s a great goal, especially for a young woman of privilege. She sees this year-long mission trip as a way to shed some self-absorbed attitudes as well as to get some distance from the safety-net of her family. Unfortunately, Aria has no idea how much shedding of her self, her presumptuous ideals, and the very basis of her faith she will face before her time is up.

The people of Moldova open Aria’s eyes to life and people outside the status and shelter of her comfortable sphere. Yet in Aria’s endearing, self-deprecating way, she determines to adjust and works hard to fit in, hopeful she might do some good, in spite of poor preparation and the handsome but terse co-worker who seems to see straight through her. Soon, this beautiful place, these people, and the eager children in her tutelage erase any lingering doubts she has about her purpose here.

 . . . Until a devastating tragedy occurs.

When the girl Aria has formed a special bond with becomes a victim of the worst kind of human-trafficking, Aria’s world is shaken. She is forced to face the horror of her own carelessness, the truth about her ideals, and her serious doubts about God. How can he allow such unspeakable horror? How can Aria “work for” someone who won’t protect the innocent?

And how can Aria make right the secret sins in her own life if God won’t listen to her prayers?

Unraveled is a powerful yet tender story full of wisdom and grace. Its sorrows and joys will move you, leave you feeling as though you’ve knelt alongside Aria and unpacked some difficult to grasp truths gently wrapped in layers of God’s grace and compassion. So gentle but direct, so straight to the “heart of the matter.” So like Jesus.

I was touched and encouraged by this beautifully woven story, one I sincerely hope won’t be Souza’s last.

++++++++++++++++++++

Author Website:
Sharon K. Souza

UNRAVELED
is available HERE on Amazon

Read a Sample Chapter

Love Under Construction, a Short Romance

Just for fun, I thought I'd share super short romance I wrote recently. A complete story in about the time it takes to savor your favorite cup of coffee. Enjoy!

~c

by Camille Eide

Veronica Wells was a construction site safety hazard.

Doyle arrived at work early that day, hoping the extra time would be enough to get his head on straight. Forgetting to wear a hardhat or strap on tools before hitting the roof wasn’t healthy.

Plus... he didn’t need to get caught staring at the boss's daughter again.

When Ronie was hired on as interior designer, Doyle wasn’t prepared to find his oldest friend's little sister so grown up and so . . . breathtaking. And so aloof.

While discussing a delivery with Mr. Wells, Doyle glanced up. Ronie was headed straight for him.

Breathe. She’s not coming for you, idiot.

“Hey.” Smiling, Ronie pecked her dad’s cheek. Beneath her hardhat, Ronie's hair fell in shiny, caramel waves. Her warm smile squeezed something in his chest. Desperate for cover, Doyle glanced away. Checked his watch. Realized it was on upside down. 

While Ronie took her dad to a nearby table to see her newest designs, knuckles rapped on Doyle’s hardhat.

“Hey—you remembered your gear.” Jered grinned, then nodded toward his sister. “Come on, do us a favor and ask her out.”

“I can't, not yet. She’ll just think I’m a shallow jerk who only cares about how amazing she looks.”

“Right." Jered nodded, his expression full of mock seriousness. "Girls hate to be found attractive.”

“You know what I mean. She comes back from design school grown up and gorgeous and suddenly I’m interested? No. I’m not hitting on her. Not like that.”

Jered muttered something about the hazards of construction site romances and left.

Maybe Jered had forgotten how, as teens, he and Doyle ridiculed Ronie so she’d stop tagging along. Unfortunately, it had worked. She vanished whenever Doyle visited the Wells home after that. Her behavior when she took this job confirmed his suspicions. The first time she saw Doyle, she spun on her heel and disappeared.

Just before lunch, Doyle passed the drawing table where Ronie worked. When he heard her singing softly, he slowed his steps.

Don’t stop . . .

Doyle stopped, tuning out everything but the smoky caress of her voice. Soulful, like a distant lover’s summons. Tilting her head to examine her work, Ronie smiled.

You’re twisting my heart.

Don’t stop.

Ronie looked up, met his eyes, and froze.

Doyle pivoted, grabbed the nearest toolbox, and went outside. It wasn't until he reached his truck that he realized he’d grabbed his boss’s lunch.

* * *

Stunned, Ronie stared after Doyle. It wasn’t the first time she’d caught him staring. Was it her singing? Her cheeks burned at the memory of how he and Jered used to call her “Fatsy Cline.”

No. That was past. With Christ's help, she’d learned to let go of past offenses and to forgive. 

But what a strange coincidence, running into Doyle now. No longer a dreamy brown-eyed older boy, but a man.

Yes. Definitely a man.

A man who acted reserved around her now, yet so polite. Gentlemanly, even. Opening doors for her, going out of his way to get her bottled water. Staring---on several occasions. But never speaking to her directly.

Did he still see her as Jered’s annoying little sister?

With a sigh, she printed the new specs and took them outside to her dad's office. As he skimmed her revised lobby design, Ronie watched the workers buzz around the site like bees.

All but one. Doyle sat in his truck, forehead pressed to the steering wheel. Had he been sitting there all this time? Was he irritated that she was here, still “tagging along”?

No. Doyle had been nothing but kind and respectful toward her. And strangely uncomfortable. Why?

Could be the way I’ve been avoiding him . . .

As Ronie studied his slumped frame, a warm truth dawned. If not for her gigantic crush on him as a girl, his teenage taunts wouldn’t have hurt so much. But the truth was, she’d forgiven all that.

So why did she still avoid Doyle?

Maybe it was because he still made her heart flip.

What am I, twelve?

An apology was in order. Praying for an extra measure of grace, she headed for Doyle’s truck.

He scrambled out as she approached, then exhaled in a rush and met her eyes. “Ronie, listen. I should have said this a long time ago. I’m really sorry about all the rotten things I said back when—”

“No, Doyle. That’s all forgotten.”

He stared, confused. "It is?"

Ronie nodded.

He studied her in a way that sent her pulse racing, like he was allowing himself to see into her in a way he hadn't before. He frowned. “Then why—ah. Okay, I get it.” He nodded, then looked away. His face flushed. “Jered told you.” He heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m not a safety hazard. I just . . . can’t think straight when you’re around.”

She pressed a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart.

Doyle looked at her, alarm cinching his brow. “Are you okay? What do you need—water?” He searched his truck cab, shoving piles off the seat, then held up something flat. “Snickers?”

Ronie bit back a smile. Sweet Doyle. She tried to laugh at his attempts to treat her “emergency,” but his concern somehow made her teary.

Stepping closer, he searched her eyes. “Ronie?” The way he whispered her name felt like a gentle caress.“Talk to me.”

She couldn’t. The truth hit her like a boom truck, stealing her air. Pulse racing, she leaned close and placed a soft kiss beside his mouth. When she pulled back, his eyes remained closed.

“Uhh, could you . . . repeat that?” He opened his eyes and smiled, then took a swaying step and staggered back against his truck.

“Careful, Doyle,” Jered hollered from a few yards away. “Told you construction romances were hazardous.”

Short-Short Romance: Take A Moment To Read & Vote

Hey You Romance Lovers & Lovers Of Simply Good, Clean, Short-Short Fiction!

Family Fiction's Create Romance contest is underway for 1000 word (one page) romance stories. Once the entries have passed a first round screening, they are posted on the Family Fiction contest page for public voting. Anyone can vote (you just have to provide an email address). You can vote once for each story you like. The stories with the most votes move on to further rounds, and the author who takes first place in the final round wins an all expense paid trip to American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference 2013. Voting ends in August. 

I've entered two stories. The titles are links to read them:

Before Another Day Ends is a touching story about a young woman who finally admits she's in love with her best bud, only . . . it may be too late. 

In Hope Lights The Way, there's just something familiar about the quiet, handsome man Lily has been serving breakfast at the diner.

You are welcome to vote as you please for mine and/or any other stories you want to win.

Thank you so much for taking a brief moment to read my short stories (consider it a super cheap birthday gift to me!) and for supporting Christian Fiction!

God's Grace & Blessings,

-Camille

STARDUST, A Novel (My review)

STARDUST: A Novel 
By Carla Stewart

Reading this story makes me feel like I've made a new friend.

Georgia Peyton is a true southern gentlewoman; strong, yet open and kindhearted. She's gracious and generous, but not a pushover. What she gives, she does of her own choice. She quietly carries her hurts, longings, and betrayal, but remains loyal, regardless of whether or not it's deserved. The kindness she shows to her cheating dead husband's mother first comes from her instinctive sense of duty, but, as Georgia is challenged to dig deeper throughout this story, her care for Mary Frances comes from an untapped place in her core, borne out of compassion. I love this! I also admire the way her unconventional friendship with Ludi, the black woman from the bayou, begins so naturally. She slips it on like a favorite sweater, without regard to the constant censure of people in her life and community who can't see past color, fear, and bigotry.

Georgia is a woman who shows patience and respect for others even when she doesn't agree with them, yet she still has plenty of room to grow. Her life has been fraught with unanswered questions and memories that eat at her sense of security. In this story, when the polio epidemic moves in closer to home and fear escalates, Georgia must make difficult choices that affect those she loves. In the midst of fear, confusion, and the unknown, she must keep her head and consider what's best in the long run for others, and to follow through by faith.

Through forgiveness and surrender, she finds the love and peace she seeks, and I love that. Faith is ironic that way, best tested and strengthened when the outcome is unknown. An example of this is seen in one major test of Georgia's strength and grace: the challenge and opportunity to help her dead husband's mistress. Georgia's courage and willingness to go the extra mile for others--whether or not they deserve it--is a powerful example of Christ-like, sacrificial love you can put your trust in.

Besides my friend Georgia, what I loved about this story is its subtle complexity. While a smooth, easy read (Carla Stewart's soft southern voice is like a soothing song), its layers are rich with real characters, each with their own unique strengths and flaws, right down to the children, who charm us with their childish moods and true childlike wonder. While simply captivating and entertaining, this story gently touches on some weighty topics such as infidelity, addiction and prejudice with the same grace and compassion we quickly come to love it its heroine.

This is such a beautifully told and engaging story, but it's also a subtle but powerful lesson in hope, redemption, love, loyalty and grace that you won't soon forget.

The Captive Heart (W. Dale Cramer, 2012) A Stunning, One-of-a-kind Saga

I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on the second book in author W. Dale Cramer's latest series (The Daughters of Caleb Bender), The Captive Heart. It just arrived last week and I tore right into it. I was not disappointed!

Here's my review:

The Captive Heart continues the story begun in Paradise Valley (2011), in which Amishman Caleb Bender and his family move from Ohio to Mexico in the 1920s to avoid religious persecution. But the troubles they and other settlers face in the beautifully fertile yet rugged new land prove to be a far greater challenge. In the turbulent aftermath of the Mexican Revolution, the cultural climate is unstable. Increasing trouble with roaming bandits causes Caleb to doubt not only the success and happiness of his beloved family in this new land, but his wisdom in bringing them and other families here.

Fresh descriptions throughout paint a vibrant, beautiful setting against the rugged Mexican landscape. In each book, the girls’ unique stories are artfully woven together with the overarching story of Caleb Bender, the father whose desire to honor and trust “Gott” leads him on a journey that shakes his faith and tests his quiet, noble strength. A pacifist by faith, this father faces the unthinkable: threats against the lives of those he loves. How will he respond? How many must be harmed, even lost before it ends? Must he rethink what he has always believed about the value of a man’s life versus a man’s soul?

I loved meeting the characters in Paradise Valley and getting to know them better in this second of the three book series. Miriam takes the lead with her forbidden yet growing love for Domingo, the half-breed Mexican native who works for Caleb. A man of strength and wisdom, Domingo declares that the religion of the Amish “makes no sense,” and that there are many “fences” that forbid a relationship with Miriam, the one he calls “Cualnezqui” or Beautiful One.

Domingo is wonderful character whose honesty, strength and nobility I found intriguing. His desire to understand this Christian “religion” was borne of the troubling fact that it “makes no sense.” The simple truth of the gospel is displayed in the lives of many characters, not so much because of their unusual ways, but by the consistent grace and strength evident in their lives. The daughters each possess a unique, distinct voice, each one displaying their own strength of faith and quiet beauty. One daughter voices simply yet powerfully what it means to be a child of God. I appreciated her simple message that it is not about how we practice our faith or what disciplines it takes to conquer our sinful human nature, but that it is a matter of constant surrender to God.

Knowing Cramer has both a family history (see the award winning Levi's Will) and intimate ties to the Amish community makes the stories and characters that much more fascinating. The backdrop and setting for this series is based on actual events that occurred in his family in the 1920s, making this story especially intriguing. Cramer does a fabulous job weaving a story filled with distinct characters with goals, fears and triumphs we can all can relate to. Despite differences of era, culture, setting, and religious traditions, the characters in this series depict universal joys and pains that resonate with everyone.

You don’t have to be a fan of Amish or “bonnet fiction” to be captivated by Cramer’s Amish works. My husband saw me reading The Captive Heart and teased, “So is there any action in that book?” To which I replied, “Yes, tons!” I’ve decided this series creates a new fiction genre: Amish Action.

The loves, joys, fears, and sufferings of the characters in The Captive Heart are deeply emotive. The romantic threads of Miriam and Rachel as well as the ominous threats and dangers kept me hooked and reading non-stop. This series so far is a well-rounded, rewarding blend of romance, mystery and gripping action. It’s a blend I could easily see played out on the big screen. I eagerly look forward to the third and final book in the series and am already sad this beautiful saga will come to an end.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.

BookingIt: Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)

I've been a guest on several blogs lately due to the release of Savanna's Gift, my (100% 5 stars!!) Christmas novella, but have been busy making and revising (but not actually doing) Christmas To-Do lists and forgot to share the links here with you.

Here's the latest guest blog spot, a visit with my chocoholic friend Jessica Nelson in which we discuss the deep nature of romance, sticky note inspiration, pursuing your talent, and chocolate:

BookingIt: Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)

More Christmas Romance . . .

White Rose Publishing has a sweet treat of a holiday lineup with 12 Christmas Romance novellas specially priced at $1.00 during the month of December. WRP is releasing one of these 12 Christmas titles each day.

Today's release is Polar Bear Plunge by Linda S. Glaz.

Brice Taylor might not be on Aleni Callan's Christmas list, but she finds him under her tree anyway.


Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier when war hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understand how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widowed Aleni Callan and her son Tyler, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan, with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Tyler, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And though the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

My Review:
Polar Bear Plunge is a touching story that shows how healing from brokenness and bitterness can often come from the last place we expect, and how God is patient and loving enough to send what or whomever it takes to get our attention. Aleni, a war widow, masks a broken heart by throwing herself into her work and into the care of her young son, with the help of her caring mother-in-law. Brice is the last man on earth she could love, but when forced into spending time with him, Aleni discovers he's not who she thought he was, and is battling wounds of his own. I loved this story, and love seeing how it shows the way God often brings blessing and healing to us in unexpected ways. And the love of nosy, well-meaning relatives never hurts. An intriguing feel good romance for a quick wonderful read anytime, and a special treat for Christmas.


Note: ALL White Rose Holiday Extravaganza books are specially priced at $1.00 thru 12/24

Watch the book trailer: http://ow.ly/7NbBt


Pick up Polar Bear Plunge at: Amazon (Kindle) or White Rose/Pelican Book Group


About Linda:

I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

Get Savanna's Gift Now!

It's HERE!

SAVANNA'S GIFT, a Christmas Romance about rekindled love and second chances, is now available for download from White Rose Publishing: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/savanna-s-gift

or at Amazon for your Kindle at:
http://www.amazon.com/Savannas-Gift-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B006G3YF6K/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that divided them get in the way?

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson. Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

SWEET DEAL: For a limited time SAVANNA'S GIFT is specially priced at just $1.00 through Dec 24, 2011

Praise for Savanna’s Gift:

“Camille Eide’s fiction debut, Savanna’s Gift is an enchanted tale of lost love and second chances. With endearing characters and the smell of cinnamon-scented pinecones in the air, I was swept away in this heart-warming story. Lovely anytime. Perfect for Christmas.”

~Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Broken Wings

More about Camille and her books at: http://www.camilleeide.com/camille.html

Final Drawing for the Christmas Cookie/Book Giveaway

Okay, I got side-tracked again and didn't draw. Doh! Before I do, I just want to remind y'all we had some tasty sounding cookie recipes shared here, so I hope you saw one you'll try. Thanks to everyone for sharing those!

So...today's winner is: Ginny!! Congrats, my friend to the far north!

And for those who didn't win a free copy of SAVANNA'S GIFT, my new Christmas Romance novella, don't be sad. Amazon got a little excited and started selling the Kindle version for $.99, which makes me real happy, since they are honoring the publisher's special holiday price. For all the non-Kindlers, the book is available tomorrow (Dec 3) at the White Rose Publishing site in various other book types.

And speaking of which, there are 11 more Christmas Romances available as part of WRP's Christmas Extravaganza. The 12 books are releasing one a day for twelve days (12 days of Christmas?).

So no matter what kind of eReader you have, a super deal is waiting for you, but only until 12/24.

And . . . if you have no ereader but want to read an eBook (like mine, or those great freebies you can hear about daily by signing up at http://www.vesselproject.com/ ) there are free apps for your pc, phone, iPad, etc. Many eBooks are offered as PDFs, which most PCs will read. So my point? Yes, there's no excuse. Anyone can read an eBook. And at eBook prices (which are often free when you catch the deals) you can really load up your library.

So what are you watiting for? (The commercial to end so you can go back to baking Christmas cookies, right?)

One last plug: Thanks to cool cyber friends, I will be a guest on several blogs over the next few weeks. I may leave a link to them here if you have nothing better to do in the weeks before Christmas but follow me around the web and listen to me talk about Christmas and romance and other stuff. We'll kick it all off at the WordServe Watercooler tomorrow, where I shameless plug my book while launching a discussion about the Humble Artist and Self-Promotion, two seemingly incongruent topics.

So until next time, happy baking, and God bless!