Inside Cinderella's Castle by Janet Britton

My brother, David told me about a book a friend from his church wrote that is yet to be published. Below in italics you will find information about her book and how you can support her in a contest through Amazon that just might be her ticket to publication with Penguin.

Her book is listed under historical fiction, since Amazon didn't have a category for Christian fiction. The book immediately takes you to the present disillusionment of marriage through the eyes of a young woman as she tells her mother that her marriage is over. The mother listens and remembers her past and then begins to tell a story... for more go to this link.

As you might already know, after my last book, To Live Each Moment, I’ve worked on a novel, though life has always taken precedence.

When I finally finished the novel, Inside Cinderella’s Castle, on a whim, I asked our former foster daughter to help me enter the Amazon.com's Breakthrough Novel Award for 2009. (She put it under historical since it takes place in 1967-68 and there was no Christian category. How surprising!) At that point I decided to quit tormenting myself with writing. After a week at Myrtle Beach, praying about what direction God would have me go, I returned home to an e-mail notification that Inside Cinderella’s Castle had made the cut for quarter finalists (800 out of the 5000+ entered). This tier is like the American Idol for authors. I laughed and told God I would work hard at soliciting positive reviews for two weeks, just in case this was His answer to what I am to do for Him. March 24th I started marketing myself—opened a Facebook account to get in touch with former students, made arrangements to open a Web page, had an interview with local paper. . . all extremely out of my comfort zone.

I’m writing this because I need your help. I need as many positive reviews as I can get. If you feel comfortable supporting me, please write a positive review on the amazon.com website.

Here’s how to write a review:

I. If you have bought from Amazon.com and have an account, you simply go to amazon.com/books and log into your account. In the search box to the right of "books” type in Janet Britton and you will see To Live Each Moment and a browse Historical Fiction. Click on Inside Cinderella's Castle, download for free. You will receive a notice of the cost of $0.00. . . (If you wish just skim the first couple of pages and say you're excited to read the rest of the novel. The contest just counts number of positive reviews.)

II. If you have not bought from Amazon before, you will have to go to www.Amazon.com, fill out proper spaces with name, address, purchasing info, and wait 24 hours to enter a positive review that will cost $0.00. (Several have said they had to purchase one item before voting – that I’m not sure.)

III. My excerpt can also be found on the following link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3C7G .

At first I thought the contest requirements were bogus, but I see that they’re just good business. Penguin, offering a publishing contract as the prize, will be able to see what author will market her work. Amazon potentially gets an enlarged customer base by requiring that voters first register as customers. In the publishing world today, writing the novel is only the first step. Marketing is essential. I guess this will tell me if I'm willing to do the rest of the job.Well, I'm not sure what God is saying to me, but I'm trying to listen so I'll know what my purpose is when I grow up. I appreciate any help you can give me.

Janet

Play It Again. SAHM by Meredith Efken

This enjoyable book was found by accident on the new books shelf at my library. Unfortunately it's the third in a series and I haven't read book two yet. Reading the third book second definitely spoiled book two for me (I know many of the secrets), but it won't stop me from reading it as soon as I can get my hands on it. A friend is reading book two now and enjoying it immensely. The author knows how to bring humor and insight into issues that moms deal with on a daily basis.

Book 1 - SAHM I am
Book 2 - @ Home for the Holidays
Book 3 - Play It Again. SAHM

Back of Books Says:

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY

After years of friendship, the women of the SAHM I Am e-mail loop are finally meeting in person. But with two new moms trying to blend in with Dulcie and the gang, there's bound to be trouble!

Earth-mother Iona and young mom Hannah are thrilled to join the weekend getaway sans hubbies and kids. But sparks fly when Hannah's know-it-all attitude clashes with the Queen of Ego, Rosalyn. When things go from bad to worse, one mom must step in to save the weekend from total disaster!

For more info check the author's website.

ISBN: 0373786468

Audio Book Giveaway from Randy Alcorn

For this month’s giveaway, Randy Alcorn is offering blog readers the chance to win an audio book of their choice. Many of Randy's titles are available on audio, including several that were read by Randy himself: Heaven for Kids, 50 Days of Heaven, the Heaven Booklet, Why Prolife, The Grace & Truth Paradox and Law of Rewards. They’re perfect to take along on Spring Break or summer trips, or even on your morning commute. For more information and to listen to samples from each of the audio books, visit the EPM website. (All audio books are also on sale during the month of March at a 40% discount .)

Here’s how to enter:
Leave a comment on Randy's post by Friday, March 27 indicating which audio book you’d like to win.

The three randomly drawn winners will be announced at Randy's blog on Monday, March 30, so be sure to check back and see if you won.

Eat This Not That! by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding

This is the second book in the series that I reserved from my library and I have one more on hold. I've enjoyed flipping through the pages and finding out that some of my favorite foods are not so good. Many are common sense, but others are tricky - for instance you might think eating a Lean Cuisine dinner is a good option (although you'd still be hungry when you are done - just my opinion) but the authors on pages 230 and 231 suggest that it would be better to eat Birds Eye Pasta Primavera instead. The Lean Cuisine meal actually has more fat, sodium and calories than the Birds Eye meal.

One thing I noticed is that sometimes there is no great option listed because they are comparing two items that aren't necessarily good for you. BUT if you are planning on eating at XYZ restaurant anyhow it's best to know your options.

Check your local library or bookstore for a copy of this useful book. For more info, a quiz, a book preview and more check out the book's website.

ISBN 1-59486-854-9

One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling

I read this book a while back, but haven't had time to post about it, since I've been spending my free time snuggling my precious baby.

This book indirectly encourages its readers to consider organ donation. It is something that can be easily done by checking a box on the back of your driver's license. The reader also is able to glimpse the grief of hurting and rejoicing women. Yes, I meant to say the grief of a rejoicing woman - read the book and you will understand...

Back of Book Says:

Nora Peterson is determined to make this Christmas perfect. Next year her twin teenagers will be off to college, and their lives will never be quite the same. With her husband delayed on a business trip abroad, Nora’s nerves are already frazzled when she gets the news of a car accident that will not only change the Petersons’ lives forever, but also those of another family whom they’ve never met.

As a nurse, Jenna Montgomery has always struggled with balancing her personal and professional lifer. Her daughter, Heather, has suffered from a heart defect for most of her life. Now that Heather is twenty years old and still on the organ transplant waiting list, Jenna must find a way to accept that this is likely their last Christmas together. Then the miracle Jenna has desperately prayed for becomes a reality in an instant, and Heather’s health is restored.
While Nora struggles with depression and grief, Jenna discovers that miracles aren’t always easy to receive.
ISBN: 13: 978-0446582100

For more information check out the author's website.