Giveaway - Up to Three Copies of Green Like God

Title: Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet
Author: Jonathan Merritt

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (April 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446557250

    Publisher's Description

 Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our PlanetIn GREEN LIKE GOD, Jonathan Merritt gently and insightfully observes that the bible has a lot to say about environmental problems like unclean water, material waste, over consumption, air pollution, and global warming. In fact, Jonathan writes that "in the book of Genesis, God went green and never looked back." Relying heavily on scripture, Jonathan gives the case for green living, but not because it's trendy and hip. Rather, it's part of living rightly as a believer. It's an act of obedience to our Creator-God.

GREEN LIKE GOD is at once practical, prescriptive, and conversational in tone. The author looks at a number of trends with tips to help the reader wade into the world of creation care living. An appendix includes suggestions of things we can do. In addition, the book includes interviews with everyday Christians to tell the story of the journey to environmental stewardship among people of faith.

This is the book that Christians are longing for and need today. Written for a new generation of Christians who are struggling with how to deal with the important issue of creation-care and green living, GREEN LIKE GOD is both highly relevant and theologically sound. It will have a profound impact on how Christians live and interact with the world today.

REVIEW:  This book is gently powerful.  Mr. Merritt presents the "green" issues of caring for our planet not as a fad, a trend or as a politically correct position to endorse for a season.  Rather, the author presents the environment issues as a committed lifestyle awareness; choosing to recognize God's special creation and man's responsibility to care for it.  Mr. Merritt's arguments are consistently and well supported with Biblical references - the Creator's instruction manual.  In addition to quoting numerous and applicable Biblical passages, the author quotes poetry like this verse on page 34:

"As the English poet, John Drinkwater wrote:
When you defile the pleasant streams,
And the wild bird's abiding place,
You massacre a million dreams
And cast your spittle in God's face."

Near the end the author includes a chapter of Guidelines for a Greener Life which sets out some simple suggestions for even small lifestyle changes that can make a difference.  Then in The Big, Bad Climate Question he recommends always seeking honesty, integrity, justice (including compassion to the less fortunate who will struggle more with less resources) and prudence.

Living green is not always a favorable topic for people. Viewing it from a Biblical perspective will be less favorable for some. But if you are at all interested in environmental issues and are willing to view our earth as God's special creation, I think you will really be stirred this this book.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND VALERIE for the opportunity to give away this book.
This giveaway will provide one book for each 5 different people entries.  So for 5 people entered there will be one book, for 10 entered there will be two books and for 15 or more people there will be three books given away.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Book:

1. For your main entry tell me any recycling you do or make a comment on one of the three links a) -c).  Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
a) Check out the Author's Website and tell me something you found interesting there.OR
b) You can browse the book here and comment on what you see OR
c) Listen to the Blog Talk Radio Live Interview and tell me something you learned.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. For one more extra entry click on The Rainforest Site to give - it's free! Tell me that you did so I can give you that bonus entry.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

UP TO THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on May 28, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

It's Monday! What are you Reading May 10, 2010?

This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I didn't get to visit too much this week. Busy as solo at the office.
I did get a couple more reviews done - I keep plugging away.
Took time this week working on line edits of another new book.

Reading went all right.

Finished:

PB:  Eureka Point by Betty Ann Harris
This is a fast enjoyable read.
This is a book I won - it is really nice to read some of my own TBR!  I really liked the cover too!

Product Description

Looking for your knight in shining armour? Running as fast as you can, trying to avoid danger, into the arms of safety or is it? Katie Montgomery, learns that her estranged husband, Craig Montgomery, has been deceiving her and is involved with a dangerous South American drug cartel. He becomes a fugitive and leaves Katie alone and in danger. The FBI is afraid that the drug cartel thinks Katie may know all about their drug operation, and to protect her the FBI assists her in assuming a new identity. Then enters Tom, the FBI special agent assigned to protect her. He is totally smitten with her and will do anything to protect her. They fall for each other but Katie cannot allow herself to give in and show her true feelings. Unexpected twists and turns keep you on your toes as you root for Tom, who turns out to be the modern day knight in shining armor. Are you up to finding out about a Special Agent?

PB:  The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter.  I am reading this as part of the first Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club! There are four stories together in this book. We are reading one each month.  The first story is Sunrise in the West. Very excellent historical fiction!
My review is to be posted May 18.

Product Description

A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.
Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers-Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David-vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall...
Originally published in England as four individual novels, The Brothers of Gwynedd transports you to a world of chivalry, gallant heroes, and imprisoned damsels; to star-crossed lovers and glorious battle scenes; and is Edith Pargeter's absorbing tale of tragedy, traitors, and triumph of the heart.

PB: Humpty Dumpty & Other Rhymes (Nursery Rhymes Pop-Up Book)
Read with Grandchildren:

Kindle2:  Hard to think I haven't picked up the Kindle for two weeks!  But I have some coming up soon.

Audible: --------

Currently reading:

PB:  Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine
Half way through this very fast action read.
Reading this for Hachette with Giveaway to be posted soon!

Product Description

"I am Iron Man." With those words, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark revealed his secret identity. Now a famous high-tech superhero, he uses his powers to protect mankind. Yet things are not going well for Tony Stark. The U.S. military demands control of the most powerful weapon on earth--the Iron Man suit. His beautiful new assistant has a strange, mysterious agenda while his best friend, Rhodey, has betrayed him. And Tony is hunted by a vengeful Russian criminal armed with a lethal technology that may be stronger than Tony's suit. But even as he fights his demons, the hero faces his greatest threat--one that no armor can defend against . . .

PB Next up: Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo.  Hachette book with giveaway. 

Product Description:
Alex Cross tells the incredible story—passed down through the generations—of an ancestor's courageous fight for freedom.
SEPARATED BY TIME
From his grandmother, Alex Cross heard the story of his great-uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a book he's written—a novel called Trial.
CONNECTED BY BLOOD
A lawyer in early-1900s Washington, D.C., Ben Corbett fights against oppression and racism—and risks his family and his life in the process. When President Theodore Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his hometown to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.
UNITED BY BRAVERY
In Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful daughter, Moody. With their help, Ben discovers that lynchings have become commonplace. Ben vows to break the reign of terror—but the truth of who is really behind it may break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and unparalleled bravery.

Kindle2:  Love Come Knocking by Kathy Cakebread

Product Description

Have you ever felt unlucky in love? If you think Cupid has gone on holiday for the last few years then feel happy you're not the only one.Ben Dover is a big guy with a big heart who is desperate to find love in a image conscious society. Follow him in this hilarious tale of dating, love and a little bit of romance as he tries to find the one. Will he finally get struck by Cupids arrow? Read on to find out. The perfect book for the hopelessly romantic!

Audio CD:  Black Hills by Dan Simmons   

DH got the car fixed so I am back to listening to this one.
I started this on my drive to the airport last week. Unusual and interesting. On disc 5. Reviewing for YGR.

Description:

It is an epic tale of a Lakota Sioux named Paha Sapa ("Black Hills") whose life spans the decades of perhaps the greatest change in America's history. When Paha Sapa, a young Sioux warrior, "counts coup" on General George Armstrong Custer as Custer lies dying on the battlefield at the Little Bighorn, the legendary general's ghost enters him - and his voice will speak to him for decades to come.
Seamlessly weaving together the stories of Paha Sapa, Custer, and the American West, Dan Simmons depicts a tumultuous time in the history of both Native and white Americans. Haunted by Custer's ghost, and also by his ability to see into the memories and futures of legendary men like Sioux war-chief Crazy Horse, Paha Sapa's long life is driven by a dramatic vision he experienced as a boy in his people's sacred Black Hills.
In August of 1936, a dynamite worker on the massive Mount Rushmore project, Paha Sapa plans to silence his ghost forever and reclaim his people's legacy-on the very day FDR comes to Mount Rushmore to dedicate the Jefferson face.

Same old story:  I am still working on writing more reviews!

Upcoming books: - I don't think I will get to any of these before the end of the week so these will probably be next week books.
Kindle:
The Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West

Dragonborne by Chandra Ryan

Audio:
Another Chance, Another Time by Catherine Snodgrass.

Audible:  Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder.  This is on hold for a bit while I listen to audio review books.

Sunday Words of Encouragment May 9, 2010

Our Pastor did a Mother's Day sermon focusing on advise that Jesus' Mother, Mary, might give. She might say:

• Better mothers don't allow difficulties to define them.  They acknowledge consequences but choose to go on with God's grace and mercy.  Like Mary being an unwed mother and facing the stigma and derision that may have caused.
• Better mothers are wise with available resources. Accept support and protection from others - spouse or friends. You don't have to be rich to give your children good gifts. The most important gift and priority is love.
• Better mothers prepare their families for eternity.  It is never too late to be praying for your children.

I thought this would be a good song for Mother's Day. 

I dedicate it to my daughter
who is being a great mom to her son and daughter. 

PRAYER WARRIOR
T.Goodman Sykes/M. Sykes/ C. Cloninger

We may see her in the grocery with her children
Or in the city nine to five each working day
She's a mother or a teacher or a woman all alone
But she's someone else entirely when she prays

She's a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with power and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart - prayer warrior

We don't see her lonely nights of intercession
Or that tear she shed with every whispered name
We may not see the simple things hidden in her heart
But the eyes of God are watching her with care

And we'll never wholly know the debt we owe her
For we'll never know the evil we've been spared
Many nights she's crushed through satan's strongholds
Reaching heaven with her prayers

She's a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with powers and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart

Oh you have touched the very heart of God
Prayer warrior - prayer warrior - prayer warrior

A verse for today:
Psalm 127:3 New International Reader's Version
Children are a gift from the Lord.
      They are a reward from him.

My mother died of cancer when I was 21. Although she was not a "religous" or "churchy" lady I thank God for the legacy of faith and prayer that she passed on to my brothers, sister and me.
Today I give thanks for mothers who pass on their faith and for those single women who may be a spiritual mother to those around her.  May God Bless you richly!

More Giveaways Around the Book Blog World!

Kelly at Bookend Diaries is having a nice Giveaway of The Lotus Eaters, cookies and tea.  Ends May 13, 2010.

Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic is having a "Ridiculously Awesome Contest".
Ends May 14, 2010.

Teddy Rose at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is having a Giveaway of Still the One
Ends May 14, 2010.
Check out other giveaways while there!



Elise at Bookish Delights is hosting her first Giveaway of some really nice books from her bookshelf! Ends May 15, 2010. 
She is also hosting a Second "Your Dream Book Giveaway" which ends June 5, 2010.






Monica at Bibliophilic Book Blog is having a Clear the Deck Giveaway. Lots of books! Ends May 30, 2010.

Concluding Interview with Author Karen Wiesner - Part Three

Thank you for coming back for the conclusion of my interview with the very talented and busy Karen Wiesner.
Part Three: A FEW PERSONAL QUESTIONS!

M:  When you are reading for pleasure, what is the one thing that will make you put down the book and quit reading?

Karen: I read a lot and in nearly every genre. There isn’t a day in my life when I haven’t read something. I read a novel every day or two. Do I actually enjoy all the books I read? No. And, the older I get, the more like an editor I become: I give most books two or three pages to wow me. If they don’t, I skim the rest of the book and consider that I’ve put forth valiant effort. I would say seventy-five percent of everything I read isn’t really something I enjoyed. Too many characters, plots and subplots, heck, too many pages (if you can’t tell a wonderful, full story in 75,000 words, believe me, you’re not helping yourself by extending it another 25,000 words or more! and, yes, my own writing does reflect that these days), and I’m generally long gone, on to the next, what-I-hope-will-be adventure.

Until It's Gone (Wounded Warriors Series, Book 5)

I’m a sucker for true horror: evil lurking in the black woods (as in, my own Woodcutter’s Grim Series {does that make me conceited?}, but Stephen King has written some amazing stories like this in the past) or menacing castles (Dracula); dinosaurs taking over an amusement park (Jurassic Park); creatures slithering out of shadowy  places (Alien); unique terrors (The Ruins). Unfortunately, I can’t find a lot of great horror to read these days. Few are writing anything that’s true, true horror. I do love werewolves and vampires, but I’m very selective about what interests me in the paranormal genre. Only the unbeatable, original vampire novel, the Underworld Series (movies), and my own writing are things I can consistently immerse myself in. When horror crosses the line into thriller and psychological suspense (which are genres that are both so {maybe too} realistic, considering the times we live in), to me you’ve lost that element of horror that comes from an evil that doesn’t really exist in our world. That’s what makes it horrifying—the fact that it doesn’t exist in real life. The evil has to be unnatural, not man-made, or it simply doesn’t grab me, make me read it word for word, and hold me enthralled, unable to put it down, until I’ve read every last page.

M:  That is interesting as horror seems so far from the romances you write! When I read Shadows in the Heart I was impressed that each story had a message and some even had happy endings!
What is the most unique thing about you?

Karen:  Should I be answering this? I’ve already crossed the line into conceit in the last question, lol. But, honestly, if an author doesn’t enjoy what she writes, then why does she bother writing? I write to entertain myself first and foremost. I am thrilled that readers enjoy what I have to offer, too, though.

To answer your question, I suppose as a writer I’m unique because I pretty much write in most all genres. My reviews and awards would testify to the fact that I write well in all of them, too. I love that I’m never writing the same thing. If you read my work, you’ll always get something new and different. How many authors can claim to write for every taste? Admittedly many more than in the past, but authors these days still generally stick to a single genre that readers expect with each new release. I can’t and won’t be pigeonholed by myself or by my publishers (not that any have ever tried). To me, that’s the greatest part of being a writer. For a breakdown of all my books based on genre, visit my website.

Maybe it also makes me unique that I can consistently write well and write fast (see my Works in Progress page for a glimpse of my annual accomplishments), but the secrets of my success are all spelled out step by step in my writing reference titles. I really do follow my own methods. Honestly, when you find out how I do it, it really doesn’t seem that amazing beyond my talent for self-discipline and organization. Read my article “The Secrets of Productivity (can be learned)” to find out just how easy it can be.

M: Obviously, with all of your works and awards, you do work hard and have found a method that is successful!
Where do you see electronic publishing in regards to regular print houses in the next ten years?

Karen: First, I want to say that I’ve been huge proponent of books in all formats for many years. In the next ten years—in the next five!—I believe electronic publishers and regular print houses will be competing side-by-side on equal footing. I think Star Trek has it right. In the future, most of us will be reading everything from a “padd.” (This will in part be due to the cost of printing, storage and “going green”, but also, sad but true, because so much in this day and age is throwaway, even books. How much easier to read something once and delete it than with e-books?) But in the future there will also be old-timers like me who love and revere the joy of holding, reading and collecting printed, bound books that are worthy to be put on a shelf for another re-read in the future.

One of my publishers sent me this link that tells us about the new iPad, which sold 300,000 devices and over 250,000 downloaded books on the first day it was released. Check it out. We’re living in interesting times.

M:  That is an interesting article.  Thanks for sharing the link. I definitely love my Kindle!
Did you have any input in getting the covers for your books?
White Rainbow - Coming Soon
Karen: Actually, for the last couple years, I’ve been designing my own covers almost exclusively for all my books. In truth, I wanted a bit more control, first, because sometimes I would be waiting endlessly to get a cover from a publisher—I needed it for an ad or something else. This way, I never have to wait. Also, I wanted more control because a lot of publishers have been using those strange “Pixar” cover art design programs that I dislike intensely. Also, I’ve always loved playing around with designs, space, colors, etc. so it was pretty natural for me to move in this direction. I love it. I’m getting better at it, too, I think. I also create all the cover designs for Jewels of the Quill anthologies and for some of my author friends. To see all my cover designs, visit http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/KarensCoverDesigns.html

M:  You are definitely multi-talented.  I liked all the new covers for the Wounded Warrior series and I didn't know until this interview that you had created them!
Tell us a little about your next book or WIP please!

Karen: My upcoming 2010-2011 releases include:

-White Rainbow, Book 6 of the Wounded Warriors Series {inspirational romance} (electronic release May 14, 2010 from Uncial Press; trade paperback currently available)

-Retired and on the Rocks, Book 1 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (June 2010 release)

-“Paper Tigers”, Book 5 in my Kaleidoscope Series in Halloween Treasures, A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology {romantic suspense} (September 2010 release)

-Mind Games, Book 11 of the Incognito Series {romantic suspense} (October 2010 release)

-Kaleidoscope Series collection {contemporary romance} (December 2010 release)

-Love Is Blind...and It Don’t Pay the Bills Either, Book 2 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (January 2011)

-Dark Approach, Book 12 of the Incognito Series {romantic suspense} (March 2011 release)

-“Moonlight Becomes You”, Book 4 of the Woodcutter’s Grim Series in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology {romantic paranormal  horror} (March 2011 release)

-Souls on (B)Oring Street, Book 3 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (June 2011)

-“Wings of Love”, Book 1 of the Cowboy Fever Series in Christmas Gems, A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology {contemporary romance} (September 2011)

Again, these will be submitted to critique partners as I finish them. When I get the critiques back, in between the following other work I’ll be doing, I’ll polish and submit them:

September: Writing Shards of Ashley, Book 5 of the Family Heirlooms Series {inspirational romance}

Early October: Revising Souls on (B)Oring Street

Late October: Researching and outlining “Losses and Gains”, Book 2 of the Cowboy Fever Series, which will be in Heart Gems, A Jewels of the Quill Valentine’s Day Anthology {contemporary romance} (February 2012 release)

Late October: Researching and outlining  “For Always”, Book 3 of the Cowboy Fever Series, which will be in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VIII, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology {contemporary romance} (September 2012 release)

November: Revising Shards of Ashley

Early December: Polishing Souls on (B)Oring Street

Late December: Researching/outlining Worlds Collide, Book 6 of the Family Heirlooms Series {inspirational romance}

Wow! That is a lot of writing and a lot of work! For more information about Karen and her work visit her websites at:

http://www.karenwiesner.com, http://www.firstdraftin30days.com, http://www.falconsbend.com and http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com 

If you would like to receive my free e-mail newsletter, Karen’s Quill, and become eligible to win my monthly book giveaways, send a blank e-mail to

KarensQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway of Waiting for An Eclipse - click on the title to go to the Giveaway post!