Susan Marlene
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​Timeless Significance For Every Day

Short stories and also devotions that mix historical quotes and contemporary musings, as well as
​author interviews and book reviews.
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CHRISTMAS STORIES, Experience the Sights, Sounds, and Smells of This Beloved Season by DiAnn Mills

12/31/2020

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​DiAnn Mills Christmas Stories is a delightful collection of 10 short adventures that are entertaining and endearing! Isn’t this the perfect time to find your Kindle copy? The price is right for $1.49 and I’ve read my copy through a couple of times already! 

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ANNOUNCING Susan Marlene’s Short Story Collection: Short Stories   Some Fanciful Some True   A COLLECTION FROM VARIOUS TIME PERIODS & ADVENTURESOME TALES

12/29/2020

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This short story collection is varied concerning humor, seriousness, and time periods! ASAP, I will provide these entertaining shots that can be enjoyed when you have little time to read but want a little adventure in your life!

I'll keep you posted about when I release this short and entertaining read!
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PILGRIM'S PROGRESS by John Bunyan an ANEKO PRESS Version

12/2/2020

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​I purchased a copy published by ANEKO PRESS and am enjoying a revisit.

This version sports more than 100 original illustrations, which are tastefully sprinkled throughout. John Bunyan’s story comes to life in the most delightful printing of this wonderful classic. This is a tale that is memorable and has stood the test of time. I appreciate the journey that Christian finds himself traversing. The meaningful connections that he makes along the way, the wisdom shared throughout.

​If you are looking for a classic that is attractively designed and completely inspiring--I'll boldly advise you to shop on 
www.anekopress.com. ANEKO PRESS has impressed me greatly. Now excuse me as I return to those pages for some entertainment and inspiration! 
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A WREATH OF SNOW by Liz Curtis Higgs

11/16/2020

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Who now will confess breaking into your Christmas reads? LOL! If you won’t, I will!
A Wreath of Snow by best selling author Liz Cutis Higgs, is a favorite that I wish to read each and every year! I had planned on starting this tradition last year but didn’t make it! Busy just gets in the way. But though this is already pre-Thanksgiving Day—I’m on it like a duck on a June bug! LOL, this novella is a quick and satisfying read that I hope you will allow yourself to enjoy this year! 
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So, curiosity has me wondering what your next favorite Christmas read will be?  
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To find Liz Cutris Higgs: 
https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/
https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/category/podcasts/

I'm borrowing this from her beautiful website! 
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For eight Sunday evenings, October 11 through November 29, I’ll be teaching The Women of Christmas Sundays@Seven on Facebook LIVE at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT. Thousands of women joined us the first night. We’d love to see next week!

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NOTHING SHORT OF WONEROUS, American Wonders Collection, Book 2 by Regina Scott

11/8/2020

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Regina had me at the rainbow-colored mud pots—and then again at Alberta’s pies! NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS is a feast for my imagination. Just the mention of the craggy rocks, Fairy Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the numerous geysers spiked my interest and put me squarely in every scene. These are places I’ve never seen except for occasional photographs. Oh, what a lush experience to visit—via novel—this diverse and comely land with a tale mixed with romance and suspense during an interesting period of time in American history.

Regina is particularly talented with her many characters. There are young, old, and in-between age groups placed in challenging situations that make the story hum. Mixing a notorious poacher, US Calvary, and big business interests along with a struggling smaller hotel owner and you have a backdrop to the action and suspense these characters must navigate through! 

Yes, I was given this book by Regina Scott and Revell Publishing House to read for an honest review if I’d like to provide one! Well, as you can see, I was thrilled to give a review on NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS, American Wonders Collection, Book 2 by Regina Scott! Thank you, Regina, for another wonder-filled tale that kept me turning pages and wishing and hoping I can visit Yellowstone Park for myself! I highly recommend NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS! And just think dear reader—Christmas is coming! Do you want to bless a relation or friend with adventuresome romance? 

Here is my link for my review for Regina's first novel in this series! A DISTANCE TOO GRAND, American Wonders Collection.
http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/10-2019

On Regina's website, I enjoyed historical elements posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.
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FINDING WINGS, A CHANDLER SISTERS NOVEL, Book 3 by Award-Winning Novelist, Deborah Raney

10/7/2020

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FINDING WINGS is an engaging story centered around the youngest of the Chandler sisters, Britt Chandler. Rafe Stuart is a hero with an unforgiven past. He serves penance by saving lives as a first responder, but that just doesn’t take away the pain. I love the humor and banter shared between these 3D characters. There are serious concerns that rock their story-world pages just as such situations and trials would upend ours.  So much responsibility is draped over Britt’s shoulders, and she is about to discover if she is strong enough to carry the load. Every mention of Mark Twain catches my attention and causes my heart to say, "Yeah!" But I don't believe in taking away the next reader's fun by telling exactly what you will find between the pages!

I can picture the cozy Cottages on Poplar Brook Road with the glistening river in the background. I can hear the laughter and good-natured jabs and feel the concerns and worry that these two main characters experience.
 
Deborah Raney again succeeds in writing engaging characters who I naturally wish to root for! Deb is an author who writes about lives and challenges that most people can relate to! The events captured on her pages tug at the heartstrings and stir a desire to read more to discover how the characters will find their way through tough and emotionally-triggered situations.

I want to thank Deb and KREGEL PUBLICATIONS for sending this fine read for me to evalauate! I absolutely enjoyed this book and recommend FINDING WINGS highly! Besides, I'm the youngest of my siblings and really enjoyed Britt's growth as the challenges rolled in! I believe you will also if you give Deborah Raney's novels a try! 

​How do you want your readers to connect with you?

I LOVE social media and have many ways for readers to connect:
http://www.deborahraney.com
http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
http://instagram.com/deborahraney
http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
https://twitter.com/authordebraney
http://amazon.com/author/deborahraney
http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com
http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/

 
My review for CHASING DREAMS, Book 2 in A CHANDLER SISTERS NOVEL series:
​http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/01-2020
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PREORDER for NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS by Regina Scott!

9/22/2020

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Such exciting news—Regina Scott’s 2nd novel in the American Wonders Collection, Nothing Short of Wonderous, will be available on October 20, 2020 (Revell).

I was so thrilled with book 1 in this series called A Distance Too Grand, that I am super excited about book 2! 

Find the details about Regina’s American Wonders Collection at http://www.reginascott.com/ and enjoy the wonder of this 1886 story!

​And there is an excellent perk for those who pre-ordering this novel. Look at the preordeer goodies below!
​

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AIRBORNE by Award Winning DiAnn Mills is Here in Hardback and Paperback!

9/12/2020

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The Paper book is out! Yeah! I love Kindle books because of the convince of being read to during busy times in my schedule but there is nothing like a hardcover or paperback!

​DiAnn Mills' book is timely and doesn’t disappoint. This is an exciting novel that nearly flips the pages on its own accord! It’s Rife with authenticity and tension, Airborne is a story that will earn your respect and attention. DiAnn submerges herself into factual information that medical experts, FBI, and other professionals provide. Then she pours out the story of her heart, which amazingly commands the ability to reach into this reader's imagination. Could that be because DiAnn is so familiar with the situations and people involved that her computer keys naturally reveal the essence that makes stories great? Yes, I think that is why!
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FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence, Dr. Chad Lawrence, Special Agent Laura Tobias and Special Agent Javier Rivera and many other characters kept me guessing and interested and concerned! The characters DiAnn introduced in Airborne made this reader feel as though she’d known them for years! The hero and heroine are complicated, engaging, and hamstrung with issues to overcome, which pulled me into this story so powerfully that I didn’t want to leave. I’m not naturally one to read about pandemics, earthquakes, or even watch Godzilla movies. Sorry, Godzilla! But this story’s layers were intriguing, meaning, and hopeful, so much so that I had to trail through until the very end! I must say that I finished this story in record time. I love suspense that twists with unexpected turns and causes me to care for more than the situation. This is a highly recommended read that offers more than entertainment. It provides hope in times that try our souls.

DiAnn Mills is an award-winning spunky writer who I am honored to recommend! Find out more about this very author-reader engaged writer on her website, https://diannmills.com/.
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PREVAIL, 365 Days of Enduring Strength from God’s Word by Susie Larson

9/5/2020

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The name of this devotion is powerful and clicked in my spirit immediately. How about you? Prevail means to prove more powerful than your opposing forces and to be victorious. I could use a bit of that. I think we all could use a bit of that, especially in our modern times. There is much going on in our cities and the world. News stations seem bent on discouraging the stoutest of hearts. Many are wallowing in unforgiveness, anger, fear, and violence. Believers who genuinely connect with our Father bring the opposite to the table. They bring forgiveness, joy, hope, and peace into the equation.  

This isn’t the type of devotion to pump you up temporarily or feed your ego. This is a devotion that links your heart with Jesus. The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You..” Isaiah 26:3. Each devotion in PREVAIL offers a scripture before Susie’s short yet powerful wisdom and heart-felt inspiration. Then there is a suggested chapter or part of a chapter of the Bible to read. Then Susie gives you a FLOURISH suggestion to do or reflect upon. And she finishes up the devotion with a prayer. I’ve been reading Susie’s devotion in several ways. I have looked up topics, started at the beginning, as well as just opened up the devotion to see where my focus landed. Every time was an excellent experience. Susie stirred me to reflect on Him and my relationship to Him in a wonderfully profound and strengthening way.   

I’ve read many nice devotions. This isn’t a ‘nice’ devotion. This is a sit on my use it daily shelf because I rate it up there with MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by Oswald Chambers. Susie assists the body of Christ in keeping our minds stayed on Him, like Isaiah 26:3 states. She shares her struggles, victories, and observations because she leans close to His heart. I want to be the one who brings forgiveness, joy, hope, and peace into the situations I find myself in. Susie’s devotion will assist me in prevailing against the tide of negativity and discouragement that runs rampant today. I love how Susie reminds me that He loves me and hasn’t given up on me. He has a plan and purpose for each situation—that joy can engulf my heart even in the worst of times, because of HIM. I could just go on and on. . . but I’d rather you place your order for this extraordinary devotion that will support your vibrant walk with Him through the days ahead! 

I preordered this book, and yes, I’m on the launch team to promote Susie Larson and PREVAIL. I jumped at the chance to do so. Susie spoke at a conference I attended. I was awed at how much she brought our Father into the focus of each of her talks. I'd purchased her book and video for Your Beautiful Purpose, Discovering and Enjoying What God Can Do Through You. Here is the link for my review of that book.  http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/04-2020


How to find Susie Larson:
You’ll find a morning and evening blessing each weekday on Facebook (Facebook.com/deeperlifeinChrist), Instagram (SusieLarsonAuthor), and Twitter (SusieLarson). My website is, www.SusieLarson.com
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VEILED IN SMOKE, The Windy City Saga, book 1       by Award-Winning Author, Jocelyn Green

8/31/2020

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Jocelyn writes historical fiction at its finest. I’ve read outstanding novels about the Chicago Fire, but none have placed me so vividly on those panicked streets with ash falling from the sky and fear leading my blood. The author is quite familiar with this1871 tragedy, and exacting details fit into her story like snug puzzle pieces. Her characters respond to or rebel against restraints of customs and social expectations with a natural flow or knee jerk reaction. Very exciting and page-turning for me!
 
Meg and Sylvie Townsend are sisters who grieve the loss of their mother’s early passing. Life is hard, and they work in their family bookshop while worrying about their father, Stephen. Townsend had returned home to his family after being imprisoned during the Civil War. He’s broken in spirit, emotions, and body.  But this isn’t the worst of their situations to come that will challenge the very fiber of their being. Jocelyn plunges her readers into the mystery and darkness that this tragedy brought to Chicago’s residents. Mistakes and motives and clashes between selfishness and unselfishness make this a memorable reread for me! Here are some questions for Jocelyn, and I hope that you will enjoy the novel too!
 
Questions for Jocelyn:

The details you painted with words that the characters witnessed during the fire were extraordinary! Is there a detail that you didn’t get to include that you wish that you could have?
 
JG: Thank you! I had so much wonderful material to work with, and I included most of the details I wanted to. However, I did read of some touching scenes where people were looking through what was essentially a lost-and-found collection of household goods after the fire. These were things people had discarded in the streets during their flight from the flames. Sometimes people did find what they’d assumed they’d lost forever in these collections, and I can only imagine what an amazing feeling that must have been to reclaim a family heirloom.
 
You captured Stephen’s difficulties perfectly. His reaction to the atrocities of the Civil War gave me a wake-up call. Would you like to share another facet of information about the emotional struggles of men surviving the abuse of war with your readers?
 
JG: There’s certainly a lot to say on this topic. I think what was most tragic about Civil War veterans was how misunderstood any psychological trauma was. There’s far more to discuss than I can offer here, so I’ll just say, for anyone who is interested at all in this subject, I would highly recommend the book Shook over Hell: Post-Traumatic Stress, Vietnam, and the Civil War, by Eric T. Dean, Jr.
 
What do you want your readers to benefit from while they read Veiled in Smoke?
 
JG: As with all my other books, I want my readers to benefit from walking with characters through hardships and coming out on the other side renewed. That doesn’t mean that everything will go “back to normal” after trials. It does mean that God is with us in the valleys as much as he is with us on the mountaintop, and He’ll bring us to the place He wants for us. There is a conversation in Veiled in Smoke between Nate and Meg which sums this up pretty well. Meg is sharing her concerns about her veteran father, and how he has changed since the war wounded his mind and spirit. Nate says something like, “Instead of praying for the Father you knew, pray instead for a father made new.” God doesn’t waste our hurts and scars. He uses them to make us better reflections of who He is, if we’ll let Him.
 


The Pre-order for Shadows of the White City, The Windy City Sage, Book 2 can be found on Amazon for a reduced price. This novel will be available on February 2, 2021!  I'm placing my order soon!  :) 
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The Most Recent Awards for Jocelyn:
  • 2020 Golden Scroll Award (1st Place, Historical Novel of the Year), Advanced Writers & Speakers Association: Veiled in Smoke
  • 2020 Golden Scroll Award (2nd Place, Historical Novel of the Year), Advanced Writers & Speakers Association: Between Two Shores
  • 2017 Christy Award Winner (historical fiction): The Mark of the King
  • 2015 Silver Medal, Military Writers Society of America (historical fiction category): Yankee in Atlanta

Jocelyn's Bio:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, strawberry rhubarb pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
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    Susan Marlene is published on www.ChristianDevotions.us and in Splickety Love Magazine, The Novice, and  newspapers. She writes devotions, fiction, and nonfiction. She is a member and co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writers 
    Group.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She speaks at writers' groups and prepares devotions and teachings often for Pens of Praise Christian Writers,  and was a former member of Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and Alternative Education Teacher’s Aide. She loves  antiques and misses  her Leonberger, but loves her Boxer who fills their lives with love and laughter. Her cat is  queen of the house and  thinks she has everyone under control. Wink!

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'Speech is silvern, Silence is golden'; or, as I might rather express it, Speech is of Time, Silence is of Eternity. Thomas Carlyle, Scottish author 1795 - 1881


susan@susanmarlene.com

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  • GLIMPSING HISTORICAL TIMES