Thursday, April 03, 2014

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop 15!

WELCOME!

Yeah! You've made it to stop fifteen on this spring's Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! Remember that the Hunt officially goes live at noon Mountain time on April 4th, even if some posts are up earlier. The hunt begins at Stop #1 which is Robin Lee Hatcher's website, so if you haven't already done so, be sure and start there.

You will have until April 6th at midnight Mountain time, so you have all weekend to finish the hunt! No need to race! All you have to do is collect the clue in red at each stop and write them down as you go. There are some fantastic books and prices being offered you won't want to miss! And remember that the hunt is open to international entries, and prizes include a Kindle Fire HDX (valued at $229) + $100 gift certificate and two runners-up will receive all 32 of our books. 

Read to the end of this post and you'll discover how you could win a bonus copy of my new release, Fatal Exchange and book one in my Southern Crimes series, Dangerous Passage! So while you're at each stop, be sure and read the posts from the different authors along the way, and have fun!

In case you find a broken link. . .

We have prepared a page with direct links to each author's post in case a site goes down or a link gets broken. We'll be working on getting all of the links prior to the start of the hunt, but sometimes there are still issues even after the hunt starts, so make a note of the URL for the Participating Authors & Stops Page so you can check back and be able to complete the hunt.
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CYNTHIA RUCHTI

Ready to get started with the next author? It's my pleasure to introduce Cynthia Ruchti as my guest for the hunt! Cynthia writes stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels, novellas, devotions, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. Her latest releases include When the Morning Glory Blooms, Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices, and All My Belongings. Before you head on to the next stop, be sure and connect with Cynthia on her website or on Facebook!




ALL MY BELONGINGS

To see the unveiled version,
visit Cynthia's blog!
First of all, BIG NEWS! A brand new, hot off the press cover for All My Belongings is officially being revealed to the public today. Here's a hint. Make sure to go to the next blog stop to see it in all its glory on Cynthia's blog. It's a stunning cover. I think you'll agree. All My Belongings will debut from Abingdon Press on May 6th! 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

A new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

Where do you turn when changing your name doesn’t give you the anonymity you want? When running hundreds of miles away isn’t far enough? When your search for a place to belong lands you right back where you began?

You can purchase All My Belongings at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or your local bookstore!

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CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

Cynthia has sent me a very informative guest post about Caring for the Caregiver: Moving Beyond Good Intentions, that touches on something extremely important we will all face at one point in our lives.

From Cynthia:

It’s a rite of passage. Before our lives are complete, most of us will serve as a caregiver, long-term or short-term.

An elderly parent, a disabled loved one, a special needs child or adult, an infant, a friend with cancer… The reasons for stepping into a caregiving role are many. Blessings and challenges battle for dominance every day of the process.

I’ll share some of my own caregiving experiences in another post someday, but today I’m thinking about Becca, the gifted but troubled caregiving character in the May 2014 release from Abingdon Press—All My Belongings.

Becca walked through four caregiving experiences: in her youth as the child of an emotionally distant woman with a life-threatening illness, in her nursing school training, in her occupation as caregiver for an elderly woman suffering from heart disease and dementia, and in a caregiving role that cost her everything to fulfill.

What simple acts might have fed her courage, lifted her spirits, and strengthened her resolve? What could those around Becca—or around you—have done to help shoulder the mixed burden/blessing of caregiving? What will move us who care about a caregiver in our lives past good intentions to actions?
  
  • Send flowers to the caregiver.
  • Write a note of admiration and gratitude to the one who serves selflessly.
  • Volunteer—don’t wait to be asked—to offer respite care even for a couple of hours so the caregiver can attend to errands. Better yet, allow him or her free time that has nothing to do with duty or responsibility, like attending a concert or book club.
  • Offer to pay for professional respite care so the caregiver can have extended time away from the pressures of caregiving. Even a weekend can make a difference.
  •  Show you recognize the caregiver as a whole person, not merely for the role he or she plays.
  • Remember the caregiver long into the caregiving process. As the caregiving goes on, support often wanes as life keeps moving for the rest of us.
  • Avoid statements like, “Call me if you need me” or “Let me know if there’s something I can do.” For many caregivers, those words add one more thing to their list of responsibilities. Consider rephrasing. “Would it help if I—?” “Can I bring dinner for you on Wednesday nights?” “I’m going to the store. What can I pick up for you?”
  • Pray specifically. “Today I asked the Lord to build a sweet memory into your morning.” “Praying for your sleep—little as it is some days—to completely refresh you.”
The world is full of unsung heroes. They work their way into our stories and our lives. Ask God today to help you think creatively regarding the support you can offer an unsung hero caregiver you know.

Gentle caregivers like Becca in All My Belongings love and serve whether it’s convenient or not, comfortable or not. What can we do to make their hearts soar?

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THE SCAVENGER HUNT SKINNY!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! Before you move onto stop #16, Cynthia Ruchti's website, to pick up your next clue, be sure to write down this Stop #15's clue: think what

But wait, before you leave there is one more BONUS PRIZE I'm giving away elusively on my site. 

I will randomly draw two names from everyone who signs up for my Author Newsletter (sign up box is on the top left of this blog!) while the Scavenger Hunt is live. Those two winners will each receive one copy of the first two books in my Southern Crimes Series, Dangerous Passage and Fatal Exchange. If you live outside the US and win, I will send you an ebook version. And just for signing up for the newsletter, you will receive an ebook copy of Recipe for Murder

So sign up now then jump to the next stop and enjoy the Hunt!

Lisa Harris


Terms and Conditions: ONE entry per person. If we find you've registered under separate IDs, you'll be disqualified. Please, be HONEST. Because, you know, Jesus would WANT you to be. If you're an international winner, your prize will be the equivalent of what we're offering in the USA in terms of USD$$, based on that day's exchange rate, and what we can figure out in terms of online options (ex. Apple in Australia, etc.). If the Kindle Fire HDX is more expensive in your country than it is in the USA ($229 USD), we shall give you an Amazon gift card for the equivalent of the USD value. International runners-up winners will receive most of their books via Book Depository, and therefore, they cannot be autographed—sorry.



55 comments:

  1. This is such a fun scavenger hunt. I'm learning so much - that article about caring for caregivers is really good! I'm also excited to have found you as a new author to check out. We too serve overseas; we are in Malaysia. I've signed up for your newsletter and look forward to hearing from you!

    Thanks also for being a part of the scavenger hunt. I love online scavenger hunts - totally brings out the kid in me!

    I don't know if you ever participate in linky parties, but if you are ever so inclined, I'd love for you to join our book-loving community at Booknificent Thursdays on Mommynificent.com. We gather every Thursday and share posts about books we've been reading or writing and how books are impacting our lives. We'd love to have you join us anytime!

    Blessings,
    Tina

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Tina! Glad you are having fun! Love the idea of a link party. I'll be sure and check it out. Thanks so much for sharing about it! Happy reading!

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  2. What fun. Thanks for the download and for being part of the scavenger hunt.
    Having been a caregiver for many years, I really appreciate this post.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, Shirley. I'm glad Cynthia's post encouraged you!

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    2. Shirley, I'm sure you could add many ideas to these few. Thanks for your comment!

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  3. I signed up. It's been an interesting day!

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    1. Enjoy the rest of the hunt and thanks for stopping by!!!

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  4. I always enjoy reading author interviews.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Beth. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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  5. Hi Lisa! Just wanted to say hi. I'm loving the Scavenger Hunt, and got word today that I'm on Revell's blog tour for Fatal Exchange. Can't wait to read it!

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    1. It's great to see you here, Linda! I hope you really enjoy Fatal Exchange and I really appreciate your agreeing to spread the word about it!!!

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  6. I grew up in Nigeria so will be very interested in your books. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Sharon. I lived in West Africa many years ago, though never was able to visit Nigeria. Loved the people and the food!

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  7. New follower, I am having fun on the hunt. Meeting new authors and learning about some really good books. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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    1. So glad you decided to join the hunt and glad you're having fun!

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  8. Thank you so much for being a part of this hunt. I love doing these every year. I have been introduced to new to me authors and gotten to see some favorites as well.

    I signed up for your newsletter and look forward to keeping up with you.

    Thank you,
    Stephanie C.

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    1. This is actually my first year doing this as an author, and it really is fun. I love the chance to connect with readers. Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie and for signing up for my newsletter!

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  9. Just a quick note here for everyone, my author newsletter sign up is at the TOP LEFT of this blog. That is where you will be entered into the drawing. On the side bar is the sign up for our monthly ministry newsletter as we work with African Outreach Ministries. Feel free to sign up for both, but know that they are different. Thank you!

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  10. Anonymous3:13 AM

    Bummer... I am trying to sign up for your newsletter, but the Captchka continues to say that I am inserting it wrong... I have done it at least 10 times with the same results... So sorry... Anyway, THANK YOU for the interview and info and treasure hunt fun!! Blessings!

    Celita
    mrsdayseye at gmail dot com

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    1. I'll try and sign you up manually, okay? Thanks so much for trying and sorry about the issues.

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  11. Okay, you are signed up now, Celita. Thanks so much for stopping by and being a part of the hunt!!!

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  12. I signed up for your newsletter and am having a blast with this Scavenger Hunt! I'm curious, how do I pronounce Ruchti? (ruchy?)
    Also, Cynthia's post about the caregiver touched me. It brought up how my family was not prepared for a disease which there was no cure for. We weren't prepared for being caregivers; I'm not sure the word "caregiver" existed but it was a time of care giving and learning as we went. Sometimes it was extremely difficult and emotions made one feel selfish. Your words are quite lovely Cynthia Ruchti.

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    1. I'm so glad that Cynthia's words blessed you. Being a caregiver really is a challenging job, but such a blessing at the same time.

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    2. Shirley, your comments touched ME! Learning as you go. So true. And I agree that sometimes self-preservation makes us feel guilty because we perceive it as selfishness. Oh, the road of a caregiver is both a hard and a blessed place. Thank you for your insights, Shirley.

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    3. I neglected to explain how to pronounce my name. Conveniently, the first half of my last name rhymes with Book! "ROOK-tee." Thanks for asking!

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    4. I guessed wrong! But now I know, thanks for explaining your last name and thank you for your very nice comments. I finished the Scavenger Hunt this morning and typed my answer in. Now I wait. So glad I'll be busy tomorrow and won't have time to think about the winners until Monday!

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  13. I signed up for your newsletter.... As a nurse I really enjoyed this post... I see alot of families and friends and coworkers who get burnt out and has given me more ideas in order to help and be a blessing to them :) Have a great Saturday!

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    1. Thanks for signing up, Lisa, and enjoy the rest of the hunt!!

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    2. Lisa M., what a blessing you are to me to see the caregivers from a nurse's perspective! My mom was a nurse…and breathed her last in a hospice residence with both family and professional caregivers at her side. Beautiful people tiptoeing on the edge of burn out.

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  14. This scavenger hunt is such fun - more new authors :)

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    1. I'm so glad your having fun, Betti! Even I'm hopping around and finding new books and authors that I must read. :-)

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  15. Thank you so much for being a part of this scavenger hunt. I'm having a wonderful time on it. I signed up for your newsletter and am looking forward to reading "Recipe for Murder."

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and signing up for my newsletter! Happy reading!

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  16. Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt! SO thrilled that I get to read a Recipe for Murder-thank you for offering it to new newsletter subscribers♥

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    1. You are so welcome. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment!

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  17. I look forward to reading Recipe for Murder and getting to know you through your newsletter. Thanks for joining the Scavenger Hunt

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    1. Wonderful! And thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. Appreciate it!

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  18. Loving the Scavenger hunt what a great idea! Signed up for your newsletter. Really enjoyed reading about you :)

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    1. It is a lot of fun, both for readers and the authors. Thanks for participating, Ruth!

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  19. LOVED Dangerous Passage! Tough subject but one that needs more light shed on it!

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    1. I'm so glad you loved Dangerous Passage, Cyndi. I was shocked to find out that slavery is still alive and well. It must be stopped. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  20. Anonymous2:04 PM

    Thank you for your participation in the Scavenger Hunt!

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    1. Thank you so much for participating and stopping by and commenting!!

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  21. Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for being part of this hunt! I wicked excited to read you Southern Crimes series! God bless! :-)

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you love the series. :-)

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  22. Thank you for participating in the Scavenger Hunt Lisa. I really am so glad you did. I look forward to checking out your work. I am also a newsletter subscriber. :)

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Appreciate your stopping by and participating, Kelly! Thanks for signing up for my newsletters as well. Happy reading!

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  23. I love your blog and am so glad to see you here!

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    1. Thank you, Marianne! And thank you for stopping by!

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  24. Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt! This is a very good topic we all need to be aware of. Thank you for sharing. We are having to go through this with my grandpa right now.

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    1. Praying for strength as you bless your grandpa with your care for him, Rachelle. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  25. i signed up for your newsletter.

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    1. Wonderful! Thanks for being a part of the hunt!

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