Highlights from ACFW 2011

September 28, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

I had an amazing time at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) 2011 conference in St. Louis–talking with editors, dining with my agent and rubbing elbows with some of the most talented writers in the business. Does that sound like I’m bragging? I don’t mean to, I’m just always amazed at what happens at national … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Falls Like Lightning by Shawn Grady

September 8, 2011By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

Summer is drawing to a close, and with it comes news of wildfires raging throughout the West. In his newest novel Falls Like Lightning, novelist/firefighter Shawn Grady describes the life of one of the our country’s unsung heroes–the smoke jumper. Here is the plot summary, courtesy of Bethany House: Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

August 5, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

If you need to throw a little excitement into your summer, today’s book pick is the perfect choice for you. Christian author, Kristen Heitzmann‘s newest book, Indelible, is a perfect mix of romance and excitement. I was instantly pulled in by the characters. Heitzmann bravely chose to feature a woman who uses art as therapy … Read More

Book Pick: BLUE SKIES TOMORROW by Sarah Sundin

August 1, 2011By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

The wait is over! Sarah Sundin‘s newest title, Blue Skies Tomorrow, releases today. I fell in love with Sundin’s writing with her debut book, A Distant Melody (see Book Pick, 4/8/2010). Her second book, A Memory Between Us, was equally good or better than the first (see Book Pick 9/17/2010). But this third book, Blue … Read More

Exploring the world of video

July 5, 2011By Karen Barnett 2 Comments

I’m excited to begin adding some video content to my blog and have been playing around with editing software. So far, I have designed two short videos for my current (in progress) book, First Impressions. It feels a little silly making video content for a book that’s not yet complete, but it has been a great learning … Read More

Friday Book Pick: Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

July 1, 2011By Karen Barnett 1 Comment

Perfect entertainment for the holiday weekend, the new release Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn, reads like a Hollywood blockbuster. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. If you need some excitement for your summer travels–look no further. Here is the basic plot summary, courtesy of Bethany House: … Read More

Helicopters or Bonnets–And Why?

June 28, 2011By Karen Barnett 6 Comments

My kids and I wandered into the fiction section at the bookstore, attracted by the bright cover art and the promise of good stories. I noticed that my two kids (I have one boy and one girl) went to different areas of the shelves. “Show me which covers you like the best,” I suggested. Without hesitation, … Read More

Friday Book Review: Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

June 17, 2011By Karen Barnett No Comments

What’s the only thing worse than being a divorced woman in 1831? How about being a twice-divorced woman? Delia Parr explores this intriguing plot line in her newest novel, Hidden Affections. After being scammed and then divorced by one man, Anabelle Tyler seeks a fresh start only to be forced into a marriage with an … Read More