Me and my pets

by Nicki Edwards

I love animals. Dogs. Cats. Horses. Sheep. Cows. The bigger the better. All my life I’ve been surrounded by animals. From my first cat Robbie, who Mum tells me used to sleep in my bassinet (can you imagine letting a cat do that these days?) to other cats including Oscar, Phoebe, Jaimie and Pepper when I was growing up to Tilly, Misty and Roxy when I got married.

Here's me with ‘Oscar’ when I was 5.

This is my gorgeous brown Burmese 'Roxy' who is currently 12 and still going strong (much to my non-cat-loving-husband's dismay). 

Growing up I always had dogs - from greyhound Candy (who I can thank for the scar on my lip - but that's another story) to Labradors ‘Ben’ and ‘Penny’. 

(Here's me with the dogs, aged approx 14. What was I thinking with the hairstyle???)

When we got married, we shifted house a lot and didn't have our first dog until we moved into our first home with two small children. Nellie was the most amazing Border Collie and will always have a place in our hearts. After Nellie passed away when she was 13, we had a rescued greyhound called ‘Ebony’ (formerly ‘Silk Gloss’ although I don’t think she ever won a race!)

And then we got Molly (#bestdogintheworld). If you follow me on social media, you will notice that many of my posts are filled with pictures of Molly who, my children say, has become my fifth child! (Sh! don't tell them, but they might be right.)

Over the years I’ve also been blessed to own horses, from my first pony Buckley to Monty, Melody and Captain.

Here’s me with Buckley on my 8^th birthday – he was one of the best presents I have ever received and I still cry when I remember the day he died.

And here's my persian cat 'Phoebe' who loved being anywhere near my horse 'Captain'. She used to weave around Captain's feet, sit on his back, smooch his face. They had an incredible bond.

Over the years, all my animals have brought me so much joy and because of that, animals feature in my books. When I started writing, ‘Molly’ (#bestdogintheworld) begged to be part of the story, and so she became ‘Baxter’ in Intensive Care. Kate’s cat Matilda was named after our cat Tilly. In Emergency Response, Mackenzie has always wanted a dog. When she returns to her family home and finds her father has a dog, she is shocked because he’s never allowed her to have one.

Excerpt from Emergency Response

Mackenzie’s hands went to her mouth. “Is this Dad’s dog?”

The minister held a lead attached to a gorgeous little border collie with sad eyes. He smiled warmly at Mackenzie. “This is Nellie. You knew I was looking after her?”

“Yes, of course. I meant to say something earlier today when I saw you, but I forgot. Would you like to come in?”

“Thanks for the offer, but no, I won’t. It’s been a long day for you and I’m sure you’re tired. I just wanted to bring Nellie over in case you were planning on leaving tonight.”

Mackenzie stroked the dog’s soft ears and ran her hands over the dog’s coat. She was beautiful. The dog responded to Mackenzie’s touch by jumping up and squirming closer.

“Thanks for everything, John. For looking after Nellie. For caring for Dad. For the funeral.” Sudden tears prickled once more. Sensing her discomfort, Nellie butted her body against Mackenzie’s leg. Mackenzie stroked the dog’s head, drawing strength from the action.

“She’s a good dog,” John said, leaning over and ruffling Nellie’s silky ears. “She’ll give you lots of love, that’s for sure.”

Mackenzie smiled sadly. “Then she’s just what I need.”

Today is release day for the second book in the ‘Escape to the Country’ series, Emergency Response. To win a Kindle copy, tell me what sort of pet you own and why (sometimes), they are all you need.

For more details about me and my books, please go to MY WEBSITE.

And when you're there, please sign up for my newsletter for all my exciting upcoming book news and to be in the running to win a gorgeous necklace in time for Christmas.

November New Releases

Her Tycoon Hero (Book 1, Sydney series) by Narelle Atkins (Love Inspired Heartsong Presents, November 2014) 

Cassie Beaumont Believes in Second Chances 

Set on proving to everyone that she’s no longer a party girl, Cassie is focused on her career as an event planner. But her dad’s top executive, Ryan Mitchell, proves to be a handsome distraction. Especially when someone from Cassie’s wild past tries to get her tangled in the life she’s worked hard to escape.

Ryan is taken with his boss’s beautiful daughter. But having been fooled by a brother who ran in her same circles, he is slow to trust. When Cassie’s newfound faith works its way into his heart, Ryan soon finds he wants to claim both her faith and Cassie as his own.

http://narelleatkins.com

Motive Games: Death Down Under by L.D. Taylor (Rhiza Press, 1 November 2014) 

In Canada, Phil Roland is a hero. He’s saved his dad’s company, Motive Games; solved his dad’s murder; and exposed a mafia ring. But by his second day in Auckland, Phil’s life is out of control. The E3 East gaming show was supposed to be Motive’s big chance to get published. Instead, people are blaming Phil for a controversial FPS; someone’s hacked Motive’s game; and Australian mega- distributer, PFG, is threatening to ruin the company. The guy whose name keeps popping up? PFG president, Bailey Kant. Thanks to Kant, Phil is dodging the press and protestors and being trailed by the mysterious girl in green. 

http://rhizapress.com.au/motive-games-ddu

October New Releases

Contest News 

Congratulations to our ACW blog members who are finalists in the 2014 CALEB Awards!

Fiction category:
The Inheritance by Jo-Anne Berthelsen (Even Before Publishing) 
Suzannah's Gold by Carol Preston (Even Before Publishing)
Imogen's Chance by Paula Vince (Even Before Publishing)

Devotion category:
Dynamic Aging by Ray Hawkins (Even Before Publishing)

Unpublished category:
Miss Kate's Great Expectations by Rita Stella Galieh

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New Book Releases

Love, Justice by Elaine Fraser (Independent, 28 August 2014)

Justice grew up with a father who couldn’t settle down. He left his family to pursue travel and relationships around the world. Each partner seems to get younger. Since she was four years old, it’s just been Justice, Mum and brother, Micah.

Justice sees the injustice in the world and gets frustrated that she can’t do anything significant about it. She has a sponsor child in Rwanda, but she wants to do so much more.

World peace, an end to end poverty and justice for all become her goals, especially after she meets Seth, the charismatic boy with dreadlocks and sea-green eyes at a peace rally.

Just when she is figuring things out and becoming involved in the peace movement, her father returns. He brings Emily with him, a young woman who is now supposed to become a part of their family.

Dad assumes they will accept Emily, but has no concept of the emotions this will stir up.

Sometimes life isn’t fair, but we have to find a way to do the right thing.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00N4YI9Y8

Mortal Insight by E.B. James (Rhiza Press, 1 October, 2014) 

Detective Sergeant Steve Keller has begun to see things. He desperately hopes the visions mean something and not that he’s going crazy. But the visions don’t go away, and when they start meaning something more, Steve finds himself caught in an investigation way bigger than he ever imagined. Mortal Insight, E.B. James new novel, brings you conspiracy, crime, action and asks the question: when your life is at stake, are some truths worth bringing out into the open? 

http://rhizapress.com.au/mortal-insight

The Suburban Captivity of the Church by Tim Foster (Acorn Press, 22 September, 2014)

For far too long, Australian evangelicals have proclaimed a gospel loaded with the cultural baggage of suburbia: personal security, individual salvation and an other-worldly focus. Is this message really a set of timeless truths with universal application? Or have we injected Jesus’ message with our own values? The Suburban Captivity of the Church calls us to venture beyond the picket fence and engage with the cultural narratives around us, to see how God’s big story meets them with both challenge and hope. Whether we are reaching a new culture, or trying to bring the gospel to our own in a more biblically faithful way, this book will equip us for the task.

http://acornpress.net.au/publications/biography-history/the-suburban-captivity-of-the-churchrecontextualising- the-gospel-for-post-christian-australia/

September New Releases and Scavenger Hunt winners

We have Winners!

Congratulations to our reader friends who have won prizes from our Scavenger Hunt Birthday Celebrations:

• Ellen Gray won the $10 Amazon Gift Card (from Narelle's post, September 1).
• Deanna Stevens and Heidi Robbins have each won a $20 Deeper Shopping Gift Card  (Rose's post, September 5)

And... the winner of our $150 Gift Card (winner's choice from Koorong, WORD, Soul Inspirationz, Light the Dark and Amazon.com) is... Janka H. 

Ladies, you'll receive an email from Narelle within the next 24 hours to organise the delivery of your prize.

New Book Releases

   

Integrate by Adele Jones (Rhiza Press, September 2014)

Trust the science - unless your life depends on it. Winner of the CALEB Unpublished Manuscript Award 2013. Blaine Colton had been handed a genetic death sentence until revolutionary gene therapy changed his life. Living a relatively normal existence, he is called to an unscheduled post-treatment appointment just weeks before his eighteenth birthday. Informed that his life saving procedure was never approved, he is held against his will for his status as an apparent illegal GMO.

http://rhizapress.com.au/integrate

The Invisible Tree: Peace by Kirrily Lowe, illustrated by Henry Smith (Wombat Books, September 2014)

Polly finds Peace in a storm, surprising as it may seem. They ride the waves together, and fly like in a dream. Peace is the third book in the Invisible Tree series, an inspirational series of children's books that capture core values that we all esteem in the life of children and adults!

http://wombatbooks.com.au/the-invisible-tree-peace

August New Releases

Too Pretty by Andrea Grigg (Rhiza Press, August 2014) 

When being beautiful means you are constantly criticised, how would you react? Ellie Paxton has endured more than her fair share of criticism – simply because she’s beautiful – even from her Christian friends. Frustrated by a long string of empty relationships, Ellie determines to stop dating for six months. But will she? 

http://rhizapress.com.au/too-pretty

The Doctor's Return (Snowgum Creek series, Book 3) by Narelle Atkins (Love Inspired Heartsong Presents, August 2014)

MEGAN BRADLEY IS PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

After years spent traveling the globe, she never expected to be back in her hometown sharing an office with her former sweetheart, Dr. Luke Morton. Megan is focused on building her business, and doesn't have time to dwell on past mistakes. But she can't ignore her feelings for the handsome doctor who works down the hall. 

Luke is afraid to trust his heart to Megan, knowing she may not stay for long. But as they work together, their romance quickly rekindles. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes her way, Luke must free Megan to choose between a big-city career or love and family…right there in Snowgum Creek.

http://www.narelleatkins.com

Congratulations to Sonja! Sonja has won a print copy of The Doctor's Return from Narelle's post on August 6. 

A Summary of the Bible by Dr Nick Hawkes (Rhiza Press, August 2014) 

This comprehensive summary is about one sixth the size of the full Bible. Each book of the Bible has an introductory page providing background details, and key scriptures are included in full. A great resource for helping you understand the greatest book in history.

http://rhizapress.com.au/a-summary-of-the-bible

Gawain and the Four Daughters of God by Anne Hamilton (July 2014 independent release)

Background to the book: Warning: this is a true story and contains occasional colourful language. 

My all-girls maths class in Year 10 was a serious handful. Five of them had formed a gang and had B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 inked on their knuckles. These were the days of Bananas in Pyjamas, so I didn’t think too much of it. Until I made the mistake one day of commenting on the additional ‘bananas’. I received a withering look and was loftily informed that B1 was Bitch 1, B2 Bitch 2 and so on. 

Trying to teach these kids the finer points of ratio and proportion was more of an interesting social experiment than the impartation of knowledge. 

One day I could hear their chant from three blocks away. I knew it was going to be one of those days. Arms linked, they finally reached the top step outside my classroom and I could make out the final words of the chant (which, even now, I still remember): ‘…so I made a pass at his gorgeous arse.’ 

I gave them my best killer teacher look. They grinned back maniacally. I don’t like the look of this, I thought. They’re up to something. 

It turned out they were practising for a test: a group oral poetry presentation. And they were smug beyond belief because they knew they had me between a rock and a hard place. I had a class rule: whenever you had a test in another class the following period, then so long as you got all your maths done quietly, you could work on test preparation. 

The entire class did more work on ratio in a single period than they’d done in 3 weeks, just so they could bounce up at regular intervals and practise this odious ditty out loud. I was not surprised to learn, about a week later, they’d scored the highest mark in Year 10 for their group performance. They really put zest and glee into it. 

I finally returned to my staffroom, bemoaning the fact that, with ten centuries of glorious English poetry to choose from, I’d had to suffer indignity of hearing about some male’s promising derrière all lesson. I got no sympathy from my colleagues. In fact, there was a warning of more to come: a well-known bureaucratic cycle had turned full circle and ‘the integrated curriculum’ was on the agenda again and moving swiftly upwards. This struck fear into our collective hearts as maths always got short shrift in any ‘integrated curriculum’. 

That night, as I was pondering how to use poetry and mathematics in the same lesson (without losing either my integrity or my lunch), I received an email. It didn’t look like the sort of thing that was going to change my life. It was simply of a report in the London Times about a researcher at the University of Queensland who’d found the golden ratio in a medieval poem about Sir Lancelot. I was momentarily put off by the fact it was medieval French—but Lancelot was definitely good! I was sure he’d have a derrière promising enough to appeal to my enfants terrible.

Could I find something similar in English? Ransacking my bookshelves, I found some older poetry collections. 

Hey, cool. I can use this with my year 8s. It’s a multiple of 22. And so’s this one… and this… and this… and... hey, what’s this obsession with 22? 

So began my adventure with the numerical architecture of medieval poetry. With pi and the golden ratio and square root of 3. 

Yet one thing niggled me: medieval artists considered creativity to be a work of copying the Master’s blueprint. They wouldn’t have made up this idea of fusing arithmetic with poetry. They would have copied it. 

From the Bible?? 

Could I find their source of inspiration? 

Gawain and the Four Daughters of God: the testimony of mathematics in Cotton Nero A.x is the result of a quest into a world which thought differently. Into a time when words and numbers were indivisible. Into an age when the Greek word logos meant more than Word. 

If you love medieval stories like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and also have a strong feel for mathematics, you’re welcome to ask for a review copy of this academic book. 

About the author: Anne Hamilton once taught mathematics by day while scribbling fantasy stories by night. During her three-decade career, she was listed in Lexington Who’s Who as an innovative maths educator. Now a multi-award winning author and editor of the Australian editions of The Word for Today and word4U2day, she is the current president of Omega Writers.

http://fire-of-roses.com/wp/

July New Release

The Songs of Jesse Adams by Peter McKinnon (Acorn Press, 24 July 2014)

Set in the turmoil of social change and political unrest of Australia during the 1960s, The Songs of Jesse Adams traces the meteoric rise of a boy from the bush – a farmer’s son who breaks away to follow his heart, his dreams and his love of music. But, as Jesse travels with his band and the crowds gather, it becomes clear that something else is afoot. This rock singer captivates and transforms a host of fans who hear his songs and encounter his touch. 

Lives are changed in unexpected ways and the enigmatic Jesse becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for those on society’s edge. But not all will celebrate the rising tide of influence of this charismatic figure whose words and actions challenge those in power – the media, the politicians, the church. In one tumultuous week this clash of ideals comes to a head – with profound consequences. 

Awash in all the protest and collapse of conservative Australia, the colour and madness that was the sixties, The Songs of Jesse Adams is a tale of conflict, betrayal and tragedy, but ultimately the triumph of love.

http://acornpress.net.au/publications/fiction/the-songs-of-jesse-adams/

Author Biography

For seventeen years, Peter McKinnon held senior roles in the frenzied world of high finance, the last five sitting at the top executive table of Australia’s then largest financial organisation, NAB, reporting directly to the CEO. As a psychologist working inside large organisations, he had spent a lifetime studying human behaviour and the way big companies work. Life was fast, privileged, exhilarating. 

Then, in one twenty-four-hour period, everything would change. The largest trading scandal in Australian financial services history would break and leave people, profits and reputations shattered in its wake. 

Disillusioned by what he had experienced, Peter stayed a year then cast himself adrift of corporate life. Then, a surprise phone call from a friend since childhood, World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello, literally turned his world upside down once more, and he and his wife found themselves living and working on the other side of the world in Los Angeles and putting their hands to changing the lives of others around the world. Responsibility for forty thousand employees in over one hundred countries in the largest humanitarian NGO in the world, World Vision International, shifted his view of the world and underlined for Peter, once again, the importance living a life that made a difference to others. 

When he returned to Australia in late 2009, he determined to pursue a more creative and purposeful life and began to write. 

Decades earlier, with the help of his wife Julie (who had appeared for several years on the ABC television series Bellbird) he had written and produced an amateur musical on a similar theme to The Songs of Jesse Adams. Many thousands attended and celebrated what became an acclaimed local hit. 

Thirty years later, Peter, now a full-time writer, has re-imagined this musical in book form, The Songs of Jesse Adams which gives readers an engaging fantasy on what can happen when the unexpected lands on your doorstep ...

June New Releases

Contest News 

Ian Acheson's novel, Angelguard, (Lion Hudson, 2013) is the winner of the 2014 Selah Award in the speculative fiction category. Congratulations Ian! 

I really enjoyed reading Angelguard, and you can read my book recommendation here. Rel has an endorsement on Relz Reviews. Iola has a review on Iola's Christian Reads. Anne and Jeanette have reviewed Angelguard on Goodreads.

Within a period of weeks, three horrific bomb blasts devastate areas of London, Los Angeles and Sydney. No explanation is offered, no victory claimed for these acts of terror. Yet behind the scenes a Machiavellian European businessman is planning to bring the G8 nations to their knees for his own larcenous purposes, aided by the dark forces to whom he has sold his soul. Jack Haines, an Australian academic, is grieving the loss of wife and children in the Sydney blast. Against his will he finds himself thrown into a war that transcends the physical world, a conflict in which angelic guards have a special mission for him. A gripping novel of the unseen forces that throng our world.

http://ianacheson.com/

June New Release

Lemon-Sized Tumour by Jenny Overton (Even Before Publishing, June 2014)

Brain and tumour. Two of the worst words to go together in one sentence.

This book follows the personal journey of a mother whose eighteen year old son faces this diagnosis. The story journeys through the medical events, the grief, the discovery of what an Acquired Brain Injury means and the aftermath of this event that shattered their lives. This is a very honest account covering a seven year period of a family's life when facing some tough, ongoing hardships. Woven throughout are lessons and insights of faith in God that give hope and perseverance in difficult times.

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/christian-biography/172-lemon-sized-tumour

May New Releases

Signposts to Happiness by Ray Hawkins (Even Before Publishing, May 2014)

This 31 day devotion explores the concept of happiness as a transferable gift. It never diminishes when given. Solitude is for meditation. Happiness requires involvement.

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/christian-living-books/178-signposts-to-happiness

The Nurse's Perfect Match by Narelle Atkins (Love Inspired Heartsong Presents, May 2014)

NURSE AMY WILKINS HAS COME HOME 

After her marriage ends in tragedy, Amy returns to Snowgum Creek to rebuild her life. There she meets widower Ben Morton, who's not looking for romance, though his young children are eager for Amy's attention. She's given up on her dream of being a mother, but can't ignore how she's drawn to Ben's little ones, and to their handsome farmer dad.

As love kindles between Ben and Amy, she worries how she'll ever measure up to the wife he lost. And Ben is concerned about how Amy will ever truly fit into life on the farm. They could be the answer to each other's prayers—if the secret Amy is keeping doesn't tear them apart. 

http://www.narelleatkins.com

Charter to Redemption by D.J. Blackmore (Even Before Publishing, May 2014)

Emma charters a ride to Australia with a promise of marriage to a man she has never met. She discovers instead the harsh reality of Newcastle in the 1800s. Here Tobias learns the rations, the regulations, and the reprisal, though he longs for redemption and hope. Neither Emma nor Tobias bargain on the repercussions.

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/fiction-books/168-charter-to-redemption

Return to Frazier Bay by Joanne Hill (New Zealand indie author, May 2014) 

Veterinarian Jodie Callaghan is on a mission to save Frazier Bay, voted one of the dullest small towns in New Zealand. She just hasn’t counted on brother-in-law Gabe Maxwell coming back on to the scene – the man who abandoned her when she needed him most. A sweet, heartwarming romance.

https://itunes.apple.com/book/return-to-frazier-bay/id853329699?mt=11

April New Releases

Imogen's Chance by Paula Vince (Even Before Publishing, April 2014) 

Imogen longs to make up for past mistakes before she can move on. She quietly resolves to help the Dorazio family, whose lives she accidentally upset. When she visits Asher she discovers he is facing a crisis of his own. A sensitive story about misplaced loyalty, celebrating life and falling in love. 

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/fiction-books/167-imogen-s-chance  

Cambodian Harvest by Rhonda Pooley (Even Before Publishing, April 2014)

A single woman in her sixties travels to Cambodia to set up a dried fruit factory - a project to provide landmine survivors with an income and hope. Overcoming official corruption, cultural prejudice and minimal financial support, her inspirational story will challenge everyone who thinks they are too broken or too old to make an impact for God in this world.

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/christian-biography/163-cambodian-harvest

Better than a Superhero by Belinda Francis, illustrated by Kayleen West (Even Before Publishing, April 2014)

Who is better than a superhero? Find out about Jesus as you explore what he did and who he was. And most importantly how he can be your best friend!

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/children-s-books/170-better-than-a-superhero

From Head to Toe: Men and Their Roles in the First Two Generations of Christianity by Ross Saunders (Acorn Press, April 30, 2014) 

From Head to Toe invites us to into the world of men in the first two generations of Christianity as they come to terms with what it means to follow Jesus. We share in their struggles and triumphs as they make the journey ‘from head to toe’ – from status-seeking to serving.

Ross Saunders shows us how to read the New Testament with new eyes and hearts, exploring our own understanding of authority, leadership and service within the household of God. 

http://acornpress.net.au/publications/biography-history/from-head-to-toe-men-and-their-roles-in-the-first-two-generations-of-christianity/

March New Book Releases

Rebecca's Dream by Carol Preston (Even Before Publishing, March 2014) 

Rebecca is just 13 when her mother passes away, and she is left to care for her ageing father. It is not only family that stands in the way of Rebecca's dream. She will have to fight a society where women have no vote and no voice. This book continues the story from Suzannah's Gold.  

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/fiction-books/162-rebecca-s-dream

From Ashes to Glory by David Malcolm Bennett (Even Before Publishing, March 2014) 

A Dramaticised retelling of CT Studd, his cricket, his mission work and the decisions he made which helped form the mission organisation WEC International. 

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/christian-biography/166-from-ashes-to-glory

News

Narelle Atkins and Mary Hawkins are thrilled to have the opportunity to present a workshop at the Romance Writers of Australia Conference in Sydney, August 7-10, 2014. Their workshop is titled: How to Write and Sell Inspirational Romance.

USA multi-published thriller author James Scott Bell and author of the #1 bestseller for writers, Plot and Structure, will be presenting the all day craft workshop on Friday, August 8. His workshop is titled: Writing the Knockout Novel. 

Conference registration for the 2014 Romance Rocks! Conference is now open and more information can be found on the Romance Writers of Australia website.

http://www.romanceaustralia.com/p/176/Sydney-14

February New Book Releases

Dynamic Ageing by Ray Hawkins (Even Before Publishing, February 2014) 

Discover how to make the ageing experience into an adventure. Join the Lord's plan for ageing dynamically. Understand why God's seniors are priceless. God's grace for dynamic ageing more than compensates for physical limitations.

http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/christian-living-books/164-dynamic-ageing 

Falling for the Farmer by Narelle Atkins (Love Inspired Heartsong Presents, February 2014) 

KATE LAWSON IS A RUNAWAY BRIDE 

And she's incredibly grateful when Jack Bradley offers her a job on his apple farm. Working side by side in the orchards with her best friend's brother seems like the perfect way to get over her disastrous engagement. Until Kate finds herself falling hard for the handsome farmer. 

Jack Bradley knows city-girl Kate isn't here to stay. Yet suddenly he's imagining a life with her in the country. When Kate considers going back to the city, can Jack find a way to show her that her real home is here on the farm, by his side?

http://www.narelleatkins.com/

Eating Heaven: Spirituality at the Table by Simon Carey Holt (Acorn Press Ltd, October 2013)

Sitting down at a table to eat is an activity so grounded in the ordinary, so basic to the daily routines of life, we rarely ponder it beyond the simple inquiry, ‘What’s for dinner?’ However, scratch a little deeper and you discover in eating one of the most meaning-laden activities of our lives, one so immersed in human longing and relationship that it takes on sacred dimensions. 

A trained chef, teacher, social researcher, minister of religion and homemaker, Simon Carey Holt draws on experience and research to explore the role of eating in our search for meaning and community. To do so, he invites us to sit at the tables of daily life – from kitchen tables to backyard barbecues, from cafe tables to the beautifully set tables of Melbourne’s finest restaurants – and consider how our life at these tables interacts with our deepest values and commitments. 

http://acornpress.net.au/publications/ethics-mission/eating-heaven-spirituality-at-the-table/

2014 New Releases Preview

2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Australasian Christian Writers blog members. We have a number of books scheduled for release in 2014 in various genres. Today we will give you a sneak peek at the books you will see on the shelves during the year.

Too Pretty by Andrea Grigg will be released in August. 

Gawain and the Four Daughters of God: The Testimony of Mathematics in Cotton Nero A.x by Anne Hamilton will be released in February/March. 

The Days are Numbered Book 1: Daystar by Anne Hamilton will be released in July/August.

Rebecca's Dream by Carol Preston (sequel to Suzannah's Gold and originally self-published) will be released in March. 

Her Outback Cowboy by Mary Hawkins will be released later in 2014, date tbc.

Imogen's Chance by Paula Vince will be released on April 1. 

Dynamic Ageing by Ray Hawkins will be released in February.

Signposts to Happiness by Ray Hawkins will be released later in 2014, date tbc.

Falling for the Farmer by Narelle Atkins will be released on February 4.

The Nurse's Perfect Match by Narelle Atkins will be released on May 6.

The Doctor's Return by Narelle Atkins will be released in August.

Narelle Atkins has a November release, title tbc.