Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes!

Please welcome, novelist, Gina Holmes!  Gina is the founder of popular literary site, novelrocket.com. She is a two-time Christy and ECPA Book of the Year finalist and winner of the INSPY, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award. Her books regularly appear on Christian bestseller lists.

Gina, tell us a little bit about your newest release, Driftwood Tides.

Driftwood Tides tells the story of an aging, alcoholic driftwood artist turned beach bum, Holton Creary, and young Libby Slater. Libby grew up with an absent father and a loving but cold, socialite mother. Leading up to her wedding, Libby and her groom-to-be go through genetic testing and she learns her blood type doesn’t match either of her parents. She confronts her mother and is reluctantly told that she’s adopted. She goes searching for her mother, Adele, only to find her husband, Holton Creary lying face down on the carpet of his Nags Head beach shack.

She lies about her real identity until she is finally found out. Holton does not welcome the news. He never knew the wife he had given saint status too had given up a daughter for adoption. Together the two search to find the truth about Adele, Libby’s father and themselves.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

At its heart, Driftwood Tides is really about discovering who we are, whose we are, where we belong and the need to accept and bestow forgiveness.

Why did you set the novel in Nags Head?

Oh, how I love that place! I’m not sure there’s a more peaceful setting in all the world. And the further out I get from civilization, the happier I am. I love the sand dunes, the untouched nature, the quaint towns. Just everything! Well, except sand in my bathing suit maybe :)

You seem to have a recurring theme in your novels about absent fathers, if it’s not too personal, why do you think that is?

It is too personal, but I don’t mind answering (wink!) When I was 6 years old, I was packed up by my stepfather and driven to my father’s house. Overnight I had a new Mom, new sisters and brother, house and life. It was as traumatic an experience as I can imagine. There were few explanations that made sense to me and I missed my other family desperately. I think ever since I’ve been trying to settle some pretty deep-seated questions. Writing books is wonderful for that.

The novel you’ve written that seems to be a fan-favorite is Crossing Oceans, do you ever see yourself writing a sequel?

I love that book too. Makes me cry just thinking about certain scenes. I would love to write a sequel, prequel or off shoot stories. I love those characters dearly. I’m under contract for three different novels, so I’m not sure when I’ll have the time, but I’d love to explore Craig’s story and of course, Bella’s. I miss Mama Peg very much!

You’ve said that your favorite novel you’ve written is Wings of Glass. Why is that your favorite?

Well, for storyline, I think Crossing Oceans is the strongest. I think my writing in Wings of Glass was my best, plus when I was very young I watched my mother in one abusive relationship after another, and then two of my sisters. I had been there too, despite thinking I was better than that. I know the mindset that keeps a woman (or man) in a relationship like that and I wanted to give insight to those who don’t understand. I’ve received enough letters to know I did what I set out to do.

You’re originally from NJ but write all your novels from the South, why do you set your novels down South if you’re from up North?

Ha, you found me out! Yes, I was born and raised in NJ. As much as I love my friends and family, I am definitely more suited for the slower pace of the South. I’ve lived in Southern VA for half of my life and I plan to spend the rest of my life here if I can help it. I try to write books from settings that make me happy. So I write where I want to be. (Although, I’ve got to say, NJ food is amazing and you’ve got to love a boisterous NJ laugh!)

What do you like most about being a writer? Least?

Most, I like being able to have a platform to share lessons I’ve learned in my life that I know others would benefit from. And more than that, I just love to tell a good story.

Least, would be the unpredictability of the business. Sometimes it seems so random and the lack of control makes me uncomfortable sometimes. (Which is probably right where God wants me!)

Do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?

My advice is pretty much always the same. 1. Write. So many people want to have written but don’t actually do the work. 2. Get to a writers conference because there’s so much  you don’t know, that you don’t even know you don’t know. If you don’t you’ll be spinning your wheels for years, wasting valuable time. 3. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest bookstore and buy yourself a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Then apply it. (Best money I ever spent!) 4. Join a good critique group and get a nice thick skin, ‘cause you’re sure going to need it!

If you could go back to the pre-published writer you were, knowing what you do now, what advice would you give her?

Well, I wouldn’t have told myself how many novels I’d write that would never see the light of day, because I would have given up. I wouldn’t have told myself how little money there is actually to be made or how lonely writing can sometimes be. I wouldn’t have told myself that I’d still have a day job with 4 novels out in stores, including 3 bestselling novels… okay, but that wasn’t your question… I would tell myself to relax. Some of this, most of this is, is out of your hands, and that’s okay. It’s not going to be at all what you think it is, but it’s going to be so much more. You won’t get rich, but you will touch lives. At the end of the day, that’s going to be exactly what will fulfill you.

Where can readers find your books and more about you?

Thanks for asking. My books are in B&N, BooksaMillion, Amazon, Lifeway, Parable, Family Christian and hopefully a good number of independent bookstores. You can find me at Ginaholmes.com. Thanks so much for hosting me!

Gina, it was such an honor! I can relate to your story and believe this will have a powerful impact on your readers. I look forward to your future books. No pressure! :)

Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna

This book doesn’t disappoint. Emotions are part of everyday life but when it comes to middle school students, the impact is magnified. If someone looks at them wrong, it could signify the end of the world. This book gives you a peak into the minds of these precious kids. In today’s world, it’s more compounded with the increase in technology, video games, social media, and the Internet. The book has four parts, which include: changes, parenting, friends, and school.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that they interviewed middle school students and the transparency that they shared and I enjoyed reading how these students view the world. In the parents’ world, we can only see the outside many times and have no clue what our kids are thinking or feeling on the inside. This book gives you that insight. I love all the quotes sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed the personal stories and the guidance provided to help our children grow into responsible adults. I enjoyed the thoughts at the end of the chapters. The book is easy to read and pleasing to the eye.

I recommend this book to middle school parents to read on their own and then discuss it with their middle school student.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.

Writing Days: 52 Devotionals for the 52 Weeks in a Christian Writer’s Year by Jan Thompson

I gulped down this book. It’s supposed to be stretched over 52 weeks but I read it in a week. I wanted to stop, I really did. Or, at least make it last longer. I liked that she touched on a verse each week as well as gave you a daily action plan. The idea is to take a daily action plan for each day for that week.

Week 43 entitled Press On reminds us that every success comes from God. Sometimes we think we should have a bigger blessing than we receive. It reminds me that our life is not our own. God will reveal blessings in His time not ours. This is just one devotional and just a snippet for that week.

Now that I have swallowed it whole, I shall read it again at a much slower pace and take it to heart. I recommend this book to writers whether published or not for weekly encouragement. I’ve been looking specifically for a devotional for Christian writers and this one came to the top. Is that a God thing to encourage me to keep writing? I believe it is. Now, I just need to obey.

Heaven: What's It Like? How Do We Get There? (First Steps) by Stephen Elkins

This is a wonderful book for young hearts to learn about Jesus. It’s comprised of 60 rhyming stories. The book is divided into three sections as follows: What is heaven like? How do we get there? How do we live like Jesus until then? The illustrations are sure to capture a young person’s eye. The stories are fun and give a child a sense of hope in Jesus. In the back, it has a glossary of bible words, which explains key points in a simple, yet effective manner. For example, prayer is simply talking to God.  

My child is much older than the recommended age. However, it was fun to read the poems together. It’s easy to complicate matters as we get older and forget that prayer is simply talking to God and that this world is not our home. There is hope. This book would be great to read many times with your child. Poems are fun and easy to read. It’s a way to plant seeds in a fun and creative way.

I would highly recommend the book for any parent, grandparents, church daycare, or anyone who is part of a young child’s life. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book free directly from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

How to Be Rich by Andy Stanley

Andy Stanley never disappoints. He admits that when he was growing up that he wanted to be rich enough that he never had to worry about how much something would cost. What’s interesting is that we think we are poor. Our house is not big enough. Our car is too old. We open up our closets and we have nothing to wear; however, every hanger has a piece of clothing on it. Yet, we feel poor. If you earn more than $37,000 a year, you are in the top 4 percent of wage earners in the world!

A great quote from the book is, “Rich” is a moving target. No matter how much money we have or make, we will probably never consider ourselves rich.” How true this is! I remember earning a whopping $3.35 an hour but today I earn much more but it’s still not enough. We become greedy. It’s the American way. Another interesting fact is that the more someone earns, the less they give away. It’s actually not entirely true. If you are a giver, you will give more as your income increases. If you are not a true giver, you hold your fist tighter. It’s only when we release our fist and be willing to give, that blessings flow.

Anything past food, shelter, and clothing is extra. We are rich. We have Internet, smart phones, TV’s, and even fresh water. We take so much for granted. Andy Stanley reminds us that we are rich. We have extra stuff that we want versus what we need. Personal challenge. Look around your house, how many items do you have that you really need? Most of it, you don’t. They were wants. And the more wants we buy, the more wants we desire.

I was thrilled to receive a DVD with this book. They complement each other. Andy Stanley is a dynamic speaker. There are four sessions in the DVD titled as follows: Congratulations, Side Effects, Dollar Cost Living, and Diversity. Endorsed by Dave Ramsey, this book and/or DVD will not disappoint. I recommend this as a small group study.

Disclaimer: I received this book free through Harpercollins book review program.  http://booklookbloggers.com. I was not required to write a positive review.  

NIV Essentials Study Bible

I love this bible! Just as the title indicates, it’s a NIV Essentials Study Bible. It’s essential because the publishers have combined portions of several books into one bible. They include the NIV Study Bible, NIV Quest Study Bible, NIV Archaeological Study Bible, NIV Student Bible, The Great Rescue Bible and the Essential Bible Companion.

Each book begins with a book introduction, which includes the key concepts, the purpose, key verses, terms, teachings, maps, and even photos. At the bottom of the pages, there are additional notes to help you understand the meaning of the verses.

The people in focus lens helps you learn a little bit more about certain characters such as Job and tackles the question of why bad things happen to good people. I’m sure we all felt like Job at one time or another.

The Q & A lens tackles difficult questions such as why did God choose such sinful people to be judges or does God allow pain in order to display his power? Or how about what is my purpose in life and how can I be certain of it?

The guided tour sections are notes from the NIV Student Bible. One talks about how Daniel and Ezekiel had leadership abilities and how they were taken prisoner. Have you ever taken a stand as a matter of integrity? It helps you reflect on your own life.

The insight excerpts are similar to a short magazine article such ‘Ecology Plus’ and how nature plays a role and that it is part of God’s work. Then there are short box highlights that help emphasize a particular verse.

Finally, the reflect and respond section will help you to reflect on a certain aspect such as prayer and why we are told to pray. And helps you to not only think about prayer but live it.

The layout is pleasing to the eye. The black and blue font makes it easy to read. This bible provides different reading plans such as reading the bible in a year, a 60-day overview of the bible, 20 not-so-famous stories of the bible, etc. It includes a concordance and colorful maps.

I recommend this bible to anyone who wants to not only read the bible but also delve deeper into the word of God.

Disclaimer: I received this bible free from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) through their booksneeze program and was not required to write a positive review.

In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

Shelby’s childhood is riddled with abuse. The abuser was her father but her mother, in some ways, was to blame for allowing it to happen. Her brother, Trey, is her savior in many ways. Through the abuse, they became closer not only as kids but as adults. Shelby is content with being alone. Through a twisted set of events, she becomes a single mom.

Shelby moves to Germany but it doesn’t take away her memories. She is a mom to Shayla, a sweet girl who is a typical four-year-old who is wonderful and challenging at the same time. Is she really meant to take on this role? Can she move on with her life? Will she ever find true love?

I love the part of her brother, Trey. He was involved in her life even though he was thousands of miles away. The loved they shared was phenomenal.

This story really made me think of how our past does affect how we view our future. It’s easy to listen to the demons that swirl around in your head. When you live with childhood abuse for such a long period of time, it begins to feel real. The lies become the truth. It’s only after you are away from the dysfunction that you realize how wrong it really is. It doesn’t define you. You have the power to change. You have the power to forgive.

Shelby struggles to make peace with her past and moving forward. This book is about the power of forgiveness.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Tyndale). I was not required to write a positive review.