Guest Blogger: JoAnn Carter, Author of Paradox (Contest details)

Today's special guest is JoAnn Carter. She's been featured at The Book Connection on more than one occasion, and today we help her celebrate the release of her new book, Paradox.

Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?

Paradox by JoAnn Carter


This morning while I was lying in bed in the early pre-dawn I heard a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not today. Today was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing! God used two rather "ordinary" things to create an extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

This sends Goosebumps up my spine as I think about it. It's a paradox and truly a God thing. Especially since this word, paradox, has been near and dear to my heart. In fact, I kid you not; this is the very title of the book that I wanted to share with you today. Yet, perhaps paradox is not a word you're familiar with, so let me explain. Paradox is flowers on snow, joy in the midst of trials, compassion for others as your own heart breaks. It's what many of us just celebrated, Easter-- Jesus laying down his life for me, someone sinful and undeserving. It's victory and life born out of death and suffering.

Through this experience, God reminded me that He delights in using those ordinary things to accomplish His marvelous purposes. And that's super news! If He can use Fishermen, tax collectors, birds, and thunderstorms, I know He can use me—a very average, ordinary person to do extraordinary things for Him. Perhaps you're feeling "ordinary" today. Take heart, it's through that very thing that God can show His creativity, His power, and even His love just like He did for me in the midst of this early mornings storm.

A CONTEST TO HELP ME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF PARADOX:

Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)

How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 5/26/11.

JoAnn Carter writes stories that will encourage your faith through inspirational fiction novels and novellas. She resides in Vermont with her wonderful husband and four children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministries events, school events, and church retreats.

Find her here:

Visit JoAnn's Web site

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook

JoAnn's Blog

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I hope you'll be able to pick up a copy of Paradox today @ http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

You can watch the trailer here ~ http://youtu.be/mnOQeNeQuUE

February Romance Novel Event: By the Book by JoAnn Carter

Perky 24 year old police dispatcher, Sarah Murphy, is held captive by images of her past. She doesn't trust men and is determined to hold onto her heart at all costs. Lieutenant Dylan Eldredge of the Hampton Police Department believes she’s the woman God has intended for him and is equally determined to have her for his wife. But can he prove he’s the man for her?

Read the excerpt!

 Dylan gestured toward Sarah. "Do you see that woman in line?"

Matt looked over his shoulder. "Yup."

"If she’s a Christian, that’s the woman I’m going to marry."

Matt’s elbow slipped off the table. "What? Love at first sight? Aw, come on!" Dylan laughed. "You heard me."

"Yeah, right, Dylan. Even you’re not that crazy. After all, you don’t even know her."

Dylan wiped his mouth with the napkin, not bothering to answer Matt’s statement.

"Oh, come on, you can’t be serious." Dylan merely raised an eyebrow. Matt thumped the table in astonishment. "You are!"

Dylan smiled his confirmation.

"But this is crazy. You don’t even date all that much."

Dylan sipped his Pepsi and glanced back at Sarah. "Somehow, she’s different. I just know." After daydreaming for a moment, he hit his friend on the shoulder and teased, "So, what do you say? Are you up for a bet?"

Matt choked on his soda. "Bet? You never bet. Are you sick or something?"

Dylan shook his head. "How can I resist, then? This is too good of an opportunity to see you eat crow."

Dylan said in a dry tone, "Ah, what are friends for?" He sat back, folded his arms across his chest, and looked back to Sarah at the checkout counter.

Read the reviews!

"This fast-paced read is wonderfully written and presents a dreamy love story! The actions and characters truly project a love of God; it also quotes enough scripture for the book to be life-changing! I loved, and recommend highly, this amazing book!"

--The Romance Studio (5-heart review)

"This is a must read book that will lift the readers' heart."

--Long and Short Romance Reviews

"Ms. Carter penned a truly moving story with this gem of a read. I liked Sarah immediately and understood her pain of trusting any man to be in her life. I felt bad for her that she wouldn’t let a man get close to her and because of this, was missing out on so much she could have shared with that someone special. I fell in love with Dylan and I applauded his strength and determination that he didn’t give up on Sarah. I thought they were perfectly matched for each other, but I was hoping that Sarah would finally see it that way also. This was an enjoyable inspirational read for me and I would recommend it to other readers in a heartbeat."

--Night Owl Romance

This short inspirational romance is available at WhiteRosePublishing.com for only $2.00! It is also available in a Kindle edition

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.


In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.


Her next book, The Floating Palace, will be released July 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. You can access the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg  


Visit JoAnn online at http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/?/home/  and her blog at http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/?/blog

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDavisCarter 

February Romance Novel Event: Teacher's Plans by JoAnn Carter

When Amanda Manning, an exhausted, short-handed special education teacher, is given an assistant, things don't turn out as she planned. Her new assistant is anything but what Amanda expected—most strikingly, a male.

Tracy Atkins secured a job as a teacher's assistant, but will he be able to secure the hand of the woman he is falling in love with? Especially when she finds out about the secret he is hiding?

Come join their adventure as both Amanda and Tracy learn that God's plans are far better than their own. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Read an excerpt!
Amanda reached out to shake his hand when his words hit her full force. She withdrew her hand like she just touched fire and squeaked, “You’re who?”



“I’m your new assistant. The principal said to meet you here.”



Silence engulfed the room. Tracy shifted his weight to one hip, looking slightly uncomfortable for the first time. “He said you would be expecting me.”



Amanda tried to cover up her shock. “Um, right…it’s just…” You’re a man—not just any man—a drop dead gorgeous man! She felt like she was drowning with no way out; she needed time to gather her wits. “Were you by any chance at an interview in the Board of Education building on June 13th?”



Tracy laughed. “I think my first impression of you was correct after all.”

Read the Reviews!

"If your looking for a quick afternoon read with a wonderful story line then I highly recommend this book. An excellent read with high praise for the author."

--Reviewyourbook.com

"It is wonderful when you can read a book and find enjoyment in it and uncover life lessons as well. Teacher’s Plans is that book, one that can entertain and guide at the same time, certainly the best of both worlds."

--You Gotta Read Reviews

"Ms. JoAnn Carter has, once again, written a great inspirational book with a wonderful plot... I loved the way Carter told this story. It was one of the best I’ve read in a long while."

--The Romance Studio

"The book will leave you will a warm feeling inside."

--Long and Short Reviews

PURCHASE A COPY OF TEACHER'S PLANS AT WHITEROSEPUBLISHING.COM! THIS BOOK IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN A KINDLE EDITION!

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.

In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.

Her next book, The Floating Palace, will be released July 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. You can access the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg

Visit JoAnn online at http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/?/home/

Author Spotlight: Daniella by JoAnn Carter (Encouraging faith though fiction)

When Harrison Beckman meets his father’s secretary, Daniella Duncan, she’s shy and self-conscious. Harrison, however, is determined to get to know her better. Before he gets to do that a rival comes along to steal Dani’s heart as quickly and thoroughly as the company’s contracts, which have been disappearing.

As the mystery unfolds, Harrison has to fight for the woman he loves, even though this means crossing swords with his father and his determined adversary. Will Harrison be able to find the love that could await them or will it be too late?

Author's note:  While in the middle of writing this story, I heard the song MIRROR MIRROR by Barlow Girl on the radio. As I listened to the lyrics, it hit me how many women like Dani, (the heroine in DANIELLA) struggles with self-image.


As the plot develops, and Dani comes to the realization God loves her the way he made her. I had to be honest and ask myself, "Do I believe that?" It’s easy for me to nod my head while I’m writing this, but it’s another story when I’m standing in one of those dinky changing rooms try to find a bathing suit for the summer!

Accepting myself is sometimes is a daily struggle. In the same way this story has challenged me, as you experience Dani growth reading this book, it’s my prayer that it will draw you closer to God as well. (If you’d like to hear Mirror Mirror, click onto this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgq8pA-ipY&feature=related )

Read the excerpt!

Harrison took the folder from her extended hand. Her hand seemed so small, and he had the strangest desire to protect her from whatever inner battle she was fighting. "I’m sorry. I know you’ve been with our advertising firm for quite a while now, but until today, I’ve never met you." He added with a smile, "Forgive me, I’m horrible with names. What’s yours again?"

Her eyes grew wide. With a nervous catch, she said, "Daniella Duncan."

"I like that name. May I call you Daniella?"

She shrugged. "Everybody calls me Dani."

"I think I prefer Daniella." Still studying her face, Harrison added, "Somehow, Dani doesn’t seem to fit you."

"Oh, Dani fits me all right. It sounds short and fat." Her hand clamped over her mouth, and her eyes grew even wider. Harrison’s heart nearly broke when she asked, "Did I really say that out loud?"

It had been drilled into his head since he was a boy never to talk to women about two things: their age and their weight. Now, what should he do with this hanging hot potato? Ignore it. "I didn’t hear anything if you didn’t." He tried to continue with the previous introductions. "Everyone calls my father Mr. Beckman, so I go by Harrison."

"Okay. I’ll try to remember that." Daniella seemed to have reached her limit; she looked like a cat being chased by a mouse, desperate for escape.
"Um, I really need to get back now, so..."

"Sure. Thanks again." Harrison didn’t even know if she heard him as she turned and left with quick steps.

He stood quietly by his door and listened to the clickety-clack sound Daniella’s shoes made on the linoleum fade into a soft pitter-patter as she retreated down the hallway. He shut his door while contemplating the strange woman who was just in his office. Pretty but strange...yes, definitely strange. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the tasks at hand.

Free discussion questions here: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/discussion_Q/DQ_Daniella.pdf

Price: $3.50 (Special sale for 25% off of this price if you purchase Smuggler of the Heart. See purchase link below for details.)


Purchase link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Daniella

Visit JoAnn's Web site at http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDavisCarter

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.


In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.


Her next book, The Floating Palace, will be released July 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. You can access the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg.

JoAnn Carter...Encouraging faith through fiction