News

My Civil War audiobooks Wedded to War, Widow of Gettysburg, and Yankee in Atlanta, which have been available exclusively on Audible up until now, remain on Audible but are now ALSO available through Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, Chirp, Audiobooks.com, and through your public library via Hoopla and Overdrive! Actually, they are available through about 40 new distribution channels which I won't take the time to list here, so feel free to look them up at the retailer of your choice! (The fourth book in the series, Spy of Richmond, will be produced next.) Note: At all of these places, you should also be able to find audiobooks for my other titles: The Mark of the King, A Refuge Assured, and Veiled in Smoke. I would LOVE your help making sure your library carries them in this new format! Would you go to your library's Web site and see if the audiobooks are listed via Hoopla, Overdrive, or whatever provider your library uses? If they haven't added them yet, would you request that they do? This will be so helpful to me, to libraries, and to readers. And, you can be entered to win a prize for your help! Read on for details.   Give-away! After you check your library's digital catalog for my books, let me know through this form, and you'll be entered in this month's give-aways! Up for grabs this month is a paperback copy of any novel I've written (winner's choice) and a set of CDs for A Mosaic of Wings audiobook by Kimberly Duffy. I'll select a winner on September 25.

It's a big day for new releases! I'm delighted to share Veiled in Smoke's launch day with several others! There are several releasing today, but I'm limiting this post to just five. Take a look at this variety. I think you'll find there is something for every reader!   Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green Historical Fiction (Great Chicago Fire of 1871) Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store. The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad. What readers are saying:  "If you love classic literature, you will feel connected to these characters. If you have a friend or family member serving in the military, this story will stir your heart. If you enjoy historical fiction that begs you to keep digging and discovering, Jocelyn Green is the author for you. Finally, if you enjoy a good mystery, Veiled in Smoke should not only be on your nightstand, it should move directly to the top of the stack!" ~Amanda Geaney, Goodreads Review Find Veiled in Smoke on Goodreads.   The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli Time Slip Fiction (Dual timeline, Revolutionary War era and contemporary) Boston, 1773 Emma Malcolm's father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma's heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer's assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiance, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her--as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace. After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel's wife. Present Day Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized. Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. What readers are saying: "Passion for American history shines through as this author gives readers a front row seat to events leading up to and those after the Boston Tea party, through the eyes of tender-hearted Emma Malcom and her family...This was a nail-biting story I couldn’t put down. It’s rich in character, history and story. It would work well for your next book club pick." ~Nora St. Laurent, Goodreads Review Find The Tea Chest on Goodreads.   Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar Biblical Fiction A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history. When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth. What readers are saying: "If it's possible to start the year out by finding your favorite read for the whole year, that might have just happened. At the least I can guarantee that it will make my favorites list. I don't even think I have the words to do this story justice. Incredible!" ~Becca-Rae Weidel, Goodreads Review Find Daughter of Rome on Goodreads.   Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather (Exotic Pet-sitter #3) by Heather Day Gilbert Contemporary, Cozy Mystery When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . . The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling. At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing. What readers are saying: "Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third and most multilayered book in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series. The countless readers who fell in love with Belinda’s quirky charm in earlier books will be cooing over this story, as it develops and expands her personality even more, giving her journey a coming of age feel against the backdrop of her colorful family, friends, and love interests." ~Chloe Flanagan, Goodreads Review Find Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather on Goodreads.   The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin Historical Romance (World War 2) In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death. Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago. After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true? What readers are saying: "Ms. Sundin has a firm grasp on how to convey faith and human nature and pours this knowledge into her characters, making them come alive. Her extensive research shines in the scenes about training and the invasion of Normandy, as well as the everyday hardships of the folks left behind at home. Faith in God is portrayed as the backbone of the Paxton family and forgiveness is seen as a struggle but so worth the outcome." ~Paula Shreckhise, Goodreads Review Find The Land Beneath Us on Goodreads. Which books are you adding to your TBR list?

This week I travelled to Nashville to attend The Art of Writing Conference and the Christy Awards Gala, hosted on the campus of Lipscomb University. The last time one of my books was a Christy finalist was 2013, for Wedded to War, and I skipped the Gala so I could stay home and write. Afterward, even though my novel didn't win, I second-guessed my decision to forfeit the opportunity to gather with like-minded writers.  For those who aren't familiar, The Christy Award™ is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. This year is the 50th anniversary of Christy, so it was pretty special to be part of the celebration. Here's a trailer for this classic book:   I'm so glad I went to the Christy Awards this year.  First of all, I got to read on the flights and during the layover on my way to Nashville, which was a treat. I finished Like a River From Its Course by Kelli Stuart, which was a Christy Finalist in the historical category, and the Carol Award winner this year in historical fiction. What an amazing book! It made me even more excited to meet Kelli in person in Nashville.  The Art of Writing Conference was a great opportunity to learn, to be reminded of things I may have forgotten, and to chat with folks I usually only "see" on Facebook, many of whom I met for the first time in person that day. The afternoon was packed from 1-5pm, and then it was time to change from conference attire into our gala dresses. I settled in for the program between my editors Dave Long and Jessica Barnes, and enjoyed every segment of the evening. Though The Mark of the King was a finalist, I was planning on not winning. After all, Wedded to War had been a finalist in two categories, and it didn't win either one. I was just honored and happy to be a finalist, which was winning enough for me. So I didn't prepare an acceptance speech. One of the most moving aspects of the program was Andrew Peterson's music. This was my first exposure to his music and I was so impressed and touched. He played three or four songs, including one called To All the Poets, which was especially meaningful to a room full of writers, editors, publishers, and those who support the written word. If you'd like to take a listen, here you go:   While Andrew was finishing up his songs, I had this niggling feeling that I ought to do the prudent thing and figure out something to say in the off chance I was called up soon. So I pulled out a single piece of notebook paper and my favorite purple pen, and scribbled down a few things.  Not very long after that, my category was up. The way they announce the winners is by reading the first lines of the winning novel before saying the title and author. And...oh my word. The presenter, Liz Johnson (The Red Door Inn), read the first few lines of The Mark of the King, and I could not believe it. I took my purple scribbles up to the podium with me, but look at that hot mess. It's barely legible. So I didn't even look at it, I just talked. After thanking the team at Bethany House Publishers, here is what I think I said: With every book I write, I hope that it is adequate. I hope it's enough. I think of the five loaves and two fish, and how they fed the five thousand not because the food was enough, but because Christ is enough. So if my novel is enough, it's because Christ is enough. I don't think the people who ate the bread and fish remember the taste of the what they ate, but they did remember that they were filled. I don't know how many readers will remember that The Mark of the King won an award. But I hope that they will remember being filled by what they read. Every book represented here in this room is part of the work of filling souls through story. I am honored to be part of this community. I was so blessed to have so many team members from Bethany House Publishers attend! Below, from the top left and working clockwise: Amy Green, fiction publicist (and my B&B housemate for the trip, along with Carrie Booth Schmidt); Jessica Barnes, editor extraordinaire; fellow BHP authors Becky Wade (Her One and Only) and Tamera Alexander (A Note Yet Unsung); and Noelle Chew, fiction marketing manager.    The 2017 Christy Award winners are: Book of the Year LONG WAY GONE by Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson) Contemporary Romance HER ONE AND ONLY by Becky Wade (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) First Novel STARS IN THE GRASS by Ann Marie Stewart (Barbour Publishing) General Fiction THE PROMISE OF JESSE WOODS by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers) Historical Fiction THE MARK OF THE KING by Jocelyn Green (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Historical Romance (TIE) A NOTE YET UNSUNG by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART by Joanne Bischof (Mason Jar Books) Mystery/Suspense/Thriller WHEN DEATH DRAWS NEAR by Carrie Stuart Parks (Thomas Nelson) Short Form LOOKING INTO YOU by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers) Visionary THE LONG JOURNEY TO JAKE PALMER by James Rubart (Thomas Nelson) Young Adult THE SILENT SONGBIRD by Melanie Dickerson (Thomas Nelson) You can find the complete list of finalists and winners here, along with their book covers.  Below, the  authors present to accept The Christy Award™, pictured with ECPA executive director Stan Jantz. (from left to right:) Chris Fabry, Tamera Alexander, Jocelyn Green, Becky Wade, Ann Marie Stewart, Melanie Dickerson, Stan Jantz (photo credit: Kristen Fields) Now I'm home again, and that dress I wore to the gala is in a plastic bag waiting to be taken to the dry cleaners. I'm back in my favorite flannel writing pants, staring at another blinking cursor on a new Chapter One. I'm starting the next novel. It's a long process, and it can be daunting, but I meant what I said on that stage. Every book is an offering that surely feels like it falls short. But with Christ, it is enough. For He finishes the story in the hearts of readers. He is the completion of the message. And so I plow ahead with my ears tuned to His leading, and pray that He will take my crust of bread and stinky fish, and use it to feed His people.   

Just a quick post today to let you in on a nice surprise. Somehow, this blog right here was named in the Top 100 Military Wife Blogs on the planet! Wow! Check out the full list here. I see several worthy blogs that I have followed for years. Bravo! If you're stopping by this blog for the first time, let me give you the quick run-down. I've written or co-written several books for military wives/families, including:  Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives Faith Deployed . . .Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (pictured below with some milwives in Virginia!) Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs The 5 Love Languages Military Edition (with Dr. Gary Chapman) My other nonfiction books, Refresh: Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs, and my new release, Free to Lean: Making Peace with Your Lopsided Life, both incorporate stories and examples from military and civilian women. Pictured below is military wife Natalie Walters with her copy. You can read her review on Goodreads here. Visit my nonfiction page to see a short summary of each book. But I also write American historical fiction set in the 1700s and 1800s, inspired by real people and events. And so far, every story has a main character with some connection to the military, whether it's soldier, surgeon, scout, chaplain, veteran, or spy. I'm not sure how long this trend will continue, but so far, it has been true for six novels (one to be published in February 2018) and one novella. As a former military wife, it's been fulfilling to bring military family dynamics and themes of freedom and liberty to life. See descriptions of my fiction here. For those of you who have been following the Faith Deployed or Jocelyn Green Facebook page for a while, were there any titles on this list you hadn't heard about already? Whether you're a fiction or nonfiction reader, I'm glad you're here! Take a look around, and if you like what you see, be sure to sign up for my e-newsletter in the footer below, to be notified of new releases. Thanks!

If you missed the free ebook yesterday, you can still get Refresh: Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs for only $1.99 (ebook only) from now until the end of November 13! Find it at  Amazon and BarnesandNoble. Read "Longing for Transformation," an excerpt from Refresh, here.