Grab New Collection 5 Full Historical Romances for $.99!

 

Howdy Dear Readers! Great Labor Day News! TODAY get 5 Full-Length Historical Romances where love becomes the greatest teacher! Snap up this collection for the holiday on Amazon for $.99! CLICK HERE: https://amzn.to/3HHfLuK In these captivating Christian historical romances, five teachers discover that no amount of book learning can prepare them for what God has in store. Sometimes the greatest wisdom comes not from what we teach others, but from what love teaches us. Four Brides and a Bachelor by Gabrielle Meyer When four female teachers at Belle Prairie Mission learn they must marry or leave their posts, the arrival of handsome Luke Longley from a northern mission sparks both hope and competition. With only a week to choose a bride, Luke finds himself drawn into an unexpected courtship that will change not just his life, but the future of the entire mission. Harmony on the Horizon by Kathleen Denly In 1865 San Diego, schoolteacher Margaret Foster thinks she's finally found her happy ending when the dashing Everett Thompson shows interest in courting her. But when scandal, blackmail, and conflicting ideals threaten everything they hold dear, they must decide if love is worth risking it all. Legacy of Love by Renae Brumbaugh Green Half-Native American teacher Skye Stratton dreams of acceptance in her Texas town, while Indian Agent Alan McNaughten seeks redemption from his political past. When their paths cross at the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, they discover that the greatest lessons of love often come with the hardest truths. His Grace's Governess by Jackie Killelea When Eleanor Clairbridge accepts a position as governess at Ivy Grange Estate, she never expects to find herself drawn to Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle. With secrets in her past and his heart still healing from tragedy, they must decide if love is worth breaking down the barriers between them. The Sugar Baron's Governess by Elva Cobb Martin Widowed Abigail Welch seeks a fresh start in Jamaica as a governess, while Joshua Becket guards his double life as both respected plantation owner and daring privateer. As they clash over his unruly daughter's upbringing, they discover that God's love can heal even the deepest wounds of the past.  (See below cover!)                                         *** Scripture Confession Power: "Bless the Lord, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word." Psalm 103:20 The angels hearken to the voice of God's Word--YOUR voice speaking God's Word (promises) instead of fear, doubt, and negative words about yourself, your family, and relationships. Try it! It's so wonderful to add light and faith to one's day vs the negative confessions the devil loves to hear and act on. --And that cause our angels to sit down and fold their arms vs work in our behalf. Here's a few daily confessions of mine:          He forgives all my iniquities and heals all my diseases. Ps. 103:2 Nay, in all things I'm more than a conqueror!       Rom.8:37 I  can do all things through Christ! Phil. 4:13  Have a blessed, safe Labor Day!  Elva Elva Cobb Martin, a multi-published author, is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends vacations on the Carolina Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Link to her books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu Connect with Elva  Website: http://www.elvamartin.com

Elva Cobb Martin, Blessed Author  Anderson, South Carolina United States of America http://www.elvamartin.com ; You received this email because you signed up on our website, through a contest, or made a purchase from us. Thanks! Unsubscribe

The Good Ole Summertime!

 

Summertime Exploring--And Research View in browser  July 2025 I am recovering from surgery but also remembering a great summer day doing research at Boone Hall plantation in Charleston, South Carolina,  for my first novel, Summer of Deception! Check out that front oak-lined romantic drive. It's a great place to visit this summer and is still a working plantation actually in Mt. Pleasant. Hubby Dwayne took this above picture and I took the one below. Grab Summer of Deception on Amazon for 2.99 and join Rachel York and wounded Marine hero Luke Barrett for a great Charleston romantic suspense on an historic tea plantation! https://amzn.to/40NknTv                           *** Faith Thought I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isa.48:10 If afflictions come, I can still be at peace for God has chosen me. Sickness, you may intrude into my life, but I have a cure standing ready--God has chosen me. Financial setback, you may creep through my door, but God is already in my house, and He has chosen me. So I stand and praise Him and know He's working all things together for my good. (Copied, edited) Have a blessed, exploring, safe July!  Elva Elva Cobb Martin, a multi-published author, is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends vacations on the Carolina Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Redirect links: Trailer to Summer of Deception: http://bit.ly/2D8Zzg1 Link to her books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu Connect with Elva  Website: http://www.elvamartin.com Elva Cobb Martin, Blessed Author  Anderson, South Carolina United States of America http://www.elvamartin.com ; You received this email because you signed up on our website, through a contest, or made a purchase from us. Thanks!

Halloween: PRAY OR PARTY??

 

Readers I am opening my heart to you today!

Are you aware of the horrible child and animal sacrifices that are taking place now with Halloween all over America and the world? Christians must be at war, not only for the election, but for the lives at stake during this season of ungodliness celebrated by witches and Satanists and even churches trying to sanctify the holiday. Did you know that dressing up in costumes goes back to the evil teachings of the Druids? Halloween is the night before All Saints Day. It’s the night when evil spirits roam the earth. It is the night of necromancy, the conjuring of evil spirits. It’s the devil’s night, the Black Sabbath. How can we party?

 

In Charisma magazine, researcher, revivalist, Rev. John Burton warns: “If you participate in Halloween at any level, you are at risk. There is nothing innocent about it and no way to sanctify it. The level of demonic activity around the world on this night should result in millions of Christians gathering to pray with fire and passion. Abstain from all appearance of evil.  (I Thess.5:22). Children in costumes celebrating a night of candy and fun is not innocent. It’s a dangerous affirmation of the evil spirits of this age. Lives are truly at stake. The key role for us Christians is to expose darkness. And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them. Eph. 5:11.  I propose we eliminate all supposed Christian Halloween alternatives and instead make it clear as Christians we will have nothing to do with such a demonic celebration. “ https://burton.tv/2016/10/29/halloween-the-invitation/

 

Instead, we should see Halloween is a prime opportunity for Christian parents to teach their children about consecration and opposition to multi-billion dollar wickedness in our culture. Hold a late-night prayer meeting for the entire family or church. Prayer walk your neighborhood. Pray in the Spirit. We have and must USE the power to counteract the released demonic activity of Halloween (Luke 10:19). It must be a night of intercession, not a party. Have you ever considered that Halloween comes only a few days before our American election each year? Consider how much we may have lost in conservative causes in recent years as Halloween has grown to front and center stage in America as a multi-billion dollar business?

 

JOIN ME IN PRAYER:

“Father God, we come to you in the Name of Jesus and we worship you as the One and Only True God. We ask You to show us, Your church, how to pray about this great evil that has deceived and gained such a foothold in our nation. First, we repent and confess like Nehemiah 1:6: “Both I and my father’s house have greatly sinned.”  We cry out for Your mercy and forgiveness and for a Great Awakening.

We stand on Your promise in Luke 10:19 and right now we receive “power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy,” and we declare “that nothing shall by any means harm us.”

In Jesus’ name, we take the sword of the Spirit and enter in hand to hand combat!  We bind all demonic spirits being loosed in Jesus’ name! And any demonic powers released to stop the godly being elected in America’s coming election.

 

We cry out for every human, adult or child, and animals that are set for sacrifice in tonight’s Black Sabbath. Lord, reveal their secret meeting places and deliver the innocent. Cause SOMEBODY who knows the plans and location to come forth and expose them. Send in law officers (and godly judges) who are not involved and can’t be paid off. “Break the arm of the wicked. (Psalm 10:15). Release angels to fight in this battle as we pray! 

 

Lord, forgive and cleanse us of apathy, deception. Have mercy on us during Your judgment against this wickedness and do not destroy the righteous with the wicked. Open the eyes of America and Christians who are joining in this pagan celebration. Raise up a great army and ministers of the gospel who will preach the truth about this and take their stand. We can have victory! (Our law officer son has had to investigate reported satanic rituals in Greenville County. In our battle in Anderson to close the Hwy. 28 nude club, a group of us prayer warriors had to go to all known sites where occult rituals had taken place, according to our solicitor, and bind those devils and sing hymns to help defeat the nude club--which WAS DEFEATED PTL!)

 

Lord, we believe You are hearing our prayers and moving mightily to save, deliver, and wake up many right now. So we praise and worship You. You are our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the Faithful and True who rides the White Horse with eyes as a flame of fire and many crowns upon Your head. And written on your thigh a name is written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS! Hallowed be thy Name. THANK YOU ANGELS BATTLE THE FORCES OF EVIL AS WE PRAY.  Amen.”

In His Majesty's Special Ops,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.

A Well-Layered Opening --Guest Post

 

The Essentials of a Well-Layered Opening

By ACFW on October 15, 2024 by Terri Reed When I first started on this writing journey, I attended many workshops where the speaker said to start your openings with dialogue. Other speakers touted that opening with action was best, while still others said setting is the way to go.  Personally, I’ve opened books, scenes and chapters with a variety of different approaches.  I don’t believe there is one perfect way to open a book, a scene, or a chapter.  Each story is unique and has its own needs, which is the beauty of reading more than one book from different authors. No two stories have the same needs, just as no two authors have the same voice. How boring would it be if all books started the same and had the same author’s voice? I shudder to think about it.  When I’m asked about the best way to begin a book, scene, or chapter, I say use whatever works for your story. However, with that said, there are certain criteria that I try to make sure I include in my openings, but how you do that is up to you. Here is my essential checklist for the openings of a novel, a scene, and a chapter. Establish the point of view of the main character for that scene within the first few sentences by assigning either emotion, visceral reaction or thought to the POV character. This lets the reader know who they are investing their time in. Head hopping can be confusing and slows the pace because it forces the reader to keep track rather than allowing the reader to enjoy the journey. Ground your reader in the setting of their ordinary world as soon as possible with the use of a specific location. Saying the POV character is in a forest isn’t enough. A forest in the Pacific Northwest is going to be different than a forest in Colorado or Vermont. Establish the time of day. A high sun versus a star-filled sky will create a sense of atmosphere for the reader. Is the POV character inside or outside? Give a brief description of what the character sees, feels, hears, and smells, as well as, how they feel about their ordinary world. You don’t necessarily need to use all the senses right away but don’t forget them either.  The reader wants to picture the setting and experience the world you’re creating as if they were there themselves. Establish the goal and/or purpose of the POV character within the first few paragraphs and establish the conflicts that the POV character will bump up against. These can be hinted at or blatantly laid out. This can be done with a few sentences of internal thought or through dialogue. You have three layers here: internal, romantic, and external. Laying out these layers early creates anticipation and tension in the reader and has the reader wondering if the character will reach their goal and overcome the conflict. For the opening of a book, I always layer in the overarching story question early in the first few pages or at the end of the first scene. This gives the reader a reason to stay with the book all the way to the end. For the opening of a scene or chapter, I like to include a brief recap of what has transpired and the reaction of the POV character. This reengages readers who put the book down at the scene or chapter break. As you can see, the openings of books, scenes, and chapters have many layers. What the reader sees in their mind’s eye, physically feels, smells, or tastes in response to the descriptions all depend on what words you put on the page. Don’t forget to make them impactful! Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top five, Nielsen’s Bookscan’s top fifty, have been Amazon Bestsellers, and featured in USA Today. Her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America RITA contest, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, as well as a three-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers The Carol Award contest. Contact Terri  on her website, or regular mail at the following address: P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224, or send an email here: terrireedauthor@terrireed.com.                                                               *** Howdy dear friends,  I hope you writers enjoyed the above. I print such articles and study them to hone my writing craft, even after 8 novels! And if you've missed it, my Book 6 in Charleston Brides released in September. Grab it today from Amazon and escape into Gideon's and Helene's Charleston plantation life for quite an adventure and ROMANCE. She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D54JZRKB My prayer is that you escaped damage from the hurricanes or you're  on the way to repair and restoration like us. We were without electricity for 8 days (that was a time of developing patience and having cold showers) but we only have to repair our backyard wooden fence.  We continue to pray for those who suffered much more damage and may still be without electricity.   As we head into the election, I am praying fervently for America to return to God. Here are the two signs  I designed for our front yard: Hugs and Onward, Elva Elva Cobb Martin is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind. Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu Connect with Elva Website: http://www.elvamartin.com  BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elva-cobb-martin Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEW CHRISTIAN FICTION RELEASES!

    September 1, 2024

Howdy dear Reader Friends!  Here's  the September releases list of great Christian Fiction compiled by the foremost Christian writer's network, American Christian Fiction Writers!  GUESS WHOSE ROMANCE IS INCLUDED IN THIS LIST? MY COMING SEPT. 10 RELEASE THE GAMEKEEPER'S RELUCTANT BRIDE. Grab some great books for Fall reading!  All can be found on Amazon.

ACFW New Releases: September 2024

 ACFW September 1, 2024ACFW, Books, New Releases Leave a Comment

September 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary General:
Kristen by Dawn M Klinge — In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one’s heart to the unanticipated blessings of life’s sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:
Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton — Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter — A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Farmer and Adele by Candice Sue Patterson — Second chances aren’t for the faint of heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Historical:
Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas — With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published)

New Star by Lana Christian — You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:

The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin –She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett — She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Virginia by Shannon McNear — Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky — In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Middle-grade Chapter books:
Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen — Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)

Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille — A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

                                Romance:

A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver — As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)

                      Romance Amish:
A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard and Mindy Steele — Four Stories of Romance by Four Authors set in the Heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. (Romance Amish from Barbour Publishing)

             Romantic Suspense:
Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills — A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner — Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer — Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)

                    Western:

Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst — God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western, Independently Published)

Young Adult:
The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs — Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a star palm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

Here's my September meditation and prayer for you: 

"That your love may abound yet more and more in all knowledge and discernment, that you may approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ, being filled with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

Hugs,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.

Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu

Connect with Elva

Website: http://www.elvamartin.com 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elva-cobb-martin

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti