Are Reviews Important?

As a reader, I don’t always rely on reviews or word-of-mouth in order to buy a book. After all, reading is subjective and not every book someone recommends is something I enjoy. Besides, I’ve been disappointed too many times.


But as an author, I love to receive those glowing 4 or 5 star reviews! This validates my work and builds confidence that I truly AM a writer. Even in a not-so-glowing review, I can normally find something positive to focus on.

Recently I found out just how important reviews are to an author’s recognition.

I heard through the grapevine that the more reviews a book or story on Amazon has, the more potential it has to become a “recommended read” when people do searches for specific genres, thereby increasing exposure. In researching I discovered that White Rose Publishing titles were not very easy to find while searching Amazon unless you knew the title and/or author. And then, the book(s) were buried so far in pages of other similar titles and authors, most folks would get tired looking for them.

So some of the White Rose authors banded together and began reviewing each other’s work.

Within days of this happening, most of the authors had 10 or more reviews. A few actually reached higher than twenty reviews before a week was up. But that’s not the best part.

The best part is, within days of us posting reviews of the books we’d already read and tagging each one with terms like White Rose Publishing, Inspirational Romance, and other identical words, White Rose titles began moving up in the ranks and were listed as an “also reviewed” or a “suggested product” similar book to some well known publications! If a search is done in the Kindle Store for “Christian Romance” about a 1/3 is WR titles where before you'd only get bonnet books and ones written by people whose last name was Christian.

This means that Amazon is automatically showing WR books to people who search, which may encourage them to buy our books!

So do your favorite author a favor and review his or her book on Amazon.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
“Inspirational with an Edge!” TM
http://pamelathibodeaux.com/
http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

Coming Soon from White Rose Publishing!

New Year - New Vision

Well Friends, I've jumped off the deep end.

No, I haven't lost my mind yet - or maybe I have LOL!

What I've done is quit my job.

Now before you start worrying that I'm going to lie around and cry my life away, let me reassure you that is not the case.

I've taken a GIANT leap of faith and quit my job in order to pursue this whole writing business (writing/editing/promoting/signings/sales/speaking engagements/etc) and with God's grace, wisdom, and direction, move into a new level.

One thing that encouraged me to do this is - back in October - Jo Anne Vandermeulen of Premium Promotional Services contacted me about working as an associate for them. I said yes. Very excited with the results I had part time, I feel God is leading me to be available full time and that this is a good time to pursue my lifelong dream of working from home.

PPS's motto is "You Write, We Promote" and believe me, we stand on what we say. Jo Anne is wonderful about working with each individual author to design a promo package to fit his or her needs AND budget.

Oh and join me TONIGHT 8pm CST as a guest on Jo Anne's radio program “Authors Articulating with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen”

I'm also doing editing and writing on my own. Each project is different but if you need help with your manuscript contact me and let's see how I can help you!

Along with my work for PPS and writing/editing jobs I pick up, I plan to really focus on getting my own books out there through signings, speaking engagements and phone calls and visits to libraries and book stores.

I know this sounds like I'll be really busy, and I probably will but one thing - the most important reason behind this decision - is to take time to heal from the loss of my beloved AND grow in my relationship with God.

Your prayerful support is greatly appreciated as I embark on this new venture and I pray that each and every one of you have a BLESSED and Prosperous year!

Until later....take care, be Blessed and remember....Man plans his ways but God directs his steps.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

Holiday Themed Romaces Continue

Hey Friends,

Run over to my blog and check out the Holiday Themed Romances!

This week.....

Susan Lyons, Elaine Cantrell and Kathy Otten!

Hope to see you there.


Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Holiday Themed Romances

Hello Friends!

Just want to drop a note and let you all know that beginning Nov. 24th -thru- Jan 8th I will be featuring Holiday Themed romances on my personal blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

I'll try and post the upcoming titles and authors here!

Nov. 24th - Cindy K Green - Snow Kissed
Nov. 26th - Susan Lyons - Thanks but No Thanks
Nov. 28th - My Saturday Spotlight is on Margaret Tanner and her book, Shatterd Dreams - this is not a holiday story but a previously scheduled spotlight - the holiday stories will continue on Dec. 1st.

Hope you'll drop by my blog and check out these stories!

Until later....Take care, Be BLESSED and remember.....life is a gift so offer God praise and remember to keep the Holidays holy days!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Fully Depected Love Scenes

Hello Fellow Roses and Friends & Fans of White Rose Authors!

*Warning - the scenes below may be considered too riske' for some readers *

I'm on a quest.....

Many read Inspirational/Christian/Sweet romances because they don't want/need the graphic details of intimacy between a couple. Some, however, bemoan the fact that most of these books are too chaste. Thankfully, at White Rose Publishing, we have a bit more freedom in what we write - but the door is still basically closed when it comes to fully depicted love scenes.

This scene from The Inheritance is about as sensual as I get.....

Rebecca closed her eyes, marveling at the way his heart thundered against her palm, matching rhythm with the blood thrumming through her veins. Mesmerized she slipped her hand inside his shirt, felt him shudder, and heard his soft moan of pleasure. Before she could jerk away, he covered her hand with his.

“It’s all right,” he whispered. “Don’t be shy or afraid.”

She lifted wide, pleading eyes to his. “But I am afraid, Ray. Afraid of where all this will end, afraid that I’ll forget every scrap of morality I ever taught my children and even more afraid that I won’t care if I do.”

“I promise it won’t go that far. I’ll let you know when it’s time to stop,” Ray insisted. She allowed him to shift her slightly so that she was cradled against his side. Murmuring soft words of love and praise, he urged her to relax and to trust him. Slowly, he unbuttoned his shirt and tugged it free from the waist of his jeans. Cupping her face in his hands, he covered her lips in a breathtaking kiss before pulling her in his arms once more.

As though in a trance, her hand moved across his chest to trace circles of fire over the sleek expanse of muscle and flesh. She felt him tremble, heard his sharp intake of breath and jerked her hand away, marveling that she was capable of eliciting such a response. It was obvious that by Jim always being the one to initiate intimacy between them, she’d been robbed of the simple pleasure of cuddling and caressing. And, oh, how she wanted to now.

When Ray didn’t move or speak or open his eyes, she placed her hand over his heart once more. Propping up on one elbow, she ran her fingers up his throat, let them walk over his chin and sweep across his lips to cup one cheek as her lips brushed across the other. Rolling into a sitting position, she placed a hand on each of his shoulders and let them slide slowly and gently down his chest, thrilling at his soft groan of pleasure.

Ray grabbed her hands and stopped the sensual torture, afraid that if she so much as thought about touching him again, he’d surely die from lack of oxygen. His breathing came sharp and painful. His knuckles were white from clenching his fists in order to keep from crushing her to him and ravishing her on the spot. His jaw hurt from grinding his teeth so hard that it was sheer wonder—or a miracle—they weren’t mere dust in his mouth.

“Now, Rebecca,” he rasped in a voice so harsh it sounded, and felt, as though he’d swallowed a Brillo pad. “We have to stop now, before there’s no stopping at all.”

This wedding night scene from my novel Tempered Fire may be considered by some 'fully depicted' .....

His mouth covered hers in a scorching embrace, hands shook when he undid the tiny buttons along her back. “I love you so much,” he whispered, the words punctuated with feathery kisses across her cheeks, eyes and mouth.

“I love you, too,” Amber assured, swallowing the lump of emotion clogging her throat. “Hold me, Stanley, make me your wife,” she invited.

In answer Stanley swung her up into his arms and laid her on the bed. His hands trembled as he undressed her, covering inch by inch of precious skin with kisses. With the tenderness born of love and control he didn’t know he possessed, he kissed and caressed her, mumbling soft, sweet words of love and longing. He nearly lost control when, with trembling hands, she finished unbuttoning his shirt and began placing whisper-soft kisses on his skin; nipping gently at the tender flesh of his broad chest and circling patterns of fire over his skin with her touch.

Amber forgot everything she’d ever heard when he took sweet possession of her body, and felt nothing but the incredible heat, the glorious ache, the delirious need building to a shattering crescendo within her. The heat of his touch circled through her leaving scorching brands on her flesh wherever he stroked her with gentle hands and followed with hot, possessive kisses. Their vows were consummated in a tender celebration of love.

However, many still consider this chaste compared to secular romances.


You may wonder what this has to do with my quest - so I'll tell you... I queried a publisher about another project - an obviously secular publisher that has an 'inspirational' line and was told that even though the story is inspirational, they expect fully depicted love scenes. So now I wonder.....

Would you read a Christian/Inspirational novel if it DID contain fully depicted love scenes as long as the couple is married - more fully than above? Is what I've shared too much or not enough to be considered "fully depicted"?

I've always written "Inspirational with an Edge!" and explored the sensual side of romance more than most Christian/Inspirational authors, but I'm tempted to take this a step further....to show the beauty of physical love, yet I hesitate, wondering if doing so will turn away or disappoint my readers. Of course I can always warn them if I do write one of these LOL!

Seriously though....It is NEVER my intention to offend anyone and if I have by sharing these scenes with you - the PLEASE accept my SINCEREST apologies.

Your opinion on this matter is valued and greatly appreciated.

Leave a comment and you just may win your choice of one of my E-books.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

The Sister Pact

The Sister Pact is now in bookstores.

Savannah Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend, Allison, falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn’t her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah’s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.

Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon faith and rely on hope, even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.

The Sister Pact is a thrilling romantic mystery, full of unexpected twists. Cami Checketts delivers an exhilarating new novel that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

To win a free copy, please visit my blog - http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com.

www.camichecketts.com

Making Time to Write

Hello Friends!

Seems like when you're an aspiring author you manage to squeeze writing into every spare minute of your day. But once you become published and have to add editing and promoting to your duties, finding time to write is a little more difficult.

Therefore, on or about May 25th I made an announcement to my friends/groups that I would be spending less time online in the mornings in order to be more disciplined in writing.

My goals: work on developing my WIP into a full length novel; write (and hopefully complete) a story for WRP’s ‘Hearts Crossing’ contest (20-25K words).

I spent most of Memorial Day weekend writing & scheduling as many of my blog posts as possible for the entire month of June.

Today I’d like to share with you my writing accomplishments for the month…..

#1: Updated Bryanna’s Journal and started one for Karson (two of my grandchildren)

#2: Helped fellow author with edits for 2 books (1 long, 1 short)

#3: Wrote and posted seven reviews for WRP books I’d read.

#4: Wrote and submitted devotional poem to Penned from the Heart (accepted yay!!!)

#5 Edited and submitted article for July issue of Christian Star Newspaper

#6 Created and sent web changes to webmistress

#7 Wrote nearly 5,000 words on my contest entry - which puts me right on target if I want 20,000 words by deadline of Sept. 30th.

#8 Placed 4 articles at Helium

#9 Wrote this blog post.

#10 Wrote and submitted 1 interview for the WRP blog – I’ll let you know when it’s up!

#11 Submitted 14 devotional poems to Church Mouse Publications (more on that later)

#12 Wrote/Submitted essay for Cup of Comfort for Couples

This may not seem like much to many, but for someone who hasn’t written anything new in a year, it’s been exhilirating!

This is the time when most people evaluate the goals they set in January and revise/rewrite/recommitt to them. My 2009 goals were to write a new novel and/or at least one short story this year as well as keeping up with promotion, etc. If things keep going the way they did this month, I’ll be darn close to accomplishing both of those.....if I can just get away from those networking sites LOL!

Have you checked your progress lately on meeting your 2009 goals?

I’d love to hear your comments!

PamT

PS: On this same note, check out the July issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine for how I manage to find time to write in the Author by Night column.

It's Easter....What Have You Done?

Authors are encouraged to sum up their novel in one sentence for the instance you meet up with an editor or agent and only have a minute or two to pitch your idea to them. In television, this is known as a log line - that short description you see in the tv guide.

Here's a couple of one-liners or log lines I've come up with for my books....

The chance we all long for, the chance to start over ~ The Inheritance.
Are we the sum of our choices? ~ Choices
Can stubborn hearts be tempered unto the will of the Lord? ~ Tempered Hearts
Can joy be found amidst tragedy and grief? ~ Tempered Joy

You'll see these for every novel and short story in the slideshow of covers in the sidebar on my blog.

My husband tells the story of one sermon that has stuck with him all of his life - one sentence or rather one question .....

"It's Easter, what have you done?"

As we enter the holiest weekend of the year - pause and reflect on your life, sum it up in one sentence and then pray that God show you what to change so that at the end of your life, you'll hear the one sentence we all long to hear out of the mouth of our Lord.....

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

God Bless & Happy Easter.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

March Madness!

Hey Friends!

Great news! My new short story, Winter Madness releases today at White Rose Publishing - the Inspirational imprint of The Wild Rose Press!

Blurb: Sienna has survived what most succomb to - the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Excerpt: They met on a cold winter morning in a cozy coffee shop. Not just the tinkle of the bell above the door announced his arrival, but also the quickening of her heart, the slow thud of blood through her veins, the sharp curl of need in the pit of her stomach. Even before she saw him, she knew the minute he’d walked in. A dream from her past.

He turned; their eyes met.

William’s eyes widened, and his breath caught. There she sat all soft and glowing. A ghost from his past. He hesitated, blew a soft rush of air to cool the steaming brew he’d just purchased. A sigh escaped followed by a resigned shrug. There was no way out of the meeting now. Only a few steps separated them physically, miles emotionally. One hurdle at a time, he thought, and joined her at the table for two beside the window.

In conjunction with my new release, Winter Madness, I'm having a month-long sale on The Inheritance!
Get an autographed copy for only $8.95 + s/h!! For details visit My Website OR Pertinent Promotions!

Well that's about it for today. Until next time.....

Take care and Be Blessed!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Too Odd to NOT be God

Hello Friends!

Whew - lot's going on over here....new members, new features, new guests - WRIB authors are really stepping up to this blog thing LOL!

If you've followed my blog at all, you'll know that I utilized the kill clause in my contract with Enspiren Press for my WF novel, The Visionary and signed with Literary Agent, Les Stobbe to pitch that book along with another WF novel - well he is. He sent the proposal to 8 editors and so far we've received, three rejections.

A funny thing happened though....a friend sent me a notice she received about a new line of romances Strang is implementing. From the guidelines available it appeared they are looking for Amish/Historical novels.

Not sure if they took contemporary at all, I decided to email the editor and ask.

The answer was no.

BUT, she informed me that REALMS does accept contemporary but they like "supernatural" elements to be in the story. She then went on to describe "supernatural" as subtle - evidence of God working behind the scenes OR as obvious as angels and demons.

Excited, I highlighted that explanation and sent an email to my friend that my novel The Visionary had these and described a couple of scenes in the book to illustrate.

Ever hit the 'send' button and realize you've sent something to the wrong person?

The email went straight to that editor!

Ooops.

I quickly forwarded it to my friend with a note that the editor would either think I'm a dork or ask for a proposal LOL!

Before my friend could respond, the editor ASKED for a proposal.

I immediately revised my proposal to show the supernatuaral elements more clearly and sent all the emails to my agent with the new proposal. He then submitted it.

Now you tell me, isn't that too odd, too coincedental, to not be God?

I think so.

Until next time.....take care and Be BLESSED!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Well, the hustle and bustle is over, gifts are open and put away and as we get ready to slide into the new year our thoughts will be far from Christmas - or will they? Many people take advantage the after Christmas sales in anticipation of next Christmas.

Whether you are one of those people who start early and plan your celebrations in advance or one who waits until at least November to get started - please keep in mind the True meaning of Christmas and Teach your Children......

Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surprise, Santa Claus himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

“What are you doing?” I started to ask, but the words lodged in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone…gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.
He then answered with a simple statement of “teach the children”.

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said again, “Teach the children. Teach them the meaning of Christmas…the meanings that Christmas nowadays has forgotten.”

I started to say, “How can I…” when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a shining star.

“Teach the children the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ages ago. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was a sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night, one for each man, now show the burning hope of all mankind.” Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, vivid…it is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the fir tree was a perfect background for the ornament. Here was the second color of Christmas. “The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round,” he said. “This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundant color of nature. All needles point Heavenward, symbols of man’s returning thoughts toward Heaven. The great green tree has been man’s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him.”

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound. “Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for a man to return to the fold. It means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

As the soft sound of the bell faded into the night, Santa drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in shadows slowly danced and weaved upon the walls. “Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that the candle shows man’s thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror of starlight. At first candles were placed on the trees. They were like many glowing stars shining against the dark green. The colored lights now take over in remembrance.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from underneath the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of goodwill toward each other. Goodwill forever is the message of the bow.”

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high upon the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it. “Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brothers’ keepers.

As Santa looked about the room, a feeling of satisfaction shone in his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sensed my admiration on this night. He reached into his bag and brought forth a holly wreath. He placed it on the door and said, “Please teach the children the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas.

Please teach the children.

I did not write this story, have no idea who did but whoever you are - THANK YOU and May God Bless you for reminding the world the true meaning of Christmas.

May you ALL be Blessed in the New Year to Come!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

A Christmas Poem for You!

From My Heart to Yours
© 2004

In this season of giving and good cheer, I've a message for all to hear!
Good news and glad tidings sent to all men, for a Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem.

Christ the Lord came down to earth, born in a manger, from holy to lowly by birth.
Throughout His life He chose to live right, to be and example of God's power and might.

To die on a cross in just a few years, but never FEAR!
For in victory He rose from that awful grave.
To give Life to all those He came to save.

So in this time of giving and season of cheer...Remember, Christ is to be praised all through the year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

Homemade Gifts

What do you give when money is tight? How about a piece of your heart?

As a writer I’ve found a way to do just that. I’ve written poems for new parents, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.

You may be thinking that’s nice, but how do you give these poems as a gift?

The poem for new parents, color in pink and blue, add clipart, personalize, and put in a pretty frame and you have a wall plaque. Same goes for the anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s day poems – use a pretty font, add clipart, print on nice paper and frame.

But what about Christmas?

Make tree ornaments!

Create a document with 4 copies of the poem in red and green font on page one and a cute Christmas picture on page two – which is printed on the back. Laminate the pages and cut each individual poem out. You can use special scissors, Christmas cookie cutters (the large ones), or just your imagination to design each one. Lace, ribbon, colored pipe cleaners, tiny boxes, and stickers make cute accessories. And of course, you’ll need a small hole-puncher to add the hook.

Simple, inexpensive and a gift that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Most people are conscious of the blessings in their lives during this time of year. Thanksgiving followed by Christmas make us very aware of how fortunate we are. But what I’d like to do is encourage each and every one of you to make gratitude a part of your daily life.

Gratitude is a choice, just like faith and believing is a choice and sometimes it behooves us to meditate on the blessings in our lives every day! Even when things seem to be at their absolute worst, there is always something to be grateful for.

One of the things I’m grateful for in my life is this talent, this gift from God to write. Whether it be through novels, short stories, articles, poems/devotionals or blog posts, I do my best to show my gratitude and to share with you my faith and His goodness.

Here’s a little poem I wrote which encapsulates my feelings about the holiday season:

As we journey through this special time of year
We give Thanks, share Joy, and spread lots of Cheer
Let us keep in mind that life is a gift and offer God praise
And always remember to keep the holidays, Holy Days.

So as you approach this Thanksgiving Day remember to be grateful for every blessing, whether small or large…because God will not give you something else to complain about!


Pamela S Thibodeaux
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

Strike while the Iron is HOT!

Hey Friends,

Just wanted to remind you that The Wild Rose Press is giving away a Sony E-Reader and WRIB author Victoria Pitts Caine and myself are two of the participating authors!

It's easy to enter the contest: once you purchase a book or short story from any of the participating authors email your order number to sonyreader@thewildrosepress.com

That's it.

TWRP will verify your order and enter you into the drawing. If you purchase more than one tiitle, you can enter more than one time.

For questions on this contest, please contact Rhonda Penders at rpenders@thewildrosepress.com Please put the words SONY eReader contest in the subject line.

You may also enter the contest by mailing a postcard to The Wild Rose Press, P.O. Box 708, Adams Basin, NY 14410. Write down the titles of three books or short stories by three different participating authors and we will put your postcard in the general drawing.

Winners will be announced on December 16 in TWRP's weekly chat, and their web site the next morning.

Find out who the other participating authors are here.

If you have purchased a book from The Wild Rose Press, THANK YOU!

If not, now is a GREAT time to do so!

Good luck and God Bless!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

We Have a Release Date!

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to drop in and let you all know that we have a release date for my latest White Rosette, Winter Madness from The Wild Rose Press.

Mark your calendar for March 11, 2009!

I know, seems like forever - but at least we know it's coming!

Here's the blurb:

Sienna has survived what most succomb to - the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Until later take care, God Bless and remember....anticipation enhances the excitement.

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Words to Write By

Hey Friends,

Ever wonder where writers get their inspiration?

Check out this newly released devotional Words to Write By compiled by Robin Bayne and published by Mountainview Publishing with contributors such as Robin Lee Hatcher, Deborah Raney, Cecil Murphey, Me :-) and many more!

Words to Write By is available in Ebook and Print!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

Tempered Dreams

Hey Friends!

Way back in March, I introduced you to the first book in my series, Tempered Hearts. A lot has happened since then. The last book in the series, Tempered Joy was released in July but today I’d like to tell you a little about book two, Tempered Dreams.

Scripture Reference: Job 33: 14-15; For God does speak, perhaps once, or even twice, though one perceive it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, (when deep sleep falls upon men) as they slumber in their beds.

Hero: Dr. Scott Hensley has found contentment in his job as one of the leading physicians for the Louisiana Charity Health Care System. Reluctant to love again, he has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents. A brief encounter with a young woman and brick and mortar begin to crumble.

Heroine: Katrina Simmons has spent nearly ten years of her young life in an abusive marriage when an automobile accident causes her to lose the one thing she desires most; a baby. Coming from a long line of battered women, Katrina determines to be the one to break the pattern, but the pain and fear of loving doesn’t go away easily even after the divorce papers are signed.

Old fears & New love: Katrina struggles with her new-found faith in God (and in man) when her mother dies from a beating. Is Scott’s love and faith strong enough to help her heal from a lifetime of pain? Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened? Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another?

Series Tie-Ins: Fate declared them neighbors, scandal insisted they were brothers. Despite living nearly a state away, Scott’s life-long friendship with Craig Harris remains strong. The death of Katrina’s mother brings back painful memories and causes Scott and Craig to reevaluate whether or not they should search to find out the truth about their parentage.

Blurb: Tempered Dreams
© 2005
Publisher: ComStar Media
ISBN# 0-9769960-3-0
Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents. Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife. Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened? Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another?

Excerpt: He grinned. "I'm not blaming you. Yeah," he contradicted. "I guess I am. It’s not my fault that you're so beautiful you take my breath away."

"Right," she snorted. "I'm so beautiful. My legs are too short, my breasts are too small, and my hips are too big. And you think I'm beautiful. You, doctor, need your head examined. Or your eyes."

Scott glared at her, irritated beyond belief at what he was hearing. "That low-life son-of-a-bitch really did a number on you, didn't he?"

Trina gasped, surprised and shocked at his anger. "I was just joking."

"Well, it's not funny. You're constantly putting yourself down, and I'm sick of it!" Lunging from the couch, he carried her into the bedroom and stood her in front of the full-length mirror. "Look at yourself," he insisted, urging her chin up with his hand, determined that she see herself as he saw her.

"Your skin is like silk, all peachy and soft." He brushed his knuckles down her cheek. "Your hair is like satin, thick and shiny, makes me think of..." he hesitated. How could he describe the rich gold shot with equal proportions of red? he wondered, running his fingers through it, pulling her head back against his chest and placing a kiss on it. "Makes me think of a fiery sunset."

"And those eyes," he groaned, forcing himself not to turn her around to face him, "are big and luminous and incredibly rich. Like two huge chocolate drops in a bowl of fresh peaches and cream. Those lips," he traced them with his thumb, "soft and full, beg to be kissed."

His fingers trailed down her throat and over her shoulders until he cupped her breasts in his hands. "Feel perfect to me," he breathed, giving them an intimate squeeze. Releasing the tempting flesh, he continued, running his hands over her torso to cup her waist. "Beautiful," he assured her, his voice thick and husky. "So tiny. I can almost clasp my hands together, you're so tiny."

His hands continued their torturous journey, cupping her hips. With a gentle tug, he pulled her firmly against his body. "Flared just right,” he hummed. “Baby-making hips. Watching you walk, with that subtle sway of yours drives me crazy," he confessed.

"And those legs," he rolled his eyes with a satisfied grunt. Turning her around, he picked her up, and wrapped them around his waist. "Not long, true. But incredibly slender and well toned. The sexiest pair of legs I've seen in a long time. And I see plenty of them in my profession," he admitted, stroking her thigh.

"You have an abundance of energy, and depths of untapped passion that shows in the way you carry yourself, the glow you radiate, and the way you laugh and cry, with all of your emotions. That in itself is a turn on, knowing that when you love, you'll love with all of your being; that you'll hold nothing back, you'll give yourself freely and completely. I know you haven't been loved like that before, and it's hard for you to trust that you ever will, or can. But I love you, Katrina. I love you like that," he whispered.
Tempered Dreams is available in Ebook and Print!

Until later take care, God Bless and remember….when you dream, dream big because all of heaven is dreaming with you!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

Two posts in one week - Wow! that's a record for me LOL!

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm the "Featured Author" this month at Time with Tianna

Tianna did a lovely interview and all of my books/stories including my TWRP titles are on her Coffee Table.

If you get a chance, run over there and leave a comment.

Who knows, I just may give away a prize or two. :-)

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Life in the Fast Lane

Hello Friends!

I hope your summer is going great!


I had a post all planned for today but alas LIFE got in the way. I've so much going on that if I turn any corner too quick, I meet myself coming back LOL!

My 4th 'Tempered' novel, Tempered Joy is in print production and will be available for purchase within the next couple of weeks.

I'm still working on edits for another contracted novel and have several projects "in the works."

We've been redecorating our home, ripping out carpets, installing flooring, painting, and have finally finished! Next project - a porch.

Among all of this, I'm planning a surprise anniversary party for my parents 50th.

Whew! Busy, busy, busy, so please forgive me for this not being a informative, well-thought-out post LOL!

Until later....take care, God Bless and remember....share joy and joy will abound in your life!


Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

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