Ronie Kendig

Sizzling Upcoming Reads

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, y'all. I just wanted to take a minute to share some thriller titles with you that I'm really looking froward to over the next four months or so. I've read a couple of them already, but I haven't read them all so I have no idea if they will uphold my expectations (hehe).

Don't forget--Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3)releases July 1st. So...after you've bought that, feel free to buy any of these other novels. ::grins::

I hope you'll snatch up these great titles and help save an author (hehe).

JUNE

TARGETS DOWN by Bob Hamer - Targets Down is the follow-up to retired FBI agent Bob Hamer's Enemies Among Us, which Publishers Weekly hailed as "a page-turning roller coaster that feels like Jack Bauer’s 24 without sailing over the top."

When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt's cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife's faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.

TARGETS DOWN IS ALREADY IN STOCK AT CBD.COM!! BUY IT NOW!!!

JULY

THUNDER IN THE MORNING CALM (Pacific Rim Series) by Don Brown - Lieutenant Commander 'Gunner' McCormick is assigned as an intelligence officer to Carrier Strike Force 10, being deployed to the Yellow Sea at the invitation of South Korea for joint exercises with the US Navy. During his pre-deployment briefing, he discovers a TOP-SECRET MEMO revealing rumors that the North Koreans may still be holding a handful of elderly Americans from the Korean War in secret prison camps. As it happens, Gunner's grandfather, who was a young marine officer in the Korean War, disappeared at Chosin Reservoir over 60 years ago and is still listed as MIA in North Korea. Sworn to silence about what he has read, the top-secret memo eats at him. Gunner decides to spend all his inheritance and break every military regulation in the book to finance his own three-man commando squad on a suicide mission north of the DMZ to search for clues about the fate of his grandfather. Risking his career, his fortune, and his life, Gunner will get his answers, or he will die trying. Don Brown is building a loyal fan base by writing what he knows best: thrillers with heart. A former Navy JAG officer and action officer in the Pentagon, Brown pens action-packed plots and finely-drawn characters that are credible and compelling. Thunder in the Morning Calm is a novel of bravery, duty, and family love that will keep readers of all ages reading straight through to the last page.

PATTERN OF WOUNDS by J. Mark Bertrand - For Detective Roland March, his latest case has become personal. March doesn't know the young female who was stabbed to death, but he thinks he recognizes the crime scene. Nearly ten years ago, March gained national fame as the subject of a true-crime book. But now this crime scene bears eerie similarities to that one. And whispers begin to emerge that March may have put the wrong man behind bars. Worse, Houston may now have a serial killer on the loose. As more cases emerge that seem connected, and threats against March and those closest to him build, he must solve the case--rescuing not only the city but his own reputation as a homicide cop.

Ronie here - I love J Mark Bertrand's writing--it has a very classic noir feel to it that is both charming and riveting (if it's possible to combine those in a murder mystery!).

INSIDE THREAT (A Riley Covington Thriller #4) by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn - Military and NFL veteran Riley Covington can't sit on the sidelines when danger looms! When homegrown terrorists overrun the National Cathedral, taking senators, congressmen, and their aides---including Khadi Faroughi---hostage, Riley races to the rescue. Can he secure the captives' freedom before the beheading begins? 384 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Ronie here - I confess that I have not read any of the Riley Covington novels, but this cover grabbed my attention. I guess I need to check out this series. :-D

AUGUST

KILOTON THREAT by William Boykin and Tom Morrisey - When a high-ranking leader in the Iranian nuclear program converts to Christianity, he seeks refuge in the West---but escape is impossible. Even so, U.S. Special Forces officer Blake Kershaw is assigned to infiltrate Iran and extract the high-value defector. Will he risk his life---and love---to save the world from war?

Ronie here: This book continues Blake Kershaw's adventures, and I have to say--I thought this one was better than the first. It's a definite must read!! And can I just say--I am so glad to see Tom Morrisey's name taking equal billing in this novel. I have massive respect for General Wm. Boykin, but it's a combined effort--and Tom deserves that!

SEPTEMBER

FORBIDDEN by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee - New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one-- fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a reawkening of humanity. But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously.

After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance, Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love.

He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world

OCTOBER

TEHRAN INITIATIVE by Joel Rosenberg - The world is on the brink of disaster and the clock is ticking. Iran has just conducted its first atomic weapons test. Millions of Muslims around the world are convinced their messiah-known as "the Twelfth Imam"-has just arrived on earth. Israeli leaders fear Tehran, under the Twelfth Imam's spell, will soon launch a nuclear attack that could bring about a second holocaust and the annihilation of Israel. The White House fears Jerusalem will strike first, launching a preemptive attack against Iran's nuclear facilities that could cause the entire Middle East to go up in flames, oil prices to skyrocket, and the global economy to collapse. With the stakes high and few viable options left, the president of the United States orders CIA operative David Shirazi and his team to track down and sabotage Iran's nuclear warheads before Iran or Israel can launch a devastating first strike.

WAKING HOURS by Lis Wiehl (with Pete Nelson) - All towns have secrets. Some have demons. Welcome to East Salem, a sleepy town with a history older than America where things are just a bit off; where the supernatural bleeds into the everyday. And where a tragic murder mystery is underway. A high school girl is found dead in the town park; and where forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris wants answers. All the suspects were teenagers who were at the party with her the night before--who he last spoke with on their last high school date forever ago. Yet his celebrity status opens doors barred to Dani--so they form an awkward alliance. They soon realize that there's more to the mystery than murder. And more to the evil they are facing than a mere human killer.

Ronie here: Well, it appears Lis has teamed up with another writer, this time for a speculative series. You might remember Lis's name from the Triple Threat Novels (Face of Deceit, Hand of Fate, and Heart of Ice). I really enjoyed the stories ("ripped from the headlines" type of novels), but I am a sucker for a really well-done supernatural (since I'm writing that in my closet, so to speak). It will be interesting to see if Pete keeps our interest with his writing/style. I'm curious and anxious for this release!

New Fiction Releases for May!

2011-05-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

Woot! Here are new fiction releases for the month of May, as posted on the ACFW e-loop. There are many books I'm looking forward to reading! More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.Personally, I am looking forward to reading Lynette Eason's books--and there are two this month!! Annnnd...I am reading Karen Witemeyer's TO WIN HER HEART right now--it's a delightful read. Make sure you grab a copy!

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad -- General Fiction from Revell. She wants to change the world. He wants to change her mind.

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Revell. Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case.

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy -- A Romance from Barbour. Gabe Lasley finds Shannon Dysart stranded in a mountaintop cave and saves her. She is on a quest to prove her father’s research isn’t the work of a madman, that he really did find a treasure in the wild west.

Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig -- A Mystery from Barbour. Can Monah and proven sleuth Casey Alexander find the real killer before this librarian is booked for murder?

Fade to Blue by Julie Ca robini -- A Romance from B&H Publishing. When confronted with her most painful, past decisions, will Suz Mitchell second guess herself? Or will she learn to let God restore all that once seemed lost?

Journey's End by Dora Hiers -- A Romance from White Rose. When Chelsea Hammond is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear, and trust Trey Colten with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Montana Marriages Trilogy by Mary Connealy -- Romance from Barbour. The complete Montana Marriages series all under one cover. One volume encases three acclaimed novels by Mary Connealy.

Over The Edge by Brandilyn Collins -- Thriller/Suspense from B&H Publishing. Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Time promises to heal all wounds, but will Ellie and Theo allow God to work His timing in their lives and bring a new promise of love?

Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Two people in their September years are blessed with a second chance at happiness, but unexpected arrivals of a long-estranged son and a long-forgotten former admirer threaten to unravel the cords that bind two hearts.

Secrets of the Heart; Ravensmoore Chronicles, Book One by Jillian Kent -- A Romance from Rhelms. When Lady Madeline Whittington rescues a runaway from a nearby lunatic asylum her life will be forever changed.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus -- A Romance from Barbour. Two artists are drawn together by matchmaking matriarchs.

The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Haydon Bowen has no intention of marrying. Unfortunately, his brother has other plans. Even when beautiful, cultured Rainelle Devonwood learns she's a mistakenly ordered bride, she won't let Haydon drive her away.

Threat of Exposure by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. In book 5 of the Texas Ranger Justice series, DEA Brock Martin and Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez must work together to decipher codes, uncover clues and protect themselves from a killer who doesn't want his secrets known.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer -- A Romance from Bethany House. A blacksmith with a criminal past. A librarian with pacifist ideals. Do they have a fighting chance at finding love?

Undercurrent by Michelle Griep -- A Science Fiction/Time Travel from Risen Books. People go missing every day--many meet with foul play, some leave the social grid by choice, but others are never accounted for...where do they go?

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley -- A Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah. When an isolated home-schooling widow makes a stealthy bid to escape a cultic group, an outspoken professor encourages her to stand up to her abuser but brings his own set of complications.

Wyoming Weddings by Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, and Diana Brandmeyer -- Romance from Barbour. Three modern Wyoming women face mountains on the road to love.

Wolfsbane Trailer

2011-04-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite parts of the writing process--the trailer. It's so amazing to see a book brought to life through media like this. It's also hard to believe that Wolfsbane releases in a mere two months! WOW!! Time sure does fly when you're having fun, eh?

While I have you here, I thought I'd share some more endorsements that have come in for Wolfsbane. Here they are:

Ronie Kendig serves up a mix of machinegun-fast action, touching romance, and more twists than a coil of detonator wire. Get a good grip on the edge of your seat before you start reading! --Rick Acker, author of When the Devil Whistles and Dead Man’s Rule
Wolfsbane is a fast-paced, military suspense with just the right amount of romance to keep readers flipping pages. Ronie Kendig's smooth writing style, realistic scenes, and vivid characters blend beautifully for a must-read experience. A definite keeper!~Robin Caroll, author of Deliver Us From Evil and In The Shadow of Evil

Gripping. Compelling. Gritty. Intense. And that's just the first few pages. You're in for a wild but fulfilling ride. ~Lenora Worth, author of Body of Evidence

Just in case you haven't seen it, here's the blurb for this third installment in the Discarded Heroes series:

Demolitions expert Danielle Roark has been left behind in hostile territory during a mission with Nightshade. Former Green Beret and medic Canyon Metcalfe, beset with memories of another mission gone bad, vows to rescue her, sacrificing everything. As secrets unravel, will Canyon and Dani find healing, closure, and each other? Or will rescue come too late?

Also, Amazon now has a sample preview of the first chapters available. If you haven't already, rush on over there and drop into the chaos that is Canyon "Midas" Metcalfe's life!

PRE-ORDER WolfsbaneNOW!!!

And without further ado, here's the trailer. Give a peek and tell me what you think!

FOUR-BOOK WINNER!

2011-04-22T21:22:00.001-07:00

Okay, I waited as long as I could today to give y'all extra time to enter--and thank goodness, since two more participants joined today.

Annnnnd because there was such a great response and your enthusiasm touched me so much, I made the choice to pick TWO grand prize winners, as well as two winners who will receive a copy of either Nightshade or Digitalis.

So, without further ado, the TWO GRAND PRIZE WINNERS--who will receive ALL FOUR NIGHTSHADE BOOKS (Nightshade & Digitalis will be mailed this week, then the winners will be placed on my priority list as soon as I get my copies):

AMANDA -- Thank you for posting about the giveaway on Twitter!
SARA B. - Thank you for posting about the giveaway on Twitter!

And the two winners who will receive their choice of NIGHTSHADE or DIGITALIS:

Kimberlyj503
Deb Piccurelli - Thank you for posting about the giveaway on Twitter!

So, ladies...please take a moment and send me your snail mail address. Since it's Easter weekend, I will give you until Monday to claim your prize. If any winner does not respond by that time, I will draw new winners!

THANK YOU FOR RECRUITING MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND!
YOU WERE AMAZING!!!

Nightshade nominated for Retailer's Choice Award!

2011-04-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely delighted to share that NIGHTSHADE, Discarded Heroes #1, has been nominated for Christian Retailing's 2011 Retailer's Choice Award!! I am really tickled that someone in the retailing field--the men/women on the "front lines" of bookstores (online and brick-and-mortar stores) thought of my book when it came to this contest. It's a real honor.

Here is a full list of fiction titles that were nominated:

Fiction: Contemporary Romance

Lydia's Charm, Wanda E. Brunstetter (Barbour Publishing)
Nightshade, Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)
Seek Me With All Your Heart, Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Tender Vow, Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)
The Bridge of Peace, Cindy Woodsmall (WaterBrook Multnomah)
They Almost Always Come Home, Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Multnomah)

Fiction: General

Greater Love, Robert Whitlow (Thomas Nelson)
Her Mother's Hope, Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers)
Unlocked, Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan)

Fiction: Historical Romance

Embers of Love, Tracie Peterson (Baker Publishing Group)
Here Burns My Candle, Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah)
The Gathering Storm, Bodie & Brock Thoene (Summerside Press)

Fiction: Mystery and Suspense

Immanuel's Veins, Ted Dekker (Thomas Nelson)
The Bishop, Steven James (Baker Publishing Group)
The Twelfth Imam, Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale House Publishers)

First-Time Authors

Crossing Oceans, Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)
Life Without Limits, Nick Vujicic (Doubleday Religion)
The Devil in Pew Number 7, Rebecca Alonzo (Tyndale House Publishers)

Here's a bit from the RCA website about this contest and how the finalists were chosen:

Products nominated in the competition were judged on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to hearts and evoke emotion, open minds to new ways of thinking and encourage and affirm Christlike living.

Winners will be announced later this month. Congratulations to all the finalists!

Catching Up

2011-04-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm under a pretty heavy deadline at the moment and working to get Firethorn, Discarded Heroes #4 finished (hope to share the cover with y'all very soon--waiting to hear from the art director!), so I've been snowed under with that and sickness (three weeks now--oy!).

I wanted to share some photos with you. As some of you may (or may not) know, my mom was from Ireland (actually born in Sussex, England, but was raised in Dublin Ireland (her father who was born/raised in Ireland)). She died 15 years ago March 12, and this year my cousin Graham Keane got married, so my entire family traveled to Ireland for his wedding.

It really was a fantastic trip, despite some really awful things happening--like my jewelry getting stolen (including a beloved 10-year anniversary ring). I was able to get to know my side of the family and see where I belong, identify with them. One glorious moment for me was when Graham mentioned he and his father having the "stubborn, emotional Keane" trait. I laughed--nooooo, I didn't know anything about that trait. Just massively infected with it. :-D

On another note, I will be participating in a multi-author event on April 23 with three fabulous fiction authors: Elizabeth Goddard, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Dr. Richard Mabry. It's in Frisco at the Mardel on Preston Road. Come out, buy a book, save an author!!

Wolfsbane Endorsements!

2011-02-26T20:22:00.001-08:00

Okay, I am really tickled to share the first endorsements with you for Wolfsbane, Discarded Heroes #3, which releases July 1st. Yes, that's four months away. Can you stand it?

The first endorsement came from Dineen Miller, author of Winning Him Without Words and The Soul Saver (Barbour, 2012):

Steeped in conflict and characters searching for redemption, Ronie Kendig writes her best story yet. Intense action, integrity, honor, sacrifice—these are the attributes displayed richly in Wolfsbane. Even after the last page, Dani and Canyon continue to live my heart. —Dineen Miller, author of Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage and The Soul Saver

The second one is from the amazing LYNETTE EASON (you have read her romantic suspense, right???):

"Wow. Just finished Kendig's Wolfsbane and I've...yet...to...catch...my...breath. Non-stop, fast-paced, machine gun type action that will leave you exhausted--and yearning for more. Don't even try to put the book down because you'll find yourself drawn right back, unable to do or think about anything else until you reach the end. Kendig has created realistic, imperfect characters to cheer for and cry with as they struggle to find God and do the right thing. A definite keeper for your read-again shelf." --Lynette Eason - best-selling author of Too Close to Home and Don't Look Back

So, there ya go. The first teaser of what's to come. Stay tuned! I'll start posting more teasing tidbits to lure you into Canyon's world in the days ahead! But surely you want to PREORDER this book now, right? Well, here ya go--a handy-dandy point, click and shoot, er, order button:

New Contract - Military War Dog Series

2011-02-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

It is my extreme pleasure to announce that my agent Steve Laub e has negotiated and I have signed a 3-book contract with my publisher, BARBOUR PUBLISHING, for a series about retired military war dogs and their handlers entitled A Breed Apart. I have been very pleased working with the Barbour Fiction team, and I'm so grateful to my editor, Rebecca Germany, for believing in me and these stories enough to let them see the ink of publication!

Without further ado, here is a bit more about the stories:

Trinity: Military War Dog (June 2012)- After Green Beret Heath Daniels survives an IED attack—thanks to his military war dog, Trinity, a Belgian Malinois—he battles blackouts from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is discharged. Feeling weak and lost, he finds hope through A Breed Apart, an organization training dogs like Trinity to aid independent contractors. Military Intelligence officer Darci Kintz is secretly embedded with a geological survey team in Afghanistan. A deadly discovery leaves her team dead and her a captive. Heath and Trinity join the search for the military intelligence officer.

Talon: Combat Tracking Team (November 2012)– Former Marine Aspen Courtland adopts Talon, a Combat Tracking Team German Shepherd declared “excess.” But Talon is afraid of his own shadow after an attack that left his second handler—and Aspen’s brother—missing. Former Marine Special Operations commander Dane Markoski is tasked with tracking down a rogue Marine selling military secrets in Africa—and he needs Talon to do it because the rogue was Talon’s first handler. But Talon won’t cooperate without Aspen, who has rehabilitated the canine. In Africa, the team quickly realizes they’ve been set up. But can they untangle the maze of lies? Can Talon overcome his fear, or will he shut down and put everyone in danger?

Beowulf: Specialized Search Dog (June 2013)– Handler Timbrel Hogan and her highly trained specialized search dog, Beowulf, a Mastiff mix who is as ugly as he is smart, must enter a roiling war zone to retrieve a high-value target from a prison. But once on their own with the spy who provided the Intel, Timbrel is no longer certain the story is legit. In fact, she suspects they’ve been set up. Nikol Tselekova has more to hide that his nationality but he can’t let Timbrel Hogan, whose bite is worse than her dog’s, interfere with his mission to save his own sister from a deadly alliance.

So, there you have it. Celebrate with me!! I am really excited to begin the A Breed Apart series with Barbour!! I hope you'll enjoy these books when they hit the shelves next year.

(images found/property of DVIDS and www.af.mil)

DEAD RECKONING - INSPY Short List Finalist!

2010-10-04T18:20:00.001-07:00

It's been a crazy week. As y'all know, DEAD RECKONING was free on Kindle from the 22nd-29th, and with it came several 2-star reviews that broke the TWENTY-EIGHT 4- and 5-star review streak. These reviews were very harsh, angry that it was a Christian book and free, called the story a mess, said they don't have "interstates" in India (um, explain that to India's national transportation system with more than 900K miles of paved highways that stretch ACROSS India's states (INTER-STATE highways), with 8 lanes in some areas).

Anyway...it was tough to see those when I was sitting here in my cave trying to peck out the last 1/4 of WOLFSBANE, Discarded Heroes #3. But I kept giving the whole writing thing to God, praying and spending quiet time with Him, reminding myself that I write for Him and when I use the gift He gave me, that's all the approval I need. :-D God loved on me a lot this past week. It was so beautiful!

But this morning--a wonderful email arrived in my inbox.

DEAD RECKONING made the short list for the 2010 INSPY Awards in the Thriller/Suspense category!! In case you haven't heard, this is a contest run by bloggers. Their motto is: "The Bloggers' Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature."

I have to say--I love this. It's organized by bloggers/readers and judged by bloggers/readers. How kewl is that?!? It's a brilliant idea, and I'm so glad to see this type of contest.

Here is the full list--amazing authors and reads!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS!!!!

Announcing the INSPY Shortlists
October 1, 2010

The INSPY Advisory Board is pleased to announce the shortlists for the 2010 INSPY Awards. We thank you for your enthusiastic nominations of books and acknowledge the difficulties in narrowing the field with so many quality nominations.

General & Literary Fiction

The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti, Guideposts, 1st October, 2009

Life in Defiance by Mary DeMuth, Zondervan, 1st May, 2010

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson, Howard Books, 1st September, 2009

Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken, Howard Books, 13th April, 2010

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes, Tyndale House, 1st May, 2010

Creative Non-Fiction

Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans, Zondervan, 15th June, 2010

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, Thomas Nelson, 29th September, 2009

Halfway to Each Other by Susan Pohlman, Guideposts, 1st September, 2009

God Hides in Plain Sight by Dean Nelson, Brazos Press, 1st October, 2009

Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner, Waterbrook Press, 16th February, 2010

Historical Fiction

The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz, Revell Books, 1st August, 2009

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, Bethany House, 1st January, 2010

The Fiddler’s Gun by AS Peterson, Rabbit Room Press, 1st December, 2009

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Bethany House, 1st April, 2010

Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers, Tyndale House, 1st March, 2010

Thriller/Suspense/Crime

Priceless by Tom Davis, David C Cook, 1st June, 2010

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker, Hodder & Stoughton, 27th May, 2010

The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello, Thomas Nelson, 16th March, 2010

The Knight by Steven James, Revell Books, 1st August, 2009

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig, Abingdon Press, 1st March, 2010

Speculative Fiction

Green by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, 1st September, 2009

The Last Christian by David Gregory, Waterbrook Press, 4th May, 2010

A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz, Marcher Lord Press, 1st October, 2009

Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge, Marcher Lord Press, 1st October, 2009

Rooms by James L. Rubart, B&H Publishing, 1st April, 2010

Amish Fiction

Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety, Summerside Press, 1st September, 2009

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson, 16th March, 2010

Winter’s Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray, Avon Inspire, 1st February, 2010

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry, Berkley, 1st June, 2010

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman, Thomas Nelson, 30th March, 2010

Romance/Romantic Suspense

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley, Thomas Nelson, 29th December, 2009

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris, Zondervan, 1st April, 2010

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter, Thomas Nelson, 6th October, 2009

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Patillo, Guideposts, 1st February, 2010

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren, Summerside Press, 1st February, 2010

Young Adult Fiction

A Little Help From My Friends by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt, FaithWords, 15th October, 2009

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 25th May, 2010

So Over My Head by Jenny B Jones, Thomas Nelson, 4th May, 2010

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen Coloma, Thomas Nelson, 3rd November, 2009

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, Little Brown, 1st October, 2009

Note: Dates from the publishers’ sites were used to determine eligibility

EDITED [by INSPY] TO ADD:
Correction: We just became aware that one of the books initially listed on the INSPYs shortlists was ineligible because of the date it was published. We’ve updated the list above. The INSPY Advisory Board sincerely apologizes for this mistake.

2010 ACFW Carol Awards (Formerly Book of the Year)

2010-07-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

WOW! What an awesome line-up of books. I'm so excited to find out who won!

Debut Author

Bonnie Grove - Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)

Liz Jonson - The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (Steeple Hill)

Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)

Jill Eileen Smith - Michal (Revell)

Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Contemporary Novella

6 Finalists due to a tie

Barbara Cameron – One Child (Thomas Nelson)

Barbara Cameron – When Winter Comes (Thomas Nelson)

Debra Clopton – A Mule Hollow Match (Steeple Hill)

Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House)

Beth Wiseman – A Change of Heart (Thomas Nelson)

Beth Wiseman – A Choice to Forgive (Thomas Nelson)

Historical Novella

Victoria Bylin – Home Again (Steeple Hill)

Vickie McDonough – A Breed Apart (Barbour Publishing)

Vickie McDonough – Beloved Enemy (Barbour Publishing)

Janet Tronstad - Christmas Bells for Dry Creek (Steeple Hill)

Carrie Turansky - A Shelter in the Storm (Barbour Publishing)

Long Contemporary

6 Finalists due to a tie

Christina Berry - The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers)

Mary Ellis - A Widow's Hope (Harvest House Publishers)

Joyce Magnin - The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Abingdon Press)

Susan Meissner - White Picket Fences (Waterbrook Press)

Marlo Schalesky- If Tomorrow Never Comes (Multnomah)

Susan May Warren - Nothing But Trouble (Tyndale House)

Long Contemporary Romance

Candace Calvert - Critical Care (Tyndale House)

Denise Hunter - Seaside Letters (Thomas Nelson)

Jenny B. Jones - Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)

Beth Wiseman - Plain Promise (Thomas Nelson)

Cindy Woodmsall - The Hope of Refuge (Waterbrook Press)

Mystery

A.K. Arenz - The Case of the Mystified M.D. (Sheaf House)

Mindy Starns Clark - Under the Cajun Moon (Harvest House Publishers)

Darlene Franklin - A String of Murders (Heartsong Mysteries)

S. Dionne Moore - Polly Dent Loses Grip (Heartsong Mysteries)

Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Pushing up Daisies (Heartsong Mysteries)

Long Historical

Deeanne Gist - A Bride in the Bargain (Bethany House)

Robin Lee Hatcher - Fit To Be Tied (Zondervan)

Maureen Lang - Look to the East (Tyndale House)

Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit (Bethany House)

Allison Pittman - Stealing Home (Multnomah)

Long Historical Romance

8 Finalists due to a tie

Amanda Cabot - Paper Roses (Revell)

Mary Connealy - Cowboy Christmas (Barbour Publishing)

Mary Connealy - Montana Rose (Barbour Publishing)

Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman's Daughter (Revell)

Ann Gabhart - The Believer (Revell)

Julie Lessman - A Passion Denied (Revell)

Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (Summerside Press)

Kathleen Y’Barbo - The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper (Waterbrook Press)

Short Contemporary

Debra Clopton - His Cowgirl Bride (Steeple Hill)

Myra Johnson - Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents)

Vickie McDonough - A Wagonload of Trouble (Heartsong Presents)

Mae Nunn - A Texas Ranger's Family (Steeple Hill)

Glynna Sirpless writing as Glynna Kaye - Dreaming of Home (Steeple Hill)

Short Contemporary Suspense

6 Finalists due to a tie

Jill Elizabeth Nelson - Evidence of Murder (Steeple Hill)

Sandra Robbins - Final Warning (Steeple Hill)

Virginia Smith - Murder at Eagle Summit (Steeple Hill)

Virginia Smith - Scent of Murder (Steeple Hill)

Jenness Walker - Double Take (Steeple Hill)

Lenora Worth - Code of Honor (Steeple Hill)

Short Historical

Lyn Cote - Her Patchwork Family (Steeple Hill)

Laurie Alice Eakes - The Glassblower (Heartsong Presents)

Laurie Kingery - The Outlaw's Lady (Steeple Hill)

Lynette Sowell - All That Glitters (Heartsong Presents)

Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)

6 Finalists due to a tie

Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)

Donita K. Paul - The Vanishing Sculptor (Waterbrook Press)

Steve Rzasa - The Word Reclaimed (Marcher Lord Press)

Stuart Vaughn Stockton – Starfire (Marcher Lord Press)

Fred Warren - The Muse (Splashdown Books)

Jill Williamson - By Darkness Hid (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller

Terri Blackstock – Intervention (Zondervan)

Colleen Coble - Lonestar Secrets (Thomas Nelson)

Brandilyn Collins – Exposure (Zondervan)

Harry Kraus - Salty Like Blood (Howard/Simon & Schuster)

DiAnn Mills - Breach of Trust (Tyndale House)

Women’s Fiction

7 Finalists due to a tie

Julie Carobini - Sweet Waters (B&H Publishing)

Kathryn Cushman – Leaving Yesterday (Bethany House)

Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck - Sweet By and By (Thomas Nelson)

Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay - Never the Bride (Waterbrook Press)

Deborah Raney - Yesterday's Embers (Howard/Simon & Schuster)

Deborah Raney - Above All Things (Steeple Hill)

Lisa Wingate - The Summer Kitchen (New American Library/Penguin)

Young Adult

Shelley Adina - Who Made You a Princess? (Hachette FaithWords)

Brandilyn & Amberly Collins - Always Watching (Zondervan)

Jenny B. Jones - I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson)

Jenny B. Jones - So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)

Booker T. Mattison - Unsigned Hype (Revell)

Ketchup...er...catch up.

2010-07-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been forever, but I'm determined to revive this blog. I want to use it more for stuff about me (Ronie, in case you forgot whose blog you came to) and my life, which includes, family, faith, children, writing, etc.

I guess the most obvious topic right now is that my military suspense/thriller NIGHTSHADE has released! OORAH!! For the unacquainted, here is the blurb:

This former Navy SEAL is fighting a new battle: the home front!

Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure—in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again—this time to end his life—he is offered a thread of hope. Are covert operations the answer for him, or will they only bring more danger and dissension upon his broken family?

There are nearly a dozen 5-star reviews on Amazon and Christianbook.com. If you are curious as to whether the book is good, hop on over there and check it out. But to give you a sample of what you'd find on Amazon, this is what a few people had to say:

VALOR, ACTION, ROMANCE, HEART... Nightshade is the perfect blend of everything I like best in a story. I can’t recommend it enough! ~~John B. Olson, Christy Award-winning author of Oxygen and Powers

Nightshade kept me up all night! A tight plot, heartthrob heroes, and description so rich I could hear the jungle noise, feel the heat slide down my back. I’ll be clearing out a shelf to make room for Ronie’s books! ~~Susan May Warren, Rita Award-winning author of Nothing But Trouble

Ronie Kendig has outdone her debute release, Dead Reckoning with Nightshade. This intense story full of action, is also full of emotion and life. Men dealing with issues they hadn’t planned on. Surprise after surprise and bomb after bomb set this adventurous trail with the reader racing to the end. I found myself crying and smiling and hated it when it ended. But, I have it on good authority that that there are more Discarded Heroes stories coming. Ronie, I can’t wait! ~~Jan Crow Katy's Budget Books

Me, The Person & the Author

2009-12-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Well, my intent in creating this blog was merely to claim the blogspot addy. :-D However, I'm beginning to think there may be more benefit to this address, after all. Perhaps I can use this as a link to me, the author behind my works of fiction, while my other blog can be used for...stuff. LOL I don't know. Just didn't want this blog sitting empty.