COTT Winners

**guest post by Michelle Massaro
For the last couple weeks, Clash of the Titles has been exploring two books delivering powerful death scenes. That's right, death scenes. The two books were The Vengeance Squad and The Redemption. We met authors Sidney Frost and MaryLu Tyndall and waited with bated breath to find out which title got the most votes. If you missed Friday's announcement, I won't keep you in suspense. Though the competition was stiff, the champion title is...

...

The Redemption, by MaryLu Tyndall

Congratulations!

About the book:


Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. After weeks of combating the elements, her salvation comes in the form of a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. Will Charlisse free herself from the seductive lure of this pirate captain and find the father's love she so ardently craves?


While battling his attraction to this winsome lady and learning to walk a more godly path, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest--until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean. Can Edmund win this lady's love while shielding her from his lecherous crew and working to bring her father to justice?


Can the supernatural power of God rescue Charlisse and Edmund from the danger and treachery that await them as they ride upon the tumultuous waves of the Caribbean?

***

A few of the comments from readers:

I loved the Excerpt B.....I look forward to reading the book..it seemed more historical and the genre of books I enjoy reading. I am personally blessed by many of the Christian fiction authors and want to say thank you for all you for your readers. God bless you both!

Someone turning to Christ at the last moment is always a touching scene. It tugs at your heart to know that someone you would never see again, now you will. Very touching!

Keep writing as God leads you. You are bringing God's truth to readers; some who really need those truths in their lives.

About the author:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist, and author of more than ten novels is known for her swashbuckling historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. 


MaryLu dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing that dream, she worked as a miserable, landlocked software engineer for fifteen years. Only by the grace and providence of God, did she decide to answer His call to write a Christian Pirate series. Today, while writing her eleventh novel, she manages a home, husband, and six kids while battling three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep!  She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation is to bring others closer to God.

***

What fun! For a sneak peak at the book, check out the winning excerpt here. You might also enjoy her fascinating interview here.
Right now, COTT is in the middle of a brand new clash so be sure to head over there to cast your vote. You just might win a free book!

Happy reading!

Crazy Crust Pizza!

Have you ever had one of those times when someone in your family is really craving pizza, but you just don't have the time to allow the dough to rise?  Here's where Crazy Crust Pizza comes in.  It's not your traditional pizza crust, but it's pretty tasty. 

It's a batter crust instead of a dough crust.  And it's yeast free! You could even substitute a gluten-free flour and make it a gluten-free pizza.  I'm guessing you could even substitute gluten-free Bisquick, but it wouldn't be as thin of crust like this recipe.  Gluten-free Bisquick or something similar is a self-rising mix, if I'm not mistaken, which means it probably has baking powder in it.  This recipe doesn't actually call for that.  But if you're up for a thicker more biscuit like crust, you could give it a try. 

Anyway, I found this recipe on All-Recipes.com.  The picture included with the recipe looks like someone put the batter in muffin tins for mini pizzas.  That's not what the recipe instructs to do, but what a clever idea for appetizers or a party.  I've personally only made this recipe in a jelly roll pan. 

I have to say that I like my regular dough recipe the best, but this is a great "in a hurry" substitute when you have little time, but big cravings for pizza.  =)    I'm sorry I don't have my own picture to share with you from the last time I made this, but check out the link below for the recipe.  It's Friday!  Have some fun in the kitchen.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/crazy-crust-pizza-dough/

Laurel Award-Winning Novel, Fairer Than Morning

*by Sr. Editor, April W Gardner


“I knew that I had just been given an amazing true story that needed to be told.” –Rosslyn Elliott, Clash of the Titles 2011 Laurel Award Winner

Portions of that story—Fairer Than Morning—won the majority of COTT reader votes in June when it took the victory in the “Best Protagonist” ring. In November, it competed against a long list of other COTT champion novels then took home the Laurel. More hearty congratulations go to author Rosslyn Elliott for her win.


Read June’s winning excerpt (excerpt B).
Read the Laurel Award winning excerpt (excerpt A)


The Saddler's Legacy series is inspired by a real family in American history--the Hanby family, who are to this day the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, Ohio.

About Laurel Award-winning novel, Fairer Than Morning:
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli—until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.


On a small farm in 19th century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann’s dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.


When Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her minister father on business, she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. Anne’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul.
Through his encounters with Anne’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage even in the midst of tremendous adversity.


When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?


Learn more about the book as Clash of the Titles staff interviews the author:

Hostess Raqul Byrnes asks, “What led you to use the inspirational Hanby family and how did you first come to know about them?”
Rosslyn: After I finished my doctoral dissertation, I decided to try my hand at writing my first historical novel. I was living in Westerville, Ohio at the time, so I decided to go visit a small local house museum so I could research all the kitchen artifacts and farm tools. Before the tour, a guide took me into an outbuilding and showed me a video about the Hanby family, who had lived in that house. By the time I stood up thirty minutes later, I knew that I had just been given an amazing true story that needed to be told. The Hanbys lived romantic, action-filled lives marked by courage, and most importantly, they served others out of faith and love.


Hostess Lisa Lickel asks,“Rosslyn, what does “nobility” mean to you and to the era of your story and today? What made you choose that character trait?”
Rosslyn: The origin of that word on the back jacket of the book is that when my publisher and I were creating jacket copy, I had to come up with a condensed way to describe what it means to find a man of true value. And both in Ann’s time and today, the words noble man mean a man of great worth and high virtue. It also made a nice contrast with the apparent gentility and breeding of one suitor, who would fit the other meaning of nobleman far more obviously than the ragged Will Hanby!


Assistant Editor Michelle Massaro asks, “What circumstances led up to Will Hanby's down-trodden situation?”
Rosslyn: In the novel, we learn that Will’s parents and his sisters all died of a virulent form of tuberculosis which killed much more quickly than ordinary TB. (The novel never reveals this in such specifics, but the TB was disseminated bovine TB, for those who care, acquired through milk ingested on a visit to a cattle farm, when Will and his brother were not with the others!). Their deaths left only Will and his younger brother, who were forced to indenture themselves to farmers to avoid infection and work in exchange for food and board. The farmers were kind, but Will ends up under a much harsher master when he signs a new indenture with Master Good.  The historical facts behind what happened to the real William Hanby were somewhat different, but the effect was the same: out of dire poverty, he indentured himself in his youth to Master Good, and much of what followed was what also happens in the novel.


Talent Scout Katie McCurdy asks, “Which character, not counting Ann or Will, is your favorite? Did you have a certain character that kinda suddenly took a main role that you didn't forsee when you plotted Fairer Than Morning?”
Rosslyn: My favorite supporting character is Ann’s father, Mr. Miller, whom I admire so much that I honestly wonder how I wrote him sometimes. His was the part of the novel that seemed most spirit-led. But the characters who suddenly appeared onstage who weren’t part of the novel at all, in the original sketchy outline, were Mr. and Mrs. Holmes and their daughter Amelia! They showed up on that steamboat and began to take on a life of their own, and before I knew it they were a major subplot.

Listen to Another Interview:
After her Laurel Award win, Author Rosslyn Elliott was also interviewed by Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. This is a podcast you won’t want to miss. You can listen to in our sidebar or find it by visiting this link.


The second in the series, Sweeter Than Birdsong, releases next month and promises to be just as compelling as the first. Below, in two short, yet intriguing excerpts, the author shares a taste of what’s to come.

But first, here’s a brief summary of Sweeter Than Birdsong, book two in the Saddler’s Legacy series.


Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles… But real freedom is sweeter.


In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.


Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.


Excerpts:

Chapter One


Westerville, Ohio 1855
Her customary walk across the college quadrangle had become an executioner’s march.
Kate’s heeled shoes clunked over the flagstones. Her full skirt and horsehair crinoline dragged from her waist, too warm even for this mild May morning.
She climbed the stone steps of the whitewashed college building and laid hold of the black iron door handle with a clammy palm. The dim foyer led to the lecture hall. Her breath came faster and her corset squeezed her lungs. It had not felt so tight when the maid laced it an hour ago. Up ahead loomed the dark rectangle of the hall’s oaken door, which stood ajar.
She paused on the threshold. Inside the hall, a baritone voice lifted in clear, well-balanced phrases. The speaker’s persuasive power carried even here. Ben Hanby. He was the best orator in the class. She laid a hand to her midsection to quell the pulsing nausea there. If she did not go in now, she would not go at all.
At her push, the door swung open to reveal rows of masculine shoulders in dark coats, all heads turned toward the speaker. Each gentleman’s neat coattails fell open over his knees, black against the polished wood floor. Each white collar rose to the sweep of hair worn according to the current vogue, longer than a Roman’s but never past the collar.
On the raised platform beyond them, Ben Hanby stood, as natural and poised as if he were alone in the room, his dark hair thick over his brow. His eyes were intent, his face alive with interest in his subject, but his words floated past Kate in a wash of sounds her jumping nerves could not interpret. Of course speaking came easily for him—his father was a minister.
He finished with a question to the audience, and even her disrupted attention caught the subtle humor in the lift of his eyebrow as he delivered his line straight-faced. A chuckle rose from the young men, echoed in the lighter laughter of the small party of young lady scholars seated with their chaperone on the end of the front row.
Ben Hanby descended the stairs, the barest smile appearing as he exchanged glances with his friends.
“Miss Winter.” Professor Hayworth’s bass rumbled across the hall.
Heads turned toward her. Her skin tingled in waves of heat, her heart kicked in an uneven cadence. Could it stop from such fright?—the thought made it worsen, like a stutter in her chest that could not move on to the next beat.
“I am glad you choose to join us today.” Professor Hayworth spoke to her from the dais, beside the podium, full bearded in his formal black robe. “You have arrived just in time to give the first of our ladies’ speeches.”
She avoided their curious stares as her pulse quickened and her mouth dried.
“Please proceed to the podium,” he said.


******


All was quiet and dark. The boat bobbed like a cradle soothing a baby to sleep.
It didn’t calm Kate, who sat immobile in the prow. She laced her hands together in her lap where John Parker could not see them and dug her fingers into the back of her knuckles. She couldn’t stop the faint tremble that had started inside her and traveled to her hands. He mustn’t see her shaking or he would think her unfit for the errand.
The chirp of crickets set a rhythm for little splashes from the oars as John rowed them toward the Kentucky side. They were quite close now.
 She must shake off this dreamlike state. She peered at the riverbank as far as she could see to left and right. At least there was no sign of a lantern.
They bumped up against the reeds. John jumped out, heedless of the mud and several inches of water. He lashed the tow rope of the fishing boat to a birch tree.
She must move now. She clambered over the side and into the dark water.
The unfamiliar feeling of the breeches increased her sense of having traveled to some different life, some strange body. It could not be she, traipsing around the wild in men’s trousers. Someone else entirely had come on this errand—someone braver and stronger who just happened to resemble her on the outside.
A few waterlogged steps brought her to where John stood on the riverbank, like the shadow of a tree in the moonlight.
“This way.” He walked ahead of her, straight towards the thickest tangle of thorny bush.

****
If you would like to join the COTT Blog Alliance tour for this award-winning novel (Jan 14-18), please email us at contactcott(at)gmail(dot)com. 

COTT Rings in the New Year!

IS THERE A BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMPETE ON CLASH OF THE TITLES? PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO ENTER THE TITLE IN OUR QUICK SURVEY, BELOW!

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

January is in full swing, starting 2012 off with a bang. At Clash of the Titles, you can take that quite literally! For the next two weeks, we’re featuring Death. That’s right. Death.

Death has the power to intrigue and terrify, and it’s that power that a good book taps into, often leaving a permanent mark on the reader’s memory. Visit Clash of the Titles today, to read two Death excerpts and vote for the one that impacts you the most. 


Remember that every book you send to the Champions Ring will have a shot at our Laurel Award, handed out at the end of our Tournament of Champions. Coming October 2012!


Between now and our October Tournament, we'll have a slew of exciting clashes—some, old reliables; others, brand new. 

Here’s  what's on the COTT calendar:

Almost Kiss-- 

(Feb, accepting submissions)

Unpublished Hooks-- 

(March, accepting submissions)

Here's a glimpse at clashes you might see in the future:

Good Guy

Bad Guy

Leading Lady

Back Cover Summary

Comparable Covers

Mayhem and Mishaps

Creepy Covers

Author’s Choice

Reader’s Choice

Tantalizing Titles

Young Adult

Childrens

Is there a specific book that comes to mind that you would like to see compete on Clash of the Titles in one of these clashes? We want to know!! Please enter the book title in the survey box below.


Also new in 2012, once a quarter, a specially selected COTT Champ will be featured in a podcast interview with Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. You can hear our current podcast HERE.


Clash of the Titles thanks each of our readers and voters for making COTT such a fun hang-out during 2011. We look forward to another year of introducing you to amazing new books and giving you the opportunity to win them!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Meet and Greet the ladies behind Proof: see the evidence!

 Today, I'm excited to welcome Tanya Eavenson, Becky Dean and Shellie Neumeier....the dedicated women behind a new blog, Proof: see the evidence, especially for youth.  Grab a cuppa' your favorite beverage and enjoy reading about what these lovely ladies are up to. 

  

What inspired you ladies to do a blog for youth?

Tanya

Tanya:  It started fifteen years ago when the Lord called my husband and me into the ministry, but it wasn’t until I started writing a youth Bible study series for Christ to the World ministries, that I felt a burden to reach youth for Christ in a very specific way. I had contacted Becky Dean and Shellie Neumeier about the site and they seemed to like the idea. We planned and met at the ACFW conference last September and discussed a vision for this site. As we were sitting there, I knew it was God’s hand who laid these desires on each one of our hearts in unison.  

Becky

Becky: I had been wanting to start a blog for teens but hadn't gotten very far on my own. When Tanya contacted me, I was very excited about the vision she had. It's hard to be a teen who wants to live for Christ. Why not take advantage of all the technology that kids use to encourage them in their faith?

Shellie

Shellie:  Tanya casts a mean vision which when coupled with God’s hand around every turn; the blog captured my attention immediately. There are a number of teens who can’t or won’t step into a traditional church building or youth group setting. It’s a hard age to break into a new group much less one that carries a new language (Christianese), a new belief system, and maybe even a few new concepts. Online youth blogging removes the need for teens to look the part and if you’re a lurker, blogging even removes the need to say the right stuff. That way, teens can dig into their faith, whether it’s new or not-so-new, and focus on what really matters.

 How do you think this site will be effective?

 Becky: I hope it will be a place for Christian teens to meet others who share their faith and encourage one another. I would love if it also spurred discussion on tough topics and helped teens know they're not alone in their struggles and their successes.

 Shellie: I agree with Becky. The site is designed to be interactive so the teens and our guests will have the opportunity to meet and work through their faith. We won’t be shying away from the tough topics, so the site will be relevant and poignant for this generation. It will also be a safe place for teens to talk about what’s up in their lives with folks who will bring a Biblical perspective to the discussion.

Why Proof, see the evidence?

Tanya: I’d have to say, Proof, see the evidence is a place for Christians and non-Christians to find the truth of who they are in Christ and how He wants to have a relationship with them. To encourage and equip them to live a life pleasing to the Lord. I believe this site will also make them think but hopefully get them take a deeper look inside themselves about the way they are living. Are they really who they say they are and how can they tell? Is it by mere words or do actions play a role in their lives? It’s all about the relationship. A relationship with Christ.

 Becky: For a lot of teens , the only way they'll hear about Christ is from a friend. We want to encourage Christian teens to be the proof of Christ in their worlds. To be the evidence that He exists and show their friends through their actions that He can change lives. And for non-Christians who visit the site, hopefully they will learn about God through their peers who live their faith.

 Shellie: Well said, guys! =)

 

What piece of advice would you give to a teen who is searching for answers?

Tanya: I’d be honest, I do not have all the answers, though I wish I did, I know someone who does. Christ. That’s why God gave us the Bible so we can know Him better and understand how much He loves us. Honestly it took me years to truly understand God’s love. That no matter what I went through there was one person who would never leave me or forsake me. Who loved me for me and accepted me just the way I was. So my advice would be to let me introduce you to Jesus, the man who has loved me with all His heart even when I made mistakes, he stayed by my side. I found peace and acceptance and so can you.  

Becky: I certainly don't have answers either, although I like to pretend I do! I would advise teens to remember that they aren't alone. It's so easy to feel that no one else understands, no one else is going through the same things we are. But that's not true. Not only are other teens searching, too, but Christ understands and wants to give us answers and guidance. He wants to be found. And He doesn't mind if we have questions or doubts, as long as we keep seeking. 

Shellie:  I’d add that I’m right there with them. I’m still searching, but in this journey I’ve found one image very helpful. Imagine you are standing sideways with your arms stretched out to the sides. In each hand you hold the hand of someone else. One person in front…someone a little further along in their faith…someone who’s willing to help pull you forward, answer a few questions, find the right Bible passages. And one person behind, maybe someone newer to Christianity and they’re looking to you to help answer a few of their questions. You’re never alone that way—always pulling, always being pulled. So if a teen is looking for answers, I’d say ‘grab a hand, and we’ll look together.’

Proof: see the evidence

Thank you, Susan, for having us on today. Here is a link to our site: Proof, see the evidence. http://proofseetheevidence.org/ Our blog isn’t officially up until February 11, but we’ve given you a teaser for what is yet to come. Have a blessed New Year!

COTT Christmas Cover Images Winners

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner


Cover Images Clashes are becoming hugely popular at the literary contest site, Clash of the Titles. Voters have been turning out by the droves to give their opinion about which cover they find most eye-catching.


Their latest Clash featured three Christmas cover images, all of which would have been worthy winners. There’s just something about holiday décor that warms the heart! A book cover with Christmas dressings is no different.


Here’s what hostess Gail Pallotta had to say about the three covers. “The mountain scene in A Log Cabin Christmas took away my breath and sent a peaceful feeling over me.  The lovely smile on the young lady on the cover of Christmas Belles of Georgia brightened my day and spoke to me of Christmas joy. Christmas Pearl stood out and proclaimed this holy season.”

But the voters decided, and the winner of the 

Christmas Cover Images Clash is:

 A HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE 

AUTHOR AND THE COVER ARTIST!

This is what voters said about Christmas Pearl:

*'Christmas Pearl' simply struck me as beautiful & I sank right in as I read the blurb.
*I think all three are charming, but 'Christmas Pearl' does it for me!
*"Christmas Pearl" is just plain lovely. I love the way the pearl imitates a tree ornament. Very well done cover and quite evocative of Christmas.


Well said!


COTT  is currently taking a Christmas break, but please visit  January 9 for a new clash that will – literally – take your breath away! If you're an author, don’t forget to check upcoming open clashes and submit.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Clash of the Titles!!