Books Make Great Christmas Presents!

A favorite book that I've given to many of my friends.

If you're a book lover like me, you probably realize that books make great Christmas presents. You can hand select books that you think your friends will enjoy, especially hardback and early editions. Giving Christian fiction as a gift can be a subtle way to reach out to those in your life who don't yet know the Lord or who are struggling in their faith. Or, you can buy a book that you loved in bulk and give it to most everyone on your Christmas list. For this purpose I generally choose inspirational nonfiction, since it can bless a broad variety of people.

Dauntless and Chivalrous would make perfect gifts to encourage any female ages 15-35 to be strong and courageous and seek God's best for their lives, but they have also been well-loved by both males and females ages 12-80, so keep them in mind for anyone who loves a blend of romance and adventure. The best deals for Dauntless and Chivalrous right now are available at cbd.com, although if you have amazon prime or order over $35 for free shipping, you might get a similar deal on amazon. And here's a thought, you could even pre-order Courageous to be sent to them and give them the receipt in a card. That way they can be anticipating the whole trilogy.

Ebooks Make Great Gifts Too!
While books are fairly typical gifts, perhaps you've never considered giving ebooks. All you need is the recipient's email address to send an ebook as a gift from amazon or barnesandnoble, just be sure you know which type of ereader they use before ordering. You can order now and schedule for a Christmas delivery or catch a good sale between now and Christmas. Ebooks are also perfect for last minute shoppers. You can order an ebook on Christmas day for a friend across the country and still get it to them in time.

Right now my Love in Three-Quarter Time, a Zondervan ebook original, is on sale for $1.99, and my WhiteFire novels Dance of the Dandelion and Dance from Deep Within are regularly priced at only $3.99. Another fun gift around Christmas time is always Christmas novels and novellas. Here's a great set of eight Christmas novellas written by some friends of mine for only $0.99! Why fight the crowds at the mall when books make such great gifts?

What books have you received as gifts?

Thankful for My Readers

This is a week to give thanks. Often writing can seem like a lonely endeavor, but the best part of writing is certainly hearing from my readers. Whether it's a favorable review, a friendly comment on my blog, an encouraging word on facebook, or an actual fan letter, hearing from readers who connect with my books always brightens my day and makes the hard work worthwhile.

Here are just a few of the reader comments that have blessed me since the release of Chivalrous.

Chivalrous is book two in Dina L. Sleiman’s Valiant Heart series. I loved Dauntless, but I gotta say . . . this one is even better! Ms. Sleiman has stepped up her game (jousting perhaps?!) and given us an Arthurian-inspired medieval story filled with believable characters and a plot packed with twists you won’t see coming...I give Chivalrous five lances!  ~ Darlene L. Turner

This novel has so many threads that make it a rich tapestry befitting the walls of a castle throne room. The exploration of identity can effect both teens and adults alike as people are ever changing. ~ Shannon L. Gonzalez

It’s books like these that give me hope for the Christian fiction genre. I don’t think I rolled my eyes once, which is a habit of mine while reading most Christian fiction novels. I’m so glad to be seeing this kind of material emerge. While I only read a sample of Dauntless, book #1 in the Valiant Heart Series, I can now say that I look forward to reading the rest and anything else from Dina L. Sleiman. ~ Brittney, Goodreads

This book just felt like home – you know how some books do that? I just felt soo happy reading it. ~ Raechel Lenore

Gwen is an awesome role model. I know it's typical to dream of being a princess but I'm sure I'm not the only one to also dream of being a knight. Books like this help me to fulfill that dream a little. I absolutely loved Chivalrous! ~ Amazon Reviewer "Afternoon Snack"

I delighted in the love story. My husband enjoyed the action. I like when both of us can read the same book. We will be passing this book on to our daughter. We are looking forward to the next book in the series. This set will be ideal to use in conjunction with studying Medieval English history. ~ Jennifer Hibdon

I have only one piece of advice concerning this book. Read it. If you like King Arthur, read it. If you enjoy lovely prose, read it. If you couldn't put down her first book in this series, Dauntless, read Chivalrous. This book is brilliant. ~ Michele Harper

One of the things I enjoy about Sleiman's novels is her egalitarian treatment of her male and female protagonists. They are often both a mix of strength and vulnerability and both have moments of being leaders or being support, yet their masculinity and femininity are distinct. ~ The Artist Librarian

One of my favorite authors, Dina Sleiman has outdone herself with Chivalrous. This book has wonderful characters, great adventure, and a charming romance. ~ Susan Johnson

So a huge thank you along with a big hug to all of my wonderful readers. You guys rock!

What I'm Working On

With Courageous safely turned into my publisher, this week I'm working on a little project that has a special place in my heart. A few years ago the ladies of my group blog, Inkwell Inspirations, decided to write a novella collection together with the goal of getting some of our unpublished ladies published for the first time.

This summer, we finally signed a contract on our Austen in Austin collection, and by early 2016, all of our members will be published. I'm a part of volume two in the collection, which will release in September 2016. My novella based on Mansfield Park is called Mansford Ranch and it offers a late 1800s Texas twist on the beloved story.

I've actually been really enjoying the novella format, which is new to me. This is also the first project I've ever undertaken that came to me purely through an assignment rather than some burst of inspiration. I've been pleasantly surprised that this new system is working out just fine for me. I'm loving my romantic, humorous story and looking forward to sharing it with you all next fall.

Girl Power - Barbie Style

I love this girl power Barbie video. This is how to raise valiant young women who are willing to go after their dreams :)

A Courageous Cover Reveal!!!

And here it is....drum roll please...the cover for Valiant Hearts book 3, Courageous.

Valiant Hearts: Where Adventure and Romance Meet

Inspired by the vision of the Young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli. She gladly gives herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church, but dreams of protecting the innocent as a knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of young adolescents. When they face political machinations, danger, and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

Coming July 15, 2016 with Bethany House Publishers. Available now for pre-order on amazon.com