What's New? From author Gail Gamer Martin August 2011

What's New?  From Author  Gail  Gaymer Martin  August 2011 I was thrilled to complete the final book in the Dreams Come True Series, A DREAM OF HIS OWN and had a successful visit with my husband's electrophysiologist who told us Bob was a prime candidate for the ablation surgical procedure to free him from atrial fibrillation. Since the surgeon is in demand and very well-known, Bob's procedure will not be completed until next March. No matter, we are thrilled. With both of these behind us, my husband and I were able to accept our friends offer to a free two bedroom/two bath apartment in Ajijic, Mexico, about an hour outside of Guadalajara. The view from our balcony looks down on the small village and across Lake Chapala to the Sierra Madres. The lake is the largest in Mexico. We'd visited our friend Terry before but we stayed with him in his one bedroom apartment which meant he slept on the sofa. This apartment was gorgeous and here's a few photos for you. (For more pics go to www.gailmartin.blogspot.com ) While in Mexico, we enjoyed a trip to the basilica in Zapopan and the Huichol Museum, and another day enjoyed a performance by the professional troupe of Folklorico in Guadalajara as well as dinner at San Miguel Archangel, now a restaurant and once a convent. We also toured numerous villages around Lake Chapala with an English speaking guide who gave us the amazing history of the many quaint and lovely towns. We attended a Baptist church in Chapala one Sunday which was English speaking and had dinner with Terry's friends as well as prepared dinner for his neighbor who helped us get on the Internet for our stay.  One of the best parts of the trip was enjoying the lovely view from our apartment and reading while sitting on the balcony where I watched hummingbirds drop by to enjoy the feeder. I needed the relaxation and that part was a tremendous blessing. Now I'm home ready to get to work on a new series and complete my next contracted novel. I'm waiting for the final approval and I will begin writing. I'm excited because I love the three ideas for this series.  A Family Of Their Own will be in stores around August 26 so don't forget to look for it. In late October, you'll find the 2-in-1 book, Christmas Gifts, including my short novel, Small Town Christmas. I'm so anxious for you to read it. I loved writing the story and fell in love with the town I used as a setting. I hope to visit that town again in a new series.  Dreams Come True    Book 1 A Dad Of His Own  Love Inspired March 2011   Order Here       Book 2 A Family Of Their Own Love Inspired September 2011 Order Here     Christmas Gifts  duet novel from Love Inspired including Gail's novel,  A Small Town Christmas November 2011   STILL AVAILABLE    Dad In Training  Click here to purchase  Groom In Training Click here to purchase Bride In Training  Click here to purchase Monterey Memories  Click here to purchase  IMPORTANT NOTICE --- You have been faithful readers of Steeple Hill Love Inspired novels, and I want to let you know that the Steeple Hill imprint with the church steeple logo will no longer be found on the Love Inspired novels. The novels will remain the same with Christian content, nothing inside changes except the Steeple Hill brand. You will now see the publisher only as Harlequin. I have no idea why this has changed, but I wanted to let my readers know that my books and all Love Inspired novels whether contemporary, historical or suspense will remain the wonderful, inspiring novels you have been reading over the past ten years.  2011 APPEARANCES, TRAVEL AND EVENTS September 15 - 18 - North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Friday and Saturday in Dallas Texas, presenting a two-part workshop on Writing Christian Fiction and two one part workshops: Creating Real Emotion and The Sagging Middle. Bookstore and more.  September 21 to 25, Thursday to Sunday - American Christian Fiction Writers held in St. Louis, Missouri at the Hyatt Regency At The Arch. I will be mentoring writers. October 8 - 12 Writer's Retreat Cruise from Miami, FL to the Caribbean. October 16, Sunday - Detroit Lutheran Singers - two concerts (Details forthcoming) October 27 - 30, American Christian Writers Conference, Phoenix, AZ Held at Grace Inn Ahwatukee. Presenting multiple workshops and keynote address. RECIPE  Picadillo - Serves 6 When enjoying dinner with Terry's friends, she introduced us to a new recipe which we found delicious. When I asked about it, she told me how easy it is to make, and when I saw her recipe, I agreed. The dish is Cuban and is called picadillo. (Remember the double L is pronounced Y.) Ingredients  1 lb. lean ground beef 2 tbsp. olive oil2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 med. onion, chopped 1 med. green pepper, chopped 1 can tomato sauce (approx. 15 oz.)  2 tsp. oregano 1/8 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 or 2 bay leaves 3 tbsp. green olives, diced  1 1/2 oz. box raisins* *If you don't like raisins, you can leave them out or add Craisins which are delicious. Directions Heat olive oil on medium. Add garlic and onions sauté and then add green pepper until soft. Add tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add beef and break into small pieces. Mix well. Simmer for 25-30 minutes. Add olives and raisins or Craisins. Simmer 5 more minutes. Serve with our favorite rice and enjoy. GAIL'S FREE BOOK CONTEST DRAWING The winner of the July free autographed book and small gifts is Lynn of Louisiana. The free book drawings are held six times a year: January, March, May, July, September, and November, offering you six opportunities to win, but you must sign the guestbook for each drawing. The next drawing will be in September, so please drop by www.gailmartin.com and look in the boxed area for the Read and Sign My Guestbook. I love to hear from you. SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER If you have friends or family who love to read, please share this newsletter, and invite your friends to subscribe for all the monthly news. DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? When you change email addresses, please don't forget to re-subscribe to this newsletter with your new email address. You can delete the old or you can let it stay and it will be deleted automatically by Ezine Director who manages my newsletter account. FAITH THOUGHT One of our activities in Ajijic was to visit a children's shelter. These children were abused and/or abandoned, and now they are living in a Christian facility that is not funded by the government but through generous donations. We purchased clothes, games, and candy as gifts for the children and were very welcomed.  We know the Lord opened his arms to the children. Psalms 127:3 says, Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. We know how much our God loves children, and he asks us to show compassion and generosity. Psalms 112: 9 says, They give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. I pray we can always find a way to help the innocent in need whether from the U.S., Mexico, or Somalia where children are starving every day. If you have been blessed by God, donate to a cause that will help children. The Bible says your deeds will never be forgotten.  May the Lord bless you and keep you.                                 Gail