Spotlight on Sandra D. Bricker and Always the Baker, Never the Bride

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SANDRA D. BRICKER has been publishing in both the Christian and general market for years with novels for women and teens, magazine articles and short stories. With 11 novels in print and 5 more slated for publication through 2012, Sandie has carved out a niche for herself as an award-winning author of laugh-out-loud comedy for the inspirational market. Sandie was an entertainment publicist in Hollywood for 15+ years for some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she left Los Angeles to provide care … and begin her writing career!



Always the Baker, Never the Bride
by Sandra D. Bricker
Published by Abingdon Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

They say you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. But who would want a cake they couldn’t eat?

Just ask Emma Rae Travis about that. A baker of confections who is diabetic and can’t enjoy them? When Emma meets Jackson Drake, the escapee from Corporate America who is starting a wedding destination hotel to fulfill a dream that belonged to someone else, this twosome and their crazy family ties bring new meaning to the term Family Circus. The Atlanta social scene will never be the same!

Readers, buy your copy of Always the Baker, Never the Bride today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

First and foremost, my love of all things cake! Like Emma Rae, I am also a diabetic, so me and cake together ... not so much. I've learned all kinds of ways to incorporate it into my life at safe intervals, but it can be quite a challenge. I can live without many things in life, but I'd almost rather have cake than anything else. But isn't that always the way? We desperately want the things we can't have, like cake. And George Clooney.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

There’s a whole lot of me in Emma Rae. Not just the diabetic part, but the certain characteristics she has, the way she approaches the idea of love, the importance of her relationships. And Emma has a deep-down dream that she’s pursuing, a lot like me and my writing. Also, the crazy family situations for both Emma and Jackson are inspired out of my wish that I had that. I come from a really large extended family (my mom was the youngest of eight), but we moved away from them when I was very young so there aren’t the solid connections that my characters have with their families.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Oh, no Rocky Road here. Emma and Jackson would both be a very upstanding flavor with a little nutty crunch to them. Maybe butter pecan or vanilla almond. Emma has a penchant for hazelnut, so maybe that would be good. Is there such a thing as hazelnut ice cream?

4. Are there any themes in Always the Baker, Never the Bride that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Well, the overall theme of the book, and one that is present in a lot of my work, is that thread of destiny. I’ve always been fascinated by the way our lives are road-mapped for us by God, and then He tosses in the road signs all along the way. We either follow them, or we detour off on our own, but we seem to always come full circle to His plan. There are certain situations and people that come into our lives out of a divine destiny; but there are also the ones that act as propellants to get us where we’re going. And then there are the speed bumps we encounter as well.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I can truthfully tell you that there was not a difficult thing about writing Baker! It was the most delightful writing experience I’ve ever had. I adored the characters, the storyline just cruised along, the words flowed … and, added bonus, there was cake! Not every book goes along like this one did, but Emma was a total joy to spend time with every day.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Just as this one comes out, I also have Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, coming up in a month or so. That one was fun because I got to incorporate another true love of mine into the story, my adoration for classic film. Then I have a devotional coming out in the spring that I’ve co-authored with Kristin Billerbeck, Debby Mayne, Trish Perry and Diann Hunt. It’s called Delight Yourself in the Lord…Even on Bad Hair Days, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Beyond that, I have two follow-up books to this year’s The Big 5-OH! that I’m working on now, The Big 4-OH! and The Big 3-OH! Since the characters from the first book come back, it’s like a great reunion where I get to spend time with old friends while weaving a whole new world for the other two.

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Thank you, Sandie, for being in the spotlight with us.

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Always the Baker, Never the Bride. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Emma’s passion is designing and creating wedding cakes. What’s your life’s passion?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

CFBA Blog Tour - Janice Hanna and Love Me Tender

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Me Tender
Summerside Press (September 1, 2010)
by Janice Hanna Thompson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JANICE THOMPSON, an award-winning author who also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna, got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over fifty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

LOVE ME TENDER
by Janice Hanna
Published by Summerside Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

As "Love Me Tender" plays in the background, Debbie Carmichael determines to salvage her family's restaurant, Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe, when her father's health fails. Teen heartthrob Bobby Conrad agrees to perform at a fundraiser concert. But just two weeks before the highly publicized event, Bobby backs out of the benefit. Enter Johnny Hartman, a young, unknown singer to take Conrad's place. Debbie soon realizes the twists and turns leading up to the concert are divinely orchestrated. And it isn't dreamy Bobby Conrad who has stolen her heart - but the tender love of Johnny Hartman.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Me Tender, go HERE.

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MY REVIEW

From the first words spoken, I was whisked away into a world of teeny-boppers, singing sensations, rock-n-roll, poodle skirts, and saddle oxfords. While I wasn't lucky enough to have lived during this truly delightful and fun time, my parents were, and they raised me listening to what is now termed "Golden Oldies." As if music like this could ever become "old"!

As soon as I heard of this new line from Summerside and saw Janice was one of its newest authors, I had to snag me a copy. And Janice doesn't disappoint. Every nuance, detail, and word is meticulously intertwined to provide you a story of fun and a reminder of why you should always "let the good times roll." And Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe is a wonderful bonus! The simplicity and purity of the times is an appeal that Janice handles perfectly from beginning to satisfying end.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane and relive the rockin' good times of the 1950's, pick up a copy of Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna. I give it 5 out of 5 musical stars! And I loved how the story showed God using even Hollywood to broadcast His message across the AM radio airwaves.

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Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiance from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

MY REVIEW

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington was like a walk down memory lane!

I spent a lot of time in my younger years sitting at my grandfather's knee, listening to stories of the war, the home effort, and so much that happened during World War II. This book took me back to those days and made me feel like I was right there, living alongside those who gave of their time and their talents to help out the war right from their own back yards.

As an historical fiction author, I'm a stickler for historical details. It will yank me right out of a story if there are lapses or obvious details that don't jive. Not so with this book. The authors nailed everything on the head and blended the details into the story seamlessly.

The sweet romance of Kenny and Rosalie spoke to my heart on many levels, and the subtle message of faith only strengthened the romance. Readers who struggle with truly trusting God and finding their worth in Him will gain a lot from this book. And those who love war stories won't be disappointed in the least.

And just wait until you meet Miss Tilly. What a gal!

Great work, Tricia and Ocieanna. Another winner from your combined efforts.

You can buy the book by clicking on the picture or links to the left.

Check out this great contest on Tricia's new blog.

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more on Tricia visit www.triciagoyer.com

Ocieanna Fleiss: Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer’s historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. For more about Ocieanna visit her blog.

And go to this link for a list of other stops on the Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington blog tour. Litfuse Group Blog Tours

Spotlight on Trish Perry and The Perfect Blend

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author, TRISH PERRY is an award-winning novelist who has written The Perfect Blend (2010), Sunset Beach (2009), Beach Dreams (2008), Too Good to Be True (2007), and The Guy I’m Not Dating (2006), all for Harvest House Publishers. Her monthly column, “Real Life is Stranger,” appeared in Christian Fiction Online Magazine during its inaugural year. She was editor of Ink and the Spirit, the newsletter of Washington D.C.’s Capital Christian Writers organization (CCW), for seven years. Before her novels, Perry published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media. She will release several new books in 2011.

Perry holds a B.A. in Psychology, was a 1980s stockbroker, and held positions at the Securities and Exchange Commission and in several Washington law firms. She serves on the Board of Directors of CCW and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

The Perfect Blend
by Trish Perry
Published by Harvest House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Steph Vandergrift left everything to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, who then stood her up at the altar. Too embarrassed to return home, Steph hopes to earn enough to get by until she can decide what to do next. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel hires her and appreciates the extra help at the tea shop.

Also appreciative of Steph is Kendall James, one of the kindest, most eligible bachelors in the area. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her run-away fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always blended so well.

Christie Burnham, the frank-talking equestrian from whom Steph rents a room, and her frillier sister Liz become fast friends and confidantes to Steph. Between the two sisters, there isn't much any man is going to pull over on Middleburg's newest bachelorette and tea shop employee.

Readers, buy your copy of The Perfect Blend today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The series idea was planted by my editor at Harvest House while she and I brainstormed a year or so ago. The first thing I thought of for the series was Milly Jewell, the tea shop owner. I based her a little on my British mum—a version of her at my current age. And then for The Perfect Blend I wanted to create a young heroine who would have a reason to work for Milly while taking the reader on a tour of the town and its inhabitants. So Steph’s predicament—being stranded in a new town, struggling with independence and the need to feel accepted—evolved from that.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

I think all of us, at one time or another, experience self-doubt and the need for assurance from others that we’re valued. I’ve certainly experienced that at points in my life. We all thrive on knowing we contribute in some way. These are the issues I’ve shared with Steph. The way she stumbles along, the disoriented state through which she sometimes acts, are all her. But I can imagine getting to the point she gets in the story, where your heartbreak and insecurity guide your decisions. Those decisions might be awful in real life, but they make for fun (and funny) reading!

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Oh! I found the perfect flavor for Steph: Baskin-Robbins’ Acceptance Peach. It was a flavor back in 1976 during the Presidential election. It fits for Steph because she wants so much to feel accepted, and she really is such a peach. A total sweetheart, even though she’s a bit of a mess. I think I even described her creamy cheeks as being like ripe peaches when she smiles (which she does, more and more, as the story develops).

4. Are there any themes in The Perfect Blend that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I never really zero in on a major theme when I first get started. I do allow one to develop as I go, and then I tweak during my rewrites to hone that theme. I’ve mentioned the natural human need for acceptance several times above, and that was what developed through Steph’s experiences. And the verse that came to mind as I finished the book was 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.” Regardless of how we interpret the attitudes of others, we can always embrace the fact that God accepted us so fully He sacrificed His most precious Child for us. You can’t be more accepted than that, can you?

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts involved the hero’s teenaged brother, Chip, who has a disability. The boy has a fantastic attitude, as did my late sister, Noreen, who lived with a similar disability. But Noreen’s situation was much more dire than this boy’s, so life was harder for her. I know Chip’s ability to thrive was possible, because Noreen managed to live to the fullest until her health deteriorated. I think I wrote Chip’s life the way I wish it had been for my sister.

My favorite parts to write were the romantic exchanges between Steph and the hero, Kendall. They were playful with each other almost immediately, thanks to his personality. I love that.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I have a few releases coming up, but I think the next book to release will be the second book in The Tea Shop Series, Tea for Two, which releases April 1, 2011. Here’s the blurb:

Zack Cooper tries his best to raise his children, but he's losing his grip on them in their teen years. They've both had scrapes with the local law.


Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel has the perfect woman in mind to help Zack. Counselor Tina Milano meets weekly at the tea shop with her women's group. Milly encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before they get in even hotter water. Milly never thought things might heat up between Zack and Tina. Or did she?


Tina's connections with the Middleburg police department prove a mixed blessing for Zack and his kids. Both her best friend and old boyfriend are officers on the force.


And when Tina's women's group gets wind of her personal pursuits and clashes, they want to help. The group's meetings at the tea shop take on a slightly different flavor. Tina wonders who, exactly, is counseling whom.

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Thank you, Trish, for being in the spotlight with us.

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Perfect Blend. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Do you struggle, or have you struggled, with feeling you aren’t accepted? How do you deal with that awful feeling?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

September New Releases in Christian Fiction

We have a whopping THIRTY-FOUR new releases this month. Amazing! This list includes six Christmas-themed novella collections. Lots of good reading, and it's never too early to start that Christmas shopping! There is something for everyone on this list.

1. Across the Cotton Fields; Mississippi Brides, book 1 by Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver-- Romance from Barbour. Alexandra Lewis must find a husband before a family scandal follows her to Mississippi, but where does God fit into her plans?

2. A Door County Christmas; The Heart's Harbor by Cynthia Ruchti, Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips, My Heart Still Beats by Eileen Key, and Christmas Crazy by Becky Melby, A collection of four Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. A Door County innkeeper guarantees four single women that her Christmas cactus gifts˜and love˜will bloom by Christmas. As December nears, will barren plants and romances blossom into holiday joy?

3. A Hope Undaunted; Winds of Change series, book 1 by Julie Lessman -- An Romance from Revell. While on a summer law internship, a sassy and modern woman of the Roaring 20s butts heads with her lawyer boss, a stubborn pest from her past.

4. A Memory Between Us; Wings of Glory, Book 2 by Sarah Sundin -- An historical from Revell. During World War II, B-17 pilot Maj. Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge - until he meets Lt. Ruth Doherty, a striking nurse with a shameful secret.

5. A Prairie Christmas Collection by Deborah Raney, Tracie Peterson, Tracey V. Bateman, and six others -- A collection of nine Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. An instant holiday treasure, this fiction collection is penned by nine multi-published authors. Each novella promises a sweet Christian romance on the historical American Great Plains.

6. A Riverwalk Christmas by Elizabeth Goddard, Martha Rogers, Lynette Sowell and Kathleen Y'Barbo-- A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Four young women find love in the most unexpected places at Christmas.

7. A Very Private Grave; #1 The Monastery Murders by Donna Fletcher Crow -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Kregel. A new policeman must protect a young social worker from big-city gangs making their evil way down south. Felicity thinks she knows everything, until a brutal murder teaches her she doesn't know anything.

8. A Woodland Christmas by Janelle Mowery, Tamela Hancock Murray, Darlene Franklin and Ramona Cecil-- A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Experience a nostalgic Christmas in the Piney Woods of East Texas where a traveling wood-carver dispenses wisdom that brings four couples to realize the gift of love.

9. Alpha Redemption by P.A. Baines -- A Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic from Splashdown Books. In man's pursuit of knowledge, artificial intelligence was created. In the pursuit of love, artificial intelligence found God.

10. Baby Makes A Match; Love Inspired/Chatam House Series by Arlene James -- A Romance from Steeple Hill. A rodeo cowboy rescues a stranded pregnant girl and with the help of three matchmaking aunties….well what else do you need?

11. Christmas Mail Order Brides by Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, Therese Stenzel and Carrie Turansky-- A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Ride the transcontinental railroad as marriage arrives by mail-order-and just in time for Christmas.

12. Finding Becky; Book 3 Winds Across the Prairie by Martha Rogers -- An Historical from Realms/Strang. Rebecca comes home with a new attitude, but Rob wants to find the Becky he's loved since their youth.

13. Formula for Danger by Camy Tang -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. Dermatologist researcher Rachel Grant is pursued by an enemy trying to take her latest research and her life.

14. Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer -- A Romance from Bethany House. When a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner, her heart isn't the only thing in danger.

15. High-Stakes Inheritance by Susan Sleeman -- A Romance from Steeple Hill. Claiming an inheritance turns deadly when Mia Blackburn returns to her hometown.

16. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- An Historical from Bethany House. Claiming an inheritance turns deadly when Mia Blackburn returns to her hometown.Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

17. Judgement Day by Wanda Dyson -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Random House/Waterbrook. One reporter's love of sensationalism leads to a horrifying story and someone willing to kill her to keep her quiet.

18. Lily and the Lawman; Idaho Brides, Book Two by Erica Vetsch -- An Historical from Barbour. A wary woman has no choice but to join forces with a local lawman to rescue her kidnapped niece.

19. Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe by Anita Higman and Irene Brand-- A Romance from Summerside Press. Two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present.

20. Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter -- A Romance from Barbour. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life, and when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver be there to support her?

21. Making Waves; CHAIM series, Book Four by Lorna Seilstad -- An Historical from Revell. After Mr. Boring presses for an engagement, a witting debutante meets an intriguing sailing instructor who is everything her hum drum suitor is not.

22. McKenzie; Montana Skies Series by Penny Zeller -- An Historical from Whitaker House. She wanted to change him and mold him into the man she was supposed to marry. Instead, she was the one whose heart was changed.

23. Medical Error; Prescription For Trouble (book two) by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Identity theft isn't normally fatal, but this time it was.

24. More Than Words; Daughters of Amana #2 by Judith Miller -- An Historical from Bethany House. Will Gretchen Kohler's one impulsive decision cause tragic consequences for the entire Amana Community and cost her everything, even the love of her life?

25. Second Chance Brides; Texas Boardinghouse Brides #2 by Vickie McDonough -- An Historical from Barbour. When the man they came to town to marry weds someone else, two mail order brides must find a way to survive in Texas--or find another man to marry.

26. Secret of the Shroud by Pamela Billings Ewen -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from B&H Publishers. A powerful Bishop reaches for revenge when he's suddenly confronted with the secret of the Shroud and a choice that can destroy him.

27. Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren -- A Romance from Whitaker House. When John Evans is killed in a skiing accident, his brother, Jake, reaches out to his widowed sister-in-law, but Rachel will have nothing to do with his charity, particularly since they have a "history" she'd rather forget--but God has other plans.

28. The Columns of Cottonwood; The Alabama River Heritage Series by Sandra Robbins -- A Romance from Barbour. When a handsome stranger purchases a woman's plantation for back taxes, she vows to recover her land, but they discover God has a greater solution--a compromise to benefit both.

29. The Doctor's Blessing; #2 in The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids -- A Romance from Steeple Hill. A nurse-midwife to the Amish and the new doctor clash over her home deliveries.

30. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson -- A Romance from Zondervan. The Sleeping Beauty fairy tale comes to life when Rose, the apprentice to the town healer, falls in love with Lord Hamlin, the betrothed son of a duke.

31. The Newcomer by Laurie Alice Eakes -- An Historical from Barbour. Marigold sacrifices things precious to her, for the sake of her young charges and isn't willing to let their uncle take over when danger follows in his wake.

32. The Perfect Blend; The Tea Shop Series by Trish Perry -- A Romance from Harvest House. A jilted bride encounters chaotic jobs, overbearing society matrons, and charming suitors in her quest for love, independence, and the occasional glimpse of God's will.

33. The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin -- An Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic from AMG/Living Ink. A young blacksmith goes in search of his missing wife, journeying to the four ends of the world and solving riddles with a faithful wolf at his side.

34. Where Hearts Are Free; Darkness to Light Series, Book #3 by Golden Keyes Parsons -- An Historical from Thomas Nelson. In the freedom and promise of the New World, Bridget Barrington and Philippe Clavell fall in love, but nothing about their love seems possible, apart from God's intervention.