ShoutLife.com - a fresh approach to social networking
Sharlene MacLaren HELLO, DEAR SHOUTERS!
Interact with Sharlene MacLaren
Send Shout-Mail
Send Instant Message
Invite to Group
Add to Friends List
Block User
Information
Online Status: Last On: Jul 3, 2009 - 1:46 PM
Profile Views: 42,367
Member Since: May 4, 2007
Location: Spring Lake, MI
ShoutLife Address: shoutlife.com/sharlenemaclaren
Website: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Genre: Historical
Primary Publishers: Whitaker House
Influences:
LaVyrle Spencer
Robin Lee Hatcher
Debbie Macomber
Francine Rivers
Similar To:
Tracie Peterson
Karen Kingsbury
General Interests
I absolutely love spending time with my dear, sweet hubby of 33 years, and my daughters, their hubbies, and my THREE sweet grandbabies (Dylan, born 3/21/06, Gavin, born 3/3/08, and Alexis, born 7/1/08). Our lives are full to overflowing. I love to read, write, sing, hang out with friends, go to movies, eat at cool restaurants, SHOP-TIL-I-DROP, and laugh at the foolish things I do. It goes without saying that I love my Lord, and I just get a charge out of watching the wonderful ways He works in my life.
Music
Kenny G, Michael Buble, Jim Brickman, soothing Celtic, some jazz, like the wonderful old tunes of Ella Fitzgerald. I also love Josh Grobin's melodic voice, new worship tunes and old classic hymns done well. I really love many different styles of music. I even enjoy country--if it's not too "twangy".
Books
Very hard to pin down any all-time favorites. Oops. Bible. Let's see, after that. I loved Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, and for something way off the wall, A Girl Named Zippy. Absolutely hilarious writing. Way way back, I loved Christy, A Man Called Peter, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life. All impacting books. Today's authors are so, so good, and I've read so much that my mind boggles if I try to choose a favorite. Jan Karon is right up there!
Movies/TV
American Idol Fan! Other shows mostly fall by the wayside after AI, and I'd have to say I watch absolutely nothing else on a regular basis. I do enjoy America's Funniest Videos if I happen to catch it. I love that show 'cause I almost always LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Published Works
Hannah Grace (2009)
FIRST in the Daughters of Jacob Kane Series!

Hannah Grace Kane, oldest of the Daughters of Jacob Kane, finds pleasure in helping run the family's general store in this quaint, tourist-ridden, 1903 West Michigan town known as Sandy Shores. Situated on the beautiful banks of Lake Michigan, the town will serve as backdrop for adventure, murder, mystery, suspense, and romance.

Don't miss this first in a series of three stories highlighting the lovely Kane sisters, all uniquely different, yet bonded together by family, love, and an earnest faith in God.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Buy Hannah Grace Online

MAGGIE ROSE (2009)
JULY '09! NOW AVAILABLE!

The year is 1904, and twenty-year-old Maggie Rose, the middle of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is determined to leave the comfort and security of the resort town in which she's always lived, Sandy Shores, Michigan, to carry out what she can only describe as a direct call from God. A lover of children, she develops a zealous passion for the homeless waifs wandering the dirt-trodden streets of New York City when an orphanage missionary visits her church to describe the utter destitution there and the orphanage's frantic search for financial donors and workers. Convincing her father to bless her newfound calling proves a challenge, but in time, he recognizes it as genuine and slowly unties his parental strings. Thus, begins her journey into unknown territory rife with adventure, heartache, danger, and unexpected romance.

DON'T MISS this story rife with hope, joy and fresh beginnings!

Buy MAGGIE ROSE Online

Courting Emma (2008)
AVAILABLE NOW!

THIRD IN THE LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK SERIES

Twenty-eight-year old Emma Browning has experienced a good deal of life in her young age. Sole owner of Emma's Boardinghouse, she is "mother" to an array of beefy, unkempt, often rowdy characters. Though many men would like to get to know the steely, hard-edged, yet surprisingly lovely, proprietress, none has truly succeeded. That is, not until the town's new pastor, Jonathan Atkins, takes up residence in the boardinghouse, affecting not only her with his devout faith and strong convictions, but her clientele as well. Emma clings desperately to her stubborn ways, refusing to acknowledge God's love--until all of Little Hickman witnesses a real-life miracle! Only then will Emma begin to experience God's power at work.

Available in stores March 2008

Buy Courting Emma Online

Long Journey Home (2008)
A Stand-Alone Contemporary Novel
AVAILABLE NOW


After divorcing her abusive husband, single mother, Callie May, is still nursing the scars of a painful past. The last thing she needs in her life is another man, so she's less than thrilled when a handsome but brooding stranger moves into the apartment across the hall.

Dan Mattson may be attractive, but his circumstances certainly aren't; a former pastor, he abandoned his flock in Michigan and fled to the Chicago suburbs after the death of his beloved wife and baby daughter in a tragic automobile accident. Embittered by his loss, Dan turns his back on God.

Callie mistrusts men, and the angry Dan often gives her good reason. Both are weighed down by the scars and disappointment in their pasts. When Callie's ex-husband shows up to wreak more havoc in her life, Dan finds himself coming to her defense, and facing his own demons in the process. Will Dan and Callie be able to get past their baggage and give love another chance? Can they come to see life's tragedies as part of God's perfect plan? And most important, will they allow the power of God to change their hearts and mend their hurts?

Buy Long Journey Home Online

Loving Liza Jane (2007)
AVAILABLE NOW!

FIRST IN THE LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK SERIES!

When Liza Jane Merriwether rides into the town of Little Hickman Creek, Kentucky, her first thought is, "Oh, Lord, what have I done?" Kentucky is much different from her native Boston. But the town's new schoolteacher isn't easily discouraged, so she determines to roll up her sleeves and dig in with all her might. Soon she is beloved by all, including Benjamin Broughton, the handsome English widower with two young children, one of which is Liza's student. Despite the growing attraction between them, though, Liza shies away. After all, her contract clearly states that any contact with the opposite gender will result in immediate termination of her position. What's a girl to do? Will she soon discover that with God, all things are possible?

Buy Loving Liza Jane Online

Sarah, My Beloved (2007)
AVAILABLE NOW!

SECOND IN THE LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK SERIES

Sarah Woodward has come to Kentucky as a mail-order bride, only to learn upon her arrival that "her groom" is betrothed to another! Does God have a back-up plan? She feels certain He led her for a reason, so with her usual stubborn determination, resolves to stay put until she discovers that reason. Rocky Callahan, an embittered widower has recently been saddled with the responsibility of his young niece and nephew and is desperate for help. Upon meeting the fiery Sarah Woodward, he proposes the answer to both their problems--a marriage in name only. Can Rocky let go of the pain of his past and trust God with his future? As for the marriage "in name only"--will it hold up, or does God have other ideas? Available in stores October 2007

Buy Sarah, My Beloved Online

Through Every Storm (2007)
AVAILABLE NOW!

Struggling through the tragic loss of their child, Maddie and Jeff Bowman experience the immense pain and grief caused by a broken heart and a marriage so severely strained that divorce seems imminent. Will life ever be normal again? Enter Timmy, Maddie's seven-year-old cousin. His innocent spirit and precocious nature helps to rekindle a flame in both their hearts, leading them on a path back to God and challenging them to look at their marriage through different eyes--God's eyes. And in the looking, they will discover healing they never thought possible.

Buy Through Every Storm Online

Groups
*Christian Fiction Reviews* , Book Discussion , ACFW Shouters , Christian Entertainment Indust , Event planning , Media Room for Literary Art , Titus 2:3-5 Women , Willie & Leah Type Show CHAT
QuickLinks: About - Photos - Events - Blog - Friends - Guestbook

About Sharlene MacLaren

Hello, precious friends! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my Shoutlife page. Go over to my other website if you get a chance by clicking HERE! OR...if you like, check out my blog at Blogspot.com by clicking HERE!

I'm a retired schoolteacher who, after 31 years, decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!"

It's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, heart-wrenching, and inspiring adventure to say the least. One thing I know--God dropped a seed of passion for writing in my heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. Who else in her right mind would jump out of bed in the middle of the night just to run to the computer and finish a scene that all of a sudden comes together in her head?

I have two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law, but the joys of my life (besides my sweet, darling husband, Cecil) are my adorable grandchildren, Dylan, born March 21, 2006, Gavin, born March 3, 2008, and Alexis (Lexi), born July 1, 2008!!! Needless to say, Cecil and I are having the time of our lives with these precious gifts. Check out my photos to see some family pics.

MAY GOD BLESS AND FILL YOU WITH UNENDING HOPE AND JOY!

DON'T WE SERVE A GENEROUS GOD?

I LOVE YOU ALL!
SHAR

OH, OH! - P.S.!!!! If interested in checking out my "Fan Club", click on the FACEBOOK link below and join the fun!



someone has started a facebook fanclub for my book! Check it out!


Upcoming Events
SPEAKING EVENT - Family Christian Bookstore - - MUSKEGON, MI Jul 7, 2009 - 9:00 AM
CONFERENCE - INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN RETAIL SHOW (July 10-14) - DENVER, COLORADO Jul 10, 2009 - 10:00 AM
BOOK SIGNING - "ICRS" UNVEILING/SIGNING "MAGGIE ROSE" - DENVER, COLORADO Jul 13, 2009 - 1:00 PM
BOOK SIGNING - HAGE'S CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE - JULY 25 FROM 1 - 3 p.m. - MUSKEGON, MI Jul 25, 2009 - 1:00 PM
BOOK SIGNING - Family Christian Bookstore/NEXT TO LAKES MALL - MUSKEGON, MI Aug 15, 2009 - 1:00 PM
CONFERENCE - AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS CONVENTION (September 17-20) - DENVER, COLORADO Sep 17, 2009 - 1:00 PM
BOOK SIGNING - "ACFW" MULTI-AUTHOR BOOK-SIGNING EVENT - DENVER, COLORADO Sep 19, 2009 - 1:00 PM
Photos
Photo Gallery Folders:
"AFTER" PICTURES (7), ABBIE ANN (1), ACFW - 2008 (11), ALEXIS JOY - July 1, 2008 (14), CECIL (2), Christmas, 2007 (9), Family and Friends (54), FUN FALL DAYS! (11), HANNAH GRACE (1), HOUSEBOAT (6), ICRS - ORLANDO, FLORIDA (5), JANUARY IN MICHIGAN (4), MAGGIE ROSE (1), Miscellaneous Photos (28), New Publicity Photos - 4/08 (1), OUR NEW BUNDLE OF JOY - GAVIN (8), Precious Grandsons!!!!! (6), Shar "Baker" MacLaren - 1967 (1), Trip to London and Paris, 2008 (10), UGLY "BEFORE" PICTURES (7)
Blog
WHERE DID THE YEAR GO?   6/28/2009 - 7:56 PM
Our granddaughter, Alexis Joy, "Lexi", is almost one-year-old already, but it seems like only a couple of months ago we welcomed her into the world! Wow, time is a real stinker, isn't it -- especially when you get old like me -- and every second co... (login or sign up to read more)
54 views - 13 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/29/09 - 9:44 PM
Where are Michael, Farrah, and Ed right now?   6/26/2009 - 10:52 AM
The world mourns these American Icons, Michael for his startlingly AMAZING, actually God-given, talent and contribution to the music/dance industry, Farrah for her natural and incredible beauty (perhaps one of the most beautiful women in the world) a... (login or sign up to read more)
70 views - 14 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/29/09 - 12:16 AM
BOYS WILL BE BOYS!   6/24/2009 - 9:50 PM
You find out some interesting things when you have sons/grandsons. Here are just a few items of interest: 1.) A king-size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep. 2! .) If you spray hairspray on dust bunnies an... (login or sign up to read more)
58 views - 15 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/26/09 - 10:16 AM
HOUSEBOATS ROCK!!! (No pun intended!)   6/22/2009 - 12:25 PM
We had an absolutely FABULOUS vacay drifting across the beautiful Dale Hollow Lake in Northern Tennessee and parts of Southern Kentucky with dear friends. As we sailed along at about 5-10 MPH we every so often saw a sign that said "You are now enteri... (login or sign up to read more)
41 views - 7 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/25/09 - 3:07 PM
AND THE WINNER IS.....   6/20/2009 - 9:25 PM
CONGRATULATIONS TO KRISTEN G. JOHNSON! You won a signed copy of my latest release Maggie Rose! Thanks to everyone who entered for a chance to win. Keep your eyes peeled for future giveaways. I love you all! Hugs... (login or sign up to read more)
26 views - 4 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/21/09 - 9:00 PM
Top Friends (5,047 total)
Maria Cristina
Michelle Sutton
Gina
Leah - Stay Amazed!

Tammy Barley
"Annie" Five Generations :)
Loree Lough
Linda
Willie... (STOP! READ B4 Friend Rqst!)
Jennifer AlLee
Roseanna M. White
Trease
RebornButterfly >|<
MissBookworm.
Glenda K
Linda
Cleda
WORSHIP BEYOND
Jan...Please Pray for Marie & for David
Margaret's in-laws made it to Iran okay!
Sherrie Ashcraft
Patty
Lisa Buffaloe
Recent Guestbook Comments (245)  
David - on 7/03/09 - 6:23 AM
To Sharlene:

glitter-graphics.com
Happy 4th of July from David and Misty
.::.:::[M][I][C][H][A][E][L]:::.::. on 7/03/09 - 12:00 AM
u seem sweet!
LORI on 7/02/09 - 8:49 PM
Dogs 4th of July Pictures, Images and Photos
Have a happy Independence Day Sharlene!! God bless you my friend
LORI on 7/02/09 - 12:37 AM
HEY, I THINK I AM ALREADY ON YOUR FAN CLUB LIST ON FACEBOOK. ;o)
LORI on 7/02/09 - 12:35 AM
tHANK YOU. I REALLY AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THEM. THEY SOUND REALLY GOOD TO ME. THE KIND OF STORIES I LIKE.
I WISH I COULD SAY THAT IS MY HORSE BUT ITS A FRIEND OF MINES. WONDERFUL HORSE.
I THINK WE ARE HAVING ABOUT THE SAME KIND OF WEATHER HERE AS YOU HAVE. LAST WEEK WAS WAY TOO HOT FOR ME. WE ARE ALMOST DONE BUILDING OUR HOME SO WE DON'T HAVE CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING YET. WE LIVE ON A HILL TOO. AT 9PM ONE NIGHT THE INSIDE/OUTSIDE THERMOSTAT SAID IT WAS 89 DEGREES INSIDE AND 89 OUTSIDE. NO RELIEF! THE HUMIDITY IS WHAT WAS THE KILLER. I SLEPT 3 NIGHTS AT THE IN LAWS WHICH JUST HAPPEN TO BE OUR NEIGHBORS. ;o)
MY DAUGHTER AND I WENT TO THE SHOW TONIGHT AND GOT HOME ABOUT HALF HOUR AGO. I'LL BE HEADING TO BED SOON. SO, GOOD NIGHT SHARLENE. SLEEP SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS. :o)
LORI on 7/01/09 - 5:23 PM
Hey, i'm just now ordering your 3 books from the hickman creek series.
LORI on 7/01/09 - 5:01 PM
Hey there lovely lady. How you doing?? :o)
Photobucket
Cindy Bauer on 6/29/09 - 8:28 AM
Morning Shar! Have a blessed week!

"You know these things - now do them! That is the path of blessing" John 13:17

Cindy
myriads on 6/27/09 - 12:45 PM

MINDY/KINDRED---THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD on 6/26/09 - 8:14 AM
Shanetria Peterson on 6/22/09 - 2:22 PM
Hi Sharlene!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you! May God continue to bless you in your ministry endevors!

Shanetria Peterson
Stephanie Lyas on 6/22/09 - 9:21 AM
Hi, Sharlene!

Thanks so much for your warm welcome and your words of encouragement. I am so blessed to be here among so many wonderful friends like you. :)

Yes, God is truly AWESOME and He is most worthy to be praised!!! May His blessings chase you and overtake you as well as you continue to love and serve Him.

Your friend in Christ,

Stephanie :)
Kristen Ethridge on 6/21/09 - 11:13 PM
Thanks for the note...and for the adorable baby comment. I certainly think so! :) That picture is several months old--so she looks much bigger now--but I just love it. I love the cover art on your books. Just gorgeous. Looking forward to getting to know you and others around here.

PS, my mom is a retired schoolteacher of 21 years. She just retired this past May and is now a full-time Mimi!
LORI on 6/19/09 - 2:16 PM
Photobucket
Larry Hill Ministries on 6/19/09 - 10:49 AM
Hey My Friend
If you have not saw this please stop by my page and watch the video as Steve Harvey introduces our Lord.It is well worth a couple minutes of your time! You will be blessed!!!
God bless and thank you all again for your prayers

Larry
Psalm 32:8
WORSHIP BEYOND on 6/15/09 - 8:01 PM
Hey Shar,

My daughters are begging me to get "Maggie Rose" for them... so how about another contest-- that only I can enter? I've always wanted to know what it would be like to compete with myself... Only ONE of us will come out on top.

Just kidding. I will probably pre-order it from Amazon.

Be blessed,

James
Anita on 6/15/09 - 10:28 AM
Thanks!!! :-)
Anita
Kelly Karonhienhá:wi on 6/14/09 - 9:07 AM
Hello my friend;

Please visit this web page and read their testimony, 26 days ago I left you a comment, that if you could help in anyway, we would greatly appreciate it. We are down to the wire and have 2 weeks now until they have no more home, if you can find it in your heart to donate anything, it would be a BIG help to Angie and her 4 children.

Daily Bread site I created for this Outreach for this family, in this season of need.
http://horsesandthelifeofangie.blogspot.com

Paypal link to donate
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5586195

God Bless you!
Kelly Karonhienha':wi
Ray Harris on 6/13/09 - 8:39 PM
Hi Sharlene,
How are you? I hope that you are doing fine. I am doing ok, except for the weather. We have been having a heat wave for the past several days, and it looks like it will continue next week, also. I imagine the temperatures are comfortable where you live. I am praying that you and your family will have a great Sunday and upcoming week.
May God bless you always,
Ray
Cindy Bauer on 6/13/09 - 8:16 PM
Wow Shar, that's some boat!!! Need any company (wink wink)??

Blessings,
Cindy