Deborah Vogts

Chicken Pot Pie

2012-01-27T07:00:00.002-06:00

Book Drawing - Love Blooms in Winter

2012-01-25T13:47:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Blooms in Winter Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012) by Lori Copeland

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, lovable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things. If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.

Leave a comment below to enter this week's book drawing.

A winner will be selected on Sunday, January 29.

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Mailbox Monday

2012-01-23T10:41:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year -- tax time. If I had my way, I'd put this task off for as long as possible, but we have a daughter in college eager to get her financial aid papers turned in. So forgive me, my mind is all muddled from piles of paperwork and numbers.

Because of that, I thought today would be a good time to post another Mailbox Monday! I always enjoy receiving letters and emails from my readers. Here's one from a fellow horse-lover!

Hi Deborah,

Just wanted to let you know that I just finished reading your book "Snow Melts in Spring". I loved it and just couldn't put it down. I have always loved horses, even though I don't own one. But I have horse pictures and trinkets throughout my home. It's my dream to have a horse ranch one day. Thanks for writing this book. I'm going to purchase the second book in this series soon. Keep writing!!! Blessings, DS

And another . . .

I am enjoying your book about Mattie the Doc from the Flint Hills. I am looking forward to the next story and hope it has a lot of landscapes and horses in it. And already good old Goethe said, that every good book has to have a little travel report in it and at least one good recipe. Please notify me when the book about the Wild Horses in the Flint Hills is published. Thank you - GM

And the last one for today:

Hi Deb,

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your novel SEEDS OF SUMMER. I loved it...absolutely loved it...You are an amazing author and storyteller. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work, Deb. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize that this was Book Two of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series until I was well into this novel. I am anxious to read Book One in this series now. I also enjoy visiting (and following) your blog. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes, too. Blessings to you and yours. KK

Chicken Fried Steak

2012-01-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

Click here for Chicken Fried Steak Recipe.

Out with the Old - In with the New

2012-01-18T00:01:00.044-06:00

It's hard to believe another year has slipped away from us. Can you believe we're already halfway through the first month of 2012? It's crazy how fast time flies as I get older.

The good thing about entering into another New Year is that we get a fresh start on our goals and (dare I say) resolutions. Exercise, eat right, devote more time to Bible study and family, finish long-term projects--like my book! Which I'm still working on.

I'd hoped to get a lot of writing done in December, but ended the year short of my goal. Thank goodness for New Years Resolutions. Out with the Old and In with the New. New dedication, new motivation, new discovery, new appreciation.

Thanks so much for your friendship and support. What are your new goals for the year? Wishing you many wonderful blessings in 2012!

Book Drawing - Where Wildflowers Bloom

2012-01-16T06:10:00.000-06:00

Where Wildflowers Bloom, by Ann Shorey

How far will she go to follow her dreams?

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg--as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart? Visit Ann's website to learn more about the book and enter her Mercantile Memories Giveaway.

Leave a comment below to enter this week's book drawing. A winner will be selected on Sunday, January 22.

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Artichoke Dip

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Click here for Artichoke Dip Recipe

Book Drawing - His Steadfast Love

2012-01-11T06:20:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing His Steadfast Love Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2011) by Golden Keyes Parsons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on? Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact. If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.

Leave a comment below to enter this week's book drawing. A winner will be selected on Sunday, January 15.

Congratulations to Connie on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Book Preview - The Accidental Bride

2012-01-09T05:46:00.000-06:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Denise Hunter

and the book:

The Accidental Bride

Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B & B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Shay Brandenberger has built her entire life on the shifting sands of what others think. Constantly seeking the approval of others, she has struggled through a rocky childhood, a failed marriage and single parenthood. Now it looks like she’s losing the ranch that has been in her family for three generations, a surefire way to mark her as a failure in the eyes of the community. When Travis McCoy, the high school sweetheart who very publicly broke her heart fifteen years before, returns to Moose Creek, she is less than pleased. Not only does his re-appearance dredge up a deluge of painful memories, it also reminds everyone in town that it was he who left her, not the other way around. To make matters worse, Shay and Travis are unwittingly paired to play bride and groom in the annual Founder’s Day wedding re-enactment where, much to her chagrin, she discovers he still has the power to take her breath away.

Product Details:
List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595548025
ISBN-13: 978-1595548023

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The bell above the diner’s door jingled
and—despite her most valiant effort—Shay Brandenberger’s eyes darted toward the
entry. An unfamiliar couple entered—tourists. She could tell by their khaki
Eddie Bauer vests and spanking-new hiking boots. Look out, Yellowstone.

When her heart rate returned to normal,
she checked her watch and took a sip of coffee. Five minutes till she met Miss
Lucy at the Doll House, forty till she met John Oakley at the bank. What if he
said no? What would they do then?

“Mom . . . Earth to Mom . . .” Olivia
waved her hand too close to Shay’s face, her brown eyes widening.

“Sorry, hon.” The one bright moment of
her Saturday was breakfast with her daughter, and she couldn’t enjoy it for the
dread. “What were you saying?”

Olivia set her fork on her
pancake-sticky plate and heaved a sigh worthy of her twelve-year-old self.
“Never mind.” She bounced across the vinyl bench, her thick brown ponytail
swinging. “I’m going to meet Maddy.”

“Right back here at noon,” Shay called,
but Olivia was out the door with the flick of her hand.

The diner buzzed with idle chatter.
Silverware clattered and scraped, and the savory smell of bacon and fried eggs
unsettled her stomach. She took a sip of the strong brew from the fat rim of
her mug.

The bell jingled again. I will not look. I will
not look. I will not—

The server appeared at her booth, a new
girl, and gathered Olivia’s dishes. “On the house today.”

Shay set down her mug, bristling. “Why?”

The woman shrugged. “Boss’s orders,” she
said, then made off with the dirty dishes.

From the rectangular kitchen window,
Mabel Franklin gave Shay a pointed look.

So Shay had helped the couple with their
foal the week before. It was the neighborly thing to do.

Fine. She gave a reluctant smile and a
wave. She pulled her wallet from her purse, counted out the tip, and dragged
herself from the booth, remembering her daughter’s bouncy exit. Lately her
thirty-two years pressed down on her body like a two-ton boulder.

She opened the diner’s door and peeked
both ways before exiting the Tin Roof and turning toward the Doll House. She
was only checking sidewalk traffic, not hiding. Nope, she wasn’t hiding from
anyone. The boardwalks were busy on Saturdays. That was why she hadn’t come to
town for two weeks. Why their pantry was emptier than a water trough at high
noon.

She hurried three shops down and slipped
into the cool, welcoming air of Miss Lucy’s shop.

“ ’Morning, Miss Lucy.”

“ ’Morning, dear.” The elderly woman, in
the middle of helping a customer, called over her rounded shoulder, “It’s in
the back.” Miss Lucy’s brown eyes were big as buckeyes behind her thick
glasses, and her white curls glowed under the spotlights.

“Okeydoke.” Shay forced her feet toward
the storeroom.

A musty smell assaulted her as she
entered the back room and flipped on the overhead fluorescents. She scanned the
boxes of doll parts and skeins of yarn until she found what she was looking
for. She approached the box, lifted the lid, and parted the tissue.

The wedding gown had been carefully
folded and tucked away. Shay ran her fingers over the delicate lace and pearls.
Must’ve been crisp white in its day, but time had cast a long shadow over it.
Time had a way of doing that.

Her fingers lingered on the thin fabric.
She remembered another time, another dress. A simple white one that hung on her
young shoulders, just skimmed the cement of the courthouse steps. The ache that
squeezed her heart had faded with time, but it was there all the same. Would it
ever go away?

Shaking her head, Shay turned back to
the task at hand. The gown seemed too pretty, too fragile to disturb.

Oh well. She’d promised.

She pulled it out and draped it over the
box, then shimmied from her jeans. When she was down to the bare necessities,
she stepped carefully into the gown. She eased it over her narrow hips and slid
her arms into the long sleeves. The neckline was modest, the gathered skirt
fuller than anything she ever wore. Here in the air-conditioning it was fine,
but she would swelter next Saturday.

Leaving the button-up back gaping, she
hitched the skirt to the top of her cowboy boots and entered the store.

Miss Lucy was ushering the customer out
the door. When she turned, she stopped, her old-lady shoes squeaking on the
linoleum. “Land sakes.”

Shay took two steps forward and dropped
the skirt. It fell to the floor with a whoosh.

“Fits like a glove,” Miss Lucy said.
“And with some low heels it’ll be the perfect length.”

Shay didn’t even own heels. “My boots’ll
have to do. Button the back?”

Miss Lucy waddled forward, turned Shay
toward a small wall mirror flecked with time, and began working the tiny pearl
buttons.

Shay’s breath caught at her image. She
forced its release, then frowned. Wedding gowns were bad luck. She’d sworn
she’d never wear another. If someone had told her yesterday she’d be wearing
this thing today, she’d have said they were one straw short of a bale.

Miss Lucy moved up to the buttons
between her shoulders, and Shay lifted her hair. The dress did fit, clinging to
her torso like it was made for her, wouldn’t you know. Even the color
complemented her olive skin.

Still, there was that whole bad luck
thing.

And what would everyone think of Shay
Brandenberger wearing this valuable piece of Moose Creek heritage? A white
wedding gown, no less. If she didn’t have the approval of her closest friends
and neighbors, what did she have? Not much, to her thinking.

She wanted to cut and run. Wanted to
shimmy right out of the dress, tuck it into that box in the storeroom, slip
back into her Levi’s and plaid button-up, and go back to her ranch where she
could hole up for the next six months.

She checked the time and wished Miss
Lucy had nimbler fingers. Of all days to do this, a Saturday, when everyone
with two legs was in town. And she still had that infernal meeting with John
Oakley.

Please, God, I can’t lose our home . . .

“I’m obliged to you, dear. I completely
forgot Jessie was going out of town.”

“No problem.”

“Baloney. You’d rather be knee-deep in
cow dung.” The woman’s marionette lines at the sides of her mouth deepened.

“It’s one hour of my life.” A pittance,
after all Miss Lucy had done for her.

Miss Lucy finished buttoning, and Shay
dropped her hair and smoothed the delicate lace at the cuffs.

“Well, bless you for being willing. God
is smiling down on you today for your kindness.”

Shay doubted God really cared one way or
another. It was her neighbors she worried about.

“Beautiful, just beautiful. You’ll be
the talk of the town on Founders Day.”

“No doubt.” Everyone in Moose Creek
would be thinking about the last time she’d worn a wedding gown. And the time
before that.

Especially the time before that.

Third time’s a charm, Shay thought, the corner of her lip
turning up.

“Stop fretting,” Miss Lucy said,
squeezing her shoulders. “You look quite fetching, like the gown was made for
you. I won’t have to make a single alteration. Why, it fits you better than it
ever did Jessie—don’t you tell her I said so.”

Shay tilted her head. Maybe Miss Lucy
was right. The dress did make the most of her figure. And she had as much right
to wear it as anyone. Maybe more—she was born and raised here, after all. It
was just a silly old reenactment anyway. No one cared who the bride and groom
were.

The bell jingled as the door opened
behind her. She glanced in the mirror, over her shoulder, where a hulking
silhouette filled the shop’s doorway. There was something familiar in the set
of the man’s broad shoulders, in the slow way he reached up and removed his
hat.

The sight of him constricted her rib
cage, squeezed the air from her lungs as if she were wearing a corset. But she
wasn’t wearing a corset. She was wearing a wedding gown. Just as she had been
the last time she’d set eyes on Travis McCoy.

Joan's Peanut Butter Cookies

2012-01-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Click here for Joan's Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe!

Book Drawing - Rose of Winslow Street

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Rose of Winslow Street Bethany House (January 1, 2012)
by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain. If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.

Leave a comment below to enter this week's book drawing. A winner will be selected on Sunday, January 8.

Congratulations to Karen K on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Book Preview - The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

2012-01-02T06:21:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love." If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

Cheesy Ranch Check Mix

2011-12-30T08:00:00.004-06:00

Click here for Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix Recipe.

Grandfather Time

2011-12-28T08:00:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe another year is almost over. We've had such blessings this past year, and I can only imagine what 2012 has in store for us. This holiday season, we've had the pleasure of spending precious time with our family and friends. You can never take such moments for granted.

To end my monthlong posts on favorite traditions, I wanted to share about our Waterbury Kitchen Clock. My Grandpa Swiler collected clocks and after he passed away all of the children and grandchildren were given one of his clocks. Ours is displayed in our living room and each Christmas season, I make a point of keeping it wound each week so that it will chime on the hour--and for the most part it keeps excellent time.

This habit usually dies down sometime in February, but during the months of December and January, the tick-tock tick-tock of that clock soothes our hearts and minds . . . and when I hear it, I think of Grandpa.

Thank you for following along on this blog, and may God bless you in 2012.
Happy New Year!

Silent Night

2011-12-21T08:00:00.014-06:00

This month, I've shared with you a few of our family Christmas traditions, including our ongoing collection of angel ornaments for our Christmas tree. My favorite tradition, however, is when we celebrate Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at our church, which closes with the hymn Silent Night.

After the service, we traipse back to our warm, comfy home for a shared dinner with my parents. The candles are lit, some music is turned on, and the table is set with my favorite crystal and china dishes.

This year, I'm planning to bake a ham, served with company potatoes, green beans, and homemade yeast rolls. I haven't yet figured out what to make for our dessert, but it'll probably involve some form of chocolate. Then we’ll gather in the living room where we'll open a present or two, leaving the rest for Christmas morning.

Oh the joys of Christmas. Spending cherished time with loved ones and celebrating the gift of our Savior’s birth. May each of you be blessed this Christmas.

Christmas Traditions - Collecting Ornaments

2011-12-19T08:00:00.015-06:00

This month, I've been blogging about favorite Christmas traditions in our family. Ever since our first daughter was born, we've collected a new set of ornaments for our tree, usually in a set of 3--one for each daughter, and if possible, they will match the color of their birthstones. Some of our favorites are a set of cowboy boots and a set of china teapots.

We also collect snowmen and bells . . .

And angels in all shapes and sizes.

Our newest addition is this Jim Shore Angel. Isn't she lovely? Do you have a special ornament collection for your tree? Please share with us below.

Building Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

Having three daughters, I’ve been blessed to share many wonderful traditions during the Christmas season—tea parties, music recitals, building gingerbread houses, and so much more. When I find myself tempted to give up one of these traditions, my daughters are usually there to keep me in line. That's what my youngest did last year when I mentioned not building a gingerbread house. At her downcast face, I buckled.

We went to the Dollar Store and bought an armful of candies in all shapes and sizes. Skittles, peppermint sticks, colored marshmallow trees, nutcracker soldiers . . . you get the idea. Visions of a grand gingerbread castle filled my mind . . .

Image:thoughtdistillery.com/2004/12/13/74

Then we went home, and I baked the gingerbread, realizing that a small cottage would do.

Here's the house we ended up with.

And here are a few gingerbread houses from our past . . .

Blessings to you as family traditions are fulfilled in your household this Christmastime.

Christmas Traditions - Baking Cookies

2011-12-12T08:00:00.003-06:00

Every Christmas our girls and I become Cookie Elves as we continue our Christmas traditions -- baking cookies.

We have our favorite recipes (many of them found on this blog), but our Christmas recipes usually include: Cracked Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Peppermint Cookies and M & M Cookies. Of course, we keep some for eating and then freeze the rest to give as gifts for Christmas.

Next we'll bake quick breads -- Orange Nut Bread and Poppy Seed Bread and then later this month we'll make some fudge, chocolate turtles and chocolate peanut clusters. Do you enjoy holiday baking? What are some "traditional" favorites for your family?

*Because I'm on a hard and swift deadline to finish my third book, I've decided to share some old posts with you this Christmas season. I hope you'll enjoy revisiting them. I will, however, continue to post new recipes each Friday!

Favorite Christmas Memory

2011-12-07T08:00:00.006-06:00

When I was ten or eleven years old, I remember looking out the window at bedtime as it had started to snow. Now mind you, it wasn’t one of those icy, frigid snowstorms Kansas is well-known for, but rather a gentle snowfall with flakes as big as silver dollars. Dressed in my pajamas, robe, and rubber boots, I sneaked out the door of our old farmhouse onto the porch and gazed up at the beautiful site. Unable to stay put for long, I took off on a stroll beneath the tall, eastern cedars that lined the side of our home.

I remember the colorful lights from our Christmas tree blinking through the living room window, the crunch of my boots in the snow, and being filled with absolute wonder and peace as these huge snowflakes fell silently onto my face and into my outstretched hands. In that moment, I recall thinking that this must have been what it was like when Jesus was born and how blessed I was to share in such a moment. ~ How blessed we are this Christmas season to rejoice in our Savior’s birth.

Christmas Traditions - Favorite Music

2011-12-05T08:44:00.000-06:00

Another Christmas tradition at the Vogts' household includes listening to our favorite Christmas tapes and CD's. Our list has grown through the years, but here are a few of our favorites:

Gene Autry's - The Christmas Cowboy
It's Christmas Time with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole
Celine Dion's - These Are Special Times
A Very Special Charlie Brown Holiday Collection
Led by a Star by Just Cuz
The Best of George Strait - The Christmas Collection
Our Christmas (collection of Christian singers)

Since music is a big part of our life, we also sing and play the piano (and guitar) to many Christmas carols and tunes. What about you? Do you have a favorite Christmas song or album you listen to each year?

Christmas Traditions - Tea Parties

2011-11-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

One Christmas tradition I've created for my girls is to hold a special tea party during their holiday break--sometimes inviting ten or more people to join us. Last year, we decided to take our tea party on the road. We traveled to my grandma's house and held it there.

As always, we made a few goodies to enjoy with our tea. Russian Tea Cakes, Snowballs, Peppermint Meringues, Cheeseball and Crackers, Bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies, and Tortilla Pinwheels. And for our tea-- Apricot Brandy (loose leaf). Yum.

For our entertainment, we played a few games of Christmas Bingo, and then my daughters sang a few songs with their guitars. Good food, good company, and good entertainment. An enjoyable afternoon. We're planning to hold another tea party at Grandma's this year. I can hardly wait!

I hope each of you will make time this Christmas season to share with family or friends. Create memories and enjoy the moments.

Christmas Traditions - Favorite Movies

2011-11-28T11:11:00.001-06:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over and Advent has begun, it's time to get ready for Christmas. Because I'm on a hard and swift deadline to finish my third book, I've decided to share some old posts with you from now until Christmas. I hope you'll enjoy revisiting them. I will, however, continue to post new recipes each Friday!

Many blessings to you this Advent season.

Each year when we drag out our Christmas decorations, our daughters eagerly dig through the boxes to find their favorite movies. Some of them are children's programs from long ago -- Frosty the Snowman, A Year without a Santa Claus, or Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

I've been watching and listening to these programs ever since I was a little girl, but I never tire of them.

We also make a point of visiting our local libraries to check out the Classic Christmas movies available there. Some of our favorites include: Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, Meet Me in St. Louis, A Miracle on 34th Street, and It's a Wonderful Life. And what about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation--too funny!

There are so many more, it's hard to list them all. What about you? Do you have a favorite Christmas movie you watch each year?

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-24T10:36:00.000-06:00

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him all creatures here below,

Praise Him above all heavenly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Here in America, we have much to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for our family, our friends, our church,

our country, our home, our health,

and so much more.

Please stop and take a moment today--and every day

to thank God for all the blessings He gives.

And as promised to my newsletter subscribers,

the winner of my special Thanksgiving Book Drawing is . . . .

Letitia Rhodes

If you'd like to subscribe to my quarterly Country at Heart newsletter,

please click here and fill out the required form.

Many blessings to each of you, and

may you have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Writing Retreat

2011-11-21T08:15:00.003-06:00

Earlier this month I helped host a writing retreat with fellow Kansas author, Deborah Raney. It is always such a blessing to gather with other writers, chat about the business, learn about the craft, and brainstorm new ideas.

This was our second year to host the event for unpublished writers, and we've already scheduled our date for next year!

Here with Susan Hollaway, Susan Mires, Sara Meisinger, Julane Hiebert, and Deborah Raney. Below are a few more pictures from our time together.

Murphy's Landing - The cabin we stayed at.

Getting settled in the kitchen. All of these ladies are great cooks!

A view from the loft above.

Having lunch (and pie) at Murphy's Cafe. Did I mention we enjoyed some delicious meals while at the retreat?!!

Doesn't this fire look comfy, cozy?

Brainstorming ideas! I'm happy to report that we were able to work through some problem areas in my manuscript . . . and now I'm pushing toward my deadline goal of January 27!

Enjoying a cool afternoon on the porch. It's only been a few weeks since the retreat, and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Book Preview - Long Trail Home

2011-11-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Long Trail Home Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (November 1, 2011) by Vickie McDonough

Vickie McDonough is an award-winning author of twenty-four books and novellas. Her books have won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, Texas Gold, the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a multi-year finalist in ACFW’s BOTY/Carol Awards. She was voted Third Favorite Author in the Heartsong Presents Annual Readers Contest in 2009. Vickie is the author of the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series from Barbour Publishing. She has also authored two books in the Texas Trails: A Morgan Family series, in which she partners with Susan Page Davis and Darlene Franklin to write a six-book series that spans fifty years of the Morgan family. Also, next year brings the release of a new series from Guidepost/Summerside: Pioneer Promises, set in 1870s Kansas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Long Trail Home is third in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancee again. But he soon learns that his parents are dead and the woman he loved is married. He takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it. When a greedy man tries to close the school, Riley and Annie band together to fight him and fall in love.But when Riley learns the truth about Annie, he packs and prepares to leave the school that has become his home and the woman who has thawed his heart. Will he change his mind and find the love he craves' Or will stubbornness deprive him from the woman he needs' Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.

If you would like to read the Prologue of Long Trail Home, go HERE.

Book Drawing - A Sound Among the Trees

2011-11-14T07:00:00.007-06:00

Leave a comment below to enter your chance to win this week's book drawing. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 20.

Congratulations to Joye on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Susan Meissner

and the book:

A Sound Among the Trees

WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Laura Tucker of WaterBrook Press for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning writer Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker and workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the Best Books of 2008. She is a pastor’s wife and a mother of four. When she's not writing, Susan directs the Small Groups and Connection Ministries program at her San Diego church. Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A house shrouded in time. A line of women with a heritage of loss. As a young bride, Susannah Page was rumored to be a Civil War spy for the North, a traitor to her Virginian roots. Her great-granddaughter Adelaide, the current matriarch of Holly Oak, doesn't believe that Susannah's ghost haunts the antebellum mansion looking for a pardon, but rather the house itself bears a grudge toward its tragic past.

When Marielle Bishop marries into the family and is transplanted from the arid west to her husband's home, it isn't long before she is led to believe that the house she just settled into brings misfortune to the women who live there.

With Adelaide's richly peppered superstitions and deep family roots at stake, Marielle must sort out the truth about Susannah Page and Holly Oak— and make peace with the sacrifices she has made for love.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0307458857

ISBN-13: 978-0307458858

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Excerpt

The bride stood in a circle of Virginia sunlight, her narrow heels clicking on Holly Oak’s patio stones as she greeted strangers in the receiving line. Her wedding dress was a simple A-line, strapless, with a gauzy skirt of white that breezed about her knees like lacy curtains at an open window. She had pulled her unveiled brunette curls into a loose arrangement dotted with tiny flowers that she’d kept alive on her flight from Phoenix. Her only jewelry was a white topaz pendant at her throat and the band of platinum on her left ring finger. Tall, slender, and tanned from the famed and relentless Arizona sun, hers was a girl-next door look: pretty but not quite beautiful. Adelaide thought it odd that Marielle held no bouquet.

From the parlor window Adelaide watched as her grandson-in-law, resplendent in a black tuxedo next to his bride, bent toward the guests and greeted them by name, saying, “This is Marielle.” An explanation seemed ready to spring from his lips each time he shook the hand of someone who had known Sara, her deceased granddaughter. His first wife. Carson stood inches from Marielle, touching her elbow every so often, perhaps to assure himself that after four years a widower he had indeed patently and finally moved on from grief.

Smatterings of conversations wafted about on the May breeze and into the parlor as received guests strolled toward trays of sweet tea and champagne. Adelaide heard snippets from her place at the window. Hudson and Brette, her great-grandchildren, had moved away from the snaking line of gray suits and pastel dresses within minutes of the first guests’ arrival and were now studying the flower-festooned gift table under the window ledge, touching the bows, fingering the silvery white wrappings. Above the children, an old oak’s youngest branches shimmied to the tunes a string quartet produced from the gazebo beyond the receiving line.

Adelaide raised a teacup to her lips and sipped the last of its contents, allowing the lemony warmth to linger at the back of her throat. She had spent the better part of the morning readying the garden for Carson and Marielle’s wedding reception, plucking spent geranium blossoms, ordering the catering staff about, and straightening the rented linen tablecloths. She needed to join the party now that it had begun. The Blue-Haired Old Ladies would be wondering where she was.

Her friends had been the first to arrive, coming through the garden gate on the south side of the house at five minutes before the hour. She’d watched as Carson introduced them to Marielle, witnessed how they cocked their necks in blue-headed unison to sweetly scrutinize her grandson-in-law’s new wife, and heard their welcoming remarks through the open window.

Deloris gushed about how lovely Marielle’s wedding dress was and what, pray tell, was the name of that divine purple flower she had in her hair?

Pearl invited Marielle to her bridge club next Tuesday afternoon and asked her if she believed in ghosts.

Maxine asked her how Carson and she had met—though Adelaide had told her weeks ago that Carson met Marielle on the Internet—and why on earth Arizona didn’t like daylight-saving time.

Marielle had smiled, sweet and knowing—like the kindergarten teacher who finds the bluntness of five-year-olds endearing—and answered the many questions.

Mojave asters. She didn’t know how to play bridge. She’d never encountered a ghost so she couldn’t really say but most likely not. She and Carson met online. There’s no need to save what one has an abundance of. Carson had cupped her elbow in his hand, and his thumb caressed the inside of her arm while she spoke.

Adelaide swiftly set the cup down on the table by the window, whisking away the remembered tenderness of that same caress on Sara’s arm.

Carson had every right to remarry.

Sara had been dead for four years.

She turned from the bridal tableau outside and inhaled deeply the gardenia-scented air in the parlor. Unbidden thoughts of her granddaughter sitting with her in that very room gently nudged her. Sara at six cutting out paper dolls. Memorizing multiplication tables at age eight. Sewing brass buttons onto gray wool coats at eleven. Sara reciting a poem for English Lit at sixteen, comparing college acceptance letters at eighteen, sharing a chance letter from her estranged mother at nineteen, showing Adelaide her engagement ring at twenty-four. Coming back home to Holly Oak with Carson when Hudson was born. Nursing Brette in that armchair by the fireplace. Leaning against the door frame and telling Adelaide that she was expecting her third child.

Right there Sara had done those things while Adelaide sat at the long table in the center of the room, empty now but usually awash in yards of stiff Confederate gray, glistening gold braid, and tiny piles of brass buttons—the shining elements of officer reenactment uniforms before they see war.

Adelaide ran her fingers along the table’s polished surface, the warm wood as old as the house itself. Carson had come to her just a few months ago while she sat at that table piecing together a sharpshooter’s forest green jacket. He had taken a chair across from her as Adelaide pinned a collar, and he’d said he needed to tell her something.

He’d met someone.

When she’d said nothing, he added, “It’s been four years, Adelaide.”

“I know how long it’s been.” The pins made a tiny plucking sound as their pointed ends pricked the fabric.

“She lives in Phoenix.”

“You’ve never been to Phoenix.”

“Mimi.” He said the name Sara had given her gently, as a father might. A tender reprimand. He waited until she looked up at him. “I don’t think Sara would want me to live the rest of my life alone. I really don’t. And I don’t think she would want Hudson and Brette not to have a mother.”

“Those children have a mother.”

“You know what I mean. They need to be mothered. I’m gone all day at work. I only have the weekends with them. And you won’t always be here. You’re a wonderful great-grandmother, but they need someone to mother them, Mimi.”

She pulled the pin cushion closer to her and swallowed. “I know they do.”

He leaned forward in his chair. “And I…I miss having someone to share my life with. I miss the companionship. I miss being in love. I miss having someone love me.”

Adelaide smoothed the pieces of the collar. “So. You are in love?”

He had taken a moment to answer. “Yes. I think I am.”

Carson hadn’t brought anyone home to the house, and he hadn’t been on any dates. But he had lately spent many nights after the children were in bed in his study—the old drawing room—with the door closed. When she’d pass by, Adelaide would hear the low bass notes of his voice as he spoke softly into his phone. She knew that gentle sound. She had heard it before, years ago when Sara and Carson would sit in the study and talk about their day. His voice, deep and resonant. Hers, soft and melodic.

“Are you going to marry her?”

Carson had laughed. “Don’t you even want to know her name?”

She had not cared at that moment about a name. The specter of being alone in Holly Oak shoved itself forward in her mind. If he remarried, he’d likely move out and take the children with him. “Are you taking the children? Are you leaving Holly Oak?”

“Adelaide—”

“Will you be leaving?”

Several seconds of silence had hung suspended between them. Carson and Sara had moved into Holly Oak ten years earlier to care for Adelaide after heart surgery and had simply stayed. Ownership of Holly Oak had been Sara’s birthright and was now Hudson and Brette’s future inheritance. Carson stayed on after Sara died because, in her grief, Adelaide asked him to, and in his grief, Carson said yes.

“Will you be leaving?” she asked again.

“Would you want me to leave?” He sounded unsure.

“You would stay?”

Carson had sat back in his chair. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to take Hudson and Brette out of the only home they’ve known. They’ve already had to deal with more than any kid should.”

“So you would marry this woman and bring her here. To this house.”

Carson had hesitated only a moment. “Yes.”

She knew without asking that they were not talking solely about the effects moving would have on a ten-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. They were talking about the strange biology of their grief. Sara had been taken from them both, and Holly Oak nurtured their common sorrow in the most kind and savage of ways. Happy memories were one way of keeping someone attached to a house and its people. Grief was the other. Surely Carson knew this. An inner nudging prompted her to consider asking him what his new bride would want.

“What is her name?” she asked instead.

And he answered, “Marielle…”

Excerpted from A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner Copyright © 2011 by Susan Meissner. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Book Drawing ~ Valley of Dreams

2011-11-07T08:58:00.001-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingValley of DreamsBethany House (November 1, 2011)byLauraine Snelling

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Addy Lockwood's mother died when she was little, so Addy traveled with her father's Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Addy has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Addy decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure. If you would like to read the first chapter of Valley of Dreams, go HERE.

Leave a comment below to enter your chance to win this week's book drawing. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 13.

Congratulations to Lynda on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Book Preview - A Lasting Impression

2011-11-02T08:54:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Lasting Impression Bethany House (November 1, 2011) by Tamera Alexander

ABOUT THE BOOK

To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire's path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she's sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville's elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.

All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Set at Nashville's historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera's stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers' hearts and leave them eager for more. If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lasting Impression, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart) continue her signature style of deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose which has earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the 2010 and 2007 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2010 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, the 2007 National Reader's Choice Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.

Tamera's newest novel A Lasting Impression is the first of a brand new three-book Southern historical series, and the first two chapters are available for review. She's at work on her ninth novel which will release in fall 2012.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with Tamera's father, Doug, and with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

What's in a Name?

2011-10-31T07:00:00.006-05:00

We have a new member in our family. Many of you may remember that we lost our dear friend Ruby this past September, a beautiful golden retriever that had been in our family for many years. This weekend, we brought home a three month old Labrador Retriever to help keep Rusty (our other golden) company. Rusty has been so lonely . . .

We knew we wanted a puppy.

We didn't realize how much we'd love a black Lab. She is so smart and sweet. We already love her to pieces.

But we need your help. We need to come up with a name for her and we're at a loss. Every name that comes to mind just doesn't seem to fit. Can you help? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below. If we decide on one of them, we'll be sure to tell you here. Thanks!

Book Drawing - A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas

2011-10-26T07:00:00.006-05:00

A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch

Hoping to leave the shadows of her shady yesteryears behind, Adeline Reid is focusing on her photography career. But when her ex-boyfriend’s compatriot in crime shows up in Dodge City her entire past is threatened by exposure. Can Addie keep her secrets while helping to catch a killer? Deputy Miles Carr’s investigation into a shopkeeper’s murder leads him to Addie’s door. Will his attraction to this female photographer keep him from catching the true culprit? Or will Addie lead him off course in more ways than one?

Deputy Miles Carr has his hands full trying to keep the peace in Dodge City and find a local shopkeeper’s killer. When his inquiries lead him to the door of Addie Reid’s photography studio, he finds himself more than a little distracted. Does this beauty hold the clue to the killer’s identity?

Learn more about Erica and her books at her author website.

To enter this week's book drawing, please leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 30.

Congratulations to Merry on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Images of Autumn

2011-10-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

Fall is my favorite season.

I love the cooler weather,

the changing colors in the trees

and native pastures.

I love when we experience our first frost or hard freeze,

and yes, even the shorter length of days.
(Pictures by our youngest daughter.)

What is your favorite season? Share in the comments below.

Book Preview ~ Wonderland Creek

2011-10-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wonderland Creek Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Lynn Austin

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and myster--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined. If you would like to read the first chapter of Wonderland Creek, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. And two of her inspirational fiction books were chosen by Library Journal for their top picks in 2003, and 2005. One of Lynn's novels has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Book Preview ~ Love on the LIne

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love on the Line Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Deeanne Gist

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, three RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success. Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children. Click here to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love on the Line, go HERE.

Breast Cancer Candlelight Vigil

2011-10-10T08:15:00.002-05:00

Last week our youngest daughter was asked to perform at a breast cancer awareness event in Pittsburg, KS. She's been playing the guitar for three years and has performed before several large crowds but this was her first paid event.

She prepared three songs--two by Carrie Underwood (So Small and I'll Stand By You), and one by Allison Krauss (Help Me to Stand). What amazed us most was how perfectly the songs fit with the night's theme and speaker's topic, and at just the right placement in the program (all without prior knowledge)--a true God-moment.

Our local television station covered the event, as did the Pittsburg Morning Sun. Click on the links below to view.

Pittsburg Morning Sun

KOAM TV 7

Book Drawing - Maggie's Journey

2011-10-07T07:00:00.007-05:00

To enter this week's book drawing, please leave a comment below. A winner will be drawn on Sunday, 10/16.

Congratulations to Lady Jo on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Lena Nelson Dooley

and the book:

Maggie’s Journey

Realms (October 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Kim Jones | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lena Nelson Dooley is an award-winning author with more than 650,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers—where she received the Mentor of the Year award in 2006—DFW Ready Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in Hurst, Texas, with her husband of over 45 years. Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A girl who’s been lied to her whole life…

On her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones who raised her.

Maggie longs for a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn’t fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.

When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?

Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616383585
ISBN-13: 978-1616383589

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

September 1885

Seattle, Washington Territory

Margaret Lenora Caine sat in the library of their mansion on Beacon Hill. Because of the view of Puget Sound, which she loved, she had the brocade draperies pulled back to let the early September sunshine bathe the room with warmth. Basking in the bright light, Maggie concentrated on the sketch pad balanced on her lap. After leaning back to get the full effect of the drawing, she reached a finger to smudge the shadows between the folds of the skirt. With a neckline that revealed the shoulders, but still maintained complete modesty, this dress was her best design so far, one she planned to have Mrs. Murdock create in that dreamy, shimmery green material that came in the last shipment from China. Maggie knew silk was usually a summer fabric, but with it woven into a heavier brocade satin, it would be just right for her eighteenth birthday party. And with a few changes to the design, she could have another dress created as well.

Once again she leaned forward and drew a furbelow around the hem, shading it carefully to show depth. The added weight of the extra fabric would help the skirt maintain its shape, providing a pleasing silhouette at any ball. She pictured herself wearing the beautiful green dress, whirling in the arms of her partner, whoever he was. Maybe someone like Charles Stanton, since she’d admired him for several years, and he was so handsome.
“Margaret, what are you doing?”

The harsh question broke Maggie’s concentration. The charcoal in her hand slipped, slashing an ugly smear across the sketch. She glanced at her mother standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her bosom. Maggie heaved a sigh loud enough to reach the entrance, and her mother’s eyebrows arched so quickly Maggie wanted to laugh . . . almost, but she didn’t dare add to whatever was bothering Mother now. Her stomach began to churn, a thoroughly uncomfortable sensation. Lately, everything she did put Mother in a bad mood. She searched her mind for whatever could have set her off this time. She came up with nothing, so she pasted a smile across her face.

“I’m sketching.” She tried for a firm tone but wasn’t sure it came across that way.
“You don’t have time for that right now.” Florence Caine hurried across the Persian wool carpet and stared down at her. “We have too much to do before your party.”

Of course her mother was right, but Maggie thought she could take a few minutes to get the new design on paper while it was fresh in her mind. She glanced toward the mantel clock. Oh, no. Her few minutes had turned into over two hours. She’d lost herself in drawing designs again. No wonder Mother was exasperated. She jumped up from the burgundy wing-back chair. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I’m sorry, Mother.”
Florence Caine took the sketch pad from her hand and studied the drawing with a critical eye. “That’s a different design.”

Maggie couldn’t tell if she liked the dress or not, but it didn’t matter. Designing was in Maggie’s blood. Her grandmother was a dressmaker who came up with her own designs instead of using those in Godey’s Lady’s Book or Harper’s Bazar. And, according to Mother’s sister, she never even looked at a Butterick pattern. Aunt Georgia had told her often enough about all the society women who wouldn’t let anyone but Agatha Carter make their clothing. They

knew they wouldn’t be meeting anyone else wearing the exact same thing when they attended social events in Little Rock, Arkansas. Not for the first time, Maggie wished she could talk to her grandmother at least once.
With the news about people being able to converse across long distances with something called the telephone, someday she might talk to her that way. But Maggie wanted a face-to-face meeting. Knowing another dress designer would keep her from feeling like such a misfit. Mother kept reminding her that she didn’t really fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing in Seattle. At least, Daddy let her do what she wanted to. She didn’t know what she’d do without him to offset Mother’s insistence, which was becoming more and more harsh.

According to Aunt Georgia, the business Grandmother Carter started was still going strong, even though her grandmother had to be over sixty years old. Maggie planned to go visit her relatives in Arkansas, so she could tour the company. She hoped her journey would happen before she was too late to actually meet Agatha Carter. Her deepest desire was to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, since she had inherited her talents.

The sound of ripping tore through her thoughts. Aghast, she turned to catch her mother decimating her sketch. She lunged toward the paper, trying to save it, but Mother held the sketch just out of her reach.

“What are you doing?” Tears clogged her throat, but she struggled to hide them.
Dribbling the tiny pieces into the ornate wastepaper basket beside the mahogany desk, her mother looked up at her. “Just throwing it away. You had already ruined it anyway.”

Anger sliced through Maggie’s heart, leaving a jagged trail of pain. She still wanted to keep the sketch. She could use it while she created another. Her plan was to ask her father to help her surprise Mother. The design would set off her mother’s tall stature and still youthful figure. She planned to ask him for a length of the special blue satin brocade that would bring out the color of Mother’s eyes. The dress would make Mother the envy of most of her friends when

the winter social season started in a couple of months. Now she’d have to begin the drawing all over again. So many hours of work and her dreams torn to shreds.
“Darling.” That syrupy tone Mother used when she was trying to make a point grated on Maggie’s nerves. “When are you going to grow up and forget about your little pictures of dresses?” Little pictures of dresses? The words almost shredded the rest of Maggie’s control. She gripped her hands into fists and twisted them inside the folds of her full skirt.
They’d had this discussion too many times already. She gritted her teeth, but it didn’t help. In a few days she would be eighteen, old enough to make decisions for herself—whether her mother agreed or not.

She stood as tall as her tiny frame would allow her. “Those aren’t just ‘little drawings,’ Mother. I am going to be a dress designer.” The icy disdain shooting from her mother’s eyes made Maggie cringe inside, but she stood her ground.

“Margaret Lenora Caine, I am tired of these conversations. You will not become a working girl.” Mother huffed out a very unladylike deep breath. “You don’t need to. Your father has worked hard to provide a very good living for the three of us. I will not listen to any more of this nonsense.”
Maggie had heard that phrase often enough, and she never liked it. Mother swept from the room as if she had the answer to everything, but she didn’t. Not for Maggie. And her sketches were not nonsense.

She tried to remember the last time she pleased her mother. Had she ever really?
Her hair was too curly and hard to tame into a proper style. And the hue was too red. Maggie wouldn’t stay out of the sun to prevent freckles from dotting her face. She could come up with a long list of her mother’s complaints if she wanted to take the time. She wasn’t that interested in what was going on among the elite in Seattle. She

had more things to think about than how to catch a husband. Maggie wanted to get married someday. But first she would follow her dream. Become the woman she was created to be. That meant being a dress designer, taking delight in making other women look their best. If it wasn’t for Grandmother Carter, Maggie would think she had been born into the wrong family.

The enticing aroma of gingerbread called her toward the kitchen. Spending time with Mrs. Jorgensen was just what she needed right now. Since she didn’t have any grandparents living close by, their cook and housekeeper substituted quite well in Maggie’s mind. She pushed open the door, wrinkling her nose and sniffing like the bunny in the back garden while she headed across the brick floor toward the cabinet where her older friend worked. “What is that

heavenly smell?”

Mrs. Jorgensen turned with a warm smile. “As if you didn’t already know. You’ve eaten enough of my gingerbread, for sure.”

Pushing white tendrils from her forehead, the woman quickly sliced the spicy concoction and placed a large piece on a saucer while Maggie retrieved the butter from the ice box. Maggie slathered a thick coating on and watched it melt into the hot, brown bread. “Here’s something to drink.” Mrs. Jorgensen set a glass of cold milk on the work table in the middle of the large room.

Maggie hopped up on a tall stool and took a sip, swinging her legs as she had when she was a little girl. Mother would have something else to complain about if she saw her. That’s not ladylike and is most unbecoming. The oft-spoken words rang through Maggie’s mind. But Mother hardly ever came into the kitchen. Mrs. Jorgensen met with

Mother in her sitting room to plan the meals and the day’s work schedule.
“This is the only place in the house where I can just be myself.” Maggie took a bite and let the spices dance along her tongue, savoring the sting of spices mixed with the sweetness of molasses.

“Ja.” The grandmotherly woman patted Maggie’s shoulder. “So tell me what’s bothering you, kära.”
Tears sprang to Maggie’s eyes. “Why doesn’t Mother understand me? She doesn’t even try.”
She licked a drip of butter that started down her finger, then took another bite of the warm gingerbread. Heat from the cook stove made the enormous kitchen feel warm and cozy, instead of the cold formality of most of the house.
Mrs. Jorgensen folded a tea towel into a thick square, then went to the oven and removed another pan of the dessert. “What’s the bee in her bonnet this time?”
Maggie loved to hear the Scandinavian woman’s quaint sayings. “She won’t consider letting me continue to design dresses.”

Maggie sipped her milk, not even being careful not to leave a white mustache on her upper lip. “I’ve drawn them for our seamstress to use for the last five years. As many of them have been for Mother as for me. And she’s enjoyed the way other women exclaimed over the exclusive creations she wore. I don’t understand why she doesn’t want me to continue to develop my artistic abilities.”

“Your father is a very wealthy man, for sure.” The cook’s nod punctuated her statement. “Your dear mother just wants what is best for you.”
“Why does she get to decide what’s best for me?” Maggie felt like stomping her foot, but she refrained. That would be like a child having a tantrum. She would not stoop that far now that she was no longer a child. “Soon I’ll be eighteen. Plenty old enough to make my own decisions.”
“Yah, and you sure have the temper to match all that glorious red hair, älskling.” She clicked her tongue. “Such a waste of energy.” After enjoying the love expressed in Mrs. Jorgensen’s endearment, Maggie slid from the stool and gathered her plate and glass to carry them to the sink. “You’re probably right. I’ll just have to talk to Daddy.”

The door to the hallway swung open. “Talk to me about what?” Her tall father strode into the room,

filling it with a sense of power.

“About my becoming a dress designer.”

A flit of pain crossed his face before he smiled. “A dress designer?” Maggie fisted her hands on her waist. “We’ve discussed this before. I want to go to Arkansas and see about learning more at The House of Agatha Carter.”
Her father came over and gathered her into a loving embrace. “I said I’d think about letting you go. There are many details that would have to be ironed out first. But I didn’t say you couldn’t go.”

Maggie leaned her cheek against his chest, breathing in his familiar spicy scent laced with the fragrance of pipe tobacco. “I know. But Mother won’t let me. Just you wait and see.”

He grasped her by the shoulders and held her away from him. “Maggie, my Maggie, you’ve always been so impatient. I said I’d talk to her when the time is right. You’ll just have to trust me on this.” His eyes bored into hers, and his lips tipped up at the ends. She threw her arms around his waist. “Oh, I do trust you, Daddy.”

“Then be patient.” He kissed the top of her head, probably disturbing the style she’d worked so hard on this morning.

Mrs. Jorgensen stopped slicing the gingerbread and held the knife in front of her. “I thought you weren’t going to be home for lunch, Mr. Caine.”
“I’m not. I’ve only come by to pick up my beautiful wife. We’ll be dining with some friends at the Arlington House hotel downtown.” He gave Maggie another hug and left, presumably to find her mother.

“Would you be wanting another piece of gingerbread, kära?”

Maggie shook her head. “I don’t want to ruin my lunch. I have some things I need to do. Can I come back to eat a little later?” She hoped her father could prevail against Mother’s stubborn stance on the question of a trip to Arkansas.

Mrs. Jorgensen waved her out the door. “You’re probably not very hungry after that gingerbread.”
Maggie went into the library to retrieve her sketch pad, then headed upstairs to her bedroom. She wanted to get the drawing on paper again before she forgot any of the details. She pulled her lacy panels back from the side window and scooted a chair close. With a few deft strokes, she had the main lines of the dress on the thick paper. Then she started filling it in. As each line appeared on the drawing, she felt an echoing movement in her spirit. Deep inside,

she danced through the design as it took shape, much faster than the first time. She was so glad she could recall every detail.

While she drew, her thoughts returned to Grandmother Carter. Everyone said she took after her grandmother . . . everyone except Mother. Why isn’t she happy about my talent?

Maggie wandered through her memories, trying to recapture how it was when she was a little girl. She remembered Mother playing with her when they lived in the smaller, but comfortable house in Oregon City. They didn’t have servants then, but the three of them laughed and enjoyed life together. Then for some reason, her mother had started talking to her father every chance she got about moving to a larger place. Now that Maggie looked back on those memories, she realized that her mother seemed almost frantic to get away from where they lived, as if something were wrong with the town. Maggie never understood why.

She couldn’t have been more than five years old, but some of the events stood out. The hurry to leave town. The long trip. For quite a while after that, she missed playing with her friends. And she didn’t make new ones when they arrived. No other small children lived in the neighborhood. Even when she started school, she stayed to herself. She had been shy as a young girl.
After they moved to Seattle and her father bought one of the empty buildings and opened Caine Emporium, Mother changed. She became more distant, almost cold. She was no longer the laughing woman. If Maggie didn’t know better, she’d think something made Mother bitter. Maybe that was one reason she wanted to design this special dress. To brighten her mother’s life. Bring back the woman who sometimes flashed through her memory at odd times, making her long for the warmth she had luxuriated in as a small child. Finally, the drawing met her approval. Just in time to eat lunch. Maybe this afternoon she could finish the other sketch with the changes to make the dress more appropriate for her mother than herself.

Once again the kitchen welcomed her, and she enjoyed eating there with Mrs. Jorgensen. If Mother had been home, they would have had the meal in the formal dining room, complete with china, crystal, and silver. Such a fuss for an ordinary day.

“Margaret.” Her mother’s voice rose from the foyer below. “I’m home.”
Looking at the names of people she’d placed on the invitation list, Maggie finished writing Charles Stanton’s name and put the pen down. “Coming, Mother.”
She rushed out of her room and stood at the top of the staircase. “Did you want me?”
“Yes, dear. I thought we could get some shopping done this afternoon.” Her mother still wore her gloves and cape.

“Is it cold?”
Mother nodded. “It’s a bit nippy, so wear something warm.” “I’ll get my things.” Maggie hurried back to her room and gathered a light jacket, a handbag, and her gloves. When she arrived in the foyer, Mother stood tapping her foot

impatiently. “I had hoped we could buy most of the things we’ll need today.”
Maggie bit her tongue to keep from reminding her that she wasn’t the one who had frittered away so much of the day. If Mother wanted to go shopping, why didn’t they do it earlier? She could have gone along for the lunch with Daddy. But evidently Mother preferred spending time with Daddy instead of her. She took a deep breath and followed her mother to the coach sitting in front of the house. Mrs. Jorgensen’s son, who was their driver, stood beside the open

door, ready to assist them into the conveyance.

“Erik, please take us by the Emporium.” Mother took hold of his hand as she stepped up into the vehicle.

Maggie followed suit. “Why are we going to the store? Are we going to shop there?”
The door snapped shut, and Erik climbed into the driver’s seat. “I forgot to get money from your father when we were at lunch.” Mother settled her skirts as the coach lurched forward. “I believe your father is signing papers with young Charles Stanton this afternoon. It will be nice to see him again. Did you add him to your guest list?”

Maggie nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She hadn’t seen Charles since she was about sixteen, but she still remembered the girlish secret infatuation she’d had when she was younger. He’d been so handsome, and kind too. Would he be changed since he’d graduated from university? She would soon find out. She settled back into the carriage seat, suddenly looking forward to the afternoon’s events.

Sunflowers

2011-10-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

I love sunflowers.

Every late summer to autumn we see them along the roadside or in our pastures, the various varieties of sunflowers native to our state.

Tall, coarse and hairy, with stout stems, and a brown center surrounded by yellow rays of petals, their bright faces known for chasing the sun across the sky.

I love that Kansas's state flower is the sunflower. Bright, hopeful, and always ready to follow the Son.

Book Previews - An Ocean Away & Blood Covenant

2011-09-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

Here are two new books that released earlier this year by author Lisa Harris. Enjoy!

AN OCEAN AWAY: Historical romance with thread of suspense from Summerside Press, March 2011.

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York. Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

BLOOD COVENANT: Book two in the Mission Hope series from Zondervan Publishing, Feb 2011.

Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

A few words from Lisa:

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on.

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world? He’s the one who will give you the strength to do extraordinary things for Him.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

As I started doing the research for Blood Covenant, for example, I found myself afraid that my readers would find the plot unbelievable. Surely the story of a humanitarian crisis dealing with so many issues—from cholera to measles to rebels—could only be fabricated and would never happen in today’s world. Yet as I read story after story of individual refugees I found myself weeping with them over what they experienced. And I realized that, if anything, I had sanitized my story to make it more believable, because the facts tell another story.

According to the international aid organization Doctors Without Borders, there are forty-two million people in the world who have been displaced by war and violence.

Read that again: forty-two million.

So while the story behind Blood Covenant, including the setting, is fictional, the issue of those being forced to leave their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back, often after witnessing murder, rape, violence and kidnappings, is very real. But in spite of this horror, I didn’t want to stop the story there. Drawing from my own experiences across Africa over the past twenty years I wanted to tell a story that went beyond the adversities and gave a message of hope.

This research has made me want to listen closer to God and how He wants me to reach out to those hurting around me. We’re not all called to live overseas as missionaries, but we all can see those living near us who need God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. It might be a hurting neighbor down the street, a lonely teen in your youth group, or a tired young mother in your apartment building. God can and does use ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things.

*************************

Award-winning author Lisa Harris has been writing both fiction and nonfiction since 2000 and has more than fifteen novels and novellas in print. She currently lives with her family in Mozambique, Africa, where they work as missionaries. Visit her website or Heart of Africa blog.

Farewell Dear Friend

2011-09-26T07:00:00.003-05:00

After thirteen years of loyal friendship, we had to say good-bye to a dear family member last week. Ruby was born on October 4, 1998. This Golden Retriever was one of our favorite pets--faithful, adoring, and always ready to play. She loved retrieving softballs, lunging after firecrackers, and chasing after her favorite toy--an old rubber toss she played with since she was a puppy.

For many years, she gave us dozens of puppies to love and share with others. I know her offspring has been a blessing to many.

As she grew older, she lost a good deal of her hearing and sight, but she still remained an avid hunter, always letting us know when there was another animal on our property, especially deer.

Ruby, darling, you will be missed. Farewell dear friend.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-09-21T07:00:00.003-05:00

This is a big week for our family as we will be celebrating three birthdays -- my grandma's 90th birthday, my 46th birthday, and our oldest daughter's 25th birthday.

My grandma's birthday is today, and she gets to celebrate twice! We held a huge event for her over Labor Day, with family coming in from all over the country. This week, we'll celebrate on a more intimate level with cake and ice cream in her home.

On Sunday, I'll turn 46. Yikes! Only four more years until I hit the big 5-0. And I'm feeling every bit that old already. Aches and pains, the need for bifocals, graying hair. Ugh. Thank goodness for hair coloring. I'm not ready to be silver yet.

Then finally, our oldest daughter, Samantha, will turn a quarter century on Monday. I actually went into labor pains with her on my birthday, thinking we'd share the day of our births . . . but alas, she held out. Happy birthday, kiddo!

What about you? Anyone out there celebrating a birthday in September? If so, here's wishing you a great year of love and happiness, and an abundance of God's blessings on your life.

Book Preview - The Doctor's Lady

2011-09-14T09:14:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Doctor's Lady Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 18 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), hit the CBA Best Seller list on two different occasions and has won multiple awards. Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released this September. She has completed a third book which will be released in 2012. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.

Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts. If you would like to read the first chapter of The Doctor's Lady, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

ACFW Conference Memories

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is an old post, but I thought it would be fun to return down "memory lane." I won't be attending the conference this year, but look forward to going to Dallas in 2012.

I attended my first ACFW conference in 2002 and have been fortunate to go to all but one since then. I thought it might be fun to share the highlights from each year and also give you a glimpse of what my goals were—and how they’ve changed through the years.

(Jeanne Leach, myself, Lisa Harris, Tammy Alexander, and Beth Goddard)

2002 (Kansas City) – My first big conference. I looked forward to meeting fellow critique partners pictured above. Carefully planned every aspect of my conference experience, down to what I would wear each day, what classes I would attend, who I would sit with at each meal and how many hours I might allow for sleep. Planned to pitch Sending You a Valentine. Printed my own business cards, prepared a one sheets and had my first chapters—should anyone want them.

( Pictured here with Rhonda Gibson)

Drove to conference with Rhonda Gibson, Jeanie Cash and Jean Kincade. At the conference, was in awe to see Deborah Raney and Brandilyn Collins at the hotel registration desk. They looked larger than life to me. Met fellow Kansan, Kim Sawyer at the meet and greet and discovered she felt just as scared and out of place as I. Tossed and turned the first night with hardly any sleep. The second night I slept like a baby but the next day cried my eyes out, missing my family.

(Pictured here with Kim Vogel Sawyer)

Asked fellow attendees to sign ACRW t-shirt with colored markers. Managed to get through my first editor meeting with a compliment that I was one of his most relaxed meetings yet. In reality, I was scared to death. Took pictures of my plate at the banquet meal as I’d never seen such a beautiful display of food! Had a paid critique from Pamela Griffin, and she had nice comments about my writing. Met Karen Kingsbury. While gone, my oldest daughter went on her first date.

(Pictured here with Tamera Alexander)

2004 ( Denver) –Went to conference on scholarship. Again, every detail planned. Upon registering at the hotel, gave hugs to Lena Nelson Dooley, Rhonda Gibson and others. Still in awe of the big authors. Roomed with Beth Goddard and stayed up giggling. Helped as a meal greeter and class monitor for Kathleen Morgan. Had a paid critique with Steve Laube and he ripped my newest project, Quarterback Cowboy to shreds. Pitched a rework of Sending You a Valentine to editors & received no more enthusiasm than before. Had a mentor meeting with Brandilyn Collins and she warned me to enjoy the journey. Met Francine Rivers. Cried my eyes out Friday missing family. Mentored two new authors. Had friends sign my canvas bag with colored markers.

(Pictured here with Beth Goddard and Lisa Harris)

2005 (Nashville) – Third time’s the charm. I again reworked Sending You a Valentine, sure this would be the year someone would pick it up. Had synopsis and first chapters of a reworked Quarterback Cowboy to pitch. Went to conference on a special Steeple Hill scholarship and had meetings with 4 agents and 4 editors. Ordered business cards from Vista Print and had my one-sheets. First night woke to fire alarms going off and scared roommates Beth Goddard and Lisa Harris, and me to death. Met Karen Ball and listened to tales about fishbowls and southern accents. At my final agent meeting, met Beth Jusino and had a request to see more. Mentored two new authors. First year to fly to conference.

(Pictured here with Carole Brown and Christina Miller)

2006 (Dallas) - Went to Dallas as an agented author with nothing to pitch because my series proposal for Seasons of the Tallgrass was currently being shopped to publishers. Sat back and enjoyed this conference without stress of pitching. Went to workshops and visited with other authors. Again roomed with Beth Goddard on ACFW scholarship. Helped as meal greeter and at registration. Met Liz Curtis Higgs. Enjoyed time with mentoring friends, Carole Brown and Christina Miller.

(Pictured here with Elizabeth Curtis)

2007 (Dallas) - Went to conference as unagented author after my first agent let me go, unable to sell my series. Again on scholarship. Drove and roomed with friend, Elizabeth Curtis. Helped with registration and as meal greeter. Humbly begged agents to give me a chance. After one horrible agent meeting, went directly to prayer room sobbing in tears and was comforted by now best-selling author Kim Sawyer.

(Pictured again with Kim Vogel Sawyer)

Deborah Raney and Tamera Alexander also prayed with me. Couldn’t sleep that night and got up early to sit in prayer room. Had encouraging meeting with agent Steve Laube about new project I had in mind. Met James Scott Bell. Sat with Bethany house authors at awards banquet and felt so blessed. Brandilyn Collins prayed over me before going home.

(Here with agent Rachelle Gardner)

2008 (Minneapolis) - Attended as agented author and newly contracted author for Zondervan. Rode to conference with Susan Mires. Helped with registration. Helped Beth Goddard when she had a broken ankle. Attended workshops and enjoyed visiting with good friends. Became better acquainted with agent, Rachelle Gardner. Went to dinner with Zondervan authors on Friday night and felt so out of my league. Went to book signing at Mall of America, dreaming what it would be like next year when I would sign my new book at the conference. Met Angela Hunt.

(Pictured here with Camy Tang, fellow Zondervan author)

2009 (Denver) – Drove to conference with good friend and first time attendee, Julane Hiebert and had book signing in Hays, KS along the way. Attended workshops and early bird with Donald Maass. Visited with good friends and had Friday evening dinner with Zondervan authors. Sat with agent and fellow WordServe clients at banquet. Got homesick on Friday and called family. Signed books at my first ACFW author book signing. Roomed with Beth Goddard and giggled into the night. Met Debbie Macomber.

(Pictured here with Deborah Raney and others dressed in purple!)

2010 (Indianapolis) - Last year I rode to Indy with three other ladies and giggled the entire way! Attended workshops and the Early Bird Workshop with speaker James Scott Bell. Visited with good friends and had Friday night dinner with my editor and other Zondervan authors, and met my marketing director, Alicia Mey. Sat beside Terri Blackstock and signed books at my second ACFW book signing. Roomed with Beth Goddard and giggled and talked into the night. On the way home, threw my phone into the back seat (inside joke for those who rode with me.)

(Pictured here with fellow Kansans and travel buddies, Julane Hiebert and Sara Meisinger.)

In looking back through the years, you can see how my agenda has changed. I’m no longer stressed about what I’ll wear or who I’ll meet or what I’ll pitch to the editors. My prefered mode of transportation is still by car. I continue to get homesick for family about midway through the conference. With each new year, I now look forward to meeting new friends and visiting old ones, of furthering my knowledge of the craft and of helping new conference attendees feel comfortable and have a good experience. I cannot imagine a better organization or writing conference than ACFW.

Book Drawing - Wings of a Dream

2011-09-12T09:02:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of A Dream Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Anne Mateer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

While I have been writing for what feels like my whole life, I began seriously studying the craft in 2000. Since then I have completed five novels, had several pieces published in local periodicals, attended six writing conferences and managed to final in ACFW's Genesis contest in 2006, 2008, and 2009. My first historical novel, Wings of a Dream, will be released in September 2011, with another historical novel to follow in 2012. But writing is only a piece of my life.

I am mostly just a woman trying to live her life in a manner pleasing to the Lord. That involves being a wife to Jeff and a mother to my three teenagers--neither role coming easily but both roles stretching me, requiring me to press in closer to Jesus. And because of this, Jesus has taken an insecure, fearful, sometimes angry girl and is turning her into a more trusting, peaceful, grace-filled woman. At least some of the time. There is still such a long way to go!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.

But the Spanish flue epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart. If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of A Dream, go HERE.

Leave a comment to win this week's book drawing. A winner will be selected on Sunday, 9/18.

Congratulations to Linda aka Desert Rose on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Book Drawing - To Have and to Hold

2011-09-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Have and to Hold Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
and
Judith Miller

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.

Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds? If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.

To enter your chance to win To Have and to Hold, please leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, 9/11.

*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.

Congratulations to Jewels67 on winning this week's book drawing!

Book Drawing - A Whisper of Peace

2011-09-05T11:45:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Whisper of Peace Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separate her from her tribe.

Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay and his stepsister, Vivian, arrive in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athbascan people. Clay is totally focused on this goal...until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe, and befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart? If you would like to read the first chapter of A Whisper of Peace, go HERE.

To enter your chance to win Kim's latest book, please leave a comment below. A winner will be drawn on Sunday, 9/11.

College Dormitories, Garage Sales, and 90th Birthdays

2011-08-31T07:00:00.002-05:00

The past two weeks have been extremely hectic. My husband and I moved our middle daughter into her college dormitory and have been trying to help her adjust to college life. She's been a bit overwhelmed with the change and is extremely homesick, so if you feel led, please cast up a prayer for her.

Then last weekend, my daughters and I held a garage sale--something we haven't done for several years. We decluttered our house and had a good sale, so it was worth the time and effort, but it did leave me in need of some rest...especially since I've been experiencing sciatic back pain again. If you remember, I had a similar incident last year at this time. I'm happy to report that this one hasn't been as bad or as long-lasting. I'm feeling better, but I'm glad to have a few days rest ahead of me.

That rest is short-lived, however, as this upcoming weekend my family and I will celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday. We're expecting relatives in from all across the country, (including our oldest daughter and son-in-law) so we are very excited about the reunion.

"Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot." Eccl. 5:18

All in all, life is good. How are you planning to spend your Labor Day Weekend?