Southern Sassy Things

Book Review: Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot/4 Stars

2012-02-02T21:42:00.001-06:00

Ever since I devoured every single book in Amanda Cabot's Texas Dreams series, I have been eagerly awaiting the start of her newest series set in the West. Her characters have a way of finding a place in my heart, and I find myself thinking about them days, weeks, and months since our acquaintance.

Summer of Promise, while a great start to a new series, didn't quite resonate with me the way Amanda's previous books have. Abigail seemed a bit uppity to me at first, yet slowly and surely won me over. Ethan was a commanding officer with a devotion to his soldiers, and underneath his tough exterior lay a gentle soul. Charlotte and Jeffrey oftentimes shared a strained relationship that suffered a painful ending. All the characters were well-written, but as a whole, it took longer than I would've liked to make a connection with them.

What I did find interesting, though, was that the story was set during the early days at Fort Laramie. Amanda wove in a handful of details about the fort that were true to the time period, such as the progress of certain factual buildings or the characteristics of the general area. It seemed odd to me that there was no mention of a church anywhere near the fort, and I can't help but think (and/or hope) that one will be introduced in a later book.

And as a dog lover to the core, I couldn't help but smile every time I read about Puddles! My husband and I briefly had a puppy in our house, and Puddles' multiple antics reminded me several times what it was like to clean up after a muddy dog, or to have them cover my face with doggie kisses. :o)

Fans of historical romance will enjoy this first book in the Westward Winds series. Personally, I'm glad to know that just like Amanda's first series, each book in this new series will center around a different heroine. It will be interesting to see how Charlotte handles the new challenges that have come her way in book 2.

4 Stars

Southern? No
Sassy? No

Summary of Summer of Promise:

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?

Book 1 of the new Westward Winds series, Summer of Promise is a tale of following your heart to unexpected places. Readers will enjoy Amanda Cabot's passionate characters and vibrant setting in the beautiful high prairie.

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

CFBA Blog Tour: In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

2012-02-02T00:41:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Too Deep Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.

Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Too Deep, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

CFBA Blog Tour: Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks

2012-01-31T13:25:00.000-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRuth's RedemptionMoody Publishers/Lift Every Voice (February 1, 2012)byMarlene Banks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.
Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.
A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Ruth's Redemption, go HERE.

CFBA Blog Tour: Love Blooms in Winter by Lori Copeland

2012-01-26T23:10:00.000-06:00

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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, loveable 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.

CFBA Blog Tour: The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reid

2012-01-18T18:48:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson David C. Cook (January 1, 2012) by Don Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since written two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

CFBA Blog Tour: His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

2012-01-13T08:20:00.001-06:00

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.

CFBA Blog Tour: The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Captive Heart Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Dale Cramer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE.

Start Here Next if You're a Fan of the Mark of the Lion Series - Christianus Sum by Shawn J. Pollett

2012-01-10T19:49:00.001-06:00

Ever since I read a *great* review of Christianus Sum by Canadian author Laura Davis, I just knew that I had to get my hands on a copy of my own. Having been a huge fan of the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, I had an inkling that Shawn Pollett's debut novel would offer something similar, and I was not mistaken. This book had it all--history, romance, and suspense paired together with unforgettable characters--and I couldn't help but be amazed that it wasn't published by one of the big Christian publishing houses!

My biggest takeaway from this book was the suffering of the Early Church. I have read so few books focusing on their martyrs and trials, and this book really helped to open my eyes to the horrible torture that the early believers were victims to. It made me think that it is so easy to give lip service, but it is another thing altogether to be willing to sacrifice your own life for the cause of Christ.

I enjoyed Pollett's debut novel a great deal and now, can't wait to get my hands on the second and third books in the series (yes, there really is more)! He took me on an engaging journey through ancient Rome that left me frustrated once or twice, but ultimately, left me quite satisfied. Take my word for it...if you loved the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, this is where you need to start next.

4 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

Summary of Christianus Sum:

The year is AD 249 and the Roman Empire stands on the brink of destruction. Barbarian hordes swarm the frontiers, desperate to feed on the vast wealth of an empire paralyzed by rampant corruption, immorality, and a string of incompetent emperors. Out of this chaos emerges a new emperor, the "Divine Decius," who plans to save the empire by annihilating the people he believes are responsible for angering the gods-the Christians.

Now the fate of the empire rests on the slim shoulders of a simple slave girl, Damarra Valensia, the obsession of two of the empire's most powerful men: Valerianus, Decius' depraved lieutenant and the architect of the Decian persecution of the Christians, whose lust for Damarra will not be denied; and Julius Valens, the handsome and respected senator, who wants only to win the beautiful Damarra's heart. As the battle between the two men escalates, Damarra becomes the pawn in a game that threatens to tear her life apart and bring the once mighty Roman Empire to its knees. Will she deny the Christ and live out her life with the man she loves? Or will she stand with her fellow believers and proudly proclaim the very words that demand a death sentence in her world: Christianus Sum . . . I am a Christian?

**Many thanks to Laura Davis for the giveaway copy I received from her blog. :o)

CFBA Blog Tour: The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

2012-01-06T18:37:00.000-06:00

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.

The Queen of One-Liners - So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones

2012-01-04T18:35:00.002-06:00

I'll admit...I went a little out of my comfort zone this time. Not only did I pick up a chick-lit book, it was also a YA book. Yep, this girl is taking the bull by the horns with this goal of reading something other than historical fiction in 2012. :o)

So Not Happening is just fabulous! At first, I didn't quite know what to think about this 16-year-old spoiled brat of a girl who was a New York transplant in Oklahoma. I mean, Bella's a little self-absorbed, a little snobbish, but she's all kinds of snappy--as in the Queen of One-Liners--except when she says a little bit too much on a blog for the whole town of Truman to see. Not that there's a lot of folks in Truman, but there's enough there that her friends scale slides to zero really quick!

So, while she recovers from all that drama (not to mention the drama at home), she makes one friend, then two, and then, she scores a spot on the newspaper staff with the most horrible editor on the planet. (Really, this guy does NOT make a good first impression.) While on her very first assignment for the paper, she overhears a sneaky conversation between a couple of guys, and her radar goes up fast. And wouldn't you know...when she tries to take it to the editor that it could be a great tip for a story, he brushes her off! But patience is key here, and before they know it, they are almost in over their heads with the story of the school year.

I never expected all the twists and turns that took place in this story. First of all, it's down right hilarious in some places. I cannot remember the last time I read a novel and laughed that much! Secondly, there's a little mystery on the side that pops up about halfway through the book that had my jaw on the floor by the time it was solved! Third, there were life lessons galore, and they fit in seamlessly through the whole story. Not only were they for Bella, but for her mom, dad, new stepdad, and stepbrothers. I highly recommend So Not Happening, especially for the older teenage audience. And who am I kidding...this grown-up loved it, too!

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? Overflowing!

Summary of So Not Happening:

New York's social darling just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma. Problem is, it's right where God wants her.

Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy's MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.

When Bella's mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet--a factory worker with two bratty sons--Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less!

Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for down-home charm, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers.

At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying--but kinda hot--editor of the school newspaper.

But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it's not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter's instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all the secrets.

How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smackdown?

CFBA Blog Tour: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

2012-01-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

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

Do You Like Your Plots Served with a Twist? Comin' Right Up! - Accused by Janice Cantore

2011-12-30T22:09:00.003-06:00

Going into the new year, it's my intention to read more books outside of my historical fiction comfort zone. With that said...what a great way to end 2011 in this excellent new suspense novel by Janice Cantore--Accused.

Before reading Accused, I had never even heard of Janice, and had no idea that she's been writing books for a few years now. I thought I would be getting an early peek at a debut author (considering this book doesn't release for another month). Well...no debut here, but nonetheless, Janice is definitely an author I'll be reading more from in the future! She does what all authors should do, in my opinion...write what they know. Being a veteran police officer-turned-author, her knowledge and expertise in law enforcement shines through much of this story.

Accused is also a very appealing read for those who want a little romance with their suspense, and the mix here is just right--not too much so that it's corny, but not too little to make you think no one has a heart. :o) It is all-the-more believable since Carly and Nick are divorced, and Carly still carries a great amount of bitterness toward Nick because of their split.

But the icing on the cake here is the plot itself! It is so twisted that you won't come up for air until the very last page! The bad guys in this story are all over the place, too, and just when I think I've got one pegged, another one rears his ugly head. To me, that's what makes a good suspense novel. Give me a little something to figuratively chew on, while keeping me glued to the pages at the same time, and I'm a fan for life.

If there's anything to dislike here, it would be the spiritual elements. Now, since I read nothing but Christian fiction, you'd think I wouldn't have a problem with this, but this is the first book that I've read in awhile that is as preachy as this one is. Carly has some major issues with anything concerning God, and her disinterest initially is a little repetitive. It's not until after the funeral that the preachiness starts to become overwhelming. I understand that everyone in her circle wants to be a witness to her, but it's all just laid on a little too thick here. I think if maybe just one character, perhaps two, had not shared their personal testimony, it would've helped the overall flow of the story a great deal.

So, with a mixed bag of thoughts, Accused is still a great read, and gets a high recommendation from me if just for the suspense alone. Out of 5 stars, it easily gets 5, but the preachiness causes me to bring the overall rating to a 4. I am so glad there is a sneak peek into book 2, Abducted, included in the back because I'm anxious to see how Carly performs in her usual element of patrolling the streets, a job she was not allowed to do in Accused. Oh, and not to mention what happens between her and a certain someone...gotta get the juicy details on that. :o)

4 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

Summary of Accused:

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

**Many thanks to Tyndale House through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Top Ten Books of 2011

2011-12-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

This year is quite possibly the hardest year to compile a list of my Top Ten Favorite Books. In years past, I've cheated just a tiny bit and included 2- or 3-book series, but this year...I'm stickin' to my guns, and it's 10 books or bust. :o)

***

#1 - To Die For by Sandra Byrd - review

For those (like me) who can't get enough of Tudor history, England, or The Royals in general, this stunning book would make an excellent addition to your reading fare, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

#2 - Heiress by Susan May Warren - review

Without a doubt, Heiress has to be the edgiest Christian fiction book of the year.

#3 - A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell - review

Even though I've only read two books now by Siri, it's going to be extremely difficult for any of her others to match up to this one.

#4 - The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz - review

I drank in every drop of this book, and when finished, sat back and breathed a very contented sigh of happiness.

#5 - The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund - review

It's not often that I have an opportunity to practically fly through a book as good as this one, but in 24 hours time, I read this book every moment I could spare.

#6 - Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer - review

This book was like a breath of fresh air when it comes to the Amish fiction genre.

#7 - The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller - review

Serena Miller's realistic tale of life after the Civil War was one that deserves a permanent place on the keeper shelf.

#8 - House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson - review

Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book.

#9 - Waterfall by Lisa Bergren - review

I jumped off a bridge and into a book that far exceeded my expectations.

#10 - Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer - review

Not since book 3 of Cindy Woodsmall's first Amish series have I been so impatient to read the last book in a series!

Honorable Mentions

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren - review

Desired by Ginger Garrett - review
The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz - review
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen - review

***

So, that's my Top Ten for 2011! Any books on there that you've read, too? :o)

Unique Amish Fiction That's Guaranteed to Please - Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

2011-12-27T19:19:00.000-06:00

Until I got my hands on the two novels currently in the Big Sky Series by Tricia Goyer, I'll confess...I wasn't a huge fan of her work. Now, before you go bashing me on the head because I've lost my marbles, let me be clear. She's a good author, but up until a week ago, her books didn't have that "zing" or "snap-crackle-pop" that I love to experience when reading. And now....we've got a "snap-crackle-pop," a "zippa-de-do-dah," and a "wowza!" all rolled together thanks to her latest offering--Along Wooded Paths--the second book in the Big Sky Series.

I love Amish stories that take me beyond the borders of Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana (where most Amish stories are set). This series just happens to take place in Montana, and thanks to the majestic mountains and the small-town folk, the little town of Kootenai is almost a character by itself. Everyone loves to stop by the little store where Marianna works so they can get a good meal, maybe a slice of cake, and some good conversation. You may even find Ben there once in awhile, participating in an open mic night of sorts. But what sets this one little place apart from all the other Amish communities is the ordinary interaction between the Englisch and the Amish. In most Amish novels, the Englisch are pictured in one of three ways: as a mode of transportation, as a trusted doctor that they visit regularly, or as a temptation to some young boy or girl during their rumshpringa. But when your car is stuck on the side of the road, or when your cabinets are void of food...everyone helps each other. That quality alone makes this series different from any other Amish series I've ever read, and ya know...I'd love to see a whole lot more of 'em.

If all that wasn't enough to really make Tricia's Amish novels unique, she's got one more little trick up her sleeve--their interaction with God. Now, if you're a regular to Amish books, you know that they are pretty much "by the book" when it comes to matters of church, faith, and their Ordnung. Just like every other facet of their lives, there is a system and order to things that has been there for hundreds of years. While I understand most of it (although I couldn't ever physically do it all), I've always wondered about the religious side of things. Why don't they believe in reading the Bible on their own? Why do they almost blindly trust every word from their bishop's mouth? Why do they believe in praying silently versus praying aloud? Do they believe that they're the only chosen group going to heaven? What about outsiders that say they're Christians, too? In Along Wooded Paths, Marianna has many of those same questions, too, and I'm on pins and needles waiting to find out how she comes to terms with her new relationship with God, and how it's so special to her.

And good grief, you'll smack me upside the head for sure if I don't give you the best morsel of all! Yep....there's a love triangle, too! And sweet mercy, it's a good 'un...one of the very best I've read in a long time. :o) Now, Marianna hasn't sided with the right guy yet, in my opinion, but I'm still hoping for things to work out the way they're supposed to...there's still hope. I just don't think she's truly happy with her decision at this point. (Oh, and there's not one triangle, but two...geez, could this book get any better?!)

Not since book 3 of Cindy Woodsmall's first Amish series have I been so impatient to read the last book in a series! How many days 'til April 1, 2012, Tricia...because I promise, I'm countin' them down!

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

Summary for Along Wooded Paths:

All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.

As Marianna begins helping those different from herself—and receiving their help—her heart contemplates two directions. She’s torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she’s ever seen before.

Who should have young Marianna’s heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths.

**Many thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.

Be Prepared for Butterflies in Your Stomach! - A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

2011-12-23T17:50:00.000-06:00

This was one of the those books that just would not let me go until I reached the very last page. While the characters and the setting were quite ordinary, the intricacies of high fashion and historical detail were so well-crafted that I felt transported to the time and place. Through Siri's skillful storytelling, it was easy to imagine living in a squalid tenement, cramped with other immigrant families, and hoping that I would have enough money to feed my family that day. Now, imagine that daily lifestyle with the backdrop of the Spanish influenza epidemic and World War I, and it's not difficult to see why this book was so captivating.

The story follows three unique girls, each with their own stories, and they all happened to work together at Madame Forza's gown shop. Julietta was a little on the reckless side--fascinated by Angelo's mystique, yet not crazy about the danger he seemed to attract. Luciana wanted nothing more than to blend in with the crowd, lest she be found by the men who murdered her family and followed her to America. And finally, Annamaria...my personal favorite. She longed for a life of lesser responsibility, where no one immediately assumed that it was her job to take care of her parents into their old age, but instead, to create a new beginning with the man of her heart. This man just happened to be from the grocer's shop across the street, only he's the last person she ought to be attracted to.

While A Heart Most Worthy most likely would not be considered a historical romance, the romance elements of the book were some of the best I've read in ages. Few authors can weave it into their tales in such a beautiful way that it makes one think back to the early days of their own individual love story. Siri is one of those authors. For example, Annamaria was literally forbidden from speaking to the grocer's son across the street, yet after each visit there, the attraction between them escalated after a quick glimpse here or a subtle smile there. When they spoke to one another for the first time, my stomach was so full of butterflies, you'd think I was going on my first date!

Even though I've only read two books now by Siri, it's going to be extremely difficult for any of her others to match up to this one. I could go on for another two or three paragraphs about everything that I loved, but I've tried to leave a little bit to entice a new reader. The story was unique, the setting realistic, and the romance...well, I think you know my feelings on that. *wink* A Heart Most Worthy was one of the most satisfying books I've read in a very long time, and has easily carved out a line on my Top Ten Books of 2011.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? A little bit, mostly from Julietta

Summary of A Heart Most Worthy:

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream—and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

**Many thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.

Pssst....... Yeah, you heard me. :o)

Interested in getting your own copy of A Heart Most Worthy? Well, Amazon has it right now for $6!!! Is that a steal of a deal or what?! Go...go right now!!!

(Wait, what are you still doing here? Oh, you're leaving a comment, are you? Well then, by all means...help yourself!)

Change is Good, Especially When It Comes to the Amish - Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

2011-12-19T00:33:00.000-06:00

I love being able to have a new experience every time I read a book, and when it comes to reading Amish fiction...well, that's a tad bit of a rarity. Most of the time, their culture is seen as difficult, closed off, and rigorous. But in Tricia Goyer's first Amish novel, those cultural boundaries are pushed to the edge, and seriously...it makes for an incredibly entertaining, yet beautiful, story that I won't soon forget.

What surprised me most about this story was the increased interaction between the Amish and the Englisch. Normally, the Amish are not known for this, but frankly, when you live in the wide open spaces of Montana, you don't have much choice about who your neighbors are. For Marianna and her father, this unusual arrangement with outsiders took some getting used to at first, but slowly, those self-imposed walls began to drop, and new relationships started to form. Not only were these new relationships with common people, but also, with God Himself.

Prior to reading Beside Still Waters, I had read only a handful of Tricia's novels, but truly, she has a gift with the Amish genre. Not that her other books aren't great in their own rights, but she has a different voice here that kept pulling on my heartstrings, and it just would...not...let...go. If you're like me and love a great Amish read, yet you long for something different, Beside Still Waters is one of the best. Period.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

Summary of Beside Still Waters:

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18-year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many English influences awaken within Marianna—and even her father—the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend, Ben, a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.

**Many thanks to B&H Fiction through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Suzanne Woods Fisher Plus Giveaway!

2011-12-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

Well, looks like it's been a week or two since we met up for a Southern-Style Meet & Greet, but I'm so glad you stopped by today for a Christmas-themed visit with one of my favorite Amish authors, Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Suzanne is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. She has twenty books under contract with Revell--seven published, thirteen to come...she's contracted all the way into 2016. The Waiting was a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. The Choice was finalist for a 2011 Carol Award. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011).

Welcome, Suzanne!!
________________________________________

How has becoming a successful author changed your life?

I feel very, very grateful that my books have sold well and that I have been a finalist for a number of awards—yet I don’t “feel” like a successful author. Not at all! Probably one thing that has changed for me is the paradox of a blessing: I have multiple book contracts…and that means a lot of deadlines to meet! So I am working about 70 hours a week. (Maybe more. Never less.)

If you weren’t an author, what would your dream job be and why?

I might be romanticizing this dream…but I have thought about owning and operating a B&B. My grandmother ran a small B&B and Tea Room on a beautiful piece of property in Cape Cod. (Actually...my dad always told us to avoid the hotel industry. Too much work!) I love to cook and I love to meet new people—those are the pluses. The negatives? Getting up in the night with guests who have problems.

Yeah, that wouldn't work for me, either. I crave uninterrupted sleep (and whenever DH and I *ever* get around to kids...well, that plan will go out the window!).

How has writing about the Amish changed your perspective on our present fast-paced society?

As I researched and wrote “Amish Peace” (my first book for Revell), I found myself very affected by so many aspects of the Amish. That book became my foundation for writing credibly about these wonderful people and their culture and their faith. Even though many parts of the Amish already resonated with me (living small and simply in an uncluttered home, being financially frugal)—there was a deeper level that really touched me. Intentional forgiveness, trusting more deeply in the sovereignty of God in all matters. Really profound stuff!

Tell us a little bit about your latest release.

“A Lancaster County Christmas” is a story about two couples—one Amish, one English—whose lives intersect for 48 hours. Both couples are facing a crisis, for different reasons. And yet they both have something important to learn from each other. (And if you read Question #7, I wrote a side story about a very cool dog named Tucker and wove it into the story.)

Do you and your family share any special Christmas traditions?

We have a wonderful Swedish Christmas Eve dinner (my husband is a Viking) that I only make once a year because it’s so labor intensive. We go to church early, then gather around the table…and linger and linger and linger! Other traditions: a new jigsaw puzzle gets worked on by a roaring fire in the fireplace. The kids were given one new present before going to bed (new jammies!). Such happy memories.

What’s one of the most memorable Christmas gifts you’ve ever received?

A new puppy! I raise puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and it seems as if I was often on a cycle of starting a new puppy right at Christmas. We’re on puppy #10! They’re like potato chips...you can’t stop after one. You just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in his mouth.

LOL! My dogs are always good for a few laughs, but I must say, I'm thankful we haven't had to worry them pulling out our unmentionables to put on display!

Do you have a favorite movie that you watch every year at Christmas?

“It’s a Wonderful Life” by Frank Cappa (who doesn’t love that movie?!).

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and I’m on Facebook and Twitter. I really enjoy connecting with readers. It’s one of the best parts of this author gig!

And because this is a still “Southern-Style” Meet & Greet we’ll just include one bonus Southern question for today. :o)

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

For a few years, we lived in Houston (kinda southeast, isn’t it?) and I have to say the best part of living there was the people. I made some wonderful friends. Oh…and my love of iced tea started there. Only the South knows real iced tea. :)

I'm sure it'll go down in history as the *best* thing we're famous for. (And if it doesn't, it ought to.)
___________________________________________

Folks, thanks to Suzanne's sweet generosity, there's one copy of her newest book, A Lancaster County Christmas that's up for grabs just in time for Christmas! Simply fill out the form below in its entirety to be entered in the drawing. Incomplete entries will be disqualified...sorry. Contest is open to US addresses only, and all entries must be received by Sunday, December 18th.

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Thanks so much for coming by today! Sorry we didn't sit out on the porch for our little chat...it's too cold to do that for awhile! :o)

Winners...and an Update

2011-12-08T18:18:00.000-06:00

Can I just humbly admit that I have been the biggest slacker this week? Please? Confession is good for the soul, or so I've been told. :o)

I should've announced the winners from last week's Birthday Bash a whole...three...days...ago. But I've sorta kinda taken an internet break this week, spent some time evaluating my blog goals (more on that later), and choosing the winners was the last thing on my mind.

But I know you're anxious to see if you won something, so here we go! :o)

The winner of Vickie McDonough's latest book, Long Trail Home is...Julie W!

The winner of Pack One of books from the Giveaways Galore post is...Kathy C!

The winner of Pack Two of books from the Giveaways Galore post is...Melanie D!

The winner of Pack Three of books from the Giveaways Galore post is...Beth M!

The winner of Ginger Garrett's latest book, Desired, is...Julie L!

The winner of Lori Copeland's latest book, Lost Melody is...Carol W!

And last, but not least, the winner of any one of Julie Lessman's books is...Sandy A!

All of the winners have been notified, and have 48 hours to respond with their mailing addresses. Congrats to all you ladies! You're in for some real good reading! :o)

***

Oh, right...I promised you an update here, too, didn't I? Well, here goes.

I'm in a rut. An all-encompassing rut.

I still love reading, but I don't know how much I love blogging about reading. There is so much time and effort that is required when there's a deadline to review a particular book. I know I'm not alone here, but I feel enormous guilt when I haven't gotten something read by a tour date, or when I promised someone, or close to a release date, etc. Don't get me wrong...I love the camaraderie of blogging, meeting new people, comparing what we love and don't love, the occasional recommendation from a friend, and so on.

But is that enough to continue, considering the dedication it takes to keep it going?

I read a blog post this week from my dear friend Casey about how after she finished with one week jam-packed with blog posts, she was simply exhausted. And she's right...being on "go" all the time will wear you out quicker than you can blink. Last week was like that for me. Don't get me wrong...I had so much fun, I could hardly stand it, but by the end of the week, I was flat exhausted. I was spending an hour or more every night gearing up for the next day's post.

So, all that leads me back to whether or not it's worth the effort. How much of an impact is being made with the content on this blog? A little? A lot? None at all? Do the reviews here convince anyone to go out and buy a book? Do people really enjoy meeting Christian fiction authors through the weekly interviews on Southern-Style Meet & Greet? Did you enjoy this post when I did a little twist on an author interview? Do people think I'm crazy because I'm a Southern girl who sounds like she's from the sticks once in awhile? Or do people just come because of the book giveaways?

These are the things that have been running through my head all week long. At this point, I just don't know which direction I want to go. I know this much...I don't want this blog to become stagnant. But on the flipside, I know I don't have as much time as I use to for promoting, tweeting, facebooking, etc. Does a happy medium really exist?

What are your thoughts? Have you gotten in a rut before, and if so, how did you get out of it?

Allow Me to Gush--The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman is Impossible to Put Down!

2011-12-02T21:15:00.000-06:00

The Land of Canaan series has got to be one of my favorite Amish series...ever. If you don't believe me, I dare you to compare them to some of the other Amish books on the shelves and see what you think. If they don't have you glued to the pages like they do me...well then, we might have to have a little chat to change your mind (just kidding, I promise). :o)

I don't know how she does it, but Beth Wiseman has got this incredible way of getting me emotionally invested with all of her stories. I find myself cheering for their successes, and empathizing with their heartbreaks like they were real people. And if those things weren't enough, then she goes and writes these stirring romantic scenes between her male and female lead characters that literally set my heart to pounding...as in out-of-my-chest pounding! There are only a handful of authors that are truly gifted when it comes to writing romance into any story, and by golly, Beth is at the top of the list!

But now that this visit back to Canaan has come to an end, it's like anguish...horrible, gut-wrenching anguish. I know I make it sound like my dog just died, but I usually feel this way after I read one of Beth's books. How in the world can I make it until I know what happens next in this close-knit community?! I want to know what will happen with Danielle--is something on the horizon for her and Levi? Will Eli's children be happy with the changes they are about to make? Will Martha continue to be her ornery old self now that her relationship status has changed? See what I mean...there are just too many questions!!!

So, while I patiently wait, I guess I'll have to be satisfied that this particular story ended just how I wanted it to--not a cliff-hanger in sight. :o) Still, a return trip to Canaan is on my radar, and I hope Beth won't make us wait too terribly long before we can go back.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? Yes, and her name is Martha. She had me LOLing the whole way through!

Click here to see my review of book 1 in the Land of Canaan series, Seek Me With All Your Heart.

Summary of The Wonder of Your Love:

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

**Many thanks to Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Birthday Bash Day 5 with Special Guest Julie Lessman!

2011-12-02T08:00:00.016-06:00

Well, all good things must always come to end, but at least we're going out with a bang! You're gonna love *everything* about today's post with my very special guest, Julie Lessman, so why don't we just get right to it, k? :o)

***

What’s one of the most memorable gifts you ever received for your birthday?

Well, I can’t remember if it was my birthday or Mother’s Day, but my wonderful artist husband gave me something so unique and beautiful, that I will treasure it always. He’d just built us a beautiful media room in our basement, a work of art really, because the man is incredibly creative and handy, and it had these multi-colored pillows on our leather sectional couch. Would you believe he took a picture of one of those pillows and designed three different versions in the same colors, then superimposed them on canvas frames as a wall grouping?

“It’s beautiful, babe,” I said, amazed once again at his mind-boggling creativity. “Look closer,” he said, and I squinted a bit, suddenly seeing our entire life before my eyes. Yes, you guessed it—this incredible man actually super-imposed pictures of each of us—me, my son, daughter and himself—over the multicolored canvases to create living artwork that captured US (I hope it shows in the pix I took)!! WOW!! Let me tell you—I teared up on the spot and threw myself into his arms, giving him the biggest, most grateful kiss I could! What can I say—MasterCard has nothing on him—he’s “priceless.”

Awww, Julie, I love those pictures! You've got a keeper of a husband!

Do you have any special memories of the year you turned 30?

Oh, honey, at my age, do you really think I can remember back that far???

Mmm... let me see (straining brain here)... not, 30 so much, but I will NEVER forget age 32! Why, you ask? Well, you see, I was an infertility patient who was desperately trying to have a baby. It was a very traumatic time for me with LOTS of tears, but as with everything when God is involved, He turned it around to be one of the greatest lessons of my life on the power of praise. Anyone who would like to read about it in my article entitled “Clean Heart, Dirty Diapers,” can do so on the Hannah’s Prayer Ministry (an infertility blog) website called HELD at http://hannahsprayerblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/clean-heart-dirty-diapers.html, but keep in mind that I no longer monitor the comments.

Anyway, the day I found out I was finally pregnant is emblazoned in my memory! I was helping my neighbor paint her bedroom and needed to call the doctor for the results of the pregnancy test, but I didn’t want her to know. So I ran home to call privately (this was WAY before I owned a cell phone), and when that nurse told me the rabbit died (smile), I’m telling you right then and there, I just about did too!! I had had SO many months of disappointment after disappoint with infertility drugs, sonograms, charting my temps and my poor hubby in boxers, that I literally gasped and yes, started sobbing like a baby myself! Let me tell you, it was sheer murder trying to act calm and nonchalant in front of my neighbor after that, but I managed because I wanted Keith to be the first person I told, and I wanted to do it in person when he got home that night!!

Wow, what a story, Julie! I can see you now...trying to act "calm and nonchalant!"

If you could only give one book to me for my birthday (not including your own), what book would I find underneath the wrapping paper?

Mmmm...well, since this is the Southern Sassy Things blog, I’m guessing you already have a copy of Gone With the Wind, so that rules that out! ;) So … I would probably give you a copy of Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland because after the Bible, that book has impacted my life more than any other. Mind you, all it is is a compilation of prayers for any possible need you can imagine—from depression or fear, to buying a home or wayward kids, etc. The prayers are simply Scriptures strung together in a heartfelt and poignant petition for whatever trial you are undergoing, BUT … they are SO powerful because think about it—it’s 100% Word of God put into a prayer! I bet I have given at least 20 of these books to various people over the years, it’s that good!

Yes, I do have a copy of GWTW (that ashamedly, I haven't read yet), but that prayer book sounds like one I might like to have someday. It reminds me a great deal of a similar book, Daily Light by Anne Graham Lotz. It's more of a devotional with a series of scriptures to read each morning and evening, and they all flow together in the greatest way. I've given a couple as gifts, too.

And the most important question of all... What’s your favorite flavor of birthday cake? :o)

LOL!! Yes, indeed, a MOST important question!! White cake tops the list, followed by red velvet—lure me with either of those two, and I’ll follow you anywhere! :)

Who says we can't have both today?! White cake is oh-so-yummy, and while I'm personally not a fan of the red velvet, I'm sure we have a reader or two that is. :o) (Oh, and I can never think of red velvet cake without thinking of Steel Magnolias, either!)

***

Y'all, I'm so sorry that this week has come to an end! I hope that each and every one of you has had as great of a time as I have, and in just a couple more days, a few of you will be the big winners!

Now, for today's "present," we've got something a little different...a reader's choice, so to speak. If you sign up for today's giveaway, you have your choice of receiving any of the following:

Any one of Julie's books, including her newest release, A Heart Revealed,

OR

a writer's critique and the detailed handout from my and Ruth Axtell Morren's ACFW Workshop, A Kiss is NOT Just a Kiss.

To enter today's giveaway, simply fill out the form below to be entered. We're getting close to the end of the week, and that means you've only got 3 DAYS to enter Julie's contest! All contests are open until Sunday, December 4th, and winner will be announced Monday, December 5th. US addresses only, please.

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And if you've missed any of the other posts this week, get your entries in while you have the chance!

Click here for Vickie McDonough's interview and giveaway.

Click here for a post chock full of book giveaways!

Click here for Ginger Garrent's interview and giveaway.

Click here for Lori Copeland's interview and giveaway.

Once again, thank you all SO MUCH for spending this week with me! I appreciate all the wonderful comments more than you possibly know, and I feel like I have made some new friends this week, too. :o) Y'all don't be strangers now, ya hear? And when it's your birthday, I hope you'll consider inviting me to your par-tay...I'll bring the cake!

Birthday Bash Day 4 with Special Guest Lori Copeland!

2011-12-01T08:00:00.005-06:00

I am so happy that I have been able to spend this birthday week with so many friends, both old and new! If you're new here to the Southern Sassy Things blog, let me take this moment to give you a warm welcome! I hope you won't be a stranger now... :o)

To keep this Birthday Bash going, I hope you'll give a great big howdy to today's guest--Lori Copeland!

***

If you could choose one place in the whole world to visit for your birthday, where would you want to go and why?

If I could go anywhere, I would choose Germany and a cruise along the Reine. My brother served in the army there, and that was his favorite thing to do.

You're the second person this week to want to go to Europe. Vickie wants to go to Ireland. :o)

Do you have any special memories of the year you turned 30?

The year I turned thirty I thought life was downhill from there. I discovered there was a lot of uphill left!

If you could only give one book to me for my birthday (not including your own), what book would I find underneath the wrapping paper?

If I could give you one book for your birthday it would be a copy of The Message. I hear the groans, but reading it would enhance anyone's life.

I have a Message Bible, and it is one of my favorite translations. In some ways it feels like I'm reading a novel.

And the most important question of all... What’s your favorite flavor of birthday cake? :o)

My favorite cake......drumroll....... White Wedding Cake with tons of gooey icing! Someday, when I'm close to death, I'm going to eat at least all of a top layer!

YUM!!!! Now, I know we all want some of that!!

***

Now, y'all don't shoot me, but....

I actually had a real version of Wedding Cake this week for my birthday...

with cream cheese icing...

and it was good, even though I know it all went straight to my hips!

(Believe me, I would've grabbed a piece for all my friends, too, if I knew it would've traveled well in the mail...and been fresh by the time it arrived!)

But alas, gotta carry on with today's "present"--a brand-new copy of Lost Melody by Lori and her author buddy, Virginia Smith! Just like every day so far this week, simply fill out the form below to be entered in the giveaway. We're getting close to the end of the week, and the days remaining to enter the contests are getting less and less! All contests are open until Sunday, December 4th, and winner will be announced Monday, December 5th. US addresses only, please.

And if you've missed any of the earlier posts this week, then, you're about to get some homework! Don't worry...if our homework was this easy growing up, we'd have all gotten straight A's!

Click here for Vickie McDonough's interview.

Click here for a post chock full of giveaways!

Click here for Ginger Garrent's interview.

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Birthday Bash Day 3 with Special Guest Ginger Garrett!

2011-11-30T08:00:00.003-06:00

Y'all, this has just been the greatest week ever, and we're only at the halfway point!!! If I haven't personally thanked you yet in the comment section, let me take this moment to let everyone know how much I have appreciated all the birthday wishes and comments. :o) Yesterday was indeed a wonderful birthday, and from now on, I'm convinced that I will forever be "29." My new boss took me out for a wonderful lunch today, and my husband and I spent the evening with my family at one of my favorite Italian restaurants. And even better...I actually did get to eat a *real* slice of coconut cake. :o)

But now, time for today's special guest--Ginger Garrett!!

***

If you could choose one place in the whole world to visit for your birthday, where would you want to go and why?

Texas! My birth place and favorite place on earth. I'd visit the Alamo and say hello to the picture of James Garrett, a martyr who died there. We claim him as part of our family, but I don't know how certain that is.

My husband has been to Texas a couple of times, and the farthest I've ever been inside the state is Texarkana (doesn't really count, in my opinion). :o( I really would like to actually visit someday!

Do you have any special memories of the year you turned 30?

I had been told I would never have children, and had lost a pregnancy after a car accident. I was heartsick beyond repair. But my husband invited all my friends and family over for a birthday party, and I looked around the room, seeing all these smiling faces. It healed me. I was loved. And for that night, it was enough.

Sounds like you have a keeper of a hubby. :o)

If you could only give one book to me for my birthday (not including your own), what book would I find underneath the wrapping paper?

Beowolf in hard cover. I named my beloved Bearded Collie after Grendel, so it's a story I will always cherish. Nothing ever made me giggle more than waiting in the vet's office, and having a technician call out, "Grendel's mother? Come this way please..." If you know the story, you know that she was the most horrid, ugliest monster in all the world!

And the most important question of all. What's your favorite flavor of birthday cake? :o)

German Chocolate!!

Oooo, that's one of my favorites! I could eat the icing alone by the spoonful!

***

Well, I hope all of y'all grabbed your slice of German Chocolate cake today! I know I did! And while you eat it, take a look at today's present--a copy of Ginger's latest book, Desired. :o)

First of all, isn't that cover just gorgeous?! And secondly, if you haven't had the chance to read this vivid retelling of Samson and Delilah, then I hope you'll sign up for today's giveaway. Just like the previous two days, simply fill out the form below to be entered in the drawing. Contest is open until Sunday, December 4th, and winner will be announced Monday, December 5th. US addresses only, please.

Also, if you missed Monday or Tuesday's post, click here for Monday's visit with Vickie McDonough plus a giveaway of her newest book, and here for Tuesday's post for a chance to win a pack of three books!!

Thanks for stopping by again today! I hope you've been having a blast with all this fun this week!

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Birthday Bash Day 2 with Giveaways Galore!

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much for stopping by for Day 2 of my Birthday Bash!

And ya know what...

...today is my birthday! The big 3-0!

Of course, we're going to have cake today, too, so grab a glass of milk, a cake plate, and put that fork in my most favorite flavor--yummy, delicious coconut cake! I have loved coconut cake since I was a kid, mostly because of my fond memories of making them every summer with my grandma. I would spend anywhere from 1 week to 4 weeks with her every year, and we would make a coconut cake at least once, usually in time for Sunday lunch with my parents when they came to pick me up until the next visit. Those cakes were sooooo moist that when she divided up the leftovers, she basically had to spoon it into a container! (Then I had to "fight" with my dad to get as much as I could in the days that followed!)

So, enjoy that virtual, melt-in-your-mouth coconut cake today! What I wouldn't give to have my grandma here so we could make the real thing. :o)

Now, while you're here, let's celebrate because I've got LOADS of books to giveaway! I can't keep all these books, and I need to share the book love. No doubt about it, there's sure to be something down there that'll strike your fancy.

***

PACK ONE

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

False Witness by Randy Singer - ARC

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

PACK TWO

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

PACK THREE

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer

***

There you have it! Three different packs, and LOTS of great books!

Enter to win one pack...enter to win them all! Simply fill out the form below to be entered in the drawing. :o) Contest is open until Sunday, December 4th, and winner will be announced Monday, December 5th. US addresses only, please.

And if you missed out on yesterday's present, click here to be taken to a fun interview with historical author, Vickie McDonough, and a chance to win her newest book, Lone Star Trail.

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Oh, and don't forget your cake! :o)

Birthday Bash Day 1 with Special Guest Vickie McDonough!

2011-11-28T12:49:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much for visiting my blog this week for my Birthday Bash!

Ya know, I need something to get my mind off of my big 3-0 birthday this week, and what better way than to have a party with some of my favorite authors. But this isn't your typical birthday party...nope. Why's that? Because all of the presents are being given away to all my friends!! It doesn't get much more fun than that. :o) So, pull up a chair this week, enjoy some brief chats with some great CF authors, and grab a piece of cake...there'll be a different flavor every day. :o)

Now, for today's special guest...Vickie McDonough!

***

If you could choose one place in the whole world to visit for your birthday, where would you want to go and why?

We have ancestors from Ireland, and I've always wanted to visit there.

Do you have any special memories of the year you turned 30?

I was the frazzled mom of 3 boys, all under 8 years old then. That was back in our days when all the boys played soccer. I remember one day when it was very cold out, and my dad and I had parked the car almost behind the goal box where my third son was playing. He was just five then. I remember one of his team mates racing toward toward the goal, but the goalie caught the ball. Then the goalie lobbed the ball over his head, and Eric was standing just a few feet away. I was afraid Eric was going to get hit in the face, but just as the ball got to him, he bent forward. The ball hit the top of his head, bounced off, and into the net. Dad and I both yelled. That was only one of the few goals Eric ever made, but it sure was a memorable one.

If you could only give one book to me for my birthday (not including your own), what book would I find underneath the wrapping paper?

You're asking a book lover to choose only one book? That's so hard. One of the best books I've read in a while was A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer. The interaction between the hero and hero was fantastic!

That one's been sitting in my TBR for awhile now, so it's great to hear a good recommendation for it. *smile*

And now for the most important question of all... What’s your favorite flavor of birthday cake? :o)

Would you believe my family doesn't do birthday cakes? We do birthday pies--and my favorite is French Silk. But if you twist my arm and make me choose a cake flavor, my favorite is plain, ole vanilla or else carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

The horrors of not doing birthday cake?! Haha...just kidding. :o) I'd take a slice of French Silk pie any day, too...although vanilla cake and carrot cake would do in a pinch.

***

Now, for today's present!

There's one copy of Vickie's latest book, Long Trail Home, up for grabs. Simply fill out the form below to be entered in the drawing. :o) Contest is open until Sunday, December 4th, and winner will be announced Monday, December 5th. US addresses only, please.

Christian Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

2011-11-27T14:25:00.000-06:00

So...

I never "officially" signed up for this challenge this year, although in hindsight, I obviously should have. :o) I think I have read more Christian Historical Fiction this year than any other year, and there have been some *fabulous* novels in this genre this year. The challenge was to read 2 books per month, and well...I think I made it. :o)

Books with links are for reviews posted here throughout the year.

1. Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer
2. The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen
3. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer
4. The Promise of Peace by Carol Umberger
5. The Blue Enchantress by M.L. Tyndall
6. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes
7. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
8. Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith
9. Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews
10. Montana Rose by Mary Connealy
11. Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot
12. Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot
13. Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson
14. Still House Pond by Jan Watson
15. More Than Words by Judith Miller
16. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
17. A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
18. A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan
19. Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent
20. A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad
21. Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis
22. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun by Kathleen Y'Barbo
23. How Huge the Night by Lydia and Heather Munn
24. Heartbreak Trail by Veralee Wiggins
25. Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson
26. The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz
27. Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson
28. The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo
29. To Die For by Sandra Byrd
30. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
31. The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz
32. Wagered Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher
33. Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
34. The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund
35. Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer
36. Havah by Tosca Lee
37. Heiress by Susan May Warren
38. Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis
39. Desired by Ginger Garrett
40. The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller
41. A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes
42. A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch
43. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren
44. A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell
45. Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
46. A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander
47. The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund
48. Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander
49. Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

I'd like to make it to 50...think I can? *wink*

What about you? Have you met your reading goals this year?

CFBA Blog Tour: A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Marriage Carol Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011) by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

CHRIS FABRY is a graduate of W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and Moody bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program. Chris can be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. He received the 2008 "Talk Personality of the Year" Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He has published more than 60 books since 1995, many of them fiction for younger readers. Chris collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye on the children's series Left Behind: The Kids. His two novels for adults, Dogwood and June Bug, are published by Tyndale House Publishers. Chris is married to his wife Andrea and they have five daughters and four sons.

GARY CHAPMAN is the author of the bestselling Five Love Languages series and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio program airs on more than 400 stations.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm. This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of A Marriage Carol, go HERE.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Melanie Dickerson Plus Giveaway

2011-11-20T21:31:00.000-06:00

I've been about to burst at the seams waiting for this week's special guest!!! Melanie Dickerson firmly planted herself on my favorite author list with her very first book, The Healer's Apprentice, and now, she's got another medieval romance coming out next week, The Merchant's Daughter, that I'm just itching to read. There's a *very* nice surprise in the interview for those of you that are also fans of Melanie by way of a scoop on her next book, too!

I hope y'all enjoy our Southern-Style Meet & Greet today. Be sure to grab your glass of tea and sit awhile. :o)

Welcome, Melanie!
__________________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I wrote all through high school, completing two novels, but I quit writing when I started college and only picked it back up fifteen years later.

What genre do you most like to write?

I love romance. What can I say? It’s my favorite thing to read or write. I like writing YA romances, and for now I’m only interested in writing historicals.

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

I hope readers will get a vivid picture of God’s love for them and of the way romance is supposed to be. I hope they will feel like they will see the faithfulness of God through the experiences of the characters in my book. I also hope they will feel encouraged and feel that they’ve just read a sigh-worthy love story.

Perfect description...sigh-worthy. The Healer's Apprentice certainly filled that bill. :o)

What is your latest book release?

The Merchant’s Daughter is my latest medieval romance and is a Beauty and the Beast story. Here is a little teaser:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.

Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger.

Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

That cover is gorgeous, Melanie, and I particularly love the reflection of the "beast" in the mirror.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I just finished the first draft of a Snow White story involving Rose and Wilhelm’s (from The Healer’s Apprentice) second son, Gabe. He learns that his older brother’s betrothed is actually still alive and being persecuted by her evil stepmother. Since his older brother has a broken leg and can’t go rescue her, Gabe goes himself. He and Sophie escape from the duchess, but they have to battle her hired henchman, wild animals, and their own attraction for each other as they ride toward the Cottage of the Seven, the mysterious house where they’ve been told they will find safety.

Squee!!! I'm loving these fairytale-based stories! I cannot wait until this one comes out. :o)

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones. Wow, that was a great page-turner, and a great escape. And I rarely read contemporaries!

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.MelanieDickerson.com

Please come by and see the terrific trailers Zondervan made for The Merchant’s Daughter, as well as for The Healer’s Apprentice. You also can write to me through my website. I love to hear from readers!

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

My favorite thing about the South is that people tend to be friendlier, more polite, and more laid back. Men are more likely to open the door for you or offer to help you. Personally, I appreciate that!

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

I usually ask for half and half at a restaurant, since most restaurants make it too sweet for me.

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

It’s hard to go wrong with barbecue! I like both!

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Elvis!

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

Plantation

You, you all, or y’all?

Y’all. It’s a hard habit to break.

It certainly is. :o)

____________________________________________

So, as if the surprise of Melanie's book weren't enough, we've got one more up our sleeves today! Melanie has agreed to give one copy of her newest book, The Merchant's Daughter, to one special reader. Won't that be a nice treat just in time for Christmas, too? :o)

Please fill out the following form to be entered in the contest, and use the comments section on the blog post below for any other thoughts. All entries must be received by 11:59pm Saturday, November 26, and the winner will be chosen on Sunday, 11/27. Usually the winner is announced on the following week's SSM&G, but there's a little something special in store next week with something called a Birthday Bash, so stay tuned this week for more info about that. :o)

Contest is open to US residents only, and void where prohibited. Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entrants.

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Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander/4 Stars

2011-11-14T22:12:00.000-06:00

About the book:

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged him. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville society, Claire believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach—but only if her past remains hidden.

The Federal Army destroyed Sutton's home, confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined—as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves—and each other—for who they really are.

My thoughts:

It's so difficult to find a starting point in describing how positively beautiful this book was. It was rich, lush, majestic, breathtaking--so many things that, if I were to actually see everything from it in person, it would all leave me speechless. And if that wasn't enough, just to know that part of the story was based on an actual historical figure and place, not to mention set in my home state...well, I couldn't get enough quick enough! I soaked in every single thing--the magnificent Belmont mansion, the overwhelming collection of artwork, the gradual friendship, then romance, between Claire and Sutton--that when I read the last page, I literally felt full, like I had just enjoyed the most delicious meal in a 5-star restaurant.

I can't imagine what Tamera has in store for book 2, but you better believe that I will make a return trip to Belmont Mansion! In fact, the next time I'm in the Nashville area, I hope-hope-hope that an actual trip to the mansion can work it's way into the travel plans...how much fun would that be?! :o)

4 Stars

Southern? Without a doubt!
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Bethany House through Litfuse for providing a copy for review.

***

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander!

While Tamera and her book, A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspiredgiveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Margaret Daley

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

As always, thanks for joining me for another edition of Southern-Style Meet & Greet! This week's author is new to me, but maybe not to most of you. Stay tuned to get to know Margaret Daley a little better.

But first, the winner of last week's giveaway for Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes. Thanks to Random.org, the winner is...

Beckie B. (msudawgtoo@...)

Congrats, Beckie! I've passed along your info to Gina so your book can be on it's way. :o)

And now, for this week's featured author...

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold seventy-five books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2200 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Welcome, Margaret!!
_____________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved to read. After reading tons of romances, I decided I could do that. I wrote my first book (which I wouldn’t let anyone see). After that first book, I was hooked. I was a writer. That was over thirty years ago.

What genre do you most like to write?

Romantic suspense is my favorite.

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

Hope through the Lord.

What is your latest book release?

From This Day Forward released in September through Summerside Press.

Rachel Gordon is stranded in South Carolina, pregnant, a recent widow when her husband fell overboard on the voyage to America. Nathan Stuart, a physician who came home from serving in the American army during the War of 1812, disenchanted with his life and the Lord, rescues Rachel and saves her life. Feeling responsible for her, Nathan tries to discourage her from living at a rundown farm her husband bought to start a new future in America. He wants her to return to England.

Rachel refuses to go back to England where her father disowned her for marrying against his wishes. The farm is all she has, and she is determined to make it on her own. But Nathan has other ideas and becomes her farmhand to discourage her from staying in America. Instead he ends up protecting her and being challenged by her. Can two wounded people heal each other?

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I’m working on A Mom’s Fresh Start about a single mother who gets a second chance at love. It is a September 2012 Love Inspired book.

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

I’m reading at the moment Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough. It will be out by Moody in November 2011. It’s a wonderful story with characters you care about.

That one's currently in my TBR stack...interesting new series of books!

Where can readers find you on the web?

http://www.margaretdaley.com

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

Pecan pie--I love it. My mother made the best pecan pie. I would put vanilla ice cream on top of it and nothing beats it.

I admit to having a slight addiction to it myself. :o)

If you could visit anywhere down South, where would it be and why?

Charleston, South Carolina--It is one of the few places I haven’t been in the South.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet tea--after all I’m from the South

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

BBQ beef

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Elvis Presley--he was from the state I lived in.

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

Plantation--I’ve seen some beautiful ones and they get my creative juices flowing.

Country gal or city gal?

City gal

You, you all, or y’all?

Y’all

Thanks for joining us this week, Margaret! I hope you had a wonderful time. :o)
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No giveaway this week, folks...gives y'all a bit of a break, I suppose. But be sure to come back by next week for our Meet & Greet with Melanie Dickerson. She's got some juicy stuff about her next release that you aren't gonna want to miss!

And You Thought You Knew...Nancy Rue!!

2011-11-11T00:02:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media, it is my great privilege to bring you an additional author interview this week. I hope you enjoy this short feature with Nancy Rue today, and if I were a betting woman, I'd bet that you'll find something here that you never knew about her. :o)

Yep, you just thought you knew Nancy Rue!
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First of all, can I just say that these are the most fun questions ever? Thank you for giving me this delightful opportunity!

You are so welcome, Nancy! It is my pleasure to have you here today. :o)

Not including writing, what was your first job?

The summer after my freshman year in college, I worked in the campaign headquarters for a man who was running for governor of Florida. After completely destroying the mimeograph machine (remember, this was 1970) and putting a state congressman on hold for 20 minutes, I realized I’d better get that education because I was not going to make it as a secretary.

What is one movie that you could watch over and over again?

That would definitely be Lars and the Real Girl. I know it’s an odd choice, but every time I watch it I see another layer. Lovely film.

You know, I've only seen it once, but I remember it as an enjoyable (albeit strange) movie. :o)

What food do you love, even though you know you shouldn’t?

Mashed potatoes. I only eat them once a year, at Thanksgiving, and I make them with a half a cup of butter. Real butter, mind you. And then they rest comfortably on my thighs.

Which magazine do you pick up when you’re stuck in a waiting room?

Usually I bring my own stuff to do, read, write, etc. I’m like a pack mule in that respect. But if there’s nothing else, I go for the decorating magazines. I have been known to surreptitiously tear out pages . . .

I knew I'd discover the culprit for those missing pages one day...LOL!

Have you ever met anyone famous?

Vince Gill (such a nice man with gorgeous blue eyes), and Martina McBride (tiny, precious, and unassuming). But the highlight for me was meeting Eugene Peterson, the man who changed my life through The Message.

Do you have a favorite sport or team that you cheer for?

I love the San Francisco Forty-Niners because my husband does. Usually I cheer for the underdogs in football. Basketball on tv makes me crazy, and I can never sit there long enough to watch a whole baseball game. But football, yeah – although no one has ever looked as good in a pair of football pants as Joe Montana . . .

You probably wouldn't survive at my house! :o) When it's time for basketball season, my husband pretty much goes to the other side of the house to get as far away as he can from my whooping and hollering!! It's killing me that there's no NBA games to watch right now....dern lockout. :o(

If you had an extra hour every day, what would you do with it?

First I would bow down and thank God. Then I would probably write another four pages, because there is just never enough time. Or I’d go spend it with my nine-month-old granddaughter who makes all time stop.

You’re first in line to audition for American Idol. What song you would sing for the judges?

“Right Down the Line” by Jerry Rafferty, and I would dedicate it to my husband, because it’s been him, right down the line.
____________________________________________

As a special bonus today, I have one copy of Nancy's newest book, Unexpected Dismounts, to give to one reader. Simply leave a comment on this post with your email address before Sunday, November 13th, and I'll draw a name on Monday. No email address - no entry. US addresses only, please...my budget doesn't give me much wiggle room for international postage.

There are only 3 DAYS to get your name in the hat for this giveaway, so don't waste any time! Feel free to leave any comments about the interview, too, as I'm sure Nancy would love to read them. :o)

(Oh, and one more thing.... If you haven't had the chance yet to enter the other giveaway that's going on right now here, visit this post to get to know author Gina Holmes, and sign up for a copy of her newest book, Dry As Rain. That giveaway ends Sunday, as well.)

Book Review: Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love/4 Stars

2011-11-08T20:24:00.001-06:00

About the book:

Ada has loved deeply and lost dearly. But protecting her heart could mean missing the love of a lifetime.

Ada Wentworth may be young, but she's seen enough of life to know she can only rely on herself. Everyone including God it seems, has let her down. Having lost her family, her fiance, and her fortune, Ada journeys from Boston to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, to take a position as a lady's companion. Though initially charmed by the pretty little Southern town tucked into the foothills of the great Smokies, Ada plans to stay only until she can earn enough to establish a millinery shop.

Her employer, Wyatt Caldwell, the local lumber mill owner, is easily the kindest, most attractive man Ada has met in Hickory Ridge. He believes Providence has brought her to town and into his life. But how, after so many betrayals, can she ever trust again? Besides, Wyatt has a dream of his own. A dream that will one day take him far from Hickory Ridge.

As the South struggles to heal in the aftermath of the Civil War, one woman must let go of her painful past in order to embrace God's plans for her. Can she trust Him, and Wyatt, with her future and her heart?

My thoughts:

It's no secret that I l-o-v-e Southern novels, but when I have the chance to get my hands on one that's set in my home state of Tennessee...well, I can't help but smile. I'm so pleased that I made time in my reading schedule for such a wonderfully told Southern novel. :o)

Dorothy Love easily captured the spirit of Tennessee while also providing a charming historical romance. Her characters were spot on, and her research into the state's history was evident and well-placed within the overall story. There was also a bit of information about the art of millinery that provided an extra dose of personality that I appreciated.

Hands down, I know I will be reading Dorothy's next novel in the Hickory Ridge series. I can't wait to see what new things are in store for some of the townsfolk and how history will progress in the years following the Civil War.

4 Stars

Southern? Yes
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing a copy for review through TLC Book Tours.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Gina Holmes Plus Giveaway

2011-11-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

Well, while things may be on the slow side for me when it comes to blogging lately, I'm still thrilled to bring y'all some great authors every Monday to meet and greet with. :o) Thanks for stopping by for another fun interview this week with up-and-coming author Gina Holmes.

Last week's giveaway winner of There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones is...

Nicole (nziegler122@...)
____________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I always knew I could write fairly well. I was perplexed in highschool when my classmates would groan finding out there was an essay on a test. I thought that was super easy. It shocked me that it didn’t come natural for most. In college, I wrote an essay on elevator music (aka musak) and I happened to get to watch the face of my professor reading my essay. He didn’t know I was watching and the smile on his face and surprise told me I had a gift. It wasn’t until I was a stay at home mom trying to earning extra cash that it dawned on me I could make a living. I started writing everything from greeting cards to articles and earned a whole lot of form rejection letters.

What genre do you most like to write?

I started out writing suspense because I grew up reading Stephen King. I wrote several books in this genre that came close to publishing but it wasn’t until my personal reading taste changed and therefore my writing taste that I earned my first book contract. I write relational dramas now and it’s what I seem to do best.

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

My prayer is always that my words will point to God’s truths. That’s always the prayer. God, truth and grace.

What is your latest book release?

My sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, is now out. I’m a terrible pitchman, always have been, so I’ll just give you the back-of-the-book copy:

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a powerfully moving story that tests the limits of love’s forgiveness. Like many marriages, Eric and Kyra Yoshida’s has fallen apart slowly, one lost dream and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal finally pushes them beyond reconciliation. Just when it looks like forgive and forget is no longer an option, a car accident gives Eric the second chance of a lifetime. A concussion causes his wife to forget details of her life, including the chasm between them. No one knows when—or if—Kyra’s memory will return, but Eric seizes the opportunity to win back the woman he’s never stopped loving.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

Yes, I’m knee deep in a novel about an abused wife who finds strength in friendship and mother love. I’m madly in love with this story at this point. That could change tomorrow of course.

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

I just finished Dale Cramer’s “Levi’s Will”. A fabulous book that I was surprised to learn was based on his father’s life. My first Amish fiction. It was so beautiful!

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.ginaholmes.com
www.inspireafire.com
www.novelrocket.com

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

I’m a Jersey girl but have lived in Southern Virginia for fourteen years now and I am a southern girl at heart. It just appeals to me on so many levels. I love the slower pace, the hospitality, the kindness, and even the ability to not say everything that comes to mind like we do in the North. My husband is about as southern as you can get and I adore his accent and his very southern family. I can’t imagine ever moving away from the south, in fact, we’d eventually like to move further south.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Just like I’m half northern, half southern, so is my taste in tea. Half and half baby!

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

North Carolina vinegar based bbq!

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Um… haha Elvis. Sorry, Dolly.

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

My husband would be plantation, but I’m a log cabin girl for sure!

Country gal or city gal?

I’m a city girl who loves the country. I’ve never lived in the country but the older I get, the more it appeals to me. We want to retire to the country, on a body
of water.

You, you all, or y’all?

I grew up saying “Yooz” in typical Jersey style, but I’ve succumbed to y’all a long long time ago. My family thinks it’s hysterical whenever I say y’all, yonder, kin and other southern sayings. They make fun of me mercilessly. I find less and less humor in this. They should hear themselves the way I do, they wouldn’t be laughing at me! :)
_____________________________________

Thanks to Gina's generosity, there's a copy of her newest book, Dry as Rain, up for grabs this week! Please fill out the following form to be entered in the contest, and use the comments section on the blog post below for any other thoughts. All entries must be received by Sunday, November 13, and a winner will be chosen on next week's Meet & Greet. US residents only.

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CFBA Blog Tour: Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Maggie's Journey Realms (October 4, 2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

Her last release is Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, from Summerside Press recently won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing western fiction. Lena is currently under two 3-book contracts with Charisma House/Realms.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally.

Lena has an active web presence on Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books. You can check out her books and find out more about her on her blog.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted. The spoiled daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed by her real parents and by the ones who raised her. But mystery surrounds her new discovery, and when Maggie uncovers another family secret, she loses all sense of identity. Leaving her home in Seattle, Washington, Maggie strikes out to find her destiny. Will Charles Stanton, who's been in love with her for years, be able to help her discover who she really is?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Maggie's Journey, go HERE.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Jenny B. Jones Plus Giveaway

2011-10-31T19:46:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much for joining me on my front porch for this week's Southern-Style Meet & Greet! So sorry for the lateness of this week's post. When you have a first day on the job...well, the best laid plans don't always go as planned. So, thanks for sticking with me this week for an evening post of SSM&G. :o)

Before we get to this week's author, let me announce the winner of last week's giveaway for a copy of Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. Thanks to Random.org, the winner is:

Cindy (cynthialambrecht@...)

Cindy, your book will be on it's way to you shortly. I hope you'll enjoy it!

And now for this week's author...Jenny B. Jones!
_________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Like many say, I've always known. I can remember being in first grade and writing one act shows. Nothing like making yourself the star.

What genre do you most like to write?

YA and romantic comedy for women.

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories?

Travel finds its way into my books. A couple of years ago I went to Ireland and fell in love with the country and the people. So I set There You'll Find Me there.

I've always wanted to visit Ireland...or England...or anywhere in Europe, actually.

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

I hope they have fun, have some laughs, and come away with hope and something to think about.

What is your latest book release?

There You'll Find Me released this month. Here's the back-cover blurb:

Grief brought Finley to Ireland. LOVE WILL LEAD HER HOME.

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She's witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.

She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane.

Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She's the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise?

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I've actually taken 2011 off from writing to recharge the batteries. It's been great. I do have a book brewing in my head and am thinking of starting in a few weeks. We'll see if the extended break was worth it...

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

I like anything by Christa Allan, Susan Meissner, Marybeth Whalen, Cara Putman, Rachel Hauck, Nicole O'Dell, Kim Cash Tate, Kit Wilkinson, Mary DeMuth. I could do this all day....someone stop me...

I know what you mean. :o)

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.jennybjones.com

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

All of it. I love Southern culture. I love the beauty of my part of the state, the history around us, the culture of a place like Charleston, the value on food and family and iced tea.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Unsweet. Daily. It's my weakness for sure.

Sweet tea is my weakness. It's a miracle I still have all my teeth.

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

I'm not much of a pork girl, but when it comes to BBQ, it's gotta be pig all the way.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Dolly. She's so smart and funny and talented and humble. There is so much more to that woman than big chest and big hair. And I love that she met her husband at a place called the Wishy Washy.

I never knew that! See what you learn if you're not careful. :o)

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

Plantation

Country gal or city gal?

Country for sure.

You, you all, or y’all?

Please. Y'all.
_______________________________________

Yep, you guessed it...there's a copy of Jenny's newest book, There You'll Find Me, up for grabs this week! Please fill out the following form to be entered in the contest, and use the comments section on the blog post below for any other thoughts. All entries must be received by Sunday, November 6, and a winner will be chosen on next week's Meet & Greet. US residents only.

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Book Review: A Time for Peace by Barbara Cameron/3 Stars

2011-10-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

About the book:

After Years of Hardship, Jenny’s Life Appears Perfect. So Why Does Something Seem to Be Missing?

Jenny Bontrager finally feels loved and cherished by her husband, Matthew, and his children. Life seems golden with both her family and career as a writer.

Then one day her grandmother, Phoebe, falls ill, and Jenny cares for her. As she reaches into Phoebe’s closet for a robe, Jenny finds a letter from her father dated the summer when she was nearly eighteen.

As she struggles to understand her father’s words, Jenny’s love for him, and her recently renewed faith and trust in God are thrown into question again. And without warning, her perfect life is thrown into question . . .

My thoughts:

As someone who reads a lot of Amish fiction, I was eager to read a book by a fairly new Amish author, Barbara Cameron. Several reviewers have had wonderful things to say about her books, and I was curious to see if I would enjoy them for myself.

In my opinion, fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Shelley Shepard Gray would enjoy Barbara's stories and writing style because neither was really a fit for me with this book. Without going into a lot of detail lest I spoil the experience for someone else, there were several areas that seemed to need some improvement. For example, the first 60-70 pages were used to set up the story, and it could've been done in about 30-40 without the repetition that was present. Also, the faith aspect of the book was watered down and almost non-existant. I expected there to be at least one mention of them going to church, or a visit with the bishop about spiritual matters, but neither was a part of this book. Knowing that the Amish have a faith and belief system that is very important to them, it was a big surprise to see that it wasn't included.

Now, I've not read either of the previous books in this series, but that wasn't a problem. This book was great as a stand-alone, and I had no trouble following along with some of the other characters from those previous novels. Another bonus from this book was all the content in the back--a glossary (which is always helpful for those words you think you know, but don't), discussion questions (don't read them until the end because there are spoilers), and lots of yummy recipes (potato soup, here I come).

Even though it wasn't my favorite book, I do plan to read another of Barbara's novels in the future because I've always been a firm believer in giving an author a second chance. There's no telling sometimes when they'll surprise us!

3 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? Phoebe had just a touch of it...ornery old coot. :o)

**Many thanks to Maegan Roper and Netgalley for providing a copy for review.

Unemployed One Day...Employed the Next!

2011-10-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

I never thought in a million years I would ever see the day when I would be laid off from my job. I loved the people there, the family-like atmosphere, the whole bit. So when my 2 bosses were ready and waiting for me Thursday morning to drop the bombshell, I was shocked. Absolutely. Totally. Shocked. I just never saw it coming. And like many other people that have experienced this, all I could think of was, "How in the world am I going to find another job in this economy? Don't y'all know what the unemployment rate is?"

So, I gathered my stuff in that lovely white box, and walked out the door. Cried like a baby when I got in my car and called my husband. Barely kept it together when I called my dad. Prayed to God that His will would be done, and that we could make it.

In the back of my mind, I was already thinking that I would wait until next week to really hit the pavement to find a new job. I knew I wasn't in a great state of mind having never been in this position before. I needed time to compose myself, and not get emotional when I thought about what had been lost.

But I thought I ought to call just one person that I knew--someone that was one of our vendor reps--and see if she knew of anyone who might be hiring. Turns out that she did, plus it was for the same company that I've been working for, just at a different location. I called her to see what she was looking for...then promptly got called in for an interview. Amazing, right? :o) I wasn't counting on that at all.

So, I go to the office, meet with the agent, and after talking for an hour, I've practically had a job land in my lap. But I was nervous, though. The hours are a little less. The pay is a little less. The benefits are a little less. But you know what? We'd be able to make it. I'll be doing the exact same thing that I've been doing for the past 5 years, just with a new boss. I call that a God thing. :o) He knew exactly what we needed before we asked, and He provided. I haven't been able to thank Him enough.

Thanks to all of you for praying, for commenting...we have appreciated it so, so much! All the praise goes to Him!

Unemployed

2011-10-27T15:48:00.000-05:00

As of today, I am unemployed. I never thought this would be a road I would have to travel, but it's not a new experience for our family. My husband lost a job about 3 years ago, and I thought we were going to be in a world of hurt. We had just moved to a new place, and I had no clue how we would survive on my salary alone. But God had a better plan. :o) Hubby was able to get a better job than the one he had, and we came through on the other side better than we could've expected.

So, for now, I'm trusting and believing that He has everything under control. For the next few days, forgive me if I don't respond right away to your comments or emails. I'm still trying to take it all in.

Thanks in advance for your prayers, thoughts, and comments. We appreciate them more than you know.

Interview and Blog Tour with Kathi Macias for her Latest Novel, Deliver Me From Evil

2011-10-27T15:32:00.001-05:00

How did you come up with the idea for Deliver Me From Evil and the Freedom series?

It actually came out of a phone conversation with Andrea Mullins, the publisher at New Hope. We were discussing the Extreme Devotion series (about the persecuted Church), which I was still working on at the time, and we began to consider topics for a second series. Andrea was the one who suggested human trafficking, and it really struck a chord with me. The more I researched it and worked on the proposal, the more excited I became about joining forces with others working to abolish modern-day slavery, which is exactly what human trafficking is.

What was your favorite scene to write in Deliver Me From Evil?

This book/series has been the most difficult I’ve ever written, simply because the subject matter is so dark and heavy. More than once I had to walk away and clear my thoughts before moving on from one scene to another. But interspersed between the heartache and tragedy are several lighter scenes (written and incorporated into the book out of necessity), dealing with a pastor’s family and their Bible college-bound son who inadvertently discovers the human trafficking ring and becomes involved in the heroic and dramatic rescue attempt. Any scenes revolving around the absolutely functional and loving life of the Flannery family are my favorites.

What was the most difficult scene, and why?

There were many difficult scenes in this book due to the subject matter, but the hardest had to be when the main character, 18-year-old Mara, realizes that one of the younger girls is being tortured and killed in an effort to extract information and punish her. Though the actual violence is done offstage, Mara experiences each blow and muffled scream, as does the reader.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? If not, how did you catch the writing bug?

Oh yes, I never wanted to be anything else. From the time I discovered the power and allure of words, I was hooked! I was an avid reader before I started kindergarten. A short story I wrote in the third grade was turned into a play for the entire PTA, and I won all sorts of awards for poetry in high school. I even told my then boyfriend (now husband) Al when we were in our early teens that I was going to be a writer one day.

How do you go about writing your fiction books? Which comes first for you, plot, characters, and/or theme?

I usually get what I call “a niggling in my soul,” which eventually emerges into the very basic theme of the book. I hate outlining and writing proposals because I do NOT develop plots or even characters ahead of time. I start with a couple of main characters, a starting and ending point for my story, and just let the rest unfold as I go. I know. We’re not supposed to do it that way, but it works for me, and I so enjoy the surprises as the story develops and my characters take over. So much fun! So long as they don’t try to lead me away from my pre-determined ending. Then I have to reign them back in a bit.

How do you get your ideas for your books?

I have ideas coming out of my ears! I am a seriously addictive idea person. You want ideas? You can have my overflow! My challenge is to figure out which ones are worth pursuing. Not every cute or fun or even meaningful idea that pops into our head is meant to be a book. I pray, think, study, bounce them off people, etc., before committing to moving ahead with one of them. For the most part, however, nearly all my book ideas are, to one degree or another, born out of some moral or social issue that I care about.

How can we find out more about you, The Freedom Series, and other books you are writing?

Please visit my website at KathiMacias.com.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

CFBA Blog Tour: Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

2011-10-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Attracted to Fire Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at: www.diannmills.com or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

Watch the book trailer:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Attracted to Fire, go HERE.

Book Review: Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren/5 Stars

2011-10-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

About the book:

Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.

It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.

When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.

My thoughts:

Rather than give a review about all the great characters or the touching scenes of this book, I'm simply going to say that sometimes there are books that come along at just the right moment in your life, and they leave the most profound impression. To some, Baby, It's Cold Outside may represent a wonderful start into Christmas books this season, but for me, it became a personal journey of sorts--a chance to pull back the curtain and recognize that, just like Dottie Morgan, I'm not perfect, either. To some, that may sound like a horrible quality for a book. (I mean, really...most readers don't really like to have their toes stepped on while they're reading a novel, thank you very much.) But there's something about the way that Susan does it that doesn't come off as preachy or condescending. These personal, introspective moments are what make Susan's books so special to me. They get under my skin, and before it's over, I'm either at the point of tears and/or thanking God that he still loves me despite my faults.

And hey, if you're looking for an entertaining Christmas story, you'll still get it here...no worries. But I hope that, like me, you will take away something more than just, "That was a great book." I hope you'll give it the chance to be a blessing to you. I never expected it to give one to me.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Summerside Press for providing a copy for review.

***

Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press, she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One festive winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merriment and a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party! Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for a fireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holiday traditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends and don’t miss the fun!

RSVP here and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Lynn Austin Plus Giveaway

2011-10-24T09:07:00.001-05:00

Thank you so much for coming over for this week's Southern-Style Meet & Greet! I am so excited about today's guest as she's been a favorite of mine for many years. :o)

But first, let me announce the winner of last week's giveaway for Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer. Thanks to Random.org, the winner is...

Candace (cbetts@...)

Candace, I'll see to it that your book is on it's way to you very soon. Congrats!

Now, for this week's guest!

Lynn has written across many genres in Christian fiction, but lately, her books have been historical in nature. She is the popular author of the Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the King, and I won't lie...it's always been a favorite of mine. :o) Hope you guys enjoy our visit!

Welcome, Lynn!! :o)
___________________________________________

How did your journey begin as a writer?

I love to read but it seemed like so many well-written books gave readers very little hope. Too many themes seemed to be “Life is hard and then you die.” I agree that life is hard—but God is good! So I sat down one day 27 years ago (I was a stay-at-home mom with a new baby) and decided to write the kind of book I enjoy reading—one that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and helps me learn something about myself and my faith. I knew nothing about getting published (that would come later) but I found that I enjoyed writing so much that I knew I wanted to keep doing it.

If you were not a published author, what would your dream job be and why?

Writing IS my dream job! When I first started writing, I used to think, “Oh, if only I could write books full-time and find a group of readers who love my books.” My dream has come true! But if I had to choose another job….I’d probably be an interior designer. I love to tour beautiful homes and I’m always painting or changing something in my own home. I love reading decorating magazines and watching the decorating channels on TV whenever I’m in a place that has cable TV.

Those design shows suck me in every time. Before I know it, I've lost 2 hours of my day!

You’ve written across several genres over the years. Is there a particular genre that is your favorite?

I loved writing my biblical fiction series, “Chronicles of the King.” Those books are still my favorites. Someday, hope to write more biblical fiction set in Israel.

I hope you do, too, and I'm sure I'm not alone. :o)

You had the privilege of having one of your books, Hidden Places, turned into a movie. What was that experience like for you?

Well, it came about with no effort on my part. Hallmark contacted my publisher, Bethany House, and made all of the arrangements. But I did have the opportunity to fly to California and watch them film part of the movie. What an amazing experience! I was blown away to see my fictitious setting and fictional characters “come to life” in so much detail. As I watched hundreds of people racing around with cameras and microphones and all sorts of equipment I was overwhelmed. I never realized how much work went into filming one tiny scene. It really was a thrill of a lifetime.

What is your latest book release?

My newest book is called Wonderland Creek and will be in bookstores sometime this month. Here is a synopsis:

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

Longing to run from small-town gossip, Alice flees to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the tiny coal-mining town of Acorn, a place with no running water, no electricity, and where the librarians ride ornery horses up steep mountain passes to deliver books. When Alice is forced to stay in Acorn far longer than she planned, she discovers that real-life adventure, mystery—and especially romance—may be far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website is www.lynnaustin.org

If you could visit anywhere down South, where would it be and why?

I would love to return to Charleston, South Carolina. What a beautiful city! The people I met were so warm and gracious—and helpful, too, as I gathered research for my novels, Fire by Night, and A Light to My Path. If I went back, I would like to tour more of the beautiful old homes, inside and out. What a feast for the eyes.

Charleston is one of the few places I've not visited down here. Some day I'd like to see it for myself because everyone has such great things to say about it!

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet, of course! There’s nothing like it.

Historical house—large plantation or log cabin?

I loved touring the plantations around Charleston and Beaufort.

Country gal or city gal?

County gal—I love the woods and the peace and quiet of the country. But I would have to live in a country mansion on a gorgeous estate.
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If you'd like to be entered to win a copy of Lynn's latest book, Wonderland Creek, simply fill out all of the required fields in the giveaway form in their entirety. Please leave any thoughts regarding the interview in the comment section (as we seem to always strike up a conversation down there). :o)

Giveaway is open to US residents only, and void where prohibited. All entries must be received before Sunday, October 30, 11:59PM CST to qualify, and the winner will be announced on next week's SSM&G. Odds of winning are contingent upon number of entries.

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Book Review: A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch/4 Stars

2011-10-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

About the book:

Quench your craving for good fiction with this wonderfully written Old West adventure.

Hoping to leave the shadows of her shady yesteryears behind, Adeline Reed 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?

My thoughts:

What do you get when you have a talented female photographer, a newly-minted town deputy, and a scoundrel of the worst sort who has come back to haunt you? You get this book--A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas--and it's a good'un, too.

I was so impressed with the detail of Addie's trade as a photographer. From the darkroom, to her studio, and to the portraits taken at the Arden Palace, it felt like I was looking through the camera lens and capturing all the subtle nuances that only a portrait can show. I could smell the chemicals that were used to develop the pictures, and I caught myself mentally counting the seconds along with Addie to get the right exposure. Now, in real life, I don't have a clue about photography, but just for a few moments in this book, I felt like I knew a thing or two...and that brought a smile to my face.

Miles was an enjoyable character, too. At first, it seemed like he was going to be green as the day is long at being a deputy, but he quickly settled into his role. His reluctance to share his past was believable, especially how it related to Addie.

Then, there was the drama associated with Vin Rutter. He came to Dodge City for a particular reason, and caused nothing but trouble for Addie, Miles, and Fran while he was there. I felt sure the I had him pegged correctly the entire time, but leave it to this talented author to have a surprise or two up her sleeve. :o)

Nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering an author that I've not been privileged to read before. Erica Vetsch has created a delightful Midwestern tale that is sure to have me returning to read her future novels. Fans of Mary Connealy, Kelly Eileen Hake, and Susan Page Davis are destined to enjoy this charming story!

4 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? Yes

**Many thanks to Barbour through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes/4 Stars

2011-10-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

About the book:

When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger?

Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past--and let love guide the future.

My thoughts:

The last time I read a Regency novel, I was less than thrilled. The lifestyle and culture of that time was so slow and methodical--far different from our current society. There was hidden meaning in almost every action, and one had to be so careful to be seen or not to be seen with just the right people. So, I won't lie...I was a little nervous about picking up another Regency. I was so afraid I would be disappointed.

Thankfully, Laurie Eakes exceeded my expectations with A Necessary Deception. There was mystery and intrigue mixed with a plentiful dose of romance. Oh, the romance... I tell ya, I couldn't get enough of it. I could picture Christien as one of the most handsome heroes I've read in a long time, and his love, Lydia, a lovely and beautiful member of London Society. Together, they were thrust into danger more than once, and each time, I couldn't help but hold my breath until I knew they were safe.

However, the mystery portions of the book left me unsatisfied. I don't know a lot about the history of England and France in the 19th century, so I didn't fully understand the disdain that the English felt toward the French. I thought that the final reveal would revolve more around uncovering someone up to no good within one of the governments. Instead, the ending was anticlimactic and left me unfulfilled.

All in all, I think Laurie Eakes has greatly improved since her last full-length novel. This was only my second opportunity to read one of her books, and overall, I'm glad that I gave her books another chance. She clearly conveyed the atmosphere of the Regency Era in a believable manner, and I'm anxious to return for another visit.

4 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

CFBA Blog Tour: Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

2011-10-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Tricia Goyer Plus Giveaway

2011-10-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

As always, thank you for joining me for another week of Southern-Style Meet & Greet! You all know the drill...stay tuned to meet our featured guest plus a giveaway at the end! :o)

First off, last week's giveaway winner. Thanks to Random.org, the winner of a copy of Desired by Ginger Garrett is...

Megan (inspiredbyfiction@...)

Congrats, Megan! Desired will be on it's way to you shortly...you're gonna love it. :o)

And now, for this week's featured author--Tricia Goyer!

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

Welcome, Tricia!
__________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

It began when I met Cindy Martinusen Coloma in church, 20 years ago. Cindy was also a young mom. We got to know each other, and Cindy told me about her dream to write. Something struck a chord in me. I had grown up loving to read, but I never considered writing. We encouraged each other. We attended our first writer's conference in 1994 at Mt. Hermon in Northern California. I was 22-years-old and pregnant with my third child at that first conference. Being at that conference I knew that's what I wanted to do!

Through the years, Cindy and I have encouraged each other, and God has led us down amazing paths. Cindy also has many novels published now: www.cindycoloma.com

What genre do you most like to write?

I love writing historical fiction, but I'll qualify that...because I also love writing Amish fiction. Maybe because it feels “historical” to me. The Amish have been able to keep the traditions of their ancestors—traditions and a lifestyle that many of us have lost in our technology-filled busy lives.

You're not the only one...Amish fiction feels historical to me, too. :o)

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories? If it’s not too personal, do you have a funny one you can share with us?

Yes! Every book has personal stories woven into it. One of my novels, Beside Still Waters is inspired by the Eash family who moved from Indiana to Montana to be part of an Amish community there. When I signed the contract to write the story I had NO IDEA our family would soon be moving from Kalispell, Montana to Little Rock, Arkansas. I never thought I'd find myself living in the South, but I had to admit I REALLY enjoy it!

In another novel Along Wooded Paths, Marianna builds friendships with people very different than herself. As I wrote that novel, I was making friends with “Southerners”--some of whom were very different than me, and it the process I met some amazing people. I'm learning that most things that enter my life end up in one of my novels.

One funny story involves my husband. He loves making up sayings, and his favorite is, “A wet tick in a watermelon patch.” He uses it ALL the time! For example, “I'm happier than a wet tick in a watermelon patch,” or “I'm fuller than a wet tick in a watermelon patch,” even “I'm more tired than a wet tick in a watermelon patch.” It doesn't really make sense, and I think that's the point. The fun thing is that I included the phrase in one of my novels! (Send me a note through my website if you find it! LOL.)

His phrase reminds me of another one I've heard quite often (down South, mostly), "I'm as full as a tick on a hound dog's ear!"

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

I hope they put down my book inspired. I hope they see God in new ways. I hope they understand better how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways!

What is your latest book release?

My newest novel is the second book in my Big Sky Series, Along Wooded Paths. Book #3 is Beyond Hope's Valley and it'll be out April 2012!

All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.

As Marianna begins helping those different from herself—and receiving their help—her heart contemplates two directions. She’s torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she’s ever seen before.

Who should have young Marianna’s heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

Yes, I'm currently working on Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska. I'm co-writing it with my friend Ocieanna Fleiss and we just traveled up there last month for research! This is the snippet so far, but since it's still a work-in-progress, things might change.

Ginny Marshall is on the verge of having her dreams realized. She's one signature away from signing a major recording contract and she's peaked the interest of Danny Kingston, her agent and one of the most influential men in pop music. Yet something deep inside tells her not to sign. Knowing she needs someone to talk to—someone who'd be interested in her best interest and not just in her notoriety, she travels to Glacier Bay, Alaska to find her ex-fiance Brett Miller.
As soon as Ginny is shuttled into Glacier Bay she has a good feeling about coming. The tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, ocean coastlines, deep fjords, and freshwater rivers and lakes reconnect her with God in a way she hadn't experienced in a while. She finds her way to the address Brett had given her, but discovers he isn't home. A neighbor gives Ginny directions to Brett's grandmother's cabin, surely Granny M. will know where he is.

Granny M. welcomes Ginny with open arms. “So, you're the Ginny I've heard so much about.” Granny M. starts telling Ginny about some letters, when Ginny interrupts and asks where Brett is. Unfortunately he's on a week long kayaking trip with is father and brother. Ginny just missed him.

Staying with Granny M., Ginny reads the letters sent from Glacier Bay, Alaska Territory, 1929. The first letter is from a Mr. Claiborn Maibe asking his friend Rev. Hal Wakeland to choose a bride for him—someone of pleasing companionship and a fine moral conduct who will be a good mother to Clairborne's two children. Ginny is intrigued. Would a man honestly send for a wife and marry the woman who arrived ... without question?

Through the letters—and the new friends she meets at Glacier Bay—Ginny remembers what a relationship with God is all about. She also discovers what—and who—her heart desires most.

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

Good question! I've read a lot of good ones, but I couldn't SLEEP until I finished The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner.

Everybody and their momma is telling me what a great book this is! Must see what all the fuss is about...and soon!

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website: www.triciagoyer.com
My radio show: www.toginet.com/shows/livinginspired
My Facebook page: www.facebook.com/authortriciagoyer
My Twitter page: www.twitter.com/triciagoyer

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

I've lived in Little Rock, Arkansas for 1 1/2 years and I love it. I love the personalities. People are so fun and everyone has such a great sense of humor, plus they strike up conversations if you make eye contact. I often find myself chatting with someone at Walmart for 10 minutes, and really enjoying myself. My husband and I met one couple at a yard sale and when we left John told me, “I feel like we've known them for years, not just fifteen minutes.”

Don't you just love that? *smile*

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet please!

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

Pork.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Elvis, swoon.

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

Plantation.

Country gal or city gal?

I like to live close to the city but look out my window at the country.

You, you all, or y’all?

It was you all, but if I'm out and about in Little Rock it's slipping into y'all.

That's okay. You're Southern now, and people might start to look at you funny if you didn't say "y'all!"
__________________________________________

Did y'all have a great time with Tricia today? I sure did. ;o) And thanks to her, we've got a lovely giveaway for this week.

If you'd like to be entered to win a copy of Tricia's latest book, Along Wooded Paths, simply fill out the giveaway form in it's entirety. Please leave any thoughts regarding the interview in the comment section (as we seem to always strike up a conversation down there). :o) If you have any comments for Tricia, be sure to leave them down there as well, and hopefully, she'll be able to stop by to chat for a moment.

Giveaway is open to US residents only, and void where prohibited. All entries must be received before Sunday, October 23, 11:59PM CST to qualify. Odds of winning are contingent upon number of entries.

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Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller/5 Stars

2011-10-16T18:15:00.001-05:00

About the book:

Her heart seeks sanctuary in the deep woods. But will trouble find her even here?

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance.

My thoughts:

I never knew spending time with an ornery old cook, a group of dirty loggers, and a frightened Indian who could barely speak would make for one of the best historical books I've read all year! Serena Miller successfully transported me to the cold forests of Michigan with this charming tale, and I absolutely hated to leave. While I enjoyed the ebb and flow of camp life, as well as the subtle romance that steadily built between Katie and Robert, what I really loved to read about was the food. Oh, the food! Juicy apple pie, warm peach cobbler, and mouth-watering flapjacks had me itching to jump into the kitchen to cook up a mess of yummy food! The one thing that would have made the book complete would've been some recipes at the end. :o) Oh, well... It was still a delightful book.

Serena Miller's realistic tale of life after the Civil War was one that deserves a permanent place on the keeper shelf. I'm anxious to recommend it to my friends and family, and as far as I'm concerned, her next book can't get here soon enough!

5 Stars

Southern? Yes
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah by Ginger Garrett/5 Stars

2011-10-15T11:00:00.002-05:00

About the book:

Meet the legendary Samson as you've never known him before … through the eyes of the three women who loved him.

Before Samson was an Old Testament legend, he was a prodigal son, an inexperienced suitor, a vengeful husband, and a lost soul driven by his own weakness. This is his story as told by three strong women who loved him—the nagging, manipulative mother who pushed him toward greatness, the hapless Philistine bride whose betrayal propelled him into notoriety, and the emotionally damaged seductress—the famous Delilah—who engineered his downfall and propelled him to his destiny. Desired celebrates the God of Israel's to work powerfully in the midst of hopes, fears, desires, and sorrows.

My thoughts:

Ginger Garrett is a masterful storyteller. Through vivid descriptions and accurate research, she sweeps the reader away on a trip to the ancient city of Timnah during Philistine rule. The wine is plenty, the idol worship is rampant, yet love is still sought in this heathen land. It is here that the Hebrew, Samson, meets his Philistine wife, Amara, and where she becomes the first woman to betray him.

But she will not be the only women to claim such a title. Delilah, who most have always associated with a seductive nature, begs and pleads for Samson to share his secret with her. Through several tests, we know that he does indeed share this well-kept secret, and it leads to his demise.

For those readers familiar with this tale from Judges, do not be convinced yet that you know the whole story of Samson. Garrett has a few surprises up her sleeve. This dramatic Biblical story will have you burning the midnight oil, and will also have you reaching for your Bible to compare both stories when you are finished.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.

**There's still time! If you'd like the opportunity to win a copy of Desired for your personal library, click here to read my interview with Ginger, and fill out the entry form to be included in the giveaway. You've only got today and tomorrow to get that entry in, so don't miss out!

CFBA Blog Tour: Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

2011-10-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Reclaiming Lily Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Patti Lacy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patti Lacy, Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw.

The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti's gray matter. A third book, The Rhythm of Secrets, released in January of 2011. Patti's, Reclaiming Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China's "One Child" policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.

Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, "All the Broken Pieces," at women's retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church and has had a blast planning the September 2009 wedding of her firstborn, Sarah.

Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they've dubbed a "Worchestershire Terrier" for her "little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Dallas hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.

Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer...or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Reclaiming Lily, go HERE.

To Tag or Not To Tag...That is the Question.

2011-10-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

Be forewarned...this post is a mix between "woe is me" with some frustration on the side while trying to remain positive throughout. It is not my intention to offend anyone with my words, but I just needed an outlet today to get some things in the book reviewing world off my chest.
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As a book blogger and reviewer, I love to share my love of reading Christian fiction. Until 2008, my only outlet for sharing about books was word of mouth because I didn't have a blog, I wasn't on Facebook yet, and I didn't know the first thing about writing reviews. Now, 3 years later, I have met a whole slew of new friends and authors, and books are such a treasure for me to experience now!

Lately, I've been wanting to take it to the next level. I want to direct readers to authors. I want people to realize that Christian fiction is an evolving genre, and there really is something for everyone now. For so long now, some readers have had the misconception that all Christian novels are tame, sweet sappy love stories with characters that are oh-so-perfect. Sure, there are still a handful of books like that still being published, but things are moving forward...and the boundaries are being pushed...and the future looks so bright for more than just gushy romance (which I do like in small doses...a la Julie Lessman)!

In an effort to maximize the exposure for some of these great books, I do my very best to promote Christian books on different websites including Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and many others. My goal in this has been two-fold--1) to direct readers to the authors and 2) to let the authors know that people are out there actually reading and reviewing their books, and have positive things to say! So, to make this work, I've been employing the tag technique: putting an @ with the author's name on FB and Twitter every time I have a weekly promo/interview for an author or a positive review of a book on this blog.

And you know what...it's free publicity! Who would not want that? :o)

But seriously, I wonder if there are some authors who don't care. Some authors are hugely popular, and there really is no question at all that their books will sell simply because of their name (ex. Karen Kingsbury, Beverly Lewis, Ted Dekker, etc.). Those authors I don't focus on very much. Instead, I want to help newer authors, as well as authors that don't have as much of a presence as someone like Karen Kingsbury, get more exposure for themselves and their books through this blog.

So, you know what's frustrating? To have those tags and mentions go unnoticed. To not get a single "thank you" or acknowledgement. To have a tag for a positive review removed by the author. Now, I realize that my blog isn't the fanciest or the most well-spoken, but it's like my home. A lot of time and effort has gone into it. I enjoy taking the time to read, staying up past midnight to get to end of the story, and finding out if boy got the girl...or if the bad guy was caught or if he got away...or if a family was reunited. :o) Then, I can't wait to write up a review to let others know just how much that book entertained me, made me laugh, or sent me on the good kind of crying jag.

And after all that...getting a personal thank you from the author is like the icing on the cake. But I am so surprised at how many don't give one. (Don't get me wrong...there are TONS of authors that so appreciate the extra publicity and word-of-mouth mentions of their books to all of our friends. That's not who this is directed at.) I realize it takes authors loads and loads of time, sweat, and tears for every single book, but it also takes time as a book blogger and reviewer to read these books and promote them. I (and lots of other bloggers, too) could just close up shop, go home, and keep our thoughts to ourselves. Instead, so many of us are passionate about reading that we can't help but talk about and recommend the latest book!

So, what's my final point after this rant? Authors, we just want a thank you. A thank you that our work as book reviewers has not gone unnoticed. It doesn't take that much time, and it lets us know that we're appreciated. It doesn't even have to be on our blogs; it can be in response to a post on Twitter or Facebook. Something is better than nothing at all. And I bet for most of us...we'll just be giddy from the excitement that an author took notice! I know that's how I always feel. :o)

For any authors out there that have taken the time to read all that, here's what I'm trying to find out--

1) Do you liked to be tagged by readers/reviewers on social networks?
2) Do you try to send a response to a reader after they've read/commented/reviewed one of your books?
3) Do you avoid posting comments directly to a book blog for a certain reason? (I've heard that some do.)
4) Are there just not enough hours in the day to interact with readers/reviewers?

Book Review: False Pretenses by Kathy Herman/4 Stars

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

About the book:

Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown—especially their popular brasserie Zoe B's, to which folks drive all the way from Lafayette for lunch or dinner. It seems like heaven. But it's about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery—because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?

The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability. Ethan and Vanessa Langley from the Sophie Trace trilogy play a part in this story too.

My thoughts:

What a good first experience with Kathy Herman's books! Until this novel, Kathy was a new author to me, and now, I have a feeling I will be returning for future novels, as well as searching out her back list. Her style of writing was so personable and friendly, even with a plot that had murder, deception, and racial tension.

In spite of actually reading the back cover blurb somewhere along the way, it slipped my mind that this book would feature the continuing story of a few characters from some of Kathy's earlier novels. I got a tad bit worried that this would make for a less-than-ideal reading experience, but she gave just enough info that I had no trouble piecing together Ethan and Vanessa's back story. In fact, their reasons for moving to Louisiana later became an instrumental part of the story in more ways than one.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Zoe. I think the combination of her attempts to change her past coupled with her desire to fit into the Cajun culture made her the most unrealistic character of the bunch. Her only redeeming feature was her husband, Pierce. His struggle to forgive Zoe for her years of deceit was both believable and heartfelt.

Now that I've connected with all of these characters, I'm anxious to return to the Roux River Bayou and see what's in store for Mrs. Woodmore. Her Southern charm in this novel was like iced sweet tea on a hot summer day--I just couldn't get enough!

4 Stars

Southern? You betcha!
Sass? No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

CFBA Blog Tour: A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler

2011-10-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wedding Invitation Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Alice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan in the sixties. Her parents were Presbyterian career missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils and scented erasers. In her room, she created stories. The desire to be a published famous author has never left her. Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation (all published by Bethany House).

Alice went to Eastern Mennonite University after graduating from Canadian Academy, an international high school in Kobe, Japan. She majored in social work and has worked across the U.S. in that field. She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) in Japan and at a refugee camp in the Philippines. She also studied Spanish at a language institute in San Jose, Costa Rica.

She has four children--Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth. Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory. This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After returning home from teaching English at a refugee camp in the Philippines, Samantha Bravencourt enjoys her quiet life working at her mother's clothing boutique in Falls Church, Virginia. When she receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart, and a young Amerasian refugee named Lien who needs Samantha and Carson's help to find her mother before Lien's own wedding. When the search for Lien's mother reveals surprising secrets from the past, Samantha must reevaluate her own memories and decide whether to continue to play it safe or take a risk that could change her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wedding Invitation, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

Book Review: The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft/2 Stars

2011-10-11T10:52:00.003-05:00

About the book:

When a business offer turns into something more personal, Amelia is torn between what logic tells her is right, and the desire of her heart.

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband's business, but it's not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she's only too relieved to consider it-especially when it looks like Eli's interest might include more than just the shop. But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it's difficult not to question God's will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can't promise him a future?

Includes instructions to make the quilt block featured in the novel.

My thoughts:

I feel like I've hit a rut with reading. You know what I mean...nothing seems to grab your attention, you struggle to finish a book, you find other things to do that are more exciting, and on and on. That's where I'm at right now...nothing is blowing me away, and I hate that. What's worse is that the Amish genre is one that has always been steadfast for me, always intriguing. And because it's been a good while since I've read an Amish novel, I was hoping that this book would snap me out of my funk.

Well, it didn't. It never felt like the author knew where she wanted her story to go. First off, you've got these three women who are so painfully difficult to tell apart in the beginning, and for the most part, they're pretty opinionated to be Amish. It seemed for awhile that I had stepped into a modern women's fiction novel rather than an Amish one.

Secondly, you've got the thread of this mysterious illness that has plagued Amelia for weeks, and almost has her on a wild goose chase to Mexico for treatment. Now, I'm not bashing that people do stuff like that when they've exhausted all other options, but please...we're talking about the Amish here. None of that part of the storyline was believable to me at all.

Thirdly, there's the drama of Amelia selling her business, which ruffles the feathers of quite a few of the local Amish men. I thought it was embarrassing that the men with whom she had been friends with for years berated her for even thinking of selling to an Englishman. What nerve! She had no choice at the time but to consider all of her circumstances, including her children, and it just made me so mad that all these men seemed to gang up on her.

Lastly, there's this nagging tooth problem that Amelia has (which is very instrumental to the overall story, so I won't spill the beans too much). I'm not a dentist or a tooth expert, but I have a little bit of knowledge about teeth since I worked in a dental office a few years ago. I don't know how much detailed research the author did on this particular part of her story, but there were some issues with procedures and pricing that were not accurate at all.

I really doubt I will read the rest of the series. There were too many plot twists and too many stories going on at once to make much of it remotely believable. It may be a great read for other Amish fiction fans, but it was not the book for me.

2 Stars

**Many thanks to Faithwords and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Southern? No
Sass? Surprisingly, a little bit.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Ginger Garrett Plus Giveaway

2011-10-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for joining me for another week of Southern-Style Meet & Greet! We've got a fabulous author today, so stay tuned!

First off, let me announce the winners of last week's giveaway thanks to Cindy Woodsmall. The two lucky ladies that will each be receiving a copy of The Christmas Singing are:

Paula O. (kyflo130@...) and Cathy G. (catbil@...)

Ladies, I hope you enjoy your copy of The Christmas Singing!

Now, time for our featured guest!

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women. A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by The New York Times, NPR, Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision," The Harvest Show, Fox News, and many other outlets.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in theater, she is passionate about creating art from history. You can learn more about Ginger and her work by visiting www.gingergarrett.com.

Welcome, Ginger!
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When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always had a deep love for stories. I read a lot growing up, and some books just seemed magical to me, the way they touched my heart and made me glad to be alive. I suppose that’s when I caught the bug, although I would be in my thirties before I began to think about writing one myself.

What genre do you most like to write?

Biblical fiction! The Bible has the juiciest stories around.

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories? If it’s not too personal, do you have a funny one you can share with us?

My mother-in-law and mother are my two biggest fans, so I better not answer that, especially since in my novel Samson’s mother is such an outspoken, domineering woman! Let’s just say that they inspire me in so many ways…

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

I love it when readers tell me, “I went back and read the story in the Bible to know what really happened.” I also love it when they realize they aren’t alone; even great heroines struggled and suffered.

What is your latest book release?

I just released Desired: The Untold Story of Samson & Delilah:

Three women loved him. Two betrayed him. One fulfilled his destiny.

Desired tells the story of the legendary strongman through the eyes of the three most important women in his life. The fiercely loving Jewish mother who nags him toward greatness…and rebellion. The impoverished Philistine girl, Amara, who becomes Samson’s bride. And the emotionally damaged seductress—the legendary Delilah—who becomes the instrument of his destruction and the key to his tragic triumph. Poetic, meticulously researched, and jaw-droppingly honest, Desired ultimately celebrates the God of Israel’s ability to work mightily despite out human weakness.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I’m finishing the last book in this series of “Lost Loves” from the Bible, and the story is about Jezebel. I have found her so fascinating. She had everything in the world: she was royalty. She had two palaces. Three children. One devoted husband. Her nation loved her. How did her life go so wrong?

That ought to be perfect for people who can't get enough of the Royals--no matter if they're current or historical. Sounds intriguing!

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

Anything by Siri Mitchell. She Walks in Beauty is her newest. I really admire Brock and Bodie Thoene, too.

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.gingergarrett.com
Plus I’m on Twitter and Facebook

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

The way Northerners start talking slow and looking nervous around us! I absolutely adore our Southern gentlemen, too. I appreciate their manners and willingness to help anyone in distress.

I have a Southern gentleman, and I'm so proud that I do! When I first saw how much respect he had for his mother, I said to myself, "I'll be taking him off the market, and fast!" :o)

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Unsweet! It’s Southern “table wine.”

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

BBQ can never be wrong. Pork, beef, chicken, and I’ve even done BBQ shrimp! I think BBQ should have its own food group. A little bit of BBQ every day, for every person, and this world would be a much nicer place.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

You’re killing me. How can I choose? I love them both. I would want to be Dolly and marry Elvis, if I could.

(But only if he was in his earlier years. The latter years...I'd leave him to another woman.)

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

I was married at a historical plantation house. I seem to remember them telling me it still has a cannonball lodged in the wall from the Civil War. I don’t remember much from that day, except that it was an outdoor wedding and it rained. :)

Isn't it amazing that brides so seldom remember their wedding day? My friends told me that before I got married, and I thought they must be joking. Nope...they were right. Only getting about 4 hours of sleep the night before probably didn't help my memory much, either.

Country gal or city gal?

All country. I don’t like cities.

You, you all, or y’all?

Y’all. But y’all knew that, I bet. :)
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Thanks to Ginger, this week's giveaway is a copy of her newest book, Desired: The Untold Story of Samson & Delilah. Please use the form for your giveaway entry, and the comments section for anything you'd like to discuss about the interview. All entries for the giveaway must be left by Sunday, October 16, and open to US residents only.

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CFBA Blog Tour and Book Review: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson/5 Stars

2011-10-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing House of Secrets Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 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 December, 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. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters, Geena and Piper, quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.

Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago...of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. They vowed, as children, to be silent--but one sister believes the truth must now be revealed. Yet can they trust their memories?

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes the strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to heal the past and ultimately to embrace love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of House of Secrets, go HERE.

My thoughts:

I'm having the hardest time putting into words how great this book was. To be totally honest, I wasn't sure what to expect after looking at the front cover and being less than impressed. However, Tracie Peterson has always written excellent contemporary novels, and I should've never doubted that this novel would be equally as good.

This was the second time this year that I've read a Christian book that dealt with mental illness. The family in House of Secrets has lived their lives based on years and years of secrets that were all rooted in the mother's illness of paranoid schizophrenia. And truly, no one felt the weight of those secrets more than Bailee, the main character. To be told as a child that you're responsible for your two sisters, and then on the flip side, to be told that it's your fault if anything happens to them was heartbreaking to read. As a result, Bailee's childhood was so far from normal, it wasn't even funny.

The emotions were all over the place, too. Fear, hurt, regret, and anger were all portrayed so realistically that I felt like I was part of the story. Mind you, I've got enough drama in my own life that I don't need to borrow these folks', but I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if faced with a situation like this. Would I be like the church members whose reacted with disdain and judgment, or would I be more like Mark--unafraid to step in to be a rock for Bailee in her time of need?

Trying to describe this book has been so hard to do. That's why I said in the beginning that I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book. I can't wrap up years of lies, secrets, and omissions in a nice box with a pretty little bow through a review. It's impossible. So, I'll close by saying if you're a fan of Tracie Peterson's contemporary novels, get your hands on this book. It will challenge your thinking through some difficult subjects that will make you wonder how you might respond if faced with the same situations. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

**Many thanks to Bethany House and CFBA for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis/3 Stars

2011-10-05T12:10:00.000-05:00

About the book:

Captive Trail is second 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 singularly.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu is Billie Morgan. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station.

Through Taabe (Billie) and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

My thoughts:

Susan Page Davis is an author whose books I've come to love. From her early days of writing for the Heartsong Presents line to one of her newest series, The Ladies Shooting Club, I've been able to rely on her ability to supply excellent stories to the Christian fiction genre. For those reasons, I was eager to read her newest novel, Captive Trail.

Captive Trail was a bit of a departure from Susan's usual style. There wasn't the spunky heroine or the handsome hero, nor was there the gradual and believable romance that I'm accustomed to reading. However, there was a sweet series of relationships that formed among the characters, and enough danger and fear evident with the local Indian tribes that I kept turning page after page.

I'm looking forward to the other 5 books in The Texas Trail Series by various authors that I have come to enjoy. My rating for Captive Trail is 3 Stars.

**Many thanks to Moody Publishers and CFBA for providing a copy for review.

Southern? No
Sass? No

More thoughts on Susan's previous novels:

The Sheriff's Surrender
The Gunsmith's Gallantry
The Blacksmith's Bravery

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Cindy Woodsmall Plus Giveaway

2011-10-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for joining me this week! There's lots of great fun ahead on this week's Meet & Greet. :o)

But first, time to announce the winner of last week's giveaway for Lisa Bergren's entire River of Time Series. The lucky winner is...

Margaret M. (margaretmetz_writer@...)

Congratulations, Margaret! I know you will LOVE this series!

And now, time for this week's author--Cindy Woodsmall. I had the *enormous* pleasure of meeting Cindy in person at a local book signing over the summer, and let me tell ya, what a dream come true! Cindy is one of the most likeable, down-to-earth people there is...maybe because she's a Southerner now (read on to get the gist of how she became one). I sincerely hope y'all enjoy our chat this week...I've had such a wonderful time getting to know her better. :o)

Welcome, Cindy!
________________________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I fell in love with stories at a really young age, but the idea of being a writer didn’t dawn on me until I was a mom of three.

One of my earliest memories is of my mother reading to me before bedtime. After she left the room, I reworked every story she read. What would have happened if Cinderella was mean and her stepsisters were kind? I stayed awake as long as I could, imagining different plotlines for the classic stories. When the characters wouldn’t do as I said, I knew sleep was taking over. Even my vivid imagination couldn’t stop the sandman.

Despite my childhood love of reworking plotlines and characters, I never considered becoming a writer. But as the years went by, the stories in my head got louder. As an adult I felt the stories were pulling me away from my family and into a dream world. When people tried to talk to me, I could barely hear them. I did everything I could think of to get free of the stories pounding away inside me—even whining to God to make them go away! But they wouldn’t leave. Instead, they grew so loud that I could no longer ignore them.

I finally began to realize that maybe I wasn’t meant to simply read fiction. Maybe instead of keeping a lid on the stories, I needed to remove the lid and stir the pot, so to speak.

In the summer of 2000 I finally asked my then-teenaged sons to set up a computer in the dining room, and I started writing.

I spent months writing and writing and writing, just letting the stories pour forth. In 2002 I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (www.acfw.com) and began the journey of learning how to get the story of my heart onto the written page in a way that would connect with readers.

What drew you to begin writing Amish fiction?

While growing up in Maryland, I had a best friend who was Amish-Mennonite. The moment I stepped inside her house when I was nine years old, I sensed there were a lot of differences between her home and mine. My friend, like all the females in her family, wore a prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. She knew her family tree; I knew how to climb a tree. Her family believed in keeping peace with others; my family believed that standing up for yourself was more important than getting along with others. My friend and I only attended school together for a year before her parents withdrew her from public school and began a school of their own for all the Amish-Mennonites in the area. When we didn’t see each other at school anymore, we continued our friendship by spending the night in each other’s home. But neither of our parents liked the relationship, and we spent years navigating around their disapproval. We’d sneak off to meet halfway between our two places, or meet at her aunt’s home, which was my closest neighbor inside that dairy-farming community. Since her lifestyle was so different from mine, my imagination constantly filtered the differences and devised stories around them. When I started writing, the story that stood out among all the others was based on the journey between my childhood Amish friend and me. That story eventually led to my first novel series, Sisters of the Quilt.

As an adult, I connected with an Old Order Amish woman through a mutual acquaintance. We became friends, and for years I’ve stayed in her home as often as time allows us that gift. Our relationship has been a precious one; after years of discussing my fiction works while we sat outside sipping coffee near her lilac bushes, we embarked on becoming coauthors of a nonfiction book—Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Her family and friends are unbelievably welcoming and helpful in every way.

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories?

Whenever an editor says, “You need to add something funny and warm here,” I draw from real-life experiences. You’ll see one of those incidents in The Christmas Singing. Just like the main character, Mattie, I have times of being quite absentminded.

For example, one year I planned a birthday party at a bowling alley for my youngest son, Tyler. The day of the party was one of those super-busy days, and I was relieved when I finally pulled into the bowling alley parking lot—on time and with my son, his bowling ball, and the birthday cake.

My husband worked nearby, so he planned to meet us there. Our oldest son, Justin, was in college, and our second son, Adam, was in high school—they planned to meet us there as well.

Once inside, I realized I’d forgotten the paper plates, napkins, and cups. The bowling alley had made their position clear: they’d provide pizza and drinks for the party, but everything else was my responsibility.

As Tyler’s friends and their parents trickled in and started bowling, I called Justin with my request for paper plates and napkins. He told me he would pick them up on his way.

When I realized I’d forgotten candles for the cake, I called Adam. He agreed to pick them up.

Then I realized I’d forgotten the knife for cutting the cake. I called my husband. He was just about to leave work, and there was a knife in the office kitchen that he could bring.

Next I realized I’d forgotten the plastic eating utensils. And the ice cream. And a scoop. And matches for the candles. And...

I called Tommy and my older boys repeatedly, asking them to run to the store or our house for needed items.

Just as the pizza was brought to the tables, my husband and two older sons walked in with big grins, obviously having met in the parking lot. They plunked their goods onto the table.

Tommy smiled. “I couldn’t wait to get here and make sure you hadn’t forgotten Tyler.”

Now, that's funny! LOL!

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

Hope to face the storms. Laughter to lighten the day. Sobriety to keep clear vision of what’s truly important. Love to enjoy life and all its messy beauty. These are the insights I’d like my readers to get from my books. Without insights, we are left with either legalism or fleeting emotionalism. Under the law, I fail. Under emotionalism, I fizzle. But insight has the power to mold, strengthen, and change us.

When we open our spiritual eyes to life’s principles, those principles become a part of who we are. Then not only do we understand why we should take a stand, we’re more willing to take that stand regardless of what’s going on around us. So my goal is to write in a way that helps people see life from a perspective that renews their strength to keep pressing on and gives them refreshment in the true value of living.

What is your latest book release?

The Christmas Singing ~

Mattie Eash’s life was everything she could hope for. Until three years ago at Christmastime, when her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, betrayed her.

Heartbroken, Mattie retreated to her brother’s home in Ohio and poured her life into the dream of running her own cake shop. There she found someone safe to give her heart to—unlike Gideon.

A devastating fire forces her back home…and right into the path of Gideon Beiler.

Will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy—or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

This holiday season, Mattie’s best gift might just be the harmony of unexpected truth and reconciliation.

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration in The Christmas Singing.

To read chapter one, go here: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/novellas/the-christmas-singing/excerpt/

I've loved these novellas of yours, Cindy. I'm wondering if they'll become a holiday tradition. (hint-hint)

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I’ve just finished my last novella—The Scent of Cherry Blossoms. It releases in February, but the setting is springtime. Here’s a brief plot summary:

The boundary line between a horse-and-buggy Mennonite and someone from the Old Order Amish community cannot be crossed for love. It’s forbidden. Unacceptable. Inappropriate. Because of that, longtime friends Annie and Aden have avoided each other, in spite of their mutual romantic attraction. Both have joined their respective faiths.

After years of living elsewhere, Annie returns to visit her grandfather and ends up working in Aden’s diner. His mother understands what Aden sees in her, but she’s desperate for him to do the right thing. He’s taken a vow to stay faithful to his church and so has Annie. Her grandfather has the power to shut the family restaurant down with one phone call, and he intends to do just that if Aden doesn’t stay away from his granddaughter. Is heartache all that's ahead for Annie and Aden?

Where can readers find you on the web?

www.cindywoodsmall.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

When my family lived in Maryland, we traveled to Alabama at least once each year to visit my grandparents. It was an eight-hundred-mile trip and we had to go through a lot of little towns. I spent those long hours reading and taking naps, but whenever we came close to the Georgia state line, I always begged to stop, even at a rest area, just so I could put my feet on Georgia soil. Finally, during one trip, my patient mom said, “Cindy, not everything good in life takes place in Georgia.”

I turned to her and said, “It will for me, Mom, just wait and see.”

For reasons we can’t always figure out, our children tend to gravitate toward certain things. They often seem to love something that makes little sense to us.

When I was a young woman, a job opportunity opened in Georgia. I didn’t need to be asked twice if I was willing to move there.

My husband and I have raised our three sons here. We now have two daughters-in-law and a grandchild on her way. I’m not sure I can define all the things I love about living in the Deep South, but I enjoy the seasons, the North Georgia Mountains, and the acceptance by all visitors that a porch is for sitting on nine months out of the year ;-)

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

I love sweet tea, no lemon.

Cindy, you're a woman after my own heart. There is no better way to drink tea than this one. :o)

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

Pork.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

LOL! When I’m in the thick of writing a novel, I love a good movie to relax with, and Dolly has been in a few fun movies—Steel Magnolias and Nine to Five come to mind. So for that reason, I think she wins. And although I enjoy Elvis Presley songs a lot, Dolly’s songs get my blood and imagination pumping! Can you hear the tune to Nine to Five at just the mention of it? I can!

Yep, I sure can! Know the song, but haven't seen the movie. Looks like I'll have to remedy that.

Country gal or city gal?

I’m not a city girl, but I do like to stay close to convenience. When my family lived in Maryland, we had homes in numerous places—from a suburb of DC to dairy farming country. Bethesda had everything at our fingertips, and I enjoyed that. The country had many wonderful learning aspects to it, but it took forty minutes each way to get to a store to pick up a gallon of milk. After experiencing each of those places, I knew I wanted “convenient country” living. We live about forty minutes outside of Atlanta. No matter what direction we go when leaving our home, we are within two miles of a pharmacy and grocery store.

You, you all, or y’all?

Maybe it’s the two cultures I’ve grown up with, but I use “you guys” and “y’all” pretty equally…and liberally.
__________________________________________

One last word from Cindy--

I have two contests currently taking place. Each one involves a chance to win one of two Amish-made wall hangings. One contest is on my Plain Talk Blog on the home page of my website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com. Once you’re on the site, scroll down until you see the words Plain Talk Blog, then click on either of the links provided: “read more” or “Win a copy of The Christmas Singing and an Amish-made wall hanging!” Scroll to “Leave a Reply,” then post a comment.

The other contest is taking place on Facebook—
https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall.

The Facebook contest begins Tuesday, October 4, and ends October 5, at midnight. The detail of the Amish-made wall hangings is so exquisite it’s hard to give it away, but I’m excited for someone to win each one!
____________________________________________

Up for grabs this week is not one, but TWO copies of Cindy's newest book, The Christmas Singing. And to help some folks out who have been having trouble leaving comments in the past few weeks, I'm going to start including this form on all future posts. Hopefully, everyone that is interested will have no trouble with entering going forward.

**Please use the form to complete your entry into the contest, and the comments section on the actual blog post for any additional remarks on the interview itself. All contest entries must be received by Sunday, October 9th. Giveaway open to US residents only.

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I Am In Love...

2011-09-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

...with Pinterest.

Have you discovered this place yet? (O...M...G....did I hear someone say no????) :o) It is *the* coolest thing I've seen online in a very long time. For someone who always finds things and says, "Hey, I could do that!" or "I wish I had a place to keep that where I wouldn't forget it"...well, this is da place for you.

If you're not familiar with it, let me give you a brief 4-1-1.

First, you have a profile with all your stuff. (Think of Facebook, but without the nosiness.)

Second, you create boards specifically designed to things you want to remember. Some of mine are:

You can create whatever kind of board you want. It's all about you. :o)

Next, it's time to start pinning! Yep, whatever you find a link for online, you can pin it. This website has made it so you can always have a central location for all the great things you see online that you want to remember. Personally, that's always been a problem of mine. I'll jot down a link somewhere, or print a page off, and most times, I've lost it within a day. Ridiculous, right? Now, I don't have that problem. Whee!!

You can also do something on there called "re-pin." Basically, if you see something that someone else thought was *way cool,* you can re-pin it to one of your boards. Everybody gets to share the love with all this snazzy stuff!

Now, I wish I was all sorts of tech-savvy so I could show you step by step how to make it all come together. I'll leave that to the pros at Pinterest. Yeah, it's a little bit confusing when you first start because it's a little like information overload, but rest assured, in no time you'll have seen an hour go by because you will not be able to drag yourself away.

Seriously.

If you decide to try it out, I hope you'll look me up!

Compiling a Reviewer List

2011-09-29T11:24:00.002-05:00

I never imagined in a million years that I would have so much fun reading, reviewing, and blogging about books. My bookshelves now are overflowing with books, and should something like a universal power outage ever happen (go read Terri Blackstock's Restoration series to get an idea), I will never have to worry about entertaining myself because of the lack of tv. I'll have books. :o)

But there's a small downside to all this fun. I'm getting to the point of having to turn away authors because I simply don't have enough time to read and review their books in a timely manner. That's where you are about to become oh-so-important. :o) I would love to be able to refer these authors to some of my blogging friends who may not have a schedule as tight as mine, and who can get these books read and reviewed to help spread the word. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in? If so, I hope you'll take just a few moments to fill out the form below.

At the present time, I'm not inundated with requests, so the amount of referrals that I'll pass on will be very minimal, depending on your genre preferences. By filling out the form, you are in no way obligated to respond to every review request sent your way. It will still be necessary for you to use discretion and choose the books you are genuinely interested in reading.

And don't worry... I am not about to share your info with anyone other than an author seeking a review. Our email boxes already get enough junk. :)

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Thank you so much for your time! I appreciate you stopping by!

CFBA Blog Tour: Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

2011-09-28T15:37:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Captive Trail Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011) by Susan Page Davis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Susan: I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!

Our children are all home-schooled. The two youngest are still learning at home. Jim recently retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, and we’ve moved from Maine to Kentucky.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Captive Trail is second 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.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Captive Trail, go HERE.

My thoughts:

Not too many yet, as I haven't gotten far enough into it to really form an opinion. Intrigued by the whole "runaway-from-the-almost-Indian-husband" bit, though. :o)