tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27440128194683720382024-02-19T09:37:43.976-06:00Southern Sassy ThingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.comBlogger662125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-76216937086513193802015-07-29T22:15:00.000-05:002015-07-29T22:36:05.405-05:00Dear Baby...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW3DBeHK6mikZheWv1KcA8Zc1r8rSyo4j7ZrURWK2Z0T3XUh_2D0dJVLpTNqNl40NG6ce3i5fMTon0TFES0KTn1N5vseoKOIJdc5nB9dtosyFS41buKk7Kw4QaykW0wL5CD5kdKVd04O7/s1600/teddybear.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW3DBeHK6mikZheWv1KcA8Zc1r8rSyo4j7ZrURWK2Z0T3XUh_2D0dJVLpTNqNl40NG6ce3i5fMTon0TFES0KTn1N5vseoKOIJdc5nB9dtosyFS41buKk7Kw4QaykW0wL5CD5kdKVd04O7/s320/teddybear.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Dear Baby,<br />
<br />
Today I got to hear your heartbeat for the first time. I never imagined what a complete feeling of joy I would feel because honestly, I didn't know that today would be the day I would experience it. Your daddy was in the room with me and heard you at the same time. When he did, the same goofy look of joy on my face was mirrored on his. In that moment, an unbelievable rush of love for you filled my heart. It seems as though the day when your daddy and I can see you for the first time is so far away, but January will be here in just six short months, and God will fully entrust us with you at that time.<br />
<br />
We have waited a long time to bring you into this world. While many of our friends have one, two, or even more kids, your daddy and I have waited until the time was right. At times, that makes us feel like we're on the outside looking in because it's difficult to relate to people that are parents while our nest has been empty. We don't know what schedules filled with school, soccer practice, music lessons, or birthday parties are like, but we will soon, and that thought excites me because I can't wait to see what you will experience.<br />
<br />
But there is one thing that saddens me. <br />
<br />
I am saddened at the thought that you will enter into a sinful world, more sinful than the world I grew up in. America is quickly turning away from God, and our society is paying the price. It is my heartfelt prayer that your daddy and I can raise you with Biblical truths that you can carry with you the rest of your life. It is our prayer that you will trust Jesus as your Savior, and that your life will be a living, breathing example of his overwhelming love for you. He loves you more than we ever could, and we already love you so much even though we haven't met you yet. <br />
<br />
Stay safe in my womb, little one. I will protect you as much as I can while you are growing and forming inside me (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139:14" target="_blank">Psalm 139:14</a>). Let the heartbeat I heard today continue to beat strong because I can't wait to hear it again. <br />
<br />
With love,<br />
<br />
Your mommy <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-11000838587022779622015-07-17T09:42:00.000-05:002015-07-17T09:42:09.011-05:00Pregnancy - Would I Ever Do This Again?!Once in a while, I'll be sharing some pregnancy related posts just so I can have something to look back on, and wonder, "What was being pregnant really like?" I'm already noticing that I have a touch of pregnancy brain, and I've been wanting to keep a "diary" of sorts that I can read when I need a laugh or to remember a special time. This will help me not forget. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
So, I can say with absolute certainty that I've always looked forward to the day that hubby and I would expand our little family. Now that I'm here, though...... Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously, I had this naive thinking that everything would be rainbows and butterflies, super happy feelings all the time, and just a blissful 9 months.<br />
<br />
Er... no.<br />
<br />
Number one - complete exhaustion <i>all the time</i>. I have never slept/wanted to sleep more in my LIFE. And when I finally get to sleep, it lasts maybe 3 to 4 hours. Then I'm up tossing and turning for who knows how long until I can finally get back to sleep. I know this is my body's way of preparing me for late nights, interrupted sleep and so on, but geez, I just want to SLEEP!!! And right now, the best place to get any sleep seems to be the couch. I had a friend tell me that before this 9 months was over that I would've found my way to every sleeping surface in the house until I found a place that was comfortable. Truer words have never been spoken. <br />
<br />
Number two - eating. I've always been under the impression that pregnant women eat all the time. Let me tell you, it's true, but probably not in the way you think. I'm a three square meals a day kind of girl...breakfast, lunch, and dinner like clockwork. Now, it's breakfast, then second breakfast, lunch, second lunch...you get the idea. I'm eating all the time, but I can only eat small amounts. It's like this baby has carved out a piece of my stomach, and said, "Nope, this belongs to me!" My lunches have been reduced to the size of kid's meals. :(<br />
<br />
Number three - gas. This one is probably the most un-glamorous of them all, and it sounds worse than it is...really. (I promise our house does not stink!) No, it's mostly just air that feels like it's trapped in my esophagus all day long. It makes me burp all the time. I read that it should subside once I reach the second trimester. Is it over yet? No. What makes it so miserable is that it causes this tightness in my chest that just won't go away. It literally feels like trapped air, and it hurts. :(<br />
<br />
Number four - "morning" sickness. So, here's one area that I've actually been fortunate to (almost) escape. I've been sick 3 times in 14 weeks, and I'd say that's a pretty good record at this point. :) But morning sickness as a title is so deceiving, and truly, if I was getting sick first thing in the morning every day, I'd have to just quit everything. I'm so not a morning person.<br />
<br />
In spite of all that, I am in absolute awe of this tiny thing growing inside me. And if I have to deal with no sleep, weird eating patterns, gas, and sickness, I'd say the trade off is going to be worth it all in about 6 more months. :) Are we anywhere close to being prepared? No, but we're so blessed with a great support system already, and this sweet child will not lack for one second of complete love. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-69734796153409444982015-07-13T08:00:00.000-05:002015-07-13T09:14:05.053-05:00Hold On...Change is Comin'!So, this is probably a surprise - geez, it's a surprise even to myself! :) I've been itching to blog for weeks now, and after the longest period of time of feeling that I had absolutely NOTHING to say... well, that's not the case anymore. Lots of thoughts to share today, and some plans for the future!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x9PP7ThiRzH3fsf9sFJAE4bR5px5bCdkGZaQPbIxnxb5ybySyDSpwz6HhQ6PNGS87ri68n8BQtbnclOKyyA-Cfm4saLxltPWX1Ugx6hT6uhvBWsieZQNY9iKLol0RPZXamBlQj21cQ9B/s1600/db2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x9PP7ThiRzH3fsf9sFJAE4bR5px5bCdkGZaQPbIxnxb5ybySyDSpwz6HhQ6PNGS87ri68n8BQtbnclOKyyA-Cfm4saLxltPWX1Ugx6hT6uhvBWsieZQNY9iKLol0RPZXamBlQj21cQ9B/s320/db2.jpg" width="266" /></a>First of all, our little family is about to change. What used to be me, hubby, and our two fur babies is going to increase by one with a new addition in about 6 months!! Yep, our first baby is on the way, due to arrive January 12th! We are super excited, but obviously, super nervous, too. Neither hubby or me have ever gone out of our way to interact with other people's babies, but I hear that when you have one that's your own, it's a totally different feeling. And I tell ya, I've never read so much in my life! All kinds of stuff about pregnancy and babies - holy cow, it's overwhelming. From trying to figure out why a baby is crying to learning that babies should sleep with absolutely nothing in their crib so they don't choke... Lord, help me please!<br />
<br />
So, while we're understandably nervous, we have two great sets of grandparents sitting on "go" and ready to babysit at a moment's notice. They have been full of great advice, and will be full of available time (all that we'll give them!) to give new daddy and me a rest when needed.<br />
<br />
I've already decided on a couple of things that we'll be implementing once baby arrives. The first is breastfeeding. I'm still not totally on the up-and-up about supplementing from time to time with formula, but I'm reading as much about it as I can. The second thing that I had decided on long ago is that we will be cloth diapering. Research for this has been a little bit of a maze, but things are starting to make sense. I haven't gone so far as to decide what we'll do as far as specific brands, but I imagine decisions on that will be made pretty soon. I'm so thankful that there is a supplier for cloth diapers here in my area - I've already scoured every inch of her super helpful <a href="http://www.overthemoondiapers.com/" target="_blank">website</a>!!<br />
<br />
As if all that won't keep me busy enough, I've also been in the process of switching over my jewelry business from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/belleonabudget?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> to my own stand-alone <a href="http://thebelleonabudget.com/" target="_blank">store</a>. I've wanted to do this for a long time as I feel like I've outgrown Etsy. There are also some things happening there that I personally don't agree with, and I think it will be better in the long run to separate my store from their platform. At this point, I'm allowing my Etsy listings to expire since I've already paid for them to appear there. As they expire, I'll be moving them over to the new store.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to get back into reviewing a little bit, too. Not too much, and probably not to the scale that I used to do, but I do miss it and the camaraderie that comes with it. :) <br />
<br />
So, busy doesn't even describe what's about to happen in our lives, but in this case, it's definitely a good thing. I'll leave you today with a pic of our new baby love!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtweHCS1K4UyPFJsQALHtg6aafd31DupnxABwevHozqAFh-tgrBmTAsbyeQ7sTI8U0KYGVOui8JUDrz_63bwsQhxOttiIqTq2wqJ_e_aP7AJPQdm4AggtU-NRZnVQo1I3YTtxdKG26dteU/s1600/US1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtweHCS1K4UyPFJsQALHtg6aafd31DupnxABwevHozqAFh-tgrBmTAsbyeQ7sTI8U0KYGVOui8JUDrz_63bwsQhxOttiIqTq2wqJ_e_aP7AJPQdm4AggtU-NRZnVQo1I3YTtxdKG26dteU/s320/US1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-70417175996000086542014-08-26T10:20:00.000-05:002014-08-26T18:07:09.519-05:0020 Things You Might Not Know About MeSince I'm getting back into the swing of things with blogging, I wanted to go a little easy on myself for the next few days/weeks. Would you believe I have blogger's block already?!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy this particular post!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This blog post is a part of the ’20 Things You Might Not Know About Me’ Blog Tag started by April from <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/" target="_blank">Blacksburg Belle</a>. She began this blog tag experiment to build community among creatives, help us bloggers to connect more and get to know each other better. This month’s topic is all about sharing just a little too much information about yourself. If you’d like to participate or want more info, check out the beginning post <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2014/08/an-experiment-the-20-things-you-might-not-know-about-me-blog-tag/" target="_blank">right here</a>.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 1: How tall are you?</b></span><br />
<div style="color: #555555;">
<br />
5'3"</div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?</b></span><br />
<i style="color: #555555;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #555555;">Hidden</i><span style="color: #555555;">??? Um, probably not, but one of the things that I'd like to think I can do better than my husband is painting. I have serious ninja painting skills. :) (And not that hubby and I have contests against each other all the time...it's just that we sometimes </span><strike style="color: #555555;">revel</strike><span style="color: #555555;"> take pride when we're really good at something.)</span><br />
<div style="color: #555555;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #555555;">
A bad blog design/layout.<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?</b></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><br /></b></span>
People that don't follow directions.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 5: What’s your favorite song?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
Oy...that's a REALLY tricky one! Asking a singer her favorite song is like asking a prolific reader about their favorite book - you cannot just choose one.<br />
<br />
But...just so there IS an answer here, let me name my favorite country song - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZbN_nmxAGk" target="_blank">Whiskey Lullaby</a> by Brad Paisley and Allison Strauss.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/byjodi" target="_blank">ByJodi</a> - I drool every time I come across one of her listings. She is mega-talented!!!
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
Usually reading or crafting something that isn't tied to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/belleonabudget" target="_blank">Etsy store</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?</b></span><br />
<br />
Oreos or Nutter Butters.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?</b></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b></b></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcVn8yVeUwNwtXzjF5O_L9EUSZ09hF96l_mHarnN714Ty6VpgFj7G24fIM0pKtcC9AkIwbiVzs4ogEpnk5ff_iNfj-uFDbrfe1L7M9M-dT6k1dt2z7dCGBmgIfBaabk83TBMPPJhurNTx/s1600/6-1-14+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcVn8yVeUwNwtXzjF5O_L9EUSZ09hF96l_mHarnN714Ty6VpgFj7G24fIM0pKtcC9AkIwbiVzs4ogEpnk5ff_iNfj-uFDbrfe1L7M9M-dT6k1dt2z7dCGBmgIfBaabk83TBMPPJhurNTx/s1600/6-1-14+041.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bella playing Peekaboo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR3zQMwCnU1bzwsxAnSf38BzruKuX7DGsJPko774389JodDNcbqRBbPh_sl-x2P03E41857a72YiIcF1iWgaW7VyW6LL3VHdIP-5KCcMkFmKetYGGWIasbCYEcAeAnEJTEOgk5CN4e06b/s1600/3-24-14+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR3zQMwCnU1bzwsxAnSf38BzruKuX7DGsJPko774389JodDNcbqRBbPh_sl-x2P03E41857a72YiIcF1iWgaW7VyW6LL3VHdIP-5KCcMkFmKetYGGWIasbCYEcAeAnEJTEOgk5CN4e06b/s1600/3-24-14+178.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dasher sitting at my craft desk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes! My pets are my babies (since I don't have actual *real* babies!) Dasher is a Chinese Crested Powderpuff, and Bella is a Pug/Chihuahua mix so we call her a chug. :) They both have very distinct personalities, too. Dasher is very protective of my hubby, but loves to play and chase his toys all over the house. He'll also bark at any living creature on the tv, so hubby and I deal with growls and snarls on a regular basis. Bella is the complete opposite - totally laid back and loves everyone. Literally...she loves everyone. :)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 10: What are you number one favorite fiction and non-fiction titles?</span></b><br />
<br />
Lord, help me...I didn't even know this question was down here when I answered the song one...
I don't really have a non-fiction title that I would consider my favorite. I've read a lot of biographies that I'd consider as good, but none that really stand out as I'm typing this.<br />
<br />
Favorite fiction title will probably always be <i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJSD2Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WJSD2Q&linkCode=as2&tag=soutsassthin-20&linkId=AXIC7KDXJYIQY6H5" target="_blank">Redeeming Love</a></i>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?</b></span><br />
<br />
At this moment, I would probably be the <a href="http://thebelleonabudget.com/makeup-monday/" target="_blank">24/7 Velvet Eye Pencil by Urban Decay in Black</a>.<br />
<br />
Q<b><span style="color: #38761d;">uestion 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?</span></b><br />
<br />
When the fire department showed up at my house because we didn't punch the alarm code into the wall thingie to turn off the smoke alarm. In all fairness, it was not the results of my cooking that set it off.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?</span></b><br />
<br />
Sweet tea<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?</span></b><br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVS6YZQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KVS6YZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=soutsassthin-20&linkId=CWPEUDX724CZ6FPZ" target="_blank">Gone With the Wind</a></i><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?</span></b><br />
<br />
I was the nerd, salutatorian, singer, and resident loud mouth all rolled into one. Thank God, I've mellowed out A LOT!!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?</span></b><br />
<br />
Somewhere tropical<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 17: PC or Mac?</span></b><br />
<br />
PC<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?</span></b><br />
<br />
My hubby, the autograph collector, got me an autograph from my high school crush - Joe Lando from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman - and it arrived in the mail this past weekend! (That blog post will be coming soon!)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Question 19: Favorite celebrity?</b></span><br />
<br />
David Boreanaz or Richard Armitage - got to meet the former at a Wizard Con event in Philly this past summer (fodder for a future blog post and/or series), and the latter is just total eye candy (and thanks to hubby, <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/03/richard-armitage.html" target="_blank">I have his autograph</a>, too).<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?</span></b><br />
<br />
For this one, I'd have to say either Renee from <a href="http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot</a> or Rissi from <a href="http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dreaming Under the Same Moon</a>. I love both of these blogs equally, and while I'm "online" friends with these gals, I just think that if they lived right down the street from me, we'd be best friends. :)<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
So, I think the next step is nominating. Since I've been out of the blogging loop for so long, I myself don't even know who else is in it! I know the two ladies in the paragraph above are still actively blogging, so they're definitely up for nomination. <br />
<br />
<b>Here are the rules:</b><br />
<br />
1. Copy and paste the questions below and then answer and turn them into a blog post. Or, record a video answering these questions and upload it to your blog post.<br />
<br />
2. At the bottom of your post, tag anywhere from 2-10 bloggers you want to see answer these questions. (I also suggest hitting up your tagged people via social media just to let them know you tagged them to do this tag challenge.)<br />
<br />
3. Use the title: 20 Things You Might Not Know About Me Blog Tag. Once you’ve hit publish, leave a comment below with the link to your post.<br />
<br />
4. Use the hashtag #20ThingsBlogTag when sharing on social media so we can all find your awesome posts!<br />
<br />
Question 1: How tall are you?<br />
Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?<br />
Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?<br />
Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?<br />
Question 5: What’s your favorite song?<br />
Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?<br />
Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?<br />
Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?<br />
Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?<br />
Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?<br />
Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?<br />
Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?<br />
Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?<br />
Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?<br />
Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?<br />
Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?<br />
Question 17: PC or Mac?<br />
Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?<br />
Question 19: Favorite celebrity?<br />
Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Enjoy!
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-13746624024710989862014-08-22T12:09:00.002-05:002014-08-22T12:11:49.554-05:00Book Review: The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray - 4 Stars**Quick update before diving in to this review ---
<br />
<br />
Do y'all have any idea how much I've missed this?!?! I haven't really written down my thoughts about any books in oh... A WHOLE YEAR!!! I'd just about given up that I'd ever have the time to do it again! While I don't anticipate having nearly the time to devote to it as I used to, I plan to be here a little more frequently than I used to be. :) I hope y'all will forgive my plodding along as I get back in the swing of things.<br />
<br />
I have stacks and stacks of books that I'd committed to reviewing, so I don't plan to accept any additional books for... maybe ever. :) I just have too much other stuff on my plate to heap more on top of it. So, some of what I'll be posting will be books that were released a couple of years ago, and probably little to none that are brand new releases. I'm ok with that if you are. *wink*<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/wp-content/uploads/Caregiver_pb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/wp-content/uploads/Caregiver_pb_c.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><i>
Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to Cleveland.</i><br />
<br />
Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.<br />
<br />
The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.<br />
<br />
Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My review:</b><br />
<br />
I had prepared myself early on to just read this one and be done with it. I've been of the opinion that Shelley's books are good, but sometimes too rushed and lacking in substance and so I've struggled to really enjoy them. After reading <i>The Caregiver,</i> my faith in her writing has been restored!<br />
<br />
<i>The Caregiver</i> was such a touching novel, but also a difficult one to read because the author dealt with the very sensitive subject of physical abuse between a husband and a wife. It felt like my heart was literally aching when I read some of the scenes with Lucy and her husband. That was my first indication that this was going to be a fulfilling read...not because I take pleasure in reading about such a topic, but rather knowing that I wasn't going to be reading another book filled with warm fuzzies.<br />
<br />
As the story progressed, I met Calvin, who was really the perfect person for Lucy after the death of her husband. (Don't worry...that last tidbit happens very early in the story, so I'm not spoiling anything for you. *wink*) Calvin had such a tender heart and concern toward Lucy that was like a balm to her soul.<br />
<br />
As if there weren't enough emotions churning within me, there was also the addition of Lucy's cousin, Maddie, who was struggling from one day to the next with a cancer diagnosis. Since I just recently read a novel with cancer as the focus, I had a better idea of how excruciating this disease really is, and how the things that you think are the day-to-day norm suddenly become some of the hardest things to do.<br />
<br />
There were enough secondary plots in <i>The Caregiver</i> to entice me to read the rest of this series, and I'm so happy that I didn't give up on Shelley's books!<br />
<br />
4 Stars<br />
<br />
**Many thanks to Avon Inspire for providing a copy for review.<br />
<br />
<i>Southern</i>? No<br />
<i>Sassy</i>? No<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=soutsassthin-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004HW76Z4&asins=B004HW76Z4&linkId=KANSHYKYMRPQOTLO&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe> Be sure to grab a copy of this book while it's 64% off the original cover price!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-80158224700616930752013-08-31T16:55:00.001-05:002013-08-31T16:55:57.253-05:00Semi-Book Review: Words by Ginny YttrupIt's been a month of Sundays since my last book review, and unfortunately, there's no plans to resume them any time soon. :o( However, I did want to take a moment to share about a book I read recently. :o)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328764378l/9476132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328764378l/9476132.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a>I've had the pleasure of reading two books by Ginny Yttrup--<i><a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/03/this-book-is-masterpiece-lost-and-found.html" target="_blank">Lost and Found</a></i> and now, <i>Words</i>. The latter book I finished a couple of weeks ago, and I've had trouble getting it out of my mind. I won't give away any spoilers except to say the subject matter was one that Ginny experienced personally, and knowing that it was a personal connection to her childhood brought tears to my eyes. <br />
<br />
I loved the realness of <i>Words</i>. I loved getting a deeper meaning of some words that I've used all along, but how they can mean other things in different, uglier circumstances. I allowed myself to naively wonder how God can allow such horrible things to happen, but then allowed myself to take note of how he heals us after we've been scarred. Ginny's books reveal man's ugly human nature, but also about the God of the universe that washes away all of our sins.<br />
<br />
For those that have never read Ginny's books, let me warn you ahead of time that hers are deep, emotional books. I happened to read her second book first, and there were no words to describe the way it made me feel. It was good, but difficult for me personally and the place I was in spiritually at that time.<br />
<br />
So, not really a book review, per se...just my thoughts about a talented author and her very first novel. :o)<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9476132-words" target="_blank">link</a> to more info about <i>Words</i>.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Many thanks to B&H Publishing for supplying a copy of <i>Words</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-36079010670370855202013-07-02T23:47:00.001-05:002013-07-02T23:47:33.602-05:00Book Review: Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd/4 Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344897688l/15763945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344897688l/15763945.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText12619196791971663232"><strong>From the acclaimed author of <em>To Die For</em> comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court.</strong>
Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity,
grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de
force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may
cost you your marriage—or your life?<br /><br />In 1565, seventeen-year-old
Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England.
Her fiance has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has
been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her
to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage
into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the
highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. But in a court that is
surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen’s downfall, Helena is
forced to choose between an unyielding monarch and the husband she’s not
sure she can trust—a choice that will provoke catastrophic
consequences.<br /><br />Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, <em>Roses Have Thorns</em> is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart.</span> <br />
<br />
<b>My thoughts: </b><br />
<br />
It's been several weeks now since I read <i>Roses Have Thorns</i>, and I'm ashamed to say that I've struggled with writing my review of this book. Sandra is not only a great author, but someone that I now think of as a friend. Perhaps that's why I've...um...slightly avoided writing a review of RHT because I didn't connect with it the way I'd hoped I would.<br />
<br />
Compared to the other two books in the Ladies in Waiting series, this novel features a Queen rather than the wife of a king. That alone took some getting used to because, as a reader, I wasn't accustomed to being that close to the decisions made by a leader of a country since the first two books were not told from that viewpoint. However, I felt that I learned a great deal more about the political intrigue that must've been rampant at that time, as well as the willingness of Elizabeth I to be totally and completely devoted to her country rather than finding a husband.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed Helena as the viewpoint for the story because she seemed to be a woman with a smart head on her shoulders, and knew when she should speak her opinion and when she should keep silent. While I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did for Helena in regards to marriage, I did appreciate the reality shown here that marriage is not always wedded bliss, and "happily ever after" rarely occurs despite our dreams for such.<br />
<br />
But as a whole, there just seemed to be something missing. The only thing I can really attribute it to is lack of emotion. As we all know, Queen Elizabeth never married, but did have one gentleman she was fond of. Because of her devotion to her throne and to England, she squelched her desire to explore anything further with him, and from that point forward, seemed to be "all business." Also, there seemed to be a repetition that I've never experienced in one of Sandra's reads, and as a result, it took me longer to finish RHT than it did to finish <i>To Die For</i> and <i>The Secret Keeper</i> combined.<br />
<br />
It pains me to no end that this was not as enjoyable of a read for me because Sandra has been one of my favorite authors for many years now, and this is the first book that hasn't received 5 stars from me. By no means will it stop me from reading more of her books, and I think I'll look back on this one as a blip on the radar because I know she's got more great books in store. :o)<br />
<br />
4 Stars<br />
<br />
**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-8411831545679727482013-03-29T21:27:00.003-05:002013-03-29T21:27:38.042-05:00CFBA Blog Tour: Threads of Hope by Christa Allen<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426752660">Threads of Hope</a></span></center>
<center>
Abingdon Press (March 1, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://christaallan.com/">Christa Allan</a></span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"> </span></center>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;"> </span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimppDcNplYhvyVhzdWEUFuVuJkaIPE_FFPWUv3wtTQPBORpQ-1h7b6jHltwVR5pDnVxCZ5DkjjAd3iJ5RgohKPIdT-HmDiBtaH6iIv9FvPWdVeiDz7PYyIBLDTOHG5-StwDaSeubF6CMPb/s1600/ChristaAllan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimppDcNplYhvyVhzdWEUFuVuJkaIPE_FFPWUv3wtTQPBORpQ-1h7b6jHltwVR5pDnVxCZ5DkjjAd3iJ5RgohKPIdT-HmDiBtaH6iIv9FvPWdVeiDz7PYyIBLDTOHG5-StwDaSeubF6CMPb/s1600/ChristaAllan.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa is a writer of not your usual Christian Fiction. She weaves stories of unscripted grace and redemption with threads of hope, humor, and heart. Christa is the mother of five adult children, a grandmother of three, and a brand new retired teacher. She and her husband Ken live in New Orleans with their three cats and do their best to dodge hurricanes.
<br />
<br />
And, since she is not fond of writing about herself in third person, she asked her oldest daughter to contribute. Like her mother, Erin is not at a loss for words…<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwVV_LMFdNUUonaSG6SMgksond38eLNKCA7sWs2gckiv8dMv3RB2aok1lUGYFQZ39m2qT4yntg_Od2Ja2GYLP3rZEE6l_X11bHNRc5okGug9pxIzLx0bVg0H8DhrrdpU9DVcMUTCyc-9/s1600/ThreadsOfHope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwVV_LMFdNUUonaSG6SMgksond38eLNKCA7sWs2gckiv8dMv3RB2aok1lUGYFQZ39m2qT4yntg_Od2Ja2GYLP3rZEE6l_X11bHNRc5okGug9pxIzLx0bVg0H8DhrrdpU9DVcMUTCyc-9/s1600/ThreadsOfHope.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
Passed over for promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Nina O’Malley is further frustrated when her editor assigns her one of the “soft” stories she despises—covering a gala benefit supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt. More determined than ever to prove she deserves a promotion to the NY office, Nina decides to write a series featuring a local quilting group raising money for AIDs research. At the event, she runs into her high school nemesis: Greg is a widower and the adoptive father of Jazarah, an HIV positive girl from Ethiopia. Unlike Nina, Greg has faith in a loving God, and he trusts in God’s plan for his life. Greg and Nina grow closer, and as Nina interviews the quilt families, she begins to question the choices she has made and her lack of faith. Nina suddenly finds herself facing two possible dreams, two paths for her life.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426752660">Threads of Hope</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/threads-of-hope-by-christa-allan.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-8565997950588442442013-03-26T22:04:00.001-05:002013-03-26T22:04:27.121-05:00CFBA Blog Tour: The Survivor by DiAnn Mills<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310333229">The Survivor</a></span></center>
<center>
Zondervan (March 5, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.diannmills.com/">DiAnn Mills</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGs0ktQlTQhgMJ7TpgFWJZGwk9oABX-L2To5lINfOyInI7zPlGzyZQ6-aZ9ETy4voDj9ZFY7Orq-w0K6b-lUOWepkkkb9nvaXP-vvpOzpzV5Uh3Wy5R-ht9bfxKz21CRNOWhNINRYnTi/s1600/DiAnn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGs0ktQlTQhgMJ7TpgFWJZGwk9oABX-L2To5lINfOyInI7zPlGzyZQ6-aZ9ETy4voDj9ZFY7Orq-w0K6b-lUOWepkkkb9nvaXP-vvpOzpzV5Uh3Wy5R-ht9bfxKz21CRNOWhNINRYnTi/s200/DiAnn.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diannmills" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/diannmills</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QHhV1fBxQF-tVJ79-i6uYwddXOa8UNTs7SaVdAvjfy6k6UAE_lOtfoZVkwgtzmedBz_-kxm1Lhfvx8wqbOpPgUHAnOB68z9p5QpszAiXTj9JwC-2sL9oLf7FWODXNDA37ffHZo0CJExg/s1600/TheSurvivor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QHhV1fBxQF-tVJ79-i6uYwddXOa8UNTs7SaVdAvjfy6k6UAE_lOtfoZVkwgtzmedBz_-kxm1Lhfvx8wqbOpPgUHAnOB68z9p5QpszAiXTj9JwC-2sL9oLf7FWODXNDA37ffHZo0CJExg/s1600/TheSurvivor.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310333229">The Survivor</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-survivor-by-diann-mills.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-29839570619274756402013-03-22T23:50:00.001-05:002013-03-22T23:50:30.560-05:00CFBA Blog Tour: Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414366418">Wings of Glass</a></span></center>
<center>
Tyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://ginaholmes.com/">Gina Holmes</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_gymFBFiUfMl_N2IEn4fubQR3m4D7SyYsgUOm1fqsSdrnvEldbCfkG76RmA2pDFwdX5L9bP341jPbg9RgVe8ii51OysiCrnrlYluRZgYnmKU77Sb9cu5cIlcLW-07sPcAtdW3PfA9iSV/s1600/ginaholmes%5B3%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_gymFBFiUfMl_N2IEn4fubQR3m4D7SyYsgUOm1fqsSdrnvEldbCfkG76RmA2pDFwdX5L9bP341jPbg9RgVe8ii51OysiCrnrlYluRZgYnmKU77Sb9cu5cIlcLW-07sPcAtdW3PfA9iSV/s200/ginaholmes%5B3%5D.JPG" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<br />
Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.
<br />
<br />
Her debut, <i>Crossing Oceans</i>, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, <i>Wings of Glass</i> will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZFvujkgUUhW7-radNpCkns3iX3Ytgfm6LWImelzH7k23jnGfT7yxYGNBKnmMf-Yf6fuGzt79haDMbw6MTwG9rr89L9lSG4S2GypMSCsvYnh-MExaawDvUFVzbOTOTDF57RDL9XpmJZTz/s1600/WingsOfGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZFvujkgUUhW7-radNpCkns3iX3Ytgfm6LWImelzH7k23jnGfT7yxYGNBKnmMf-Yf6fuGzt79haDMbw6MTwG9rr89L9lSG4S2GypMSCsvYnh-MExaawDvUFVzbOTOTDF57RDL9XpmJZTz/s1600/WingsOfGlass.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
From the bestselling author of <i>Crossing Oceans</i> comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.
<br />
<br />
When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414366418">Wings of Glass</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/wings-of-glass-by-gina-holmes.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-79161520282223543942013-03-13T22:55:00.002-05:002013-03-13T22:55:58.503-05:00CFBA Blog Tour: Swept Away by Mary Connealy<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209140">Swept Away</a></span></center>
<center>
Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.maryconnealy.com/">Mary Connealy</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzSecx96jl2sKoNDSCGfPNAnTXDOD67NkkdHAGxpDi2oBHmVGFzd0sO_bSDGbTTBYMDmRoIDe5bTdQ2vOizAjStOJZTsep6hkUKZA3uhRofP5mLaMhv15o2jCESFeB8Obkb-otl5oeTS1/s1600/maryconnealy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzSecx96jl2sKoNDSCGfPNAnTXDOD67NkkdHAGxpDi2oBHmVGFzd0sO_bSDGbTTBYMDmRoIDe5bTdQ2vOizAjStOJZTsep6hkUKZA3uhRofP5mLaMhv15o2jCESFeB8Obkb-otl5oeTS1/s1600/maryconnealy.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></div>
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
<br />
The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.
<br />
<br />
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.
<br />
<br />
The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy6EddBRL4fvj3xvOyea_qTlJaPnPoy17PN-MectIumt7MFaGKkRcqChKA4G6C-CjNNmm48in4QmXnlz6xjyR6gcipEMIICnAGGt6X88CbOWEvdU8LPSKWiWRwu0ZjJbrZJXLn37NgIbU/s1600/SweptAway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy6EddBRL4fvj3xvOyea_qTlJaPnPoy17PN-MectIumt7MFaGKkRcqChKA4G6C-CjNNmm48in4QmXnlz6xjyR6gcipEMIICnAGGt6X88CbOWEvdU8LPSKWiWRwu0ZjJbrZJXLn37NgIbU/s1600/SweptAway.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!
<br />
<br />
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
<br />
<br />
Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.
<br />
<br />
But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209140">Swept Away</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/swept-away-by-mary-connealy.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-26745016131338461982013-03-07T01:39:00.003-06:002013-03-07T01:39:58.608-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433672146">Strand of Deception</a></span></center>
<center>
B&H Books (March 1, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.robincaroll.com/">Robin Caroll</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtniksndRCiha5SgNF4JE50QQZcrE1IVBxRrD_USFQDtFsuAt1xlYgrskL0S6Ntpig0T8rhEGeT9AT7ocUW-KKxh8M5dSZURUduGuIP1YcbpwkivmyCrxkbrx5CCNcVIyeQzwlLiTjlFfS/s1600/RobinCaroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtniksndRCiha5SgNF4JE50QQZcrE1IVBxRrD_USFQDtFsuAt1xlYgrskL0S6Ntpig0T8rhEGeT9AT7ocUW-KKxh8M5dSZURUduGuIP1YcbpwkivmyCrxkbrx5CCNcVIyeQzwlLiTjlFfS/s1600/RobinCaroll.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.<br />
<br />
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NECpIIIe6oMuVTJoemCsThavJqNAoxixrF_aer1f1HybBty7m4rd8K5_evbEaIU1QEU2bjfMUdAoIvZ67scyp9FkCmsf_S9mSR4dK5xL0dbYB-yB9SId9ahGbfVYuL4NCVvIUZTL-eER/s1600/StrandsOfDeception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NECpIIIe6oMuVTJoemCsThavJqNAoxixrF_aer1f1HybBty7m4rd8K5_evbEaIU1QEU2bjfMUdAoIvZ67scyp9FkCmsf_S9mSR4dK5xL0dbYB-yB9SId9ahGbfVYuL4NCVvIUZTL-eER/s1600/StrandsOfDeception.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
<br />
When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.
<br />
<br />
Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.<br />
<br />
But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? <i>Strand of Deception</i> offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433672146">Strands of Deception</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/strands-of-deception-by-robin-caroll.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-79495358621520368942013-03-06T23:37:00.000-06:002013-03-07T01:38:18.755-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206192">Icecutter’s Daughter</a></span></center>
<center>
Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.traciepeterson.com/">Tracie Peterson</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4NQAAdol1vfPZ7-s61p1kF4oA4GrKHXRmOEtR3T8ysIubXblUlV7_OD6B2De0n7PYtKebRBMkiGsmvMOCOdCwZkfu_mW6x6DnSPOA2BD7zmC3Aj-JhajGGCrsTECELVe28O_1l3gQAEf/s1600/TPetersonPressKitPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4NQAAdol1vfPZ7-s61p1kF4oA4GrKHXRmOEtR3T8ysIubXblUlV7_OD6B2De0n7PYtKebRBMkiGsmvMOCOdCwZkfu_mW6x6DnSPOA2BD7zmC3Aj-JhajGGCrsTECELVe28O_1l3gQAEf/s200/TPetersonPressKitPhoto.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.<br />
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw <i>A Place To Belong</i> 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6YrFmvqIRveYZbiQXphCLkTagrUVkUVeZfqPiJ5tf7Ozc-duQO1uCqNeN3wmwWpcClQ0Cjfu00cvQcjLQJD1hsfsTFpc7SxJD8bWcOfJCcJ_qXWQT4FByjiuhJazXu7G6WkMbpuY1Fz4/s1600/IcecuttersDaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6YrFmvqIRveYZbiQXphCLkTagrUVkUVeZfqPiJ5tf7Ozc-duQO1uCqNeN3wmwWpcClQ0Cjfu00cvQcjLQJD1hsfsTFpc7SxJD8bWcOfJCcJ_qXWQT4FByjiuhJazXu7G6WkMbpuY1Fz4/s1600/IcecuttersDaughter.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors. <br />
<br />
When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206192">Icecutter’s Daughter</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/03/icecutters-daughter-by-tracie-peterson.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-15219520161204124452013-02-27T21:44:00.000-06:002013-02-27T21:44:26.971-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736952101">Flora's Wish</a></span></center>
<center>
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.kathleenybarbo.com/">Kathleen Y'Barbo</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bmgSvrp01UuOH3MUk3K584zBpMEgYjrpg192syC9vq9ZWmE-_ngLfhXtk2_cV0huLeoU9jZfznSvE1_Y4v4EMgdftGbYW0M4SV99aeTZFDRglDQsq4-_EjmgDsM7ij-rhceoG7ZPGXW-/s1600/kathleen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bmgSvrp01UuOH3MUk3K584zBpMEgYjrpg192syC9vq9ZWmE-_ngLfhXtk2_cV0huLeoU9jZfznSvE1_Y4v4EMgdftGbYW0M4SV99aeTZFDRglDQsq4-_EjmgDsM7ij-rhceoG7ZPGXW-/s1600/kathleen2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.<br />
<br />
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.<br />
<br />
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas driver's license.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6vE4tw3PvTbWzNoJzxSKxDAxc0bwYy7cZUMgAzbPtKPcu1Dig93qunfFovjn6LlCpy6-UvdzyueG8Puyctu-jLmmNk0PS9yhOCLyDbQdAQW-c6SPSkavCLRZg6KmGlAk6mvwxa3ULqk8/s1600/Flora's+Wish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6vE4tw3PvTbWzNoJzxSKxDAxc0bwYy7cZUMgAzbPtKPcu1Dig93qunfFovjn6LlCpy6-UvdzyueG8Puyctu-jLmmNk0PS9yhOCLyDbQdAQW-c6SPSkavCLRZg6KmGlAk6mvwxa3ULqk8/s1600/Flora's+Wish.jpeg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.<br />
<br />
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?<br />
<br />
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736952101">Flora's Wish</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/02/floras-wish-by-kathleen-ybarbo.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-68726794478502836732013-02-19T20:30:00.000-06:002013-02-19T20:30:02.375-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: For the Love of Eli by Loree Lough<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426752504/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1426752504&linkCode=as2&tag=soutsassthin-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;">For Love of Eli</span></a></center>
<center>
Abingdon Press (February 1, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.loreelough.com/">Loree Lough</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUBSKTC52mKjxd5Q-jeEx4hK2rIqobKra25O9r1AOOniqPLor93JiqM_Rqv4uHHiO-VXE0aSUlVgNLSwWG7ZDNYsX4F2FlOhs7aEyy6uTlEfLUrJ9yF6MjJqVa2er_qC7qJFlViMqe0lt/s1600/LoreeLough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUBSKTC52mKjxd5Q-jeEx4hK2rIqobKra25O9r1AOOniqPLor93JiqM_Rqv4uHHiO-VXE0aSUlVgNLSwWG7ZDNYsX4F2FlOhs7aEyy6uTlEfLUrJ9yF6MjJqVa2er_qC7qJFlViMqe0lt/s1600/LoreeLough.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></div>
With more than FOUR MILLION copies of her books in circulation, Loree has 98 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults; four novels optioned for movies; more books slated for release between now and 2014), 68 short stories, over 2,500+ articles in print, and over 19,000 letters from fans!<br />
<br />
Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.<br />
<br />
A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.<br />
<br />
She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of "wolf stuff." <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDE30eJtSxam_WO-mdsSUInF0g38ljtE9vVJWy15fJsBW3xd_rXbulmpsglFkBnDygthiMMW7O-IvrauTWL1Cm38cSGIFISvlVnVLzrUfHLuOd6jvBQ4emcerYCLqh4Had9i_1aECcyHS/s1600/For+Love+of+Eli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDE30eJtSxam_WO-mdsSUInF0g38ljtE9vVJWy15fJsBW3xd_rXbulmpsglFkBnDygthiMMW7O-IvrauTWL1Cm38cSGIFISvlVnVLzrUfHLuOd6jvBQ4emcerYCLqh4Had9i_1aECcyHS/s1600/For+Love+of+Eli.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
When unspeakable tragedy leaves young Eli an orphan, two families are devastated. But Taylor, Eli’s aunt and legal guardian, vows to help him remember his parents by creating a Memory Quilt. As she begins piecing together the moments of his parents' lives, the story of the young family emerges and Taylor and Eli begin to heal. But Eli’s uncle Reece is slow to let go of the past and still blames Taylor’s brother for his sister’s death. So, although he has long been attracted to Taylor, Reece keeps a safe distance away. Can their shared love for Eli pave the way to forgiveness or will Taylor and Reece be separated by pain?<br />
<br />
If you would like to read a first chapter excerpt of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426752504">For Love of Eli</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/02/for-love-of-eli-by-loree-lough.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-59277111370423351712013-02-15T23:35:00.001-06:002013-02-15T23:35:16.070-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062204408">Daybreak</a></span></center>
<center>
Avon Inspire; Original edition (February 12, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/">Shelley Shepard Gray</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfEYVN8WJxZ1KxPhKOx6yLe7drH-gkYnrbTW3nf2KSS1vlg2xdFs94rwvVXS2FFzRhjDmldJ53kB6O1JhLlP3w1o4ewkV_y-6OLYtKbtWRZLBGDuImiFfTT2C97mDsZeeM7W1a0fCipSF/s1600/Shelley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfEYVN8WJxZ1KxPhKOx6yLe7drH-gkYnrbTW3nf2KSS1vlg2xdFs94rwvVXS2FFzRhjDmldJ53kB6O1JhLlP3w1o4ewkV_y-6OLYtKbtWRZLBGDuImiFfTT2C97mDsZeeM7W1a0fCipSF/s200/Shelley.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.<br />
<br />
Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, <i>The Protector</i>, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, <i>The Survivor</i>, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, <i>Forgiven</i> and <i>Grace</i>, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.<br />
<br />
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.<br />
<br />
When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.<br />
<br />
Check out Shelley's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Shelley-Shepard-Gray/154203285072">Facebook Fan page</a> <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefG__y8ZhdRfh3yGO23SWU75x9XjBWzozcBJAQajCvw9l3SnoHF7SF6CRDkMn6laHuPGs6xwCknKSc1JyyZ4bwM537yTV2XVkYW89hBXhaO5mi7H6aUZkU0y0iIJYQKP50sX1fCz8vo1X/s1600/Daybreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefG__y8ZhdRfh3yGO23SWU75x9XjBWzozcBJAQajCvw9l3SnoHF7SF6CRDkMn6laHuPGs6xwCknKSc1JyyZ4bwM537yTV2XVkYW89hBXhaO5mi7H6aUZkU0y0iIJYQKP50sX1fCz8vo1X/s1600/Daybreak.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can’t imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it’s not the Amish way, and though she doesn’t know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.
<br />
<br />
But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can’t do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted—and to be harboring some secrets of his own.
Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read a first Chapter excerpt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062204408">Daybreak</a>,go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/02/daybreak-by-shelley-shepard-gray.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-42711372527242866482013-02-12T18:14:00.003-06:002013-02-12T18:14:50.855-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Shattered by Dani Pettrey<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209833">Shattered</a></span></center>
<center>
Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.danipettrey.com/">Dani Pettrey</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNSz1IsJKiAL-OzNihCOCqt3M4MY5qpHop2pNDOU6W6qF7Eb2tKS0aLIemtQ7mWVDN9TLxNFqNqxBDOUyXLlD8BR0VTv2LkcUuaSgcymaand0A0Hj750aenofNwWpg-_HGZCxCQxG6xd2/s1600/DaniPettrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNSz1IsJKiAL-OzNihCOCqt3M4MY5qpHop2pNDOU6W6qF7Eb2tKS0aLIemtQ7mWVDN9TLxNFqNqxBDOUyXLlD8BR0VTv2LkcUuaSgcymaand0A0Hj750aenofNwWpg-_HGZCxCQxG6xd2/s1600/DaniPettrey.jpg" height="200" width="157" /></a></div>
In real life, Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
<br />
<br />
Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.
<br />
<br />
And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.
<br />
<br />
Dani is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel <i>Submerged</i> and latest release <i>Shattered</i>. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEohOAstEebKwGo8cUaxcCRdZ9WKeE1BJ00SzqJ0_yxo2y3bwHk49Yp9Xx4PmPYFtfoYdKwc3M9ff5NF6R3VNfniOiZYknfAclQXa4gCxmOIq9OfUNdKCbCssGH2tidF3VYoUu-hraue-S/s1600/Shattered+by+Dani+Pettry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEohOAstEebKwGo8cUaxcCRdZ9WKeE1BJ00SzqJ0_yxo2y3bwHk49Yp9Xx4PmPYFtfoYdKwc3M9ff5NF6R3VNfniOiZYknfAclQXa4gCxmOIq9OfUNdKCbCssGH2tidF3VYoUu-hraue-S/s1600/Shattered+by+Dani+Pettry.jpg" /></a></div>
Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.
<br />
<br />
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.
<br />
<br />
With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209833">Shattered</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/02/shattered-by-dani-pettrey.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-73610339330806517332013-02-06T21:27:00.000-06:002013-02-06T21:27:00.409-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209280">Unbreakable</a></span></center>
<center>
Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.nancymehl.com/Welcome.html">Nancy Mehl</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSEb84-K9tB7SLhbIGMPNNTHXDCfqEDRFAfuz_Z7Z3Nyogl5QlImH0v-AR36olCql1kW6b93jI1hXfb3mzH28PdkIZ6QlEI9o_IM2ixkyS-A3DzweOhO65h145_rQQERJrMmWRreDeAjN/s1600/Nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSEb84-K9tB7SLhbIGMPNNTHXDCfqEDRFAfuz_Z7Z3Nyogl5QlImH0v-AR36olCql1kW6b93jI1hXfb3mzH28PdkIZ6QlEI9o_IM2ixkyS-A3DzweOhO65h145_rQQERJrMmWRreDeAjN/s200/Nancy.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a></div>
<br />
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.<br />
<br />
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”<br />
<br />
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlc0DKH3MiARQrqJ35FjJsupHz0R6ed8UkZv8dpbnDdvnDOr2meBLZ9v3hK-VdWlKK23tKVseTUJDL3ocdwMXdsc7DJWb_VoAOKanL6J__amOP6OWR6vN0BU45RlzuQ8g6iefuwR0rp2J/s1600/Unbreakable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlc0DKH3MiARQrqJ35FjJsupHz0R6ed8UkZv8dpbnDdvnDOr2meBLZ9v3hK-VdWlKK23tKVseTUJDL3ocdwMXdsc7DJWb_VoAOKanL6J__amOP6OWR6vN0BU45RlzuQ8g6iefuwR0rp2J/s1600/Unbreakable.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers
<br />
<br />
Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
<br />
<br />
Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.
<br />
<br />
When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209280">Unbreakable</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/02/unbreakable-by-nancy-mehl.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-15299576371565015122013-01-27T16:02:00.000-06:002013-01-27T16:03:54.327-06:00Book Review: The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow/3 Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340918005l/14059909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340918005l/14059909.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText13667163171562916813">Charlotte Farrow, maid
in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago's opulent Prairie Avenue,
has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But
when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him,
Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep
her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the
truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will
life's tragedies determine the future for her? </span><br />
<span id="freeText13667163171562916813"><br />This compelling
story set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian
Exposition captures the tension between the wealthy class and the
hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable. Author Olivia
Newport expertly portays social classes while creating a story of
courage, strength, and tender romance.</span> <br />
<br />
<b>My thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
After reading Olivia Newport's exceptional debut novel, <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/05/book-review-pursuit-of-lucy-banning-by.html" target="_blank"><i>The Pursuit of Lucy Banning</i></a>, I was oh-so-eager to return to Prairie Avenue to catch the latest happenings in the Banning household. While Lucy's story had a definite taste of the rich and cultured "upstairs" life, Charlotte's story was all about the "downstairs" life of service.<br />
<br />
The story started out great, but before too long, I grew bored. Believe me, I didn't want to. The arrival of Henry at the house, and the reasons why he was there, seemed contrived and not believable. The lack of romance also played a factor in my disappointment. Archie's attraction to Charlotte never appeared to be fully explored initially, and her reluctance to entertain a relationship with him lingered too long. And like the first book, the spiritual elements were lacking again.<br />
<br />
But on the flip side, the continuance of the Chicago World's Fair and the history of their mayor were thoroughly enjoyable. The addition of the anarchist movement, while not mentioned at great detail, was a perfect element to include and showed the early beginnings of what we now know as the eight-hour workday.<br />
<br />
I do wish to finish the series, and am curious as to which heroine will be the focus of the third and final book.<br />
<br />
3 Stars<br />
<br />
<i>Southern</i>? No<br />
<i>Sass</i>? No<br />
<br />
**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review in exchange for my honest opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-35482002092939789152013-01-24T23:52:00.001-06:002013-01-24T23:52:45.389-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Grace Given by Beth Shriver<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1621360172">Grace Given</a></span></center>
<center>
Realms (January 8, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.bethshriverwriter.com/">Beth Shriver</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT3rfspvDDGBhNoH5_2yQvcfV6YfVE8CTB0_dTA4-uSlbfQQwot8wImWG_2VxvS3BLJQdHGgVhY0yQomz066pb-tX6vgTbWZU76FyCHKvKh86GjDl_lRy5wlVHLvIdDhbHNVUQGzG6yuL/s1600/Beth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT3rfspvDDGBhNoH5_2yQvcfV6YfVE8CTB0_dTA4-uSlbfQQwot8wImWG_2VxvS3BLJQdHGgVhY0yQomz066pb-tX6vgTbWZU76FyCHKvKh86GjDl_lRy5wlVHLvIdDhbHNVUQGzG6yuL/s1600/Beth.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!
<br />
<br />
Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Beth is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOaT60hzLzjL67pdQd0qE8yXnN6rWwYoYWEEhS36CgUSYsD1X2RSpcPGgZG_eYEaj6-nLy5NXaSxYDbGN7tYJVgvD_WNpILtdizPRixTTHdjKz91NhPYOBlNgg3wCKvzfbgZBSUUAhQ4-/s1600/Grace_Given.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOaT60hzLzjL67pdQd0qE8yXnN6rWwYoYWEEhS36CgUSYsD1X2RSpcPGgZG_eYEaj6-nLy5NXaSxYDbGN7tYJVgvD_WNpILtdizPRixTTHdjKz91NhPYOBlNgg3wCKvzfbgZBSUUAhQ4-/s1600/Grace_Given.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>“Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.” —Amish Proverb</b><br />
<br />
Elsie Kline can’t forgive her sister for leaving the community. Gideon Lapp helps Elsie through her bitterness by studying the Martyr’s Mirror book that is centuries old, describing their ancestors’ sacrifice for their faith. But he feels there is something more. When the community moved to Texas, they were not welcomed by some of the locals. They have told Katie and Elsie that harm will come to their community if don’t go back up north where they came from. Gideon stays by Elsie’s side as she learns to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well.
“Beth has a heart for helping others, whether through her nonfiction and fiction writing or in other capacities. It has been my pleasure to read and respond to her work during the past few years of knowing her.” —Leanna Ellis, Author of Facelift and Forsaken and winner of the National Readers Choice Award.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1621360172">Grace Given</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/01/grace-given-by-beth-shriver.html">HERE</a>.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-53494393736087026212013-01-21T22:56:00.000-06:002013-01-21T22:56:19.091-06:00CFBA Blog Tour: Mystery of the Heart by Jillian Kent<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1621360156">Mystery of the Heart</a></span></center>
<center>
Realms (January 8, 2013)</center>
<center>
by</center>
<center>
<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.jilliankent.com/">Jillian Kent</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1lu0d_jx8kTimEmYSlHA12ZdkRVlpvNaHaxR3q-m0ZGfEty7B85ZdmjprF-sMqsR4hVxUporRPKFVbGGP6T6m7PcqFw-jdXBFP990ECyAKhjZI-lW-6iDemapwdCctepmgQ-CRgXPXXa/s1600/Jillian+Kent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1lu0d_jx8kTimEmYSlHA12ZdkRVlpvNaHaxR3q-m0ZGfEty7B85ZdmjprF-sMqsR4hVxUporRPKFVbGGP6T6m7PcqFw-jdXBFP990ECyAKhjZI-lW-6iDemapwdCctepmgQ-CRgXPXXa/s200/Jillian+Kent.jpg" height="200" width="157" /></a></div>
Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.<br />
<br />
Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.<br />
<br />
Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.<br />
<br />
Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoNB4NSHzgPsMvIFzHOKKVAgMO5yWlNjletNANX2_3Kt-kolAbDoR3MHA9NOctvQ2yjfcj81SISaaUM7e_36YuH1JFyLNK43o5qlhS_wpsgnawUVW_xrtRfF2cz4Tx1xPezxJyABh_b7L/s1600/Mystery_of_the_Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoNB4NSHzgPsMvIFzHOKKVAgMO5yWlNjletNANX2_3Kt-kolAbDoR3MHA9NOctvQ2yjfcj81SISaaUM7e_36YuH1JFyLNK43o5qlhS_wpsgnawUVW_xrtRfF2cz4Tx1xPezxJyABh_b7L/s1600/Mystery_of_the_Heart.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Lord Eden is intrigued when he discovers Lady Mercy Grayson’s secret, but how can he hope to gain her heart when he is forced to betray her?</b><br />
<br />
Lady Mercy Grayson longs be a physician like her big brother, Devlin, Lord Ravensmoore. However, society would never tolerate a female physician, let alone one who is a noblewoman. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to get through medical school. But then a male colleague discovers her secret, which is only the beginning of Mercy’s problems that could destroy her dreams forever.<br />
<br />
The Prince Regent is awaiting the return of Vincent St. Lyons, Lord Eden, whom he sent on a secret voyage to locate and bring back a relic that some believe possesses the power to heal. St. Lyons discovers Mercy washed up on England’s shore upon his return and agrees to give her safe passage to London aboard a ship of men practicing African Vodun. Both must face treacherous circumstances, difficult decisions, and a growing attraction to one another that could forever change the course of their lives.<br />
<br />
As the final installment in the series, the theme of this book is God’s plans for our lives. “Whatever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might” (Eccles. 9:10). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a> If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1621360156">Mystery of the Heart</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2013/01/mystery-of-heart-by-jillian-kent.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-42358289227506909622013-01-15T21:52:00.000-06:002013-01-15T22:34:28.966-06:00Book Review: Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Bergren/4 Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320410189l/10172883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320410189l/10172883.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText4548914905160071103"><i><b>There are no second chances. Or are there?</b> </i><br /><br />Krista
Mueller is in a good place. She’s got a successful career as a
professor of history; she’s respected and well-liked; and she lives
hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could
never please. It’s been more than a decade since Alzheimer’s disease
first claimed Charlotte Mueller’s mind, but Krista has dutifully kept
her mother in a first-class nursing home.<br /><br />Now Charlotte is dying
of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to
Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother’s side as she slips
away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also
unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing
home—and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane’s kind and gentle
spirit—and a surprising discovery about her mother—make Krista wonder if
she can at last close the distance between her and her mother … and
open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever.</span> <br />
<br />
<b>My thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
As far as contemporary novels go, Lisa Bergren has always been one of my favorite authors. I love her laid-back, yet interesting, style of writing that has just enough romantic tension to fulfill my occasional romance novel fix. <i>Mercy Come Morning</i> was such a book, and while it was originally released as <i>Christmas Every Morning</i> (a title I'd read long ago, but had forgotten), I was glad to have had the opportunity to reread it.<br />
<br />
This is not a novel for everyone...let me just say that up front. The main character, Krista, has some deep emotional scars as a result of her relationship with her mother, and as her mother is reaching death's door after a long Alzheimer's illness, she struggles to find a way to set everything to rights before it's too late. If not for a book full of Christmas carols filled with hastily scratched notes from her mother, Krista might have never known why the relationship between her and her mother failed.<br />
<br />
I found the imagery of "Christmas every morning" the perfect backdrop for this story. Sometimes, during the Christmas season, we hear so many of the same songs over and over again, but may not allow the words to penetrate our hearts. I know I'm certainly guilty of that. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Oh, Holy Night" now have a new meaning to me personally because of their inclusion in this story.<br />
<br />
For those wanting to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307730107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=soutsassthin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307730107" target="_blank"><i>Mercy Come Morning</i></a>, be sure to have a box of tissues handy. Lisa penned some truly beautiful scenes between Krista and her mother that had me tearing up more than once. I have no doubt that this novel has ministered to many people both in the original release and the re-release--those dealing with a family member with Alzheimer's, or even those dealing with a recent death. It was a difficult story to begin, but one that has a bittersweet, yet joyous, conclusion.<br />
<br />
4 Stars<br />
<br />
<i>Southern</i>? No<br />
<i>Sass</i>? No<br />
<br />
**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.<br />
<br />
**For more information about Lisa and her books, please visit <a href="http://lisatawnbergren.com/">http://lisatawnbergren.com/</a>. <br />
<br />
**To read an interview I did with Lisa, click <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2011/09/southern-style-meet-greet-with-lisa.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" height="175" scrolling="no" src="http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/ranking/22796/short:1" style="border: 0;" width="180"></iframe>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-6592103785555458992013-01-02T22:13:00.004-06:002013-01-02T22:13:51.164-06:00Waiting on Wednesday: Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggykN_laXO5_737iBs8BkjEhGtj1bRQ0VB7YkxUNWlET_LW8w2bdyCDgewaBq2SNBcuwuUD-g5XsjxE5PSUu0ZH6MwZz2pXHseNyAaavEszB5OziWO5xr4KTrmHwvjX86aSeGHioQ2lS8/s200/New+WoW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggykN_laXO5_737iBs8BkjEhGtj1bRQ0VB7YkxUNWlET_LW8w2bdyCDgewaBq2SNBcuwuUD-g5XsjxE5PSUu0ZH6MwZz2pXHseNyAaavEszB5OziWO5xr4KTrmHwvjX86aSeGHioQ2lS8/s200/New+WoW.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Breaking the Spine</a> that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.<br />
<br />
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cb.pbsstatic.com/xl/33/3133/9780310283133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cb.pbsstatic.com/xl/33/3133/9780310283133.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310283132/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=soutsassthin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310283132" target="_blank"><b><i>Truth Stained Lies</i></b></a> by <a href="http://www.terriblackstock.com/" target="_blank">Terri Blackstock</a> scheduled to release March 2013.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About the book:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on local homicides.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When she finds a threatening note warning her that she’s about to
experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out
in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief … until her brother is
caught in the middle of a murder investigation—the victim is his
ex-wife. As her brother is tried and convicted in the media, and
bloggers and commentators like her have a field day, Cathy wonders if
she should have taken the threat more seriously.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time
private investigators, working to solve their brother’s ex-wife’s
murder. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered
ne’er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear and lack of
confidence to learn the art of investigation. But will it be too late to
save their brother from a murder conviction, or his five-year-old son
who’s the killer’s next target?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/06/southern-style-meet-greet-with-terri.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read a fun interview I did with Terri last year. :o) </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-27491555254928077662013-01-01T22:35:00.000-06:002013-01-01T22:36:22.844-06:00Book Review: The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury/4 Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345678320l/13547154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345678320l/13547154.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14447678188033708823">Number one <i>New York Times </i>bestselling
author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this
heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and
the beauty of enduring friendships. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14447678188033708823"><b>Molly Allen </b>lives
alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man
she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she
hasn’t found since.<br /><br /><b>Ryan Kelly </b>lives in
Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road
touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly’s voice
encouraging him to follow his dreams; Molly, whose memory stays with
him. At least he can visit The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic
downtown Franklin—and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.<br /><br />For thirty years, <b>Charlie and Donna Barton </b>have
run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee,
conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales
and the rise of digital books. Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept
through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.<br /><br />Now
the bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge. Despondent and without
answers, Charlie considers the unthinkable. Then tragedy strikes, and
suddenly, everything changes. In the face of desperate brokenness and
lost opportunities, could the miracle of a second chance actually
unfold?<br /><br /><i>The Bridge </i>is a love story set against the struggle of the American bookstore, a love story you will never forget.</span> <br />
<br />
<b>My thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
In the past few years, I have shied away from reading books by Karen Kingsbury. To me, it seems as though she has been churning out books left and right, which has left much to be desired in the content of her stories. But on a whim, I decided to give her latest book, <i>The Bridge</i>, a try after seeing it featured on the new releases shelf at my library. Honestly, I'm very glad that I did.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure why I connected so much with this particular story, but I think most of it had to do with the setting being in my home state of Tennessee. I remember the 100-year flooding events that occurred in my area of the state--Memphis--two years in a row. One of those years, it also affected Nashville. Truly, both years were horrible. There were so many people forced out of their homes, losing all they had in the world, not to mention the large amounts of damage that affected so much of downtown Memphis.<br />
<br />
Maybe it was that remembrance of so many real people losing everything that helped me connect with Charlie, the owner of a small-town bookstore, The Bridge. His character was so kind and helpful, causing many of his customers to think of him fondly for months and years. But after the flood hit Nashville, he lost everything. With creditors breathing down his neck for rent payments and no stock for the bookshelves, the end of The Bridge was surely coming soon.<br />
<br />
Paralleled with Charlie's story was Molly and Ryan's story--a tale of love lost. For two years, they met every day at The Bridge, mostly for studying and occasionally to discuss books. Slowly, feelings of friendship turned into something more, but each one was promised to another. It would take many years full of questions before either of them realized how they started down separate paths away from each other.<br />
<br />
There were many times that I could've reached for the tissue box because of the feelings of despair, distrust, and loss woven throughout this story. Yes, there were moments of happiness, too, but this was a soul-searching journey that connected three people together through a small-town bookstore. In the end, I could honestly say that I was happy that I'd picked up this particular Karen Kingsbury novel. Here's hoping for many more tales from her just as good as this one.<br />
<br />
4 Stars<br />
<br />
<i>Southern</i>? Yes<br />
<i>Sass</i>? No<br />
<br />
**For more information about <i>The Bridge</i>, click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451647018/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=soutsassthin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1451647018" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
**For more information about Karen Kingsbury and her books, visit <a href="http://www.karenkingsbury.com/" target="_blank">http://www.karenkingsbury.com/ </a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EWE228E_jts" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2744012819468372038.post-5402805437658350392012-12-30T19:44:00.000-06:002012-12-30T21:27:49.471-06:00Top Ten Books of 2012So, this year's list wasn't too difficult for me to narrow down considering I've only managed to read about 60 books this year (setting up a new Etsy business stole a LOT of my reading time), but honestly, some of these books are some of the BEST I've ever read! I tried to venture a little farther outside my comfort zone of historical fiction this year to read more contemporary, suspense, and YA books, and it definitely paid off. Also, a couple of these are not 2012 releases, but I figure that's probably ok. :o) <br />
<br />
Out of the <b>60</b> books I read, <b>15</b> were 5-Star reads. For each of the ones I've included on the list, there's a little snippet from my book review, as well as the link to complete review if you'd like more information about each title.<br />
<br />
Going from #10 to #1, here are my Top Ten books of 2012:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
#10: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/04/best-suspense-novel-to-date-echoes-of.html" target="_blank"><i>Echoes of Titanic</i> by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.harvesthousepublishers.com/epr/cover_fronts/9780736929462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.harvesthousepublishers.com/epr/cover_fronts/9780736929462.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Echoes of Titanic</i> was a great blend of mystery and history that had me glued to the pages for two solid days.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#9: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/02/regency-that-i-wont-soon-forget.html" target="_blank"><i>The Aristocrat's Lady</i> by Mary Moore</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pFFb22nyr8/TmTf3KBED7I/AAAAAAAAAK8/QMUh7QceDaM/s320/Book+Cover+-+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pFFb22nyr8/TmTf3KBED7I/AAAAAAAAAK8/QMUh7QceDaM/s320/Book+Cover+-+Official.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Regency novel more than I enjoyed this one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#8: <i></i> <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/04/amish-fiction-is-branching-out-uncommon.html" target="_blank"><i>An Uncommon Grace</i> by Serena Miller</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrruuLtCr3SWrQ4hjFy4AwaFSsrNxX9ac7pA6EruvD1GWE4kKoD6d0HGjJLPnVVj7rllEJTZfwbxoiLxHXA28yepjwmkYuMpudG8E-5ZTXJVolJkoGiGbQEP5q45TqksZc4r3cxaPV9A/s320/An+Uncommon+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrruuLtCr3SWrQ4hjFy4AwaFSsrNxX9ac7pA6EruvD1GWE4kKoD6d0HGjJLPnVVj7rllEJTZfwbxoiLxHXA28yepjwmkYuMpudG8E-5ZTXJVolJkoGiGbQEP5q45TqksZc4r3cxaPV9A/s320/An+Uncommon+Grace.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>An Uncommon Grace</i> was a very intriguing story that was both entertaining and satisfying. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#7: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/04/leave-it-to-novel-to-readjust-my.html" target="_blank"><i>There You'll Find Me</i> by Jenny B. Jones</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327917764l/10647131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327917764l/10647131.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Jenny has managed to write a witty, sassy, yet quite painful, novel that
had me on an emotional roller coaster that I didn't want to end.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#6: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/03/this-book-is-masterpiece-lost-and-found.html" target="_blank"><i>Lost and Found</i> by Ginny Yttrup</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XPpZFlxjGH5TXHQhppxT_dY_iBSivLxcdQ-m76Tow_E6X86rX-kLNkZ2oaFF12xzNrmoinCpYUDd5hHRvtTf2Dmv63sF2N8BVFdqDKkq2Sr05M0foGCl8u4izphHbDn0uag7_LRmnu8J/s320/lost+and+found.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XPpZFlxjGH5TXHQhppxT_dY_iBSivLxcdQ-m76Tow_E6X86rX-kLNkZ2oaFF12xzNrmoinCpYUDd5hHRvtTf2Dmv63sF2N8BVFdqDKkq2Sr05M0foGCl8u4izphHbDn0uag7_LRmnu8J/s320/lost+and+found.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">There are so many layers to the story and characters that as you go
deeper and deeper, it is impossible to not be affected in some way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#5: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/05/unforgettable-read-wildflowers-from.html" target="_blank"><i>Wildflowers from Winter</i> by Katie Ganshert</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnVyhI_UmghK51C7UoubaH0JyeicR7lB8XLp54dA027YQrMeq83urJreGhLs-cgWuZFVX97dj9GO__Lhyphenhyphen9AR2qoFc_o3vA-VR8NFLRl5n1aqHkVzSQnpbEPJbDhWCxsU9uN3HdZZohXCy/s320/Wildflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnVyhI_UmghK51C7UoubaH0JyeicR7lB8XLp54dA027YQrMeq83urJreGhLs-cgWuZFVX97dj9GO__Lhyphenhyphen9AR2qoFc_o3vA-VR8NFLRl5n1aqHkVzSQnpbEPJbDhWCxsU9uN3HdZZohXCy/s320/Wildflowers.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Few authors capture the raw tension and depth of emotion that Katie Ganshert has in her debut novel, <i>Wildflowers from Winter</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#4: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/12/book-review-she-walks-in-beauty-by-siri.html" target="_blank"><i>She Walks in Beauty</i> by Siri Mitchell</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342575442l/6605685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342575442l/6605685.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Siri's portrayal of a young 17-year-old debutante hoping to catch the
hand of uber-rich Franklin de Vries was both entertaining as well as
heartbreaking.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#3: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/05/cfba-blog-tour-and-book-review-my.html" target="_blank"><i>My Stubborn Heart</i> by Becky Wade</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1319660162l/12963141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1319660162l/12963141.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">I loved the redemptive theme and the unfailing love of God that was
present in every chapter. But if the truth be told, I really, really
loved the romance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#2: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-review-secret-keeper-by-sandra.html" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keeper</i> by Sandra Byrd</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323115564l/13005049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323115564l/13005049.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">I have been so impressed with all of Sandra's books over the years, but
historical fiction is where her talents shine the brightest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#1: <a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-loves-reckoning-by-laura.html" target="_blank"><i>Love's Reckoning</i> by Laura Frantz </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333242124l/13115556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333242124l/13115556.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">When I had no choice at times but to place my bookmark inside this
haunting novel, my heart just ached to be back within its pages.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honorable Mentions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/04/deeply-emotional-shadow-of-your-smile.html" target="_blank"><i>The Shadow of Your Smile</i> by Susan May Warren</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/04/tastefully-written-and-emotionally.html" target="_blank"><i>Forsaking All Others</i> by Allison Pittman</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com/2012/02/emotional-journey-not-in-heart-by-chris.html" target="_blank"><i>Not in the Heart</i> by Chris Fabry</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/316/7283C2EB75842AF6A1A3564B99673A64.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.com29