Thursday, December 6, 2012

Author Spotlight | June Foster





June Foster is a retired teacher who travels full time with her husband in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She grew up in El Paso, Texas but moved to the magnificent northwest after she retired from teaching. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba labtop in 2010 as she and her husband sailed along the interstate. Now June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. Her novel Ryan's Father will be available from WhiteFire Publishing in January 2014.
Here books are available by clicking on the Book Titles

Give Us This Day
As We Forgive
A Hometown 4th of July


Coming in April of 2013 is Book Three in the Bellewood Series
Deliver Us from Desert Breeze Publishing.

Also Ryan's Father from WhiteFire Publishing in 2014

Learn more about June at her blog (http://junefoster.blogspot.com)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Free on Kindle this week only...

My friend Laura V. Hilton's first book in her Amish of Seymour series Patchwork Dreams is free on kindle this week only...

Click on the link HERE to get your free copy...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

John

I have not mentioned John in a while, on my posts or facebook.  This month would be his 18th birthday.  Legally an adult, instead he will be forever 14.
Forever a young teenager, who chose to do something that would cost his life.  Please if your a parent, educate yourself about the dangers that your kids face.  Kids often don't get that things called a "game" is not really a game, but a danger to themselves.  So I have created a slideshow...of my boy...I hope you enjoy it.


.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Free on Kindle Oct 5-7th

Accidental Meeting
FREE Kindle Download October 5-7!
Abbey Martin isn’t willing to be the kind of ‘player’ her boss wants her to be. When he threatens to not promote her because she refuses to get in ‘compromising’ positions, she quits.

If a day can go from bad to worse, it does for Abbey. She runs into Bruce Harrington on her way home—literally.

Bruce Harrington was on his way to a very important meeting. That was until a raving lunatic with brown, bouncy hair spiraled towards him in her car and then on foot. Maybe he should count it a blessing that when she sent him cascading over the side of the embankment—he wasn’t in his car.

To make amends for causing Bruce to break a leg, Abbey becomes his chauffeur and helpmate until he recovers.

When his cast is about to come off he has to face losing Abbey. There has to be some way he can keep her from walking out of his life forever. If a job offer won’t do it then perhaps it’s time for a proposal.

Reviews:

“I laughed and laughed and it made me take a look inside myself to know when things aren't going right to make sure I have the right attitude.” ~ Sharma Darby

“Loved Accidental Meeting. The characters came to life; like I was reading someone’s journal. The story was engaging and drew me into Abbey's world and challenges. Couldn't put it down!!!” ~ LovesAGoodStory

“This story had hilarious parts that will make you laugh, and things that make you want to beat someone up, when her former boss makes horrible and overly disgusting advances towards Abbey. Bruce is the hero, with those dreamy chocolate eyes. All in all a great story!” ~ Cindy Loven

“I rarely read this genre, but I may have to start after reading Accidental Meeting. This story was hard to put down. The main character, Abbey, has many challenges to overcome including a difficult boss, job loss, a life changing car accident, and falling in love. Her Christian values help her through the problems she is facing. This book is fast paced, humorous, and down to earth. Abbey is an everyday girl who is easy to relate to. I highly recommend this book!” ~ Shari Elliott

Winter Chill Rank: 4.7 out of 5 Stars!
http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Meeting-ebook/dp/B008X7AJX0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

Author’s Website: www.susettewilliams.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Susette-Williams/e/B008RSAZW0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348965059&sr=1-2-ent


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Novella Series from Susette Williams

FREE Kindle Download - September 21-23, 2012

SEASONS OF THE HEART is a novella series about four friends who attend college and find love in the most unexpected places.
Winter Chill will be available as a free download on Amazon on September 21-23, 2012.

Read about each story:





Falling in Love - Available on Amazon

Katie Morgan has her future planned. It doesn’t include becoming serious about anyone before she achieves her goals, not even her handsome boss. Just because she does not have time to date, doesn’t mean her boss shouldn’t. Her new mission…to make her boss happy, whether or not he wants to be.

Wade McAlester fell in love with Katie the first day she walked into his clinic looking for a job. He hired her, content to settle for friendship until she lives out her dream of becoming a vet. Against his better judgment, Wade allows her to fix him up with a couple of her friends. The dates are disastrous. He can’t believe the kind of women Katie seems to think he’d enjoy spending his life with. However, when Wade’s old colleague, Dr. Laura Redmond shows up, Katie is rethinking how happy she wants her boss to be, and with whom. Definitely not the gorgeous doctor.





Winter Chill - Available on Amazon: FREE Kindle download Sept. 21-23, 2012

When Sasha Steinfeld sees Katie Morgan’s engagement ring, she realizes it could have been her. If only she wasn’t so frigid around men. Overcoming the past isn’t easy, but Sasha knows she must if she ever wants to find the same happiness Katie has found.

The last person Forrest Tucker expects to see when he gets to his cabin is Sasha. He thinks Sasha is a bit different, although he’s never concerned himself with why. Now she is trying to break into his cabin. When he realizes she’s injured, Forrest does what any good citizen would do—if they were helping someone else.

When Forrest learns the secret behind Sasha’s chilly personality, he sets out to help her thaw.

Spring Break
- Available Spring 2013!

Kelly Sanders wakes up in a daze in the hospital. Every muscle aches. Her friend Margaret isn’t wasting any time consulting with the doctor or Kelly’s proposed therapist. Margaret is more than willing to make sure Kelly makes it to her sessions with therapist Marc Stevenson. Marc is charming and helpful, with eyes for Kelly.

Marc thinks Kelly would be perfect for him, except for that one flaw. How does a man, with visions of children, fill a nest that’s sure to be empty if he spends it with the woman he loves? There’s always adoption, and an orphanage in their hometown gets him to realize how much love he has to give.

Heated Summer
- Available Summer 2013!

Margaret Stephens has her sights set on marrying a man with a promising future. Nicholas Alexander is definitely not that man. His boyish charm isn’t going to sidetrack her; not that he appears to want to. Nick’s judgmental manner irks her because he doesn’t know her…not well enough to condemn her.

Nicholas has seen enough gold diggers like Maggie. The purrfect little kitty who warms up to rich guys. Then when the unsuspecting bums marry them…they find kitty has claws. He’s already been scratched and isn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

Margaret doesn’t plan on ever going hungry again. A visit to the orphanage brings up the past she keeps trying to forget. To Nicholas, it’s a reminder of all the things he has to be thankful for and he hopes that Margaret will come to appreciate all that she has.. Can two people from different sides of the tracks meet somewhere in the middle? It’s a rough ride till they find out.

Reviews:

" Wade is in his thirties, a gifted veterinarian and single. Katie, his younger assistant and friend, can't seem to figure out why he hasn't found the love of his life yet.

Katie's obsession with finding Wade the right woman and his obsession with her collide in a very predictable, but deliciously romantic story line.

The tug of war over friendship boundaries and mounting romantic desires send Wade to prayer again and again.
Tension? Oh my goodness! The romantic tension between the characters is almost tangible. Notice I said romantic tension not sexual tension. I love the clean approach the author takes with them. The innocence of every touch and the silent prayers behind every feeling make this a story you could comfortably share with your teenage daughter.

Very well written scenes stir up the reader to root for a romance that seems to be more than a passing fancy. Wade and Katie have all the markings of forever love, if they could just get out of their heads and make a move already.
Falling In Love is a quick read full of heart. You'll swoon through each page, your eyes glued until the very last sentence and you'll no doubt put it down satisfied.

You can purchase your copy at Amazon. If you have a Prime account, you can download this book FREE." Heather Randall

" I loved this book, I think that one thing that made this book really great is the fact that you knew from the beginning that Wade loved Katie, that made it great watching the story develop. The characters came to life for me and I was cheering Wade on! You will definitely want to read this book, it is a great story, and I have to add the blurb at the end of the book for the next in the series, has me hooked. I cannot wait to read it! Great book, great story! 5 stars" Cindy Loven

"A great story, that will pull at your heart strings as Sasha works through her pain and hurt, and you will want to cheer her on, and she addresses the feelings for Forrest. A wonderfully told story in a short novella, a great way to spend your afternoon! 4.5 stars." Cindy Loven

 

Susette Williams is the mother of six, happily married to her own hero, they will be celebrating their 29th anniversary this month.

*You can visit the author's website at: http://www.susettewilliams.com/

*Author's Amazon page: Susette Williams

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Beginning Monday September 17th

 
A great blog tour!  Click on the graphic to go to June's blog to see more information about this tour!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

2012 Laurel Award Winner Announced...

HERE

So excited and thrilled for the winner, my dear friend Laura V. Hilton. 

In honor of her award, I did a quick interview with Laura, just to let you all know her a bit more. 

Hi Laura, I am excited to share the news that you are the 2012 Laurel Award winner, how are you feeling about this?

I am completely stunned. I absolutely did not expect my book to win.


I know you very well, we have been friends for a long time and your one of the most humble people I know, so I would just like to tell you that I am proud of you, and that you deserve this award, your books are awesome. Just in case someone reading this is a new to your books, tell us a bit about the book, A Harvest of Hearts that won.

A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011, Whitaker House


Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour , Missouri . There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania , as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County , he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?


So what is next for readers of Laura V. Hilton fiction?

 A start of a new series, set in the same area. The Amish of Webster County. Healing Love is the first book in the series, and it's about a midwife that Shanna trained, Kristi Lapp. Shanna is mentioned in this story.

I know that lots of authors are under contract and often cannot talk about what they are working on, but is there anything you share about any books coming up soon ?

The Amish of Webster County series, book 1 Healing Love - releasing August 2012 by Whitaker House


Who knew Cupid had four paws? Amish midwife Kristine Lapp’s dog, Chinook, develops a slew of unfamiliar ailments that sends Kristi to Shane Zimmerman, their veterinarian neighbor. Shane's grandparents were Amish, but his dad left years ago in favor of education and marriage to an Englisch woman. After Shane's wife died in childbirth, Shane returns to Amish country to live and serve, but he’s determined not to return to the faith of his father. Prejudiced against the herbal and natural remedies that Kristi uses in her practice, the vet is determined to avoid what his eccentric neighbor cooks up. Can God use a loyal pet to mix a little old medicine with new and bring two neighbors past their differences so they can find a love with a positive prognosis?


The Amish of Webster County book 2 (title unknown) April 2013


Janna Kauffman loves grocery shopping for the house-bound in her Amish community. When Janna’s sister washes her hands of her rebellious daughter, Meghan, and sends her to live with her Amish relatives, Janna is spending less time shopping and more time explaining Meghan’s actions to police officer Hiram “Troy” Troyer. Formerly Amish Troy becomes a regular part of Janna and Meghan’s lives as Meghan continues to act out due to her Englisch mother’s rejection. Could God tame a headstrong teenager and help Janna and Troy find love in the midst of it all?


The Amish of Webster County book 3 (title unknown) September 2013


Katie Detweiler grew up Amish, never knowing she was adopted as an infant. Now an adult, her new job at an Mennonite bed and breakfast doesn’t bring about the euphoria she hoped for. Just as she’s getting the menu perfected, the Englisch family and severely ill sister she never knew existed enter her life and strain her Amish relationships. Plus, Katie suddenly has two different men vying for her attention—one Amish, one Englisch—and she wonders if one of them could be the man of her dreams. But when her Englisch sister’s health worsens, Katie must find a way to balance her heart, her job, and her faith while risking her own life for the sister she never knew.

You just took a family vacation and traveled through Amish country, were you able to have any experiences with the Amish there as you traveled through?

We went to two different Amish communities, one in Arthur, Illinois, and the other Shipshewana, Indiana. I didn't talk to any Amish in Illinois, though I did see them out and about. The Amish in Indiana that I spoke with were quite friendly. I got to handle a prayer kapp - which felt kind of paperish, and the black bonnet they wear over it when they go out (which is really stiff and hard), and I got to look at the Asbund or the song book they use in their services. I also went to an Amish bulk food store and that was interesting -- some of the Amish there can wear patterns, and one Amish girl had a pink camouflage dress on. I also went by a Singing. We didn't stay, but observed a little while.

Thanks for stopping by, I know this is a super short interview, but I just wanted to let you express to your readers and fans how you feel about winning this award.

Readers you can find Laura and more about her work at her blog http://booksbylaura.blogspot.com/

Monday, July 16, 2012

2012 Carol Awards Finalists

Winners will be announced during ACFW’s annual conference gala in September in Dallas.
Debut Novel:
Fairer Than Morning  by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
The Loom by Shella Gillus (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)
Give the Lady a Ride by Linda W. Yezak (Sky Sail [Port Yonder Press] – Chila Woychik, Editor)
Long Contemporary:
Lost Melody by Lori Copeland/Virginia Smith (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)
The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House Publishers – Sarah Long/Dave Long, Editors)
Long Contemporary Romance:
Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Jamie Chavez/Natalie Hanemann, Editors)
Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly M. Long (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann, Editor)
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale – Karen Watson, Editor)

Long Historical:
Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis (Moody Publishers/River North – Deborah Keiser, Editor)
Fairer Than Morning  by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Press – Laura Barker, Editor)
Long Historical Romance:
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)
Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman (Multnomah Publishers – Alice Crider, Editor)
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)
Mystery:
Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)
Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig/Janelle Mowery (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Yesterday’s Secrets by Kelly Ann Riley (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)
Novella:
An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Reese: All Along from Smitten by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell/LR Norton, Editors)
A Star in the Night from A Log Cabin Christmas by Liz Johnson (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Romantic Suspense:
Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell – Jennifer Leep, Editor)
Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)
Short Contemporary:
The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray (Avon Inspire/Harper Collins – Cindy DiTiberio)
Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)
Oklahoma Reunion by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)
Short Contemporary Suspense:
Double Identity by Diane Burke (Love Inspired Suspense – Sarah McDaniel-Dyer, Editor)
Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense – Melissa Endlich, Editor)
A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith (Love Inspired Suspense – Tina James, Editor)
Short Historical (four finalists due to a tie):
Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)
Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens (Heartsong Presents – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Light to My Path by Erica Vetsch (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)
The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)
Speculative Fiction:
The Story in the Stars by Yvonne Anderson (Risen Books – Reagan Reed, Editor)
The Chair by James L. Rubart (B & H Fiction – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)
Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)
Suspense/Thriller:
Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B & H Fiction – Karen Ball, Editor)
Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction – Julie Gwinn, Editor)
Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette (J.M.) Windle (Tyndale – Jan Stob, Editor)
Women’s Fiction:
A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press – Shannon Marchese, Editor)
When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley (Multnomah Publishers – Jessica Barnes/Shannon Marchese, Editors)
Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley – Ellen Edwards, Editor)
Young Adult:
Wreath by Judy Christie (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez, Editors)
The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan – Jacque Alberta, Editor)
There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann/Becky Monds/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

Monday, April 16, 2012

Christy Award Nominees Announced

2012 CHRISTY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
ANN ARBOR, Mich.—The 13th annual Christy Awards for excellence in Christian fiction will
be presented at a dinner to be held at 7:00 p.m., Mon., July 16, 2012, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in
Orlando. The reservation form for the 2012 Christy Awards will be available online at
www.christyawards.com after Apr. 26. Watch for an announcement regarding keynote speaker
and emcee soon.
The Christy Advisory Board is pleased to announce nominees in nine categories for the 2012
Christy Awards honoring Christian fiction.
The 2012 Christy Award nominees are:
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)
CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS
The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest House Publishers)
Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H Publishing Group)
The Touch by Randall Wallace (Tyndale House Publishers)
CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE
Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)
FIRST NOVEL
An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon (Zondervan)
Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour Publishing)
Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)
{2012 Christy Award Nominees • Page 2}
HISTORICAL
Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman (Tyndale House Publishers)
Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
To Die For by Sandra Byrd (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster)
SUSPENSE
Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group)
Pattern of Wounds by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Queen by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
VISIONARY
The Chair by Jim Rubart (B&H Publishing Group)
Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group USA)
Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
YOUNG ADULT
How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn (Kregel Publications)
Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (David C Cook)
The Christy Awards are also online at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristyAward
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChristyAward
###

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

soo I have been thinking...and reading...

You may have laughed and said well gee Cindy, your a book reviewer of course your a reader.  But that wasn't what I read.  I read my "book" the one I wrote in November 2009, after John died in January.  I did it in the NaNoWriMo contest, and I did not finish it.  I think it was therapy for me.  It helped distract me from the hurts in my life, as I learned how life goes on after you loose a child.  So the other day I had out my flash drive that it was on, and I opened the story up...and WOW, I have great friends, who read this and did not laugh out loud at me, who encouraged me.  It is garbage.  I mean bad bad writing...ROFL...So to my friends who read it and didn't laugh, I know you love me and are my friends. 

So what made me think of all this...well I have been wondering if there is a story in me, wanting to come out...but that is all I am doing at the moment..just wondering.

~C~

Monday, March 5, 2012

Laura V. Hilton Week

is here...go to this post for more information!!

http://cindylovenreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/thanks-for-joining-us-for-this-special.html

Friday, March 2, 2012

Giveaway at Cafe Lily

http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com/2012/03/invisible-thread-giveaway.html

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February Releases

from AFCW authors

 

Love Finds You in New Orleans by Christa Allan — (Historical Romance from Summerside Press – Guideposts).
Picture Perfect Family by Renee Andrews — Missionary Daniel Brantley has returned to Claremont, Alabama to raise his orphaned nephew; however, Mandy Carter, the woman whose proposal he refused years before, isn’t about to let him take Kaden away. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).
Into the Free by Julie Cantrell — A simple girl with anything but a simple story. (Contemporary Fiction fromDavid Cook).
In Too Deep by Mary Connealy– In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they’d planned. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).
A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina by Annalisa Daughety — Wedding planner Summer Nelson is throwing herself into her work to avoid the pain of her recent marriage separation. Husband Luke knows he made a mistake – but doesn’t know how to fix it. When a hurricane traps them together, the crisis might tear them apart forever. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing).
Heart’s Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes, — When midwife Phoebe Lee is pressed by her pregnant sister-in-law to help save her husband from an English prison during the War of 1812, they end up aboard a British privateer crossing the Atlantic under the command of a man with a deadly mission. (Historical Romance from Revell).
Highland Crossings by Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn, — Historic North Carolina takes center stage in a new collection of novellas that follows the lives and loves of four women…and the heirloom brooch that connects them through generations. Will Seona, Fiona, Seren, and Brynna find God’s path in a new world far from their Scottish home? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).
When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason — When Alexia arrives home to find her ex-boyfriend dead in her mother’s basement, she realizes she needs help. Thanks goodness Hunter Graham is more than willing to offer it. (Romantic Suspense from Revell).
Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott — A shy young woman must find her courage when she is thrown together on a dangerous errand with a musical genius. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson).
Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart — Adriane Darcy stands ready to do whatever she must to keep her father’s newspaper number one in the city including agreeing to marry a man she doesn’t love, the son of a powerful local political figure, but when she meets Blake Garrett, the editor of a competing newspaper, sparks fly that will change both their lives forever. (Historical Romance from Revell).
Before the Scarlet Dawn by Rita Gerlach– In 1775, A young woman longs for acceptance and leaves behind all she has in order to follow her heart and the man she loves into the Maryland wilderness. But will her love and faith protect her from the trial she must face? Will she find the true meaning of companionship? And how will she face the world when she is rejected by those closest to her? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press).
Sheltering Love by Elizabeth Goddard — Alexa’s last chance to produce an award-winning documentary draws attention to a canopy biologist hiding in the trees. When their greatest fears collide in the heart of the wilderness, can they each bury the past long enough to nurture love? (Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour)).
Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke– Michael Dunnagan is given a life, a hope and a future through his friend’s sacrifice aboard Titanic. Now he must keep his promise to help Owen’s family in NJ, and bring his sister from England to America. He never expected to fall in love with her, or that she would disappear into the horrors of WWI. Michael risks everything to find the woman he’s grown to love. (Historical from Tyndale House Publishers).
To Love and To Cherish by Kelly S. Irvin– The sudden, tragic death of Emma Shirack’s parents in a buggy accident and the return of a suitor who abandoned her years earlier test Emma’s Amish faith and her ability to forgive. Will a man she thought of as a friend be the one to help her to heal? (Romance from Harvest House).
Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings– She’s Finally Found a Place to Call Home… How Far Will She Go to Save It? (Historical Romance from Bethany House).
Hometown Cinderella by Ruth Axtell Morren — (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).
Falling for the Fireman by Allie Pleiter– When fire marshall Chad Owens suspects that fire victim Jeannie Nelworth’s son may be channeling his emotions in a dangerous manner, will the pretty and but protective widowed mom be strong enough to help him? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).
Second Chance by Eileen Hinkle Rife– Dareece Jackson, a teen from the projects, wants something in Mave Robertson’s purse…and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. (Contemporary Fiction from OakTara Publishers).
Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer– Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can’t work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent – though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).
A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens– A widowed mom of four who’s put her life on hold until her kids are grown finds hope of love in the most unlikely of places when the former bad boy who ruined her sister returns to town seeking redemption. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).
A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh– Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter wrote letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends-Lila, Jane, and Meghan-haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. (Contemporary Fiction from Guideposts Books).
Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate– A sweet deal for the sale of lakeside family property in Texas could make Heather’s career, but suddenly the family backs off, Heather rushes back to the site of a previous family tragedy and finds an old high school flame and her brother scheming to — what? (Cozy Mystery from Bethany House).
The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall– Love between a Mennonite woman and an Amish man threatens the lifelong relationship between two brothers. And two families. Annie is a young Old Order Mennonite woman whose grandfather co-owns a restaurant with the Zooks, an Old Order Amish family. Romance between the Mennonites and Amish is unacceptable. Inappropriate. Forbidden. But it seems that Annie and Aden have denied their feelings for each other for as long as they can tolerate. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah).

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Necklace...

I received this short story in my email, I did some searching online to see if I could find who wrote it, but did not find anything.  This story stirs up my thinker...this last line really makes me go hmmm...
"God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place"  So I don't know that I can totally agree with that, my child is gone, and I have nothing better in his place....ohhh you may say God didn't take John away from you, but He didn't stop John from dying either, and He could have.  So what you think about that statement?? please share in your comments...



The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box..

"Oh mommy please, Mom my. Can I have them? Please, Mom my, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."


"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."

"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."



"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one.. Daddy loves you."

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.

As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here daddy, this is for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny ....

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.


God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Announcement!!

I am so excited to share some news with you all about our favorite author Laura V. Hilton, she has received a 3 book contract for The Amish of Webster County from Whitaker House, first book due to release this coming summer 2012!!! YAY Laura, and YAY for all of us fans who love your books!!!!