Thursday, August 29, 2013

Winter in Full Bloom - Anita Higman


















About Winter in Full Bloom: Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her---a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades---Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily---with her fear of flying---boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

Purchase the Book: http://ow.ly/nIIcx

Tour Schedule: 
Landing page: 
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman

Meet Anita: Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at: www.anitahigman.com 








Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just released. She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.



Winter-in-Full-Bloom-rafflecopter





One grand prize winner will receive:



  • A Kindle Fire HD

  • Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman



  • Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.



    So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)





    DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!


    My Thoughts:

    Adoption, secrets, Australia, empty-nest, new love, Anita Higman brings all of this to life in her latest book Winter in Full Bloom. You will truly fall in love with Lily, her daughter Julie, her twin sister Camille, and Marcus. These characters and story will stick with you long after you close the last page.

    After Lily Winter's mother tells her about a letter she received from her twin sister who she put up for adoption, Lily embarks on a trip to Australia to find Camille. Lily doesn't like to fly, and while sitting on the tarmac she asks God for back up, across the aisle is a little girl who realizes Lily is scared to death to fly, and begins to talk to her. Jenny is super cute, and is able to help Lily relax.

    Once Lily arrives in Australia, she is on the hunt to find her twin sister. With no luck at the church that is close to her hotel, she walks around the botanical garden that is close to her hotel. When she sits on a park bench and Marcus, who looks like a bum, sits down next to her, she is curious, but not alarmed. Something about being away from home, and being hurt by her mother, Lily opens up to him, and he not only becomes her tour guide, he is going to help her find her sister.

    I am not going to say any more, because I do not want to ruin the story.
    This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and healing. I loved this story from beginning to end. I hope this is just the beginning and we will see more of these endearing characters.

    I highly recommend! 

    Sworn Sword


















    Book Blurb:

    At only 27, James Aitcheson has received international praise for his Conquest series, set in one of the most famous years in history: 1066, the Battle of Hastings.

    Rarely represented in historical fiction, what happened after the battle is less well known. Threats to Norman victory loomed, as English rebels plotted for the throne. In this series, Tancred, a handsome young Norman knight, gets caught up in secret dealings between a powerful Norman magnate and a shadow from the past, uncovering a dangerous plot that could change the fate of the famous battle—and determine the future rulers of England.

    My Thoughts:

    This book was definitely out of my alley of reading. I really enjoy reading new authors and this was not only new and different it was a great read.

    I have not seen Game of Thrones, I have heard about it, and this book is definitely in the same boat with knights, ladies, and a secret plot.

    Tuesday, August 27, 2013

    Preview: Pattern For Romance

    This week, the
    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
    is introducing
    Pattern for Romance
    Abingdon Press (August 20, 2013)
    by
    Carla Gade


    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.

    Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content. She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW's Genesis Contest.

    In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy. An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women's ministry, and other functions. Carla has also spoken at several women's events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.

    An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her "hero" husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.

    ABOUT THE BOOK

    Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.

    If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.


    Monday, August 26, 2013

    Welcome to Last Chance






    Book Blurb:

    The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
    Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?


     About the author:



    Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed...




    My Thoughts:

    This is a great debut novel. Lainie is leaving her boyfriend Nick, who is nothing but trouble. She notices the red light on her dashboard flashing, but ignores it. Her car breaks down in hick town, Last Chance, New Mexico. She soon begins meeting people in this small town and is surprised at how warm and friendly they are. From the lady who always has an extra room for someone, to the waitress who very kind to her. It seems Lainie has found a place to call home, and rebuild her life.

    This is also the first book in the A Place To Call Home series, and I think the name of the series is perfect!
    Can't wait for the next in the series!

    * Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.* 

    Sunday, August 25, 2013

    Rowing Merrily Along





    This was a good writing week. I got a storyboard done, and characters more defined. Looking forward to putting words on paper with this story, hopefully writing 250 words a day or more.

    Friday, August 23, 2013

    The GLIPIT Bible for Kids






















    About:  God’s love is perfect, patient, and personal. God’s Word teaches kids they are special to God and that they are loved with an everlasting love—and now they can express their faith in a unique way on these one-of-a-kind silicone Bible covers! The glipit Bible was designed for kids ages 8 to 12, giving them countless possibilities for creating their own designs and customizing their Bible covers. They can spell their name, make a design, form shapes, or just have fun popping the pieces on and off of their Bible covers! Each Bible comes with over 120 removable silicone pieces in 4 different colors (including glow in the dark) that pop right into place on the cover. The soft silicone cover material is removable and washable and also gives the Bibles a nice grip for little hands to carry.

    The New Living Translation text is an excellent translation for kids because it’s so easy to read and understand.

    My Thoughts:

    My brother would've loved this Bible. I can remember sitting in numerous evening services bored out of my mind as a kid, this would've helped with the boredom. The silicone cover with the silicone pieces to decorate the cover is a great idea. The translation is perfect for kids. My only problem is that the print in the Bible is way too small. A ten or twelve year old would have no problem reading this Bible, but eight to ten it may be a little difficult.
    Outside of that, I think it is great and there is a pink and purple one for girls!

    Wednesday, August 21, 2013

    ROW 80 Mid-Week Check In





    This is what I feel like I am on this week. Having written a fair amount of words on my MS, I am now going back and plotting. Whoever said writers don't work is crazy! This crazy!!!
    I am having fun!!! That is the most important!!

    Into The Whirlwind

    This week, the
    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
    is introducing
    Into the Whirlwind
    Baker Publishing Group (August 15, 2013)
    by
    Elizabeth Camden


    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


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




    ABOUT THE BOOK

    After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

    Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

    While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

    If you would like to read the first chapter of Into the Whirlwind, go HERE.

    My copy just arrived over the weekend and I haven't had a chance to dig into this yet.

    The Lost Medallion

    This week, the
    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
    is introducing
    The Lost Medallion
    B&H Kids; Mti edition (June 1, 2013)
    by
    Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick


    ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

    Bill Muir is a popular speaker, an international award winning film maker and a sought-after consultant.

    Having completed his new novels The Lost Medallion and A Hidden Treasure, Bill has turned his creativity to his new Children’s novel, Howdy Neighbors.

    When Bill isn’t writing a novel, he’s busy directing and producing movies. He recently spent four months in Thailand filming, The Lost Medallion: the adventures of Billy Stone. The movie will be in theaters this fall. When he isn’t working on movies, he’s having fun with his family working their farm.

    Alex Kendrick is associate pastor of movie outreach for Sherwood Baptist Church. He is also an actor, writer, and director whose film credits include Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous. He and his wife, Christina, have six children.

    ABOUT THE BOOK

    Archaeologist Dr. Michael Stone looked for the lost medallion his entire life, and now his son Billy has taken up the search. Amazingly, the medallion ends up in Billy's hands and a spontaneous wish in a precarious situation takes Billy and his best friend Allie, back 200 years to what they realize is a very different Aumakua Island. When Billy and his friends are not jumping off waterfalls, avoiding animal traps, crossing the ocean, sneaking through caves or escaping a prison they're facing their nemesis Cobra, who wants nothing more than for them all to disappear. With no other way to get home, and the well being of the entire island resting on his shoulders, Billy must discover the key to reclaiming the medallion and its tremendous power. One way or another, this adventure will change Billy, and life on the island, forever. Best-selling author and film director Alex Kendrick (The Love Dare, Courageous) and Youth for Christ veteran Bill Muir bring us this exciting novelization of The Lost Medallion movie.

    If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lost Medallion, go HERE.

    Tuesday, August 20, 2013

    The Icing on the Cake - Janice Thompson



















    Book Blurb:

    Scarlet Lindsey’s aunt Wilhelmina may be Texas’s most popular cake baker extraordinaire, but she’s also getting on in years. When Scarlet decides to take on the role of cake decorator at her cranky aunt’s bidding, it’s just the beginning of a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that will lead her to compete in a cake challenge on national television-and might even lead her to finding true love.
    Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what her readers love best-bridal business drama. Bella and the gang are all here and readers will fall in love with the newest quirky characters straight from the creative mind of a fantastic storyteller.





    Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more.






    My Thoughts:

    Fun, fun, and more fun! Book two in the Weddings By Design series.
    Scarlet has just opened her own bakery, with the help of her eccentric Aunt Wilhelmina. Aunt Willy, has her own opinions on how Scarlet should operate her business, especially since she has financially funded this little operation.
    Scarlet's best friend Bella is getting married and she is suppose to make the wedding cake. 
    Besides making the cake, Bella's bad boy brother, Armando has set his eyes on Scarlet. Scarlet knows that her assistant Kenny, likes her more than a friend, but she just can't make herself like him that way. 
    Scarlet is able to skirt disasters, and pull off the impossible.
    With quirky characters and wedding drama, Janice has written another great inspirational romance.
    Don't miss this book!!

    **Available August 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**

      

    Monday, August 19, 2013

    Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker






    About the book:

    Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie s young heart. But is there hope for Gray s heart too along the way?


     About Sandra:



    For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she put Southern California in her rearview mirror and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

    "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. "Not only was I given the gift of getting to know my mother as an adult woman before she passed away, but I was also afforded the blessing of being able to focus completely on my dream of a writing career."


    My Thoughts:

     This is an absolutely beautiful book of a little girl, Sadie, and her father, Grayson, dealing with the death of her mother and wife Jenna. Jenna died of Ovarian Cancer, but left behind a journal for Sadie to help her deal with the loss and to learn more about her dad, he reads it to her every night.
    They receive an invitation to Ovacome, a group for those who are dealing with Ovarian Cancer in one way or another. Sadie is excited to go to the Ovacome group, her dad Gray not so much, but Sadie is so excited he gives in and they go. Once there they find out that the group is going to be making a tribute quilt using pieces of clothing from the person, and then auction it off. At the meeting Gray meets Annabelle who is single, an Ovarian Cancer survivor and works at the local aquarium. Sadie and her hit it off. They both have very unruly and curly hair, and since they are both non-quilters they work together to make the tribute quilt.

    In this touching book, Sandra Bricker, shows us how a tragedy can be made into a triumph and that even after a death of a mother and wife, there is hope.

    I loved Sadie, she was absolutely adorable. Her dad Gray is not bad either, and Ms. Essie is a character and a half.

    I highly recommend this book!

    Sunday, August 18, 2013

    ROW #80 Check In . . . Happy Dance




    I am dancing, dancing, dancing at the progress I have made this week in my writing. Two days in a row I wrote over 200 words, beyond my goal.
    Looking forward to writing more this week!!!

    Thursday, August 15, 2013

    “On Distant Shores” by @SarahSundin | Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway, Facebook Party and Blog Tour



















    About On Distant Shores: Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace---and a love that remains true.

    Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie's cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.

    Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they've made?

    With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.

    Purchase a Copy: http://ow.ly/nIVWC

     Meet Sarah: Sarah Sundin is the author of "With Every Letter" and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A "Memory Between Us" was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

    Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.



    Sarah Sundin is celebrating the release of her latest novel, On Distant Shores, with a Romantic Weekend Getaway giveaway!



    On-Distant-Shores-rafflecopter



    One grand prize winner will receive:



    • A $200 Visa Cash Card (good for a perfect couple's getaway)

    • With Every Letter and On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin


    Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 2nd. Winner will be announced September 3rd at the "On Distant Shores" Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Weekend Getaway, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at the next book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.



    So grab your copy of On Distant Shores and join Sarah on the evening of September 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)







    DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 3rd!




    My Thoughts:

    Sarah's second book in this series does not disappoint. With no error for detail Sarah paints a vivid picture of the Italian countryside, which I loved, since I am Italian. Not only is the Italian countryside so real you can touch it, so is the WWII back drop. Sarah's research is impeccable, I could understand the Pharmacist's jargon, and the fear of being a nurse on an aircraft in the middle of enemy gunfire. 
    As the romance blossoms between the characters you get to know them personally, and you feel what they do.

    I highly recommend this book.

    Wednesday, August 14, 2013

    The Letters


















    Book Blurb:

    Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
    With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.


    About Suzanne


    In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.

    Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.

    After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.

    Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple). With help from an agent, she has five books currently under contract with Revell. On September 1st, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, will be released by Revell. The Choice, a novel about the Amish, will follow on January 1st.

    Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

    Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com


    I have no idea how these authors come up with such inviting tales of the Amish. This book is truly one of the best Amish books I have read this year.
    Rose is a widow, and must find a way to pay off her late husband's debts. She painstakingly works to convert the basement of her farmhouse into an inn, despite the disagreement from her mother-in-law.
    Rose is a character you cheer for, and want her to succeed. 
    This series is off to a great start!!!

    Carolina Reckoning - Reviewed



















    Book Blurb:

    When 30-something housewife, Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband's infidelity in a photograph with a mysterious woman, she must decide how to confront Frank when he returns home from work. Despite the influence of her best friend Valerie, a strong Christian, Alison remains aloof from God and is determined to handle this crisis her own way. But Alison may not get that chance. Frank never makes it home. Soon his body is found on a lonely back-country road in antebellum Weathersby Historic Park where Frank served on the board of directors and where Alison, with a degree in landscape design, was a volunteer garden docent. Homicide detective Mike Barefoot, a Cherokee native from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, immediately puts Alison at the top of his suspect list. He finds himself drawn to her—and not just because she had motive for the crime. As an army veteran, Mike usually keeps his emotional walls high. And as a detective, he knows not to get involved with murder suspects. So why he is so attracted to Alison? Can he fight his feelings for her—and the stirrings in his heart toward God?

     About the author:


    Lisa Carter is a writer, teacher, speaker and musician whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense and Christian Parenting Today. Carolina Reckoning is her debut novel, but she was always the child who made up epic tales involving prairie schooners or interplanetary voyages for the neighborhood kids to re-enact during summer vacation. Now, she and her husband have two daughters and make their home in North Carolina. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, quilting and researching her next exotic adventure.

     
     
     Pros:
    I've been in Alison's shoes. I suspected infidelity in my former husband and it was confirmed by my daughters. I however got the privilege of confronting him and kicking him out! Alison never got that privilege. After finding out her husband is cheating, she receives the news that he has been killed, and of course she is the prime suspect. In unraveling the thread of her husband's murder, she becomes privy to her husband, Frank's private world.
    Mike Barefoot, the detective on the case, can't understand why Alison isn't as upset as a wife would be at finding out about the murder of her husband. Alison's children have a difficult time continuing to live in their affluent neighborhood, with the knowledge that their father has left them penniless.

    Overall this was a decent book. I giggled every time I saw the name Mike Barefoot, considering I attended church with a man named Mike Barefoot in Virginia. He was not a detective.
    The spiritual element was very low key, not in your face.
     
    Cons:
    I just didn't feel the edge of my seat pull as I have with other romantic suspense novels I have read in the past.







    Rules of Murder

    This week, the
    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
    is introducing
    Rules of Murder
    Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2013)
    by
    Julianna Deering


    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014).



    ABOUT THE BOOK



    Downton Abbey Meets Agatha Christie in This Sparkling Mystery

    Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.

    Soon, financial irregularities at Drew's stepfather's company come to light and it's clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer--and trying harder to impress Madeline--Drew must decide how far to take this game.

    If you would like to read the first chapter of Rules of Murder, go HERE.

    Sadly this book arrived while I was out of town. A full review to follow.

    Accomplishing . . . Making Progress . . . ROW 80 Mid Week Check In


    I am very pleased that I have finally broke through the writing barrier and have made progress with my WIP.
    I have felt so stagnant and not able to put any words on paper. I have words and am excited to see how this story develops even more!!

    Tuesday, August 13, 2013

    Home Blessing







    My husband and I are building a house, and tonight we had a home blessing. We invited friends and family to come and bless our home with prayer and scripture. It was a wonderful time of celebration, love, and blessings.

    Here are the scripture that was written on the framing.

    Written above the garage.





    Written on the frame by the front door.

    Written by one of the windows. Not exactly sure which one.

    Not sure where this one is written.

    In the living room.

    In the guest bedroom.


    In the hallway.

    In the living room.

    In the master bedroom.


    On the master bedroom wall next to the window.

    Stud by the office.

    House bathroom.

    Kitchen

    Over front door.

    Over front door.


    This was such an inspired time. God went before us and prepared the time. I feel so blessed to have people in our lives that would take the time to come and do this in our home. Our desire is to use this home for God and I believe that tonight we anointed the home. I know that God will take what has been started and magnify it! As it says in Isaiah 55:10-13

    "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;  So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. "For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. "Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off."
















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