We finally have an air date for the Mystery ER episode!
September 8, 2008 - It will premier on Discovery Health Channel and I believe the time is 8 pm Eastern and Pacific. But check your local listings to be sure.
After it airs on Discovery Health Channel it may run on Discovery or TLC if you don't receive the Discovery Health Channel.
We are praying for the producers and cast of the show, and for accuracy :) Which is always fun in television.
I will let you know more as I receive the information.
God is good and He is God.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Alarmed Milk-Man
Last night, I was still awake in the living room, attempting to get some work done since my brain was still in high gear. It was around 11:30 pm and through the front blinds, I saw what I thought was a flashlight coming up the driveway. I watched as the light drew closer and then bolted into "mother bear - protect" mode.
Not fully thinking through my plan of offense, I yanked the front door open, successfully setting off our custom, high security, alarm system. What did I find? The milk-man. Delivering our milk and icing it down in the ice chests, so that we would have fresh, organic milk in the morning.
Not only did I freak the poor man out - I sufficiently scared myself with the screeching of the migraine-inducing alarm. I don't suggest this scenario to make a good impression.
I never thought through the process that our sweet milk delivery company goes through. Our milk-man (who may want to be taken off of our route after this episode) had a light attached to his helmet, so that he could carry our delivery up to the porch and place it in the ice chests they provide for their products. They deliver in the middle of the night, and they don't want to disrupt their customers. A new light bulb has flickered in my brain with understanding.
So, to my milk-man - my apologies. I don't think words are enough for the scare I put him through last night, but I hope he knows it is sincere. :)
And to all of my readers out there, try not to scare your delivery people. It won't be a pleasant experience for either one of you.
Not fully thinking through my plan of offense, I yanked the front door open, successfully setting off our custom, high security, alarm system. What did I find? The milk-man. Delivering our milk and icing it down in the ice chests, so that we would have fresh, organic milk in the morning.
Not only did I freak the poor man out - I sufficiently scared myself with the screeching of the migraine-inducing alarm. I don't suggest this scenario to make a good impression.
I never thought through the process that our sweet milk delivery company goes through. Our milk-man (who may want to be taken off of our route after this episode) had a light attached to his helmet, so that he could carry our delivery up to the porch and place it in the ice chests they provide for their products. They deliver in the middle of the night, and they don't want to disrupt their customers. A new light bulb has flickered in my brain with understanding.
So, to my milk-man - my apologies. I don't think words are enough for the scare I put him through last night, but I hope he knows it is sincere. :)
And to all of my readers out there, try not to scare your delivery people. It won't be a pleasant experience for either one of you.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Turbulence... Continued
I have had a BUNCH of emails about my last post. :) Thanking me, begging me for help, telling me you're completely lost, but want to try. Remember, we are all in this together, we should be helping one another, encouraging one another, holding one another accountable.
None of us are perfect. There has never been a perfect parent on this earth, nor will there ever be. We should strive to follow God's example - because we are His children. And HE is the perfect example.
First, I'm going to ask some interesting questions.
#1 - Have you noticed the difference in the children in our society today?
#2 - If you lived fifty years ago, or a hundred years ago, would you be raising your child in the same manner? (i.e. discipline, standards, rules, etc.)
#3 - Are you consistent in your parenting, and do you follow through?
I had a mom email me - and she asked me to share her story here. :)
She has four children under six years old. Twins (almost six), a four-year-old and a two- year-old. One has been diagnosed with ADHD and has other issues. Another has issues that we will keep private. Needless to say, this mom has no easy task on her hands. She's always worn out. And she feels like she's failing.
She wrote to me and said, "I cried when I read your post. Those are my children, they scream when they don't get their way, they run over people everywhere we go, and friends don't invite us over anymore and I know it's because of my children. Last time we went to someone's house, my children were running all over the place, and when the hostess told them 'no' about something, they asked her 'why?' They question everything. They jumped on her furniture and threw pillows. This older lady sat me down and said, 'you need to find someone to help you with your kids.' I knew it was true, but I wanted to get defensive, my pride kicked in and I wanted to tell her what a hard job it was and that I thought I was doing pretty good. Then my ego deflated as I looked into her caring eyes. She wasn't attacking me, she wanted to help. I've always thought I could handle it. I've prayed about it...over and over. I'm always tired. I'm not doing my kids any good."
This mom and I emailed back and forth. I asked her a few questions. She realized right away one of her mistakes - made out of her effort to be a great mom (just because you make mistakes does not mean you don't love your children, or that you don't want to be the best parent you can be.) Her mistake? She was revolving around her children. Have you ever heard that illustration? Either the parents are the nucleus, or the children are the nucleus. Who revolves around who?
Illustration: This mom would say, "I would like you to go clean your room, all right?" Was this mom asking her child's permission? Who becomes the authority? The kids never did it, or followed through. She would say, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to do _____. " And then, the child wouldn't do it, so she would come up with another one, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to take away _____." The child still wouldn't do it - but what was really the cause? The mom didn't follow through. She was inconsistent. And that's the example she was showing them whether she wanted to or not.
Illustration: God gave Adam and Eve the rules - they broke the rules - even as much as He loved them, He had to follow through with His discipline - the consequences. What if God had not been consistent? Ouch.
Are you willing to follow God's example? It's tough. It's sometimes heartbreaking. But it needs to be done. His love is unconditional. Just like our love for our children should be. And His forgiveness is unending. Just because we follow through with discipline doesn't mean we aren't forgiving. There are always consequences, but there should also always be forgiveness.
Her last email was beautiful. Here's part of what she said:
"I realized how many times I had begged God to help, but didn't go search His Word to find the answers. I looked at other people in our society, I looked to books by experts that didn't point me to His Word. I blamed the society and times that we lived in.
I grew up with an alcoholic mother. She would yell and scream, kick and hit. So I decided I would never raise my voice or spank. I've always tried to persuade my children to do what was right, I was always reasoning with them, as if their logic would prevail. And all of this took so much time and energy. I was pouring energy into being inconsistent - whereas had I poured my energy into being consistent - things would be completely different.
My husband came home and we talked about it. He's never been involved because I never let him be involved, and he felt just as clueless. We've only been at this a few hours now and the change is amazing. And I'm not near as tired, and I'm smiling more. I showed my husband your note about one of your kids and how strong-willed they were and the lack of pain giving them no fear of falling or getting hurt or consequences. He was encouraged to see that even children with special needs and special circumstances can make it. We had both met you years ago when you spoke to our large homeschool group and we were so impressed with your children. To me I guess that's what says it all. I was a first-time mom and wanted to homeschool and raise my children right. I saw what you had, and wanted it too. Thank you being willing to put yourself out there, and willing to answer my plea for help."
Now, let me tell you again that I am not perfect, and my children are not perfect. But God is. Let's keep looking to Him for the correct example.
Life is full of turbulence. It's hard. It's painful. Parenting is full of turbulence, too. There aren't a lot of easy, pat answers. We are all going to fall down, make mistakes, and fail. Love unconditionally as God loves us, forgive always as He has forgiven us.
Let me end with a few questions:
Are you consistent?
Do you follow through?
Are you willing to follow God's example?
None of us are perfect. There has never been a perfect parent on this earth, nor will there ever be. We should strive to follow God's example - because we are His children. And HE is the perfect example.
First, I'm going to ask some interesting questions.
#1 - Have you noticed the difference in the children in our society today?
#2 - If you lived fifty years ago, or a hundred years ago, would you be raising your child in the same manner? (i.e. discipline, standards, rules, etc.)
#3 - Are you consistent in your parenting, and do you follow through?
I had a mom email me - and she asked me to share her story here. :)
She has four children under six years old. Twins (almost six), a four-year-old and a two- year-old. One has been diagnosed with ADHD and has other issues. Another has issues that we will keep private. Needless to say, this mom has no easy task on her hands. She's always worn out. And she feels like she's failing.
She wrote to me and said, "I cried when I read your post. Those are my children, they scream when they don't get their way, they run over people everywhere we go, and friends don't invite us over anymore and I know it's because of my children. Last time we went to someone's house, my children were running all over the place, and when the hostess told them 'no' about something, they asked her 'why?' They question everything. They jumped on her furniture and threw pillows. This older lady sat me down and said, 'you need to find someone to help you with your kids.' I knew it was true, but I wanted to get defensive, my pride kicked in and I wanted to tell her what a hard job it was and that I thought I was doing pretty good. Then my ego deflated as I looked into her caring eyes. She wasn't attacking me, she wanted to help. I've always thought I could handle it. I've prayed about it...over and over. I'm always tired. I'm not doing my kids any good."
This mom and I emailed back and forth. I asked her a few questions. She realized right away one of her mistakes - made out of her effort to be a great mom (just because you make mistakes does not mean you don't love your children, or that you don't want to be the best parent you can be.) Her mistake? She was revolving around her children. Have you ever heard that illustration? Either the parents are the nucleus, or the children are the nucleus. Who revolves around who?
Illustration: This mom would say, "I would like you to go clean your room, all right?" Was this mom asking her child's permission? Who becomes the authority? The kids never did it, or followed through. She would say, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to do _____. " And then, the child wouldn't do it, so she would come up with another one, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to take away _____." The child still wouldn't do it - but what was really the cause? The mom didn't follow through. She was inconsistent. And that's the example she was showing them whether she wanted to or not.
Illustration: God gave Adam and Eve the rules - they broke the rules - even as much as He loved them, He had to follow through with His discipline - the consequences. What if God had not been consistent? Ouch.
Are you willing to follow God's example? It's tough. It's sometimes heartbreaking. But it needs to be done. His love is unconditional. Just like our love for our children should be. And His forgiveness is unending. Just because we follow through with discipline doesn't mean we aren't forgiving. There are always consequences, but there should also always be forgiveness.
Her last email was beautiful. Here's part of what she said:
"I realized how many times I had begged God to help, but didn't go search His Word to find the answers. I looked at other people in our society, I looked to books by experts that didn't point me to His Word. I blamed the society and times that we lived in.
I grew up with an alcoholic mother. She would yell and scream, kick and hit. So I decided I would never raise my voice or spank. I've always tried to persuade my children to do what was right, I was always reasoning with them, as if their logic would prevail. And all of this took so much time and energy. I was pouring energy into being inconsistent - whereas had I poured my energy into being consistent - things would be completely different.
My husband came home and we talked about it. He's never been involved because I never let him be involved, and he felt just as clueless. We've only been at this a few hours now and the change is amazing. And I'm not near as tired, and I'm smiling more. I showed my husband your note about one of your kids and how strong-willed they were and the lack of pain giving them no fear of falling or getting hurt or consequences. He was encouraged to see that even children with special needs and special circumstances can make it. We had both met you years ago when you spoke to our large homeschool group and we were so impressed with your children. To me I guess that's what says it all. I was a first-time mom and wanted to homeschool and raise my children right. I saw what you had, and wanted it too. Thank you being willing to put yourself out there, and willing to answer my plea for help."
Now, let me tell you again that I am not perfect, and my children are not perfect. But God is. Let's keep looking to Him for the correct example.
Life is full of turbulence. It's hard. It's painful. Parenting is full of turbulence, too. There aren't a lot of easy, pat answers. We are all going to fall down, make mistakes, and fail. Love unconditionally as God loves us, forgive always as He has forgiven us.
Let me end with a few questions:
Are you consistent?
Do you follow through?
Are you willing to follow God's example?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A.K. Arenz
Bio: Mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three, A.K. Arenz has been writing since she was a child. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Arenz lives in Missouri with her husband and two Himalayan cats.
Book: The Case of the Bouncing Grandma
Book Blurb: Reduced to watching new neighbors move in as a form of amusement, Glory Harper is stuck in a wheelchair with a broken leg, bored and itching for excitement. She just doesn’t expect it to come in the form of a fool dangling from the end of a carpet as it’s carried into her new neighbor’s house.
The problem is getting someone to believe her. It’s bad enough that her daughter and sister are convinced she imagined the incident. But when the police recognize Glory as the woman whose skateboarding accident resulted in a multi-car pile-up, her believability quotient lowers even more. Just when she thinks she’s finally gotten someone to take her seriously, Glory realizes Detective Rick Spencer, a Harrison Ford look-alike, appears more interested in her than in her story.
The more Glory learns about her new neighbors, the more she realizes she’s stumbled onto something bigger than just a murder case. But by now she’s made enough enemies to put herself and her family in danger. While she’s following what seems to be the obvious path to the culprits, the real criminals are closing in.
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Bio: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Shirley knew she wanted to write all her life. Although her creative imagination and love for “make-believe” keeps her active as an historical romance writer, on the side, Shirley also wears other hats by writing devotionals and teaching at women’s retreats.
Book: A Flame from Within
Book Blurb: When a Yankee-induced fire destroys her family and her home, young plantation-bred Amethyst Rose finds herself on the run. Angry towards God and the men in blue, Amethyst’s only choice left is to move in with her elder and controlling sister, who runs a bordello in The French Quarter of New Orleans—a decision guaranteed to destroy Amethyst’s personal respect and tarnish her family name.
With her bitter hatred towards all Yankees plunged into high gear, nothing seems to matter anymore, until, on a riverboat en route to New Orleans, she finds herself intrigued by the presence of not one, but two Union officers. Each in his own ways to tug at the heart and soul of this woman lost.
Mary Davis
Bio: Born and raised in Washington State, Mary now resides in Colorado with her husband of nearly twenty-four years, three teenagers, and six pets. She earned her college degree in elementary education and has taken an advanced course from the Institute of Children's Literature. Mary leads two critique groups, one in the local Colorado area as well as an on-line critique group. She regularly attends the American Christian Fiction Writers conference and has spearheaded a writing contest for youth for several years. She is a local ACFW chapter president. Washington Brides will be her fourteenth book, which contains three previously released novels.
Book: Newlywed Games
Book Blurb: Megan Livingston has it all worked out. Her mother will visit and be gone before her fantasy husband is sheduled return from his non-existent bussiness trip. But Bruce Halloway inadvertently steps in the middle of her masquerade and winds up playing son-in-law.
Book: Cinda’s Surprise
Book Blurb: Cinda Harrison is content not to marry but her good intentioned friends set her up as a mail-order bride. She knows nothing of the engagement until the day her groom, Lucas Rawlings, shows up to seal their agreement with wedding vows and take her to Montana. Upon arriving at his farm, she finds out his real intentions for wanting a wife.
Book: Marty’s Ride
Book Blurb: There is nothing timid or shy about Marty Rawlings. She is all boy. Her survival skills serve her well when her nine year old nieces are kidnapped and she races after them. Can she rescue them before they are turned over to greedy relatives? Or will the smooth talking lawyer, Reece Keegan, who kidnapped them, talk her out of them and steal her heart?
Book: Roger’s Return
Book Blurb: On the night of their first wedding anniversary Jackie Villeroy plans to tell her husband they're going to have a baby, but he disappears without a trace. Two and a half years later, he resurfaces. Why did he leave so suddenly without a word? And where has he been? Can she trust him not to break her heart again?
Book: Lakeside
Book Blurb: LORELEI NEEDED TO GET AWAY.
The last ten years of her life have left Lorelei Hayes with no hope. In a desperate attempt to regain peace, she returns to the lakeside cottage of her youth and prays the Lord will bring healing and rest.
Garth Kessel has spent the last ten years of his life in love with Lorelei. Since he stole a kiss from the red-head one summer, he has committed her into the Lord's hands. Now it appears God has brought her back - and the woman she has become far surpasses any boyhood dream he may have created.
But Lorelei has a secret - one she's convinced will keep her from enjoying life - especially a life with Garth. Can this beloved lakeside retreat provide happiness again? Or have the sins of others stripped her of a future?
Book: The Island
Book Blurb: Historic Mackinac Island. Haley thought she had found the perfect haven to escape to. But when a handsome tourist rides her carriage for three days straight, she thinks her little patch of heaven just got a little nicer until she learns his true reason for being on the Island. She will not allow herself to be used again. But will she bend her will to let God use her?
Book: The Grand Hotel
Book Blurb: Aimee has the perfect plan, attach herself to a June wedding party in a remote way so she can search the Grand Hotel for what her great-great-grandfather left hidden in the hotel almost one hundred and fifteen years ago. But will the handsome and determined assistant manager stand in her way? Can she accept what she finds?
Book: Heritage
Book Blurb: Rachel is excited when she inherits a house on Mackinac Island until she learns about the ancestors that come with it. How could she be related to Indians when she disliked the lazy savages? Will her fiancé forgive her this one blemish on her past or will she find a new love on the romantic island? And will she learn to accept her heritage as God accepts her?
Book: Michigan Weddings
Book Blurb: Mackinac Island Harbors the Brokenhearted.
Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most popular wedding locations. But three modern women only seek a safe harbor for their wounded hearts along the island's quiet paths.
Lorelei Hayes returns to the island carrying a secret that has stolen her joy and hope for the future. Garth Kessel has waited ten years for her, but will he want the woman she has become?
Haley Tindale's job on the island hides her from family conflict and the fear of being used by others. Then a handsome customer arrives, asking for her help and stirring up old fears.
Aimee Mikkelson seeks family treasure and adventure at the Grand Hotel, but Dillon Thurough, one of the assistant manager's, adherences to order and routine threatens her goals.
Will God's guidance lead these women down the pathway to forgiveness and romance? Will there be any hope for more weddings on the island?
Book: Love Letters
Book Blurb: Love Is Sometimes Read Between the Lines . . . Four generations of women find themselves intrigued by the written word. Will the friendships from the men on the other end of the correspondence be the key to their happiness?
In Love Notes, Laurel has just lost her father in a bank robbery of his own scheming. She is ashamed of his behavior, the only solace she finds is in the sheet of music she discovers propped up on the piano in the church. She thanks God for sending her the music. Ethan has his arm in a sling because Laurel's father shot him in the holdup. She can't bear the shame to face him. Ethan thinks Laurel hates him because he is the one who killed her father.
Book: Uncertain Alliance
Book Blurb: Alice can't trust another man.
Alice Dempsey's husband squandered the family's money. When he died, he left her destitute and solely responsible for her aging grandfather, younger brother, and toddler son. Debt forces the family to move to a Seattle tenement. When Alice is fired from her job, she becomes desperate. Will she and her family end up on the streets?
Ian MacGregor has loved Alice from afar for months, but he can't get past the wall of formality she has built around herself. When he learns of her job loss, he offers her employment in his pharmacy. She turns him down, suspicious of his motives. But when her younger brother gets into serious trouble and Ian is the only one who can help, Alice warily allows him into their lives.
Will Alice find love where she least expects it? Or will this uncertain alliance prove her fears of betrayal true?
Book: The Captain’s Wife
Book Blurb: Only Vivian knows the truth.
Vivian is the new wife of respected Captain Randolph Carlyle, but when Randolph dies at sea, only she lives with the truth. No one else knows that his last words to her were an angry indictment of her secret past life--not his brother, not his servants, and certainly not his best friend, Conner Jackson. So when Vivian calmly accepts the news that her husband's will had not been updated to include her, those who care about her are puzzled by her reaction.
Vivian is convinced she has received God's forgiveness for her past behavior, but as she and Conner are drawn to each other, she fears that, like her late husband, Conner will reject her if he ever learns of her past. Will her secret remain safe, or will its existence threaten the love she seeks?
Book: Reckless Rogue
Book Blurb: Lizzie Carter is no ordinary doll.
Lieutenant Pete Garfield loves to flirt with the ladies—"dolls" as he calls them—in every town where he lands his Curtiss JN-4D biplane. There are always plenty in the crowds who gather to gape at his amazing aeroplane and pay him for a ride. But one special girl in Cashmere, Washington, captures his interest with her extraordinary knowledge of aeroplanes and her insistence on flying his! No one but Pete flies the Jenny, but he sure doesn't mind giving pretty Lizzie some free rides.
Lizzie Carter has always dreamed of flying, but she won't be satisfied until she pilots an aeroplane herself. She sees Pete's arrival in Cashmere as the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true. But she didn't expect this carefree aviator to capture her heart.
Will Pete settle in one town long enough to fall in love with one special girl? Or will the past he's been flying away from finally catch up with him?
Sharon Dunn
Bio: Sharon Dunn is the author of the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was Voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history from Montana State University, where she currently tutors and instructs. Sharon lives with her husband of nineteen years, three children, three cats, and lots of dust bunnies.
Book: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Book one)
Book Blurb: Meet Ginger Salinski. Her heart beats faster when she passes a clearance rack and there has never been a good deal she couldn't sniff out. Ginger and her bargain hunter friends are bonded together by the need to be first in line at doorbuster sales, but when one of the bargain hunters goes missing, they must track down clues instead of discounts.
Laurie Alice Eakes
Bio: Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes does not remember a time when books did not play a part in her life; thus, no one was surprised when she decided to be a writer. Her first hardcover was an October, 2006 Regency historical from Avalon Books and won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, as well as being a finalist for Best First Book. She has also sold other books, articles, short stories, and essays. A graduate of the Seton Hill University Master of Arts Degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she is an experienced speaker, making presentations at local and national RWA conferences, as well as universities, schools, and libraries. She lives in Virginia with her husband and assorted cats and dogs.
Book: Better Than Gold
Book Blurb: Lily is tired of her one-horse town. Lily Reese can't wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She's sure she'll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there. But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily's place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind, as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her? Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
Tina Ann Forkner
Bio: Tina writes contemporary fiction that challenges and inspires. Originally from Oklahoma, she graduated with honors in English from CSU Sacramento before ultimately settling in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where she lives with her husband and their three bright children. Tina serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation Board of Directors, volunteers with her local Mothers of Preschooler group, and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her family.
Book: Ruby Among Us
Book Blurb: Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.
From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.
What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.
Cynthia Hickey
Bio: Cynthia lives in Arizona with her husband, two of their seven kids, two cats, one dog and a fish named Floyd.
Book: Fudge-Laced Felonies
Book Blurb: Summer Meadows entered church on Sunday, not to find God, but to search for a killer.
While transplanting the rosebush her church's handsome Sunday school teacher, Ethan Banning inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer.
As Summer gets close to the truth, not only of the theft, but of her true feelings for Ethan, the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.
Ethan's love for Summer stays buried beneath his teasing, waiting until God tells him it is time to declare his feelings. Meanwhile, Summer's quirky and daring resolve to solve the case has him acting in a heavy-handed manner in order to protect her, and almost pushes her away.
Anita Higman
Bio: Anita is an award-winning author of nineteen books. She enjoys hiking with her family, visiting show caves, and cooking brunch for her friends.
Book: Another Stab At Life
Book Blurb: Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home.
She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as a shadowy as it’s hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried.
Book: Larkspur Dreams (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: Larkspur Wendell hates to see anyone not enjoying life. So when she gets a new neighbor who seems more interested in his computer than communication, Lark feels compelled to get to know him. But her spontaneity and zeal for life seem to push him further away.
Book: The Love Song (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: A painfully shy woman named Clair O'Neal must find the courage to follow her heart's dream in the music business, and she must choose between the two men who love her dearly.
J.M. Hochstetler
Book: Daughter of Liberty
Book Blurb: As the first blood of the Revolution is spilled, a beautiful rebel spy and a jaded British officer fight their own private battles of faith—and a forbidden love.
Book: Native Son
Book Blurb: Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything—his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.
Book: One Holy Night
Book Blurb: What God has in mind this bleak Christmas is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago … in a world torn by sin and strife … to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss …will be born a baby …
Michelle Sutton
Bio: Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and volunteer officer on the ACFW board and the editor in chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is a social worker by day and prolific reader/book reviewer and author the rest of the time. Her debut novel is "It's Not About Me." She lives in Arizona with her husband of nearly eighteen years and her two teenage sons.
Book: It’s Not About Me
Book Blurb: Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. But the focus of her life is to please everyone and not make any waves. Her reputation means everything to her.
But one night Annie's safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life--that it's not about "me"?
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Bio: Nancy Jo Jenkins is a Texas native who descends from a large Irish family who love “rowdy get-togethers.” She has taught special education and accelerated student classes in Austin, where she is heavily involved in the public school system as well as being an active member of her church. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a past member of American Christian Writers Association. Nancy Jo and her husband, David, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Book: Coldwater Revival
Book Blurb: Just three weeks before her wedding, Emma Grace Falin has returned to her hometown of Coldwater, Texas, consumed by a single, burning desire. She must confront the guilt and shame of a devastating event that has haunted her since childhood. Nancy Jo Jenkins has woven an unforgettable tale of shattering loss, desperate grief and despair, and one family’s amazing journey to restoration and forgiveness. A masterful debut, Coldwater Revival will be etched in your memories and upon your heart.
Patti Lacy
Bio: Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in education. She taught at a college in Illinois until 2006, and now writes full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and dog named Laura.
Book: An Irishwoman’s Tale
Book Blurb: Mary Freeman’s earliest memory has haunted her since childhood: An old oaken table, bitter faces drinking bitter tea, a heated discussion of what’s to be done with the “little eejit”—her. Now she is far removed from this family that didn’t want her, and separated her from her native Ireland. Living in the United States heartland, Mary searches out fulfilling roles—entrepreneur, wife, Christian, mother, community servant—but her loneliness and torment remain as acute as ever.
A crisis in her youngest daughter’s life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—propels Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland. Her harrowing journey unveils her tragic past, and forces her face-to-face with God.
Vickie McDonough
Bio: Award-winning author, VICKIE MCDONOUGH, believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. Vickie loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Her first novel, "Sooner or Later" was released in 2005, and she has several more Heartsong Presents novels coming out in the next few years. She has also authored four novellas, which are included in "A Stitch in Time", "Brides 'o' the Emerald Isle", "Lone Star Christmas", and "Kiss The Bride". She is a member of numerous writing and critique groups and has been a book reviewer for four years. Vickie is a wife of thirty years, mother to four sons, three of which still live at home, and she just became a first time grandma. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Book: Sooner or Later (Oklahoma Bride series Book one)
Book Blurb: A young woman fleeing an arranged marriage is rescued by a lonely farmer when she collapses on the prairie. The last thing Mason needed was another person to care for. Can two people running away find peace and love?
Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride (Oklahoma Bride series Book two)
Book Blurb: Will God use a rugged bounty hunter to save a young bride from making a grave error?
Book: A Wealth Beyond Riches (Oklahoma Bride series Book three)
Book Blurb: Can a young woman from the New York theater world find the love she longs for in Indian Territory ?
S. Dionne Moore
Bio: S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free supermom, able to leap piles of a homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.
Book: Murder on the Ol’Bunions
Book Blurb: LaTisha Barnhart’s bunions tell her something’s afoot as she delves deeper into the murder of her former employee, Marion Peters. When LaTisha becomes a suspect, the ante is upped, and she is determined to clear her name and find the culprit.
She’s burping Mark Hamm’s bad cooking to investigate his beef with Marion. . .getting her hair styled at a high falutin’ beauty parlor to see what has Regina Rogane in a snarl. . .playing self-appointed matchmaker between the local chief and a prime suspect. . .and thinking Payton O’Mahney’s music store lease might be the reason he’s singing out of tune when discussion of Marion’s murder arises. LaTisha’s thinking she just might use the reward money to get her bunions surgically removed. But she’s got to catch the crook first.
Trish Perry
Bio: Trish Perry is an award-winning writer and editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC, area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers group.
Book: The Guy I’m Not Dating
Book Blurb: Kara Richardson has finally suffered one breakup too many. She's decided to go the no-dating route to romance, although she's not quite sure how that works.
She couldn't have picked a worse time to meet Gabe Paolino. Gorgeous men hardly faze Kara. A personal trainer, she works with hunks every day. But Gabe, the handsome young deli owner in town, proves way too available and way too challenging for Kara's vow of friendship. How will she adhere to her new lifestyle without scaring Gabe away?
Enter matchmaking friends, a strange elderly aunt, three demanding teens, and one hard-to-take vixen with eyes for Gabe. Add an overcrowded road trip and plenty of God's blessings, and Kara may discover that the guy she's not dating is the best boyfriend she's ever had.
Book: Too Good to Be True
Book Blurb: Rennie Young, heroine of Too Good to Be True, meets the gallant Truman Sayers after she faints in the boys’ department of the local super store. Despite this unromantic introduction, Tru Sayers, a handsome young labor–and–delivery nurse, seems like a gift from God. But a recent divorce and other life disappointments cause Ren to question whether she can trust her heart and God.
This clever novel encourages readers to lean on God’s leading and to be open to life after the hurt—even when it seems too good to be true.
Staci Stallings
Book: Dreams by Starlight
Book Blurb: If the world’s a stage and each of us plays a part, then Camille Wright is the high school wallflower that nobody remembers and only the bullies ever knew was there. However, her headlong dash to Princeton’s Aerospace Engineering program crashes to a heart-jarring halt when in order to “round out all those math classes,” she is unwillingly signed up for drama class. Awkward, shy, and quiet, Camille struggles to stay part of the wall even under the bright lights. But sometimes where you want to be isn’t where you were destined to be at all…
Book: Reflections on Life
Book Blurb: A collection of short stories that will uplift the weary traveler on life's highway. Filled with God and all things Holy Spirit, this is a book you can't afford to miss.
Book: Reflections on Life II
Book Blurb: Packed with 81 remarkable stories, Reflections on Life II: Notes from the Journey will encourage you to find God’s path for your life and follow it. Learn how to trade an ordinary life for one of extraordinary love and abundance in God, through God, and with God. If you’re living small, this book will inspire you to live big, to reach for everything God wants for your life, and to do all you do with bravery, integrity, and most of all… love.
Book: Cowboy
Book Blurb: Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real. Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone. Staci Stallings has intertwined the loss and grief of two characters into a sweet love story. Full of truths and illustrations of God’s grace, Cowboy will capture a reader’s heart. Stallings has peppered in song lyrics that strike a beautiful chord.
Book: Lucky
Book Blurb: Kalin Lane had his dream in hand. Then, on the cusp of mega-stardom, Kalin’s world crashed down around him in a hail of stupid choices. Five years later, Kalin is back, reaching for his dream once again; however, time hasn’t erased his past. Will the lessons of the past be enough to save him from himself this time around? Danae Scott thought she was headed toward the future every girl wants. However, in one night that belief is ripped into unrecognizable shreads. Devastated and confused, Danae is an anguished mess when an angel trips over her. Does this angel have the answers she didn’t even know she needed? One man, One woman, One night that changes everything.
Camy Tang
Bio: Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.
Book: Sushi for One?
Book Blurb: Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her "perfect man" list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?
Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her older cousin gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousin's wedding.
Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don't speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. He's not a jock, he's not a Christian, and he has a bad history with Lex's cousin, Trish. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.
Debra Ullrick
Bio: Debra Ullrick and her husband of thirty-four years, along with their daughter lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A famous movie star and her screen writer husband purchased property at the last ranch where they lived. Debra's husband has met many celebrities and had the privilege of taking Eddie Albert horseback riding. Recently Debra and her real-life hero, Rick, moved to the flatlands, where they're dealing with cultural whiplash in the city. Besides Christ, Debra's passions include attending Red Rocks Church, talking with her ACFW friends, reading, writing, drawing Western art, watching Jane Austen movies, Monster Jam World Finals DVD’s, mud bog racing, collecting monster truck and muscle/classic car models, and going to classic auto shows. Debra loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website at www.DebraUllrick.com
Book: The Bride Wore Coveralls
Book Blurb: Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabatoged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?
Bio: Mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three, A.K. Arenz has been writing since she was a child. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Arenz lives in Missouri with her husband and two Himalayan cats.
Book: The Case of the Bouncing Grandma
Book Blurb: Reduced to watching new neighbors move in as a form of amusement, Glory Harper is stuck in a wheelchair with a broken leg, bored and itching for excitement. She just doesn’t expect it to come in the form of a fool dangling from the end of a carpet as it’s carried into her new neighbor’s house.
The problem is getting someone to believe her. It’s bad enough that her daughter and sister are convinced she imagined the incident. But when the police recognize Glory as the woman whose skateboarding accident resulted in a multi-car pile-up, her believability quotient lowers even more. Just when she thinks she’s finally gotten someone to take her seriously, Glory realizes Detective Rick Spencer, a Harrison Ford look-alike, appears more interested in her than in her story.
The more Glory learns about her new neighbors, the more she realizes she’s stumbled onto something bigger than just a murder case. But by now she’s made enough enemies to put herself and her family in danger. While she’s following what seems to be the obvious path to the culprits, the real criminals are closing in.
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Bio: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Shirley knew she wanted to write all her life. Although her creative imagination and love for “make-believe” keeps her active as an historical romance writer, on the side, Shirley also wears other hats by writing devotionals and teaching at women’s retreats.
Book: A Flame from Within
Book Blurb: When a Yankee-induced fire destroys her family and her home, young plantation-bred Amethyst Rose finds herself on the run. Angry towards God and the men in blue, Amethyst’s only choice left is to move in with her elder and controlling sister, who runs a bordello in The French Quarter of New Orleans—a decision guaranteed to destroy Amethyst’s personal respect and tarnish her family name.
With her bitter hatred towards all Yankees plunged into high gear, nothing seems to matter anymore, until, on a riverboat en route to New Orleans, she finds herself intrigued by the presence of not one, but two Union officers. Each in his own ways to tug at the heart and soul of this woman lost.
Mary Davis
Bio: Born and raised in Washington State, Mary now resides in Colorado with her husband of nearly twenty-four years, three teenagers, and six pets. She earned her college degree in elementary education and has taken an advanced course from the Institute of Children's Literature. Mary leads two critique groups, one in the local Colorado area as well as an on-line critique group. She regularly attends the American Christian Fiction Writers conference and has spearheaded a writing contest for youth for several years. She is a local ACFW chapter president. Washington Brides will be her fourteenth book, which contains three previously released novels.
Book: Newlywed Games
Book Blurb: Megan Livingston has it all worked out. Her mother will visit and be gone before her fantasy husband is sheduled return from his non-existent bussiness trip. But Bruce Halloway inadvertently steps in the middle of her masquerade and winds up playing son-in-law.
Book: Cinda’s Surprise
Book Blurb: Cinda Harrison is content not to marry but her good intentioned friends set her up as a mail-order bride. She knows nothing of the engagement until the day her groom, Lucas Rawlings, shows up to seal their agreement with wedding vows and take her to Montana. Upon arriving at his farm, she finds out his real intentions for wanting a wife.
Book: Marty’s Ride
Book Blurb: There is nothing timid or shy about Marty Rawlings. She is all boy. Her survival skills serve her well when her nine year old nieces are kidnapped and she races after them. Can she rescue them before they are turned over to greedy relatives? Or will the smooth talking lawyer, Reece Keegan, who kidnapped them, talk her out of them and steal her heart?
Book: Roger’s Return
Book Blurb: On the night of their first wedding anniversary Jackie Villeroy plans to tell her husband they're going to have a baby, but he disappears without a trace. Two and a half years later, he resurfaces. Why did he leave so suddenly without a word? And where has he been? Can she trust him not to break her heart again?
Book: Lakeside
Book Blurb: LORELEI NEEDED TO GET AWAY.
The last ten years of her life have left Lorelei Hayes with no hope. In a desperate attempt to regain peace, she returns to the lakeside cottage of her youth and prays the Lord will bring healing and rest.
Garth Kessel has spent the last ten years of his life in love with Lorelei. Since he stole a kiss from the red-head one summer, he has committed her into the Lord's hands. Now it appears God has brought her back - and the woman she has become far surpasses any boyhood dream he may have created.
But Lorelei has a secret - one she's convinced will keep her from enjoying life - especially a life with Garth. Can this beloved lakeside retreat provide happiness again? Or have the sins of others stripped her of a future?
Book: The Island
Book Blurb: Historic Mackinac Island. Haley thought she had found the perfect haven to escape to. But when a handsome tourist rides her carriage for three days straight, she thinks her little patch of heaven just got a little nicer until she learns his true reason for being on the Island. She will not allow herself to be used again. But will she bend her will to let God use her?
Book: The Grand Hotel
Book Blurb: Aimee has the perfect plan, attach herself to a June wedding party in a remote way so she can search the Grand Hotel for what her great-great-grandfather left hidden in the hotel almost one hundred and fifteen years ago. But will the handsome and determined assistant manager stand in her way? Can she accept what she finds?
Book: Heritage
Book Blurb: Rachel is excited when she inherits a house on Mackinac Island until she learns about the ancestors that come with it. How could she be related to Indians when she disliked the lazy savages? Will her fiancé forgive her this one blemish on her past or will she find a new love on the romantic island? And will she learn to accept her heritage as God accepts her?
Book: Michigan Weddings
Book Blurb: Mackinac Island Harbors the Brokenhearted.
Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most popular wedding locations. But three modern women only seek a safe harbor for their wounded hearts along the island's quiet paths.
Lorelei Hayes returns to the island carrying a secret that has stolen her joy and hope for the future. Garth Kessel has waited ten years for her, but will he want the woman she has become?
Haley Tindale's job on the island hides her from family conflict and the fear of being used by others. Then a handsome customer arrives, asking for her help and stirring up old fears.
Aimee Mikkelson seeks family treasure and adventure at the Grand Hotel, but Dillon Thurough, one of the assistant manager's, adherences to order and routine threatens her goals.
Will God's guidance lead these women down the pathway to forgiveness and romance? Will there be any hope for more weddings on the island?
Book: Love Letters
Book Blurb: Love Is Sometimes Read Between the Lines . . . Four generations of women find themselves intrigued by the written word. Will the friendships from the men on the other end of the correspondence be the key to their happiness?
In Love Notes, Laurel has just lost her father in a bank robbery of his own scheming. She is ashamed of his behavior, the only solace she finds is in the sheet of music she discovers propped up on the piano in the church. She thanks God for sending her the music. Ethan has his arm in a sling because Laurel's father shot him in the holdup. She can't bear the shame to face him. Ethan thinks Laurel hates him because he is the one who killed her father.
Book: Uncertain Alliance
Book Blurb: Alice can't trust another man.
Alice Dempsey's husband squandered the family's money. When he died, he left her destitute and solely responsible for her aging grandfather, younger brother, and toddler son. Debt forces the family to move to a Seattle tenement. When Alice is fired from her job, she becomes desperate. Will she and her family end up on the streets?
Ian MacGregor has loved Alice from afar for months, but he can't get past the wall of formality she has built around herself. When he learns of her job loss, he offers her employment in his pharmacy. She turns him down, suspicious of his motives. But when her younger brother gets into serious trouble and Ian is the only one who can help, Alice warily allows him into their lives.
Will Alice find love where she least expects it? Or will this uncertain alliance prove her fears of betrayal true?
Book: The Captain’s Wife
Book Blurb: Only Vivian knows the truth.
Vivian is the new wife of respected Captain Randolph Carlyle, but when Randolph dies at sea, only she lives with the truth. No one else knows that his last words to her were an angry indictment of her secret past life--not his brother, not his servants, and certainly not his best friend, Conner Jackson. So when Vivian calmly accepts the news that her husband's will had not been updated to include her, those who care about her are puzzled by her reaction.
Vivian is convinced she has received God's forgiveness for her past behavior, but as she and Conner are drawn to each other, she fears that, like her late husband, Conner will reject her if he ever learns of her past. Will her secret remain safe, or will its existence threaten the love she seeks?
Book: Reckless Rogue
Book Blurb: Lizzie Carter is no ordinary doll.
Lieutenant Pete Garfield loves to flirt with the ladies—"dolls" as he calls them—in every town where he lands his Curtiss JN-4D biplane. There are always plenty in the crowds who gather to gape at his amazing aeroplane and pay him for a ride. But one special girl in Cashmere, Washington, captures his interest with her extraordinary knowledge of aeroplanes and her insistence on flying his! No one but Pete flies the Jenny, but he sure doesn't mind giving pretty Lizzie some free rides.
Lizzie Carter has always dreamed of flying, but she won't be satisfied until she pilots an aeroplane herself. She sees Pete's arrival in Cashmere as the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true. But she didn't expect this carefree aviator to capture her heart.
Will Pete settle in one town long enough to fall in love with one special girl? Or will the past he's been flying away from finally catch up with him?
Sharon Dunn
Bio: Sharon Dunn is the author of the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was Voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history from Montana State University, where she currently tutors and instructs. Sharon lives with her husband of nineteen years, three children, three cats, and lots of dust bunnies.
Book: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Book one)
Book Blurb: Meet Ginger Salinski. Her heart beats faster when she passes a clearance rack and there has never been a good deal she couldn't sniff out. Ginger and her bargain hunter friends are bonded together by the need to be first in line at doorbuster sales, but when one of the bargain hunters goes missing, they must track down clues instead of discounts.
Laurie Alice Eakes
Bio: Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes does not remember a time when books did not play a part in her life; thus, no one was surprised when she decided to be a writer. Her first hardcover was an October, 2006 Regency historical from Avalon Books and won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, as well as being a finalist for Best First Book. She has also sold other books, articles, short stories, and essays. A graduate of the Seton Hill University Master of Arts Degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she is an experienced speaker, making presentations at local and national RWA conferences, as well as universities, schools, and libraries. She lives in Virginia with her husband and assorted cats and dogs.
Book: Better Than Gold
Book Blurb: Lily is tired of her one-horse town. Lily Reese can't wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She's sure she'll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there. But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily's place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind, as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her? Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
Tina Ann Forkner
Bio: Tina writes contemporary fiction that challenges and inspires. Originally from Oklahoma, she graduated with honors in English from CSU Sacramento before ultimately settling in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where she lives with her husband and their three bright children. Tina serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation Board of Directors, volunteers with her local Mothers of Preschooler group, and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her family.
Book: Ruby Among Us
Book Blurb: Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.
From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.
What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.
Cynthia Hickey
Bio: Cynthia lives in Arizona with her husband, two of their seven kids, two cats, one dog and a fish named Floyd.
Book: Fudge-Laced Felonies
Book Blurb: Summer Meadows entered church on Sunday, not to find God, but to search for a killer.
While transplanting the rosebush her church's handsome Sunday school teacher, Ethan Banning inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer.
As Summer gets close to the truth, not only of the theft, but of her true feelings for Ethan, the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.
Ethan's love for Summer stays buried beneath his teasing, waiting until God tells him it is time to declare his feelings. Meanwhile, Summer's quirky and daring resolve to solve the case has him acting in a heavy-handed manner in order to protect her, and almost pushes her away.
Anita Higman
Bio: Anita is an award-winning author of nineteen books. She enjoys hiking with her family, visiting show caves, and cooking brunch for her friends.
Book: Another Stab At Life
Book Blurb: Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home.
She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as a shadowy as it’s hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried.
Book: Larkspur Dreams (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: Larkspur Wendell hates to see anyone not enjoying life. So when she gets a new neighbor who seems more interested in his computer than communication, Lark feels compelled to get to know him. But her spontaneity and zeal for life seem to push him further away.
Book: The Love Song (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: A painfully shy woman named Clair O'Neal must find the courage to follow her heart's dream in the music business, and she must choose between the two men who love her dearly.
J.M. Hochstetler
Book: Daughter of Liberty
Book Blurb: As the first blood of the Revolution is spilled, a beautiful rebel spy and a jaded British officer fight their own private battles of faith—and a forbidden love.
Book: Native Son
Book Blurb: Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything—his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.
Book: One Holy Night
Book Blurb: What God has in mind this bleak Christmas is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago … in a world torn by sin and strife … to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss …will be born a baby …
Michelle Sutton
Bio: Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and volunteer officer on the ACFW board and the editor in chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is a social worker by day and prolific reader/book reviewer and author the rest of the time. Her debut novel is "It's Not About Me." She lives in Arizona with her husband of nearly eighteen years and her two teenage sons.
Book: It’s Not About Me
Book Blurb: Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. But the focus of her life is to please everyone and not make any waves. Her reputation means everything to her.
But one night Annie's safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life--that it's not about "me"?
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Bio: Nancy Jo Jenkins is a Texas native who descends from a large Irish family who love “rowdy get-togethers.” She has taught special education and accelerated student classes in Austin, where she is heavily involved in the public school system as well as being an active member of her church. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a past member of American Christian Writers Association. Nancy Jo and her husband, David, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Book: Coldwater Revival
Book Blurb: Just three weeks before her wedding, Emma Grace Falin has returned to her hometown of Coldwater, Texas, consumed by a single, burning desire. She must confront the guilt and shame of a devastating event that has haunted her since childhood. Nancy Jo Jenkins has woven an unforgettable tale of shattering loss, desperate grief and despair, and one family’s amazing journey to restoration and forgiveness. A masterful debut, Coldwater Revival will be etched in your memories and upon your heart.
Patti Lacy
Bio: Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in education. She taught at a college in Illinois until 2006, and now writes full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and dog named Laura.
Book: An Irishwoman’s Tale
Book Blurb: Mary Freeman’s earliest memory has haunted her since childhood: An old oaken table, bitter faces drinking bitter tea, a heated discussion of what’s to be done with the “little eejit”—her. Now she is far removed from this family that didn’t want her, and separated her from her native Ireland. Living in the United States heartland, Mary searches out fulfilling roles—entrepreneur, wife, Christian, mother, community servant—but her loneliness and torment remain as acute as ever.
A crisis in her youngest daughter’s life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—propels Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland. Her harrowing journey unveils her tragic past, and forces her face-to-face with God.
Vickie McDonough
Bio: Award-winning author, VICKIE MCDONOUGH, believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. Vickie loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Her first novel, "Sooner or Later" was released in 2005, and she has several more Heartsong Presents novels coming out in the next few years. She has also authored four novellas, which are included in "A Stitch in Time", "Brides 'o' the Emerald Isle", "Lone Star Christmas", and "Kiss The Bride". She is a member of numerous writing and critique groups and has been a book reviewer for four years. Vickie is a wife of thirty years, mother to four sons, three of which still live at home, and she just became a first time grandma. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Book: Sooner or Later (Oklahoma Bride series Book one)
Book Blurb: A young woman fleeing an arranged marriage is rescued by a lonely farmer when she collapses on the prairie. The last thing Mason needed was another person to care for. Can two people running away find peace and love?
Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride (Oklahoma Bride series Book two)
Book Blurb: Will God use a rugged bounty hunter to save a young bride from making a grave error?
Book: A Wealth Beyond Riches (Oklahoma Bride series Book three)
Book Blurb: Can a young woman from the New York theater world find the love she longs for in Indian Territory ?
S. Dionne Moore
Bio: S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free supermom, able to leap piles of a homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.
Book: Murder on the Ol’Bunions
Book Blurb: LaTisha Barnhart’s bunions tell her something’s afoot as she delves deeper into the murder of her former employee, Marion Peters. When LaTisha becomes a suspect, the ante is upped, and she is determined to clear her name and find the culprit.
She’s burping Mark Hamm’s bad cooking to investigate his beef with Marion. . .getting her hair styled at a high falutin’ beauty parlor to see what has Regina Rogane in a snarl. . .playing self-appointed matchmaker between the local chief and a prime suspect. . .and thinking Payton O’Mahney’s music store lease might be the reason he’s singing out of tune when discussion of Marion’s murder arises. LaTisha’s thinking she just might use the reward money to get her bunions surgically removed. But she’s got to catch the crook first.
Trish Perry
Bio: Trish Perry is an award-winning writer and editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC, area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers group.
Book: The Guy I’m Not Dating
Book Blurb: Kara Richardson has finally suffered one breakup too many. She's decided to go the no-dating route to romance, although she's not quite sure how that works.
She couldn't have picked a worse time to meet Gabe Paolino. Gorgeous men hardly faze Kara. A personal trainer, she works with hunks every day. But Gabe, the handsome young deli owner in town, proves way too available and way too challenging for Kara's vow of friendship. How will she adhere to her new lifestyle without scaring Gabe away?
Enter matchmaking friends, a strange elderly aunt, three demanding teens, and one hard-to-take vixen with eyes for Gabe. Add an overcrowded road trip and plenty of God's blessings, and Kara may discover that the guy she's not dating is the best boyfriend she's ever had.
Book: Too Good to Be True
Book Blurb: Rennie Young, heroine of Too Good to Be True, meets the gallant Truman Sayers after she faints in the boys’ department of the local super store. Despite this unromantic introduction, Tru Sayers, a handsome young labor–and–delivery nurse, seems like a gift from God. But a recent divorce and other life disappointments cause Ren to question whether she can trust her heart and God.
This clever novel encourages readers to lean on God’s leading and to be open to life after the hurt—even when it seems too good to be true.
Staci Stallings
Book: Dreams by Starlight
Book Blurb: If the world’s a stage and each of us plays a part, then Camille Wright is the high school wallflower that nobody remembers and only the bullies ever knew was there. However, her headlong dash to Princeton’s Aerospace Engineering program crashes to a heart-jarring halt when in order to “round out all those math classes,” she is unwillingly signed up for drama class. Awkward, shy, and quiet, Camille struggles to stay part of the wall even under the bright lights. But sometimes where you want to be isn’t where you were destined to be at all…
Book: Reflections on Life
Book Blurb: A collection of short stories that will uplift the weary traveler on life's highway. Filled with God and all things Holy Spirit, this is a book you can't afford to miss.
Book: Reflections on Life II
Book Blurb: Packed with 81 remarkable stories, Reflections on Life II: Notes from the Journey will encourage you to find God’s path for your life and follow it. Learn how to trade an ordinary life for one of extraordinary love and abundance in God, through God, and with God. If you’re living small, this book will inspire you to live big, to reach for everything God wants for your life, and to do all you do with bravery, integrity, and most of all… love.
Book: Cowboy
Book Blurb: Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real. Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone. Staci Stallings has intertwined the loss and grief of two characters into a sweet love story. Full of truths and illustrations of God’s grace, Cowboy will capture a reader’s heart. Stallings has peppered in song lyrics that strike a beautiful chord.
Book: Lucky
Book Blurb: Kalin Lane had his dream in hand. Then, on the cusp of mega-stardom, Kalin’s world crashed down around him in a hail of stupid choices. Five years later, Kalin is back, reaching for his dream once again; however, time hasn’t erased his past. Will the lessons of the past be enough to save him from himself this time around? Danae Scott thought she was headed toward the future every girl wants. However, in one night that belief is ripped into unrecognizable shreads. Devastated and confused, Danae is an anguished mess when an angel trips over her. Does this angel have the answers she didn’t even know she needed? One man, One woman, One night that changes everything.
Camy Tang
Bio: Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.
Book: Sushi for One?
Book Blurb: Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her "perfect man" list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?
Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her older cousin gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousin's wedding.
Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don't speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. He's not a jock, he's not a Christian, and he has a bad history with Lex's cousin, Trish. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.
Debra Ullrick
Bio: Debra Ullrick and her husband of thirty-four years, along with their daughter lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A famous movie star and her screen writer husband purchased property at the last ranch where they lived. Debra's husband has met many celebrities and had the privilege of taking Eddie Albert horseback riding. Recently Debra and her real-life hero, Rick, moved to the flatlands, where they're dealing with cultural whiplash in the city. Besides Christ, Debra's passions include attending Red Rocks Church, talking with her ACFW friends, reading, writing, drawing Western art, watching Jane Austen movies, Monster Jam World Finals DVD’s, mud bog racing, collecting monster truck and muscle/classic car models, and going to classic auto shows. Debra loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website at www.DebraUllrick.com
Book: The Bride Wore Coveralls
Book Blurb: Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabatoged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Turbulence
I'm in Nashville, and we had the wonderful privilege of flying. (And for all of you jokesters out there - No, my arms aren't tired - we flew on an airplane.)
Anyway, it was an interesting flight. And quite a turbulent one to boot. Add a screaming toddler a few rows back, and it became an adventure.
Let's just say that when the flight attendant gets on her little speaker thingy (RUNS to her speaker thingy is a better choice of words) and says, "All right everyone, the captain has illuminated the fasten seat belt sign, and you'd better make sure it's tight!" You should know at that point, that it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Now, we've had lots of practice with turbulence. Landing anywhere in Alaska proves to be turbulent, no matter where you are going in the beautiful state - and that's on the big planes. We had to fly on a 1939 WWII Grumman Goose to get to the island we lived on for a couple of years. Now THAT was turbulence.
Today reminded me of that turbulence, only we were in a large plane. There were several people who gasped, even squealed, when we dropped who knows how many feet. (And on a sidenote - When your rear end no longer touches the seat below you, you know it's a substantial drop.)
Don't forget the screaming toddler. This child screamed almost the entire trip. Now, I'm going to get up on my soapbox here -- children need training. Training takes consistency, discipline, and patience. Flying on an airplane can be scary, it can be no fun when your ears don't pop, and add in the crazy turbulence - it can be downright miserable. This parent was not doing anything to help the child. The parent wasn't even trying. That's the part that is disheartening.
Note: I am NOT saying that screaming children are horrible. And I'm not saying that if your child screams, you are a terrible parent. I love kids. I have worked with kids of different abilities for a long time, and my own children are precious. But this particular child needed help - he needed to be prepared for the journey.
You're probably wondering where I'm headed - well, most of you know that I do a lot of speaking. And most of it has to do with parenting and our story. I'm also in the process of writing a "personal parenting encouragement" book. Why? Because I've been asked by so many people to do it. Not from an expert (because I am NOT one), but from an ordinary mom with an unusual story.
Life is not easy. Parenting is REALLY not easy. But - you can do it. A child will face a lot of "turbulence" in life, and if he is untrained and unprepared, he will kick, scream and whine his way through.
These are tough questions, but these are only on the surface - they're not the truly tough questions. In today's society - morals and respect and common courtesy are a rare find. Selfishness and pride seem to reign supreme, and it scares me to think where that will lead.
Are you prepared for turbulence? Are you preparing and training your children for turbulence?
I'd like you to go look up James 1:2-4 (yes, again) - and read the first chapter of I Peter. Look specifically at what it says about trials and joy.
We'll pick up here in a few days... Look for "Turbulence... Continued"
God Bless You All and I'm praying for you...
Anyway, it was an interesting flight. And quite a turbulent one to boot. Add a screaming toddler a few rows back, and it became an adventure.
Let's just say that when the flight attendant gets on her little speaker thingy (RUNS to her speaker thingy is a better choice of words) and says, "All right everyone, the captain has illuminated the fasten seat belt sign, and you'd better make sure it's tight!" You should know at that point, that it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Now, we've had lots of practice with turbulence. Landing anywhere in Alaska proves to be turbulent, no matter where you are going in the beautiful state - and that's on the big planes. We had to fly on a 1939 WWII Grumman Goose to get to the island we lived on for a couple of years. Now THAT was turbulence.
Today reminded me of that turbulence, only we were in a large plane. There were several people who gasped, even squealed, when we dropped who knows how many feet. (And on a sidenote - When your rear end no longer touches the seat below you, you know it's a substantial drop.)
Don't forget the screaming toddler. This child screamed almost the entire trip. Now, I'm going to get up on my soapbox here -- children need training. Training takes consistency, discipline, and patience. Flying on an airplane can be scary, it can be no fun when your ears don't pop, and add in the crazy turbulence - it can be downright miserable. This parent was not doing anything to help the child. The parent wasn't even trying. That's the part that is disheartening.
Note: I am NOT saying that screaming children are horrible. And I'm not saying that if your child screams, you are a terrible parent. I love kids. I have worked with kids of different abilities for a long time, and my own children are precious. But this particular child needed help - he needed to be prepared for the journey.
You're probably wondering where I'm headed - well, most of you know that I do a lot of speaking. And most of it has to do with parenting and our story. I'm also in the process of writing a "personal parenting encouragement" book. Why? Because I've been asked by so many people to do it. Not from an expert (because I am NOT one), but from an ordinary mom with an unusual story.
Life is not easy. Parenting is REALLY not easy. But - you can do it. A child will face a lot of "turbulence" in life, and if he is untrained and unprepared, he will kick, scream and whine his way through.
These are tough questions, but these are only on the surface - they're not the truly tough questions. In today's society - morals and respect and common courtesy are a rare find. Selfishness and pride seem to reign supreme, and it scares me to think where that will lead.
Are you prepared for turbulence? Are you preparing and training your children for turbulence?
I'd like you to go look up James 1:2-4 (yes, again) - and read the first chapter of I Peter. Look specifically at what it says about trials and joy.
We'll pick up here in a few days... Look for "Turbulence... Continued"
God Bless You All and I'm praying for you...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How Many Pages? A New Contest!
Once again, my children amaze me.
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
Monday, June 16, 2008
WE HAVE A WINNER - and an HONORABLE MENTION!
Congratulations to Laura - with her guess of Woodkaylakimjoshjemy - It is the closest to the name of the tumanhofer in DragonLight! (Ha! You thought I was going to tell you the name, didn't you? You will just have to read the books - and boy, are they worth it!)
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
DragonLight Contest - LAST CHANCE!!!
My wonderful readers,
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ewwwww! You Can't Be Serious... Oh Yes, I Can!
Allrighty, most of you know at least part of our story, and the fact that we were chosen for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Two men - had to put up with a lot through this whole adventure: John Unzueta and Jeff Morrell. They are our realtors.
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Little Gracie Sees the "Dent"ist
I'm sorry to say this post is not about my wonderful dentist of twenty plus years, Dr. Jack. But be not dismayed, I'm sure one of these days, he'll get a blog post of his very own - which will include some kind of crazy adventure we've had. (I better tread carefully, he and his wife have known me since I was a kid... too many secrets...) :-)
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Weeds
I've been doing a lot of weeding lately. Both in the yard - and in my life. :)
It's a funny thing about weeds. They grow without you putting any effort forth whatsoever. And as soon as you pull them up, they start all over again. They don't need watering. Or pruning. Or just the right amount of sunshine. They just grow and grow and grow and grow...
But to have something truly beautiful, (which here in Colorado could simply be plain ol' green grass,) you have to work at it. Sprinklers and drip systems have to be set for just the right time of day, the proper soil has to be in place, and those terrible weeds have to be pulled.
The same goes with our lives and our spiritual growth. It takes work and effort and time and energy to grow something beautiful spiritually. But it doesn't take work to let the weeds sprout up and take over.
We must be diligent. Hardworking. Willing to take the painful pruning and weeding. And always on guard - lest those nasty weeds take over and spread their roots throughout our lives.
Are you willing? Are you ready? It's not for the faint of heart. Some of our weeds could be our favorite things. Things that are easy to let in, or things that we are lazy about.
How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend sitting around doing absolutely nothing? Do you spend that same amount of time with your spouse? Or your children? What about studying God's Word? What things are you doing that are of eternal value? Are you doing things to please man rather than God? These are all good and tough questions.
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go pull some weeds.
It's a funny thing about weeds. They grow without you putting any effort forth whatsoever. And as soon as you pull them up, they start all over again. They don't need watering. Or pruning. Or just the right amount of sunshine. They just grow and grow and grow and grow...
But to have something truly beautiful, (which here in Colorado could simply be plain ol' green grass,) you have to work at it. Sprinklers and drip systems have to be set for just the right time of day, the proper soil has to be in place, and those terrible weeds have to be pulled.
The same goes with our lives and our spiritual growth. It takes work and effort and time and energy to grow something beautiful spiritually. But it doesn't take work to let the weeds sprout up and take over.
We must be diligent. Hardworking. Willing to take the painful pruning and weeding. And always on guard - lest those nasty weeds take over and spread their roots throughout our lives.
Are you willing? Are you ready? It's not for the faint of heart. Some of our weeds could be our favorite things. Things that are easy to let in, or things that we are lazy about.
How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend sitting around doing absolutely nothing? Do you spend that same amount of time with your spouse? Or your children? What about studying God's Word? What things are you doing that are of eternal value? Are you doing things to please man rather than God? These are all good and tough questions.
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go pull some weeds.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Desk is a Mess!
Anyone else have this dilemma?
Now granted, it's not like this all of the time - but it definitely is right now.
My husband teases me about being OCD (having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)- which I don't believe - but I do believe I am OCT (meaning I have Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies.) Don't you love how I talked my way out of that one? I'm talented. I know.
Anyway, I love to organize things - and reorganize them - until poor Jeremy can't find anything even if he could remember where I had it in the first place! So, why is my desk a mess? Well, it's the place to put all of the "important" stuff. I just returned from a writer's conference, had a bunch of deadlines, and a film crew coming for two days. Everything that didn't get my immediate attention went into the "pile" that created the "mess" on my desk.
A friend of mine called me today - and as we were talking, I mentioned my desk. She was shocked. She proceeded to tease me about how I have an itinerary for everything and get aggravated when something is not "clean" - so, how in the world did the woman who loves to have everything "put away" make a mess out of her desk? Very easily, actually. If I don't stay on top of things, they'll pile up. And then, I get even more frustrated - because my wonderful "tendencies" won't let me be happy until the pile is gone. Which means I'm a little grumpy right now. I don't function as well in a "mess."
If only there was a magic fairy to clean up the messes for me. Now, that would be amazing. I could be content to sit and write my little heart out and not worry about the mess that won't go away.
Ah, but that is not to be. So, I will tackle the mess of my desk... tomorrow. Maybe with a friend. At least then, I'll have someone to whack me upside the head if I get too rambunctious with my organizing.
Until then, I will be immersed in my latest chapter and writing, writing, writing...
Now, where is that file folder?
Now granted, it's not like this all of the time - but it definitely is right now.
My husband teases me about being OCD (having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)- which I don't believe - but I do believe I am OCT (meaning I have Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies.) Don't you love how I talked my way out of that one?
Anyway, I love to organize things - and reorganize them - until poor Jeremy can't find anything even if he could remember where I had it in the first place! So, why is my desk a mess? Well, it's the place to put all of the "important" stuff. I just returned from a writer's conference, had a bunch of deadlines, and a film crew coming for two days. Everything that didn't get my immediate attention went into the "pile" that created the "mess" on my desk.
A friend of mine called me today - and as we were talking, I mentioned my desk. She was shocked. She proceeded to tease me about how I have an itinerary for everything and get aggravated when something is not "clean" - so, how in the world did the woman who loves to have everything "put away" make a mess out of her desk? Very easily, actually. If I don't stay on top of things, they'll pile up. And then, I get even more frustrated - because my wonderful "tendencies" won't let me be happy until the pile is gone. Which means I'm a little grumpy right now. I don't function as well in a "mess."
If only there was a magic fairy to clean up the messes for me. Now, that would be amazing. I could be content to sit and write my little heart out and not worry about the mess that won't go away.
Ah, but that is not to be. So, I will tackle the mess of my desk... tomorrow. Maybe with a friend. At least then, I'll have someone to whack me upside the head if I get too rambunctious with my organizing.
Until then, I will be immersed in my latest chapter and writing, writing, writing...
Now, where is that file folder?
Sunday, May 25, 2008
ELL-ES-SHOO!!
Anybody know what that means? (Giggle.) Say it fast five times...
LSU
Yes, that's what I meant. I spent a lot of time at LSU - a LOT of time :) And Baton Rouge was my stomping grounds. So, people from down there know what I mean - and what it sounds like!
And yes, we are big LSU fans. Which brings me to my real point of this blog.
Flip-flops. You got it. It all started with flip-flops. LSU flip-flops, of course.
Several years ago, we were at the pool swimming, and I saw this lady walk across in her LSU flip-flops and an LSU lanyard with her whistle on it. I of course, climbed out of the pool and had to talk to her. (We Louisiana people stick together - in fact that's how I met my husband in Alabama!) Anyway, I went up to her and said, "Hey! So, who are you - and I love your flip-flops!" We've been great buddies ever since. Erica has been friend, sounding board, encourager, supporter, swim teacher to my kiddos, and fellow LSU fan. They moved away a few months ago, and I miss her so much. In fact, I think we've become even closer - through the craziness of our lives - and in spite of her being thousands of miles away now.
So - the moral of the story is that you never know how you will meet those people that become dear to you. Maybe because you're from the same state - or because of some really cute, purple and gold, flip-flops.
Everyone say it with me - "ELL-ES-SHOO!!!"
Geaux Tigers!
LSU
Yes, that's what I meant. I spent a lot of time at LSU - a LOT of time :) And Baton Rouge was my stomping grounds. So, people from down there know what I mean - and what it sounds like!
And yes, we are big LSU fans. Which brings me to my real point of this blog.
Flip-flops. You got it. It all started with flip-flops. LSU flip-flops, of course.
Several years ago, we were at the pool swimming, and I saw this lady walk across in her LSU flip-flops and an LSU lanyard with her whistle on it. I of course, climbed out of the pool and had to talk to her. (We Louisiana people stick together - in fact that's how I met my husband in Alabama!) Anyway, I went up to her and said, "Hey! So, who are you - and I love your flip-flops!" We've been great buddies ever since. Erica has been friend, sounding board, encourager, supporter, swim teacher to my kiddos, and fellow LSU fan. They moved away a few months ago, and I miss her so much. In fact, I think we've become even closer - through the craziness of our lives - and in spite of her being thousands of miles away now.
So - the moral of the story is that you never know how you will meet those people that become dear to you. Maybe because you're from the same state - or because of some really cute, purple and gold, flip-flops.
Everyone say it with me - "ELL-ES-SHOO!!!"
Geaux Tigers!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Can I Have Your Autograph?
I was at the gas station the other day- (I feel a rabbit-trail coming on - focus Kim, focus!) After unlocking my gas cap, and preparing "Little Gracie" (that's the name my children gave our ginormous automobile) for her "meal," I settled in by the pump to watch the numbers soar far above where any logical human being should ever think a tank of gas should cost. This lovely, tiny, older lady asked me for help. She had not used the savings card, or a credit card in the machine before. I had plenty of time while "Little Gracie" sucked up her fuel, and so I went to the other pump to help the lady out.
This woman was about the sweetest thing I have ever met. I showed her how to use the card slot and reader, so that she would be able to do it again by herself. She clapped her hands at how much "fun" it was, and kept pressing the "cancel" button, so that she could practice! We had a great time and she thanked me over and over for taking the time to "be there for her."
Well, my pump stopped and I knew Little Gracie had finally had her fill. I said my goodbyes as I replaced the hose and locked up my tank. The adorable little lady came over to me as I climbed into my truck.
"Can I have your autograph?" She asked.
"My autograph?" This was a new one, normally it's really young people who ask that - thinking that since I've been on TV, I must have some special signature that will do something for them someday.
She noticed my confusion and went on to explain:
"I know who you are, I watched you on Extreme Makeover and Montel. But that is not why I asked the question. I wanted to see how you would respond. I was impressed with your generosity of your time, and your helpful spirit." Then she gave me a hug.
"I'd love for you to write down your favorite verse for me." She thrust a little notebook into my hands. In it, were pages filled with Scripture references.
I wrote down "James 1:2-4" and handed it back.
"Joy," she said, "that is what is written all over your countenance."
I asked her how she knew I was a believer - and she repeated, "It's written all over your countenance."
She walked to her car, climbed in, and drove away.
I know, I know - you may not have people asking for your autograph like I do - But - think about the lesson here. It wasn't because we were on TV. Yes, people recognize me because of it, but shouldn't I always be striving to be an example of Jesus? Not just because millions of people saw me on TV and might recognize me. It shouldn't matter who's "watching."
We should all hope that someone will ask for our autograph - and ask for our favorite verses, because they noticed the joy of the Lord in us.
I may have to take my new friend's example -
Can I have YOUR autograph?
This woman was about the sweetest thing I have ever met. I showed her how to use the card slot and reader, so that she would be able to do it again by herself. She clapped her hands at how much "fun" it was, and kept pressing the "cancel" button, so that she could practice! We had a great time and she thanked me over and over for taking the time to "be there for her."
Well, my pump stopped and I knew Little Gracie had finally had her fill. I said my goodbyes as I replaced the hose and locked up my tank. The adorable little lady came over to me as I climbed into my truck.
"Can I have your autograph?" She asked.
"My autograph?" This was a new one, normally it's really young people who ask that - thinking that since I've been on TV, I must have some special signature that will do something for them someday.
She noticed my confusion and went on to explain:
"I know who you are, I watched you on Extreme Makeover and Montel. But that is not why I asked the question. I wanted to see how you would respond. I was impressed with your generosity of your time, and your helpful spirit." Then she gave me a hug.
"I'd love for you to write down your favorite verse for me." She thrust a little notebook into my hands. In it, were pages filled with Scripture references.
I wrote down "James 1:2-4" and handed it back.
"Joy," she said, "that is what is written all over your countenance."
I asked her how she knew I was a believer - and she repeated, "It's written all over your countenance."
She walked to her car, climbed in, and drove away.
I know, I know - you may not have people asking for your autograph like I do - But - think about the lesson here. It wasn't because we were on TV. Yes, people recognize me because of it, but shouldn't I always be striving to be an example of Jesus? Not just because millions of people saw me on TV and might recognize me. It shouldn't matter who's "watching."
We should all hope that someone will ask for our autograph - and ask for our favorite verses, because they noticed the joy of the Lord in us.
I may have to take my new friend's example -
Can I have YOUR autograph?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
She Keeps Me Hoppin'
A while ago, I was about to speak to a great group of homeschoolers. Holly and I were laughing and getting to know the crowd. I told a story of one of our many adventures - while Holly was walking to the back to get me some water (she's so awesome, if you hadn't guessed it, yet.)
Anyway, a member of the audience stopped Holly to speak to her. She said, "Sounds like you just keep things hoppin', don't you?" Holly proceeded to trip and fall, somehow - and sat in the floor laughing hysterically. Quite an entertainment to the crowd. She certainly does keep us hoppin'. :)
My point is that God gives us all special people that "keep us hoppin'" -- mine happen to be my beautiful and adorably sweet children, and a certain twenty-one year old, named Holly.
So, praise God for the wonderful people He has put in your life, and praise Him for friends who hold you accountable, and praise Him for the laughter and the sadness. God is good and He is God.
Anyway, a member of the audience stopped Holly to speak to her. She said, "Sounds like you just keep things hoppin', don't you?" Holly proceeded to trip and fall, somehow - and sat in the floor laughing hysterically. Quite an entertainment to the crowd. She certainly does keep us hoppin'. :)
My point is that God gives us all special people that "keep us hoppin'" -- mine happen to be my beautiful and adorably sweet children, and a certain twenty-one year old, named Holly.
So, praise God for the wonderful people He has put in your life, and praise Him for friends who hold you accountable, and praise Him for the laughter and the sadness. God is good and He is God.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Joy of the Lord
My sweet husband, Jeremy, is busy cooking dinner for me for Mother's Day. He's a gem.
Most of you know how many adventures we have, and the trials we have endured. My goal in life is to laugh my way through - to find the joy - the joy of the Lord, in it all. Life is hard, but God's joy cannot be taken away. I remind myself of that a lot. :)
I'm always reminded on this special day of the miscarriages I had. I have several people really close to me, who have gone through the same devastating circumstances this past year. It's hard. Really hard. Again, I'm reminded of the joy of the Lord. Just like it states in I Peter 1- my home is not of this world, I'm an alien residing here. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to see my Savior face to face. When I will get to see my loved ones that I've lost. When I will finally be mature and complete, not lacking anything -like it says in the book of James. So, life is not going to be easy, it's not going to be a bowl of cherries. It's going to be hard, really hard. Full of trials, full of heartache, full of tough times. But God is there. Always. His joy is there - waiting for me to grab onto it.
I have a wonderful family - my incredible parents, brother and sister, my in-laws, my husband who puts up with me and loves me in spite of my craziness, and of course, my two amazing children who bless me every day. I praise the Lord for what He has done in my life, and for the stretching and growing that He has brought me through. I praise Him for the good times, and for the bad. And I thank Him for His joy which is unchanging, and unending, and available constantly.
Most of you know how many adventures we have, and the trials we have endured. My goal in life is to laugh my way through - to find the joy - the joy of the Lord, in it all. Life is hard, but God's joy cannot be taken away. I remind myself of that a lot. :)
I'm always reminded on this special day of the miscarriages I had. I have several people really close to me, who have gone through the same devastating circumstances this past year. It's hard. Really hard. Again, I'm reminded of the joy of the Lord. Just like it states in I Peter 1- my home is not of this world, I'm an alien residing here. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to see my Savior face to face. When I will get to see my loved ones that I've lost. When I will finally be mature and complete, not lacking anything -like it says in the book of James. So, life is not going to be easy, it's not going to be a bowl of cherries. It's going to be hard, really hard. Full of trials, full of heartache, full of tough times. But God is there. Always. His joy is there - waiting for me to grab onto it.
I have a wonderful family - my incredible parents, brother and sister, my in-laws, my husband who puts up with me and loves me in spite of my craziness, and of course, my two amazing children who bless me every day. I praise the Lord for what He has done in my life, and for the stretching and growing that He has brought me through. I praise Him for the good times, and for the bad. And I thank Him for His joy which is unchanging, and unending, and available constantly.
Friday, May 9, 2008
DragonLight Contest - PRIZE!!
Okay folks, if you are just joining us - go back to the archives on the left and look up a post entitled "Dragons and surprises and Mrs. Paul" to see what this contest is all about. Then there is a hint or two in previous posts.
Today - I will announce the prizes - are you excited? Are you ready?
The winner will receive a copy of DragonLight once it comes out - personally signed by the author Donita K. Paul, AND one of her specially designed dragon gifts on zazzle.com! She has made shirts and bags and a number of other items. I will order the gift to be appropriate to the winner.
SO... put your thinking caps on - and try to guess the character's name - coming out in DragonLight on June 17, 2008!!
Email me through the site here or post your guess in a comment. Just make sure you leave me your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.
I've had 273 guesses so far - and I have to say - we're getting closer to the target. (That means, keep guessing, you're all getting warmer...)
You may also guess as many times as you want.
Remember to go back and read the other fabulous four books in the DragonKeeper Chronicles.
Have FUN!!
Today - I will announce the prizes - are you excited? Are you ready?
The winner will receive a copy of DragonLight once it comes out - personally signed by the author Donita K. Paul, AND one of her specially designed dragon gifts on zazzle.com! She has made shirts and bags and a number of other items. I will order the gift to be appropriate to the winner.
SO... put your thinking caps on - and try to guess the character's name - coming out in DragonLight on June 17, 2008!!
Email me through the site here or post your guess in a comment. Just make sure you leave me your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.
I've had 273 guesses so far - and I have to say - we're getting closer to the target. (That means, keep guessing, you're all getting warmer...)
You may also guess as many times as you want.
Remember to go back and read the other fabulous four books in the DragonKeeper Chronicles.
Have FUN!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Searching For Spice
I am an avid reader. (Yes, I know, that's an understatement.) :) I read probably 200-250 books a year. Now, Kayla - I don't think there are words in our vocabulary that could describe her love for reading. For example - since February, she has read 91 books. Did you catch that? NINETY-ONE! I haven't added up the pages, and frankly, I'm a little scared to see the total! She read over 40,000 pages last school year. I've always been an extremely fast reader, and I'm guessing my eleven-year-old daughter will catch me soon.
Anyway, my new friend, Megan DiMaria, has just had her debut novel released! Searching For Spice is so stinking cute -- I really urge you to go out and buy this book.
Anyway, my new friend, Megan DiMaria, has just had her debut novel released! Searching For Spice is so stinking cute -- I really urge you to go out and buy this book.
Lighthearted and funny in the first half, the reader will go through twists and turns and reach new depths in the second half. Megan did a great job!
As you can tell, I'm not a fan of book reviews that tell you the story - You should go buy the book and read it for yourself! But for those who need a little teaser- here's an excerpt from the back cover blurb:
"Linda Revere longs to have a sizzling affair... with her husband... Linda hopes God will answer her prayers to jazz up her marriage, but is she ready for what happens next?"
Searching For Spice by Megan DiMaria, Tyndale House Publishers 2008
Happy Reading You All!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
My Katie - Girl, We'll Miss You!!
We have been blessed by the presence of a precious young lady, named Katie.
We've known Katie for a long time - she was a student of my husband and I years ago. Each year, she has come to visit us in Colorado, and then she came to school here for a while. I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking that she is leaving us. She's part of our family and we all love her so very much. Of course, her Mom is one of my dearest friends, and I'm so thankful she's going home 'cause I know how close she and her Mom are (and I know she needs to do the Lord's will) - but I wish I could pack them up and move them both here- RIGHT NOW - next door! (I'm not demanding, now am I?)
So, in my mind I'm seeing this flashback of scenes -- all of our adventures with Katie (which are too numerous to list here in entirety) -- and so I'm dedicating this "Adventure Montage" to our Katie! WE LOVE YOU!
As we reminisce, you should imagine some really great, emotional, tuggin' at the heart strings, tear jerkin' music - and pretend all of this is in slow motion... That should make it more fun. :) BRING ON THE KLEENEX!! (Some of this might not make sense to some of you - but there are many that I'm sure you'll recognize from other posts about our adventures...)
And so I proudly present: "Katie's Adventure Montage"
Wet dog smells, black painted cabinets, locking gas caps, "something smells fishy", climbing into a ginormous fish tank, car breaking down, towing that same car, Katie driving a car (not a truck) for the FIRST time ever, rebuilding closets, foot spas, picture hanging-falling off stools, bum knees, ladders, trapeze-hanging "Holly'll do it!", "It was Katie's idea!", decorating for Christmas (you have NO idea) "Kim, why do you have 60 boxes of JUST Christmas?", Holly's surprise present, producers, interviews, book-reading, 57 loaves of banana bread in one day, bad brakes, Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies baseball game, turkey diving, video cameras, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, angels spilling out freckles, unpacking, more unpacking, and yet some more unpacking, church at home (how incredible that has been!), David Phelps Live Concerts on the theater screen - over and over and over and over..., refrigerator clean-out, babysitting, DVD players that don't cooperate, "Must be smarter than program to operate!", "She's one of us!!", singing the William Tell Overture to one another when we need to get moving, Five Cent fines, brand new coffee makers that don't work "but I really want it to work!", shopping in Safeway when we have no business going out in public, that lovely shade of greenish yellow that makes you want to throw-up is now a beautiful shade of blue, climbing up into the bowling alley, Snow, snow, and more snow, fake grass, dirt pudding, gumbo, jambalaya, teriyaki chicken, truffles, and ROLLS, Pikes Peak, watching movies on the big screen sittin' in a Ford mustang, ice cream - LOTS of ice cream, "little" shoes, "horse" clothes, being followed in Vitamin Cottage - "She's calling her friends- She recognizes you!", Christmas parties, "Where's Las Vegas?", reading and re-reading and re-reading again Kim's chapters, laughing until we cry, crying until we laugh, smiling and hugging and loving one another.
Katie - when can you come back?
We love you!
We've known Katie for a long time - she was a student of my husband and I years ago. Each year, she has come to visit us in Colorado, and then she came to school here for a while. I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking that she is leaving us. She's part of our family and we all love her so very much. Of course, her Mom is one of my dearest friends, and I'm so thankful she's going home 'cause I know how close she and her Mom are (and I know she needs to do the Lord's will) - but I wish I could pack them up and move them both here- RIGHT NOW - next door! (I'm not demanding, now am I?)
So, in my mind I'm seeing this flashback of scenes -- all of our adventures with Katie (which are too numerous to list here in entirety) -- and so I'm dedicating this "Adventure Montage" to our Katie! WE LOVE YOU!
As we reminisce, you should imagine some really great, emotional, tuggin' at the heart strings, tear jerkin' music - and pretend all of this is in slow motion... That should make it more fun. :) BRING ON THE KLEENEX!! (Some of this might not make sense to some of you - but there are many that I'm sure you'll recognize from other posts about our adventures...)
And so I proudly present: "Katie's Adventure Montage"
Wet dog smells, black painted cabinets, locking gas caps, "something smells fishy", climbing into a ginormous fish tank, car breaking down, towing that same car, Katie driving a car (not a truck) for the FIRST time ever, rebuilding closets, foot spas, picture hanging-falling off stools, bum knees, ladders, trapeze-hanging "Holly'll do it!", "It was Katie's idea!", decorating for Christmas (you have NO idea) "Kim, why do you have 60 boxes of JUST Christmas?", Holly's surprise present, producers, interviews, book-reading, 57 loaves of banana bread in one day, bad brakes, Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies baseball game, turkey diving, video cameras, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, angels spilling out freckles, unpacking, more unpacking, and yet some more unpacking, church at home (how incredible that has been!), David Phelps Live Concerts on the theater screen - over and over and over and over..., refrigerator clean-out, babysitting, DVD players that don't cooperate, "Must be smarter than program to operate!", "She's one of us!!", singing the William Tell Overture to one another when we need to get moving, Five Cent fines, brand new coffee makers that don't work "but I really want it to work!", shopping in Safeway when we have no business going out in public, that lovely shade of greenish yellow that makes you want to throw-up is now a beautiful shade of blue, climbing up into the bowling alley, Snow, snow, and more snow, fake grass, dirt pudding, gumbo, jambalaya, teriyaki chicken, truffles, and ROLLS, Pikes Peak, watching movies on the big screen sittin' in a Ford mustang, ice cream - LOTS of ice cream, "little" shoes, "horse" clothes, being followed in Vitamin Cottage - "She's calling her friends- She recognizes you!", Christmas parties, "Where's Las Vegas?", reading and re-reading and re-reading again Kim's chapters, laughing until we cry, crying until we laugh, smiling and hugging and loving one another.
Katie - when can you come back?
We love you!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Can You Say, "Loopy"???
I'm on muscle relaxers and pain killers for some horrific pain I've had in my shoulders and neck.
About a week ago, our incredibly powerful, custom security alarm went off -- REALLY early in the morning (meaning, I was NOT awake yet, nor was anyone else!) I scrambled to get out of the bed trying to reach the control panel, before the migraine-inducing noise could knock me off my feet. As I stared through bleary eyes at the panel, I realized something was indeed amiss -- the garage door was open.
So, I throw my robe on (literally) and race out to the garage. The door was certainly open, but nobody was around. (Of course, our alarm could scare ANYONE away - it's so intense.) I checked out the perimeter of the house, (I know, I know, smart move in my bathrobe and unarmed against whatever could possibly try to get in -I've already had that lecture repeated several times, thank-you) - but there was nothing that I could find.
I did the smart thing. I closed the garage door and I went back to bed. :)
Later in the day, I felt like I had "wrenched" something in my right shoulder and neck. Ignoring it, (which is what I normally do, thinking, "oh, it will go away") I kept on with my crazy schedule and routine. The following day I had to speak, and then, that weekend I led worship at our ACFW Colorado retreat. I hauled luggage around and my 45 pound bag (yes, I weighed it - AFTER this adventure) full of music books for the weekend. (Thankfully, Stu grabbed it from me as we were loading up to go home, otherwise, who knows what damage I would have done!)
At the retreat, Holly and I were the last ones to go to sleep in our "room" and our other "bunk buddies" snored in a beautiful harmony of pitches and volumes. I tried to go to sleep, wrapping the poor pitiful pillow I had brought with me around my head. Sleep didn't come, and then I woke with a wonderful ache in my neck. Add to that, sitting at the piano for a few hours, and driving mountainous, curvy roads... I think I know why I'm having "issues" now. :)
Well, here I sit - propped up with pillows - trying to relax (which I don't do well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't sit still or "do nothing" very well - I've always got to be "busy") Anyway, I have five bajillion projects around me, about one hundred phone calls to make, and over five thousand emails to answer. But - I'm "loopy." (Medications and I don't mix - so I try not to take them.) When you are "loopy" is probably not the best time to try to write the next chapter in your manuscript, or to add to your latest book proposal, or to answer email, or even talk on the phone. Good grief, I'm crazy enough already, I don't need people thinking I'm "loopy" too!
So, if you don't understand any of this - you know why. If I haven't replied to an email or phone call - you know why. (Of course, most of you have been extremely understanding of that since I get so much correspondence and the publicity keeps rolling.) And if you want to call me "loopy" - go right ahead. :) Right now, I certainly am. My five bajillion projects will turn into six bajillion projects, and my lovely group of volunteers will help me "catch up" - maybe by 2010. :)
I think I'll go take a nap. I don't think I have much choice, my body has decided that it needs one after that last pill!
About a week ago, our incredibly powerful, custom security alarm went off -- REALLY early in the morning (meaning, I was NOT awake yet, nor was anyone else!) I scrambled to get out of the bed trying to reach the control panel, before the migraine-inducing noise could knock me off my feet. As I stared through bleary eyes at the panel, I realized something was indeed amiss -- the garage door was open.
So, I throw my robe on (literally) and race out to the garage. The door was certainly open, but nobody was around. (Of course, our alarm could scare ANYONE away - it's so intense.) I checked out the perimeter of the house, (I know, I know, smart move in my bathrobe and unarmed against whatever could possibly try to get in -I've already had that lecture repeated several times, thank-you) - but there was nothing that I could find.
I did the smart thing. I closed the garage door and I went back to bed. :)
Later in the day, I felt like I had "wrenched" something in my right shoulder and neck. Ignoring it, (which is what I normally do, thinking, "oh, it will go away") I kept on with my crazy schedule and routine. The following day I had to speak, and then, that weekend I led worship at our ACFW Colorado retreat. I hauled luggage around and my 45 pound bag (yes, I weighed it - AFTER this adventure) full of music books for the weekend. (Thankfully, Stu grabbed it from me as we were loading up to go home, otherwise, who knows what damage I would have done!)
At the retreat, Holly and I were the last ones to go to sleep in our "room" and our other "bunk buddies" snored in a beautiful harmony of pitches and volumes. I tried to go to sleep, wrapping the poor pitiful pillow I had brought with me around my head. Sleep didn't come, and then I woke with a wonderful ache in my neck. Add to that, sitting at the piano for a few hours, and driving mountainous, curvy roads... I think I know why I'm having "issues" now. :)
Well, here I sit - propped up with pillows - trying to relax (which I don't do well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't sit still or "do nothing" very well - I've always got to be "busy") Anyway, I have five bajillion projects around me, about one hundred phone calls to make, and over five thousand emails to answer. But - I'm "loopy." (Medications and I don't mix - so I try not to take them.) When you are "loopy" is probably not the best time to try to write the next chapter in your manuscript, or to add to your latest book proposal, or to answer email, or even talk on the phone. Good grief, I'm crazy enough already, I don't need people thinking I'm "loopy" too!
So, if you don't understand any of this - you know why. If I haven't replied to an email or phone call - you know why. (Of course, most of you have been extremely understanding of that since I get so much correspondence and the publicity keeps rolling.) And if you want to call me "loopy" - go right ahead. :) Right now, I certainly am. My five bajillion projects will turn into six bajillion projects, and my lovely group of volunteers will help me "catch up" - maybe by 2010. :)
I think I'll go take a nap. I don't think I have much choice, my body has decided that it needs one after that last pill!
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