Tempest's Course

Tempest's Course
Lynette Sowell
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426752766
December 2013/240 pages/$12.99
Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner’s Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain’s home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline.

Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary’s own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family’s past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Sowell was born in western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and now makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. The award-winning author of more than 15 titles, Lynette loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When not writing fiction, she works in medical transcription and is a freelance writer and columnist for her local newspaper.

Find out more about Lynette at https://www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor.

MY THOUGHTS

Abingdon releases another enjoyable Quilts of Love novel with Tempest's Course. A bit of mystery surrounds not only the quilt and the house in which this story is set but the backgrounds of the main characters, Kelly & Tom. Like the quilt itself, Lynette Sowell has pieced together a lovely work using swatches from the past and threading it throughout the contemporary story. Suspense, lost love, consequences of choices, and fresh beginnings-I found myself wrapped up in this multi-faceted tale and warmed by the final outcome. Add this to your winter reading list!


Lynette Sowell's Tempest's Course is the newest book in the Quilts of Love line, and Lynette is celebrating with a fun giveaway and joining Vannetta Chapman and Lisa Carter for the Quilts of Love "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th!

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell
• The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 16th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love Facebook page on December 17th.

But wait! There's more. RSVP for the "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th and connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Vannetta Chapman, Lisa Carter, and Lynette Sowell, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, and Christmas traditions and gifts, PLUS get an exclusive look at January's Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of The Christmas Quilt, Aloha Rose, and Tempest's Course and join Vannetta, Lisa, and Lynette on the evening of December 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page.
Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 10th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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How Cool is This?

I was completely stunned to receive an email yesterday telling me that my blog has been nominated for The Book Club Network's Blogger of the Year Award! What an honor! There are 39 nominees, and I recognize some amazing names on there. The email said "feel free to campaign!" While I'm certainly not going to be hitting the trail making stump speeches, I absolutely wouldn't mind (to say the least!) if anyone felt the urge to pop over to their website and vote for me!

Just click on this link to go the The Book Club Network's website and scroll down the right sidebar. Mine is about 20 or so down. Be sure to click the box ABOVE the name Mocha with Linda to vote for me!

To the one or ones who nominated me, and to those of you who read my blog, I send my heartfelt appreciation! I hate that my job has cut into my blogging time, both the writing and the visiting. I've missed the camaraderie!

While you're there, be sure to read the December issue of Book Fun Magazine. This month's issue is dedicated to author Diann Hunt, who stepped through heaven's gates last week after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. I loved what she said some time ago, which is quoted in the Editor's Dedication: "...I'm fighting with everything in me and hope to get past this. But if I don't, I still win, right? This world is not my home."

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Exploring the Hodgepodge

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?

I can't even begin to say how much I cringe at this word. The whole focus on "self" just grates on my nerves! Now, I do have to say that on Monday, I took a pic of myself with a new friend to send it to my girl and another mutual friend to prove that we had met! It's a long story how it all came about. But I just texted the pic to those two, and I didn't post it online. As a rule, I don't care for pictures of myself, although I realized at one point when my kids were little that there were an awful lot of pics of them with Daddy and precious few of them with me.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?

Last year was the first time, probably since I was about ten years old, that I didn't send any Christmas cards, which for the last ten years or so have included a Christmas poem. There was just too much going on, and that was the thing that had to give. I love sending Christmas cards but I think that tradition is going to be set aside this year as well. Makes me sad but there is only so much of me to go around.

3. Do you trust easily?

Not completely. I'm along the lines of Ronald Reagan: "trust but verify!"

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?

In the house, I prefer cinnamon. In my coffee and chocolate, I'm a peppermint girl, hands down!

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?

It was probably a toss-up. When I'm at work I do quite a bit of both.

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :)

It's tempting to stick my fingers in my ears and ignore this question! LOL But I actually had a song I really liked stuck in my head last week. I have been totally obsessed by Never Once by One Sonic Society. (Matt Redman also sang it and cowrote it). Here's the story behind the song and just enough to get it stuck on YOUR brain!



7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?

None. People who explored the world "way back when" had horrific conditions to travel in, unknown futures, and lots of obstacles. I'll pass!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Now I want a peppermint mocha. Thanks, Joyce!

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One Imperfect Christmas - Author Interview

It's my privilege to host author Myra Johnson this morning and her book One Imperfect Christmas. I reviewed this book a while back but it was such a touching story that it's worth spotlighting again.

One Imperfect Christmas
Myra Johnson
(Abingdon Press)
Only Love Makes a Christmas Perfect. A warm, inspirational story of faith, hope, and love for the holiday season!

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she’s allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves—most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he’s done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. As Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear

Read my review here.

Here's an interview with Myra Johnson:

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

One of my favorite and most meaningful traditions is attending candlelight Christmas Eve worship and singing in the choir. I love seeing the sanctuary bathed in the golden glow of hundreds of candles as the whole congregation sings “Silent Night.” Another annual tradition is watching our DVD of White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. My husband and I choose a quiet night when we can snuggle in front of the fireplace with our cookies and eggnog. We’ve seen the movie so many times now that we can almost recite the lines and sing the songs right along with the actors.

What do you think is the perfect gift? What do you hope to find in your stocking this year?

I think God already provided the perfect Gift—Jesus Christ, our Savior. However, nothing is more special than having all my children and grandchildren together on Christmas morning. And if there is some dark chocolate in my stocking, so much the better!

Is the story you tell in One Imperfect Christmas inspired by any true events?

Not really, except the part about the therapeutic riding center. My husband and I volunteered at a center several years ago, and it truly was a rewarding experience. The earliest ideas for the story actually came from a dream several years ago after I’d overdosed on Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies. The dream involved a couple about to celebrate their fiftieth Christmas together, but something stood in their way. I just had to figure out what that “something” was, and that’s how I eventually came up with Natalie’s story.

Why does Natalie blame herself for her mother's illness? How did you develop the emotional conflict in this character?

Natalie loves her mother very much, and in many ways they’re a lot alike—including their stubborn streaks. Natalie regrets coming up with excuses when her mother asks for a little help putting away the Christmas decorations, and Natalie mistakenly believes if she’d been there when her mother had the stroke, she might have been able to do something.

Developing Natalie’s emotional conflict came from trying to imagine a mother/daughter relationship as close as Natalie’s was with Belinda, and the things in their shared past that either drew them together or pulled them apart. I also drew upon feelings about my own mother and the ups and downs of our relationship, including guilt over times when I could have been a better adult daughter.

Your story imagines an imperfect Christmas. What would need to happen to make it... perfect? Is that even possible given the circumstances your characters find themselves in?

For Natalie, the “perfect” Christmas would have been all her family together and healthy to celebrate the holidays, just as they always had before her mother’s stroke. Her inflated hopes and “sanitized” memories of past Christmases set her up for even greater disappointment, so this Christmas she must face some hard truths about herself and rediscover what family really means.

While Christmas is filled with joy for many people, there are some who are grieving or struggling, including the family in your story. What are some practical ways readers can help others this season?

I think the hardest thing for anyone to deal with during the holidays is loneliness. Though our family hasn’t faced a situation quite like what is dealt with in my book, there have been Christmases when our children couldn’t make it home and we had no other family nearby to celebrate with. This was the case last year, but we were blessed by some dear friends who invited us to spend Christmas Day with them.

Especially if you know someone who will be alone during the holidays, invite them over and help them feel welcome and included in your Christmas festivities. On the other hand, those grieving a loss or caring for a seriously ill loved one may not be emotionally able to participate in the usual holiday events. Maybe you could bring over a meal or some special Christmas goodies, or perhaps offer to pick up something they need while you’re out shopping. If your church choir goes caroling, ask to put your hurting friends on the evening’s itinerary. At the very least, send a card with a personal note to let them know you’re thinking of them. Just a little Christmas cheer can go a long way to brighten someone’s holiday.

Do you have more books that our readers should check out? Where can they find more information?

My latest release from Abingdon Press is When the Clouds Roll By, book 1 in my post-WWI historical romance series Till We Meet Again. Books 2 and 3 will be out in 2014. Readers can learn more about my books by visiting my website, www.MyraJohnson.com, or my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MyraJohnsonAuthor. I Tweet as @MyraJohnson and @TheGrammarQueen, and you can also find me in Seekerville, www.seekerville.net, where I blog with 12 other Christian novelists.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today, Linda. It’s been a pleasure!




My thanks to Cat Hoort of Abingdon Press for providing this interview.

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Merry Humbug Christmas

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMerry Humbug ChristmasB&H Books (October 15, 2013)bySandra D. Bricker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

 In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS

When I pick up a book by Sandie Bricker, I know I will be able to relax and enjoy a humorous story. Merry Humbug Christmas delivers and is double the fun since it is two novellas in one book. Beneath the laughter, however, Bricker weaves a timely lesson in each story. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the season, grab a blanket, a mug of your favorite brew, and settle in for a delightful read.

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ACFW December New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Her Holiday Hero by Margaret Daley --Together, Jake and Emma will discover it takes a different kind of bravery to open themselves to love-and to healing. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

A Cowboy Christmas by Delia Latham and Tanya Stowe -- A mom on the run; a child and her "imaginary" friend; a Cowboy; and God. - Heart's Haven is at it again. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing)

The Firefighter's New Family by Gail Gaymer Martin -- A widow with small son will never find love again, but God has other plans when a firefighter rescues her from benath a fallen tree and takes her and her toddler into his heart. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

Tempest's Course: Quilts of Love Series by Lynette Sowell-- Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press)

An Amish Miracle by Beth Wiseman, Mary Ellis, Ruth Reid -- Three wonderful new stories by three of the top authors in Amish fiction. (Romance Novella from Thomas Nelson)

Contemporary:

A Ruby Christmas by Jerusha Agen, Dianne E. Butts, Jennifer Fromke, Marji Laine, Fay Lamb, J.A. Marx, Ruth O'Neil, Phee Paradise, Debbie Roome -- Ruby Buckner travels the world at her father's request, picking up nativity pieces along the way. But she returns with far more than an eclectic creche. (General Contemporary from Write Integrity Press)

Historical:

The Sheep Walker's Daughter by Sydney Avey -- A Korean War widow's difficult mother dies before revealing the identity of her daughter's father and his cultural heritage. As Dee sorts through what little her mother left, she unearths puzzling clues that raise more questions: Why did Leora send money every month to the Basque Relief Agency? Why is her own daughter so secretive about her soon-to-be published book? And what does an Anglican priest know that he isn't telling? All this head-spinning breaks a long, dry period in Dee's life. She might just as well lose her job and see where the counsel of her new spiritual adviser and the attentions of an enigmatic ex-coworker lead her. (Historical Women's Fiction from HopeSprings Books)

Marriage by Arrangement by Anne Greene -- Lady Cailin MacMurry marries the Fifth Duke of Avondale, honoring the arranged marriage her parents ordered. But Avondale's shadowy past and strange disappearances threaten their marriage. Can she discover his secret, or must she arrange his accidental death to protect her unborn child? (General Historical from White Rose Publishing)

Historical Romance:

The Professor's Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes --Long ago, Mia and Ayden chose their careers over love. But God, it seems, may have other plans for them... (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams -- The Cowboy's Reluctant Sweetheart Two years shy of his medical degree, cowboy Maxwell White is out of money. So, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local physician. Though he is immediately drawn to the doctor's lovely, whip-smart daughter, she seems to be irritated by Maxwell's very existence. Hattie Powell can't quash her feelings for the town's new would-be doctor. But that's exactly why she must keep him at a distance. Hattie is closer than ever to fulfilling her lifelong wish of becoming a doctor. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the man of her dreams. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired)

Alaska Brides Collection by Mary Connealy, Tracie Peterson, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Cathy Marie Hake -- Six Romances Persevere in the Alaska Wilderness. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Yuletide Jeopardy by Sandra Robbins -- A TV anchorwoman will stop at nothing to solve the cold case surrounding her high school friend's death. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

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A Thankful Hodgepodge

1. Are you settling for something?

Not that I know of. I'd like to settle for a long winter's nap!

2. It wasn't that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on 'Black Friday'. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?

Definitely a BAD thing. I will NOT be shopping on Thanksgiving Day. I will actually be working but even if I were not, I wouldn't set foot in the store.

I do find it interesting though, that people are all bent out of shape about this yet think nothing of going to the movie on Christmas Day.

3. Speaking of shopping... I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-

New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul.

Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?

Never have. For shopping, I'd most like to go to New York, although I'd really like to visit London. The rest hold no particular appeal.

4. When did you last dine by candlelight?

My anniversary.

5. What do you have too much of?

Most things. Books, clothes, shoes, food, "stuff;" most Americans could probably get buy with half of what we have.

6. The Hunger Games...are you a fan? Did you read the book(s)? Will you/have you seen the movie? Will you/have you seen Catching Fire? No spoilers please!

No, no, no, and no.

7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what...especially the what! As in what's for dinner? If you're one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn't ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday.

Working and eating a sandwich. My family will be at my MIL's enjoying turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. I figured there was no point in their being here if I'm going to be gone thirteen hours a day! I'll be there beginning Friday.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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Aloha Rose

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAloha RoseAbingdon Press (November 19, 2013)byLisa Carter
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.

I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.

I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Once again, Abingdon Press has released another wonderful addition to their Quilts of Love series. From the very beginning of this story, I was captivated by the characters and Laney's quest to find out more about her birth family. Lisa Carter has penned a novel full of emotion that will tug at your heart. I particularly appreciated the thread that portrayed how the family cared for the grandmother as dementia from Alzheimer's took its toll on her mind and on their stamina. An explanation of an unexpected meaning of the word aloha added to the beauty and poignancy of this novel. Curl up on a wintry evening and escape to beautiful Hawaii with Aloha Rose!

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A Marriage in Middlebury

A Marriage in Middlebury
Anita Higman
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426733871
November 2013/304 pages/$14.99
One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end?

Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought.

When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com and on Facebook and Twitter.


MY THOUGHTS

Anita Higman has written another delightful book. I loved visiting Middlebury and wish it were an actual town that I could visit, especially Charlotte's tea room. What a charming place to spend a morning with a friend! (I was particularly thrilled to discover that the tearoom just outside of Houston that gave Higman the idea for the setting is one that I have actually visited, and it is indeed lovely.) Middlebury is full of characters with a variety of personalities and a few eccentrics, just like most places! Charlotte's sweet personality and desire to show God's love and kindness to everyone she encounters is a beautiful reminder of how we should all live. While I loved the sweet romance in this book, there is so much more to this story than that. A Marriage in Middlebury is a must-read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, A Marriage in Middlebury, with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend
• A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!

So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page.
Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!

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Elusive Hope

Elusive Hope
MaryLu Tyndall
(Barbour Books)
ISBN: 978-1616265977
November 2013/320 pages/$12.99
Embark on an exotic adventure in Book 2 of the Escape to Paradise series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. In the fledgling colony of New Hope, their friends struggle to create a Southern utopia in Brazil soon after the Civil War. But Hayden is seeking revenge—relentlessly. And Magnolia is seeking a way out—desperately. They both seek to use the other for their own purposes—deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people's eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.


MY THOUGHTS

I do love a book by MaryLu Tyndall, and she has penned another breathtaking novel with Elusive Hope. While the untamed land of Brazil would not have been my choice of a setting, Tyndall's writing nevertheless swept me into the story and kept me turning pages in this historical romance that includes danger, suspense, personal struggles, and a bit of the supernatural. While I loved the highly satisfying romance, my favorite part of this book was Magnolia's journey to learning what beauty really means. What a powerful message Tyndall has woven into this captivating novel! Don't miss this book and this series!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What lesson has failure taught you?

That it's much more enjoyable to succeed. :-)

2. What decision are you glad you made?

The decision to follow Christ.

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

Noooo. Not until after Thanksgiving. Maybe not until the kids are home from college, around the 10th of December. Just depends on my work schedule and motivation.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join?

Out of those, I'd say it's a toss-up between Solitaire and Hearts, depending on my mood. I also like Spades. And Spider Solitaire.

5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?

It depends on the type of stress but usually, I can't eat.

6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?

I review books all the time. Most of my reviews are favorable because I'm careful about what I accept to review, but I'm honest in my reviews and have had given some less positive ones as well.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?

Yesterday (Tuesday) was my first day off after working a couple of long days. That means I was pretty exhausted and didn't do much, nor did I really talk to anyone other than my man. And that wasn't even very deep.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love this post and am so happy and blessed to be in a "boring" marriage.

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A Simple Christmas Wish

A Simple Christmas Wish
Melody Carlson
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800719654
September 2013/176 pages/Hardcover/$15.99
One girl in need of a home. One woman in search of a home for her heart. One Christmas where it all seems possible.

It felt strange to be out here in the middle of the night, still wearing the Amish dress--a dress that had belonged to Miri. Rachel's footsteps crunched in the snow, and halfway between the barn and the house, she paused to look up at the night sky, wondering if more snow was in store, but all she saw was velvety black and stars. Millions of twinkling stars. She had never seen stars like that before, so bright and so close, almost as if she could touch them with her hand.

Rachel Milligan never imagined that she and her seven-year-old niece would spend the week before Christmas on a quaint Amish farm in Ohio. But with so many unexpected occurrences of late, perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised.

With her young niece Holly in tow, Rachel anxiously makes her way from Chicago to Ohio's Amish country. As love begins to blossom, family secrets emerge, and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.

Join bestselling author Melody Carlson on an emotional journey into the heart of what family truly means at Christmastime.

Download an excerpthere.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, and The Christmas Pony. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.

MY THOUGHTS

I know the holidays have arrived when I get a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson. As always, Revell has created a beautiful cover to go with this tender story. Carlson packs a lot into this novella-a lot of grief, fear, anger, and remorse, as well as love, hope, forgiveness, and faith. Don't miss this heartwarming story of the season.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Talking Turkey with the Hodgepodge

1. Describe a typical Sunday from your childhood.

Sunday school and church in the morning. Home for lunch, which was almost always my mom's fried chicken so we usually didn't eat until after 1:30 by the time she got everything fixed. Then I usually had to take a nap or at least lie down and be still & quiet for 30 minutes to an hour, which I H-A-T-E-D. Training Union, as they called it way back then, started at 6:15 and the service started at 7:20. We never missed those either. We usually got home around 8:45 or 9:00 and had a light supper - peanut butter and crackers or cheese and crackers or occasionally hot dogs and then I was sent to bed as quickly as possible.

2. How comfortable are you with uncertainty? Explain.

I certainly prefer certainty. But on some things, uncertainty is fine. It just depends what it is.

3. What have you accomplished recently that might be described as crafty, as in 'arts and crafts' crafty? If crafty doesn't work for you, how about handy? Or both?

Craftiness as it relates to arts and crafts is a foreign concept to me. I can be handy, though. I just can't think of anything I've done recently that fits that definition. Maybe it was troubleshooting an IV machine at the skilled nursing facility where I work.

4. Have you ever worked in a 'food place'? What did you take away from the experience?

Nope. Totally avoided those types of jobs.

5. Cold turkey, talk turkey, what a turkey...in recent days, which turkey phrase or idiom best applies to you and why? Click on the word turkey if you need to read more about the meaning behind each phrase.

Talk turkey. . .I'm pretty straightforward and cut to the chase.

6. If you could have any one guest join your Thanksgiving dinner table, who would it be?

Me. I'm working Thanksgiving Day so I'll be missing out on turkey and dressing, one of my favorite meals of the year!

7. What is one thing you must accomplish today?

Working 12 hours!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We skipped fall and went straight to winter! We had a freeze warning last night and another one tonight. Brrr!

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