Livvie's Song By Sharlene MacLaren

Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.
Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.

But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. She traveled married one of her childhood friends and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, "Shar" enjoys reading, writing, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandson. Shar is a regular speaker for her local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS' HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at–risk children, counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program, and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their lovable collie, Dakota, and Mocha, their lazy fat cat.

Buy your copy here
http://www.amazon.com/Livvies-Song-River-Hope-Book/dp/1603742123/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351629351&sr=1-1&keywords=livvie%27s+song

This was the first book that I have read by Sharlene MacLaren. I really enjoyed  Will and Livvie's story. This book has a little bit of everything and that's what makes it a very good read. I have the other two  books in the River of Hope series and I can't wait to open them up and start reading them. You don't want to miss this first book in the series.
I give this book 4 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the author.

Christmas in Apple Ridge By Cindy Woodsmall Giveaway!

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall. The Sound of Sleigh Bells Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?   The Christmas Singing Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?    The Dawn of Christmas Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?   Pick up your copy here http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Apple-Ridge-Three---One/dp/0307730999/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351453973&sr=1-1&keywords=christmas+in+apple+ridge   Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written seven novels, four novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. She's a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible. She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards. Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US. As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter. Just to let you know this book is 3 novellas and the first two novellas came out in 2009 and 2011 in hard back and both of them were great. As with all of Cindy's books I already had these two.  This book Christmas in Apple Ridge has a new novella The Dawn of Christmas I just has to have it so that I could enjoy the new novella. You are going to fall in love with Sadie and Levi and cheer them both on. I think it was the best of the three. But with all of Cindy's books you are going to find you can't put this book down. The stories and characters are all connected so it will all make since and you will love all three of them. There are recipes at the end of two of the novellas, and they sound very good!   I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

The Heart's Journey By Barbara Cameron Giveaway!

Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he's so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage?

While praying for God's guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the "safe" path she'd envisioned for her life to marry Nick?

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE......

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hearts-Journey-Stitches-Series/dp/1426714335/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351309706&sr=8-1&keywords=the+hearts+journey

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.  Find out more about Barbara at www.barbaracameron.com, www.amishhearts.com and www.amishliving.com.

You all do not need me to tell you this but I am going to any way. I LOVE BARBRA CAMERON'S BOOKS. She is a top notch Amish writing author.

Book two in the Stitches in Time Series The Heart's Journey left me wanting more of  Naomi and Nicks story. I love Nick and anyone would be so lucky to marry him.

This is a book that touches on some deep topics and Barbara really  knows her stuff when it come to the Amish.

I can't wait for book three in the Stitches in Time series to come out.

5 Stars for sure.

I was given a copy of this book by the author.

BARBARA IS SO KIND SHE SENT AN EXTRA COPY TO GIVE TO ONE OF YOU WONDERFUL BLOG FOLLOWERS. That way I can get my copy on my shelf!

So tell me your favorite book by Barbara to be entered to win a  copy of The Heart's Journey!

Borders of the Heart By Chris Fabry

Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an “illegal,” call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction. Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself.

From the Back Cover

EVERY LIFE has a turning point, where one choice changes everything. Once that line is crossed, there’s no going back.
J. D. JESSUP finds his line in the desert near Tucson, as far from his home as the moon. He’s traded his guitar and the songs in his head for the daily grind of an organic farm—a mind-numbing existence that dulls the pain of his memories.

His boss has one rule: if J. D. sees an illegal, call Border Patrol.

But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to Maria, a beautiful young woman near death, J. D.’s heart pushes him toward another choice. Longing to atone for the mistakes that drove him to the desert, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon the two are running from a killer and struggling to stay alive. As the secrets that haunt him collide with Maria’s past, J. D. realizes that saving her may be the only way to save himself.

Part thrill ride, part love story, Borders of the Heart is a tender yet gripping odyssey of hope.

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. His novels have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it’s his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. Chris and his wife, Andrea, have nine children and live in Arizona. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com

I am so happy the share with you all one of my favorite authors new books.

No one writes like Chris Fabry, I am his number one fan.

This page turner, had me on the edge of my seat you did not know  what was going to happen from page to page. It is an action packed book like no other.

This book had a powerful message, I think that everyone should read it.

Do you like action and suspense? Then this is the book for you. A 5 Star book that I highly recommend.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Devotion By Marianne Evans Giveaway!

From This Day Forward Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.For Better or Worse But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken? 'Til Death Do Us Part When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God's love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Evans's novel, Hearts Communion, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors in the Romance category and readers have lauded her work as: 'Riveting.' 'Realistic and true to heart.' 'Compelling.' Evans has also won acclaim in such RWA contests as The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence where she has been a finalist twice, and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of Aneruca chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. She's also active in American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

For more information, visit her website at: http://www.marianneevans.com or her blog at www.marianneevans.blogspot.com

Marianne was a new author to me so when she offered to send me a copy of her book to review if liked it. I was thrilled.

Boy was I glad I said yes, this is a book about true love, and forgiveness. Something everyone should read. Of course I did cry, but I cheered as well.

If you want a glimpse of true love then this is your book. It will let you know that it is okay to rebuild what is broken and with the Lords help you will be better off for it.

I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the author

A Marriage of the Heart By Kelly Long Giveaway!

Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances. A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all? Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp. A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

KELLY LONG was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She and her husband have five children.

I do not care all that much for Novellas. I love a good long book. But I really love Amish books so I gave this one a chance. I loved Kelly Long's first two books in The Patch of Heaven series.

Let me tell you I LOVED the second story of the three, Christmas Candles, the most. I was very sad when it ended, I would have liked a whole book about Anna and Asa. That was the only part of the whole book I did not like the stories were just to short for my liking.

I give this book 4 stars

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review

The Eden Diet By Rita Hancock MD

According to Rita Hancock, author of The Eden Diet, you can have your cake and eat it too, even on a reducing diet. When you eat your treat in small portions, without guilt, and in response to true, physical (not emotional) hunger, a little cake goes a long way to satisfy you. Attuning to your body’s hunger signals also helps you respond to its instinctive call for healthy food to balance out the occasional treats. Dr. Rita’s approach is based on her Ivy League training in nutrition, physiology, and obesity psychology, but is reframed in her strongly Christian convictions about how to live the way God intended—physically healthy and free of the cultural obsession with food, eating, dieting, and thinness.

As a board-certified physician in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management, Dr. Rita Hancock specializes in helping her patients achieve optimal function in spite of their arthritic, painful joints. One way she does this is by helping them lose weight. Dr. Rita has not only Ivy League training in nutrition and the psychology of obesity, but she also speaks from personal experience. She personally overcame a compulsive eating disorder and lost 75 pounds and kept it off for for over 27 years.

Since true health requires wellness in three dimensions: mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Rita also counsels her patients in regard to their emotional and spiritual well-being. This approach has allowed her to get to the root of otherwise unexplained pain and/or stress-induced illness in a large number of patients.

Dr. Rita's books include The Eden Diet (Zondervan 2008) and The Eden Diet Workbook, which are about learning to eat in response to physical rather than emotional hunger. And her latest book is called Radical Well-being: A Biblical Guide to Overcoming Pain, Illness, and Addictions (Siloam, January 8, 2013). Radical Well-being offers a road map for finding relief if you suffer with conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, neck or back pain, irritable bowels, depression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors like overeating, consuming drugs or alcohol, over-spending, etc.--especially if you desire a biblical approach to the management of those conditions.

To enhance your well-being, Dr. Rita also produced a series of twenty-two minute audio recordings for stress-management and weight control. The series is called "Godly Affirmations For Weight Control" and is available on Amazon.com in the digital recordings store. Her specific recordings are entitled, "A Battle With The Flesh" (for food cravings control), "A Walk on the Beach" (for relief from emotional eating), "A Picnic at the Lake" (for eating properly at social events), and "A Walk in the Forest" (for learning to love exercise).

Dr. Rita writes from the Christian perspective and lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and children.

How would you like to eat whatever you wanted to and still lose weight?

Well this book tells you how you can do just that. When Doctor Hancock sent me this book to review I thought yea right but as I started reading it and really studying what she had to say, I could not get over it.

I have had the book a few weeks and I have been really doing what it tells you to do and I have lost a few pounds, I plan to keep it up.

Now don't get me wrong it has been hard, but you will NEVER look at food the   same way you have been in the past. Can you let go and let God take control?

I give this book 4 stars

I was given a copy of this book by Dr. Hancock

Completely Whole By Paulette Harper Giveaway!

 

1. Tell us what Completely Whole is about? Completely Whole takes you on a journey of Wholeness by identifying areas that hinder us from becoming whole— spirit, soul and body. Trauma (stress, shock, suffering, pain, hurts) impacts everyone at one point or another. It has the ability to leave scars imbedded in our hearts.  We know we hurt don’t know how deep the pain goes until we find ourselves trying to hide behind the pain through temporary remedies that leave us still not healed. Oftentimes, many people try to seek fulfillment from money, relationships, accomplishments, or material things. Others choose to cope with difficult problems by using drugs or alcohol, but they often come up short and soon have to realize that such things do not bring true happiness and fulfillment in life. Completely Whole is resource filled- guide full of practical and Biblically-based principles, real-life application strategies and prayers to give the readers a holistic approach to living a life of wholeness through Jesus Christ   2. Who did you write Completely Whole for? With the desire to see people made whole, oftentimes, many people try to seek fulfillment from money, relationships, accomplishments, or material things. Others choose to cope with difficult problems by using drugs or alcohol, but they often come up short and soon have to realize that such things do not bring true happiness and fulfillment in life. Completely Whole, shows readers how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty, and other obstacles blocking the path to a life of wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.  3. How does faith play into your writing? Faith plays a major part in my writing. Writing in the Christian genre gives me the opportunity to write stories that have a biblical message. Without being preachy, I can still use real life issues to bring a message of hope, restoration and redemption through each story, being fiction or non-fiction. 4. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?  One of my favorite scriptures is I Samuel 30:8B “Without fail you shall recover all.”  I realize that we are living in some rough times. Many people are facing challenges that they have never known before and walking into territory that may be unfamiliar to them. And of course many have lost things in the process. Nevertheless, God’s word is true because we have a covenant with God; He has promised that there shall be a day of recovery. So I would tell anyone, take God at His word and trust that you shall recover everything that was taken from you. Better days are ahead. 5. What do you hope that people will take away from reading Completely Whole? My focus in writing is to enrich the lives of my readers. I had a reader make this comment about Completely Whole “It speaks” and that’s what I want it to do. I want them to come away knowing that they have the ability to live a full enriched life. I want to make several impacts on readers: First I write non-fiction inspirational books so this means my books should have a lasting effect on a person’s spirit. Inspiring and encouraging them to pursue with passion a better fulfilled life. I want my writings to give strength, encouragement in the time of need. As they read Completely Whole, I want my writings to engage, stimulate and edify them spiritually.   6. What are you writing now? My next book is my first Christian fiction book called The Sanctuary.  The Sanctuary is a gripping Christian Fiction tale of unyielding faith, dark secrets, and the difficult road to redemption. It will be released early 2013 under Pulse Publishing.    7. Do you have a blog or website where readers can find you? Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarperAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper Blog: http://pauletteharper.blogspot.com Ministry website: http://pauletteharper.com Virtual Book Tour: http://wnlbooktours.com     Leave a comment for Paulette to be entered in the book giveaway!

Everyday Matters Bible for Women

Today's Christian woman is so busy handling the challenges of day-to-day life that spending time in the Word can easily become yet another 'should' buried in that growing list of daily 'musts.' Created in partnership with Kyria.com, Christianity Today's women's magazine, the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed to help women develop spiritual practices that will make their lives richer, not harder. It offers practical encouragement and tools to renew, reinvigorate and restore meaning to everyday life. This Bible features twenty-four disciplines-or practices-that position us to receive power and strength to do those things that we cannot possibly do on our own and make everyday life fuller and deeper. Each discipline is represented by a colorful icon whose illustration is a reminder of its meaning.

One of the unique features in the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is the 24 spiritual practices articles that are sprinkled throughout the Bible. Each of the 24 spiritual practices has its own icon that clearly shows the theme of the article.

 The 24 spiritual practices are covered individually in over 300 articles which are presented in 4 different ways.
Everyday Matters two-page articles emphasize a specific topic from the scripture passage or spiritual practice.
Everyday Profiles feature stories about key women in the Bible.
Everyday Reflections focus on practical application of God's Word in daily life.
Everyday Questions and Answers covers some of the important questions of faith.

Click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDq7cSV6TM&feature=youtu.be

I do not normally read a New Living Translation Bible, so this was a very different translation for me. I loved this Bible. It is wonderful for Bible studies, I love the 24 spiritual practices that was my favorite part of the Everyday Matters Bible for Women. It is wonderful to use as a daily devotion.

I loved that it was so easy to read and easy to find each book of the Bible while doing my Bible reading each day.

While it is thick and heavy, it may not be a Bible that you would want to carry to church with you, it is one of the best study Bibles.

I highly recommend this Bible.

I was given a copy of this Bible by the publisher for my honest review

To be entered to win  a copy of the BIBLE answer this

What Bible translation do you use?

 

The Memory Jar By Tricia Goyer GIVEAWAY!

Every year, 30--40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

 

Tricia Goyer is the best-selling author of thirty-two books, including two novels that have won ACFW's Book of the Year award. Her co-authored novel The Swiss Courier was also a Christy Award nominee. Tricia loves to travel and research for her fiction, and believes real life inspires great fiction. Tricia and her husband, John, live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have four children ages two to twenty-three years old.

Bumpy Ride Ahead By Wanda Brunstetter Giveaway!

Welcome to Holmes County, Ohio, where twins Mattie and Mark Miller are in for quite a bumpy ride. When their selfishness begins to cause big trouble at every turn, will these energetic nine-year-olds learn the value of sharing before it s too late? You ll fall in love with the second release in the Double Trouble series from bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter.

 

New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband's Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have several Amish friends.

 

This was such a cute book. this is the second book in the Double Trouble series.

It is for ages 8 and up.

I think the best gift you can give your kids or grandkids is the gift of reading. So with that said this book would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

 

I was given a copy of this book by the author

 

To be entered in this giveaway tell me the name of your kids or grandkids.

Better than Chocolate By Sheila Roberts Giveaway!

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it? After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly…. Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate. It took Sheila Roberts a while to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up. Before becoming a published writer she did many things, including playing in a band and owning a singing telegram company. But in the end, she wound up doing what she loved to do most as a child: writing. Sheila has been published under different names in both fiction and non-fiction and seen her books translated into several different languages. Her novels have been selected for book clubs and optioned for film. She lives on a small lake in the Pacific Northwest and has three children and one long-suffering husband. When she's not playing with girlfriends or on the tennis court Sheila can be found writing about those things dear to women's hearts:family, friends, and chocolate. Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. Her novels have appeared in Readers Digest Condensed Books and have been published in several languages. Her book Angel Lane, was an Amazon Top Ten Romance pick for 2009 and her holiday perennial, On Strike for Christmas was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. You can visit Sheila on Twitter and Facebook or at her website (http://www.sheilasplace.com). I curled up with a nice cup of hot chocolate and enjoyd this fun easy read, it flowed so well.  And lets face who does not LOVE chocolate, so a story about it is so much fun. Will  they make enough money to save Sweet Dreams? You must read  this book to find out. I did not really care for the romance between Samantha and Blake but you read this book and see what you think. Everything moved to fast for me at the end. Shelia has also included some yum-o chocolate recipes in the back of the book., which I loved, anything chocolate is a great treat to me. Over all this book was a fun read.

The Amish Family Cookbook By Jerry & Tina Eicher Giveaway!

From the home of bestselling author Jerry Eicher (more than 350,000 books sold) and his wife, Tina, comes this warm and inviting peek into an Amish kitchen, complete with.... Amish recipes: Hannah Byler's Pecan Pie Beat on low speed slightly or with hand beater:  3 eggs   1/3 cup butter, melted  1 cup light corn syrup  ½ t. salt  2/3 cup sugar Stir in: 1 cup pecan halves. Pour into:  1 pie crust Bake at 375 for 40-50 minutes. Amish proverbs:  It takes seven to cook for to make a really happy wife. and Amish humor: The Englisha visitor suffered through a three-hour Amish wedding service, sitting on the hard backless church bench.  "Why does it take so long to tie the knot?" he asked afterward.  "Well," the bishop said, stroking his long white beard. "So that it takes ‘em a lifetime to untie it." Pick up a copy here  http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Family-Cookbook-Jerry-Eicher/dp/0736943773/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350401389&sr=8-1&keywords=The+amish+family+cookbook

Jerry Eicher's bestselling Amish fiction (more than 400,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah's Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he's been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia. Tina Eicher was born and married in the Amish faith, surrounded by a mother and sisters who were great Amish cooks. At fellowship meals and family gatherings, Tina's dishes receive high praise and usually return empty. She and her husband, Jerry Eicher, author of several bestselling Amish fiction titles, are the parents of four children and live in Virginia.

I love the Amish and I love Jerry Eicher's Amish books. I  really enjoy cooking so much. So when Jerry and his wife Tina came out with an  Amish cookbook, I was so excited, I could not wait for him to get my copy to me.

No Amish fan should go another day without this cookbook in their kitchen. I love it, so many easy recipes and the ingredients we all have in our own pantry's. 

This would also make a super Christmas gift this year for that wonderful cook in your life.

Rails of Freedom By Linda Robinson Giveaway!

1.Tell us about your new book Rails of Freedom   Hi, Mary, thank you for having me here. Rails of Freedom is the recently published second book in my Love Abounds series. I'm especially proud of this one. I tell people that I learned how to write with the first one, and I keep on learning. I know my biggest improvement is in "showing" more and "telling" less—to let my readers experience the scenes, emotions or moods themselves. Rails of Freedom is about Nathan, a teenager who ran away from home to escape his terrible home life and pursue his dreams of seeing the world. Lefty is a seasoned hobo, who took Nat under his wing to mentor, but ends up reaping as many or more benefits from the relationship. My own brother inspired me to research and write about the lives of hobos, migrant workers, and common laborers because he spent a year as a teenager riding the rails as a hobo. I wove the few stories he told me into my work of fiction. Nathan's life didn't turn out the way he had dreamed, and he chose a path headed downhill, destroying everything dear to him. But when love abounds, there is always hope for the future. The series is about God's perfect love for us, the imperfect, and how he protects and provides for us. There's something for everyone in this novel, whether it's action, romance, or family fun and entertainment. Of course, as in real life, there are some heartaches as well.   2.Tell us your favorite thing about Nathan from Rails of Freedom. Even though he had his demons and faults, Nathan's loyalty, caring nature, love for kids and pets, and his deep devotion to those he loved is probably my favorite.   3.What do you hope that readers will take away from Rails of Freedom? That even the most flawed and imperfect can find redemption and freedom and be happy and blessed by trusting in the power of a mighty God. 4.How does your faith play into your writing? I can't say enough about how much my faith influences my writing. I wouldn't be writing without it, because I stepped out in strong faith to pursue the seemingly impossible, and my faith comes through loud and clear in my characters' lives and choices. Now for some fun...... 1. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Alaska, or any of the northwestern states where I haven't been—Montana, Washington, Idaho or Oregon. 2. I am a dog lover, Will you tell us a little bit about your Maltese Joy. Okay. Do you have all day? :-) I promise you I could talk non-stop about her. She is too cute for our own good, because when she "tells" me or my husband (with her grunts, groans, and growls) what she wants, we do it! I talk to her all the time, so she understands so many words and hand signals. I have a favorite little trick I do with her. When she was little and yawned, she let out a loud "Owww" at the end. I thought it was adorable, and I taught her to do it on command when I say, "What do you say when the Vet gives you a shot?" It's too cute. Oh course, she leads me to the pantry for the reward. 3.What is your favorite comfort food? That’s easy! Is there any comfort food besides chocolate? 4.Do you have a website or blog where readers can find you? I blog on my web site http://whenloveabounds.tateauthor.com and I am on a blog schedule set up in the coming months for Linda Rondeau's Geezer Guys and Gals Blogspot, the first in Jan. 2013. I also have two upcoming blogs for ACFW in December, 2012 and May, 2013 5. Tell readers where they can buy your books.  Rails of Freedom will not be released nationwide until December 4, 2012, but currently autographed copies are available through my email Authorllr@aol.com or (334)379-7344 and will soon be on my website, which is currently being re-designed to include it. Unsigned copies are available at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781620247440 Autographed copies of When Love Abounds can be obtained through my website http://whenloveabounds.tateauthor.com my email or phone number above, and unsigned copies can be obtained from http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61663-882-5 plus all major bookstores and on Amazon.

Accidentally Amish By Olivia Newport Givaway!

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

 

 

Accidentally Amish is Olivia Newport's first book in her new series Valley of Choice as well as her first book. I really did enjoy it, it's two stories in one. A little historical and a little suspense all in one book! Olivia does not write a boring Amish story for sure, she writes a very accurate Amish story! I could not put the book down I read it in one sitting because I had to know what Annie was going to do with her life. I really loved Rufus also. I did cry a time or two but this was a fantastic Amish book! I can not wait until book two comes out In plain View!  I give this first  book in the series 5 stars.

 

 

I was given a copy of this book by the author

Beyond the Storm By Carolyn Zane the 1st Quilts of love book! Giveaway!

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?” As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

Carolyn Zane is the best selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels for three publishers: Random House/Waterbrook Press, Multnomah Publishing and Harlequin/Silhouette where her sales numbers consistently finished strong. Her writing has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Kay Snow Award and a Moondance nod for her screenplay. 

Carolyn lives with her husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon.

 

This is the first book I have read by Carolyn Zane. I really did enjoy it. It is a book about putting the pieces back together.

My favorite part in the whole book was sweet, generous, Aunt Selma telling the quilt story, she told what each piece of the quilt meant to her and where the fabric came from that formed the quilt. It was a moving story to hear her tell it. I really loved the epilogue very much! I am a sucker for a happy ending!

 

Do you like books that help build your faith? Here is your book then!

 

The Quilts of Love Series is 16 books by 16 different authors with a new book coming out every month!

Road to Mercy By Kathy Harris Giveaway!

Josh Harrison, a contemporary Christian singer, and his wife Bethany face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth's carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death even as she's pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Ben Abrams urges her to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and decide to carry the baby to full term. During the next few months, Josh struggles with his faith, Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.   About Kathy Kathy Harris is an author by way of a divine detour into the Nashville entertainment business. She graduated with a B.S. in Communications from Southern Illinois University and has spent the past two decades employed as a marketing director in the Nashville music industry. Abingdon Press will release her fiction debut titled The Road to Mercy, in Fall 2012. Kathy regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog at www.DivineDetour.com.   I have waited to long for this book to come out. Maya Angelou once said " The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart", This book does just that. I was so moved by this book. Kathy tells us a story of God's love, forgiveness and wonderful mercy. Do you love happy endings? If so then this book is for you. I LOVED this book and it was worth the wait. Kathy can sure tell a moving, pull at your heart strings story. I highly recommend this 5 star book.   The author gave me a copy of this book for my review

On The Other Side of Goodbye By Mable Dotson Giveaway!

1.Tell us your favorite part of On the Other Side of Goodbye

I would have to say that my favorite part of the "On the Other Side of Goodbye" would have to be when Callie Mae is walking down the aisle to be married.  Her eyes are on Eli as she walks toward her future husband, not realizing that her mother and "someone" else is walking her toward Eli, and it is then that she feels a slight whisper of a butterfly  kiss on her cheek.......................

 

2.Besides enterainment,what do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Besides entertainment, I do hope that my readers will feel a special closeness to God and all the things that  only He can make happen if we only put our faith and trust solely in Him and His divine interventions that He gives us in not only our time of need, but also just because we are very special to Him.

3. How does faith play into your writing?

Without faith, I am nothing.   I put my faith in God to see me through the times that reader's block took hold of my mind as several deadlines approached and I could do nothing but pray.  So many problems were coming at me from every direction that my mind could hardly concentrate on anything.  I know that God was showing me that in His own special way, that I needed to incorporate the faith that I was having to use for myself into my book.    The whole book is based just on that faith that no matter what came their way, Callie Mae and also her mother, had to depend solely on their faith for survival. 

 

 

4.How old were you when you wrote your first book? 

I was in my late fillies, lol!  Honestly, I was 58 and feeling every bit of it.  One of my very good friends, nearly "tormented" me to death until I submitted it!

5.What movie has inspired you the most?

I would have to say that the "Ten Commandments" was my most inspiring movie, however, since watching the movie that just came out about the Hatfields and McCoys, I have changed my mind. The movie isabout my ancestors, the Hatfields.  The reason for this being so is that I was always ashamed of being related to "Devil Anse Hatfield" because of all the feuding and the violence that was associated with him and the tales that were handed down to us as his "kinfolk".  However, after watching the movie, I realized how wrong I had been about the lifestyle that was directly associated with my "shameful" ancestors that it got me to prying and probing into a background that I had left dormant all of these years.  I then realized after watching the movie that the fights and the violence were purely a means of survival for them.  His hard core belief in God never left him in all of this time and that he definitely was a very strong person to have to go through all that he did.

6. What is your favorite book by another author?

I have so many favorite books that this is a very hard question to answer.  Thinking on this, however, I would have to say that it is the series "A Voice in the Wind" The Mark of the Lion series books by Francine Rivers.  I always loved the story of Hadassah of the bible and how she had prepared herself for a year for just one night with the King.  She never let her faith in God waiver as she was transformed into a beautiful person, not only on the outside, but how it helped her to help her people that were being wrongly persecuted.

7.Tell us your favorite Bible verse

My favorite Bible verse has to be James 1:2-4.     My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.    This means so very much to me because like a newborn in my Christian walk with the  Lord, I found that I had to accept the patience that God had put on me in order to  become molded into what He had in store for me.  I had to have lots of patience and also faith to get me through all of the fiery darts that satan had attacked me with.  I came through all of the attacks not only a stronger Christian in the  Lord, but the most important thing was I was finding out more and more how the adversary was working in trying to get me to turn away from the only one who could help me through all the trials and tribulations that I faced.  Also, the way I see it, God needs strong warriors, not wimps, and how are we as Christians, going to become strong warriors unless we are put through these trials so that we can understand satan's true identity?

 

8.If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If I could go anywhere in the world it would have to be to the Holy Land.  I would love to walk where Jesus has walked and to hopefully feel the same breeze on my face that He felt and perhaps feel a closeness to God that would be like none other!  I realize that I have felt a closeness to God, but to actually be there would have to be an experience that only the  Holy Land could let me feel!

9.What is the most important thing that you hope your readers will take away from your books?

The most important thing that I hope my readers will take away from my books is the fact that no matter what life, or rather satan, throws at you, all you have to do is to trust in God and He will see you through.  It might not be what you thought you wanted, but He will see you through what is best.  One of the best things I have heard was when my daughter, Aimee, told me that some of the best prayers are the unanswered ones.

10. Tell us about your first two books

My first two books, "The Times of Our Innocence" and "Our Yesterdays Remembered" are about two little girls growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky and the trials they faced daily in order to survive.  Actually, the first book is chapters of different stories that are based on actual things that happened to my younger sister and I.  Every story is based on true facts.  The second book, is a continuation of the first book, except in a story line.  They are poignantly filled with a sense of the unforgotten things that filled our life as small children growing up in a secluded "holler" in the mountains that time had virtually forgotten.  If you could have two female versions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, it would be these two little girls, Bethy and Mary.  They both are filled with childlike humor that keeps the reader wanting to read page after page as the books bring back memories of their own childhood.