Prayers for the Alabama and surrounding areas

I just want to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to anyone who has been affected by these terrible tornados. I have heard from friends and all are safe although some have friends who have lost everything and have had narrow escapes. Another has had a house broken into.
My heart goes out to all who have been affected just like when we had the floods in Australia and the world supported us I hope the world will now support those affected in America.
Prayers are going up.

The Winner of Hearts surrender is

Jordon, Congratulations. I am sending an email and you have til Friday Morning to respond.

Thanks again Marianne for being on my blog and giving away a copy of your book.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Lynette Eason and giveaway

Please welcome to Getting to know you Thursdays Lynette Eason. Lynette has a new book out on May one A Killer Among Us which looks like a great read and to make things easier I have added an Amazon link.

1. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

 My favorites as a child were always the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books.

2. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

Romantic Suspense is definitely my fave in reading and writing.

3. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Like I said in question number two, Carolyn Keene wrote the Nancy Drew books and I just LOVED those.

4. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

It’s funny, I didn’t really set out to become a published author. But I did have a story running around in my head and I decided to sit down and write it one day. After that, I was hooked. That first book was really hard finish, but once it was done, the sense of accomplishment was so amazing, I had to see if I could do it again…and again…and again…LOL.

5. How did you go about becoming an author?

It was pretty much an “accident” by God’s design. My husband travelled a lot with his job and I was lonely. So, with this story in my  head, I started writing. That’s the key right there. Then I found a book I loved by an author named Dee Henderson so I wrote her and told her how wonderful she was and how I wanted to be like her when I grew up. She wrote me back and ended up being my mentor for about three years. We kind of lost touch as life interfered, then caught up later when I started being serious about trying to get published. I sold my first book to Love Inspired in 2007 and the rest is history.

6. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

 Probably something in the medical field. Medicine fascinates me. Either that or a criminal lawyer.

7. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love to see different places. I like to travel more now than I used to even though I abhor flying on planes, but I do it to experience new things.

8. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

 I would love to see Australia. Seriously. I used to have posters of all the different scenic views of Australia hanging in my bedroom. I remember coming across a small place called Monkey Mia where you could swim with the dolphins. I still want to go there.

(Jenny here you would love Monkey Mia, I went many years ago and we had to wait for the dolphins to come in but it was worth it even the pushy Japanese and German tourist who wanted to take photos and didn’t mind pushing others out the way)

9. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

 Dee Henderson because I’ve never met her face to face. Jeffery Deaver because the man is a master plotter and I would love to pick his brain. AND…my buddy, Dawn Barnes, who moved away from me and I miss her!

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

A KILLER AMONG US officially releases on May 1^st although you can probably find it in the bookstores now. The back cover blurb is:

What happens when the hunter . . . becomes the hunted?
Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. These new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is, he may be hunting one of them too.

With nail-biting suspense, clever plot twists, and a hint of romance, A Killer Among Us is the latest thriller from Lynette Eason.

Praise for Lynette Eason's Women of Justice series
"My friend Lynette has a hit on her hands with this romantic suspense."--Dee Henderson, bestselling author, the O'Malley series

"A fast-moving tale filled with nonstop action. No chance to catch your breath with this one!"--Irene Hannon, bestselling author, the Heroes of Quantico series

"An exciting ride with characters you will care about."--Margaret Daley, award-winning Steeple Hill romantic suspense author

"Don't read Eason's newest novel late at night!"-- RT Book Reviews
"One heck of a thriller. The suspense is high; I was turning pages so fast I had to go back and re-read."--Suspense Magazine

Pages full of indecipherable codes are all that stand between DEA agent Brock Martin and drugs crossing the border. But if he wants to crack the case, he'll have to work with Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez. Brock feels the case is way too dangerous for a female agent—especially one who refuses to admit she needs protection. Yet as they work together under the most dangerous threat of exposure, Brock discovers Gisella is stronger than she seems. And that his cowboy heart isn't so tough, after all.
Available mid May.


Giveaway
Lynette has kindly offered to give on commenter a copy of her new book. To enter you need to leave a comment saying what your favourite genre of novel is and a way to contact you. You have til 6 May at 6pm Australian time.

CFBA Tour Who is My Shelter by Neta Jackson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Who is My Shelter Thomas Nelson (March 1, 2011) by Neta Jackson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Neta Jackson is the author of the popular novel series, *The Yada Yada Prayer Group*, and a spin-off series called *The Yada Yada House of Hope.* These novels were inspired by a real women's Bible study and prayer group that, as Neta says, "God has used to turn my life upside down and rightside up." Neta and her husband, Dave, are also an award-winning writing team, best known for the Trailblazer books--a forty-book series of historical fiction for young people about great Christian heroes (see www.trailblazerbooks.com). The Jacksons are members of a multi-cultural church in the Chicago area, and the parents of three grown children, including a Cambodian foster daughter, all with families of their own.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In Jackson's fourth Yada Yada House of Hope Christian evangelical novel, Gabby Fairbanks is now settled in her new apartment at the House of Hope. But she is being pulled in several directions at once and has some hard decisions to make.



Philip, her estranged husband, is in a lot of trouble with a rogue cop from whom he borrowed money and also with his partner at the commercial development firm after he takes company money to cover his gambling losses. Lee Boyer, the Legal Aid lawyer who has become a friend to Gabby, now wants to be more. Gabby must decide whether to give Philip another chance, as their sons, Paul and PJ, hope, and she turns to the folks at Manna House, where she works, and the Yada Yada Prayer Group to help her discern God's plan for her.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Who is My Shelter, go HERE

CFBA Tour Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Abigail's New Hope Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2011) by Mary Ellis



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:I grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community of Geauga County, where my parents often took me to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. My husband and I now live within the largest population of Amish in the country–a four-county area in central Ohio. We love to take weekend getaways to purchase farm produce and other goodies, stay with Amish families in bed and breakfasts, attend country auctions and enjoy the simpler way of life.



This is my first series of novels set in the Amish community.



I would love to hear from readers of Christian novels. Please leave me a post at my blogsite.



ABOUT THE BOOK

As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies—but the baby is saved.

When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.



While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.



An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Abigail's New Hope, go HERE.



Watch the book trailer:

My Review:
This is a good book. Its the first book I have read by Mary Ellis and I wasn't disappointed. Abigail is an Amish midwife who helps in a difficult birth which ends up with the baby dying. We learn early in this book that in Ohio Amish Midwives are not recognised by the judicial system which is where Abigails problems start.  She ends up in jail and her sister Catherine comes to help out with her children. Also add to the mix a deaf cousin Isaiah who is also reclusive but Catherine feels she can help him. I enjoyed the different stories happening at the same time seeing how Abigail deals with prison life and how she is treated there, Daniel her husband struggling without her and resisting having Catherine helping out and then Catherine reaching out to Isaiah. Abigail has a few issues she is working out from protecting another person to obeying her husband and what God would want her to do. I learnt new things about the Amish in this book like the fact in Ohio and Pennsylvania the midwives are not recognised by the state. If you enjoy amish fiction I am sure this book won't disappoint you.

Winner

The winner of Ruth Logan Herne's new book is Beth (rubynreba) Congrats your book will be on its way shortly thanks for entering.

Getting to Know you Thursdays with Marianne Evans, Review and giveaway

Please welcome Marianne Evans to my blog today. She has just released a short story A Face in The Clouds which is a wonderful story. My review is after the interview. There is also a giveaway chance further down the page. 

AUTHOR BIO:

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of contemporary romance novels. Her professional career began when Kensington Publishing purchased her book, Friends & Lovers. Her second offering, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from reviewers and in the local media.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – an award-winning novel entitled Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of a four-book Christian romance series: The Woodland Series. Book 2, Hearts Surrender, released in late 2010 with Books 3 and 4 – Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, slated for late 2011 and early 2012 release. A Woodland Series Bonus Story, A Face in the Clouds, is an Easter-themed short story, also from White Rose Publishing.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’d love to! I’m a Michigan native who calls suburban Detroit home. I’m married to the most wonderful man in the world, and I’ve got two completely awesome kids (and a beloved daughter-in-law!) who make my life rich and full. Beyond that, I’ve been in love with the process of writing stories for as long as I can remember. I feel like writing is my gift from God, and returning it back to Him by sharing stories that illustrate not just a great romance, but the truth of His grace, mercy and redemption is the best thing going!

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series when I was a child. As a young adult I began to read romances. I’m completely drawn in by the idea of characters who take a journey together toward love and fulfillment!

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

Yes, I do! I love Christian romance and Christian fiction. In fact, I write it because I love reading it so much. My favorite author, hands down, is Karen Kingsbury. She’s amazing – such beautiful stories and characters and I always finish her books with the  best feeling of Christian affirmation.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Not so much as I grew up…I enjoyed reading all kinds of books in my youth—by all kinds of authors—I suppose you could say I was influenced by many authors, not just one or two.  J

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When I was in grade school and I’d pass around chapters of stories I’d written to my friends. They always came back for more, and writing took over my heart!

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I joined my local chapter of RWA and became very active. I helped chair conferences, served as treasurer and President, and from there I connected to an agent who believed in me very strongly (even when I didn’t believe in myself and nearly quit!) She helped me sell my first three books to Kensington, and from there, I decided to switch genre’s and explore the world of Christian inspirational romance, and I absolutely love it!

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be? 

I’d love to have a job where I could travel all over the world and experience different places and cultures. I’d love to be able to do that!  (Jenny here I would love that type of job too)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love to antique shop! I collect antique salt cellars, which are small bowls, with spoons, that held salt cubes on a dinner table in the era before pourable salt. They’re gorgeous and fun to find. (wow that’s interesting I seen these but didn’t know what they were called)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? 

My dream is to visit the Holy Land, and my favorite place(s) I’ve been, to date, are Hawaii and London. Such wonderful, exciting places! (Our pastor and his wife and a few members of our church have come back from a tour of where Jesus lived and places Paul went and had a great time. I agree with Hawaii loved it)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

 Hmmm…kind of like Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, right?  Well, I’d love to ‘rise and shine’ with Karen Kingsbury because I’d love to pick her brain, writer-to-writer and share our love of God! For lunch what could be more fun than an entertainer? I’ve always admired the work of Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Frequency) and I admire his boldness of faith, for dinner someone thought provoking and interesting and active on the world stage? I’d love to share a meal with Pope Benedict the XVI.

(wow an interesting day install for you. But would be cool to do)

BLURB – A FACE IN THE CLOUDS

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

My Review:

This is a short story but very moving. I loved the characters and how although Sandy and Paul are going out I like that going into the relationship we know Sandy is a Christian and Paul isn't and he makes no secret of this fact. It does cause Sandy some worry and she feels she shouldn't continue the relationship with a non christian. They have to go to cover a story at the church which causes Paul alot of issues. I love the story and now really want to read more of Mariannes books.

Giveaway

Marianne has kindly offered to give one lucky commenter a chance to win a copy of the first book in this series Hearts Surrender. For a chance to win as it is Easter tomorrow do you have any easter traditions?  Please leave a comment and way to reach you by Friday April 29, 6pm australia time.

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers for deeper meaning in her life. Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church. He's adjusting to life as a widower and copes by keeping as busy as possible with his parish and missionary work. A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share-and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns-a love that takes them to a place neither expected. Can they trust God's hand enough to surrender their hearts to one another...forever?

CFBA Tour An Eye For Glory by Karl Bacon

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing An Eye For Glory Zondervan (February 28, 2011) by Karl Bacon



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:



I grew up in the small picturesque town of Woodbury, Connecticut. After graduating from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, I returned to Connecticut and found employment in manufacturing. “Just a job” turned into a professional career, much of which was spent working for a Swiss machine tool company. In 2000 I started my own business to provide services to manufacturing clients across the USA. This change also allowed time to develop my writing craft.



From youth I’ve been a serious student of the Civil War. The draft of An Eye for Glory took ten years from conception to completion. Thousands of hours were spent researching every detail through copious reading, Internet research and personal visits to each battlefield so the novel might be as historically accurate and believable as possible. I live in Naugatuck, Connecticut with my wife of thirty-three years, Jackie.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Michael Palmer is a good man, a family man. But honor and duty push him to leave his comfortable life and answer the call from Abraham Lincoln to fight for his country. This 'citizen soldier' learns quickly that war is more than the battle on the field. Long marches under extreme conditions, illness, and disillusionment challenge at every turn. Faith seems lost in a blur of smoke and blood...and death.



Michael's only desire is to kill as many Confederate soldiers as he can so he can go home. He coldly counts off the rebels that fall to his bullets. Until he is brought up short by a dying man holding up his Bible. It's in the heat of battle at Gettysburg and the solemn aftermath that Michael begins to understand the grave cost of the war upon his soul. Here the journey really begins as he searches for the man he was and the faith he once held so dearly. With the help of his beloved wife, Jesse Ann, he takes the final steps towards redemption and reconciliation.



Using first-hand accounts of the 14th Connecticut Infantry, Karl Bacon has crafted a detailed, genuine and compelling novel on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Intensely personal and accurate to the times, culture, and tragedy of the Civil War, An Eye for Glory may change you in ways you could have never imagined as well.



If you would like to read the first chapter of An Eye For Glory, go HERE.



Watch book video trailer:





I received this book and liked what I read except there is alot of slang that Aussies my find offensive. The work is fine in the states (I have had a discussion with many to see) but in Australia is not a word I want to read so therefore haven't read more of the book as I found the language a problem. This being said for Americans I believe this book will be a wonderful resource for people studying the Civil War.

First Wildcard Tours That's When I Talk to God by Dan and Ali Morrow

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Dan and Ali Morrow

and Illustrated by

Cory Godbey

and the book:

That's When I Talk to God

David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dan and Ali Morrow are parents of two wonderful daughters. When they’re not writing children’s books, they like to go on adventures around their Colorado home. They are the authors of That’s Where God Is (2010), their first children’s release.

Visit the authors' website.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Cory Godbey illustrates, animates, and writes for Portland Studios, a creative firm dedicated to telling great stories and pursuing excellence in art.

He has contributed to projects such as Zune Arts, Flight graphic novel anthologies, and has worked with many major publishers.

Recently, Cory was accepted in the acclaimed Society of Illustrators Annual.

Cory seeks to tell stories with his work.

He also likes drawing monsters.

Visit the illustrator'swebsite.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Targeted to children four to eight, That’s When I Talk to God mirrors the day of the typical child, creating an opportunity for readers to put the practices in the story to use in their own lives. Through beautiful illustrations and an engaging, familiar character, readers can relate to That’s When I Talk to God. Children will learn to go to God with their fears, their joys, their questions, and their desires. They will also learn the hows, whens, and whys of praying to the Lord in a way they can easily apply to their own experiences. And adults will be reminded to communicate the benefit, simplicity, and beauty of prayer.



Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434700186
ISBN-13: 978-1434700186

AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES (Click on the pictures to enlarge them!):

My Review.
This is a wonderful book for children and I think alot of adults reading it to a child will learn from it also. It teaches how we don't have to wait till supper or bed time to pray to God but infact we can pray anytime. We watch a young girl going to through her bedtime rituals of a glass of water, story then prayer and learning you can pray anytime. We then see the little girl go through the next day and finding things to pray about. Its a really sweet story and a good education tool.

CFBA Tour He Said, She Said by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing He Said, She Said Lighthouse Publishing (February 14, 2011)

by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles



ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are the cofounders of Christian Devotions Ministries. Their He Said, She Said devotions are syndicated in a number of newspapers across the eastern seaboard and they host the weekly He Said, She Said Radio, Friday nights at 6:00 p.m. est. on Blog Talk Radio. Eddie and Cindy are popular speakers and teachers at Writers Conferences across the country.



Eddie is the author of five non-fiction books and his newest fiction release, The Curse of Captain LaFoote, a middle grade book. While Cindy is the author of one non-fiction and two compilations.



Together they teach writing with WritersCoach.us. Eddie and Cindy have been writing the He Said, She Said devotions since 2008, taking one scripture weekly and looking at it from two perspectives--His and Hers, with the idea that learning more about scripture from two perspectives helps one to delve deeper in God's word and know Him better.



ABOUT THE BOOK

He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion, or How Newlyweds, Couples and Singles Can Draw Closer to God and Their Mate Through Daily Devotions



Do you sense something vital missing from you relationship with your spouse, children and God? Are you easily distracted by the busyness of life and left feeling drained, bored, and discouraged? Do you sense you were meant to enjoy the richness of life, but spend your days feasting on crumbs? This heart-warming collection of stories (54 in all) will inspire you to reach for the true source of joy: a life lived for and through God.



These deeply personal (and sometimes humorous) devotions offer biblical insights and spiritual truths from the unique perspective of one man and one woman. Learn to cultivate a life of passion. Perfect for your quiet time, these moments of meditative reflection illustrate the importance of allowing God to work within you and speak through you. No matter if you are newlyweds or newly retired, this book of devotions will help you put the spark back into your love life and explore the precious relationships God desires for you. He Said, She Said touches the heart, tickles the funny bone and brings you to your knees in worship.



If you would like to read an excerpt from He Said, She Said, go HERE.



Watch the book video:

Cindy and Eddie are not only good friends of mine, but a regular source of my spiritual renewal. It's a great idea, the he-said/she-said concept and I always enjoy their devotionals. Both are not only grounded spiritually, and super nice people but they both keep me laughing. It's that humor and heart that makes the spiritual more relatable in the most practical sense.

~Gina Holmes, author of Crossing Oceans~

I've know Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles for a few years. Each has a way of tickling my funny bone, so I wondered what a devotional book by them would be. I can heartily recommend it. The humor is there, but it's coupled with deep truths that go straight to the heart of the problem. You'll find a path that winds closer to God through He Said, She Said.

~Ane Mulligan, Editor of Novel Journey~

Getting to know you Thursdays with Ruth Logan Herne

Please welcome Ruth Logan Herne to my blog today. I first got to know Ruthy from visiting Seekerville. I had to read her first book and if someone had given me the book with no author listed I would have known it was her writing. I love her books and cant wait to read her latest.  I hope you will all make her feel welcome today.  Thanks for dropping by.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Very little. I am a recluse, a hermit, I reveal nothing! Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Of course none of that is true, but there are days I WISH it was true!  J I’m married to my high school sweetheart (I got him before he was old enough to know any better, really a great way to do things, you must try it!) We have six kids with a seventh ‘daughter of my heart’, we’re up to ten grandchildren and I buy way too many over the counter anti-wrinkle products in the ongoing and unsuccessful quest to maintain a youthful if slightly haggard appearance.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, great book. I highly recommend it as a children’s read. Lovely. Just lovely. (Jenny here I loved this book when I was younger but it was just called Betsy. I still have a copy somewhere in the house and its almost falling to pieces)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

No. I love reading, I love good writing and I read a broad spectrum. But I don’t have a lot of reading time right now. That’s a good thing sometimes because I do enough sitting on my backside while writing. Backsides do not take kindly to constant sit-down jobs.

Sigh…

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Oh, yes. Mary Stuart, Phyllis Whitney, Janet Lambert, Catherine Marshall, Ayn Rand, Herman Wouk (I was older then, like… um…. Seven.  Maybe eight.)  (Jenny again I see you were a very advanced child! )

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Probably in the cradle. I made up all kinds of stories to escape a rough childhood and imagined myself a princess or a lost queen or (of course!!!) that I was wrongfully adopted because my real parents who loved and cherished me (very “ANNIE”) misplaced me.

And I love seeing in some of my grandchildren that same pre-writing make-believe that goes to EXTREME MEASURES to create a four-year-old’s story. It’s humbling and exhilarating at the same time. And just downright fun.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

Once my children were grown I just sat down at a Brother Word Processor (I thought I was sooooo cool to have a word processor, oh Mylanta, can you believe it????) and wrote. That first story which rambled FOREVER is (conveniently) forever lost, thank heaven! I worked for eight years plus, waking up at 4:00 AM so I could write before the day job. That’s how I still work today, up at 4:00, write until 6:30, then off to work. I’m a morning person so my brain works early. Late in the day??? I’m tired and cranky and kind of a wimp. Better for me to work in the mornings, by far. (I admit I work better in the mornings and often got up at 5am to finish a project more because I was a procrastinator who waited to the last minute to finish a project but I really couldn't wake up at 4am every morning I do admire you, oh im don't work later in the day either.)

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

A teacher. I never went to college, but I’m born to teach and write but when it came down to going back to school to teach or work on my own for years to carve a writing career, writing won because that was always my dream. To write books. Sell books. Be an author. (My mum always wanted to be a teacher but never went to college she ended up teaching sunday school and Christian Endeavour  and felt God made a way for her to teach)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love to garden but right now I mostly grow weeds and ivy. Ivy looks gracious, it takes over EVERYTHING, and it keeps the weeds out. Of course it keeps the flowers out, too. And did you know that garter snakes LOVE to crawl through ivy???  And that poison ivy loves to erupt through English Ivy. And that even if you were never, ever, ever allergic to poison ivy in your life, you can BECOME allergic like, overnight.  I am a school of hard knocks learner, and these are just TWO SIMPLE THINGS I would have liked to have known a little earlier. (Im growing really cool weeds too I dont think we have poison ivy here but I do have Ivy growing wild too but no snakes yet but did have a cute blue tongue lizard.)

And I like working with wood. I’m not afraid of power tools and I’m dangerous with a hammer, but love wielding one, LOL! (Im love power tools too but Im dangerous with an axe just ask one of the men at the woodchop our church had. funny no one will stand anywhere near me when I have an axe, Its not like I drew blood thankfully it was the blunt edge that hit him in the shin I admit he had a lump there for over six months!)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

Ireland, of course, home of my ancestors. When my daughter visited there she came home and said it was a country just filled with people like me!

And Australia. A Town Like Alice is one of my favorite movies. And The Man from Snowy River. G’day, mate!  (Would love to have you come downunder and meet you)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Oh, can’t pick three. It would be the Seekers, one and all. We love the rare chances to get together, it’s truly a blessing to have these women as friends, confidants and colleagues because (God love ‘em) they pull no punches.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

Oh, Jenny, I absolutely love my current book. It’s just been released to stores, and I’m so excited!  Reunited Hearts is a beautiful, touching love story about a sacrificial girl who thought she was doing the right thing by hiding her teenage pregnancy from the hero, but realizes too late that she’s messed up in so many ways. And when the time comes when she could tell him, she’s ashamed of the choices she’s made.

It’s so hard to make the right choices as a young person, there’s so much pressure out there to be cool. Fit in. Be da’ man.

So this story takes that old romance that died a dozen years before and re-shapes it into a mature and abiding love. Toss into the mix a TOTALLY HOT HERO that looks like Patrick Dempsey…. And he’s just the kind of guy you root for from the beginning, and you just want to hug him and make everything all right because (of course) he’s been wronged!

But then you begin to realize that that pendulum swings both ways, and maybe, just maybe, these two can find a common ground.

“Reunited Hearts” kicks off my NEW SERIES WITH LOVE INSPIRED!!!! OH, YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!  I’M SNOOPY DANCING/HAPPY DANCING IN UPSTATE NEW YORK!!!!! 

We have FOUR books coming out this year:  “Reunited Hearts” in April,  “Small-Town Hearts” in June, “Mended Hearts” in September and “Yuletide Hearts” in December. All of these books are set in Allegany County New York, an absolutely delightful place that has some of the most enchanting God-given beauty I’ve ever seen. Rolling hills, old homes, small churches, quaint stores, trees, rivers, streams. It’s idyllic and just invites you to stop. Stay awhile. And I knew the moment I saw it years ago that once I got published I wanted to set a series of books there because that inherent beauty just needed to be shared.

Thanks again for your time and agreeing to be on my blog.

Oh, no, thank you!!!  What an honor and right now I consider myself ‘visiting’ Australia for the first time!  Hey, I brought coffee and Danish along. Cheese Danish because they’re my favorite but there is triple berry (another favorite), raspberry (whoops, yet another favorite) and apple….

I love apple.

I guess I might have misunderstood the exact meaning of the word “favorite”.  ;)

Ruth's other books.

Single mom Rita Slocum wants to get her life back on track. Taking things one day at a time seems doable—especially with Brooks Harriman at her side. Brooks has been there for her through good times and bad. But she's always been leery of getting too close to the broad-shouldered woodworker who keeps his past locked away. Now that Rita's opening her own bakery, she needs him more than ever. If only Brooks would open up his life—and his heart—to Rita.

When family tragedy strikes, Sarah Slocum steps in as guardian to her two nieces and nephew. But raising children isn't like raising sheep, and the beautiful shepherd soon finds herself in over her head. Who'd have guessed that new neighbor Craig Macklin would jump in to lend a hand? Craig's always held a grudge against Slocums--Sarah included. Now the handsome local vet is helping with her livestock, giving her young nephew a job and smiling at her every chance he gets. Sarah must decide whether she can trust Craig--and God's plan--and allow him into her family.
























Book giveaway:
Ruthy had generously offered to give away a copy of her newest book Reunited hearts to one commenter on my blog. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you if you win. This is an the giveaway open to all (including Aussies) You have till 6pm Australian time Good Friday 22nd April to leave a comment.

First Wildcard Tours The Journey by Wanda E Brunstetter

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Wanda Brunstetter

and the book:

The Journey (Kentucky Brothers)

Barbour Books (April 5, 2011)

***Special thanks to Sharon Farnell, Director, Faith Division, Planned Television Arts for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda E. Brunstetter is a bestselling author who enjoys writing Amish-themed, as well as historical novels. Descended from Anabaptists herself, Wanda became deeply interested in the Plain People when she married her husband, Richard who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband live in Washington State, but take every opportunity to visit their Amish friends in various communities across the country, gathering further information about the Amish way of life.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This is the first book of the new Kentucky Brothers Series by
Wanda Brunstetter. Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus chose, and will it be the right choice?



Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602606811
ISBN-13: 978-1602606814

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Paradise, Pennsylvania


Titus Fisher liked horses, dogs, and shoofly pie. What he didn’t like was a cat that scratched, and a woman he couldn’t trust. Today he’d dealt with both.

Gritting his teeth, he grabbed his horse’s bridle and led him into the barn, wishing he hadn’t gotten out of bed that morning. The day had started on a sour note when Titus had come to the barn to feed the horses and accidentally stepped on one of Mom’s cats. Five of the irksome critters lived in the barn, and every one of them liked to bite and scratch. Whiskers, the smallest of the five, was the most aggressive. The crazy cat had been so miffed when Titus stepped on her tail that she’d clawed her way right up his leg, hissing and yowling as she went. When Titus had tried to push Whiskers off, she’d let him have it—leaving a nasty scratch on his leg.

Titus pulled up his pant leg and stared at the wound, still red and swollen. It reminded him of the time when he and his twin brother, Timothy, were six years old and had found a wild cat in the woodpile behind their barn. !e mangy critter had bitten Titus’s hand, and when the bite became infected, he’d started running a fever. Mom had taken him to the doctor’s, where he’d been given a tetanus shot and an antibiotic. Ever since then, he’d had an aversion to cats.

“In my opinion, except for catching mice, cats are pretty much worthless,” Titus mumbled as he guided his horse into one of the stalls. When he patted the horse’s ebony-colored flanks, the gelding whinnied and flipped his head around to nuzzle Titus’s hand. “Not like you, Lightning. You’re worth every dollar I paid for you. You’re dependable and trustworthy.” He grimaced. “Wish I could say the same for Phoebe Stoltzfus.”

Titus poured some oats into a bucket, and as his horse ate, he replayed the conversation he’d had with Phoebe on his way home from work that afternoon. . . .



“I’m not ready to join the church yet, and I’m too young to get married.” Phoebe flipped the strings of her head covering over her shoulders and blinked her blue eyes. “Why do you have to put so much pressure on me, Titus?”

“I–I’m not,” he stammered, “but I’ve been waiting a long time for you, and I’d thought that when I joined the church two years ago, you’d join, too.”

“I wasn’t ready then. I was only sixteen and had other things on my mind.”

“How well I know that. You were too busy runnin’ around with your friends and tryin’ out all sorts of worldly things.” Titus groaned. “Figured you’d have all that out of your system by now and would be ready to settle down.”

She shook her head. “Maybe in a few years I’ll be ready.”

“You said that two years ago.”

“Things have changed.” She placed her hand gently on his arm. “My friend Darlene Mast is planning a trip to Los Angeles, and she’s leaving in a few days, so—”

He held up his hand. “Please don’t tell me you want to go with her.”

“I think it would be fun, and I’ve always wanted to see the Pacific Ocean.” She looked up at him and smiled. “You’re full of adventure and like to try new things. Wouldn’t you like to see California?”

He shrugged. “Maybe someday, but not right now. What I want is for you to join the church this fall so we can get married.”

She shook her head. “I just told you—I’m not ready for that.”

“Will you ever be ready?”

“I don’t know.” She pushed a wisp of soft, auburn hair under her white organdy head covering and turned her gaze away from him. “I—I might not join the church. I might decide to go English.”

“Are you kidding?”

“No, I’m not. I don’t know if I want to be Amish.”

Titus’s jaw tightened as the reality of the situation set in. If Phoebe went to California, she might never come back. If she didn’t join the church, they couldn’t get married. Titus had been in love with Phoebe since he was seventeen years old, but she’d been four years younger than him, and their parents had disapproved. He’d waited patiently until Phoebe turned sixteen. Even then, his folks had been opposed to him courting her because she seemed so unsettled and ran with a wild bunch of kids.

Now Titus, at the age of twenty-two, still wasn’t sure he and Phoebe would ever get married. If she did go English, the only way they could marry would be if he broke his vow to the Amish church, which he did not want to do.

“Can we talk about this later?” he asked. “After you’ve had a chance to think about this some more?”

“There’s nothing to think about. I’m going to California.” She tipped her head and stared up at him. “If you don’t want to come, then I guess it’s over between us.”

“You can’t do this, Phoebe. Are you just going to give up on us like this?”

She shrugged.

“Don’t you love me anymore?”

“I–I’m not sure. Maybe we’re not meant to be together.”

Titus flinched. He felt like he’d been kicked in the stomach by one of his dad’s stubborn mules. He had a sinking feeling that once Phoebe left home she’d never come back. All his years of waiting for her had been for nothing.


Titus’s horse whinnied and nudged his hand, pulling his thoughts back to the present.

“Stop it, Lightning. I’m not in the mood.” Titus kicked at a bale of straw and winced when Lightning whipped his head around and bumped his sore leg.

Lightning whinnied again and stomped his hoof. Then he moved to the other end of his stall and turned his backside toward Titus.

“It’s all right, boy. I’m not mad at you.” Titus stepped up to the horse and reached out his hand. “I’m upset with Phoebe, that’s all.”

As though accepting his apology, Lightning nuzzled Titus’s neck.

Horses and dogs—that’s about all that ever held my interest until Phoebe came along, Titus thought. If there was only some way to get her out of my system. If I could just tell myself that I don’t care anymore.


Pembroke, Kentucky


As Suzanne Yoder stared out the living room window, a sense of discontentment welled in her soul. She enjoyed living in Christian County, especially in the spring when the flowers and trees began to bloom.

I wish I could be outside right now, tilling the garden or even mowing the lawn, she thought with regret. It was too nice to be stuck indoors, yet she knew she needed to work on the quilt she’d started several months ago for her friend Esther Beiler’s twenty-fourth birthday, which was less than a month away.

Suzanne’s gaze shifted from the garden to the woodshop, where her grandfather and twenty-year-old brother, Nelson, worked. Due to painful arthritis, Grandpa’s fingers didn’t work well anymore, so he’d recently decided to look for someone else to help Nelson in the shop. Someone younger and more able-bodied. Someone who knew the woodworking trade.

Grandpa wasn’t one to sit around or take life easy while others did all the work, but Mom had convinced him that he could still have a hand in the business by ordering supplies, waiting on customers, and keeping the books. Grandpa wasn’t happy about it, but at least he wouldn’t be sitting on the porch in his rocking chair all day, wishing he could be in the shop.

“I thought you were supposed to be working on Esther’s birthday present,” Mom said when she joined Suzanne in the living room.

“I was, but my eyes needed a break. I was thinking about going out to the woodshop to see if there’s anything I can do to help out.”

Mom’s dark eyebrows furrowed as she slowly shook her head. “You’ll never get that quilt done if you keep procrastinating, and there’s no need for you to run out to the woodshop, because I’m sure you and Nelson would only end up in a disagreement. You know how he feels about you hanging around the shop.”

Suzanne frowned. No one in the family understood her desire to be in the woodshop, where she could enjoy the distinctive odors of wood being cut, sanded, or stained. It was a shame nobody took her interest in woodworking seriously. Not long ago, Suzanne had borrowed some of Grandpa’s tools so she could make a few birdhouses and feeders to put in their yard. She’d never gotten any encouragement in making them, though. She guessed compared to the cabinets, doors, and storage sheds Grandpa and Nelson made, the birdhouses and feeders were insignificant.

Mom touched Suzanne’s shoulder. “I’m going to plant some peas and lettuce this afternoon, so if you think you’ve worked long enough on the quilt today, I could use your help.”

Suzanne didn’t have to be asked twice. Any chore she could do outdoors would be better than being inside, where it was warm and stuffy. “I’ll meet you outside as soon as I put away my quilting supplies,” she said.

“That’ll be fine.” Mom gave Suzanne’s arm a light tap and disappeared into the kitchen.

Suzanne glanced out the window once more and sighed as her gaze came to rest on the woodshop. “Guess I won’t make it out there today—except to take the men their lunch.”


Paradise, Pennsylvania


Titus left the barn and was about to head for the house, when a dark blue pickup rumbled up the driveway. He didn’t recognize the vehicle or the young English man with dark curly hair who opened the cab door and stepped out.

“Is this where Zach Fisher lives?” the man asked as he approached Titus.

“Sort of. My dad owns this place, and Zach and his family live in the house behind ours.” Titus pointed in that direction.

“Oh, I see. Is Zach at home?”

“Nope, not yet. He’s up in Blue Ball, painting the outside of the bowling alley. Probably won’t be home till sometime after six.”

The man extended his hand. “I’m Allen Walters. I knew Zach when he lived in Puyallup, Washington.”

“That was when he thought his name was Jimmy Scott, huh?”

“That’s right.”

“Zach’s my half brother. My twin brother, Timothy, and I were born during the time Zach was missing. He was about six or seven then, I think.”

“My mother and the woman Zach thought was his mother became good friends, so Zach and I kind of grew up together.”

“Zach’s mentioned that,” Titus said. “Sure is somethin’ the way he was kidnapped when he was a baby and never located his real family until he was twenty-one.”

“I really missed Zach after he left Washington, but I’m glad he found his way home.” Allen folded his arms and leaned against the side of his truck. “The last time I saw Zach was before he got married, and that was seven years ago. We’ve kept in touch through letters and phone calls, though.”

“Did Zach know you were coming?”

Allen shook his head. “He doesn’t know I’ve moved from Washington State to Kentucky either.”

“You’re welcome to hang around here until he gets home, because I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see you.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that.”

Just then, Titus’s mother stepped out of the house and started across the yard toward them, her slightly plump figure shuffling through the grass.

“This is my mother, Fannie Fisher.” Titus motioned to Allen. “Mom, this is Zach’s old friend, Allen Walters. He used to live in Washington.”

Mom’s brown eyes brightened as she shook Allen’s hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Zach’s told us a lot about you and your family.”

“He’s talked to me about his family here, too.”

“I explained to Allen that Zach’s still at work and said he’s welcome to stay here until Zach gets home.”

Mom bobbed her head. “Why don’t you stay for supper? I’ll invite Zach and his family to join us. I think it would be nice for you to meet his wife and children.”

“I’d like that,” Allen said with an enthusiastic nod.

“If you need a place to spend the night, you’re more than welcome to stay here.” Mom smiled. “Since Titus is our only son still living at home, we have more than enough room to accommodate guests.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve already reserved a room at a hotel in Bird-in-Hand.”

“That’s fine, but the offer’s open if you change your mind.” Mom turned toward the house. “I’d better go back inside and get supper going.”

As Mom headed to the house, Titus motioned to a couple of wooden chairs sitting beneath the maple tree on their lawn. “Why don’t we take a seat?” he said to Allen. “I’m real interested in hearing why you moved to Kentucky.”

My Review
Another great book by Wanda E Brunstetter. Titus has had issues with the girl he thinks he loves and when she decides she wants to go to California and breaks up with Titus he is shattered. In Kentucky Suzanne would give anything to work in the workshop with her grandfather and brother but it is considered mens work. When they need more help Titus decides to move there for a change and to get away from memories of Phoebe. I loved the story and way different family deal with Titus moving to Kentucky. We see how hard it is on his mother and how she wants to mother him. We also see Suzanne's frustration about wanting to work with wood not being given the opportunity. I again loved how the story unfolds and one interesting part is Titus's reaction to cats. This causes some interesting scenes at times. Lovely book and can't wait for more in the series.