Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 104

May 20, 2013

Book Preview ~ Follow the Heart

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFollow the HeartB & H Books (May 1, 2013) byKaye Dacus
Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, and B&H Publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, is a former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, and currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is a full-time academic advisor and part-time college composition instructor for Bethel University.

Kaye Dacus (KAY DAY-cuss) is an author and educator who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there. She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is an academic advisor and English Composition instructor for Bethel University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, Follow the Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.

Kate and Christopher Dearing’s lives turn upside down when their father loses everything in a railroad land speculation. The siblings are shipped off to their mother’s brother in England with one edict: marry money.

At twenty-seven years old, Kate has the stigma of being passed over by eligible men many times—and that was before she had no dowry. Christopher would like nothing better than to make his own way in the world; and with a law degree and expertise in the burgeoning railroad industry, he was primed to do just that—in America.

Though their uncle tries to ensure Kate and Christopher find matrimonial prospects only among the highest echelon of British society, their attentions stray to a gardener and a governess. While Christopher has options that would enable him to lay his affections where he chooses, he cannot let the burden of their family’s finances crush his sister. Trying to push her feelings for the handsome—but not wealthy— gardener aside, Kate’s prospects brighten when a wealthy viscount shows interest in her. But is marrying for the financial security of her family the right thing to do, when her heart is telling her she’s making a mistake?

Mandates . . . money . . . matrimony. Who will follow the heart? If you would like to read the first chapter of Follow the Heart, go HERE

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Published on May 20, 2013 07:29

May 17, 2013

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. This past weekend we celebrated Mother's Day with my grandma (who is 91), mother, daughters, and baby granddaughter (7 weeks). 
What a special day -- 5 generations. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day too. Have a great weekend! 
Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie
Whole Wheat Onion Hamburger Buns
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Published on May 17, 2013 04:00

May 15, 2013

Book Preview ~ Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJennifer: An O’Malley Love StoryBethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013)byDee Henderson
It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.

About the Author: Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.
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Published on May 15, 2013 07:13

May 13, 2013

Book Preview ~ Last Chance for Justice

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLast Chance for JusticeB&H Books (May 1, 2013) byKathi Macias
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.

It isn't long before Rachel has two men -- a handsome CPA and the youth pastor -- seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn's attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past. If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.

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Published on May 13, 2013 04:24

May 10, 2013

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy your weekend, and Happy Mother's Day! 
Cheeseburger Soup
Green Bean Casserole
Featured Author, Erin MacPherson's Mummu's Cardamom Bread
Mother's Day Brunch Ideas
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Published on May 10, 2013 08:23

May 6, 2013

Is It Spring???


Last week we had some record-breaking temperatures from one end of the scale to the other. We enjoyed three days in a row of sunny 80+ degree temperatures from Monday to Wednesday. 

We weeded and mulched the flower beds. I was so happy. 
Here is my early Mother's Day gift from my daughters -- Isn't this hanging Fuchsia plant awesome? The humming birds thought so too!
My rose bed looks so perfect...ready for growth and flowering buds.
Luther enjoyed the mild weather with some long-distance runs in the pasture.
Then came Thursday, with freezing temperatures and snow! We covered the roses and new plants with boxes and containers to protect them. So far, everything looks like it made it through okay.
I'm not sure what this week will bring. Hopefully some warmer temperatures. I'm off to do a little babysitting with my new granddaughter. Have a great week! 
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Published on May 06, 2013 04:00

May 3, 2013

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy! 
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies (Yum)
Hamburger Tomato Soup
Easy Salisbury Meatballs
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Published on May 03, 2013 04:00

May 2, 2013

May Day Book Drawing Winner

We have a winner for my May Day Book Drawing. Drum roll, please . . . 

The winner is ... Pam (pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net)
Congratulations!!! 
But don't worry, folks, I have LOTS of books to give away this summer. Check back at the end of May for my next book drawing! 
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Published on May 02, 2013 04:56

May 1, 2013

Book Preview ~ Past Darkness

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPast DarknessCrossway (April 30, 2013)byLaurel Woiwode
Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at www.reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God. If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE,

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Published on May 01, 2013 06:07

April 29, 2013

May Day Book Drawing

This past month I held a special book drawing for my newsletter subscribers as a way to thank them for their friendship and support. I am happy to report that the April Newsletter Book Drawing Winner is: D & J Albright. Thanks everyone for the huge response! 
Now, so you don't feel left behind, I want to offer another book drawing here for my BLOG READERS! 
May Day Book Drawing
You'll need to act quickly, as this drawing will be held on Wednesday, May 1! One special reader will receive a set of SIX books (shown above). All you need to do is name your favorite spring flower in the comments below, along with your email address (yourname[at]serviceprovider[dot]com). A winner will be selected from the comments on May 1st ~ May Day. 
*All of the books above have been recommended here as a Book Preview. You may scroll through the list to learn more about them. Thanks again for your friendship and support! 
  *Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Comments must be made on this blog. Social network comments are not valid.
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Published on April 29, 2013 04:00