Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 111
December 3, 2012
A Family Christmas Celebration
If you haven't done so already, make plans to attend A Family Christmas Celebration featuring Jimmy Fortune and T Graham Brown, with special guests The Vogts Sisters. The girls have some fun songs prepared for the event, so we hope you'll join us and visit us there!
Saturday, December 8, 20127:00 PMParsons Municipal Auditorium112 S 17thParsons, KS
All seating is reserved. Call 620-421-7032 or visit ONLINE for more information.
*Here is a lovely article about our daughters' upcoming Christmas Concert that appeared last week in the Fort Scott Tribune.
November 30, 2012
This Week's Recipes
Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy your weekend!
Stromboli
Sour Cream Cheese Biscuits
Pumpkin Bread
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Stromboli.JPG)
Sour Cream Cheese Biscuits
Pumpkin Bread
November 28, 2012
Book Preview ~ A Wild Goose Chase Christmas
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Wild Goose Chase ChristmasAbingdon Press (November 2012)byJennifer AlLee
A Word from Jennifer: As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.
Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.
Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.
What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended? If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.
A Word from Jennifer: As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure. Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.
What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended? If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.
November 26, 2012
Book Preview ~ Shattered Silence
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShattered SilenceAbingdon Press (September 2012)byMargaret Daley
Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.
Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.
Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry. On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.
While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence? If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.
Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date. Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.
Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry. On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders. While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence? If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.
November 23, 2012
This Week's Recipes
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. We spent the day with our oldest daughter and her husband. Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy!
Baked Custard with Blackberries
Sausage Bean Soup
Cranberry Salad
Featured Author Camy Tang's Savory Steel Cut Oats with Spring Vegetables
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Baked Custard with Blackberries
Sausage Bean Soup
Cranberry Salad
Featured Author Camy Tang's Savory Steel Cut Oats with Spring Vegetables
November 21, 2012
What I'm Thankful For . . .
This Thanksgiving season I've been counting the many things I'm thankful for.
First, and foremost, I'm thankful for my faith in God, given by Him; for His forgiveness, grace and mercy, and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
I'm thankful for my loving husband and three daughters, for my dear son-in-law, and for our first grandbaby-to-be. I'm thankful for our family, church family, and friends.
I'm thankful for our good health, our home, for food on our table, and a warm place to sleep at night--knowing well that many go without such things.
I'm thankful for our land, our animals, a bountiful wheat and soybean harvest, and for a plentiful garden that provides us food throughout the year.
I'm thankful for the work God gives us, knowing again, that many are without jobs. I'm thankful for my publisher, my agent, and most of all, my readers, who encourage and support me through kind words, letters, and prayer.
I'm thankful for the little things. To listen to our daughters make music, for the joy of reading a good book or for cooking/baking for my family, for flowers, e-mail, and being able to shop for gifts online.
I'm thankful for America, for a nation that was founded on freedom of religion, and that every citizen's vote counts. I'm thankful for a forgiving God, a Creator that forgives me when I grumble when things don't go the way I want. I'm thankful that God is in control, and that in the end, His is the only vote that counts.
What are you most thankful for this year?
First, and foremost, I'm thankful for my faith in God, given by Him; for His forgiveness, grace and mercy, and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
I'm thankful for my loving husband and three daughters, for my dear son-in-law, and for our first grandbaby-to-be. I'm thankful for our family, church family, and friends.
I'm thankful for our good health, our home, for food on our table, and a warm place to sleep at night--knowing well that many go without such things.
I'm thankful for our land, our animals, a bountiful wheat and soybean harvest, and for a plentiful garden that provides us food throughout the year.
I'm thankful for the work God gives us, knowing again, that many are without jobs. I'm thankful for my publisher, my agent, and most of all, my readers, who encourage and support me through kind words, letters, and prayer.
I'm thankful for the little things. To listen to our daughters make music, for the joy of reading a good book or for cooking/baking for my family, for flowers, e-mail, and being able to shop for gifts online.
I'm thankful for America, for a nation that was founded on freedom of religion, and that every citizen's vote counts. I'm thankful for a forgiving God, a Creator that forgives me when I grumble when things don't go the way I want. I'm thankful that God is in control, and that in the end, His is the only vote that counts.
What are you most thankful for this year?
November 19, 2012
To Whisper Her Name
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling author whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry leading awards. After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children who live nearby, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.
Tamera's new release, To Whisper Her Name, is the first in the Belle Meade Plantation series, and is a follow up to her fall 2011 release, A Lasting Impression, a 2012 Christy Award finalist and the first installment in the Belmont Mansion series. The two Southern series will intertwine with one another. Visit Tamera's Website.
TO WHISPER HER NAME by Tamera AlexanderOlivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and ratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a Southern man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives. As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
Set at Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Whisper Her Name weaves the struggles of real people of the post-war South with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
View the book trailer below:
November 18, 2012
This Weeks' Recipes
Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes. Hope you've had a great weekend!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Beef and Noodles
Cheese Ball
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Beef and Noodles.JPG)
Cheese Ball
November 14, 2012
Writer's Retreat 2012
Each year I get together with a group of ladies for a local writer's retreat. We meet at this lovely cabin for a few days to brainstorm book ideas and chat about the publishing industry. It's a wonderful time of fellowship with like-minded friends. Below are some photos from this year's retreat.
Our annual porch photo
Brainstorming book ideas
Suppertime
An afternoon walk
The cabin entrance
Here with friend and critique partner, Christy Miller.
Brainstorming book ideas for fellow Kansan author, Deborah Raney
A view from the loft
Portia Murphy, the owner of the cabin bringing us food and a new coffee maker!
All together now--say cheese!
Our annual porch photo
Brainstorming book ideas
Suppertime
An afternoon walk
The cabin entrance
Here with friend and critique partner, Christy Miller.
Brainstorming book ideas for fellow Kansan author, Deborah Raney
A view from the loft
Portia Murphy, the owner of the cabin bringing us food and a new coffee maker! 
All together now--say cheese!
November 12, 2012
Book Preview ~ A Change of Fortune
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Change of FortuneBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)byJen Turano
Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.
She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she fired up the computer and never looked back. Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter. Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along. If you would like to read the first chapter of A Change of Fortune, go HERE.
Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she fired up the computer and never looked back. Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter. Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London. Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along. If you would like to read the first chapter of A Change of Fortune, go HERE.
