Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 122
March 26, 2012
Snow Melts in Spring as a Movie
As an author, I'm frequently asked if Snow Melts in Spring will be made into a movie. The answer: not likely.
I've also been asked who I might cast as my characters for the movie. This is a fun question and one I now use when I'm creating my characters--forming a "Hollywood" image for the hero and heroine. I also gather pictures of my "actor" and pin them to my story board--a bulletin board that I use as my visual aid, full of my characters, their home, horses, pets, children, etc.
My current Story Board So with the help of my darling daughters (who are much more educated on popular actors and actresses) here are my choices for Gil and Mattie. By the way, this is harder than it might seem, so if you don't agree with my character choices, please feel free to voice your opinion in the comment section below. I've been known to change my mind . . .
Gil McCray = Bradley Cooper (Curly brown hair, blue eyes, built like a quarterback.)
Mattie Evans = Amy Adams (Long, red hair; blue eyes; freckles; sweet but full of spunk. And somewhat short in stature.)
Click here to view the book trailer we made for Snow Melts in Spring.
I've also been asked who I might cast as my characters for the movie. This is a fun question and one I now use when I'm creating my characters--forming a "Hollywood" image for the hero and heroine. I also gather pictures of my "actor" and pin them to my story board--a bulletin board that I use as my visual aid, full of my characters, their home, horses, pets, children, etc.
My current Story Board So with the help of my darling daughters (who are much more educated on popular actors and actresses) here are my choices for Gil and Mattie. By the way, this is harder than it might seem, so if you don't agree with my character choices, please feel free to voice your opinion in the comment section below. I've been known to change my mind . . . 
Gil McCray = Bradley Cooper (Curly brown hair, blue eyes, built like a quarterback.)
Mattie Evans = Amy Adams (Long, red hair; blue eyes; freckles; sweet but full of spunk. And somewhat short in stature.)Click here to view the book trailer we made for Snow Melts in Spring.
March 23, 2012
Kielbasa Potato Skillet
Visit COUNTRY AT HEART RECIPES to view this week's newest additions.
To satisfy your sweet tooth or chocolate craving--No-Bake Chocolate Cookies and Blonde Brownies. Also, be sure to check out the Featured Author post by Angela Breidenbach, who shares her recipe for Scotch Eggs. 
March 21, 2012
Book Preview ~ Stuart Brannon's Final Shot
In memory of Stephen Bly.
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Stuart Brannon's Final Shot Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012) by Stephen Bly
Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) authored 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His book, The Long Trail Home (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, Picture Rock (Crossway Books), The Outlaw's Twin Sister (Crossway Books), and Last of the Texas Camp (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on California farms owned by his father and an uncle.
Janet Chester Bly received a B.S. degree in Literature and Languages and Fine and Performing Arts from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho. She speaks at women's luncheons and retreats and does writers' workshops. She is a member of Winchester Community Church where she serves as music director. She has authored eleven nonfiction and fiction books and co-authored twenty others, as well as contributed to five books. Janet's hobbies include decorating her home in "country clutter," reading almost all genres of fiction and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho–elevation 4,000 feet, population 300–situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1905, at 58 years old, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon - now a rancher and widower - had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, nor to participate in the celebrity golf tournament for the Willamette Orphan Farm. Even an emotional appeal for his longtime friend didn't persuade him. His life no longer consisted of bloodthirsty men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . . lawless gangs preying on the innocent.
Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there's a cover-up going on. Tell folks you're going to the Exposition. Nose around. Find out how a U.S. Marshal can disappear and no one knows why. I'll contact you there. T.R. How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States? If you would like to read the first chapter of Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, go HERE.
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Stuart Brannon's Final Shot Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012) by Stephen Bly
Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) authored 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His book, The Long Trail Home (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, Picture Rock (Crossway Books), The Outlaw's Twin Sister (Crossway Books), and Last of the Texas Camp (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on California farms owned by his father and an uncle.
Janet Chester Bly received a B.S. degree in Literature and Languages and Fine and Performing Arts from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho. She speaks at women's luncheons and retreats and does writers' workshops. She is a member of Winchester Community Church where she serves as music director. She has authored eleven nonfiction and fiction books and co-authored twenty others, as well as contributed to five books. Janet's hobbies include decorating her home in "country clutter," reading almost all genres of fiction and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho–elevation 4,000 feet, population 300–situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1905, at 58 years old, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon - now a rancher and widower - had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, nor to participate in the celebrity golf tournament for the Willamette Orphan Farm. Even an emotional appeal for his longtime friend didn't persuade him. His life no longer consisted of bloodthirsty men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . . lawless gangs preying on the innocent.Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there's a cover-up going on. Tell folks you're going to the Exposition. Nose around. Find out how a U.S. Marshal can disappear and no one knows why. I'll contact you there. T.R. How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States? If you would like to read the first chapter of Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, go HERE.
March 19, 2012
Fictional Character Interview with Gil McCray
Last week, I shared with you an interview with one of my main characters in Snow Melts in Spring. Today, I wanted to offer some insight into the hero, Gil McCray. Mattie and Gil have been incredibly interesting to get to know--and I'm delighted to be able to share more about them here and in my next book. I hope you will enjoy the following interview.
Interview with Gil McCray:
What do you do for a living? – I'm a retired NFL quarterback and part owner of the Lightning M, a 7000+ acre ranch set in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills. I hope to one day leave the ranch as a legacy to my children and grandchildren.
Tell us about your parents. How well did you get along with them? – Funny you should ask. My dad and I haven't always gotten along very well. In fact, you could say we were barely on speaking terms a few years ago. I have Mattie (now my wife) to thank for putting things right between us. She recognized the pain we were both harboring and made us face it and talk things out. My mom passed away several years ago, back when I played ball for the 49'ers.
How many siblings do you have? – One older brother, Frank. He died in a drunk-driving accident when I was in high school. It took me a long time to deal with his death—but it's getting better.
What were three things you liked to do when you were a boy? – Ride horses, ride horses, ride horses. That's three, right?
Speaking of horses, how is Dusty doing? - That old boy is enjoying his last days on our ranch. I like putting him in with the new colts and letting him show them who's boss. He still has a few tricks and isn't afraid to try them.
What makes you happy now? – Every morning when I wake up and see my darling bride by my side sleeping, with her wild red hair strung out all over the pillow. I can't imagine life without Mattie.
What about children? Mattie hinted in her interview last week that the two of you might be having difficulty in that area of our life. – Yeah. We've been trying to have kids from the moment we got married. God just hasn't blessed us with children yet. And he may not—much to my dad's displeasure. But hey, there are a lot of children out there who need a good home. And we happen to have a great big house.
Tell us about the day you married Mattie. – Oh, man, you should have asked Mattie that question. She would have done a better job describing all the details. It was a sunny day in June. (Notice we didn't wait very long to tie the knot after I proposed to her.) It was nothing fancy and kinda small. We exchanged vows in our church at New Redeemer and then had a reception out at our ranch with family and friends. A little music and dancing and lots of food. I'll never forget how pretty Mattie looked in her mom's wedding gown and veil with her hair all tied up in curls. That woman has the prettiest curls. I love to wrap them around my big clunky fingers and pull her in for a kiss. But that's probably more than you want to know . . .
Where were you born? – I was born and raised in Charris County, Kansas. If it hadn't been for Mattie, I would probably be living in California now. Thank goodness she brought me to my senses and showed me where my true home was. With her. Here.
What makes you laugh out loud? – When I see Dad or our ranch hand, Jake, try to carry on as though they were half their age. Those two are getting too old for this work. But I can't tell them that. I'll probably be the same if I live that long.
What is your favorite food? – Steak and fried potatoes. And biscuits. And Mattie's apple pie. Oh, and homemade ice cream.
I understand Mattie has been doing some spring cleaning. Care to say anything about that? – When that little gal has a mind to do something, there ain't no stopping her. Right now she's made up her mind to clean out our closet. Clothes are flying everywhere. My favorite shirts and jeans—all because of a little rip or tear in them or maybe a stain. She doesn't understand how good a worn shirt feels when you're out working in the hot sun . . . or lounging on the porch on a Sunday afternoon.
What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? – Of my mama hauling Frank and me to Sunday school every week-whether we wanted to go or not. I look forward to helping Mattie round up our kids and filling a pew at our church.
What is your greatest regret? – That I missed so much time with my mom and dad because I was too stupid to accept past wrongs and forgive people in my life—including myself.
Which living person do you most admire? – My dad. I can say that now. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
If you have a question for Gil, please leave it in the comments below. I look forward to sharing more about Gil and Mattie's life with you in my third book. Next week, I'll post another "Behind the Scenes" look on the making of Snow Melts in Spring.
Interview with Gil McCray:
What do you do for a living? – I'm a retired NFL quarterback and part owner of the Lightning M, a 7000+ acre ranch set in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills. I hope to one day leave the ranch as a legacy to my children and grandchildren.
Tell us about your parents. How well did you get along with them? – Funny you should ask. My dad and I haven't always gotten along very well. In fact, you could say we were barely on speaking terms a few years ago. I have Mattie (now my wife) to thank for putting things right between us. She recognized the pain we were both harboring and made us face it and talk things out. My mom passed away several years ago, back when I played ball for the 49'ers.
How many siblings do you have? – One older brother, Frank. He died in a drunk-driving accident when I was in high school. It took me a long time to deal with his death—but it's getting better.
What were three things you liked to do when you were a boy? – Ride horses, ride horses, ride horses. That's three, right?
Speaking of horses, how is Dusty doing? - That old boy is enjoying his last days on our ranch. I like putting him in with the new colts and letting him show them who's boss. He still has a few tricks and isn't afraid to try them.What makes you happy now? – Every morning when I wake up and see my darling bride by my side sleeping, with her wild red hair strung out all over the pillow. I can't imagine life without Mattie.
What about children? Mattie hinted in her interview last week that the two of you might be having difficulty in that area of our life. – Yeah. We've been trying to have kids from the moment we got married. God just hasn't blessed us with children yet. And he may not—much to my dad's displeasure. But hey, there are a lot of children out there who need a good home. And we happen to have a great big house.
Tell us about the day you married Mattie. – Oh, man, you should have asked Mattie that question. She would have done a better job describing all the details. It was a sunny day in June. (Notice we didn't wait very long to tie the knot after I proposed to her.) It was nothing fancy and kinda small. We exchanged vows in our church at New Redeemer and then had a reception out at our ranch with family and friends. A little music and dancing and lots of food. I'll never forget how pretty Mattie looked in her mom's wedding gown and veil with her hair all tied up in curls. That woman has the prettiest curls. I love to wrap them around my big clunky fingers and pull her in for a kiss. But that's probably more than you want to know . . .
Where were you born? – I was born and raised in Charris County, Kansas. If it hadn't been for Mattie, I would probably be living in California now. Thank goodness she brought me to my senses and showed me where my true home was. With her. Here.
What makes you laugh out loud? – When I see Dad or our ranch hand, Jake, try to carry on as though they were half their age. Those two are getting too old for this work. But I can't tell them that. I'll probably be the same if I live that long.
What is your favorite food? – Steak and fried potatoes. And biscuits. And Mattie's apple pie. Oh, and homemade ice cream.
I understand Mattie has been doing some spring cleaning. Care to say anything about that? – When that little gal has a mind to do something, there ain't no stopping her. Right now she's made up her mind to clean out our closet. Clothes are flying everywhere. My favorite shirts and jeans—all because of a little rip or tear in them or maybe a stain. She doesn't understand how good a worn shirt feels when you're out working in the hot sun . . . or lounging on the porch on a Sunday afternoon.
What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? – Of my mama hauling Frank and me to Sunday school every week-whether we wanted to go or not. I look forward to helping Mattie round up our kids and filling a pew at our church.
What is your greatest regret? – That I missed so much time with my mom and dad because I was too stupid to accept past wrongs and forgive people in my life—including myself.
Which living person do you most admire? – My dad. I can say that now. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
If you have a question for Gil, please leave it in the comments below. I look forward to sharing more about Gil and Mattie's life with you in my third book. Next week, I'll post another "Behind the Scenes" look on the making of Snow Melts in Spring.
March 16, 2012
March 14, 2012
Character Interview with Mattie (Evans) McCray
Interviewing characters is a practice I always go through when I begin a story. I'll interview my main characters, asking them all sorts of questions to get to the nitty-gritty details of their life. You've heard it said that a person is like an onion and that you have to peel away the layers to get to its core. The same applies to fictional characters.
Below is a short interview with Mattie (Evans) McCray, the heroine in Snow Melts in Spring. I thought you might enjoy learning about Mattie, as well as read about what she has been up to in the last few years.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I'm 32 years old, married to my soul mate, Gil, and live on the Lightning M Ranch with Gil's dad, John. I'm also a country veterinarian for small and large animals and run a clinic in Diamond Falls.
2. Tell us about your parents. - My parents are Owen and Margaret Evans. They used to own a ranch in the Flint Hills, but after bankruptcy moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. I get along well with them—now that they've stopped treating me like their little baby.
3. What was your birth order? - I'm the youngest of three daughters. Bridgett lives near mom and dad and Jenna lives in Texas. Let's just say Jenna has always been the black sheep in the family. I love her, but I spend a lot of time on my knees praying for her.
4. What was your favorite pastime as a girl? - My favorite thing was to ride my horse across the prairie pastures—and I did so often whenever I could get away from my chores at home. But I also liked to help dad with ranch work.
5. What makes you happy now? - In one word—Gil. I honestly believed I'd never marry, but I found my soul mate when Gil returned to Diamond Falls several years ago. Who would have thought I'd fall in love with a retired NFL quarterback? I don't even like football.
6. What is your greatest fear? – Losing someone I love.
7. What are your hobbies and interests? – Now that I'm married, I enjoy more baking and cooking, although Gil isn't a stranger in the kitchen. I also like to knit when I have time.
8. What was your first date like? – That would be the night Gil took me out for dinner at Charlie's Steakhouse. Afterwards we walked down to the Cottonwood River and talked. That was the night it snowed. I thought Gil was going to kiss me, but he didn't.
9. How did you and Gil meet? - We first met in his father's pasture. I saw him crawling over the fence and mistook him for a trespasser, and I believe he thought I was his father's girlfriend. Ridiculous story there, but that's for another time.
10. What is in your refrigerator right now? – Lots of things, but a few items are a partial jug of milk, some orange juice, two pieces of chocolate cake (mine), a huge bottle of hot sauce (for Gil), and leftover roast beef with potatoes and carrots.
11. I understand you're in the middle of spring-cleaning. What is easy for you to throw out? What is difficult for you to part with? – I'm going through Gil's old clothes. He hates getting rid of anything. For me, I've been looking at some baby items I purchased in hopes of that special day when Gil and I will have our first baby. I'm thinking about getting rid of them.
12. What is your idea of perfect happiness? –Living out the rest of my days with Gil here on the Lightning M Ranch, and watching our children grow up—if God ever blesses us with them.
13. What do you most value in your friends? – Honesty and knowing that they'll tell me when I'm being an idiot. Clara Lambert is my best friend and never fails to tell me what's on her mind. My father-in-law, John, is a good friend too. He's never been one to keep his thoughts to himself, either.
14. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I'd like to be taller. It's hard to be taken seriously as a large animal veterinarian when you're only 5'1". Ranchers have a tendency to look at me as a child or a frail woman. Trust me, I'm neither.
15. What is your favorite Bible verse? – Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
If you'd like to read more about Mattie, you can read the first few chapters of Snow Melts in Spring HERE. For fun, if you have a question you'd like to ask Mattie, please do so in the comments below. I'll be sure she gets back to you with an answer.
Below is a short interview with Mattie (Evans) McCray, the heroine in Snow Melts in Spring. I thought you might enjoy learning about Mattie, as well as read about what she has been up to in the last few years.1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I'm 32 years old, married to my soul mate, Gil, and live on the Lightning M Ranch with Gil's dad, John. I'm also a country veterinarian for small and large animals and run a clinic in Diamond Falls.
2. Tell us about your parents. - My parents are Owen and Margaret Evans. They used to own a ranch in the Flint Hills, but after bankruptcy moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. I get along well with them—now that they've stopped treating me like their little baby.
3. What was your birth order? - I'm the youngest of three daughters. Bridgett lives near mom and dad and Jenna lives in Texas. Let's just say Jenna has always been the black sheep in the family. I love her, but I spend a lot of time on my knees praying for her.
4. What was your favorite pastime as a girl? - My favorite thing was to ride my horse across the prairie pastures—and I did so often whenever I could get away from my chores at home. But I also liked to help dad with ranch work.
5. What makes you happy now? - In one word—Gil. I honestly believed I'd never marry, but I found my soul mate when Gil returned to Diamond Falls several years ago. Who would have thought I'd fall in love with a retired NFL quarterback? I don't even like football.
6. What is your greatest fear? – Losing someone I love.
7. What are your hobbies and interests? – Now that I'm married, I enjoy more baking and cooking, although Gil isn't a stranger in the kitchen. I also like to knit when I have time.
8. What was your first date like? – That would be the night Gil took me out for dinner at Charlie's Steakhouse. Afterwards we walked down to the Cottonwood River and talked. That was the night it snowed. I thought Gil was going to kiss me, but he didn't.
9. How did you and Gil meet? - We first met in his father's pasture. I saw him crawling over the fence and mistook him for a trespasser, and I believe he thought I was his father's girlfriend. Ridiculous story there, but that's for another time.
10. What is in your refrigerator right now? – Lots of things, but a few items are a partial jug of milk, some orange juice, two pieces of chocolate cake (mine), a huge bottle of hot sauce (for Gil), and leftover roast beef with potatoes and carrots.
11. I understand you're in the middle of spring-cleaning. What is easy for you to throw out? What is difficult for you to part with? – I'm going through Gil's old clothes. He hates getting rid of anything. For me, I've been looking at some baby items I purchased in hopes of that special day when Gil and I will have our first baby. I'm thinking about getting rid of them.
12. What is your idea of perfect happiness? –Living out the rest of my days with Gil here on the Lightning M Ranch, and watching our children grow up—if God ever blesses us with them.
13. What do you most value in your friends? – Honesty and knowing that they'll tell me when I'm being an idiot. Clara Lambert is my best friend and never fails to tell me what's on her mind. My father-in-law, John, is a good friend too. He's never been one to keep his thoughts to himself, either.
14. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I'd like to be taller. It's hard to be taken seriously as a large animal veterinarian when you're only 5'1". Ranchers have a tendency to look at me as a child or a frail woman. Trust me, I'm neither.
15. What is your favorite Bible verse? – Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
If you'd like to read more about Mattie, you can read the first few chapters of Snow Melts in Spring HERE. For fun, if you have a question you'd like to ask Mattie, please do so in the comments below. I'll be sure she gets back to you with an answer.
March 12, 2012
Book Preview ~ Prize of My Heart
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Prize of My Heart Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Lisa Norato
An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.
Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day anothers evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.
As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love. If you would like to read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A life-long New Englander, Lisa Norato lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. She was born into a close-knit Italian family that hungered as much for the things of God as they did for lasagna. After church, the family spent Sunday afternoons gathered in fellowship around a never-ending feast that featured her grandmother's homemade spaghetti and pizza.
From the time she learned to read, her mother impressed her with the joy of getting lost in a good book. She passed novels along to her as early as age thirteen, but it wasn't until many years later that Lisa felt compelled to write one herself.
She first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She balances writing with a career as a legal assistant specializing in corporate law. When not creating stories, she enjoys domestic pursuits like precious time with her dog and family, cooking, baking and eating vegan, reading, her Bible, her favorite television shows and crocheting. Lisa is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Rhode Island Romance Writers (RIRW) and American Colonial Christian Writers.
An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day anothers evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.
As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love. If you would like to read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A life-long New Englander, Lisa Norato lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. She was born into a close-knit Italian family that hungered as much for the things of God as they did for lasagna. After church, the family spent Sunday afternoons gathered in fellowship around a never-ending feast that featured her grandmother's homemade spaghetti and pizza.From the time she learned to read, her mother impressed her with the joy of getting lost in a good book. She passed novels along to her as early as age thirteen, but it wasn't until many years later that Lisa felt compelled to write one herself.
She first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She balances writing with a career as a legal assistant specializing in corporate law. When not creating stories, she enjoys domestic pursuits like precious time with her dog and family, cooking, baking and eating vegan, reading, her Bible, her favorite television shows and crocheting. Lisa is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Rhode Island Romance Writers (RIRW) and American Colonial Christian Writers.
March 9, 2012
March 7, 2012
Book Drawing ~ The Messenger by Siri Mitchell
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Messenger Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Siri Mitchell
Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?
Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.
With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love. If you would like to read the first chapter of The Messenger, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they're listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they've just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they're probably thinking, "Yes. Right. That's exactly what my character needs to hear." When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry's than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Leave a comment below to enter this week's book drawing. A winner will be selected on Sunday, March 11.
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March 5, 2012
Book Preview ~ Chasing the Sun
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chasing The Sun Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Tracie Peterson
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together? If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.
