Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 141

Book Drawing ~ When All My Dreams Come True

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWhen All My Dreams Come TrueHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2011)byJanelle Mowery



Janelle became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002 and is an active member and leader in one of their critique groups, which has provided many opportunities for growth and development. In 2003, she entered her first novel in the Noble Theme contest and was named one of the top ten finalists in the historical category. In 2004, she had a short story titled 'A Fair Chance' published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers' League 'Writing Smarter' Contest, won first place. Also, Janelle's fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest.


In 2006, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line. The novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Elizabeth Ludwig, released in spring of 2008. The second and third mysteries of the series, Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, is set for release in 2011.


Janelle has signed with Harvest House for a historical series set in Colorado. Release of the first book is set for early 2011. She has also signed with Summerside Press. Her novel, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, released in October 2010.


Janelle has been married twenty-one years and is the mother of two sons. She is a member of Sandy Point Bible Church and serves as Treasurer. She also assists in the church's teen program.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way.


Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he's surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?


An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West. If you would like to read the first chapter of When All My Dreams Come True, go HERE.

Today marks the beginning of a two-week fiction bonanza as I preview a handful of new Christian fiction releases. Leave a comment below to enter your chance to win Janelle's newest release. A winner will be drawn on Sunday, March 6.
*Void where prohibited. Open only to US residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. 

Book Preview ~ A Billion Reasons Why

It's 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:
Kristin Billerbeck
and the book:
A Billion Reasons Why Thomas Nelson; Original edition (February 1, 2011) ***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristin Billerbeck was born in California to an Italian father and a strong Norwegian/German mother. Her mother tried to teach her to do things right, how to cook, clean, sew, and budget accordingly—all the things a proper girl should know in order to be a contributing member of society. Yet Billerbeck said she "failed miserably," although her grandmother must still hold some hope since she gave her a cookie gun for her 40th birthday.

Billerbeck has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
There are a billion reasons Kate should marry her current boyfriend.

Will she trade them all to be madly in love?

Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. Or so she thinks. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiance, Dexter.

She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter…but nowhere on that list is love.

And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire. And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding. As his date.

But Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's a magnetism between them she can't deny.

Katie thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasting, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?


Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595547916
ISBN-13: 978-1595547910

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


A Fine Romance


Katie McKenna had dreamed of this moment at least a thousand times. Luc would walk back into her life filled with remorse. He'd be wearing jeans, a worn T-shirt, and humility. He'd be dripping with humility.


That should have been her first clue that such a scenario had no bearing on reality.


"Katie," a voice said.


The sound sent a surge of adrenaline through her frame. She'd forgotten the power and the warmth of his baritone. A quick glance around her classroom assured her that she must be imagining things. Everything was in order: the posters of colorful curriculum, the daily schedule of activities printed on the whiteboard, and, of course, the children. All six of them were mentally disabled, most of them on the severe side of the autism spectrum, but three had added handicaps that required sturdy, head-stabilizing wheelchairs. The bulk of the chairs overwhelmed the room and blocked much of the happy yellow walls and part of the large rainbow mural the kids had helped to paint. The room, with its cluttered order, comforted her and reminded her of all she'd accomplished. There was no need to think about the past. That was a waste of time and energy.


Her eyes stopped on her aides, Carrie and Selena. The two women, so boisterous in personality, were usually animated. But at the moment they stood huddled in the corner behind Austin's wheelchair.


Carrie, the heavyset one in the Ed Hardy T-shirt, motioned at her.


"What?" Katie pulled at her white shirt with the delicate pink flowers embroidered along the hem and surveyed the stains. "I know, I'm a mess. But did you see how wonderfully the kids did on their art projects? It was worth it. Never thought of the oil on the dough staining. Next time I'll wear an apron."


Selena and Carrie looked as though there was something more they wanted.


"Maddie, you're a born artist." Katie smiled at the little girl sitting behind a mound of colorful clay. Then to the aides: "What is the matter with you two?"



Selena, a slight Latina woman, shook her head and pointed toward the door.


Katie rotated toward the front of the classroom and caught her breath. Luc, so tall and gorgeous, completely out of place in his fine European suit and a wristwatch probably worth more than her annual salary, stood in the doorway. He wore a fedora, his trademark since college, but hardly one he needed to stand out in a crowd.


As she stared across the space between them, suddenly the classroom she took such pride in appeared shabby and soiled. When she inhaled, it reeked of sour milk and baby food. Her muddled brain searched for words.


"Luc?" She blinked several times, as if his film-star good looks might evaporate into the annals of her mind. "What are you doing here?"


"Didn't you get my brother's wedding invitation?" he asked coolly, as if they'd only seen each other yesterday.


"I did. I sent my regrets."


"That's what I'm doing here. You can't miss Ryan's wedding. I thought the problem might be money."


She watched as his blue eyes came to rest on her stained shirt. Instinctively she crossed her arms in front of her.


"I came to invite you to go back with me next week, on my plane."


"Ah." She nodded and waited for something intelligible to come out of her mouth. "It's not money."


"Come home with me, Katie." He reached out his arms, and she moved to the countertop and shuffled some papers together.


If he touches me, I don't stand a chance. She knew Luc well enough to know if he'd made the trip to her classroom, he didn't intend to leave without what he came for. "I'm afraid that's not possible." She stacked the same papers again.


"Give me one reason."


She faced him. "I could give you a billion reasons."


Luc's chiseled features didn't wear humility well. The cross-shaped scar beneath his cheekbone added to his severity. If he weren't so dreaded handsome, he'd make a good spy in a Bond movie. His looks belied his soft Uptown New Orleans upbringing, the kind filled with celebrations and warm family events with backyard tennis and long days in the swimming pool.


He pushed through the swiveled half door that separated them and strode toward her.


"That gate is there for a reason. The classroom is for teachers and students only."


Luc opened his hand and beckoned to her, and despite herself, she took it. Her heart pounded in her throat, and its roar was so thunderous it blocked her thoughts. He pulled her into a clutch, then pushed her away with all the grace of Astaire. "Will you dance with me?" he asked.


He began to hum a Cole Porter tune clumsily in her ear, and instinctively she followed his lead until everything around them disappeared and they were alone in their personal ballroom. For a moment she dropped her head back and giggled from her stomach; a laugh so genuine and pure, it seemed completely foreign—as if it came from a place within that was no longer a part of her. Then the dance halted suddenly, and his cheek was against hers. She took in the roughness of his face, and the thought flitted through her mind that she could die a happy woman in those arms.


The sound of applause woke her from her reverie.


"You two are amazing!" Carrie said.


The children all murmured their approval, some with screams of delight and others with loud banging.

Luc's hand clutched her own in the small space between them, and she laughed again.


"Not me," Luc said. "I have the grace of a bull. It's Katie. She's like Ginger Rogers. She makes anybody she dances with look good." He appealed to the two aides. "Which is why I'm here. She must go to my brother's wedding with me."


"I didn't even know you danced, Katie," Selena said. "Why don't you ever come dancing with us on Friday nights?"


"What? Katie dances like a dream. She and my brother were partners onstage in college. They were like a mist, the way they moved together. It's like her feet don't touch the ground."


"That was a long time ago." She pulled away from him and showed him her shirt. "I'm a mess. I hope I didn't ruin your suit."


"It would be worth it," Luc growled.


"Katie, where'd you learn to dance like that?" Carrie asked.


"Too many old movies, I suppose." She shrugged.


"You could be on Dancing with the Stars with moves like that."


"Except I'm not a star or a dancer, but other than that, I guess—" She giggled again. It kept bubbling out of her, and for one blissful moment she remembered what it felt like to be the old Katie McKenna. Not the current version, staid schoolmarm and church soloist in Northern California, but the Katie people in New Orleans knew, the one who danced and sang.


Luc interrupted her thoughts. "She's being modest. She learned those moves from Ginger and Fred themselves, just by watching them over and over again. This was before YouTube, so she was dedicated."


Katie shrugged. "I was a weird kid. Only child, you know?" But inside she swelled with pride that Luc remembered her devotion to a craft so woefully out-of-date and useless. "Anyway, I don't have much use for swing dancing or forties torch songs now. Luc, meet Carrie and Selena. Carrie and Selena, Luc."


"I don't have any 'use' for salsa dancing," Selena said. "I do it because it's part of who I am."


"Tell her she has to come with me, ladies. My brother is having a 1940s-themed wedding in New Orleans. He'd be crushed if Katie didn't come, and I'll look like a hopeless clod without her to dance with."


Katie watched the two aides. She saw the way Luc's powerful presence intoxicated them. Were they really naive enough to believe that Luc DeForges could ever appear like a clod, in any circumstance or setting? Luc, with his skilled charm and roguish good looks, made one believe whatever he wanted one to believe. The two women were putty in his hands.


"Katie, you have to go to this wedding!" Selena stepped toward her. "I can't believe you can dance like that and never told us. You'd let this opportunity slip by? For what?" She looked around the room and frowned. "This place?"


The cacophony of pounding and low groans rose audibly, as if in agreement.


"This may be just a classroom to you, but to me, it's the hope and future of these kids. I used to dance. I used to sing. It paid my way through college. Now I'm a teacher."


"You can't be a teacher and a dancer?" Selena pressed. "It's like walking and chewing gum. You can do both. The question is, why don't you?"


"Maybe I should bring more music and dancing into the classroom. Look how the kids are joining in the noise of our voices, not bothered by it. I have to think about ways we could make the most of this."


But she hadn't succeeded in changing the subject; everyone's attention stayed focused on her.


"You should dance for the kids, Katie. You possess all the grace of an artist's muse. Who knows how you might encourage them?"


Katie laughed. "That's laying it on a bit thick, Luc, even for you. I do believe if there was a snake in that basket over there, it would be rising to the charmer's voice at this very minute."


Luc's very presence brought her into another time. Maybe it was the fedora or the classic cut of his suit, but it ran deeper than how he looked. He possessed a sense of virility and take-no-prisoners attitude that couldn't be further from his blue-blood upbringing. He made her, in a word, feel safe . . . but there was nothing safe about Luc and there never had been. She straightened and walked over to her open folder to check her schedule for the day.


Tapping a pencil on the binder, she focused on getting the day back on track. The students were involved in free playtime at the moment. While they were all situated in a circle, they played individually, their own favorite tasks in front of them.


"Carrie, would you get Austin and Maddie ready for lunch?"


"I'll do it," Selena said. "And, Katie . . . you really should go to the wedding."


"I can't go to the wedding because it's right in the middle of summer school."


"You could get a substitute," Carrie said. "What would you be gone for, a week at most? Jenna could probably fill in. She took the summer off this year."


"Thanks for the suggestions, ladies," Katie said through clenched teeth. "But I've already told the groom I can't attend the wedding for professional reasons."


The women laughed. "I'm sorry, what reasons?" Carrie asked, raising a bedpan to imply that anyone could do Katie's job.


It was no use. The two women were thoroughly under Luc's spell, and who could blame them?


"Maybe we should talk privately," Luc said. He clasped her wrist and led her to the glass doors at the front of the classroom. "It's beautiful out here. The way you're nestled in the hills, you'd never know there's a city nearby."


She nodded. "That's Crystal Springs Reservoir on the other side of the freeway. It's protected property, the drinking water for this entire area, so it's stayed pristine."


"I'm not going back to New Orleans without you," he said.


Apparently the small talk had ended.


"My mother would have a fit if I brought one of the women I'd take to a Hollywood event to a family wedding."


Katie felt a twinge of jealousy, then a stab of anger for her own weakness. Of course he dated beautiful women. He was a billionaire. A billionaire who looked like Luc DeForges! Granted, he was actually a multimillionaire, but it had been a long-standing joke between the two of them. Did it matter, once you made your first ten million, how much came after that? He may as well be called a gazillionaire. His finances were too foreign for her to contemplate.


"And who you date is my problem, how?"


"If my date tries to swing dance and kicks one of my mother's friends in the teeth, I'll be disinherited."


"So what, would that make you the fifth richest man in the United States, instead of the fourth?"


"Katie, how many times do I have to explain to you I'm nowhere near those kinds of numbers?" He grinned. "Yet." He touched his finger to her nose lightly. "My fate is much worse than losing status if you don't come. My mother might set me up to ensure I have a proper date. A chorus line of Southern belles. And I guarantee you at least one will have the proverbial glass slipper and think her idea is so utterly unique, I'll succumb to the fantasy."


"Wow! What a terrible life you must lead." She pulled a Keds slide from her foot and emptied sand out of her shoe. A few grains landed on Luc's shiny black loafer. "To think, with courtship skills like that, that any woman wouldn't be swept off her feet—it's unfathomable." She patted his arm. "I wish you luck, Luc. I'm sure your mother will have some very nice choices for you, so go enjoy yourself. Perk up, there're billions

more to be made when you get back."


"Sarcasm doesn't suit you, Katie."


e was right, but she didn't trust herself around him. She'd taken leave of her senses too many times in that weakened state. Since moving to California, she'd made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She hadn't fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she'd invested too much to give into them now.


"I'm sorry," she said. "I only meant that I'm sure there are other nice girls willing to go home and pretend for your mother. I've already done that, only you forgot to tell me we were pretending. Remember?"


He flinched. "Below the belt."


A pencil fell from behind her ear, and she stooped to pick it up, careful not to meet his glance as she rose. "I'm sorry, but I'm busy here. Maybe we could catch up another time? I'd like that and won't be so sidetracked." She looked across the room toward Austin, an angelic but severely autistic child in a wheelchair. He pounded against his tray. "The kids are getting hungry. It's lunchtime." She pointed to the schedule.


Luc scooped a hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. "Where else am I going to find a gorgeous redhead who knows who Glenn Miller is?"


"Don't, Luc. Don't charm me. It's beneath you. Buy one of your bubble-headed blondes a box of dye and send her to iTunes to do research. Problem solved."


He didn't let go. "Ryan wants you to sing at the wedding, Katie. He sent me personally to make sure you'd be there and sing 'Someone to Watch Over Me.' I'm not a man who quits because something's difficult."


"Anyone worth her salt on Bourbon Street can sing that. Excuse me—"


"Katie-bug."


"Luc, I asked you kindly. Don't. I'm not one of your sophisticated girls who knows how to play games. I'm not going to the wedding. That part of my life is over."


"That part of your life? What about that part of you? Where is she?"


She ignored his question. "I cannot be the only woman you know capable of being your date. You're not familiar with anyone else who isn't an actress-slash-waitress?" She cupped his hand in her own and allowed herself to experience the surge of energy. "I have to go." She dropped his hands and pushed back through the half door. "I'm sure you have a meeting to get to. Am I right?"


"It's true," he admitted. "I had business in San Francisco today, a merger. We bought a small chain of health food stores to expand the brand. But I was planning the trip to see you anyway and ask you personally."


"Uh-huh."


"We'll be doing specialty outlets in smaller locations where real estate prices are too high for a full grocery outlet. Having the natural concept already in these locations makes my job that much easier."



"To take over the free world with organics, you mean?"


That made him smile, and she warmed at the sparkle in his eye. When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. She inhaled deeply and reminded herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.


"Name your price," he said. "I'm here to end this rift between us, whatever it is, and I'll do the time. Tell me what it is you want."


"There is no price, Luc. I don't want anything from you. I'm not going to Ryan's wedding. My life is here."


"Day and night . . . night and day," he crooned and then his voice was beside her ear. "One last swing dance at my brother's wedding. One last song and I'll leave you alone. I promise."


She crossed the room to the sink against the far wall, but she felt him follow. She hated how he could make every nerve in her body come to life, while he seemingly felt nothing in return. She closed her eyes and searched for inner strength. He didn't want me. Not in a way that mattered. He wanted her when it suited him to have her at his side.


"Even if I were able to get the time off work, Luc, it wouldn't be right to go to your brother's wedding as your date. I'm about to get engaged."


"Engaged?" He stepped away.


She squeezed hand sanitizer onto her hands and rubbed thoroughly.


"I'll give a call to your fiancé and let him know the benefits." He pulled a small leather pad of paper from his coat pocket. "I'll arrange everything. You get a free trip home, I get a Christian date my mother is proud to know, and then your life goes back to normal. Everyone's happy." He took off his fedora as though to plead his case in true gentlemanly fashion. "My mother is still very proud to have led you from

your . . ." He choked back a word. "From your previous life and to Jesus."


The announcement of her engagement seemed to have had little effect on Luc, and Katie felt as if her heart shattered all over again. "My previous life was you. She was proud to lead me away from her son's life." She leaned on the countertop, trying to remember why she'd come to the kitchen area.


"You know what I meant."


"I wasn't exactly a streetwalker, Luc. I was a late-night bar singer in the Central District, and the only one who ever led my reputation into question was you. So I'm failing to see the mutual benefit here. Your mother. Your date. And I get a free trip to a place I worked my tail off to get out of."


She struggled with a giant jar of applesauce, which Luc took from her and opened easily. He passed the jar back to her and let his fingers brush hers.


"My mother would be out of her head to see you. And the entire town could see what they lost when they let their prettiest belle go. Come help me remind them. Don't you want to show them that you're thriving? That you didn't curl up and die after that awful night?"


"I really don't need to prove anything, Luc." She pulled her apron, with its child-size handprints in primary colors, over her head. "I'm not your fallback, and I really don't care if people continue to see me that way. They don't know me."


"Which you? The one who lives a colorless existence and calls it holy? Or the one who danced on air and inspired an entire theater troupe to rediscover swing and raise money for a new stage?" Luc bent down, took her out at the knees, and hoisted her up over his shoulder.


"What are you doing? Do you think you're Tarzan? Put me down." She pounded on his back, and she could hear the chaos he'd created in the classroom. "These kids need structure. What do you think you're doing? I demand you put me down!"

Spicy Rice Casserole

1 pound mild bulk pork sausage1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1 cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped green pepper2 beef bouillon cubes2 cups boiling water4 cups long grain or wild rice
In a large skillet, cook sausage and garlic powder, stirring often. Drain. Add onion and peppers; Saute until tender. Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water and add to skillet. Stir in rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until water is absorbed, 15-20 minutes.  Serves 4-6

Called to Write Conference 2011

For any writers out there, I wanted to let you know about an upcoming conference sponsored by my local Christian Writers Fellowship:

Called to Write ConferenceApril 1-2, 2011Lamplighter Inn4020 Parkview Drive, Pittsburg, KS
Guest Speakers:
Terry W. Burns is an agent with Hartline Literary and a writer with over 40 books in print, including ten novels. Beyond the Smoke won the Will Rogers Medallion in 2009. A member of the Association of Author's Representatives, he is consistently one of the top five agents placing debut authors on Publisher's Marketplace. He is always looking for a good book, well written in a unique voice, aimed at a promising market.
Jeanette Gardner Littleton has written more than 5000 pieces--from curriculum for church nurseries to articles for all kinds of Christian publications. She has been an editor for 30 years for eight different publications, including Moody magazine. Now freelance, she continues magazine editing and has edited and produced book projects for five major publishers. Teaching writers and editors is a special pleasure.
Other speakers: Trieste Van Wyngarden, Sally Jadlow, and Deborah Vogts.

This two-day event sponsors great workshops; a writing contest for nonfiction, fiction, devotionals, and poetry; paid critiques; and read-around groups where attendees read their work for general comments. A book table is also available where attendees can purchase writing how-to books as well as speaker and CWF member books.

For more information, please visit the conference blog. Early registration ends March 1.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Here is a delicious recipe that is "oh-so-good" and "oh-so-easy."
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

1 tablespoon Kosher salt
1-16 oz. box linguine
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup minced onion
2 lbs large shrimp, cooked, peeled & deveined
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring to boil a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon Kosher salt. Add linguine and cook for 7-10 minutes. Drain and return linguine to pot. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside and keep warm.

In large skillet, melt butter with 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion. Saute for 3 minutes, being careful not to burn. Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper. Saute for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with red pepper flakes, parsley, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked linguine to the shrimp mixture and toss to combine. Serves 4-6

Unpredictable Weather

Earlier this year, our local weatherman predicted we'd have a mild winter, with maybe 9 inches of snow--total--for the entire viewing area (and that was being generous).
 
Even the Farmer's Almanac predicted a mild winter for us. It just goes to show that the weather is unpredictable. God is in control and if he wants it to snow, it will.
  Our first snowfall for the winter occurred January 10 -- 5 inches.
  The second round was a blizzard on February 1. Three days earlier, we enjoyed 70 degree temperatures.
  The storm began in the middle of the night with an icy mist. It started snowing around 4 in the morning and didn't stop until late that evening.
  Lots of drifts--big drifts. Total inches 15.
  Our third snow came on Tuesday, February 8. (I know, because I wrote all of this in my journal.) That one gave us about 5 inches. Years ago, I would have been thrilled to get five inches of snow. This year, five inches doesn't seem like much.
 
Total inches of winter snow so far: 25Total snow days from school: 7Tomorrow's expected temperature: 72 degrees  
Will we get another snow this season? Only God knows, but I'd say the chances are likely.  

Happy Valentine's Day

Today my hubby and I are celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary. Yep, we married on Valentine's Day--in an ice storm, no less. You could say that Valentine's Day is an important holiday at our house.

With three daughters, I always try to find special ways to celebrate--tea parties, creating homemade valentine cards, or serving three-course meals at the Valentine's Cafe (always a favorite). 

And the day always includes some form of chocolate--truffles, Russel Stover candies, or a chocolate dessert. Some years hubby and I will get away--but more often than not, we'll stay home and do something special with the girls. 

 Recently, the girls and I made homemade valentine cards during a major snowstorm. We'll exchange them tonight. 

I found these precious vintage cowboy valentine's online. The little Indian girl looks so familiar...I think I must have received one like this when I was young. 

How do you spend your Valentine's Day?

Chocolate Fondue

This is a fun recipe for Valentine's Day or a night of fondue.

1 pound chocolate (12 Hershey candy bars or a bag of chocolate chips)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup half & half

Break candy into pieces and put them into a microwave safe bowl. Add sour cream and half and half. Stir until all chocolate is coated. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir until all lumps are gone and mixture is completely blended. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Blend again. May transfer chocolate to fondue dish and serve with suggested dipping items below:
Marshmallows
Maraschino cherries
Bananas
Pretzel sticks
Graham crackers
Apples
Animal cookies
Pound cake
Pineapple
Angel food cake
Strawberries

Book Drawing ~ Promises to Keep

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPromises to KeepBethany House (February 1, 2011)byAnn Tatlock 
Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper.


Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.


Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own. If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Keep, go HERE.


Watch the book trailer:

Equifest of Kansas

Equifest of Kansas
February 11-13, 2011Kansas Coliseum Wichita, KS
Like horses? My husband and I have enjoyed the Equifest of Kansas in the past and highly recommend the programs offered. Here is a list of Clinicians and Colt Starters scheduled for Equifest this year. 
Tommie Turvey 

Tommie Turvey is a life-long hands-on horseman. He travels the world performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people each year with his unique style of horsemanship. Tommie performs his signature acts to sold out crowds at hundreds of the biggest shows in North America. His bay and white American Paint Horse, "Pokerjoe" is the star of the outfit. He is well known for his comedy antics as the "upside-down horse" and is the most memorable and requested equine act in the business. Along with an EquiFest 2011 clinician - Tommie will be performing on Friday night and will also judge the Colt Starting Extravaganza on Sunday.

Aaron Ralston

Aaron Ralston was born and raised on his family's ranch in Western Colorado, and was taught the importance of being a helpful cowhand. This mentality has stayed with him throughout his early career as he rodeoed and now as he participates in show reining and working cow horses. Through his work with cow horses he is finding a strong desire to return to his ranching roots before the lifestyle fades away. No matter what we do, times will change and Aaron's goal is to help them change in a way that will preserve the working ranch cowboy. Along with being a headliner clinician, Aaron will be judging the Colt Starting Extravaganza on Sunday. Join Aaron every week for a new episode of "The Ride" on RFD-TV.

[image error]Julie Goodnight 
Julie Goodnight has more than a quarter-century of horse training experience. Her varied background ranges from dressage and jumping to racing, reining, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. She teaches "Classic Skills for a Natural Ride" and travels coast-to-coast and beyond to film her award-winning television show, Horse Master, as well as to appear at horse expos, conferences and clinics. Her training and teaching techniques are frequent features of Horse & Rider, The Trail Rider and America's Horse. In 2008 she was named Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator--one of only three awards ever given. Watch Horse Master with Julie Goodnight on RFD-TV every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

[image error]Lydia Hiby

Lydia is the most sought after animal communicator around. Her childhood dream of becoming a fairy godmother to animals seems to have come true. Her clients come from every state in the U.S. and European countries galore. People so different... yet sharing the love of their pet and their belief in Lydia's gift. Her client list numbers over 60,000 over 20 years, and many began as skeptics. Lydia likes skeptics, she says, and believes that once she proves herself to a skeptic that skeptic becomes her best publicity. Lydia has also co-authored a book recently, Conversations with Animals, detailing her experiences. Along with her demonstrations, Lydia will have a booth onsite for individual readings.

[image error]Dr. Thibeault

Dr. Thibeault earned her Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. A lifelong horsewoman and certified riding instructor, she practiced equine medicine for 15 years before taking her expertise into the classroom - teaching Equine Studies at Midway College in Kentucky. Dr. Thibeault joins the EquiFest 2011 line-up with her humorous and motivational presentations - celebrating the equestrian lifestyle.

[image error]Molly Powell

EquiFest is proud to welcome Molly Powell to the 2011 event. Molly's love for barrel racing, people, and horses has inspired her to teach the secrets of her success! "At EquiFest, it is my goal to teach these three things about barrel racing: How horsemanship directly affects your success; how to develop a winning practice routine for you and your horse; and how to stay on the track to success!" Throughout the weekend, Molly will demonstrate the steps to follow and achieve quick, snappy turns and make turns more consistent.

[image error]Bobby Dreyer

Bobby Dreyer has been a professional horseman for over forty years. He has operated his own business, Sun River Farm, for the last twenty. His specialty is developing young horses for the show ring. He has competed successfully at most of the top AA Hunter/Jumper shows throughout the country – with his own horses and his junior and amateur clients. Bobby also has his large "R" to judge hunters & equitation.

[image error]Joan Bolton

The program that Joan Bolton has created is an extraordinary one combining the clarity of a biomechanical system with traditional Dutch and German methodology. Her pervasive view is that the horse gets it right when their rider does. More often than not the issue is an uneducated seat or confusing aids. One of her main influences is Mary Wanless—a revolutionary instructor who has demystified the biomechanics of seat and position. The integration of Mary's method with the tutelage of such dressage greats as Guenter Seidel, Christine Trauring and Egbert Kraak have created a program that is passionate and brings out the very best in both horse and rider. 
Joan Bolton has been Short listed for both the Pan Am Games and the Olympics and is a USDF Gold Medalist. Children, beginning and advanced riders all are taught with the same enthusiasm and verve that has made her sought as a clinician across the country.

[image error]Scott Daily

"The whole purpose in horse training is establishing a working relationship between the horse and the rider. In order to accomplish this, the horse must become acquainted with the attributes and habits of being handled by a human being. With adjustments, nurturing and well-tempered training, a relationship develops between the horse and the trainer. This relationship is transferable to horse and rider. Horse training is that simple and is the most important thing you will ever do to come to truly enjoy your horse(s) and trust the horse to be your companion."

[image error]Kerry Kuhn

Although he calls his approach to working with horses 'Practical Horsemanship', Kerry Kuhn often inspires his students to push themselves into a deeper connection with their horses that not only improves their riding skills but radiates out into their everyday lives and beyond. "Horsemanship is all about good leadership, patience, and learning to be positive no matter what the situation," Kerry tells his students. "Horsemanship is a skill you should LIVE every day."

[image error]Lee Hart

"From start to finish and all steps in between" Lee Hart specializes in making all around horses. "My goal is to have a finished horse that can be used in many different disciplines, ranging from EXCA, ACTRA, USTRC, RHAA, and general trail riding and recreational riding."
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