Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 34

Book Preview ~ A Chance at Forever

A Chance at Forever, by Melissa Jagears

In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for? Buy the book HERE.

Melissa Jagears is the Carol Award-winning author of the Unexpected Brides series and the Teaville Moral Society series, a homeschooling mother to three, and an extreme night owl. Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Join the Vogts Sisters in Wichita, KS on Saturday at the Artichoke Sandwich Bar.Learn more HERE.
Reuben Sandwiches
Steak Fingers and Cabbage
A Few of My Favorite Things in the Pantry

Book Preview ~ Blue Ridge Sunrise

Blue Ridge Sunrise, by Denise Hunter
Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their "break," not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love. Buy the book HERE. Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A December Bride andThe Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. You can learn more about Denise through her website DeniseHunterBooks.com

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Join the Vogts Sisters for their first 2018 performance this Saturday at Knuckleheads Gospel Lounge. Learn more HERE.
Slow-Cooked Corned Beef
Cajun Shrimp with Cheesy Grits
Cookbook Preview ~ Smitten Kitchen Every Day, by Deb Perelman

DIY - Wooden Pot Rack

This past Christmas my husband gifted me with an intro set of Mauviel M'heritage 250c Copper Pans (thankfully on sale.) They are so pretty and fantastic to use...but I had no place to store them and I wasn't about to hide those beautiful pans in a cabinet!
So I searched online for a pot hanger and found one that I really liked on Amazon HERE, but unfortunately, its dimensions didn't work for our kitchen. Thankfully, I have a wonderfully industrious husband, who volunteered to make a similar rack of our own.
We ordered the swivel hooks HERE, and the rest of the items came from a local hardware store, and our uncle's wood stash. I believe the wood he used is from a Kentucky Coffeetree. My husband formed and welded his own brackets and fashioned the rest after the one we found online.
It turned out beautiful!

Book Preview ~ Steal Away Home

Steal Away Home, by Bill Coffey
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan.Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two worlds: his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most.From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance. Buy the book HERE. Billy Coffey's critically acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit him at www.billycoffey.com.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Join the Vogts Sisters this Saturday at the Bluegrass Showcase in Neosho, MO.Learn more HERE.
Minestrone Soup
Baked Five-Cheese Ravioli

Book Preview ~ Across the Blue

Across the Blue, by Carrie Turansky

Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don't approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson's new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to be the first to fly across the Channel and win the prize Mr. Grayson's newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella's heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella's faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down? Buy the book HERE.CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of eighteen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five adult children and five grandchildren. Learn more about Carrie HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.This weekend, the Vogts Sisters will attend the International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City, MO. Learn more about their showcases HERE.
French Toast
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Frosting
A Few of My Favorite Things in the Kitchen

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of my blogger friends have been posting a Few of their Favorite Things, and I thought it would be fun to share a few things with you!I have also shared a Few of My Favorite Things...in the Kitchen HERE.
Oil of Olay - I have been a long-time fan of moisturizing soaps, such as Oil of Olay, Dove, or Caress. I like how they leave your skin feeling soft and silky.
Joico Color Endure Violet Sulfate-Free Shampoo - Now that my hair has gone gray, it tends to get a little yellow or brassy, so I'm always on the look-out for a good shampoo that not only treats the brassiness but also leaves my hair soft and silky. I previously used Jhirmack's Silver Plus Shampoo, but then found this one by Joico that is sulfate-free.
BOOMsilk by Cindy Joseph - I have been using this face moisturizer for a couple of years and really love the natural ingredients in it. I have never used much makeup, and I like using the BOOMsticks for moisturizing color for my lips, cheeks, and eyes.
No-Crack Lavender Hand Cream at Duluth Trading Co. - This hand cream is the best at keeping my hands soft without leaving them greasy. In the winter months when my fingers become dry and cracked, I treat my hands to this cream. It's wonderful, as is the lavender scent. I've tried to find it at other vendors, but Duluth Trading Co has been the only place I've been able to find it.
Bath and Body Works Bubble Bath - Although it is getting harder to find, I prefer this bubble bath over many others. Such lovely scents and makes wonderful bubbles.
Christopher and Banks Satin Trimmed Knit Tops - I love shopping at Christopher and Banks and I have a full selection of satin-trimmed knit tops in my closet, ranging from sleeveless to elbow-length to long sleeved. I like the conservative neckline, the comfortable fit, and the many colors offered each season.
Leather Purses - It used to be very easy to find a nice leather purse, but today has become very difficult to do. I love a leather purse and (stubbornly) insist on using one. My current purse is a black shoulder bag similar to this one by Fossil. Apparently, the style I own is no longer available...
Ariat Canyon Boots - I'm not the kind of gal who owns a lot of shoes. In fact, I own very few, but one of my favorite pairs is this boot by Ariat. I have been buying this same boot for years. I love that I can wear it in all seasons, and it looks great with jeans.
Yankee Candles - Love these candles, and usually buy as a votive or in a jar.I use candles in my bathroom, kitchen, and living room. They make a house so warm and cozy.
Dove Dark Chocolate - I'm a huge fan of dark chocolate, and while I like many kinds, my go-to favorite has always been Dove. It's so smooth and delicious. I like the kind with almonds, but also peanut butter and raspberry, when it's available. The inside message is an added treat as well!
Flannel Shirts, Pajamas, and Sheets - In the cold winter, there is nothing better than the feel of soft flannel against your skin. In the winter, you will see me wearing lots of flannel.
Cross Pens - When I journal or write letters, I like to use a fine writing pen. My favorite tends to be Cross Pens, and I prefer a medium to fine ballpoint.
So there you have a dozen of my favorite things.Have a wonderful Valentine's Day and enjoy the moments . . . .