Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 45

Book Preview ~ True to You

True to You, by Becky Wade

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. 

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. Buy the book HERE.


During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins.  These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending.  She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas.  It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing.  She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it.  She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market.  She’s the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband. Learn more about Becky HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day!!
Strawberry Shortcake
Fish Tacos
Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

Book Preview ~ Here to Stay

Here to Stay, by Melissa Tagg

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events...

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the Festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave. Buy the book HERE.

Award-winning author Melissa Tagg is a former reporter, current nonprofit grant-writer and total Iowa girl. The second book in her popular Walker Family series, Like Never Before, was named to one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Spring 2016 Top Ten lists. Her most recent releases include Keep Holding On (Sept 2016) and One Enchanted Eve(Nov 2016). Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever–not that she’s biased–watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Join the Vogts Sisters at the Kansas Sampler Festival in Winfield, KS this weekend.See more HERE.
Baked Beef and Black Bean Flautas
Sausage and Rice Skillet
Johnnie Alexander's Memphis Biker Chili

True Generosity in an Angry World

I admit that I often shut off the television or radio when I hear angry, spiteful words targeted at those running our country. The division is great, and everyone has an opinion. The media is biased, riots run rampant, and the threat of war looms great. We live in a world where people are not afraid to shake their fists, or shout at each other, or share hurtful posts on their social network sites--reminding me of little children throwing tantrums when something doesn't turn out the way they want it to.

I wasn't raised that way. When I was young, if I threw a tantrum, I was quickly put in my place to know that there was no room in our family for such behavior. I was raised to be respectful of my parents, and my elders, and of those who held power in our government--even if they weren't the ones my folks voted to office. In school, I faced our flag each morning, and placed my hand to my heart to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I knew that the peace we cherished in our family and in our country had been hard-earned and won, and that it truly meant something to be an American.
I believe in the Holy Trinity--God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.And I believe that love and generosity begin in the home and pour outward to those you love and to those in need. 
Apparently, in this angry world we live in, there are others who believe this too.... In the last month, I have been the recipient of such generosity and kindness that it prompted the post I share with you now. 
Simple. Thoughtful. Kindness.

One afternoon I took our youngest daughter out for pizza after one of her college classes, only to learn before we finished that a kind gentleman had paid for our meals. Then last week, as I prepared to exit our local Walmart in a down-pouring rain, a young employee stood up from her chair and volunteered to help me get my bags to my car.Such simple thoughtful jesters that mean so much.
So the next time I become disturbed by the news or rattled over something someone has said, I hope to remember to love one another and to be kind and to be generous.
Peace MattersPeace in our Hearts, Peace in our Minds, and Peace in our Country and World.

Book Preview ~ You'll Think of Me

You'll Think of Me, by Robin Lee Hatcher

Her mother abandoned her, her father disowned her, and her husband left her. Can Brooklyn be convinced that it is possible to forgive the greatest of betrayals?Brooklyn Myers escaped her broken home and her embittered, unloving father by eloping to Reno at the age of 17. But when she was pregnant with their first child, her husband abandoned her as well. Not welcome back home in Thunder Creek, Brooklyn stayed in Reno and raised her daughter Alycia on her own, doing her best to make sure Alycia never knew the heartache and rejection Brooklyn herself had known.When her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies, he leaves the family home in Thunder Creek to his daughter. Believing it is the best way to give her daughter a stable home, Brooklyn does what she thought she would never do. She goes home to the orchard and wine country of Southwest Idaho. There, she encounters Chad’s best friend, Derek Johnson, a part time sheriff's deputy who also owns an organic produce farm next door. Derek was never a fan of former bad girl Brooklyn Myers, but he made a promise to his dying friend that he would be the father to Alycia that Chad had never been.Although Derek and Brooklyn get off to a bumpy start, he and Alycia quickly form a bond. And soon, Derek realizes that he wants Brooklyn to trust him too . . .  even knowing that her trust won’t come easily. And then he realizes he wants even more than her trust. He wants to win her love.While Brooklyn may be tempted to give her heart to Derek, risking her daughter’s happiness is another story. Will Brooklyn hold onto her self-reliance for dear life, or will she come to understand that the greatest gift she can give her daughter is showing her how to love and trust others? Buy the book HERE.  Bestselling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both RWA and ACFW and winner of the Christy, RITA, and numerous other awards, Robin has authored over 75 books. She and her husband make their home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family, her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat). For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com,

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Join the Vogts Sisters this Saturday in Wichita, KS for their performance at The Donut Whole. Learn more HERE.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Picnic Menu Ideas

Easter Egg Hunting with Emma

Earlier this month, we enjoyed spending Easter with our oldest daughter and her family. 
It's always a joy spending time with our little granddaughter, and it was such fun watching (and helping) her find Easter eggs this year. 
Here's a fun blast from the past -- my "annual" Easter picture at age 4.(Yes, I had to wear leg braces to try and correct pigeon toes--oh, how I hated those things...)

Book Preview ~ A Fine Gentleman

A Fine Gentleman, by Sarah M. Eden

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.


Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon's war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose.As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa's quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts. Buy the book HERE. 
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. Learn more about Sarah HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Have a great weekend! 
Oatmeal Jammies
Wild Rice Stuffing

Featured Author, Pegg Thomas, shares her recipe for Chocolate Raspberry Custard Pie