Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 47

Called to Write Conference 2017

2017 Called To Write ConferenceMarch 30-April 1, 2017
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 Guest speakers: Twila Belk and Kathy IdeKathy Ide is well-versed in a variety of skills within the Christian publishing industry…a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor/career coach; a published author and ghostwriter/collaborator; a speaker/teacher at writers’ conferences; an Editor Services Coordinator, matching authors, publishers, and agents with professional freelance editors/proofreaders through the Christian Editor Connection; the founder and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, a professional support organization for aspiring and established editorial freelancers; founder and director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference; represented by a fabulous literary agent: Diana Flegal with Hartline Literary Agency; and the abundantly blessed wife of a fabulous man and mother of two terrific sons. For more information about Kathy, go here.Twila Belk’s expertise spans many aspects of quality communication such as authoring two books; co-authoring four books with Cecil Murphey; writing a variety of devotions, newsletters, articles, and promotional materials; hosting the CEC AND ME online radio show; speaker at hundreds of events as the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal” in retreats, banquets, outreach events, church services, women’s conferences, Christian Women’s Clubs, MOPS, Women’s Aglow, schools, and more; directed the Quad-Cities Christian Writers’ Conference, as well as the Presbyterian Writer’s Conference; owned a Christian bookstore; worked with three radio stations by planning events and creating radio spots, ads, and jingles; and is involved in various ministries with her church. Find out more about Twila here.Learn more about the conference and how to register HERE.

Book Preview ~ A Stolen Heart

A Stolen Heart, by Amanda Cabot

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners--like her. Lydia won't let that get her down, though. All will be well when she's reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared--and that he left behind a pregnant wife--Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites readers back into Texas's storied past to experience love and adventure against a backdrop of tension and mystery in this first book in a brand-new series. Buy the book HERE.
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of At Bluebonnet Lake, In Firefly Valley, and On Lone Star Trail, as well as the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.
Country Potato Soup
Brownie Pudding Cake
St. Patrick's Day Menu Ideas

Book Preview ~ Treasured Grace

 Treasured Grace, by Tracie Peterson

Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters became her responsibility. A hasty marriage to a minister who is heading to the untamed West seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start, but a cholera outbreak along the wagon trail has left Grace a widow in a very precarious position.

Having learned natural remedies and midwifery from her mother, Grace seeks an opportunity to use her skills for the benefit of others. So when she and her sisters arrive at the Whitman mission in "Oregon Country," she decides to stay rather than push on. 

With the help of Alex Armistead, a French-American fur trapper, Grace begins to provide care for her neighbors, including some of the native populace. But not everyone welcomes her skills--or her presence--and soon Grace finds herself and those she loves in more danger than she imagined possible. Buy the book HERE. 


Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Visit Tracie's web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.The Vogts Sisters return to Homer's Coffeehouse this Saturday in Overland Park, KS. Learn more HERE. 
Homemade Apple Pie
Baked Seasoned Potatoes with Peppers
Featured Author, Mary Ball, shares her recipe for Corn Casserole.

Book Preview ~ An Uncommon Courtship

An Uncommon Courtship, by Kristi Ann Hunter

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever. 

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society? Buy the book HERE. 


Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Have a great weekend! 
Tuna Steaks
Simple Hamburger Stroganoff
Cookbook Preview ~ Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Book Preview ~ A Viscount's Proposal

A Viscount's Proposal, by Melanie Dickerson

Leorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society’s shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women. She’s determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents—or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall. But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage—alone and after dark—the ensuing gossip may force them together.

Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety; his father perished in a duel with his mistress’s husband, and Edward must avoid scandal himself if he wants to become prime minister. He certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall’s coach “accident” was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged.

Can the culprit be brought to justice? Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career—and his life. Buy the book HERE.

Historical romance author Melanie Dickerson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and has taught special education in Georgia and Tennessee. She has also taught English in Germany and Ukraine. Dickerson won the 2012 Carol Award in young adult fiction and the 2010 National Readers’ Choice Award for best first book. Her novels The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter were both Christy Award finalists.

She lives with her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit www.MelanieDickerson.com.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes.Enjoy your weekend! 
Flour Tortillas
Old-Fashioned Lemon Pudding Cake

Featured Author, Laura Hilton, shares her recipe for Amish Baked Oatmeal

Book Preview ~ Never Forget

Never Forget, by Jody Hedlund

Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island June 1880 

Abbie Watson is content to spend her days clamming, crabbing, and tending Rose Island Lighthouse. Her grandpa is the head light keeper, but his senility may lead to their eviction. Since leaving the island would kill her beloved Gramps, Abbie will do anything to keep him in the one place he knows and loves. Wealthy Nathaniel Winthrop III’s wild living has gained him a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ among the elite social circles of Newport. After a blow to the head in a yachting accident washes him up on Rose Island, Nathaniel has no memories of his past. Abbie tends the wounded stranger in her home only to realize he assumes they’re married. Although she knows she needs to correct Nathaniel’s mistake, his presence calms Gramps and provides a way to prevent eviction from the lighthouse. The longer the charade continues, the harder it gets for Abbie to tell Nathaniel the truth, more so as she begins to fall in love. Everyone she’s ever loved has abandoned her. Will Nathaniel leave her too, once he discovers he’s not really her husband? Buy the book HERE. 

Winner of 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. Learn more about Jody and her books HERE.