Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 79

Book Preview ~ A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride

A Grant Teton Sleigh Ride by Elizabeth Goddard and Lynette Sowell
Wyoming’s spectacular mountains have drawn many—from trappers to ranchers to skiing enthusiasts. This Christmas, spend the holidays with the Covington family, who have called Wyoming home for generations. Rough, bristly rancher Zebulon sets his sights on eastern lady Belle Murray. Forward-thinking Emily would rather stay a dog musher than become a bride. Outfitter Sam wants to make his name in Wyoming—not say “I do.” Hayley’s quest for her father’s approval goes sour when she takes an interest in a local ski bum. Will four festive sleigh rides rein in Will four festive sleigh rides rein in romance? Buy the book HERE.

Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author with over twenty novels and novellas, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning author with New England roots, but she makes her home in Central Texas with her husband and a herd of five cats. When she’s not writing, she edits medical reports and chases down stories for the local newspaper.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy your weekend! 
Christmas Chicken Pie
Cherry Almond Cake
Christmas Tea Party Ideas

Christmas Tea Party Ideas

One of my favorite traditions at Christmas is to have a tea party with our daughters and those who are special to us. Here are some recipe ideas for you to try. Enjoy the moments . . . 
Peppermint Meringues
 Strawberry Cream Puffs
 Tortilla Pinwheels
 Orange Cranberry Scones
 Christmas Stollen
 Poppy Seed Bread
Addicting Munchies
Pecan Tarts
Russian Tea Cakes
Toffee Coated Pretzel Sticks
CLICK HERE for more tea party recipe ideas. 

Book Preview ~ Winter Brides

Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three winter weddings . . . A December Bride  by Denise HunterWhen Layla O'Reilly and Seth Murphy make their engagement public, she knows it's only to convince a major client that she's high-society enough to work for his agency. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, but she’s never given him the time of day. For Layla, this romantic illusion is the chance to save her career. And for Seth, it's the chance to finally win her heart. A January Bride  by Deborah RaneyNovelist Madeleine Houser arranges a temporary office in a local bed and breakfast to escape the distracting renovations on her own house. Although she's never laid eyes on the inn's owner, an unlikely friendship blossoms between them as they leave daily notes for each other, and before long, Maddie finds herself falling for her mysterious host—a man likely many years her senior—and a man she's never even met. A February Bride  by Betsy St. AmantHistory repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—wearing the same dress passed down for generations of women in her family, all women with histories of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus but fears she's destined to repeat her family's mistakes. When thrown unexpectedly together for a wedding months later, Allie and Marcus discover their own story might be far from over.Purchase the book HERE. 

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy your weekend! 
Blueberry Eggnog Waffles
Eggnog Pound Cake

Rhonda Gibson's Recipe for Simple Pecan Pie

Hallmark and the Holidays

Every year when the holidays come around, I find myself looking forward to snuggling up with a blanket and a cup of tea or hot cocoa to watch a favorite Hallmark movie. What is it about Hallmark and the Holidays? 

Is it the feel-good music that accompanies each movie? Or the heart-warming commercials between scenes? Or maybe it's just knowing that when you reach the end, you'll sigh in contentment at the satisfying conclusion. 

Our oldest daughter and I always visit about the Hallmark movies we've watched. She loves them just as much as I do!  Here are a few Hallmark movies we've enjoyed through the years. 

The Christmas Card - Always a FavoriteA Dog Named ChristmasA Very, Merry Mix Up

A Season for MiraclesMrs. MiracleA Princess for Christmas


The Magic of Ordinary DaysCome Dance with MeSara, Plain and Tall (Probably our very favorite Hallmark movie)
What Hallmark movies have you seen lately? Do you have a favorite?

Book Preview ~ Evergreen

Evergreen, by Susan May Warren

An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He's sure she'll love it. What's more romantic than Christmas in Paris?Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then-because disasters strike in threes-an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid's marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future. Buy the book HERE. 

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories, that I hope inspire and entertain! Learn more about Susan's books HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. Enjoy your weekend! 
Toffee Coated Pretzels
Chocolate Fondue
Cookbook Preview ~ Taste of Home Christmas 2014

Christmas Traditions

This past weekend, we decorated our house for Christmas, and I thought it might be fun
 to share a few Christmas traditions. In our home, we have a few special traditions that we take part in -- tea parties, building gingerbread houses, baking cookies, collecting angel ornaments, and even playing tricks with Elf on the Shelf. Below are a few facts about Christmas traditions and how some of them began.  




Christmas Tree - originated in Germany in early 1500's. Some say it began with Martin Luther when he was out walking and came across a group of evergreens dusted with snow and shimmering in the moonlight. He then took a tree home to his children and decorated
it with small candles to honor Christ's birth.

Candy Canes - originated in Cologne, Germany in 1670 when a clergyman and choirmaster gave children hard white candy shaped with a shepherd's crook to keep the young quiet during church service.

Holly - Its sharp edges are symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. The red berries represent blood.

Santa Claus - originated with Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop and patron saint of children, who threw gifts to them through their windows. He began a feast day for children on December 6. The tradition of giving gifts also came from the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.



Nativity or Creche - said to have originated in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi, who set up a manger scene in the woods for his people to commemorate the nativity of Jesus. Included in the scene was a manger, hay, an ox and donkey.

So, as we decorate our homes for the holidays, "may we never forget to see in our hearts the little Babe of Bethlehem who came to save us from our sins", and who is, after all, the one and only reason we celebrate this Holy Day.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Luke 2:4-7

Book Preview ~ Daughter of Highland Hall

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Book two in the Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of faith and self-discovery as she travels to London to make her debut in society. Her overbearing aunt insists she secure a marriage proposal from a wealthy, titled man to gain a position and secure her future. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications she is looking for, yet, she’s not sure if he is the best choice. Will that lifestyle bring her true happiness?

When a shocking family scandal forces Kate out of the social spotlight, she has time to volunteer with medical student Jonathan Foster, the handsome and caring brother of her governess. Jonathan, a strong Christian, is determined to help the poor in London’s East End. As her friendship with Jonathan deepens and her faith grows, Kate begins to envision a different kind of future, one that includes Jonathan. Is she ready to make the sacrifices that choice would require? If she does, what will her family and society think? Buy the book HERE.

Carrie Turansky is the author of more than a dozen novels and novellas, and is the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. She has been the finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Carol Awards and Genesis Contest. When she’s not writing she enjoys working in her flower gardens, arranging flowers for special events, collecting teacups, and cooking healthy meals for family and friends. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and author. They enjoy traveling for ministry, research, and to see their five adult children and four grandchildren.Carrie enjoys connecting with readers on my website and blog: http://carrieturansky.com