Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 65

Cyber Monday

If you're anything like me, you really have no idea what Cyber Monday is. According to Wikipedia ~ Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday immediately following Black Friday, the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, created by companies to persuade people to shop online. The term made its debut on November 28, 2005 in a Shop.org press release entitled "'Cyber Monday' Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year".

I'm so glad I've learned something new! But, not really wanting to be left in the dust of some of the bigger companies out there, (yes, I consider myself a company because I have to pay taxes :))I want to offer you something special.

Purchase the paper back version of Lonely Hearts from Amazon.com









and get the mp3 audiobook download of The Price of Trust  (my first Christian romance)

Or ~Purchase the Kindle Version of Lonely Hearts from Amazon.comand I'LL BUY YOU another Kindle book of your choice! (up to $1.99)







Sound good? All you have to do is: 



You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.













Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Friday's with Friends ~

Meet Rose McCauley, one of the authors of Christmas Belles of Georgia







Rose is so thankful to have her first fiction book publishedthat she is having a giveaway of the e-cookbook 
Novel Morsels
to anyone who orders Christmas Belles of Georgia from Amazon November 23-27. 

Novel Morsels is a cookbook compiled by Nicole O'Dell with over 100 recipes from books written by 65 authors. This book will soon be listed on Amazon at $2.99 a copy. But this week you can receive it free by ordering a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia on Amazon, then going to Rose's blog at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com where you will find out how to contact her by email to give her your amazon order code and receive the code for the free copy of Novel Morsels.

So hurry on over to Amazon.com and order a copy (or two or three) of Christmas Belles of Georgia (they make lovely Christmas gifts!) and then get a free gift for yourself. You will have lots of recipes to try out in the coming months and can read about some more great books! And right now Amazon is having a special deal if you buy 3 books under $10 you get one free!

It's a win/win deal! You can do your shopping with a couple clicks and not have to battle all the crowds! 

To whet your appetite, Rose is including her version of her Southern-style dressing copied from the book.
Best Dressing Recipe Ever! 
Start early in the morning (or can do the night before): cook 2 Jiffy cornbread mixes per package instructions in a 13x9 pan at 400 degrees until done. (15-20 min.) Let cool then crumble into bite-sized pieces. (I cut into 1 in. squares in pan and then crumble it up.) Toast 12 slices bread (I like whole wheat but have used white) cool, then pulse in the food processor until tiny crumbs. Pour breadcrumb mixture on top of crumbled corn bread. Next (or next day after you get the turkey in the oven) prepare turkey broth by cooking the giblets in 4-6 cups of water or use 4 chicken bouillon cubes in water or prepared chicken stock. Use food processor to chop one medium onion, then 3 or 4 stalks of celery. Place skillet on top of stove on medium and melt one stick of margarine, then add 1 pound pork sausage and cook, chopping it into small pieces with spatula. To this mixture add the celery and onion and cook together. To the 13x9 pan with cornbread and bread mixture add 1 t. pepper, 1 t. sage, 1 t. poultry seasoning and mix throughout. Then pour everything in the skillet on top and blend together in pan. Then pour 2 cups of the broth over this, adding more broth ½ cup at a time until it forms a stiff dough. It can now be cooked in a couple buttered baking dishes for 20-25  min. at 350 degrees if you prefer your dressing soft.
My husband's mother always made dressing balls, so if you wish to do that you can roll the mixture into balls or I scoop it with a buttered ¼ cup measuring cup and place the humps into a buttered dish and cook at 350 for 25 minutes. This recipe will make 28- ¼ cup balls which should serve around 14 guests.



Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

April Gardner ~ Wounded Spirits

WOUNDED SPIRITS

book one 

CREEK COUNTRY SAGA


"Brilliantly written" --Historical Novel Reviews









A bloody massacre and a merciless reprisal. 

Survival comes at a cost.


On the frontier, Adela McGirth's life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement's most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born.




A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate–and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.





"A solid debut" --Christian Review of Books

"Vivid and compelling" --Author Melanie Dickerson




My Thoughts ~

I know you don't need someone to tell you whether a book is good or not, but

I'd like to tell you what I thought about this book.




I had the privilege of reading this novel last April. This was my first introduction to new author, April Gardner. I've read new authors before, but Ms. Gardner's writing style quickly eclipsed most of them.

The Historical Novel Reviews has it exactly right when they say "Brilliantly Written."

I know most of my book reviews seem to be 4 or 5 star, but that's because if I don't like it,

it doesn't make it!

This is a book I MUST ADD to my collection because in my opinion, April Gardner is an author to be reckoned with. If I see a book with her name on it, I will  own one ~ she's that good.




One thing I didn't care for? I had to wait so long before Warring Spirits became available!




You can purchase the Kindle version of Wounded Spirits for only $1.99 on Amazon.com








Stay Tuned for  April's next novel

Warring Spirits






Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Black Friday Early Bird Sale

HEY! Guess what?! Yep, you're right! This week is ThAnKsGiViNg and I'm excited about it!(I bet you couldn't tell...)













There are some things I especially enjoy about Thanksgiving, and some, well, not so much.

What I enjoy?Time with my family.Cooking.De-boning the turkey with my mom.Cleaning the messy kitchen.Chatting with my mom while we work.Playing games after dinner.Annual Christmas Movie Kick-off.

What I don't enjoy?Turkey. I know. It's odd, really.That stuffed feeling.

Another tradition I  have is going out very early on Black Friday.I know this is sick, but to be honest, it's not only for those great deals. I love to people watch. I'veseen people get mad (of course), steal things out of someone's cart when they weren't looking,long, hideous lines, and super crabby shoppers.

It's all part of the fun, right?I know I'm a rare breed, but I really do enjoy going out in the madness for at least one day. After that, I'm pretty much done. I've had my fill for a year. 

In honor of the fact that most people aren't like me at all, I'm going to have my very own Black Friday Sale.















This week ONLY ~ 

Buy Lonely Hearts for only $6.00 + 3.99 shippingBuy The Price of Trust for only $10.00 + 3.99 shippingORBuy BOTH for only $15.00 + 3.99 shipping

Sale EndsSaturday, November 26th, 2011



















Black Friday Deals
Lonely Hearts $6.00 USD The Price of Trust $10.00 USD Lonely Hearts + The Price of Trust $15.00 USD






















Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Scripture Sunday

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7



Let's be honest with each other. It's not always to be thankful for things. When things are going just the right way, of course it's much easier, but that's not life. Today may be a great day, and I hope it is. But, I'm not promised a great day everyday. Tomorrow, perhaps something earth-shattering may happen. But I can rest and know that my God, My KING and SAVIOR will be with me each step of the way. That helps make the thanks a little easier.

Today, I choose to be thankful for everything!I hope you a very thankful week!





Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Whimsy Wednesday

I'm starting a new schedule for my blog. I wanted (and tried) to announce my intentions last Saturday, but blogger had different ideas, so I couldn't. Instead of being a more fly by the seat of my britches kind of girl, we're going to set aside certain days for certain topics.




Monday Mentions

Two for Tuesdays

Whimsy Wednesdays

Thankful Thursdays

Friend Fridays

Silly Saturdays

Scripture Sundays



I don't have a lot of time to explain what these particular days will entail, so I'll get to that later. Let's move forward!





Today, as my dad spends his second day in the hospital here in Tennessee, I've been pondering some things. (I'm sure you can't tell.)




If today were your last day here on Earth, what would you do? As always, keep it family friendly, and post your answers in the comments below!




(I don't mind if you leave your links, but spammy comments will be deleted)








Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Friday's with Friends ~ The Book of Ruth

A Story of Love and Redemption




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The Book of Ruth is a
Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The characters in "The Book of Ruth" deal with
loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God
and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she
decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah.




The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how
they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read "The
Book of Ruth", you will see the story unfold and see God's provision for these
two ladies. Reading
"The Book of Ruth" will help you recognize God's sovereignty and provision in
your own life.















About Deborah Bateman




Deborah H. Bateman loves studying the Bible and is dedicated
to "Sharing God's Word". She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online
Ministry.

Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a
Daily Bible Study. This is where "The Book of Ruth" was started. Deborah has learned
to trust God through the. many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and
Ruth's dependence on God to see them through their life's experiences.










Benefits of Studying

The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and
Redemption




You will have the
benefit of studying a beautiful book of the Bible.





You will see God's
hand of provision throughout this story.





You will get a clearer
picture of God's sovereignty.





You will see a
beautiful picture of God's plan for redemption.





You will see how God
brings different people into our lives.





You will better
understand God's love for us.





You will enjoy a
beautiful love story.





You will learn about
what a kinsman-redeemer is.





You will see who our
kinsman-redeemer is.





You will see God's
blessings in Ruth's life.





You will learn how God
provided for the salvation of humankind through the genealogy of Ruth.





You will be encouraged
by reading The Book of Ruth.











WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT

THE BOOK OF RUTH A STORY OF LOVE AND
REDEMPTION




Each episode detailed in Ruth teaches lessons—of God's plan,
precise and solid. Ruth reminds us of God's plans; the ones we might not
understand, yet vibrant in His eyes.  The
theme illustrates the journey that can take one to places impossible for man,
but possible with God. The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a
new revelation of God's hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those
who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each
lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today.

---Review by Janet Perez Eckles author of Simply Salsa




I love the story of Ruth. Deborah shed light on the truths
in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection
between Ruth and Boaz, and Christ and the church. Even though I've studied Ruth
before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn't known. It's amazing
how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the
Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first
release! I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future! Great job,
Deborah:)

---Review by Amanda Beth author of You Can Have a Happy
Family




Deborah Bateman will launch her book on November 15th
on her website http://www.DeborahHBateman.com 




 The Book of Ruth-A
Story of Love and Redemption is available at:

 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96550

http://tinyurl.com/3gwpfz2

http://tinyurl.com/6be9lvj

 http://tinyurl.com/3onrgvj









Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
releases October, 2011!
Purchase your copy on Amazon.com November 1st
and receive LOTS of great eGifts! Details Here ~
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son by Anita Estes

Today, November 8th is the big launch day for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer by Anita Estes. Addiction is prevalent in our society today and the prayer of faith has the power to destroy the plans of the enemy. If you are considering purchasing this book, today is your best day to buy Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son and receive many FREE gifts from her partners and a chance to win FREE gift cards! Here's how: http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html











Anita Estes resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley of upstate New York with her husband and son. She is an art teacher, freelance writer and avid gardener. As an educator, she has been honored in "Who's Who of American Teachers" for 2000 and 2005. Her work appears in several compilations including God Allows U-Turns, A Cup of Comfort, Deliver Me and Adams Media books. Her devotions have been published in Penned from the Heart, "Upper Room" and on-line. She is the author of When God Speaks: 40 Days of His Promises, Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom and Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction through Prayer.

http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html











Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
releases October, 2011!
Purchase your copy on Amazon.com November 1st
and receive LOTS of great eGifts! Details Here ~
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Friday's with Friends

I want to start having a schedule of some sort on here, so I thought what better way to kick it off than to have Friday's with Friends? You know me, I love meeting new people, making new friends, and helping those friends with their books (if they're authors)!




I met Anita Estes through the John 3:16 Marketing Network, and I've read her book, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son. If you have a child that is wayward and you want encouragement not only for the journey, but you want the guts to fight back, this book may be what you need!






Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son is the poignant, true story of a parent's journey through the minefield of her adult child's addiction. It is the heartfelt cry of a mother who finds peace in the midst of her tsunami and discovers the secret of victorious prayer. It is a potent journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights. Letters to God will encourage and help those who are dealing with prodigals and troubled youth of all sorts.






November 8th is the big launch day for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer by Anita Estes. When you purchase the book on Nov. 8th you will be able to choose from many free gifts and your name will be entered into a contest to win either a $25 or $50 from some of your favorite stores! Here's how: http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html













Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
releases October, 2011!
Purchase your copy on Amazon.com November 1st
and receive LOTS of great eGifts! Details Here ~
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

#1 Bestseller!

Good afternoon, friends! We've had a pretty exciting week, haven't we?!


On Tuesday, November 1st, because of all your support and the mentions, tweets, posts, follows, prayers, and encouragement, Lonely Hearts made it to #1 Amazon.com Bestseller in the Women's Fiction group, and #19 on the Amazon.com Bestseller in the Christian Fiction group! Let's not forget that we also made an overall killing on the Kindle group as well, but I never did get the final number on that one. 




Now we can say that Lonely Hearts is a bestseller ~

And it's OUR success, because I couldn't have done it without you ALL!
 So as a 




I want to give you a GIFT ~ the next three commenters that leave a comment below WITH their email address (Like this ~ thisismycomment at gmail dot com to keep those pesky spam bots away) 

will receive a FREE eBook copy of Lonely Hearts from Smashwords.com!





(Now, don't get upset with me if you've already purchased a copy of Lonely Hearts on Launch Day ~ I've got a few more things up my sleeve, so you'll definitely want to stay tuned!)




And here's the moment you all have been emailing me and tweeting me about...

the winners of my Nook, Kindle, and iPod Giveaway are...







GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

Gary W! ~ and his choice is the KINDLE



1st PLACE

Kelly H ~ her choice was the NOOK

2nd PLACE

Gwen G ~ and she will receive the iPOD SHUFFLE

3rd PLACE

Saundra D wins the $25 Olive Garden Gift Card


4th PLACEDiane T wins The Price of Trust audiobook CD's5th PLACEJudi C wins an autographed copy of Beyond the Dead Forest6th PLACEAnastasia W wins an autographed copy of Breathing on Purpose

Congratulations to you all!Please contact me as soon as possible with your information so I can get your prizes sent to you!





$2.99 Kindle





Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
releases October, 2011!
Purchase your copy on Amazon.com November 1st
and receive LOTS of great eGifts! Details Here ~
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

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