Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 29

Blog Tour: Wish You Were Here (Review)

The debut novel by Beth K. Vogt, "Wish You Were Here," managed to do something most novels cannot do.

She managed to surprise me by her "non-traditional" storyline.

Vogt took a little bit of romance - you know, boy meets girl, boy and girl decide they are in love, boy and girl decide to marry - and then shakes things up a bit, by having girl have second thoughts, because of the boy's older brother.

Sounds trashy. But honestly, it's not. In all honesty, Vogt has created a novel that showcases the heroine's need for control and the perils of doing things because it's what is "expected."

This novel is different. It's not necessarily a "happy sappy" romance. It is however, a novel that will catch you off guard and maybe even make you think about a few different things in life.

On the scale of one to five, I give it a solid three and a half. It's a solid work by a non-fiction author turned novelist. I'm excited to see what might come from her pen next.

More About The Book!
(From The Publisher)
Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point.

And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems. Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything.

Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

About The Author
Beth K. Vogt provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. She's a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction.

She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Beth has discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." She writes contemporary romance because she believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.

Beth earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and met her husband Rob when he knocked her down at a karate studio. They've been married for 31 years. They have four children, ranging in ages from 28, 25, 23 and - thanks to a funny thing happening on their way to the empty nest-a 10-year-old.

The Vogt Team, which now includes a "daughter-in-love" and "son-in-love," enjoys hiking and camping in Colorado. Read more about Beth at her website:http://bethvogt.com

Online Resources
Follow the blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13480251

Buy It Online at Amazon

It's A Contest
Win an iPad2 from @BethVogt!

Celebrate with Beth by entering her Wish You Were Here Giveaway!



One "happy" winner will receive:A brand new iPad with Wi-Fi (The must-have, do-everything gadget!)Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon worthy.)$15 iTunes Gift Card (Music, books, apps, & more.)Hurry, the giveaway ends on 6/4/12. The winner will be announced 6/6/12 on Beth's website!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Beth's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.



As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

Blog Tour: Hiking Through (Review)

When Paul Stuzman's wife died of cancer, he made a decision to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Sounds simple.

But in reality, Stutzman found that the trip was not only more difficult than he anticipated, he found himself changed from the experience.

In his book, Hiking Through, Stutzman mixes memories of his journey with his spiritual discoveries - creating a spiritual memoir that is both unique and interesting.

I really like spiritual memoirs. I like how "normal" people find spiritual insight in their everyday lives.

I thought this was an authentic journey of self discovery. I really enjoyed reading it. In fact, Stuzman's stories really brought the trail alive.

I think this is a book that you could give to a guy in your life - but also enjoy it for yourself.

On the scale of one to five, it's definitely a solid three and a half, maybe even a four. It may not be a "traditional" trail journal, but it truly is authentic and honest. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you take time to read this book.


More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
A life-changing journey begins with a single step

After Paul Stutzman lost his wife to breast cancer, he sensed a tug on his heart--the call to a challenge, the call to pursue a dream. With a mixture of dread and determination, Paul left his job, traveled to Georgia, and took his first steps on the Appalachian Trail. What he learned during the next four and a half months changed his life--and can change yours as well.

In Hiking Through, you'll join Paul on his remarkable 2,176-mile trip through fourteen states in search of peace and a renewed sense of purpose. Along the way, you'll meet fascinating and funny people, experience trail magic, and discover that every choice we make on the path has consequences for the journey. More than that, you'll come away with a new understanding of God's grace and guidance--even in the smallest things.


About The Author
Paul Stutzman is a former restaurant manager who left his career after his wife's death from breast cancer. He hiked the Appalachian Trail in search of peace, healing, and freedom. His passion and mission is to share what he learned on that remarkable journey. Paul grew up in the Mennonite church. When he is not hiking or on a cross-country bike ride he makes his home in Berlin, Ohio.

Online Resources
Read excerpts from the book here:
http://www.hikingthrough.com/excerptspictures.html
or here (from the publisher)

Read the author's trip journal (from 2008)
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=220189

Read more about the book here:
http://www.hikingthrough.com/behindthebook.html

Buy it online
@ Amazon
@ Barnes & Noble

Check out the author's website here:
http://www.hikingthrough.com/index.html

About Revell, The Publisher
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

Photo Flashback: 2008 - October - Elm Springs Craft Festival

Photo Flashback: Scenes from the 2008 - October - Elm Springs Craft Festival. (Moving pics from my photo blog to this one.)


Gi and Ki





















Gi and Ki
Dressed in their Yester Daze Costumes





























Ki Who?










Photo Booth Photos









Ki and a Friend

Missy's kids


















Abigail





















David being goofy....



Another little one....




















Family with twins







































Beverly's Granddaughters

Blog Tour: My Stubborn Heart (Review)

Sometimes picking up a book by an unknown author feels a bit like Russian Roulette.

You never know just what you'll find.

Fortunately, I took a chance and picked up the debut book by Becky Wade - and I wasn't disappointed.

In My Stubborn Heart, Wade introduces readers to Kate and Matt. For Kate, life hasn't been going great at work or in her love life. So when her grandma asks her to help get the family home in shape, she jumps at the chance for a slightly fresh start.

Along the way she meets Matt Jarreau, a slightly retired hockey player who put his sticks away to focus on construction and handy-man type jobs.

This is a unique novel. It doesn't read like a typical "romance" work. In fact, I found Wade's writing style a refreshing change from many of the books I've read recently.

On the scale of one to five, I give this book a solid three and a half. This would make a great "vacation" or "summer" read. I'm already ready to read book two - apparently Wade has one in the works featuring a handsome Texas cowboy and a oil man's daughter.

A Q&A With The Author
1. Tell us about My Stubborn Heart. What inspired you to write it?
My Stubborn Heart is a contemporary Christian romance about a heartbroken man hiding from life and the woman who determines to push, pull, and tug him through his grief and back to life.

The entire book was inspired by my hero, Matt. I imagined a professional hockey player so devastated by his wife’s death that he leaves the ice and retreats from fame and success to live instead in isolation in his small hometown. From there, I began to wonder what kind of woman Matt needed and what kind of faith story the Lord wanted me to tell. The rest of the story sprang to life!

2. You’ve had previous experience writing historical novels. What was the transition to writing in a contemporary setting like for you?
Like joy. I’d always thought of myself as an author of historicals. But when I started writing My Stubborn Heart, it was as if God slotted a puzzle piece perfectly into place.

Heaven opened! Light poured down! Angels strummed harps! I loved it immediately. So much so, that I ditched all my historical book ideas. The modern setting proved the perfect backdrop for my sense of humor, for a more casual writing style than I’d used before, and for all kinds of fun with characters, dialogue, clothing, houses and cars. I’d been writing long enough to recognize that I’d found (at last!) my author’s voice and my ideal niche in the world of publishing.

3. You’ve been receiving some high praise from readers and people within the publishing industry. How do you respond to their enthusiasm?
With overwhelming gratitude for God’s grace. Any criticism for the book deserves to land on my doorstep, but any praise is entirely His. I’m so incredibly thankful that He’s entrusted me with this ministry. It’s only because of Him that I’m able to write at all.

4. What do you hope readers walk away with after reading My Stubborn Heart?
I hope that they walk away encouraged by the reminder that God hasn’t forgotten His lost ones, that He hears our prayers, and that He has a plan for each of us. And, I confess, I wouldn’t mind a bit if my readers walk away warm-hearted and dreamy-eyed over the romance between Matt and Kate.

5. What can we expect next from you?
Another fun and emotional contemporary romance! The next one is about a Texas oilman’s daughter who inherits her father’s fortune, the majority share of his company, and control of his thoroughbred racehorse farm (which comes complete with one especially handsome cowboy).

More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

About The Author
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 with Avon Books, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her kids, then recently returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn't be more thrilled with it.

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.

Visit her website at: www.beckywade.com.

Follow the blog tour; http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13491775/beckywade

It's A Contest
Win a Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™ in Becky Wade's My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and RSVP for FB Party {5/24}!

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!


One fortunate winner will receive:
A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift CertificateA copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky WadeEnter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!
As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

Photo Flashback:: October 2008 - Halloween in Siloam Springs

Photo Flashback: October 2008: Halloween in Siloam Springs
(Moving photos from my photo blog to this one....)

I took these photos during the Halloween celebration in Siloam Springs.


Some are in front of the church - as the kids were getting ready at church - others came from downtown.


These photos were taken for the chamber of commerce..

Photo Flashback: Dec. 2007 - Santa visits First UMC

Photo Flashback: Moving photos from my photo blog to this one.
Photos taken December 2007

Some pictures from Santa's visit to First UMC - Siloam Springs. Every child will receive a photo - it will be available Wednesday, during Breaking Bread. See Kaylea for info on how to get additional photos!












































































































































































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Let's Talk About Sex.......

Ok let's be honest. I spent more than two hours tonighttalking with parents about SEX
You know, that "three letter" word that parents love to avoid but so need to talk about with their tweens.
It was part of the Created by God parent meetingrequired for the parents of students planning to attend this weekend's workshop.
I'll be honest.We laughed a lot during the meeting.Sometimes from humor, other times to alleviateembarrassment
It's not like we want to thank about tweens talking about or thinking aboutSex.
But, honestly.It's a discussion that needs to START hereand continue at home.With their parents or guardians.
I'm impressed so farwith what I'm hearing.
We're not trying to tell the kidsall of the answers.
Or "preach" at them.
The presentationis designed to be filled withhonest, age appropriate answers.
It's designed to promote this message:
(from the publisher) Human sexuality is one of God’s greatest gifts to people.  Created By God  is a program resource designed to communicate to fifth and sixth graders that we are a fantastic creation made by God. 
The topics of human sexuality, values, and relationships are approached in a frank, honest, and Bible-based manner. 

So, I'll gear up.Read my student book.(I kinda put it off this weekend)
And be ready to hear about everything for simply one reason.
Because the studentsin my lifeare more importantthan any discomfort I might feel. Want to know more about
Created by God click here.[image error]

Photo Flashback: 11 2009 - Cyd's Christmas Shoot

Photo Flashback: Moving pics from my photo blog to this one.

Ok, tried to get some pics for Cyd, for Christmas....note to self, just because you want to take pics, doesn't always mean that the kids are ready for their close ups.....





















































































































































































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Blog Tour: Mom Connection (Review)

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. A day we set aside to honor those who gave us life thanks to Julia Ward Howe (1870) and Anna Jarvis (1914).

Mother's help us connect with the world. They nurture us and they help us grow up into adulthood (and beyond).

So it should be no surprise, that sometimes mom's need to have a deeper connection - with their faith, their selves and even their family.

With her new book, Tracey Bianchi seeks to help mom's connect with the rhythm of life.

Divided into three sections, the book focuses on why mom's need to have a healthy rhythm in their life, good rhythms in their relationships (with family, friends and others), and developing a rhythm in their faith journey.

Each chapter ends with "five tested tips" that are designed to be "guilt-free" ideas mom's can use to apply the information to their lives. Three of the tips are "practical," one focuses on a prayer or blessing, and the fifth serves as  a journal or writing prompt.

The book is written in a friend, easy to read style. I think it would appeal to a variety of moms - newbies and veterans alike.

On the scale of one to five, I give it a solid three. If you are looking for an easy to read treat for mom, this might provide just what you need.

More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
Hey, Mom--so when was the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation?

Parenting young children is an all-consuming task that can make you feel disconnected and, honestly, a bit fragmented. But having kids shouldn't mean you rarely get to complete a conversation with a friend! In this witty, encouraging book, Tracey Bianchi shows us how to

-cultivate deeper friendships that challenge us to grow
-create healthy, life-giving rhythms for our families
-connect and give back to the wider world beyond our doors

If you've ever sat back exasperated and thought, "There has got to be a better way to do this mothering thing," then let this conversation with Tracey on friendship, connection, and the rhythms of our lives begin to shape your heart.


More About The Author
Tracey Bianchi is a hyper, overcaffeinated mother of three who is camped out in the Chicago suburbs with her husband Joel and, sometimes, a goldfish.

She does freelance writing and speaking for a wide variety of nationally recognized organizations. She also serves as the Pastor for Women at Christ Church of Oak Brook.

You can catch her musings and find out more about her other books and projects at www.traceybianchi.com

Online Resources
Download a discussion guide. 
Read an excerpt
Buy it at Amazon

About Revell, The Publisher
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.[image error]

Blog Tour: Beyond Hope's Valley (Review)

I'm not a giant fan of Amish novels.  That said, I really like Tricia Goyer's "Big Sky" series.

The three books, center around the life of Marianna Sommer - a young Amish woman who is learning more about herself, her faith and frankly, life in general.

The novels are sweet. They challenge you. They make you think about life in general and about living life in an authentic way.

Honestly, these are not "Amish" romance books. I really see the entire series - which concludes in the newest release Beyond Hope's Valley - simply as an inviting story that features Amish characters.

In reality, the storyline in the series - especially the third novel - could take place in any community.

The problems and challenges Goyer tackles can, and do, happen to anyone -  including the pregnancy that takes place outside of marriage. The novel is written in an authentic, honest and real way.

So here's my two cents. If you like Amish fiction, you'll thoroughly enjoy this series. If you like solid writing, you'll definitely enjoy it because of Goyer's writing style. I may not be a giant fan of Amish fiction, but I am a fan of Tricia Goyer.

On the scale of one to five, I give this novel a solid three - and the series a solid four. While the novel can be read as a stand alone - I seriously recommend it as a three-part series. 

More About The Book
Beyond Hope's Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

About The Author
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough.

Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Online Resources
More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azust
Follow the blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13489586/bigskyamishbhv)

My reviews of the other books in the series:
Book 1: Beside Still Waters (Review)
Book 2: Along Wooded Paths (Review)

It's A Contest
Win a Custom Amish Prize Pack from @TriciaGoyer in her Beyond Hope's Valley Giveaway! RSVP for All Things Amish Party {5/21}!

Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice ... and much more!


One fortunate winner will receive: 
 Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!} An Amish Doll {Sweet.} Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!} Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!} Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.} 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more!

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!
As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.