Melanie D. Snitker's Blog, page 18
November 12, 2016
Photography: Fall Pet Pictures
Photography is one of my hobbies. I've gone through several DSLR cameras and one thing is for sure: I am definitely a Canon girl! I currently shoot with an EOS Rebel SL1. I originally chose it because it's light and small enough to carry around with me. Previously, the cameras I used were so big and bulky that I found I left them at home instead of taking them places, which meant I missed out on a lot of fun opportunities to actually use it. I have several lenses, but my favorite, hands down, is the 2.8 24mm. Again, it's small and light making it easy to carry with me. But it's also crystal clear and it takes wonderful images in lower light situations.
I've always enjoyed taking portraits of our kids. But I also have a lot of fun taking pictures of our dogs as well. It'd been a while since I'd made a point of doing that. So my daughter and I took advantage of this beautiful fall weather and did a photo session with our dogs. Between a lot of pats, Cheerios, and a dog bone to celebrate the completion of the session, fun was had by all.
This guy here is Jasper. He's seven-years-old, weighs about one hundred pounts, and is a giant teddy bear. His most striking features are those beautiful eyes: One brown and one blue.
Jasper joined our family on Easter in 2009. We were driving home from church on a busy country road and we saw this little puppy trotting along the side of it. It was not uncommon to see animals hit on this road because it was so busy and the shoulder was small. We couldn't stand the idea of a puppy getting hit by a car, much less on Easter. So we stopped. I got out and called to him. He ran over, that tail wagging, and he climbed right into the car. He went home with us and never looked back.
The picture of him in the basket was taken just a week or two after we brought him home. It's hard to imagine he was ever that tiny. If he tried to sit in that basket now, I'm quite certain he'd crush it into tiny pieces. LOL
This pretty girl is Jessie. She hasn't been a member of our family for as long Jasper. We adopted her in January of 2014. We specifically went to one of those adoption days at PetSmart. There were a LOT of dogs there, but Jessie (who was named Violet at the time) was sitting quietly in one of the enclosures. While other dogs were getting petted, no one paid any attention to her. She was obviously sad and didn't seem very hopeful.
We asked about her and found out she was around five-months-old and had already been adopted twice and returned twice. Both times weren't her fault, but the situation the people who adopted her were in. Well, no wonder she wasn't feeling very hopeful. We spent some time with her and before long, all four of us were convinced she was meant to be our dog.
She's three-years-old now and has been a wonderful addition to our family ever since. She's loyal to all of us and she's especially fond of our daughter. The two of them will play for hours in her room, they play outside together, and do just about everything together. Jessie isn't real fond of anyone else outside the family and gets nervous when we leave her at the kennel when we go on vacation. But she's slowly getting better about that. And we're glad she can finally have the forever home she deserves!
I've always enjoyed taking portraits of our kids. But I also have a lot of fun taking pictures of our dogs as well. It'd been a while since I'd made a point of doing that. So my daughter and I took advantage of this beautiful fall weather and did a photo session with our dogs. Between a lot of pats, Cheerios, and a dog bone to celebrate the completion of the session, fun was had by all.
This guy here is Jasper. He's seven-years-old, weighs about one hundred pounts, and is a giant teddy bear. His most striking features are those beautiful eyes: One brown and one blue. Jasper joined our family on Easter in 2009. We were driving home from church on a busy country road and we saw this little puppy trotting along the side of it. It was not uncommon to see animals hit on this road because it was so busy and the shoulder was small. We couldn't stand the idea of a puppy getting hit by a car, much less on Easter. So we stopped. I got out and called to him. He ran over, that tail wagging, and he climbed right into the car. He went home with us and never looked back.
The picture of him in the basket was taken just a week or two after we brought him home. It's hard to imagine he was ever that tiny. If he tried to sit in that basket now, I'm quite certain he'd crush it into tiny pieces. LOL
This pretty girl is Jessie. She hasn't been a member of our family for as long Jasper. We adopted her in January of 2014. We specifically went to one of those adoption days at PetSmart. There were a LOT of dogs there, but Jessie (who was named Violet at the time) was sitting quietly in one of the enclosures. While other dogs were getting petted, no one paid any attention to her. She was obviously sad and didn't seem very hopeful.We asked about her and found out she was around five-months-old and had already been adopted twice and returned twice. Both times weren't her fault, but the situation the people who adopted her were in. Well, no wonder she wasn't feeling very hopeful. We spent some time with her and before long, all four of us were convinced she was meant to be our dog.
She's three-years-old now and has been a wonderful addition to our family ever since. She's loyal to all of us and she's especially fond of our daughter. The two of them will play for hours in her room, they play outside together, and do just about everything together. Jessie isn't real fond of anyone else outside the family and gets nervous when we leave her at the kennel when we go on vacation. But she's slowly getting better about that. And we're glad she can finally have the forever home she deserves!
November 5, 2016
Life with Autism: Adding to His LOGO Board Game Collection
Today was our son's 11th birthday party. I posted
here
about how much he enjoys the LOGO Board Game. He's requested what he called "The LOGO Board Game Moose" earlier this year. It took some investigating, but we finally figured out this was the Australian version of the game and there's a small, green moose logo in the bottom left corner of the box. Getting a hold of it turned out to be much more difficult than we thought, though. We were unable to directly order the game and have it mailed to the United States. Thanks to a wonderful writer's group I'm a part of, Clean Indie Reads, I was able to connect with a fellow writer who lives in Australia. She bought the game for us and shipped it to us herself. We wouldn't have been able to get the game for him otherwise!
Even though he's asked for the game for months and was quite sure he was getting it, he still squealed when he opened the package. He's been looking at and playing with the game most of the day.
He now has eight LOGO board games and something tells me this won't be the last addition to his collection.
November 1, 2016
ACFW November New Releases
Are you looking for a new book to read? Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Biblical:
Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope by Texie Susan Gregory -- In a deadly race to save her son, a young slave woman dares defy the most powerful man in the world. (Biblical from Barbour Publishing)
Contemporary Romance:
Crazy Woman Christmas by Renee Blare -- A quiet cowboy whisks Bianca to his ranch to ride out the Christmas blizzard where she discovers life is cold but also beautiful in the “Cowboy” state. (Contemporary Romance from Inspired [Prism Book Group])
Other Than a Halo by Valerie Comer -- Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing the pageant. Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids. When a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved. What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into the future God has for her? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Do You Know What I Know? by Becky Melby -- What if a phone call from the obstetrician’s office went to the wrong person? Elizabeth Schmidt can’t figure out why her husband doesn’t seem excited about the news she’s sure he heard. Is he unhappy? Or is James cheating on her? Pastor Jay Davidson is in shock. Bethany Schmidt, the woman he’s in love with, is pregnant. Should he walk away, or is God asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program? Bethany can’t figure out why Jay is acting so weird. Has he figured out one of the two secrets she’s keeping until after Christmas? Can a ponytailed itinerant carpenter with a pet chicken help unravel the confusion? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart by Candice Sue Patterson -- Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. That is until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he’s indebted to from a mistake made years ago. When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers to aid in his lengthy recovery if he’ll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay -- After a whirlwind romance and marriage, Emily Price returns home to Italy with her new husband and learns that life at its richest is only found when she accepts its chaotic beauty. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])
Contemporary Women's Fiction:
Forgiveness by Marianne Evans -- Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite. Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper repeat the mistake of trusting a man whose done battle with the bottle. Can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness? (Women’s Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
Historical:
Beneath a Golden Veil by Melanie Dobson -- As elegant as the Sacramento residence she operates, Isabelle Labrie keeps her past concealed, like the treasure she hides under the Golden Hotel. Then, unexpected guests—fugitive slaves seeking safe passage to the North—force her to confront her past and reconsider her path. (Historical from Waterfall Press)
Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert -- Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, Forest Child brings the memorable, conflicted persona of Freydis Eiriksdottir to life. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan -- On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
Historical Romance:
The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Amber Stockton, Niki Turner, Gina Welborn, and Becca Whitham -- Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley -- In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler...but Two-Time Texas has two: two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood's marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace until she's left at the altar by her no-good fiancé. Hired to defend the groom against a breach of promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there's something about Meg's sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in...even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart. (Historical Romance from Sourcebooks)
Mail Order Mommy by Christine Johnson -- Nursing a broken heart, Amanda Porter had answered a frontier mail-order bride ad placed by Garrett Decker's children—only to find the groom-to-be didn't want a wife. But his adorable children are determined she'll be their mother by Christmas… His wife's betrayal and tragic death demolished Garrett's life. Now he can't even look at another woman, let alone marry Amanda, who resembles his first love. But with his daughter convinced Amanda is the perfect mother, will Garrett realize she's also his perfect match? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Hope's Design by Dawn Kinzer -- An independent city girl aspiring to be a fashion designer falls for a stubborn artist from the country who wants to keep his talent a secret. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Brides of Wyoming by S. Dionne Moore -- Roam the Wyoming range alongside three couples who meet under danger from bands of outlaws. Renee escapes a gang of outlaws and lands in the arms of a sheepherder. Olivia’s sleuthing upturns secrets key to solving the murder of a reluctant rancher’s father. Maira is trying to keep her ranch running alone when a drifting cowboy offers a hand. Can love develop where suspicion and greed roam the range? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Negotiated Marriage by Christina Rich -- When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. Duncan Murray doesn’t want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Love in the Seams by Jodie Wolfe -- A little girl on a quest for a new mama has the local seamstress in her sights. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell -- On the run from a hit man, Patricia Campbell is unaware of the FBI’s search for her to learn what information she might hold, so she continues to hide out. Then she meets a persistent computer technician, a charming philanthropist, and a handsome, wealthy businessman who wants to marry her. But her fears resurface, and she wonders if she can trust any of them. Can she survive long enough to find peace…and perfect love? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Counter Point by Marji Laine -- Her dad's gone, her diner's closing, and her car's in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose ... except her life. And a madman, bent on revenge, is determined to take that, as well. Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death-threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press)
Speculative:
The Flaming Sword by Heather L.L. FitzGerald -- When evil joins forces in the Tethered World, Sadie Larcen must risk all to protect the Flaming Sword and her family...even if it takes her life. (Speculative Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)
Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope by Texie Susan Gregory -- In a deadly race to save her son, a young slave woman dares defy the most powerful man in the world. (Biblical from Barbour Publishing)
Contemporary Romance:
Crazy Woman Christmas by Renee Blare -- A quiet cowboy whisks Bianca to his ranch to ride out the Christmas blizzard where she discovers life is cold but also beautiful in the “Cowboy” state. (Contemporary Romance from Inspired [Prism Book Group])
Other Than a Halo by Valerie Comer -- Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing the pageant. Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids. When a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved. What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into the future God has for her? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Do You Know What I Know? by Becky Melby -- What if a phone call from the obstetrician’s office went to the wrong person? Elizabeth Schmidt can’t figure out why her husband doesn’t seem excited about the news she’s sure he heard. Is he unhappy? Or is James cheating on her? Pastor Jay Davidson is in shock. Bethany Schmidt, the woman he’s in love with, is pregnant. Should he walk away, or is God asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program? Bethany can’t figure out why Jay is acting so weird. Has he figured out one of the two secrets she’s keeping until after Christmas? Can a ponytailed itinerant carpenter with a pet chicken help unravel the confusion? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart by Candice Sue Patterson -- Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. That is until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he’s indebted to from a mistake made years ago. When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers to aid in his lengthy recovery if he’ll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay -- After a whirlwind romance and marriage, Emily Price returns home to Italy with her new husband and learns that life at its richest is only found when she accepts its chaotic beauty. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])
Contemporary Women's Fiction:
Forgiveness by Marianne Evans -- Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite. Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper repeat the mistake of trusting a man whose done battle with the bottle. Can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness? (Women’s Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
Historical:
Beneath a Golden Veil by Melanie Dobson -- As elegant as the Sacramento residence she operates, Isabelle Labrie keeps her past concealed, like the treasure she hides under the Golden Hotel. Then, unexpected guests—fugitive slaves seeking safe passage to the North—force her to confront her past and reconsider her path. (Historical from Waterfall Press)
Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert -- Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, Forest Child brings the memorable, conflicted persona of Freydis Eiriksdottir to life. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan -- On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
Historical Romance:
The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Amber Stockton, Niki Turner, Gina Welborn, and Becca Whitham -- Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley -- In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler...but Two-Time Texas has two: two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood's marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace until she's left at the altar by her no-good fiancé. Hired to defend the groom against a breach of promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there's something about Meg's sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in...even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart. (Historical Romance from Sourcebooks)
Mail Order Mommy by Christine Johnson -- Nursing a broken heart, Amanda Porter had answered a frontier mail-order bride ad placed by Garrett Decker's children—only to find the groom-to-be didn't want a wife. But his adorable children are determined she'll be their mother by Christmas… His wife's betrayal and tragic death demolished Garrett's life. Now he can't even look at another woman, let alone marry Amanda, who resembles his first love. But with his daughter convinced Amanda is the perfect mother, will Garrett realize she's also his perfect match? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Hope's Design by Dawn Kinzer -- An independent city girl aspiring to be a fashion designer falls for a stubborn artist from the country who wants to keep his talent a secret. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Brides of Wyoming by S. Dionne Moore -- Roam the Wyoming range alongside three couples who meet under danger from bands of outlaws. Renee escapes a gang of outlaws and lands in the arms of a sheepherder. Olivia’s sleuthing upturns secrets key to solving the murder of a reluctant rancher’s father. Maira is trying to keep her ranch running alone when a drifting cowboy offers a hand. Can love develop where suspicion and greed roam the range? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Negotiated Marriage by Christina Rich -- When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. Duncan Murray doesn’t want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Love in the Seams by Jodie Wolfe -- A little girl on a quest for a new mama has the local seamstress in her sights. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
His Perfect Love by Sharon K. Connell -- On the run from a hit man, Patricia Campbell is unaware of the FBI’s search for her to learn what information she might hold, so she continues to hide out. Then she meets a persistent computer technician, a charming philanthropist, and a handsome, wealthy businessman who wants to marry her. But her fears resurface, and she wonders if she can trust any of them. Can she survive long enough to find peace…and perfect love? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Counter Point by Marji Laine -- Her dad's gone, her diner's closing, and her car's in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose ... except her life. And a madman, bent on revenge, is determined to take that, as well. Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death-threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press)
Speculative:
The Flaming Sword by Heather L.L. FitzGerald -- When evil joins forces in the Tethered World, Sadie Larcen must risk all to protect the Flaming Sword and her family...even if it takes her life. (Speculative Young Adult from Mountain Brook Ink)
October 26, 2016
Photography: Splendor in the Pumpkin Patch
I took the kids to a pumpkin patch the other day. There were so many fun pumpkins in all different shapes and sizes, I couldn't help but break out my camera. Here are a few of my favorite shots.
October 10, 2016
Guest: Author Kimberly Rose Johnson
Please join me in welcoming Author Kimberly Rose Johnson to my blog. Her new book, A Christmas Homecoming, was just released a couple of weeks ago and already has some great reviews on Amazon. I don't know about you, but once October comes along, I'm ready to start reading some heartwarming Christmas books. This one is definitely on my TBR list for this year.
Kimberly, thanks so much for being my guest today!
hanks for hosting me, Melanie. I’m thrilled to be able to share about my latest Christmas book with your readers. A Christmas Homecoming is the second book in my Sunriver Dreams series, but it easily stands alone. I especially love this series because of the setting. My family and I have been to Sunriver for vacations many times and have a lot of fond memories. In fact my youngest started walking there at eight months old. Here is the back cover description for A Christmas Homecoming.
Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts?
Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. For some unexplained reason Mona has turned against her. At least not everyone is out to get her. A mysterious admirer is sending her cards and flowers. Could it be her boss’s son who’s recently returned home in time for the holidays?
Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and Bailey, her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the family business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go? I hope you enjoyed this teaser. I know it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas but since this is a Christmas book, I’m going there. :-)
Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
Kimberly’s books can be found on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2autVLe
Would you like to join her Facebook group? http://bit.ly/2b1Obp6
Check out her website at www.kimberlyrjohnson.com and sign up for her newsletter. Your book sounds great, Kimberly. And the cover looks like so much fun! As for a favorite Christmas memory, I don't think I could narrow it down to just one. I love the smell of ham cooking, Christmas cookies, and carols playing. As a kid, I loved opening an early gift on Christmas Even because it meant new pajamas to sleep in. I think, most of all, the best part of Christmas has always been the atmosphere of love, anticipation, and family.
Kimberly and I would love to hear about some of your favorites memories!
About the Author
Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing.
She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Kimberly, thanks so much for being my guest today!
hanks for hosting me, Melanie. I’m thrilled to be able to share about my latest Christmas book with your readers. A Christmas Homecoming is the second book in my Sunriver Dreams series, but it easily stands alone. I especially love this series because of the setting. My family and I have been to Sunriver for vacations many times and have a lot of fond memories. In fact my youngest started walking there at eight months old. Here is the back cover description for A Christmas Homecoming.
Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts?
Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. For some unexplained reason Mona has turned against her. At least not everyone is out to get her. A mysterious admirer is sending her cards and flowers. Could it be her boss’s son who’s recently returned home in time for the holidays?
Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and Bailey, her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the family business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go? I hope you enjoyed this teaser. I know it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas but since this is a Christmas book, I’m going there. :-)
Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
Kimberly’s books can be found on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2autVLe
Would you like to join her Facebook group? http://bit.ly/2b1Obp6
Check out her website at www.kimberlyrjohnson.com and sign up for her newsletter. Your book sounds great, Kimberly. And the cover looks like so much fun! As for a favorite Christmas memory, I don't think I could narrow it down to just one. I love the smell of ham cooking, Christmas cookies, and carols playing. As a kid, I loved opening an early gift on Christmas Even because it meant new pajamas to sleep in. I think, most of all, the best part of Christmas has always been the atmosphere of love, anticipation, and family.
Kimberly and I would love to hear about some of your favorites memories!
About the Author
Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing.She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
October 9, 2016
Join Us for the Fall In Love Facebook Party
Are you ready to join a fun group of contemporary inspirational romance authors for conversation, giveaways, and free books? You won't want to miss the Fall In Love Facebook Party on Monday, October 10, 2016.
Schedule
Crystal Walton 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Melanie Snitker 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Jessica R. Patch 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Nicole Deese 8:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Melissa Tagg 8:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Tammy L. Gray 9:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Susan May Warren 9:30 - 10:00 p.m.
All times are EST
I'm personally giving away two books, an audio book,
and a $5.00 Amazon gift card as well.
So be sure to stop by
Monday, October 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. EST
We're looking forward to chatting with all of you! Fall In Love Facebook Party
October 5, 2016
Finding Hope - On Sale for 99 Cents
Finding Hope
, the second book in the Love's Compass series, is on sale today for only $0.99! If you haven't read this book yet, this is a great time to pick up a copy. Cancer.
That one word has rocked Lexi Chandler's life to the core. Her focus has always been to help others. She loves being a nurse and enjoys spending time with her family. Things had been going according to plan. Now she’s struggling to pick up the pieces and make sense of the changes in her life.
Lance Davenport has cared for Lexi since they were kids. Between their age difference and bad timing, he's turned burying his feelings into an art. Now, watching Lexi battle with cancer has made him realize just how much he's missed. He doesn't know what their future holds, but he's determined to not waste another minute.
The people closest to Lexi pull together as she tries to navigate her way down a path none of them ever dreamed she’d have to travel.
October 1, 2016
Guest: Franky A. Brown's New Book Emma's Match
Hello everyone! I'm excited to have my friend and fellow author, Franky, here on my blog with her new release, Emma's Match. I had the opportunity to read an early copy of her book and it's so much fun. If you enjoy chick lit and a good romance, you'll love this book. About the Book
Emma Wallace has a plan up her sleeve to save her struggling design business, but not a clue what do to about the man who has her heart. Stealing a kiss from Will Knight years ago ended in an embarrassment she didn’t want to repeat. But when a popular new designer in town starts taking her clients and has eyes on Will, too, Emma decides it’s time to fight for what she wants. The perfectly irritating designer she wants to shove into a hole isn’t the only one who can be down-to-earth and likeable. After all, Emma’s never failed at anything...except walking the line between friendship and love. Crossing it again could mean losing Will’s friendship for good.
Available on Amazon Book ExcerptWith a sigh, I take a notepad and pen from my purse and scribble on the paper for a moment.
How does one compete with the woman who can do everything and warms everyone’s hearts in the process? People are lining up for her design services, not mine.
I don’t make homemade crafts out of used goods, or know how to shoot a gun, or make my own curtains…
Of course, I’m also not desperate enough to follow Will wherever he goes. Nevertheless, it may be time to make some change in my life.
I scribble out my list of goals.
1. Learn PowerPoint and how to make a killer client presentation with it.
2. Buy jeans. Wear them for at least twelve hours. Around other people.
3. Learn how to shoot a gun. And don’t freak out.
4. Visit a dollar store.
5. Take a sewing class. Maybe learn how to make curtains?
6. Go camping. For real.
Maybe these things would help me gain some useful perspective. Trying new things is definitely something my mother never did. About the Author
Franky A. Brown has always called the South home and loves to write about it. She holds an English degree from the University of South Carolina and can’t seem to stop reading. She is the author of women’s fiction and chick lit about life, love, and Southern women. GiveawayFranky has generously offered a paperback of Emma’s Match! Use the Rafflecopter to enter. The giveaway will be closed at midnight on October 5th and the winner will be announced around 6AM on the Bookish Orchestration blog on October 6th. Enter below or click here.a Rafflecopter giveaway Blog Tour Schedule
Saturday, October 1
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Introduction
Rachel Rossano's Words- Excerpt and Character Interview
Perpetual Gardener, Writer, and Mormon-Excerpt
Sunday, October 2
Melanie D. Snitker, Author- Excerpt
Author Franky A Brown-Excerpt
Monday, October 3
Crystal Walton- Excerpt and Book Review
Laurel's Leaves-Guest Post
Tuesday, October 4
Ramblings- Guest Post
Once Upon an Ordinary-Author Interview
Wednesday, October 5
Rachel John Reviews- Book Review
Thursday, October 6
Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner
September 27, 2016
Guest Post: Hide it in Your Heart by Annie Douglass Lima
Hi everyone! I'm excited to have Annie Douglass Lima as a guest on my blog today. She's got a new book, Hide it in Your Heart. The scriptures are beautiful and my daughter and I had fun coloring some of the pages. If you enjoy coloring, or want a new way to memorize scripture, you'll definitely want to check this book out. Read on to learn more about the book and an opportunity to download several pages to test out for yourself! More than just a coloring book, this inspirational activity book will help you relax, unwind, and enjoy some creative fun while hiding God’s Word in your heart.
The 35 separate verses and passages are printed in colorable word art with decorative borders, blank on the back to make them easier to remove and frame or display, if desired. Each one is accompanied by two different activities or puzzles featuring the verse or key words from it.
Hide it in Your Heart is an ideal Scripture memorization aid for Christian schools, homeschool programs, Sunday schools, or your own personal use. Children and adults will enjoy learning, practicing, and meditating on these artistically presented verses from the New International Version Bible.
Proceeds from the sale of Hide it In Your Heart will be donated to www.Christar.org to help provide a translation of God’s Word for a particular people group in East Asia who do not yet have the Bible in their own language.
Here
are a few sample coloring and activity pages from Hide it In Your Heart.If you'd like to color them or complete the word puzzles,
click on the link to access a PDF that you can download and print.
Hide it In Your Heart is available in paperback on Amazon. Click here to order your copy for $8.99.
HOWEVER, you can get it for 15% off if you order it here on CreateSpace with coupon code JZBVVBH8!
The code can be used an unlimited number of times and will not expire, so feel free to order as many copies as you like for family and friends. Hide it In Your Heart makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys word puzzles, coloring, or God's word! You're welcome to share the code with others, too.
Happy coloring!
Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published thirteen books (two YA action and adventure novels, four fantasies, a puppet script, five anthologies of her students’ poetry, and a Scripture coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.Connect with Annie Douglass Lima online:
Email: AnnieDouglassLima@gmail.com
Blog: http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads
Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnieDouglassLima
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn
Sign up for author updates and receive a free ebook of "interviews"
with characters from her fantasy series: http://bit.ly/LimaUpdates
September 26, 2016
Guest Author: Faith Blum and Faith is the Victory
Have you ever felt like too much was going on and you just couldn't handle anything more? Or maybe someone has bothered you so much that you avoid them as much as you can, but they still keep coming back. David felt that way in Faith Blum's short story, Faith is the Victory, and she's here today to tell us more about her book.
About the Book
Winning story in Perry Elisabeth Design’s short story contest.I don’t like change. I know most people get used to it, but I have never been able to. When Dad announced their move and I couldn’t go with them, I didn’t handle it well. Would I ever find the faith to be victorious?
Content warning: A character does attempt suicide, so please read with caution.
Available on Amazon and other platforms such as Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Scribd.
Paperback coming soon!About the Author
Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she could write better than Dr. Seuss. (The picture doesn’t show it well, but there are scribblings on the page of Green Eggs and Ham). Now that she has grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesn’t stop her from trying.When she isn’t writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin.
There are many ways to connect with Faith online. All of them can be found in one convenient place: http://www.faithblum.com. On her website you can find links to her various social media sites and both of her blogs.Sale
This book doesn’t have much to do with Faith is the Victory, but if you like Westerns or stories about mail order brides, you might just like this novella. And it’s written by Faith Blum.Book Excerpt My dad is the manager at a big department store, and I think he does a great job. You can probably guess what Mom’s job is. A few years ago, I saw a neat job title for what she does and have told her a few times that she should get a diploma made up or something. The title is: Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations. Pretty neat, don’t you think?During my high school years, I had the opportunity to take a couple of math classes at the local high school. With my interest in engineering, I needed some higher math that Mom wasn’t comfortable teaching me. While there, I got teased quite a bit for only attending a few classes, but could ignore that. What was harder to ignore was Carl Matthews. He was a senior when I was a sophomore and loved to rub it in that he was athletic and I was a nerd. I tried to ignore him, too, but he wouldn’t let me.
One thing about me. I stutter when I’m nervous or scared, so I try to avoid situations where I might become one or the other. Or I just don’t talk which has also worked well. When Carl talked to me, I ignored him and got labeled the most unfriendly, unsociable kid in school. I tried not to care, but every name drove deep down into me, hurting me more and more until for once, I couldn’t wait for school to end.
Three years passed and I’d just started attending the local community college to get a degree in Engineering. I planned to go to the community college until I could afford to transfer to a better one in a year or two. My first day of classes started out great! My professors were helpful and I learned quite a bit from them, even just after one day.
Everything was perfect until one of the older students ran into me. I tried to avoid him, but it didn’t work and all of my books flew around the sidewalk.
“Watch where you’re going!” he yelled. “What are you? A clumsy fool?”
I gulped when I saw the size of him. Then I recognized him. This was the star quarterback for the college football team and the most popular guy at school. “I’m s-s-sorry. I tried to s-s-stay out of your way, but—”
Carl burst out laughing. “What’s the matter? Can’t s-s-say your s’s? What’s your name?” He paused. “Wait, you look familiar. Aren’t you the mute kid from high school?”
My face burned. He had remembered. I knelt down to pick up my books and muttered, “David Conyers.”
Facebook Party
Faith and her friend, Amanda Tero, are hosting a Facebook party on September 30th to celebrate their new releases! There will be giveaways, games, fun times, and a grand prize. They are also giving away a set of 4 eBooks to the person who invites the most guests. So head on over, invite some friends and then ask them to vote for you in the poll. The Party link is here and the link to the poll can be found here. They are also doing some fun pre-party posts and on September 26th and 27th, they are taking questions from the guests.Tour Schedule
September 26
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Introduction
Ember's Reviews-Author Interview
Zerina Blossom's Books-Excerpt
Karan Eleni-Excerpt
September 27
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae-Excerpt
Melanie Snitker, Author-Excerpt
In the Bookcase-Book Review
September 28
Keturah's Korner-Book Review and Author Interview
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Excerpt
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Why this story and theme?
September 29
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Wrap-up
