Romance Week Day 6: Cast party!

Song Stuck on the Brain: Everything I Do I Do It For You - Bryan Adams

Welcome to the last day of Romance Week hosted by the cast of Justice Burning and Dysfunction Junction! Every day this week different characters have shared their tips and ideas on how to have the sweetest and/or most romantic Valentine’s Day. It's been so much fun sharing this sweet holiday with all of you.

Today the cast is back for one last minute tip to ensure that tomorrow is the best Valentine's Day it can be.

Aidan McLeod

Keegan McLeod

 Aidan: What a great week. Valentine's Day was a difficult holiday for me after losing my wife, but rediscovering it through the eyes of my kids has changed the way I feel. Romance is wonderful, but love should be celebrated  with everyone - family, friends and co-workers.

Keegan: I agree, and as I learned last year, the gifts are fun - but it's the time spent with the one you care about that makes the time special. Of course, on that note guys (yes, I'm talking to you guys at the station) this is NOT an excuse to avoid any kind of gift at all. Loving someone means knowing them as a person. Give them a gift that suits them personally. 

Rissa Fuller

Rissa: Good advice, Keegan. Girls, if the guys can be satisfied with gifts given from the heart, so can we. Of course chocolates and cards and jewelry are awesome. Sometimes those gifts are possible and sometimes they're not. We can all spend this holiday looking deeper at our relationships and acknowledging to the one we love that, "Yes, I see you. I know what you like. I care about you enough to put time and effort into you. You are my Valentine."

Alexa: That is beautifully put, Rissa.

Ember McLeod

Ember: Yes; and after your help Alexa, I think Dad, Ash, Kindall and Cole are in for a great Valentine's Day supper.

Ash: Yes, thanks for that, Alexa. I don't think we could have handled her special Valentine's Day Chocolate Bar Chili.

Alexa Fehr

Ember: Hey! Remember, it's the gifts given with love that are best for the heart.

Ash: That may be, little Sis', but its how your gift affects my stomach that I was more concerned with.

Alexa: LOL. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, Ash. Ember's culinary skills are growing. 
Kianna: If anyone can make an amazing Valentine's Dinner, it's Alexa. She can Cook! Her food makes me sing. Maybe even deserves a song written about it...

Alexa: Oh, please! Whatever. Your love songs are better focused elsewhere. By the way, you and Ash came up with an awesome Romance Day playlist. I loved the Power Ballads.

Kianna: We had fun finding all the songs.

Ash McLeod

Ash: We were up until after 1 a.m. and I had to force her to stop. I think she's still sneaking songs on the list.

Kianna Ravencamp

Kianna: I am, but I know you are too. Just own it.

Ash: Okay, I admit, I can't leave it alone either.

Alexa: I'm having the same problem with the Romantic Meals pinterest board. I keep finding new meal ideas to add!

Hope: You are such a Pin-head!

Morgan: I do not think that word means what you think it means...

Hope Campbell

Hope: LOL! I meant she's addicted to Pinterest. But I can see you're a Princess Bride fan.

Morgan: I am. Couldn't pass up that opportunity, you just left it wide open.

Kianna: She does that a lot, Morgan. It's one of the things we love about her.

Morgan Daryl

Hope: Good, if you love me so much, how about sending me a friendship bouquet to remind me.

Rissa: I'd send you zinnias any day, Hope.

Keegan: Would you like a zinnia bouquet, Aidan?

Aidan: Sure, baby brother. Go ahead and buy me flowers, just be sure Emily's bouquet is better.

Keegan: Not a problem. This year I ignored the guys taunts and got in touch with my inner romantic. Thanks to everyone here, Emily is going to be blown away. 

Kianna: Aww, that's sweet. I hope everyone here has an amazing day. LOVE to you all.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Don't forget to enter the Valentine's Day Super Romance Giveaway for a last chance to win 1 of 3 prize bundles! Winners will be announced Sunday, February, 14, 2015.

To enter, simply fill out the entry form below and complete at least one option to be entered. Complete additional options for extra entries. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Connect with Hope and her girlfriends on their Pinterest pages! Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Kianna Ravencamp on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Alexa Fehr on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Hope Campbell on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Carissa Fuller on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Independence, MO - Hometown Lowdown on Pinterest.

Looking for more romance and excitement? 

Be sure to visit Susanne Matthews at Living the Dream to read more about her Romantic Suspense The Harvester Series. A sensual romantic suspense series that will take you "From the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska..." 

Love beyond this world? For something out of the ordinary, try A.B. Funkhauser's Award Winning post mortem mortuary romance complete with happy ending! HEUER LOST AND FOUND 

Visit Author Mary Ann Cortez at her blog The Write Place and enter to WIN an autographed copy of First Love anthology and a bookmark with heart charm. 

That magic moment for a teen. The realization that the person you’ve liked is a little more than a friend. Chance meetings. Old friendships. Even a social media post. These can all lead to that first love. Solstice Publishing is proud to present First Love, a Summer Solstive Valentine's Day Anthology.

Romance Week Day 2: The Ultimate Love Song Play List

Song Stuck on the Brain: Lady by Kenny Rogers.

Welcome to Romance Week hosted by the cast of Justice Burning and Dysfunction Junction! Every day this week different characters will be sharing their tips and ideas on how to have the sweetest and/or most romantic Valentine’s Day.

There is also a contest to win 1 of 3 prize packs containing books and music. Be sure to check out the contest and enter at the bottom of the post.

Today, we welcome firefighter Ash McLeod from Justice Burning, book 1 in the Heroes in Justice Series and Kianna Ravencamp from Dysfunction Junction, book 1 in the Dream Big Series. 

Trisha Yearwood, my cast as Kianna Ravencamp

Welcome Ash, it's nice to meet you. This is your first time to guest host on the blog, isn't it?
Yeah, it's nice to finally meet you, Kianna. I've heard a lot about you. 
All good, I hope? 
Oh, just that you're a fantastic song writer on the verge of her big break. Which I have to say is very cool. I'm a major music junkie. 
Wow, thanks. I'm still working on my song craft, but I always love hanging with another music junkie. I hear we've been tasked with creating the ULTIMATE play list for Valentine's Day. Think you're up for the challenge?
Firefighters are always up for a challenge. Do you have 8 hours to spend creating this list? Because that would just be a start.
Don't I know it! I think we should put all our top favorites in a YouTube Play list.
That's a good start, but you have to know your audience to know how to craft the best play list. 
Oh-ho! Listen to you get all technical! I love it. Okay, so what categories of play lists should we go with?

Jesse Metcalfe, my cast as Ash McLeod

Country music is big around here in Justice. And you have to have a list of classics like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. They're in a special class of their own. 
Really? I'm surprised you like the classics. You have good taste, I think we're going to get along well. We should include the modern retro artists too, like Michael Buble and Norah Jones. Plus, I think there should be a Power Ballad list and a list of Current Pop hits. 
Okay, pop quiz: I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston? 
I have to choose? Can't I say both and put them in two categories?
I see that our list is going to be especially long...
Oh come on, there are a lot of great versions of the same song. Like, The Power of Love is an amazing song. I love Huey Lewis and The News version, but then Celine Dion blows it away too.
So we'll include both when we can't agree on who's is better? 
Deal!

10 Country Sparkin' Songs
*How Do I Live Without You - Trisha Yearwood
*Amazed - Lonestar
*Breathe - Faith Hill
*I Swear - John Michael Montgomery
*It's Your Love - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
*When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss
*I Cross My Heart - George Strait
*To Make You Love Me - Garth Brooks
*Everything to Me - Brad Paisley
*Soulmate - Josh Turner
(Nice title, Kianna...)

10 Classic Crooners
*I've Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra
*Cheek to Cheek - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
*Sway - Dean Martin
*My Funny Valentine - Etta James
*'Til The End Of Time  - Perry Como
*When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban
*Home - Michael Buble
*It Had to Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.
*Unforgettable - Natalie Cole with Nat "King" Cole
*The Nearness of You - Norah Jones

10 Power Ballads
*I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore - REO Speedwagon
*Everything I Do I Do It For You - Bryan Adams
*I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
*I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
*Faithfully - Journey
*Making Love Out of Nothing At All - Air Supply
*You're The Inspiration - Chicago
*Open Arms - Journey
*Take My Breath Away - Berlin
*Glory of Love - Peter Cetera

10 Modern Love Songs
*A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
*All Of Me - John Legend
*Still Into You - Paramore
*No One - Alicia Keyes
*This I Promise You - NSYNC
*Marry You - Bruno Mars
*One and Only - Adele
*Now Comes the Night - Rob Thomas
*I Do Cherish You - 98 degrees
*I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

There are still so many we haven't put on a list! 
How about a few hidden gems?

10 Noteworthy Numbers
*How Deep Is Your Love - BeeGees
*I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
*With Arms Wide Open - Creed
*You'll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins
*I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
*My Girl - The Temptations
*Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
*Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
*I See The Light - Peter Hollens & Evynne Hollens
*If - Bread

Well, there's 50 songs to get everyone started on creating the right play list for their sweetheart. There are soooo many more I'm sure this will just be the spark people need to help them remember all the great songs they love.
Sparks are not a fireman's friend, but in this case, I'm happy to help start the fire. Remember when creating a play list to consider the message the song conveys and use that to tell your Valentine exactly what you can't say in your own words. Music crosses many barriers and speaks to all souls. 
My, your waters run deep, Ash McLeod. How do you keep all the girls away?
Deep waters, hmm, who knew? My turnout gear must keep it in check. Thanks for swapping songs with me. Happy Valentine's Day, Kianna.
Thanks, handsome, Happy Valentine's to you too. I'll swap songs with you anytime. 

See the FULL list of 152 videos/songs on the YouTube Romance Week Love Song Playlist
Don't forget to enter the Valentine's Day Super Romance Giveaway for a chance to win 1 of 3 prize bundles! Be sure to share this with all your friends and loved ones too, who knows it just might make your day!

To enter, simply fill out the entry form below and complete at least one option to be entered. Complete additional options for extra entries. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Connect with Kianna and her girlfriends on their Pinterest pages! Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Kianna Ravencamp on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Alexa Fehr on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Hope Campbell on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Dysfunction Junction: Carissa Fuller on Pinterest.
Follow April's board Independence, MO - Hometown Lowdown on Pinterest.

Looking for more romance and excitement? 

Be sure to visit Susanne Matthews at Living the Dream to read more about her Romantic Suspense The Harvester Series. A sensual romantic suspense series that will take you "From the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska..." 

Love beyond this world? For something out of the ordinary, try A.B. Funkhauser's Award Winning post mortem mortuary romance complete with happy ending! HEUER LOST AND FOUND 

Visit Author Mary Ann Cortez at her blog The Write Place and enter to WIN an autographed copy of First Love anthology and a bookmark with heart charm. 

That magic moment for a teen. The realization that the person you’ve liked is a little more than a friend. Chance meetings. Old friendships. Even a social media post. These can all lead to that first love. Solstice Publishing is proud to present First Love, a Summer Solstive Valentine's Day Anthology.

CFBA: Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley

Song Stuck on the Brain: You Are by Colton Dixon
 

 



This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:   Scorned Justice Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013) by   Margaret Daley
MY TAKE:

Margaret Daley is back with her third installment in the super-charged Men of the Texas Rangers series. In fact, super-charged just barely does this justice. The suspense, action, danger and mystery is bigger than the state of Texas. Cattle rustling doesn't seem all that life threatening, but stir in organized crime and a family looking for revenge and the story becomes much more graphic.

And I do mean graphic. Not in a gratuitous way, but these crimes are real and they're presented as real without the sugar coating often used to soften the edges for readers. It's true to life with just enough of a peek inside to really see the evil that's driving these events. Which, of course, drove me up the wall wondering, "Who did this?!?"

That answer shocked me to my toes. I didn't see it coming. At all. Not even a little bit. Yet once the truth is known, it all makes sense. This is the kind of suspense and story telling that keeps me coming back for more from Margaret Daley. The romance is great, I wouldn't want the story without it, it makes the grittiness all worth while. But the adrenaline rush that runs along side it on every page - that's what makes it super-charged.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody's help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. However, as Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence which involves cattle rustlers, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Scorned Justice, go HERE.

To see my review for Shattered Silence, book 2 in the series, click HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret was the president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of Christia writers with over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

Sillyness - It's contagious

Song Stuck on the Brain: What isn't stuck today? LF Syndrome is in high gear. I feel like someone took the rack of songs in my head and spun it so hard random songs are flying out left and right. I woke up singing Adele's Set Fire to the Rain, since then I've sung multiple odds and ends. Most recently the Tigger song... The most wonderful thing about Tiggers, are Tiggers are wonderful things... That of course led to... Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, Chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff...


In keeping with the silly crazy stuff that's been floating like Styrofoam flotsam on my brain, I saw this video on Kaye Dacus blog. She found it on Jenny B. Jones blog. It's hysterical and must be shared. I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one feeling a little silly today.

Simply Sweet Hymns of Faith CD by Melinda Hawley

My friend, Melinda Hawley, has recorded a CD of hymns done in a lullaby style. It's so beautiful it gave me goosebumps. I had to share it with all of you. You can hear samples on Amazon.com, where you can also purchase it as an MP3 download or a CD.

Simply Sweet Hymns of Faith

CFBA: Rebel by Linda Windsor

Song Stuck on the Brain: Lady Keith's Lament by Connie Dover

Because I'm in the mood to pull out all my Celtic music.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing: RebelDavid C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2012) by Linda Windsor

MY TAKE:

WOW. Just WOW. That is the only word I can think of that sums up my whole review. Of course, one word isn't enough, so let me try again. :)

I was drawn to Rebel when I saw the title listed, but when I saw it was 3rd in a series, I had to read it's predecessors, Healer and Thief first. How did I miss these when they were released? I'm just glad I've found them now.

If you've followed my blog long enough, then you know I'm a huge Celtic history fan. Our family roots trace back to the Alexander 6th Laird of Drum, Irvine Clan born 1476 Aberdeenshire Scotland. I don't share that so much as a way to brag (okay, not TOO  much...) but to show how serious I am about my Celtic history. SO when I say Linda Windsor did an amazing job with her research, maybe you'll believe me.

It's not just the historically accurate dress or language. Or the politics between kings and the different tribes fighting over control of Scotland. That's all there in bigger than life, so real you can taste it, full technicolor glory. Most impressive is it's spiritual strength and message. She's not afraid to take on the darker issues like spiritual warfare, forgiveness on par with 70 times 7, and showing our human nature as the sinful creation we are. Then, she shines the hope and joy that comes from salvation in Jesus Christ like a bright beacon across it all. Winning pagans and weakened Christians alike back from their mistakes into the love Jesus offers. And it's not pat or neat or condescending.

These characters come to life as they fight to keep the truth of the Christian faith alive. The explanation of the original Celtic church and how it was founded is eye opening, especially for those who would be tempted into the new age craze that leads to worship of creation itself, rather than the Creator who made it all.

Fantastic series, I can't even begin to say who much I loved it. Romance, action, heart, loyalty, fierce battles and miracles that draw hearts to God. Amazing.

I'm going to go download her other Celtic series now.
ABOUT THE BOOK:

With Merlin dead, the succession undecided, and the Celtic church on the defensive from Rome, intrigue sweeps the court of the High King Arthur. But it’s battlefield news that consumes Queen Gwenhyfar’s young scribe, Kella O’Toole: her fiancé is dead and her father gone missing.

Determined to find him at all costs, Kella defies the queen’s orders and sets out for Pictish territory. Her foster brother Alyn, a disillusioned priest who questions his calling, agrees to help her. The journey itself is perilous. But it’s their secrets that land Kella and Alyn in a viper’s nest of treachery that threatens both their lives and the future of Albion.

Can they summon the love and faith they need to find their way not only out of danger, but into happiness? Brilliantly researched, vividly imagined, and movingly written—a memorable climax to the Brides of Alba series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rebel, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda Windsor makes her home at a restored and "growing" late 18th century home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Above the Windsor front door hangs a sign saying "Fort Necke, assigned 1684, established 1830," which means the land grant is older than the current building. She purposely left off the ageing brought on by the restoration to her mind and body - not enough space to accommodate the number. Chronologically, she admits to celebrating another birthday, just like the rest of us, each year on July 8th -- which also happens to be the anniversary of the day the Liberty Bell cracked.

Amid the often chaotic "country inn" atmosphere, Windsor has written quite a collection of historical and contemporary romances as both Linda Windsor and Linda Covington. Windsor's historical novels are known for her distinctive voice and flair for incorporating history with romance and adventure, while her contemporary romantic comedies are guaranteed to warm the heart, lift the spirit, and tickle the funny bone. Windsor insists that nothing is more entertaining than life itself, be it past or present.

With a degree in education from her local university, one of the greatest rewards to the innate teacher in Linda was hearing from readers that her Irish Gleannmara series was approved for some middle school English book reports as well as being used in home-schooling. To Windsor, entertaining, or keeping the pages turning, while educating is as much as any historical novelist can ask for.

What would the stethescope play for you?

A friend sent me this video and I loved it. It's a commercial, but you probably won't be able to guess what it's advertising until the very end. Be sure and watch to the end, it really made me smile.

83 Live and Counting

Song Stuck on the Brain: Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland Angel and I taped the CMA awards and watched them tonight. We grew up on country music and I still enjoy it. Watching the performances had me remembering the live concerts I've seen in the past. If you've been a follower of my blog, than you probably already know that I'm a huge music fan. Live music is one of the greatest "highs" you can experience. The better the music, the happier I am. Over the years, I've seen a lot of live performances. It went hand and hand with our travel. Every vacation revolved around music in some way. I loved it. Unfortunately, I don't get to travel like I used to. But every once in a while it's fun to take a trip down memory lane to relive those shows. I decided to create a complete list of everyone I've seen preform live. It took some doing. Starting with my very first concert at age 11 (Garth Brooks), to my most recent concert (a Red, White and Boom festival that Maroon 5 headlined). Each show has it's special moments, and I would be hard pressed to choose my favorite, but B.B. King live at his own theater on Beale Street in Memphis would probably win. It's all in how you categorize them: Person I'd most want to duet with? Kenny Rogers. Best live show? N'Sync - especially the Ames, IA show. Craziest crowd? Hoobastank and Incubus. Best live musicians? Keith Urban and Rob Thomas. The list could go on... So here is my list, in alphabetical order. I may have missed a few, but for now the count stands at 83 performers. (Some I've seen multiple times, others were part of group festivals, so I can't say how many concerts I've attended.) What are your best concert memories? Can you name all your live shows? 

Musicians I’ve seen Live:

1. 3LW 

2. B.B. King 

3. Bare Naked Ladies 

4. Beach Boys 

5. Black Eyed Peas 

6. Bow Wow 

7. Branson Brothers 

8. Brother John 

9. Cherie 

10. Christina Aguilera 

11. Christina Milian 

12. Clay Aiken 

13. Dante Thomas 

14. Deborah Gibson 

15. Destiny’s Child 

16. Dream 

17. Eden’s Crush 

18. Eric Church 

19. Eve 

20. Fernando Ortega 

21. Five For Fighting 

22. Garth Brooks 

23. Glen Campbell 

24. Hoobastank 

25. Incubus 

26. J.C. Chasez 

27. Jessica Simpson 

28. Jim Stafford 

29. JoJo 

30. Josh Gracin 

31. Joy Williams 

32. Justin Timberlake 

33. Keith Urban 

34. Kelly Clarkson 

35. Kenny Rogers 

36. Kimberly Locke 

37. Lee Greenwood 

38. Little Big Town 

39. Liz Phair

40. Louise Mandrel 

41. Maroon 5 

42. Matchbox 20 

43. Meredith Edwards 

44. Michelle Branch 

45. Moe Bandy 

46. N’Sync 

47. Nelly 

48. Nelly Furtado 

49. Newsboys 

50. O’Town 

51. Oak Ridge Boys 

52. Osmond Second Generation 

53. Phillips, Craig & Dean 

54. Rachel Lampa 

55. Ray Boltz 

56. Ray Stevens 

57. Richard Marx 

58. Rob Thomas 

59. Rod Stewart 

60. Ronnie Milsap 

61. Samantha Mumba 

62. Sawyer Brown

63. Sean P. Diddy Combs 

64. Seven Nations 

65. Smash Mouth 

66. Sonic Flood 

67. Stacy Orrico 

68. Sticks of Thunder 

69. Stomp 

70. SugaBabes 

71. Sugar Ray 

72. SuperChick 

73. Switchfoot 

74. Tech N9ne 

75. The Calling 

76. The Martins 

77. The Osmonds 

78. The Platters 

79. Third Day 

80. Toby Mac 

81. Tony Lucca 

82. True Vibe 

83. Zoe Girl

CFBA: The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

Song Stuck on the Brain: That Should Be Me by Justin Bieber Feat. Rascall Flatts

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


The CaregiverAvon Inspire; Original edition (March 8, 2011)


by


Shelley Shepard Gray


I didn't request to review this book, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it yourself.




ABOUT THE BOOK:

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to cleveland

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Caregiver, go HERE.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.

CFBA: Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson

Song Stuck on the Brain: You Are More by Tenth Avenue North

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Hearts AglowBethany House (March 1, 2011)

by

Tracie Peterson

I didn't choose to review this book, but I wanted to share the information with all of you. If you've read this book, let me know what you thought.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.

A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.

But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher's family? Is there hope for the two of them...or will Jake Wyeth's attentions finally catch Deborah's eye instead?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books

CFBA: Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace & Mitali Perkins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Pat-A-Pan by David Archuleta. My new fav Christmas song.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


Emily of Deep Valley
Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint edition (October 12, 2010)

by

Mitali Perkins

and

Maud Hart Lovelace

MY TAKE:

How did I miss these books growing up? I read all the great classics from the original Nancy Drew to Mary Poppins. Little House on the Prairie to Pippi Longstockings. I devoured the entire young adult and middle grade reader section in my town's library. I'm glad that I was given a second chance to meet Emily. Maud Hart Lovelace was a great writer. I enjoy her style and characters. It's not just a modern author's look at history. It's a fun peek into the past with authenticity that can't be created from our day and age's research. So much fun. I look forward to reading more.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Often cited as Maud Hart Lovelace’s (of Betsy-Tacy fame) best novel, Emily of Deep Valley is now back in print, with a new foreword by acclaimed young adult author Mitali Perkins and new archival material about the characters’ real lives.

Emily Webster, an orphan living with her grandfather, is not like the other girls her age in Deep Valley, Minnesota. The gulf between Emily and her classmates widens even more when they graduate from Deep Valley High School in 1912. Emily longs to go off to college with everyone else, but she can’t leave her grandfather. Emily resigns herself to facing a “lost winter,” but soon decides to stop feeling sorry for herself. And with a new program of study, a growing interest in the Syrian community, and a handsome new teacher at the high school to fill her days, Emily gains more than she ever dreamed...

In addition to her beloved Betsy-Tacy books, Maud Hart Lovelace wrote three more stories set in the fictional town of Deep Valley: Winona’s Pony Cart, Carney’s House Party and Emily of Deep Valley. Longtime fans and new readers alike will be delighted to find the Deep Valley books available again for the first time in many years.

If you would like to browse inside Emily of Deep Valley, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

A word from Mitali: Who In The World Is Mitali Perkins?

That's a good question. I've been trying to figure it out myself, spending most of my life crossing borders.

I was born Mitali Bose in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, and always tried to live up to my name—which means “friendly” in the Bangla language. I had to! Because my family moved so much, it was the only way I could make new friends.

By the time I was 11, I'd lived in Ghana, Cameroon, London, New York and Mexico before settling in California just in time for middle school. Yep, I was the new kid again, in seventh grade, the year everybody barely makes it through.

My biggest lifeline during those early years was story. Books were my rock, my stability, my safe place as I navigated the border between California suburbia and the Bengali culture of my traditional home.

After studying political science at Stanford and public policy at U.C. Berkeley, I taught in middle school, high school and college. When I began to write fiction, my protagonists were often—not surprisingly—strong female characters trying to bridge different cultures.

Mitali Perkins is the author of several books for young people, including SECRET KEEPER (Random House), MONSOON SUMMER (Random House), RICKSHAW GIRL (Charlesbridge), and the FIRST DAUGHTER books (Dutton).


Maud Hart Lovelace was born on April 25, 1892 in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the middle of three children born to Thomas and Stella (Palmer) Hart. Her sister Kathleen was three years older, and her sister Helen was six years younger. “That dear family�? was the model for the fictional Ray family.

Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center. Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family�? moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly. Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.

CFBA: Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller

Song Stuck on the Brain: Hawai'i '78 by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Long Time ComingAbingdon Press (November 1, 2010)

by

Vanessa Miller



MY TAKE:

I didn't opt in on this book this month. Unfortunately, it was only available as an e-book for reviewers and at the moment, I don't have an e-reader. I'm posting the info anyway, because it did look interesting and I wanted to share it with all of you. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read the book.



ABOUT THE BOOK:


Two women from different worlds find hope together.

Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty all her life. She has three children by three different men and has just been diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer.

While the meeting between these two women appears accidental, it becomes their catalyst of hope. Neither woman expects the blessing that God has in store for her. While Deidre will guide Kenisha on the path to eternal life with Jesus Christ, Kenisha will teach Deidre how to stand strong against the hard-knocks of life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Long Time Coming, go HERE



Watch the book video:







ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.

Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.

To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

CFBA: Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler

Song Stuck on the Brain: Hurricane by Angela Hope Taylor

Angela is one of my very best friends. I'm so proud of her. Here is her latest song. Enjoy!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


Hatteras GirlBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)


by


Alice Wisler


MY TAKE:

Hatteras Girl took me by surprise with it's unique and memorable characters and new look at romance and finding the One. I really enjoyed the humor and setting. Jackie's relatives crack me up, I think in a lot of ways we all have family members like this, it's just seldom that we see them through someone else's eyes. Jackie's journey to find love and fulfill her dreams was fun and eye-opening.

Alice Wisler did a great job of presenting the true feelings we experience when we want something so bad, we forget to ask God if it's really good for us or if He wants us to have it. Or the way we struggle with accepting the truth when we see it. Hatteras Girl is funny, quirky and compelling. A very good read.

ABOUT THE BOOK:


There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Facts about Alice

* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years

* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy

* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University

* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia

* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines

* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan

* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache

* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven

* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09

CFBA: A Very Private Grave by Donna Fletcher Crow

Song Stuck on the Brain: If You Have Faith by Brother John

I love this song, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Today was a day I really needed the reminder of His promises. The song ran through my head all day.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
A Very Private GraveMonarch Books (August 1, 2010)

by

Donna Fletcher Crow




MY TAKE:

This is such a unique and exciting new view of mystery suspense. It reminded me a little of Stephen R. Lawhead with the detail involved in the research of St. Cuthbert's history. Sometimes in-depth detail into historical tails like this fall flat when mixed with a fast paced modern mystery, but Ms. Crow handled it beautifully. I found myself anxiously waiting for more historical details, just as much as I wanted to know the identity of the killer. The answers to the mystery don't come easy either and it's fun to feel as if you're in the process of solving it along with Antony and Felicity.

Despite a few theological issues that are brought up that I don't fully agree with, I didn't find that they kept me from enjoying the novel, and in fact found it really intriguing to see 'inside another world' so to speak, and understand how other Christian factions both differ and agree with one another.

The characters were fresh, uniquely flawed and heroic in their own way, and completely engaging. I look forward to the sequel.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Felicity Howard, a young American studying for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Transfiguration in Yorkshire, is devastated when she finds her beloved Fr. Dominic bludgeoned to death and Fr. Antony, her church history lecturer, soaked in his blood.

Following the cryptic clues contained in a poem the dead man had pressed upon her minutes before his death, she and Fr. Antony—who is wanted for questioning by the police—flee the monastery to seek more information about Fr. Dominic and end up in the holy island of Lindisfarne, former home of Saint Cuthbert.

Their quest leads them into a dark puzzle...and considerable danger.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of A Very Private Grave, go HERE.



Watch the book video:




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for "Best Inspirational Novel" from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group and Sisters in Crime. Find out more at http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/.

Endorsements:

"History and mystery and murders most foul keep the pages turning ... A fascinating read." –Liz Curtis Higgs, bestelling author of Thorn in My Heart

“A Knickerbocker Glory of a thriller, a sweeping, page-turning quest served up with dollops of Church history and lashings of romance. Donna Fletcher Crow has created her own niche within the genre of clerical mysteries.” – Kate Charles, author of Deep Waters

“As in Glastonbury, Donna Fletcher Crow’s descriptions of the English and Scottish settings in her new mystery are drawn with real artistry. Lovers of British history and church history will be impressed by her grasp of both.”—Sally Wright, Edgar Award finalist and author of the Ben Reese Mysteries