ON A WESTERN TRAIL

HEART OF GOLD by Robin Lee Hatcher

2012-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Heart of Gold

The truest treasure is found deep in the heart.

Back in her beloved Virginia, Shannon Adairloved nursing injured soldiers back to health. But in Grand Coeur, Idaho-therough-and-tumble place where her father has been called to lead thechurch - she's not sure where she fits in.

Then a critically ill woman arrives,and Shannon knows her place at last: to care for this dear woman and ease herpain.

Matthew Dubois is the fastest and most reliablestagecoach driver on Wells Fargo's payroll. But his widowed sister is dying andhe's about to inherit his young nephew. So he takes a job at the Wells Fargoexpress office in Grand Coeur until he can find the one thing he needs to getback to driving: a wife to care for the boy.

What neither of them knows is that God is atwork behind the scenes-and is lovingly bringing them together to discover thetrue desires of their hearts.

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About the Author:

Robin Lee Hatcher

Best-selling novelist Robin LeeHatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith,courage, and love. She discovered her vocation after many years of readingeverything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes andketchup bottles. The winner of the Idahope Writer of the Year, the ChristyAward for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for BestInspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance andInspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is theauthor of 65 novels and novellas. Her historical romance Catching Katie wasnamed one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with herfamily, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that makeher cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, andseveral nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater ofthe Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying plays under the stars. Her main hobby(when time allows) is knitting, and she has a special love for making prayershawls.

Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise,sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance Papillon, and Princess Pinky, theDC (demon cat).

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A Note from Robin:

ONLINE PARTY!

Please join me on Thursday,February 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) for an online partyto celebrate the release of Heart of Gold, a Women of Faith™ novel!

We will be gathering on myFacebook page https://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher underthe Notes section to get to know each other better (look for the link in theleft sidebar of my wall, click it, then click the link to the party which willbe the top Note listed).

I will be sharing behind the scenes stories and afavorite recipe. If you have a recipe to share, please have it ready! (For abetter understanding of how the party works and a list of all the prizes,please read the information on the Event page https://www.facebook.com/events/185357471546685/)

I’ll also be hosting drawingsfor autographed copies of the book and other prizes with ties to Idaho and thestory. We’ll have a party game with a grand prize of a Kindle Touch loaded withmy two Women of Faith™ novels, The Perfect Life and Heart of Gold!I'll also be announcing an exciting new contest during the evening.

Please share this informationwith your friends. The more who come to the party the merrier!

I’m looking forward to minglingonline with all of you! Please be sure to calculate the correct time zone foryou. If you need help, use: www.timezoneconverter.com

In the grip of His grace,

Robin LeeHatcher

Faith.Courage. Love.

Web Site: http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Blog: http://blog.robinleehatcher.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher

"Robin Lee Hatcher is one of myfavorite authors, and Heart of Gold was another can't-put-it-down story. I loved it and am sure youwill too."–– Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Which Robin Lee Hatcher book have you read before?

WATCH FOR THE FRAYED CINCH

2012-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

By Stephen Bly

Pete’s quite a talker, so his friends avoid him if theydon’t have hours to spare for a chat. But I made the mistake ofasking, “How’s Ernie doing?”

Pete’s wife’s brother visited for Christmas andnever left. Pete hauled him everywhere.

“Well, I’ll tell ya,” Pete began, “Ifigured his cinch was getting mighty frayed, so I sent him on his way.”

That stirred a long diatribe, until Ifinally made my escape. But my mind got stuck the rest of the day on that oldcowboy phrase.

When a man’s cinch gets frayed, he’s worn out his welcome. Infact, the Old West boasted a whole gunny sack full of phrases to describe anunwanted guest.

He was “as welcome as a polecat at a picnic.”

Or shewas “as appreciated as a rattler in a prairie dog town.”

Or “folks go ‘round‘em like a swamp.”

You might think that smacks againstwestern hospitality. Wasn’t it the practice to offer a man a meal and a place to sleep?

Yep.

But that included one supper. . .onenight’s rest. . .and one breakfast. After that, a man either worked for hiskeep or rode on over the hill.

That’s not too different from biblicalhospitality: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule,” said St.Paul, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

This didn’t apply to the truly needy, like widows ororphans. They could most often receive support. But all others -- whether agrown child, your neighbor, a relative or a stranger riding through -- had to gather their own goods. You worked for your room andboard.

It was the Code.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you find it difficult or easy to offer hospitality to folks you don't know all that well?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot

Coming March 2012 -- hardback & ebook
Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot

by Stephen Bly (1944-2011)

Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair.

It's 1905.

Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Do they tell what really happened & risk a dangerous man's wrath?
Meanwhile, Brannon searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend & grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a charity celebrity tournament.

Paperback edition releases August 2012.

DELIVER ME

2012-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

View from hospital window

Janet Chester Bly

Days at the hospital melt into a blur.

Every day stirs a hope, then ends in fatigue.

Then the doctor says, “There’s nothing more we can do.”

God thrives in a tense waiting room or crisis clinic. Orwhen you’re on the run.

Prayer’s the main weapon you possess when you’re fightingfor personal peace.

At the moment you say, “There’s a limit to what I canendure,” that’s when God’s power shines best.

Sometimes you need a buddy, a partner who can come alongsideand help you stretch your limits, to hang in there until something that makessense prevails.

But there’s situations when you must crash alone. Hole up ina closet. Curl up in a cocoon.

“Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted torole-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace”(Matthew 6:6 THEMESSAGE).

Whether with a friend or in a group. Or alone. You can presson. You can steady your determination with total focus on divine help. Whenyou’re faced with pure grim, keep a grip until peace enlightens the dungeon ofdepression. Or the guillotine of guilt. Or the bastion of bitter gall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When was your last tense waiting room or crisis clinicexperience? How long did it take for the power of prayer to kick in?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot

COMING MARCH 2012:

Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot

by Stephen Bly (1944-2011)

Finishing Dad’s novel was a family affair.

Book blurb:
It's 1905. Twoorphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Do theytell what really happened & risk a dangerous man's wrath? Meanwhile,Brannon searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend & grapples with thegame of golf on behalf of a charity celebrity tournament.

Available in hardback & ebook.
Paperback edition release August 2012.

GOTTA HIGH-TAIL IT OUTA HERE

2012-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Stephen Bly

Once when I was in downtown Chicago, I noticed an old boygiving a café cashier a tough time. He refused to pay for his supper. Shoutsand curses flew both directions. Then, a police car pulled up front. The manbolted through a swinging door into the kitchen. When the policeman entered,the cook shouted, “He high-tailed it out the back door!”

I don’t know if they ever caught the man, but I very muchdoubt if any of those Chicagoans, including the citified cook, ever saw athousand pound cow who chews her cud in peace one minute, then shoots her tailin the air and takes off on a dead 30mph run down a canyon or draw.

High-tailing. . .a good cowboy term that’s been loaned outto the world. It means to depart all of a sudden, without ceremony. In the OldWest, if you high-tailed away from a band of bushwhackers or out of a swollenarroyo or flash flood, that’s common sense.

The Bible says certain situations require you to high-tailit outa here. . .when a red flag’s raised or when your very up close andpersonal selfish greed’s about to get goosed. You can be sure it’s a scam of the enemy.

“Oh, Timothy,” St. Paul says, “you are God’s man. Run from allthese evil things and work instead at what is right and good, learning to trustHim and love others .... ” (I Timothy 6:11 TLB).

Scenes confront you when it's not the moment to dally around, waiting to get roped in or tangledin the brush. Figure out when’s the right time to run.

Stephen Bly's Stetson at Winchester Community Church

Have you ever high-tailed it and saved yourself a whole lot of grief?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot

Coming soon. . .

March 2012 IN HARDBACK & EBOOK:

StuartBrannon: The Final Shot

PAPERBACK VERSION AVAILABLE: AUGUST 2012

LA BELLE CHRISTIANE, a novel by Lyn Cote

2011-12-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

La Belle Christiane

Can thebeautiful daughter of a French courtesan find a love that lasts for a lifetime?

In the early1770's, Christiane Pelletier, an extraordinarily beautiful young woman, is nextin a line of courtesans who have been favorites at the French court during thereigns of two monarchs. Yet she longs to be the beloved wife of one man, not alovely piece of human art passed from one noble to another. And the winds ofchange are sweeping Europe.

After hermother's violent murder, Christiane flees France with her renegade father. Inthe Canadian wilderness, she survives the shock of leaving a life of wealth andprivilege. To escape frontier violence, she moves southward only to becomeinvolved in the burgeoning American Revolution. Daughter of a French courtesanto frontier wife to companion of Lady Washington, Christiane moves into theheart of the American rebel elite. But one man in her life can never beforgotten. Once he was her friend. Now he has become her enemy. Will he becomeher destiny? Only God knows.

First page excerpt

Chapter One

British Canada,July 1774

Tonight, I’ll lie beside some stranger ashis wife. Christianeblinked away the bright morning sunlight but could not blink away the dread.Once again she had embarked on another journey that would change her life. Shesat between her Algonquin father Shaw-nee-awk-kee and his son in a birch barkcanoe. To the rhythm of the dipping paddles, they were gliding farther down theOttawa River. In the cramped space, she hugged her knees to herself and pressedher forehead against her tattered skirt.

She glancedsideways into the remorseless current, wishing for time, for control. Butinstead, the river, shimmering with molten sunlight, gave her glimmers of thepast--candlelight on silver, soft lace against skin, frosting on the tip of thetongue. But she’d fled France with her father, here to Canada and then. . . Shethrust all thoughts of the past year aside. She had to face today. Tonight, I’ll be some stranger’s wife.

The thought brought fear, a rush of sensation—as ifthe bottom of the canoe, her protection, parted, and she was plunged into thecool water. She fought her way to the surface of this feeling, gasping for air,pushing down panic. She pressed her face harder against her knees. I will not shame myself. Ever.

The Story Behind Lyn Cote Self-PublishingLa Belle Christiane

When I began writingmy first manuscript, I literally ran after my two toddlers with a clipboard inmy hand and wrote whenever they paused! I wrote that story without knowinganything about writing or marketing fiction. In fact, I told myself just towrite the book and then I'd think about polishing and marketing it. The thoughtof that was overwhelming at that time. It took me three years of writing tofinish my first manuscript-1,000 handwritten pages. Whew!

I found out thatwhile it garnered interest from agents and editors, it never found a publisher.I think that's because there are "unwritten" rules for inspirationalfiction and I didn't know them or follow them. I still think it's a good storyand I've revised it and improved it once more. And now it's FINALLY availablein digital and print. I did this because I didn't want it to sit ignored in myfiles forever. So now I'll let the readers decide whether it deserved to bepublished or not. I hope you agree with me and let others know about it.Thanks.-- Lyn

ABOUT AUTHOR LYN COTE

An award-winningauthor of both contemporary and historical inspirational romance, LYN COTE hasbeen a 2006 RITA finalist as well as a finalist for the HOLT Medallion and theNational Readers Choice Award, and in 2011 a winner of the prestigious AmericanChristian Fiction Writer's CAROL Award. Lyn lives with her husband and fourcats in the northwoods of Wisconsin. http://www.BooksbyLynCote.com

Purchase Links

To buy a printcopy: https://www.createspace.com/3669135

For a discountcode for $3 off $15.99 print edition, go to http://LynCote.netand click Contact and email Lyn.

For Digital Editions

For KindleReaders link http://amzn.to/neGyOP

For All Other Ereaders such as the Nookpurchase link

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92021

10 GIVENS OF CHRISTMAS

2011-12-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

Stephen Bly

Emmanuel: “God with us”

What does that mean?

It signifies that . . .

1) God is notagainst you (Romans 8:31 ff).

2) You are neveralone (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

3) You’d better toethe line (John 14:20, Ephesians 4:30).

4) You have instant,available help (John 15:16).

5) You are not theone in charge (Philippians 2:13).

6) You cannot chasehim away (John 15).

7) There is someonemore important than you to consider (Luke 22:42).

8) You are where theaction is (Matthew 1:18-25).

9) He is closeduring tough times (Acts 7:55).

10) Everything in your life will turn out okay(Revelation 21:4).

What special marvel about the Christmas story do you contemplate this year?

MISTLETOE MAYHEM, Christmas novella by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

2011-12-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

Season of Danger Anthology

Mistletoe Mayhem

by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Novella in Season of Danger anthology

Love Inspired Romantic Suspense

A romance-shy veterinarian and a widowed health inspectorhunt the killer who used mistletoe extract to poison pets and people in aTennessee mountain town.

After being jilted by her fiancé, Kelly Granger buries herbroken heart in her work as a veterinarian in her home town of Abbottsville,Tennessee, located in the Great Smoky Mountains. She and her assistant, TimHallock, battle to save community pets from a violent and mysterious illness.Is this sickness a danger to humans? Her question is answered when state healthinspector Matt Bennett is sent to investigate local eating establishments,including Kelly’s sister’s restaurant, for the cause of poisoning among thepatrons. Kelly refuses to believe that her sister served toxic mistletoeextract to her customers—yet mounting evidence points in that direction. Kellyputs herself in harm’s way, facing down a vicious dog and even more vicious people,to uncover a common denominator between the human and animal illnesses. Matthas his hands full keeping up with her, as well as proving himself worthy ofher trust—and hopefully, her love. Unless she has her heart set on herveterinary assistant, Tim Hallock. The question won’t matter if hisinvestigation sends Kelly’s sister to jail. She’ll never have anything to dowith him then. They need to uncover the truth. But will the answer cost themmore than their romance? Will it cost them their lives?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Available at fine bookstores everywhere, plus outlets atWalmart and Target, as well as on-line bookstores.

For more information and a chance to win a signed copy ofthe book, drop by http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com”target=”new”>jillelizabethnelson.com.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444699/jillelizabeth-20CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

ABOUT JILL ELIZABETH NELSON:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an award-winning author of mysteryand suspense. She writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasonedwith romance, humor, and faith. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’sgroups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teachingclasses for writers, she delights in bringing the “Ahah! moment” to herstudents, so they can make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live inrural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoyingtheir grandchildren. Visit Jill on the web at: www.jillelizabethnelson.com or look her up on Facebook or Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/JillElizabethNelson.Author or @jnelson57

Merry and Blessed Christmas to All!

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

www.jillelizabethnelson.com

EXCERPT FROM MISTLETOE MAYHEM:

CHAPTER ONE

Kelly Granger stared into Nick Milton’s bloodshot eyes andsuppressed a shiver. It wouldn’t do to betray her fear of him, any more than togive that advantage to a wild animal.

Beefy face taut, Nick leaned toward her over the counter ofthe veterinary clinic’s reception area. “If my dog don’t perk up and shake offthat drug you pumped into him, I’ll come lookin’ for you. He’s been layin’around all afternoon, worthless as a tick.”

The slurred words betrayed the alcohol he pickled himself indaily. How did Chelsea live with this guy?

“Mr. Milton, Brutus’s behavior posed a danger to himself,the staff and other animals. In order to give him his check-up andvaccinations, it was necessary to administer a mild sedative first. I assureyou, he will be himself by morning, barring a little stiffness in thevaccination site, which will also disappear.”

There, she’d delivered a reasonable explanation, and hervoice didn’t even quiver. If she’d discovered any sign of abuse on Nick’sDoberman, she would have turned the dog over to the SPCA to get the animal awayfrom his disgusting owner.

“Highfalutin, la-de-da doctor!” Nick shook a ham-sized fistin her face. “I’m holdin’ you to them words.”

Kelly gripped the edge of the counter. She would not backaway. This creep might have a reputation for temper, but she was not going to be cowed. This was her clinic, and she’d done nothing wrong. . . except send her assistant, Tim Hallock, home early. Tim might be halfNick’s size, but at least he could have called the cops.

Nick turned and stomped out the door, admitting a burst ofchill air, which washed over Kelly. She allowed herself a shiver. Some peopleneeded a muzzle and leash more than their pets. She wouldn’t mind calling thepolice to let them know that Nick Milton was driving drunk again, except hewasn’t driving.

The Milton’s beat-up van sat in a parking spot outside theclinic’s picture window. Nick’s son, Greg, perched behind the wheel. Kelly’sglance met the teenager’s, and kid offered his usual juvenile leer. She marchedto the door and turned the deadbolt as the van chugged out of the parking lot,spewing dark smoke from its tailpipe.

Releasing a breath, she looked out the picture window, whichrevealed a panorama of white-topped mountain ridges looming over the strugglingbusiness district. Even with Christmas nearly upon them, traffic was thin thisearly evening. Vehicle headlights vied with the twinkle of Christmas lightsadorning the facades of buildings. Thankfully, no one seemed headed for theveterinary clinic. She’d dealt with enough excitement for one day.

Brutus had been the easiest patient—a routine well-check.Six other pets, cradled by distraught owners—one of them Kelly’s sister—hadbeen presented this afternoon, each animal exhibiting the same awful symptoms.She was keeping most of them overnight on IVs to rehydrate them. Her patientswould live, but more by the grace of God than human skill. She’d never seenanything like it and prayed she never would again.

Had Tim remembered to prepare the biological samples forsubmission to the state lab? They needed to discover what had made the pets soill.

Kelly headed for the pharmacy, loafers squeaking faintly onthe linoleum. Her pharmacy was more like a large closet than a room. Thepackage lay wrapped and labeled on the counter. Kelly smiled. Reliable wasTim’s middle name.

A note in his handwriting sat by the box. She picked it upand read, “Courier service unable to make the pick-up until late tomorrow afternoon. One of thehazards of living in a Tennessee mountain town.”

Kelly groaned. Compared to the frenzy of her Nashville vetschool experience, she’d loved returning to the gracious pace of life inAbbottsville, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. But aroundhere, tomorrow was soon enough for anything to happen. Might as well get homeand put her feet up.

On the drive to her modest bungalow, her thoughts refused towind down. What if the illness was an epidemic—something bacterial . . . oreven viral? Or maybe it was as simple as a contaminated batch of pet food? Butwhat if this was a contagion that could affect people? What if . . . Whoa, girl! No point in stressing overwhat had hit the pets in Abbottsville until the lab returned results.

Darkness had fully fallen when she turned the final corneronto her street. She accelerated and then eased off the gas pedal. What was upwith this? The automatic timer on her Christmas lights should have had herplace aglow with festive decorations, but the single-story home was dark. Afaulty timer? Better than some expensive electrical issue. It wasn’t a poweroutage. The porch light glowed on the two-story house next door, but no holidaydecorations. Probably because her yet-to-be-seen neighbor had moved in onlyyesterday.

Kelly wheeled the Explorer into the driveway, and theheadlights passed over a scene of Christmas decoration carnage strewn acrossher snow-dusted lawn. What in the world? She halted the SUV at an angle andscanned the mess of tinsel, strings of lights, straw from the crèche and hollyand pine garland. Her stomach knotted. Who would do such a thing? Then shespotted the vandal, and her jaw dropped.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, Christmas novella by Hannah Alexander

2011-12-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Season of Danger Anthology

Silent Night, Deadly Night

novella by Hannah Alexander

included in Season of Danger anthology

by Love Inspired Suspense

After the murder of Tess Vance's fiance, Tess leaves hercareer as a musical talent agent and retreats home to her brother's rescuemission for the homeless in Corpus Christi, Texas. She finds solace helpingothers, and peace with ex-cop Sean Torrance, who has also endured great painover the past year. Just as they begin to think life will settle for them, andtheir friendship will deepen into something more lasting, Tess finds herselfthe subject of a stalking, and the stalker hurts her by hurting and killingthose she loves, including the homeless.

All of Sean's protective instincts rise to the top when thewoman he has grown to love finds herself in danger once again. He'll dowhatever it takes to protect her and the others he works with at the mission.As the owner and manager of one of the top radio stations in the region, hefinds a way to stop the attacks, but it will mean betraying her trust. Cantheir relationship withstand the conflict?

Amazon link for the book is:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444699/novelistrobinlee

Hannah Alexander

ABOUT HANNAH ALEXANDER:

Hannah Alexander is the pen name for the writing collaboration of Cheryland Mel Hodde. They chose the name "Hannah Alexander" to incorporatetheir two names into one. They have read that Hannah means "her hope is inthe Lord," and Alexander means, "servant of mankind." Mel andCheryl live in the Missouri Ozarks, where they like to set the majority oftheir books.

Hannah Alexander website www.hannahalexander.com

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/######

HIS HOLIDAY FAMILY, a Christmas novel by Margaret Daley

2011-12-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

His Holiday Family

Blurb for His HolidayFamily by Margaret Daley:

When Hurricane Naomi tearsthrough a small Mississippi town, a daring rescue unites two heroes. NurseKathleen Hart is a single mom racked by guilt over her husband's death.Firefighter Gideon O'Brien—orphaned as a young boy—has lost too many people hecared for. To rise above the storm's devastation, Gideon helps Kathleen and hersons rebuild their home. As Christmas approaches, they discover that even thestrongest of storms can't destroy a romance built on the foundation of faith.

AuthorMargaret Daley says: “WhenI decided to write a series about a town that goes through a hurricane, Iwanted to give tribute to all the people who have gone through a disaster andrebuilt their lives. This series was written for the heroes and heroines whohelp others in a time of disaster.”

Margaret Daley

ABOUT MARGARET DALEY:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romancegenre. She has sold seventy-five books to date.

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

She has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and fourgranddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

Excerpt from His HolidayFamily:

Gideon O'Brien hopped downfrom Engine Two and assessed the chaos in front of him. Strapping on his airpack, he started toward his captain. A hand gripped his arm and stopped hisforward progress. He turned toward the blonde woman who held him, her largeblue eyes glistening with tears. She looked familiar, but he couldn't placewhere he knew her from. His neighbor's daughter, perhaps?

"My two sons and mycousin—their babysitter—must still be inside. I don't see them outside with theother tenants." Her voice quivered. She tightened her hand on his arm andscanned the crowd. "I'm Kathleen Hart. My sons are Jared and Kip. I triedSally's cell but she didn't answer. Please get them out." A tear slippeddown her cheek.

"Where arethey?" Gideon moved toward his captain, his palm at the small of her back,guiding her in the direction he wanted her to go. Yes, he realized, she was hisneighbor Ruth Coleman's daughter.

"Sally's second-floorapartment is on the east side, the fourth one down on your right. Number 212.Hurry." Her round eyes fastened on the fire consuming the three-storyapartment building on Magnolia Street.

Gideon paused in front ofCaptain Fox. "Mrs. Hart says her sons and babysitter are still inside.Pete and I can go in and get them." He looked toward the west end of thelarge structure where the men of Engine One were fighting the flames eatingtheir way through the top level. "There's still time."

"Okay." Hiscaptain surveyed the east end. "But hurry. It won't be long before thiswhole building goes up."

The scent of smoke hungheavy in the air. The hissing sound of water hitting Magnolia Street Apartmentsvied with the roar of the blaze.

Gideon turned toward themother of the two boys. "We'll find them." He gave her a smile thensearched the firefighters for Pete.

When Gideon found him afew feet away, he covered the distance quickly. "Let's go. There are threepeople trapped on the second floor. East end."

At the main entrance intothe building Gideon fixed his mask in place, glancing back at the blonde womanstanding near his captain. He had seen that same look of fear and worry manytimes over his career as a firefighter. He wouldn't let anything happen to hersons and Sally.

Gideon switched on his voice amplifier andheaded into the furnace with Pete following close behind him. Through the thickcloud suspended from the ceiling in the foyer, the stairs to the second floorloomed. Crouching, he scrambled up the steps. The higher he went, the hotter itbecame.

HIGH-GRADE HONORS

2011-11-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

ByStephen Bly

Some folks think of a gold mine as a deep cave lined withwaves of 24-carat jewels. All they need is a crow bar to pry the treasures intobig chunks. Then take their haul to the jeweler.

Doesn’t happen that way.

Fool's Gold

Most mines look like big dirt canyons. The gold’s so fineit can only be recovered by very pressurized, modern equipment. High prices andadvanced technology combine to dig outgold in places that in other eras would be considered worthless.

However,on occasion gold does litter some mine shafts.

Everyso often a miner blasts into the center of a room-sized geode and he’s able tosack up almost pure gold by the shovels-full. Real high-grade stuff like thatis rare to find. And near impossible to prevent theft. Valuable ore in chunksmay line coat pockets and lunch pails. In fact, the term ‘high-grade’ evolvedbecause of the rampant stealing of small particles of good ore by mine workers.

Notmany of us work gold mines today. And everyone’s different in the temptationsthat harass him or her. But we all find ourselves in places where we haveaccess to someone else’s goods. Whenever valuables of any sort are taken froman original owner for another’s own personal use, that’s high-grading.

Didyou used to make ends meet by stealing?

Well,no more! Get an honest job

sothat you can help others who can’t work.

Ephesians4:28 MSG

Inour sloppy ethics society, refusal to steal means a moral upgrade, a God honoringpursuit.

Copyright©1993,2010
Stephen Bly

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you ever gone searching for gold? Any luck?

~~~~~~~~~~

COMING MARCH 2012: Stuart Brannon's Final Shot

It's 1905. A lawman comes out of retirement to search for a missing U.S. Marshal friend and grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ADULTS

2011-11-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jan & Janet

by Janet Chester Bly

A counselor once told a friend of mine, “You’ve never reallyhad a childhood. You need to play more.”

So the two of us pulled off our shoes and tiptoed barefootin a park fountain.

We did an overnighter in sleeping bags on an outdoor deck.

We painted pictures with our fingers.

We caught butterflies in a jar. We threw popcorn at critters.

Then, for a finale, we rolled down a gentle hill in my frontyard.

A neighbor asked us what was going on. When we explained, shesaid, “I’ve got a friend who needs that too. I think I'll go help her.”

When is the last time you’ve done something playful?

It doesn’t take much time or expense to dance in a meadow.To walk in dawn’s light. Or make forms in mud or sand.

Plant a flower or herb garden in a window sill.

Get out the old instrument you used to play.

Watch the different ways flocks of birds fly.

Create a new recipe from ingredients in your cupboard.

Look out your window long enough to see something new.

Find humor in your mistakes and stresses.

Get close to a funny person.

“A cheerful heart does good like medicine” Proverbs 17:22TLB

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What sorts of activities do you enjoy that could beconsidered ‘playtime?’

~~~~~~~~~~~

Download the full article: “31 Ways To Win The Fight ForPersonal Peace” at

http://BlyBooks.com/article.htm/

CHRISTMAS BOOK GIFTS

2011-11-11T17:27:00.001-08:00

Love Inspired CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Small Town Christmas

Love Inspired Duet - November 2011

Mini-Matchmakers and

An Old Fashion Christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When the new second grade teacher, Amy Carroll, meets the precocioustwin sisters, she knows she has her hands full. When she learns they liveon the street where she stays with her grandmother and they have a singlefather who is handsome and needs help, Amy’s hands are beyond full.

But Amy’sfrom Chicago. Falling in love with a small town man is not part of her plan. Can God waylay Amy’s desire to return to the big city? Can Mike Russett openhis heart to love?

~~~~~~~~

"Martin’s story contains strong characters andtouching scenes" - Romantic Times

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gail Gaymer Martin

Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail GaymerMartin writes Christian fiction for Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing, whereshe was honored by Heartsong readers as their Favorite Author of 2008. Gail hasforty-nine contracted novels with over three million books in print.

She is theauthor of Writers Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance, co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a keynote speaker atchurches, libraries and civic organizations and presents workshops at conference across the US.

She was recentlynamed one of the four best novelists in the Detroit area by CBS local news.

Available in all stores where books are sold

To Purchase online click link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//0373877056?ie=UTF8&tag=novgaigaymar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0373877056

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt Chapter 1

“Mrs. Fredericks.” Theoffice secretary leaned into the room. “Mr.Russet is here to see you.”

“The twins father.” Aheavy sigh whisked the air. “Ask him to wait amoment.”

Amy took anotherstep toward the door. No doubt the sigh signaled trouble.

“Please wait a moment, Miss Carroll. “The twins will be in your class. It might help youto meet the girls. They have a propensity for getting into trouble.” She motioned. “They’re right across the hall in the cafeteria. It’ll give you a heads-up for Monday.”

Trouble. Amyswallowed. “I suppose thatwould be. . .practical.”

“Yes, and you’llkeep an eye on them while I talk with their father.” She chuckled and motioned her to follow.

Amy followed heracross the hall and spotted the girls seated on each side of a cafeteria bench,cuter and sweeter looking than she’d imagined. Thoughnot identical twins, their features were similar with bright Caribbean blueeyes.

The child with a tawnyponytail swung her legs over the bench. “Itwasn’t me, Mrs.Fredericks.”

“Yes, it was.” Theblonder twin slipped from her seat, her hair gathered into a ponytail on eachside of her head. “Holly tore up mydrawing in art class.”

“Please sit for a moment.” She gestured to the benches. “I want you to meet someone.”
Theyscrutinized Amy with a mix of speculation and determination. “Miss Carroll. This young lady is Holly.” She rested her hand on the one with honeybrown hair and the deep frown. “And this is Ivy.”

Ivy gazed at her,curiosity written on her face.

Holly and Ivy? Amywondered. She stepped closer. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Neither responded.

Mrs. Frederickseyed them. “Miss Carroll willbe your new teacher on Monday.”

Holly’s ponytail flipped as she swivelled toward Amywhile Ivy stared at her wide-eyed.

“I’ll leave you withMiss Carroll, and you can have a nice talk.” Sheturned to Amy. “I’ll be back shortly.” Shestrode away but paused before exiting. “WhenI return, I’ll introduce youto the girl’s father. I’m sure you’dlike that.”

“Our dad?” Twovoices rang in unison.

Amy wasn’t sure she wanted her first parental contact to bewith an irritated father, but she offered a nod. When she turned, the twinswere peering at her again, Holly with her arms crossed at her chest and Ivywith her fist jammed into her waist.

She slipped aroundthe end of the bench and sat at the table. Behind those sweet faces, Amy sensedsadness. She looked from one girl to the other. “Whatare you doing in the cafeteria.”
Hollylooked away. “Mrs. Fredericksmade us sit here.”

“Hmm?”Amytapped her finger against her cheek. “Iwonder why?”

Ivy bit her lip. “Kids who misbehave have to sit in here and wait.”

Holly’s frown deepened. “Ididn’t do anything bad.”

Ivy pressed herface closer to Holly’s, her looksearing through her sister. “You tore up mydrawing.”

“But you said it wasn’tany good.”

Ivy fell back toher seat. “If I wanted totear it up, I would have done it.”

“That’s right, Ivy.” Amy focused on Holly, monitoring her tone. “What kind of pictures were you drawing?”

Holly’s shoulders relaxed. “Picturesof Pilgrims and Indians for our social studies.”

Amy nodded. “For Thanksgiving.” Blendinglearning with fun was good classroom planning.

“Uh-huh, and. . .” Amovement by the door caught her attention.

“Daddy.”Thegirls shot from the bench and ran to a harried looking man who stood inside thedoorway, his hands tucked in his jacket pockets.

Amy’s heart gave a twinge. A five o’clock shadow encompassed his lean jaw, his chestnuthair tousled as if he’d run his fingersthrough it many times. His straight eyebrows stretched above his caramel browneyes, flashing with emotion.

He rocked on hisheels. “You must be MissCarroll, the new teacher.” He strode towardher. “I’m the girls’ father,Mr. Russet. It’s nice to met you.” Frustration winked behind his pleasant grin.

Amy met himhalfway while the twins hovered at his side. She dropped her palm into his,aware of his warm grip. “Good to meet you,too.”

Behind him Mrs.Fredericks grinned. “I’ll see you on Monday, Miss Carroll.” She gave her a wave and vanished.
When she looked back, the man studied her with curiosity. “I’m sure we’ve met.”

Amy drew back. “Met?”

“Years ago at Ellie Carroll on Lake Street.”

“Yes, that’sit.” Amy’s memory gave a tug.

“We live across the street.” The twins voices melded together.

“She stood bewildered.

His grin widened. “Maybe eleven years ago.”

“I don’t think so.” Yet a memory shimmered in her mind. “I was eighteen then.”

“I was twenty-three, working as a handyman.” He grinned. “Maybeyou’ll remember me asMike.”

“Mike?”Therecollection jarred her. “You dug out Gramsold shrubbery and planted new ones.”Shepictured him in the summer sun, his muscles flexing while his shirt hung on adeer ornament in the tree-sheltered yard.

“The same.”

Amy studied hisface. His unruly hair hadn’t changed. Sheremembered how it ruffled in the breeze, his lean handsome face taut withconcentration. She’d flirted withhim. But when she went inside, her grandmother notified her he was newlymarried. Heat rose up Amy’s neck with therecollection. She hoped he didn’t remember she’d toyed with him.

ON THE OWL-HOOT TRAIL

2011-10-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Bly

Thin population made the Old West an easy place to hide, forany who wanted to. And many did. They came West to run from some past event orsomebody.

A slew of terms sprang up to describe such folks. How manyof these have you heard before?

They were said to be ‘among the willows,’ ‘brushing up,’ GTT- ‘gone to Texas,’ ‘hankerin’ to sniff Gulf breeze,’ ‘heading for the settin’sun,’ ‘holed up,’ ‘on the dodge,’ ‘pulling for the Rio Grande,’ ‘taking to thetules,’ ‘traveling the lonesome places,’ or ‘watering his horse at night,’‘riding the coulees … or the high lines … or the owl-hoot trail.’

It’s natural to avoid your mistakes, to run from ruin, tohunker down from humiliation. Only the truly courageous man or woman ofcharacter faces up to the consequences of their actions.

It started with Adam and Eve.

After they disobeyed God’s one command, they “hid from theLord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8 NIV). But God found them.

Pretty funny to think that the only two humans on earththink they could squat behind a plum tree and not be noticed by God.

Even with the billions on the planet now, He always findsthose who try to cover up: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I fleefrom your presence?” (Psalm139:7 NIV)

Ignore the Bible. Skip church. Flip away from Christianchannels. Avoid Christian friends. But you can’t escape your heavenly Father.About as silly as a mammoth hunkering behind an aspen.

So, when you’re ready, jump out and say, “Here Iam!” He’ll set you free. You’ll be sane again. And you won’t have to spend somuch time and energy spiritually taking to the tules or watering your horse atnight. . .or riding the owl-hoot trail.

~~~~~~~~~

When are the times you most want to hide-away somewhere?

~~~~~~~~~~

COMING MARCH 2012:
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly, with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly

~~~~~~~~~

Throw The Devil Off The Train

Find Throw The Devil Off The Train and other Bly Book releases at http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm/

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HODAG? by Author Lynn Cote

2011-10-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Building A Family

BUILDING A FAMILY

novel by Lynn Cote

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lawyer Eleanor Washburn defends wayward teenagers and supervisesvolunteers for Habitat for Humanity without missing a beat. But she is unnervedby fascinating single dad Pete Beck -- especially since his chaotic lifeincludes a little girl wishing for a mother. Sweet Cassie has Eleanor yearningfor what's been missing from her lonely existence. Soon, both dad and daughterare chipping away at Eleanor's defenses. Can she find the courage to risklosing her heart to this ready-made family?

Lynn Cote’s latest Love Inspired romance is set in a fictitious townnear Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and the hodag makes its romantic debut in Building A Family.

A hodag captured

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HODAG?

Probably not. The hodag is the mascot of a town I live nearin Wisconsin. According to Wikipedia:"The Hodag is a folkloric animal of the American state of Wisconsin. Itshistory is focused mainly around the city of Rhinelander in northern Wisconsin,where it was said to have been discovered."

A folkloric animal can be fun. And the fun started in 1893when prankster Eugene Shepard announced the discovery and killing of the lasthodag. And here's the photo to prove it!

hodag

Shepard wrote that: "It was "the fiercest,strangest, most frightening monster ever to set razor sharp claws on the earth.It became extinct after its main food source, all white bulldogs, became scarcein the area." Well, the white bulldogs probably gave a sigh of relief!!

Anyway, the folks in Rhinelander have fun with their mascotor symbol, keeping the fun spirit of Shepard alive. Here's the statue of thehodag in front of the tourist center in Rhinelander.

Rhinelander sits just to the south of the northwoods orLakeland area where I live. Within a 50 mile radius of my home are 2300 lakes.If you fly over this area, you see more water than land. That explains part ofthe area's allure. Most of Chicago and Milwaukee head north to escape the heatand humidity of summer.

Do you have a mascot or symbol for your hometown? What isit?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynn Cote

When Lyn Cote became a mother, shegave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working onher first novel. Rejection followed. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "thecall." Her first book, Never Alone,was chosen for the brand new Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn hashad over thirty-five novels published.

In 2006 Lyn's book, Chloe, was afinalist for the RITA, and her book HerPatchwork Family and Her Healing Ways were finalists for the Carol Award in2010 & 2011, two of the highest awards in romance. Lyn also featuresstories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on herblog http://BooksbyLynCote.comWriting books at her lake cottage in northern Wisconsin, Lyn hopes her booksshow the power of divine and human love.

Lyn Cote
2011 ACFW Carol Winner for Her Healing Ways
http://www.BooksbyLynCote.com
For the latest Christian Fiction Market Update
http://www.booksbylyncote.com/publishers.html

CROSSING THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND

2011-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

by JanetChester Bly

Discouragement.Depression.

There’s manycauses ... emotional or mental, chemical or biological, hereditary or spiritual. Each origin requires a separateremedy.

-- A trained,compatible counselor.

-- Truth toreplace a false thought system.

-- Properdiet.

-- Helpfulmeds.

-- The rightkind and length of exercise.

-- Correctingfamily fault patterns.

-- Rightrelationship with God.

-- Practicingspiritual disciplines.

-- Following spiritualprinciples.

-- Confession.Repentance. Deliverance from evil.

When you’remiserable and can’t cope in your fight for peace ... consider King David andhis seasons of despair. Read all the Psalms. Or like I’ve been doing, listen tothem on CDs, especially Psalm 42. Dig into this diary of distress over andover, until God’s love turns the light on again.

Pour out allyour thoughts on paper or a computer screen.

Fill up ajournal of where you are right now. Where you’ve been. And where you hope tobe.

What to do ifyou’ve tried everything and there’s no other fix in sight? When the heaviness settlesin and claims you as home? Persevere until relief comes. Call out to God for aslong as he takes.

Perhaps hewill send a buddy, a partner, a friend.

“Then God whocheers those who are discouraged refreshed us by the arrival of Titus” (2Corinthians 7:6)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's been your best depression fighter?

~~~~~~~~~~

Download "31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace" at http://BlyBooks.com/articles.htm/

DRAGONS OF THE WATCH, new novel by Donita Paul

2011-10-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dragons of the Watch

New Novel by Donita K. Paul

ABOUT DRAGONS OF THE WATCH

The Chronicles of Chiril continue as Ellie and Bealomondore find themselvestrapped in an isolated city guarded by dragons and separated from everythingthey know and love.

How can they escape?

Along the way they meet a group ofwild children and a very old man, whose needs they must meet before they canfind their way home. With the help of the dragons of the watch, they discoverthat their fate depends upon their ability to recognize and step in line withthe Creator’s will.

Here’s where you can find this book:

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/qRD1ZP

BARNES &NOBLE: http://bit.ly/qFFPqu

CHRISTIANBOOK: http://bit.ly/r2XCjc

About the Author:

Donita K. Paul

Donita K. Paul retiredearly from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination tostart a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing ChristianRomance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.”

Mrs. Paul has also releaseda prairie romance, Taming the Wild Wind.

Check out her website for details:http://www.donitakpaul.com/

~~~~~~~~~

When's the last time you read a story about dragons?

HEEL FLIES DON'T BOTHER YOU?

2011-09-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Stephen Bly 2009

By Stephen Bly

Old-timecowboys would be surprised at today’s cattle business. In the 1800s, Texaslonghorn steers were on their way out. The hard winters forced cattlemen tosearch for hardier breeds. Herefords and others replaced longhorns.

But longhornshave made a comeback. They’re considered a tough bunch that requires less carethan newer breeds. They’re known to survive scruffy locations and produceleaner meat. Mossy-backed longhorns especially proved to be sturdy. They wereafraid of nothing…except heel flies.

heel fly

That’s theworst season for cow raisers. In southern ranges heel flies arrive betweenmid-February and mid-April. Those tiny flies sting cattle in the tender part ofthe leg, just above the hoof, where they lay eggs. Heel flies can cause eventough old longhorns to scatter in panic … in search of water or bog holes toescape the torment.

Such tinyinsects, yet they can drive cows wild.

Sometimesit’s the annoyances you can hardly see that give you the most trouble. Bigtroubles can grow from little specks. That’s true for spiritual well being too.The quicker you learn to recognize temptations and sins when they’re justpinpricks, the better off you’ll be (James 1:15 MSG).

Maybe iflittle sins hurt more, you’d do something about it in a big fat hurry. If youfelt a painful sting every time you strayed away from God, maybe you’d stampedetowards him sooner and more often. At least the longhorns always know when theheel flies are around.

What in yourlife works like a loving nip at the heels?

Sometimesit’s the very thing that seems like an annoyance, a chronic harassment ... butyet God means this problem or person to prevent you future pain. To help yourecognize trouble ahead … and fight against it.

~~~~~~~~~~

COMING MARCH 2012: Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly

AVAILABLE NOW in hardback or E-Book:

Throw The Devil Off The Train

http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm or http://Amazon.com

Throw The Devil Off The Train

LOVE FINDS YOU ON CHRISTMAS MORNING

2011-09-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Love Finds You On Christmas Morning

Not ready to think about Christmas?

But here's a great Christmas gift for the romance readers on your list ....

About the book:

LoveFinds You On Christmas Morning in two heartwarming holiday stories:

Deck the Halls (Debby Mayne): In 1925, the wealthy William Tronnier becomessmitten with the lovely but penniless Lillian Pickard. Not one to give up easily,William pursues Lillian even though she does everything in her power to resistfalling in love with a man from a completely different social class. AsChristmas descends on the picturesque town of Cary, North Carolina, Williamplans to make Lillian a proposal she can’t refuse.

‘Tis the Season (Trish Perry): When personal chef Nikki Tronnier moves back hometo Cary, North Carolina, she plans to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy back thefamily home built by her great-grandfather for his bride. But before she isable to make an offer, someone else buys the house. Just as she prepares for afight, she learns that the very person who stole her dream is the man who hasalso stolen her heart. Unaware, handsome new owner, Drew Cornell, seeks Nikki’shelp in restoring the home to its historic beauty in time for Christmas.

ARecipe From The Book:

Pickard-Tronnier Shortbread or Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Directions:

Mix the flour and cornstarch in a medium bowl.

1. Ina large bowl, mix softened butter with sugar and vanilla (optional) until youhave a creamy consistency.

2. Addthe flour mixture to the butter and sugar.

3. Pressthe mixture into an 8" by 8" cake pan. (See below if you are makingcookies.)

4. Bakein a 325-degree oven for approximately 30 minutes.

5. Coolslightly but cut into 2-inch squares while still warm.

Directions for cookies:

1. Follow1–3 in the directions above.

2. Usea teaspoon to scoop the batter, roll it into balls, and flatten each one on acookie sheet.

3. Forcookies, bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until brown around the edges.

4. Coolbefore removing from the pan.

Online purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Finds-You-Christmas-Morning/dp/1609361938/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316190442&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-finds-you-on-christmas-morning-to-be-decided/1101376108?ean=9781609361938&itm=1&usri=love%2bfinds%2byou%2bon%2bchristmas%2bmorning

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1155087&item_no=361938

Trish Perry

Trish Perry Bio:

Award-winning novelistTrish Perry has written nine inspirational romances for Harvest HousePublishers, Summerside Press, and Barbour Publishing, as well as twodevotionals for Summerside Press. She has served as a columnist and as anewsletter editor over the years, as well as a 1980s stockbroker and a boardmember of the Capital Christian Writers organization in Washington, D.C. Sheholds a degree in Psychology.

Trishjust released Love Finds You on ChristmasMorning, written with Debby Mayne. Her nostalgic romance novel, Unforgettable (Summerside Press), released in March and Tea for Two, Book Two in her Millicent’sTea Shop series (Harvest House), released in April. She invites you to visither at www.TrishPerry.com

Love Finds You On Christmas Morning, Tea for Two, and more

~~~~~~~~~~~

THE WEDDING KISS, a new novel by Hannah Alexander

2011-09-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Kiss

ABOUT THE WEDDINGKISS:

Against the backdrop of1901 Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and the surrounding countryside, one simple kissdraws two people into a discovery that will forever change their lives.

Marriage seems the only option for Keara McBrideand Elam Jensen after Keara's father gambles away her home and ends up in jail.Plus Elam's children need a mother's care.

Whenthe Jensens seal their vows at the altar with a kiss, however, their marriageof convenience seems much less convenient. The first kiss they share before achurch filled with witnesses ignites a beacon of attraction that leaves themboth feeling guilty. Elam's wife, Gloria--who was also Keara's best friend--hasbeen dead less than a year. How can they betray her like this?

Andyet...oh, that kiss.

Whena stranger who bears a striking resemblance to Gloria shows up injured on thefront porch on Elam and Keara's wedding night, the whole family is thrown intoconfusion, suspense and danger. But does this stranger also hold a key to theJensens' future happiness?

Published by Summerside Press

Orderfrom Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN978-1-60936-308-6

NOTE FROM HANNAH ALEXANDER:

Since I'm an incessant reader, I'm beginning a new blog to sharesome of the best of those books I love to read. The blog is Sunroom Reflections. I may even, on occasion,share a new release of my own, or information about contests.

I am now on facebook! If you wouldlike to be my friend my user name is Hannah Alexander. Please mention that youare a reader of my books when sending me a friend request.


Team of Hannah Alexander

ABOUT HANNAH ALEXANDER:

HANNAHALEXANDER isthe pen name for the writing collaboration of husband and wife, Cheryl & Mel Hodde. They chose the name "HannahAlexander" to incorporate their two names into one. They have read that Hannah means "her hope is in theLord," and Alexander means, "servant of mankind."
~~~~~

HAVE YOU GONE HAYWIRE?

2011-09-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hubble space telescope

By Stephen Bly

I once watched ascientist on TV explain what went haywire with the Hubble telescope floatingout in space.

Seemed like an ironic use of words…a billion dollar computer goeshaywire.

I wondered if any of those NASA officials have ever been aroundhaywire.

Some wordsare too good to keep on the ranch.

Haywire’s one.

Hay Bale

In fact, manya kid on a ranch today has never seen haywire either. Most bales these days aretied with orange, poly-plastic twine…or some such. But for about a century,baled hay got secured with two thin, tough wires. Once you cut the wires andfed the cows, you had to make sure you gathered up both wires and twisted themtogether in a haphazard fashion, tossing them far away from the cattle.

I know a guywho lost a $3,000 bull who swallowed some haywire. Countless livestock have diedfrom ingesting bits of it.

Sometimes itseems the whole world’s gone haywire.

The Biblelaments, “What is twisted cannot be straightened” (Ecclesiastes 1:15). That is,life’s full of paradoxes that cannot be solved, messes that can’t be cleaned,problems that can’t be figured out. Some folks get so dysfunctional, they seemto be wadded up and tossed on a waste heap.

But there’shope. Nobody’s a useless scrap of baling wire.

Proverbs3:5,6 reminds us that “he will make your paths straight” if you trust in him.

That’s whatwe all need…at times: someone to straighten out the crooked.

God will, ifwe ask him.

And no reasonto wait until we’ve gone completely haywire.

######

When’s a timeyou truly felt the word ‘haywire’ fit your situation?

###

Throw The Devil Off The Train

Now Available in E-Book format

or at http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm/

Throw The Devil Off The Train

A NEW NOVEL & PUMPKIN PIE CAKE RECIPE

2011-09-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

From This Day Forward

From This Day Forward

By Margaret Daley

Book Blurb:

March 1816

Rachel Gordon is stranded in South Carolina, pregnant, arecent widow when her husband fell overboard on the voyage to America.

Nathan Stuart, a physician who came home from serving inthe American army during the War of 1812, disenchanted with his life and theLord, rescues Rachel and saves her life. Feeling responsible for her, Nathantries to discourage her from living at a rundown farm her husband bought tostart a new future in America. He wants her to return to England.

Rachel refuses to go back to England where her fatherdisowned her for marrying against his wishes. The farm is all she has, and sheis determined to make it on her own.

But Nathan has other ideas and becomes her farmhand todiscourage her from staying in America. Instead he ends up protecting her andbeing challenged by her. Can two wounded people heal each other?

Reviewer:

“A wonderful love story in the AmericanTapestries series with characters who are trying to pick up the pieces of theirshattered lives after the War of 1812. Daley turns the ugliness of war into anew beginning for the ones who pick up the pieces. Her characters are willingto do what they need to in order to survive, but also are willing to give afriendly hand to those around them.”

Reviewed By: Patsy Glans from RT

A Recipe from Margaret Daley:

A friend gave me this one after I had it at a luncheon. It was great! It isa wonderful dish to take to a potluck dinner or for a party.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 large can (29 oz.) or 2 (16 oz.) cans of pumpkin
1 (13 oz.) can of evaporated milk
4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (depending on pumpkin amount)

Beat together above ingredients. Pour into lightly greased 9×13 pan.Sprinkle 1 box yellow cake mix over top. Dribble 1 1/2 to 2 sticks meltedbutter or margarine over the top. Top with lots of chopped pecans. Bake 50minutes at 350 degrees until crispy. Serve hot or cold. Top with cool whip.

About The Author:

Margaret Daley

MargaretDaley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One ofher romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the AmericanChristian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won theGolden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter RoseContest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest.

She has soldseventy-five books to date.

Margaretis President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization ofover 2300 members. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Untilshe retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needsfor twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach.

Shehas been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and fourgranddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

+++++++++

STANDING ON THE PROMISES

2011-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Janet Chester Bly

When do you get personal peace when you feel like you've gone into free fall after a bungy jump?

Peace comes when you know...

what to do next

when to speak

what to say

where to go

why you’re here

but especially...

whom to trust to land you in a safe place.

The kind of trust of really deep down in your gut kind of certainty that this one will pull you through.

It’s called faith.

Have you discovered your own promises from God...for comfort? For help? For peace? The sort of assurances that penetrate past your doubts? Every bit of unbelief?

He’s got words meant straight from His heart to yours. Find them. Listen to them. Allow them to permeate deep within until you know He will not withhold any good thing from you.

When’s the last time you’ve claimed promise verses for yourself and those you love? Below you’ll find a few samples to examine.

Note the context.

Detect what comes before and after too.

Pay attention to any pre-conditions to be met.

Memorize the key ones.

Every good thing the Lord had promised them came true. (Joshua 21:45 TLB)

Psalm 4:8 - promise of sleep and safety.

Psalm 29:11 - promise of strength and peace.

Psalm 55:16-19 - assurance of deliverance from threats of harm.

Psalm 119:165 - promise of great peace.

Psalm 121 - promise of help, protection and watchful care.

Isaiah 26:3 - promise of perfect peace.

Isaiah 32:17 - promise of peace, quietness and confidence.

Isaiah 33:6 - promise of salvation, wisdom and knowledge.

Isaiah 54:10 - promise of peace, no matter what.

Proverbs 16:7 - promise of peace with enemies.

Matthew 6:33,34 - promise of provision of every need on this day.

Matthew 7:7-11 - promise of answered prayer and good gifts.

Matthew 11:28-30 - promise of rest for the weary.

John 16:33 - promise of peace and coping with world’s troubles.

Romans 5:1,2 - promise of peace with God through faith in Jesus.

What particular promise do you trust in today?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free download of “31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace” at www.BlyBooks.com/articles.htm/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out: Words To Live By For Women

MISTAKEN IDENTITY, new novel by K. Dawn Byrd

2011-08-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

Mistaken Identity

ABOUT MISTAKEN IDENTITY:

Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn't have a chance.

Channing Johnson is everything Eden's ever dreamed of and she can't believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she's overjoyed...until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they're in love.

Eden doesn't know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.

"This is a spiritual journey for Eden who is looking for guidance but is not sure where to find it, friends, family, God, or maybe a mixture of all the above. I felt for Eden as she tries to understand what is happening around her and when loyalties are crossed who should she believe? A sweet story."

*******************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Zippy & Ponchee

K. Dawn Byrd says: "When not reading or writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 16 years. Our favorite evening consists of a leisurely walk beside a gorgeous lake near our home while we plot the next story waiting to be told. Here's a picture of the two little guys who walk with us, Zippy and Ponchee. They're hairless Chinese Cresteds."

K. Dawn Byrd is author of Queen of Hearts (April 2010) and Killing Time (August 2010) and This Time For Keeps (October 2011).

Visit her blog: http://kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/

Check out her website: http://www.kdawnbyrd.com/

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HE'LL DO TO RIDE THE RIVER WITH

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Bly

1944 - 2011

In the Old West, a person’s reputation often meant the difference between survival and death. So, it was a guarded commodity.

For many cowboys, his reputation was the only thing of value he could rightly call his own. Lots of terms sprang up that described a man of good character. One of the more meaningful became the phrase “he’ll do to ride the river with,” the highest compliment paid to a cowman.

Back in the days of trail drives, cowboys had to swim thousands of heads of cattle across swollen and dangerous rivers. To make it across required riders of exceptional skill, courage, and level-headed thinking. You quickly learned who you could trust to ride those rivers with you.

You may have wished for that sort of companion.

A good decision maker...

One who keeps commitments...

A friend who stays cool in a crisis...

A partner who helps you cross the stream of trials, the river of troubles...

Someone who’s a stander, not a runner...

A person of faith who seeks God’s wisdom.

It’s a great goal for which to aim yourself: become a person who’ll do to ride the river with.

*************

Has there been that kind of friend for you?

Have you been that sort of friend for another?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOW AVAILABLE:

Throw The Devil Off The Train

COMING MARCH 2012:

Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot

THIS COUNTRY CAPTION SAYS IT ALL

2011-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Children walking country road

This picture comes from Pastor Erick Reinstedt of rural Monterey County in California.

He says, "We snapped this picture some years back of our girls taking a walk. I guess I'd call it, 'It Says it All,' because, I guess it does (at least to me)."

Erick & Mary Ann Reinstedt

About Erick Reinstedt: I pastor True Life Christian Fellowship, a rural, non-denominational church.I live on 40 acres (about 55 minutes from town) with my amazing wife, Mary Ann, and two awesome daughters. We have two cows, five chickens, and three cats. I enjoy writing on my blog, A Great God & Good Coffee, and sharing my personal thoughts, things God is showing me in my study, reflections, and slices of life. The title of the blog says a lot about me—I love a good cup of coffee and God-centered fellowship in the screen porch in the summer, and by the wood stove in the winter. I believe the Bible is God's writing, front to back, word for word.

Check out Erick's blog link: http://erickreinstedt.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What does this picture mean to you?

THE INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CHARLOTTE BECK

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

by Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner

Fiction With A Southern Accent!

Book Blurb:

Despite craving independence, Charlotte Beck agrees to a marriage of convenience. But when her marriage suddenly becomes very inconvenient indeed, will romance thrive in the most unlikely of situations?

An aristocratic astronomer out to save his family and a Denver heiress out to take on the world meet their match in THE INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CHARLOTTE BECK, the latest historical romp in the Women of the West series from Kathleen Y’Barbo.

From Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show’s London debut to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and the mining town of Leadville, Colorado, join Charlotte Beck and Viscount Hambly as they discover that sometimes love arrives at the most inconvenient of times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read the first three chapters at http://bit.ly/iWVjM8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathleen Y'Barbo Turner

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division. In addition, Kathleen also served as exclusive publicist for Books & Such Literary Agency.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has a daughter and three grown sons. She recently married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!) and is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

Check out her website: www.kathleenybarbo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN STORES NOW:
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper

Anna Finch and the Hired Gun

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY JACK

2011-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Bly

I was sitting at the dining room table and strained to read the newspaper until I realized a couple bulbs had burned out of the overhead chandelier. Weak eyes. Getting older. Makes it tough to see even in good light. I’m pretty spoiled by 21^st Century lighting systems.

Citizens of the Old West survived on a whole lot less light than even our dimmest bulbs. If a prospector’s cabin or a cowboy’s line shack contained an oil lantern, that was pretty great. Most light radiated from a fireplace or maybe a happy jack or two.

A happy jack was nothing more than a candle in a tin can. If you’ve ever tried to read by candlelight or firelight, you can figure out why most cowboys were better at telling stories than reading them.

Sure applies to human knowledge versus spiritual light.

We think we’re so smart. We’ve got life and the universe all figured out. Yet, we stumble in our own dark arrogance. We trip over our own dense pride. Except for those times God beams down his lightning truth (1 Peter 2:9), which he is most willing to do. He proved that by sending Jesus, his appointed light giver (John 1:4,5).

Got confusion? Get close to Jesus. The farther you are from him, the more blurred life on this earth looks. You squint by the dimmest of flickers.

Jesus is no happy jack. He’s the ultimate luminary. Pure radiance. In fact, his presence alone lights up heaven.

To walk by his light is like stepping out of a dimly lit cabin into the brightest noon on a summer day.

~~~~~~~~~~

Throw The Devil Off The Train is now available in E-Book form.

FOREVER AFTER

2011-07-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Forever After

A NEW NOVEL

by Deborah Raney

Synopsis:

Lucas Vermontez was a proud firefighter like his father. Now, not only has he lost his father and his best friend, Zach, in the fire at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter, but the devoted rookie can no longer do the work he loves after being crippled in the tragic event.

When friendship with his buddy's beautiful widow turns into more, he wonders what he could possibly offer Jenna. Jenna Morgan is trying to grieve her husband's death like a proper widow, but the truth is, she never really loved Zach. His death feels more like a relief to her. But that relief is short-lived when she loses her home and the financial support of her in-laws.

Now the secrets of her past threaten to destroy her future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deborah Raney

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after 20 happy years as a stay-at-home mom. Her books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists.

Deb also serves on the Advisory Board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers. Her 20th novel released this month from Howard/Simon and Schuster.

She and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy tending wildflowers and native grasses in the Kansas prairie garden in their large back yard. They also love traveling together to conferences, and to visit four children and three little grandsons who all live much too far away.

Here’s a favorite snack that she and her family enjoy, taken from her website: http://deborahraney.com

Says Deborah, “Credit goes to author Tamara Leigh whose recipe I tweaked to come up with this. (Tamara's recipe has much less coconut, no sunflower seeds, and adds raisins and craisins. And we bake ours longer so it's chewy, with just a little crunch.)”

BEST EVER GRANOLA
4 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 Cup Flaked Coconut
½ Cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
¼ Cup Sunflower Nuts
½ Cup Brown Sugar
½ Cup Olive Oil
½ Cup Honey
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

In a large cookie sheet with sides (jelly roll pan), bake dry oats at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix nuts, coconut, sunflower seeds and brown sugar in large mixing bowl; stir well.

In a small bowl, mix oil, honey, and vanilla. Remove oats from oven and add to nut mixture. Pour oil and honey mixture over all, stirring well. Return to cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes till dark golden brown, stirring every 5-8 minutes. Cool. (Stir again several times while cooling as it tends to clump.)

Store in zip-lock bag or other air-tight container. (We use a gallon-size ice cream tub.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now in Stores! FOREVER AFTER a Hanover Falls Novel from Howard/Simon and Schuster

ALMOST FOREVER

Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence,

and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit

BENEATH A SOUTHERN SKY

RITA Award winner

from WaterBrook/
Random House

THE 3 M'S OF PEACE: MUSE, MULL, MEDITATE

2011-07-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

By Janet Chester Bly

Are you a stroke waiting to happen?

Do you need to calm down?

Here’s some good news:

If you know how to worry,

you already know how to meditate.

Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

The challenge is to replace all the dire news, the dreaded fears, and debilitating remorse with solid positive alternatives. Think about God’s truth over and over. Focus all your attention on freeing promises that apply to you. At a gut-level, believe God.

To meditate on spiritual truth slows down your frantic.

I no longer rush through the Bible to meet some reading quota. I hone in on a passage, a scene, a few vital words.

I think of Jesus in the boat with his disciples in the storm. I imagine myself with them. Feel the wind whip around me, the chill sting of the waves. The anxiety builds. The irritation the disciples felt I take on. . .because Jesus sleeps through it all.

Then, Jesus wakes up, looks at me with gentle reproach, then turns to the storm to say, “Peace! Be still!” And the storm dies. (Matthew 8:23-27)

Meditation is focused thought. Concentration. Zeroed in one a single theme. One concept at a time. If some duty or problem fritters around the edges, I jot that down to take care of later.

Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it a positive and constructive one.

taken from Life’s Little Instructions from the Bible

Adapted from “31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace.” Download the whole article at http://BlyBooks.com/articles.htm/

When is the last time you focused only on a wonderful, heavenly truth that brought you nothing but positive reinforcement?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Find the book Hope Lives Here at http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm/

HOPE LIVES HERE

DRAGONS OF CHIRIL

2011-07-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Dragons of Chiril

A New Novel

by Donita K. Paul

What do Wittoom Soup, Moose Stew and dragons have in common?

ABOUT THE VANISHING SCULPTOR:

Ever read a story about dragons?

Before DragonSpell, on a different continent and a different time, a young emerlindian’s desperate decision threatens to disrupt the foundation of the world.

Tipper has been caring for her family’s estate for years now, ever since her father disappeared, making a living by selling off his famous artwork. Then she learns that three statues she sold were carved from an ancient foundation stone, and the fabric of her reality is crumbling. She must find the three statues and reunite them, positioned exactly in the right form.

She must free her father and save the world. But she can’t do it alone.

Her ragtag band of adventurers includes Beccaroon, a giant parrot; Bealomondore, an aristocratic young artist; a handsome dragonkeeper prince; the Wizard Fenworth; and the tumanhofer librarian Librettowit. Together they travel through valleys and kingdoms and consort with purveyors of good and agents of evil to find and reunite the missing statues. Will they learn to rely on Wulder’s grace and guidance along the way?

Dragons of the Watch, the last book in this series, will be released in October.

RECIPES FROM MRS. PAUL’S BLOG:

1. Wittoom Soup

In the bottom of each bowl, place:

1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh baby spinach
1 tsp. lemon juice

Cover with hot chicken broth made with finely chopped yellow onions.

2. Dori Chaconas' Moose Stew

1 lb. moose, venison, or beef stew meat cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
2 Tbsp. wine vinegar
1/2 c. butter
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 lb. small onions, peeled
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
3 whole cloves
1/3 cup red table wine
2 c. water

Season meat with salt and pepper. Melt butter in heavy kettle with cover. Add meat and coat with butter, but do not brown. Arrange onions over meat.

Mix tomato paste, wine, vinegar, sugar, garlic and spices with water. Pour slowly over meat and onions. Cover kettle and simmer three hours.

Serve with crusty bread and a good salad.

Donita K. Paul

ABOUT MRS. PAUL:

Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.” She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops.

“God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn’t very productive unless I include some time with kids.”

Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

Check out her website: http://donitakpaul.com/index.html

~~~~~~~~~~~

Donita Paul is a charming, very nice lady who happens to write stories about dragons. When's the last time you picked up a book whose central character happened to be a dragon?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHEN LIFE GETS DERAILED

2011-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

By Janet Chester Bly

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Anonymous

Jan Grueter and I were on our way to a womens’ retreat in Washington and stopped to get our hair done. The stylist croaked out his greetings as he clipped a wrap around my friend’s neck.

“You don’t sound so good,” Jan said. “Are you sick?”

“I sure am. I think I have the flue.”

“We stole a look at each other, then she offered, “Maybe we should come another time.”

“Oh, that would be great. I just want to go home and collapse.”

Road To Palouse Falls by Brian Forrest

We were glad to get away from his germs. However, we had dippy hairdos and headed to an event where I would speak and my friend would assist me at our book table. We drove on down the highway. . .until we came to the Palouse Falls sign.

“Hey, I’ve always wanted to go there,” Jan remarked.

“So have I, but we never have time.”

Palouse Falls from the top

Since we had several extra hours that day, we turned off for this side trip. Over a high bridge. Past some donkeys in the tiny village of Starbuck. And we didn’t mind a bit when it began to drizzle. Wouldn’t hurt our coiffures as we overlooked the canyon and falls.

Palouse Falls by Cindy Kassab

When we arrived at the conference grounds, we fussed with each other’s hair and pronounced that we looked fine. Just fine. But we’ve never forgotten that serendipity. . .our detour of delight. And we realized we really can ‘make do’ when we have to.

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1).

When has life derailed you and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise?

~~~~~~~~~~

taken from "31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace" available as a free download at http://BlyBooks.com/articles.htm/

~~~~~~~~

Awakening Your Sense of Wonder

AWAKENING YOUR SENSE OF WONDER

by Janet Chester Bly

available at http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm/

DINING WITH JOY

2011-07-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Dining With Joy

A NEW NOVEL

by Rachel Hauck

Thanks for having me today!

I’m no genius in the kitchen, but my heroine, Joy Ballard, finds herself doing a job she can’t do for all the right reasons. She’s a cooking show host who can’t cook!

When I started this book, that premise got a good laugh from those who heard it. Then, I’d ask, “But what’s that story about?”

The person would shrug. “I don’t know.”

“Yeah, me neither.”

I had to ask a lot of questions about what a woman hosts a cooking show when she can’t so much as fry eggs. I didn’t want an insincere, lying heroine. She’s not a manipulator or conniver.

Joy simply found herself filling a job she was asked to do – by her father. She was great in front of the camera. Just not behind the stove.

Not long ago, I stood on stage at church with my worship team praying before the service started. Head back, eyes close, I said in my heart, “Lord, help us. You have to help me. I’m so weak in leading worship. I cannot do it without You.”

While I’m a decent singer, and I can lead the people to worship Jesus, I’m not a musician. I’m not one who can skillfully bring the band and the worship sound together. And until I found myself with a “starting over” band, I never realized how gaping this weakness was for me.

A few days later, I was thinking of all the great worship leaders, singers and musicians. Of great writers. And I just felt weak and inadequate in the two main callings of my life.

Again, I went to the Lord. “Why can’t You find a good worship leader for church? Why can’t you help me be a more successful writer? I see people who are good at what they do, succeeding.”

This is what He said to me. “… most people won’t give me their weaknesses.”

I was stopped cold. I understood that a lot of times God invites us on a journey to participate with Him in some aspect of our lives or others, but because we are not good at that thing, or because we are weak with fear or shame or whatever, we say no.

It’s in our weaknesses His strength is manifest. God is not looking for mighty men and women, He’s looking for weak men and women in which HE can show His might.

Don’t misunderstand, God loves excellence, skill and devotion. While leading worship practices, I have to be excellent as I can be to bring the team and songs together.

I’ll never have a recording or national ministry as a worship leader, but for our little church in Florida, I’m God’s girl. For now.

That, in some ways, is Joy’s journey. She said yes to her father’s desire.

Can we say “Yes?” to our Father’s desire for us? Offer Him all of our strengths AND weaknesses? He’s more than willing to overcome.

In my story, Joy’s secret is revealed and takes a pretty good tumble, but love is waiting to catch her. In the form of cowboy chef and hero, Luke Redmond.

Sigh… Love wins.

One of the things Joy discovers along the way his her father’s banana bread recipe. It’s delish!

Here it is:

Charles Ballard’s Banana Bread

From Connie Spangler

1 3/4 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1t. baking soda

1/2t. salt

1/2t. cinnamon

2 eggs

3 mashed ripe bananas

1/2 cup oil (I use canola)

1/4 cup plus 1 T. buttermilk

1t. vanilla

1/2 cup choc. chips

1/2 cup p.butter chips

In a large bowl stir together flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chips. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until it tests done. Cool on a rack 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Tips for baking banana bread:

DON'T over mix the batter, just until moistened. Banana bread is always best if after its cooled to wrap up and serve the next day.

ENJOY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rachel Hauck

RACHEL’S BIO

Rachel Hauck lives in central Florida with her husband and writes books from the second floor of what she calls her “turret tower.” A gift from the Lord. Besides “Dining with Joy,” Rachel has written fourteen other novels. Also out is “Softly and Tenderly” which Rachel wrote with country artist, Sara Evans.

Visit her web site: www.rachelhauck.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are you going to try this banana bread recipe?
What's your favorite banana bread ingredient?

STEPHEN BLY...On The Last Trail

2011-06-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Steve's signature in the sand

IN LOVING MEMORY

STEPHEN ARTHUR BLY

August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011

I have fought the good fight.

I have finished the race.

I have kept the faith.

I have done those things in life

that I would regret not doing.

Stephen Arthur Bly, 66, of Winchester, Idaho, passed away June 9, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho, after a five year battle with prostate cancer.

Steve was born August 17, 1944, to Arthur Worthington Bly and Alice Wilson Bly, at Visalia, California. He had one sibling, sister Judith Bly Walston who lives at the family homestead in Ivanhoe, California. He was raised on the family farm in Ivanhoe and worked for many years with both his father and for a time with his uncle M. J. ‘Buster’ Allen of Allen Farms in Coalinga, California.

Stephen & Janet Bly 1963

He met his wife, Janet Chester, at Redwood High School, Visalia, California, both in Class of 1962. They married June 14, 1963, and raised three sons, Russell Stuart, Michael Stephen and Aaron Timothy.

Stephen Bly 1975

He graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University (1971). He left farming to pursue a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary (1974) in Pasadena and was ordained in the UPCUSA Presbyterian Church. He served as pastor of Woodlake (CA) Presbyterian Church, Fillmore (CA) Bible Church and more than twenty years at Winchester (ID) Community Church.

During his college years he helped run a political campaign for Assemblyman Gordon Duffy of Kings and Tulare Counties in California and served as his Administrative Assistant at the Sacramento capitol. In more recent years he was councilman for several terms for Winchester city and served as its mayor (1999 to 2007).

Steve authored and co-authored with his wife, Janet, numerous articles, short stories and cowboy poetry, plus more than 100 nonfiction and both contemporary and historical fiction for adults, teens and kids (8 to 17 years). Many of his novels have been recorded in audio form, as well as translated into languages such as Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Portuguese. In May his most recent historical western was released, Throw The Devil Off The Train.

The Long Trail Home

He was a winner and finalist for the prestigious Christy Award for Christian Western Novels, for his books The Long Trail Home, Last of the Texas Camp, The Outlaw’s Twin Sister and Picture Rock. A few days before his passing, he was dictating scenes for Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot. His wife and sons hope to finish this book for him, for 2012 release.

He has received national positive reviews for his books, including in Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. Little Jimmy Dickens of the Grand Ole Opry once wrote Steve a personal note: “Your book (One Step Over The Border) is as good or better than Louis L’Amour’s.” He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. A complete list of his books can be found online at Wikipedia.com.

Steve (many times with his wife, Janet) traveled all over the United States and parts of Canada to speak at couples and family conferences, men’s retreats and seminars or workshops for home-schoolers and writers conferences, as well as for Young Writers Institute.

In the 1990s he participated in Family Living Conferences sponsored by Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, in churches across the country with authors such as Gary Chapman, Kevin Leman, Ross Campbell, Harold Sala, Craig Massey, Mel Johnson, Greg Speck and Gary Ezzo. He and his wife have mentored many students for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

Stephen Bly - par golfer

His hobbies included playing golf and he was an avid collector of antique Winchesters with his business partner, Jim Grueter, of Winchester. He and Jim wrote regular articles for The Big Show Journal, a magazine for gun collectors. A popular tourist and fan site has been the false front town he built at his Winchester home called Broken Arrow Crossing, named after his first Stuart Brannon novel, Hard Winter At Broken Crossing.

Stephen Bly Family

He is survived by his wife, Janet, of Winchester; son Russ Bly and wife Lois, of Lewiston; son Mike Bly and wife Michelle of Lewiston; son Aaron Bly and wife Rina of Lewiston; grandchildren Zachary Bly, Miranda Ross and husband Chris Ross, Keaton Bly, Deckard Bly, all of Lewiston; great-granddaughter, Alayah Ross of Lewiston; sister Judy Walston and husband Bill of Ivanhoe, California; nephew Stephen Walston and wife Natalie of Eureka, California; niece Stella Walston and nephew Porter Walston of Eureka, California; as well as numerous other nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alice Bly, and by his nephew, Scott Walston.

Graveside service: Wednesday, June 15, 10:00 a.m., at Lewis Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston, Idaho. Memorial and Celebration of Life Service: 3:00 p.m., at Winchester Community Church, Winchester, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Winchester Community Church, c/o Brad Ailor, P. O. Box 422, Winchester, Idaho, 83555 or to a cancer research foundation of your choice.

Goodbye, dear friend

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHY HEROES & HEROINES NEED SIDEKICKS

2011-05-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Throw The Devil Off The Train

Stephen Bly

Every hero or heroine needs a side-kick to bounce off thoughts and ideas.

Sidekicks in Throw The Devil Off The Train provoke humor and provide balance.

Frances Garrity, an obese woman with two very small children, fills the seat behind Catherine Draper and Race Hillyard. As she becomes enmeshed in their lives, she seems oblivious to her massive size. Part comic relief, she also enriches the story with her depth of experience, hurts and show of loyalty.

When Francine auditioned for a part in Throw The Devil Off The Train, I was skeptical of her size. However, her natural, in-your-face personality convinced me of her importance.

The second quirky character is Mr. Walker, Race Hillyard’s saddle. His name comes from the stamp of the maker, D. L. Walker of Visalia, California, on the back of the cantle. Catherine anthropomorphizes him by her various conversations during central scenes.

Then, six teenage daughters of a Mormon passenger who dress alike, act quite different. Yet their focus on this trip unites them as they’re concerned about the fate of Catherine and Race.

None of the sidekick characters showed up on my list when I started the book. They just appeared, one by one, in various scenes. If they did well, I allowed them larger parts later in the story. Who ends up in my novels surprises me. But I’ve noticed one thing. . .seldom do normal people qualify.

Just when I think I know the plot, the characters up and change everything.

Creede of Old Montana

You see, Avery John Creede needed a sidekick. In a western movie, theme music can move the story along. In a western novel, without a partner for your protagonist, you’re forced to use a lot of interior monologue…or he or she talks to a horse. I’ve even included a burro and a moose…as a sort of sidekick to converse with in my novels. Each of these was for the heroines.

I decided in Creede of Old Montana on a young compadre. But Avery’s such a loner, he wouldn’t accept just any kid. So I provided a nephew who was named after him: Avery Creede Emerson…or Ace.

In order not to stereotype Ace, I didn’t want him to be a rank tenderfoot at everything. I wanted him to be of help to his Uncle Avery, but keep his independent personality. So, I needed a dramatic event or two to reveal his character.

I like Ace. He’s kind of like a young Matt Damon…or for Bly fans, think of him as a young Brady Stoner. He hasn’t been out west very long, but he’s a quick learner. And he recalls a few words from the dime novels he’s read, such as “light a shuck,” which means to get out there in a hurry. Much needed concept when he hangs around his Uncle Avery.

Ace soon starts using the phrase, “What would Uncle Avery do?” to get him through his troubles. This reminds Avery of his important role in Ace’s life, a duty suddenly thrust on him, to be sure.

I figure Avery needs a long talk with someone…to explain some things, to figure out others. Maybe he’ll unload to the mystery dark-haired lady…or the gal in yellow. Maybe he’ll confide in his nephew, Ace. Or maybe he’ll let me in on it. Me and Avery go way back.

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Who's your favorite novel sidekick?

CHECK THIS OUT: Find this article plus chance for a free book at Tina Dee's blog: http://BustlesandSpurs.blogspot.com

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AVAILABLE NOW!
Throw The Devil Off The Train

HEIRS & HAIR BRANDS

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

On the Trail

with Stephen Bly

When you hair brand cattle, you hold the branding iron against the critter long enough to burn the hair, but not the hide. This works as a quick, temporary trail brand when driving mixed herds.

But often a hair brand was a dishonest attempt to make an animal look properly branded. Later, the hair grows out, leaving no brand at all.

Claiming to be a follower of Jesus Christ is like being branded.

“You are marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).

The true imprint of the Holy Spirit marks your body, soul and spirit for life. From that day forward, you’re a child of God.

Unless you’re play-acting.

Some like calling themselves Christians or going to church on occasion, but have no intention of knowing God like a friend, seeking his guidance, or certainly not obeying him.

They may want to keep peace with a spouse. Or they feel they need to be a good role model for the kids. Or it keeps up appearances with significant others. So, they make like they’re standing up for Jesus when they’re really sitting down somewhere else inside.

But sooner or later the hair grows out. True commitment is revealed. The charade’s over as they fall back into themselves, instead of into the arms of Jesus.

They may claim the faith just didn’t take. Truth is, they never submitted to the Lord’s heir brand.

His brand is the cross.

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NOW AVAILABLE:
Throw The Devil Off The Train

Autographed copies available through our website:
http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm

REBECCA BARLOW JORDAN'S LATE BLOOMER

2011-05-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Winter Butterfly -- Late Bloomer

Here's a Country Life Caption entry by author Rebecca Barlow Jordan. We welcome her as a guest on our blog:

My “country garden” consists of a small town, backyard, perennial plot, but it’s a wonderful place to commune with God and marvel in the lessons from His creations.

I wrote about this “winter” butterfly—and one of those lessons God taught me in a blog about late bloomers: http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com/are-you-a-late-bloomer-in-life/

I live on the edge of East Texas. God never gave me my dream house in the country with a wrap-around porch, but He has blessed me beyond measure.

Day-votedly His,

Rebecca Barlow Jordan

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Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is a mom, wife, grandmom, inspirational speaker and author of 11 books, and devoted Christ follower who loves to encourage others, heart to heart.

Author, Speaker, Greeting Card Writer

Encouraging Others Heart to Heart

Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, Day-votions for Grandmothers

Her website: http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com,

Her blog is on the same site:

http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com/blog

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If you have a photo that symbolizes country life to you, please send it as a feature for our blog. Full guidelines on the sidebar at the right.