Thursday, November 29, 2012

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas CFBA Tour!!





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

Abingdon Press (November 2012)

by

Jennifer AlLee


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!




ABOUT THE BOOK



Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.


Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.


What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?



If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

HGG Lynda Schab and Giveaway of Madily in Love



HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE


Readers, today I have an interview with author Lynda Schab who has written the new book, Madily in Love. She has kindly offered to giveaway one copy to one of my readers!! Get your entries in below:)



Thank you for being with us today, Lynda! How long have you known you wanted to be an author? Thanks for having me, Charity! I’ve always loved to read, which seems to be a precursor for all writers. I don’t remember exactly when I picked up a pen and started to write, but I remember writing a story in 6th grade called The Summer I Went to Honolulu (no, I’d never been there – and still haven’t!), complete with caricature drawings. I moved on to writing plays for my cousins and me to perform for our parents, then tried my hand at poetry. In high school, it was all about poetry – some of it was pretty good, but some was very, very bad. I still love to write poetry, but prefer to create funny, rhyming poems for retirement parties, milestone birthdays, bridal or baby showers, and other fun occasions. My passion, though, has always been fiction. It seems like I've been working towards the goal of getting a novel published forever! In reality, it took about 40 years.

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?Madi McCall is just coming out of a marital rough patch (you’ll have to read Mind over Madi for that whole story) and she’s trying to get her marriage back on track. But that’s easier said than done, especially because her mother-in-law has moved in, Madi’s recently started working again after years of being a stay-at-home-mom, and her kids seem determined to do everything they can to turn her hair even grayer than it already is. Madi attends a Revitalize Your Marriage with Romance class at church and gets some great tips…that fail miserably. All she wants is some peace among the chaos. And some quality time with her husband would be nice, too. 

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?Although this book has to do with the importance (and fun) of adding romance to marriage, the main thing I hope readers can take away is that even though life seems unmanageable, disorderly, and chaotic, God is always in control. One of the recurring phrases throughout the book—as mentioned by Madi’s counselor—is “Embrace this place.” In other words, no matter what you’re going through, recognize that it won’t last forever. And down the road, you might just look back and see just how that “unbearable” season was essential in moving you to a place of growth and necessary change.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
I'd love to visit Israel someday. Despite the unrest and major stuff going on there right now, I'd love to walk where Jesus did. What an experience that would be!

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be? 
I would say CS Lewis because he was creatively and intellectually brilliant and would make me think. And Bill Cosby because he's a clean comic who would make me laugh.

What one event would you love to attend? Historical or future?
The Big Bang. You know, that moment when God spoke, and BANG! There it was.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Going to the movies! My absolute favorite thing to do! There's nothing like escaping into another world with a big bucket of popcorn...even if it only lasts for 2 hours.

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know? 
I had braces twice - once as a teenager and once as an adult - and I need them again. Wear that retainer, people!

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring author? 
Two, actually. First, platform is so important and can make all the difference in whether or not a publisher takes a chance on you. Start building your platform (or audience) now. Blog, participate in social networks, speak at conferences, write articles, connect with people. And second, don't focus so much on marketing and platform that you forget to sit your butt in that chair and write!

Any last thoughts for your readers?
It still blows my mind that anyone would want to read my book, let alone pay money for it. Not because I think I'm a terrible author, but because I am in awe of what God has done in my life, and how He has allowed me to realize my dream. So I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU. I hope this series entertains you, blesses you, and makes you smile.
And how can they connect with you?
I have a blog (www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com) where I love to connect with readers and friends, and sometimes even give away cool stuff. I also have an Author Page on Facebook, and 
a Twitter account(www.Twitter.com/LyndaSchab) 




So, sounds like an interesting book right? And we all know that books make great gifts for those people who love to read. This would be great for a teenage girl but I know many ladies who would enjoy getting it as well:)

This giveaway will end 12/13. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

CFBA Tour for Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Shattered Silence

Abingdon Press (September 2012)

by

Margaret Daley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




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


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


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


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




ABOUT THE BOOK



A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

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

MY REVIEW-Margaret Daley is one of those writers that makes you sit up and pay attention. Lots of action, adventure and suspense mingle together to bring a great novel to read. I mean a Texas Ranger who makes you oohhh and aahhh and a heroine who has grit and strength. Excellent novel that is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel as well.

I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

HGG Love's Christmas Journey Inspirational Film



HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

One thing that makes a nice gift is a really good film. You definitely can't go wrong with a sweet movie or just the right flick for that special person. I personally like Christian films but I do like the sweet film as well. And this next item in the gift guide is both of these qualities! Christian and sweet:)

This series is based on the books written by Janette Oke. Many of you I am sure remember reading her books and I think they were one of the first Christian fiction books I ever read. Reading about Clark and Marty and their family as they grow up, get married and have children of their own is something that you get immersed in. They become familiar characters. The films deviate a little from the books but I like to watch them without tying them into the books.

Love's Christmas Journey is all about widow Ellie King, her brother Aaron Davis and many other side characters. Of course, we can't forget the handsome deputy Strode. The main plot is about a crooked banker trying to force people out of their homes because a train is coming through town. He will obviously become very wealthy because of this situation. Many of the people give in or get roughed up because they don't sell to him. There also happens to be a side plot of two young people in love but they can't court openly because her father thinks the young man is not worthy. It is amazing how people will push the sins of the father against the children. Not everyone grows up like their parents.

Overall this is a sweet film with some romance, adventure, excitement and a dash of the holiday spirit. Of course, the ending was totally unexpected and left me hanging. I don't believe this happened!! But it will have me purchasing the next one when it comes out. Perfect for a family film or that special lady in your life who enjoys the good inspirational flick. You can watch the Love's Christmas Journey trailer using this link. And I would urge you to pick it up at your local store.

According to FTC Disclosures, I received a copy of this film for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Walking in Trust by Gayle Irwin

Anyone who has owned pets, knows how special they are. Whether it is one you used to own as a child or the family dog now, animals are wonderful creatures. And many people have one that sticks out in their mind as being that special friend. I have owned several dogs through the years but I will never forget a collie I had from my childhood. Of course her name was Lassie but she was a special dog. 

What would you do if your dog was going blind? You might think you don't need that on top of all your other problems, and give away the dog. Or, like Gayle Irwin, you might keep your pet and bond even closer as you work to see together. And in the process, the God who created both you and your dog may teach you valuable lessons about really seeing and trusting ... lessons that will not make all your problems go away but will increase your faith, hope and joy in the midst of them.
Our Creator has many ways of walking with us and teaching us. He can even use a blind dog!
Chapter titles include: Patience, Wisdom, Obedience, Forgiveness, Purity, Friendship, Courage, Loyalty, Confidence, Joy, Compassion, Humility, Mystery, Goodness, Praise, Generosity, Love, Faithful, Respect, Self-Control, Contentment, Gentleness, Kindness, Hope, Peace, Reliable, Trust, Rest, Gratitude, Perseverance. Thirty topical chapters lend themselves to a month of daily readings.
Spending time in this book with Gayle and her blind dog, Sage, will help you listen more closely to what Creator God may be saying to you through your experience of the world around you.

This book Walk in Trust is about Gayle's relationship with her dog, Sage. She offers encouragement and wisdom that she found while living with Sage, who happens to be blind. There are thirty devotional type lessons that will teach things you learn as a pet owner. And these are things that can help you in your daily walk. An animal trusts a human like we should trust God. He wants what is best for us and Gayle brings up many good points throughout this book such as that. Overall an excellent book that will give hope and encouragement. Pick up a copy today!

I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Keep Your Strands Shiny This Season Without Giving Up Beauty Products (or Your Hair Dryer!)


So you don’t want to put away your hair dryer even if you’re told that can help keep your hair shiny and moisturized during the winter; you’re definitely not the only one. Most professional stylists recommend staying away from styling products and heat during the winter to keep hair healthy, but that’s not as easy as it sounds. Sure, washing your hair every-other-day sounds nice, but sometimes you just feel unclean and can’t stand the way your hair looks. Giving up your hair dryer on the other hand may sound near impossible. You’re not leaving the house for work in the morning with wet hair- especially if you have hair extensions! Long hair can take forever to dry. Besides, can’t you get sick that way? Luckily Allure Magazine has tried and tested some beauty products, and given their seal of approval so you can continue to look beautiful and keep your hair and hair extensions healthy all winter.
Products That Make Your Hair Healthier:
The thought of skipping a day shampooing may make many women shudder, but luckily you don’t have too. Allure recommends a “restorative” shampoo that won’t strip away hair’s natural oils that keep it shiny; they recommend “L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Reconstruct Shampoo” but note to look for products with labels that say "anti-breakage," "strengthening," "restorative," or "renewal".
Instead of conditioning every time you shower, use a deep conditioner (Allure recommends “Shu Uemura Art of Hair Moisture Velvet Nourishing Treatment for Dry Hair”) once a week. The film left behind from the conditioner treats dryness and damage and keeps hair shiny and tangle-free.

Use an ionic blow-dryer like the “T3 Featherweight Professional Hair Dryer”. Good ionic dryers emit charged particles that can cut your hair drying time in half and ensure your hair cuticles lay flat. Give your hair a spritz of “Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray” before using any heat products to keep your strands protected. Another heating tool many women have a hard time parting with is a straightener or flatiron. Allure recommends a silicone-emitting flatiron like the “Remington Style Therapy Frizz Therapy Flatiron”. The plates of this flatiron actually emit a silicone-based conditioner that eliminates frizz.
Most stylists recommend that you avoid dying your hair during the colder months because most hair dyes contain ammonia and peroxide which can dry your hair out. L'Oréal Professionnel's has released a new salon dye, however, called “INOA” that contains neither ingredient. This new dye is also more resistant to fading. 
Perfect Locks is a web site that offers a variety of Indian hair extensions and more! Learn more about Perfect Locks by stopping by their About Me section on the site and don’t forget to check out their Facebook and Twitter page as well. Plus, browse the huge hairstyle picture galleries and read up on the latest fashion, beauty trends and tips on their blog.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot Blog Tour


Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

Amanda Cabot invites readers to cozy up with a romantic, heartwarming tale of the greatest gift of all--love.

MY REVIEW- I have always enjoyed books written by Amanda Cabot. She has a way of writing sweet novels that make you smile and yearn for the old days. And believe me, Christmas Roses is no different! I loved this story and I felt like I was there with Celia in her little boarding home. She is a great heroine even though I found trouble with her at first dealing with her little one. The baby falls sick and she has no idea of what to do. I guess maybe I am used to being around children and knowing what to do but Celia kind of froze. But entirely believable for a new mother. And the hero?? Ahhh! A perfect gentleman who knows how to treat a lady. The whole thing of the christmas roses made me cry. Especially the ending. Beautiful christmas story!!

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

$25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!!

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
$25 VISA GIFT CARD FROM RETAILMENOT

Remember my post a couple weeks ago about the RetailMeNot deals? Well, if you all remember that I also mentioned that I would be receiving a Visa gift card to giveaway to one of my readers. It took a little bit because they are located in New York and Hurricane Sandy kind of messed them up a little. But, the gift card is now here and I am sure you all are ready for a giveaway:)

We all can use a little extra cash around the holiday season. And yes I know this isn't cash, but it can be used as a Visa at pretty much any store!! I was sent one for myself and I was able to use it at my local department store and a restaurant. So, you can use this for almost anything. I know there are some restrictions on it but you should be able to use it either to purchase gifts or even to give as a gift. Everyone likes a gift card.

Who is ready to win a visa gift card? I can't hear you!! LOL:) Anyways, get your entries in below. And don't forget to stop by RetailMeNot to check out their deals and coupons.

This giveaway will end 12/5. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. USA ONLY!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bible Detective Blog Tour

Hey everyone, the kids in our household love playing detective. And they love Bible stuff. So I was sure they would enjoy this next book I got for review from Kregel titled Bible Detective.


Where's Waldo? meets the Bible in this cleverly illustrated picture-search puzzle book for young readers
Young detectives can pore over more than 17 scenes of Bible events to find the answers to questions posed on each page in this brilliantly imagined seek-and-find puzzle book. Each two-page spread, accompanied by pertinent and engaging Bible trivia, is brightly and engagingly illustrated, with the main scene taking up the center of the page and the items to "seek" decorating the edges. Some puzzles involve looking for details of everyday life, others highlight things that happened in the Bible stories—offering hours of fun to readers as they search for the answers. With lots to find, this kind of picture book is particularly great for reluctant readers and visual learners, helping all children get an overview of the Bible's history and content as they super-sleuth their way through to the end.


Let me tell you, this book is very addictive!! The warning is absolutely true:) After receiving the book I gave it to my little sister, M. She is eleven years old and I know it was a little bit below her age level, but she enjoyed it all the same. She had to sit down and do all the search and find puzzles right away. She got through it pretty fast, within about 15 minutes, but again, she is eleven years old. The recommended age level is 5-9 years.

It was pretty fun though. I went through some of it with her and we had fun racing to see who could find the objects first. And, not only is this book fun and entertaining, but it is also educational. There are little facts throughout the pages which will help a child learn things. This would make a great gift for a child or grandchild. Check it out!!

According to FTC Disclosure, I received a copy of this book through Kregel Blog Tours. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

Monday, November 19, 2012

HGG A Light in the Window e-Book by Julie Lessman

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!


HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW BY JULIE LESSMAN

First up for my gift guide this month is a book. You all know my love of reading and books make excellent gifts. So this first one is an e-book by Julie Lessman titled A Light in the Window. If you have read any of her books this is a prequel, Patrick and Marcy's story at last!! An Irish Christmas Love story:)


One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.But who will win her heart?Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart. While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”

Readers, Julie is quite an author. This is a book you have got to get if you love her books. The story of Patrick and Marcy after all these years:) So please, enter the giveaway below. It would make a great gift!! If you want to purchase it before the giveaway ends or if you don't win, you can buy the A Light in the Window from Amazon at this link.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Be a Confident New You Before the New Year


You’re probably wondering by the title of the post how we can possibly be discussing the New Year when November has just begun. Well, that’s just it. It’s already November and pretty soon the New Year will be here and that’s why it’s a good idea to start making goals and plans now. Don’t get caught up in the normal every year resolutions, but instead think outside the box and discover how you can better improve your life. Do you want a new job, hairstyle, or desire to take care of your health more? If so, start implementing change now! Don’t wait until January hits because there’s no time like the present.


Make Your Healthy Priority – Do you find yourself putting off your health by not working out and eating too many snacks? Don’t be too hard on yourself – it’s hard to stay healthy if you’re not used to doing so. If you have family it’s even more imperative that you keep your health in check because becoming overweight and out of shape can lead to other health issues down the road, such as heart disease. There’s no time like the present to cut back on the snacks, implement a workout schedule that you actually like, and take your daily vitamins will also help you take a step in the right direction. In fact, order online vitamins and get them delivered asap!

Get a New Hair ‘Do – Sometimes a simple change like getting a new hair cut and style will make you feel like a brand new you. If you’ve been dying to search for a new job or make a work goal happen, implementing a small change before conquering a larger one will give you a boost of confidence when you need it the most. Once you’ve cut your hair and perhaps given red lipstick and cobalt blue eyeliner a shot you never know what you may be up to trying next. Don’t be afraid to speak up at work and ask for that promotion – you don’t have to wait until the New Year begins!

Find a Support System – Sometimes part of becoming a confident new you before the New Year even starts is by having a support system that will help support you through new positive changes. Whether you’re a parent who would like to implement positive changes in your household or are a beautiful woman, who needs to work on her self confidence, having friends and family members you can count on is always important.

November is the time to make changes that will improve your life before the New Year begins! Continue to become a confident new you and be proud of the changes you are beginning to execute.

Sierra is a freelance writer and owner of Paige One. She has begun to implement changes right now before January is here! 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Tis the Season for Swagbucks!!

Swagbucks is working to make the holidays even more rewarding with their Swagbucks Holiday Hundreds Giveaway. Starting at 12pm Pacific Time on November 14th every transaction you make through the Swagbucks Shop & Earn will get you an entry to win the $100 Gift Card of your choice from the Swag Store! As soon as the Swag Bucks show up as pending in your ledger, your entry has been earned! The first drawing will take place on the 19th and will run every day through the 14th of December - if you're the winner, Swagbucks will contact you at whatever email address you have on your account. Entries are cumulative, so the more transactions you make, the more entries you'll get. Travel Category is excluded.

Haven't joined Swagbucks yet? Sign up today and enter the code HOLIDAY100s to start with 100 Swag Bucks of your own!

CFBA Tour for A Change of Fortune





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Change of Fortune

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)

by

Jen Turano


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.


She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she  fired up the computer and never looked back.


Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter.


Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.




ABOUT THE BOOK



Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.


Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.


Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.


When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Change of Fortune, go HERE.

MY REVIEW-As most readers know, a debut novel is often not written as well as an authors other books. But I have to say, this is one I really enjoyed. Not sure how Jen's other books will be, but I have the next one on my wish list. Overall this is a good book. Funny at times and not a lot of emotional tension. The romance is not a big part of the book and I think it could have been fleshed out more. I loved how Eliza got along with Ben and Piper though. Their relationship was pretty good.

This is a book I enjoyed reading and have passed on to others so they can enjoy it. I know my sister loved it:) I will be watching for her next book which happens to feature Theodore and Arabella. I was hoping for one that featured Zayne or Grayson. Maybe in the future? Good historical and a lot of fun to read. Reminded me of a Mary Connealy book.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Seafood Twice a Week Gorton's Review & 3 Winner Giveaway!

How many of you love seafood? I sure do!! I don't like some of the odd seafood entrees but I definitely love shrimp, tilapia, salmon, crab cakes, etc. And that is why I was pleased to hear about the new Gorton's promotion, Eat Seafood Twice a Week! In order to do my review I was sent a coupon for a free Gorton's item and they have a wonderful giveaway for three of my readers as well.

The whole idea here is to eat seafood twice a week. It is very healthy for you and you can make so many different recipes with fish! For my review I made the Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad. So with my coupon I got the grilled salmon. Normally with my caesar salad I put grilled chicken on it. But I was excited to try this new recipe that would have me cooking the fish and then putting the salmon on my salad instead. Check out the photos and tell me what you think!


MY GRILLED SALMON


MY SALAD WAITING FOR THE SALMON


ALL FINISHED!


The salad was relatively easy to make and it fed two. I did not put tomatoes in it as I am not a real big tomato fan. I also used a caesar salad kit which made the prep time even faster. Now, as to the flavor and taste, it was different. Especially when you are used to having chicken on your salad and I eat fish by itself. But I was pleasantly surprised at the flavor. It had a fishy taste, to be expected, but it really tasted good! I liked how the fish adds protein to my salad. Definitely a recipe I will be using in the future.

So readers, anyone else ready to commit to eating seafood twice a week? I for one will be incorporating more seafood into my diet. I eat tuna fish a lot and the frozen fish makes an easy dinner. Ready for the giveaway? Three of my readers will win a $2 off coupon and a limited-edition Gorton's Seafood plate. Three winners will each get one of these along with the coupon. I have not seen my plate yet but I am sure it will be nice.

Giveaway will end 11/27. Winners will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Hotel Supplies

Okay, you all know I do not own a hotel, but I think a hotel or boarding house would be kind of fun to own. I love being a hostess and this would be a way to do it. And to own a hotel, you would definitely need hotel supplies. I found a website with some good supplies that I thought might be a help to someone.

PeachSuite Hotel Supply is a company that offers lots of different supplies to cater to the hotel owner. Whether you are looking at catering, sheets, towels, bedding, etc. they have it all. Check out the Hotel Catering Supplies! They have everything you can imagine that you would need to outfit a hotel. Dining room supplies, equipment, furniture, etc. can all be found here. And they have an offer right now for free shipping on orders that qualify over $500. Check it out!

Upcoming Annual Holiday Gift Guide Event!!

Hey everyone, just a quick note. I am scheduling my Annual Holiday Gift Guide event starting November 19th.

This will run through at least the beg. of December. I plan on featuring exciting companies such as Panasonic, Fox, Medieval Times, EA Games, Ubisoft Games, etc. Don't miss out on the fun! These will be companies with products that would make great gifts so you will want to be in attendance. Some of these will be giveaway and others will be reviews only. But they will all give you good ideas for gifts:)

Friday, November 9, 2012


It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books.  A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.  The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between!  Enjoy your free peek into the book!


You never know when I might play a wild card on you!





Today's Wild Card author is:



Robert Morgan



and the book:



All to Jesus


B&H Books (October 1, 2012)



***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

MY REVIEW-This devotional is one of those books you keep and re-read over and over. I have been reading more than one each day because I knew I had to get this review done in time, but I will be using this next year and starting from the beginning. These are little devotions that will make you think and ponder. I really like how there are little stories throughout that are interesting and factual. I had many favorites and I was posting some of these for my friends to see. This is by far my favorite devotional book! LOVED IT!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Robert J. Morgan is a best-selling, Gold Medallion Award-winning author whose over twenty-five books include Then Sings My Soul, The Red Sea Rules, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart and The Children's Daily Devotional Bible. A staff writer for Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Points Magazine, he has also served as pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, for three decades. Morgan and his wife have three daughters and ten grandchildren.

Visit the author's website.



SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:


"Cast all your cares on him." "Love the Lord with all your heart." "I can do all things . . . ." Most would be surprised at how often the word "all" appears in the Bible-literally thousands of times. And with each description of God's comprehensive promises, each reminder of our complete blessing in Christ, each appeal for our full and total surrender, His reputation grows larger before our eyes. We see again what He can do. We see again who we can be.

Based on the Bible's sizeable emphasis on this tiny yet powerful word "all," best-selling author and pastor Robert J. Morgan has created a remarkable 365-day spiritual growth experience in his new devotional, All to Jesus: A Year of Devotions (B&H Books, October 2012). A choice sampling of the Bible's most "all"-encompassing statements, All to Jesus will surround believers each day with inspiring stories, personal reflections and the encouraging assurance that they are cared for in ways they never imagined.





Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433677865
ISBN-13: 978-1433677861




AND NOW...THE FIRST WEEK:





He is all in all to me,
And my song of songs shall be, Hallelujah, O My Savior,
I am trusting only Thee.

Fanny Crosby

Introduction

One evening several years ago when troubled about a particular matter, I sat at the dining room table and picked up my Bible. I turned to a little book near the back and read through 1 Peter, thinking the old fisherman might have an encouraging word for me. When I got to the last chapter, I came across verse 7: “casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.” It was a verse I knew well, indeed had memorized it; but now I saw something I’d never seen before. It said: “casting ALL your care upon Him.”


The Divine Author could easily have omitted the word all without hindering the flow or force of the text: casting your care upon Him. But the Lord deliberately dropped that little all into the sentence like a pearl in the pathway, and I had overlooked it for years.


But what a word! The “all” indicated this was an all- inclusive promise. Nothing is excluded from the invitation. No problem is too small for His notice, none too large for His power. He’s concerned about each and every problem I have or would ever have, public or personal, large or little. He can handle them, and I should give them all to Him in total trust.


Then a thought came to me. I wondered if there were other “alls”  in the Bible that I’d missed. Continuing my reading, I noticed three verses later that God is “the God of all grace.” Four verses later: “Peace to all of you.” Three verses down the column, in 2 Peter 1:3, I read, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us” (NKJV).


Looking up the word in a concordance, I was amazed to find 5,675 “alls” in the Bible. This word shows up in a remarkable number of verses, and it amplifies many of our greatest truths, commands, and promises:


•   “All things work together for the good of those who love God” (Rom. 8:28).
•   “You have thrown all my sins behind Your back” (Isa. 38:17).
•   “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted” (Matt. 10:30).
•   “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Matt. 22:37).
•   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Prov.3:5–6).
•   “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Matt. 11:28).
•   “Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6 NIV).
•   “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matt. 6:33).


The Lord doesn’t waste words in His Book. In the verses above, the alls could easily have been left out; yet there they are. Seems it’s one of God’s favorite words. He used it thousands of times, often in passages that would have read nicely without it; yet the all maximizes the meaning to the absolute. It’s the largest little word in the world, taking already strong statements and broadening their applications to virtual infinity, which, after all, is what one would expect from an omnipotent Father.


The frequency of this word in Scripture speaks to the all-sufficient grace of our Almighty Savior. It highlights the infinite omniqualities of God, and the complete devotion we should afford Him. He is the Lord of All, our All-in-All, our Almighty God, our All-Sufficient Savior from whom All blessings flow; and He is All we need.


Looking up all these alls was the simplest Bible study I’ve ever done, but one of the most bolstering to the soul, because all Scripture is given by inspiration of God—even the thousands of occurrences of this little monosyllabic term.


So for each day of the year, I’ve selected an “all” from Scripture—365 of them, all told.


The other 5,310 occurrences you’ll have to dig out for yourself.


Day 1  2 Corinthians 9:6–11


God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV)


Missionary Amy Carmichael attended a meeting featuring the renowned preacher Dr. Andrew Bonar. “He was very old and could not speak very plainly or strongly,” she recalled. “The hall was full, and I was near the back. I could not catch a single word he said, except this word all. He read 2 Corinthians 9:8 and he put every bit of strength he had into it, so that the one word rang out—all—always—all—all. I have forgotten thousands of great sermons, but that ‘all’ I have never forgotten, and it has helped me countless times.”


The context of this verse involves giving to the Lord’s work, yet the promise is larger than its context. The words God is able represent a recurring divine promise:


•   He is able to establish us (Rom. 16:25).
•   He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).
•   He is able to keep what we have committed to Him (2 Tim. 1:12).
•   He is able to aid us in temptation (Heb. 2:18).
•   He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
•   He is able to deliver us (Dan. 3:17).
•   And He is able to make all grace abound to us in all ways at all times for all things.


Our God is able! He isn’t going to impart some grace or some sufficiency in some things for some good works. It’s all—all—all—all!


Day 2             Proverbs 3:1–5


Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5


Many times I’ve preached this verse to myself, repeating over and over: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, . . . Trust in the Lord with all your heart, . . .” Recently I dug a little deeper into that word trust. According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, the original term here in Proverbs 3:5 is batucha, which literally means to “trust in, feel safe, be confident, careless.”


Careless—care-less, as in carefree.


The TWOT goes on to explain that this word expresses the sense of well-being and security that results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence. The basic idea behind “trust” goes beyond intellectual belief; it emphasizes an attitude or emotion of feeling safe and secure, unconcerned—being confident to the point of being care-less or carefree.


That doesn’t preclude a healthy concern for things we’ve entrusted to the Lord. It does mean that the Proverbs 3:5 variety of trust liberates us from toxic anxiety, fear, worry, and crippling concern. The old French mystic, Jean Nicolas Grou, said, “Give yourself to Him, trust Him, fix your eye upon Him, listen to His voice, and then go on bravely and cheerfully.”


Don’t trust Him with some of your heart, which taps into some of His peace. Abide with total trust. That’s His desire and His command for you today: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”



Day 3  Proverbs 3:5–10

Think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.
Proverbs 3:6


One time I spoke to students of Bryan College in Tennessee about God’s guidance over matters large and small in our lives. Afterward I was bombarded with questions. Another speaker had suggested that God establishes certain parameters for our lives but doesn’t involve Himself in specifics, that He doesn’t specifically know or ordain our steps. But I believe God’s guidance is detailed, daily, personal, unfailing, and preplanned, as Psalm 139:16 says: “All my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”


If He has planned all my days, I should acknowledge Him in all my ways. That means developing the habit of deliberately pausing to ask God’s will before making a purchase, giving an answer, writing a letter, making a decision, or taking an action. Acknowledge Him as Lord of that matter.


This was Nehemiah’s habit, as we see in chapter 2 of his book: “Then the king asked me, ‘What is your request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven and answered the king.” In the royal palace in Susa that day, no one noticed the slight pause in the conversation. But during that strategic second of silence, Nehemiah shot an arrow of prayer heavenward and consulted God, quietly asking: “Lord, give me wisdom and grant me favor!”


Strategic pauses like that throughout the day would save us from many mistakes.

Day 4  John 21:15–19


Lord, You know all things.
John 21:17 (NKJV)


One day while perusing A. W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy, I came across a peculiar idea. Tozer asserted that God has never learned anything. He cannot learn; it is impossible. Imagine the lifted eyebrows if a pastor started Sunday’s sermon with that declaration. But Tozer was right. Because God is omniscient, He possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. There isn’t a scrap of information, a byte of data, or a spark of genius that He hasn’t known from eternity past. He compasses and surpasses all facts; He comprehends and transcends all reality; and in Him are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.


That means all truth is God’s truth, and true science will never contradict the realities of Scripture. It means He knows the future as well as the past, and He is guiding His creation toward pre-appointed ends. Yet it means more. As Peter acknowledged in John 21, Jesus also knows the world within us.


He knows my strengths, so He can use me for His purpose. He knows my weaknesses, so He can perfect what concerns me. He knows my anxieties, so He can reassure me with His promises. He knows my hurts, so He can apply His salve. He knows my sins, so He can cleanse my soul. He knows my failures, so He can work all things for my good. He knows my past, so He can lead me toward maturity. And He knows my future, so He can lead me all the way.


All wise, all good, almighty Lord,
Jesus, by highest Heav’n adored.
—Charles Wesley, 1745

Day 5  Psalm 5


Let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
let them shout for joy forever.
Psalm 5:11


During two periods of my life I’ve suffered bouts of depression, so I know something of its perils. According to the World Health Organization, major depression is the fourth- leading cause of disability in the world, and it’s on its way to becoming the second leading cause, just behind heart disease.


It’s a complex illness, and I don’t want to oversimplify it. Yet our depression, anxiety, anger, or fear is often the by- product of discounting the unfailing promises of God. Israel’s King David suffered periodic depression, as revealed in some of his psalms. He often brought his heavy heart to the Lord and replenished his emotions in the endless reservoirs of God’s grace. In so doing, he developed this formula in Psalm 5:11—
Relying on the Lord - Rejoicing in the Lord.


That’s simple enough for a wall plaque, yet it’s one of the most profound equations for emotional health ever discovered: “Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You” (NKJV). The word all signifies that this truth is applicable to everyone on earth. We can all learn to rely, and thereby to rejoice.


My daughter Grace once gave me a figurine of a lazy frog with his hands behind his head, resting on a rock, legs folded leisurely. Knowing my penchant for worry, she thought it a good reminder of the acronym FROG: Fully Rely On God. It’s hard to be depressed when there’s a frog on your desk; and it’s hard not to rejoice when you’re fully relying on Him.



Day 6  Matthew 6:25–34


After all these things the Gentiles seek.
For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:32–33 (NKJV)


England’s Queen Elizabeth I once asked a British merchant to undertake a mission for the crown. “But your Highness,” said the man, “such a long absence will be fatal to my business.” To which the queen replied: “You take care of my business, and I will take care of yours.” When the man returned, he found that the queen’s patronage had enlarged his company immeasurably.


Alice Taylor was a missionary to China whose four children were captured by the Japanese and interned in a concentration camp during World War II. Alice suffered galloping anxiety. But she recalled her pastor once putting Matthew 6:33 like this: “If you take care of the things that are dear to God, He will take care of the things that are dear to you.” Alice forced herself to focus on the Lord’s work while trusting Him with her cares. In time her children came home safely to the glory of God.


What’s our greatest need today? Whatever it is—financial, relational, physical, or emotional—it’s included in that universal all. Jesus said, “All these things . . . all these things
. . . all these things.”



Day 7  Genesis 6:13–22

Thus Noah did; according to all
that God commanded him, so he did.
Genesis 6:22 (NKJV)


Total trust results in total obedience. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark.”


By faith Noah obeyed.


Some scholars believe no rain had fallen to Earth prior to that time. Genesis 1:7 speaks of the waters above the expanse of the sky, perhaps indicating that a vast thermal shield of vapor encased Earth and maintained a greenhouse effect. This blanket of moisture filtered the sun’s destructive rays and may have contributed to the long life spans listed in Genesis. When the vapor canopy collapsed, torrential rains lasted forty days and nights. So in an age in which people knew nothing of rain, God told Noah to build an enormous ship, and Noah obeyed completely, down to the last nail.


To measure your faith, pull out the dipstick of obedience. Does God tell us to build up others with our words? To be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another? To do the work of an evangelist? To avoid sexual immorality? To keep our eyes from vanity? To meditate on Scripture?


Scottish novelist George MacDonald said, “You  can begin at once to be a disciple of the Living One—by obeying Him in the first thing you can think of in which you are not obeying Him. We must learn to obey Him in everything, and so must begin somewhere. Let it be at once, and in the very next thing that lies at the door of our conscience.”


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...