31 October 2012

Halloween...


Halloween Night...

A time for the KIDDIES to go out and guise...
My daughter's favourite holiday (Would you believe it?) but in my mind a time for little ones, not adults to celebrate...(yes, I am a party pooper! Sorry!)

A good evening to read Robert Burns' poem 'Halloween' though...

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta'en,
Beneath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.

(read the whole poem HERE)

Happy Homemaker In the UK Laura is an American currently living overseas who shares a very good understanding of Halloween's beliefs across the pond (see HERE).
Laura's photographs are often stunning so be sure to check out her other posts!

Finally did you know...

Folks in England and Ireland used to carve outs beets, potatoes and turnips for lanterns on All Hallow's Eve... 


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


 Rain tonight (yet again) for little ones to go trick or treat...Be safe!


30 October 2012

A Quick Hello...


Raining...Cats & Dogs here on the island...

Our Weather report says:

100% chance of Rain...(really???)
100 % Humidity(well...)
Temperature: 12.7 Celsius / 55 degrees F (we'll take it!)
Fall beauty tip found on same weather report (??): 'On humid or rainy days, opt for waterproof mascara to keep your makeup in place and prevent raccoon eyes.'  (must remember that!)



29 October 2012

Keeping Everyone In Thoughts & Prayers!


'The massive, slow-moving Hurricane Sandy, spanning nearly 1,000 miles, today Monday is turning north, sending East Coast residents scrambling to gather provisions and, in coastal areas, to seek safer ground. '

To all bloggers and their families and friends in affected areas, we keep you in our thoughts and pray for your safety!



 Take care Friends,


26 October 2012

A Promise To Love by Serena B. Miller, Book review

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800721176

Synopsis:


Can a marriage of convenience ever become one of true love?
Ingrid Larsen arrives in Michigan in 1871 with little more than the clothes on her back and a determination to find her brother, who has disappeared into the dangerous lumber camps. 
Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, the young Swedish immigrant crosses paths with Joshua Hunter, a newly widowed farmer with eyes the color of the ocean she had crossed and five rambunctious children to raise on his own.

Marriage would solve both of their problems, and Ingrid finds herself proposing in broken English to a man she barely knows. Many difficulties lie ahead--but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband.

My thoughts:

Remember 'The Measure of Katie Calloway' ?(see review hereSerena B. Miller gives her readers yet another great historical novel in 'A Promise to Love' set in Michigan. 
A fascinating storyteller, this author thrives on good research which provides the rich background of her novels. I found this latest story compelling and once again a page turner!

Swedish born Ingrid Larsen arrives in America to join her twin brother Hans but when Hans fails to meet her she is left to fend for herself. Impulsively she offers to marry recently widowed Joshua Hunter, a Civil war veteran now turned cherry farmer, and becomes mother to his children.

Serena's depiction of these two protagonists as they learn to live together will captivate any romantic! Ingrid is herself a formidable character who takes her new duties very seriously and the children are only too happy to be once more a family.
When the elements turn sinister and Joshua must seek a way to earn money to save his orchard and provide for his family, Ingrid finds herself alone and we witness yet again the tenacity of the settlers who made this amazing country. Ingrid's courage in the face of disaster is unlikely to leave you unmoved!

Serena B. Miller happily inserted a few of 'The Measure of Katie Calloway's' memorable characters!  I have very much enjoyed reading this book as well knowing Serena is the sort of writer who pulls at your heartstrings, leaving you with the certainty you have been enriched with her novel. 

An inspirational story of the heart which I found delightful for a rainy afternoon!

Don't miss the Author's notes for a real eye opener!

5 Stars!

About the Author:

 
Serena B. Miller describes her novels rightfully as 'Labours of Love'
Prior to writing novels, Serena wrote for many periodicals, including Woman’s World, Guideposts, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

For more on this author visit her website (here).


I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Less We Forget Their Sacrifice...

'Day of the Deployed'...
26 Octobre 2012
 
Please take a moment today and everyday to remember the thousands of Soldiers (US and Abroad) -  and their families - who sacrifice daily for our Freedom...



I Am the One

I am the one,
who was
there in the fight that won the United States of America 

 the right to be the land of the free and voice of liberty.

I am
the one,
who does what must be done
to save and protect
what we all hold dear and respect.

I am
the one,
who doesn't run
when faced with an enemy's gun,
always
there, standing tall
in response to my cherished nation's call.

I am
the one,
whose life was undone,
while doing my very best
for you and all
the rest
during a noble quest.

I am
the one,
who is a daughter, son,
or ano
ther loved one,
proudly serving
the USA
every single day
in
the
Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army or National Guard
with it never being about me...
but out of love for my great country!


By David G. Bancroft 

 
Take a moment to visit SOLDIERS' ANGELS (here) to see how you can help!
To Joshua, John, Mike, Tania, Gunny,  Aaron, Limek and so many others...THANK YOU!



25 October 2012

Once Upon A Time There Was A Little Goose...


In a perfect world such story as Gabby the Goose's would remain unnoticed but as it is, we must rely on other bloggers to pass on some good news (since broadcast news has anything but!)

If you have not read it yet you will not want to miss this story! 

Meredith Chilson writes in her 'Stories from Neighbouring Coops' about a little farm owned by a lovely lady named Amy...

'Gabby the Goose was born on Mothers’ Day, 2011.  Her mother was thrilled with her arrival, after trying for 3 years to hatch some goslings.  A couple hours after Gabby freed herself from the egg, her mother noticed that something was not right.   Gabby had a huge round head that seemed too heavy for her to hold up, and her feet and legs were twisted.

The mother goose pushed Gabby from the nest, aware that she could do nothing for the deformed little goose.  She put Gabby in the weeds along the side of the nest, but continued to coo and caress Gabby with her bill.  The mother goose appeared to be mourning the loss of her baby, while still trying to comfort the now cold, shivering gosling...'

Got you attention, did it not? For the rest of this amazing story, see link below!

http://communitychickens.blogspot.com/2012/10/stories-from-neighboring-coops-2-amy.html#.UIm7ZGfbVK0 

 






God is good! God is great!


23 October 2012

Just Musings For Today...


 Harvard graduate William Henry Channing once wrote...


My Symphony
 
 
  To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury;
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable;
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, to think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never;
in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious
grow up through the common.

This is to be my symphony. 

Words to live by surely...


19 October 2012

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan, Book review

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800734633

Synopsis:

Seeing how successful her older sister's "mail order marriage" has been and longing to strike out on her own, Greta Olsen answers an ad for a mail order bride in Central City, Colorado. But when she meets Jess Gifford, owner of a thriving mercantile, she begins to harbor doubts. He didn't place the ad to begin with and his business in a busy mining town leaves him little time or energy for love. To compound her troubles, she was not the only bride to answer the ad! Will either bride strike the match she hopes for?

Filled with amusing and awkward situations that will keep the reader interested and guessing, Twice Promised is another sweet romance from Maggie Brendan.

My thoughts:

The concept of not just one but two mail order brides was irresistible and so I thought to give another try to Maggie Brendan's Blue Willow Brides series and read 'Twice Promised'. For those who you who might have missed reading Book # 1, 'Deeply Devoted', see review (here).

Maggie Brendan's research for her novels is always interesting and I  never tire of reading how authors feel inspired. This author always grabs my attention with her author's notes perhaps because I fail to feel any interest in her storytelling. 

As I read the prologue, I hoped for a good plot involving Greta and her new unlikely friend Cora. In fact it had all the making of a good Western romance (even without John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara)!
Then again I say 'unlikely' as these two young ladies baffled me with their alacrity to comply with  Zach's attempt to provide a bride for his absent minded brother Jess. The plot might have been much more believable with a few heated exchanges instead of the mealy disposition the author gave each of the protagonists.

Light to the point of airy, the ideas are there, the historical facts are solid but this historical romance novelist left me yet again with a case of boredom (and I just ran out of chocolates to sweeten the whole thing!).

Two dissimilar mail order brides, two bungling brothers, one lovely Granny, a few misunderstandings and a couple of hilarious settings later (see outhouse and Grisly for i.e.), I just sighed and closed my book. I would recommend this one to any youngster though!

3 Stars!

About the Author:

 

'Acclaimed romance writer, Maggie Brendan is the author of Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series that has been well-reviewed in Romantic Times. She was nominated for the RITA award and was a 2012 finalist for Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and a finalist for The Heart of Excellence Award. 

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of American, Faith Love and Hope, Georgia Romance Writers, and The Author's Guild. Maggie loves all things western and enjoys doing research for her historical novels.'

Visit her website (here)

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.




18 October 2012

Queen of The Waves, Book review and Giveaway

Publisher: Summerside
ISBN-13: 978-1609366865

Synopsis:


When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel.

But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him.

When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

My thoughts:


The tragic sinking of the Titanic has held people's imagination worldwide particularly with Dr. Robert Ballard's discovery of the wreckage in September 1985.
2012 being the vessel's doomed maiden voyage's 100th anniversary produced yet again a lot of fascinating information. There is a certain mystic which surrounds the events of that dreadful day which many cannot resist and countless speculation.

'Queen of the Waves', An American Tapestry proved to be an interesting fictional approach and I liked Janice Thompson's take on the launching of this spectacular ship as background for her novel. The author's dedication and 'In Memory of' are worth a moment of your time so I recommend you do not skip it! It set the mood for this reading and felt very much a part of all the mystery surrounding this particular moment in history.

Janice Thompson weaves an interesting tale of fresh beginnings for two young women from very different backgrounds, (make that three in fact as you read the story) and the men who loved them. Her take on the lives entrusted on the vessel brings you an idea of the variety of its passengers and the gulf betwixt the social classes until the ship's tragic end.

She also takes pains to describe the various emotions her characters feel as they board the Titanic giving readers a sense of witnessing for themselves a little of all its magnificence.
Queen of the Waves is a story of hope, love, the courage to reach out for newer and better things and faith that God will overlook the wrongs and bless the good!

Set amidst the effervescent departure and subsequent sailing of the largest ship ever built by man, it shows a little of the amalgam of people who placed their hopes and dreams on its crossing. 
Janice Thompson chose to introduce real people in her novel which makes it hauntingly vivid to her readers. Clearly, the sinking of the vessel will continue to fascinate people as we ponder at all its splendour and its very last moments before sinking in the depths of the cold Atlantic ocean.

In Queen of the Waves we discover yet again the hand of the Almighty in all things! Standing on Titanic's deck and seeing the expanse of water ahead, a passenger ponders the only word that come to mind:

"The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

Fitting wouldn't you say?

A shining example of Christian Fiction and worth 4 stars for its entertainment!


Note to readers:

For additional information regarding this tragic moment in History please see Titanic facts (here) and the Discovery of the Titanic by Dr.Ballard (here)!

'American Tapestry' Blog tours additional reviews can be found (here)


About the Author:


Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historical fiction, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds!
  
Visit her website (here).

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION FOR THOSE INTERESTED BELOW!

Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.



17 October 2012

Over The Hills And Faraway...


(Music Project - see info here)

Over the hills (well, causeways, inlets etc...) and faraway (traveling by car, ferries and through toll booths) we went...


To the City and Chihuly Garden (Garfield Park Conservatory)...


Come 'fly away' with me...Imagine the size of this Seagull...



Can you guess where...



To the Tropical Butterfly house we went...(see here)

So peaceful....


For a moment everything stood still in the tropical heat of the house...


Majestic is it not? (Forgive the mediocre photography...my little Nikon can only produce so much!)


Butterflies resting...


And this is 'what' we actually went to see before it is returned in its entirety to Aegyptos (Greek for Egypt)...

For a short while we 'crossed' the Nile from Kemet (Red land) to Deshret (Black land) to see the Golden King and the Great Pharaohs Era exhibition...More than 100 artifacts spanning 5000 years in time...
(For a quick tour of the exhibition and an introduction by Harrison Ford see HERE).

 
As always I learned a thing or two...Did you know that the word Pharaoh is in fact Hebrew and means Great House? And that during mummification embalmers discarded the brain? I must have missed that class in school!
Sadly photos were not allowed but the overall impression was magnificent! It is absolutely stunning to stand near these impressive artifacts! The stories they could tell...

I wonder...Will someone feel the same when they witness the remnants of our civilization in a few millenniums?




16 October 2012

Borders Of The Heart by Chris Fabry, Book review

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1414348629

Synopsis:

Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an “illegal,” call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction.

Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself.

My thoughts:

This riveting Christian novel bares the human soul! In 'Borders Of The Heart' Chris Fabry describes love,  hate, drugs, passion and fear in his unmistakable gripping style!

Plagued by dreams and nightmares which leaves him often sleepless, J. D. Jessup is hiding from his past on a organic farm under the guise of learning the business.
His life takes however a turn for the worse when he rescues a young lady he assume is an illegal immigrant and his new boss is, like everyone else in the area, very much against illegals .

What follows is a fast paced thriller that becomes a page turner impossible to put down, trust me! 
J. D. soon discovers friends and foes whilst battling paid killers, bounty hunters, a drug cartel and what amounts finally to the whole county!

An impressing novel and a clear reminder God is really in control, Borders of The Heart is also filled with a great deal of family values!

Chris Fabry gives a fine example of why bad things happen to good people in this novel! You will want to read this one!

A resounding 5 stars!!

About the Author:


Chris Fabry tells us:

"My stories come from life and sometimes art imitates stories.
Four years ago my family and I moved to the desert. I'm not a desert person. But I knew the experience would at some point provide a rich, fertile place to tell a dusty tale.
Borders of the Heart is my nod toward some of the great western writers--Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. It's a love story, a painful story of loss, a mystery, and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I hope you enjoy the ride through Tucson and the surrounding area as much as I did."

For more on this great storyteller visit his website (here).

See below for Questions & Answers regarding this impressive novel!

 http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/BordersoftheHeartQ&A.pdf

Don't miss the trailer for Borders of the Heart!





I received this book free from TYNDALE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.



14 October 2012

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman, Book review

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800734176

Synopsis:


Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.


My thoughts:

Book # 3 in the 'Winds of Change' series, 'A Love Surrendered' brings to readers the depression era and two families: The O'Connors and the Kennedys. Set in Boston in 1932, it is written with passion and will inspire all sorts of feelings. Julie Lessman knows how to grab her readers, proof that she is after all a very good author!

Inspirational, intense and at times extremely romantic, it is none the less imperative for readers to remember the era this story draws its background from. The idea of 'me Jane, you Tarzan' might come across fiercefully at times. Let's remember that women at the time were viewed as having one place and that was in the kitchen (or bedroom and nursery). WWII soon changed this for many as they took their place in the work force in lieu of enlisted men.

There is much to think over once you have finished reading the drama behind Annie and Steven's love story which incidentally is crisscrossed with countless O'Connor family members! I shall describe this as a clan, Irish to be exact, a large family with strong convictions and deep emotions, some volatile and quite impressive. I did not always agree with such forceful display but admit it was fitting for the era.
I found the setting of Ocean Pier and its boardwalk quite intriguing along with the Prohibition agents raids and speakeasies background. 

Finally, be prepared for a surprise or two towards the end (one I will admit I did not see coming!).
Julie Lessman is no newcomer to the writing world and she is a person of convictions herself. You soon realize her writing reflects her faith deeply. I felt she portrays her characters based on this and for that alone I highly recommend her novels to the younger generation. In a society where pressures have become too often the acceptable norm, let's applaud someone who offers deep passion with responsibility! 

4 Stars!

About the Author:
 
Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010's Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners, and A Heart Revealed. 
Julie Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards.
For more on the author visit her website (here).

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
 



13 October 2012

William Henry Is A Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke, Book review

Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN-10: 0802499732

Synopsis:



From the back cover...
The shadow of a face in the window.
The quilt on the line.
Howling dogs. Threatening intruders.
And a railroad that runs underground.
Thirteen-year-old Robert had known little of these things growing up. His southern adolescence consisted of his mother, who viewed slavery as a natural part of life, and his father, whose late night disappearances were becoming more frequent and disruptive.
Then there is William Henry, Robert’s best friend. They did everything together—until the summer of 1859. That’s when Robert realizes William Henry knows more about these late night mysteries than he does. It’s also when Robert is told that William Henry is less than human . . . because he is black.
Now Robert must decide for himself where he stands on slavery. With his loved ones pitted against each other, he struggles to understand justice and wonders how high a price he is willing to pay for it.
And then he gets the chance to find out.

My thoughts:

I have always held a fascination for the enormous amount of information available in regard to the (US) Civil war era. Diaries, letters, photos and all sorts of factual reports have emerged giving us a better understanding to life in those times. 
Cathy Gohlke chose 1859 as the setting for her first 'Civil War Series' novel 'William Is A Fine Name' bringing to readers a tale which can only be termed as brilliant. It appears many thought the same since this talented author received a Christy Award!

Thirteen year old Robert and freed slave William Henry live in two very different world yet a precious friendship ties them together. Robert's father is involved in the Underground Railway whilst his mother, the daughter of a plantation and slaves owner objects bitterly at the risk her husband takes for others. 
When her ailing father requests her presence she takes Robert to the plantation where the full realization of what slavery is all about hits the young man fiercely. He now understands why his father undertakes so many risks.
This is a story of one young man's stand, the sacrifices he makes to do what is right, a story of courage, of believing in others despite the risks and placing one's trust in the Almighty!

Robert is certainly the most interesting Civil war era character I have read about. Allow me to share the author's fine tuned thoughts of this young man...

"Sleepy Summer sound of wood thrushes and night owls drifted low on the evening breeze. A Carolina wren sang its lullaby. I stretched long on the hearth rug, my hands locked behind my head, and stared up into the beams of the ceiling. Pa tamped his pipe, lifted his heavy bible off the shelf and sat down by the west window so the light could find his page.
I never minded the evening read. I loved the music in Pa's voice when he took the Book. Words didn't sit still on the page in black, block letters for him like they did for me. They leaped into the night sky, casting shadows among the fire dancers, conjuring battles and bloody sacrifices. Long treacherous journey, spoils of war and riches beyond anything I could imagine in daylight played through the air while Pa read.
When he read Solomon, I loved a woman with my whole heart and soul, even though I'd not raised my eyes to a girl in town. In Acts, I believed myself in far-off Jerusalem, breathless from the heat of the mob and bruised by the sharp edges of rocks that stoned Stephen. I lay limp on the floor when the lifeblood and water dripped out of Jesus on the cross.
Some place deep inside me cried over the tenderness of an Almighty God who counts the hairs of my head precious and keep track of each sparrow, who would search  night and day until He found a lone, lost lamb, intent on returning it to the fold...
...When Pa read, I saw a God of peace and mercy, grieved by war and one man's meanness to another. It seemed to me a great, long journal written since the beginning of time,, and in it I could learn, little by little, the secrets of life."

There is precious little a reviewer could possibly offer to readers as a recommendation to read such book but the words of the author herself which is why I chose to share my favourite segment.

'William Henry is a Fine Name' is the most powerfully written work of young adult fiction I have had the opportunity to read in a while. A big thank you to Carla Stewart for her recommendation! I would not have wanted to miss this one for anything in the world!

Cathy Gohlke writes with her whole heart and faith and her excellent penmanship will reach out to anyone! This is a story that should be required reading for the younger generation but also for adults as a reminder of what evil slavery truly is (yes IS, NOT WAS!).

Be sure to read the continuation in 'I Have Seen Him In The Watchfires. Book # 2 in her 'Civil War Series'!

5 Stars as there are no higher rating!! 

About the Author:



'Cathy’s passion for people and the journeys that shape their lives make her a natural storyteller.'
And what a storyteller! 
For more on this talented writer visit her website (here).

Note to readers: 
Just a reminder of course: I was not asked to review this book and only wished to share my opinion!




10 October 2012

The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter, Book review and Giveaway

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN-13: 978-1595548030

Synopsis:


Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.

The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

My thoughts:

'The Trouble with Cowboys' written by well known romanticist Denis Hunter and part of the 'Big Sky Romance' series will provide readers with just the sort of entertainment they might look for on a Autumnal afternoon! There is no doubt Denise Hunter gives her audience what she promised: an enjoyable alternative to the humdrum of everyday life.
I had the opportunity to read another of her novels (on a long layover in a faraway airport with little amenities!) called 'The Convenient Groom' and I will tell you she had me in stitches! Be sure to check her other titles!

But back to The Trouble With Cowboys! This Christian author has a knack for the light but never fluffy sort of novel that you will gladly reach for along with a good mug of cocoa! Entertaining yet with a lesson or two (don't miss each chapter header!), a message tucked here and there and perfect to share with anyone including the younger generation!
Denise Hunter's books are wholesome and will win your heart!

Montana born and raised Annie Wilkerson is an expert horse trainer, a loving sister and a great aunty. Life has dealt her a lot of responsibilities since her GrandPa died. Taking care of her wayward sister is not easy and she takes on her role of Mum seriously hoping to see her sister settle.
Annie does not trust cowboys: they are here today, gone tomorrow. The past has taught her to stay clear away from them.
 

Easy going Dylan needs her help with his nearly blind horse and in turn, Annie could use his help with her latest assignment, a lovelorn column she feels is just not for her since she has never felt love before. So they make a deal: her equine expertise for his help with her column. Annie is struggling with financial responsibilities but promised her GrandPa she will take care of everyone and she is trying to ignore her qualms.
She cannot trust Dylan because he is a cowboy after all and will probably break her heart. Then again, is she judging him too quickly? Or should she let her heart and faith guide her?
After all, God is in charge, not Annie...

I think we shall agree once you read this story: if Denise keeps on writing, we'll keep on reading!

5 stars for all the good feelings this novel brought on (and a few sighs as well...)


About the Author:


Denise Hunter is the nationally published author of bestsellers Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!


For more on this author including reading the first chapter of this novel see website (here). Love the banner! And be sure to sign for her newsletter! 


Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway!
 
To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! 
Save the Date for October 11th!

Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)

During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!

RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!


I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.