We finally have an air date for the Mystery ER episode!
September 8, 2008 - It will premier on Discovery Health Channel and I believe the time is 8 pm Eastern and Pacific. But check your local listings to be sure.
After it airs on Discovery Health Channel it may run on Discovery or TLC if you don't receive the Discovery Health Channel.
We are praying for the producers and cast of the show, and for accuracy :) Which is always fun in television.
I will let you know more as I receive the information.
God is good and He is God.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Alarmed Milk-Man
Last night, I was still awake in the living room, attempting to get some work done since my brain was still in high gear. It was around 11:30 pm and through the front blinds, I saw what I thought was a flashlight coming up the driveway. I watched as the light drew closer and then bolted into "mother bear - protect" mode.
Not fully thinking through my plan of offense, I yanked the front door open, successfully setting off our custom, high security, alarm system. What did I find? The milk-man. Delivering our milk and icing it down in the ice chests, so that we would have fresh, organic milk in the morning.
Not only did I freak the poor man out - I sufficiently scared myself with the screeching of the migraine-inducing alarm. I don't suggest this scenario to make a good impression.
I never thought through the process that our sweet milk delivery company goes through. Our milk-man (who may want to be taken off of our route after this episode) had a light attached to his helmet, so that he could carry our delivery up to the porch and place it in the ice chests they provide for their products. They deliver in the middle of the night, and they don't want to disrupt their customers. A new light bulb has flickered in my brain with understanding.
So, to my milk-man - my apologies. I don't think words are enough for the scare I put him through last night, but I hope he knows it is sincere. :)
And to all of my readers out there, try not to scare your delivery people. It won't be a pleasant experience for either one of you.
Not fully thinking through my plan of offense, I yanked the front door open, successfully setting off our custom, high security, alarm system. What did I find? The milk-man. Delivering our milk and icing it down in the ice chests, so that we would have fresh, organic milk in the morning.
Not only did I freak the poor man out - I sufficiently scared myself with the screeching of the migraine-inducing alarm. I don't suggest this scenario to make a good impression.
I never thought through the process that our sweet milk delivery company goes through. Our milk-man (who may want to be taken off of our route after this episode) had a light attached to his helmet, so that he could carry our delivery up to the porch and place it in the ice chests they provide for their products. They deliver in the middle of the night, and they don't want to disrupt their customers. A new light bulb has flickered in my brain with understanding.
So, to my milk-man - my apologies. I don't think words are enough for the scare I put him through last night, but I hope he knows it is sincere. :)
And to all of my readers out there, try not to scare your delivery people. It won't be a pleasant experience for either one of you.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Turbulence... Continued
I have had a BUNCH of emails about my last post. :) Thanking me, begging me for help, telling me you're completely lost, but want to try. Remember, we are all in this together, we should be helping one another, encouraging one another, holding one another accountable.
None of us are perfect. There has never been a perfect parent on this earth, nor will there ever be. We should strive to follow God's example - because we are His children. And HE is the perfect example.
First, I'm going to ask some interesting questions.
#1 - Have you noticed the difference in the children in our society today?
#2 - If you lived fifty years ago, or a hundred years ago, would you be raising your child in the same manner? (i.e. discipline, standards, rules, etc.)
#3 - Are you consistent in your parenting, and do you follow through?
I had a mom email me - and she asked me to share her story here. :)
She has four children under six years old. Twins (almost six), a four-year-old and a two- year-old. One has been diagnosed with ADHD and has other issues. Another has issues that we will keep private. Needless to say, this mom has no easy task on her hands. She's always worn out. And she feels like she's failing.
She wrote to me and said, "I cried when I read your post. Those are my children, they scream when they don't get their way, they run over people everywhere we go, and friends don't invite us over anymore and I know it's because of my children. Last time we went to someone's house, my children were running all over the place, and when the hostess told them 'no' about something, they asked her 'why?' They question everything. They jumped on her furniture and threw pillows. This older lady sat me down and said, 'you need to find someone to help you with your kids.' I knew it was true, but I wanted to get defensive, my pride kicked in and I wanted to tell her what a hard job it was and that I thought I was doing pretty good. Then my ego deflated as I looked into her caring eyes. She wasn't attacking me, she wanted to help. I've always thought I could handle it. I've prayed about it...over and over. I'm always tired. I'm not doing my kids any good."
This mom and I emailed back and forth. I asked her a few questions. She realized right away one of her mistakes - made out of her effort to be a great mom (just because you make mistakes does not mean you don't love your children, or that you don't want to be the best parent you can be.) Her mistake? She was revolving around her children. Have you ever heard that illustration? Either the parents are the nucleus, or the children are the nucleus. Who revolves around who?
Illustration: This mom would say, "I would like you to go clean your room, all right?" Was this mom asking her child's permission? Who becomes the authority? The kids never did it, or followed through. She would say, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to do _____. " And then, the child wouldn't do it, so she would come up with another one, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to take away _____." The child still wouldn't do it - but what was really the cause? The mom didn't follow through. She was inconsistent. And that's the example she was showing them whether she wanted to or not.
Illustration: God gave Adam and Eve the rules - they broke the rules - even as much as He loved them, He had to follow through with His discipline - the consequences. What if God had not been consistent? Ouch.
Are you willing to follow God's example? It's tough. It's sometimes heartbreaking. But it needs to be done. His love is unconditional. Just like our love for our children should be. And His forgiveness is unending. Just because we follow through with discipline doesn't mean we aren't forgiving. There are always consequences, but there should also always be forgiveness.
Her last email was beautiful. Here's part of what she said:
"I realized how many times I had begged God to help, but didn't go search His Word to find the answers. I looked at other people in our society, I looked to books by experts that didn't point me to His Word. I blamed the society and times that we lived in.
I grew up with an alcoholic mother. She would yell and scream, kick and hit. So I decided I would never raise my voice or spank. I've always tried to persuade my children to do what was right, I was always reasoning with them, as if their logic would prevail. And all of this took so much time and energy. I was pouring energy into being inconsistent - whereas had I poured my energy into being consistent - things would be completely different.
My husband came home and we talked about it. He's never been involved because I never let him be involved, and he felt just as clueless. We've only been at this a few hours now and the change is amazing. And I'm not near as tired, and I'm smiling more. I showed my husband your note about one of your kids and how strong-willed they were and the lack of pain giving them no fear of falling or getting hurt or consequences. He was encouraged to see that even children with special needs and special circumstances can make it. We had both met you years ago when you spoke to our large homeschool group and we were so impressed with your children. To me I guess that's what says it all. I was a first-time mom and wanted to homeschool and raise my children right. I saw what you had, and wanted it too. Thank you being willing to put yourself out there, and willing to answer my plea for help."
Now, let me tell you again that I am not perfect, and my children are not perfect. But God is. Let's keep looking to Him for the correct example.
Life is full of turbulence. It's hard. It's painful. Parenting is full of turbulence, too. There aren't a lot of easy, pat answers. We are all going to fall down, make mistakes, and fail. Love unconditionally as God loves us, forgive always as He has forgiven us.
Let me end with a few questions:
Are you consistent?
Do you follow through?
Are you willing to follow God's example?
None of us are perfect. There has never been a perfect parent on this earth, nor will there ever be. We should strive to follow God's example - because we are His children. And HE is the perfect example.
First, I'm going to ask some interesting questions.
#1 - Have you noticed the difference in the children in our society today?
#2 - If you lived fifty years ago, or a hundred years ago, would you be raising your child in the same manner? (i.e. discipline, standards, rules, etc.)
#3 - Are you consistent in your parenting, and do you follow through?
I had a mom email me - and she asked me to share her story here. :)
She has four children under six years old. Twins (almost six), a four-year-old and a two- year-old. One has been diagnosed with ADHD and has other issues. Another has issues that we will keep private. Needless to say, this mom has no easy task on her hands. She's always worn out. And she feels like she's failing.
She wrote to me and said, "I cried when I read your post. Those are my children, they scream when they don't get their way, they run over people everywhere we go, and friends don't invite us over anymore and I know it's because of my children. Last time we went to someone's house, my children were running all over the place, and when the hostess told them 'no' about something, they asked her 'why?' They question everything. They jumped on her furniture and threw pillows. This older lady sat me down and said, 'you need to find someone to help you with your kids.' I knew it was true, but I wanted to get defensive, my pride kicked in and I wanted to tell her what a hard job it was and that I thought I was doing pretty good. Then my ego deflated as I looked into her caring eyes. She wasn't attacking me, she wanted to help. I've always thought I could handle it. I've prayed about it...over and over. I'm always tired. I'm not doing my kids any good."
This mom and I emailed back and forth. I asked her a few questions. She realized right away one of her mistakes - made out of her effort to be a great mom (just because you make mistakes does not mean you don't love your children, or that you don't want to be the best parent you can be.) Her mistake? She was revolving around her children. Have you ever heard that illustration? Either the parents are the nucleus, or the children are the nucleus. Who revolves around who?
Illustration: This mom would say, "I would like you to go clean your room, all right?" Was this mom asking her child's permission? Who becomes the authority? The kids never did it, or followed through. She would say, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to do _____. " And then, the child wouldn't do it, so she would come up with another one, "If you don't clean your room, I'm going to take away _____." The child still wouldn't do it - but what was really the cause? The mom didn't follow through. She was inconsistent. And that's the example she was showing them whether she wanted to or not.
Illustration: God gave Adam and Eve the rules - they broke the rules - even as much as He loved them, He had to follow through with His discipline - the consequences. What if God had not been consistent? Ouch.
Are you willing to follow God's example? It's tough. It's sometimes heartbreaking. But it needs to be done. His love is unconditional. Just like our love for our children should be. And His forgiveness is unending. Just because we follow through with discipline doesn't mean we aren't forgiving. There are always consequences, but there should also always be forgiveness.
Her last email was beautiful. Here's part of what she said:
"I realized how many times I had begged God to help, but didn't go search His Word to find the answers. I looked at other people in our society, I looked to books by experts that didn't point me to His Word. I blamed the society and times that we lived in.
I grew up with an alcoholic mother. She would yell and scream, kick and hit. So I decided I would never raise my voice or spank. I've always tried to persuade my children to do what was right, I was always reasoning with them, as if their logic would prevail. And all of this took so much time and energy. I was pouring energy into being inconsistent - whereas had I poured my energy into being consistent - things would be completely different.
My husband came home and we talked about it. He's never been involved because I never let him be involved, and he felt just as clueless. We've only been at this a few hours now and the change is amazing. And I'm not near as tired, and I'm smiling more. I showed my husband your note about one of your kids and how strong-willed they were and the lack of pain giving them no fear of falling or getting hurt or consequences. He was encouraged to see that even children with special needs and special circumstances can make it. We had both met you years ago when you spoke to our large homeschool group and we were so impressed with your children. To me I guess that's what says it all. I was a first-time mom and wanted to homeschool and raise my children right. I saw what you had, and wanted it too. Thank you being willing to put yourself out there, and willing to answer my plea for help."
Now, let me tell you again that I am not perfect, and my children are not perfect. But God is. Let's keep looking to Him for the correct example.
Life is full of turbulence. It's hard. It's painful. Parenting is full of turbulence, too. There aren't a lot of easy, pat answers. We are all going to fall down, make mistakes, and fail. Love unconditionally as God loves us, forgive always as He has forgiven us.
Let me end with a few questions:
Are you consistent?
Do you follow through?
Are you willing to follow God's example?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A.K. Arenz
Bio: Mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three, A.K. Arenz has been writing since she was a child. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Arenz lives in Missouri with her husband and two Himalayan cats.
Book: The Case of the Bouncing Grandma
Book Blurb: Reduced to watching new neighbors move in as a form of amusement, Glory Harper is stuck in a wheelchair with a broken leg, bored and itching for excitement. She just doesn’t expect it to come in the form of a fool dangling from the end of a carpet as it’s carried into her new neighbor’s house.
The problem is getting someone to believe her. It’s bad enough that her daughter and sister are convinced she imagined the incident. But when the police recognize Glory as the woman whose skateboarding accident resulted in a multi-car pile-up, her believability quotient lowers even more. Just when she thinks she’s finally gotten someone to take her seriously, Glory realizes Detective Rick Spencer, a Harrison Ford look-alike, appears more interested in her than in her story.
The more Glory learns about her new neighbors, the more she realizes she’s stumbled onto something bigger than just a murder case. But by now she’s made enough enemies to put herself and her family in danger. While she’s following what seems to be the obvious path to the culprits, the real criminals are closing in.
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Bio: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Shirley knew she wanted to write all her life. Although her creative imagination and love for “make-believe” keeps her active as an historical romance writer, on the side, Shirley also wears other hats by writing devotionals and teaching at women’s retreats.
Book: A Flame from Within
Book Blurb: When a Yankee-induced fire destroys her family and her home, young plantation-bred Amethyst Rose finds herself on the run. Angry towards God and the men in blue, Amethyst’s only choice left is to move in with her elder and controlling sister, who runs a bordello in The French Quarter of New Orleans—a decision guaranteed to destroy Amethyst’s personal respect and tarnish her family name.
With her bitter hatred towards all Yankees plunged into high gear, nothing seems to matter anymore, until, on a riverboat en route to New Orleans, she finds herself intrigued by the presence of not one, but two Union officers. Each in his own ways to tug at the heart and soul of this woman lost.
Mary Davis
Bio: Born and raised in Washington State, Mary now resides in Colorado with her husband of nearly twenty-four years, three teenagers, and six pets. She earned her college degree in elementary education and has taken an advanced course from the Institute of Children's Literature. Mary leads two critique groups, one in the local Colorado area as well as an on-line critique group. She regularly attends the American Christian Fiction Writers conference and has spearheaded a writing contest for youth for several years. She is a local ACFW chapter president. Washington Brides will be her fourteenth book, which contains three previously released novels.
Book: Newlywed Games
Book Blurb: Megan Livingston has it all worked out. Her mother will visit and be gone before her fantasy husband is sheduled return from his non-existent bussiness trip. But Bruce Halloway inadvertently steps in the middle of her masquerade and winds up playing son-in-law.
Book: Cinda’s Surprise
Book Blurb: Cinda Harrison is content not to marry but her good intentioned friends set her up as a mail-order bride. She knows nothing of the engagement until the day her groom, Lucas Rawlings, shows up to seal their agreement with wedding vows and take her to Montana. Upon arriving at his farm, she finds out his real intentions for wanting a wife.
Book: Marty’s Ride
Book Blurb: There is nothing timid or shy about Marty Rawlings. She is all boy. Her survival skills serve her well when her nine year old nieces are kidnapped and she races after them. Can she rescue them before they are turned over to greedy relatives? Or will the smooth talking lawyer, Reece Keegan, who kidnapped them, talk her out of them and steal her heart?
Book: Roger’s Return
Book Blurb: On the night of their first wedding anniversary Jackie Villeroy plans to tell her husband they're going to have a baby, but he disappears without a trace. Two and a half years later, he resurfaces. Why did he leave so suddenly without a word? And where has he been? Can she trust him not to break her heart again?
Book: Lakeside
Book Blurb: LORELEI NEEDED TO GET AWAY.
The last ten years of her life have left Lorelei Hayes with no hope. In a desperate attempt to regain peace, she returns to the lakeside cottage of her youth and prays the Lord will bring healing and rest.
Garth Kessel has spent the last ten years of his life in love with Lorelei. Since he stole a kiss from the red-head one summer, he has committed her into the Lord's hands. Now it appears God has brought her back - and the woman she has become far surpasses any boyhood dream he may have created.
But Lorelei has a secret - one she's convinced will keep her from enjoying life - especially a life with Garth. Can this beloved lakeside retreat provide happiness again? Or have the sins of others stripped her of a future?
Book: The Island
Book Blurb: Historic Mackinac Island. Haley thought she had found the perfect haven to escape to. But when a handsome tourist rides her carriage for three days straight, she thinks her little patch of heaven just got a little nicer until she learns his true reason for being on the Island. She will not allow herself to be used again. But will she bend her will to let God use her?
Book: The Grand Hotel
Book Blurb: Aimee has the perfect plan, attach herself to a June wedding party in a remote way so she can search the Grand Hotel for what her great-great-grandfather left hidden in the hotel almost one hundred and fifteen years ago. But will the handsome and determined assistant manager stand in her way? Can she accept what she finds?
Book: Heritage
Book Blurb: Rachel is excited when she inherits a house on Mackinac Island until she learns about the ancestors that come with it. How could she be related to Indians when she disliked the lazy savages? Will her fiancé forgive her this one blemish on her past or will she find a new love on the romantic island? And will she learn to accept her heritage as God accepts her?
Book: Michigan Weddings
Book Blurb: Mackinac Island Harbors the Brokenhearted.
Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most popular wedding locations. But three modern women only seek a safe harbor for their wounded hearts along the island's quiet paths.
Lorelei Hayes returns to the island carrying a secret that has stolen her joy and hope for the future. Garth Kessel has waited ten years for her, but will he want the woman she has become?
Haley Tindale's job on the island hides her from family conflict and the fear of being used by others. Then a handsome customer arrives, asking for her help and stirring up old fears.
Aimee Mikkelson seeks family treasure and adventure at the Grand Hotel, but Dillon Thurough, one of the assistant manager's, adherences to order and routine threatens her goals.
Will God's guidance lead these women down the pathway to forgiveness and romance? Will there be any hope for more weddings on the island?
Book: Love Letters
Book Blurb: Love Is Sometimes Read Between the Lines . . . Four generations of women find themselves intrigued by the written word. Will the friendships from the men on the other end of the correspondence be the key to their happiness?
In Love Notes, Laurel has just lost her father in a bank robbery of his own scheming. She is ashamed of his behavior, the only solace she finds is in the sheet of music she discovers propped up on the piano in the church. She thanks God for sending her the music. Ethan has his arm in a sling because Laurel's father shot him in the holdup. She can't bear the shame to face him. Ethan thinks Laurel hates him because he is the one who killed her father.
Book: Uncertain Alliance
Book Blurb: Alice can't trust another man.
Alice Dempsey's husband squandered the family's money. When he died, he left her destitute and solely responsible for her aging grandfather, younger brother, and toddler son. Debt forces the family to move to a Seattle tenement. When Alice is fired from her job, she becomes desperate. Will she and her family end up on the streets?
Ian MacGregor has loved Alice from afar for months, but he can't get past the wall of formality she has built around herself. When he learns of her job loss, he offers her employment in his pharmacy. She turns him down, suspicious of his motives. But when her younger brother gets into serious trouble and Ian is the only one who can help, Alice warily allows him into their lives.
Will Alice find love where she least expects it? Or will this uncertain alliance prove her fears of betrayal true?
Book: The Captain’s Wife
Book Blurb: Only Vivian knows the truth.
Vivian is the new wife of respected Captain Randolph Carlyle, but when Randolph dies at sea, only she lives with the truth. No one else knows that his last words to her were an angry indictment of her secret past life--not his brother, not his servants, and certainly not his best friend, Conner Jackson. So when Vivian calmly accepts the news that her husband's will had not been updated to include her, those who care about her are puzzled by her reaction.
Vivian is convinced she has received God's forgiveness for her past behavior, but as she and Conner are drawn to each other, she fears that, like her late husband, Conner will reject her if he ever learns of her past. Will her secret remain safe, or will its existence threaten the love she seeks?
Book: Reckless Rogue
Book Blurb: Lizzie Carter is no ordinary doll.
Lieutenant Pete Garfield loves to flirt with the ladies—"dolls" as he calls them—in every town where he lands his Curtiss JN-4D biplane. There are always plenty in the crowds who gather to gape at his amazing aeroplane and pay him for a ride. But one special girl in Cashmere, Washington, captures his interest with her extraordinary knowledge of aeroplanes and her insistence on flying his! No one but Pete flies the Jenny, but he sure doesn't mind giving pretty Lizzie some free rides.
Lizzie Carter has always dreamed of flying, but she won't be satisfied until she pilots an aeroplane herself. She sees Pete's arrival in Cashmere as the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true. But she didn't expect this carefree aviator to capture her heart.
Will Pete settle in one town long enough to fall in love with one special girl? Or will the past he's been flying away from finally catch up with him?
Sharon Dunn
Bio: Sharon Dunn is the author of the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was Voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history from Montana State University, where she currently tutors and instructs. Sharon lives with her husband of nineteen years, three children, three cats, and lots of dust bunnies.
Book: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Book one)
Book Blurb: Meet Ginger Salinski. Her heart beats faster when she passes a clearance rack and there has never been a good deal she couldn't sniff out. Ginger and her bargain hunter friends are bonded together by the need to be first in line at doorbuster sales, but when one of the bargain hunters goes missing, they must track down clues instead of discounts.
Laurie Alice Eakes
Bio: Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes does not remember a time when books did not play a part in her life; thus, no one was surprised when she decided to be a writer. Her first hardcover was an October, 2006 Regency historical from Avalon Books and won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, as well as being a finalist for Best First Book. She has also sold other books, articles, short stories, and essays. A graduate of the Seton Hill University Master of Arts Degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she is an experienced speaker, making presentations at local and national RWA conferences, as well as universities, schools, and libraries. She lives in Virginia with her husband and assorted cats and dogs.
Book: Better Than Gold
Book Blurb: Lily is tired of her one-horse town. Lily Reese can't wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She's sure she'll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there. But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily's place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind, as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her? Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
Tina Ann Forkner
Bio: Tina writes contemporary fiction that challenges and inspires. Originally from Oklahoma, she graduated with honors in English from CSU Sacramento before ultimately settling in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where she lives with her husband and their three bright children. Tina serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation Board of Directors, volunteers with her local Mothers of Preschooler group, and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her family.
Book: Ruby Among Us
Book Blurb: Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.
From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.
What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.
Cynthia Hickey
Bio: Cynthia lives in Arizona with her husband, two of their seven kids, two cats, one dog and a fish named Floyd.
Book: Fudge-Laced Felonies
Book Blurb: Summer Meadows entered church on Sunday, not to find God, but to search for a killer.
While transplanting the rosebush her church's handsome Sunday school teacher, Ethan Banning inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer.
As Summer gets close to the truth, not only of the theft, but of her true feelings for Ethan, the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.
Ethan's love for Summer stays buried beneath his teasing, waiting until God tells him it is time to declare his feelings. Meanwhile, Summer's quirky and daring resolve to solve the case has him acting in a heavy-handed manner in order to protect her, and almost pushes her away.
Anita Higman
Bio: Anita is an award-winning author of nineteen books. She enjoys hiking with her family, visiting show caves, and cooking brunch for her friends.
Book: Another Stab At Life
Book Blurb: Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home.
She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as a shadowy as it’s hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried.
Book: Larkspur Dreams (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: Larkspur Wendell hates to see anyone not enjoying life. So when she gets a new neighbor who seems more interested in his computer than communication, Lark feels compelled to get to know him. But her spontaneity and zeal for life seem to push him further away.
Book: The Love Song (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: A painfully shy woman named Clair O'Neal must find the courage to follow her heart's dream in the music business, and she must choose between the two men who love her dearly.
J.M. Hochstetler
Book: Daughter of Liberty
Book Blurb: As the first blood of the Revolution is spilled, a beautiful rebel spy and a jaded British officer fight their own private battles of faith—and a forbidden love.
Book: Native Son
Book Blurb: Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything—his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.
Book: One Holy Night
Book Blurb: What God has in mind this bleak Christmas is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago … in a world torn by sin and strife … to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss …will be born a baby …
Michelle Sutton
Bio: Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and volunteer officer on the ACFW board and the editor in chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is a social worker by day and prolific reader/book reviewer and author the rest of the time. Her debut novel is "It's Not About Me." She lives in Arizona with her husband of nearly eighteen years and her two teenage sons.
Book: It’s Not About Me
Book Blurb: Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. But the focus of her life is to please everyone and not make any waves. Her reputation means everything to her.
But one night Annie's safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life--that it's not about "me"?
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Bio: Nancy Jo Jenkins is a Texas native who descends from a large Irish family who love “rowdy get-togethers.” She has taught special education and accelerated student classes in Austin, where she is heavily involved in the public school system as well as being an active member of her church. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a past member of American Christian Writers Association. Nancy Jo and her husband, David, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Book: Coldwater Revival
Book Blurb: Just three weeks before her wedding, Emma Grace Falin has returned to her hometown of Coldwater, Texas, consumed by a single, burning desire. She must confront the guilt and shame of a devastating event that has haunted her since childhood. Nancy Jo Jenkins has woven an unforgettable tale of shattering loss, desperate grief and despair, and one family’s amazing journey to restoration and forgiveness. A masterful debut, Coldwater Revival will be etched in your memories and upon your heart.
Patti Lacy
Bio: Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in education. She taught at a college in Illinois until 2006, and now writes full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and dog named Laura.
Book: An Irishwoman’s Tale
Book Blurb: Mary Freeman’s earliest memory has haunted her since childhood: An old oaken table, bitter faces drinking bitter tea, a heated discussion of what’s to be done with the “little eejit”—her. Now she is far removed from this family that didn’t want her, and separated her from her native Ireland. Living in the United States heartland, Mary searches out fulfilling roles—entrepreneur, wife, Christian, mother, community servant—but her loneliness and torment remain as acute as ever.
A crisis in her youngest daughter’s life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—propels Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland. Her harrowing journey unveils her tragic past, and forces her face-to-face with God.
Vickie McDonough
Bio: Award-winning author, VICKIE MCDONOUGH, believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. Vickie loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Her first novel, "Sooner or Later" was released in 2005, and she has several more Heartsong Presents novels coming out in the next few years. She has also authored four novellas, which are included in "A Stitch in Time", "Brides 'o' the Emerald Isle", "Lone Star Christmas", and "Kiss The Bride". She is a member of numerous writing and critique groups and has been a book reviewer for four years. Vickie is a wife of thirty years, mother to four sons, three of which still live at home, and she just became a first time grandma. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Book: Sooner or Later (Oklahoma Bride series Book one)
Book Blurb: A young woman fleeing an arranged marriage is rescued by a lonely farmer when she collapses on the prairie. The last thing Mason needed was another person to care for. Can two people running away find peace and love?
Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride (Oklahoma Bride series Book two)
Book Blurb: Will God use a rugged bounty hunter to save a young bride from making a grave error?
Book: A Wealth Beyond Riches (Oklahoma Bride series Book three)
Book Blurb: Can a young woman from the New York theater world find the love she longs for in Indian Territory ?
S. Dionne Moore
Bio: S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free supermom, able to leap piles of a homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.
Book: Murder on the Ol’Bunions
Book Blurb: LaTisha Barnhart’s bunions tell her something’s afoot as she delves deeper into the murder of her former employee, Marion Peters. When LaTisha becomes a suspect, the ante is upped, and she is determined to clear her name and find the culprit.
She’s burping Mark Hamm’s bad cooking to investigate his beef with Marion. . .getting her hair styled at a high falutin’ beauty parlor to see what has Regina Rogane in a snarl. . .playing self-appointed matchmaker between the local chief and a prime suspect. . .and thinking Payton O’Mahney’s music store lease might be the reason he’s singing out of tune when discussion of Marion’s murder arises. LaTisha’s thinking she just might use the reward money to get her bunions surgically removed. But she’s got to catch the crook first.
Trish Perry
Bio: Trish Perry is an award-winning writer and editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC, area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers group.
Book: The Guy I’m Not Dating
Book Blurb: Kara Richardson has finally suffered one breakup too many. She's decided to go the no-dating route to romance, although she's not quite sure how that works.
She couldn't have picked a worse time to meet Gabe Paolino. Gorgeous men hardly faze Kara. A personal trainer, she works with hunks every day. But Gabe, the handsome young deli owner in town, proves way too available and way too challenging for Kara's vow of friendship. How will she adhere to her new lifestyle without scaring Gabe away?
Enter matchmaking friends, a strange elderly aunt, three demanding teens, and one hard-to-take vixen with eyes for Gabe. Add an overcrowded road trip and plenty of God's blessings, and Kara may discover that the guy she's not dating is the best boyfriend she's ever had.
Book: Too Good to Be True
Book Blurb: Rennie Young, heroine of Too Good to Be True, meets the gallant Truman Sayers after she faints in the boys’ department of the local super store. Despite this unromantic introduction, Tru Sayers, a handsome young labor–and–delivery nurse, seems like a gift from God. But a recent divorce and other life disappointments cause Ren to question whether she can trust her heart and God.
This clever novel encourages readers to lean on God’s leading and to be open to life after the hurt—even when it seems too good to be true.
Staci Stallings
Book: Dreams by Starlight
Book Blurb: If the world’s a stage and each of us plays a part, then Camille Wright is the high school wallflower that nobody remembers and only the bullies ever knew was there. However, her headlong dash to Princeton’s Aerospace Engineering program crashes to a heart-jarring halt when in order to “round out all those math classes,” she is unwillingly signed up for drama class. Awkward, shy, and quiet, Camille struggles to stay part of the wall even under the bright lights. But sometimes where you want to be isn’t where you were destined to be at all…
Book: Reflections on Life
Book Blurb: A collection of short stories that will uplift the weary traveler on life's highway. Filled with God and all things Holy Spirit, this is a book you can't afford to miss.
Book: Reflections on Life II
Book Blurb: Packed with 81 remarkable stories, Reflections on Life II: Notes from the Journey will encourage you to find God’s path for your life and follow it. Learn how to trade an ordinary life for one of extraordinary love and abundance in God, through God, and with God. If you’re living small, this book will inspire you to live big, to reach for everything God wants for your life, and to do all you do with bravery, integrity, and most of all… love.
Book: Cowboy
Book Blurb: Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real. Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone. Staci Stallings has intertwined the loss and grief of two characters into a sweet love story. Full of truths and illustrations of God’s grace, Cowboy will capture a reader’s heart. Stallings has peppered in song lyrics that strike a beautiful chord.
Book: Lucky
Book Blurb: Kalin Lane had his dream in hand. Then, on the cusp of mega-stardom, Kalin’s world crashed down around him in a hail of stupid choices. Five years later, Kalin is back, reaching for his dream once again; however, time hasn’t erased his past. Will the lessons of the past be enough to save him from himself this time around? Danae Scott thought she was headed toward the future every girl wants. However, in one night that belief is ripped into unrecognizable shreads. Devastated and confused, Danae is an anguished mess when an angel trips over her. Does this angel have the answers she didn’t even know she needed? One man, One woman, One night that changes everything.
Camy Tang
Bio: Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.
Book: Sushi for One?
Book Blurb: Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her "perfect man" list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?
Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her older cousin gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousin's wedding.
Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don't speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. He's not a jock, he's not a Christian, and he has a bad history with Lex's cousin, Trish. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.
Debra Ullrick
Bio: Debra Ullrick and her husband of thirty-four years, along with their daughter lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A famous movie star and her screen writer husband purchased property at the last ranch where they lived. Debra's husband has met many celebrities and had the privilege of taking Eddie Albert horseback riding. Recently Debra and her real-life hero, Rick, moved to the flatlands, where they're dealing with cultural whiplash in the city. Besides Christ, Debra's passions include attending Red Rocks Church, talking with her ACFW friends, reading, writing, drawing Western art, watching Jane Austen movies, Monster Jam World Finals DVD’s, mud bog racing, collecting monster truck and muscle/classic car models, and going to classic auto shows. Debra loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website at www.DebraUllrick.com
Book: The Bride Wore Coveralls
Book Blurb: Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabatoged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?
Bio: Mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three, A.K. Arenz has been writing since she was a child. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Arenz lives in Missouri with her husband and two Himalayan cats.
Book: The Case of the Bouncing Grandma
Book Blurb: Reduced to watching new neighbors move in as a form of amusement, Glory Harper is stuck in a wheelchair with a broken leg, bored and itching for excitement. She just doesn’t expect it to come in the form of a fool dangling from the end of a carpet as it’s carried into her new neighbor’s house.
The problem is getting someone to believe her. It’s bad enough that her daughter and sister are convinced she imagined the incident. But when the police recognize Glory as the woman whose skateboarding accident resulted in a multi-car pile-up, her believability quotient lowers even more. Just when she thinks she’s finally gotten someone to take her seriously, Glory realizes Detective Rick Spencer, a Harrison Ford look-alike, appears more interested in her than in her story.
The more Glory learns about her new neighbors, the more she realizes she’s stumbled onto something bigger than just a murder case. But by now she’s made enough enemies to put herself and her family in danger. While she’s following what seems to be the obvious path to the culprits, the real criminals are closing in.
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Bio: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Shirley knew she wanted to write all her life. Although her creative imagination and love for “make-believe” keeps her active as an historical romance writer, on the side, Shirley also wears other hats by writing devotionals and teaching at women’s retreats.
Book: A Flame from Within
Book Blurb: When a Yankee-induced fire destroys her family and her home, young plantation-bred Amethyst Rose finds herself on the run. Angry towards God and the men in blue, Amethyst’s only choice left is to move in with her elder and controlling sister, who runs a bordello in The French Quarter of New Orleans—a decision guaranteed to destroy Amethyst’s personal respect and tarnish her family name.
With her bitter hatred towards all Yankees plunged into high gear, nothing seems to matter anymore, until, on a riverboat en route to New Orleans, she finds herself intrigued by the presence of not one, but two Union officers. Each in his own ways to tug at the heart and soul of this woman lost.
Mary Davis
Bio: Born and raised in Washington State, Mary now resides in Colorado with her husband of nearly twenty-four years, three teenagers, and six pets. She earned her college degree in elementary education and has taken an advanced course from the Institute of Children's Literature. Mary leads two critique groups, one in the local Colorado area as well as an on-line critique group. She regularly attends the American Christian Fiction Writers conference and has spearheaded a writing contest for youth for several years. She is a local ACFW chapter president. Washington Brides will be her fourteenth book, which contains three previously released novels.
Book: Newlywed Games
Book Blurb: Megan Livingston has it all worked out. Her mother will visit and be gone before her fantasy husband is sheduled return from his non-existent bussiness trip. But Bruce Halloway inadvertently steps in the middle of her masquerade and winds up playing son-in-law.
Book: Cinda’s Surprise
Book Blurb: Cinda Harrison is content not to marry but her good intentioned friends set her up as a mail-order bride. She knows nothing of the engagement until the day her groom, Lucas Rawlings, shows up to seal their agreement with wedding vows and take her to Montana. Upon arriving at his farm, she finds out his real intentions for wanting a wife.
Book: Marty’s Ride
Book Blurb: There is nothing timid or shy about Marty Rawlings. She is all boy. Her survival skills serve her well when her nine year old nieces are kidnapped and she races after them. Can she rescue them before they are turned over to greedy relatives? Or will the smooth talking lawyer, Reece Keegan, who kidnapped them, talk her out of them and steal her heart?
Book: Roger’s Return
Book Blurb: On the night of their first wedding anniversary Jackie Villeroy plans to tell her husband they're going to have a baby, but he disappears without a trace. Two and a half years later, he resurfaces. Why did he leave so suddenly without a word? And where has he been? Can she trust him not to break her heart again?
Book: Lakeside
Book Blurb: LORELEI NEEDED TO GET AWAY.
The last ten years of her life have left Lorelei Hayes with no hope. In a desperate attempt to regain peace, she returns to the lakeside cottage of her youth and prays the Lord will bring healing and rest.
Garth Kessel has spent the last ten years of his life in love with Lorelei. Since he stole a kiss from the red-head one summer, he has committed her into the Lord's hands. Now it appears God has brought her back - and the woman she has become far surpasses any boyhood dream he may have created.
But Lorelei has a secret - one she's convinced will keep her from enjoying life - especially a life with Garth. Can this beloved lakeside retreat provide happiness again? Or have the sins of others stripped her of a future?
Book: The Island
Book Blurb: Historic Mackinac Island. Haley thought she had found the perfect haven to escape to. But when a handsome tourist rides her carriage for three days straight, she thinks her little patch of heaven just got a little nicer until she learns his true reason for being on the Island. She will not allow herself to be used again. But will she bend her will to let God use her?
Book: The Grand Hotel
Book Blurb: Aimee has the perfect plan, attach herself to a June wedding party in a remote way so she can search the Grand Hotel for what her great-great-grandfather left hidden in the hotel almost one hundred and fifteen years ago. But will the handsome and determined assistant manager stand in her way? Can she accept what she finds?
Book: Heritage
Book Blurb: Rachel is excited when she inherits a house on Mackinac Island until she learns about the ancestors that come with it. How could she be related to Indians when she disliked the lazy savages? Will her fiancé forgive her this one blemish on her past or will she find a new love on the romantic island? And will she learn to accept her heritage as God accepts her?
Book: Michigan Weddings
Book Blurb: Mackinac Island Harbors the Brokenhearted.
Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most popular wedding locations. But three modern women only seek a safe harbor for their wounded hearts along the island's quiet paths.
Lorelei Hayes returns to the island carrying a secret that has stolen her joy and hope for the future. Garth Kessel has waited ten years for her, but will he want the woman she has become?
Haley Tindale's job on the island hides her from family conflict and the fear of being used by others. Then a handsome customer arrives, asking for her help and stirring up old fears.
Aimee Mikkelson seeks family treasure and adventure at the Grand Hotel, but Dillon Thurough, one of the assistant manager's, adherences to order and routine threatens her goals.
Will God's guidance lead these women down the pathway to forgiveness and romance? Will there be any hope for more weddings on the island?
Book: Love Letters
Book Blurb: Love Is Sometimes Read Between the Lines . . . Four generations of women find themselves intrigued by the written word. Will the friendships from the men on the other end of the correspondence be the key to their happiness?
In Love Notes, Laurel has just lost her father in a bank robbery of his own scheming. She is ashamed of his behavior, the only solace she finds is in the sheet of music she discovers propped up on the piano in the church. She thanks God for sending her the music. Ethan has his arm in a sling because Laurel's father shot him in the holdup. She can't bear the shame to face him. Ethan thinks Laurel hates him because he is the one who killed her father.
Book: Uncertain Alliance
Book Blurb: Alice can't trust another man.
Alice Dempsey's husband squandered the family's money. When he died, he left her destitute and solely responsible for her aging grandfather, younger brother, and toddler son. Debt forces the family to move to a Seattle tenement. When Alice is fired from her job, she becomes desperate. Will she and her family end up on the streets?
Ian MacGregor has loved Alice from afar for months, but he can't get past the wall of formality she has built around herself. When he learns of her job loss, he offers her employment in his pharmacy. She turns him down, suspicious of his motives. But when her younger brother gets into serious trouble and Ian is the only one who can help, Alice warily allows him into their lives.
Will Alice find love where she least expects it? Or will this uncertain alliance prove her fears of betrayal true?
Book: The Captain’s Wife
Book Blurb: Only Vivian knows the truth.
Vivian is the new wife of respected Captain Randolph Carlyle, but when Randolph dies at sea, only she lives with the truth. No one else knows that his last words to her were an angry indictment of her secret past life--not his brother, not his servants, and certainly not his best friend, Conner Jackson. So when Vivian calmly accepts the news that her husband's will had not been updated to include her, those who care about her are puzzled by her reaction.
Vivian is convinced she has received God's forgiveness for her past behavior, but as she and Conner are drawn to each other, she fears that, like her late husband, Conner will reject her if he ever learns of her past. Will her secret remain safe, or will its existence threaten the love she seeks?
Book: Reckless Rogue
Book Blurb: Lizzie Carter is no ordinary doll.
Lieutenant Pete Garfield loves to flirt with the ladies—"dolls" as he calls them—in every town where he lands his Curtiss JN-4D biplane. There are always plenty in the crowds who gather to gape at his amazing aeroplane and pay him for a ride. But one special girl in Cashmere, Washington, captures his interest with her extraordinary knowledge of aeroplanes and her insistence on flying his! No one but Pete flies the Jenny, but he sure doesn't mind giving pretty Lizzie some free rides.
Lizzie Carter has always dreamed of flying, but she won't be satisfied until she pilots an aeroplane herself. She sees Pete's arrival in Cashmere as the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true. But she didn't expect this carefree aviator to capture her heart.
Will Pete settle in one town long enough to fall in love with one special girl? Or will the past he's been flying away from finally catch up with him?
Sharon Dunn
Bio: Sharon Dunn is the author of the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was Voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history from Montana State University, where she currently tutors and instructs. Sharon lives with her husband of nineteen years, three children, three cats, and lots of dust bunnies.
Book: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie (Book one)
Book Blurb: Meet Ginger Salinski. Her heart beats faster when she passes a clearance rack and there has never been a good deal she couldn't sniff out. Ginger and her bargain hunter friends are bonded together by the need to be first in line at doorbuster sales, but when one of the bargain hunters goes missing, they must track down clues instead of discounts.
Laurie Alice Eakes
Bio: Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes does not remember a time when books did not play a part in her life; thus, no one was surprised when she decided to be a writer. Her first hardcover was an October, 2006 Regency historical from Avalon Books and won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, as well as being a finalist for Best First Book. She has also sold other books, articles, short stories, and essays. A graduate of the Seton Hill University Master of Arts Degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she is an experienced speaker, making presentations at local and national RWA conferences, as well as universities, schools, and libraries. She lives in Virginia with her husband and assorted cats and dogs.
Book: Better Than Gold
Book Blurb: Lily is tired of her one-horse town. Lily Reese can't wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She's sure she'll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there. But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily's place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind, as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her? Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
Tina Ann Forkner
Bio: Tina writes contemporary fiction that challenges and inspires. Originally from Oklahoma, she graduated with honors in English from CSU Sacramento before ultimately settling in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where she lives with her husband and their three bright children. Tina serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation Board of Directors, volunteers with her local Mothers of Preschooler group, and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her family.
Book: Ruby Among Us
Book Blurb: Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.
From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.
What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.
Cynthia Hickey
Bio: Cynthia lives in Arizona with her husband, two of their seven kids, two cats, one dog and a fish named Floyd.
Book: Fudge-Laced Felonies
Book Blurb: Summer Meadows entered church on Sunday, not to find God, but to search for a killer.
While transplanting the rosebush her church's handsome Sunday school teacher, Ethan Banning inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer.
As Summer gets close to the truth, not only of the theft, but of her true feelings for Ethan, the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.
Ethan's love for Summer stays buried beneath his teasing, waiting until God tells him it is time to declare his feelings. Meanwhile, Summer's quirky and daring resolve to solve the case has him acting in a heavy-handed manner in order to protect her, and almost pushes her away.
Anita Higman
Bio: Anita is an award-winning author of nineteen books. She enjoys hiking with her family, visiting show caves, and cooking brunch for her friends.
Book: Another Stab At Life
Book Blurb: Bailey Walker has just lost everything—her family, her job, and her home.
She has nowhere to go except the dilapidated mansion she’s just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as a shadowy as it’s hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks—as well as one particularly appealing bachelor. Bailey feels like she’s trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother’s wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried.
Book: Larkspur Dreams (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: Larkspur Wendell hates to see anyone not enjoying life. So when she gets a new neighbor who seems more interested in his computer than communication, Lark feels compelled to get to know him. But her spontaneity and zeal for life seem to push him further away.
Book: The Love Song (written with Janice Thompson)
Book Blurb: A painfully shy woman named Clair O'Neal must find the courage to follow her heart's dream in the music business, and she must choose between the two men who love her dearly.
J.M. Hochstetler
Book: Daughter of Liberty
Book Blurb: As the first blood of the Revolution is spilled, a beautiful rebel spy and a jaded British officer fight their own private battles of faith—and a forbidden love.
Book: Native Son
Book Blurb: Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything—his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.
Book: One Holy Night
Book Blurb: What God has in mind this bleak Christmas is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago … in a world torn by sin and strife … to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss …will be born a baby …
Michelle Sutton
Bio: Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and volunteer officer on the ACFW board and the editor in chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is a social worker by day and prolific reader/book reviewer and author the rest of the time. Her debut novel is "It's Not About Me." She lives in Arizona with her husband of nearly eighteen years and her two teenage sons.
Book: It’s Not About Me
Book Blurb: Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. But the focus of her life is to please everyone and not make any waves. Her reputation means everything to her.
But one night Annie's safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life--that it's not about "me"?
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Bio: Nancy Jo Jenkins is a Texas native who descends from a large Irish family who love “rowdy get-togethers.” She has taught special education and accelerated student classes in Austin, where she is heavily involved in the public school system as well as being an active member of her church. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a past member of American Christian Writers Association. Nancy Jo and her husband, David, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Book: Coldwater Revival
Book Blurb: Just three weeks before her wedding, Emma Grace Falin has returned to her hometown of Coldwater, Texas, consumed by a single, burning desire. She must confront the guilt and shame of a devastating event that has haunted her since childhood. Nancy Jo Jenkins has woven an unforgettable tale of shattering loss, desperate grief and despair, and one family’s amazing journey to restoration and forgiveness. A masterful debut, Coldwater Revival will be etched in your memories and upon your heart.
Patti Lacy
Bio: Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a degree in education. She taught at a college in Illinois until 2006, and now writes full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and dog named Laura.
Book: An Irishwoman’s Tale
Book Blurb: Mary Freeman’s earliest memory has haunted her since childhood: An old oaken table, bitter faces drinking bitter tea, a heated discussion of what’s to be done with the “little eejit”—her. Now she is far removed from this family that didn’t want her, and separated her from her native Ireland. Living in the United States heartland, Mary searches out fulfilling roles—entrepreneur, wife, Christian, mother, community servant—but her loneliness and torment remain as acute as ever.
A crisis in her youngest daughter’s life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—propels Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland. Her harrowing journey unveils her tragic past, and forces her face-to-face with God.
Vickie McDonough
Bio: Award-winning author, VICKIE MCDONOUGH, believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. Vickie loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Her first novel, "Sooner or Later" was released in 2005, and she has several more Heartsong Presents novels coming out in the next few years. She has also authored four novellas, which are included in "A Stitch in Time", "Brides 'o' the Emerald Isle", "Lone Star Christmas", and "Kiss The Bride". She is a member of numerous writing and critique groups and has been a book reviewer for four years. Vickie is a wife of thirty years, mother to four sons, three of which still live at home, and she just became a first time grandma. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Book: Sooner or Later (Oklahoma Bride series Book one)
Book Blurb: A young woman fleeing an arranged marriage is rescued by a lonely farmer when she collapses on the prairie. The last thing Mason needed was another person to care for. Can two people running away find peace and love?
Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride (Oklahoma Bride series Book two)
Book Blurb: Will God use a rugged bounty hunter to save a young bride from making a grave error?
Book: A Wealth Beyond Riches (Oklahoma Bride series Book three)
Book Blurb: Can a young woman from the New York theater world find the love she longs for in Indian Territory ?
S. Dionne Moore
Bio: S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free supermom, able to leap piles of a homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.
Book: Murder on the Ol’Bunions
Book Blurb: LaTisha Barnhart’s bunions tell her something’s afoot as she delves deeper into the murder of her former employee, Marion Peters. When LaTisha becomes a suspect, the ante is upped, and she is determined to clear her name and find the culprit.
She’s burping Mark Hamm’s bad cooking to investigate his beef with Marion. . .getting her hair styled at a high falutin’ beauty parlor to see what has Regina Rogane in a snarl. . .playing self-appointed matchmaker between the local chief and a prime suspect. . .and thinking Payton O’Mahney’s music store lease might be the reason he’s singing out of tune when discussion of Marion’s murder arises. LaTisha’s thinking she just might use the reward money to get her bunions surgically removed. But she’s got to catch the crook first.
Trish Perry
Bio: Trish Perry is an award-winning writer and editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC, area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers group.
Book: The Guy I’m Not Dating
Book Blurb: Kara Richardson has finally suffered one breakup too many. She's decided to go the no-dating route to romance, although she's not quite sure how that works.
She couldn't have picked a worse time to meet Gabe Paolino. Gorgeous men hardly faze Kara. A personal trainer, she works with hunks every day. But Gabe, the handsome young deli owner in town, proves way too available and way too challenging for Kara's vow of friendship. How will she adhere to her new lifestyle without scaring Gabe away?
Enter matchmaking friends, a strange elderly aunt, three demanding teens, and one hard-to-take vixen with eyes for Gabe. Add an overcrowded road trip and plenty of God's blessings, and Kara may discover that the guy she's not dating is the best boyfriend she's ever had.
Book: Too Good to Be True
Book Blurb: Rennie Young, heroine of Too Good to Be True, meets the gallant Truman Sayers after she faints in the boys’ department of the local super store. Despite this unromantic introduction, Tru Sayers, a handsome young labor–and–delivery nurse, seems like a gift from God. But a recent divorce and other life disappointments cause Ren to question whether she can trust her heart and God.
This clever novel encourages readers to lean on God’s leading and to be open to life after the hurt—even when it seems too good to be true.
Staci Stallings
Book: Dreams by Starlight
Book Blurb: If the world’s a stage and each of us plays a part, then Camille Wright is the high school wallflower that nobody remembers and only the bullies ever knew was there. However, her headlong dash to Princeton’s Aerospace Engineering program crashes to a heart-jarring halt when in order to “round out all those math classes,” she is unwillingly signed up for drama class. Awkward, shy, and quiet, Camille struggles to stay part of the wall even under the bright lights. But sometimes where you want to be isn’t where you were destined to be at all…
Book: Reflections on Life
Book Blurb: A collection of short stories that will uplift the weary traveler on life's highway. Filled with God and all things Holy Spirit, this is a book you can't afford to miss.
Book: Reflections on Life II
Book Blurb: Packed with 81 remarkable stories, Reflections on Life II: Notes from the Journey will encourage you to find God’s path for your life and follow it. Learn how to trade an ordinary life for one of extraordinary love and abundance in God, through God, and with God. If you’re living small, this book will inspire you to live big, to reach for everything God wants for your life, and to do all you do with bravery, integrity, and most of all… love.
Book: Cowboy
Book Blurb: Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real. Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone. Staci Stallings has intertwined the loss and grief of two characters into a sweet love story. Full of truths and illustrations of God’s grace, Cowboy will capture a reader’s heart. Stallings has peppered in song lyrics that strike a beautiful chord.
Book: Lucky
Book Blurb: Kalin Lane had his dream in hand. Then, on the cusp of mega-stardom, Kalin’s world crashed down around him in a hail of stupid choices. Five years later, Kalin is back, reaching for his dream once again; however, time hasn’t erased his past. Will the lessons of the past be enough to save him from himself this time around? Danae Scott thought she was headed toward the future every girl wants. However, in one night that belief is ripped into unrecognizable shreads. Devastated and confused, Danae is an anguished mess when an angel trips over her. Does this angel have the answers she didn’t even know she needed? One man, One woman, One night that changes everything.
Camy Tang
Bio: Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.
Book: Sushi for One?
Book Blurb: Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her "perfect man" list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?
Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her older cousin gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousin's wedding.
Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don't speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. He's not a jock, he's not a Christian, and he has a bad history with Lex's cousin, Trish. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.
Debra Ullrick
Bio: Debra Ullrick and her husband of thirty-four years, along with their daughter lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A famous movie star and her screen writer husband purchased property at the last ranch where they lived. Debra's husband has met many celebrities and had the privilege of taking Eddie Albert horseback riding. Recently Debra and her real-life hero, Rick, moved to the flatlands, where they're dealing with cultural whiplash in the city. Besides Christ, Debra's passions include attending Red Rocks Church, talking with her ACFW friends, reading, writing, drawing Western art, watching Jane Austen movies, Monster Jam World Finals DVD’s, mud bog racing, collecting monster truck and muscle/classic car models, and going to classic auto shows. Debra loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website at www.DebraUllrick.com
Book: The Bride Wore Coveralls
Book Blurb: Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabatoged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Turbulence
I'm in Nashville, and we had the wonderful privilege of flying. (And for all of you jokesters out there - No, my arms aren't tired - we flew on an airplane.)
Anyway, it was an interesting flight. And quite a turbulent one to boot. Add a screaming toddler a few rows back, and it became an adventure.
Let's just say that when the flight attendant gets on her little speaker thingy (RUNS to her speaker thingy is a better choice of words) and says, "All right everyone, the captain has illuminated the fasten seat belt sign, and you'd better make sure it's tight!" You should know at that point, that it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Now, we've had lots of practice with turbulence. Landing anywhere in Alaska proves to be turbulent, no matter where you are going in the beautiful state - and that's on the big planes. We had to fly on a 1939 WWII Grumman Goose to get to the island we lived on for a couple of years. Now THAT was turbulence.
Today reminded me of that turbulence, only we were in a large plane. There were several people who gasped, even squealed, when we dropped who knows how many feet. (And on a sidenote - When your rear end no longer touches the seat below you, you know it's a substantial drop.)
Don't forget the screaming toddler. This child screamed almost the entire trip. Now, I'm going to get up on my soapbox here -- children need training. Training takes consistency, discipline, and patience. Flying on an airplane can be scary, it can be no fun when your ears don't pop, and add in the crazy turbulence - it can be downright miserable. This parent was not doing anything to help the child. The parent wasn't even trying. That's the part that is disheartening.
Note: I am NOT saying that screaming children are horrible. And I'm not saying that if your child screams, you are a terrible parent. I love kids. I have worked with kids of different abilities for a long time, and my own children are precious. But this particular child needed help - he needed to be prepared for the journey.
You're probably wondering where I'm headed - well, most of you know that I do a lot of speaking. And most of it has to do with parenting and our story. I'm also in the process of writing a "personal parenting encouragement" book. Why? Because I've been asked by so many people to do it. Not from an expert (because I am NOT one), but from an ordinary mom with an unusual story.
Life is not easy. Parenting is REALLY not easy. But - you can do it. A child will face a lot of "turbulence" in life, and if he is untrained and unprepared, he will kick, scream and whine his way through.
These are tough questions, but these are only on the surface - they're not the truly tough questions. In today's society - morals and respect and common courtesy are a rare find. Selfishness and pride seem to reign supreme, and it scares me to think where that will lead.
Are you prepared for turbulence? Are you preparing and training your children for turbulence?
I'd like you to go look up James 1:2-4 (yes, again) - and read the first chapter of I Peter. Look specifically at what it says about trials and joy.
We'll pick up here in a few days... Look for "Turbulence... Continued"
God Bless You All and I'm praying for you...
Anyway, it was an interesting flight. And quite a turbulent one to boot. Add a screaming toddler a few rows back, and it became an adventure.
Let's just say that when the flight attendant gets on her little speaker thingy (RUNS to her speaker thingy is a better choice of words) and says, "All right everyone, the captain has illuminated the fasten seat belt sign, and you'd better make sure it's tight!" You should know at that point, that it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Now, we've had lots of practice with turbulence. Landing anywhere in Alaska proves to be turbulent, no matter where you are going in the beautiful state - and that's on the big planes. We had to fly on a 1939 WWII Grumman Goose to get to the island we lived on for a couple of years. Now THAT was turbulence.
Today reminded me of that turbulence, only we were in a large plane. There were several people who gasped, even squealed, when we dropped who knows how many feet. (And on a sidenote - When your rear end no longer touches the seat below you, you know it's a substantial drop.)
Don't forget the screaming toddler. This child screamed almost the entire trip. Now, I'm going to get up on my soapbox here -- children need training. Training takes consistency, discipline, and patience. Flying on an airplane can be scary, it can be no fun when your ears don't pop, and add in the crazy turbulence - it can be downright miserable. This parent was not doing anything to help the child. The parent wasn't even trying. That's the part that is disheartening.
Note: I am NOT saying that screaming children are horrible. And I'm not saying that if your child screams, you are a terrible parent. I love kids. I have worked with kids of different abilities for a long time, and my own children are precious. But this particular child needed help - he needed to be prepared for the journey.
You're probably wondering where I'm headed - well, most of you know that I do a lot of speaking. And most of it has to do with parenting and our story. I'm also in the process of writing a "personal parenting encouragement" book. Why? Because I've been asked by so many people to do it. Not from an expert (because I am NOT one), but from an ordinary mom with an unusual story.
Life is not easy. Parenting is REALLY not easy. But - you can do it. A child will face a lot of "turbulence" in life, and if he is untrained and unprepared, he will kick, scream and whine his way through.
These are tough questions, but these are only on the surface - they're not the truly tough questions. In today's society - morals and respect and common courtesy are a rare find. Selfishness and pride seem to reign supreme, and it scares me to think where that will lead.
Are you prepared for turbulence? Are you preparing and training your children for turbulence?
I'd like you to go look up James 1:2-4 (yes, again) - and read the first chapter of I Peter. Look specifically at what it says about trials and joy.
We'll pick up here in a few days... Look for "Turbulence... Continued"
God Bless You All and I'm praying for you...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How Many Pages? A New Contest!
Once again, my children amaze me.
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
Monday, June 16, 2008
WE HAVE A WINNER - and an HONORABLE MENTION!
Congratulations to Laura - with her guess of Woodkaylakimjoshjemy - It is the closest to the name of the tumanhofer in DragonLight! (Ha! You thought I was going to tell you the name, didn't you? You will just have to read the books - and boy, are they worth it!)
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
DragonLight Contest - LAST CHANCE!!!
My wonderful readers,
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ewwwww! You Can't Be Serious... Oh Yes, I Can!
Allrighty, most of you know at least part of our story, and the fact that we were chosen for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Two men - had to put up with a lot through this whole adventure: John Unzueta and Jeff Morrell. They are our realtors.
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Little Gracie Sees the "Dent"ist
I'm sorry to say this post is not about my wonderful dentist of twenty plus years, Dr. Jack. But be not dismayed, I'm sure one of these days, he'll get a blog post of his very own - which will include some kind of crazy adventure we've had. (I better tread carefully, he and his wife have known me since I was a kid... too many secrets...) :-)
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
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