Beverly Lewis has done it again. She written another can't put it down book. The Secret is the first in the series Seasons of Grace and it's one you won't want to miss.
One night Lettie disappears, Leaving Grace with lots of questions and no real answers tom them. Dat is bracing for the worst. Grace refuses to go to the woe-is-me pit. She plans to do something. Find Mamma and bring her back home where she belongs.
You'll meet many characters. there's:
Lettie Byler, who is struggling with a secret. She's solemn and has been grieving since her sister's death. She is confused and found walking (was she going or coming?) late at night by herself. She is very distant at times and seems to have a heavy load on her mind.
Judah Byler, Lettie's husband, who is quiet and keeps to himself. He's an observer. He isn't much of a talker and isn't easy to talk to because he's reserved and resolved. He isn't attentive to his wife and her needs.
Daughter, Grace, who is unsure if she really wants Mamma to reveal her heart to her.
Mandy Byler, Grace's little sister, is playful and mischievous.
Adam, Grace's brother, is fun and humorous.
Grace's younger brother, Joe is unpredictable.
Mammi - Adah, Lettie's mother, very outspoken, sympathetic and spunky. Grace believes she knows more than she's telling.
Dawdi - Jakob, Lettie's father, fun loving.
Becky - Grace's devoted friend.
then there's Heather Nelson, the mystery Englischer, where does she fit in to this puzzle? Guess you'll just have to purchase a book and follow along. You won't be disappointed I'm sure.
Read more about this book and the first chapter here.
A born and bred Texan, Donna Lee Schillinger has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Drew University and a master’s in cultural anthropology from Texas Tech University. She served in the Peace Corps in Quito, Ecuador, and continued to work in social services for 10 years with special populations including adults with developmental disabilities, children with autism, abused and neglected children and the elderly. She served several years as executive director of a homeless shelter for single, young mothers. In 2000, Schillinger “retired” from social work to take care of her elderly grandparents and homeschool her daughter. She soon began freelance writing and editing, doing business as The Quilldriver. Today, TheQuilldriver produces several periodical publications for non-profit organizations, including Hearing Health magazine. In 2006, Schillinger added publishing inspirational nonfiction books to The Quilldriver’s services. An award-winning editor and publisher, Schillinger makes her writing debut in April 2009 with On My Own Now: Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free. She launched a non-profit organization of the same name, with the mission to provide encouragement for young adults to maintain their Christian faith when they get out on their own. Visit her Web site at www.OnMyOwnNow.com. Schillinger enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and travel. She lives in rural Arkansas with her husband John, daughter Gwen and son Chaise, and has two children in the custody of angels.
On My Own Now was written by Donna with the young women who is now on her own in mind. This book is a devotional type book. It has a scripture (she draws her scriptures from NIV and Message bible translations), a body of Donna's thoughts on the subject and a closing Hold this thought for the reader to meditate on throughout the day. It is generally a one sentence summery thought of the day's reading. Donna gives the young woman tips on setting firm boundaries in their life no matter what. Encourages them to guard their heart as being of utmost importance. She uses her own experiences of choices that she made while young in life in hopes to help other young women learn from her mistakes. She shows young ladies the right and wrong way of just your basic day to day decisions that need to be made in life when your on your own.
Some of the themes that are in this book deal with:
•Living in the real world
•Time management
•Relationships with parents, friends, roommates, opposite sex (dating), spouse, children and more
•finances
•beauty secrets
•making wise decisions in life
Donna truly wants the young woman to have a good life with a pure and honest heart, to be committed and not quit in life. In this book the lessons Donna uses are from Proverbs. It is jammed pack and bulging of wonderful Proverbial Christian advice. Choices we make them all the time. We need to learn to build on the good lessons and learn from the bad ones.
Hold this thought: A Proverb a day, keeps sin at bay.
What others are saying:
Life is about choices and a life well lived is about making the right choices. What better place
to learn how to make right/wise choices than from the book of Proverbs and what better way
to get your attention than through a good story. This book is full of both! Enter at your own
risk and watch your own story unfold.
Patty Wyatt and Lisa Jernigan
Co Founders, Girlfriends Unlimited
Every once in a while, a book lands in my hands that I know immediately is truly extraordinary. On My Own Nowis such a book. Donna Lee Schillinger's writing style absolutely sparkles and is a joy to read just for the sheer pleasure of observing a true wordsmith at work. Then, there's the content, which is absolutely exceptional. If you could put one book into the hands of every young woman you know, this should be the book. And if she applied a fraction of the wisdom contained therein, she'd be spared a mountain of tears. I'm stingy with my endorsements because, hopefully, when I do grant them it actually means something. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it.
Donna Partow
Author, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me To Be:
A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life
Donna Lee Schillinger makes excellent use of her life experiences to encourage young
Christian women to live the best lives they can. On My Own Nowis an entertaining, smart,
and Biblically savvy friend for any girl to bring along when she leaves the nest. An excellent
tool for parents to impart the love, support, and wisdom their daughters need as they step
into the adult world.
Trish Perry
Author, The Guy I’m Not Dating and Too Good to Be True
Schillinger’s thought process is extremely creative... It is this uniqueness that makes this
book thoroughly readable and less “lecture-ish” than similar books within the genre.
Kam Aures
for RebeccasReads
Today we have an interview with Wanda. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. You visit Amish communities all over the country. What made you decide to write the Indiana Cousins series?
My husband and I know several Amish families living in northern Indians, and we also like the area there very well, so I decided that it would be an interesting setting for my newest Amish series.
I became excited when I heard you were doing this series because it is right in my home area. I was born in South Bend, IN and raised in Niles, MI just on other side of the state-line in MI not far from Goshen, Elkhart, Shipshewana, and all. What draws you to the Amish lifestyle, and what do you think we can learn from them?
I'm drawn to the Amish lifestyle because they are a simple people who live for God, their family, and friends. I believe we could all benefit if we take our eyes off material things and put our focus on things that really matter, the way the Amish people do.
I agree, their simple lifestyle is something to be desired. I love reading about the Amish. That's why I love your books. You make me feel as though I'm right there living with them. In A Cousin's Promise, a tragic accident changes the course of several people's lives. There is much blame and guilt as a result of the accident. What would you say to people who are riddled with guilt over something they should or shouldn't have done?
We can't change the past, but we can learn from the past and resolve to do better in the future. Even so, there are some things that are out of our control, so we must learn to accept those things and make the best of each situation. It's important that we forgive ourselves for the things we believe we might have caused and not heap coals of guilt upon our heads.
You're right there are some situations that are out of our control. We just have to trust in God to take care of things. Unconditional love is one of the themes of this story. Why is unconditional love so important, especially in a marital relationship?
Unconditional love strengthens relationships. When a person lives with someone who loves conditionally, they begin to doubt themselves and wonder why nothing they do seems to be good enough. When a person lives with someone who loves unconditionally, they feel confident and good about themselves.
Oh, so true. Can you think of times when you believe it is all right to break a promise to someone?
It's best to follow through on our promises whenever possible, but there might be times when an emergency or something unexpected arises that could require a person to break a promise. When someone gets sick or dies, a promise might never be fulfilled. There may be some circumstances, like a broken engagement, that would cause a person not to keep a promise, but this kind of promise is out of one's control.
Was there a certain scripture verse that came to your mind when you began writing A Cousin's Promise?
Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)
I love your books because you usually have a scripture verse that it is tied around. Also you use the KJV Bible in many of your books. That is a plus with me. Thanks for writing Christian books for us to enjoy. I look forward to book #2 in this series.
I have posted my review on Robin's book earlier in the month. You may go here to read my review of Engaging Father Christmas. If you missed it you may read first chapter of Engaging Father Christmashere. And if you haven't read book one: Finding Father Christmas you may want to do that. You may read my review of Finding Father Christmas here.
Ok, ok enough of the reviews let's get started with the interview with Robin as that is what you all are reading this post for anyway right. It surely isn't to hear me blab on. I want to thank Robin for taking the time to answer these questions. I'll be red and Robin will be green.
I want to thank you again Robin for graciously giving your time to answer these questions. I know as an author you are busy. Actually, at this time of the year I'm sure we are all busy as I have found my self this week. I had to really crack the whip and stay off of this computer. I think I'm done with the gift buying. I do have to pick one up one gift that is on order, but that should take all of a few minutes; it's already paid for just have to pick it up when they call and tell me it's in. Now, I better hush and get on with this interview. Where did you come up with the idea for this book series?
[Robin Gunn] I have been to England several times and on a trip there a few years ago I was thinking about writing a short story that incorporated some of the gorgeous places I was visiting. I was actually in England a while ago researching for the Sisterchicks Go Brit! book and the idea came to write a Christmas story about an American woman who goes to a village in Kent, England, in search of her birth father. The idea for Finding Father Christmas just all tumbled together after that.
Don't you just love it when things just tumble together. I must say they tumbled together pretty well. Is the series complete or will we see more of Miranda in Christmas future?
[RobinGunn] You never know. I only am contracted for the two books. Everything depends on sales, as weall know. So depending on how the sales go I might be invited to write a third. That would be a treat!
There you heard it everyone. Buy the book so sales will rise so we can see Miranda again. Since we are all getting ready for Christmas let's do some Christmas questions so the readers can know how you do some things at this time of the year. Do you put up a real or an artificial tree?
[Robin Gunn] We don’t have an artificial tree but I’m beginning to see the value in having one ready and saving another live tree from being cut down. Every year is different as far as what kind of tree we get. This year I’m thinking small. But, we haven’t gone out yet on the random tree hunt so who knows what we’ll end up doing. My husband always says he wants to build a manger and put that by the front window instead of a tree. Maybe it will happen this year.
We have an artificial tree, this year hubby and I wanted to go smaller, but my 13 year-old wouldn't hear of it so we still have big. Guess that will have to wait til they are out of the house. Do you put lights on your tree?
[Robin Gunn] White. Only white.
There is a house down our street that has a nice display their tree is white lights and red bows that is it. It is very beautiful. I my self like color so we are a multi family. Do you have a favorite holiday food?
[Robin Gunn] Cookies. All kinds. I really, really love Christmas cookies. Oh, and something peppermint to go with them. Peppermint hot cocoa or peppermint tea or even peppermint coffee creamer in a mug of dark coffee. Yummy and dangerous!
I love mint too. Just went out yesterday and got stuff to start our Christmas baking. Do you wrap your gifts are use beautiful bags?
[Robin Gunn] A little of both depending on time and the size of the gift. I do love to keep things simple.
Oh, yes, I love simple, but I do love to see the packages with wrapping paper on them. There's just something about it that makes it look more personal I don't know. However, there are some beautiful gift bags. Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol?
[Robin Gunn] Joy to the World! Also O, Holy Night. When we lived in Hawaii a woman at our church danced hula to O Holy Night at the Christmas Eve service and I cried. So beautiful!
OK, that would be different. I love O, Holy Night too. I have sang that one in church for special on occasions. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
[Robin Gunn] I would love to go anywhere, anytime. I love to travel. I would want to meet the people who live there and listen to the birds and smell the local flowers. God made such an amazing world. I long to see it all.
My mom loves to travel her motto is: "Have bags packed will travel." Yes, I love to see God's creation too. It is truly amazing. What is a fun leisure time activity for you?
[Robin Gunn] Travel. Even if it’s only across town, I love to go and see and do new things.
I love to travel from my house to the shopping center does that count?
As an author I'm sure you always have someting in the works. What do you have in the works right now?
[Robin Gunn] I’m writing the third Katie Weldon book right now and I’m so into the characters and what is happening right now that it is torture to walk away from it. I’ve been getting up at 3am this week every other day just so I can get a big chunk of writing time in without any interruptions.
I guess I'm going to have to do some looking into that series. Is fictional genre all you write?
[Robin Gunn] No I have several non-fiction books. The most popular ones are Take Flight! a Sisterchicks® Devotion and Gentle Passages: Guiding Your Daughter into Womanhood. You can read a summary of these books on my website.
How's you know that was my next question. I'm going to have to take a look at your Devotion adn Gentle Passages. I have two teenage daughters. How can someone find you on the web?
[Robin Gunn] I warmly invite all your readers to come by for a visit at www.robingunn.com or to become my friend on Facebook. I send out an e-newsletter every now and then and always include contests for free books. You can sign up to receive my newsletter on my website or by sending me a note at Robinsnest@robingunn.com I hope to hear from you.
There you have it Robin wants to hear from you all. Oh, I love free books. I'm going to have to sign up. We're almost done, two more questions. Do you have a favorite scripture?
[Robin Gunn] Different parts of the Bible mean different things to me in different seasons of life. Last week I received a Christmas card from a writer friend in Germany. She added a verse (In English) from The Message of when the angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she would give birth to the Savior. I LOVED seeing this familiar verse in this new paraphrase. I have it on my desk right now. See if it doesn’t warm your spirit this Christmastime as well. I wonder . . . what is it that the Spirit of God might be about to birth in you? “Gabriel greeted her: ‘Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty. Beautiful inside and out! God be with you. She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called 'Son of the Highest.'
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob's house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom."” Luke 1:26-33
Amen!
Thanks. Do you have any thoughts you'd like to leave with my readers?
[Robin Gunn] Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t be divided in your attention or your affections. Put your whole heart into everything you do. Life goes very fast.
I want to thank you again Robin for this interview and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I must let you go, let the readers go and I must be on my way I need to get some Christmas cards mailed out today. I'm way too behind. I want to remind you that you may read my review of Robin's book (here). May you all have a very Blessed Christmas and remember....
I read Amber's first book in this series and loved it so when 2nd book came up for review I jumped at the chance. I love historical books. I see her third one is coming out soon so I'm going to have to keep my eyes open.
Now my review:
Elanna Hanssen is coming close to her 16th birthday. She is discovering that change comes at a moments notice and it even strikes without warning. Elanna is the daughter of Raelene and Gustaf Hanssen from Promises, Promises. She is a spunky (much like her mother) 15 year old, who is a twin. I loved the way Amber portrayed Elanna and her twin's, Edric, relationship, very close, loving relationship, even bantering at times. Elanna is introduced to Major Madison Scott by her friend, Chelcy. We all need a friend like Chelcy. However about as soon as Amber and Madison are introduced he is called away for duty to his country as England has just declared war on France according to the Gazett News. Will their new relationship bud or fizzy now that Madison is called away to serve his country. Then there is the role of the journalist, Mr. Witherspoon, what part exactly does he play? Will he help keep Elanna informed on the war efforts or does he have other intents that are yet to be determined? I guess you'll just have to read this wonderful book to find out. And I can't wait to see what happens in Deceptive Promises because deceptive is far from what Raelene, Gustaf, Elanna or Madison are known for.
Amber has graciously answered some questions for me to post so we'll get right on it. Thank you Amber for doing this at such a late notice. I'll be red and Amber will be green. Christmas colors. Could you please tell us a fun fact about yourself? Before I married, I was the only living female "Miller" in my family. My mother married into the name. Girls simply aren't common with the Millers. Now, as a Stockton, I don't carry that designation....although there are far more men than women with that name.
A second fun fact is that my great-grandfather's cousin married President Wilson during his presidency, and her picture is featured at the Woodrow Wilson house in Virginia. So, I'm somewhat related to "American royalty." :)
Before I was born on my dad's side there hadn't been a girl in 50 years and the last girl born which would be some great-aunts back and I shared the same birth date (july 25) so we were exactly 50 years apart. Now how unreal is that. No wonder you write historical books. It's in your blood. How long have you been writing? I began as a teenager, but I've always been making up stories since I was a young girl. I began the professional career in 1998 and 8 years later, I finally received word of my first sale.
How fun to have such a creative mind. Who or what was the #1 influence for you to start on your writing journey? I'd say it was definitely God, who gave me the creative genes, but my high school English teacher (also an author) inspired me to pursue it. Once I began writing professionally, it was Tracie Peterson who kicked me in the pants to submit my work and perfect my craft.
Being a teacher at heart it is always so good to hear how teachers encourage authors to write. Way to go Tracie for kicking. Do you have a favorite place you like to write? Preferably, in my living room, on the couch, curled up with my laptop and a cup of hot tea, hot cocoa or sweet tea. :)
Hot Cocoa now that sounds good right now. It is about 5 degrees here in North Dakota right now. Would you rather create a story or edit? Why?
That's a tough one. I love the editing process, as I have the chance to refine, expand and tighten my writing. But, there is an exhilaration in creating the story too. Something about looking at a blank page and crafting that story from word 1 is exciting.
I had never asked that question before so I thought I'd ask and see what response I got. What is the most difficult part of writing for you? and How do you overcome it? It's often the lack of description of the surroundings and setting the scene that causes holes in my stories. Establishing unique descriptions or characteristics for my characters to make them individuals in their own right and not cookie-cutter or two-dimensional continue to vex me. So, I study a variety of fiction books each time to see how other authors do it. The Writer's Digest books on Characters, Description and Setting also are of great help to me. I am still far from mastering this challenge, and it remains the biggest area that requires edits from my rough draft. But every author has a pet challenge, right?
I think my challenge would just be getting the pen to the paper. What sparked this story: (Quills & Promises) More of the "what if's" came from book 1, Promises Promises. Since this one features the daughter of the two main characters from that book, I looked at the time frame and realized I was smack in the middle of the French & Indian War. Drawing on my personal experience of a long-distance relationship with my husband before we married, I did a brief "what if a young woman met a dashing soldier who was immediately called away to fight in a war but asked her to write while he was gone?" and the story was born! From there, research filled in the historical holes, and my own emotional rollercoaster helped place Elanna and Madison in a believable, yet touching, correspondence via letters as the story progressed. Most romances have the hero and heroine constantly seeing each other. But, in this book, Madison and Elanna meet in the first chapter, say goodbye in the second and don't see each other again until the final chapter. Yet, it worked....or so reviewers are saying. :)
It worked alright. Very well done at that too. I don't know if my brain could be an author. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go and why? Hawaii or Scotland. Both have unique landscapes and a beauty all their own. If I had to choose, I'd likely say Scotland for my family roots on both sides.
You and I think alike. Hawaii would be fun. I have a brother that lives on the Big Island. But Scotland or Ireland often intrigue me as a place to visit. Castles is what intrigues me along with the beautiful scenes of God's creation. If you could be any animal which would you be and why? Without a doubt, an eagle. When eagles are faced with a storm, they don't allow the storm to bog them down or deter them from the path they're taking. They also don't land and wait for the storm to pass without fighting back. Instead, they fly through the storm, fighting the winds and rain and obstacles until they are above the storm and can continue on their path. They also mate for life, and I'm equally committed to my husband in the same way.
I think the eagle is so majestic. This next question should be right down your alley. If you could have a sit-down chat with any historical person who would it be and why? Some of the names that come to mind are Abraham Lincoln or George Washington or John Adams. But, I'm going to go back even farther and say I'd love to spend an evening with Mary, the mother of Jesus. During this Christmas season, her acceptance of God's plan for her life and her willingness to do what was asked of her, despite her fears and uncertainties are quite an inspiration. None of us know exactly where our lives are headed, but if we make up our minds to say "yes" no matter what, I think we'll discover amazing things.
I always think about how it would have been to be in Mary's shoes. Now for some Christmas spirit questions Favorite food at this time of the year? Without a doubt, it's green bean casserole. :)
That is a good dish. My family has a favorite green bean casserole with a twist. (see the recipe on my blog) Do you put up a real or artificial tree? Since getting married, it's artificial simply for the ease and space constraints. Once we get our first house (we're in a one-level condo now), we'll likely alternate, depending on our mood each year.
We've always had artificial even growing up. What is your Favorite scripture verse Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint."
That is such a powerful verse. I love the fact that in your books you use the KJV Bible for your scriptures. Do you have any last thoughts you'd like to leave the readers with? I'll leave you with 2 favorite quotes in regard to writing. The first: "Rejections are footprints in the sands of your career. If you're not getting them, you're not moving," stands out foremost in my mind. The other is, "You have to read in order to write. Immerse yourself in a wide variety of writing styles, find your own voice and stick to it. Then, write, write, write."
I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. And thanks for the good reading books that you write. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see what book #3 is going to be like.
Readers you may read the first chapter of Amber's book here.
Note this contest will stay posted at the top of this page until Nov. 28th. You'll need to scroll down to see new posts. Thanks. Abi
OK all I'm doing a give away. I hosted Wanda Brunstetter's Christmas Pie book tour this week on my blog. Then I did an interview with Wanda. Now I'm going to give a book away.
Yep, you got it. But I'm going to make you work a little for your book. Can't make it all peaches 'n cream. What I'm wanting from you is three simple answers. Just leave me a comment with these three answers and I'll put your name in the drawing.
The questions are:
1.) What is Wanda's favorite pie?
2.) What is your favorite pie?
3.) What do you think might be an ingredient in White Christmas Pie? This one may make you think but hey why not take a guess. No, one said you had to be right. (If you really want to know you could buy the book and you'll have the recipe. It's in the back of the book. I love that about Wanda; she gives a recipe at the end of her book. Generally, it is one talked about in the book.) By the way, Sugar flour your basics don't count. Think white .......No it isn't snow either.
Anyway. Leave me a comment with these three answers and I'll put your name in the drawing. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. I'll draw a winner on Black Friday. Yep, you have about 10 days to enter. Drawing will be Friday, Nov. 28th. Ready set. Leave a Comment.
US Residents only please.
Today I'm hosting an author interview with Wanda Brunstetter.
Yesterday we did the book tour for her newly released book:
White Christmas Pie
I asked Wanda if she'd answer 10 quick questions and she graciously obliged. Thank you Wanda for your time. My friend got me hooked on Wanda several years back. I love your books. Let's not waste any time. When did you first know you were a writer?
When I was in the second grade and wrote a poem about a moth. My teacher said it was good and that I had real potential.
From what I can tell she was right on the button. Good teacher to encourage you in this direction. Do you write only Amish setting books?
I write mostly Amish themed books, but have also done a few historical novels.
I have read most of your books. I try to keep up. Sometimes it's hard. I have read two of your historical novels they are equally as good. Still have some in my 2br pile too. I just can't stay ahead of the game. Why did you choose Amish setting?
I'm good friends with many Amish people and I wanted to show my readers what these wonderful people are truly like.
Now for a few fun questions. Since you wrote about a pie let me just ask what is your favorite pie?
Lemon Shoofly pie, found in my first Amish Cookbook, which is available at most bookstores.
I love the way you add a recipe to the books you write. That is so neat. I think cookbooks are my downfall or maybe it's just food in general. I don't have your cookbook but I eye it wherever I see it. Maybe Santa will get the hint, hint, hint....In your spare time, if you have that as an author, what is your favorite thing to do? (not counting reading)
I love to walk on the beach with my husband, Richard, looking for agates and shells.
You know there is something about walking on beaches that is so romantic or fireplaces. I'm not close to either one. What books do you like to read?
I like to read historical novels.
The historical are good. Mysteries are fun too. I know your Sisters of Holmes County series had kind of a mystery take on it with all the mishapps that happened to the Hostettler family. I have the third book in that series in my 2br pile. It needs to come to the top so I can find out who is pulling all the parnks on the Hostettler family. Like I mentioned earlier. I'm a little behind in my reading. Just too many good books out there. I've kind of given this time right now to Christmas books. I love the holiday season. Do you have anything in the works coming out in the future? What a question to ask an author. I'm sure you have something going all the time.
I'm presently working on another Amish cookbook, which will be out in July 2009. I also just finished Book 1 in my new Indiana Cousins series. Book 1, A Cousin's Promise, will be out in March 2009, and so will my new Amish-themed children's pictue/storybook, The Wisdom of Solomon. I also have two children's books coming out in December 2008.
Now I know I'm behind. I was reading about your new Indiana Cousins series coming out. I'm from South Bend, IN area so I'm real interested in that series. Yesterday I received a post card in the mail about your new books in the Rachel Yoder series too. My daughter and I have read the first two books. We have gotten our library to stock the books. We're waiting for them to get the 3rd & 4th books out. Sometimes they aren't as fast as we'd like. Now we'll have to request 5 & 6. They love us at the library and get many of the books we request. I try not to push the limits too much. I'm picky about what I ask them to get. Ok I could go on forever so better ask the next question. About how long does it take you to get a book completed. from your head (thoughts) to publisher: (Not including publish time). How long then from publish to store shelves?
Most of my full-length novels take me about 6 months, from beginning to end. Time from the publisher to store shelves is 6-9 months.
Wow, so that's a good year in advance. You have to be one step ahead. Is there a special scripture verse you'd like to give us?
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Ah, now that comes from your book A Merry Heart in the Bride of Lancaster County series. That was the first book I read of yours. I was hooked. I love the fact that you use the KJV verses in your books. That's my preferred version. Most use other versions and then I have to look the verse up to see what it really says. What thoughts would you like to leave with the readers of this interview?
Even though the Amish may dress differently than we "Englishers", drive a horse and buggy, and live more simply than we do, inside we are all the same.
Their simple way of life is so intriguing. You have a way of making me fell as though I'm living right there watching the story unfold as I read. I always think could I live that way? I think I'd miss the computer the most. It might be fun to ride a horse and buggy, but oh, so cold in our ND winters though. Thank you again Wanda for your time. There you have it everyone. I know you won't be disappointed with Wanda's books, Amish or otherwise. You can find Wanda at the following web sites. I'll have to check out her new solomom lapp site. The other two I visit from time to time to stay up on her.
This week I thought I’d do something different. And do a quick 10 question interview with the author of the book. Murder on the Ol’ Bunions.
Welcome Sandra tells us a little about yourself and your books.
I'm the author of the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series. Book one, Murder on the Ol' Bunions, isavailable now, with Polly Dent Loses Grip available in February of 2009 and Eat, Drink and Be Buriedfollowing in late 2009. I live with an amazing dog, an even more amazing husband, and an even moreamazing-than-that child. We make their home in PA where Sandra is plotting her next crime story, Skin of the Teeth.
I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. I fell in love with LaTisha and Hardy.
Could you tell us a little known fact about yourself?
I write under the penname S. Dionne Moore because my editor had just contracted someone with thesame first name, so she asked if there was another name I'd like to use. Being that my middle name is not as common as my first, I decided to go with that.
That’s interesting.
Who influenced you most in the writing field?
I would have to say that Mary Higgins Clark's earliest books gave me a love for mystery, and I enjoyed her short, to-the-point style. Other influencers are B.J. Hoff, for her sweeping historicals, and my father, for his belief that I could do anything I put my heart to.
Which one character in the story can you most relate to and how?
I most relate to Hardy and LaTisha. I love LaTisha's sass, and I also love how Hardy tempers her sass with a bit of his own, though he is a much softer personality.
Yes, LaTisha is quite the character. And who wouldn’t fall in love with Hardy. He’s almost innocent. What is your favorite genre to read?
Definitely mystery and historical.
I love mystery too. Actually, it would be hard for me to decide. I just love reading.
Your favorite author to read?
Any of MHC's earliest books.
Your favorite food?
I have to name one? Probably a good French Onion Soup. With the temperature dropping, a nice bowl of Crab and Corn Bisque doesn't sound too bad either.
Now, most would reply CHOCOLATE without a doubt. Who can resist food esspecially a nice hot bowl of soup on a chilly fall day.
What if's ..... I know authors just love these.
What if. . .my husband is found dead and the police discover all my "research" books? Yikes!
That would be quite the YIKES!
Actually, what ifs aren't the way I begin framing my stories. I usually start with a character's secret and expand on that. Sometimes I start with a scene, the place the crime is committed.
Interesting. I always thought what if was an authors question.
If you could visit any where in the world where would it be and why?
The Mediterranean on a cruise, because I would love to see the ocean again and visit a vast array of exotic places in one trip.
Sounds fun to me.
If you could be any animal which would you be and why?
A chipmunk. Finally I'd hear, "isn't she so cute?" :)
You mean your husband doesn’t tell you that you’re cute?
Would you rather have bunions on your feet or boils on your face and why?
Definitely bunions. Boils are terribly painful.
I wouldn’t think bunions would be real joyful things to have either.
Is there anything else you'd like to leave my readers with?
I'm running a contest on my Website. Drop by and you just might win a "LaTisha" basket and an autographed copy of Murder on the Ol' Bunions.
There you've heard it everyone. Visit her site. I’ve been there and even answered the contest question. Have to read the book to answer the question. And I’m not telling the answer(s).
And now for the long-awaited Review. Sorry I had to put you through the suspense of waiting. What are mysteries for anyway but to keep you in suspense. Somethings though are worth the wait. I'm going to try something different too. I posted about the book from CFBA yesterday. First chapter link and all. If you missed it click here.
Today I'm going to post my review and Then come back tomorrow and I'll have a 10 question author interview posted. Now, how's that for stretching things out. I don't like good things to go unnoticed or come to an end and this book was GOOD! Dionne, middle name, wraps humor in the mist of murder and mystery. Now what a combination. I never thought mystery and death to be humorous, but she sure made me chuckle while reading this book. OH, MY LaTisha is quite the character and you'll love her within the first few pages of the book. Marion Peter's, LaTisha's former employer, is found dead and LaTisha is the one that finds her. This quickly puts LaTisha on the suspect list. Marion Peters was a very contrary, disagreeable person, with plenty of people having motives for wanting her dead. The town Chief therefore has his work cut out for him. There's another character that you'll grow to love ant that is Hardy, LaTisha's husband. Did I mention that the book has humor laced throughout it? Oh, now that was Dana's house that was decorated in lace. She's another suspect in the case. I guess you'll just have to read the book and find out where she fits into Marion's life. You won't be disappointed if you buy the book and read it.
I have done an author interview for the following book
Here is a short synopsis of the book:
Living with others in Mind: Beyond Me is an invitation to pursue true discipleship. Using sometimes humorous but always vulnerable and meaningful examples, Beyond Me ties together current, historical, and biblically documented insights and teachings to encourage you to aspire to the higher calling of true discipleship. Beyond Me is appropriate for individual or small-group settings.
Don't Compare~ It is when you compare that you despair. It is when you compare that you see all the bad & blemishes. So my advice: Don't do it.
Each family, mom, child, and situation is different and should be handled differently. It's only when we get our eyes off the target that we falter. Peter did when he walked on the water. For one brief moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked around at his situation and was frightened about it and you know the rest of the story (if not read it in Matt. 14:22-33).
What one person is good at another person may not be. Why? Because that's the way God made it. We were created unique "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14). We can't all be the eye, or the ear or whatever. We all work together to be one -- homeschool group. (I Cor. 12 - sure this scripture in I Cor. 12 is talking about in the church but it can apply to home, school, and organizations, etc.)
Everyone is different and learns differently. I have on daughter that loves being in the kitchen, sewing, crafts, etc.... Another daughter that could careless about learning to cook and stuff but she loves her music and is moving up the ladder in her job. She is 16 and a shift supervisor. And loves it! One is a very fast reader (speed reader almost) the other likes to read but is slow and steady. One loves history; One loves mysteries. One struggled getting the basic math facts the other picked it right up. So compare- They're different, But both must be loved and respected for who God made them to be.
So maybe they don't fold the towels the way I do, or put away the dishes or wash the dishes the same way as me, maybe they don't do things the way I do. It's been hard but I've had to learn to keep my mouth shut about how they do things differently than I. Just accept it and be glad they are putting in the effort and learning it. My way isn't the only way or the right way to do things which goes hand in hand with next point......
You can't do it all so let them do things their way to lighten your load a bit. It is very important to know the essentials be grounded in them and for a spice-of-life add some non-essentials. However, know the essential importance of saying, "No" when you need to. Everything don't have to be done by you.
Cherish those moments when everything is going well, and some one says, "You're doing a wonderful job." That's when you can smile to yourself and say "Thanks be to God". Let me tell you there aren't too many times you see the perfect picture of the REAL thing. When my girls were little I'd just keep telling myself at each changing stage "This too shall pass." Thank God that He has given you this moment. Cherish It!!
When I hear the phrase "Be Real" What do I think of? What does it mean?
• Not Fake
• Something you aren't
• Genuine
• Truthful
Everyone needs a close friend they can "Be Real" with not just homeschoolers. However, homeschoolers seem to fall between the cracks here when it comes to having genuine friendships. They seem to be off to themselves in a group. An understanding ear is what everyone needs. Yes, I agree learning can happen taking a fieldtrip, watching a video, etc. But we also need to be careful and not be running around with friends only to get lax in our main goal of educating our children. We need to be with like-minded people (as Anne of Green Gable would say "kindred-spirit.") I love it when I can get together with others of like mind but I do not sacrifice my kids education to do so.
The author lists many reasons why people homeschool then he asks why do you homeschool? Why do I homeschool? We wanted our daughters to have a Godly education. One where the Bible & God is the center not pushed under the table. We didn't want to send them off to school and then have to "de-program" them when they get home that would only make our job as parents all the harder. If they learned one thing at school and then we turn around and tell them something totally different as being true. This would be sending them a message that lying is OK and we tolerate it. Because their teacher told them something we we tell them something totally different than the teacher. Now, which one is lying?
We do use a a curriculum. This gives us our goals and something to aim for. We know where we're going and how we're going to get there. If you aim at nothing you'll it it every time. If you have no goal then of course you'll hit it every time so then educating isn't taking place. We like to see that we've accomplished something at the end of the day, week, month, semester, quarter and year. We have a curriculum to give us our base to work from. Testing isn't all that bad it tells you what you know and what you need to learn. I love the curriculum we use in that the girls have to get all answers right or they do them until they are right. They learn it. The teacher just doesn't hand them back their paper and they see what they got wrong and go on. Oh, well I got a "D" or "F" and mosey on their way. They re-work the wrong til it's right and they know what they did wrong and how to do it right when test time comes around.
First four lies discussed:
•Everyone's kids are better than yours
•Everyone's house is cleaner than yours
•Everyone fixes better meals than you
•Everyone is more disciplined than you and way more spiritual
I guess if I had to choose the one I would most identify with it would have to be
Everyone fixes better meals than you.
That is my down fall. I need to learn you to make weekly menus and think ahead. Most times I don't even know what I'm having for the meal I'm suppose to fix and have on the table in an hour. That isn't good cause that is generally the most common question ask I think in any household is what are we having to eat for..... lunch, supper, you name it? I was even asked yesterday what I was serving in two weeks when we have about 4 families over. ARGH!! I can't even say what I'm having today and you want to know what I'm having in two weeks. forget it! I'd love to think that far ahead and I know I can cause when my dd had home-ec we did for a month have scheduled menu, but I guess I'm just not that organized and thought out all the time. Though I did like it when I knew what we were going to have then I didn't have to sweat it 1 hour before mealtime trying to come up with a good meal to serve my family.
Why do we compare kids, houses and spirituality against others? Because of pride. It's all I can say. Watch out Pride comes before the fall. Why do we feel the need to brag? I guess that too is pride. We want our kids to look good, be accepted, have friends, etc. Who doesn't?.
I don't try to show that I have it all together. Because I know I don't there are lots of things that I need to work on and learn. We are all learn at least we should be.
My prayer request so far would be: Help me not to be proud because Lord I will fall.
Five more Lies:
•Everyone's marriage is better than yours
•Everyone else can do it all
•Every other mom loves to homeschool her children
•Everyone else is more capable than you
•You are the only one who is falling apart and feels the way you feel.
If I had to choose one of these lies it would be:
Everyone else is more capable than you
Why? there again it goes back to comparing with one another. Pride, and stress that goes along with the job. I think this especially when it comes to a subject that I'm weak in. However, I learn right along with the kids. When I get to feeling this way I just have to step back and think about the way God made it. You are God's Plan A for your children. God made the family first. We are to teach them from day one. When we wake up, lie down and as we walk. Hello, you taught them before you sent them off to school, what is so different now? You taught them the basics, how to talk, walk, get along with others, you name it, the hardest part is over..... I think. At least til it comes to geometry. There are times I feel I'm over my head when you throw some subject at me. Learn with them. No one said you have to know it all. But sometimes we believe the lie and feel someone else could do it better.
I have a opened a new blog page for my book reviews. I will be posting the book reviews for the most part over there at it. Check it out @ 4 the LOVE of BOOKS
Third book I read was The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell
Another good title for this book in my opinion would have been: There's an Elephant in the Room. Using this idiom would have totally summed up what David and Susanne Carson went through in this book. They had an important and obvious issue, which every character in the book became quickly aware of, but they wanted to skirt around the issue and pretend to call a truce per say. When theotherdaughter is discussed it is uncomfortable to all concerned. After Susanne finally realizes it is beyond her control and through the faith of her and David's daugher, Meagan, she lets God take control of her life and the elephant that seems to have visited their family. It is then that she was able to gain victory over the elephant that came to visit. This was my first time for reading Miralee and it was a very good read. I would not hesitate to read another of her books if they would come across my path.
As I was surfing the web on this book I found that Miralee is giving this book away if you go visit her site. So thought I'd add that tid-bit-o information for you. Just click Here to get to her site. Check it out
Will life ever be like always for Will and Merit Sullivan and their 3 children? They have given up the known for unknown: sercure job for a dream, so they thought, a run down resort. Mid-life crises - Is that what they call this time in their life? Will their faith bring them together or separate them? Son, Michael, has just returned from military duty in Iraq. Will things ever be like always again? The things that Michael along with his family has to go through will they prove to be worse than what he went through in combat?
This was my first book of Robert Elmer's. He held my attention. He wove some humor into the book along with the real life problems. I wasn't disappointed.
I found an on-line reading guide if you'd like to use it with your book. You may find it at Random House
Well, I've been reading up a storm. Started reading my four books for the judging contest I'm doing. Started first book last Thursday and finished it yesterday. (5 days not bad) Yes, book two was started. I have no time to lose.
Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
Oh, what a book! I totally enjoyed this book. I had never read any of Hatcher's books before. I would pick up another one and read it if I had one in my pile. I wasn't disappointed.
Roxy Burke leaves her home town in Idaho to make a name for herself in Nashville. She leaves home on a bad note. After 7 years without contact to her family when things go south in Nashville does she dare go back home? Will they want her back? Will life go and as if she never left? The Prodigal daughter will she return for better or worse?
I just loved the way Hatcher weaved her story in the Prodigal story. She also uses back flashes of Roxy when she was young. I was really impressed thought this story was well done! It was a very easy read. Nice and relaxing. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book if you want to use the book for a book reading club or something. The cover didn't really impress me, but like they say "Never judge a book by its cover." and this is one of those.
"Hatcher never disappoints, and this book is no exception. Her unique twist on the prodigal son story (changed to prodigal daughter) focuses primarily on the ‘good’ daughter, Elena, who stayed home while her sister left. Readers will identify with Elena and her frustrations, and the book’s faith-building resolution will have them examining their own lives. Rarely do we see such a clear picture of God’s grace as in this novel.”
— Romantic Times Book Reviews
"What a great book. It really touched my heart. I could clearly see the correlation between this story and the Biblical prodigal and it gave me a renewed vision of God's grace and his love. The author did a wonderful job of showing how bad choices can affect the rest of your life, yet she is careful to show that healing can occur. It was an easy read, captivating from the beginning."
— Book Bargains & Previews
RETURN TO ME is another winner by bestselling author, Robin Lee Hatcher. Roxy’s story is all to familiar for Nashville hopefuls, and yet the reader can’t help but feel sorry for her, in spite of all her bad decisions. The story is very close to the Biblical story of the prodigal son; the faith message is very well woven in. Fans of Robin Lee Hatcher aren’t going to want to miss RETURN TO ME. The story will tug at your heartstrings.
— Faithwebbin' CB Reviews
"I finished Return to Me in one day. (I won't go into what I ignored on my To Do list that day!) It was such a good book. You took the story of the prodigal and rewrote it so it was up-to-date and realistic. I think your insight into Elena, Roxy's sister, was brilliant--giving readers an honest view of what the older brother in the biblical story of the prodigal would have struggled with. I also appreciate that Return to Me was not all pat answers and happily-ever-after. It was real life."— via email 7/24/07
"I just finished reading this book and I would say it is one of Robin Lee Hatcher's best. Once again she has an amazing way of explaining God's grace in such a simple way that it hits you right between the eyes." — via Amazon.com, 6/08/07
This week I finished two books and have been meaning to post about them but haven't had a chance. I have to return them to the library so need to get it posted.
Book 1 What Once We Loved by Jane Kirkpatrick. Book 3 in her Kinship and Courage Sereis
I had never read anything by Jane Kirkpatrick, but this book series caught my eye at the library so I had to give it a try. Read the first two during the winter book challenge. This is a wonderful series. I wasn't dissappointed. Sometime I want to get her other series that our library has, but not real soon I'm working on my judging books right now. Anyway this series tooks you along with a Wagon train of people moving west from WI to CA and some into OR. This series was well done it went through the many trials and mishaps and joys that came along. It had the good and the bad times and people mingled together. It kept me on my seat and wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I didn't want the series to end I grew to love the characters.
Book 2 The Parting by Beverly Lewis. This is the first book in her Courtship of Nellie Fisher series.
Beverly has done it again. She just can't get them off the press fast enough. I hate waiting for the next book in a series when it is a good series. I think I have read everything Beverly has put out and haven't been dissappointed yet and this book is no different. Nellie has a hard time finding the love of her life now that she has found Caleb will decisions that their parents make bring about a wedding or will it keep them apart? The Fisher family lose of daughter, Suzy, was it part of God's plan? Suzy, was in her running around years. Was she hanging around with the right crowd? Suzy's diary she leaves behind tells her secrets will Nellie have enough courage to read the diary? Oh, I can't give it all away, you'll have to read and find out for yourself.
We all must have a lighter side to us and I'm hoping that in my blogs to share crafts, game ideas, recipes, funny happenings etc. I have another blog with my quiet spiritaul thoughts as well.
Low Down about the Author
I want to remind you that you may read my review of Robin's book 
.......No it isn't snow either. 
I don't like good things to go unnoticed or come to an end and this book was GOOD! Dionne, middle name, wraps humor in the mist of murder and mystery. Now what a combination. I never thought mystery and death to be humorous, but she sure made me chuckle while reading this book. OH, MY LaTisha is quite the character and you'll love her within the first few pages of the book. Marion Peter's, LaTisha's former employer, is found dead and LaTisha is the one that finds her. This quickly puts LaTisha on the suspect list. Marion Peters was a very contrary, disagreeable person, with plenty of people having motives for wanting her dead. The town Chief therefore has his work cut out for him. There's another character that you'll grow to love ant that is Hardy, LaTisha's husband. Did I mention that the book has humor laced throughout it? Oh, now that was Dana's house that was decorated in lace. She's another suspect in the case. I guess you'll just have to read the book and find out where she fits into Marion's life. You won't be disappointed if you buy the book and read it. 
