BLOWING ON DANDELIONS ~ LOVE BLOOMS IN OREGON SERIES BOOK 1, BY MIRALEE FERRELL

About Book

Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

• ISBN-13: 9780781408080
• Publisher:  David C. Cook
• Publication date: 6/1/2013
• Series: Love Blossoms in Oregon Series
• Pages: 400

Where to buy: CBD, Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Miralee and her husband Allen have been married almost 40 yrs. They live on 11 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and go sailing. Miralee also rides her horse on the wooded trails near their home with her grown daughter who lives nearby. She’s an avid reader and has a large collection of first edition Zane Grey books, which inspired her desire to write fiction set in the Old West. When she started writing fiction Miralee believed that she’d always stay with women’s contemporary, but has since branched out to historical romance. Her first two books were women’s contemporary with Kregel Publications, The Other Daughter, and Finding Jeena.

Miralee serves as president of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and belongs to a number of writer’s groups. She speaks at women’s groups, libraries, and churches about her writing journey, and has taught a both writers and library conferences.

Her fourth historical romance with Summerside Press in their Love Finds You series, set in Sundance, Wyoming released summer of 2011. Miralee is currently under contract with David C. Cook for a three-book series of historical romance novels, set in Oregon. Some of her books have a suspense thread as well as romance, and three have a higher degree of action with a decided Old West slant. Her upcoming series will be somewhat of a women’s fiction/historical romance combination, with the emphasis on well-developed characters and plot.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/miralee
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/MiraleeFerrell
Blog: www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com

My Thoughts

Katherine Galloway wishes she could be excited that her mother is coming for a visit.  But instead she is anticipating a very stressful situation.  Her mother is outspoken and overbearing not having anything nice to say to or about Katherine.  Katherine is treated like an imbecile by her mother.  When in fact she done very well for herself and her two daughters.  She owns a boarding house in Oregon which she has been in full charge of since she became a widow.  

Since Micah Jacobs recently moved to Oregon he keeps running into Katherine Galloway.  He has to admit she is an attractive woman but he is not shopping for a new wife.  He still grieves his deceased wife. Anyway Katherine seems to have more on her plate than she can handle.  His teenage son has made fast friends with Mrs. Jacobs daughter at which Mrs. Jacobs seems to object.  

Between Katherine dealing with running the boarding house, the arrival of her mother, her daughter's new friendship and then her youngest daughter to keep up with she is just about on her last nerve.

Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to lean on in times of trials and tribulations?  A spouse is would be a marvelous option.  God tends to give to us abundantly when we are not even looking.  For He already has a plan for our lives. 

This was a most interesting read.  I have heard of mother-in-laws on the war path but in this story the author has created a character you will not likely forget, a mother from Hades.  I loved the support system the author created for Katherine which was her church quilting group.  We depend on our Lord to comfort us yet He also gives us the church community as a support system.  The author and the Lord had to be very creative in the unlikely romance between Katherine and Micah since there are  so many obstacles in their way.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5+ out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from the author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HOPE, KANSAS by Pamela Griffin

About Book

Fashionable Easterner Alison Stripling is shocked to receive a letter from her deceased sister’s husband in Hope, Kansas, pleading for help with his six children. The letter gives Alison a chance to escape her troubles in Boston, and the name of the town seems like a sign from God. But when she arrives at a rustic cabin on the prairie, she’s in for a bigger shock: Rafe Munroe didn’t write the letter at all! Realizing the children are determined to pair them off, Rafe and Alison join forces to prove the idea would never work. Can Hope’s cupids—all six of them—strike love’s arrows into the hearts of their pa and Miss Alison?

Fiction/General/Romance
Historical
Pages 320 /Paperback
ISBN 978-1-60936-007-8
Published:  December 2010
Publisher: Summerside Press

Buy Now: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com

About Author

I never thought I was going to be a writer.  When I was younger I thought I might get into something connected with art, since I've always loved to draw.  But God had other ideas.

People often ask me two things:  "How long have you been writing?" and "How long till you got published?"

 I dabbled at writing for two years before the Lord showed me to start getting serious about it.  My first attempts were scrawled in a couple of memo pads with a ballpoint pen and considered a hobby-- a fun pastime in between taking care of my two babies. At Christmas-- when my story was finished-- I typed it into my dad's computer, printed it out, and gave it to my mom for a present.  I got ideas for more stories, typed them in, and had fun working on them, but scoffed when people would ask, "Are you going to try to get them published?"  It was too scary a thought.  Besides, I only possessed a high school education-- I wasn't one of the highly learned!

 However, at the end of 1996, the Lord showed me it was time to send a proposal to a publishing house.  I was nervous-- didn't have a clue about how things should be done-- and received a very nice rejection half a year later, also asking me to send anything more if I had it and suggesting a critiquing service.  God opened doors, and in that time, I met published author Lena Dooley who lives ten minutes away from me. I visited her twice that year to glean information about the writing world.

 Later, I also joined her monthly critique group.  I sent another manuscript to the same company, but was again nicely rejected.  I came to find out they didn't take the time frame in which my manuscript was based.

 At the end of October 1998, I received "the call" concerning my third manuscript, and 'TIL WE MEET AGAIN was published by Heartsong Presents/ Barbour in March 2000.  :-)

 I write both contemporaries and historicals-- all different time frames-- and often work on several stories at once.  No, I never thought I'd be a writer. . .but I love it now!!  I'm also blessed to have a brother with a B.A. in history who helps me with my historical research, a mother who is my chief critiquer, and a computer genius father (who, btw, designed this web site. Thanks Dad.)

 Okay, besides the writing?  I love art, music, snow, reading, fellowship, and fun, among other things.  And of course I love my family. But first and foremost I love God, and it is to Him I give the glory for everything.

 It just goes to show you . . . He DOES use the foolish things to confound the wise.  ;-)

Author's website: http://pamela-griffin.com/

My Thoughts

Alison Stripling receives a letter from Rafe Munroe, the husband, of her deceased sister.  Since the death of his wife Rafe is finding he needs a woman's help in rearing the children and with the household chores usually regulated to his wife.  She jumps at the chance to leave her fancy eastern lifestyle to move to Hope, Kansas to care for her sisters home and six children.  It will be a daunting task to learn a rustic style of living but if her sister was capable of learning she was determined she too would learn.  

When she finally arrives it becomes apparent Rafe had not written the letter and even worse he knew nothing of her coming.  The children evidently have it in their head that Aunt Alison would be perfect as their new mom and wife for their dad. At first Rafe wanted her get back on the train until he decided the children needed to be taught a lesson.  So Rafe, not totally convincing Alison, comes up with a plan that will have the children realize they have made a big mistake, which is Aunt Alison is not cut out to be a mom.  The pair do not have a chance when the children have cupid on their side and most importantly God?

The author wrote a humorous story of how children can create big trouble although with great intentions.   In this story you have love lost, broken hearts, loneliness, healing, revenge, reconciliation and romance.  God's enduring love comes through in every chapter of this book.  It is a lovely story you will want to read yourself!

I highly recommend this story.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure therefore was not required to write a review. This review is my honest opinion. 

Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate by Debora M. Coty

About Book

Wit and Wisdom for Sidestepping Life's Worries

  ~Debora M. Coty~

Are you ready to strip fear’s power over you and become the confident woman you were meant to be? Have you found that tolerating your personal fear monsters only makes them growl louder?

Okay, sister – take my hand and let’s boldly step up and yank the masks off those shadow-lurking, anxiety-churning, worry-generating beasts.

With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women worn down by everyday fears – financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, the what ifs …

With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL’s along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate!

Purchase a copy here.

Tour schedule here.

About Debora

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She’s also involved in the children’s ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled “Grace Notes: God’s Grace for Everyday Living.”

Celebrate the release of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate with Debora Coty by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 7th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Debora Coty Library (Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate, More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed To Be Stressed, and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good thing begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/6/13. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" Facebook Party on 3/7. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)

So grab your copy of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 7th for an evening of fun. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

* * * 

My Thoughts

How can fear be humorous?  In this book it does make you look at the funny side of dealing with fear, what ifs, the unknown, pain, and loss in your life.  Your imagination can be an enemy sometimes causing us to fear the unknown.   

At age sixty-two with prayer and faith in God I am able to control most of my fears.   When my daughters were still at home I felt as if I was responsible for what everyone did or should do, ,yet I felt like I had no control over the situation.  Well I learned the hard way that I can advise and set rules but it was still up to the individual to follow through with what was right hopefully. If not then we would deal with it the best we could.  It would have been helpful to have had this book back then.

The author writes that you will end up making a nervous wreck out of yourself.  It can cause sleeping problems, anxiety and insecurities.  More health problems than I wish name.  Humor is one her antidotes, but most important is having faith in God's and His Word.  Putting on God's Armor.  You will love the authors interpretation of God's Armor. 

Chapter 15, This Helmet Is Worth Hat Hair

(Helmet of Salvation: Grace)

God's grace has set us free.

Romans 6:15

In Chapter 6, Who Wants to Be a Worry Wart?

(Curbing worry)

Don't worry about anything, 

instead, pray about everything, 

tell God what you need, 

and thank Him for all He has done.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

I would love to share so much more of her book with you but then you wouldn't have to read the book yourself, would you.  Grrrr!  There I go again trying to control.

You should check out some of her other books, too!

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: 

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group/Barbour Publishing for review

JOIN THE FLOCK

Kaleidoscope ~ Life's Rhythms ~ by Vickie Johnstone

Today a Wonderful Treat! Vickie Johnstone 

Shares 2 books of POEMS

Kaleidoscope
Published in March 2011

This is a collection of 119 poems - some long, some short, some haiku - that I have written on various subjects over the years. They range from serious to funny, covering subjects from the everyday to philosophy or the abstract. Some are snippets from the lives of imaginary characters or just ideas or reflections on nature.

The book is structured under eight themes: figures; nature; abstracts; love; haiku; creatures; childhood and dark wave.

Where to buy: Smashwords 2.99 ebook, Amazon paperback,
Kindle   2.99 ebook

Excerpts of Poems from book:

Vickie's favorite is the Fox and the Mole

We ride in cars

Slow to ride
Our comic days
All drowned in wine
In the stifling heat
We ride in cars
With windows down
Singing to strangers
Who cannot sing
Hold the tune
Against the summer breeze
With the dog’s head bobbing
He laps it up
The speeding cars
And the lingering lights
The ripped out trees
Shouting our sights
We ride in cars
Chase the tyre tracks
From dawn til dusk
We hold our fire back
And we scream and laugh
In the silencing
As the dark draws near
And we pretend to sleep
Keep the fires burning
As the dog nods on
In the piercing light
Of the summer sun

Rain

She sits and dreams of making rain
In the dark, shadows dancing mimic
Colours of the aghast
Sights and sounds and murmurs
Still breathing
Watching over the edge
Of everything
The glass splinters into a million shapes
Cast in a myriad of lights
Bright and sparkling, dancing
In the spring sun
And she dreams of making rain
That tears and crashes
Washing away the shards of glass
Splattering the colours rent
With droplets of ice-cold nothing
Cuts and caresses
Shards of grass peeking through
Clouds gathering
Dust.

Poppies

Marching in formation
Across distant lands
Enduring the unendurable
For a distant cause
Marching in formation
Up long, steep hills
Crossing mudflats and seas
For a patriotic cause
Marching in formation
Forever forward
Seeing things never forgotten
For a government’s cause
Marching in formation
For this the poppies grow
In patches of red blood
For the worthiest cause

Moon beams

Distancing the days
In her fragile accolade
The moon reaches down
Towards coloured boats bobbing
Twinkling she shines
Lighting the way
For every stranger passing
And old friends returning
She travels the skies
In a silvery glide
Always remembering
The shortness of time

I don’t mind

I don’t mind
If you stare
Or paint the room in blue
While I sleep

I don’t mind
If you walk a while
Or smile in your style
And mimic your expression

I don’t mind
If the urge to be is too much
Or the strength to see is gone
While I dream

The fox and the mole

Let’s rob a bank
Said the fox to the mole
I’ve got mouths to feed
And I’m feeling the need

Ok, said the mole
But you know I can’t see
I can burrow real deep
But I might fall asleep

Well, said the fox
I can offer my cunning
I will find a way inside
And to you I’ll confide

Wake me up said the mole
When you discover this
As I’ve got a hunch
We’re in a credit crunch

So the fox went off thinking
How to rob the bank
And came up with a plan
While eating a cherry flan

Well then, asked the mole
What do you suggest we do
To steal all the money
But not do anything funny?

Aha, said the fox grinning
I’ll tell you what to do
Just burrow under the bank
While I drive up in a tank

Oh, said the mole frowning
I never thought of that
I didn’t know foxes could drive
Have you told this to your wife?

No, we have to keep this secret
Said the fox to the mole
As she’ll have my guts for garters
And that’s just for starters

So off went the fox and mole
To begin their bank robber life –
They rivalled Bonny and Clyde
Living it up, the law they defied

LIFE'S RHYTHMS ~ 316 haiku

About Book

Ancient Japanese poetry with a modern twist. The old meets the new in this collection of 316 haiku, composed in the traditional pattern of three lines with 5-7-5 syllables. Subjects include: nature, life, food, animals, loss, love, longing, hope, dreams and time.

Where to buy: 
 Kindle ebook only .99 
 Amazon paperback

Sample of one of the poems:

Rain fallen like stars

Sprinkles silver-like touches,

Dancing beside me

Some distant day she’ll

Return when she sees beauty

In a rainbow sing

Under sparkling stars

She laughs like water cascades

Rippling endlessly

  

Raspberries blood red

Ripe, soft and so succulent

Chilled ice-cream slithers

Eyes turn to the sun,

River of blue-black shimmers

On peacock feathers

Leaves hurtle, twisting,

Dropping without an echo –

Curved, their hands open

About Vickie

Hi, I live in London, UK, and I’m a freelance editor. I've published 3 books of poetry: Kaleidoscope, Life’s Rhythms, and Travelling Light. My novels include: 4 books in the Kiwi Series for kids; 3 Heads & a Tail, and Day of the Living Pizza. Besides books, I love art, travelling, nature, the sea, gigs, dancing like an eejit, rock music, films, fluffies and tarot. Sleeping should be an Olympic sport. 

My Thoughts

Kaleidoscope and Life's Rhythms are full of beautiful poems.  If you want to be inspired then you should definitely read Vickie's poems.  I did not want to rush through either of the books.  How can I describe how I felt when reading the poems?  I wanted to enter the poem and feel the emotions.  Kind of like sitting in my rocker looking out into the piney woods that surround my house.  I feel the trees swaying, birds and squirrels playing.  Reading her poems were like that, inspiring, heart felt and full of wonder.  An emotional experience.

I like the way it was divided into subjects:  figures,nature, abstracts, haikui, creatures, childhood, dark wave

I have several favorites in Kaleidoscope but here are two. 

THE AFFAIR  and THE DARK WOOD.

I will share one of them.  Then when you get the book you can read THE AFFAIR.

The dark wood

In the deepest depths of the dark wood

See the spectre trees stand and stare

Stretching out their bony fingers

To trip up weary wanderers who dare

Go freely into the unknown air.

In the deepest depths of the dark wood

Catch the ghostly moonlight crossings

Of the languid shapes that sink and shift

Floating endlessly in the speckled frosting

That lies in sheets on the muddy ground.

In the deepest depths of the dark wood

Hear the plaintiff wails of the ever lost

Stuck in time along the virgin paths

Caught in the lair of the unseen host

Who travels alone with his silent scream.

In the deepest depths of the dark wood

Keep your wits about you in the night shade

Lest you wander too far from the spectre trees

And find yourself far from the grassy glad

Beneath the ever-present smiling moon.

Vickie Thanks for Sharing your Poems with us!

Attn: Readers

Maybe we can convince Vickie to give us her feeling/meaning behind one of her poems.  If she agrees I will invite her back for a guest post.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of these books from the author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here. 

All Things New by Lynn Austin

About Book

The war is over. The South has lost.

Josephine Weatherly struggles to pick up the pieces of her life when her family returns to their Virginia plantation. But the realities of life after the war cannot be denied: her home and land are but a shell of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken.

Her life of privilege, a long-ago dream.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak--but a bitter hatred fuels her.

Can hope--and a battered faith in God--survive amid the devastation?

All Things New

ISBN: 978-0-7642-0897-3  

ISBN-10: 0-7642-0897-7

Paperback: 5.5 x 8.5

Number of pages: 416

Publication Date: Oct. 2012

Where to buy: 

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

About Author

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois. 

Visit Lynn's Web site at www.lynnaustin.org


My Thoughts

The Civil War has ended and now Josephine, her mother and younger sister are ready to go home to White Oak Plantation after a long stay with her Aunt.  She is not even sure what condition the plantation will be in when they arrive.

She was surprised to find a few slaves had stayed even though they had been declared free of slavery.  The house was a shambles but it was still standing. It just needed some cleaning and she was sure her mother would make sure things were put in order.  Josephine was shocked by her mother's attitude that she was going to make everything the same as it was before the war.  As far as Josephine was concerned nothing would every be the same again.

With the one male ex-slave whom now is to be called a servant there was no way to get the fields planted with cotton.  His wife, two young sons and daughter were taking care of the cooking, cleaning and the other chores that Mrs. Weatherly expected to be done daily.  Yet there still was not enough hands or time in a day to get everything done according to Mrs. Weatherly's liking.  Mrs. Weatherly seemed to treat the servants as if they were still slaves. Josephine tried to help with some of the gardening and chores but it just angered her mother. So Josephine took to doing the chores around the time her mother was napping.

Then things really got out of sorts when Josephine's brother, Daniel came home from the war.  It was hoped that he would be able to take over running the plantation.  But he was never trained for that position.  He had not excepted the fact that the war was over.

Why is it that some people are so focused on the past that they can't seem to go forward?   Most wanted to blame God for the war and loss of loved ones.  When they lost the war they also lost their faith in God.

The story brought out how wealthy women in the South were so sheltered they had no skills other than how to catch a husband and keeping the servants in line.  They had no idea how the clean clothes appeared or the silver polished, etc.

The author wrote of their lack of money, food, clothing, shoes especially trust and they were too proud to ask for help from their new government.

In this book you will see the Post Civil War through the lives of ex-Slaves, southern land owner and Union soldiers.

It was a hard book to put down.  I want to say so much more about this book but then you wouldn't have to read it.   I really want you to read this book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Baker/Bethany House Publishing for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here

Women Redeemed 2.0 Webcast and iPad Giveaway

Join authors Kim Ketola, Teske Drake and Dawn Scott Jones for an evening of encouraging chat about healing and hope for women on the evening of October 10th. The authors will join together for a Live Webcast Event to share their stories.

BUT … wait there’s more! Between 10/1 and 10/10 enter to win a brand-new iPad from Women Redeemed!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• iPad with Wi-Fi
• Cradle My Heart by Kim Ketola, Hope for Today, Promises for Tomorrow by Teske Drake and When a Woman You Loved Was Abused by Dawn Scott Jones

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/10/12. Just click one of the icons below. The winner will be announced that evening at the Women Redeemed Webcast!  In coordination with the launch of their fall releases, Kregel will be hosting a live webcast event on October 10th at 8 PM EDT featuring authors Kim Ketola (Cradle My Heart), Teske Drake (Hope for Today, Promises for Tomorrow), and Dawn Scott Jones (When a Woman You Love Was Abused). The webcast will allow women to come together to share their struggles and fears in order to move toward healing and hope. Women will able to support one another and discuss shared experiences in a non-threatening, open and loving environment.

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!