Stephen Bly's Horse Dreams TRILOGY: Memories of a Dirt Road, The Mustang Breaker, Wish I'd Known You Tears Ago by Stephen Bly

ON SALE AT AMAZON KINDLE STORE  .99 !!

HURRY LIMTED TIME!

ABOUT TRILOGY

For the first time, you can now get all three novels in Stephen Bly’s Horse Dreams Series together in one trilogy book. 

In the first novel of this series, Memories of a Dirt Road, we meet Develyn Worrell.  Develyn, or Devvy for short, is a fifth-grade schoolteacher from southern Indiana who is broken-hearted about her husband's death and her daughter's decision not to come home for the summer. To clear her mind, Devvy decides to find a little dirt road town in Wyoming where she vacationed as a child. She fondly remembers the quaintness of the small town, the beautiful sunsets, and an remarkable Roan horse that has captivated her dreams ever since.  Desperately wanting to experience that peace and tranquility again, Devvy embarks on a journey to find the town.  When she arrives, she purchases her very own Roan mare, rents a little cabin with an incredible sunset view, and watches as God brings three very important men into her life. 

In the second part of the Horse Dreams Series trilogy, The Mustang Breaker, heavy-hearted Develyn Worrell’s mood is changing as she begins to escape the worries of her past and enjoy the equine charms of her picture-perfect small Wyoming town. It is there that the Lord’s leading is beginning to become clear, even as cowboy romances and the relationship with her grown daughter get more complicated. 

In the third and final installment of the Horse Dreams trilogy, soul-searching Develyn Worrell has finally found her groove.  Ready to savor the end of summer in small town Wyoming, she settles in to enjoy “end of summer” peace and contentment. That is, until her daughter pays a visit, an eclectic friend plans to marry, a suspicious stranger enters the picture, and a dear mentor suffers a heart attack.  Just as she begins to feel as if the world is closing in on her once again, the steady friendship of Cooper Tallon comes to her rescue. He may lack the charm and flash of other cowboys, but he always seems to have just what Develyn's heart needs.  As her relationship with Cooper blooms and her faith and trust in the Lord grows, she looks forward to the unwritten chapters of her lif

About Author

Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011) authored 100 books and hundreds of articles.

His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists.

He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. 

The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah, Michael (married to Michelle), and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on ranches and farms. 

Author's website.

Six Chances to win an iPad, Kindle, or Nook from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating her newest book, The Calling, by giving away TWO iPads, TWO Kindles, and TWO Nooks!

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX or a Nook HD—winner's choice!
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. All winners will be announced February 10th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 10th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

The Mystery of the Indian Carvings by Gloria Repp

About Book 

The Mystery of the Indian Carvings 

Christian fiction - Ages 9-12 

Julie has become a problem at home and is sent to visit her relatives on Bartlett Island near Victoria, Canada. Everyone is on edge, she discovers, because one of Uncle Nate's valuable artifacts has disappeared. Even worse, she's beginning to hate her cousin Karin, her aunt thinks she's a trouble maker, and a persistent reporter is hanging around the family. Problems pile higher and higher and finally, the only person Julie can turn to is the mysterious Native American who lives in the forest. Does she dare to confide in him?

Read a sample chapter

Where to buy: Amazon, Christianbook.com

About Author

Gloria Repp grew up in the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Northwest; it was there she learned a love for wilderness that pervades her writing. She has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written books for children, teens, and adults. In addition to wilderness adventures, she enjoys flying in single-engine airplanes and has a particular fondness for owls and frogs.

Each family member has played a unique part in the writing of her books. Her eldest son teaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, and she has made trips with him to lava tubes and Mauna Kea’s volcano; she values his insights on the natural sciences and on godly scholarship.

With her Seattle son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, she shares an interest in people and music and journeys of discovery, especially on the Olympic Peninsula. She relies on them for a reality check of plot problems.

Her daughter, who lives in Virginia, is a competent resource in matters of sewing, baking, and midwifery. The two cats who have chosen to grace her daughter’s apartment have sufficient character to appear in stories from time to time and often take part in book discussions.

At home, her husband, a pilot and aircraft mechanic, provides valuable input for the aviation elements in her books, entry to the fascinating New Jersey Pine Barrens, and a strong, supporting shoulder. Although she likes traveling to research her novels, she thinks that the best part of every journey is coming home.

Gloria's website: http://www.gloriarepp.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GloriaReppBooks

Mother Otter carrying baby otter.seattletimes.nwsource.com 

My Thoughts

Julie hasn't much of a choice as to where she is to spend her summer. Her dad said she could go stay with her Uncle Nate on a Canadian Island or go to a summer camp for girls which was chosen by her step-mom but is really more like a boot camp for bad girls. So it looks like she will be staying at her Uncle's. From what she has been told the island is still inhabited with Indians and Uncle Nate is really into Indian Artifacts. So it might not be so bad after all.  Besides her Uncle has a daughter her age.

Things are not what she had expected.  Uncle Nate stays in his office working.  Her Aunt is always worried or upset about something and their teen daughter turns out to be just plain evil.  But she does like their dog and she can tell he likes her.

Totem Pole

Things are very mysterious in this house and on this island and she plans on finding out what is really going on because it is just too weird.

Will she be able to survive the summer on the island or will her dad end up taking her to the summer camp.

I liked that Julie was felt God leading her while reading scripture and she even claimed the scriptures and asked God to lead her in difficult situations.

I highly recommend this book and not just for children  ages 9-12, I recommend it for ages 9 and up.

   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. It is my own opinion.

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

Book Review: by Jenn McLean on "Catch Me" by Lisa Gardner

                                     written by Jenn Mclean

So, I finally finished a fantastic book that I received for free from Penguin Books as an "Advanced Reading Copy" to be reviewed by ME!! I was so thrilled to be asked to do my first review. I must admit, I'm an avid reader. I know this is new information to most of you who regularly read my blog, Just Add Water Silly. 
Usually I'm waxing poetic about new amazing artists I've "discovered" on my travails through the blogosphere, or expounding on what fun it is to paint and have the outcome be just exactly what you wanted it to be. You are also probably used me interspersing these artistic centered posts with other posts about cool tools or new artist's supplies or even explanations about artist's techniques. What I have never done is review a book. Until today!

Now, back to my announcement. I L♥VE to read. I was actually kindly but mercilessly teased by friends and acquaintances alike about the fact that I was never without a book. Now that I have a Kindle it's filled with hundreds of books that I've read or have yet to read. I love it. What a thrill to have a book just magically show up in my mailbox, asking to be read and reviewed. Yes! I'm on it!

The title of this thrilling mystery (my favorite genre, by the way) is "Catch Me" by Lisa Gardner. The back cover pulls you expertly into the story by giving you two pertinent details...

1. Charlie Grant claims she will be murdered in the next four days.
2. She wants Boston's best murder cop, Detective D.D Warren to investigate her upcoming death four days hence.

This begs the question... Is Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant (known as Charlie) actually about to become Boston's next murdered citizen or is she just as crazy as she sounds. This is what Det. D.D. Warren has to find out and she only has four days to do it.

This book is the sixth in Lisa Gardner's series centered around Det. D.D. Warren, a Boston murder cop with a "get'er done" attitude. Det. Warren, now 41, has just had a baby. D.D's afraid motherhood is going to soften her. She comes off of maternity leave to find herself having to balance two unusual cases. One involving Charlie Carter and another that seems to involve a vigilante killer plumbing Boston's seedy underbelly for child predators. Yet the cases seem to strangely be connected. But how could that be?

Author: Lisa Gardner

Gardner is expert in instantly pulling you into her story. Her writing is tight and adds only minimal extraneous information. I didn't find myself thinking, "get on with it" once throughout this fantastic read. That's rare these days. So many authors seem to fill pages with every detail surrounding each character that one feels "trapped" in too many words. Not with Gardner. She gives many details but stops at just the right point where you're learning about the characters and their environment but you're not bored. It's a well balanced book.

Let me also say that her character development is perfectly paced. Her first "punch" of information to hold our interest is followed by enough details to flesh out each additional main character. In just one book I've gotten to to "see" the main characters as multi-dimentional people who I want to read more about. Gardner forces you to wish her books were longer and makes you thankful you can go and get her preceeding five books.

This is a "can't put it down, read past your bedtime" kind of book. Gardner adds double twists, keeping the reader guessing until the very last page. A truly spectacular read, I can't wait to peruse her other offerings. I'm hooked on this author and her fully developed characters!!Thank you to Penguin Books, I had needed a new author, they provided a perfect fit.

My suggestion, go to your local bookstore or Amazon.com and get this book. You won't regret it. I'll be back with a more art focused post soon.
We'll talk, have coffee. K?
Best,

Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan Giveaway Win a Nook ~ Kindle ~ iPod Shuffle

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!

When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.

Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.

Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.

Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is harder than it looks!

Lonely Hearts, a story of second chances, choices, and yummy apple pie will be released in October through TreasureLine Publishing. Exclusive Apple Pie recipe included!

Published by TreasureLine Publishing.
TreasureLine titles are available in paperback and e-book formats at www.TreasureLineBooks.com www.Smashwords.comwww.Amazon.com and most major online retailers.
                                                       
Author Bio:


Amanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.
     Out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts, is due for release at the end of October, 2011, and her Slade series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.
      If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo. 


Author Interview Questions:

Tell us about your upcoming book.
My new release, Lonely Hearts, is a sweet Christian romance about one lonely mother, two matchmaking kids, and three eligible bachelors. Oh yes. And apple pie!


When Becky Callis moves to a new town, she had no intention of becoming romantically involved. Her children, on the other hand, think she’s been lonely far too long, and decide to take matters into their own hands.
Choices range from handsome cowboy, Scott Boone; local preacher, Jack; or rough around the edges rancher, Pearce Morgan. It doesn’t take long before her children find thatTrue love is harder than it looks!


Have you published anything previously?
Thank you for asking! Yes, Lonely Hearts is my second romance novel. My first, The Price of Trust, was released in May 2010. If any of your readers are interested, they can get a sneak peek here.


When did you know you wanted to write?
To be one hundred percent honest, I’ve just always written. I never thought or even considered writing professionally as it was something I just loved to do. When I finished my first, full length book, The Price of Trust, I was excited and told my husband about it. He asked what I was planning on doing with it, and I said printing it out and hiding it away until our kids were older. He asked me to try to have it published, and the rest is history. Since then, I’ve been hooked!


What made you decide to write romance?
I am an incurable romantic. There’s just something about reading how a couple come together that makes me sigh and dream. But, with that said, I’m not one for edgy or graphic books. I’m super picky about what I read, so if it’s inappropriate for my children to read, it’s not in my house.


Do you keep a writing schedule?
I suppose I’m rather eclectic in that matter. I find my best writing comes when everyone is in bed and I can let my imagination run free.


What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m either homeschooling our children, sewing, or reading a book to review.


Name your three favorite books.
My three favorite books would have to be Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, and 101 Dalmatians. When I was growing up, I absolutely tore my paperback copy of 101 Dalmatians up.


Name your three favorite authors.
Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and C.S. Lewis. Just to name a few…


What’s coming up in your writing future?
My Christian romance/suspense series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing, so we’re super excited about that! At this point, it’s a three book series, but a fourth is possible.


The first book in the series, Choosing to Love, is about a young woman that is tricked into marrying the wrong man. Book Two continues the saga in – Intent to Harm, and Book Three – Death by Obituary wraps up the story.


How can readers connect with you?
You can find me lurking almost everywhere, but here are the places a frequent the most:



You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her
Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/thepriceoftrust
her Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan  
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com
or her personal blog http://authoramanda.blogspot.com

Praise for Lonely Hearts:
Lonely Hearts … tugged at my heart and made me laugh and cry ~ Ursula Gorman, Author of Old Acquaintances
Author Amanda Stephan does it again! She has a wonderful way of weaving faith in the Lord, everyday life, heartache and romance into terrific stories ~ Kelly Hagen, author of Jake & Jesus
Beautifully written story about second chances at love and life. The characters were genuine and seemed real to life. I was captivated at page one of the book, and read it in only one day! I will recommend this book to my friends and family ~ Anastasia @ www.artfire.com/users/mattscraftywife
I LOVED this story. From beginning to end it kept me totally enthralled and wondering how it would all work out. Loaded with zippy dialog and great characters made for a fun and very satisfying tale.  I felt happy, sad, excited, angry, and frustrated. You know a story is good when it has that effect. The theme running though our story is 'things may not always be as they appear'. It's a great reminder that man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart. If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun and entertaining story with a great message I highly recommend Lonely Hearts.
~ Sherry Kuhn ~ Avid reader and Reviewer

This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one bachelor then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the others handle her decision? This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
~ Theresa Franklin, author of Journey to Fulfillment

You’ll find yourself nodding with delight at Becky’s courageous reactions, cheering her on and sighing with her during her ups and downs of life. But even in the fresh humor that sprinkles through her experiences, you’ll admire her rare quality to uphold what’s important.  Although romance wasn’t a priority, God’s ways usher Becky to unforeseen encounter with what often is inevitable when you trust in God’s lead, hold on to your convictions and are deliciously surprised in the end. ~ Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011

 Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with! ~ Karin Kaufman, author of The Witch Tree





I'm having a book launch on November 1st, and I want to share my excitement with you!
What's the best way to get people excited about something? Have a GIVEAWAY, of course!
So in honor of my upcoming release, I'm giving away a Nook, Kindle, & iPod Shuffle to some pretty lucky people.


THANKS AMANDA FOR SHARING WITH US YOUR LAUNCH OF LONELY HEARTS.
I WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS!
PATRICIA AKA MAMAW

Review - GRANDMOTHER'S BIBLE

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate - Review

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 573 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548556
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 30, 2011)

Cherished

Kim Cash Tate

Thomas Nelson Publisher

Kelli London is a broken soul. Even though she had spent much of her teen years in church it has been seven years since she has attended a service. She had also abandoned songwriting a gift God had meant for her to use.
Then she moves to St. Louis after college in hopes of finding employment and to spend some time with her two brothers and their wives. Her brothers have joined an amazing ministry at Living Word Community Church and she decided to join them at church. Kelli starts opening her heart but is somewhat of a Doubting Thomas. But her sister-in-law Stephanie believes in the power of prayer and is not willing to let Kelli give up on what they have prayed for . We all need to find someone to disciple us back into the fold and encourage our new journey. Then things get even more complicated for Kelli, her high school sweetheart Logan seems to be attending the same church she is attending. Old wounds open and fester.  But over time and much prayer she begins to heal.
In this story you will also read about Heather her story I felt was similar to that of Mary Magdelan's. Purity is encouraged and taught all through the writings in this book.

MY THOUGHTS
Kim, the author, definitely has a winner here in this book. She brings the characters alive. So much so that I felt a part of their lives. She shows that God has a plan for everyone. It is just that you have to open your heart and follow the path he has cut for us. Prayer groups, circles or buddies is much encourage in this story. Some say prayers just aren't answered as fast as the author has portrayed. But I say they can I have experienced it in my own life. It is just that you really need to be careful how you pray because God has a great since of humor, not answering quiet how you had meant him to. But it is the path he has chosen for us and is up to us whether we choose it or not. This book really opened my eyes then my heart to be more open to God and ask him to lead me on the path set for me. An important fact in this book is being willing to forgive. Not just each other but ourselves. It is a beautiful story one I will treasure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Currently Reading Edge of Escape

I just started reading Edge of Escape by Debra Chapoton. I did not want to put it down. It definitely keeps you on the edge. I can't wait to get back to reading the book. I should be through with it in a couple of days.
The book would have been finished last night if it weren't for the fact that I couldn't keep my eyes focused on the print any longer no matter how hard I tried. Grab you a copy and read this book. Suspenseful, thrilling, misguided youth, misguided love, emotionally damaged

What Are You Reading Today?

This is a survey for all my visitors that like to read. In your comment please tell:

1. What book you are reading?
2. What you wish to read?
3. What are your favorite authors?
4. What types of books you like to read best?
5. What is the best book you have ever read? Now most of us will say the Bible of course. So if that is the case name one more.

Let's have fun with this!

The book I am currently reading is "Texas Blue" by Jodi Thomas.
My wish to read is "Paper Roses" by Amanda Cabot.
My preference of books to read are Christian Historical Fiction.
One of the best books I have read is "The Host" by Stephanie Meyers.