Apology to my Followers and my Blogger friends!!

I just want to say "I'm sorry" for not being around very much these last few days! I've had quite a bit come up unexpectedly that has kept me away from home...and my computer. I hope to resume my normal blogging schedule starting tomorrow. I just want you all to know that I'm not ignoring you, nor have I forgotten you! I hope to get around and read everyone's posts that I've missed, but if I don't make it, please don't be offended!

I hope y'all have had a calmer weekend than I have! Bundle up and stay try to stay warm! I'm looking forward to seeing y'all this week. Love ya! =D

A-Z Wednesday

This really fun book meme is hosted by
Vicki @ Reading at the Beach.

The rules are pretty simple...

1. Visit Vicki to get this week's letter.
2. Browse through your shelves for a book that starts with this week's letter.
3. Post the following info about the book you've chosen on your blog:
~ Photo, synopsis/description, link (Amazon, Christian Books, Borders, etc.)
4. Hurry back to Reading at the Beach and post a comment with a link to your post.








Wow! 'J' was hard for me! I finally found this one:

Just Over the Mountain
(Grace Valley Trilogy, Bk 2)
by Robyn Carr








Book Description:

Welcome back to Grace Valley, California, where the best things in life never change . . .

Here in this peaceful community, folks look out for one another like family, though sometimes a little too well. In a town like this, it's hard to keep a secret -- though Dr. June Hudson has managed to keep one heck of a humdinger . . .

Though visits from her secret lover, undercover DEA agent Jim Post, are as clandestine as they are passionate, somehow it fits with her demanding schedule as the town's doctor -- a calling that requires an innate ability to exist on caffeine, sticks buns and nerves of steel.

But how can a secret lover compete with a flesh-and-blood heartthrob from her past? June's old flame has just returned to town after twenty years -- and he's divorced. June is seriously rattled. So when the town's most devoted wife takes buckshot to her husband and some human bones turn up in her aunt Myrna's backyard, she's almost happy for the distraction.

Sooner or later, love will have its way in Grace Valley. It always does.

I haven't read this series yet, but it sounds really good! =)

A Forever Christmas by Missy Tippens ~ Book Review

A Forever Christmas
(Love Inspired)
by Missy Tippens
Copyright 2009
Pages: 214
Christian Fiction/Inspirational/Romance
ISBN: 9780373875641

Let me start off by saying that this is the first book I've read by Missy Tippens, but it won't be my last! I've got to get my hands on His Forever Love...which actually comes before A Forever Christmas. Also, this is my first Christmas-themed book for 2009 ~ it was a great place to start! Please be sure to have Kleenex nearby when you read this book...you will definitely need them!

A Forever Christmas takes place in the cozy town of Magnolia, Georgia. Here we meet lots of the townsfolk, as they're getting ready for their upcoming Annual Christmas Pageant. Needless to say, the children are very excited to be a part of this year's Pageant! Due to unforeseen complications, the Pageant director has to hand her duties over to someone else this year. This is when we meet Sarah Radcliffe...as she agrees to step in for Donna Rae Durante, and take over with rehearsals, stage props, etc.

Sarah has returned to Magnolia for the Christmas holidays, but she's not looking forward to coming face-to-face with her only true love, Gregory Jones. She lives, and teaches kindergarten, in Nashville, Tennessee, and has come home to spend Christmas with her parents. Her visit started out a little early this year, due to a very heart-breaking event in her life. She hopes to find healing this Christmas season, before she returns to her school children in the new year. She is very mad at God right now, for allowing this event to happen. She can't even talk to him, without ranting and raving!

Gregory Jones has always thought he was beneath Sarah, even when she claimed to love him almost sixteen years ago. He is now the father of two adorable little boys...Hunter is five, and his little brother, Chase, is four. They are both going to have a part in the Christmas Pageant ~ Hunter is a shepherd, while Chase is an angel. Gregory has to depend on his Dad to watch after/take care of his boys, because he's so busy running his business that he doesn't have much extra time to spend with them. He needs to get as many jobs lined as he can, so he will be able to give them the gifts on their Christmas List. What he doesn't realize is...they would rather spend time with him!

This is a very touching Christmas story, and I don't want to reveal too much for fear of ruining it for you. If you look forward to reading Christmas-themed romances every year like I do...you definitely need to add A Forever Christmas to you shopping list...you will not be disappointed!

If you're interested in finding out more about Missy Tippens or purchasing any of her books, please visit her website at: www.missytippens.com

**I would like to thank all of the ladies at Seekerville for giving me the opportunity to read Missy's book. I won it in a giveaway on their blog. I will be passing it on to my sister...who collects Love Inspired romances. Thank you!**

My First Blog Giveaway ~~~ Update!!

**Blog Giveaway Update**

I just wanted to let y'all know that I have a surprise for you! The winner of Maggie Brendan's newest release, The Jewel of His Heart, will now be getting an Author Autographed copy of this book...isn't that awesome?!?!?!

Maggie was at the LifeWay Christian Book Store in Kennesaw, GA this past Saturday. My Mom and I traveled the 1.5 hours to see Maggie, so I could get her to sign my copy...plus the copy I'm giving away!

Just so you know it's authentic...here's Maggie signing it for you...


If you missed Maggie's post on her blog, SouthernBelle Writer, be sure to check it out! She's talking about her book signing at LifeWay's National Fiction Book Event...she even posted a photo of me holding the Autographed copy that I'm giving away! Did you see the yellow sticky note on the cover...that was so I wouldn't get the 2 books mixed up...I wanted to make sure I send the winner the brand new book, not the one I've been reading...even though she personalized my copy. =)

Speaking of which...I finished reading it last night, and it is excellent! I can't wait to post my review during Revell's Blog Tour ~ Oct. 18 - 24 ~ don't forget to come back by and read it.

Another Award!!

Thank you so much to Vicki @ Reading at the Beach
for my second award in a row! It's the
Who Loves You Baby! Award

Here are the rules...

* If you have a blog, post it on your blog with a link back to the site who gave it to you.

* If you don't have a blog but have a website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back.

* Pass this on to 3-10 loyal fans.

* Leave them a comment on their site, email, etc. to let them know.

I would like to pass this awesome award on to...

ALL OF MY FOLLOWERS!!!

If it weren't for you...I wouldn't have a blog, so
I want to share the "love" with you all!
Please pick up your award before you leave...

One Lovely Blog Award!!!

Thank you so much to A Reader's Journal for passing along the One Lovely Blog Award to me! I've recently discovered her blog ~ be sure to pay her a visit. I love the fall/autumn blog design...it's just beautiful!

Here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award":

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Diane - The Book Resort
Snowbell - Snowbell Jewelry
E.H. - Erotic Horizon
Keli Gwyn - Joy on the Journey
Cym - Cym Lowell
Mimi - Woven by Words
Brizmus - Brizmus Blogs Books
CeeCee - Book Splurge
Katy - A Few More Pages
Carman - A Sequence of Continuous Delights
Kristen - BookNAround
Zia - My Life in Not So Many Words
Crystal - My Reading Room
Annette - Net's Book Notes
Blanche - No Such Things As Too Many Books

I hope y'all enjoy this award as much as I have! You all have wonderful blogs, that I love visiting. =)

A-Z Wednesday

This really fun book meme is hosted by
Vicki @ Reading at the Beach.

The rules are pretty simple...

1. Visit Vicki to get this week's letter.
2. Browse through your shelves for a book that starts with this week's letter.
3. Post the following info about the book you've chosen on your blog:
~ Photo, synopsis/description, link (Amazon, Christian Books, Borders, etc.)
4. Hurry back to Reading at the Beach and post a comment with a link to your post.

Here's my choice for this week:
In the Company of Secrets
by Judith Miller

The truth could cost her everything.... Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway? Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependant upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances? Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?

My Very First Blog Giveaway!!

As most of my followers know, I've only been blogging for a couple
of months, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it! Thank you all for
helping me out along the way ~ your help is greatly appreciated.

That being said ~ I would like to welcome you to my very first
blog giveaway! I'm so happy you've dropped by!
Please be sure to enter my giveaway before you leave.
(Don't forget to read the rules below!)

Okay, okay!! I know...you're anxious to find out exactly what
it is you're entering to win...right???
Well...here it is...

You have a chance to win your very own copy of
Maggie Brendan's newest release:



The Jewel of His Heart
(Heart of the West, Book 2)
by Maggie Brendan
Revell Publishers
Christian Fiction/Historical/Romance
Copyright 2009
333 pages
ISBN: 9780800733506

From Amazon

Their future is as wide open as the Montana sky. Juliana Brady is alone in an 1890s Montana mining town, with few prospects for making a living. But she is determined not to be dependent on the charity of others.

Josh McBride is trying to scrape up a living from his sheep herd while he builds his ranch. But when he discovers some rare stones on his property, he's tempted by the prospect of fast money.

When their paths cross, Juliana and Josh must make a choice--the world's riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.

Now for the Rules:

* You must leave a valid email address in your comment, so I can contact you if you win.
(Example: sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com)
That way spammers will be less likely to grab it.

* You must have a valid U.S. mailing address

* At this time, the giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

* The giveaway will start today, Oct 5th, and end on Oct 18th at 11:59 p.m.(EST)
(Any/all entries entered after this time will not be eligible.)

* I will announce the winner here on Oct. 19th ~ you will also be contacted via email. You will then have 48 hours in which to respond with your snail mail address, or another winner will be chosen.

Now ~ on to the fun stuff ~ chances for extra entries!! Please include all of your extra entries in ONE comment...this will make it a lot easier for me to keep up with them!! Thanks! =)

+1 = By becoming a new follower thru Google Friend Connect, on the right sidebar

+2 = Let me know that you're already a follower

+3 = Either post my button(s) on your blog with a link back to me, or, let me know that you already have it/them. If you post both buttons ~ I'll add your name an extra time!

Thank you so much for dropping by and participating!
GOOD LUCK!!

*** For another chance to win this book, please visit Renee at:
Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot
Her contest ends on Oct. 17th ***

If you're interested in finding out more about Maggie Brendan, and her books, please visit her at: http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com

If you'd like to purchase her book(s), just visit Revell Books.

*** I'd like to say "thank you" to Revell Books for the opportunity to give this book away to the lucky winner! Also ~ be sure to look for my review of The Jewel of His Heart the week of Oct. 18th - 24th ~ during Revell's Blog Tour. ***

Book Review: Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska by Irene Brand

Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska
by Irene Brand
(part of the Love Finds You...series)
Summerside Press
Copyright 2008
304 pages / Paperback
ISBN: 9781934770382

After Kennedy Blaine's father dies, she discovers that she has inherited her family's ancestral ranch in Valentine, Nebraska. She decides to see it for herself before she agrees to put it up for sell, even though there is already a buyer waiting in the wings. When Kennedy travels to Valentine to look over the ranch, she meets Derek Sterling, the ranch foreman, and his mother June. When she sees her family's historical home, she falls in love with it and decides to stay through the summer before making her decision.

Once Kennedy moves in, she starts receiving threatening messages telling her to get out and go back to California! She relies on Derek and June's knowledge of the town, and the local townsfolk, for information on who could be behind the threats. However, Kennedy can be a tough gal when she needs to be, and she eventually makes the decision on her own.

Derek tries to protect Kennedy as best he can, with the help of his faithful sidekick Wilson, but parts of his past start coming back to haunt him. Dark secrets that he'd rather keep hidden begin to unravel right before his eyes. There are things that happened in his early teens that he's ashamed of ~ he feels like he is unworthy of forgiveness from others as well as from his Heavenly Father. Derek would rather Kennedy not find out all of his secrets because he's afraid she will go back to California without a backward glance, and he's not sure if/how he'll be able to handle her leaving.

I thoroughly enjoyed Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska! It was an excellent choice to introduce me to the Love Finds You... series. I thought it was going to be a romance, but there's quite a bit of mystery/suspense involved as well. If you haven't tried any of these books, you should definitely pick up a copy of Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska ~ you will not be disappointed!

Isn't this cover beautiful? There's Wilson, on the bottom right ~ he's one of my favorite characters in this book! =)

To find out more about Irene Brand, or her other books, please visit her at: www.irenebrand.com.

To order her books, please visit Amazon.com or Christianbook.com

CFRB Tour: If Only You Knew by Mags Storey

If Only You Knew
by Mags Storey

This month, CFRB presents If Only You Knew by Mags Storey.

About the Book:
Jo's summer is off to a good start when she meets Kevin, an amazingly attractive guy, and Sam, her soon-to-be best friend, on the same day. Now she only needs a job, future plans, and a few goals for her life. No big deal, right?

As if that's not enough, Jo would like to know why no talks about the horrible accident she witnessed last summer. But as much as she wants to know the truth, someone else wants to keep it a secret. Can she handle creepy stalkers, death threats, and her crazy love life without losing control?

For Jo, unraveling the mystery and piecing her life together will mean discovering if God really listens ~ and if he cares enough to answer.


About the Author:
Mags Storey is a writer, editor, and journalist. Born in Canada, she spent her childhood living as a missionary in the Middle East before studying journalism at Ryerson in Toronto. She has written for various publications in the UK, USA and Canada, and is currently a correspondent with ChristianWeek. She now lives in Canada with her husband Mike and their two daughters. If Only You Knew is her debut novel.

Purchase If Only You Knew at
Barnes and Noble, Christianbook and Amazon.

Visit Mags's Website.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.