Guest blog by Lena Nelson Dooley and giveaway

Blog Post About My Christmas Ebooks


Lena Nelson Dooley

I’m very excited about the three Christmas ebooks I’ve uploaded to Kindle recently.

The newest is 24 Christmases. This book was 24 years in the making.
In 1985, as I was preparing to order Christmas cards from a Christian supplier, God told me that He had given me the gift of writing, and I should use it to bless people at Christmas. That year, I wrote my first Christmas story. The story of Mary as a dramatic monologue.

Five other monologues—of people who were involved with that event so long ago—followed. Joseph … the innkeeper … Mary’s mother … the youngest shepherd … the servant of a wise man.

The next story was a romance. One year I wrote a modern Christmas fable. Another year, I wrote a short play that was used to take Christmas to two local malls. Other stories contained different perspectives, but one focus—the impact that first Christmas has had on mankind through the ages.

Unfortunately, there were a few scattered years when I didn’t write a Christmas story. Life interfered with my plans

James and I have friends spread across several countries around the world. Many of them have contacted me to tell me how much the stories mean to them. They anxiously await their copy of the Christmas story and make it part of their family’s celebration. What a blessing that is to me.

I pray these stories will bless you as much as you have blessed me.

The picture on the cover of this book was taken in my den a year or two ago.

The other 2 Christmas ebooks are novellas.

Christmas Confusion
Lori Compton, mayor of Mistletoe, needs ideas for ways to prop up the sagging economy. After having her heart broken by the former pastor, she doesn’t want to spend time with the new pastor. Rev. Russell Brown has plenty of ideas, even one that includes his spending the rest of his life with the beautiful mayor. Will Lori be able to move beyond her hurts and recognize God’s intentions for the future of the town – and for her own future?

The Best Medicine
When Thomas Stanton shows up at the holiday party of Rose Fletcher’s best friend, his appearance reminds Rose of the infatuation she felt for him when he worked on her father’s ranch. Although her heart wants to continue those long ago feelings, her mind reminds her that he doesn’t share her faith in God. Thomas can’t understand why Rose seems so standoffish. Will it take God’s intervention to show these two people just what He has planned all along?

I am offering one free copy of The Best Medicine to a winner chosen from those leaving comments on the blog. Please tell us where you live as well, at least what state or province.

You can find the books by going to my Kindle store page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=lena+nelson+dooley

Great Christmas Read by MaryAnn Diorio--A Christmas Homecoming

Today I would like to introduce you to a long-time friend of mine who just had her first Christmas fiction book published.

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is passionate about writing compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart.  An award-wining, widely published author of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, she is Online Adjunct Professor of Fiction Writing at Regent University. MaryAnn makes her home with her awesome husband Dom in New Jersey. They are the blessed parents of two grown daughters and a wonderful son-in-law.  MaryAnn loves oil painting, reading, walking, and playing the piano.

And to introduce her novella, A Christmas Homecoming, I will share with you the back cover copy:

When Sonia Pettit’s teenage daughter suddenly disappears for seven long years, Sonia faces losing her mind, her husband, and her son as she struggles to forgive her wayward daughter and trust God for her return.

I started this book one evening and finished it the next morning by lunch because I couldn't wait to find out how it would end! Although the beginning of the story is filled with quite a bit of drama and angst, I was pleased to find a happy ending since that is the kind of books I love to read and write. This heart-warming story overflows with forgiveness--both giving and receiving it.

Think of it as a Hallmark movie with so much conflict you are not sure how the author can pull it all together that then culminates with an ending so happy your eyes are filled with tears of joy. And all wrapped up in a nice holiday package on Christmas Day.

If that sounds like the kind of book you'd love to read this Christmas season, please go to the following places and get an e-book copy for yourself and also order some as gifts for others :


AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homecoming-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B00


CHRISTIAN BOOK DISTRIBUTORS

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=34827EB&item_com

HARBOURLIGHT BOOKS

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/a-christmas-homecoming


Purchase Link for Print Version:
The print copy is $12.99 plus $3.00 shipping. New Jersey

residents have to add $0.91 sales tax.
Write to:
maryann@maryanndiorio.com and place "Print Copy" in subject line.

For regular mail orders, please send check made out to MaryAnn Diorio Books

or Credit Card Information (number, expiration date, three-digit CVV code,

and Zip Code) to:


MaryAnn Diorio Books
PO Box 1185
Merchantville, NJ

Article by Staci Stallings and Special giveaway today

NOTE to my readers: This is an article I needed to read. Hope it blesses you as it did me. Rose

Being a Magi by Staci Stallings

A long time ago I read a book that said, “There is a reason you notice the things you notice. They come into your sight to tell you something.” (paraphrase) I took that to heart and began actively noticing. That is, I notice when I notice something. Rather than going through life oblivious to the signs God is putting in my path, I either actively seek them or at least I get it with only a couple of occurrences

Much like the man in the flood who was standing on his porch as a boat went by. The people in the boat told him he could come with them. He shook his head. “God will save me if He wants to save me.” Several hours past, and now he was hanging onto an upstairs window. A second boat came by. The people in it said, “Come on with us!” But the man replied, “No, I love God, and if He wants to save me, He will.”

Hours past, and it grew dark. A Coast Guard boat with a search light found the man clinging to his chimney. “Come on! Get on!” they yelled. But the man refused. “I love God, and if He wants to save me, He will.” An hour later the man appeared at the Pearly Gates.

St. Peter looked at him incredulously. “What are you doing here?” The man shrugged. “I guess it was my time. God didn’t save me.” To which St. Peter said, “That’s weird. We sent three boats!”

After I heard this story, I once heard Oprah Winfrey say something similar. She said (paraphrase), “To get your attention, God will send a breath. Then He will send a pebble, then a brick, then a boulder, then the whole house will come crashing down!”

Let me just say, for myself, I prefer to catch what God’s telling me at the first boat, the breath, or at most the pebble. So, I am very conscious of the messages God sends to me. And they are everywhere!

In music, books, the Bible, conversations, on billboards, in magazines, sometimes even in dreams. Recently I’ve been preparing a project that is very close to my heart for which God has given many signs and messages since it was first conceived. For this one project I have received messages ranging from videos depicting the story, songs, email messages, and even a tour bus following me down the road!

The ultimate (so far) message was that just before I mailed the project in, I was praying over it in the Post Office, and my oldest daughter said, “Look, Mom.” When I opened my eyes, she was holding a piece of paper about five inches from me in my direct line of sight. It said, “Your talents will be recognized and suitably rewarded.” I just started laughing because I get signs and messages, but most of the time they take at least a little bit of interpretation.

As I was recounting these events to my sister, she laughed. “You are such a Magi.” To which I said the only logical thing, “Huh?”

She went on to explain. “The Magi were astronomers. They spent their time looking for signs in the sky, signs of a new king, signs of a shift on the earth begun in the heavens. That’s what you do!”

I’d never thought of it quite like that, but I’ve got to say, it’s great fun to be a Magi. You should try it sometime.

Copyright Staci Stallings 2006

Special note: The book Staci talks about in this piece, Cowboy, is Free on Kindle Dec. 4 & 5. Hope you enjoy it!

Timothy Ashton Raines is at the top of his game and the end of his rope until one night, he walks away from everything...


Available today as a free download from Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-The-Harmony-Series-ebook/dp/B0049B2E82/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

Spotlight on Staci Stallings with an added Surprise!

Staci Stallings is running a special today and tomorrow--Dec. 4th and 5th so be sure to read below and check it out.


Staci Stallings, the author of this article, is a #1 Best Selling Contemporary Christian Romance author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. Staci has a special surprise for you today and tomorrow only...

FREE ON KINDLE TWO DAYS ONLY!

December 4 & 5:
Cowboy
"One of the most gripping contemporary romances I've read in the past three years."
--Michelle Sutton, Amazon Top 1,000 Reviewer

Timothy Ashton Raines is at the top of his game and the end of his rope until one night, he walks away from everything...

Available today as a free download from Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-The-Harmony-Series-ebook/dp/B0049B2E82/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

Now for our spotlight interview of Staci about her book.

Spotlight on Cowboy


by: Best Selling Christian Romance Author, Staci Stallings

Title: Cowboy
Author: Staci Stallings
ISBN: ASIN: B0049B2E82
Page count: 324
Genre: Christian Romance

Please, tell us about your book:
"Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever." Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real.

How long did it take to write the book?
I wrote "Cowboy" in 1998 in about five months.

What inspired you to write the book?
I had a dream one night, which is where I get many of my ideas. In the dream, I was in the company of a famous country music star, but it wasn't like I was in awe of him. Instead, there was this great sadness that permeated everything about him. When I tried to ask what was wrong, he was very reluctant to tell me as everyone else just wanted him to "go on with life." However, the sadness and depression felt so heavy around him that I knew he was in serious trouble emotionally, so I persisted. That's when the story of "Cowboy" began to be written.

Talk about the writing process. Did you have a writing routine? Did you do any research, and if so, what did that involve?
The thing I researched the most was venues for Asthon to sing in different cities. I'm not much of a traveler, nor have I been to many concerts. So the details on that aspect were difficult. Also, he travels so much in this book. I basically had to plan a country music tour--venues, time schedules, etc. so that it made sense as the reader traveled with him. Also, obviously, I couldn't use songs that had already been written, so I had to write all of the songs featured in this book--which ended up being about seven. That was a challenge, but a fun one!

So you are a songwriter too! What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?
In our world today, hope is an increasingly rare commodity. So many people are hanging on by such a small thread--and that's even many whom we all see as "successful." In one scene Ashton says, "It's amazing how much the top looks like the bottom when you have no one to share it with." I think that's what I want readers to see. #1 that they are not alone if they feel lonely and as if hope is for everyone else but has passed them by. And #2, that the greatest thing we can give someone else is the gift of hope and love.

Where can we go to buy your book?
Cowboy is FREE on Kindle Dec. 4 & 5
http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-The-Harmony-Series-ebook/dp/B0049B2E82/ref=la_B005IDM6IS_1_6_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353605476&sr=1-6

Excerpt from book:

The burden of fatigue and heartbreak he’d been carrying for months pulled Ashton's gaze to the table just as the bells at the door jingled. Although he never looked up, he heard the waitress slide from the booth.

“Finish your breakfast.” She pointed to his plate. “If you need someone to listen, all you have to do is ask.”

And with that she left his booth to go help the other customers.

Let others help, he thought sarcastically. Yeah, right.

He couldn’t trust anyone with this pain. He couldn’t let them in. Besides, they didn’t want to listen—not really. They wanted him to say everything was fine and keep going as though nothing in the world had happened. They wanted him to be Ashton Raines, superstar, and as far as what happened to the real Ashton Raines, they couldn’t care less.

Loneliness descended on him again, and his whole body slumped toward the table with the weight of it. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep himself upright. All he wanted to do was lie down and go to sleep forever.

If he could just think of one friend. One real person he could call, one real person he could talk to.

“If you need someone to listen, I’m here,” he heard her words again in the depths of his soul, and he looked up to see if she was actually standing there. But she was across the restaurant helping someone else.

“I can’t tell her.” He shook his head and clutched the top of his cap, rolling it down around his face at the absurdity of the very thought. “I don’t even know her.”

Then his gaze lit on the all-but empty plate in front of him. She had given him a meal and asked for nothing in return. She had shared a piece of her heart with him and expected nothing. It was by far the greatest act of kindness he’d experienced in a long time. He looked down at the empty coffee cup, closed his eyes, and raised it off the table. “Miss, could I get a refill?”

Author Bio:
A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading.

Book contest winner and new giveaway

The winner of my book Christmas Belles of Georgia is Cindy Martin so the book will be on its way to her as soon as she responds to my email with her mailing addy. And for anyone who doesn't have the book, it is still available on cbd.com and amazon.com.

The new giveaway for January is Just Hand over the Chocolate and No One will Get Hurt by Karen Scalf Linamen. Anyone with a US mailing addy who leaves a contact email in a post on any blog [post during the month of December will be eligible, so come back to comment often.

Although I primarily give away fiction books since I am primarily a fiction writer, I decided this book would be great to share with someone who like many of us (myself included) go on a diet in January. Here's a little blurb from the backcover to whet your appetite without adding any pounds: "Does chocolate call your name when you feel stressed, ovewhelmed, or a little down? If it does, then you need Karen Linamen's fifteen low-calorie ways to lift your spirits and pull you out of the dumps."

Interview with Anita Higman and giveaway of A Merry Little Christmas

We're starting the month of Dec. off with an interview with Anita Higman, the author of A Merry Little Christmas, a fun Christmas read. If you scroll down to my last blog post, you can read my review of this delightful book. And Anita is doing a giveaway to one of the commenters on this post by Dec. 7th so be sure to leave a comment and to leave some way to contact you. The winner will be announced on Dec. 8th.
Welcome, Anita. Thanks for getting us in the holiday spirit with this interview and giveaway. What inspired you to incorporate Jim Crow laws and segregation into your book?

Even though A Merry Little Christmas is really a love story, I felt it needed some additional conflict, and some of the racial struggles of the 60s seemed to be the right choice for this particular plot. I grew up in the 60s, and I was always interested in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. In some ways I feel I’ve waited my whole life to write this book. It came easily to me in that it’s been percolating in my imagination for a long time, but it was also hard to write because I had to consider more deeply the injustices of that era. Even though it sounds like a cliché, A Merry Little Christmas truly was the book of my heart.

The farm scenes seem pretty realistic. Did you grow up in the country?
I did. While the small towns in the book are totally fictitious I did grow up on a wheat, cattle, pig, and chicken farm in Western Oklahoma, and it was pretty much identical to the one in the novel. If the farm scenes seem realistic it’s because I got to know farm life quite well before I moved off to college at eighteen.

Franny and Charlie come from very different backgrounds, but are both looking for something very different from the way they've grown up. Do you think as humans, we all just have a "grass is always greener on the other side" mentality?
Yes, that is a human frailty that is easy to succumb to, and I’ve been guilty of it as well. But God is good about reminding me that he’s placed me on my own unique life-road, and it may have little to do with anyone else’s journey. Besides, in many cases when we get a closer look at someone else’s “lush green grass” it usually turns out to be turf.

Do you think that sometimes we don't pray for what we want because we are afraid of getting what we pray for?
Perhaps that’s true, which would explain why Franny is equally nervous and excited about the sudden answer to her prayers.

Was there a reason you added the themes of Christmas and music to the story?
My editor asked me to add those elements, and it was a blessing, since Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I love music. Also, female readers in general love novels that are set during the holidays, and I’m hoping the music adds a cozy feel to the overall Christmas theme.

What is your favorite Christmas song?
“The Holly and the Ivy.” The song has a melancholy feel to it, but it’s also beautifully sweet. I love the “Currier and Ives” style pictures my imagination conjures up when I’m listening to it.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
I love to have my gal friends over for brunch around Christmastime. I have been collecting tea dishes for many years, and so when I do a brunch, I go all out. Women are usually in a service mode most of their lives so when they come to my house I want them to feel wonderfully pampered. And by the time they leave, I hope their hearts are a little merrier and they feel we’ve celebrated Christmas well!

Is Franny's character based on any "real life" person?
Franny is like me in some ways, but she has a lot more courage than I have and more laughter in her heart. So, really, I want to be Franny when I grow up.
Does the song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" have a special significance to you?
The song makes me swoon it’s so romantic and lovely. It makes me think of being snowed-in with the man I love. Of course, that scene also needs a mountain cabin with a crackling fire and two mugs of wassail.

You have written everything from romance to suspense/thrillers to nonfiction. What is your favorite genre to write?
I love inspirational romance. There’s just nothing else like it for writing and reading. It naturally makes you want to curl up on an overstuffed couch and read the day away.

Book Review of A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

Reading A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman will put you in the holiday mood for sure! From the cover to the characters to the happy ending, this book delivers a cozy Christmas setting with a sweet story all tied up with a big red bow.

In a few short months, Franny Martin's life changes from one of solitude on the farm she inherited when her parents died, to an unhappy short stint in Oklahoma City, then back to the farm where she is no longer lonely.

The cause of this change is due to her meeting Charlie Landau, a man who has all the things money can buy, but none of the sweet life Anita experienced growing up.

What starts out as a simple romance soon builds into a story with twists and turns and mysteries not revealed til almost the end, making this a page-turner. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present by buying yourself a copy of this joyful book. And while you are at it, purchase a copy or two for a friend who likes Christmas stories. You'll both be glad you did!

And for a chance to win a copy of this book, check back on December 1st for a post by the author along with the opportunity to leave a comment to be in the drawing for this book.

Book Review of Kim Vogel Sawyer's When Hope Blossoms

Kim Vogel Sawyer's books always give us hope, and with the title When Hope Blossoms, I knew this one would be no exception.

After the death of her husband, Amy Knackstedt is forced by a shadow over her husband's death to move from the Old Mennonite community she has lived in most of her life to a new town in the same state (Kansas) where another Mennonite group is forming a community. She is accompanied by her three very unique children. They move into a house next door to a former Mennonite who helps the family, but wants nothing to do with their religion.

Unlike many of Kim's books this story is contemporary which gives Amy a chance to live out her plain Mennonite lifestyle while using a machine to stitch parts of her quilt and to market her quilts with the help of a computer!

There are several very touching scenes with the children, and with Tim Roper, the neighbor who befriends them. The mystery of her husband's death hangs over Amy until almost the end of the book. Even that mystery ends with hope for a new life in their new home.

Another great inspiring read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. And if you have never read any of her books, I suggest you check them all out!

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes, but this review is totally from my heart.

Book Review of The Reunion by Dan Walsh

 Dan Walsh's book The Reunion is an excellent one to review this week of Veteran's Day and the month before Christmas because this story of a Viet Nam vet who quietly helps out others culminates in a happy ending around Christmastime.

Aaron Miller, a decorated war hero, lives in obscurity as a handyman at a trailer park in Florida until he saves the life of one of the occupants. I love how the author interweaves Aaron's story with a love story involving Aaron's long-lost daughter and the man sent to find the war hero. It reminds me of how God is the "Author" of our lives and is working and planning all along how our stories will end.

I have read all of Walsh's books, and they just keep getting better and better! Buy yourself a copy of this heart-warming story and pick up a few copies as Christmas presents for friends and family, too.

Book drawing winner and chance to win my Christmas book!

The winner of Murder at Tapestry Court by Amy Barkman is Shannon Vannatter, so I will mail the book as soon as I hear back from her. Since the next book drawing will run until Dec. 1st, and will be sent out in time to read for Christmas, and since I still have copies of my book Christmas Belles of Georgia, I will be sending a copy of it to one of our commenters with a US address this  month. So, if you didn't get the book last year, you have another chance! Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you for your mailing address.

Shannon Vannatter and book giveaway--Rodeo Ashes

Welcome back to Shannon Vannatter! And she is giving away a copy of her latest book to one commenter, so be sure to leave a comment with your email so she can contact you on Nov. 1st if you are the winner.

Now, let's catch up with Shannon and her newest book. Please tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?

Fun question. My favorite book was a Little Golden book, Baby Farm Animals. It had such cute pictures. As an adult, I can’t just pick one. I love Denise Hunter and Christine Lynxwiler books. They’re Inspirational romance, but there are horses and dogs in some of them.

I also love Denise H. and Christine L books. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23
If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose?
Somewhere on the ocean. Arkansas is landlocked. We have lakes and rivers, but I’ve only been the ocean once and I loved it.

The ocean is my favorite place to vacation, too. The sound of the waves is so soothing and the vastness is so awe-inspiring!
I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
I’ll put it this way, I realized the story in my head was a book three years before I got a computer. I had a typewriter, but I’m not that great of a typist. I didn’t start writing until I got a computer.

The only thing I don’t like about technology is when my laptop has a virus and just suddenly won’t come on when I have a deadline. Luckily, a guy I went to high school with works on computers. He gave me a loaner while he fixed mine.

As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
When I started writing, I always heard write what you know. If I’d stuck with that, I wouldn’t have many books to write. I’ve had to research and learn about new things. I really don’t like sitting at my computer for research. A whole day can blow by without much progress. I love research trips though. There’s nothing like going there, but it’s much more expensive that way.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
ACFW. I didn’t discover the group or conference until I’d been writing for 5 years. Without ACFW, I might not be published yet.

I agree wholeheartedly with Shannon on the importance of joining ACFW if you want to learn to write better and have hopes of publication! I think I had written for a couple years before joining ACFW then joined and learned how much I didn't know!
Do you want to add anything about your book such as where to order it?
Rodeo Ashes is available at Walmart, Kmart, & Meijers. All of the Heartsong Presents titles will be there for a test run. If they sell well, it becomes permanent. Everybody—help out an author—go buy HP titles. Under $5.00 for a book. What more can you ask for. You can also order online at christianbook.com, barnesandnoble.com, & amazon.com.

Back-cover blurb for Rodeo Ashes: It’s never too late to start over.


Lacie Gentry, a young widow and mom, is struggling with the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death. When she bumps into former classmate Quinn Remington, her future is undecided. She accepts a job teaching kids to ride at Quinn’s neighboring ranch, hoping to revitalize her life with an old pastime but soon sees in Quinn a chance to move forward with new love. . .if she’s ready.

It’s been years since Quinn has seen lovely Lacie Gentry—the girl he always admired in high school but never came close to dating. By the time they met, Lacie was engaged to rodeo star Mel Gentry then happily married. Now Lacie’s closer than ever. The attraction is still there, but so is a secret that might end any chance of romance.

Can they rise from the rodeo ashes?


Author Bio: Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. Her debut novel won the 2011 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She’s had 6 books released since 2010 with three more to come. Find her books at christianbook.com, amazon.com, barbourbooks.com, and readerservice.com. Her latest title, Rodeo Ashes will be available at Walmart, Kmart, and Meijers in Oct. Learn more at http://shannonvannatter.com/ and  http://shannonvannatter.com/blog/.

Book drawing winner and chance to win Murder at Tapestry Court by Amy Barkman

This past month's winner of What the Wind Picked Up is Karen K. Be sure to leave a comment and contact info on any post the month of October if you have a US mailing addy and would like to win a copy of Murder at Tapestry Court by fellow Kentucky author, Amy Barkman.

I was an endorser for this novel, so will tease you with what I wrote about this Agatha Christie-like mystery: Murder at Tapestry Court is a place you want to visit and never leave. This cozy mystery has multiple characters and clues to keep you reading in an attempt to piece it all together before the heroine does. All wrapped up in a spiritual message of letting God speak to us and heal our souls." Sound good? Then leave a comment with info and you will be eligible for the drawing on November 1st.

Travelogue interrupted for a story by my granddaughter, Danielle

This story was written by my now 11 year old granddaughter when she was only nine. Shows a lot of imagination! Enjoy!

Legends of the Cloudy Mountains

Book One—The Beginning of the Sky

Chapter One

Once upon a time, long, long ago, when heaven was made, there was a big chaos going on in heaven. God wanted His people to be protected, so He made another heaven in the clouds above earth. This heaven was called Persulia.

And God passed down the word, “If anyone can find one child and any of his friends to come to Persulia to save the universe, they will be the new rulers of the whole kingdom.

Many years had passed when a girl named Ella and her four friends, Katie, Susan, Jima, and Carly, had a sleepover at Ella’s house. That night they built a tent in Ella’s room.

Ella was just sitting there. Susan was talking about new shoes at the mall. Jima was telling them about a cool restaurant. Carly was listening to them. Then Katie began to talk about a world in the sky that whoever saved the universe would be the new rulers of that world.

“But that is just a fantasy,” said Katie.

Then Ella spoke out and said, “I believe.”

Ten minutes later, a flashing light from the sky showed up. The friends looked out the window to see it.

“It’s a shooting star,” said Katie.

“No, it’s a plane,” said Susan.

“Don’t be silly. A plane cannot catch on fire,” said Jima.

While Ella’s friends were talking about the light in the sky, Ella was shocked as she saw it heading toward her mother’s garden. Then, she ran down the steps, grabbed her robe, put on her slippers, got a flashlight, and went outside.

She ran as fast as she could straight through the garden and got to the other side. Then the lights hit the ground. (Kaboom!)

Then Ella found a hole where the lights hit. She saw a paper in the hole that said, PLEASE SAVE OUR WORLD. SIGN HERE.

Ella signed it. Then the paper disappeared.

Katie ran outside to get Ella. She said, “Your mom wants you back inside.”

So Ella went back inside. They all went to sleep.

Then the next morning it was time for school.



Chapter Two

Ella woke up first and she saw an old man in her room. He was shorter than Katie.

The man said, “You are the chosen one. Come with me.”

“I’m sorry, but are you lost?” said Ella.

“No, I am not. You need to come with me to Persulia.”

“No, I can not. I am going to school today so please leave.”

He pounded his cane on the floor. “But you were chosen.”

But I am chosen to go to school.”

Then the man disappeared, and Ella’s friends woke up and got ready for school.

Ella got her lunch and backpack and arrived at the bus before the others so the man would not meet her in her front yard. Then the others got there and wondered what was going on with Ella.

As the got on the bus, the busdriver saw something rumbling in Ella’s backpack. The backpack opened, and the old man popped out and said, “My name is Mr. Burns. I need to take you to Persulia. Now come with me.”

But Ella shook her head and said, “Be gone, little man. I’ve got school.” Mr. Burns disappeared into her backpack.

So the bus arrived at the school, and all the students got off the bus.

When Ella got to the classroom, the teacher passed out a test. Then Ella crumpled it and threw it behind her back. So, the teacher gave her another one. Ella did the same thing.

“What is wrong with you?” said the teacher.

Ella spoke in a weird voice. “Citizens of Virginia, I came here to announce for Ella Clartburn to come with me to Persulia to reveal her destiny.”

The class stared at her with eyes popped open and their mouths hanging down. Next, they saw Ella slapping herself. Then she did it again.

Ella floated up in the air and hit the ceiling and flapped all around with twists and turns. Then she grabbed the flagpole and flopped up and down.

As she was doing that, the teacher hollered, “Come down, Ella.”

Ella’s face was turning green. She said, “I’m getting sick.” Then she bonked her head on the board and fell down. She looked at her backpack and saw Mr. Burns waving a wand around. She got so mad that she went to the back of the room and zipped the backpack closed.

Mr. Burns cried out, “Come to Persulia.”

Ella said, “What is Persulia? Some sort of vacation island?”

Nothing else happened the rest of the day. After school, Ella was walking toward her mom’s car and she saw rainbow stairs heading toward the clouds. “I’ve had enough of this. Just get away from me,” said Ella.

“Not until you say yes,” said Mr. Burns.

Ella closed her mouth, popped her cheeks and closed her eyes. Then she said, “YES!”

So Mr. Burns disappeared to somewhere, but she didn’t know where.

To be continued…

Winner and new book contest to win What the Wind Picked Up

The winner of Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island by Susan Page Davis is Sandy Nadeau. I know she will love reading this fictionalized account of a real visit to the Island by Prince Edward in 1860!

And this month's giveaway is a great book by ChiLibris called What the Wind Picked Up. To prove that a single idea can launch a thousand stories, 21 published authors wrote vastly different stories with the same first line and last line plus a noted landmark and a couple other requirements. Karen Ball even wrote hers from the POV of a dog! And the book ends with writing tips from ChiLibris members, so fiction and non-fiction in one book!

This book is also autographed by some of the authors. Anyone with a US mailing addy who leaves a comment during the month of September with their contact info will be entered in the drawing for this book which will take place on Oct. 1st. Happy reading, everyone!

Tuesday Travelogue--Day 4 in Nova Scotia

We started out our day at the Linsmore Sheep Farm and Wool Shop in River John. Very interesting, and we ladies got to purchase many warm, handmade gifts in the shop. I bought a lovely shawl for myself and for my husband a stadium seat to use when he sits on bleachers at soccer games. Then we spent the rest of the day in the Pictou area, starting out at the Northumberland Fisheries Museum where we saw this very rare blue lobster--some say 1 in 2-3,000,000 million!

For lunch my husband and I decided to eat at a Thai Restaurant we saw along the street.--we love Cashew Chicken Stir Fry! While being served, my husband heard someone speaking Thai (he served two tours in Thailand during the Viet Nam War era), so he asked the waitress to go back and tell the person "Sa wa de cu!" (which means hello, good day, etc.) Soon we heard this loud talking behind the door, and the waitress came back out front and said one of the Thai women wanted to meet the one who spoke her language. So she did and we took this picture with her--a very international experience to meet someone from Thailand while we were visiting Nova Scotia!

We also took this picture of the Thai restaurant while across the street from it while touring the Hector Quay (pronounced "key"). The Hector Quay was a replica of the boats those from England crossed the Atlantic Ocean on. It seemed very small and cramped quarters for those who took from 7-10 weeks to make the crossing.

Then we had a long trip to Cheticamp where we will take up next time!

Friday Book Review--Song of my Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors. You can always count on her for a great gentle romantic story and real-to-life characters. This book is all that and more! Besides the charming heroine and steadfast hero, we also have many other quirky characters including twin sisters and their scoundrel brother.

Sadie Wagner follows her cousin to Goldtree, Kansas for a job opportunity to help out her family after her stepdad is injured. Thad McKane accepts the job of sheriff in Goldtree to earn money to go to school to become a minister in hopes of overcoming the stigma of his drunken father.

Sadie and Thad are attracted to each other, although there is someone else interested in the pretty Sadie romantically. Plus another man who threatens Sadie with losing her job and income to send back home if she won't go along with his illegal activities. What will happen to her family if she doesn't acquiesce to his dealings? What will happen to Sadie if she does go along?

As with all Kim's romances, Song of my Heart does have a happy ending, but there are times when you wonder how she will get her characters there! A very enjoyable read I highly recommend!

This book was sent by the author and publisher, but the thoughts are all my own.

Tuesday Travelogue--Day 3 in Nova Scotia

On Friday, July 20th we started out at the Fox Hill Cheese House, another family owned business where we learned the cheese making process and got to sample many kinds of cheese, plus delicious ice cream!

Then we travelled to Hall's Harbour Lobster Pond and Restaurant where most of the group had a gigantic lobster dinner. And we learned how to tell the sex of a lobster and got to see this gigantic (and ancient) lobster.

Next we toured the Sainte-Famille Winery and sampled several varieties, although as usual, I could not stand the taste of any of them!

Our last stop that day was the Mount Uniacke Estate, a beautiful country estate built between 1813-1815 that gave us an idea of the life of the gentry in those days. The grounds were beautiful and green.





I don't have any other pictures from those sites, so thought I would share this one I took at a gas station we passed. It looked cheaper than back home at first, but since this is $1.32 a liter, that translates into about $5.00 a gallon in the US.

Tuesday Travelogue--Day Two in Nova Scotia

I told you we were on a farm tour, and this day was definitely filled with farms of all sorts! We started off at the New Ross Farm Museum where we spent a couple hours learning about farming in the mid 1800's style in NS. Very interesting and informative! This farm is still being worked with oxen as it would have been during that time period, and we ate biscuits and jelly prepared the old-fashioned way in Rosebank Cottage, built in 1817.  And learned how they made staves and barrels for storing and shipping.

Also got to see an operating blacksmith shop where they shoe 30 teams of oxen each year. And several of our group rode in wagons pulled by oxen. And I got to act like a schoolteacher in a one room school house the children attended back then.

After lunch we went to the Balsam Christmas Tree Farm, a family owned operation that ships trees all across the area and has a huge following of local customers who come out to cut down their own tree each year. And the family even has sent a big tree to Boston for their annual tree lighting ceremony.

Next was Dill's Pumpkin Farm where the world's largest pumpkin was grown--1818.5 pounds! And where hockey began. Then dinner at a neat restaurant named Cocoa Pesto in Windsor where we spent the night. Can you see why I gained two pounds while on this trip?

Hope you will come back to visit next Tuesday to see where we went and what we ate next!

Book Review, Titanic:Legacy of Betrayal by Kathleen E. Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer

I have over 100 e-books on my computer Kindle because I am still one of those readers/writers who would rather read a book I can hold in my hands! I know--I am showing my age! This is only the third book on Kindle I have finished, but I couldn't help myself! I couldn't wait to find out the story inside the story, so let me begin there.

The prologue of the story takes place in 1925 in the point of view of one of the wealthy survivors of the sinking of the Titanic which happened 100 years ago this year. We meet Olive Stanford who speaks of a secret she must share before she dies.

Then the modern-day story opens in the present with Ember Keaton-Jones receiving a phone call from a lawyer who tells her she must open a safety deposit box on Friday, April 13, 2012, on the centennial anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. Ember has to forego an important career-building real estate deal that day to open the box at a specific time or the contents of the box will be given to a museum as per the will. She can't give up the contents of the box--it may contain money or jewels or a secret that could embarrass her and her family name!

Next we meet Jeff Dawson, a young man who has lost his job and is living in his sister's basement and helping his dad at his antique shop until he can find another job. He and Amber meet when she comes into the shop to find a way to listen to the secret from the past contained in the safety deposit box in hopes they will reveal the family secret of her great-grandfather who was listed as a survivor of the Titanic only to never be heard from again. Was this the start of the family curse of all the women being deserted by the men of the family?

There are many more ins and outs to the story which switches from present to past with each listening of the voice from the past, but I want you to get to read it yourself for the enjoyment of this funny, heart-warming, romantic story of Jeff and Ember and their quirky families. And of course you have to find out the secret! So go to Amazon and order the book on kindle or paperback. You'll be glad you did!

Although this e-copy was sent to me by the authors who are friends, this review reflects my honest thoughts on this great read!

Tuesday Travelogue--from KY to Halifax, Nova Scotia and surrounding areas

My husband and I returned last week from a farm tour of some of  the Maritime Provinces of Canada--Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Our first stop was at Peggy's Cove on the Bluenose Coast of Nova Scotia where we walked up to this lighthouse and my adventurous husband climbed out on these rocks.

Then we drove past the site where Flight 111 went down in the bay, then on to Mahone Bay for lunch and a tour of the Settler's Museum there. Next on to Ludenburg where we toured the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Our last stop of the day before dinner and hotel in Bridgewater was the Wile Carding Mill where we learned the steps in carding and spinning wool. My husband spun the longest piece of wool! Here are some members of our group spinning.

Hope you'll return next Tuesday for points of interest on the second day of our Canadian journey. And if you leave a comment any time this month with email contact info, you might win a copy of Love Finds you in Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis. Drawing to be held on September 1st.