Come and see my blog entry at Writers’ Rest about this powerful scripture! Be sure to leave a comment while you’re there!
Jesus Heals A Demon-Possessed Man
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Yearly Archives: 2011
Angel Sister By Ann H. Gabhart
Angel Sister by Ann H. Gabhart
It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together. Her father slowly slips into alcoholism and his business suffers during the Great Depression. As her mother tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to it, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?
In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and trenchant problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves lingering there long after they’ve finished the book.
It’s the Great Depression and the Merritt family, as well as the rest of the inhabitants of Rosey Corner, struggle to survive. Kate’s father, Victor, struggles with alcoholism as he runs his horseshoe business. He’s trying to forget the tragedies he’s witnessed while fighting the war. Nadine, Victor’s wife, doesn’t think she can handle her husband’s addiction any longer, and is unable to provide the emotional support that Victor needs, so Kate steps in to shoulder the load. Both Victor and Nadine have extremely strained relationships with their fathers, and these relationships are tested as traumatic events happen in Rosey Corner.
When I saw the description of this book, I thought that Lorena Birdsong would show up at the beginning of the story, abandoned at the Merritt’s house. I was surprised that Lorena’s character was not introduced until about 100 pages into the book. She’s found abandoned on the church steps because her parents were too poor to feed her. Skinny, malnourished, and scared, she believes that Kate is an angel who’s come to rescue her.
There were a lot of flashbacks, going back to the days of Victor and Nadine’s courtship, then back to the present, that I was not expecting. I think the problems that this couple faced with their parents and their siblings were realistic and emotional.
I also found it a bit strange that two people – Kate’s father (a preacher) and Victor’s father (the owner of the largest store in the town – plus he’s one of the wealthiest men in town) had the power to decide the fate of Lorena Birdsong. It appeared that back in the thirties, the law didn’t have much power over the town, people just kind of did what they wanted and allowed the richest and most powerful people in town to dictate what would happen to others.
The tragic death of Victor’s brother, which happened several years ago, is also a bone of contention between father and son. Also, there’s an unusual twist in the story involving a brother (Graham) and a sister (Fern) who live out in the woods, separated from the town. Fern’s mind has not functioned properly since she had a serious illness and she roams the woods, cutting down trees and building her palaces.
This book was an interesting and emotional read. If you like historical stories that paint a vivid picture of the way of live during the Great Depression, then you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.
A First?
Lenora Worth’s Love Inspired title, Body Of Evidence, made the New York Time’s Bestseller list at number 33. Congrats to Lenora!! This is an amazing accomplishment! This news has me wondering, is this the first time that a Love Inspired title has made the New York Times Bestseller list? Has history been made? I believe this is a first? If you know, leave me a comment and enlighten me please!
The Sweets
I just wanted to mention two sweet Christian romances that I recently read. These books are simple Heartsong Presents stories that are heartwarming and enjoyable reads.
A New Joy by Susan Page Davis 
Book #2 in the White Mountain Brides Collection
Jane’s life has been one of trial. Orphaned at a young age, Jane was indentured as a housemaid. During an Indian raid, she was captured, carried off to Canada, and sold. Then her arranged, loveless marriage ended with the death of her abusive husband. So, when Captain Baldwin and Charles Gardner arrive and purchase her ransom, she returns to the village of Cochecho with very little hope left. Charles has no intention of finding a wife-he, too, has endured Indian captivity and is only just beginning to rebuild his life. But he cannot keep himself from thinking of Miss Jane Miller. A stilted courtship, a distant marriage, hostile Indians. Will life repeat itself for Jane, or does God have joy in store for those who remain faithful to Him?
Jane’s life has been rough and now she’s living with a pastor and his family in the village of Cochecho. When Charles begins courting Jane, she wonders about his intentions. Can she learn to love him? Charles is smitten with Jane and when her master returns, wanting her to fulfill her one more year of indentured service, Charles purchases Jane’s indenture, freeing her. She marries Charles, but is unsure about their relationship. Can they love one another amidst Indian raids and a small pox epidemic?
Life in Chochecho is hard and Jane, as well as the rest of the inhabitants, must rely on their faith to get them through the rough winter.
Can you imagine living life in the middle of the wild, in the midst of people dying from an epidemic and surrounded by Indian tribes? Doesn’t that sound frightening?
This book was an enjoyable and interesting read. I learned a lot about the way life was lived back then, being isolated around the Indian tribes, and about being an indentured servant.
White Doves by Shannon Taylor Vannatter – Book #2 in the White Rose Trilogy
Laken Kroft left home eight years ago and never looked back. Who knew when she applied for the promotion to postmaster that she’d end up in Romance, Arkansas, and much too close to her parents, the town drunk and the local gossip maven? Hayden Winters has his hands full raising his paraplegic nephew, Brady, and wrestling his guilt over having caused the child’s injury. When the boy’s father, Laken’s brother, turns up and starts talking custody, Laken’s influence is Hayden’s only hope. But whose side is she really on?
Laken and Hayden work together in the small post office in Romance, Arkansas. They’re attracted to one another, but Hayden harbors lots of guilt – his nephew is a paraplegic and it’s all his fault. Meanwhile, his feelings for Laken continue to grow, but, there’s a problem – Laken is not a Christian and she’s still bitter towards her estranged family. Her father’s an alcoholic and her mother is a huge gossip, wanting to stir up trouble. Can Laken learn to lean on God, hoping He’ll give her the strength she needs to deal with her problems?
This book was a charming, enjoyable read. I understand that there were two other books in this series and I’m assuming it’ll be re-released as part of Barbour’s 3-in-1 collections.
Royalties
Received my royalties yesterday for Chesapeake Weddings. It’s always nice to get a little bit of cash in my pocket.
Speaking of money, I heard that Border’s was filing Chapter 11 yesterday! What do you think about that? Yikes!! From what I understand, they’re not closing all of the stores, just some of them. Here’s a list of the stores that will be closing. Also, they are liquidating their stock and a lot of stuff will be on sale this weekend since it’s President’s Day Weekend? I recall how I first started going to Borders several years ago. A friend of mine recommended that I go there since he saw how much I love books and Borders had a coffee bar and you could sit and scan books while drinking your coffee, plus, the place was huge! The book/publishing industry grows, shrinks, and changes as time goes on, I guess.
Lady In The Mist By Laurie Alice Eakes
Lady In The Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes
Product Description
By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife’s death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.
By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?
With stirring writing that puts readers directly into the story, Lady in the Mist expertly explores themes of identity, misperception, and love’s discovery.
This book was a real treat for me to read! The setting and the characters were so wonderful. The romance between Dominick and Tabitha will tug at your heart. The attraction, the kisses, the love they had for one another will carry you back in time, perhaps, making you recall the first time you fell in love.
Tabitha is a mid-wife. What I found interesting about her job is that not only did she deliver babies, but, she also was a healer. She had medical knowledge and she could assist those in the town suffering from physical ailments. Her profession has been passed down within her family, however, Tabitha is in a bit of a quandary – she doesn’t have a daughter on which to pass on her mid-wivery profession. What will she do? Single and jilted, she finds herself smitten with Dominick Cherrett, a local indentured servant who lives in the mayor’s home. But he’s British and a lot of the townfolk are suspicious of Dominick, especially when their men start disappearing from the beachy shore.
Dominick does have some secrets of his own. He’s ashamed about some of his past experiences, and he needs to accept God’s grace for the sins that he’s committed. Estranged from his family and full of guilt, he fulfills the role of indentured servant for a reason – a reason he’s initially reluctant to share with Tabitha. He’s suffered from a great deal of pain, and he’s hoping his current actions will help him to ease some of his suffering and make things right in his life again.
The setting for this novel was just wonderful. I felt like I was really there! The salty brine of the beach, the smell of the ocean, the sun shining down, warming your skin.
I also found other aspects of the story interesting, like, the food! If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you’ll notice that I will talk about food on occasion. On a warm, sunny day, Dominick and Tabitha go crabbing. They then cook and eat the crabs. Also, you’ll find some of the secondary characters making strawberry jam and Tabitha’s fettish is candied rose petals. I found myself wondering what a candied rose petal tastes like?
This book got me to thinking about childbirth and being a mid-wife. Can you imagine, back then, going through childbirth without epidurals? I think the screams and suffering from the expectant mothers would’ve been too much for me to bear. I doubt I could be a mid-wife. Tabitha was also the keeper of secrets. Before she assisted in a birthing, the mother had to tell her the name of the biological father of her baby. She knew about affairs and indiscretions, making some of the townspeople leery about her.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
Many thanks to Baker/Revell in providing me with a free review copy.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Chocolate Splash Photo courtesy of Idea Go.
I want to wish all of my blog readers a Happy Valentine’s Day! What are you doing to celebrate? My husband and I are going out to dinner today.
I’ve been in a totally crappy mood over the last few weeks. I know I rarely vent on my blog, but I’m taking the liberty to do so today. Things are winding down and hopefully everything will be better soon. I’ve been stressed and tired and with the little bit of free time I’ve had, I’ve been trying to lose myself in my cookbook. Meaning, I’ve tried a few new recipes, trying to cheer myself up.
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share a few chocolate recipes that I tried recently:
Chocolate Waffles
1/2 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
Directions
1 Stir cocoa and butter in bowl until smooth; stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with buttermilk to cocoa mixture.
2 Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. Carefully remove waffle from iron.
NOTE: Leftover waffles can be frozen; thaw in toaster on low heat.
Serve with maple syrup and butter. These were good, but, to tell you the truth, I enjoyed them about as much as regular/non-chocolate waffles.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
2 cups buttermilk baking mix (I used Bisquick)
1 cup milk (You might need more milk. I thought the pancakes were too thick when using just one cup)
2 eggs
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat an electric griddle or large skillet on medium heat.
Combine baking mix, milk and eggs. Add chocolate chips. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter onto hot griddle for each pancake. Flip when one side is done – you should see bubbles. Serve with butter and maple syrup.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING (recipe follows) Directions
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2 Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in bowl. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
3 Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Prepare CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING; spread over brownies. Cut into squares. About 16 brownies.
CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Beat butter, cocoa, corn syrup and vanilla in small bowl until blended. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency. About 1 cup frosting.
I made these brownies without the frosting and they were still good! I was too lazy to make the frosting. We enjoyed these last Sunday while we were watching the Superbowl. Also, I used cashews for my nuts. Very tasty brownies. Maybe I’ll try them again with the frosting soon.
I made my lasagna recipe last weekend with the following change: I made my own sauce. Due to high blood pressure, I’m trying to watch my salt intake and most of the pre-made sauces have a high sodium content. To make my own sauce, I used four small cans of low-salt tomato sauce and one can of tomatoes. I poured that into a pot and added a chopped onion, a whole bulb of chopped garlic, and A LOT of Italian seasoning and oregano. I also added a little bit of sugar and some SEA SALT. I let it simmer for a few hours. It smelled heavenly while it was simmering on the stove! When the onions were soft and done, I completed the recipe as I stated in the link, substituting my homemade sauce for the pre-prepared sauce. It was so good! My husband thought the version made with the homemade sauce tasted better than the jarred sauce version! Yummy! We enjoyed this last weekend while watching the Superbowl, too!
If you try any of these recipes, let me know how they turn out!
BOOK GIVEAWAY – FOLLOW THE RULES TO ENTER
This giveaway is over! Winner is listed here!
I’m hosting another book giveaway! ONE winner will receive the titles listed above. IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE DRAWING YOU MUST DO TWO THINGS:
#1. You must join my mailing list! You can join my mailing list here:
If you’re already on my email list, then you can skip step one.
#2. You must comment on this blog post to enter and LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR BLOG POST – IF YOU DON’T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR BLOG POST, THEN YOU WON’T BE ENTERED INTO THE CONTEST! I need an email address so that I can contact you if you win!
I’ll be drawing the winner within the next few weeks or so! 🙂
Writers’ Conferences
I’m blogging about writers’ conferences at Writers’ Rest Blog today! Stop by and leave a comment!
Book Giveaway Winner
The winner of my Book Giveaway is:
Rebecca Booth – Oxford, NC
Rebecca, you should be receiving your books within the next week or so.
Enjoy! 🙂