Bethany House is offering 22 free books – available for download on your e-reader. Simply access the titles on the website of your choice: Kindle, Nook, etc. – price is $0.00! 🙂
Take advantage of this offer while you can!!
Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt
Have you ever worked as a cleaner/housekeeper (either domestic or commercial)? If so, did anything unusual ever happen on the job?
Gabby St. Claire had to quit college during her senior year to take care of her alcoholic father. She’d been going to school to be a forensic psychologist. The closest job she can find for her dream career is being a crime scene cleaner. She cleans up crime scenes after the police are done collecting their evidence. When she’s cleaning the house of a high-powered politician – a politician who may have killed his wife – she finds evidence that the police missed. Can she prove that the politician killed his wife instead of the scapegoat they have in custody?
Somebody is trying to kill Gabby. Parker, a police detective, is trying to assist in the case. Gabby is convinced that the supposed-politician-wife-killer is after her life too. After all, she did uncover the evidence, and the police have not told the public about her findings.
Since the police are so lazy about finding the real killer, Gabby takes it upon herself to find the killer. When they arrest her co-worker for a related crime, Gabby is doubly interested in finding the killer/arsonist. After all, she needs to prove that her co-worker is innocent.
Gabby attempts to solve the crime while an assortment of zany characters assist her. There’s Sierra, her animal-loving/animal-rights neighbor, Riley, a handsome mysterious man who lives across the hall. Why is Riley so secretive about his life? There’s also Parker (a Brad Pitt look alike) who is the detective on the case. Why does he continue to ignore Gabby’s evidence findings?
I thought this book was a humorous, delightful read. The story moves quickly and the chapters are written in a way that’ll make you want to keep reading. Overall, it was a good mystery.
So, have you ever worked as a cleaner/housekeeper (either domestic or commercial)? Did anything unusual ever happen on the job?
Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
Which toy did you want the most for Christmas? Did you ever receive your most-desired toy?
This is a classic Christmas story that’ll warm your heart during the holiday season. Holly Larson has temporary custody of her nephew, Gabe, since Gabe’s father is stationed overseas. She’s financially strapped since she has extra expenses from caring for her nephew. She’s also not used to being a mother. On top of her new motherly duties, she has to work for a strict, Scrooge-like boss. Her boss is a famous designer named Lindy Lee.
When Holly doesn’t have the money to pay for her coffee at the coffee shop, Jake Finley saves the day, paying for her cup of brew. Afterwards, Holly runs into Jake frequently. Jake and his father have not celebrated Christmas since his mother and sister were killed in a freak accident more than 2 decades ago. Jake manages the toy section for Finley’s (his father’s department store). A strange, elderly seasonal employee is hired to work with Jake – Mrs. Miracle.
Gabe wants an expensive toy robot from Jake’s store for Christmas. Holly doesn’t know if she can afford to buy the robot for Gabe. Is she a bad mother if she can’t purchase the toy for her nephew?
I really felt for Holly, temporarily raising her nephew. Being single, and then suddenly having a child to care for, is not easy. Also, I really felt for Jake and his dad.
A toy robot, Mrs. Miracle, Gabe, Holly and Jake are important players in this loving Christmas tale. I loved this heartwarming story because the characters were so vivid and realistic. I could imagine people reading this book every year during the holiday season.
Many thanks to Harlequin MIRA for providing me with a free review copy.
Tell me, which toy did you want the most for Christmas? Did you ever receive your most-desired toy?
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 ESV So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
Have you ever read your Horoscope on a regular basis? Do you regularly read it now? If your answer is yes, why do you read it? Does reading your Horoscope give you hope? Does it provide a ray of joy in your day?
While getting my hair done a few weeks ago, I was telling my beautician that my son had a hot temper when he was upset. I told him how my son had burst into tears, crying, when he didn’t pass his Karate test for his purple belt. I also told him how my son would sometimes push board games off the table, mad, whenever he lost a game! He (my hairdresser) asked me, “When is his birthday?”
I said, “July 31st.”
“Oh, he’s a Leo, then. That explains it.”
Whenever I hear people talk about the Zodiac and their Astrological signs, a little red flag goes up in my head. I feel slightly uneasy and I inwardly cringe. Why? Just the thought of relying on the stars, when you were born, and using the daily knowledge from someone (other than God) to predict your future – even for one day – just sounds ridiculous. Some check their Horoscope daily, and some let their Horoscope control their lives. I feel like using the Zodiac, Horoscopes, etc. is in the same category as Saul (old Testament Saul) consulting a medium for guidance. I kinda sense that some people may use the Zodiac for guidance. For example, they might not want to get into a relationship with someone with an incompatible Zodiac sign.
I’ll admit, several years ago, I used to read my Horoscope in the newspaper daily. I looked forward to it, and I laughed aloud when some of the stuff in the Horoscope turned out to be true. As I continued to read each day, I then found myself wondering which parts were true – I was sure that it was true sometimes, right? After all, I’d noticed some truth in some of my past Horoscopes. I finally decided to just stop reading it one day. I can’t recall why I made the decision to stop. I knew it was wrong to read the Horoscope, but, I did it anyway. I never went back to reading my Horoscope and I don’t encourage others to, either. Seek God for guidance, not a daily Horoscope.
Have you ever read your Horoscope on a regular basis? Do you read it regularly now? If your answer is yes, why do you read it? Does reading your Horoscope give you hope? Does it provide a light of joy in your day?
Leave a comment!
Can you imagine living your life backwards? What would it be like to be born an old man, and physically get younger and younger as you grow older in age?
That’s the premise of this movie. Benjamin Button is a man whose life is tied to a clock. This strange clock is created by a blind man – the clock hangs in a train station. The clock runs backwards and that’s how Benjamin’s life starts. When Benjamin is born, he’s a baby who looks like an old man. Abandoned by his father on the steps of an old folks’ home, he’s taken in by a couple who raise him as their son.
As Benjamin gets older, he starts to look younger. When he’s seven, he meets a girl named Daisy. Benjamin and Daisy remain connected during most of the movie.
When Benjamin goes out on his own at 17, he becomes the aide to a sailor on a ship. He has a mixed bag of adventures – since he looks like an old man, but he isn’t, it makes his life strange and unusual. The strangest adventure for him was being connected to Daisy – how can you love somebody as you get younger while they get older?
I liked this movie, but, it was so unusual, and weird, that I doubt I’d watch it again.
So, could you imagine living your life backwards? What would it be like to be born an old man, and physically get younger and younger as you get older in age? Can you think of any books or movies with a similar premise?
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
Have you ever done something aggressive/out-of-the-ordinary to get ahead in the corporate world? If so, what did you do?
Carrie Slayton is a society page columnist for a major newspaper. Although she’s grateful to have a job at this prestigious newspaper, she finds her work unfulfilling and boring. Dressing up to cover stories about the rich and famous, wining and dining at social and charitable events, is not what she wants to do with her life.
Carrie approaches her boss. Can’t he allow her to write more meaningful stories? Her boss gives her an impossible task – do an exclusive interview with author Finn Dalton – if she’s successful writing this story, then she can write more meaningful stories for the newspaper.
Carrie is floored. Finn Dalton is a world-famous novelist – his book, Alone, has been on the best-seller list for months. However, nobody has been able to find the elusive Finn Dalton. Nobody has even seen a picture of him! Reporters trying to find Finn always reach a dead end. Carrie is determined to find him – this story could make or break her career.
Finn enjoys his hermit-like life in the Alaskan wild. The only companionship he needs is from his big pet dog, Hennessey. He loves living alone, surviving in his secluded log cabin. Besides, he doesn’t trust women – all women are out to manipulate men to get what they want. His mother abandoned him when he was a child, and he’s never gotten over that heartache.
This book was great! It’s a sweet, heartwarming, emotional read. Like most of Debbie Macomber’s books, it’s a novel that most Christians can read and not get offended. I especially loved the characters. Finn is so stubborn, not willing to admit his feelings for Carrie. Carrie loved her career, but, her feelings for Finn are totally unexpected. There’s just something about a big, strong, rugged, handsome man living alone in the wilderness…living off the land…the whole concept is intriguing and sexy!
I also loved reading about Alaska. It’s a place I’d like to visit one day and by reading this book, you’ll get a good taste of what life in Alaska is like. This is a romance that you need to read. It’ll be sure to light up your holiday season!
Thanks so much to Ballantine Books/Random House LLC for providing me with a free review copy!
Have you ever done something aggressive to get ahead in the corporate world? If so, what did you do?
– See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/category/debbie-macomber
Uncertain Alliance by Mary Davis
Have you ever been swindled by an ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend or former-husband/former- wife?
Alice Dempsey is struggling to survive after her husband gambles away their family farm. Her husband was killed while cheating at a card game, and, he’s left their family in dire straits. Alice must work to provide food and shelter for her crippled grandfather, her toddler son, and her juvenile-delinquent brother, Burl.
When she loses her seamstress job, Ian Macgregor, an older man who owns a pharmacy, offers to give her a job. Alice refuses – she can never trust another man since her deceased husband manipulated her so badly. Since she refuses Ian’s kindness, how can she provide food for her hungry family? Her independence proves strong, almost too strong, when it interferes with her ability to support her loved ones. When Burl gets into trouble with the law, Alice finds it even harder to survive each day.
Ian Macgregor has had a secret crush on Alice for a while. He speaks to her each day as she goes rushing to her seamstress job. However, like Alice, Ian has been hurt in the past by his former love interest.
I thought this book was good. The characters were rich and very well-developed. Alice is a caring, stubborn, Christian woman who is extremely determined to care for her family by herself.
Have you ever been swindled by a husband/wife, or former boyfriend/girlfriend? If so, what happened? Was it hard to forgive him/her for their transgressions?
This was the easiest chocolate cake I’ve ever made. The frosting tastes sour, but, when you put it on the cake, it tastes good! You can always use another chocolate (or vanilla) frosting recipe instead of this one. What I liked most about this recipe? I loved that all I had to do was dump all the ingredients into a bowl and mix it up! For most scratch recipes, you have to mix most of the dry ingredients first, and then mix the other ingredients, and then mix both mixtures together. This recipe is not like that! So easy! When I melted the chocolate, I used the microwave. I also added a bit of water to the chocolate before melting – to help ensure that it didn’t burn. If you melt the chocolate in the microwave, be sure to check it every ten seconds.
BETTY CROCKER SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE CAKE
—————————————
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
4 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate (cooled)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 c. dairy sour cream
1/4 tsp. soda
Sour Cream Frosting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour pans. Measure
all ingredients except icing in a large mixing bowl. Mix 1/2
minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3
minutes high speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
Pour into pan(s). Bake layers 30-35 minutes or until top
springs back when touched lightly with finger. Bake 40-45 minutes if using a rectangular pan. Cool. Frost
with Sour Cream Frosting.
SOUR CREAM FROSTING:
1/3 c. butter, softened
3 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate (cooled)
3 c. confectioners sugar
1/2 c. dairy sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla
Mix butter and cooled chocolate thoroughly. Blend in sugar.
Stir in sour cream and vanilla. Beat until frosting is
smooth and of spreading consistency.
Starring: Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney
Have you ever been in love with your best friend? If so, did you share you feelings with him/her?
I really enjoy this classic romance movie! I’ve seen it a number of times and decided to watch it again recently. Jules, a food critic, is devastated when her best friend and former beau, Michael, plans to marry the following weekend. He invites her to the wedding and she arrives and meets Michael’s fiance, Kimmy. Kimmy is a fast-driving, college-aged, daughter of a billionaire family.
Jules is determined to break up Michael and Kimmy – after all, she’s in love with Michael, but, has never had the courage to tell him. Michael loved Jules at one time, but, she never let him hug her in public, she always pulled away. Now that Michael has found somebody to love, Jules has decided that she wants him for herself.
A laughable series of events occur as Jule’s plots to steal Michael for herself.
This movie was so entertaining! If you’ve seen it, I’d like to know what you liked about it!
Have you ever been in love with your best friend? If so, did you tell him/her how you felt?
The Carol Awards were given at last weekend’s ACFW Conference. You can find a list of the finalists on my Carol-Award Blog Post.
The following are the Carol Award Winners – leave a comment – let me know if you’ve read any of these titles:
Category
Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired)
Contemporary
Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House)
Debut Novel
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical Romance
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell)
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing)
Novella
A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Romance
Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing)
Romantic Suspense
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell)
Speculative
Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press)
Young Adult
Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan)
Please join me in congratulating these wonderful authors! Have you read any of these titles?
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Category
Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired)
Contemporary
Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House)
Debut Novel
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical Romance
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell)
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing)
Novella
A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Romance
Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing)
Romantic Suspense
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell)
Speculative
Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press)
Young Adult
Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan)
– See more at: http://www.acfw.com/carol/2013_carol_award_winners#sthash.SFnEeydJ.dpuf
