Category Archives: Steeple Hill

The Daddy Surprise By Ginny Aiken

The Daddy Surprise by Ginny Aiken

I downloaded this book and read it on my Kindle. Lucie had a one-week fling with Ryder during Spring break six years ago. The fling resulted in the birth of their daughter, Chloe. Lucie lost touch with Ryder after their Spring fling and has been looking for them since the birth of their daughter. She’s surprisingly found him and she brings their five-year-old daughter with her to meet her father for the first time.

Ryder is the mayor of the town and he’s stunned when Lucie arrives with their daughter – a daughter that he didn’t even realize he had. Lucie wants Ryder to develop a relationship with their daughter but she wants to buy this huge, historic house in town. Ryder owns the the house, and he refuses to sell it to Lucie. Lucie is determined to start her own business in town and Ryder’s vacant historic house is the only suitable place nearby that’s available for use.

As they “duke it out” about the possession/purchase of the house, the couple grows closer, recalling their spring romance.

This book shows how people make mistakes and then suffer the consequences of those mistakes. It also shows that we need to lean on God during rough times and to ask Him for forgiveness for our sins. Ryder clings to his pain from a past mistake instead of leaning on Jesus and asking Him for forgiveness. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of past pain and move on, and this book is prime example of how to let go of our pain and find solace in God’s grace. A nice read.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Mom In The Making – A Sweet Inspirational Romance

Mom In The Making by Kit Wilkinson

Pregnant, Becky is in Glendale (her deceased husband, Tommy’s, hometown). Her mission is to bond with her cold, unfeeling mother-in-law and teach her about Jesus. However, Becky finds this very difficult to do since her MIL has never approved of Becky’s union with Tommy.

Becky’s life takes an interesting turn when she meets Justin. Justin was Tommy’s childhood best friend and Becky finds this hard to believe – why had Tommy never mentioned Justin before – she knew all of Tommy’s friends.

As Becky battles gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, Justin deals with his own battle of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. He’s a doctor/pilot who’s been sent home from the military and now he’s back in Glendale and finds himself smitten with Becky.

As Justin grows closer to Becky as they work together on a school play, Becky learns that there are secrets lurking between Justin’s and Tommy’s families – secrets she’s not fully aware of. Can Justin and Becky overcome all of their obstacles and love one another?

This book flowed really well and it was enjoyable. I also enjoyed reading about the medical issues that Becky faced and the mental issues that Justin had to deal with. The characters and situations were very realistic and the story was extremely engaging.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Sheriff’s Runaway Bride – A Sweet Romance – Steeple Hill Love Inspired

The Sheriff’s Runaway Bride

Kylie abandons her fiance minutes before her wedding – after all, she’s just found him kissing another woman. She literally runs into Zach, the new sheriff in Clayton. Zach is back in town as the sheriff, however, he’s  not here to stay. He’s only here temporarily until he fulfills a familial obligation – an obligation that could bring him a nice inheritance. Kylie has big dreams. She’s determined to become a wedding planner in a big town, therefore leaving Clayton. She’s only staying in Clayton to work to help out her financially destitute family. She almost married the wrong guy for the wrong reasons – she’d hoped her marriage would save her family from their financial plight, however, she’s glad that she discovered the true nature about her ex right before the nuptials.

There’s a slightly mysterious thread throughout this story. Zach befriends a fatherless girl, a girl who looks exactly like him. Could Zach be related to the youngster? Also, Kylie is receiving gifts and letters from her secret admirer, and things are also vandalized, leading her to believe her ex is behind these cruel pranks.

This is a light, fun book that’s pretty enjoyable. You can probably read it in a few days. The slightly suspenseful thread is not overpowering, though. It’s still a good, heartwarming sweet romance.

~Cecelia Dowdy~ 

Home To Crossroads Ranch – A Sweet Romance

Home To Crossroads Ranch

Nate Del Rio doesn’t want kids, at all. He’s still taking care of his adult siblings – and his siblings take advantage of him by calling upon Nate to bail them out after each of their financial crisis. However, he soon finds himself enmeshed within the lives of Rainy Jernagen’s foster kids. When he shows up to fix Rainy’s broken washing machine as part of a church outreach ministry, Rainy convinces him that his ranch would make a great place for her foster kids to play and to learn about animals.

Nate agrees to the children’s daily visits and soon finds himself getting smitten with Rainy. However, she’s a beautiful, brownie-baking foster mom, determined to help children by taking care of them. Although drawn to the children, Nate knows that he’d make a terrible father. He’s failed his siblings in the past, that’s why he allows them to come to him during every crisis. However, Nate harbors a dark secret, a secret that explains his aversion to children and fatherhood.

This was a sweet, heartwarming and enjoyable story. There was also a yummy brownie recipe in the back of the book! I might try to make them!

 ~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Heart’s Song – A Sweet Romance

Here’s a brief summary of a nice, sweet, inspirational romance that I read recently.

Widow Reeny Landry has suddenly received money to use as a memorial to her deceased husband. Amidst some strong objections from town members and from her mother-in-law, Reeny decides to start a handbell choir in honor of her late spouse. Reeny is attracted to people who need love and attention, and her handbell choir is used to help others who need this activity as an outlet.

Widower and math teacher Graham Lockwood is new in town and he’s Reeny’s next door neighbor. Graham is suffering from a recent loss and he’s pushed God out of his life. He is somewhat irritated by Reeny’s breezy, God-inspired attitude. When Reeny needs someone to help her lead the handbell choir, Graham is a natural choice since he’s a musician, and she can’t find anybody else to fill the position.

I enjoy reading stories with disabled characters. I thought this book was kind of interesting and I learned something new by reading it! Reeny has a daughter who is mute. Her mute child becomes a member of the handbell choir and it gives the child a vocal-like outlet since she can’t speak. I rarely hear of this type of handicap – I usually hear of it associated with deafness, trauma, throat cancer, or mental issues. Rarely have I heard of someone being born without the ability to speak (unless associated with the issues I mentioned in the previous sentence).

Reeny also has another child, a son, who gently objects to his mother’s growing feelings towards his math teacher.

This story was light and entertaining and it showed how we need to embrace God, even when we suffer from tragedy and hardship.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

First Mates Now Available On The Kindle And The Nook! :-)


My Love Inspired title, First Mates, is available to order on the Nook and the Kindle. If you haven’t already read this story, be sure to download it and tell me what you think about this tale that was inspired by my multiple cruise ship trips!

A cruise around the Caribbean offered just what Rainy Jackson needed to get over her faithless ex-fiancé—sun, swimming and solitude. As the heat sank into her bones, she began to feel interest in the world again…and in handsome fellow passenger Winston Michaels.

Winston had also hoped for time alone to reflect. But finding a friend in faith in the lovely Rainy helped him deal with his twin sister’s death without relying on unhealthy means of deadening the pain. And Winston’s outlook brightened further when dates back home in Miami brought him and Rainy even closer. Would Rainy be the one to share Winston’s life voyage?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

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!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

September 17, 2010 – Day 1 For ACFW


I arrived in Indianapolis yesterday and shared a ride with another ACFW member to the hotel. So far, the hotel has been somewhat nice, but I’ve noticed that I have to wait a LONG TIME for elevators and when you get on an elevator, it’s usually filled to capacity. I’ve run into LOTS of authors and I’m not sure if I can even attempt to list them all here. I did have a lot of conversations last night and my throat hurts from talking so much. I had lunch with ACFW member Dani Pettrey and my roommate Chandra Smith . Lunch was great. There was a chef making pasta to order and I’d never had that before, and it was tasty. I ran into author Tracie Peterson during lunch and it was great to see her! I hadn’t seen her in YEARS! She was instrumental in helping me to land my first and third book contract!

After lunch, I had a long chat with author Ramona Cecil about her historicals. We also talked a lot about writing for Barbour. I was then approached by author Jennifer Rogers Spinola and we chatted for awhile and I gave her a copy of Chesapeake Weddings.

Praise and worship was awesome! I also was glad to see my former critique partner, Rose McCauley receive her first publishing contract for a Christmas historical novella!!! 🙂 The novella is being published by Barbour Publishing! Yea! 🙂

I talked to authors Pat Simmons and I spoke with Vanessa Miller about her novel, Long Time Coming. It’s an emotional read that’ll bring tears to your eyes and I plan on posting a review later this year, closer to the released date of the novel.

I went to my room for a few minutes and by the time I got to dinner, most of the over six hundred people attending this conference were already seated! I found a seat in the back next to Jim Rubart, author of Rooms. Author Jenny Jones and Abington editor Barbara Scott were also at the table. I was able to talk to Barbara Scott about my writing and I was glad that I was able to do that.

After dinner, I attended two late night chats. One was for Summerside Press. Apparently, you need an agent to submit to them. It doesn’t appear that you can submit to them via conference appointment unless you have an agent. I do enjoy their books and I’ve reviewed a number of their titles on this blog. They’re still looking for unique settings for their Love Finds You Line and they’ve added a few lines to their house, too, and the two editors talked about that for a bit. I think these books have lovely covers, too!

After the Summerside Press chat, I went to the Steeple Hill chat and afterwards spoke with editor Tina Columbo James. If you’re looking to submit someplace and you’re unagented and unpublished, I think SH would be a great place to submit, especially since they take unagented submissions and I’ve noticed they have a habit of granting contracts to new authors.

During both the Summerside Press and Steeple Hill chats I had long conversations with a number of authors, but my fingers and getting a bit tired from typing and breakfast is coming up soon, and I don’t feel like trying to recall all the names of whom I spoke with after the chats! I know I talked to author Ginny Aiken for awhile and Merrilee Wren and Lynette Sowell.

Author Michelle Sutton’s chocolate party was great! I talked to a bunch of people here, too, including author Laurie Alice Eakes, Gail Sattler, Lena Nelson Dooley and a bunch of others! I saw Julie Lesssman, author of the hot and steamy inspirational Daughters of Boston series, and that was a treat!

I hope to post another blog entry later today or tomorrow! I did bring my camera with me, but, so far, I haven’t taken any pics! But, others have taken pics of me, so, when I can get ahold of some, I’ll post on the blog!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

The Sweets


I’ve recently read the following Love Inspired novels. These are what I call sweet, inspirational, endearing romances that aren’t too complex. The storylines are simple, and you can enjoy one in a few hours since they are so short.




The Pastor Takes A Wife by Anna Schmidt
Everyone in Singing Springs, Wisconsin, is talking about the handsome new pastor. Except single mother Megan Osbourne. With a checkered past, she knows not to speculate about others. Or think for one dreamy minute that Jeb Matthews would even notice her. Yet there she is, telling him about her life and not feeling judged. Soon she’s even helping him set up a church youth center and becoming more a part of the community than ever. And when Jeb slowly opens up to her about why he gave up his former life, she hopes the pastor will soon take a loving wife—her.

Megan is the town outcast. She got pregnant in high school and the father of her baby (a high school star football player) abandoned her, going to college on scholarship and convincing the town that Megan has lied about the paternity of her baby. Devestated, Megan continues to live in the town although she doesn’t feel well-liked or well-respected. Plus, she doesn’t have high self-esteem and she’s always putting the needs of others before her own needs. When the new pastor comes to town, she feels drawn to the newcomer. However, why would Jeb, a handsome pastor with a doctorate degree, want to be with her, an high-school educated single mother who’s never been married before. As they spend time together, they find themselves drawn to each other, and Megan finds that Pastor Jeb has some secrets of his own lurking in his past.

The Baby Bond by Linda Goodnight
Firefighter Nic Carano relishes his bachelor lifestyle. Then he loses his heart to a rescued baby. And when he meets the infant’s lovely aunt–suddenly a mother–Nic starts considering love, marriage…and a baby carriage.

Yet Cassidy Willis isn’t convinced. Nic’s been a lifesaver with all that he has done, along with his big-hearted family and fellow firefighters, to help the new mom. But after all she’s been through, could she really be happy with someone whose life is always in danger? Now it’s up to Nic to show Cassidy that his bond with her and the baby is forever.

Cassidy’s life takes a drastic turn when her sister and her sister’s husband are suddenly killed in a fire. Firefighter Nic Carano rescues Cassidy’s nephew and Cassidy suddenly finds herself the new single mother of her infant nephew. Nic discovers that Cassidy is all alone and he vows to help her through her plight. He bonds with Cassidy’s infant nephew, and finds himself drawn to Cassidy as well. However, Cassidy, orphaned at a young age, is hesitant about having a relationship with Nic. He’s a firefighter, and she’s had more than her fair share of brushes with traumatic fires and natural disasters. Nic has a dangerous profession, and she doesn’t want to love him, only to lose him in the blazes of a fire. Also, Nic is a playboy – he has more female friends than Cassidy can count, and she wonders if he could seriously handle a mature romantic relationship. Both of these two lovebirds need to learn trust God with their romantic intentions and not worry about their fears.

A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter
A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS When her fiancé was killed just three weeks before their wedding, violinist Shelby Franklin’s “happily ever after” dreams were shattered. The discovery of her unplanned pregnancy guaranteed those dreams would never be rebuilt.

A KNIGHT IN A BIKE HELMET Tall, husky cyclist Tucker Sharpe promised his dying brother he’d look after Shelby. When he learned there was a baby on the way, a marriage of convenience seemed his only option. But would love for the unborn child be enough to bring them — and keep them — together?

Shelby was in love and on her way to the alter…now she’s alone – her fiance killed in an accident. Tucker has promised his deceased adopted brother that he’d care for his fiancee if anything should happen to him. Tucker finds he has to keep that promise, and with the promise comes more responsibility – Tucker also needs to care for Shelby’s unborn child.

Shelby is initially appalled at the idea of marrying Tucker. However, she does, eventually, find herself drawn to the big attractive biker. She also finds herself resenting Tucker because she’s always felt that Tucker thought she was not good enough to marry his little brother.

Shelby has secrets lurking in her past, and this book has a subtle suspenseful thread. Shelby feels as if she’s being watched and followed, and she has no idea who’s sniffing around, trying to scare her.

A tragic event occurs, and it appears that it may shatter Tucker’s and Shelby’s relationship.

Shelby finds that she needs to face the fears of her past in order to have a happy, fullfilling life.

Rainbow’s End by Irene Hannon
Shelter from the storm… To lessen the pain of his wife’s death, Keith Michaels headed cross-country. Yet though he had reached the Pacific Northwest, he still felt broken, empty and alone. When a sudden storm stranded him with the local widow, who was no elderly matron, but a reclusived young woman. What was it about shy Jill Whelan and her charming cottage that made Keith want to stop his wandering ways? Did faith and love await him at Rainbow’s End?

A vagrant, Keith finds himself staying overnight in an empty cottage on a young widow’s property. The young widow, Jill, lives in the town of Rainbow’s End. She lives alone, and has minimal contact with people. Due to an accident, half of her face his terribly scarred, and she’s resorted to spending the rest of her life all alone. In spite of her scars, Keith finds himself attracted to the young widow, and she hires him to build an art studio on her property.

As the story unfolds, Keith and Jill find themselves helping a practically homeless boy, and falling in love with one another. However, Keith has secrets about his past that Jill doesn’t know about. Can she trust him? Why has he suddenly appeared in Rainbow’s End, broke, as if he’s running away from something? Keith needs to learn to face his own fears and to tell Jill the truth about his past.

This book was different than most romance novels because the heroine is severly disfigured. Usually in romance novels, the heroes and heroines are attractive…and that’s not the case in this story.

All four of these romances were heartwarming, simple reads that you’ll enjoy.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Mom’s The Word By Marilynn Griffith

Mom’s The Word by Marilynn Griffith

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Steeple Hill (January 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373786417
ISBN-13: 978-0373786411

When her tall, dark, delicious husband joins their three kids in calling her “Mom,” Karol Simons has an identity crisis. Sure she loves the pint-sized trio, but what’s happened to her dreams of writing a novel? Determined to have it all, she turns to her neighbor for help.

Dyanne Thornton is thrilled to stand in as Mom for three weeks so Karol can write. Bursting with baby fever, the career-woman trades her glamorous clothes and four-inch heels for the playground and potty training. She hopes to convince her reluctant husband they should start a family of their own, right away.

Everyone’s in for some big surprises….

This book was a refreshing read that took me back in time – back to the days when I was growing up and we were close to our next-door neighbors. Karol misses her best friend, Hope and Hope’s husband, Singh. Their former next-door neighbors and their tribe of children have moved away leaving Karol mystified and sad. Their new neighbors, Dyanne and Neal, are quite different from their old neighbors. Dyanne is a career woman, and she fancies herself as a future mom, only if she can convince her husband that it’s time for them to multiply.

When you add Fallon, a mature eccentric author, into Dyanne’s and Neal’s household, the story becomes even more interesting.

Karol is facing a crises – she wants to write her book but has no time since she’s a full-time mommy. Dyanne wants to try her hand at motherhood so she steps in, offering to help Karol and her family while Karol takes a vacation from being a parent so that she can finish writing her book.

Both couples find their marriages in trouble when Karol discovers the real reason that Hope and Singh left and Dyanne and Neal face their own problems especially when Dyanne continues her quest for pregnancy.

I recommend this book if you want a good, insightful, refreshing story that you’ll read pretty quickly. The characters are quirky, but realistic and I believe lots of people could find something in this book that they can relate to.

I haven’t gone off on a tangent like this for a book review in a long time, but this novel got me to thinking about my childhood. We were close to our next-door neighbors when we lived on the military base. I recall playing at each other’s houses and I remember my mother being friends with the mom who lived next door. I remember she was a large woman who wore glasses and she had a loud voice. When she laughed, she threw her head back and opened her mouth so wide that I could sometimes see her tonsils when she was laughing about something! I remember their names, but not sure if I should post them here! I did look up the boy on Facebook and I think I found him! I’m not sure if he’d remember me if I contacted him, though!

The reason why I have fond memories of next-door neighbors is because it’s something that I have NOT experienced as an adult. After getting out of college and working full time, living in apartments and houses, I just never really connected with next-door neighbors the way we did while on the military base when I was a kid.

Are you close to your next-door neighbors? Do you think people are close to their neighbors nowadays, or are people just too busy working and living their own lives to develop close relationships with people in their neighborhood?

~Cecelia Dowdy~