Monthly Archives: September 2013

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

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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

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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?

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

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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.

Saturday Matinee – My Best Friend’s Wedding – A Classic! :-)

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My Best Friend’s Wedding

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?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Congrats To The Carol Award Winners!

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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?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

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

The Edge Of Grace

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The Edge of Grace

The Edge of Grace by Christa Allan

You’ve just discovered your sibling is gay – what would you do? How would you react? This is the premise of Christa Allen’s novel, The Edge of Grace.

Caryn is a young widow, struggling to raise her elementary-school-aged son alone. She owns her own catering business and she tries her best to solicit food orders so that she can pay her rising mortgage. In the midst her business struggle, she’s avoiding her brother, David, because he’s gay. He’s called her suddenly, announcing he’s gay for the first time. Being gay goes against her religious beliefs, so, she doesn’t allow her son to interact with his Uncle David.

This book dealt with a tough issue – homosexuality – an issue that you rarely see in Christian fiction. I felt Caryn a bit too judgmental, but, I could imagine lots of Christians reacting like she did when they heard the news about their sibling. Also, I found it interesting how Caryn dealt with her brother’s admission. It was a struggle that weighed upon her for a long time.

I enjoyed reading this book – it was extremely well written, and made you stop and think about homosexuality. If you like reading food descriptions, this book is for you! Since Caryn is a caterer, all kinds of desserts and tasty foods are described! Yum!

So, what would you do if you discovered your sibling was gay? What would you say to him or her?

Bittersweet Memories

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bittersweet Memories

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bittersweet Memories

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Fall Into Love Contest!

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Announcing the FALL INTO LOVE ultimate giveaway!

Join us as award-winning authors Tracie Peterson, Jody Hedlund, Nancy Mehl, Melissa Tagg, and Jen Turano take us on a journey for love in their upcoming novels. To celebrate the September/October book releases, we’re hosting FIVE incredible giveaways with ONE fantastic grand prize drawing. Enter all five contests and receive FIVE entries into the grand prize drawing with additional chances to enter the FALL INTO LOVE ultimate giveaway throughout the month of September!

The Prizes:

ONE GRAND PRIZE winner will receive the FALL INTO LOVE prize package – a $500 value!

– containing everything you need to snuggle up with a great book…

• A 16GB Kindle Fire HD for all the books you want, right at your fingertips

• Fall into love as you fall into this beautiful free-standing wooden hammock

• A Sherpa & Micromink cream throw to keep you warm as the weather turns chilly

• A selection of gourmet caramel apples

• A copy of each novel represented Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl, Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund, A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano, The Miner’s Lady by Tracie Peterson, and Made to Last by Melissa Tagg.

FIVE INDIVIDUAL PRIZE PACKAGES! Fall into love with these beautiful stories from 5 amazing authors, and enter each contest for your chance to take home a meaningful part of their story. To learn more about each novel and to enter visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com.

1) The Miner’s Lady: From award winning author Tracie Peterson, comes a beautiful story rich with the comfort of good food, the love of family, and the struggle for faith and forgiveness. Have a seat in Nonni’s Italian kitchen with a basket of cultural delicacies and experience both the flavor and heart of Italian America with The Miner’s Lady Giveaway! ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

2) Unforeseeable: Settle into your favorite reading chair with author Nancy Mehl’s delicious story of intrigue, danger, and suspense, all set against the serene setting of the small Mennonite town of Kingdom. Enter the Unforeseeable Giveaway to bring the delicious tastes of Mennonite life right into your home… ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

3) Made To Last: From author Melissa Tag comes the story of Miranda Woodruff, star of a home-building television show who apparently has it all, until it all threatens to fall apart. Read, laugh, and enjoy the hilarious misadventures of a heroine with a tremendous amount of skill, a lot to lose, and even more to discover about her own heart. As part of the Made to Last Giveaway, experience the joy of having the right tools, the right guides, and something beautiful to reward yourself with on a job well done. ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

4) Rebellious Heart: From Best selling author Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart brings the history of 1763 Massachusetts to life with the story of socialite Susanna Smith and poor country lawyer Ben Ross. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice. Bring the fight for justice and liberty to your home with this meaningful prize package. ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

5) A Talent for Trouble: Set in the early 1900’s, Jen Turano’s spirited new book, A Talent for Trouble, will leave you feeling like you have lived in the Victorian era of New York City, strolled through Central Park with your best hat on, and had a hilarious and unpredictable adventure with a new friend. With the prize package for A Talent for Trouble you can continue the adventure and bring some of Felicia’s journey home with you. ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1st!

How to Enter:

Click on one of the banners or visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com to submit your information. Each week during the five-week contest, we will reveal a new method of entering and increasing your chances for the grand prize.

Week 1: Enter one or all of the individual novel giveaways. For every individual giveaway you enter, you gain one entry into the grand prize drawing. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 2: Like one or all authors on Facebook. Every author liked gains you one entry into the grand prize. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 3: Refer a friend. One grand prize entry awarded per friend, per contest. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 4: Submit a review of any book by one (or all) of the five featured authors. 3 entries awarded per review per author (limit one per author). (Possible grand prize entries: 15) **

Week 5: Pin a picture of you with one of the 5 featured novels. One grand prize entry awarded per picture per novel. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

To enter via the methods available week 2-5, visit each individual giveaway and submit your information through the entry form. Follow the prompts for completing your bonus entries.

**Reviews can be submitted to Amazon, Goodreads, or your own blog. To enter the contest via this method, paste a URL to the review in the entry form where indicated. Entries will be verified before final grand prize drawing.

More Information:

For details about the contest, prize packages, entry methods, or contest rules, visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com.

Saturday Matinee – Flipped!

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Flipped

Do you remember your childhood sweetheart? How old were you? Who was the first boy or girl that caught your eye, making you believe you were in love?

This was an endearing, sweet young adult movie about first love. Juli is just a child when Bryce moves into her neighborhood. From the moment she sees him, she realizes he’s her one and only love. The story starts when they’re around seven (like a prologue) and then it jumps forward and they’re twelve years old. Juli is still in love with Bryce, and she’s courageous. She’s mesmerized by nature and when the county threatens to chop down her favorite tree, she climbs into the tree, refusing to leave, and is disheartened when Bryce does not help her with her tree-saving cause.

Juli believes that Bryce is her true love, but, is he really the right man for her? Her love for him falters when she discovers things about him, hears him say things about her family, making her doubt her love for him.

I highly recommend this movie for those who love a good romance. Even though the kids are twelve, it’s still a story that adults can enjoy.

So, did you have a childhood crush? Do you remember your first love? How old were you and who was the first boy or girl that caught your eye, making you believe you were in love?

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Ten-Year Wedding Anniversary!

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Today is my 10-year wedding anniversary!!! Happy anniversary to my beloved husband, Christopher Lloyd Toomer! I love you!

~Cecelia Dowdy Toomer~

The Other Daughter

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from the blog archives….

Other Daughter, The: A Novel (Paperback)
by Miralee Ferrell
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (October 31, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825426596
ISBN-13: 978-0825426599

How would you react if your husband’s unknown illegitimate child was forced into your life? Would his/her presence ruin your marriage?

From Amazon:
Book Description
Susanne Carson’s well-ordered family life is thrown into devastating chaos when Brianna, a young teen, appears on her doorstep, claiming to be the daughter of Susanne’s husband, David. The revelation of David’s apparent betrayal adds strain to an already fragile marriage. Will this shocking discovery drive the family apart, or will it draw them closer to God? Guaranteed fiction!

I enjoyed reading this book. I think what I loved most about it was that the author took some tough issues, issues that I’m sure a lot of families are dealing with, and shows us how we need to lean on God during troubled times.

The obvious conflict, David fathering another child, wreaks havoc on their home. Also, Susanne’s faith in God is practically non-existent. Susanne’s and David’s marriage is already in trouble due to their spiritual differences, and having an illegitimate daughter to show up in the midst of a faltering marriage offers the reader a conflict that takes some time to resolve.

Also, Brianna’s sudden appearance affects Meagan and Josh, David and Susanne’s children. They now have a new sister, and although they bond quicker with Brianna than Susanne and David do, it’s still tough-going for them when a serious accident occurs, harming Meagan. Brianna is stricken with guilt and wonders if she’ll ever be a real part of the family.

Susanne has a tough time accepting David’s other daughter, and she drowns her sorrows with alcohol, and her views are swayed further when her worldly friend, Gina, tries to create more havoc in the Carson household by doling out bad advice.

The characters seem so real in this book. When you see Brianna struggling, you just want to hug her, hold her, help her, and pray for her! I loved the way Brianna’s paternal grandfather had an immediate affection for his newly-found grandchild.

I recommend this book for those who like a good Christian read dealing with some tough issues.

So, how would you react if your husband’s unknown illegitimate child was forced into your life? Would his/her presence ruin your marriage?

I also wanted to mention some other Christian fiction titles that deal with illegitimate children. The following three books deal with this issue and I found these novels enjoyable and thought-provoking:

Other Daughter, The: A Novel (Paperback)
by Miralee Ferrell
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (October 31, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825426596
ISBN-13: 978-0825426599

I recommend this book for those who like a good Christian read dealing with some tough issues.