Pages

Monday, 7 April 2014

ACRBA Tour - Rocky Mountain Romance by Lesley Ann McDaniel


7th - 11th  April  2014

About the Book


SHEILA MACINTOSH IS HEAD OVER HEELS FOR BEN JACOBS

But they haven't spoken since his sister Courtney's wedding last summer. Now that they're back together again on Courtney's Montana ranch, Sheila's wondering if she only imagined that Ben cared for her—and their time together was just a beautiful dream.

Ben's crazy about Sheila, but he's too shy to tell her, and he's praying for another chance to win her affections. Can this sweet computer expert overcome his shyness and show her that sometimes dreams really do come true?




About the Author

While earning a degree in acting, Lesley Ann McDaniel fell in love with theatrical costuming, and pursued that as a career while nurturing her passion for writing on the side. Through God’s guidance, she has shifted her focus to honing her skills as a writer of women’s and young adult fiction. She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and of a wonderful critique group. A native Montanan and a Big Sky girl at heart, Lesley now resides in the Seattle area.

Author Interview:
1.    Can you tell us something interesting readers may not know about you?
 
Well, people might not know that I’ve worked in professional costuming for years. I’ve worked on lots of Broadway tours, and a few movies. Observing people in this crazy business has proven helpful in developing characters for my books.
 
2.    Where did you get the inspiration for "Rocky Mountain Romance"?
 
The inspiration for my “Montana Hearts” series basically came from growing up in Montana, even though I’ve never lived anywhere near a ranch. The idea for this particular book pretty much sprang up from the first book in the series, “Lights, Cowboy, Action”. That was where I first met Sheila and Ben, and decided it would be fun to develop their story.  
 
3.    What did you find most fun in writing these books?
 
The most fun thing about writing this series was getting to escape to Thornton Springs, Montana. It’s a fictional town, but it was inspired by a couple of real places in Montana. I could easily live in a small town, although of course there’s an advantage to being able to invent the ideal place.
 
 
4.    What would you like readers to take out of reading your books?
 
Of course the first thing is for them to be entertained. I love it when readers tell me they enjoyed visiting Thornton Springs and didn't want to leave. The underlying hope of course is that readers will be inspired by the lessons learned by the characters.
 
5.    A fun question to end. If you were to recommend somewhere in Montana for readers to visit where would it be?
 
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you haven’t visited Montana until you’ve been to the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg. It’s an old fashioned candy store that’s bound to make anybody happy.
 
6.    Where can we find you on the web?
 

You can visit my website at www.lesleyannmcdaniel.com or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LesleyAnnMcDaniel


My Thoughts:
I didn't manage to read this one. I just don't read e-books. Maybe one day I'll read it but for now, I hope you get your hands on a copy and enjoy it!

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

2014 TBR Pile Challenge - February and March Update

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!


Ok, I know. I missed an update! I got to over half way through March and realised that I hadn't given an update, but then I'd only read 2 books for this challenge in February, so I decided to do an update for 2 months at the end of March!

February:

  • The Crossing by Gilbert Morris
  • Jennifer by Dee Henderson
I went on to read the rest of the O'Malley series, so it was a good reading month, just not for the challenge!

March:
I managed 3 books for the month, and almost squeezed in a 4th, but didn't finish it until this morning, so I'll catch you up on that one in my next update and keep you in suspense for now!
  • Christy Miller's Diary by Robin Jones Gunn
  • Decorating Without Fear by Sharon Hanby-Robie
  • The Story Girl by L M Montgomery
So, I've now finished 12 of 29 from my original TBR Pile list!

Now, you might be wondering why some of these books have been on my TBR pile for a while, and the simple reason is that some of my reading preferences have changed since these books arrived on my shelf. I'm more interested in contemporary than historical novels; biographies I tend to only read once, and since I had already read them once in my lifetime the appeal for them has waned.

How about you?
Have you made any progress on your TBR pile?
Is there a reason why a book (or many) have sat in your pile for a long time?

Let me know! I'd love to know what your thoughts are!

Monday, 31 March 2014

ACRBA Tour - Dave the Donkey by Andrew McDonough


31 March - 4 April  2014
is introducing

Dave the Donkey

by

Andrew McDonough



About the Book

Jerusalem. A lone rider approaches. The cheering crowd swarm to greet him. The King has come, mounted upon his mighty steed Dave the Donkey! Join Dave, his Grandpa and Jesus in this epic Easter tale of power, courage, death and resurrection. If you like Black Beauty you will love Dave the Donkey.






About the Author


Andrew McDonough is the creator of the popular Lost Sheep resources. He has written and illustrated 21 children's stories that are used in schools and churches around the world. Based in South Australia, Andrew belongs to the WestCare community, an inner city mission working amongst the homeless, supporting people struggling with addictions and advocating for refugees. He regularly visits schools & churches to tell stories, conduct workshops, preach and lead all-age worship services. He and the Lost Sheep team have a passion to provide high quality Biblical storytelling resources to children’s workers, pastors and parents. Andrew’s stories including Cecil the Lost Sheep, Jesus and the Children, Echidnas on Everest and his latest book, Tina the Tree

https://www.lostsheep.com.au/




My Thoughts:
I love this book!!! The funny thing is that as soon as I opened the parcel I giggled. Mostly because I have a brother Dave!! And then as I read the book, it sounded so much like a story my brother would tell and the way he would tell it. And I could hear the voice of my Grandfather with those parts!!!

Another great thing about this book are the resources you can get through the Lost Sheep website (some free, some requiring you to buy them) that go along with this and the other books in the series.

I'm planning to read this on Easter Sunday to the 2-5 year olds in crèche! I can't wait for their reaction!!

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Moving Music

Love this music ... to bad it's not on the actual soundtrack CD. If you want it, you have to get the soundtrack for Life as a House.

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Kids Again





I think life was much simpler when I was a child. I'm glad I grew up when I did.

Monday, 3 March 2014

ACRBA Tour - Falling for the Farmer by Narelle Atkins


3 - 7 March 2014
is introducing

Falling for the Farmer

Heartsong Presents

By
About the Book

KATE LAWSON IS A RUNAWAY BRIDE

And she’s incredibly grateful when Jack Bradley offers her a job on his apple farm. Working side by side in the orchards with her best friend’s brother seems like the perfect way to get over her disastrous engagement. Until Kate finds herself falling hard for the handsome farmer.

Jack Bradley knows city-girl Kate isn’t here to stay. Yet suddenly he’s imagining a life with her in the country. When Kate considers going back to the city, can Jack find a way to show her that her real home is here on the farm, by his side?


About the Author

NARELLE ATKINS writes contemporary inspirational romance and lives in Canberra, Australia. She sold her debut novel, set in Australia, to Harlequin's Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line in a six-book contract. She is also a member of International Christian Fiction Writers group blog.http://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com
Narelle is a co-founder with Jenny Blake of the Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance (ACRBA). http://acrba.blogspot.com 
Her debut book, Falling for the Farmer, will be a February 2014 release, followed by The Nurse's Perfect Match in May 2014 andThe Doctor's Return in August 2014.

Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins

My Thoughts:
I liked this book. Not just because it was a Heartsong book set in Australia, but because I liked the story! Kate and Jack are realistic characters and I really liked it that the story was mostly set out of the city.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Narelle's books as they come out!

Thursday, 20 February 2014

ACRBA Tour - From Eden with Love by Ray Hawkins



17 - 21 February 2014
is introducing

From Eden with Love by 

Even Before Publishing

By

Ray Hawkins


About the Book
Be taken on a tour of the Majesty of Marriage through 31 days of 'From Eden with Love.'

Discover the Heavenly mystery underpinning the meaning of the Christian Marriage.



About the Author

Ray Hawkins, retired after over 40 years as a Churches of Christ minister, enjoys sharing themes from the Scriptures through Devotional writing. Married to Mary, multi-published inspirational romance author, they have three children and five grandchildren. Ray shares his insights in his first two books on Marriage and Children with more ideas to come about ministry and much more. Living in Beauty Point Tasmania Ray heads up a new Christian Fellowship as well as doing relief preaching, community work and writing.

My Thoughts:

I really like Ray's devotional books, but I wasn't sure about reading this one because I'm not married and have no prospects. However, I found many things that are still relevant for me as a single woman.

Some things I read are things I can put into practice in the relationships I have with other people, while other things are tucked away in my mind to prepare myself for marriage (one day, I hope).

Saturday, 8 February 2014

A George Bailey Moment

No, not the Australian Cricketer, the character from that classic movie watched by millions of people each Christmas, 'It's A Wonderful Life'.


Not that I wish I had never been born - life is too interesting for that. And I'm not suicidal. A woman just has certain questions that need to be put into words, and thoughts that must be expressed even if there are currently no answers.

When your 32nd birthday is almost upon you and life has not gone how you thought it might, and if you were only allowed 2 words to describe the previous year and they are 'isolation' and 'loneliness' ... hence the George Bailey moment.

So for those of you who I actually know out of cyber space, these questions and thoughts are for you.

If I was to suddenly disappear, would you even notice I wasn't there?

Of course if I didn't show up for work or the ministries I am a part of you would, but what about in a purely social setting?

When in the past 10 years (because that is how long I've been in my current location) were you the one to approach me, not because you needed me to do something, but because you just wanted to chat and find out how  I was going?

When did you invite me to something, not because I just happened to be standing with another person you were asking or because it was the socially acceptable thing to do, but because you actually wanted me there?

If I wasn't at church one Sunday, did you check up on me to see if I was OK?

Is it really that hard to add one more person into your circle of friends?

Why is it that you tell people about how 'wonderful' a friend I am, but don't actually take the time to be a real friend to me?

Why am I the only one making an effort at friendship?

What would you do if I stopped being friendly towards you? Would you try to find out why or just go back to your original circle of friends?

To be perfectly honest, I'm tired of trying to be friends with you without any hope of returned friendship.

I hate feeling this way when my birthday is upon me.

I just need a few real friends - ones who are around and there for me.
I love it that my best friend is serving God in another part of the world, but it's very lonely without her.

So, my challenge to you is - will you think about the people around you; the ones who are offering friendship, but you don't have time for?
They could be the best friends you will ever have, but you're missing it because you won't reach out to them.

Friday, 7 February 2014

2014 TBR Pile Challenge - January Update

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!


Hmmm ... I had almost forgotten about this with the beginning of the new school year.

Let's see which books I read in January.


    • Inspirational Romance Reader: Historical Collection Vol. 2 by Brenda Bancroft, Kate Blackwell, JoAnn A Grote and Sally Laity
    • Betrayal on the Border by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
    • Redeeming Sarah's Present by Mildred Colvin
    • Perfect Ways by Jeri Odell
    • Inspirational Romance Reader: Historical Collection Vol. 1 by Colleen L Reece, Maryn Langer, Norene Morris and Tracie Peterson
    • Blues Along the River by Sandra Robbins
    • Romance at Rainbow's End by Colleen L Reece
    So there you are, of the 29 books originally listed I have read 7! Not a bad start!