Friday, March 29, 2013

Sharing Easter Sweet & Treats

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If you saw last week's Recipe Round-Up and were wishing it was a sweet collection instead, then you're in luck this week! Between the strawberry shortcake, lemon bars and the the coconut cream pie, we all have a favorite goodie to share (and eat!) on Easter Sunday. Share them with US in today's round-up...we're looking forward to dessert already!
So, tell us...
What are your favorite EASTER DESSERT recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

(Want something savory instead? Check out last week's Recipe Round-Up!)


This easy recipe from 101 Farmhouse Favorites combines the conveniece of a shortcut ingredient with a from-scratch crumble and fresh berries...it's the perfect balance and we love it!
Super Berry Crisp 
Sandy Widdows of Tucson, Arizona, shared this recipe with us. She writes, "I made this recipe one day with only the ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be one of my husband's favorites...now I make it all the time!"
SuperBerryCrispDONE21-oz. can cherry pie filling
2 c. fresh blueberries
1/4 c. butter
1/3 c. long-cooking oats, uncooked
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 t. sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
Garnish: whipped cream
Pour pie filling into an ungreased 9" pie plate; fold in blueberries. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add remaining ingredients except garnish to melted butter, stirring to coat well. Spread oat mixture over fruit in pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until topping is crisp and golden. Garnish individual servings with whipped cream. Serves 8.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.


Link up your favorite EASTER DESSERT recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using the handy button below.

GBPRecipeRoundUp
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.
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 Even if you don't have a blog, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!





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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Threads of Hope by Christa Allen

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Threads of Hope
Abingdon Press (March 1, 2013)
by
Christa Allan

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa is a writer of not your usual Christian Fiction. She weaves stories of unscripted grace and redemption with threads of hope, humor, and heart. Christa is the mother of five adult children, a grandmother of three, and a brand new retired teacher. She and her husband Ken live in New Orleans with their three cats and do their best to dodge hurricanes.

And, since she is not fond of writing about herself in third person, she asked her oldest daughter to contribute. Like her mother, Erin is not at a loss for words…

ABOUT THE BOOK

Passed over for promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Nina O’Malley is further frustrated when her editor assigns her one of the “soft” stories she despises—covering a gala benefit supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt. More determined than ever to prove she deserves a promotion to the NY office, Nina decides to write a series featuring a local quilting group raising money for AIDs research. At the event, she runs into her high school nemesis: Greg is a widower and the adoptive father of Jazarah, an HIV positive girl from Ethiopia. Unlike Nina, Greg has faith in a loving God, and he trusts in God’s plan for his life. Greg and Nina grow closer, and as Nina interviews the quilt families, she begins to question the choices she has made and her lack of faith. Nina suddenly finds herself facing two possible dreams, two paths for her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Threads of Hope, go HERE.



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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Anxiously awaiting...



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Savory Easter Recipes

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Whether you're celebrating Easter with a big group or just having a backyard egg hunt, there's bound to be something tasty on the menu! This week, we're gathering up your best savory dishes for this family feast, from brunch to dinner.
So, tell us...
What are your favorite SAVORY EASTER recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

(Stay tuned next week, when we'll be looking for your Easter sweets!)


This classic Easter dish has a secret that you probably already have in your pantry! The recipe appears in our cookbook, 101 Cozy Casseroles.
Scalloped Potatoes    
Lynnette Zaunmiller from San Tan Valley, Arizona shared this recipe with us. She writes, "My mother used to make this recipe quite often...there were three of us girls and we all loved it!"
ScallopedpotatoCR3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
6 slices bacon, halved
1 onion, chopped
3 T. fried chicken coating mix
1/2 t. salt
2 c. milk
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

In a saucepan over medium heat, cover potatoes with water and cook until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, cook bacon and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Add coating mix, salt and milk to reserved drippings; cook until thickened. Fold potatoes into bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 3-1/2 quart casserole dish and bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove cover, top with cheese and bake for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serves 6.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.


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Monday, March 25, 2013

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Survivor
Zondervan (March 5, 2013)
by
DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Survivor, go HERE.


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We have a WINNER!






Denise Taylor-Dennis

Denise Taylor-DennisMarch 17, 2013 at 12:01 PM
I would love to win this for my son.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
3 
Timestamp: 2013-03-24 21:32:06 UTC


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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Pressed for deadlines

Handmade by Heidi

Got a little completed on my cross-stitch last night.  Don't have much time to post much as we are running into some serious deadlines....Like daughter's graduation and getting my quilt completed.  Here is what I got done on my counted cross-stitch...

before FNSI
after FNSI


Be on the look out for these up-coming blog hops that I will be participating in



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Friday, March 22, 2013

sewing time

Handmade by Heidi

Deadlines are getting close and I'm hoping to get some sewing in tonight and next week.   Tonight may be ify because hubby will be home.  I may get some "x" on my cross-stitch we'll see what gets done.  It has been a whirlwind, but my test is completed now I need to look to the next project that needs to be completed and that is daughter's graduation in one month.  YIKES!

Tonight is the night sew let's get sewing.  

Also I'm taking part in a blog hop in April so have to get my thoughts going on that one too.  Just never know what I might do but I know I need to get off this computer. 



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Monday, March 18, 2013

Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Catherine's Pursuit
Realms (February 5, 2013)
by
Lena Nelson Dooley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Angus McKenna was forced to give two of his daughters to families in the wagon train, he promised he'd never try to contact them. Catherine made no such pledge. But when she sets out to find her sisters, she doesn't go alone. Angus sends Collin with her. Will they discover the two women---and love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Catherine's Pursuit, go HERE.



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Friday, March 15, 2013

The Hobbit giveaway

We’re proud to announce The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey coming to Blu-ray & DVD March 19th 2013!



J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an amazing quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.




a Rafflecopter giveaway


The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to me in promotion of Warner Bros. release of the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Blog App.  Warner Bros. supplied these materials.

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WWQD



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Recipe Round-Up for St. Patrick's Day


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With St. Patrick's Day coming up, we know some of you are planning to serve up something special on the 17th. We've found so much inspiration on Pinterest and have even started our own Luck O' the Irish board there...what are you planning?
Even if you're not fixing anything Irish-inspired on Sunday, we know you have a green recipe to share, be it salad, beans, spinach or maybe even your own Shamrock Shake!
So, tell us...
What are your favorite ST. PATRICK'S DAY recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!


All the flavors of our favorite sandwich come together in this creamy soup,
found in our cookbook, 101 Hearty Recipes!
Reuben Soup
Thanks to Sandy Roy from Crestwood, Kentucky, who shared this recipe with us!

ReubenSoup2 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
4 c. chicken broth
1 c. sauerkraut, drained
    and chopped

1 bay leaf
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. cold water
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. half-and-half
1 lb. deli corned beef,
    cubed

1 c. shredded Swiss cheese
salt and white pepper to taste
Garnish: rye croutons

Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook until soft. Add broth, sauerkraut and bay leaf. Cover; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add to saucepan; stir in cream, half-and-half, corned beef and cheese. Simmer over very low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often; do not boil. Remove bay leaf and add salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with croutons. Serves 6.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.


Link up your favorite ST. PATRICK'S DAY recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using the handy button below.

GBPRecipeRoundUp
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.
 * * *
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Want to share this collection on Pinterest?
* * *
 Even if you don't have a blog, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!
 



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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Memory of Murder by Ramona Richards

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Memory of Murder
Love-Inspired Suspense
by
Ramona Richards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Ramona:

The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths.

I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.)

People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s Circle Players.

Although I’m single now, I married in 1982 and in 1987 had Rachel. She’s a cutie. Severely disabled, she’s the heroine of many an article for Special Ed Today magazine. Rachel's nurse, Phyllis, is the real life heroine of “An Act of Desperation,” which I sold to Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.

I’m not really a complex person, and my dreams are fairly straightforward: sell books, have enough money to pay the bills and travel a bit, and settle into a cottage. In early 2006, I bought the cottage, which is now more or less swamped by books and DVDs. I write at night (I’m a lifelong night owl), and I occasionally escape by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.

I’ve gone to the same church since 1993, and I even sing in the choir. It’s a small but awesome church. I’m no angel, although occasionally I play one in the backyard.

I like staying busy. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE SECRETS OF HER PAST COULD IMPERIL HER FUTURE

Lindsey Presley certainly can't imagine why anyone would want her dead-though she knows she wouldn't be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey's fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging.

For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Memory of Murder, go HERE.

Watch the book video trailer:




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Monday, March 11, 2013

Swept Away by Mary Connealy

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Swept Away
Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)
by
Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.




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