Sunday, January 26, 2014

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Scraps of Evidence
Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014)
by
Barbara Cameron


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

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




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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

For the Love of Pete by Debby Mayne

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
For the Love of Pete
B&H Books (January 15, 2014)
by
Debby Mayne


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.




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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Lightened Up!

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It's resolution season! That means setting aside the cookies and cake and pulling up a big plate of tasty vegetables and whole grains... Well, let's not get too carried away. There's always room for cookies! Whether you're trying to stick to your eating-healthier plan or just want to mix up your weeknight dinners, nothing beats a hearty, wholesome, lightened-up classic for today's tastes.
So tell us...
What are your favorite LIGHTENED-UP recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!


These Apricot-Cashew Salad Sandwiches from our cookbook Everyday Simple Suppers are a light & easy dinner winner. With tart apples, crunchy cashews and sweet dried apricot, these sure don't lack any flavor. Make them even more good-for-you by replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt!

Gooseberry Patch Apricot-Cashew Salad Sandwich Recipe

Apricot-Cashew Salad Sandwiches
This recipe was shared with us by our friend Rhonda Reeder from Ellicott City, Maryland. Rhonda says, "This sandwich is so versatile and a great way to use up leftover turkey. the kids enjoy them for lunch as a wrap or sandwich, and I've even served it over red leaf lettuce for a luncheon."
2 c. cooked turkey, diced
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. cashews, chopped
1/4 c. dried apricots, finely chopped
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
2 T. apricot preserves
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/8 t. nutmeg
1/8. pepper
8 slices sandwich bread
4 lettuce leaves

Toss together turkey, apple, celery, apricots and cashews in a large bowl set aside. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, preserves, ginger, nutmeg and pepper in a separate bowl; spoon over turkey mixture and fold in until well blended. Spoon evenly onto 4 slices of bread. Top with lettuce leaf and remaining bread slices. Makes 4 sandwiches.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.


Link up your favorite LIGHTENED-UP recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using this handy button!

Join the Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

* * *

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

* * *

Perfectly pinnable!

Gooseberry Patch Lightened-Up Recipe Round Up





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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Quilt top finished

A Lovely Year of Finishes

mom's quilt top photo DSC03010_zpsc5bf3974.jpg

Quilt top is finished...I'm making this for my mom.  All the Grand Kids and Great Grand Kids have helped by making a block.  The boys blocks  are bordered with blue gingham and the girls in red.  The six married Grands are at the top around the cross-stitch.  The rest of the G'kids and greats are in birth order.
link to past post and pictures of this quilt in progress.  




WIPs on Wednesdays


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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Rounding Up Family Favorites

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Whether you still have kids at home or just remember those never-fail, family-favorite dishes, we want to hear about them today! We're looking for quick breakfasts, lunchbox faves and dinners that will make everyone want seconds. These are Mom's best-kept secrets...those family-friendly meals that always bring smiles around the table.
So tell us...
What are MOM'S FAVORITE recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!


This Tomato & Chicken Penne from our cookbook 101 Stovetop Suppers is a tasty classic. Cheesy, hearty and oh-so-easy to cook up, it's a dish they'll love any day of the week.

Gooseberry Patch Tomato & Chicken Penne Recipe

Tomato & Chicken Penne
This recipe was shared with us by our friend Stefani St. Pierre from South Dennis, Massachusetts. Stefani says, "This is a wonderfully hearty dish that's easy to prepare...just stir everything together in one pot and you've got a bright, flavorful dinner in no time!"
1/4 c. olive oil
1 t. garlic, chopped
28-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
16-oz. pkg. penne pasta, cooked
8-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté for one minute. Stir in tomatoes and basil; continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add chicken to skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until heated through. Transfer chicken mixture to a large serving bowl; toss with pasta and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.


Link up MOM'S FAVORITE recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using this handy button!

Join the Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

* * *

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

* * *

Perfectly pinnable!

Gooseberry Patch Mom's-Favorite Recipe Round-Up




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Songs of the Shanandoah by Michael Reynolds

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Songs of the Shenandoah
B&H Books (January 1, 2014)
by
Michael Reynolds


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.

Michael is the writer and producer of an Emmy and Telly award-winning series of documentaries titled, Crystal Darkness. These thirty minute anti-meth films have been heavily promoted and broadcast in cities and states throughout the United States and Mexico. They have been viewed collectedly by more than 10 million people and the message has reached more than 30 million to date.

He also has wide experience as a speaker and on-air personality and has been interviewed on a variety of newspapers, radio stations and televisions networks throughout the nation. Michael earned his B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, San Diego and lives in Reno with his wife and three children. He is active in marketplace, marriage, small group and men’s ministries as a leader and speaker.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the onset of the Civil War, Seamus heeds his wife’s wishes to return to her beloved family farm in the South, where he takes a post as chaplain for General Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. As Seamus ministers to the troops, his sister Clare ministers in a different way—by being a powerful voice in the Northern cause toward freeing the slaves. All this while their youngest brother Davin, who became wealthy during the Gold Rush, struggles to find love and identity in a fallen world. It’s a clash of loyalties and beliefs that threaten the entire family, each of them trying to hear God’s encouragement in the midst of the tragedy of war. The dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed Heirs of Ireland Series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Songs of the Shenandoah, go HERE.


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Monday, January 6, 2014

Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Tempest's Course
Abingdon Press (December 17, 2013)
by
Lynette Sowell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary's own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest's Course, go HERE.




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Saturday, January 4, 2014

January sewing goal


OK I'm joining in on the January year of Finishes....
I've been working on a quilt for my mom with the help of all GrandKids and Great GrandKids...
Well, My goal for Jan is to get it finished.  I've been working on it and have the top almost finished.  I'm putting on the final border and then it will get the sandwich.  Sorry no pictures at the present because it is on the sewing machine at the present.  ;P  

This was the last picture I took of the quilt and posted it in July.

http://abis-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2013/07/wips-and-fabric-tuesday-on-wed.html

It is now much further along.  I'm truly sorry there are no pictures at the present. 

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