Mystery of the Heart by Jillian Kent

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Mystery of the Heart Realms (January 8, 2013) by Jillian Kent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.

Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.

Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.

Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lord Eden is intrigued when he discovers Lady Mercy Grayson’s secret, but how can he hope to gain her heart when he is forced to betray her?

Lady Mercy Grayson longs be a physician like her big brother, Devlin, Lord Ravensmoore. However, society would never tolerate a female physician, let alone one who is a noblewoman. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to get through medical school. But then a male colleague discovers her secret, which is only the beginning of Mercy’s problems that could destroy her dreams forever.

The Prince Regent is awaiting the return of Vincent St. Lyons, Lord Eden, whom he sent on a secret voyage to locate and bring back a relic that some believe possesses the power to heal. St. Lyons discovers Mercy washed up on England’s shore upon his return and agrees to give her safe passage to London aboard a ship of men practicing African Vodun. Both must face treacherous circumstances, difficult decisions, and a growing attraction to one another that could forever change the course of their lives.

As the final installment in the series, the theme of this book is God’s plans for our lives. “Whatever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might” (Eccles. 9:10).

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

In Stores Today! Abel's Field movie

This movie review has a giveaway along with it read to the bottom and find out how you can win a copy 

*GIVEAWAY OPEN INTERNATIONALLY*

About Abel's Field

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rated PG
Release date 1/22/13

I was able to review this movie this weekend and it was a wonderful family movie.  You feel for Seth as he tries his hardest in the situation he is given.  He must make the choice of doing what it right in every situation no matter how hard the peer pressure is put on him.  A lesson that all must learn.  This movie isn't all about sports though there are some sport scenes, it isn't about romance though Seth does take a girl on a date.  It is about doing what is right.  Though it is posted as PG it was for brief smoking/drinking scene, violence little scuffle in the school hallway/locker room etc, a school break in those kind of things.  No bad language or sex scene though. 

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other Blogs with this giveaway more chances to win....
Joy in our Journey (1/27)
The Knowlton Nest (1/30)
Sweeps4bloggers (2/2)
Inspired by Savannah (2/4) 
Day by Day in Our World (2/8) 
Giveaway Lady (2/8) 
Trinity Rose's Garden (2/9)
Legacy of a Writer (2/11)


"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


a copy of this DVD was provided for this review and giveaway by....

Make me Laugh Monday ~ Belly Laughs

What's Cooking in YOUR Kitchen?

Whether this week has been hectic & busy or you've been able to relax and enjoy yourself, we'd love to hear what you've cooked up in the last week or so. Let's share our latest kitchen creations today...we know you've got something yummy bubbling away in the oven or simming on the stove!

So, tell us...

What recipes have you MADE THIS WEEK? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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We're filming a video for this recipe this week...it originally appeared in
our cookbook, 101 Cozy Casseroles, and is an office favorite!  

Meatball Sub Casserole
Christi Miller of New Paris, Pennsylvania, shared this recipe with us. Her family loves it with a big green salad and garlic bread...delicious!

1 loaf Italian bread, cut into
    1-inch thick slices
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. shredded mozzarella
    cheese, divided
1-lb. pkg. frozen meatballs,
    thawed
28-oz. jar pasta sauce
1 c. water
Arrange bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; set aside. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and seasonings; spread over bread slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese; set aside. Gently mix together meatballs, spaghetti sauce and water; spoon over cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 4.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

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Link up your recipes MADE THIS WEEK below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

* * *

 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!

Path of Freedom by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Path of Freedom Abingdon Press (January 2013) by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Jennifer's work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency and co-owns Upon the Rock Publicist. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK

2nd in the Quilts of Love series

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

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

Coming in March....

If you never got off the ground with a 2013 Bible reading plan or are so far behind you’ve already thrown in the towel, join us every Monday in March at the Crossway blog as we read Romans 1-8 together. Each Monday in March, Elyse Fitzpatrick will share devotional thoughts from Romans, helping us delight in God’s word and rejoice in the gospel in 2013.

We invite you to bring questions, insights, and interact in the comments section at the blog. For more devotional material to accompany Reboot with Romans, check out Elyse’s newest book­—Comforts from Romans: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time.

Make me Laugh Monday - Papas IPad

This is so funny. Though spoken in German you can still get the jest of it. All you need to know is the daughter is asking her papa how he likes the IPad she gave him for Christmas. It will send ya rolling.  Laughter is good medicine. 

Rich Young Man

O teach me Lord to walk this road, The road of simple living; To be content with what I own And generous in giving. And when I cling to what I have, Please wrest it quickly from my grasp; I’d rather lose all the things on earth To gain the things of heaven.

AF on a blustery day

Time for another Aloha Friday.  and the question is?

What is currently on your reading list? 

Oh, my not a good question to ask we wold be here far into the weekend if I listed every book on my to be read pile.  However, today is a nice wintery day to stay curled up with a good book.  

I'm currently reading....American Patriots by Rick Santorum

"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it come only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." ~ Ronald Reagan

~taken from American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom by Rick Santorum

Oh what a book.  Americans need to WAKE-UP is all I have to say.  Time to get a backbone. 
 

Lightening Up in 2013?

January always inspires fresh starts and, after all the holiday celebrations, we like to get back to the basics on the menu. This time of year is perfect to lighten up a recipe here or there without sacrificing a bit of homestyle flavor, and if you're thinking along the same lines, we'd love to hear what you're cooking up these days!

So tell us...

What are your favorite LIGHTENED UP recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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This recipe was published in our cookbook, Farmers' Market Favorites, and is a wholesome treat that still satisfies the sweet tooth!   

Peanut Butter-Oat Bars
Jennifer Martineau of Delaware, Ohio, shared this recipe with us. She writes, "For brownie-like bars, bake closer to 20 minutes, but if you'd like them a bit crunchier, bake for 25 minutes."
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking soda
1/8 t. sea salt
3/4 c. crunchy peanut butter
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/3 c. honey
1 egg
2 egg whites
2 T. sunflower or olive oil
2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. long-cooking oats,
    uncooked
1 c. sweetened dried cranberries
    or raisins
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. white or dark chocolate chips
Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, beat peanut butter, brown sugar and honey with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat egg and whites in a separate bowl; add to peanut butter mixture. Mix in oil and vanilla. Add flour mixture; stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into a greased 13"x9" baking pan, using the back of a spatula to spread easily. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into squares. Makes about 15 to 18 bars.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

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Ready to add your own
LIGHTENED UP recipe?

See below to join the party and, if you're sharing this hop on your
own blog, link back here with button below.

Just click here to get the code.

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Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

* * *

 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!

  This is a Blog Hop!

Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Doctor To The Rescue Love Inspired (December 18, 2012) by Cheryl Wyatt
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.

Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka "Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I'd LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Combat doctor Ian Shupe returns home from overseas with his most important mission: to raise his little girl. But Ian's a single dad, and working at Eagle Point's trauma center means having to find child care. When bighearted, struggling lodge owner Bri Landis offers babysitting in exchange for construction work, Ian accepts. He vows to keep his emotional distance from Bri, yet can't deny that his daughter is blossoming under her tender care. But is he ready to believe that his heart's deepest prayer may finally be answered? If you would like to read the first chapter of Doctor To The Rescue, go HERE.

What's Simmering in YOUR Slow Cooker?

Snowy winter days spent braving the wind and chill are here, and there's no better time to come home to a slow-simmered supper. Meals like this are how comfort food got its name, isn't it? Whether it's a hearty pot roast, a sippable soup or something spicy to warm you to your toes, we'd love for you to add it today. 

So tell us...

What are your favorite
WINTERTIME SLOW-COOKER recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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This recipe was published in our cookbook, 101 Slow-Cooker Recipes,
and is a great way to chase the chill away.  

Chipotle Shredded Beef
Lisa Bett of Thousand Oaks, California shared this recipe with us. She writes, "My family asks for this often and it smells so good while it's cooking! Add a side of beans and dinner is served."
2-1/2 lb. beef chuck roast,
    trimmed
14-oz. can diced tomatoes
7-oz. can chipotle sauce
4-oz. can diced green chiles
1 onion, chopped
2 T. chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
2 c. beef broth
salt and pepper to taste
6 to 8 6-inch corn tortillas,
    warmed
Garnish: shredded Cheddar
    cheese, shredded lettuce,
    sliced black olives, chopped tomato
Place roast in a slow cooker. Top with remaining ingredients except tortillas and garnish. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. With 2 forks, shred roast in slow cooker; stir well. Spoon into warmed tortillas; add desired garnishes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

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Ready to add your own
WINTERTIME SLOW-COOKER recipe?

See below to join the party and, if you're sharing this hop on your
own blog, link back here with button below.

Just click here to get the code.

---

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

* * *

 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!

* * *

Want to save the collection for later?

Add it to Pinterest with this image!

Flight of the Earls by Michael Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Flight of the Earls B&H Books (January 1, 2013) by Michael Reynolds
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s 1846 in Ireland. When her family’s small farm is struck by famine, Clare Hanley and her younger brother, Seamus, set out across the ocean to the Promised Land of America. Five years prior, Clare’s older sister Margaret and her Uncle Tomas emigrated in similar fashion and were not to be heard from again. But Clare must face her fears as she lands in the coming-of-age city of New York. There she discovers love, adventure, tragedy, and a terrible secret which threatens to destroy her family and all she believes. Flight of the Earls is the first book in a historical novel trilogy based on Irish immigration in the 1840s.


If you'd like to read the first chapter of , go HERE
 

WOW ~ WIP up date - Butterflies emerging

Ok so I was looking @ my WIPs updates and the last one was posted on 8/2011 wow that is way too long if you ask me....  so 2013 I'll try to be little more faithful at getting some items of what I'm working on posted...
I think in 2013 me and my new toy....

My Christmas gift from hubby and I are going to become BFFs.  I am so excited about my new machine my old one has been a lemon for me for the past 25 years so excited about this new machine.  I worked last Friday on one of my WIP so here are a few picture updates this week.

I'm working on a quilt for my daughter that will graduate from HS this spring....
if you'd like to see the material and pattern you may visit this post here.  

It is proving to be a challenge for me, but I will conquer it.  Butterflies are emerging everywhere.

Happy New Year