Shattered by Dani Pettrey

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Dani Pettrey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In real life, Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.

And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.

Dani is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

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

Indulge yourself today

Calling All Choco-holics!

Whether baked into chunky cookies, oozing from fudgy brownies or drizzed over dreamy ice cream, chocolate has to be one of our favorite flavors of all time. There are so many ways to enjoy it, each one more rich & decadent than the last!

So, tell us...

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

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This recipe appears in our cookbook, 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes and has a chocolatey surprise inside!

2-Kiss Cupcakes
Thanks to Athena Colegrove from Big Springs, Texas, who shared this recipe with us. 
3/4 c. butter, softened
1-2/3 c. sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
2/3 c. baking cocoa
1-1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1-1/3 c. water
60 milk chocolate drops, divided

Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 c. margarine, melted
1/2 c. baking cocoa
1/3 c. milk
1 t. vanilla extract
3-1/2 c. powdered sugar
Beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla; set aside. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add alternately with water to butter mixture. Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Place a chocolate drop in center of each. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool. To prepare Chocolate Frosting combine all frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost with cupcakes Chocolate Frosting. Top each with a chocolate drop. Makes 2-1/2 dozen.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

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

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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!

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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!

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WWW - Feb. 6, 2013

Sept was the last time I posted a WWW so I'll post one today...


To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

Recently Finished:

Read Next:

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unbreakable Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Nancy Mehl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

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

Rounding Up Recipes for the Big Game!

With the big game coming up this Sunday, our minds turned to appetizers, dips, meatballs and buffalo-anything...how about you? Whether you're a fan of the game or just love spending time with family & friends (and the commercials!), game-day snacks can't be beat!

So, tell us...

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

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This recipe is a classic for game-day get-togethers and
it's found in our cookbook, Our Favorite Cheese Recipes!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

3 boneless, skinless chicken
    breasts, cooked and diced
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened
15-oz. jar blue cheese
    salad dressing
12-oz. bottle hot pepper
    sauce
12-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar
    cheese
celery sticks, tortilla chips

Combine chicken, cream cheese, salad dressing and hot sauce; spread in a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips. Makes about 9 cups

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Watch it all come together in this video!

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Link up your GAME-DAY recipes 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!

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 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!

room organizer & space saver ideas

I have seen these pictures of room organizers/ space savers that are cool.  I take no credit in the ideas and I can't say where for sure they have come from just saved the pictures and thought they were neat ideas.  the first one is the only one I documented where it came from before me.

I saw this cleaver idea for storing scarves on Modest Mom blog and had to share it. You just hang a towel bar on back of door and loop scarves over it. how easy and cleaver is that.

The others I have no idea where they came from just cool ideas.....

got a narrow empty hidden space string up two lines of wire and presto now you have a place to store the rolls of gift wrap. 

Put your laundry space in hiding

hidden in the wall cabinet shelving

make use of the wide doorway space

hidden pantry

Piecein' together

Was able last week to get two nights of sewing in while everyone was at work.  Hard to find that alone time.  Sharing with ya today a few more pictures of the quilt progress of daughter's HS graduation quilt

If you missed the post with showing the material, pattern and the beginning then you may visit them below:
Sew Excited
Butterflies emerging

Ashton Park by Murray Pura

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Ashton Park Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013) by Murray Pura
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park. Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park. The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform--and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

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

Make me Laugh Monday - "Invisible Driver" prank

Rounding Up Favorite Meatless Meals

Lots of families these days are looking to spend less at the grocery store and add more veggies to family dinners...weekly meatless meals have become a popular way to do both! Whether packed with veggies or a family favorite minus the meat, today's Recipe Round-Up is where you can share your meatless favorites, for Monday or anytime!

So, tell us...

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

Oh, and if your mealtimes are anything BUT meatless, hop on over to Leah's latest Hunk of Meat Monday, hosted weekly on her blog Beyer Beware!

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This recipe is part of our newest title in the Our Favorites series...Our Favorite Meatless Recipes!

Colby-Swiss Broccoli Soup
1/2 c. water
1-1/2 t. chicken bouillon granules
4 c. broccoli flowerets
1 c. carrots, peeled and sliced
3 T. butter
1/4 c. green onions, sliced
3 T. all-purpose flour
1/4 to 1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. pepper
3 c. milk
2 c. shredded Colby cheese
1 c. shredded Swiss cheese
Combine water and bouillon in a 3-quart saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Add broccoli and carrots; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside. Melt butter; add onion and cook until tender. Stir in flour, nutmeg and pepper. Cook for one minute; gradually add milk and reserved liquid. Cook until thickened; stir in broccoli mixture. Sprinkle in cheeses. Stir until cheeses are melted. Serves 6.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

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Link up your MEATLESS recipes 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!

Grace Given by Beth Shriver

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Grace Given Realms (January 8, 2013) by Beth Shriver
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Beth is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.” —Amish Proverb

Elsie Kline can’t forgive her sister for leaving the community. Gideon Lapp helps Elsie through her bitterness by studying the Martyr’s Mirror book that is centuries old, describing their ancestors’ sacrifice for their faith. But he feels there is something more. When the community moved to Texas, they were not welcomed by some of the locals. They have told Katie and Elsie that harm will come to their community if don’t go back up north where they came from. Gideon stays by Elsie’s side as she learns to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well. “Beth has a heart for helping others, whether through her nonfiction and fiction writing or in other capacities. It has been my pleasure to read and respond to her work during the past few years of knowing her.” —Leanna Ellis, Author of Facelift and Forsaken and winner of the National Readers Choice Award.

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

seasoning cast iron skillet