BLOGS

There are several blogs I read daily, well actually there are two. I am faithful reading these two. They help me with life and writing.

The first is Chip MacGregor's blog. He helps me to know more about writing and what is going on in the industry. He didn't write a blog for almost a year, and I missed him dearly. I'm so glad he decided to return to blogging. He has so much knowledge about the industry.

I always read Writes of Passage. This is a blog written by five writers. I enjoy all of them. Judy Miller has a way of bringing me down to the real world. Sometimes too down, like when the time she showed how people took pictures of the dead in family settings. Posed pictures of family with a dead child or other family member. Too gruesome!

Tammy Alexander is always showing food. Her recipe for Chocolate Cream Pie looks delicious. I'm anxious to make it. Then Kim Sawyer is Kim Sawyer, what else can I say. I love that girl. The rest of them are just as good.

It's refreshing to read from someone else and know there are others out there trying to be sane. It's not easy sometimes. What are your favorite blogs?

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

If you are a lover of books, I know you are reading several at one time. I used to only read one at a time, but now, I read at least two.

Lady Anne's Quest by Susan Page Davis is the one I am mainly reading now. Here's a pic and the blurb.

Finding an imposter instead of her uncle means Anne’s quest must continue after The Lady’s Maid is wed, and Dan is determined to protect her from the swindlers now trailing her. But though he’s good at keeping her safe, he’s certain he’ll never be able to convince Anne to be his wife since her sights are set on finding her uncle and returning to England. As her quest becomes even more difficult—and dangerous—Anne finds her feelings for Dan changing. Will she soon be envisioning a new life in America?

(20120203)

So far, I am very intrigued with this book. It will be out April 1, 2012

The other one I am reading is Angel of the Cove by Sandra Robbins. This will be out August, 2012. I'm enjoying it because it is about Cade's Cove in the Smoky Mountains. Here's what I can find on it.

In the first book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins weaves a tale of love, loss, and God’s faithfulness in every circumstance.

Anna Prentiss has never wanted to be anything but a nurse. Before she can start school in New York, however, her brother sends her to Cades Cove, deep in the Smoky Mountains, to spend a summer apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself and then head to the big city.

But nothing could have prepared Anna for the beauty of the Cove, or the community and friendships she finds there. And she certainly wasn’t prepared for Simon Martin, the handsome young minister, or the feelings he arouses in her. Has God’s plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly? 

This is very good. I know you will enjoy both of them when they come out.

SOMETHING WENT WRONG

Yes, something went wrong with my last post. It didn't all show, so here is the remainder. Sorry about that, it's Monday.

When I looked at Amazon I saw she had a lot more books there. I'm sure they are as good as the ones I have already read. These are real mystery books. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it.

What am I reading now? I'm ready two books. Lady Anne's Quest and Angels of the Cove. Lady Anne's Quest comes out next month. It is by Susan Page Davis and is very good and the second in  the Prairie Dreams Series.

Angel of the Cove will be out in August. It is my Sandra Robbins. It's bringing back memories of home to me. It's set at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. I love visiting the Cove. This is bringing back memories of the mountains to me. I don't want to get teary-eyed, but I am a mountain girl.

UNDER THE CAJUN MOON

Mindy Starns Clark is growing on me. Some time ago, I read Whispers of the Bayou, and I loved it. I think I've read Shadows of Lancaster County. I like the way she goes from first person to third with telling two tells that relate. It makes the story so much more interesting.

She uses this in Under the Cajun Moon. I would hurry to finish one POV to see what the other POV was like. Let me show you what the blurb says.

What Secrets Can Be Found by the Light of the Cajun Moon?
New Orleans may be the “Big Easy,” but nothing about it was ever easy for international business etiquette expert Chloe Ledet. She moved away years ago, leaving her parents and their famous French Quarter restaurant behind. But when she hears that her father has been shot, she races home to be by his side and to handle his affairs—only to learn a long-hidden secret that changes everything she knew to be true about herself and her family.
Framed for murder, Chloe and a handsome Cajun stranger must search for a priceless treasure, one whose roots weave through the very history of Louisiana itself. But can Chloe depend on the mysterious man leading her on this cat-and-mouse chase into the heart of Cajun country? Or by trusting him, has she gone from the frying pan into the fire?
Following up on her bestselling Gothic thriller, Whispers of the Bayou, and Amish romantic suspense, Shadows of Lancaster County, Mindy Starns Clark offers another exciting standalone novel, one full of Cajun mystery, hidden dangers, and the glow of God’s unending grace.

When I looked at Amazon I saw she had a lot more books there. I'm sure they are as good as the ones I have already read. These are real mystery books. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it.

What am I reading now? I'm ready two books. Lady Anne's Quest and Angels of the Cove. Lady Anne's Quest comes out next month. It is by Susan Page Davis and is very good and the second in  the Prairie Dreams Series.

Angel of the Cove will be out in August. It is my Sandra Robbins. It's bringing back memories of home to me. It's set at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. I love visiting the Cove. This is bringing back memories of the mountains to me. I don't want to get teary-eyed, but I am a mountain girl.

SHADOWS IN SERENITY

The reviews are stacking up, and I need to take a few days to catch up on them. Recently, I finished Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock. This was the first one of her books I had read, and I loved it so much.So much was happening at the house and I needed to put it down, but I couldn't. She is a wonderful writer.

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author.

I loved the ending, but I won't tell you what it is. Terri said she was not glorifying crime. To me she did not. It made sense to me when I came to the end. We can all be conned by someone. It's easy for a real artist to do it. Thanks Terri for a wonderful book.

ANOTHER EXCURSION

Sunday three couples and my husband and myself went of a little trip for rest and relaxation. We went to Latimer High Adventure Reservation in Middle Tennessee. It backs up to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Latimer is a Boy Scout Camp that my son-in-law is overseeing the building. It's not finished yet, but it is so much fun to go to. Peace in the mountains is the words I would use.

My family first went in 2010. My youngest granddaughter ran in the ":cabin" and proclaimed, "Grandma, this is not a cabin." It's really like a 5 star hotel. Let me give you some pictures.

 This is the cabin we stayed in. Rockers on the front porch, trees all around and plenty of wild life. Peace and quiet.

 Each of the five bedrooms had it's own bath. There were two bunk beds in each room. There was also a complete kitchen.

They boys, and I do mean boys, played pool. I had never awakened to the sound of cues hitting balls until the first morning we were there. They did have a good time playing.

 The eating area was in the great room. Kitchen, dining, living room, and pool hall all in one. We played Apples to Apples until we were silly.

The living room had rustic furniture which is used through all of the cabins. There are four cabins right now. More will be built in the next few years. One cabin sleeps twenty people.

This is our group. From left to right. My hubby Jerry and myself, Carolyn and Wendell Lofton, Lyn and Kevin Williams, and Diana and Tommy Hobgood. We were still good friends when we left.

It was a wonderful time. We got to know each other better, and sometimes too good. We also went to Fall Creek Falls. That will be Friday. I have some beautiful pictures of the falls.

Have a super day, I'm tired.

LAMBERT'S CAFE

Yesterday the Kentucky grandkids were out of school. Our son said they were going to Sikeston, Missouri to Lambert's Cafe and asked if we wanted to go. Of course we said "yes" when food was involved.

One of my favorite blogs is Writes of Passage. Tamera Alexandra is always putting pictures of food when it is her day to write. My cooking is never that pretty, but her's is. I wonder how she does it. I thought you might like to see the pictures I took yesterday at Lambert's.

Lambert's Cafe is famous for throwing rolls. Yes, hot yeast rolls. Adam was the thrower yesterday and it did a fine job. I caught both of mine on my chest. Grayson, age seven, caught all of his like a pro. I think all of us caught ours, and none hit the floor. Here's Adam, the thrower, ready to pitch a roll.

They are delicious. The bad part is you fill up on rolls before your plate arrives. Before you read the menu, someone comes up with a big bowl. I mean a big, big bowl. They have fried okra, fried potatoes and onions, and macaroni and tomatoes that they will put on your plate, or napkin, or whatever you have. They do have banana pudding for dessert, but I don't think they sell much. The plates are so full, and then with the other things you can get, you are stuffed. In fact, I"ve never cleaned my plate there. We always take most of our food home.

I thought you might enjoy some of our plates. Chet's a big boy for eleven, and that's a big hamburger.

This is Josie's child's plate. A bowl of chicken and dumplings, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Now, I'll let you see my plate of fried chicken livers. Most of the plate was full of chicken livers.

That's us, two very filled people. The story goes that Scotty Lambert was passing out rolls and someone on the other side of the room wanted one. The man said, "Throw me one." It's been happening ever since.

A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

This book is by Mary Connealy and Robin Lee Hatcher, both wonderful authors. I bought mine on Kindle for $2.99,. Did I tell you I'm cheap? Do I need to tell you I love both of these authors? Let me warn you, Mary is not quite as crazy in this one as in others I've read. It's still very good. Robin's part of the book is so sweet and interesting, with a little suspense. Let me give you the blurb and you'll know more than I can tell you.

The Sweetest Gift by Mary Connealy

Seattle, Washington 1899
A spinster with a master's degree who is a world traveler, librarian by day and concert pianist by night, marries a Nebraska rancher with an eighth grade education. Their worlds are so far apart that each is afraid to admit their marriage of convenience is turning into a love match.

When Christmas draws near Adelaide must decide if she can give up her hopes of owning a beautiful piano so her husband can have the stallion he needs for his ranch. And Graham may need to risk his perfect brood mare to show his love for his wife by buying her the Christmas gift of her dreams.


A Christmas Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Idaho 1892
Ten-year-old Annie Gerrard, stuck in a wheelchair since falling from the barn loft, hopes for a beautiful angel to go atop the Christmas tree, but God’s answer to her prayer is completely unexpected.

Annie’s widower father, Mick, hated to ask his in-laws for help, but he had no other choice. He never imagined they would send his wife’s stepsister, Jennifer Whitmore, to care for his daughter. Nor did he foresee the love she would bring into their home. Did he and Annie dare hope that Jennifer might choose to stay?

Here's the cover of the book.

It's only on Kindle, I did enjoy this book. Both of the stories were wonderful. It's so refreshing to find a good book, one you can recommend. Every book I mention on this blog is good and clean. I love Christian fiction.

SHATTERED IDENTITY

Last week, I had a lovely lunch with Sandra Robbins and Susan Page Davis. When I moved to Kentucky, I contacted Sandra because she lives in Martin, TN, which is about an hour from me. Then Susan moved to Kentucky. Susan and I first started lunch together, then we asked Sandra to join us. We reach each other's books, have lunch once a month, critique for each other, and have a great friendship. I am honored to have them as dear friends.

There is a story of how Sandra and I met. Sandi Rog and I were in the elevator with her at the American Christian Fiction Writer's Convention in 2009. It was in Denver. We went to the dining room, and I pulled out a Kleenex before I sat down at the table for breakfast. Sandra sat at the table behind us. We heard a thump and looked back to see Sandra on the floor. Someone asked for a tissue and I handed her mine. The high altitude and her meds had caused her to faint. She was fine, and we've laughed about the tissue ever since.

Sandra had given me her newest book by Love Inspired Suspense, Shattered Identity. Let me share with you the blurb.
Someone—with a very personal motive—has it out for Lisa Wade, Ocracoke Island's sheriff's dispatcher. She was viciously attacked, her home was ransacked and one very precious possession was stolen. Deputy Scott Michaels plans to stay close until the culprit is caught…but that means involving Lisa in the investigation. And her assistance may cause more trouble for Lisa when she finds clues in a journal to a deadly mystery. As Lisa and Scott cross dangerous territory, they inch closer to the truth—and to each other. But lurking in the shadows is a killer determined to keep some secrets buried forever.


I totally enjoyed every minute reading this book. I could not figure out who the villain was until the last few chapters. That's what I liked about this book. It kept me turning the pages. Another thing I liked about it is that it is set in Ocracoke Island. I love the island with all the history of pirates.This is not a pirate book, but a suspense.

I love Sandra's writing. You feel a part of the island with all the tourists. It's very spine tingling. Thanks Sandra for a wonderful read.

PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS

What would life be without problems? It wouldn't be nearly exciting. They seem to add a little spice to our lives. Here's my problem.

Last Thursday, my computer died. I rushed it to the computer hospital thinking it might need a little tonic. It needed a lot of tonic, about 1 GB. The tech cleaned it up and put the new GB in and called me yesterday that it was ready to be released. It was a wonderful day!

Ten years ago, I could have lived my life without a computer every day. Now, if I don't have mine, I"m grumpy, hateful, and down right sad. I missed my baby so much. My husband says when I die, my computer will be in the casket with me. That would be natural.

It's funny how when one thing goes wrong in your life, your whole day is miserable. I wanted to Skype my nephew in Scotland. I sat down at my husband's computer, and he didn't have Skype. Oh, well, now I can do it. That's just one of the things I missed.

I found out I do not share well. It was hard to get my husband's computer when I wanted it. I checked emails and let the rest of it go. I did have an old laptop that I used to write. It wasn't the same. The words didn't come that easy. I needed my own computer.

Thankfully, that is over now. I can get caught up on my writing, do a lot of things better, and it's mine all mine. Next month my hubby is taking his computer to the hospital. It's making a noise and needs a good overhaul. So, I'll have to share mine. He works a lot off line, so he can use the old laptop as much as he wants to.

It's stormy here in Kentucky. Doesn't seem to be bad storms like last week. My husband was in Harrisburg, IL Saturday and said it looked bad. Please pray for those who went through the storms.