"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Be Still...

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10
 
I was up early this morning so I could take a walk before the heat of the day begins. The temperatures were cool and a nice breeze was blowing. Typically when I walk, I have a walking buddy with me, but today she couldn't make it. Instead of lying in bed, or going back to sleep, I decided to get up and walk by myself.
 
I had time to commune with God while exercising. I returned to a quiet house. The only sound I can hear is the ticking of a clock and the noise of the keyboard as I type. Usually throughout the day I have Christian radio or music playing in the background.
 
As I experienced the quiet this morning, it made me wonder, how often are we still before the Lord? Or do we just rush through our 'prayer list of concerns' and then go about our day, never thinking about Him again until the next day.
 
I challenge you today to find time to be still before the Lord. Find a quiet place and see what He has to say to you.
 
 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy

Stuck Together is the newest saga in Mary Connealy's Trouble in Texas series. Mary is a very talented author, and I always enjoy reading her works. This book is a delightful end to the stories about the lives of four men who met during the Civil War.

In this tale, Tina Cahill does whatever she can to close down Broken Wheell's saloon, even if it means picketing outside it every day. She's determined to 'civilize' the town and isn't afraid to stand up against the men who frequent the saloon.

Vince Yates has his hands full dealing with the pesky woman while also trying to figure out what to do with his female prisoner he has in custody. His life is turned on end when his family arrives and his father dumps off his mother who has signs of dementia and a sister Vince never knew he had.

Stuck Together is a fun story and a delightful read. Put it on your list as a book to read this summer. You won't be disappointed.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Song of the Prairie - Great Summer Read

Janie Dunn's aspirations to be an opera singer are dashed when she agrees to her dying cousin's request to raise her newborn and protect him from his abusive father. She heads west to her brother for help with taking care of the young child.

Since Aaron Harper lost his wife in a tragic accident, he has been praying for God to send him a new wife to help mother his children, but God hasn't seemed to be listening over the past few years. When his dying friend makes a request to watch over his family, Aaron feels honor bound to take care of the young widow and her child. How far will his commitment take him?

Song of the Prairie is the final saga in Vickie McDonough's Pioneer Promises series. It's been a delight learning about the Harper brothers and watching how each of them found love. This book is a great summer read that you will enjoy.

*This book was provided free for review by Whitaker House and the author.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Four Weddings and a Kiss

Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy tells the tale of feisty Maizy MacGregor who has no desire to be told what to do, and certainly not by Rylan Carstens. Just because he told her to stay off his property doesn't mean she hadn't any intention on obeying him. But when her foolish deeds put the man in jeopardy, she feels she must somehow make restitution.

A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher weaves the story of Molly Everton who is infuriated to learn her father has hired someone to take over as the new editor for her town's newspaper, especially when she clearly is qualified to take the position herself. She immediately begins plotting on how to encourage Jack Ludgrove to move elsewhere.

A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton is a delightful adventure of Katie Pearl who needs someone to help restore her ranch after its demolition by a tornado, so she hires Treb Rayburn. He only agrees to come to her aid because he'll get a horse out of the deal. Katie is one odd character that soon becomes endeared to the reader.

Courting Trouble by Margaret Bronwley shares the story of Grace Davenport who is in jail for the murder of her late husband. After her son's plea, attorney Brock Daniels agrees to represent her case. What will he do if the journey finds her guilty?

What a delight to read another group of stories from these four talented ladies. Prepare to be swept back in history to the era of the Old West. You won't be disappointed.

This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson.  

 Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don't miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.

The authors are celebrating with a "Sweet on Love" iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin' Facebook party.
4weddings-400-click
 
  One winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
  • A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!

So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!