"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

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Maggie Hope writes an advice column and at the last minute fills in for a friend/coworker to interview a local champion horse trainer for a morning TV show. Not only is she out of her element in front of the camera but also interrogating the handsome cowboy who has been in the tabloids on more than one occasion.

Tru Monahan is leery of the media after having his name blazed across some of the scandal magazines, not that the stories were legit. But when he's interviewed by Maggie he feels sorry for her. When he boasts that he can take a novice and have them able to ride a cutting horse within weeks, Maggie challenges him.

With the threat to stand by Maggie's bet if she wants to save her column, and Tru's being pressured by his sponsors to follow through on the ultimatum, leaves the pair in a situation that neither of them are thrilled over.

This is my first time to read a contemporary romance by Debra Clopton, and I have to tell you that I was thrilled to find such an incredible author. In fact, I was so excited, I ordered 16 more of her prior titles. :) Betting on Hope had me turning pages and wishing the story wouldn't end. Debra has a delightful way of getting into the heart of her characters and breathing life into them so that the reader is cheering for them to succeed. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 for happily-ever-after endings.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Thomas Nelson Publishers - 2015.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Fodder for a Story

I love this photo with the train coming through town. Notice the guy with his head down and stepping across the tracks?

It makes me wonder what's on his mind that he doesn't seem to notice how close the train is to him. Observing things like this can become fodder for a story.

Asking those 'what if' questions.

What questions arise for you when you see this photo?