Wreader Fun

Let me introduce my latest writing venture: Four writing friends and I have started a new blog entitled: Prairie Chicks Write Romance We'll discuss everything to do with writing and our personal publication journeys. Please join our discussion on New Year's Day for my inaugural post ‘ Bring Your Novel to Life’ where I’ll blog about some of the problems I found bringing a historical novel to life. Come check us Chicks out at: http://prairiechickswriteromance.blogspot.com/ -

Shepherds Abiding in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad Love Inspired #421 Nov 07 This is another great stand-alone book in the Dry Creek series. The author has the knack of pulling us into the town to get up close and personal with the inhabitants. I’ve read every Dry Creek novel and I still want to read more. I love to read about the older characters who appear in the background of each book like a neighbour waiting for me to stop and visit. And I liked the way the author showed me POV’s of both Marla and Les. They might have been serious in their thoughts, but it was fun knowing what they thought and how far off base they were. In this book, the town has combined forces to eat over 500 cans of soup so the labels could be traded in for a life-size plastic Nativity set. But before everyone even has a good look at the display, the shepherd goes missing and suddenly the new residents – a widow and her children – are suspect. Reserve Deputy Sheriff Les Wilkerson would like to get to know the w...

Calico Christmas at Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad Love Inspired Historical #19 Nov 08 This is a great book for Ms Tronstad’s foray into the Historical Inspirational market. After 14 contemporary Dry Creek books, the author has gone back 130 yrs to the beginning of this small Montana town. Her refreshing story had me smiling because I could picture it all as the story unfolds including the determination of the heroine as she sat waiting for God to come and claim her. Elizabeth O’Brian has lost her husband and infant to the influenza and is waiting for her turn to die. She sits in her tent and waits. And waits. Jake Hargrove has inherited his half-brother’s part-Sioux daughters. The youngest is just weeks old and desperately needs nourishment. Jake has heard that Elizabeth has lost her baby and might be receptive to nursing his infant niece. After 10 days without her own baby, all it takes is the wail of Jake’s niece to start her milk flowing again. In order to ensure the baby has nourishm...

A Connecticut Christmas by Diane Ashley, Janet Lee Barton, Rhonda Gibson and Gail Sattler Barbour Books 2008 This is a great anthology containing 4 romances which centre around a Christmas gift shop in a Connecticut mall. These faith-filled stories were just what I needed in the hectic days of December. They reminded me that everyone is busy, everyone has struggles and everyone needs to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Santa’s Prayer by Diane Ashley – Delia feels robbed. She thought Nick, her boyfriend, might be the one, but he started going to church and going all religious on her. So, she did the sensible thing – she asked him to chose between her and his new religion. She just didn’t expect him not to chose her. Now, she’s alone at Christmas. When she peruses the new gift shop in the mall for a new Santa to add to her collection, she notices a special one of a Santa kneeling beside a manger holding the baby Jesus. The scene strikes discord within her as she sees it as a way...

Hill Country Christmas by Laurie Kingery Love Inspired Historical #18 Oct 08 I liked this book. It takes a new twist by giving an inheritance to a woman of the Old West so that she has the means to pursue her dreams. But what will a poor woman do with all that sudden wealth? And can she handle the people who want to share her good fortune? Christmas is the perfect backdrop to show what’s really important in the world. Delia Keller lived a poor life after her father took off to seek his fortune. With her preacher grandfather, they had their physical needs supplied by their parishioners, but there wasn’t any money left for luxuries – like fixing the roof. Delia is left destitute when her grandfather dies but on the day she buries him, a stranger, Jude Tucker, rides into town and hands her a bank certificate – the entire estate of her father who had struck it rich and left it all to her in his will. She was now completely without family, but a very wealthy woman. And it’s it nice that an ...

His Holiday Heart (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired 469 Nov 08 This is the McKaslin Clan book I’ve been waiting for! The author has dangled the stories of each sister before me while holding their lone brother’s aloft. Each time I caught a glimpse of surly Spencer only whet my appetite for his story. And then, the day came when I rec’d His Holiday Heart in my eharlequin box and I panicked. Surely, Ms Hart had an extraordinary tale awaiting me after all the build-up...right?...right? YES! His Holiday Heart is an excellent book and worthy of a spot on my 2008 Top Ten List. I became intrigued on page 1 when one of Spence’s sisters hinted she knew his secret and he became paralyzed at the thought. Ms Hart has created a wonderfully refreshing hero in this book. Spence has always been responsible for his sisters and is happy they are happily married but after he saw his mother take his youngest sister and walk away from the rest of the family, he doesn’t trust women. Marriage...

So, it’s 2 days after Christmas. The anti-climax day for me. The rush of getting ready for Christmas is over. The presents are open, the turkey has been served and the clean-up done. Yesterday - Boxing Day here in Canada - meant heading to the city at 8 am to battle...uh...share the shopping frenzy with more people than I’ve ever seen shopping at one time. The city roads were icy and I almost got rear-ended 3 times. Two of those times by the same truck driven by a man who didn’t seem to understand what a stop sign meant. I wouldn’t have worried too much but when he had to drive into the oncoming lane beside me in order not to plow into us, I got a bit worried about the kids safety. Anyway, we arrived home at 7 pm safe, tired and happy with our purchases. Hubby was late getting home from work so by the time he drove up, we had the table cleared of everything but 5 metal spoons and part of a deck of cards. Yes, we were going to play SPOONS, that fun, ballistic game where it’s every man.....

I'm in the middle of last minute wrapping after the last minute shopping yesterday, but I'd like to send a Merry Christmas out to all my family and friends. Sometimes this can be a hard time for those of you who've lost loved ones or are all alone. I'd like to pray for you and maybe even with you. If you need someone to talk to or pray for you, please send me an email or leave a comment and I'll get back to you. I'll be monitoring this site and my email today, tonight until I hit the sack, and then as soon as I get up tomorrow - and all day Christmas Day. Merry Christmas and may God's love shower you with blessings.

As promised yesterday, here is a pic of some of the sugar cookies Dad and the kids decorated on Monday afternoon. Our church Christmas program was entitled 'It's a Boy'. I played the part of a Biblical teacher with a couple of students wondering if Mary allowed others to hold her precious baby. The wisemen, also called the 3 Kings, were announced by a young girl dressed in a Japanese outfit. The 2 young boys on the left are my real life sons.

I pray that everyone isn't getting too stressed out during this busy time of year. I've already had a visit by my mother-in-law and my sister's family. Our eldest daught is finally home from Vancouver, BC for another week and it's such a delight to be spending this time with her. Somehow the kids have roped me into taking them shopping...again...so we'll be leaving soon. I still haven't sent out any cards and I don't think I'm going to at this late stage. Yesterday, we made a quadruple batch of sugar cookies. I cut out the cookies and put them on a tray. One of the kids carried it to our large oval dining table where the rest of the family sat waiting with coloured sprinkles, the little brown thingies, tiny gingerman candies, etc. The trays of decorated angels, candy canes, Santas, stars, stockings, presents, holly, reindeer and snowmen came back and I popped them in the oven. It only took 2.5 hours and then we were done but I have cookies galore. Well, ...

I am so honoured to have my Christmas tree and 50 yr old stocking (yikes!) featured on Cheryl St. John's blog today at http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/ One of my favourite historical and contemporary authors, Cheryl has 35 Harlequin and Silhoutte books published so far. She can often be found at www.petticoatsandpistols.com otherwise known as the Wildflower Junction. You can check the most recent topic for both these blogs on my list at right. I just love Christmas. Don't you? -

In June 1976, I met a very special man, became his fiancee in Sept and married him in Dec. He was a young Corporal and I a Private in the CAF. With those salaries, we didn't have the money for an expensive wedding. I bought satin, lace, tulle and a pattern, and a friend of mine stitched my dress. It might have been a whirlwind romance, but it’s lasted 32 yrs. Happy Anniversary, honey. (For those of you who know me now, can you believe that photo?!)

On Wed night I attended Brenda Novak's 1st annual Christmas Bash - a cyber/virtual reality party. Here's how it happened: Harlequin SuperRomance and NYT bestselling author Brenda Novak hosts a month long on-line auction each May with all proceeds going to benefit Diabetes research. Last May, I bid on an ipod and a writing critique among other items but didn’t win anything. I figured I’d try again in 2009. Count me surprised when I rec’d an email from Brenda at the end of Nov with an invitation to her cyber Christmas Bash. Anyone who bid on an item through her on-line auction was invited and there were many prizes up for grabs including a kindle but you had to be at the party and you had to pre-register. Once Brenda’s office rec’d your RSVP, they’d send out a ‘party pack’ by snail mail. Well, a week ago, I realized the party was on Dec 16th and promptly registered. Brenda’s next email was instructions to download the virtual reality program ‘Second Life’. I did and then took a f...

You are not going to believe this...I still can't and I found out a couple days ago! Donna Alward ran a 12 Days of Christmas contest on her blog at http://donnaalward.blogspot.com/ ... and I won!! Yippee!!! I knew there would be a book in the prize for each of the 12 days, but I didn't realize the total prize pkg until I read it on Donna's blog. I'm listing what I won here as my way of thanking the different authors for their contributions: Bookmarks, magnets etc. from the authors involved One Christmas ornament Chocolates - that happen to be made by Donna's kids One Jessica Hart tote bag And EIGHTEEEN books: The Rancher's Runaway Princess - Donna Alward Barefoot Bride - Jessica Hart Phantom's Touch - Julie Leto Pursuit of Justice, Broken Lullaby and Everyday Promises - Pamela Tracy Her Baby's First Christmas - Susan Meier Her Royal Wedding Wish - Cara Colter His Son's Teacher - Kay Stockham His Secret Past - Ellen Hartman The Italian's Miracle ...

Her Perfect Man (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired 455 Aug 08 This great book is about the final McKaslin sister in this series. The author gets down to the nitty gritty with this one because the heroine is being harassed by her ex-boyfriend which means it’s not as light reading as some of them, but it certainly isn’t as heart-wrenching as the previous McKaslin book. Rebecca McKaslin has finally broken up with her long-standing boyfriend much to the relief of the rest of the McKaslin clan. And, she’s gone one step further and said she’s had enough of men. Wouldn’t you know it...Chad Lawson, the perfect man moves in next door, ready to rescue Rebecca whenever the ex shows up. But after all these years, Rebecca doesn’t want to be rescued. She wants to handle it herself without help from anyone...especially someone who’s too handsome for his own good, regularly attends church and challenges her man policy. Heat Level: Affectionate My Rating: Great – 4 stars See the rest of ...

It just occurred to me - when I did the book review on Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska by Irene Brand, (2 posts back) I didn't give you any info about its new publisher. According to the Summerside Press website: The LOVE FINDS YOU™ series g ives readers a taste of local life across the United States. The novels—uniquely titled after actual American towns with quirky but intriguing names—inspire romance and fun. Each fictional story draws on the compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. In fact, these books are uniquely different from any other inspy books because: - each page is set up like a Post Card with a postal stamp at the top corner; and - the lines simulate a hand-written post card by not being justified As a reader, I'd like to thank Irene Brand for bringing this new inspy series to my at...

The kids had been complaining they didn’t have any shopping done. Apparently, every time we go into the city, hubby and I go to the places we want, while the kids wait for us. So, a couple days ago, I picked the kids up at school, took them to the city and chauffeured them around. It was 7:30 when we hit the 2nd mall and the kids took off as soon as they passed through those entrance doors. Fine by me because the teen has a cell phone and the boys stick together and share one. They didn’t want me with them and I knew where I wanted to go, so I headed opposite to their direction and finally came to the store in mind which was exactly diagonal to where I’d started. Surely, the kids were off shopping somewhere else... I spotted the gift I wanted for teen and had it in my hands when she walked around the corner. I thrust it away and jumped back. Her eyes didn’t look at what I’d been holding. She just said, “Oh, there you are.” And she smiled. I love her smile. I’m so blessed to have a tee...

Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska by Irene Brand Summerside Press Dec 2008 This is a sweet romance with a hint of mystery, a handful of suspense and a whole lot of love. Can a wealthy heiress and a poor cowboy truly find happiness together? Especially when he has enough pride for 10 men and worries what others will think? If you’re looking for a gentle read about a hero and heroine falling in love despite the odds, then this is the book for you. Upon her father’s death, wealthy Kennedy Blaine is all alone in the world. One of the properties she’s inherited is a Nebraskan ranch which she hasn’t stepped foot on since a toddler. Her only memories of it are in photos. She’s advised to sell it, but before she does, Kennedy goes back to Nebraska to see what she’d be giving up. When she arrives, she immediately feels a kinship to the land. She wants to meet as many cousins and relatives as she can, but not the grandfather who, by her mother’s reasoning, was the cause of their flight to an...

Her Wedding Wish (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired 447 Jun 08 I absolutely loved this book. 2008 Top 10 list – no question. Of all the dozen or so McKaslin Clan books I’ve read, this has been the most heart-wrenching emotion-filled one to date. We were first introduced to Danielle McKaslin Lowell and her husband Jonas a few books back. Then, 2 books back, we found out that Danielle said goodbye to her police officer husband one morning and waved him off to work. It was the last time she ever see the man she married. A few hours later, Danelle was told that her husband, Jonas, had been shot in the line of duty. Now, Jonas is back but he has no memory of Danielle, their kids, or the life they led. And, the doctors say his memory isn’t coming back because that’s the side of his brain that was shot. Damaged nerves on his left side still present a problem from his legs to his face. He needs a walker to get around and has just re-learned how to do the most basic of tasks. But...

A McKaslin Homecoming (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired 403 July 07 If you read enough books, sooner or later, you’ll come across one with circumstances that mirror your own. This is the case in this book. I related to the heroine in a big way because of our backgrounds. The main difference, I suppose is that when the heroine went back as an adult, over the weeks that followed, they talked about her childhood. At 2 yrs old, Lauren McKaslin’s mother took her far away from her siblings and her father under the premise they didn’t love her anymore. Lauren never rec’d a gift or card or anything to say they even thought about her. She grew up as a lonely child, with a destructive mother, in basement apartments with bars on the windows. It seemed her own mother didn’t even want her. But now she’s an adult, almost finished college, and out of the blue, a letter arrives from her grandmother saying it was time to go back. Although filled with trepidation, Lauren wants to meet h...

November was a very busy month for me with many ups and downs. I submitted a partial of Under a Harvest Moon - a contemporary inspirational to Barbour Publishing (after numerous revisions) I entered 2 contemporary inspirational entries in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence Contest: - Under a Harvest Moon - When You Least Expect It I entered a 500 word scene entitled The Last Bottle in Cheryl Wyatt’s Nov Prompt contest. Cheryl emailed back that I didn’t win but she liked my entry. To see/enter her Dec Prompt Contest, go here: http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/ Steeple Hill sent me a rejection on An Outlaw for the Lady . However, it was not a form rejection and it detailed where I needed improvement. The editor also asked to see something else from me in the future, so this was a good rejection letter. After receiving a perfect score from one judge in the first round of judging in the Gateway to the Best Contest, Charley’s Saint came in 4th overall out of 25 entries. The final jud...

Every Kind of Heaven (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired 387 – Mar 07 This great book was a fun read. It’s the first time I ran into the McKaslin Clan’s ‘no-man policy’ which you’ll find in almost every book in this series. The author really let her humour shine in this book not only with the hero and heroine but also with the heroine’s twin who is so much a part of her life. I liked the interactions in this book especially on Ava’s part since she’s a lovable walking disaster. Ava McKaslin is your basic screw-up in everything except her baking. No one can top Ava’s baking. It’s divine. All she wants to do is devote her time to her brand spanking new bakery. She’s fed up with men and their two-faced morals. However, when her new contractor, Brice Donovan comes calling, he remembers her from high school, and invites her out for coffee, Ava mistakens him for a groom and calls him all sorts of names. Of course, she soon realizes that he’s a very eligible bachelor, but by tha...