SWEPT AWAY

In Swept Away by Nicole O'Dell, you not only get two great stories in one, you also get to choose the ending for each. How fun and educational is that? I loved the concept of picking your own scenario, but what I hadn't expected is the desire to read the other after you'd already made your decision.

O'Dell does a wonderful job in creating teenage characters with real life situations. Each story provides the reader with two choices and to discover the consequences of their decision. Both stories are perfect for pre and young teens.

In High Stakes, two best friends, Amber and Brittany are presented with a contest that puts their friendship to the ultimate test. When Amber is faced with the possibility for winning something she feels she deserves more than her friend, she puts their friendship and what's right on the line, and her lack of faith in God is evident in the decision she makes.

In Essence of Lily, running from her unhappy home life, Lily makes a decision that could ultimately change her life forever. She soon learns life's lesson that God is the only one that can fulfill the empty whole in one's heart, and that lying and our choices can lead us into situations we find difficult to get out of, and could ultimately change our lives forever.

WRITING A NOVEL

There are no words needed for this video. Wouldn't you agree?

THIS BOOK WON MY HEART

Karen Witemeyer has done it again. TO WIN HER HEART is the third book I’ve read by her. If I hadn’t been convinced by her first two books, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE and HEAD IN THE CLOUDS, that she’s amazing writer and story teller, TO WIN HER HEART sealed the deal.

The prison ministry is a passion and calling from God that I’ve been blessed to serve in since 2004. Levi Grant’s story immediately drew me in. When I think of Levi, a gentle giant comes to mind. A man with a past, one who earned his living by fighting, and that landed him in prison. When he was incarcerated Levi was brought back to God and vows to never fight another again.

Eden Spencer, an only daughter of a wealthy man, had been betrayed by a man she was set to marry in a way that has her swearing off men. But when the new blacksmith arrives in Spencer, Texas, Eden discovers the huge man whose words are few, is not who she believes him to be.

You will fall in love with the characters as you are swept away into this amazing story of love, trust, honor, and redemption. Levi and Eden have unique challenges that are masterfully addressed.

I can’t wait for Ms. Witemeyer’s next novel. She has become an author whose latest books I snatch up without hesitation. Though the covers are always enticing, and the blurbs are intriguing, I no longer need to study them before purchasing. I know what awaits me when I curl up into a comfy chair and begin to drift into the world of her amazing storytelling.

STEPHANO LANGONE

One of my favorite Idol moments.

WORDS...MAKE EVERYONE COUNT

TEN MUST YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU HAVE A CHILD

The Things Your Teen Will Thank You for...Someday, by William L. Coleman is a must read for every parent, whether your child is one or eighteen. This quick easy read is packed full of vital information. The book speaks of Christian values in parenting, yet the Christian perspective is sprinkled in light enough not to offend the nonbeliever.

I purchased this book because of a recommendation of my adult son. It would have been great if he, too, could have benefited from the knowledge I'd gained by reading these wonderful principles for parenting. Don't wait until your child is a teen to read this. There are many principles that apply to young children as well.

I HAVE A JOB...I MEAN A BEAN

What a great thing Pete Leonard is doing.
Luis is also a wonderful man of God.

For more about I HAVE A BEAN, http://www.ihaveabean.com/

SCOTTY AND LAUREN

I just love Scotty and Lauren together as well as separately .

A SWEET ROMANCE INDEED

The Sheriff’s Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery, is sweet indeed. If you like an old time romance about a bad guy turned good, where the poor meets the wealthy, you’ll love this tender historical romance. It is well written with a great plot and characters you’ll get to know and love.

After taking a beating following a gambling game gone wrong, Sam Bishop decides enough is enough. An ad in the newspaper seeking marriage-minded bachelors has him heading for the small town of Simpson Creek, Texas. What he doesn’t expect to find is the beautiful Miss Priscilla Gilmore. It doesn’t take long for love to blossom. But life has a way of getting in the way, and the secrets Sam keeps from the woman and town he’s grown to love, may cause him to lose it all.

COUNTRY ALL THE WAY

I love this song and thought they did an amazing. We all know Scotty is made for county but it seems that Lauren is as well. I’ve thought that all along and after hearing her sing this song last night, I’m convinced that's right where she needs to be. She has the complete package. The look, the style, and the voice.