New Year's Eve

Looking for a New Year's read?

With the publishing of the 10th novella in the series, why not start with the first one?

Happy New Year?

Welcome to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Officer Tim Black moved to Holiday for a change of scene. He never anticipated wanting to change his single status at the same time, but the lady refuses to even date him.

Sandy Foster moved to Holiday to escape her dysfunctional family, changing everything about her life. Finding someone who wanted to share her life holds a never-ending spot on her uninspiring list of New Year's resolutions.

The tiniest misunderstanding and the willingness to set pride aside might make the difference between spending the New Year alone and a Happily Ever After...

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-New-Year-Holiday-USA-ebook/dp/B00HCQKGF4/ref=sr_1_1

"All or Nothing" is here

The tenth novella in the series is here...

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Secrets? Angela Goodrich owns a few. Moving to Holiday is her dream come true. As Holiday Sweets' new manager, she wants a fresh start even as she wants to share the truth of who she is. Will she still be welcomed?

Anger issues? Caleb Bronson denies it despite the fact he'd like to throttle his EMT partner's new fiancé for wronging his sister. What does it matter if his anger is dominating his life and spills over on the attractive and newest resident of Holiday?

The truth will set you free, if you're willing to endure the discomfort of letting go of the lies. God knows the pain hidden in the soul anyway...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7MZC9M/ref=sr_1_1

Musical Thursday

A Soldier's Silent Night is posted on social media, every year, where I saw it for the first time a couple of years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO4cJdN-Q8o

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

Finally! Something new! Unedited "Giving Thanks" novella #11, from the Holiday, USA series.

Michelle Bronson studied the sign. Would it reflect her return? Did it tick down one when she left?

Monday Quote

It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself,

that determines how your life’s story will develop.

 ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday Scripture

Luke 2:9-11

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Christmas Eve

Looking for a Christmas read?

What about last year's novella #8 of the Holiday, USA series?

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Terra Connor is looking forward to her first two-week vacation, even if it means working part of the time to ease her daughter's mind. Her daughter's wedding on Christmas Eve is her only priority, and she definitely doesn't have time for romance.

Carson McDonald is in Holiday for his younger brother's wedding. The friendly town is as good a place as any to rest and recover from the upheaval of losing his job due to an accident. He has enough on his plate for the foreseeable future.

God's ways are not man's ways...

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Present-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01ASDPDJQ/ref=sr_1_1

Favorite Book Friday

I'm currently reading Tim Tebow's book Shaken. I cannot explain how timely this book is for me. I'm grateful he wrote it and grateful one of my social media friends talked about it and grateful God inspired me to buy it. He's speaking to me, encouraging, lifting, and inspiring.

Musical Thursday

O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs. This rendition is by Josh Groban:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

 

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

Publication is in sight. Working on the final edit, with less than 20 pages to go, from All or Nothing, the last few lines I worked on before posting this:

Belle had also noted Angela's uneasiness. No surprise. Belle was perceptive, which didn't explain her attraction to a jerk. 

Monday Quote

Let your faith be bigger than your fear.

Sunday Scripture

Luke 1:37-38

For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Saturday Links

Lindsay, over at Home, Hugs and Huskies, shared a bit of Writer's Humor:
https://homehugshuskies.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/wednesday-writers-humor-2/

A bit of Christmas fun with Donna Hatch:
http://donnahatch.com/mistletoe-magic-and-wassail/

Christians Read shared TSTL Syndrome by Kristen Heitzmann:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2016/12/13/tstl-syndrome-by-kristen-heitzmann/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kendrick was inspired by their movie "War Room." I grew up Christian and felt I had a good relationship with God. The Kendricks taught me so much and changed my prayer life. I was never comfortable offering to pray with someone. I don't always follow through on the prompting. Even when I do, it's still uncomfortable, but I'm learning.

Musical Thursday

With the approach of Christmas, one of my favorite Christmas movies is Polar Express. One of my favorite songs is "Believe" by Josh Grobin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

I'm on final edits for All or Nothing. Life keeps stepping in the way. Trusting God's plan and timing.

I've started the next Holiday, USA novella #11. The title is currently Giving Thanks. The unedited opening paragraph:

Snow drifted over the colorful sign. Welcome to Holiday! We celebrate every day! The population had grown, but it wasn't a surprise. After more than eight years, it should have grown.

Monday Quote...

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor. ~ Charles Dickens

Sunday Scripture

Matthew 1:23

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

Saturday Links

Donna Hatch invites her readers to visit a virtual Regency ball:
http://donnahatch.com/virtual-regency-ball-and-clip-from-the-prisoner-of-zenda/

I love home/natural remedies. Aneesha Monae shared "Bye Bye Under-Eye Bags and Puffiness."
https://aneeshamonae.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/bye-bye-under-eye-bags-and-puffiness/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is one of the few classics I've read and loved. It's a free read almost everywhere online. Someday, I want to purchase a proper copy for my library, otherwise known as several shelves I built from kits. The story has one of the best opening lines, ever: Marley was dead, to begin with.

Musical Thursday

I love Christmas music. One of my traditions is listening to my Christmas Mannheim Steamroller CDs. My all-time favorite piece is Stille Nacht (Silent Night). Silent Night is one of my favorites. I know the words in three different languages, English, Thai, and ASL (American Sign Language). I often wait until the last note fades and hit repeat to listen to it all over again. From beginning to end, it fills my soul and touches my heart as only music is able to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anv4FIQ4tbo

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

The first paragraph from All or Nothing, novella #10 of the Holiday, USA series, heading into final edits, again:

Leprechauns and superheroes dotted the pack of costume-clad runners and walkers in the third annual Tough Luck Run, a 5K-race course along Holiday Lake. Most of them stopped to take pictures with spectators along the route. Unconcerned about winning, they focused on fun. As people crossed the finish line, cheers and applause erupted, a constant wave of sound. Half the town participated, and the other half supported, one way or another.

Monday Quote

A knight in shining armor is a man who has never had his mettle truly tested.

Sunday Scripture

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Saturday Links

Patricia Johns shared a cute story:
https://patriciajohnsromance.com/2016/11/28/blushing-bride-at-80/

Christians Read shared "The Catapult by Julie Arduini":
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2016/11/30/the-catapult-by-julie-arduini/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

An Elegant Facade by Kristi Ann Hunter is a Regency Christian romance, and the second book in a series. The third is coming out next year. I featured the prequel novella earlier. I enjoy her characters and storytelling. Kristi Ann Hunter is on my Favorite Authors list. I'm collecting all her books in paperback, if possible. The third book is coming out next year and on my Wish List. I like holding a book in my hands, the feel of the paper, the sensation of turning each page, seeing a book I love on the bookshelf.

Musical Thursday

The Piano Guys, any and all their music. This happens to be the link to Beethoven's 5 Secrets - One Republic.
https://youtu.be/mJ_fkw5j-t0

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

Last sentenced worked on in All or Nothing:

Throughout his life, some of the people he'd trusted most had lied, and some of the people he'd trusted least had spoken the truth.

Monday Quote

There are times in your life when you realize that no matter what you do for some people it will never be good enough. The question is, is that your problem or theirs? ~ Power of Positivity

Sunday Scripture

Proverbs 4:8

Exalt her (wisdom), and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her.

Gratitude

God's mercy

Beauty

Writing and editing and all the craziness involved

Authors who inspire me

Family and friends who enrich my life

Flowers

Sunshine and rain

Fuzzy blankets

Delicious food

Water

Electricity

Dogs and horses

God's love

Favorite Book Friday

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter is a Regency Christian romance, my kind of book. I featured the prequel novella earlier. I enjoy her characters and storytelling. I've added Kristi Ann Hunter to my Favorite Authors list, which means I collect all their books in paperback, if possible.

May you be blessed.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

The most recent sentence added to "All or Nothing":

"Okay, Lord, what's next."

Monday Quote

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling 'darkness' on the wall of his cell." ~ C. S. Lewis

Sunday Scripture

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding

Saturday Links

Kristen Heitzmann shared Evil Spellcheck:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2016/11/15/evil-spellcheck-by-kristen-heitzmann/

Beholding Him Ministries shares wonderful inspirational quotes on their blog on "Wisdom Wednesday":
https://beholdinghimministries.org/2016/11/16/wisdom-wednesday-51/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede shares the stories of some of the people diverted to Gander on 9/11 and the towns that cared for them. Remarkable.

Musical Thursday

I confess: This song immediately brings to mind cartoons, more particularly Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Cartoons used classics for their background music because there was no copyright. This particular rendition on YouTube includes a history of Liszt. Hungarian Rhapsody by Franz Liszt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goeOUTRy2es

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidbit

From All or Nothing, the last sentence worked on, edits still in progress (closer):

Stars sparkled and winked all across the midnight sky. 

Monday Quote

“If you are searching for that person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror.” ~ Papberry

Sunday Scripture

Proverbs 4:5-6

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

Saturday Links

Donna Hatch shared a blog post on "The King's Theatre, London." Friends took me to see "Les Miserable," the newest sensation to hit the stage and still unheard of in America. Powerful. I returned home unable to find anything. Then a Kennedy Center special featured their pick for the upcoming musical of the year. Colm Wilkinson sang "Bring Him Home." I still cry, even at the thought.
http://donnahatch.com/the-kings-theatre-london/

Donna is also having a Book Giveaway for US Military Personnel November 18 - December 1:
http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-giveaway-for-us-military-personnel.html

God bless.