Peace

Mid-week Inspiration, and My Word

I’ve probably mentioned that I like new year resolutions. I enjoy putting down on paper what I hope to accomplish.

But I also liked this idea that was going around of having a WORD. That’s easy and it

Christmas Wishes

Wishes this Christmas

istock photo, cstar55

I wanted to take a moment and wish you all the very best Christmas. And while I’m doing that, I thought I’d share with you some favorite Christmas quotes:

“Christmas is not just a day of the year. It is also–and more importantly–a condition of the heart.” ~Marie T. Freeman

“When I think of Christmas Eves, Christmas feasts, Christmas songs, and Christmas stories, I know it was not a short and transient gladness. It was–and is–a joy unspeakable and full of glory. ~Corrie ten Boom

“There’s no better time than Christmas to become the kind of seeker the wise men embodied. Wise people still seek Christ.” ~Rick Warren.

Christmas blessings, to you and yours.

V

Lynn Austin

Everything Amish — and Lynn Austin

No, she doesn’t write Amish, but there’s a reason that I’m blogging about Lynn Austin today. I had read that Lynn was an award-winning author, and I wanted to know more about her. So I picked up Wonderland Creek. What a lovely novel. You know a book is good when you immediately call your close friends and say, “Read this! You’ll love it.”

As I was reading the story, it did occur to me that this is just the type of book Amish folks would enjoy. It’s set in a simpler time, centers around normal people, and describes how the main characters overcome unusual obstacles. I know when one of the main characters is a horse that I’m going to love the story!

Yes, the Amish do read contemporary stories. But they are choosy about what they read, and perhaps they should be. Perhaps we all should be.

By the way, I also read Hidden Places by Lynn, and adored the story. She is one of the best authors I’ve read (Christian or secular) in a long time. I hope you will check her writings out. They are sometimes free in ebook format, and should be at your local library as well.

Blessings,

V

p.s. – the winner from last Saturday’s blog, “Giving” is ALYSON JENKINS. I’ve sent Alyson an email, so if your name sounds like this but you did not receive an email — then it’s not you. No worries, we’ll have more give aways soon. Thanks everyone for entering!

Carol Award

ACFW Carol Award Winners

According to the American Christian Fiction Writer’s website, “The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.” The Carol Awards are named after Carol Johnson of Bethany House, who years ago took a step of

Oregon Outback

Fiction Spotlight – Oregon Outback

Today I’m featuring my friend and award-winning author, Elizabeth Goddard. Beth’s new book is Oregon Outback, and I think you’ll agree it sounds like a fun read.

The harsh, yet peaceful Oregon Outback molds the lives of four rugged brothers who stumble into love. FBI agent Jonas Love has brought trouble back home, endangering his life and that of an old flame. Cattle rancher Carver Love finds himself falling for the sheriff in the midst of chasing down modern-day rustlers. Thrill-seeker Lucas Love fears nothing—until he meets a beautiful bookkeeper. Justin Love is trailing a fugitive who’s heading too close to home—and one particular lodge keeper. How will God protect these men as they risk their lives to defend the ones they love?

This is actually a novella collection of 4 stories. I hope you’ll check it out! Beth is a Texas girl but she has lived in Oregon, and I’m sure that added a lot to the details of this story.

Blessings,

V~

Award Winning Fiction

Fiction Spotlight – The Carol Awards

This week I wanted to share with you a list of excellent books. These are the finalists for the Carol Awards. (Winners will be revealed at the ACFW conference in September.) According to American Chrisitian Fiction Writer’s site “The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.”

I am completely humbled that my first Shipshewana mystery, Falling to Pieces, is included in this year’s finalists–in the mystery category.

If you’re looking for a summer read, this list is a great place to start.

Debut Novel:

• Fairer Than Morning  by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
• The Loom by Shella Gillus (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)
• Give the Lady a Ride by Linda W. Yezak (Sky Sail [Port Yonder Press] – Chila Woychik, Editor)

 

Long Contemporary:

• Lost Melody by Lori Copeland/Virginia Smith (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)
• The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)
• Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House Publishers – Sarah Long/Dave Long, Editors)

 

Long Contemporary Romance:

• Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Jamie Chavez/Natalie Hanemann, Editors)
• Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly M. Long (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann, Editor)
• My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale – Karen Watson, Editor)

 

Long Historical:

• Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis (Moody Publishers/River North – Deborah Keiser, Editor)
• Fairer Than Morning  by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
• Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Press – Laura Barker, Editor)

 

Long Historical Romance:

• The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)
• Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman (Multnomah Publishers – Alice Crider, Editor)
• To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)

 

Mystery:

• Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)
• Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig/Janelle Mowery (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
• Yesterday’s Secrets by Kelly Ann Riley (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)

 

Novella:

• An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
• Reese: All Along from Smitten by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell/LB Norton, Editors)
• A Star in the Night from A Log Cabin Christmas by Liz Johnson (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

 

Romantic Suspense:

• Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)
• Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell – Jennifer Leep, Editor)
• Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

 

Short Contemporary:

• The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray (Avon Inspire/Harper Collins – Cindy DiTiberio)
• Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)
• Oklahoma Reunion by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired – Rachel Burkot/Melissa Endlich, Editor)

 

Short Contemporary Suspense:

• Double Identity by Diane Burke (Love Inspired Suspense – Sarah McDaniel-Dyer, Editor)
• Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense – Melissa Endlich, Editor)
• A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith (Love Inspired Suspense – Tina James, Editor)

 

Short Historical (four finalists due to a tie):

• Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)
• Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens (Heartsong Presents – Rebecca Germany, Editor)
• Light to My Path by Erica Vetsch (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)
• The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

 

Speculative Fiction:

• The Story in the Stars by Yvonne Anderson (Risen Books – Reagan Reed, Editor)
• The Chair by James L. Rubart (B & H Fiction – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)
• Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

 

Suspense/Thriller:

• Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B & H Fiction – Karen Ball, Editor)
• Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction – Julie Gwinn, Editor)
• Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette (J.M.) Windle (Tyndale – Jan Stob, Editor)

 

Women’s Fiction:

• A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press – Shannon Marchese, Editor)
• When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley (Multnomah Publishers – Jessica Barnes/Shannon Marchese, Editors)
• Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley – Ellen Edwards, Editor)

 

Young Adult:

• Wreath by Judy Christie (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez, Editors)
• The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan – Jacque Alberta, Editor)
• There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann/Becky Monds/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

Happy reading!

~V

 

 

Missing

Fiction Spotlight – Missing

I’m just happy as a peach on a tree to highlight Shelley Shepard Gray’s new book, MISSING. Just the cover makes me want to take it to my back patio, cancel all the things on my to-do list, and READ.

Shelley is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author, and she’s also my friend. She’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I think you will adore her book. Here’s the blurb.

Can two young people survive the suspicions of their friends and neighbors when tragedy strikes a close-knit Amish community?

Perry Borntrager had been missing for months from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, when his body is discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. The first death from mysterious circumstances in more than two decades brings the scrutiny of the outside world: A police detective arrives to help the local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englischer Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship: one that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

I’ve mentioned before, if you can’t afford to purchase all these fabulous books, please request them at your library. This is a GREAT help to authors.  

Blessings,

 

~V

 

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

Fiction Spotlight – The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

I have to admit, I’m intrigued by Wanda Brunstetter’s newest release. It’s selling like crazy and the description is so catchy:

Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder’s quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher s wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments?

 

 

What a great story idea! I’m going to give this one a try. If anyone has read it already, please leave a comment. I’d love to know what you think.

 

Blessings,

 

~V

 

p.s. – We’re giving away that Kindle Fire on Friday. Remember, if you don’t feel “creative” you can leave your name and you’re still entered. Click on the Facebook tab, and then go to my contest link. Thanks for entering!

 

Luke

Monday Inspiration – Luke

I’ve been reading through the Bible in 90 Days. It’s a wonderful program. We’re on day 73, and it’s been quite the journey. After travelling through the Old Testament, through the minor prophets and into the New Testament — the book of Luke is a joy!

Recently we were camping in Bandera, TX and the campsite had a lovely walking trail and this gazebo (dedicated in memory of the owner’s daughter). It was a perfect spot to rest and read. The words I read from Luke today included

Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. (Luke 6:37-38)

If it’s been a while since you’ve opened the Good Book to Luke’s gospel, I encourage you to do so. He writes simply, but with real heart. His words are encouraging. They’re inspiring, and today they gave exactly the perspective I needed for my day.

Blessings,

V

ACFW – Part 2 of April Releases

Fiction Spotlight – ACFW, Part 2 of April Releases

I owe you the rest of April’s releases from American Christian Fiction Writers. Remember, if something looks good, you can find out more at ACFW, your local bookstore, or by contacting your local library.

The Chase by DiAnn Mills — To FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, it’s a cold case, but to writer Kariss Walker it’s a story that she has to write despite the danger. (Romantic Suspense from Zondervan).

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island by Cara Putman — Mackinac Island is accessible only by ferry or small plane. Its laid back pace, sans cars, is the perfect place to recover from hurt—unless the injury occurred there. As Alanna Stone tries to reconcile past to present she discovers her future lies in learning to listen to God. (Romantic Mystery from Barbour).

Brush of Angel’s Wing by Ruth Reid — Rachel and Jordan’s feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).

The Quakers of New Garden byJennifer Hudson Taylor, Claire Sanders, Anne E. Shrock, Sussette Williams — Four Quaker women face challenges of the heart. Ruth hesitates to give her bridegroom a third chance at love. Underground Railroad worker Deborah meets a bounty hunter. Leah tries to turn a marriage of convenience into a marriage of love. Christian Jaidon falls for Quaker Catherine. Will love endure in their hearts and lives? (Historical Romance from Barbour).

The Discovery by Dan Walsh — The Discovery is a richly woven novel filled with romance, suspense and intrigue that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. (Historical from Revell).

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman — Experience a family’s triumphant defeat over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most. (Women’s Fiction from Thomas Nelson).

Her Family Wish by Betsy St. Amant — Taking pictures of other people’s happiest moments is the perfect job for Hannah Hart. Secretly fearing that she won’t ever have a family of her own, Hannah prefers to hide behind the camera. Until she meets assistant principal Jude Bradley, whose twelve-year-old daughter instantly bonds with Hannah. Jude might just be the man to give Hannah a reason to smile-if he can let go of the past. The more Hannah and Jude discover they have in common, the more Hannah wonders if there’s a family in her future after all…. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

V~

ps – We are nearing the end of our Kindle give-away. It will be pre-loaded with all of Amy Clipston’s Amish fiction as well as the books in my Shipshewana series, so go to this link and leave your name to be entered. You can enter each week!