A - Z Reading Challenge

Requirements:
~ align the author's last name or the title of a book (excluding "the", "a", etc.) with its corresponding letter in the alphabet
~ enter a different book for each author and title (total of 52 books)
~ complete the alphabet lists anyway that suits your fancy
(i.e.: complete each list separately in alphabetical order, read both "A" entries, then "B" entries, fit whatever you're reading into either list, etc.)
~ complete the challenge in the year 2008
~ enjoy the experience!

Go here to sign up: http://a-zreadingchallenge.blogspot.com/


Here is my list:
A
Awaken My Heart by Diann Mills (Done)
Arterburn, Stephen and Nancy Rue, Healing Stones (Done)

B
Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner (Done)
Bottke, Allison, One Little Secret (Done)

C
Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White (Done)
Copeland, Lori, Now and Always (Done)

D
Death of a 6 ft Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn (Done)
Downs, Tim, First the Dead (Done)

E
Elvis Takes a Back Seat by Leanna Ellis (Done)
Eason, Lynette, River of Secrets (Done)

F
For Better or Worse by Diann Hunt (Done)
Fabry, Chris, Dogwood (Done)

G
Grits and Glory by Ron and Janet Benrey (Done)
Giorello, Sibella, The Stones Cry Out (Done)

H
Her Baby Dreams by Debra Clopton (Done)
Hauck, Rachel, Sweet Caroline (Done)

I
In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller (Done)
Ishiguro,Kazuo, Remains of the Day (Done)

J
Just Cause by Susan Page Davis (Done)
Jones, Annie, Barefoot Believers (Done)

K
Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell (Done)
Klassen, Julie, Lady of Milkweed Manor (Done)

L
Legacy of Secrets by Sara Mitchell (Done)
Leigh, Tamera Splitting Harriet (Done)

M
My Name is Russell Fink by Michael Synder (Done)
Mangum, Erynn, MatchPoint (Done)

N
Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton (Done)
Niequist, Shauna, Cold Tangerines (NF) (Done)

O
Only Uni by Camy Tang (Done)
Overstreet,Jeffrey, Cyndere's Midnight (Done)

P
Picket Fence Promises by Kathryn Springer (Done)
Plieter, Allie, Bluegrass Hero (Done)

Q
The Queen of Sleepy Eye by Patti Hill (Done)
Quindlen, Anna, How Reading Changed my Life (NF)(DONE)

R
Romancing Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson (Done)
Roper, Gayle, Fatal Deduction (Done)

S
Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (Done)
Seitz, Rebecca, Sisters Ink (Done)

T
Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini (Done)
Thrasher, Travis, Out of the Devil's Mouth (Done)

U
Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin (Done)
Urban,Linda, A Crooked Kind of Perfect (Done)

V
Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer (Done)
Vreeland,Susan, Girl in Hycanith Blue (DONE)

W
White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunsetter (Done)
Wyatt, Cheryl, A Soldier's Family (Done)

X
The X'ed Out X-Ray by Ron Roy (YA)(DONE)
Xinran, Sky Burial (Done)

Y
You Had me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman (Done)
Young, Nicole, Kill Me if you Can (Done)

Z
Zero G by Alton Gansky (Done)
Zarr,Sarah, Sweethearts (Done)

"Stuck in the Middle" by Virginia Smith

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stuck in the Middle
Revell (February 1, 2008)
by
Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker with the release of her first novel Just As I Am. Since then she has contracted eight novels and published numerous articles and short stories. She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007) and her newest release, Stuck in the Middle(Revell, February 2008), book 1 in the Sister-to-Sister Series. Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines. An energetic speaker, she loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”Virginia is a speaker, and an avid Scuba diver. She and her husband Ted, divide their times between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for diving trips to the Caribbean!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement-or romance.That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to catch his eye and get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut and into the life she's been hiding from. Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

My Review: I loved loved this book. It is going on my favorites of 2008 list. I esp. loved our main lady Joan. I somewhat was able to identify with her even by age numbers I am the oldest. I laughed so hard in places. I also loved the main theme of this book. And that is rediscovering God and His character and growing deeper in faith and reaching out to act in faith. I loved how she ventured out. I highly recommend this book. :)

"A gentle story of one young woman's season of growth, deftly blending the tangle of family relationships with gifts of whimsey and revelation. A joy to read."~SHARON HINCK, author of Renovating Becky Miller and Symphony of Secrets~

"Virginia Smith has created a charming and humerous novel that celebrates small-town life, generations of women caring for each other, and the value of finding a deeper, more active faith."~SHARON DUNN, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries~

Four Things You May not Know About Me

Things you may not know about me:

A) Four jobs I have had in my life
1. Afterschool teacher for kindergarter students
2. Assistant Director for a college community service center
3. Summer School teacher for 6 and 8th grade science
4. File Clerk/Fill in person for a doctor's office

B) Four movies I would watch over and over again
1. Fifth Element
2) Top Gun
3) The Lizzie McGuire Movie (yes I am aware that I am 24)
4) Laura Croft Tomb Raider
C) Four Places I have lived
1) Only here in the Deep South in three different places quite close together

D) Four TV shows I like to watch
1) Monk
2) Jon and Kate plus 8
3) House MD
4) Little People Big World

E) Four Places I have been on vacation
1) Gulf Shores
2) Destin
3) Nashville
4) Chattanooga

F) Four Websites I visit every day (Yikes only 4!)
1) Deena - A Peak at my Bookshelf - http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/
2) Angela Hunt(one of my favorite authors) - A Life in Pages - http://alifeinpages.blogspot.com/
3) Camy Tang- http://www.camys-loft.blogspot.com/
4) Girls Write Out- www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com

G) Four of my favorite foods
1) Pizza
2) Mini Snickers
3) Miss Geno's Chicken
4) My grandfather's homemade enchildias

H) Four of places I would rather be right now
1) Heaven
2) Florida
3) Italy
4) Great Britain

Anyone want to join in? Leave your answers in the comments or a link to your blog :)

Winner of Death of a 6 ft Teddy Bear

And the winner is .... WindyCindy. Congratulations. :)

Next week I will be giving away a really cool fiction book somewhat involving chocolate so don't miss it!

"Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear" by Sharon Dunn (AND GIVEAWAY)

***THIS IS A STICKY POST KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR MORE RECENT POSTS***



**To win a copy leave me a comment on this post by midnight on Sunday February 24. **

Another murder mystery for the Bargain Hunters Network–only this time, one of them is a suspect!

Ginger and her husband, Earl, are in for a wild ride in Calamity, Nevada, along with the other BHN ladies–college student Kindra, mother-of-four Suzanne, and sassy senior Arleta. They came to town for the Invention Expo and some outlet shopping, but instead they endure lost luggage, broken air conditioning, and a long line of people angry at hotel owner Dustin Clydell. With the Invention Expo and the Squirrel Lovers’ convention both in town, the Wind-Up Hotel has somehow overbooked.

Before the night is over, a man has been found dead in a teddy bear costume, the Invention Expo has been canceled, Binky the water-skiing squirrel has gone missing…and the authorities want to talk to one of the BHN ladies! What else could possibly go wrong?

Once again, the Bargain Hunters Network swings into sleuth mode to solve the murder–and this time, clear one of their own. Along the way, Ginger discovers something even better than a bargain.

Brittanie: I loved this book. It is a wonderful addition to the Bargain Hunters Mystery series by Sharon Dunn. The main four women characters are at different stages in their lives: one college girl, one mom raising four kids, one widow, and one somewhat elderly woman who is married to an amatuer inventor.They are good contrast to each other and add lots in the way of relationships and friendships between different age groups. This story is a mainly a whodoneit but at its heart it is about relationships and catching a good bargain :) Friendships, hubsand/wife, children/parent are all present in this murder mystery. I can't wait for the next Bargain Hunters book.

Click here to buy the book on Amazon and read others thoughts:
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Six-Foot-Bargain-Hunters-Mystery/dp/1590526902/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203381530&sr=8-1


Sharon Dunn is the author of Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, book one in the Bargain Hunters Mysteries, and the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history Sharon lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of twenty years, three children, two cats, and lots of dust bunnies

Post Good Book Let Down from Katrina at Callapidder Days

Katrina at Callpidder Days posted this today and I found it very interesting:

Fiction books are part of my everyday routine. There is always -- always -- a novel on my nightstand. I plan my evenings to accommodate some reading before I go to sleep. I love discovering wonderful new authors, or catching the latest work from one of my old favorites. When we go on vacation, I agonize over how many novels to pack, and which ones. After all, with all that free time, I'm likely to zip through my fiction and want to make sure I have a sufficient stash.In summary: I read fiction constantly.But there are times when I can't read fiction. I look at the novels on my bookshelf or I browse the bookstore and library, but nothing appeals to me. Nothing at all.This usually happens immediately after I read a terrific book. Not just a "that was a good book" kind of book, but the kind that I can't put down, the kind that keeps me up reading until the wee hours of the morning. When I turn the last page and put the completed book aside, it's impossible for me to pick my next novel. Nothing could possibly live up to what I just read.Yes, I occasionally suffer from Post-Good-Book Letdown.I've found that there are two kinds of "terrific books" that affect me this way:

1) The ultimate page-turner -- Any book that pulls me in so completely that I don't ever want to put it down. These are the books that sit open on the kitchen counter while I'm cooking, so I can squeeze in a paragraph here and there. The ultimate page-turners don't live on my nightstand; they travel around the house with me. Bathrooms go uncleaned and laundry goes unfolded while I'm reading an ultimate page-turner. No time for that mundane stuff; I must keep reading. And when I finally finish the engaging book, every other novel available to me looks tame, or even boring, by comparison. I love to read thrillers, so I read plenty of plain ol' page-turners, but I only come across an occasional "ultimate page-turner." Dean Koontz and Jeffery Deaver have written some of my favorites.

For more of Katrina's Post click here: http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/2008/02/post-good-book-letdown.html

Have any of you ever gotten to the point where you have no desire to pick up the "next book," because no novel could ever live up to the one you just finished? Or am I just weird? (Okay, don't answer that last one.)

I know that I have (Brittanie). I can think of a series right now that I am prolonging reading the third book because I just want to make it last longer. ;)

"Adam" by Ted Dekker

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
ADAM
(Thomas Nelson April 1, 2008)by Ted Dekker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), and Obsessed, with two more...Renegade, and Chaos to be released later this year.

ABOUT THE BOOK
He died once to stop the killer...now he's dying again to save his wife.FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark has become famous for his well-articulated arguments that religion is one of society’s greatest antagonists. What Daniel doesn’t know is that his obsessive pursuit of a serial killer known only as “Eve” is about to end abruptly with an unexpected death-his own.Twenty minutes later Daniel is resuscitated, only to be haunted by the loss of memory of the events immediately preceding his death.Daniel becomes convinced that the only way to stop Eve is to recover those missing minutes during which he alone saw the killer’s face. And the only way to access them is to trigger his brain’s memory dump that occurs at the time of death by simulating his death again…and again. So begins a carefully researched psychological thriller which delves deep into the haunting realities of near-death experiences, demon possession, and the human psche."As always with a Ted Dekker thriller, the details of ADAM are stunning, pointing to meticulous research in a raft of areas: police and FBI methods, forensic medicine, psychological profiling-in short, all that accompanies a Federal hunt for a serial killer. But Dekker fully reveals his magic in the latter part of the book, when he subtly introduces his darker and more frightening theme. It's all too creepily convincing. We have to keep telling ourselves that this is fiction. At the same time, we can't help thinking that not only could it happen, but that it will happen if we're not careful."

New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker unleashes his most riveting novel yet...an elusive serial killer whose victims die of unknown causes and the psychologist obsessed with catching him.

The book link is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595540075

100 Books Challenge

So yes I am joining another reading challenge probably another one after this too :)

This one calls for reading 100+ books in 2008. If you would like to join visit the blog here:
http://100-book-challenge.blogspot.com/

I will have a link on my sidebar so if you are so inclined can see my progress. It sounds like fun to me because I read 52 books for the Fall Reading Challenge last year. I have a link on my sidebar for that old challenge too. :)

Here starts my list:
January
1. A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
2. Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser
3. Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton
4. Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell
5. The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrall
6. In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols
7. Splitting Harriet by Tamera Leigh
8. Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
9. A Walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith (NF)
10. One Little Secret by Allison Bottke
11. Snow Angel by Jamie Carie
12. For Better or Worse by Diann Hunt
13. Awaken My Heart by Diann Mills
14. Just Cause by Susan Page Davis
15. My Name is Russell Fink by Michael Synder
16. Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith
17. Days and Hours by Susan Meissner
18. Killing Floor by Lee Child
19. Skizzer by A. J. Kiesling
20. Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer
21. Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn
February
22. Sisters Ink by Rebecca Seitz
23. Only Uni by Camy Tang
24. Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn
25. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequest (NF)
26. First the Dead by Tim Downs
27. Bayou Corruption by Robin Caroll
28. Picket Fence Promises by Kathryn Springer
29. You Had me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman
30. Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner
31. A Soldiers Family by Cheryl Wyatt
32. Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini
33. Elvis Takes a Backseat by Leanna Ellis
34. Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
March
35. The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello
36. Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren
37. Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
38. A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer
39. The Next Level by David Gregory
40. For Pete's Sake by Linda Windsor
41. Her Baby Dreams by Debra Clopton
42. The Barefoot Believers by Annie Jones
43. Hearts in the Highlands by Ruth Axtell Morren
44. Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart
45. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
46. Military Daddy by Patricia Davids
47. Looking for Salvation at Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore
48. Danny Gospel by David Atheny
49. In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller
April
50. Whispers Along the Rails by Judith Miller
51. There's a Spaceship in my Tree by Robert West
52. Attack of the Spider Bots by Robert West
53. Are You There God, Its Me Margaret by Judy Blume
54. Legacy of Secrets by Sara Mitchell
55. Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
56. The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones
57. Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
58. Bella Novelization by Lisa Samson
59. The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Victoria Bylin
60. The Road to Love by Linda Ford
61. The Queen of Sleepy Eye by Patti Hill
62. Out of the Devil's Mouth by Travis Thrasher
63. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
64. The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter
May
65. The Briton by Catherine Palmer
66. Lookin' Back Texas by Leanna Ellis
67. Someone to Watch Over Me by Teresa Hill
68. Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner
69. Danger in a Small Town by Ginny Aiken
70. Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan
71. Skid by Renee Gutteridge
72. The Redemption of Jake Scully by Elaine Barbieri
73. Rattled by Trish Berg (NF)
74. Mountain Sanctuary by Lenora Worth
75. Act Two: A Novel of Perfect Pitch by Kimberly Stuart
76. Promise Me Always by Christine Lynxwiler
77. Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler
78. The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie
79. From a Distance by Tamera Alexander
80. I heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson
June
81. Jamaican Me Crazy by Debbie DiGiovanni
82. Fatal Deduction by Gayle Roper
83. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
84. Matchpoint by Erynn Mangum
85. Now and Always by Lori Copeland
86. A Promise for Tomorrow by Sara Dubose
87. Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker
88. House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo
89. Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas
90. Deep In the Heart of Trouble by Deanne Gist
91. The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Debra Clopton
92. Grits and Glory by Ron and Janet Benrey
93. Oh, Baby by Judy Baer
94. A Mile in My Flip Flops by Melody Carlson
95. She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt
96. Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White
97. Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
98. The Prince Charming List by Kathryn Springer
99. Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
100. Hidden by Shelly Shepard Gray
101. Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck
102. His Small Town Girl by Arlene James
103. Bayou Judgment by Robin Caroll
104. Beyond the Night by Marlo Schlasky
105. A Steal of a Deal by Ginny Aiken
106. Mission Motherhood by Marta Perry
July
107. Bayou Paradox by Robin Caroll
108. Table for One by Georgiana Daniels
109. Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
110. Wiser Than Serpents by Susan May Warren
111. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
112. Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery
113. Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery
114. Anne of Windy Populars by L. M. Montgomery
115. Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Mongomery
116. Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery
117. Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery
118. Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery
119. Try Darkness by James Scott Bell
120. Wind River by Tom Morrisey
121. Romancing Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
122. That Summer Place by Macomber, Wiggs, Barnett
123. That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman
124. Bluegrass Hero by Allie Pleiter
125. Suspicious Minds by Christy Barritt
126. The Sweetgum Knit Society by Beth Pattilo
127. Hidden Treasures by Kathryn Springer
128. Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
129. Lone Star Secret by Lenora Worth
130. River of Secrets by Lynnette Eason
131. Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins
132. Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins
133. Finding Stephanie by Susan May Warren
134. Dogwood by Chris Fabry
135. Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins
August
136. The Mermaid in the Basement by Gilbert Morris
137. Full Circle by Davis Bunn
138. Winter Haven by Athol Dickson
139. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
140. Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
141. Dear John by Norma L. Betz
142. All Through the Night by Davis Bunn
143. At His Command by Brenda Coulter
144. Trepassers Will be Baptized by Elizabeth Hancock (NF)
145. Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery
146. Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke
147. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
148. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear
149. Twice Loved by Lori Copeland
150. A Conspiracy of Ravens by Gilbert Morris
151. Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
152. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
153. Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
154. House of Wovles by Matt Bronleewe
155. It's all About Us by Shelly Adina
156. Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
157. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
158. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
159. Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
160. 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (NF)
161. The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson (NF)
162. The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
September
163. Get Cozy, Josey! by Susan May Warren
164. Before the Dawn by Carolyn Aarsen
165. Sweet September by Tricia Goyer
166. Badge of Honor by Carol Steward
167. Saturdays with Stella by Allison Pittman (NF)
168. The Duchess on Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff (NF)
169. Goodbye Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
170. Countdown to Death by Debby Giusti
171. Miss Fortune by Sara Mills
172. Q's Legacy by Helene Hanff (NF)
173. The Bride Bargin by Kelly Eileen (ARC)
174. A Taste of Murder by Virginia Smith
175. The S.O.S. for PMS by Mary Byers (NF)
176. Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh
177. Single Sashimi by Camy Tang
178. John 3:16 by Nancy Moser (ARC)
179. My Sister Dilly by Maureen Lang (ARC)
October
180. A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson
181. The Fall of Candy Corn by Debbie Viguie
182. The Winter of Candy Cane by Debbie Viguie
183. Bon Appetit by Sandra Byrd
184. A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernell
185. Home Another Way by Christa Parrish
186. The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
187. Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
188. Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
189. A Cut Above by Ginny Aiken
190. A Matter of the Heart by Patricia Davids
191. Ripple Effect by Paul Mccusker
192. Less the Dead by Tim Downs
193. Dangerous Heart by Tracey Bateman
194. Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck
195. Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin and Beth Carson (NF)
196. Bundle of Joy by Robin Lee Hatcher
197. Family Treasures by Kathryn Springer
198. A Texas Thanksgiving by Margaret Daily
199. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander Mcall Smith
200. Courting Miss Adeliade by Janet Dean
201. Holiday Illusion by Lynette Eason
202. Rain Song by Alice Wisler
November
203. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
204. The Yellow Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee (NF)
205. A Military Match by Patricia Davids
206. Out of her Hands by Megan DiMaria
207. Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
208. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
209. One Holy Night by J. M. Hochstetler
210. White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunsetter
211. My Mother's Wish by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt
212. Godly Love by Stephen G. Post (NF-Not Recommended)
213. The Sighing of the Winter Trees by Laura Grossman
214. Infidel: Graphic Novel by Ted Dekker
215. The DoppleGanger Chronicles: The First Escape by G.P. Taylor
216. The Chosen by Chaim Potok
217. The Death and LIfe of Gabriel Phillips by Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb
218. Long Journey Home by Sharlene MacLaren
219. Leave it to Chance by Sherri Sand
220. Par for the Course by Ray Blackston
221. Homefront Holiday by Jillian Hart
222. Beloved Captive by Kathleen Y'Barbo
223. Cyndere's Midnight by Jeffrey Overstreet
224. Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren
225. More Than A Cowboy by Susan Hornick
226. Kill Me If You Can by Nicole Young
227. Zero G by Alton Gansky
228. Falling Into You by Julie Ortolon
229. Shadows of Colossus by T. L. Higley
230. A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
231. Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins
December
232. Quills and Promises by Amber Miller
233. After the Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart
234. Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie(ARC)
235. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
236. When Mother was eleven-foot-four by Jerry Camery Hoggatt
237. Ruby's Slippers by Leanna Ellis (ARC)
238. Season of Glory by Ron and Janet Benrey
239. A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen (NF)
24o. An Irish Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson
241. Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
242. How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen (NF)
243. The X'ed Out X-Ray by Ron Roy
244. The Promise by Chaim Potok (reread)
245. Summer Snow by Nicole Baart
246. The Truth About You by Marcus Buckingham (NF)
247. Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene McLaren
248. Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray
249. Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard
250. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo(Reread)
251. Sweethearts by Sarah Zarr
252. One Perfect Day by Laurine Snelling
253. Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene McLaren
254. Courting Emma by Sharlene McLaren
255. Sky Burial by Xinran
256. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Short Story)
257. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
258. Chamber Music by James Joyce (Poetry)
259. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
260. A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer

Good Quote

" Readers usually grossly underestimate their own importance. If a reader cannot create a book along with the writer, the book will never come to life. Creative involvement: that’s the difference between reading a book and watching TV.

In watching TV, we are passive - sponges; we do nothing. In reading we must become creators, imagining the setting of the story, seeing the facial expressions, hearing the inflection of the voices. The author and the reader ”know” each other; they meet on the bridge of words."

-Madeleine L’Engle, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

"My Name is Russell Fink" by Michael Synder

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Name is Russell Fink
Zondervan (March 1, 2008)
by
Michael Snyder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He's never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.At its heart, My Name is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Brittanie: I loved this book. I loved the unique interesting characters. I loved the sometimes wacky zany plotline. I laughed so hard in some spots. I did not want to put it down. I read it in one night almost in one sitting. My big fluffy cat likes to sit on my bed and bother me while I am reading (I call him my reading buddy) and I think I saw them looking at me crazy when I laughed and kept bursting out laughing. For all that there were some deeper issues including family dysfunction/relationships that were dealt with too. I highly recommend this book. This is going on my favorites of 2008 list. :)

Jane Austen Quiz

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Charlotte Lucas While her decisions aren't what most women would make, Charlotte has many attractive qualities that are often overlooked. She is a minimalist in her looks and flirtations, which is sometimes refreshing in the midst of women on the prowl. She is content in most situations, and enjoys the company of her friends. She does, however, leave her life too much to chance, but it seems to suit her. As one of Lizzie Bennet's closest friends, she is obviously a desirable companion. Charlotte Lucas 75% Emma Woodhouse 69% Lady Catherine 69% Elizabeth Bennet 63% Jane Bennet 53% Elinor Dashwood 53% Marianne Dashwood 44%

"Healing Stones" by Stephen Arterburn and Nancy Rue

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Healing Stones
(Thomas Nelson January 1, 2008)
by Stephen Arterburn & Nancy Rue

ABOUT THE BOOK
With one flash of a camera, Demi's private life becomes public news. She doesn't know it yet, but her healing has just begun.Christian college professor Demitria Costanas had vowed to end her affair with a colleague. But she gives into temptation one last time...and a lurking photographer captures her weakness for all to see. Quite literally, she's the woman caught in adultery. And almost everyone--herself included--has a stone to throw.Enter Sullivan Crisp, a decidedly unorthodox psychologist with his own baggage. He's well-known for his quirky sense of humor and incorporation of "game show" theology into his counseling sessions. And yet there's something more he offers...hope for a fresh start.Reluctantly the two of them begin an uplifting, uneven journey filled with healing and grace. By turns funny and touching, this story explores the ways humans hurt each other and deceive themselves. And it shows the endlessly creative means God uses to turn stones of accusation and shame into works of beauty that lead us onto the path of healing.An auspicious debut for a candid yet tender series about pain, healing, and God's invitation for second chances.

My Review: I loved this book. I learned a spirtual lesson about not being so judgemental and ways to act out grace. The story line drew me in and held me till the end. I love the characters and cannot wait to see more of them. Although I think the main character per say Dr. Sullivan Crisp will be the commonality of the storyline for the series. Anyway I loved it and I want more. Please :)

About the authors:

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries—the nation’s largest faith-based broadcast, counseling and treatment ministry—and is the host of the nationally syndicated “New Life Live!” daily radio...



By 1996 Nancy was a full-time writer. The Christian Heritage Series made that possible. She was writing those books from the early 1990's until 2000.

And then a new opportunity came along--the Lily series. If she ever doubted that she was going to make it as a writer, man, that little red-head put those fears to rest! And, of course, Sophie followed Lily, with some teen and grown-up books in between -- plus the non-fiction books designed just for you.

Nancy and her husband live in Tennessee now, overlooking a beautiful lake, lots of sycamore trees, and the rocky Tennessee hills. They have a bright yellow power boat named BANANA SPLIT which you can find us on no matter what the weather. Marijean and her husband live nearby with my three grand-dogs and three grand-cats (and two grand-snakes . . .)

Winner

And the winner of Sister's Ink by Rebecca Seitz is ... Gloria!

Congrats! I need you mailing address and I will get it to you :)

Stay Tuned another giveaway coming soon!

Contest

And the Winner is DEENA at A Peek At My Bookshelf http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/
Go Visit her site .... she is holding lots of great author interviews and giveaways :)

And now for my next giveaway is a copy of Sisters Ink by Rebecca Seitz. My review is coming soon but lets just say it was absoutely fantastic :)
Scrappbookers and not will love this book.
To enter leave a comment on this post until midnight on February 8. The winner will be picked using a random number generator.

Sister's Ink by Rebecca Seitz

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sister's Ink
Broadman & Holman Books (February 1, 2008)
by
Rebeca Seitz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebeca Seitz is Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations. An author for several years, PRINTS CHARMING was her first novel.Rebeca cut her publicity teeth as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In 2005, Rebeca resigned from WestBow and opened the doors of GRPR, the only publicity firm of its kind in the country dedicated solely to representing novelists writing from a Christian worldview.Rebeca makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Charles, and their son, Anderson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sisters, Ink marks the first in a series of novels written by, for, and about scrapbookers. At the center of the creativity and humor are four unlikely young adult sisters, each separately adopted during early childhood into the loving home of Marilyn and Jack Sinclair.Ten years after their mother Marilyn has died, the multi-racial Sinclair sisters (Meg, Kendra, Tandy, and Joy) still return to her converted attic scrapping studio in the small town of Stars Hill, Tennessee, to encourage each other through life’s highs and lows.Book one spotlights headstrong Tandy, a successful yet haunted attorney now living back in Orlando where she spent the first eight years of her life on the streets as a junkie’s kid. When a suddenly enforced leave of absence at work leads her to an extended visit with her sisters in Stars Hill, a business oppor­tunity, rekindled romance, and fresh understanding of God’s will soon follow.

Endorsements:

"What more can any woman want? Sisters, Ink weaves the love of sisters, the fun of scrapbooking, and a romance as sugary and tingling as Sweet Home Alabama. A must read for those who love southern fiction."--DiAnn Mills, author of Leather and Lace and When the Nile Runs Red

"Fun . . . funny . . . fantastic! Rebeca Seitz has brought together scrapbooking and sisterhood in a lively romp, with a love for going home again."--Eva Marie Everson, coauthor of The Potluck Club series.

My Review: I loved it. It was deeper than casual chick lit. I am not a scrapbooker so at first I was scared after reading the back but it is not the main focus of the book. Their is enough in it to delight those who love to scrapbook. It is a book about relationships ... family, work, and love. I love the premise of the main character. Overall it is a very unique story and I can't wait to read more in this series. :)
P.S. Don't forget to enter my contest for a copy of this book.

"Sisters Ink" by Rebecca Seitz

It is February FIRST, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button on my sidebar) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!
This month's feature is:
Rebeca Seitz
and her book:
SISTERS, INK

B&H Books (February 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebeca Seitz is Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations. An author for several years, PRINTS CHARMING being her first novel.
Rebeca cut her publicity teeth as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In 2005, Rebeca resigned from WestBow and opened the doors of GRPR, the only publicity firm of its kind in the country dedicated solely to representing novelists writing from a Christian worldview. Rebeca makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Charles, and their son, Anderson.

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Tandy’s purple stiletto heel tapped in perfect rhythm to the pulse that threatened to leap out of her neck. She stared at the phone, willing it to ring and someone on the other end to declare this a joke. Her boss did not just call her into his office. Now.The smooth tones from her CD player of Ole Blue Eyes crooning I Did it My Way mocked rather than soothed. She had to calm down, but Meg’s idea of music soothing the savage soul was not working. Fingers shaking, Tandy snatched up the receiver and dialed her sister. Calm, stoic Meg always knew what to do in a crisis. From falling off the swing set to supplying Oreos and caffeine the night before Tandy’s bar exam, Meg was a pro at handling crises and keeping her three sisters’ lives humming.A busy signal sounded, and Tandy slammed the phone back down. Of course Meg would be on the phone right now. Why on earth couldn’t that woman understand the helpfulness of call-waiting? Tandy could hear Meg’s soft, persuasive response now: Why would I stop talking to one person before our conversation ended, T? It’s rude and I just won’t have it in my house. Grabbing the receiver again, Tandy punched in Kendra’s numbers, jumping when yet another hawk flew into her window. Why did Orlando have to have a courthouse with the perfect nooks and crannies to build a nest? Ever since the completion of this new structure, hawks circled attorneys in the Bellsouth building across the on a daily basis.Kendra’s melodic voice floated over the line, its harmonious tones the same as in childhood: "You have reached the voicemail of Kendra Sinclair…"Tandy slammed the receiver down again and glared at the circling hawks. Of course Mr. Beasley was angry. He had every right to be, really. That fat deposit in her checking account every other week meant the continuation of her dedication to keeping their clients out of jail. Certainly it meant she wouldn’t hand the prosecution the very evidence they needed to obtain a conviction. She fiddled with the purple and black silk scarf tied around her neck.Would Joy be any help at all in this situation? Joy might be the baby sister, but her quiet strength could come in handy right now. Except that Joy loved to talk and Christopher Beasley was waiting. The thought of him in his office high above the hawks, tapping his long fingers on the glass top of a heavy mahogany desk, didn’t allow for long phone conversations.Tandy’s office phone rang and she jumped. "Tandy Sinclair.""Tandy, it’s Anna." Tandy smiled, thinking of the gentle lady seated a few floors above her. "Mr. Beasley’s on his third cup of coffee."Her smile vanished. "Oh, no, Anna. Couldn’t you have dawdled a bit? You know how he gets with caffeine overload.""And you know how he gets when I dawdle. You’ve got maybe three minutes before he asks me to get cup number four.""I’m on my way." Tandy pushed back from her desk and stood up. "Thanks, Anna.""No problem, sweetie."Tandy dropped the phone in its cradle, her gaze darting around the room for something, anything that would prevent the next ten minutes.If that idiot Harry Simons had been one iota less smarmy, this predicament could have been avoided. His outright ogling of her figure had been bad enough, but certainly not the first time Tandy had been forced to ignore a man’s unwanted attentions. They all seemed to believe her red, wavy hair was a sign she’d fulfill their wildest dreams. Heck, Mr. Beasley had probably even made that assumption at some point, as evidenced by his swift promotions landing her in a cushy corner office of Meyers, Briggs, and Stratton.Tandy swigged caffeine and paced the office. It wasn’t even Harry’s condescension. His superiority, rooted in maleness, made no effort to hide the belief that a brain resting between the pierced ears of a thirty-year-old female graduate of Yale School of Law somehow negated its existence. That idiocy didn’t even raise her blood pressure. She fingered her pearl earrings and grimaced as a hawk glided to rest on the ledge outside.No, she would have been fine, and Christopher Beasley would not at this very moment be preparing to fire her, except for one innocent little lunch with small-minded Harry. Why, oh why, had she agreed to go to lunch with the lizard? (Honestly, his head rivaled the shape of geckos that ran in and out of every flower bed in Central Florida.) Come to think of it, his eyes were shifty like a gecko, too. Was the single life getting to her so much that she’d date a lizard? She stopped and tapped the window ledge. Meg and Kendra were on her case to date more. But who had time to meet people after spending sixty-five hours a week at the office? She sighed. The sisters just didn’t understand life in the city."You guys have got it easy," she said to the hawks. "Circle, eat, rest, repeat. With the occasional head bang into a window to keep us lawyers on our toes." She shook her head.Well, it didn’t matter now. Mr. Beasley awaited her presence and it would only get worse the longer she stood here. Her heels sank into the plush pearl-colored carpet as she crossed the office, ignoring the latest sacrifice to her black thumb—a nearly dead African violet. She opened her office door and cast one last glance at what, in about ten minutes, probably would not be her office. Oh well. Maybe she could take the plant to Anna.She picked up the violet. At least the charade of defending a slimeball, who made fun of an old homeless man to make himself seem big, would come to an end. And the day was still young; she could hit the beach before the lunch rush hit I-4.Shoulders thrown back, chin up, Tandy made her way down the hallway and entered an elevator lined in the obligatory mahogany, brass, and mirrors, testimony to Christopher’s desire to never rock a boat even in the decoration of his law firm’s offices. She eyed her reflection and saw steel in the brown eyes staring back. Cutting Harry off at the knees in public wasn’t the best financial move to make. How would she buy food for Cooper? Pay his vet bills? Keeping an old basset hound with arthritic knees and hips in comfort was a pricey endeavor. Still, it had been worth it to see the shock on Harry’s face when she announced in her loud voice the impending completion of his career. From a 9x9 prison cell, that cardboard box would look like heaven.She checked her chignon, tucking in a stray curl and smoothing the rest down. Picturing Harry’s smug, pudgy face behind bars did way more to calm her pulse rate than Sinatra’s croon. The elevator dinged, announcing her arrival to Christopher Beasley’s penthouse lair.Tandy took a deep breath, tightened her grip on the sagging violet, sent up a prayer of thanks that she’d picked the Ann Taylor suit today—must look sharp when being fired--and stepped across the threshold."He’s waiting for you." Sympathy shimmered in Anna’s blue eyes. The Orlando sun shining through the window made Anna’s hair glow like a fresh pearl.Tandy set the violet down on Anna’s desk. "Thanks, Anna. It’s been good knowing you. I wonder if you might coax this little guy back to life?"Anna raised her eyebrows. "Tandy, how many times do I have to tell you? You’re a danger to plants." She smiled and wagged her finger. "You taking them in isn’t an act of kindness. You leave the greenery to us old chicks."Tandy laughed. "Yes ma’am." She took another breath. "I guess I should go in now."Anna sobered. "Guess so.""Still on cup number three?""I just took in cup four. I doubt he’s taken a sip yet, though. He’s slowing down.""Thanks for everything, Anna.""You’re welcome, honey. Take care of yourself. And you call me if you need anything, hear?"Tandy nodded, only now realizing that losing her job also meant losing Anna’s kind wisdom. She blinked hard. Crying at work would not do. She stepped to Christopher’s door and knocked."Come." His deep voice bellowed through the door and Tandy’s pulse kicked up again. This was it. For the first time ever, Tandy Sinclair was about to be fired from a job. When she’d moved to Orlando to take this job and declare war on the city that took her childhood, Tandy never would have guessed she’d become an actual beach bum."Tandy, sit down, sit down." Christopher stood, gesturing to a chair and patting the telltale stripes of his Ben Silver tie. "Seems we have a little situation on our hands." The hawks circled one story below his window, the tops of their feathered backs lit by the sun.Tandy sat down and nodded.Christopher’s padded leather chair creaked with his weight. He settled back, propped his elbows on the arms, and templed his fingers. "Harry tells me he’s headed for a prison cell."She nodded again."He also tells me that would be your fault."Another nod. This must be what bobbleheads felt like."And he says he’s ready to sue this firm for inadequate representation unless I do something about it."She quirked an eyebrow. Score one for Harry."I’ve assured Harry that there must be some misunderstanding since you’re one of the most capable attorneys this firm has seen in quite some time. So, please, Tandy, explain to me how one of our biggest clients, someone for whom you serve as lead counsel, suddenly finds himself facing jail."Tandy tilted her head. He was giving her an out, bless him. Leave it to Christopher Beasley, King of Calm and Proper Appearances, to smooth the choppy waters and restore her professional boat to proper order. An image of Harry’s sneer popped into her mind, though, and the thought of backtracking fled like money from her wallet during a trunk sale.She smiled and adopted her lawyer voice. "Well, Mr. Beasley, I appreciate your belief in my professional abilities, but it seems Mr. Simons has some rather extreme positions regarding personal values that led me to determine he is, in fact, guilty of the crime for which he has been accused. When I asked him directly, he admitted as much to me."It was Christopher’s turn to raise a brow. "He told you he embezzled funds from Hope House?"Tandy nodded. "Yes, sir. I advised him I could not put him on the stand, since I would be suborning perjury, but he refused to listen. It was either let him lie to the court or remove myself from his case. I chose the latter."Christopher swiveled his chair and stared out at the courthouse. What she wouldn’t give for a hawk to barrel into the glass. Anything to break the tension. Losing this job wouldn’t be the end of the world…just of her bank account, for the time being. She really didn’t want to lose the paycheck, but Harry gave her no choice.The man wouldn’t listen to reason if someone etched it in a brick and threw it at his head.She thought about their lunch again, seeing the hump-backed old man picking through a dumpster across the street. His coat had been threadbare, but Tandy knew too well the value of a coat, threadbare or not, on the streets. The priceless nature of every layer between skin and street. How the three bites of cheeseburger he found wrapped in its foil was enough to fill his belly for an entire day.Harry’s voice had faded into the background of restaurant chatter as Tandy’s mind flew back to the seven years she spent living in a box with her mother. Before she met Marian and Jack Sinclair. Hearing the trains rumble past where they camped. Begging people for money, searching for a dry place when it rained, for a piece of food that hadn’t already been discovered by bugs. Watching her mom bob and weave as she walked, that scary light in her eyes that was both mesmerizing and terrifying because it meant mom wouldn’t make sense.Tandy knew now her childhood had been stolen the first day her mother lit a match beneath the bowl of a pipe."Stupid junkie. Probably lost his job because of some drug habit." Harry’s voice joined a thousand other voices that still kept her awake on too many nights. "Bet he chooses to live like that. Easier than getting a job and working for his money like the rest of us."Tandy looked at Harry sitting there in his three-thousand-dollar pin-striped suit, black crocodile shoes, and platinum cuff links with the Brooks Brothers insignia. Thought about reminding him his money came from his father’s hard work and planning, but decided against it. Harry was, after all, a huge client."Oh, probably not, Harry. You’d be amazed what some of the people living on the streets have been through." She sipped her water and willed her blood not to boil at the stupidity of the man before her.He sneered and pointed a stubby finger at her. "Don’t be naïve, Tandy. That man could get a job flipping burgers at McDonald’s just as easy as sit out there with a cup in his hand, begging me to part with my cold hard cash that I worked very hard to get."Silence was about as possible as finding a pair of Ferragamo’s in a size ten. On sale. Never gonna happen."Harry, how would he get a job? I doubt he owns any clothing other than what’s on his back. What would he wear to a job interview? Where would he get enough sleep in one sitting to be awake for an entire shift? What address would he even put on his job application?""Why, Tandy, I didn’t know you cared so much about our fair city’s homeless degenerates." His voice, so patronizing and smooth, grated. It fought with the pockmarks on his face to portray a polished image. "I’d think, with such convictions, you would have a hard time taking my case.""Why is that, Harry? You didn’t embezzle from Hope House. Which means you didn’t take money from the mouths of homeless people. Which means my awareness of the plight of the homeless works in your favor." She took a sip of her water and tried to relax.He wagged his finger at her. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, Tandy. There goes your naiveté again."It took her a second to catch on. "Excuse me?"He grinned and, for the first time, Tandy knew what jowls meant. "I think we both know what I’m saying.""I certainly hope not. Because if you’re confessing to taking money from a homeless shelter, I can’t put you on the stand. I’d be suborning perjury."Christopher cleared his throat, snapping Tandy back into the present. He swiveled around to face her. "I’m in a predicament, Tandy. Harry Simons brings a lot of money to this firm, been with us for years. That must count for something. Yet I find myself struggling with the thought of firing you since I understand the ethical dilemma you faced."A tiny smidgen of hope blossomed in her heart.Christopher placed his palms down on his glass-topped desk, an act of finality. "And yet, I see no course of action but to terminate your employment with Meyers, Briggs, and Stratton. Anything less would cause serious repercussions in our relationship with Harry Simons."She fought to breathe normally. Blinked to hold back tears. Her savings account was basically nonexistent, which meant she and Cooper better start looking for a big refrigerator box to call home. Or maybe finding Cooper another family to live with would be a better idea. One of the sisters could take him. Meg, or maybe Joy. Kendra would be a last resort. She was as good with pets as Tandy was with plants. Well, except for Kitty, but cats were self-sufficient.A hawk slammed into the window, making Christopher jump and spill the coffee sitting on his desk. "Dadgum it! Anna!"Anna came rushing in, saw the mess, and snagged a roll of paper towels from the cabinet by the door without a word."You’ve got to call somebody about these hawks, Anna. They’re ruining my concentration!""Yes, Mr. Beasley. I’ll make the call today." Anna shot Tandy a sideways glance. Tandy grinned. Seeing the unflappable Christopher Beasley in a snit was worth getting fired--almost. Anna sopped up the mess and left the room."Now, where were we?" He pushed paper around the desk, checking to ensure all the coffee was gone.Tandy cleared her throat. "I think you were firing me."Christopher stopped arranging paper and looked up at her. "Right, right. Well, I don’t think we have to be that drastic. How about a leave of absence?"Thank heaven for hawks."A leave of absence, sir?" Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but, hey, it had to be asked."Yes. I think that will mollify our good friend Harry." Christopher nodded and patted the desktop, warming to his idea. "I’ll let him know you’ve taken some time to think through your behavior and will come back to the firm when you’ve gotten some perspective. Say, two months?"Two months? She calculated the amount in her checking account and began deducting bills. With no extracurricular spending at all, it might work. Two months to find something else or learn how to eat crow. Okay, maybe this was a good thing. There was no immediate need to take another boring job in a legal firm. Two months was a ton of time. Figuring out her professional passion should be a snap. She could almost see Meg’s eyes roll at that thought."Thank you for that, sir."Christopher smiled. "It’s the least we can do. You’ve been a good employee. I just wish this mess hadn’t occurred."Poor Christopher. Conflict between an employee and a major client. He must have been up all night figuring out ways to smooth ruffled feathers.She shrugged. "These things happen for a reason, I think." She stood up and held out her hand. Christopher took it with his own limp one and made a motion that might optimistically be called a handshake."Good luck, Tandy. We’ll see you back here in two months.""Thank you." She turned on one Ferragamo heel and walked out of Christopher Beasley’s office. Eight weeks of nothingness spread out before her like a gift. There had to be a way to make money off of this.She tapped her chin and watched the lights over the elevator. Maybe some tourist would want her apartment for a couple of weeks. Tourists would pay just about anything for somewhere to stay during season. A couple thousand bucks, easy.But if someone were to stay in her apartment, where could she go? The whisper of her heart tickled Tandy’s brain. Stars Hill, Tennessee’s rolling countryside, Daddy’s smile, Momma’s painted roses, the sisters’ scrapbooks…The ding of the elevator dispelled her mind’s image, but not the idea. Stars Hill. Well, it had been a while since she’d been back. Three years, if memory served. And, with Daddy and the sisters around, there wouldn’t be any need to spend money on restaurants. Though what she’d save might be spent on scrapbook stuff. It was one thing to scrap alone and quite another to sit around Momma’s old scrapping table with the girls.Tandy exited the elevator and smiled. If she left right now, she’d be home in Stars Hill by morning.She walked into her office, snagged her briefcase, and whipped out a tiny cell phone on the way back to the elevator."Hello?""Meg?""Hey, T, what’s up in the big city?"Tandy laughed. "Well, not me. I’ve got eight weeks of a sudden vacation.""What? What happened?""I’ll tell you all about it when I get there."Meg’s squeal pierced Tandy’s ears and she jerked the phone away from her head. "You’re coming home? To Stars Hill? Yes!! When will you be here? Wait, what happened? Did you get fired? Did something happen at work?" Tandy could hear Meg’s three kids squealing now in the background. They must have caught on to their mom’s excitement."Seriously, I’ll tell you when I get there. Call Kendra and Joy. Breakfast at Joy’s, 9 a.m.""You’ve got it, sister. James, get down off that table!" Tandy could just picture Meg’s eldest. He must have grown a foot by now. "I’m telling you that child will climb on anything," Meg said."Go keep your kids from tearing down the house. I’ve got to get home, get all my scrapping stuff packed, call the rental company to let some crazy tourist in my place for a couple of weeks, and get on the highway.""On the road again…" Meg’s voice blared through the phone."Sheesh, Sis, are you ever going to stop with the songs?""Not as long as there’s a breath in me." Tandy heard scuffling. "James, put your sister down! I am not kidding with you, mister!"Tandy chuckled. "See you in the morning.""Okay. Be careful and buckle up.""You’ve got it."Tandy snapped the phone closed and walked through the parking deck toward her new little silver BMW 323. Man was this car going to stand out in sleepy little Stars Hill.

Bloggy Giveaway!

I am joining in on Rocks in My Dryer's Bloggy Giveaway Carnival.
My Rules are:
*Continental US addresses only
*Bloggers and nonbloggers alike eligible ... just make sure and leave me a way to contact you if you win
*Leave a comment to be entered
*So what am I giving away .... as a book lover it will be a $15 dollar gift card to the winner's choice of Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Booksamillion.
*The winner will be picked at midnight on February 1 and announced here on February 2
* Also I will be holding another giveaway starting on February 1 so don't forget to come back!