My First Blog Award!

I've been awarded the Helpful Blogger Award by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. and also by Faye at Labor Not In Vain! I'm super excited since this is the very first blog award I've received! Thanks Melanie, for awarding my blog and for the big help that you've been to me as I wander through the world of blogging.

Here are the three rules:

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you in your award post.

2. Post three helpful things you've done.

3. Nominate another three bloggers and tell them you nominated them.

Three helpful things I've done:

This is rather difficult to come up with since I haven't been blogging long and I'm not quite sure what I've done that's helpful, but here goes my pitiful attempt!

1. Tell people about books that I've loved so they can enjoy them too.

2. Lent my books to people.

3. Support authors by buying books (yes I know that's pathetic but it's all I could come up with!)

The Three Bloggers That I'm Nominating Are:

1. Megan- Hardcover Feedback

2. Kate- The Parchment Girl

3. Holly Renee- Shelf Life

"Waiting On" Wednesday #2: Trinity: Military War Dog

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're

eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Trinity: Military War Dog (A Breed Apart #1) by Ronie Kendig

Barbour Books-September 1, 2012

About the Book 

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives. 

Why I Want It 

Every book of Ronie Kendig's that I have read I've loved and this I'm sure this book will be no different. The story line sounds so good and I can't wait to read it! I've already pre-ordered it from Amazon and it's currently on sale there for about six dollars. Click Here to pre-order your copy!

Top Ten Historical (Western) Fiction Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

For this week's Top Ten I choose my favorite book out of my ten favorite western series. These won't be in any particular order. I'll just list them in the order that they are in on my bookshelf

#1 Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake
California Historical Series #1

If her own two feet don't end up tripping her, Ruth Caldwell's mouth is likely to get her into equal trouble. But Ruth has the best of intentions. Truly. It's just that her attempts to live up to her mother's expectations of how a lady should act have often yielded…well, less than impressive results. Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage in Folsom, California. Sure, it looks like she's been sleeping in her gown for the past week, but with a crown of riotous curls and those deep green eyes, she's certainly the most beautiful woman he's ever met. But Josh soon finds the sparks that fly upon Ruth's arrival aren't the romantic type. With her legitimate claims to an inheritance, the Broken P Ranch's future is suddenly precarious. And when Ruth's "accidents"--going beyond even her normal bumbling ways--seem to take a sinister turn, Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.

#2 Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

Only in Gooding #1

When Britisher Lady Sydney Hathwell's father dies, the American who planned to wed her suddenly reneges. Stranded in America and penniless, Sydney contacts a relative in Texas who, mistaking her male-sounding name, invites his "nephew" to join him on his ranch. "Big Tim" Creighton, however, is appalled when this mincing fop arrives at Forsaken. He determines he'll turn Fancy Pants Hathwell into a man before the boss returns home. From the get-go, he has "the kid" mucking stalls, clearing and plowing a field, and assisting with a difficult calving. But when Sydney's true identity is uncovered, Tim resents being deceived. Yet in time, he also finds that he doesn't like all the attention Sydney garners now that she's wearing pretty gowns...Together Sydney and Tim will discover the importance of family and what it means to be a man--and a woman--of God.

#3 Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

Lassoed in Texas #1

Sophie Edwards is doing just fine, until a strange-yet oddly familiar-man rides into her life, insisting on rescuing her and her four daughters. Can she find a way to love a headstrong mountain man? When Clay McClellan discovers his brother has been murdered, he's bent on finding the killers and seeing them properly hung. But first his Christian duty demands that he marry his sister-in-law. After all, Sophie needs someone to protect her - right? Faith and love help unruly wed newlyweds find common ground and a chance at love on the Texas frontier.

#4 Doctor in Petticoats

Sophie's Daughters #1

Doctor Alex Buchanan is a wanted man--a deseter from the army stalked by a bounty hunter--but he'd rather be dead than inflict any more pain on his patients. Beth McClellan is idealistic, believing the nursing training she received will be enough to help her serve as doctor to her home town in West Texas. When Alex and Beth meet in a stagecoach accident, they find that they work well together. But are his demons and her dreams too deeply rooted for either of them to pay the price required for a future together?

#5 In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

The Kincaid Brides #2

 In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.
And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.
Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch.
Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!
What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

#6 Montana Rose by Mary Connealy

Montana Marriages #1

Cassie Griffin, a seemingly spoiled pregnant woman, is widowed one day and wedded the next. Marrying handyman Red Dawson seems the only alternative to Cassie being hitched to a brutal rancher. But can this china doll; bear exchanging smooth silk for coarse calico? Red was reluctant to be yoked to an unbeliever, but sometimes a man has no choice. Will Red change Cassie's heart by changing her name? Wade Sawyer is obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience. How far will he go make her his own?

#7 The Drifter by Lori Copeland

Men of the Saddle #2

Charity Burk, a recent Civil War widow, will lose her Kansas homestead unless she finds a man to plow and fence the tough prairie sod. When she discovers Beau Claxton–mauled by a ravenous wolf–she believes he’s the answer to her prayers. She drags the dying man to her cabin, cleanses his wounds, and stitches him up–convinced that marrying him is God’s will. But does this unconscious stranger have room in his heart for God or for her?

#8 Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke

Love Comes Softly Series #3

After all their dreaming and planning, Missie and her beloved Willie are actually on the trail west in a covered wagon, leaving behind her also-beloved family. Her memories are bittersweet as she faces the hardships of the westward trek-the rain, the mud, the impassable rivers, and even death. Will their love for each other and faith in God survive the bewildering surprise at journey's end?

#9 Sean Donovan by Lori Wick

The Californians #3 

Caught in his first bank robbery, Sean Donovan is sentenced to hang. But Charlotte Cooper, who needs a blacksmith for her livery, has other ideas. By law, a woman of good standing in the community can save a man from the gallows by marrying him. Humbled by the dramatic rescue and renewed in his faith, Sean’s heart goes out to his new bride, a woman whose past has prompted her to guard her heart. Yet could the talk around town be true? Is the fiercely independent Charlotte falling for Sean Donovan?

#10 A Texas Sky by Lori Wick

Yellow Rose Trilogy #2

Dakota Rawlings, Texas Ranger, is accustomed to big adventure...but nothing in his work has prepared him for the seemingly easy task of escorting Miss Darvi Wingate to the town of Stillwater and on to Aurora.

Quick–witted, game for anything, and just as passionate about her newfound faith as Dakota is about his, Darvi seems to find trouble under every rock. When she becomes a pawn in one of the biggest rackets in town, she wonders if even a Texas Ranger can get her out of this one. Out here in the West, the stakes are high—for money, for power, and for love...under a Texas sky.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #10

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I read last week:

I enjoyed all of these books. They were all good for different reasons.

I made up the cover for Jennifer O'Malley since it isn't a published book. You can find it at the author's website: http://www.deehenderson.com/  The story is actually a background piece 

for The O'Malley Series-one of the best series ever! 

On a side note Dee Henderson is finally back in the writing world 

and will be releasing a new book in October. I can't wait!

What I am currently reading:

My two ongoing reads and my devotional for the week. I don't have any fiction in the works, 

since the last book I started was a novella collection that I decided not to complete.

What I hope to read this week:

I'm really looking forward to Deeply Devoted-It sounds really good! I'm not sure if I will actually complete Carolina since I haven't been enjoying novella collections lately.

Blog Posts

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #9

I've Been Tagged! Who Will be Tagged Next?

Top Ten Book Cover of 2012 (so far!)

Waiting On Wednesday #1

The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley

Book Description

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be “heiress” to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a life harder than the one she just left. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams, either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. All of the mishaps Kate had while trying to adjust to ranch life had me laughing out loud. And Luke's aunts were quite entertaining with all of their matchmaking schemes and crazy ideas. I like how the author moved the story at a proper pace, not just solving everything quickly in a bow wrapped package. The end was slightly choppy but not to the point of being badly written. I loved all the characters in this story and can't wait to meet them again in the next installment in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch.

About the Author

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this--except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series.

"I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Messenger Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Siri Mitchell
My ThoughtsSince I love stories set during the Revolutionary War I was excited to read this book. It didn't disappoint. The story was well written and the character perfect in their roles. The one thing I didn't really like was that due to the fact that the main character was a Quaker the word you was often replaced with thee which was slightly annoying but not to the point of ruining the book. I loved how Hannah stuck to her core beliefs despite what harm it could bring her. A lesson we can all learn from.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith

...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?

Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.

With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Messenger, go HERE.

"Waiting On" Wednesday #1: Over The Edge

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're

eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Over The Edge (Kincaid Brides #3) by Mary Connealy

Bethany House Publishers-August, 2012

About the Book

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

I have loved all of Mary Connealy's books and I can't wait to read this next installment in the Kincaid Brides series! 

Top Ten Book Covers of 2012 (so far!)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Here is the list of my favorite covers from books that have come out or are coming out this year. It would be cool to design book covers for publishers using skills learned with these graphic design colleges.

#10 In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

# 9 Words Spoken True

#8 The Chase by DiAnn Mills

#7 Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot

#6 Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

#5 Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren

#4 Sweeter Than Birdsong

#3 Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

#2 Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

And at the top of the list....

(I LOVE this cover!)

#1 To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

I've Been Tagged! Who Will Be Tagged Next?

I was tagged by Melanie from Christian Bookshelf Reviews! Thanks Melanie!!
The Rules

Ifyou are tagged, post 11 random things about yourself. Answer thequestions I (the tagger) asked you, then create 11 new questions forthe people you tag, and go to their blog and let them know they'vebeen tagged.

11 Random Things About Me
1. I LOVE the color orange! I literally have orange everywhere!
2. I love kids. I'm extremely more comfortable when I'm holding a baby or talking to a preschooler.
3. I get a funny rush when I see my name written places. (I know I'm weird!)
4. I tend to be over-prepared for things. If we are taking a road trip I've been known to take 4 or 5 different things with me as entertainment for the ride.
5. I will dip almost anything in Ranch dressing. I hate ketchup so I use it as a substitute.
6. I HATE socks and shoes! I go barefoot whenever I can, and when I need shoes it's flip-flops except when there is snow on the ground or it's a fancy event.
7. I'm a firm believer in the fact that God created this world in 6 literal days. And I get offended and my opinion of a person lowers if they say they believe otherwise.
8. I absolutely love giving presents to people. I get so excited that I often can't wait for B-days or Christmas.
9. I'm an extreme cheapskate. I cringe at spending more than $5 for something, and I've gotten pretty good at hunting down a deal.
10. I love Iced Tea! I can sometimes be a snob about what kinds I like but I've found some core places that have the best. McDonald's Sweet Tea is one of those!
11. I obsessively quote movies, trailers, commercials, random youtube videos etc. on a regular basis. Often actually using them as part of conversations. You can say just about anything to me and I can most likely come up with a quote that is applicable.

Questions From Melanie

1.Are you a night-owl or early-bird?
Major night owl! I usually stay up into the early morning, with my family that's when I can get alone time!

2.If you were going to go on vacation and could only travel viaairplane or ship, which would youchoose?
Airplane. I used to be frightened by them but after one trip I found I enjoyed it, and since I get car sick I don't feel like seeing how I react to being on a ship!

3. Name your favoriteholiday?

Christmas! As I said I love to give gifts so this is the best time of year!!!

4. Do you watch anyreality shows? If so, which ones?

On occasion. I like My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, Say Yes to the Dress, What Not to Wear, and The Sing-Off

5.What is your favorite genre to read and what was the last book inthat genre you've read?Christian Romance-The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

6.Which do you prefer - a snowstorm or thunderstorm?

Definitely a thunderstorm! I hate snow and love wind and rain. I love going out before a storm and just running through the wind.

7.If you could travel to any country, which would it be?

Vacation wise Germany and Ireland. But I went on a mission trip to a children's home in Mexico and I REALLY want to go back.

8.What are the five songs you listen to the most?

Hmm hard to pick just 5. The current ones that I'm really enjoying are:

1. Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets

2.Good Morning by Mandisa and Toby Mac

3. Something Worth Dying For by MIKESCHAIR

4. Like A Lion by Kristian Stanfill

5. City On A Hill by Casting Crowns

9.Do you have any phobias?

I'm terrified of having an IV put in. I get squeamish easily and the thought of that freaks me out!

10.Who are your top three favorite authors?

1. Susan May Warren!!!!!!!!

2. Mary Connealy

3. Dee Henderson/Ronie Kendig/Cathy Marie Hake/Irene Hannon

11.If you were stuck on an abandoned island for one year and could takefive fiction books with you, what would they be?

1. Sean Donovan by Lori Wick

2. Donovan's Daughter by Lori Wick

3. The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson

4. Escape to Morning by Susan May Warren

5. Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

My Questions

1. Indoors or Outdoors?

2. What is your biggest pet peeve?

3. When you die what is the one thing you most want to be remembered for?

4. On a plane, do you like the aisle, middle, or window seat? Why?

5. Paperback, Hardback, or ebook?

6. If you could meet one person, living, dead, or fictional, who would it be and why?

7. Favorite Classic?

8. What are you favorite TV shows and movies?

9. What is the best gift you have ever received?

10. If you were given 3 wishes, one for you, one for your community, and one for the world, what would they be?

11. What is one book that you love to recommend to people?

People I'm Tagging

1. Faye - Labor Not In Vain

2. Jen - Book Reviews From A Book Lover

3. Abby - Follow God-Every Day

4. Kristin - Sew Technicolor

5. Katie - Legacy of a Writer

6. Ruth - Booktalk & More

7. Kate - The Parchment Girl

8. Ariel - The Librarian's Bookshelf

9. Cheryl - The Power of a Story

10. Holly Renee - Shelf Life

11. Rina - Rina's Reading

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #9

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I read last week:

Washington's Lady and The Shadow of Your Smile were

 by far my favorite reads of this week. I absolutely loved them!

My least favorite was Wife Wanted in Dry Creek. This book just failed to make sense.

All of the other books I read were decently enjoyable!

What I am currently reading:

Yes I'm reading five books at once. 1 Kindle book to review, 1 paperback to review, 

1 non-fiction devotional, 1 non-fiction educational, and 1 on-going classic!

Except for Little Women I'm still in the early stages of all these books so we shall see!

What I hope to read this week:

Keeping it simple since I have so many current reads!

Blog Posts

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #8

Top Ten Books I'd Give A Theme Song To

Monthly Reflections #2

The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren 

Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

In My Mailbox #1

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!