Verse of the Day

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17–18)

Verse of the Day

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. (Psalm 36:7–9)

Verse of the Day

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:11 ESV)

Divine Appointments by Charlene Baumbich

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Divine Appointments  WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010)  by  Charlene Baumbich   



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.

Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh—especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, "There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!" That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.

I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don't Miss Your Life! Whether you're tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seat belt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.

Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.

Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Divine Appointments, go HERE.

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:1–5)

The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Lightkeeper's Bride  Thomas Nelson (October 19, 2010)  by  Colleen Coble  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   

Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.


A word from Colleen: God has been faithful, though the path has not been easy. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. God wouldn’t let me give up, and I like to think the struggle made me stronger. God has given me so much in my life, most importantly my great family, a loving church family at New Life Baptist Church, and my wonderful publishing family at Nelson Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK   

A thrilling romantic mystery set in the lush Victorian age.

Central Operator Katie Russell's inquisitive ways have just uncovered her parents' plan for her marriage to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Her heart is unmoved, but she knows the match will bring her family status and respectability.

Then Katie overhears a phone conversation that makes her uneasy and asks authorities to investigate. But the caller is nowhere to be found. Mysterious connections arise between the caller and a ship lost at sea.

Against propriety, Katie questions the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Then a smallpox epidemic forces their quarantine in his lighthouse. Though of low social status, Will's bravery and kindness remove Katie's suspicion and win her love. Katie and Will together work to solve the mystery of the missing girl and the lost ship as God gives the couple the desire of their hearts.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lightkeeper's Bride, go HERE.

Margie's comments: The Lightkeeper's Bride is the second in Colleen Coble's series set around a lighthouse on the Pacific coast. The mixture of mystery, history, and romance is a perfect blend in this delightful story. And Will and Katie are once again very real characters with flaws who strive to serve the Lord first in their lives. While this book is a part of a series, it very definitely stands alone. You don't have to read The Lightkeeper's Daughter in order to keep up with the story. It was good to "visit" with the characters in the first book again. I highly recommend this book to readers of mystery and history and romance.

Verse of the Day

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. (Romans 8:26–27 NLT)

The Silent Order

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Silent Order  Summerside Press (November 1, 2010)by  Melanie Dobson   



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.

Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.

Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters—Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural America - 1928. After the murder of his partner, Detective Rollin Wells hides away in an Amish home near Sugarcreek, Ohio, to find out who in the police force is collaborating with Cleveland’s notorious mob. While Rollin searches for answers to his partner’s death, he befriends an elusive young Amish woman named Katie and her young son. As Rollin learns about Katie’s past, he’s shocked at the secret Katie is hiding - a secret that has haunted Rollin for eight years.


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

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2–4 The Message)

Verse of the Day

Be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5 AMP)

Verse of the Day

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. (Psalm 34:1–3)

Verse of the Day

Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. (Jeremiah 15:16 NLT)

Procrastination

It has been a long time since I posted a “Monday Meditation.” Not because God isn’t working in my life, but because He has. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself.

“I’ll post about this, Lord, when I’ve had a chance to process this.” Uh-huh. And we can all see how consistent I’ve been with this.

Okay, so yesterday during my quiet time with the Lord, I asked the Lord to speak to me through the preaching of His Word. And oh my, did He ever answer that request! Even through my own teaching in Sunday school. Isn’t He good?

We’ve been studying Kay Arthur’s book, Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today. And we are now on the last chapter. It wraps up everything we’ve learned over the past few months and brings the concept of God’s grace for every day into focus—what it looks like. Yesterday we discussed the concept of grace and those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11. We then went on to tie it in to the exhortations in Hebrews 12. It is by remembering those great men and women of faith who have gone on before us and keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, that we are able to appropriate God’s grace, sufficient for each day.

In the morning service, our pastor is finishing up a series in Acts that has been ongoing over the past couple of years. In yesterday’s passage, Felix puts off making a decision for Christ. While Pastor Jim made the obvious connection and exhortation not to put off the decision to follow Christ in salvation, he also pointed out that we all have something in our lives we’re procrastinating on. Nothing popped into my mind immediately. Well, nothing that I couldn’t “explain” away.

However, the question Pastor asked at the end of the message has run over and over in my mind. And this morning I realized that, in His goodness, God put His finger on several things I’ve been procrastinating about. Posting to my blog in one, especially on those things where God is working.

Writing is another area. It goes in “fits and starts,” as my Grandma Paton used to say. Saturday, I attended a Storycrafter’s Seminar that Susan May Warren taught. She gave us tons of tools to help us write the novels we all had in mind when we came. Seventy-five people, young teen to older adults, drank in what Susie said. I know, for me, she gave so many good techniques that appeal to my “give-me-a-pattern” mentality. I’m one who works best with an outline, a detailed plan. Not too much that it stifles my creativity as I write, but enough to keep me from staring endlessly at a blank page.

And there are a couple more things in my life that I’m procrastinating on. Still, I held back from committing these things to the Lord. Until I caught a sentence in a devotional I’ve been pondering over the past few days. It wasn’t until this morning that I caught this sentence:

“Procrastination precludes deliverance, because it seeks My blessings today while refusing to accept them until tomorrow.” (Make Haste My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.)

Because I put off doing what I clearly know is God’s will for me, I’m missing out on God’s blessings. Especially the ones I want today but won’t appropriate until whenever I decide to obey. Ouch! And it’s all related to who/what I’m putting my trust in, who I’m allowing to be in control. Double ouch!

I’m a little slow to learn, it seems, but I’m seeing more and more how everything in life is related to faith and trust—my actions, fears, and doubts all point to what I value most. And it’s sobering how many my struggles are a result of my wanting to be in control, putting off what God asks me to do until I’m “ready,” yet wanting God’s immediate deliverance.

Yes, He still hears my prayers, and He does provide my every need. But how much am I missing out on because I want to have the best of both worlds? Sobering thoughts, and yes, I’m spending a lot of time repenting and getting my mind back on the thing that is most important—my faith-walk with Jesus Christ, trusting Him in every area of life.

Verse of the Day

Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG)

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Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Amy Inspired  Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)  by  Bethany Pierce   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   

After completing a master's in Creative Writing and working as a visiting instructor at Miami University in Ohio, Bethany Pierce now lives with her husband in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is a  member of the McGuffey Art Center and continues to write. Her first book, Feeling for Bones, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2007.



ABOUT THE BOOK   

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...

Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up—both from publishers and her boyfriend.

But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated.

When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Amy Inspired, go HERE.


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." (Daniel 3:16–18 MSG)

Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Hatteras Girl  Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)  by  Alice Wisler   



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated  from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Facts about Alice

* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years

* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy

* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University

* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia

* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines

* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan

* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache

* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven

* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09   


ABOUT THE BOOK   

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? . . . Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:1, 14)

Verse of the Day

When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. (Hebrews 6:16–18 MSG)

Grace by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Grace  Avon Inspire; Original edition (October 26, 2010)  by  Shelley Shepard Gray   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven.  Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado.  She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children.  When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.





ABOUT THE BOOK   

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday.

Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it's their first Christmas with baby Eli. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.

But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can't bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won't open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant.

Katie, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn't trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday. But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, as well as snow that traps them in the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Grace, go HERE.


Margie's comments: Grace is a heartwarming Christmas story, a wonderful reminder of how God's grace sent His Son as a baby to eventually die for our sins. Grace taken to the extreme indeed. Two very hurt and lonely people show up at the inn, desiring to be left alone with their bad memories. However, the Brennemans have already made their Christmas plans, and they don't intend to leave anyone out, especially their guests. Throughout the book grace is vividly portrayed. The only, very minor "complaint" I have with the book is that it is the fourth in a series, and I feel like I've missed some very important information that isn't, of course, included in this book. To be fair, what's needed for this story is there. And it is still a very satisfying Christmas read. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

Verse of the Day

"They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:19)

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Head in the Clouds  Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)  by  Karen Witemeyer   


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, go to her website to listen to a podcast of that interview.


ABOUT THE BOOK   

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Head in the Clouds, go HERE.

Review to come.

Verse of the Day

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT)

Verse of the Day

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG)

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Preacher's Bride  Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)  by  Jody Hedlund   


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   

Jody has written novels for the last 16 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). In May of 2009 she double-finaled in the Genesis contest, a national fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).Shortly after the final, Jody acquired an agent, Rachelle Gardner of Word Serve Literary. Her agent spent the summer of 2009 working on selling her books. In September of that year, Jody signed a three-book deal with Bethany House Publishers. Jody’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride, released in October 2010. Her next book will release in 2011 and a third in 2012.


ABOUT THE BOOK   

In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher—whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family. Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child—and man—she's come to love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Preacher's Bride, go HERE.

Review to come later.

ACFW November New Releases

1.  A Daughter for Christmas; Helping Hands Homeschooling Series by Margaret Daley — A Romance from Steeple Hill. Can Dr. Max Connors make his dream of a family come true when he must tell the widowed mother of the daughter he never knew he had who he really is?

2.  A Suitor for Jenny; Rocky Creek #2 by Margaret Brownley — A Historical from Thomas Nelson. Jenny Higgins is determined to find husbands for her two younger sisters and nothing, not even a handsome marshal, will stand in her way.

3. Behind the Scenes; Tabor Heights, Ohio Series by Michelle Levigne — A Romance from Desert Breeze. Surrounded by crises, best friends transition to life partners, to their own surprise and the amusement of those who love them most.

4. Betrayal in the Badlands by Dana Mentink -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Steeple Hill. Isabel Ling and Logan Price must battle an enemy more deadly than the mighty Badlands.

5. In All Things, Sequel to “No Other”  by Shawna K. Williams — A Historical from Desert Breeze. Jakob and Meri never imagined that the tragedies of their past would one day be transformed into something wondrous and beautiful.

6. Lassoed in Texas by Mary Connealy — A Romance  from Barbour. A three-in-one of romantic comedy with cowboys.

7. Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller — Women's Fiction from Abingdon. Two women from different worlds find hope together in this heart gripping story of faith, forgiveness and reconciliation.

8. Mail Order Cowboy; Simpson Creek Brides by Laurie Kingery -- A Historical from Steeple Hill. A small-town Texas spinster finds love with an unlikely mail order groom.

9. Masquerade Marriage  by Anne Greene -- A Historical from White Rose. When Lady Megan MacMurry chooses a husband from a secret list, she opens her broken heart to a Highland warrior's fight for life.

10. Soaring Home by Christine Johnson -- A Romance from Steeple Hill. A small-town girl plans to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

11. Tales of the Dim Knight by Adam Graham and Andrea Graham — A Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic from Splashdown Books. Mild-mannered janitor and superhero fanboy Dave Johnson gets all his wishes at once when an alien symbiot gives him supernatural powers.

12. The Blacksmith's Bravery; #3, Ladies' Shooting Club

 by Susan Page Davis  -- A Historical from Barbour. A former saloon girl proves she can drive a six-horse hitch--and drive her boss crazy.

13. The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson — A Historical from Summerside Press. A Cleveland detective pursues the Mafia family responsible for murdering the woman he loved until he meets an Amish woman with a secret that changes his life.

Verse of the Day

The LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1–2 NLT)

Verse of the Day

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. . . .I'll turn things around for you." (Jeremiah 29:11–14 MSG)

Verse of the Day

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. (Proverbs 8:34 ESV)

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