HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DIANA

Happy Birthday, Diana!!!  I thank God that He brought you into my life and onto this blog!!! 
I love you, Carrie

Happy, happy birthday to my dear, dear friend

It's hard to believe your birthday's come around again.

You're looking young and beautiful in your Santa hat,
Why you haven't aged a bit, and we're all jealous of that!

I hope you get lots and lots of presents on this happy day 

So many you'll have to borrow Santa's sleigh!

I hope your day's terrific, the best it's ever been,

And I hope you'll share those presents with Me, your silly friend! :-)

                                                  Love you! Teresa

 

Diana you are my South Carolina Mate;

And as a friend you are just great!

Charming in personality, and beautiful in looks;

Wonderfully inspiring, and the best taste in books.

So grateful to know you, my life is so much richer now;

You are a true blessing, so go and take a bow! :-)

Happy Birthday Diana! 

Love you always!

Noela

A friend of ours,

Diana Flowers,

knows how to write an amazing review.

How she does it, I have no clue,

but it is something she’s good at

and for that I respectfully tip my hat.

Today is her birthday and therefore I wrote this rhyme

to show I love her, this dear friend of mine.

~Dutchy~

We're celebrating all day long! Pull up a seat and have some cake and punch! 

Giveaway: Wish Diana a happy birthday and your name goes in the drawing for a

copy of Liz Curtis' Higgs' devotional Embrace Grace to bless you through this coming year!

You can purchase Embrace Grace from CBD, Deeper Shopping, and other Christian book outlets.

copy of Liz Curtis' Higgs' devotional Embrace Grace to bless you through this coming year!

Liz Curtis Higgs' "The Women of Christmas"

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs

Isn't this a gorgeous cover? 

Liz Curtis Higgs and Carrie Fancett Pagels

Liz Curtis Higgs has this new release for Christmas 2013 and we have a copy to give away for one of our OWG Followers.  I had the opportunity to meet Liz a couple of years back and her warm personality really shows through in her books!

To purchase from CBD, click here

To purchase from Deeper Shopping click here

To purchase from Amazon click here

From the Back cover:
God Reached Down from Heaven with the Best Gift of All

A sacred season is about to unfold for three women whose hearts belong to God.
Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God’s Son. Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts.

Following in their footsteps, you too can prepare for the Savior to enter your heart, your mind, and your life in a vibrant, new way. Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs explores the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, unwrapping each verse with tender care and introducing you afresh to The Women of Christmas.

Liz Curtis Higgs

GIVEAWAY: Are you ready to spend some time with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna?  Leave a comment as to how you are praying for God to refresh you this Christmastide!  Put OWG for OWG Follower, also.

We're giving away the hardcover copy of this lovely book and may you enjoy spending time with Liz, too, a real sweetheart!

Carrie's Best of 2012

Favorites of the Year

Veil of Pearls 
by MaryLu Tyndall

July 2012

Barbour Publishing

Must be made into a movie--simply stunning, like the cover!!!

Paperback and kindle
____________________________________________

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
by Julie Klassen

January 2012

Bethany House

Fascinating!

I listened to audiobook. Available in multiple formats.

____________________________________________

A Love Surrendered 

by Julie Lessman

October 2012 

Revell

Fabulous!

I read on Kindle, is available in paperback and on CD.

____________________________________________

Short-Straw Bride 

by Karen Witemeyer

June 2012 

Bethany House


I listened to this on audiobook and it is available in multiple formats.

____________________________________________

Prize of My Heart 

by Lisa Norato

March 2012 

Bethany House

Memorable!

Kindle/paperback read for me.

____________________________________________

SPECIAL CATEGORY/AUDIOBOOKs

Author I have "discovered" and devoured her audiobooks like a fiend:

Tamera Alexander

I listened to six books and have downloaded three more!!!  And I have loved them all!

____________________________________________

Audiobook/Novella

A Marriage of the Heart

by Kelly Long

November 2012

Thomas Nelson

Amazing! Worth the wait to listen to this newest novella in the compilation by one of my favorite authors!!!


____________________________________________

Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series

by Vannetta Chapman

Fabulous series with a very satisfying third installment with "Material Witness."

audiobooks

____________________________________________

Not technically 2012 BUT 

Cascade went to audio in 2012 as did

Torrent 

by Lisa T. Bergren

David C. Cook/Oasis Audio

Exemplary audiobooks although more violent that I would normally listen to. But Lisa T. Bergren is so talented, she can get away with it.

____________________________________________
Novellas

A Wreath of Snow 

by Liz Curtis Higgs

December 2012 

Waterbrook Press

Wow!
Hardcover
____________________________________________

A Light in the Window 

by Julie Lessman

November 2012

Sigh-worthy prequel novella!!!

Ebook only

____________________________________________

Carving A Future

book 1 in Colonial Courtships

by Carla Olson Gade

October 2012

Barbour Publishing
Paperback and Ebook.

Beautiful!
(I did not make it through the other novellas in this collection--yet.)

____________________________________________

Highland Crossings
2012
Barbour Publishing


Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn and Pamela Griffin and Laurie Alice Eakes all have lovely novellas in this four novella collection.

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Wreath of Snow

A Wreath of Snow

By Liz Curtis Higgs

(WaterBrook Press, 2012)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

                                                  

I ordered this beautiful hardcover Christmas Novella after seeing a postcard of it, sent in the mail. Between the gorgeous picture and Liz Curtis Higgs writing it--I had to have this book! So I ordered it and copies for our two American contributors. Then I received an AUTOGRAPHED copy from Liz herself- WOW!!! How very special and I will treasure this book!

Set in Scotland, this novella (the length is more of a short book length, however) presents the problems that come when we deceive others. In terms of bibliotherapy, I would recommend this book to someone who has either been deceived by someone or who is having difficulty forgiving themselves for having been less than honest with someone. 

A drunken young man engaged in the sport of curling severely injures a boy whose sister has brought him to the event.  Still single at age twenty-six, Meg is somewhat estranged from her family. Her brother, Alan, who was injured as a child, revels in his role as invalid and has become an embittered young man.  So much so that his only sibling, Meg, attempts to return from home back to Glasgow early during her Christmas holiday--not even staying to celebrate Christmas with her parents and brother, and feeling mighty guilty.  

On board the train, Meg unwittingly engages in conversation with Gordon Shaw, who injured her brother and is now a journalist. He fails to correct her misunderstanding of his name, and who he is, finding himself very much enjoying the young woman's conversation aboard the snow-surrounded train.

Later, Meg does as Alan had done--deceiving her parents by allowing them to misconstrue his true name and identity. But the ultimate deception comes from another character. I will be honest, early on I guessed what likely would happen with this specific character later. I still enjoyed the storyline and the way Liz brought about the expected behavior (that aspect was unique.)

This is not truly novella length (which usually run closer to 20,000 words), despite the cover indicating that A Wreath of Snow is a Victorian novella--so plan to spend more than one evening reading unless you are a quick reader.  This is a lovely Christmas read--full of redemption and forgiveness. I highly recommend it!

Question: Have you ever deceived someone to "save the peace?" Did this action backfire on you?

You can find Liz's books at Amazon, CBD, B&N and other bookstores.

Giveaway:  We are giving away a hardcover copy of this book to one commenter this week. And a second giveaway for the week for any of Liz's books, choice of format.



Diana Reviews A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs



A Wreath of Snow

A Wreath of Snow

By Liz Curtis Higgs

(WaterBrook Press 2012)
 

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~4.5 stars

                                      
                                              
                                          Heartwarming Yuletide Tale!

 





In A Wreath of Snow, Liz Curtis Higgs pens a tender, heartwarming yuletide novella set against the backdrop of 1800s Scotland, where blustery snowstorms and the smell of freshly cut evergreens hang heavily in the air.

Our lovely heroine, Margaret Campbell wishes only to return home to Stirling to enjoy a warm Christmas with her family, but is driven away by the bitterness and apathy of her younger brother, Alan. Alan has been confined to a wheelchair ever since an accident that occurred when he was a young lad has left him paralyzed, and his mean spirited ways drive Meg back to Edinburgh where she holds a teaching position.

As Meg boards the train to return to Edinburgh, she meets a handsome young newspaperman named Gordon Shaw, and as their lives intertwine her destiny is forever changed. Gordon struggles under a load of remorse and shame that he has born for years, and should Meg find out why -- what will become of the feelings she is beginning to develop for him? And as the heavy snowfall continues to build -- will the train make it to Edinburgh or will a disaster ensue, causing long buried, dark secrets to finally come to light? 

Liz Curtis Higgs is a masterful storyteller, and this powerful story of forgiveness and redemption is a wonderful way to usher in the Christmas season. Heartwarming, with compelling and well developed characters, and a very strong spiritual thread throughout, this one is the perfect "sitting by a crackling fire with a cup of hot chocolate" read! Nicely done as always, Liz Curtis Higgs!

Liz's awesome books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, and Lifeway Christian Bookstore.
 

Giveaway: We will be giving away two Liz Curtis Higgs' books this week. Leave a comment for a chance to win. 


Question: The main theme of this book is forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive this Christmas season to start the New Year off right? Perhaps yourself?
 
 

Teresa Mathews Reviews A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

A Wreath of Snow

By Liz Curtis Higgs

(WaterBrook Press, 2012)

4.5 Stars****

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

                                                  

When I received this beautiful Christmas Novella in the mail I was in awe at the beauty of the cover. The train on the front took me back in time to when my oldest son was just a boy and his love of trains. So it was with that fond memory I started Liz’s book.

Liz has taken us to the beautiful snow covered Isle of Scotland where we are introduced to Margaret Campbell, a bonnie lass of twenty six years. Meg was so hoping this Christmas she would be able to have a pleasant visit with her family but alas that was not to be. Alan her brother that was injured as a child in a freak accident that left him unable to walk without help has become very bitter and angry at the world. Blaming Meg for things that were beyond her control and being unbearably rude Meg feels she has to flee her parent’s home and her brother's wrath. Intending to travel back to her quiet home in Edinburgh on this snowy Christmas Eve Meg finds God has a different plan. Instead of heading home Meg begins a journey that will find her walking in a snowstorm to get back to the station after the train has been stopped by a huge snowdrift. While walking back Meg interacts with the weary travelers that were on the train with her. The one that has caught her attention the most is the handsome young man that seems to have noticed her as well. Is he someone God has sent to ease her loneliness or will he bring even more sorrow to Meg’s life?

Gordon Shaw is a young man guilt-ridden by things in his past, even though he has changed his life and he knows God has forgiven him, he still carries the weight from it with him. Gordon now works for a newspaper in Glasgow and he is on his way home when he too is stranded on the train. It didn’t take Gordon long to notice the beautiful, quiet young lady sitting across the aisle from him, of course at the time he has no clue that she is linked to the horror from his past that still haunts him. Will meeting Meg be the key that God uses to free Gordon from his past? Does God intend to bring joy and happiness from the sorrow Gordon caused those many years ago?

Liz does a remarkable job with this story that goes from sorrow and deception to joy and redemption. Since it is a novella it’s a quick read but a very enjoyable one that you won’t want to put down. Thank you Liz for taking me back in time to a beautiful place that has left me with lovely thoughts of the real meaning of Christmas.

Question; Do you have one favorite Christmas memory you would like to share with us?

You can find Liz's books at Amazon, CBD, B&N and other bookstores.

Giveaway:  We are giving away a hardcover copy of this book to one lucky commenter this week. And a second giveaway for the week for any of Liz's books, choice of format, including choice of her "The Girl's Still Got It" reviewed by Diana Flowers on Monday!



Diana Flowers Reviews The Girl's Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs

The Girl's Still Got It!

The Girl's Still Got It

By Liz Curtis Higgs

(WaterBrook Press 2012)

REVIEWED BY DIANA FLOWERS

~5 stars*****

                                   Prepare To Be Changed!

                     

In this delightful study of the book of Ruth, Liz Curtis Higgs sweeps us away on a fascinating journey back in time as the reader gets to know Ruth and Naomi in a whole new light. We will have an opportunity to walk with Ruth, experience her feelings, uncertainties, and acts of faith, and learn to apply them to our lives today.  

As we take an intimate peek into the faith of Ruth and her Boaz, we will see and experience in a way as never before how God's plan unfolds in her life. He walks with her and listens to her very thoughts just as He does yours and you have "value, integrity, vibrancy, and worth" (thanks, Liz!). In spite of your past, God loves you fully and completely and has a wonderful plan for your life, just as He had for Ruth. 

Read this gem of a book that is interlaced with Liz's delightful sense of humor and find out how God still wants to forgive your past, handle your present, and provide for your future. Girl, you still got it! 





This book and other awesome books by Liz Curtis Higgs may be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Lifeway, and your local bookstores.

Question: Have you read any of Liz's other nonfiction books?  If so, which one(s)?

Giveaway:  We will be giving away two Liz Curtis Higgs' books this week.  Leave a comment for a chance to win.  

Best of 2011 – Carrie’s Fiction List 2011 Releases

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady, Revell (historical romance, colonial) Laura is a favorite of all four of us who contribute to this blog. Three of us have read TCL. We all wait with bated breath each year for her new release.  So I'll tag this one "To Sigh For"

MaryLu Tyndall’s Surrender the Dawn (historical romance)

and Surrender the Night  (I am counting these two as one). Diana and Marian and I all included MaryLu on our lists - officially a triple threat! Consistent excellence in writing.

Melanie Dickerson,The Merchant’s Daughter, Zondervan (YA, historical romance) I read this through in one day - she just grips your heart and won't let you go till you are done reading!!!

Now for my count! (Yes, I am cheating! I removed the ones that we all voted for already!)  Oh, and I am another Julie Lessman fan but did not get her 2011 release read yet.  

Laurie Alice Eakes' Lady in the Mist (Revell), a lovely historical romantic suspense read.  One of the best heroes of the year. 

CJ Chase, Redeeming the Rogue, Love Inspired Historical (Regency romantic suspense). Amazing!!! 

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, Summerside. Roseanna is on Diana's list, too.

Serena Miller, The Legend of Katie Calloway. Best Heroine and we love Serena and Katie!!! She'd on Teresa's list, too!

The Treasure Trove historical book for me:

Susan Craft’s, The Chamomile, Ingalls (historical, colonial)

Top bibliotherapy pick:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Sanctuary, Abingdon  (Scottish historical romance). Wow!  She's also on Teresa's list as is the book.

Available on Audio (My preference!)

In a class all her own – Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night, audible.com download (historical)  It would not be fair to even count this audiobook in my top ten because it is in a class all by itself – a fantastic audiobook NARRATED by the author HERSELF!!!!  You cannot beat this for really getting the story, the characterization, and of course that FABULOUS voice of Liz Curtis Higgs!!! 

Julie Klassen’s Girl in the Gatehouse, Bethany (historical romance, Regency). LOVE Julie Klassen's writing.  She has it ALL - unique storylines, amazing characters, fantastic writing, and beautiful voice!  AND it is on audio!!!

Best romance!!!

Kelly Marie Long,  Lilly's Wedding Quilt Thomas Nelson (Amish, romance).  Hunkiest hero and he is Amish!  Great use of bibliotherapy in this book.  Lovely voice and taut storyline.  She is one of my new favorite authors. And on audio and you have me sighing in gratitude!  Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers for making this wonderful book available in that format!

Released on audio in 2011 - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (originally published in pb in 2010 by Bethany House). Also on Teresa's list. 

Vannetta Chapman, Falling to Pieces (Amish suspense murder-mystery).  This is like inviting your BFF over to visit and she is sharing the story.  


Also on Marian Baay's list: Waterfall by Lisa Bergren (YA, speculative, romance) Only one of the trio available in audio at this point in time. This is one of those gripping listens - you pretty much have to stop what you are doing to listen to it.  She reaches many different types of readers.


Happy listening and reading in 2012!!!


GIVEAWAY: A Kindle copy of Melanie Dickerson's new release The Merchant's Daughter and a paperback copy of Julie Klassen's The Girl in the Gatehouse.  Winners announced on Marian's birthday (January 4th) and on my birthday (January 5th) so come back for the parties!