Monday, March 14, 2011

A New Featured Title!

This week's featured title is:
Among the Magnolias by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver
978-1-61626-244-0
HP 943
Romance

Abigail won't be hindered by marriage.

In spite of the love she sees between her parents, Abigail LeGrand is determined never to marry. Intelligent and opinionated, she fears marriage will quash her personality and keep her from supporting the causes that matter most to her.

Nathan Pierce is desperate to hide his past. An itinerant preachers, he's convinced that he is not worthy of God's forgiveness - or of the love of a good woman. But from his first sight of Abigail, carrying a basket of white magnolias, Nathan resists a growing attraction to the spirited young woman.

As they debate slavery and are drawn into mystery shadowing the local orphanage, will Abigail and Nathan accept each other's love and respect, or will they stubbornly cling to the fears that threaten to keep them apart?

Book Excerpt
Nathan stood as a young woman enter the room. At first glance he might have mistaken her for a scullery maid. Her dress was dirty and torn, her auburn-hued hair was tangled, and she was carrying a large basket of white flowers. Yet something in her carriage, some look in her wide dark eyes drew his attention.

"Brother Pierce, I would like you to meet my daughter, Abigail." His hostess retained her seat on the sofa, nodding toward the woman who was putting her basket on a table that stood inside the door.

He stepped forward with a box. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss LeGrand. Your mother has been saying some nice things about you."

She looked past him with a frown. "I see." She executed a graceful bow in spite of her appearance. "I hope you will make room for a parent's bias as I doubt I can eve measure up to whatever she has told you."

Nathan's mouth dropped open. So much for the demure young woman he'd pictured. While Mrs. LeGrand was the epitome of grace and refinement, it was obvious to him that she had failed to install the same qualities in her offspring. Even though he had been raised in a far more rustic environment than this young woman, he was surprised by Abigail LeGrand's lack of sophistication. Or was she merely flouting parental control? She was certainly old enough to have a household of her own. The Shakespearean tale of the shrew came to mind. Perhaps all she needed was a strong man to take her in hand as Petruchio had done with his Katherine. He wished the man the best of luck.

About the Authors
Diane Ashley, a "town girl" born and raised in Mississippi, has worked more than twenty years for the House of Representatives. She rediscovered a thirst for writing, was lead to a class taught by Aaron McCarver, and became a founding member of the Bards of Faith. Visit her at http://www.bardsoffaith.homestead.com/m/.

Aaron McCarver is a transplanted Mississippian who was raised in the mountains near Dunlap, Tennessee. He loves his jobs of teaching at two Christian colleges and editing of Barbour Publishing. A member of ACFW, he is co-author with Gilbert Morris of the bestselling series, The Spirit of Appalachia.

Have you ever been in a situation with someone who was very opinionated?

23 comments:

  1. Opinionated people? Yes, I've been in that situation, and I usually shrug and let it go. I hate conflict.

    This book sounds wonderful. So many layers and things going on.

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  2. I'm sure you know that probably in that situation, I'd be the opinionated person.

    Love the cover and premise of the book.

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  3. I enjoy listening to opinionated people, even if they don't agree with me. It gives me a different perspective and character ideas for my next novel.

    Your book sounds wonderful, by the way! I look forward to reading it!

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  4. Hello everyone! It is great to hear from you all! OK, confession time. Like Lena, I would definitely be the opinionated one. Actually, in my opinion, it is just healthy debate. Oops, there I go again! :) Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

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  5. Sounds like another good read, Diane and Aaron! I'm enjoying my first spring in the South, even if it's the north of the South.

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  6. This sounds like a great read with intriguing characters. Of course, that's just my humble opinion. :)

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  7. Sounds wonderful. Can't wait to read it.

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  8. Jacqueline WheelockMarch 14, 2011

    Diane and Aaron,
    You've done it again. Keep those lovable shrews coming.

    Jacqueline

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  9. Aaron and Diane, this book sounds great!! I have to admit I would probably be the opinionated one, although I try to hide it behind some Southern charm.

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  10. I love the cover. Beautiful. Reminds me of home. I posted this on the wrong blog. Glad I caught that.

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  11. Love the cover and the authors! :) Can't wait to read it. And opinioned? I've a family full of those who like to give their opinions--including me. Like you said Aaron--it's healthy debate! :)

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  12. Looks like another GREAT read, Aaron and Diane.

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  13. I'm usually the opinionated one, but I'm very good at biting my tongue because I don't like the confrontation (well, maybe I like it some of the time).

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  14. Wow, I am loving all of the comments! It is like an online party and reunion, all in one. Thank you all for coming by. In my opinion, you are great!

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  15. Thanks, everyone. We were so excited to revisit Nathan and tell his story. I hope you enjoy it. As for opinionated, my sister once gave me a pillow that says 'You can agree with me...or you can be wrong'

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  16. Sounds like another winner, but I wouldn't expect anything less from you two. Can't wait to read it. Hope too, that we'll one day see some longer length novels from you.

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  17. Michele BrownMarch 14, 2011

    Can't wait to read it! I've enjoyed meeting Diane and working with her this session. Love the cover...and looking forward to the dress selection for the next book!

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  18. Well, Tracie, look out for May 2012...

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  19. Looks like a terrific book! I love the cover!!! :)

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  20. Thanks Michele and Jennifer. We have loved every one of our Heartsong covers. They do an extraordinary job.

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  21. LOVE the cover, and the story sounds fascinating! ~ I do have strong opinions, but guess sometimes I'm too much of a "wimp" to express them, so I often just hold them in, LOL. There have been times when I've wished I could be bolder and just speak out *sigh*. But I truly hate confrontations of any kind, so I try to hold my tongue. ~ Blessings, Patti Jo :)

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  22. The book sounds wonderful.
    I am actually very opinionated...but I keep it all to myself, argue with people inside my head, never ever let them know what I really think, and then I go write books abour feisty women who say whatever thing they want.

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  23. I'm not very opinionated, but know lots of them!! Sometimes I enjoy them, and sometimes I smile and ignore them. Love the sound of this book!!!

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