This Week's Winner!

photo © 2009 Brittany Culver | more info (via: Wylio)
Congratulations CHickey!

You are the winner of this week's random drawing! Just email us at heartsongblog at gmail dot com and tell us if you want a copy of Promise of Yesterday, Promise of Tomorrow or ten Heartpoints to be put toward a future shipment of Heartsong Books!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year!

From The Vault--Promise of Tomorrow

Today's Book From the Vault is:

Promise of Tomorrow

By Dionne S. Moore

HP 912

978-1-60260-905-1

Historical

Alaina just needs Jack to love her.

Alaina Morrison loves Jack Kelly. With her whole heart. So why won't he realize that all she wants is to get married and begin their new life together? She doesn't need a large home or new clothes or other things. She only needs him to actually spend time with her and to show how much he loves her.

Jack Kelly loves Alaina Morrison. With his whole heart. So why won't she realize that he needs to work long hours to provide for her--and their possible future family--the things she deserves? He only needs her to be patient and understanding.

As dangerous floodwaters threaten their home of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, will Alaina and Jack allow God to bridge their growing differences with His unifying love?

What do you do in Alaina's position? Understand that Jack feels the need to provide for her and accept him working long hours? Tell him that he need not work to provide you "things" and that you would rather have his time?

Day 2 With Sandra Moore!

Regret

There's one more holiday before the end of 2010. One more chance to end the year by reaching out to family members or acquaintances, estranged for whatever reason. You see, regret is a hard thing to live with. It lodges in our hearts and haunts us. Take it from one who knows.

photo © 2006 Hamed Saber more info (via: Wylio)
My biggest regret came the night of October 7, 1992. My husband and I had taken up residence at my parents' home for the weekend while our house was cleaned following an oil furnace explosion.

That night, I heard my father coming up the steps from the basement. He didn't know I was there, sitting alone in the dark living room, crying. I can't remember what I was crying over now, probably some silly something or other, but I do remember that moment when my father, a compassionate soul, who was always quick to reassure and offer empathy, made the final turn to head upstairs to bed. It was one of those gripping moments when something deep insides nudges. This nudge told me to call out from the safety of the dark and say, "Good night. I love you." But I didn't, too absorbed in my own little world of misery.

The next morning I woke up to my mother's voice. "Joe? Joe!" It was her tone that startled me and made me dash upstairs. And it was the sight of my father, head bowed low, unresponsive, that gripped my heart with fear. I was the one to dial 911. And while I was talking to the dispatcher, I watched my father begin the long, slow slide from that kitchen chair to the floor below. I witnessed my mother's rising hysteria as she tried to stop his downward plunge, and I could do nothing except coax her with words to remain calm, because the phone had a cord and it wasn't long.

My father never woke from the coma.

Never spoke to me again.

His eyes never again lit with the joy of seeing me.

I lost all opportunity to ever say those three little words to him that night in the darkness of the living room. Oh, he knew I loved him. I know that now, and knew it then too, deep down inside. I was a Daddy's girl after all. But how my grieving heart would have found relief in knowing my last words to him had been "I love you."

As long as there is life, there remains a chance to say those words and to repair past wrongs. Two of my character's discover this hard truth in Promise of Yesterday. Sometimes I write hard truths into my stories in hopes the words or the message will give rise to change. To reconciliation. To peace and love. Tomorrow is not promised.

Do you have any regrets?

Guest Blog Post with Sandra Moore!

photo © 2008 Thomas more info (via: Wylio)

Day One with Sandra Moore

History has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. Particularly little known facts that can be expanded on to form a story. When I went on a fishing expedition for such facts for my area of the country, it didn't take long to stumble upon a story that occurred during the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg.

It seems a wagon full of slaves, captured in Chambersburg, PA, was brought into Greencastle, guarded by a Confederate chaplain and four soldiers. Citizens of Greencastle surprised the guards and disarmed them, freeing the slaves. The result? Brig. Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins demanded recompense for his "property" in the form of $50,000. Town leaders refused to pay Jenkins, who then threatened to return to Greencastle and burn down the town. Some of the slaves gathered with the town leaders and offered to give themselves up to spare the town, but town leaders refused to allow them to do such a thing. And so they waited. . .and waited. . .

Jenkins never showed up.

I love living near a town with such a value for human life and liberties. But rather than use this information as the focal point for Promise of Yesterday, I asked myself some "what if" questions and came up with the premise for Marylu Biloxi's heroic deed and the heartbreak she endured as a result.

From that one snippet of history, a story was born and characters developed. When people ask me where I get my ideas, I can share the historical facts that helped mold the manuscript, and in the process I am also sharing little-known facts that might one day become fodder for another story-teller or ignite a person's passion for history.

One of the really exciting things for me as an author is when I hear from readers who respond to the history of my stories. Promise of Tomorrow took place in Johnstown, PA, during the devastating flood of 1889. I received letters from those who remembered stories from their grandparents, uncles, aunts. I received pictures and articles along with letters. What a treasure and encouragement!

If you have little-known tidbits of history handed down from family member to family member that you'd like to share with me, I'm all ears! You can email me at sdionnemoore at mac dot com.

Feel free to share you interesting tidbits here, too! We are all interested!

Promise of Yesterday by Sandra Moore

This week's featured title is:
Promise of Yesterday by Darlene Moore

HP 932

978-1-61626-0804

Historical

Marylu Biloxi is a true heroine in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, rescuing several people during the Battle of Gettysburg. But even heroes have broken hearts, and Marylu's is shattered. So much so that she intends to never open it to love again.

Escaping the horrors of slavery, Chester Jones returns home after many years. After meeting the enigmatic Marylu, sparks fly as he gently pushes his way into her heart.

As love blossoms, secrets from Marylu's past arise, causing her to question her newfound feelings. And then what about these rumors linking Chester to a murder. . . ? Will Marylu allow God to heal her heart or will it be shattered again?

Key Verse:

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. Isiah 54:11

Book Excerpt:

What she felt for him gripped her hard. Still, even after weeks together, she hardly knew him. With his newfound ability to talk, she could now ask him the question that burned through her every time she felt the softer emotions swirl in her heart. She was afraid to hear his answer, for should it be affirmative she would be crushed. She could never love a man whose moral character she could not condone. She valued life too much.

The question begged to be asked. So simple to give voice and finally put to rest her own doubts. Simple, yes, but staring into his eyes, so hopeful and vulnerable, mad her ashamed to believe the flapping tongue of Mrs. Burns over a man whose sincerity she had witnessed time and again. But she had to ask.

"There is a rumor," she said, her voice low and intense, "that you murdered someone/"

His expression shifted ever so slightly. Surprise mingled with something else, and his gaze skittered to the surface of the table.

She closed her eyes and swallowed, recognizing what his averted gaze meant. Not the innocence she had hoped for, but resignation. Even fear.

S. Dionne Moore is a multi-published author who makes her home in Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty-one years and daughter. You can visit her at http://www.sdionnemoore.com/.

It's the last week of 2010--and it flew by! Do you have any New Year's Resolutions?

This Week's Winner!

photo © 2007 Rio Calle more info (via: Wylio)


This week's winner is...

Today's winner of the random drawing is Kaitlin!

Congratulations!

Please just let us know if you would like a copy of Bridge to Love, The Prodigal Patriot or ten Heartpoints to be used for a future shipment of Heartsong Books! Just send an email to heartsongblog at gmail dot com and tell us which you prefer!

I hope everyone has a great weekend...and a very Merry Christmas!

From The Vault--The Prodigal Patriot

Today's Book From the Vault is:

The Prodigal Patriot

By Darlene Franklin

HP 911

978-1-60260-904-4

Historical

The Reids will not be scared away.

Sally Reid's family decides on a dangerous course when the Tories of Maple Notch, Vermont, chase Patriot families from their land. They make a home in a secluded cave nearby and farm their land by moonlight, working hard and waiting for the day when they can safely return home.

When Josiah Tuttle discovers their secret and offers to help, Sally doesn't know if she can trust him. After all, Josiah's father is one of the Tories who forced her family into hiding.

The Tuttles have already lost one son to the hated Patriot cause. How can Josiah both honor his grieving father and protect the woman he loves? When called upon to take a stand, which side will he choose? How can Sally and Josiah battle through the barriers separating them from love and forgiveness?

To get us all in the holiday spirit--I'm curious, what is your family's wackiest holiday tradition?

I'll share mine--My older sister and I watch "A Christmas Story" every Christmas Eve (because it's on for 24 hours on TBS) and then go outside and shoot our brother's BB Gun while chanting, "You'll shoot your eye out!" We always bust out in laughter...and then my dad comes out and makes us go inside before we "wake the neighbors."

Day 2 Guest Blog with Darlene Franklin

photo © 2005 Trevor Richter more info (via: Wylio)


Bridge Building

When I think of Vermont, the setting for my book Bridge to Love, two things come to mind: maple sugar and covered bridges. Since Pamela Griffin wrote some wonderful stories about the maple sugar industry in her Vermont Weddings series, I decided to write a set of stories that all have some connection to covered bridges.

Since the first covered bridge wasn't built until the 1800's, in my revolutionary war story Prodigal Patriot, I had Josiah Tuttle and Sally Reid carve their initials into one of the trees in their field. Their son, Calvin, uses lumber from that tree when he builds the first covered bridge in Maple Notch and adds his initials with Beatrice Bailey. During the Civil War, Calvin and Bea's son, Daniel, takes his sweetheart to the kissing bridge and invites her to add their initials to the family tree (Love's Raid, coming out in March 2011).

When we see a covered bridge today, we're tempted to stop and linger a few moments in yesteryear. I have traveled over one of the longest bridges in the world (between Tampa and St. Petersburg) and over the Brooklyn Bridge during my years in college.

But the most important bridge I ever crossed wasn't made of steel girders and wires. No, I crossed the bridge from death to life on the flesh of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So many bridges remain to be crossed today. So many people need our Savior. So many people need reconciliation. I could go through each of my books and name the bridge to be crossed--the central conflict in the story. In Bridge to Love, a chasm exists between the rich banker's daughter and the poor farmer who loves her.

In my writing--in my life--I long to be an instrument of reconciliation, a bridge-builder, for people around me.

Please share some of the bridge builders who have touched your life!

Guest Blog With Darlene Franklin!

photo © 2006 François Rejeté | more info (via: Wylio)


Day 1 with Darlene Franklin:

The Christmas holiday has crept into my books. My first book, Romanian Rhapsody, includes one memorable Christmas at a Romanian orphanage. In my book released this month, Bridge to Love, the folks of Maple Notch, Vermont, are more worried about surviving the winter (that lasted all year long in 1816, when snow fell or the ground froze at least once every month) than about celebrating Christmas. My heroine, Beatrice Bailey, gets involved with providing every family in town with enough food to survive until the next year's crops come in.

Neither the orphans in Romania or the people of Maple Notch could afford extravagant holiday displays such as we've become accustomed to. They were concerned with survival. But still they worshipped the baby in the manger, sent to bring us life.

That new life means a great deal to me this year. Two years ago, I faced my first holidays without my daughter. Last year, I was snowed in and had hot dogs and chocolate chip cookies for my Christmas dinner. My mother died in February, so once again, I am dealing with grief and loss as the holidays approach.

What I discovered two years ago, what still resonates today, was that in my time of grief, Christmas became less noisy and yet more real. That baby in the manger represents my hope for the future. And He means more to me now than ever.

So as you read and watch your favorite Christmas stories (you might include one of my Christmas novellas in your reading--this year I'm in A Woodland Christmas), think on that original Christmas story, and give thanks.

What is your favorite Christmas story?

Bridge To Love by Darlene Franklin

This week's featured title is:

Bridge to Love by Darlene Franklin

HP931

978-1-61626-078-1

Historical

Her father is determined she marry someone worthy.

A man who has worked hard to gain his own wealth, banker Hiram Bailey is not about to let his only daughter marry a farmer. He knows how hard the life of a farmer's wife can be and wants something better for Beatrice. But Beatrice has aways had eyes for only Calvin Tuttle, a young farmer full of innovative ideas.

Calvin cannot believe the challenges he is facing. In the Year of No Summer, repeated planting of crops are freezing before they can bear fruit. His family and friends may run out of food. And Hiram Bailey is doing everything he can to keep his daughter away from Calvin.

Both Calvin and Beatrice trust that God will have His way in their lives. But against these obstacles, how will they ever build a bridge to love?

Key Verse:

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

Book Excerpt:

"I must accept the parson's word about what transpired between you." Papa spoke directly to Beatrice. "But I will not suffer that young farmer to speak against me. What did he say?"

"Surely that is a private matter between the two young people," Mrs. Cabot said.

"He said" -Beatrice raised her voice over Mrs. Cabot's objection-"that no matter what his feelings toward me may be, he refused to ask me to act against your wishes." Her voice came close to breaking into tears.

"That is well." Papa stared at the tea cup in his hand as if ready to throw it against the fireplace. "These are my wishes. I forbid you to speak to him or see him again. The man is not fit to be the husband of my daughter." He returned the cup to Mrs. Cabot. "I'm afraid I have no taste for tea this afternoon. Come, Beatrice, we are finished here."

Award-winning author and speaker DARLENE FRANKLIN recently returned to cowboy country--Oklahoma. The move was prompted by her desire to be close to her son's family; her daughter Jolene has preceded her into glory.

Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality TV. Talia, a Lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person.

Which do you prefer, historical or contemporary novels?

Today's Winner Is...

photo © 2009 Laura Padgett more info (via: Wylio)

This week's winner of the random drawing is...CatMom!

Congratulations!

Just let us know if you would like a copy of Wasatch Love, Love's Winding Path or ten Heartpoints to be used for a future shipment of Heartsong books! Just send an email to heartsongblog at gmail dot com!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

From the Vault--Love's Winding Path

Today's book from the vault is:

Love's Winding Path

By Lauralee Bliss

HP 890

978-1-60260-707-1

Contemporary

Red rocks. River rafting. Freedom!

After years of impatient living and working on his parents' peanut farm, Dan has finally escaped. Life as a river guide in Moab, Utah, is as far from peanut farming in Virginia as a man can get, and Dan revels in the newness of this life. An awesome job, a cool car, a place of his own -- a gorgeous girl.

Gorgeous or not, Jo has no intention of dating Dan. He's just a bit too sure of himself, and he shows no interest in God. He's also got issues to deal with, although, so does she...But as long as Dan avoids God, Jo will avoid Dan. At least, that's the plan.

When life in Moab takes some unexpected twists and turns, Dan must face who he really is. Maybe all that God stuff is true. But will he let go and believe, or continue to tough it out alone?

Can you believe December is halfway over? Wow! Is everyone ready for the fast-approaching holiday season?

Day 2 with Lauralee Bliss

Faithful and True Companions

Pets can be an interesting and sometimes pivotal addition to the novels we like to read. In two of my Utah books, I incorporate pets as an important part of the storyline. The hero and heroine in Book II, Heart of Mine, both have dogs, and those dogs play a role in nurturing the relationship between the hero and heroine. In Wasatch Love the heroine, Brenda, has her beloved cat Snowy (short for Snow White) given to her as a gift by the hero.

Pets can play such a crucial role in our lives. And they have played a crucial role in mine, so much so that I wanted to make them a part of these stories. There is something about a pet that can help with the day to day stresses we face. Just having fur to nuzzle and pet to interact with or play with has been shown to be very beneficial to the owner's health. I know in my own life I have seen how our dogs have been healthy for us, forcing us to take the walks we need to stay in shape, to just having a pet to cuddle with when the going gets rough. Pets are so forgiving and kind, they are always there for you, they never get into arguments, they are - as I used to say to my dogs, "Faithful and true."

And it can be devastating when we lose them. Just two years ago at this time of year we had to put down our beloved beagle, Lady, after she was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating illness. With this terrible news right on the brink of the holidays, it took all my effort just to try and make Christmas a happy event. There is indeed a mourning process to go through, and it was comforting to see how many people came to support us in our loss.

Today we have our dog Eve, adopted from a shelter last January. She's a blue tick coonhound, lovable but very active and keeps us running. But that's good for us, not only for our health but knowing we are giving her a good home (she was abandoned on a road and was severely malnourished when she was picked up). And she has helped us cope with our different losses and stresses in life. A faithful and true friend indeed.

Maybe you have a dog or cat or another animal who has done wonderful things for you. Or you lost a dog or cat and would like to remember them. Please feel free to share your stories here. And I hope you enjoy the interactions between the owners and their furry friends in my Utah series.

Feel free to check out these books and my other novels on my web site: http://www.lauralessbliss.com/. You can also find me on Facebook.

Guest Blog with Lauralee Bliss!

Oh, That Imperfect Human Condition of Ours!

Welcome to the final installment in the contemporary Utah series - Wasatch Love. The setting for this book is in beautiful Salt Lake City located a the foot of a rugged mountain range known as the Wasatch. In each of these books I have endeavored to bring to life the scenic parts of Utah, and this final book pays tribute to the state's largest and most famous city.

But that is not the essence of this book's message. The book pays tribute to human resolve in the midst of trying circumstances. I don't wish to give away the plot for those who have yet to read it, but this book takes a story a step beyond what one might see in the simple Christian romance. In it I paint the portrait of imperfect people - like us all, really, who sin, who struggle, who want to do what's right but seem to end up taking wrong directions. But yet with God, those wrong directions can be made right and used for His glory.

Brenda and Jim struggle with outward appearance and inward frustration. They become mirror images of what the world struggles with - its image, its standing, its way of trying to make things work in its sphere of influence. But try as one might, the only One who can really make our lives work out to its fullest potential is God. And the hero and heroine in this novel discover the hard way how much they truly need God's intervention in those complicated details. And how He works it for their good and the good of all.

When it comes right down to it, all of us have been a Brenda or a Jim without God's mercy and grace in our lives. It is satisfying to know that God is not without understanding human frailty and can affect change in even the smallest of things. And in the most interesting and unexpected ways, too. And therein lies the greatest hope.

This is a book you can share with unsaved loved ones from teen girls on up to draw them closer to a God who loves them and wants a relationship with them. The book also makes a great Christmas gift as does the entire set of books set in the beautiful state of Utah! Feel free to check out the Heartsong Presents web site to learn more: http://www.heartsongpresents.com/.

All of the pictures are of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch range, from Lauralee's summer trip!

Have you ever ended up going the wrong direction, only for God to turn it around and make everything right, like the characters in the book?

Wasatch Love by Lauralee Bliss

This week's featured title is:

Wasatch Love by Lauralee Bliss

HP 930

ISBN: 978-1-60260-682-1

Contemporary

The world is her oyster...

Except shouldn't there be some prize...some pearl in that oyster? From the outside, Brenda Stweart has it all. A rich, infuential father. Friends in high places. Men clamoring for her attention. But inside, Brenda is miserable. Her father is overbearing, her friends are fickle, and the men want her money and the prestige it brings. Like Jim Ensley.

But Jim has his own problems. And fears. If he can't get that vice president's spot, all may be lost, personally and professionally.

A night of indiscretion and Brenda's subsequent escape into the Wasatch Mountains causes havoc that Brenda and Jim could never have imagined. And where does God fit in? Could He really be working in the aftermath of Brenda's unhappiness and Jim's desperation?

Key Bible Verse:

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proberbs 16:9

Book Excerpt:

Jim tried to calm the boss's anxiety as best he could. "Maybe her phone went dead. She can't recharge it. But she was able to tell us a few things. I wish I knew more."

"I'm calling the authorities back right now. Blast them. I won't wait a minute longer. I want her found. Who knows what might have happened? And get Rita down here to my office. She has some explaining to do, if she wants to keep her job."

Jim's face colored at the accusations. And he thought of Rita facing unemployment. "Sir, Rita helped out as best she could. It seems Brenda was vague with everyone. I don't know why your daughter did this, but..."

The man sighed. "I'm so tired, Jim. I--I don't feel well."

"You just rest. I'll place the call, sir. I'm here. Anything you need..."

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Normally this news should have excited Jim. The vice presidency was almost certain. But at that moment, Jim didn't care. None of it mattered. The only thing concerning him now was Brenda.

Brenda, you need to know once and for all that people do care.

LAURALEE BLISS, a former nurse, is a profilic writer of inspirational fiction, as well as home educator. She resides with her family near Charlottesville, Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How was your weekend? Does it look like a winter wonderland where you live?

This Week's Winner!

photo © 2009 John Schanlaub more info (via: Wylio)


This week's winner of the random drawing is...CatMom!

Congratulations!

Let us know if you would like a copy of Facing Tessa's Past, Joanna's Adventure, or ten Heartpoints to be used for a future shipment of Heartsong books! Just send an email to heartsongblog at gmail dot com!

...and happy Friday to everyone!

From The Vault--Joanna's Adventure

Today's book from the vault is:

Joanna's Adventure

By Mildred Colvin
HP 779

HISTORICAL

Life in Cedar Bend, Kansas, has become one predictable day after another. Joanne Brady helps her father with his patients, smiles sweetly at her beau, and secretly chafes over the boredom of it all. She wonders, is this really all life is meant to be? Where is the romance? The adventures? And then one day she asks God to send her someone exciting and unpredictable...and dangerous.

Clay Shepherd has been on the road all his life, moving from one wrangler job to the next, never staying long enough to put down roots. Unexpected events draw him back to the one place - and one girl - he remembers fondly. When Clay arrives in Cedar Bend, Joanna finds herself drawn to the charisma and excitement that surrounded him. But she knows he isn't a Christian and she shouldn't be unequally yoked. So why does she feel Clay might be the answer to her prayers?

I'm curious, what do you do when life starts to feel boring and mundane? How do you mix up your day-to-day life to make things fun and exciting?

Guest Blog from Mildred Colvin

photo © 2008 Andreanna Moya more info (via: Wylio)
Readers often want to know where an author gets the idea for a story. As happens so often with my stories, Facing Tessa's Past came in bits and pieces over the years until the story was complete. Sort of like putting a picture puzzle together. By the time all the pieces are in place, I'm not sure where they all came from. But I can tell you where the character for Tessa Stevens first showed an appearance.

Some years ago, my sister and I worked on a book that has never been submitted for publication. In this book, Tessa was a secondary character in the process of getting her life back together. She had gone through a time of rebellion, wearing only black and even dying her hair black. She had three young sons but had never been married. In fact, she had lost her sons to the foster care system and was struggling to regain custody. The heroine in this unpublished story, who is now a secondary character in Tessa's story, befriended her, and Tessa became a born-again Christian.

Tessa's personality called out to be written into her own book as did two other secondary characters in that book. Sarah Maddox and Amanda Davis never gave up on Tessa's friendship, even through her "wild time," and the three women remain friends throughout the series. Sarah's and Amanda's stories will also be told in books two and three of this Route 66 series.

Tessa lives in Amarillo, Texas, which is almost smack in the middle of the Mother Road, a nickname for Historic Route 66. Tessa's story is special to me party because of my experiences as a foster mother. I've seen women like Tessa struggle to get their lives together so they could make a good home for their children. Many never did. A few, like Tessa, were able to turn their lives around through the grace of God. Tessa's story is a witness that God's grace can glow into even the darkest times of our lives.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66!

Guest Post with Mildred Colvin!

Get your kicks on Route 66! Remember that slogan? What about the Burma Shave signs? If you remember those, you may have traveled an American highway during the 1950s, 60s, or 70s. Maybe you cruised down Route 66.

On November 11, 1926, the American Highway System became a reality, opening the door for Route 66 and other two-lane highways. The most famous of those early roads, Route 66, opened the American West just as the Oregon Trail had done almost one hundred years earlier. Nicknames of this celebrated road are "Main Street of America" and "The Mother Road."

Route 66 crossed a total of eight states and became a legend while demonstrating the romance of small town life. Many small towns blossomed along the road as those seeking the fulfillment of their dreams traveled the famous route. Gradually, most of the old highway has been replaced or bypassed by four-lane freeways until our memories and a few attractions are about all that's left of the famous Mother Road. Some individuals and groups are making an effort to preserve the history of Route 66, so you can find museums and even some of the original businesses still open, serving travelers as well as local patrons.

I didn't grow up on Route 66, but I lived close enough to have some memories of the road back in its day. One Saturday night I "chaperoned" a friend from church who was four years older than me and already out of high school. She drove us to the site where her boyfriend worked construction. He scooted behind the wheel and drove us to a small town near Springfield, Missouri. The night was dark, but as we cruised down the main drag, street lights and businesses blazed with lights chasing the night away. A dream-like atmosphere of colored neon lights flashing, cars with windows down, voices calling out greetings, catcalls, or whistles, and radios blaring, filled me with excitement. When we stopped for a red light, another car rolled up beside us and stopped, revving its engine, clearly wanting to race. My friends didn't take the bait. They were just out of their teens and too mature. That wasn't true of everyone, so an occasional squeal of tires leaving a trail of smoke added to the scene as they raced side-by-side down the street.

Some favorite hang-outs along the Route were fast food restaurants. There again teenagers and young adults dominated those places. Many tourist sights are sprinkled along the route, including museums of the highway. The 2,400 mile road wound from Chicago to Los Angeles, linking one small town after another together in a long chain of businesses and people. Today, maps are available for anyone who wants to travel the old road from one end to the other. However, new freeways often hide the historic route until the traveler wonders if the old road has disappeared.

Route 66 is more than a memory. The road is a symbol of our America. A time when dreams became reality. When times moved a little slower and we didn't need four-lane highways to handle the rush of our lives but could relax with windows down to the gentle wind in our hair while we cruised down the Main Street of America.

Do you have any memories of Route 66? Did you ever travel down the Mother Road?

Facing Tessa’s Past by Mildred Colvin

This weeks featured title is:

Facing Tessa's Past

By Mildred Colvin

HP 929

ISBN: 978-1-61626-081-1

CONTEMPORARY

Tessa wants to forget the past.

Tessa Stevens has a past she would rather forget. But when she comes face-to-face with a part of her past while on vacation, she is forced to reevaluate her future. Then she falls in love with the man of her dreams once again, knowing that he is as unattainable as before, and knowing she must reveal a secret she has kept for years. Will she learn to trust God or will she remain in bondage to her memories?

Blake Donovan can hardly believe his eyes when Tessa shows up in his restaurant with her three boys. He's never succeeded in erasing Tessa's memory from his mind after he ran from her eleven years ago. And now that he sees the God-changed Tessa, he can't stay away from her. But in order to win her love he knows he has to change, too. Will he yield to God's work in his life and regain the love of his life, or will he reject God and run again?

Key Bible Verse:

Luke 7:47 "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."

Book Excerpt:

A smile touched his face, but as far as she could tell, no recognition dawned in his eyes. Not that she needed confirmation. Her heart told her all she needed to know.

With blood pounding in her ears, Tessa turned away to speak to Derek so Blake couldn't see her face. In all her wildest imagining she would not have expected to run into Blake Donovan. The man who once held her love in the palm of his hand moved a step closer to her with every beat of her heart.

"Hey, guys." His smooth, deep voice hadn't changed. "Ma'am. Is everything all right?"

Tessa turned. Blake stood beside the table with a smile as impersonal as he'd given everyone else in the restaurant. He didn't know her. Her breath rushed out. But, with the only man she'd ever loved standing not two feet away, not only from her, but also from Derek, the son he never knew he had, how could she honestly say everything was fine?"

After a hesitation much too long, she managed to answer, "Oh yes, the pizza is very good, thank you."

"Is this your first visit to Pizza Playground?"

She nodded and held her breath as Blake stared at her. His eyes narrowed. Her gaze locked with his. Her heart pounded.

"Do I know you from somewhere?"

Blake's question came as no surprise, yet a fist seemed to close around her heart, and she couldn't speak. The wedge of pizza slipped from her unfeeling fingers and landed with a plop on her plate.

MILDRED COLVIN is a native Missourian with three children, one son-in-law, and two grandchildren. She and her husband spent most of their married life providing a home for foster children but now enjoy baby-sitting the grandchildren. Mildred writes inspirational romance novels because in them the truth of God's presence, even in the midst of trouble, can be portrayed. Her desire is to continue writing stories that uplift and encourage.

Today's Question: Have you ever experienced an awkward, "Do I know you?" moment with someone you used to be very close to? How did you react?

This week's winner!

photo © 2006 ADoseofShipBoy (via: Wylio)

This week's winner of the random drawing is:



MERRY!

Congratulations, Merry!

Let us know if you'd like a copy of Maggie and the Maverick, The Marriage Masquerade, or 10 Heartpoints to be used for future shipments of Heartsong books.

Email us at heartsongblog at gmail dot com.

Congratulations to Merry, and a hearty thank you to everyone who has read and commented on the blog this past year. Jeri and I have really enjoyed getting to know Heartsong readers and authors better through moderating the blog.

Heartsong Connection will be back next week with new moderators and lots of cool stuff, so be sure to keep coming back.

From the Vault

Today's book from the vault is:

HP #887


ISBN 978-1-60260-700-2

HISTORICAL


From the Back Cover:


Noah just wants to start over.

Captain Noah Kennebrae can no longer deal with the shame and guilt from the wreck of his ship. So he changes his name and takes a job as assistant lighthouse keeper on Sutton Island, heedless of the marriage contract his grandfather has arranged for him. No woman in her right mind would want to marry him now, anyway.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father and his cronies, Anastasia Michaels leaves her home to take the unlikely job of housekeeper on a remote island. Knowing how terrified of water she is, surely her father would never think to look for her there.

But neither Nick nor Annie considered that God’s hand might be at work in their lives. When they each take things into their own hands, He must work a miracle to bring them back to His original plan.


From the book:

“I haven’t had a chance to thank you properly for saving my life. And I’m sorry for being sick on the dock.” Her delicate ears reddened, and her gaze dropped.


Uncomfortable, both with being thanked for something he’d done instinctively, and with the protective feelings expanding in his chest, he shrugged and half-turned away from her.

“Don’t mention it.” He waved away her thanks. “You’ve seen the most dangerous places on the island. Stay away from the cliff, the fuel stores, and the tower. And it’s against the rules for you to enter the lighthouse without one of the keepers. That should keep you safe. And considering the state of this morning’s breakfast, I’ll stay away from the kitchen. That should keep me safe.” He grinned, waiting to hear her laugh.

She gasped, dropped her arms to her sides, and stalked off toward the house.

So much for his attempt at humor.

 
This week my son and I are working our way through his yearly standardized tests. These timed tests run the gamut of subjects. He tends to like the math and cognitive abilities tests best. My favorite was always the social studies/history section.

So, what was/is your favorite subject in school?

An interview with a Heartsong Reader

I thought it might be fun to have an interview with a Heartsong Reader, so a couple of weeks ago, I contacted Kaitlin, who has been a faithful commentor here at Heartsong Connection. Kaitlin graciously consented to an interview about what she enjoys about Heartsong stories.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself, Kaitlin.

My name is Kaitlin, and I am 22. I live in Illinois in a teeny-tiny farm town called Onarga. Right now I'm at Illinois State University earning a degree in Elementary Education--I'll be certified in May. I am the oldest of three, one sister and one brother. My dad farms and my mom is a nurse. I enjoy reading, writing (I would love to do it as more than a hobby someday!) and scrapbooking, and I love movies and old TV shows (my favorite show ever is "Magnum PI".)



How long have you been a Heartsong reader, and how did you find out about Heartsongs?


I started reading Heartsong books sometime in high school--junior year, I think it was. I was shopping at Barnes and Noble and came across one of the three-in-one anthologies, "Great Lakes" by Andrea Boeshaar and Susannah Hayden. In the back was a form for the book club, which I joined. I would scour the stacks in every bookstore looking for the Barbour symbol on the spine, and soon I was getting the anthologies and single novellas for Christmas and birthdays, buying them through Amazon and other sites, and buying the single titles from Heartsong Presents when I would see one that sounded especially good.


What is it about Heartsongs that brings you back time and again?


I keep coming back to Heartsongs because I love them! I love the faith elements and the scriptures and that each one is like a mini Bible lesson/sermon. I love that the characters are so engaging and well formed, I love the settings, and I love that each story is resolved in the end. The hero and heroine end up together and I don't have to wait for the next book to find that out. I also love that they are a manageable size (they fit in my purse!) and I like being able to get through them in one sitting. Sometimes I don't have a lot of time to read, so I have to put it down and come back, but with the Heartsong titles, that is never a problem!


Are you a fan of contemporary stories, historicals, or both?


I prefer historical to contemporary, but I do read both.. If a story is a historical one, I am more likely to pick it up right away.. I like the contemporary stories that take place in interesting locales or have really unique heroes/heroines. My family has constantly told me that I was born in the wrong century, and with a history buff for a father, I grew up in museums and on battlefields and watching shows on the History Channel, so my love for history runs pretty deep.


Is there a particular quality you love to see in a hero or heroine?


This may sound strange, but I love cranky heroes! I just love it when they are really gruff and surly and then suddenly find themselves wrapped around some sassy lady's finger. And I LOVE cowboys! As far as heroines go, I like a wide range. I am a fairly passive person, so I like the heroines who remind me of myself. I also love the heroines who are total spitfires and could do just fine without a man.


Is there anything you'd like to say to Heartsong readers....writers...editors?



I would like to tell authors and editors to keep up the good work! All the readers out there thank you for what you do--for providing an escape from the "real world" for a little while and allowing us dreamers to live out our fantasies in your novels.


Thank you to Kaitlin. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better.

Question of the Day.
I'll ask you one of the questions that Kaitlin answered: Is there a particular quality you love to see in a hero or heroine?

Maggie and the Maverick ~ Erica Vetsch

This week's feature title is:
Maggie and the Maverick
By Erica Vetsch
HP # 928
Historical Romance

From the back cover:

Just another one of them rotten McConnells. . .


Maggie Davis comes to town determined to find the bad guy, lock him up, and move on—just as she’s done so many times before. No one suspects the diminutive seller of feminine fripperies to be a U.S. Marshal in disguise. But that’s what she is. So when the intriguingly handsome stage driver turns out to be her number one suspect, she’s surprised at the turmoil she feels. Can the sweet, caring man she’s come to know (and maybe even love) be the same scoundrel the sheriff and other townspeople so viciously malign?
But Maggie knows that the web of corruption choking this corner of Idaho Territory must be torn down, no matter who’s in charge. And if the perpetrator is Cal McConnell, then justice will be served. Even if it breaks her heart.

 

From the book:

Then Cal stood before her. “May I have the honor?”

She stopped clapping. “You?”

He nodded, the dimple creasing his cheek. “Seb and I were declared the co-winners of the bronc riding. He’s decided to sit this one out with Georgia. What do you say?”

It’s not fair, Lord. You know what I have to do. Why do You make it so hard?

“Maggie?” He held out his hand. A girl could sink deep into those blue eyes and never surface. Her hand went out to his, and she shivered when their fingers touched.

He tugged, and she followed him up onto the platform. Though the others moved around them, they were only vague images on the edge of her vision. Cal’s face drew her complete attention, and he fitted her into his arms with ease.

His strong hand spread-eagled on her back, guiding her, and her fingers rested lightly on his broad shoulder. He winked at her and tilted his head as if summing her up and liking what he saw. She couldn’t look away. The power he had over her frightened her into stiffening.

“Relax.” He leaned in and whispered against her temple, his breath tangling in her hair. “I’m not going to bite you.”

You could do far worse than that, Cal McConnell. You could break my heart.


About the author:

ERICA VETSCH is married to Peter and keeps the company books for the family lumber business. A home-school mom, Erica loves history, romance, and storytelling. Her ideal vacation is taking her family to out-of-the-way history museums and chatting to curators about local history. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Calvary Bible College in Secondary Education: Social Studies. You can find her on the web at www.onthewritepath.blogspot.com 

Question of the day...Today is often called Cyber Monday by economists because a lot of on-line Christmas shopping takes place on this day. I'm a big fan of point-and-click shopping, and I intend to do quite a bit of my Christmas shopping on-line this year. So, today's question is...brave the stores, the crowds, the Black Friday madness or shop in your jammies from home and get things delivered to your door?

Congratulations!

Cecelia D!

Congratulations, you are this week's winner in the random drawing. Please email us at heartsongblog at gmail dot com with your choice of either In Search of Serenity, In Search of a Dream, or 10 Heartpoints to be used for future shipments of Heartsong Bookclub books.

And so long to all of you. This is Jeri signing off as this will be my last blog post for Heartsong. Next week Erica will hostess and then we will turn it over to our wonderful publisher who has great things in store for the blog. Can't wait! I'll see you there. Happy Holidays and happy reading. May God bless beyond measure. Jeri

From The Vault

In Search Of A Dream
Hs #908
ISBN: 9781602608818

After three years with no contract from him, Clemmie Lyons needs to put her dream of marrying Joel Litton behind her. To make the transition easier, Clemmie leaves Lyons' Refuge with all its memories of Joel and visits a friend for the summer. But nothing prepares her for the moment she discovers Joel living nearby, trying to hide a terrible secret from all who knew him. Will these two friends find a way to make their dreams reality, or will guilt over the past ultimately drive them apart?

Isaiah 42: 16: “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”

“I have no idea why we care so much, but we do. My parents love you, I love you. And—”

Clemmie broke off her spiel when she realized what she’d just admitted. Her mouth dropped open at her slip, her face flaming with humiliation. She whirled around and fled out the door.

In shock, she heard his steps pound behind her, closing in on her, right before he grabbed her waist. His other hand then found her arm, and he spun her around to face him. “Oh no, Clemmie. You’re not getting away that easy.” He grabbed both her arms, and she thought he might shake her. “I want some answers. And I won’t take ‘later’ or ‘soon’ this time!”

What is something you're thankful for this year?

People often ask me, “What is your favorite book that you’ve written?” I tell them they’re like children – you can’t really pick a favorite, each is special and unique in its own way. But there are some stories I’ve written that hold a fond place in my heart, and In Search of a Dream (the 2nd book of the Connecticut series) is one of them. One reason for this is Joel Litton.

Joel first made his appearance as a towheaded little rascal at Lyons’ Refuge at the end of In the Secret Place – the 2nd book in this entire story series (which includes the New York series) centered around three main families, with my first book, ’Til We Meet Again, being the first of this series and my first published book. I have enjoyed playing with Joel’s character and have him grow up throughout books that followed: in Heart Appearances as a main secondary prepubescent boy, later making appearances in A Gentle Fragrance, and then finally in A Bridge Across the Sea, as a confident, if somewhat arrogant young man. Joel was the brightest star and the blackest lamb – the leader of his gang of boys at Lyons’ Refuge - an unusual reformatory home for outcast children, started to get them off the streets and away from a life of crime. Joel was always the first to stir up trouble, his personality a contradiction of an angelic appearance and impish behavior. I loved delving into Joel’s character and bringing out his insecurities and frailties that were only hinted at before, now fleshed out in his story, with the heroine, the little girl who always adored him at Lyons’ Refuge, now all grown up: Clemmie Lyons (daughter of Stewart and Charleigh, who made her first appearance in ’Til We Meet Again.)

Joel was a challenge to write – because I pulled out the rug from under him. In previous books he was a happy-go-lucky troublemaker, prone to mischief and adored by the opposite gender. In his story, I threw a wrench into that merry stability by giving Joel a challenging handicap from the outset. An accident almost destroyed him, and Clemmie, who knows Joel better than anyone, is the only one who can snap him out of his new alarming and bitter, reclusive nature. The problem is, she can’t tell him who she is to do it. I so enjoyed writing his character and their budding relationship. I hope you enjoy their story as well.

Are you cooking a turkey tomorrow?

Guest Blog with Pamela Griffin Day One

In Search of Serenity is special to me because it is the last of the series of eight books involving the families of the Lyonses, the Thomases, and the Fontaines, and the final story that brings everything full circle. It was hard to say goodbye to these characters who I have lived with, in writing them, for ten years now. (Yes, ten! Hard to believe, isn’t it?) But it was time.

It is my hope that my readers were blessed and entertained and gained something from knowing these characters. Thanks to the many of you who have shown me support over the years. Your words were jewels to me and an encouragement to keep writing. Those letters that let me know you found a new relationship with Jesus through my stories, or returned to a former one with Him, those were a special blessing, and I thank you for sharing your wonderful news.

With the holidays upon us, this is my favorite time of year. The cool air is brisk, laced with the tantalizing fragrance of woodsmoke, the very atmosphere expectant, and I often like to take walks alone or with my boys late in the evening. It is then that the constant rush of traffic has faded away to become nonexistent and the night unfolds, peaceful and quiet. When walking alone under the moon and stars, there is an enriching feeling of being alone with God, and it is during those times I have had some of my deepest, most intimate conversations with my Creator. When strolling with my sons, we have shared some of our closest moments together. There is something about walking in nature, when all is peaceful, that draws out the ease of heartfelt conversation but also light moments of silliness and fun. I encourage you to take a walk with your loved ones, when all lies quiet and still, and see how rewarding the experience can be. God bless – and have a wonderful holiday season!

When is the last time you've taken a walk with someone you love or just you and the Lord?

In Search of Serenity - Pamela Griffin

In Search of Serenity
by Pamela Griffin
HP 927
ISBN 978-1-61626-038-5
HISTORICAL

Hannah Thomas dreams large.

Determined to escape her humdrum life in 1939 Connecticut by writing a bestselling novel filled with mystery and intrigue, Hannah is relentless in pursuing her dreams. But then mystery lands on her doorstep in the person of Eric Fontaine. Why does his presence anger her father so—especially when Eric simply wants to help repair their house while Mr. Thomas recovers from a serious accident?

As Hannah works with Eric, she learns to trust him, but questions remain about his family—and long-held secrets that involve her parents. Even more disturbing, Eric makes Hannah question her own goals and values.

Will friendship with this disturbing stranger bring her the serenity she seeks, or will the knowledge he carries destroy the family she loves?

Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”

“While our. . .houseguest is staying here, I want you to keep out of his way. He’s not the kind of man I want my daughters consorting with.”

That puzzled Hannah. Of all the young men she’d known, Eric seemed the least dangerous. One certainly couldn’t accuse him of a life spent in dissipation—he’d probably only had acquaintance with the word when browsing through a dictionary. And she knew his economic status didn’t matter—her parents had conceived this plan of moving into the rickety old farmhouse to take their children away from associating with the privileged class.

“I don’t understand, Daddy.” She voiced her confusion. “He seems like a nice man.”

“Don’t let appearances deceive you, Hannah. I don’t trust him, and you’d be wise to follow my lead.”

Hannah could barely believe what she was hearing. Eric had done nothing to merit disfavor. He’d done his utmost to seclude himself in his room, away from the family, at every opportunity. Hadn’t her parents endlessly told her not to judge people for others’ mistakes and to give second chances?

PAMELA GRIFFIN lives in Texas and divides her time among family, church activities, and writing. She fully gave her life to the Lord in 1988 after a rebellious young adulthood and owes the fact that she’s still alive today to an all-loving and forgiving God and a mother who prayed that her wayward daughter would come “home”. Pamela’s main goal in writing Christian romance is to encourage others through entertaining stories that also heal the wounded spirit. Please visit Pamela at: http://www.Pamela-Griffin.com

What brings you serenity? Nature? Prayer? A walk? Being with people? Being alone? Something else?

This Week's Winner Is...

Kathy Kovach

Congratulations, you are this week's winner in the random drawing. Please email us at heartsongblog at gmail dot com with your choice of either The Thing About Beauty, For the Love of Books, or 10 Heartpoints to be used for future shipments of Heartsong Bookclub books.

From The Vault

For the Love of Books
Heartsong Presents #838
Contemporary

Callie Brandt thinks she's destined to be her town's next spinster librarian. But a gorgeous newcomer is hiding a secret, and Callie aims to find it out. Lane Hutchins has been living a double life for years, and nothing bad has ever come of it. Until now. In tiny Ft. Lob, Wyoming, he unexpectedly falls in love with Callie Brandt.

Key verse: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV.

Excerpt:
Then his mind drifted to the girl with the curly dark hair who had checked out his books. She certainly asked a lot of questions. But she had a pretty smile, and he liked the way her mouth moved when she talked. She might be attractive if she didn’t wear those thick glasses that magnified her eyes.

One of the old men had called her Callie. Callie Brandt. Pretty name. Lane sighed, thinking of the lonely life he led. It was nice to have someone take an interest in him for a change. Maybe he would spend more time at the library. . . .

But no, he should avoid Callie Brandt and her questions. He planned to stay only three months in Ft. Lob, gathering information, and then he would move on.

Hopefully, no one would guess who he really was.

Question of the Day: Have you ever met someone who surprised you with some hidden personality trait or some type of secret after you got to know them?

Guest Blog Day Two with Donna Reimel Robinson

Every novel has a beautiful heroine.

If I asked you to picture a beautiful woman with black hair, dark eyes, and perfect skin, the picture in your mind would be totally different than my picture. Everyone has their own concept of “beautiful.” However, The Thing About Beauty has a truly beautiful woman as its heroine. Tonya Brandt is physically beautiful, but she has a lot to learn when it comes to inward beauty!

Here’s my picture of Tonya. This is actually the actress Connie Sellecca (and this picture was probably taken twenty years ago since she’s in her fifties now. So picture the young Connie as you read the book!) By the end of the story, Tonya learns that beauty is only skin deep, and it’s the person inside who counts.

That’s how God looks at us. “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). The Apostle Peter described what God is looking for in a beautiful woman: “Let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Peter 3:4). When we allow the beauty of the Lord to shine through us, then we are truly beautiful.

Question of the Day: What constitutes real beauty to you?