What We're Reading

Mary Alford What  I just finished:  
Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl.

What I'm currently reading: 
Buried Memories by Carol J. Post and Mountain Ambush by Hope White. 

What I'm planning to read next:
 Moving Target by Lynette Eason (Can't wait for this one.) 
_________

Barbara Phinney
What I just finished: 
Nothing

What I'm currently reading: 
The Collected Stories of Isaac Besher Singer.  Very interesting.

What I plan to read next: 
The Final Crumpet by Ron and Janet Benrey
__________

Louise M. Gouge

What I just finished:The Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta, third in a suspense series about a young woman whose identity is shrouded in deadly secrets. A gripping saga!

What I'm currently reading:
My Enemy, My Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes, a Regency/War of 1812 set partly on the sea and partly on English soil. Very romantic and reminiscent of the wonderful old high seas adventure movies of the past.

What I plan to read next:
Wed on the Wagon Train by Tracy Blalock, December LIH release. This is Tracy's first LIH, and I'm sure I'll become a fan. 
__________

Deb Kastler
What I just finished: 
Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst  (Audio) This is not a diet book, but a devotional way of life eating book. While I didn't agree with everything she said, she has a lot of great points on making sure our whole focus is on God. Oh--and she's hysterically funny.

What I'm currently reading:
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick.  This is WAY different than the books I usually pick up, but I absolutely love it. I'm enthralled by the strength of character development and the clever plot. 

What I will be reading next: 
The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. (Audio) I've been making my way through Ms. Gregory's books. Not sure her historical research is completely accurate, but she is a great storyteller. 
__________

Pamela Tracy:

I just finished reading: Body & Soul.  It's a paranormal YA by Stacey Kade.  I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.  It's third in a series and did not disappoint.

I'm currently reading: 

(book) Never Say No to a Rock Star by Glenn Berger.  It's a memoir of working in the music industry circa 1970s&80s.  I'm only 20 pages in and so far I'm liking it.  Right now, I'm with Paul Simon on a bench and he's struggling started his lone career without Garfunkel (I always missed Garfunkel.  Felt the same way when Brooks and Dunn decided to go solo).

(Audio) The Collector by Nora Roberts.  I'm on the road over an hour a day driving back and forth to work.  About two months ago, I'd had it with audio books that were not keeping my interest, so I grabbed a tried and true.  Nora.  Now I'm listening one every two weeks and she's not disappointing.  What I like best about the collector is the clues she's handing out, that I'm catching (color of shirts, shoes).

Next on my list: 
Not really sure.  I just bought the River of Time series by Lisa Bergen.

_________

Jean C. Gordon

What I just finished: 
Once A Wife (A Mother's Heart Book 2) by Patricia Keelyn. This author and series is new to me. I'll probably read more.

What I'm currently reading: 
Mistletoe and Sage by Lyn Cote. Still whittling down my holiday TBR list. As usual, Lyn doesn't disappoint.

What I plan to read next: 
The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing by Brenda Minton, the next to last holiday book I have left.
__________

Merrillee Whren

What I just finished: 

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

What I'm currently reading: 

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

Next on my list: 

Hamilton by Ron Chernow  

__________

Danica Favorite

What I just finished: 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (on audio!)

What I am reading now: 

Historical newspapers to research my current book.

What I am reading next: Mending the Doctor’s Heart by Sophia Sasson

Debby Giusti

I just finished ROOM by Emma Gallagher, which was a riveting story. 

I'm currently reading a memoir by a self-published person in my church, NEVER ALONE, by J.D. Towle.

Next on my reading list is THOSE WHO SAVE US, by Jenna Blum, my book club's selection for September.

Pamela Tracy

What I Just Finished:  To Catch a Wife by Lee McKenzie.  This is a Harlequin Heartwarming that I picked up for free at RWA.

What I'm Reading Now:  Rocky Mountain Reunion by Tina Radcliffe.  I went to the pool last Sunday and grabbed the first book I saw from my TBA pile.  This was supposed to be my purse book, but it's so good that it's now the book in residence.

What I'm Reading Next:  The 7th book in the Lexi Carmichael series by Julie Moffat.  I cannot remember the name, but I bought the first one at RT, and I've been reading them one after the other.  Yeah!  I love it when I find a series that draws me in.  Number 6 was the best one ever - picture female bond age who bumbles just a little but never with a TSTL reason.

Deb Kastner:

I just finished reading: The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth, a WWII novel.

I'm currently reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 

I'm not watching the movies until I've finished up the books.

Next on my list: Beast by Chawna Shroeder This is a Gilead Publishing novel from their Enclave imprint and it looks fascinating. I read the first couple of chapters and was hooked.

Mary Alford

I’m reading Her Deadly Inheritance, by Beth Ann Ziarnik. 

I just started the book this week an already its hard to put down. The characters really suck you into the story. I love gritty stories like this suspense. 

Barbara Phinney

I’m reading Ice Cold by Tess Gerritson, a Rizzoles and Isles book. It’s my first book by this author in a long time and I really enjoy her riveting style. I love RS books with real characters.

Jill Kemerer

I recently finished The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin. This fictional account of historical figures--Babe Paley, Slim Keith, and Truman Capote--brought a slice of 60s New York high society to life. A fun read!  

I'm currently reading the Christian living book, Audacious by Beth Moore.

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Historical July 2016 Release

Listed below is the new release from our talented Love Inspired Historical July author here at Craftie Ladies of Romance. To purchase this wonderful book, just click on the cover. And to learn more about the author, click on her name.

The Nanny Solution

by Barbara Phinney

When Heiress Victoria Templeton learns her fortune is gone, she has to move to the Colorado frontier to live with her uncle. But with no money to pay for the trip, she must accept a position as a traveling nanny for a widowed rancher.  And, must the chagrin of the man entrusting his children to her car, she soon finds herself in over her head

Mitch MacLeod lives for two things: his ranch and his children. And pampered Victoria isn’t qualified to help with either. But the former socialite has more grit – and determination – than he first things. If her uncle has his way, though, Mitch will soon lose his ranch – and any hope of a future with Victoria.

What We're Reading

Teri Wilson

I just finished reading: After You by Jojo Moyes. (This is the sequel to Me Before You.)

I am currently reading: Emily Giffin's upcoming novel First Comes Love, which releases on June 28. I'm interviewing her for HelloGiggles.com during her book tour, so her publicist sent me an advance review copy. I'm beside myself with excitement. Emily is one of my favorite all-time authors. (And the book is sooo good.) 

Next, I plan to read: The Memory of Us, by Camille Di Maoi. Camille is a friend of mine, and this is her debut book for Lake Union Publishing, based on the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby. I can't wait to read it! 

Barbara Phinney:

I just finished reading: A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson.

I am currently editing my mystery books.

Next, I plan to read: Emma’s Prayer by RA Giggie, a local author who writes poignant Christian mysteries.

Danica Favorite:
I just finished reading: An Alaskan Wedding by Belle Calhoune

I am currently reading: Gate of the Sun by Elias Khoury

Next, I plan to read something light and fluffy that I don’t need to think about. My current read is really challenging!

Pamela Tracy
I just finished Kiss River by Diane Chamberlin, which I enjoyed.  There was a surprising twist at the end. 
I am currently reading Her Rancher Bodyguard by Brenda Minton.  I keep hoping that if I read her enough whatever she is doing right will zap me so I can write like she does.
Next I'll probably read No Test for the Wicked which I picked up at the RT Book Conference.


Patricia Johns
Right now, I'm reading middle grade books with my son. There is only so much time in a day, and I'm writing hard! When my reading is vastly different from my writing, it helps me not to confuse the two.
So right now, I'm reading: a Hardy Boy's Book called The Flickering Torch Mystery. ;)

Lorraine Beatty
I just finished reading White Shirts? A first hand account of a mass shooting at a Jackson fire department several years ago. Written by the wife of one of the victims.
What I'm reading now: Mindy Obenhaus Falling forthright Hometown Hero.
What I'm going to read next - Yuletide Reunion by Virginia Vaugan. 

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Excellent writing and characterization.

I'm currently reading (well, re-reading): Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It's a classic for a reason! I adore Mr. Rochester. Love those dark, broody heroes.

Next, I'm planning to read: Something out of the Regency era, I think. 


Linda Goodnight
I am currently reading The First Gift by Ruth Logan Herne. It was sent to me for endorsement by her publisher and I am really enjoying it. It is a heart-tugging, surprising story set in New York's Appalachia.
I just finished reading Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden, a beautifully written, complex tale of a mother with a horrifying secret past and her daughters who struggle to understand her.
Next, I will read Lacy William's Once Upon a Cowboy. It looks very cute. The cover is gorgeous and the opening scene hooked me.

What We're reading

Terri Reed
I’m in the middle of reading the Summer Brides anthology by authors Susan Wiggs, Sherryl Woods and Susan Mallery. All great authors. I’ve finished the first story, the Borrowed Bride by Susan Wiggs and it was delightful. I’m halfway through A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl Woods and its a cute, fun read. I’m looking forward to reading Susan Mallery’s Sister of the Bride.

I recently finished reading Vulnerable by Mary Burton. As always, it was a fast paced, suspenseful read set in Nashville which I’ll be visiting this summer.

Up next, I’m not sure. It will depend on the mood I’m in when I finish the anthologies.

 

Cate Nolan

Currently reading:  Two different books: Think No Evil : Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond and Debby Giusti's Plain Danger

Just finished: Dana Mentik's Dangerous Tidings

Up next: books for a contest

Jolene Navarro

I finished The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding. It's three mothers that live in the New York area and they wrote this right after 911. I'm actually rereading it. Love this book on motherhood, faith and culture. 

I'm reading Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Ron McMillan. It is for work but I'm also finding great insight to personal conversations and a better understanding of the power play with my characters.

What am I reading next? My list is so overwhelming I'm not sure. Maybe a fun Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Jodi Thomas.

Lenora Worth

I am reading The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay. Very good!!

Pamela Tracy
I just finished The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordon.  He wrote Percy Jackson and I'm reading what my son reads.

I'm reading Ghost in the Wind by E.J. Copperman.  What can I say?  I like a good ghost story.

Next, I'll be reading The Apprentice, My Life in the Kitchen by Jacque Pepin.  He wrote Kitchen Confidential.  It's for my book club.

Barbara Phinney

What I am reading: A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson

What I just finished: The Red Sea Rules

Next to be read: Seaside Secrets by Dana Mentink

Leann Harris

I'm reading Linda Goodnight's book, Memory House.

Rhonda Gibson

 Currently Reading: The God I Never Knew by Robert Morris Non-Fiction

What I just finished Reading: Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffery Fantasy

What is next on my reading list: Mrs. Jefferies Wins The Prize by Emily Brightwell Cozy Mystery

Jill Kemerer

I'm currently reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. This is a nonfiction Christian living book written for women who struggle with their weight. I'm very encouraged by the message of finding our significance in Christ and relying on His strength to help us make healthy choices. As someone who is tired of gaining/losing the same 5-7 pounds, I'm thrilled to have found this book.

I recently finished reading Jill Lynn's May Love Inspired, Her Texas Family. Jill has such a fresh voice, I couldn't put this one down!

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Books for a contest.

I am currently reading: Venetia by Georgette Heyer. I adore classical Regency romances and Georgette Heyer is the queen of all Regencies.

Next up I plan to read: The Crown by Kiera cass. My daughters passed the first books on to me after they had read them and I am looking forward to this last book in the series.

Linda Goodnight

I just finished reading: Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin, a gorgeously written, heart-tugging story I simply could not put down. Talk about a manly hero. Oh my!

I’m currently reading: Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas, a Texas rancher romance full of wit, tenderness, and beauty.

Next I plan to read: Rustler’s Moon by Jodi Thomas, one of her Ransom Canyon books. I’ve just discovered her books and love her writing.

So, Craftie readers, what are you reading?

What We're Reading

I just finished reading: Cowboy with a Cause by Carla Cassidy
I am currently reading:Finding your way bak to God by Don Ferguson
Next, I plan to read: The Wrong Jesus by Greg Monette
Barbara Phinney 

I just finished reading: Lisa Van Allen's THE WISHING THREAD, which was great preparation for spending Halloween morning in Sleepy Hollow NY

I am currently reading: Brian Grazer's A CURIOUS MIND, a marvelous look into the creative life of a Hollywood producer 

Next, I plan to read: Nicholas Spark's THE LONGEST RIDE to prepare for a rodeo-themed novel
Allie Pleiter

I just finished reading:The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert

I haven't read a lot of WWII historical novels. This one was epic in scope and quite a riveting read.

I am currently reading:A Reunion for the Rancher by Brenda Minton

Rereading the Lone Star Cowboy League books, of which I'm a part. Love revisiting the characters.

Next, I plan to read: A Doctor for the Nanny by Leigh Bale

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Making Memories by Janet Lee Barton

I am currently reading: A Montana Born Christmas (a multi-author boxed set)

Next, I plan to read: A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone
Yes, I've started my Christmas reading. I didn't finish 2014's until March 2015. I love holiday stories.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: The last apprentice by Joseph Delaney (did the audio in my car as I have an hour's drive back and forth to work.  Love,love, loved this YA that was darker than Harry Potter but not as scary as Stephen King) 

I am currently reading: A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley (my favorite author and I finally have her new one.  I am soooooo having fun.  I'm already on page 25 and am searching for more time to read)

Next, I plan to read: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Pamela Tracy

What I'm reading: The Secret Garden (yet again!)
Patricia Johns

I'm reading Beneath the Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter. 

Next is Texas Wish by Jolene Navarro

Barbara Harrison aka Leann Harris

I just finished reading...For the Love, Jen Hatmaker 

I am currently reading...The Reluctant Assassin, JC Morrows

I plan to read ...Seagrass Pier, Colleen Coble 

Dana Mentink

 I just finished reading a WW2 historical for endorsement

I'm currently reading The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert. Yet another WW2 historical. Hmm.

 Next up? Probably a holiday book. I have the 2-in-1 A Western Christmas by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge at the top of my TBR pile.

Christine Johnson

What I'm reading - Nothing for pleasure at the moment because I've been in an intense writing period, but I am reading Roald Dahl's The Witches with my class.

I'm so looking forward to reading all the holiday stories I've been stockpiling - but not until I've met my deadline!
Cate Nolan

I'm finishing - "Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale," by Ian Morgan Cron. I'm also reading Tina Radcliffe's wonderful story, "Safe in the Fireman's Arms."

My book club pick for this month - "Chasing Tomorrow," by Sidney Sheldon so that's next on my TBR list.

Debby Giusti

HA!! I am so busy with deadlines right now that I haven’t been able to pick up an actual book in a few weeks. However, the Harlequin Heartwarming authors have a wonderful series of free (and short!) online reads at Harlequin.com that I’m really enjoying. You can find them here: http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?cid=623303

Danica Favorite

 I just finished reading: The Matchmaker’s Match by Jessica Nelson, a wonderfully rich romance with delightful characters. It’s easy to see why this story received a Top Pick from RT Magazine along with an RT Reviewer's Choice nomination for Best LIH of 2015. 

I am currently reading: Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams, a heartwarming story with a sweet heroine and a charming hero. 

Next, I plan to read: The Bachelor’s Homecoming by Karen Kirst, her latest release that’s sure to be another winner.

What I’m reading:I just finished: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery. I love, love her writing. The book was fun, light and romantic.

 

I am currently reading: Be Afraid by Mary Burton. Another of my favorite authors. This is a fast paced thriller and I’ve enjoying it.

 

Next, I plan to read: Charming Christmas by Carly Alexander. She’s a new to me author. Her book was made into a Hallmark movie which I recorded but I want to read the book before watching the movie.

So, readers, what have you just read?  What are you reading now?  What are you reading next?

Blast from the Past

It's that time again. When we glimpse into the past of one of our Craftie Ladies. 

Our featured author this month is Barbara Phinney.

Tell us about your photo, Barbara.

Shortly after we arrived in Canada from England, my aunt came for a holiday. We lived near Toronto and it was a natural fit to visit Niagara Falls. I don’t remember this photo being taken, being the youngest of the family, but my brother remembers the US Scouts’ hat he’d traded something for, and the play gun he ‘shot’ around the Falls. I bet he wouldn’t be allowed to do that now. But I can remember how close I was to my mother. I always wanted to sit on her lap. And see the sweaters we’re wearing? She knitted them for us. My mother passed away a few years after this photo but I will always cherish my relationship with her, and I work hard to have the same with my children.

Oh, I love that, Barbara. What a special memory.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Sheltered by the Warrior by Barbara Phinney

Her unexpected guardian 

Baron Stephen de Bretonne's sworn duty is to serve the king—and that means finding the Saxons plotting against the throne by any means necessary. Protecting a Saxon woman and her half-Norman child? Merely a means to that end. But the lovely Rowena proves to be more than just a pawn in his plan. And his admiration for her could ruin everything if he can't stifle his feelings. 

While Rowena must begrudgingly accept Norman protection for herself and her baby, she knows better than to trust any man. Yet in the face of danger, can she also open her heart to her unlikely protector?

 Interview:How exciting to have Rowena the heroine from Sheltered By The Warrior written by  Barbara Phinney a February  release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  Rowena, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I suppose that the most interesting thing about me is that I can figure out how people are feeling, although, I am not sure I like how I learned it. You get to be good at reading people when they turn on you at a moment’s notice.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Having been raised on a farm, I didn’t really have time for fun. But now I love to watch my son, so I suppose that’s my fun. He’s the joy of my life and watching him grow is truly the best thing I have ever experienced.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

I can’t say I put off anything, but what I dread the most is going to Lord Stephen’s manor. He took me in when my hut burned down, and the maids I share a chamber with are wonderful, but what am I teaching my son? That we need to be charity cases?

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I’m most afraid of being unable to raise my son. I am so scared that I will not be around for him, or that we can’t find enough food and money. I want to protect him, but what if I can’t? After all, someone who doesn’t want me here has razed my hut.

5.  What do you want out of life?

Just as I said a moment ago. I want to start my life again, raise my baby and give him more than I had.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

My son. I called him Andrew and he’s so beautiful. I can’t even begin to express the love I feel for him.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

One thing? Oh, how I would love to be able to read and write! I would teach my son and he would be able to find work in some manor somewhere and I wouldn’t have to worry about him.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

Well, I have a hen. She’s not a pet, but when you live on a farm as I did, pets can be either every animal or no animal. My friend, Clara, tells me we are all God’s creatures, big and small. So, I guess my little hen is a pet. Even after my hut burned, she came back to me and I am so grateful for her.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in?

A few years ago, the Normans conquered our land. I thought they were so cruel because they enslaved us. But then I learned that not all are as brutal as the new king, especially Lord Stephen.