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

What We're Reading

Cate Nolan:

I JUST FINISHED: The last of my books for a contest I was judging.

I’M CURRENTLY READING: Dana Mentink's Dangerous Tidings.  (I had to set this aside to do all my contest books, so I'm excited to get to finish - finally!)

I NEXT PLAN TO READ: Liz Johnson's The Red Door Inn. I started reading on my Kindle App, but I want the print copy so I can keep the fabulous cover!

Jolene Navarro

I just finished my last Rita book (top secret)so now I get to attack my own sky high stack of stories

Right now I'm reading Alaskan Reunion by the fabulous Belle Calhoune. I'm hooked. I'm also reading The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook. I love exploring the world with watercolor.

Next on my list is Rustler's Moon by Jodi Thomas. It is the second in a new series called Ransom Canyon.

Christine Johnson:

I just finished reading: Several books as a judge in the Rita contest. Sorry, I can't reveal any titles.

I'm currently reading: The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate. This book was chosen by my book club, and I'm loving it. Like all engaging stories, I'd rather spend the day reading than doing my work. Uh-oh.

I next plan to read: A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker. All right, I'll admit that I haven't read any of his books. The genre scares me a bit, but it's the next book selected by my book club, so I'm plunging in...with the lights on all night if necessary.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: Rock Her by Inglath Cooper, a woman's fiction/marriage crisis, sweet romance.

I'm currently reading: Always With You, my long-time friend Elaine Stock's debut novel. My best description is that it's a Christian psychological suspense with strong romantic elements, not what I usually read. It's the kind of book people love or hate.

Next I plan to read: I'll probably finish How to Manage the Time of Your Life by James Scott Bell, which I've been reading a little at a time for the past couple of weeks.

Deb Kastner: 

I just finished reading: The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.

I am currently reading: The Lamb' Supper by Scott Hahn (nonfiction) and Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon.

Next up for me: Reunion by Sharon Sala

Pamela Tracy:

What I just finished reading:  Nine Rita books.  Yup, got my scores in at 10 p.m. the day they were due.

What I'm reading now:  John by Cynthia Lennon - so far, I'm liking it.

 What I'm reading next:  Judging YA for the Desert Quill contest.

Rhonda Gibson

Just Finished: The Blessed Life by Robert Morris 


Currently Reading: First Quest Rogues to Riches by J. Robert King


Plan To Read Next: Conveniently Wed by Angel Moore

Terri Reed:

I’M CURRENTLY READING: I just picked up When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare. So far its a verra good read, funny and touching.


I NEXT PLAN TO READ:Next I think I’ll read Find Her by Lisa Gardner

I JUST FINISHED: I can’t say the title of the one I just finished because it was an entry in the RWA RITA contest. But it was well done and a fun read.

Linda Goodnight:

Just finished:  I've been reading RITA books for judging so I can't discuss. But I want to!!

What I'm reading now:  Bombpops, Blow Dryers, and Butterfly Kisses by Angelia Waite, a nonfiction Christian book for those dealing with the loss of a child.

What I'll read next:  probably  Stardust, by Carla

Stewart. Carla writes nostalgia from a Christian perspective that's always emotive and touching, so I'm looking forward to this one.

Barbara Phinney
Just finished:  The Martian. Bad language, but good story.

What I'm reading now:  Cadfael: The Raven at the Foregate. Slow to start. It’s helping me sleep. And several of my own short stories in order to edit.

What I'll read next:  I have a number of books given to me, but haven’t decided yet. Some sci-fi, some short stories, and one biography.

Missy Tippens:


I JUST FINISHED: Judging books for a contest so can't share. :)


I’M CURRENTLY READING: Just started The Nanny's New Family by Margaret Daley.


I NEXT PLAN TO READ: The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight. I guess it'll be Christmas in March! :)


Teri Wilson:


Just finished: If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins. I love Kristan Higgins, and I read everything she writes. This is her first trade paperback women's fiction book, and it was amazing. I devoured it. 

What I'm reading now: Losing the Light by Andrea Dunlop. I'm going to a book festival in Paris next month, and this book takes place in France, so that was the draw. It's also gotten loads of great reviews. I think it's a thriller, but I'm only on page 10. So we'll see.

What I'll read next: I'm really eager to read After You by Jojo Moyes, the sequel to Me Before You, which I adored. It's sitting on my nightstand, ready to go.

Carolyne Aarsen:


I just finished reading: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes


I am currently reading: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp


Next up: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard


Mary Alford:

I just finished reading: Lethal Action (Danger in the Deep South Book 1) by Rachel Dylan. I loved it. A great legal suspense.

Next I'm planning to read: A Rush Of Wings by Kristen Heitzman. Can't wait. Kristen is one of my favorites.

Allie Pleiter:


Just finished: Rising Strong by Brene Brown is a thoughtful look at how we react to and learn from life's challenges


What I'm reading now: The Iron King by Judy Kagawa is an engrossing young adult novel with another world drawn from Shakespeare's faery characters


What I'll read next: probably The Days of Noah by Virginia Smith.  Ginny is a good friend of mine and I've been meaning to read her inventive take on how the world was before the great flood.

So, everyone else… 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?

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Winning the Teacher's Heart by Jean C. Gordon

A Hometown Reunion 

Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn't been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes. Her children's welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don't approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart…and her home.

Interview:

How exciting to have Jared Donnelly the hero from Winning the Teacher’s Heart written by Jean C. Gordon a May 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. Jared Donnelly, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m, that is I was, an international motocross champion.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Nothing beats getting one of my racing bikes out and riding the hills and gullies of the property I recently inherited in the Adirondack Mountains near my hometown Paradox Lake.

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

For a long time, I put off returning to, or even visiting Paradox Lake to see my mother, brothers, and grandmother. There were too many bad memories of growing up the son of the “town drunk” and that incident with Sheriff Norton right after high school graduation that left me no choice but to leave Paradox Lake.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Being anything like my father.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I want to rebuild my family’s tarnished reputation, to show the good people of Paradox Lake that my brothers and I are not like our father by giving back to the community. I think I can do that with my idea to build a “Big Brother/Sister” motocross school for fatherless and under privileged children. I want to open their hearts to Christ and introduce them to the opportunities racing opened to me. The motocross track and school will create much needed jobs, as well as help kids.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I’m not a big reader beyond engine repair manuals.

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

The unshakable need I have to take risks and win awards to prove myself.

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

No pets. I traveled too much when I was on the racing circuit.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

Early 20^th century America when men were developing, perfecting, and racing the first motorcycles. Specifically, I’d like to have been able to work with Glenn Curtiss, a pioneer in both the motorcycle and aviation industries. You should check out the museum commemorating his work in Hammondsport in the Finger Lakes.

The Thursday Sisterhood with Jean C. Gordon

Family Status: Married, two kids, two grandchildren

What Is Your Favorite Beverage: Tonic water

What Is Your Favorite Food: Cheesecake  

What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: Read and check on my family and friends on Facebook

Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: My parents (They made me feel I could do anything I wanted to do.)

First Book You Fell in Love With: The Secret Garden

First Book Published: Bachelor Father (Avalon Books)

Most Recent Book: Small-Town Midwife

Out Next: Nothing scheduled, but I’m working on that

How Many Have You Written: Ten  

What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: How much time authors need to spend on publicity and other book-related tasks in addition to actually writing the book

What is Your Favorite Bible Story: The story of Mary Magdalene.  

What is Your Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Also, one of the hardest for me to follow)

What is Your Favorite Hymn: A toss-up between Amazing Grace and What Child Is This 

What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: For God to help me be more accepting.

FEATURED BOOK:SMALL-TOWN MIDWIFE BY JEAN C. GORDON

Unexpected Arrival 

Autumn Hazard loves being a midwife. But a tragic loss has her doubting the path she's chosen. And her new boss isn't helping. She's worked with Dr. Jonathan Hanlon before, and he's just as handsome and seemingly perfect as ever. His presence could mean trouble for the clinic—and her sensible heart. Jon remembers Autumn, too. She's still beautiful, smart and oblivious to him. Maybe that's for the best—he's leaving the small town as soon as his training's done. Besides, he has secrets of his own, and he can't risk Autumn getting close enough to uncover them. Yet despite all their reservations, working beside each other doesn't feel like work at all…it feels like home.

Announcing our October reader contest

Lacy Williams here with a big announcement! Drumroll please...

If you are an ACFW member or attended the 2013 conference in Indianapolis, you might've seen this ad in the conference booklet:

That's right. A bunch of the CRAFTIE Ladies are giving away books.

How do you win? Post a comment on any Thursday in October and you will be entered to win a book from each participating author.

Tell your friends, your neighbors, your Facebook followers. We want to make sure everyone knows about this giveaway for 18 books!

Stop by every Thursday for special posts and don't forget to comment!

Small-Town Mom Interview

How exciting to have Jamie Glasser, the heroine from Small-Town Mom by Jean C. Gordon, a July release from Love Inspired Romance.

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

My job, I guess. I’m a labor and delivery nurse for a midwifery practice in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate NY that does a lot of home births.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Things with my kids. Sledding in the winter. Bike riding and swimming in the summer. For several summers, I was the camp nurse at a Christian camp on Paradox Lake that my kids go to. I really enjoyed and miss that now that I work full-time, year round. And, for myself, I bowl in a local mixed league. Although I’m not sure how much fun bowling will continue to be since Eli Payton, U.S. Air Force retired and my son’s guidance counselor joined our team.

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

Going through the rest of my husband’s things at the house. He was killed serving in Afghanistan. I did get rid of the Miata that he’d had since we were dating, which started another conflict between my teenage son and me, since he and his dad were going to restore it.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Losing anyone else who I love.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

My family. At one time, I would have said my family and my faith. That was before I lost my husband.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

With work and the kids, and running back and forth to the school to meet with Eli about my son’s latest escapade, I don’t have much time to read. I used to like light, uplifting romance novels for their happily-ever-after endings. Now, they seem like a big lie to me.

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

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

We have a Golden Retriever named Scooby. I got him for protection since my late husband was deployed out of country so much of the time, and we live in a fairly secluded area. While he’d probably lick an intruder to death, a big dog of any type is often enough to make many people keep their distance.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I want to say, back to when I was 18, before my late husband joined the Army. But then, I wouldn’t have my kids. They’re the world to me. Nor all of my friends in Paradox Lake, including the often-irritating Eli Payton. So, I’ll say I don’t really know.