It’s Time for a Change by Angel Moore

I’m writing my last Love Inspired Historical novel. I don’t have a title or release date yet, but it’s in the works. What began as a dream come true is coming to an end of sorts with my fifth story. I see it more as a crossroads.

 

These are the covers from my first three books, and I think they got better and better. Just wait until you see the cover of Husband by Necessity! It releases in March of 2018, and it’s GORGEOUS!

What’s next? It’s time for a change.

Because I’m a person who enjoys a challenge and doesn’t take no for an answer, I’m going to travel through time and create stories in the here and now. With no promises for acceptance, I’ve been given great encouragement from my Love Inspired editor to submit to the Love Inspired line after this historical is—pardon the pun—history.

You have no idea how exciting this is to me. My goal from the beginning of my writing career was to write contemporary books. So while I say goodbye to the past, I am excited for the future and hope you’ll follow me on my journey into modern times.

Thank you for reading my stories and sharing your kind words about them in reviews and notes to me. When I ponder that God has blessed me to share stories of faith and hope, I have to pinch myself. I love my job.

For now, I’m in the 19^th century in Gran Colina, Texas, creating the happenings of Charlotte Green and her childhood annoyance, Nathan Taylor. She’s trying to save the family hotel and provide for her young brother and sister without letting Nathan take over her life. I’ll be at my desk staring at a storyboard like this if anyone needs me.

I love hearing from readers. Please share your favorite time for stories in the comments here. Drop by www.facebook.com/AngelMooreBooks to keep up with what’s happening in my corner of the world.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.

May God bless you.

Angel

Find my books, the latest news, and links to connect on social media at www.angelmoorebooks.com.

Look for Husband by Arrangement in March of 2018.

Guilty Pleasures by Jo Ann Brown

Guilty pleasures.
We all have them. We treasure them, and we may talk about them a lot or not at all. Some we feel a little guilty about. Others we feel the full weight of "Well, I shouldn't...", especially if we're doing them instead of knocking off something on our always long to-do list or when a deadline looms. One thing all guilty pleasures have in common: we look forward, like a kid waiting for the first firework to burst, to the times when we can indulge in them...and then we wonder if we should have spent that time with them.
My guilty pleasure? Crossword puzzles. I love everything about them. The clues. The answers. Filling in the first square. Filling in the last one. Okay, I don't love everything about them. When I get the whole puzzle done except one square, and I can't figure it out in either direction, I wonder why I started working on puzzle in the first place.
But overall, crossword puzzles fascinate me. I love how words mesh together, and I enjoy groaning over puns in the clues. There's the fun of learning new words, although I'm not sure I'll ever use the word "eft" (name of a young newt/salamander)in everyday conversation or in a book. Can you imagine the handsome hero of your favorite romance novel, leaning a shoulder nonchalantly against a tree and turning to the heroine who is looking up at him with a soft, come hither gaze, as he says, "Pardon me, darlin', but you've got an eft on your shoulder"?
One thing I've discovered about my guilty pleasure with crossword puzzles: It can become consuming. I don't like giving up on puzzles until I've exhausted all other routes to the solution (every route except googling the answer). Walking away unfinished from something that I've put so much effort into annoys me because I know once I give up on it, I won't go back. So I stubbornly will sit there and stare at the clues even though I've tried every letter in the alphabet and none of them seem to work.
The heroine of my new Harlequin Love Inspired An Amish Proposal (which releases today in print)

has a similar problem with being stubborn and feeling guilty. Being both obstinate and guilty keep her from seeing the truth right before her eyes and reaching out to grasp her heart's desire when it's offered.
Rescued: Mother-to-Be
Pregnant and without options, Katie Kay Lapp is trapped between two worlds—abandoned by her baby's Englisch father, not ready to return to her Amish family. With nowhere to go, she's rescued by the unlikeliest of heroes—the man whose heart she shattered. Months ago, Micah Stoltzfus courted her, envisioned a future with her, until she chose the big city over him. Now bound by duty to protect mother and child, Micah offers a solution—marriage. Though his heart never healed, he still cares for the Amish beauty. He knows he'll be the father Katie Kay's baby needs…but can he show her he's also the love she's always wanted?
Katie Kay's solution has to be - just as mine is when dealing with that last empty crossword square - to stop letting stubbornness and guilt keep her from savoring the joy of the blessings right in front of her. I'm going to try to keep that in mind the next time I try tackling the New York Times crossword puzzle on a Sunday afternoon.
So while crossword puzzles are my guilty pleasure, I'm trying to feel less guilty about it. What is your guilty pleasure and how do you keep it in balance?

New for October from Our Love Inspired Suspense Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with three new must buys from our Love Inspired Suspense authors. Just click on the cover to purchase it. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on her name.

Framed for Murder
by Mary Alford 

FALSELY ACCUSED
Framed for helping her partner smuggle guns—and then murdering him—CIA agent Liz Ramirez must find the evidence that will prove her innocence…before she's caught or killed. So when her squad's leader attempts to bring her in for questioning, she knows her future depends on convincing Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. On the run from the rest of her team and the gun dealers who are convinced she knows the location of their missing weapons, Liz risks losing the proof that would clear her name. But will eluding her pursuers—and trying not to fall for the handsome commander—prove to be fatal?

Undercover Amish
Publishers Weekly Bestseller by Debby Giusti 

AMISH COUNTRY REFUGE
After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Christmas Amnesia
by Laura Scott 

MISTLETOE MEMORY LOSS
Assaulted a week before a high-profile drug trafficking trial, assistant district attorney Madison Callahan narrowly escapes death…but suffers amnesia. Now, when she can't recall the identity of her attacker, everyone is suspect—except the handsome policeman who saved her. Officer Noah Sinclair will do anything to bring the mob-connected drug trafficker to justice, including providing personal protection to Madison—the sister of the partner he nearly got killed. But helping her regain her memory may end their unlikely alliance because once she remembers him, Noah might be the last man she'll want to rely on. As the trial looms and with the assailant dead set on ensuring that Madison doesn't survive to see Christmas, it'll take everything Noah's got to keep Madison alive.

Sunday Scripture

Parable of the Great Banquet,Brunswick Monogrammist,
circa 1525, National Museum, Warsaw. (PD-US)

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people 

in parables, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast."'
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business. 
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them. 
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 
Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.'
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests."

Matthew 22:1-10

Saturday

Fall Fun!

By Debby Giusti

I packed my schedule a bit too full this fall, but I enjoyed every minute! The good news is that UNDERCOVER AMISH, the second book in my Amish Protectors series, is in stores this month. I just sent the Author Alterations for book three, AMISH RESCUE, to my editor and got the approval, last week, on the proposal for book four. As you can imagine, the fall has been filled with deadlines. It’s also been filled with travel.

Undercover Amish, book #2 in my
Amish Protectors series.

My first adventure was a lovely visit to Holmes County, Ohio, the heart of Amish country. My husband and I visited Amish farm houses, took buggy rides, shopped in the local markets and snapped lots of photos at the local flea market and cattle auction. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and see the sweet children in bonnets and straw hats peering at us from the back of their parents’ buggies.

Amish father and daughter at the Flea Market

So picturesque!

Amish farm.

Our next trip was to the Holy Land. We visited Bethlehem where Christ was born and the Jordan River where he was baptized. We sailed across the Sea of Galilee and prayed at the spot where he multiplied the loaves and fishes, preached the Sermon on the Mount, healed at the Pool of Bethesda and was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration. Entering Jerusalem, we traveled the route Christ took on Palm Sunday, prayed at Gethsemane and walked the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Scripture came alive as we toured, and the entire trip was a dream come true.

The Jordan River 

Bethlehem. Star marks the place of
Christ's birth.

Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
and place of Christ's crucifixion.

In early October, I attended the Moonlight & Magnolia’s Conference and, a few days later, traveled to Nashville with a group of friends from church. We took in shows at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman and toured The Hermitage, Belle Meade and Belmont Mansion. On the way back to Atlanta, where I live, we stopped in Chattanooga for a relaxing lunch cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat.

Ryman Auditorium

Belle Meade

 

Southern Belle

Now I’m home and ready to finish book four in my Amish Protectors series. I’m also planning more trips to take in the months ahead.  

What’s on your schedule?

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.Seekerville.blogspot.com

Undercover Amish

By Debby Giusti

After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Order here!

Fuzzy Blankets, Warm Drinks and Novels

by Jill Kemerer

In northern Ohio the leaves have changed, the furnace is running, and I’m ready to snuggle inside. I love this time of year!

I kick off every morning with a nice, hot pot of coffee. While I watch the local news, I wrap up in a comfy throw and sip my creamy caffeine. I have a collection of fuzzy blankets, and my current favorite was a gift from my sister-in-law from last Christmas. It’s dove gray and so soft. My little doxie always curls up on my lap underneath the blanket! She’s silly.

This won’t shock you, but my T-shirts and shorts have been packed away. In their place are jeans and sweaters. I’m always cold, so in the afternoon, I fill my electric tea kettle with water and sip hot tea while I write.

Sometimes my husband and I will take a long walk before it gets dark out. We try to take advantage of the daylight as much as possible because it won’t be long until it grows dark before dinner time. Having less sunlight makes me sad. I’m not a fan of short days. I actually have a Happy Light, which is an LED light therapy lamp. It’s supposed to ease low moods due to lack of sunlight. Even my dog loves it. She stretches out in front of it whenever I turn it on.

My reading habits change this time of year. I read more cozy fiction—inspirational contemporary romance novels, cozy mysteries, and historical romances. Oh, and Christmas stories! I love holiday books this time of year. The only novels I steer clear of in autumn are heavy women’s fiction and thrillers. With winter approaching, I need reading material guaranteed to make me smile.

Here are a few books I’ve read recently and highly recommend.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time by Tricia Goyer

First of all, I love the cover of this one. More importantly, the message is powerful. I was inspired by Tricia’s story, and I love the Bible truths in this book. Living God’s word isn’t always comfortable, but it’s worth it.

Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

This is the second book in the Montana Rescue series, and I loved it! It’s a romantic adventure and follows multiple characters. I highly recommend it.

Speaking of books... My new series, Wyoming Cowboys, launched this month with the release of The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride! It’s a Christmas romance set on a ranch in Wyoming. The book is available in supermarkets and online at all major book retailers. See below for more information.

To celebrate, I’m giving away three copies of my new release, The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride, on my Facebook page. US residents are eligible to win a paperback or ebook. International readers are eligible to win an ebook! Stop by and scroll until you see the post titled Giveaway Time 10/10/17. CLICK HERE to go to Jill’s Facebook page!

I’d love to hear your fall habits. Hot drinks? Fuzzy blankets? Or is it hot year-round where you live? And what are you reading?

*

Jill Kemerer writes Christian fiction and nonfiction. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her miniature-dachshund and taking long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, and sign up for her newsletter.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram  |  Amazon

*

The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride

Coming Home for Christmas 

Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | iBooks

New for October from Our Love Inspired Historical Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with two new must buys from our Love Inspired Contemporary authors. Just click on a cover to buy one. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on their names.

Mistletoe Mommy
by Danica Favorite 

A MOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS
Widower Luke Jeffries needs a mother for his three young children, whether or not they agree. When he meets Nellie McClain at the mail-order-bride agency, Luke thinks his problems are solved, but they’ve only just begun. Though the beautiful widow awakens his grieving heart, Luke won’t betray his cherished wife’s memory.

A marriage of convenience is exactly what Nellie wants, since she’s been wounded by love before and doesn’t plan to risk her heart again. But despite her chilly reception at Luke’s family’s simple Colorado cabin, her feelings for Luke and the children grow deeper every day. Can Nellie and Luke heal the pain in each other and finally make their family whole again?

Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion
by Louise M. Gouge

THE SHERIFF'S SECOND CHANCE
Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town’s children.

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Sunday Scripture

The Jordan River where Christ was baptized.

Peace Be With You

Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9