Saturday Book Stroll-THE DESIRES OF HER HEART by Lyn Cote

Welcome to Saturday Book Stroll where I share books that I'm currently recommending.

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other romance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Stroll book.



THE DESIRES OF HER HEART
TEXAS: Star of Destiny

By Lyn Cote


THE DESIRES OF HER HEART (Avon Inspire, on-sale: Feb 10, 2009, ISBN: 9780061373411, price: $12.99) is a beautiful historical romance between a woman forced to make a new life on the Texas frontier and the scout who leads their wagon train through the uncharted territory. Set in 1821, Dorritt Mott who is against slavery is a woman ahead of her time. When events make it impossible for her family, including an overbearing stepfather and a spoiled half-sister, to remain in New Orleans, they head to Texas to join Stephen Austin’s first angloamericano settlement and recoup their fortune in the Spanish colony of Texas.

Quinn, a social outcast as the half-breed son of a Cherokee mother and an American father, has made a name for himself as a scout and a man not to be taken lightly.

When the New Orleans lady and the frontiersman meet, they become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of Texas. But will their trek be in vain? Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown that had granted Austin land. And both armies plus marauding Comanche roam the pine forest and prairie of Texas.

And though they are unaware of it, there is a closer danger, a man who is plotting destruction and who will try to make Dorritt and Quinn pawns in his scheme. As their romance blossoms, can Dorritt help Quinn put his trust in the God? The Creator who has promised that those that delight in Him shall be given the desires of their hearts? What will it take for Quinn to believe that promise?


In the vein of the great sweeping historical sagas of Tracie Peterson,

Lyn Cote’s Texas: Star of Destiny series will grab readers from the very first page.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LYN COTE is an award-winning author of both contemporary and historical inspirational romance. She speaks at state, regional and national writer’s conferences and is an active member of RWA and the American Christian Fiction Writers. Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn’s “Women of Ivy Manor” series published by FaithWords was a 2006 Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National Readers Choice Contest. She is also one the top-selling authors in Harlequin’s Love Inspired category line. Born in El Paso, Texas, Lyn and her husband now live in Wisconsin.


THE DESIRES OF HER HEART
By Lyn Cote
Avon Inspire/An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
On Sale: 02/10/09
$12.99
ISBN: 9780061373411



Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, March 5th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
A Surprise!

Cheryl Wyatt

Blogging at Craftie Ladies Today

Blogging here today. Hope you will drop by and comment.



Craftie Ladies of Romance

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompt-7 and citique contest

NEW NEWS! Let me know in the comment section of this post whether you find these prompts helpful. As incentive, everyone who leaves a comment on at least one Story Starter Scene Prompt this month will be entered into a drawing to receive a free critique/assessment of one of your scenes written from one of my prompts. This critique does not guarantee you will be published. This is simply a published author offering kind but honest feedback on the drawing winner's scene.

AND...you will receive 1 entry for each comment entered on separate weekly prompts during the course of the current month month. I post prompts every Tuesday unless I'm guestblogging elsewhere. In that case, still leave a comment and I'll count the comment as another entry. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address. I suggest you put [brackets} around the "@" sign so Net Spiders don't phish your address.

Onward to this week's prompt....



Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt sentence if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. sting
2. insure
3. ensure
4. cover
5. whisk
6. wisp
7. weak
8. drug
9. disguise
10.officer
11. loyalty
12. street
13. flash
14. point
15. revolver

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. "When's it goin' down?"
B. "Wouldn't do that if I were you."
C. "Where have I seen you before?"


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll-Terri Blackstock's Double Minds

Welcome to Saturday Book Stroll where I share books that I'm currently recommending!

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Stroll book.





DOUBLE MINDS
A Stand-Alone Novel by Terri Blackstock
Were the bullets intended for her?
As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce – even deadly. When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems. Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?

“Blackstock’s superior writing will keep readers turning pages late into the night to discover the identity of the culprit in this amazing mystery. The unique setting and peek into the Nashville music scene are fascinating. Suspense lovers are in for a delightful treat.” Romantic Times, February 2009.

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Known for her “Up All Night Fiction,” Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.

See the Video Trailer for Double Minds at www.terriblackstock.com

Available now at Amazon, or www.christianbook.com, www.bn.com and your favorite bookstores everywhere.


Double Minds
ISBN #978-0-310-31842-2

Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock,

Terri Blackstock on Facebook


Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 26th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
A surprise!

Cheryl Wyatt

Blogging at Love Inspired Authors' Blog Today

I'm blogging at loveinspiredauthors.blogspot.com today.

Zip on over and join in the fun.

Folks are TOO quiet over there. Go and stir up some comments. LOL!

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

In Seekerville today

I'm blogging in Seekerville today.

Zip on over and join in the fun.

Thanks all!

Cheryl Wyatt

A Different Kind of Daniel's Den

Another day, another great book to tell you about!

I don't mean the Biblical Daniel, you know, the one who survived the lion's den. LOL!

Daniel's Den by Brandt Dodson is a thriller you won't want to miss.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this fast–paced thriller by popular author Brandt Dodson, a young government accountant learns to trust God when his life begins to fall apart and unseen enemies pursue him with relentless zeal.

Daniel Borden is a thirty–year–old government accountant who lives a quiet life and plays by the rules. But when events transpire that shatter his orderly world and a team of assassins mark him for death, Daniel must flee for his life.

While on the run, Daniel encounters Laura Traynor. Carefree and easygoing, Laura is everything that Daniel isn’t. But when the killers assigned to eliminate Daniel find him at Laura’s bed–and–breakfast, gunfire erupts and the two set out on the run once again.

As they try to unravel the mystery that confronts them, they discover how tenuous life can be and how their very existence depends on the God who will never abandon them.

A perfect suspense tale for readers who love Dee Henderson, James Scott Bell, Brandilyn Collins, and James Patterson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In Brandt's words: I come form a long line of police officers going as far back as the 1930's, and on both sides of my family. That background ultimately lead to my employement with the FBI, but my ultimate career choice lead me in another direction.

I am a board-certified Podiatrist and one of a few (about a 100) surgeons in the country who perform the peripheral nerve decompression for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

I have been writing since I was a kid, and now have the pleasure of publishing and hearing from readers. (It doesn't get any better than that.)

I've been married to my college sweetheart for almost 26 years and I have two great sons. (Again - it doesn't get any better than that.)

My ultimate goal is to do what I love most. And that is to continue writing, both mystery and suspense.

After all, I've grown quite fond of Colton Parker.============
=================================

Cheryl here, we readers have grown quite fond of Colton Parker too!

I hope you will pick up Daniel's Den SOON wherever books are sold. Daniel's Den is the kind of book that plays out in your mind like a movie. Kudos to Brandt for his unique and riveting style of writing that enables us to see and experience the story rather than just read the story.

Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll-Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Afternoon Stroll book.

Featured book:
Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson


About the author:
Visit her Web site for more information



About the book:
Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
ISBN: 0373443277 or 978-0373443277

The photographs Samantha Reid uncovers in her new store are shocking. Horrifying. And dangerous. This new evidence could reopen a decade-old multiple homicide case that someone wants desperately to keep closed. And when the evidence comes out, a reluctant Samantha is drawn straight into the spotlight. All the attention is wrecking her business—and drawing the killer's eye straight to her.

Then she meets Ryan Davidson, the last surviving member of the murdered family. In spite of herself, she's drawn in by his need to find the truth. Together, they work to unravel the mystery, while the killer works to keep the secrets buried—forever.

Amazon purchase link.


Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll: Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books I'm reading by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Stroll book.

Featured book: Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus

Barbour Publishing
Released Jan 2009


About the author:
Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there.

She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. But her greatest joy comes from mentoring new writers through her website and seeing them experience those “aha” moments when a tricky concept becomes clear.

Visit her Web site.


About the book:
When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman?

George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

What others are saying about it:


“Dacus pulls off a delightful story that places readers in the heart of the South with the debut of the Brides of Bonneterre series. Readers will enjoy this look at how lives are transformed through devastating events and how forgiveness is the key to a promising future. Nothing is as it seems in this heartwarming story.”
–Romantic Times, 4-Star Review


“Absolutely delightful! I enjoyed Stand-In Groom from cover to cover! Ms. Dacus’s clever story and wonderful prose will draw you away to a place deep in the heart of Louisiana, surrounding you with the scents, sounds, and sights of the deep south. A story filled with romance and intrigue, betrayal and forgiveness, I found myself laughing, crying and rejoicing right along with the characters.”
–M.L. Tyndall, author of The Falcon and the Sparrow and the award-winning Legacy of the King’s Pirates series


“Stand-In Groom is as sweet, beautiful, and chaotic as a perfectly planned wedding. Anne is a bright and wounded heroine you’re going to care about for a long time. George is a hero to capture your heart. Kaye Dacus will take you along for a fun, poignent ride in Stand-In Groom.”
–Mary Connealy, author of the Lassoed in Texas series and Of Mice...and Murder


WHAT I LOVED MOST ABOUT THIS BOOK:
First of all that I know the author. We were both aspiring together. And it is SO exciting to see her debut novel. I remember how very excited she was for me when I sold my first book. And I am so thrilled to get to hold and read hers too.

I would have LOVED this book even had I not known the author. I LOVE stories and movies about wedding planners. Wedding planners fascinate me. Especially if the wedding planner is single and looking. I mean, how hard would that be? To see all those other people get married yet not you. So I loved the plot of this book. Kaye's characters are charming and you can definitely see why Barbour snapped up this story and this amazing author.

If you don't own this book...get out there a grab a copy before they're all gone! I'm not just saying this because she's my friend. YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! And I have a sneaking suspicion that after reading her work, Kaye will end up on your 'auto-buy' list.


Cheryl Wyatt

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 19th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
MIA: Missing in Atlanta by Debby Giusti from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

Cheryl Wyatt

February 2009 Releases

This list is brought to you by Jill Eileen Smith.

 

There are way more Christian fiction releases this month, but these are a few to get you started:

 

1. Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Steeple Hill. When a business owner discovers on her property evidence of a decade-old multiple murder, she and the surviving son of the massacre become targets of a desperate and powerful killer.

2. Framed!, Book 2 of the Without A Trace continuity series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. A modern day Romeo and Juliet story.

3. Gingham Mountain Lassoed in Texas Series by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. A school marm fears cruel intentions when a rancher, with a special heart for unwanted children, adopts too many of them.

4. Illusions by Wanda B. Campbell from Urban Christian. Illusions depicts the struggles of a young pastor and wife.

5. Insight by Deborah Raney from Steeple Hill. Two people brought together by tragedy discover an amazing connection that threatens to tear them apart.

6. Love Finds You In Last Chance, CA by Miralee Ferrell from Summerside Press. A woman trying to make it alone in the old west, a man she isn't sure she can trust, and someone who threatens them both.

7. On a Killer's Trail by Susan Page Davis from Love Inspired Suspense. Can a reformed bad-boy detective and an ambitious reporter overcome their past to solve a string of crimes?

8. The Desires of Her Heart by Lyn Cote from Avon Inspire. The Desires of Her Heart is based on authentic Texas history and portrays the expansion of Angloamericanos into Spanish territory.

9. The Gold Standard by Lisa Lickel from Barbour Publishing - Heartsong Presents: Mysteries. Judy's last relative, Aunt Louise, was poisoned - but how?

10. The Renewal, Book 2 of the Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. For single-mom Leslie Ruskin and master carpenter Jack Kenyon, both starting over in a new town, could working together on restoring the Midlands Building be a blueprint for disaster, or will their lives be transformed by the promise of a new Occupant?

11. Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie from B&H Publishing. Revolutionary period of escaping captivity and finding true salvation.

--
Cheryl Wyatt www.cherylwyatt.com
Vice President, ACFW www.acfw.com
Fifteen-author blog!www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Ready-Made Family, April 2009, www.steeplehill.com

Story Starter Scene Prompts-6 and critique contest

NEW NEWS! Let me know in the comment section of this post whether you find these prompts helpful. As incentive, everyone who leaves a comment on at least one Story Starter Scene Prompt this month will be entered into a drawing to receive a free critique/assessment of one of your scenes written from one of my prompts. This critique does not guarantee you will be published. This is simply a published author offering kind but honest feedback on the drawing winner's scene.

AND...you will receive 1 entry for each comment entered on separate weekly prompts during the course of the current month month. I post prompts every Tuesday unless I'm guestblogging elsewhere. In that case, still leave a comment and I'll count the comment as another entry. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address. I suggest you put [brackets} around the "@" sign so Net Spiders don't phish your address.

Onward to this week's prompt....


Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. spy
2. bug
3. suitcase
4. timer
5. thorn
6. rose
7. chill
8. leather
9. concourse
10. Italian
11. pepper
12. spray
13. darling
14. crepe
15. creep

Scene Starter Sentences:
A."I know it's there."
B. Now to find it.
C. "We're running out of time."


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt

Saturday Book Stroll-Love Finds You in Humble, Texas

Most Saturdays, I will be sharing books that I'm currently reading (and recommending!).

Of course my first love is Steeple Hill books and other cateromance, but Saturday afternoons are reserved for other various books I'm reading by authors I enjoy.

Hope you will consider picking up this week's featured Saturday Afternoon Stroll book.

Featured book: Love Finds You™ in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman-Summerside Press

About the book:
Title: Love Finds You™ in Humble, Texas
Release date: Feb 15, 2009
Publisher: Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1934770612
ISBN-13: 9781934770610

This book can be ordered just in time for Valentine's Day! Check in stores starting Feb 15, or preorder online now whereever books are sold.

Blurb:
The Abernathy sisters. One is bright, one is beautiful, but both are in love with the same man. One sister will let go of love, and like a kite string untethering in the wind, the choice will undo each of their lives. What will it take to heal their hearts, for love to find them in a place called Humble, Texas?

Summerside Press



About the author:

ANITA HIGMAN

Anita Higman is the author of 24 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and plays. Among her published romance titles are Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song, and Castles in the Air, all coauthored with Janice A. Thompson. Her mysteries include Another Stab at Life and Another Hour to Kill. Anita is a member of ACFW and the Christian Humor Writers’ Group, and she has been recognized for her involvement in literacy programs. A Texan for the past 24 years, Anita has coauthored an award-winning book about her home state, A Tribute to Early Texas. She lives with her family near Houston. Anita would love for you to visit her website at www.anitahigman.com.


Visit the Love Finds You™ Author Blog
http://lovefindsyou.wordpress.com

(Love Finds You™ is a trademark of the publisher.)


My Review:
First of all, I have to say that I LOVE the idea of this Summerside line. Setting romances in real towns with unique names is really up my reading alley. If you're like me, you'll end up not wanting to miss a single book.

What I loved most about this book: The heroine, Trudy, was so well-drawn. She was multi-layered and I was instantly endeared to her. I enjoyed the relationship thread between these two sisters as much as I did the romantic relationship between the hero and the heroine. And this guy...trust me girls...is SWOON-WORTHY. In addition to having a unique voice, Anita did great with these characters and with the relational issues in the book.

I loved the heroine's internal monologue and how she grew in the story, as well as her sister. I can't say too much without giving things away but trust me, if you purchase this book (and I hope you do!) prepare to be touched.

Very entertaining read. Highly recommended.


Book Trailer

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HUMBLE, TEXAS ANITA HIGMAN BOOK TRAILER

Free Book Friday!

Welcome to Free Book Friday on my blog! I'm giving away books most Fridays, so stay tuned!

Leave a note WITH A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS in the comment section of this post to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a Steeple Hill book.

I suggest you insert [brackets] around the "@" sign of your e-mail address so internet spiders don't phish your e-mail address.

Deadline for entry is Midnight CST this Thursday, February 12th. Winner will be notified privately via e-mail then announced in the comment section of this Free Book Friday Blog post. So if you don't want your win announced, please say so in your comment.

This Friday's pick:
A Surprise!

Cheryl Wyatt

Blogging at Craftie Ladies Today

Blogging here today. Hope you will drop by and comment.



Craftie Ladies of Romance

Cheryl Wyatt

Story Starter Scene Prompts-5

Story Starter Prompt
OBJECT:
• Write a 500-3500 word scene using five of fifteen Prompt Words.
• Begin each scene using one of three Scene Starter Sentences.
• Use any combination of (1) sentence/(5) words.
• Do three separate scenes with each prompt if you want.
• Or if you’re really brave, try using ALL 15 prompt words in their proper usage and incorporate all three sentences into your scene hook ins or hook out.
• Most of all, have fun!


Prompt Words:
1. sight
2. site
3. lose
4. loose
5. gun
6. Web
7. land
8. your
9. you're
10.battle
11. domain
12. window
13. rift
14. resolution
15. donkey

Scene Starter Sentences:
A. "Which one this time?"
B. "What's he doing on my property this time?"
C. "This can't be good."


Happy Writing!

Cheryl Wyatt