Monday, July 19, 2010

what page are you on?

Welcome to another week! My deadline for The Colonel's Lady is now days away. And the sun is shining and the deck is calling... I think I much prefer winter deadlines:) Only I've not had one yet. I've been thinking of my readers ~ you readers ~ and wondering what you're reading right now. So many good books out there no matter the season ~ spring, summer, fall, winter...

I love these vintage bookmarks and books. When I want to give a gift I usually end up giving a book and try to find a classy bookmark. If I could gift you all with one book it would be L.M. Montgomery's The Blue Castle. But Morrow will have to do:)

I'm making a resolution to read more pleasure books in future as I'm logging more time doing research than anything else. Just finished Siri Mitchell's She Walks in Beauty, which I'd love to give away to you the first week of August. Am now on page 204 of The Sackett's by Louis L'Amour. I also have bookmarks lodged in The Practice of God's Presence by Andrew Murray and 1776 by David McCullough. The last 2 are amazing reads!! Thanks to two reading friends, they are a part of my permanent library. And I just broke my Amazon ban and ordered The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom and Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes. So there you have it!

Do you find it hard to read in summer with so many distractions? Find it easier to curl up by the fire with a good book in winter? So...what page are you on? Care to share any great summer reads?

A good book has no ending. ~R.D. Cumming

70 comments:

  1. I want to read She Walks in Beauty, too. In addition to the Murray, I just finished A Passion Most Pure by the sweet Julie Lessman and hope to get a review up today. I hope to get to book #2 soon, but meanwhile have some reading deadlines. Reading Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills. Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges is for review and for Bible study (loving it). And reading Hinds Feet in High Places with Chris. Wow, that's way too many reads, no wonder it feels like I never get through any of them. I overcommitted myself to summer review reads thinking somehow I would have all this reading time without homeschooling, haha.

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  2. I loved She Walks in Beauty! Fabulous book! I just finished Courting Morrow Little this weekend and loved it so much! I finished Predator by Terri Blackstock last night and it's an awesome suspense thriller! Today I'm starting Ransomed Dreams by Sally John. I do get most of my books for review, but I love to read so much, and I pick the ones I think I will enjoy, so it's all pleasure to me!

    Blessings
    Michelle V

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  3. Oh, how I used to love reading Louis L'Amour...haven't done that in ages. The Sacketts...what a great family saga!

    Right now I'm finishing up Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon...was supposed to have a full review up last week, but I'm running behind. It's good so far! Next up is a book called Courting Morrow Little by some author named Laura Frantz... ;)

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  4. Oh, I always love these blogs where we talk about books we're reading.

    Let's see, I just finished "Blaze of Glory" by Major Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky (an excellent military thriller) and I'm currently on page 22 of "Back on Murder" by J. Mark Bertrand. Then I've got to rush through (8) books from the library before I can sit & savor "Courting Morrow Little". That's one story I don't want to hurry through. I promise not to order any more books from the library until I've read Morrow.

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  5. I love those bookmarks, especially the one with the crown.

    Considering it's really too hot to be outside here, as you can tell I'm not a fan of the heat and humidity, I have no problem finding reading time on most days.

    Last week, I read "The Outsider" and "The Believer" by Ann Gabhart. I loved both of them! I finished "Nightshade" by Ronie Kendig a little while ago. It was definitely a wonderful book. Right now, I'm reading "The Gathering Storm" by Brock and Bodie Thoene. I didn't think it was supposed to be out until August, so I was thrilled to find it at Barnes and Noble on Friday night. After I finish it, I have several library books to read.

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  6. I just finished reading The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan. Loved it---crisp writing that absolutely crackles with mystery and suspense. For a change from fiction, I just started Laura Bush's autobiography Spoken From the Heart.

    I am finding it hard to read during the summer because our house is so small. And the noise...oh, the noise! I haven't gotten a good reading chair for my office yet, but when I do I can come in here and close the door and have a little bit of peace and quiet. I was actually by myself for several hours the other day and I did something I never do---watch TV! What's up with that?

    Reading for pleasure is a necessity for me. I am grumpy and irritable without it.

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  7. I loved She Walks in Beauty, Siri is one of my favorite authors in the historical genre.

    BTW, CONGRATS on the nomination in the Carol Award!! Woo-hoo! You deserve it! :)

    I just finished Cara Putman's delightful book, Stars in the Night. And I am currently reading Susan May Warren's Licensed for Trouble. Too funny! I just love her voice.

    I do find it harder to carve reading time out in the summer. I am not sure why, but I have a suspicion it is because I am always running! Ah, it never stops. :)

    So excited your deadline is almost here! I can't wait to hear more about this new book!!

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  8. Here am I jumping up and down because I LOVE talking books. And I LOVE getting recommendations from people as I navigate the deep waters of Christian fiction. For all that I've been reading, I still feel like I've just stuck my baby toe in! LOL. Nice summer analogy, eh?

    So, currently I'm on page 101 of Colleen Coble's 'Lonestar Secrets'. Talk about throwing a heroine into the fire!!!! Oy -- I can't imagine how it will all play out.

    Last week I went to both the Christian bookstore and the library on the same day so I have a TON of books piled up at the end of my bed. Every morning I get up and resort them in the order I think I'll read them only I keep changing my mind. LOL.

    I'm trying to remember the ones I bought at the store -- I know Kaye Dacus' 'Ransome's Crossing' is on top of that pile but I can't remember what else I bought. I'll have to get back to you on that.

    My library pile consists of the following (and this is in random order):

    The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
    That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake
    The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann
    Halos by Kristen Heitzmann
    Twilight by Kristen Heitzmann
    A Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist
    Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo
    To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon
    When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
    When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

    Oh -- and I just finished Mary Connealy's 'Doctor in Petticoats' and I think it's her best yet (but I always say that about Mary's books and it's only true until the next one comes out). And I just just finished 'Simple Secrets' by Nancy Mehl -- awesome mystery/suspense and the first in a series (yaay!) Those were two that I bought at the store.

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  9. Jubal Sackett was a favorite book when I was around twenty. I should read that again. Last of the Breed was another favorite Louis L'Amour. I also recently finished She Walks in Beauty. Like!

    Now I'm reading The Scene Book, by Sandra Scofield. Excellent writing craft. Reading an Emma Cole mystery, Every Secret Thing (she's really Susanna Kearsley, one of my favorite writers). Got a few research books going too. And now, off to read my own latest chapter to ease back into this new week of writing. Prayed for you this morning, Laura, knowing that deadline is fast approaching. Can't wait to see TCL all polished up! Blessings to you this week, dear friend.

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  10. Ruth, I'll be seeing Bonnie this weekend since she's doing a book signing at our mall, and I plan to buy my copy of Touching the Clouds in store that day, so she can sign it. Bonnie is a lovely lady!

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  11. Oh, I loved She Walks in Beauty! What a great book! :D

    I confess that summer is a little easier for me to get reading done (or at least more guilt-free!) since I don't have classes, but I usually make time for reading in any season! ;)

    Right now I'm reading Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren and Thicker than Blood by CJ Darlington. Thicker than Blood has an intriguing storyline, so I've kind of been focusing on that one right now.

    And I have quite the TBR stack waiting for me, too! I'm especially looking forward to getting my hands on A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman and Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall!!!

    Wishing the best for you and your family, and I hope all goes well with your deadline! :)

    ~Amber

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  12. @Lori - What an awesome opportunity! I am looking forward to seeing where Bonnie takes the series next...see if you can discover any spoilers. :)

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  13. I am reading Sizzing Sixteen by Janet Evanovich, all her books are a fun read, and have Where Two Seas Met by Lynn and Gilbert Morris on my table to read next

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  14. I do find it easier to read in the winter because I seem to be indoors more on winter days. I am reading from Worthless to Worthy by Julie Morris, which I highly recommend though I am still towards the beginning. I am also reading The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado. The last fiction book I read was The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen... which was quite awhile ago. I have a lot of fiction books on my to read list though. I also have a bunch of bookmarks in my Bible right now.
    I love the bookmarks in the picture. I also liked skimming through the lists of what everyone is reading. I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather!

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  15. I just finished Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand. Finished it in a weekend--so good! Now I'm on White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner.

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  16. Oh Laura, those vintage bookmarks are gorgeous! Bookmarks are like accessories for a book, and a promise to them that you'll return :)

    I'm currently on pg. 300 of Kathleen Morgan's "Daughter of Joy" (book 1 in her Brides of Culdee Creek series). Been wanting to read it for a while now, and finally got it! It's an amazing book! Kathleen is so very talented and I just love her Scottish heroes! I have her next book in that series, "Woman of Grace", waiting in the wings and will probably start it tonight!

    And like Kav, I keep rearranging my TBR pile, too, LOL! Probably because I keep adding to it :) The next book I plan to add is, "The Vigilante's Bride" by: Yvonne Harris, just the name alone makes me wanna read it :) There are at least 7 more books that I'll be adding this year, but they haven't released yet... though, 3 of them will be in August :D

    I also have a non-fiction TBR pile, and at the top of that one is, "Wrestling Prayer" by: Eric & Leslie Ludy! Love them!

    And it doesn't matter what season I'm reading in- I'll find the time, LOL! I don't really watch TV, and only a good period drama can pull me away from a book, so, I spend most of my free time reading. Even when I'm working I have a book on my desk- I work for my parents, so I can't get in too much trouble ;)

    Excited to hear your Colonel's Lady news! Praying for you as you finish!

    Blessings,
    Amanda Stanley

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  17. @Kav- Mary Connealy's "Doctor in Petticoats" is one of the books currently in my TBR pile! So glad you thought so highly of it :) I've never read any of her books, but ended up winning this one over at Seekerville! You made it sound like a great one to start with, now I'm even more excited to read it :D

    And Laura, I forgot to tell you, I love that quote! It definitely applies to your books- you create heroes and heroines that stay in the heart like good friends, leaving a lasting impression and memories that will never fade :)

    Blessings,
    Amanda Stanley

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  18. Amanda,

    I just wanted to comment here since you don't have a blog that I always smile when I see your comments around the web. You manage to be an encouragement on all the blogs I see you on. I really want to read that Ludy book too, what a great title.

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  19. I have pile of to be read books including She Walks in Beauty, 16 Brides, Maid to Match, and Tailor Made Bride, and the Lightkeeper's Daughter.
    The last two that I read were the Raven Saint (!) and Courting Morrow Little(!!).
    I've been trying to read Ransom's Crossing, but am having trouble putting my own story down when I go to bed. That is my typical reading time, any season. Although, I do like to sit in the shade on a summer day with a good book.

    Glad you're enjoying your reading time! :) And I hope you'll get to enjoy the remainder of your summer once TCL is turned in.

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  20. I'm on page 327 of a wonderful book called The Frontiersman's Daughter. Perhaps you've heard of it? Hi Laura! :-) Though I've been lurking a wee while, this is my first post to your blog... I just HAD to answer your question because I am enjoying your book so much! I'm at that place where I want to race to the end and yet slow myself down as to savor every last syllable!

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  21. @Julia- Gosh, thank you so much for those kind words :) I'm always blessed by your comments around the blogs, too! And prayerfully one day I'll have a blog of my own, I'm still waiting on the Lord's direction with that one...

    Anyway, so glad to know you want to read "Wrestling Prayer", too! I HIGHLY recommend anything by Eric & Leslie Ludy!! I have a lot of their books, and WP looks to be one of their best yet!

    Love to hear your reading Hinds Feet- it's one of my favorites! And when you're done with that, I HIGHLY recommend, "Mountain of Spices" also, by Hannah Hurnard. It's the continuation of Much Afraid's story- she has many more lessons to learn, as we all do, in our walk with the Chief Shepherd, growing from faith to faith.

    Thanks again, Julia! Praying you find time to read all your books- may we all! :D

    Blessings,
    Amanda Stanley

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  22. Julia,
    I'm giving away SWIB the first of August so stay tuned:) So glad you are into Julie's books ~ she is such a dear person!! You're in a for a real treat with A Hope Undaunted. I think it's her best yet! She asked me to endorse and I was honored to do it.

    Oh, your list is wonderful and makes me want to dig my Hinds Feet out again! Why is it that summer isn't really the break it seems? Homeschooling ends but there are so many things to take its place. I used to have my boys read for half an hour during homeschooling (called free reading) just so I could sneak in a little more reading time:)

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  23. Michelle V ~ welcome!! So good to see you here and have you share your reading list. Love that! Morrow is in fine company with Siri and Terri ~ bless you for that. So happy you enjoyed her story. I'll have to look up Sally's books as her name is familiar to me.

    Before I became published I didn't realize there was such a thing as blog tours and reviewers, etc. And I think it's amazing what connections authors and readers make. So glad you found your way to Morrow and me! Happpy reading to you today.

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  24. Go, Ruth! So glad you're on the blog tour:) Your review of TFD was one of my favorites but I think I've said that before (to the tune of being a broken record...). No rush to read. Savor Bonnie's book! Her cover really caught my eye and the Alaska theme and time period is so unique. Nothing like it on the market right now.

    Yay to Louis L'Amour! Now there's one author who could write a story. But I think it was in his blood as I heard he had several generations of writers in his family. Ah, the Sacketts... Even the name is perfect. Love the movies, too.

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  25. Brenda,
    I love these posts that keep up with what everyone is reading, too. I get the best ideas! You especially have such diverse tastes. Don't worry about Morrow:) She'll keep. I tell people to just tuck her away for winter reading. Libraries should lengthen their borrowing times, I think! Bless you for sharing your list! I am intrigued!

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  26. @ Amanda, I've never read the Ludys. I think Wrestling Prayer is definitely going on my list, though.

    Love Hinds Feet. Its making for some great discussions and so much food for thought. Actually I'm glad you recommended Mountains of Spices, I was looking at the descriptions of her other books and it sounds fantastic.

    Blessings to you, Amanda. And be sure to let me know what you think about Wrestling Prayer. Are you on goodreads? I would love to keep up with you and what you're reading? :)

    Julia

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  27. Michelle,
    The little crown is my favorite, too:) I haven't read any Thoene books for awhile and am glad to know they have a new one out. Have heard GREAT things about Ronie's book. Rel had a stellar review of it recently. So glad you've read 2 of Ann's. That was a brilliant idea she had to write about the Shakers. I've often wished I'd thought of that myself:)

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  28. Mary,
    So true ~ grumpy and irritated w/o it. I have to have some quiet time, too, or I just have a huge "come apart," as one of my friends says:) I'm not a tv watcher either but it's a nice mental break from reading once you find a good show and it's really relaxing!

    Your office space sounds so inviting. Love the title of The Sacred Cipher. Will have to check out that one! Bless you bunches!

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  29. Casey,
    Cara's Stars in the Night has the most beautiful cover! I think it's a dreamy title, too. Cara is such a lovely person ~ and I love her sister, Janna, who runs the ACFW bookstore. Janna is a reader, not a writer, and has a great blog.

    Siri is one of my favorite historical authors, too. I was so happy to see Love's Pursuit as a Carol finalist as it's my favorite of all her books:) And thanks so very much for your heartfelt congrats for TFD!! When Revell nominated it last March I was so pleased and thankful they thought enough of the book to do that. I have the best editor on earth! Didn't think anything would come of it but am thrilled it did. Will you be in Indy for the conference? Hope so! Would love to meet you in person:)

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  30. Kav, Your list is to sigh/die for!! Why is it that a stack of books waiting to be read is one of the finest thing EVER?! No matter that my pile grows dusty, I just LOVE looking at it:) The anticipation is really half the pleasure, at least!! My husband just shakes his head and has finally agreed that we need some bookshelves. Oh to have an old house with room after room of bookshelves...

    Someone had the great idea of printing out the Carol Award finalists list and then going library-hopping/shopping, etc. We could just read our way down the list. I haven't done a count of how many finalists there are but that would keep us reading till 2011 and beyond...

    Bless you today!!

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  31. Lori,
    I'm always struck by how similar our reading tastes are, not to mention our writing tastes:) Of all L'Amour's books, Last of the Breed is my absolute favorite!! Have a copy here and Randy loved it, too. He was one prolific author. And I think he had some 250 rejections before publication. Imagine that!

    Glad you found more Susanna books as I know you love them, thus know they must be very good! Thanks for your prayers. I sure appreciate and need them. Same back at ya, dear friend:)

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  32. Free reading is a great idea...I'll have to institute that when Liz starts reading full books. Right now she is reading 3 letter words :).

    Julie is very sweet...can't wait for A Hope Undaunted. I don't think I've ever read anything about the 20s. Sounds like a fun era.

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  33. Amber,
    Are you back from your amazing trip?! Or just blogging on the go? So good to see you, wherever you are:)

    Oh, you're going to love Julie's latest when it hits shelves. And I absolutely MUST read a Marylu book. Any recommendations as to which one I should start with? She has a very creative, restful blog. Love her "Wordless Wednesdays."

    Bless you, Amber, and welcome back!

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  34. Sheila, So good to see you here:) I love all this book talk! The Morris book sounds so good ~ I've read several of his. The House of Winslow series is just amazing and a reader's dream as there are so many of them in that series. 30-40 or something! Another reader here has mentioned Janet's books and piqued my interest. What a sizzling title:) I'm so intrigued. Hoping you have lots of reading time today!

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  35. Hi Adrienne!
    Glad I'm not the only one with lots of bookmarks in my Bible. I also write in mine a lot which I didn't used to think was okay but it helps me find favorite Scriptures quickly just like a bookmark does, etc.

    Max Lucado is an amazing author. We have his devotional Bible and I'm always struck by the originality and beauty of his thoughts. Of course we know where his inspiration comes from:) Hoping you have some quiet reading time today. Bless you for sharing your reading list!

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  36. Sally,
    I've never read Mark's books but his name is so familiar for some reason. Susan is one of my favorite authors ever. I was so moved by her partly historical/mostly contemporary novel, The Shape of Mercy. Bet you smiled when you saw her name on the Carol Awards list:) For the same book you're reading, I'm thinking?!
    Happy reading to you this week and beyond! Looking forward to visiting your blog and others when this deadline passes!

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  37. Amanda,
    I have good news about Kathleen's books ~ she has a new series coming from my pub starting next year:) And I'm with you and have ordered Vigilante's Bride from Revell directly. Can't wait! The title and cover really appeal to me, too.

    Your one on "Wrestling Prayer" sounds very intriguing. I really like mixing nonfiction with fiction. And then there's always research, one of my loves:)

    Stay tuned for some cover news for The Colonel's Lady!

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  38. Carla, Your list is so like mine! The Lightkeeper's Daughter gets a high five for such a beautiful, romantic cover. I've always loved lighthouses, too. And I'm thrilled to know you are having a hard time pulling away from your own story. That happens to me so much and is a very good sign, I think ~ imagine readers doing the same:) Or so we hope!

    Praying for you and expecting great news for you!!

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  39. Doree,
    SO good to see you here!! Your delightful comments had me racing to page 327 to see just where you were:) You might even be finished by now! I can't tell you how glad I am you are enjoying Lael and Ian and Captain Jack, etc. I still miss those characters. I think you are a writer yourself. Am off to your blog, if you have one, to find out...

    Bless you and please come back:)

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  40. Julia ~ what a lovely thing to say about Amanda. So true! I've been praying she'll start her own blog:) But like she said, waiting for the Lord's timing is just right. I do think she would have quite a following!

    Amanda ~ thanks so much for enjoying the quote and tying it to my books. That is so very nice. I found this quote on a bookmark this week that I bought for a friend. Now that I think of it I wish I'd gotten two!

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  41. Free reading is a great idea...I'll have to institute that when Liz starts reading full books. Right now she is reading 3 letter words :).

    Julie seems very sweet...can't wait for A Hope Undaunted. I don't think I've ever read anything about the 20s. Sounds like a fun era.

    OK, word verification doesn't seem to like me lately :).

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  42. Free reading is a great idea...I'll have to institute that when Liz starts reading full books. Right now she is reading 3 letter words :).

    Julie seems very sweet...can't wait for A Hope Undaunted. I don't think I've ever read anything about the 20s. Sounds like a fun era.

    OK, word verification doesn't seem to like me lately :).

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  43. Wow, Laura. Just reading blogs and you are popping up all over the web today: Relz Reviews, Mocha with Linda, Renee, and Michelle have all had great reviews up!

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  44. Julia,
    Yes, Morrow is on a blog tour this week:) Thank you for noticing! I haven't had read all the reviews but am so thrilled and thankful for Michelle and Rel and Renee. They write such stellar stuff:) Makes this author's heart strive for excellence. God is so good! Bless you bunches for sharing the JOY!

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  45. Laura,

    Yes, I'm back from Washington D.C.! :) What an unforgettable experience! But I'm actually going on another trip for a week (we're leaving this Sunday). I'll be on the go once again! ;)

    I'm so excited about A Hope Undaunted! And isn't MaryLu's blog beautiful? As for recommendations...she has one stand-alone if you wanted to start with that (The Falcon and the Sparrow). Or you could start at the beginning of one of her series: The Redemption or The Red Siren. All of her books are outstanding, so I recommend any and all of them! :)

    Thank you for taking the time to respond to everyone, and thank you for such a warm welcome home! :D

    ~Amber

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  46. Amber,
    You are so welcome:) Cyberland isn't nearly as friendly when you're not in it. But so happy that you get to travel and are off on another adventure shortly!

    As for Marylu, I'm going over to Amazon to order The Falcon and the Sparrow right now as I like the idea of a stand-alone very much! And I'll take it with me on vacation next month. Then maybe I can give my gently-read copy away here. Bless you bunches!

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  47. Late to the party! We were out and about celebrating hubby's birthday yesterday! His choice of activities? Visiting Land Between the Lakes "Home Place 1850" living history museum, and then National Historic Civil War Fort Donelson in Tennessee. We had a great day! One thing he loves about Home Place is that one of the cabins is almost just like the one his grandparents used to have as part of their house. It had been built in the 1860's when the first Merricks settled in Caldwell Co., KY.

    What am I reading? Right now I'm smack dab in the middle of Kaye Dacus' latest, "Love Remains." Before that, I read Deanne Gist's "Maid to Match," set at Biltmore Estate. Before THAT, I read Annalisa Daughety's "Love is Monumental," which ALWAYS gets my juices flowing for visiting historical sites! Before that? "Courting Morrow Little!"

    Honestly, I've been on a reading tear lately, but mainly just reading before I go to sleep. That's basically the only time I have to read, summer OR winter, as my work hours don't change with the seasons. I do seem to get to read a little longer in the summer though, because hubby and daughter aren't up and out early to head to school. And I've turned him into a bedtime reader, too, which helps!

    I have a bunch of books on my "want to read" list, and every time I think I've got it under control, SOMEBODY releases yet another book! LOL And I'm so glad!

    Have a great day!

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  48. Julia,
    Just wanted to say that if Liz is reading small words, you'll be amazed at how quickly she'll make the leap ~ or want to! That was such an exciting time for me as a homeschooling mom, having the boys learn to read in small steps. Reading is such a wonderful gift. I have a feeling you read to your littles often which helps so very much. My mom is a retired reading teacher in Ky. Books were sure big at our house:)

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  49. Laura,

    Sorry, I am not a blogger but thanks for stopping by anyway (or trying to). :-) I only signed up because I once thought I needed one in order to view other's, and while I have entertained the idea of blogging and writing, until I have a clearer idea of what I would say and who I would say it to I am happy to simply meander aboot (as Ian would say). Speaking of that, I have just arrived at chapter 63 and still warm and fuzzy from that near-kiss a few pages back!

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  50. Regina,
    Never too late to the party! I've missed you:) It's not quite the same w/o your input. I find your family history/cabin so interesting. Right down my historical alley, for sure! So glad your husband had a good bday ~ he has good taste in places to see! There are so many in that area. I get dizzy thinking of them all:) There's a story lurking behind every corner back there...

    Glad you are logging more reading time. I've heard reading b4 bed leads to more restful sleep. Lately I've been doing this crazy night waking thing. Sometimes I read in bed with a little flashlight so as not to disturb Randy. How crazy is that! I've been doing it since childhood when I was hiding from my mom!

    Bless you and enjoy that KY sun for me!

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  51. Oh, love those aboots and ye kens and such, Doree:) Thanks for bringing that all back. That's one thing about being an author that is so hard ~ saying goodbye to those characters, especially in your first book, after spending so much time with them. So I love any Lael talk:)

    I was like you and thought I needed a blog to visit other blogs. It's so nice you don't have to do that. I think meandering aboot in cyberland is perfectly fine and am so glad you've stopped here to visit me!

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  52. Laura,

    You're so sweet! Thank you so much for that lovely comment! :) I love your blog, and I'm so glad we could become friends!

    And I really hope you enjoy The Falcon and the Sparrow. :) If you get a chance to read her various series, I know you would love them, too! I'm so excited for her next book--and to think that it's a brand new series! Yay!!!

    ~Amber

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  53. Amber,
    Got my first Marylu book for $1.35! With shipping it's only a few dollars more. There's just nothing quite like getting a book in the mail! A couple of months ago, used copies of TFD were going for ONE CENT! I had to chuckle. Anyway, bless you for the book tip!

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  54. Laura,

    Enjoy! I completely agree--there's nothing like getting books in the mail! :D

    I'm excited to know that within the next month or so I'll have quite a few coming in the mail!!! (Including one by MaryLu, as well!)

    ~Amber

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  55. Thank you Laura for the wonderful news about Kathleen Morgan's next series! I can't wait!! And I have MaryLu Tyndall's "The Falcon & the Sparrow" currently in my TBR pile, along with her new one, "Surrender the Heart" :D

    @Julia- You're so sweet! Yes, this woefully out-of-touch with technology 24yo actually does have a goodreads account! It's recent though, and I only have 3 reviews on it so far- Morrow is 1 of them :) So there isn't much to "follow" at the moment, LOL. I haven't had the time to post more, but I plan to soon! I didn't even know about goodreads until I got an email about it from Cara Lynn James, author of "Love on a Dime"- definitely a "good read"!!

    Happy reading ladies :)

    Blessings,
    Amanda Stanley

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  56. I just finished reading a book about the Oregon Trail and the sites that still have visible wagon tire marks. I've been to some of the sites and would love to visit some of them in other states.
    I also read a book about women on The Oregon Trail. It had alot of journal entries from women who traveled that trail. Very interesting!

    As far as fiction, I'm reading Deeanne Gist's A Bride Most Begrudging. Only on page 35. The start of chapter 3. So far, so good.

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  57. Oh Amanda,
    Good for you if you can figure out Goodreads! I can't even understand all the features so it looks like I never read anything as I don't have time for the site! But I love looking at what others are reading. And the cover for Love on a Dime is so pretty!

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  58. I'm so excited to hear that Kathleen Morgan is writing again! I love her Scottish historicals, and I eagerly await the day she finishes her fantasy series. Giver of Roses was such a fantastic book!

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  59. Hi Lisa!
    I've always been amazed that those wagon ruts are still visible so many years later! The Oregon trail has always fascinated me, too. Also the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Dee's book kind of fits right in there ~ I think that's the one about loggers and Seattle and the Mercer brides? Happy reading to you today! Hope you're having some sun. We're wrapped in fog here today:(

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  60. Ruth,
    You are so right! She's a terrific writer! I love her website ~ she talks a bit about this next series and her fantasy works. Wish she had a blog:)

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  61. hi laura!~
    Right now I'm reading a book called "It Happened at the Grand Canyon" about tales of odd events, explorations and mysteries that happened at the grand canyon. Great desert reading! And you totally need to write a western! Kentucky to Arizona...what a trip that would be!~

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  62. Laura, Actually that book is about the Tobacco Brides that were sent over on ship from England.
    I'm not sure which one is about the loggers but I'm sure I'd love that one. I grew up in logging territory here in Oregon and some of our best friends are still logging.

    it's been foggy in the mornings here, but by early afternoon it breaks off and gets very nice. NOt too hot, but warm enough for the kids to swim.

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  63. Oh, Heather, your Grand Canyon tales sounds so intriguing ~ perfect reading for your trip!! My folks have always LOVED Sedona:) I've never been there but your pics sure make me want to!!!

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  64. You're right, Lisa! Dee's "logger" book must be A Bride in the Bargain. I just realized it's sort of a play on A Bride Most Begrudging! Pretty clever, those marketing folks:)

    Stay tuned as I'm giving away these titles the month of August to readers here:

    Ransome's Honor/Ransome's Crossing
    She Walks in Beauty
    A Tailor-Made Bride
    With Purpose and Promise
    and others!

    Happy reading! The fog has burned off and it's a beautiful day here at last:) Back to work for me!

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  65. Laura, would you consider posting a list of links to all the stops CML is making on the blog tour? Or did you do that and I missed it? I'll go look.

    We LOVED Last of the Breed. Read it on our first trip to Montana, back in 1988.

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  66. Good idea, Lori! That would be a nice way to pay tribute to the bloggers on the tour:) I'll start working on that and try to get it up tomorrow. Bless you bunches!

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  67. Sniff, sniff. No I won't be in Indy. I am saving though at an alarming rate to go next year. I know, I really want to meet you too, so until then, I am sending a "virtual" hug your way. :)

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  68. Casey,
    Love that "saving at an alarming rate"! I can so relate! I look forward to the day the Lord brings us together, too. Hopefully sooner than later. Wouldn't it be great if ACFW came to Portland or Seattle?! Till then, sending a virtual hug right back to you, dear friend!

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  69. I KNOW!! I really want it to come to this part of the country, so I can just drive. Do you know if we can put in a request for a location? I might have to pose that to the loop when I get back on it.

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  70. Casey,
    That's an AWESOME idea! The loop, yes! Portland or Seattle would be quite the venue. My brother actually prefers Portland to Seattle though both are quite writer-friendly:) Since they've had the conference in the eastern half of the US, time to come out west, I'm thinking. We'll pray it out here, how about!?

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