May Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus -- An American woman is sent to England to marry wealth, but finds herself torn between the poor man she loves and the viscount who offers the wealth and stability that can save her family. (Historical Romance from B & H Publishing).

When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason -- Investigative reporter, Jillian Carter, comes home after ten years in hiding to join forces with Detective Colton Brady to put a killer behind bars. (Thriller/Suspense from Revell (Baker).

Always, Abby by Linda S. Glaz -- A war orphan, a planned wedding, and a pretty face, all destined to unravel the best laid plans. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Widow of Gettysburg (Heroines Behind the Lines) by Jocelyn Green -- A Union widow must rebuild her life after war rips through her home, while her heart wages its own battle against a draw she feels toward the enemy. (Historical from River North (Moody).

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck -- Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. (Contemporary Romance from Zondervan).

The Marriage Barter by Christine Johnson -- A widow must marry within three days to keep her daughter. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Talon: Combat Tracking Team by Ronie Kendig -- A veteran and a military intelligence operative team up to find a missing soldier. This time, survival depends on the courage of a traumatized combat tracking dog. (Romantic Suspense from Barbour Publishing).

Hill Country Cattleman by Laurie Kingery -- An aristocratic young lady flees England ahead of scandal, only to find love in the arms of a rugged Texas cowboy. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay -- Two women, one Indian, one English, each one captured and imprisoned by their past-Eshana by her traditional Hindu uncle for her faith in Christ, the other, Lieutenant Laine Harkness by her former fiancé, yet new life can come on the trade winds after the storm has passed. (Historical Romance Novella from Whitefire Publishing ).

A Heartbeat Away by S. Dionne Moore -- When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam. Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Beth learns Joe's secret and together they put the quilt's message to its greatest test-but can betrayal be forgiven? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press).

Gone South: A Novel by Meg Moseley -- The sweet tea has gone bitter in Noble, Alabama, where newcomer Tish McComb soon learns that her family's roots there aren't seen as respectable-especially once she befriends a local prodigal daughter and things go from bad to worse. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Waterbrook Multnomah).

The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. (General Contemporary from Howard (Simon and Schuster).

No Way Out by Susan Sleeman -- When Alyssa Wells discovers her police husband was murdered and the killer threatens her life, Alyssa turns to former US Marshall Cole Justice to keep her alive. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Love's Stormy Gale by Lynette Sowell -- Two years ago, Olivia Shea was trying on her wedding gown, dreaming of marriage and motherhood. But her fisherman fiancé was lost at sea and Olivia fled, unable to stay in the New England fishing village. Now she's back in Fairport, determined to face her fears by working on a whale boat tour. But the charter's captain is the sole survivor of her fiancé's ill-fated voyage-a man of danger and memories. Jonathan Barrotta's scars from the night he nearly died run as deep as the vast Atlantic. To prove himself and to honor his friend's memory, he vows to fulfill his dream of piloting his own boat... (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Sweet Dreams by Carla Stewart -- Charm school in Texas wasn't what cousins Dusty Fairchild and Paisley Finch dreamed of, but when they fall in love with the same handsome young man, things get sticky, and only after a tragic accident do they learn where their true hearts, and dreams, lie. (Historical from Faith Words (Hachette).

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt -- Is life about accomplishing plans . . . or wishes coming true . . . or something more? Dr. Kendall Haynes's plans to have it all-a career, a husband, a family-are eluding her. Now that she's thirty-six, she needs to stop wishing upon a star and face reality: Some dreams just never come true. Air Force pilot Griffin Walker prefers flying solo in the air and on the ground-until a dangerous choice ejects him from the cockpit. His life becomes even more complicated after the sudden death of his parents makes him the guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother. When their lives collide during a near tragedy, Kendall and Griffin must decide if they can embrace the unexpected changes God has waiting for them. (Contemporary Romance from Howard (Simon and Schuster).

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade -- Soft-spoken Meg is more interested in art than in business, but when her father dies she inherits his oil company, his fortune, and his Thoroughbred horse ranch. She asks the ranch's caretaker, Bo, to shut the place down. But will Bo prove the only part of her father's empire worth keeping? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House).

Wedding on the Rocks by Rose Ross Zediker -- When she traded small-town life for the bright lights of Chicago, Jennifer Edwards yearned to discover a world beyond Faith, South Dakota. So when her father's illness calls her home to run their cattle ranch, she tells herself it's temporary. Then why is she even thinking about a future with archaeology professor Brett Lange-the boy she left behind-whose life's work is digging up the past? (General Contemporary from Heartsong Presents).

Pastors' Wives ~ A Book Review

As y'all know, I don't really do book reviews. I recommend books and this one I highly recommend. As Senior Editor of Novel Rocket, I'm regularly asked to endorse or review books. 

When I received Pastor's Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, I had my guard up against stereotyped and caricatured portrayal. 

I was so wrong! 

Cullen, a former foreign correspondent and staff writer for TIME magazine, reveals a remarkable depth of truth and strength of character within the women of Pastor's Wives. I was captivated by their stories, cheered them on as friends, and was terribly disappointed when it ended. 

Novel Rocket and I give it our highest recommendation. This is a must read for everyone who attends a church.

PASTORS' WIVES

What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God? 

Pastors’ Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. 

Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. 

Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s “First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. 

Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors’ Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.

Your Fiction Characters

I decided our curb appeal and cut down some bushes and put a few pots filled with colorful flowers on my porch. I think I succeeded, don't you? The small pot on the right in the photo is a peach seed the hubs planted last year after eating the peach. He's got the greenest thumb in the county.

Now I plan to put a few more pots on the other steps to add more. On the surface these look great, right? But look closer ...

Like these flowers, characters in a novel have to be real. If we don't dig deep into the soil of their psyches, we end up with artificial people, ones readers won't believe.

If you look close, you can see the weave of the fabric. Yep ... I confess. My porch decor is silk. The hubs may have a green thumb but mine are black ... the specter of death for all plant matter. 

But I've learned how to till the soil of my characters' past to discover their secrets, their dreams, and their flaws. I may not be a gardener but I'm an accomplished psyche-farmer.

All my good friends are creating book trailers and I love them! S. Dionne Moore and I are brainstorm buddies. This is the trailer she created for her new release. I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy and loved it! It's one of her very best books.

Too Fun Not to Share!

This has nothing to do with writing, but it is humorous. And I happen to like Fox News. Enjoy!

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book and it's great! And it's a departure form her normal murder and mayhem, but Bonnie Calhoun did a fantastic job on this!!

April Fiction Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Diamond in the Rough by Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson -- Grant Diamond is a professional gambler on the run from his past. When he comes across a wagon wreck, the chance to escape his pursuers is too good a gamble to pass up, and he assumes the identity of the dead wagon driver. His plan takes an unexpected turn when local heiress Lily Rose mistakes him for the missionary she had asked to come work with the Wiyot Indians. Seeing Eureka as a promising place to lay low, Grant plays along. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House).

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach -- Workaholic mother, Mara Keegan, has a heart attack and must trust her business to the one man who tried to destroy it. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press).

Avenger by Heather Burch -- Nikki knew Damon Vessler would not let his prized creation go easily---she simply never imagined the lengths he'd go to get her back into his clutches, and turn Nikki's heart toward darkness. A Seeker at her heels, trained on her blood, Nikki flees with Raven alongside her for protection, while Mace and the other Halflings fight the battle that has erupted on earth. (Young Adult from Zondervan).

Son of Truth by Morgan L. Busse -- The war in the north is over, but the war for all the Lands has just begun. As the Shadonae solidify their hold on the city of Thyra, Rowen Mar, the last Eldaran and savior of the White City, awakens to find herself hunted by those she has saved. Meanwhile, the assassin Caleb Tala finds himself in the presence of the Word. The time of reckoning has come and he must pay the price for all the lives he has taken. But in his moment of judgment, Caleb is given a second chance to change his life. (Speculative Fiction from Marcher Lord Press).

Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Robin Caroll and Colleen Coble-- In Rock Harbor Search and Rescue, a middle grade fiction novel based on Colleen Coble's bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults, kids will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and a mystery. (Children/Middle Grade from Thomas Nelson).

With Eyes of Love by Linda S. Glaz -- Two families collide in a flood, but that collision doesn't define who they are, he real change happens when Pearl Harbor is bombed. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman -- A feisty young female artist with a secret past battles to establish her own gallery in 1880's San Francisco. (Historical Romance from Worthy Publishing).

Surrendered Love by Laura V. Hilton -- Will a rebellious teen draw two old friends back together? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House).

Sundays in Fredericksburg by Eileen Key, Lynette Sowell, Connie Stevens and Marjorie Vawter -- Come to Fredericksburg, Texas, where four generations of couples encounter romance in Sunday Houses. Having become a schoolteacher to avoid marriage, Amelia Bachman finds her resolve crumbling before a smitten carpenter. Determined not to fall in love, Mildred Zimmermann carefully nurses an army medic crippled in love and war. Somewhat of a homebody, Trudy Meier isn't sure she has the courage to love a roving reporter. Gwendolyn's beautiful wildflower field is threatened by a geologist's search for knowledge. Will these four women risk their hearts for the love a stranger? (Contemporary Romance Novella from Barbour Publishing ).

The Heart Stone by Sherry Kyle -- When the biological father of Jessica MacAllister's son decides to break their custody agreement, Jessica and her son visit her Uncle George for advice and refuge… Following a year of grief, Evelyn Sweeney is finally ready to move on. Pondering her new path in life, her mind drifts to her first love, George MacAllister… When the lives of these two women cross, they discover that one heart-shaped ring binds their stories together. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Abingdon Press).

All in Good Time (The Gilded Legacy) by Maureen Lang -- Can one impatient woman with a dream to provide a refuge for women in need melt the heart of an impervious, stingy banker? (Historical Romance from Tyndale House).

Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman A spunky heiress without a fortune falls in love with a handsome pauper looking to marry well. (Historical Romance from Revell (Baker).

Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. -- They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life--if the kidnappers don't end it first. (Medical Suspense from Thomas Nelson).

Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin by Pamela S. Meyers -- Will she lose her heart to the man who stole her job? (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts).

Mending the Doctor's Heart by Tina Radcliffe -- A new job in Paradise, Colorado, seems like the perfect fresh start for Dr. Ben Rogers. Only problem is, Dr. Sara Elliott has been counting on getting the same job. Once they negotiate a shared trial run, Ben expects working with Sara to be less than pleasant. Instead, he finds himself drawn to her. She's dedicated and compassionate, exactly the type of woman he used to want-when family was an option. But Sara's life is just as emotionally complicated as his own. (Romance from Love Inspired).

Madeline's Protector by Vanessa Riley -- A chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything. (Historical Romance from White Rose (Penguin).

A Lady's Choice (American Tapestries Series) by Sandra Robbins -- Sarah Whittaker travels to Washington, DC, where she joins forces with suffragists but finds herself imprisoned and near death in the Occoquan Workhouse. (Historical Romance from Summerside Press (Guideposts).

When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti -- Three eras. Three women desperate for hope. Three reasons to believe it won't come in time. (General Contemporary from Abingdon Press).

The Women of Valley View: Terri by Sharon Srock -- A daycare owner hungry for a family of her own falls for a man with all the family he needs. (General Contemporary from Harbourlight Books (Pelican).

Georgia Sweethearts by Missy Tippens -- A wary realist fulfilling the requirements of her aunt's will is forced to share space with a charming dreamer. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Captives (The Safe Lands) by Jill Williamson -- One choice could destroy them all. When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he'd find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed by enforcers, and many---including his fiancee, Jem--taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Land, a walled city that seems anything but safe. (Speculative Fiction from Zondervan).

The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman -- Brooke has only loved one man. Owen's heart is filled with bitterness. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love? (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson).

The Winnowing Season (Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 2) by Cindy Woodsmall -- The tornado that devastated Kings' Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community-and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them? (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah).

My Top Ten for 2012

I realized I'd never posted my Top Ten for 2012, so here they are, better late than never.

Top 10 Books for 2012

Always the Designer, Never the Bride, by Sandra D. Bricker

A Sweethaven Summer, Courtney Walsh

A Sweethaven Christmas, Courtney Walsh

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer AlLee

Cottage by the Sea, Robin Jones Gunn

Gideon’s Call, by Peter Leavell

The Girl in the Glass, Susan Meissner

The Mother Road, Jennifer AlLee

The Reunion, by Dan Walsh

Someone Else's Fairytale, by Emily Tippetts

So there they are. If you're looking for a great read, I highly recommend each one as unforgettable and a great read!

Soul's Gate ~ "Seriously Heart-Thumping"

My friend, James L. Rubart wrote a novel called, Soul's Gate that Publisher's Weekly called "seriously heart-thumping" and RT Book Reviews called, "enthralling and a 'must read'. I agree. Barnes & Noble has it as a Daily Find right now for only $2.99 Get it. http://bit.ly/Yzkd2p

I've waited for years to announce this!

My crit partner Jessica Dotta's debut book is available on Amazon for pre-order. Y'all, she's the 21st Century's Jane Austen. Her books are truly amazing! You've GOT to read:

 Born of Persuasion

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

My good friend Pamela S. Meyers has a new book out and it's a really good one!!

 

Kids Will Make You Laugh ... or Go Gray

Kids were asked questions about the old and new 
testaments. The following statements about the Bible were written by children. They have not been changed or corrected. Incorrect spelling
has been left in. 
  


1. In the 
first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of 
creating the world so he took the Sabbath off. 



2. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was Joan of ark. Noah built an ark and the animals came on in pears.  


3. Lot's wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night.  



4. The Jews 
were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic genitals. 



5. Sampson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah.

   
  



6. Samson
slayed the Philistines with the axe of the apostles.   
  



7. Moses led the Jews to the red sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.   
  


8. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up to Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments.  



9. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the 
apple.   
  


10. The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.   
  


11. Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.  



12. The greatest miricle in the bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him. 



13. David was a Hebrew king who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. 


14. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines. 



15. When Mary heard she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.   
  


16. When the three wise guys from the east side arrived they found Jesus in the manager.

     
 

17. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.  



18. St. John, the blacksmith, dumped water on his head.   
  


19. Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says to do unto others before they do one to you. He also explained a man doth not live by sweat alone. 



20. It was a miricle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.  



21. The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.  



22. The Epistels were the wives of the apostles. 



23. One of the oppossums was St. Matthew, who was also a taximan. 



24. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony which is another name for marraige.

25. Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony

A Greek pasta salad

The hubs pulls recipes off the internet for me sometimes, and then I play with them. This is one of those. He said it was the best pasta salad he'd ever had.

Greek Pasta Salad

Total prep time: 2½ hours (but 2 of those are chill time, not actual work)

Serves 10 as a side dish

1 16 oz carton low-fat, plain Greek Yogurt

¼ C olive oil

1 TBSP chopped fresh dill

1 TBSP lemon juice

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp fresh ground pepper

3 garlic cloves

1 16 oz pkg penne pasta

1 C pitted kalamata olives, sliced (I used 3/4 C)

2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced

¾ C sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

1 10 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 ½ C crumbled feta cheese

* I added some cold, cubed turkey to this for a main dish. 

Prep:

1) Process the first 7 ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds or until thoroughly blended. Transfer to a bowl cover and chill for 1 – 24 hours.

2) Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

3) Place cooled pasta in a large bowl. Stir in olives, cucumber, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts until well blended. Add yogurt mixture, and stir just until well coated. Gently stir in feta cheese. Cover and chill 1 hour before serving.

Dueling Authors

Two authors, one wrote suspense and the other romance, entered a chocolate store. As they were busy looking, the suspense author stole 3 chocolate bars. 


As they left the store, the suspense author said to the romance author, "I'm the best thief. I stole 3 chocolate bars and no one saw me. You can't beat that."


The romance author replied: "You want to see something better? Let's go back to the shop and I'll show you real stealing."


So they went to the counter and the romance author said to the shopkeeper, "Do you want to see magic?" 


The shopkeeper replied, "Yes." 


The Romance author said, "Give me one chocolate bar." 


The shopkeeper gave her one, and she ate it. Then she asked for a second bar and ate that as well. She asked for the third, and finished that one too. 


The shopkeeper asked: "But where's the magic?"


The romance author replied: "Check in my friend's pocket, and you'll find all three bars of chocolate."


You just can't beat a good romance author.

Harmonica Man

I hope you draw inspiration from this video. I did. :)

Church Feud

During the month of March, while I'm teaching an online course, I will post jokes and stories I've found amusing. I hope you get a giggle out of them, too. And often, they will be directed at ourselves. After all, who's more humorous than us?

There was a feud between the pastor and the choir director of the Chapel Springs Baptist Church. It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "dedicating yourselves to service.

The choir director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved."

Trying to believe it was a coincidence, the pastor put the incident behind him. The next Sunday he preached on "giving."

Afterwards, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid It All."

By this time, the pastor was losing his temper. Sunday morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built.

A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "The sins of Gossiping."

Would you believe the choir director selected: "I Love to Tell the Story?"

There was no turning back. The following Sunday the pastor told the congregation that unless something changed, he was considering resignation.

The entire church gasped when the choir director led them in: "Why Not Tonight?"

Truthfully, no one was surprised when the pastor resigned a week later, explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away.

The choir director could not resist: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

How many writers ...

I've been silent, madly working on a novella and proposal in cooperation with three other writers. I'm excited about it because it's for a Christmas collection. I'm taking a short breather to bring you a small joke a friend sent me. 

How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb? 

Two. One to screw it almost all the way in, and the other to give it a surprising twist at the end.

March fiction releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Catching Her Heart by Carolyne Aarsen -- When they fell in love that summer, Jess Schroder never knew the secret Naomi Deacon carried away with her. Eight years later, she's back in Hartley Creek - a nurse's aide devoted to healing others. As she gets to know the good, caring man Jess has become, Naomi realizes they both deserve a second chance. Is Jess ready to let Naomi past his defenses? (Romance from Love Inspired).

Moonlight Masquerade, A Regency by Ruth Axtell -- Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need-or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is with her, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Rekindled Romance by Lorraine Beatty -- Back home again to regain her health, Shelby Russell finds herself babysitting for Matt Durrant's adorable kids, but the trouble is, Matt's the man she jilted for her career years ago. (Romance from Love Inspired).

The Hidden Son by Dianna T. Benson -- When U.S. DEA Special Agent Lelisa Desmond refuses to follow an order to bury evidence in a high profile case, her superior inexplicably hires a hit man to kill her. Lelisa barely survives the first attempt on her life, but someone close to her is mistakenly murdered in her place. Lelisa sets off on a daring mission to bring down the man who ordered her execution. A man with powerful friends who will stop at nothing to protect his son. Can she take him down, before he sends someone else to silence her forever? (Suspense/Police Procedural from Ellechor Publishing House).

Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll -- Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system. (Romantic Suspense from B&H Publishing).

Swept Away by Mary Connealy -- Ruthy MacNeil is rescued from a flood by Luke Stone...who is on his way to fight the man who killed his father...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in Ruthy's immediate future. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley -- Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun realizes the attack on his high school sweetheart's brother is more than it seems. Judge Rebecca Morgan is in the midst of a trial involving the Russian Mafia and suddenly her life is in danger. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press).

When Truth Whispers by Dora Hiers -- After a humiliating breakup, best-selling romance author Teal Benning flees to Promise Lake to complete her current novel, minus paparazzi and flashing cameras. Suffering from writer's block and a broken heart, Teal accepts the offer of help from neighbor, Hunter Miciver. Hunter longs to be more than the friend who picks up the shattered pieces of Teal's heart, but when Teal finds out his secret, will she see him for the man he is? (Contemporary Romance Novella from White Prose Publishing (Pelican).

Journey's Embrace by Dora Hiers -- After an injury forces Deputy U.S. Marshal Sage Michaelson off duty, he heads to his hometown with two things on his mind: recuperating and reevaluating, but Sage can't refuse his best friend's plea to keep a protective eye on his little sister after someone ransacks her house. Flight Medic Delaney Hunt has loved Sage forever. But, he's all about control while she takes risks. She doesn't need Sage looking over her shoulder. But when things go wrong and she finds herself hanging by her fingertips, who does she call to rescue her? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican).

Angel Falls by Connie Mann -- A fiercely protective Brazilian orphanage director and a burned-out Army Ranger are forced together in a deadly race to save one helpless baby. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press).

Love Will Find a Way by Pamela S. Meyers -- When April Love opens her new eatery and catering business in an old Victorian in the village of Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, trouble is afoot. During renovations, she discovers evidence that the home had once been the hideout of a famous gangster. When several break-ins and an attempted arson fire threaten the grand opening, April and handsome fiancé Marc Thorne wonder if the gangsters still around? (Cozy Mystery from OakTara Publishers).

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills -- Kariss helps a woman involved with a 23 year old cold case and steps into a viper's pit of danger. (Romantic Suspense from Zondervan).

When Memories Fade (Victory Gospel Series 2) by Tyora Moody -- Angel Roberts has embraced her new faith, but past memories remain fresh. After her beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, Angel sets out to investigate a mystery that has lingered since she was five years old. What happened to her mother? She teams up with investigative reporter, Wes Cade, a man obsessed with his Alzheimer stricken grandfather's remaining memories. As Angel lets her guard down with Wes, his determination to get the story could push her to the edge. Is his interest in her or the story? (Romantic Suspense from Love for the Right Reasons

by Donna L. Rich -- Beverly Lahmeyer falls in love with her new boss, but devastating news brings their relationship to a halt. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Mountain Homecoming by Sandra Robbins -- In the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, the Martin family realizes their way of life is changing as the lumber companies begin to invade their remote valley deep in the Smoky Mountains. (Romance from Harvest House).

The Tempted Soul by Adina Senft -- A childless Amish woman is tempted by medical technology to betray her beliefs. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette).

Antique Dreams by Amber Stockton -- Fulfilling a deathbed promise, Aaron Stone encourages Lillian Bradenton to bring life back to a boarded-up bookstore, but before he can make good on his promise, he is called away to settle a family emergency, leaving Lillian to wonder if she's lost him forever. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Forsaken Dreams by Mary Lu Tyndall -- Forsaken Dreams launches readers on a romantic adventure as Colonel Blake Wallace leaves the war-torn South behind to build a utopian society in Brazil. But will unexpected dangers on the ship and the secret of one captivating lady keep him from beginning anew? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White -- Love has no place in a world of spies. (Historical Romance from Harvest House).

I'm learning to use my iPhone ...

I have a new iPhone ... my first. I'm learning to text, but it's been a challenge. There are all those code acronyms that I can't figure out. I thought maybe it was because I was, well, frankly ... a senior citizen. In my mind, I'm still 35, although that's hard to compute when my son is 35.

Finally, I got a list a friend found on the Internet. There's a texting code just for Baby Boomers! 

ATD - At The Doctor

BFF - Best Friend Fell

BTW - Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM - Covered By Medicare

CUATSC - See You At The Senior Center

DWI - Driving While Incontinent

FWBB - Friend With Beta Blockers

FWIW - Forgot Where I Was

FYI - Found Your Insulin

GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low

GHA - Got Heartburn Again

IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?

LWMDO - Laughing With My Dentures Out

LOL - Living On Lipitor

OMMR - On My Massage Recliner

OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas.

ROFL - CGU - Rolling On Floor Laughing… but Can't Get Up

TTYL - Talk To You Louder

WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?

WTP - Where's The Prunes?

WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil

GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In

Here's the way I see it: Mark Twain once said, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."