To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here. Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
To help me celebrate the upcoming holidays this month, it is my privilege to have as my guest Carrie Fancett Pagels, one of the authors included in"The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection". Carrie, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, is a prolific and well-known author, and recent winner of the prestigious Georgia Romance Writers' Maggie Award Medallion and Certificate for Excellence for her novel, "My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring".
Please join me in welcoming her this week, by leaving a comment to be in a drawing for this latest collection that hi-lights her story: "The Sugarplum Ladies"
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
..And if you become a Follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be
added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. December's big giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include "The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection"this week's DVD choice--"When Calls the Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree,"a journal, a 25.00 gift card, a sweet "Let Heaven and Nature Sing" mug, and more, all reflecting this month's holiday mood.
"Let Heaven and Nature Sing" mug
Carrie hopes you will enjoy her favorite Christmas hymn:
Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel
An awe-inspiring Latin hymn written in the twelfth century.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
Thank you...May you all be blessed and inspired! Hope-Inspired Stories Photo:The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here. Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
To help me celebrate the upcoming holidays this month, it is my privilege to have as my guest Debbie Macomber, with her latest novel, "Alaskan Holiday."Debbie has written numerous stories that have become all-time favorites! Please join me in welcoming her this week, by leaving a comment to be in a drawing for her latest book.
Publisher: Ballantine Books; First Edition (October 2, 2018)
Author ~ Debbie Macomber
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
...And if you become a Follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. December's big giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include this week's DVD choice--(another story written by Debbie!): "Dashing through the Snow," a journal, a 25.00 gift card, a sweet "Let Heaven and Nature Sing" mug, and more, all reflecting this month's holiday mood.
"Dashing Through the Snow" Hallmark DVD
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
"Let Heaven and Nature Sing" mug
Hope-Inspired Stories Photo:The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here. Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
To help me celebrate the upcoming holidays this month are Rick Iekel, author of "House with a Heart," who belongs to a local writers' group, and Lilian Duncan, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and author of "Is Santa Real? (by "Auntie Em" --Lilian). I had the privilege of illustrating both. Please leave a comment to be in a drawing for your choice of either book.
"House With A Heart" Stranded on a remote country road, Jessie and her Native American friend, Rose Mary, seek shelter from a storm in an old abandoned house. But, this house has a past, a spirit and a voice. After a rocky introduction, the house shares the story of its first occupants. This story is the tale of nearly every pioneer family in the rural Town of Ashford, New York.
The year is 1848. With only a wagon, a few belongings, two oxen and a cow, Michael and Sarah bring their young family to the recently opened wilderness of Northern Cattaraugus County. This formerly forbidden land of the Seneca Nation was, until recent years, nearly cut off from civilization by the rugged Cattaraugus Creek to the north and the deep forests of tier upon tier of hills and valleys to the south. Follow the story of a real family in a real place at another time in history. Share in their joys and sorrows as they overcome the hardships of the wilderness to begin a new life in a tiny area of Western New York known as “Franktown”.
Author: Rick Iekel
“Is Santa Real?” That’s the question every parent dreads to hear but will have to answer sooner or later. This sweet story will guide your child from the mythological Santa to the very real Jesus in a way they’ll understand and still keep the awe and wonder of Christmas alive in their heart.
Author: Lilian Duncan ("Auntie Em")
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
...And as a follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. December's giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include this month's DVD: "When Calls the Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree, " a journal, a 25.00 gift card, lovely organic handmade bath soap and more, all reflecting this month's holiday mood.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
Hope-Inspired Stories Photo: The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and
stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here.
Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
For the month of September, Hope Inspired Stories will hi-light historical Regency and Federalist period stories. My guest this week is well-known multi-published author MaryLu Tyndall with her two latest novels, The Liberty Bride, published by Barbour Publishing, and her story of romance and high adventure on the open seas in her book entitled The Reckless.Enjoy!
It's especially meaningful to me to have MaryLu as a guest. Her book, The Blue Enchantress was the first inspirational novel I'd ever read... My story:
I came to Christ on Oct. 2, 1992, but continued to read secular novels, as I'd recently joined a local writers' group. And, as a new believer, I never even knew Christian fiction existed.
In 2009, I went into my Alpha & Omega store to pick up a gift, decided to check out their books--and behold--spotted The Blue Enchantress, my first Christian novel!
I was truly blessed because of that choice--and never had any interest in my former reading habits. Further, it gave me a new and healthy Purpose, as I also joined ACFW that year.
Thank you and may God bless you, MaryLu--The Lord has used you in a mighty way!
The Liberty Bride
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Publishing Date: December, 2018
The Liberty Bride
Lieutenant Owen Masters and Emeline Baratt meet on a British warship as sworn enemies. Where will Emeline place her loyalties when forced to spy against her country? A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.
War Forces a Choice Between Love and Country
A trip home from England to Maryland in 1812 finds Emeline Baratt a captive on a British warship and forced to declare her allegiance between the British and Americans. Remaining somewhat politically neutral on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy—until she starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Lieutenant Owen Masters on land to spy, she must choose between her love for him and her love for her country.
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall.
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
The Reckless Publisher: Ransom Press Publishing Date: July, 2018
The Reckless Captain Reena Charlisse Hyde always gets what she wants. She wanted to be the best female pirate on the Caribbean and she is. She wants to find the mythical Fountain of Youth and she knows the location of the map. And now after searching across the Caribbean for the man she intends to marry, she has found him. There are only two problems. He doesn't want to be found, and he's on board a Royal Navy frigate—the last place a pirate should venture.
Frederick Carlton thought he was finally safe from the woman who held his heart. But her attempt to rescue him labels him a deserter from the Royal Navy. He’s turned his life over to God and plans on being a preacher, but every moment he spends with Reena drives him deeper into a past he longs to forget.
Mutinies, deserted islands, treasure maps, battles, traitors, and villains send the couple sailing on a tsunami of adventure throughout the Caribbean in search of the Fountain of Youth. Frederick longs to escape the lure of the woman he loves. Reena longs for Frederick to love her again. But in the end, they will both have to choose between eternal youth or the lives of everyone they love.... And as a follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. September's giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include the DVD--"Beyond the Mask,"an "Amazing Grace" day planner, a mug, 25.00 gift card, and more, all reflecting MaryLu's colorful and adventurous stories.
"A Friend..." mug
Beyond the Mask ~ DVD (featuring Kara Killmer of Chicago Fire)
Amazing Grace 24 Month Day Planner
MaryLu's Favorite Hymn..."Revelation Song"
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
Hope-Inspired Stories Photo: The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and
stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here.
Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
To close out the month of August, is well-known multi-published author Deborah Raney and her latest novel, Reason to Breathe, published by Gilead Publishing.
Perfect for August's contemporary women's fiction and romances, it's a great beach read and will satisfy the tastes of many readers. Enjoy!
Deborah Raney's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Deborah and her husband, Ken, traded small-town life in Kansas--the setting of many of Deb's novels--for life in the city of Wichita. They love traveling to teach at writers conferences across the country and to visit their four children and a growing brood of grandchildren (who all live much too far away).
For this week only: if you sign up to become a follower, and win the multi-prize package, it will include the DVD "A Vow to Cherish" based on Deborah's book!
Author: Deborah Raney
Also hi-lighted this week is Deborah's Favorite Hymn....may it be as uplifting to you!
We actually sang my favorite song in church just this morning! "Holy, Holy, Holy." I just love the majesty of that hymn and its understanding of God’s glory and majesty. I first heard this song at my late Uncle Jim’s high school baccalaureate service when I was just a little girl. It brought tears to my eyes even then, especially “All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea."
I deemed it my favorite hymn right then, and I’ve never changed my mind in all the years since. My husband has instructions that it’s to be sung at my funeral (hopefully many years from now!) My second favorite line of the song (maybe because I’m an early riser?) is “Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.”
P.S. I don’t think I’ve EVER been asked that question in an interview before in all the 20+ years I’ve been doing interviews. I love it!
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
...And as a follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. August's giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include this week's DVD--"A Vow to Cherish," starring Ken Howard, a journal, a 25.00 gift card, lovely organic handmade bath soap and more, all reflecting this month's summery romantic mood.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
Hope-Inspired Stories Photo: The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
To Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who'd like to discover more about books and
stories that uplift and encourage.
Several years ago, while teaching high school art, I found out I was as thrilled as my students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and that promoting other people's good works was very gratifying.
So it's my hope you are blessed with a message of grace through the words of authors featured here.
Please join me each week as writers of fiction, nonfiction, and devotionals; of romance, mystery, historical and contemporary stories share their work.
Hi-lighted this week is a selection of short stories in many genres by many authors--including myself! It was an honor to have my contemporary short story "The Fountain" selected for this collection of short stories in A Kiss Is Still A Kiss, edited by multi-published author Virginia Smith.
Perfect for August's contemporary women's fiction and romances, it's a great beach read (just check the cover!) and will satisfy the tastes of many readers. Enjoy!
Author: Patricia Iacuzzi
A Kiss Is Still A Kiss
Publisher: Next Step Books
Editor: Virginia Smith
A Kiss. Nowhere does there exist a stronger expression of romance. If love is the universal language, then a kiss is the alphabet by which we communicate that most basic of all emotions. As unique as the individuals who engage in this delightful expression, a kiss can be tender or passionate, affectionate or amorous, but when shared by a couple there’s no better way to say, “I love you.”
A Kiss is Still a Kiss offers a buffet of stories to tempt the appetites of romance readers. Twenty authors, from beloved, familiar names to fresh new voices, present tales of love in a variety of genres. Experience the rush of first love, the excitement of unanticipated romance, and the joy of fading love restored. Within these pages you’ll relish a surprising and satisfying collection of styles: sweet contemporary, romantic historical, delightful regency, laugh-out-loud humor, gripping suspense, and even a few whimsical tales of fantasy and science fiction. Why? Because regardless of genre…
A Kiss is Still a Kiss.
Includes stories by: Amy Barkman, Crystal L. Barnes, Jan Brand, Angela K. Couch, Deborah Raney, John H. Dromey, Kathleen Fuller, Eva Maria Hamilton, Patricia Iacuzzi, Mary Laufer, Gail Gaymer Martin, MaKayla Martinez, Sarah Monzon, Scott R. Parkin, Bethany Rae, Kylara Silvers, Jan Davis Warren, Laura Ware, Deb Wuethrich, and Anna Zogg.
Editor Virginia Smith loves reading romance in all genres. An award-winning author of more than two dozen novels, she’s discovered a new passion with this collection—helping writers polish their words and prepare their stories for a successful literary debut.
The Boys of Summer
Don Henley ~ 1984
We're half way through August, and before we know it, summer will be gone and it will be a time for memories. Remember this...?
Reminder: The authors presented here value your insights, so don't forget to leave a comment. You will be included in a drawing for a book by the author featured during that week.
...And as a follower of Hope-Inspired Stories, your name will be added to a multiple-prize drawing at the end of this month. August's giveaway: a pretty tote filled with gifts that include this month's DVD--the Hallmark movie, "Bound by a Secret," starring Leslie Ann Warren, a journal, a 25.00 gift card, lovely organic handmade bath soap and more, all reflecting this month's summery romantic mood.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8).
Hope-Inspired Stories Photo: The beautiful photo of Sodus Bay, N.Y. during a particularly harsh storm on Lake Ontario earlier this year was taken by photographer and sister in Christ, Ginger Strom. Note the courageous lone seagull taking flight in the upper right corner of the photo.
