Author: Deborah Raney

Welcome...

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!

Reason to Breathe

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

October 23, 2018


At twenty-nine, Phylicia Chandler put her life on hold to help her sisters care for their dying mother. Now Mom is gone and their father shocks them all by running off with a woman young enough to be their sister. Life is moving forward all around her, but Phee feels stuck--until her father's protégé presents her with an intriguing business proposition.

When Quinn Mitchell offers to help Phee purchase and renovate three small lake cottages on the outskirts of Langhorne, Missouri, he doesn't count on falling in love with her. Yet here he is: head over heels. But how can Quinn declare his love for this beautiful, talented woman twelve years his junior when she's still reeling from her father's hasty remarriage to a younger woman? Can Quinn convince Phee that it isn't too late to see her dreams come true?

About the Author:

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.   

Thank you...May you all be blessed and inspired! 

Pat Iacuzzi  

A Kiss Is Still A Kiss

Welcome...

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.   

Thank you...May you all be blessed and inspired! 

Pat Iacuzzi  

Author: Beth Vogt

Welcome...

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.

My guest this week to celebrate August's contemporary women's fiction and romances is Beth K. Vogt, author of Things I Never Told You, her most recent book is a story about family relationships, both fragile and strong. Beth is a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction....

Things I Never Told You
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishing, Inc.
May, 2018 


It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

Author: Beth Vogt

And what Beth says about one of her favorite songs...

"One that reflects why I write: "Steady My Heart" by Kari Jobe. I believe relationships are messy, but God steps into our lives, into all our messiness, and says, “There is more than this for you.” My stories reflect that. This song talks about how we can trust God when life hurts. How he heals our scars.

  

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.   

Thank you...May you all be blessed and inspired! 
Pat Iacuzzi  

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

Welcome...

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.

My guest this week to celebrate August's contemporary women's fiction and romances is Cynthia Ruchti, author of Miles From Where We Started, (due out in October) and an agent at Books & Such Literary.  We think you'll find Cynthia's stories...."hemmed in hope." 

Miles From Where We Started
Publisher: Gilead Publishing

Oct. 18, 2018

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip--and their marriage. Too bad they can't find the off-ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can't even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

But as new challenges pop up around each bend, Mallory and Connor are surprised by the strengths they see in one another--and how they complement each other. Their first year of marriage hasn't been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected . . . but can they find a new beginning when the road ends?

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

As My Parents Age
Publisher: Abingdon Press
April 4, 2017

For most of us it is not the “ifs” but the “whens”: when I notice the first signs; when we mourn the role reversal; when my children need me too; or when I don’t know how to pray. 

Those are just a few of the fifty-two reflections on the changes, challenges, and blessings of loving your parent as they grow older. Their lives – and yours – begin to change. Knowing that you are not alone, that others have been where you are, is encouraging and uplifting. 

This is not a how-to, but a me-too, as you see yourself and your own situation lived out in the stories of others.


A Fragile Hope
Publisher: Worthy Inspired
June 13, 2017

Josiah Chamberlain's life's work revolves around repairing other people's marriages. 

When his own is threatened by his wife's unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she's unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken. 

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

A Contemporary song that I feel carries the essence of Cynthia's stories...

No Turning Back ~ Brandon Heath

...We need to think more carefully of what we do now; because "There's No turning Back"

A 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.   

Thank you...May you all be blessed and inspired! 
Pat Iacuzzi