Victoria Hill Farm

Book review: The Lord is My Shepherd

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:24:00 +0000

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Abingdon Press (March 2010)

by

Debbie Viguie

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie Viguié has been writing for most of her life. She has experimented with poetry and nonfiction, but her true passion lies in writing novels. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from UC Davis. While at Davis she met her husband, Scott, at auditions for a play.

Debbie's love for writing brought her from working as a church secretary to a successful career writing supernatural fiction. She is the author of Midnight Pearls, Scarlet Moon, and Charmed: Pied Piper, and the young adult Sweet Seasons series. She also is coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Wicked book series.

Debbie and Scott now live on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. When Debbie is not writing and Scott has time off they love to indulge their passion for theme parks.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.

Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lord Is My Shepherd, go HERE.

Book review: Somewhere to Belong

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Somewhere to Belong

Bethany House (March 1, 2010)

by

Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me.

With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.

Note: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Somewhere to Belong , go HERE

General Mills cereal

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:06:00 +0000

I don't like having to feed my kids cold cereal for breakfast but let's face it - more often then not there is just no way around it in a very busy household.

Finding cold cereals that are not packed full of marshmellows and artificial coloring is hard enough, but I recently did something that is making it even harder. I've joined the Organic Consumers Association in boycotting Kellogg's. Why?

Organic Consumers Association and allies warned Kellogg's, if they used sugar from genetically engineered sugar beets in their foods, they would face a consumer boycott. Kellogg's responded, claiming that, even though they don't use genetically engineered ingredients in Europe, in the U.S., "consumer concerns about the usage of biotech ingredients in food production are low."

Now with even less choices, I was pleasantly suprised to hear that General Mills has made a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. They are also increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

General Mills, via My Blog Spark, recently sent me some coupons for free boxes of their cereals - one of which I managed to drop in the store somewhere between the cereal aisle and the checkout counter. Oh well, some other family will get to try their cereal.

Anyway, although I do believe that cold cereal is not the best option by far, I have to be honest and say we eat a lot of it. The kids' favorite? Lucky Charms, of course. My favorite for a bit more nutritious option? Honey Nut Cheerios. Both of these General Mills cereals were gone within days at my house!

You can print a $1 off one of four varieties of General Mills cereals here.

Book review: Cowgirl at Heart

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:02:00 +0000

Cowgirl at Heart

Barbour Books (February 1, 2010)

by

Christine Lynxwiler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Christine has been writing toward publication since 1997. She sold her first story in 2001 to Barbour Publishing. Since then she's written and sold fourteen Christian romance novels and novellas including the four novels that were included in the best-selling book Arkansas, which has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Her novel, Forever Christmas, ranked number 12 on the Christian Bookseller's Association Bestseller List in January, 2009.

A four-time winner of the prestigious American Christian Romance Writers/American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award, Christine recently signed a new six-book contract with Barbour Publishing bringing her total of contracted books to twenty. Besides, Along Came a Cowboy, her latest novels include Promise Me Always and Forever Christmas. She also writes mysteries with two of her sisters, Sandy Gaskin and Jan Reynolds. Their book, Alibis in Arkansas, is currently available nationwide, as well as in many bookstores. The first book in Christine's new McCord Sisters series, The Reluctant Cowgirl released in April, 2009 and was a TOP PICK in Romantic Times Magazine.

When Christine isn't at her computer, you'll often find her, with her husband, co-coaching their daughters' softball team, kayaking down beautiful Spring River with her family, or getting together with friends from church.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elyse McCord always plays it safe─a fact she blames on being the biological daughter of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Even in the security of her adoptive family the McCords, the timid dog whisperer keeps her guard up with strangers. But when she discovers a dog being horribly mistreated, shy Elyse transforms into a mighty warrior and charges into a perilous situation, not only risking her life but also her heart

Reporter Andrew Stone has been fearless since the day his wife was shot and killed three years ago. He has one mission─use hid Texas Ranger upbringing to find her murderer and clear his own name of any involvement. When he sees a beautiful brunette in the hands of a pistol-welding maniac, he’s forced to abandon his covert surveillance and go to the rescue. The danger surrounding Andrew doesn’t scare him at all, but the awakening of his dormant heart terrifies him.

When painful pasts collide, the explosion is deafening. Can Andrew and Elyse pick up the pieces and go forward together? Or will they forever live with haunting memories, unable to forgive, unable to love?

Note: If you are expecting a western book about cowgirls, you will be disspointed. This novel has more to do with dogs than horses. But if you like a mystery/romance and if you enjoy dogs and close-knit families, this may be right up your alley!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cowgirl at Heart , go HERE.

Cookie decorating

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0000

I forgot to post these, but the kids had fun decorating cookies for Valentine's Day. Alli decorated the big cookie below.

Field trip fun!

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Recently, our church's homeschool association went to the Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh. We drove two and half hours one way to get to our state capital, but the museums there are great and admission is free.

I love it when kids get so interested in learning!

My babies!

These sea gulls look very realistic!

New additions.... again

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:36:00 +0000

I never know exactly how this happens... but we have two new members of the family. One of my brothers called a couple of weeks ago with a sad story. Some woman he knew was taking her dog to the pound because he just wasn't working out anymore.

My husband, brother and I, being the bleeding hearts that we are, picked the dog up. I have to say, Hubby and I were a bit intimidated. The dog is a pitt bull, and he is pretty massive. We have no experience with pitts, but my brother has had one for years that he loves to death.

Anyway, we picked him up and he soon captured our hearts. For such a big, "vicious" dog, he really just acts like an overgrown puppy. He has a wonderful temperament and loves kids. We tried to put him outside with our Lab mix, Gracie. But he kept wanting to dominate the poor girl and wouldn't leave her alone. She wasn't having any of that and I felt bad for her. So we took him to some friends who have pit bulls to see if they would take him, but they said they already had too many dogs. We didn't know what to do. Our friends gave us a solution.

They came over the next morning and helped us put up an electric cattle fence away from Gracie. The big boy's name is Bishop and we and we are working on his behavior. He is very sweet, but very hyper and drives the other dogs nuts with his overzealous behavior. We bring him inside every day for an hour or two on a leash so we can train him to be around the other dogs (although we will probably never leave him around them unsupervised). Bishop also spends a lot of time with Hubby in the basement, where he chews on 2x4's while Hubby does his own wood working. Bishop is doing great, and learning fast.

Okay, on to another story. My brother's pitt bull recently had puppies. Now here's the thing. Whenever we have a friend who has puppies, we stay away. Because we know they are so hard to resist. So my brother's puppies were six weeks old, and very cute, of course. We had to see them because we went to his house to meet him to see about saving Bishop. Well.... Hubby fell in love with one of the puppies in particular. And... he wore me down. Did I mention I'm not even a big fan of puppies? I prefer older dogs who are already out of the chewing and peeing in the house stage.

But.... we have a new puppy, who his now about 8 weeks old. We named him Logan and took him to the vet for his first shots. He's pretty hyper too, but very cute. And to be so young he is doing quite well on his potty training.

And so now, a family who was always nervous around pitt bulls and had never had one - has two. And we are in love!

Book review: The Pastor's Wife

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:02:00 +0000

The Pastor's Wife Abingdon Press (February 2010)by

Jennifer AlLee

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California and for the first 10 years of her life lived over a mortuary one block from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never again to see the light of day. Her first inspirational romance, The Love of His Brother, was released in November 2007 by Five Star Publisher.

Besides being a writer, she is a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, her husband and teenage son have learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets there without severely impacting their waistlines. God is good!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maura Sullivan never intended to set foot in Granger, Ohio, again. But when circumstances force her to return, she must face all the disappointments she tried so hard to leave behind: a husband who ignored her, a congregation she couldn't please, and a God who took away everything she ever loved.

Nick Shepherd thought he had put the past behind him, until the day his estranged wife walked back into town. Intending only to help Maura through her crisis of faith, Nick finds his feelings for her never died. Now, he must admit the mistakes he made, how he hurt his wife, and find a way to give and receive forgiveness.

As God works in both of their lives, Nick and Maura start to believe they can repair their broken relationship and reunite as man and wife. But Maura has one more secret to tell Nick before they can move forward. It's what ultimately drove her to leave him three years earlier, and the one thing that can destroy the fragile trust they've built.

If you would like to read the first Chapter of The Pastor's Wife , go HERE

Book review: Walking on Broken Glass

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:05:00 +0000

Walking on Broken Glass

Abingdon Press (February 2010)

by

Christa Allan

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christa Allan, a true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, weaves stories of unscripted grace with threads of hope, humor, and heart.

The mother of five and grandmother of three, Christa teaches high school English. She and her husband, Ken live in Abita Springs, Louisiana where they play golf, dodge hurricanes, and anticipate retirement.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Leah Thornton's life, like her Southern Living home, has great curb appeal. But already sloshed from one-too-many drinks at a faculty party, Leah cruises the supermarket aisles in search of something tasty to enhance her Starbucks—Kahlua and a paralyzing encounter with a can of frozen apple juice shatters the facade, forcing her to admit that all is not as it appears.

When her best friend Molly gets in Leah's face about her refusal to deal with her life, Leah is forced to make a decision. Can this brand-conscious socialite walk away from the country club into 28 days of rehab? Leah is sitting in the office of the local rehab center facing an admissions counselor who fails to understand the most basic things, like the fact that apple juice is not a suitable cocktail mixer.

Rehab is no picnic, and being forced to experience and deal with the reality of her life isn’t Leah’s idea of fun. Can she leave what she has now to gain back what she needs? Joy, sadness, pain and a new srength converge, testing her marriage, her friendships and her faith.

But through the battle she finds a reservoir of courage she never knew she had, and the loving arms of a God she never quite believed existed.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Walking on Broken Glass, go HERE

Book review: Beguiled

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Beguiled
(Bethany House March 1, 2007)
by
Deeanne GistandJ. Mark Bertrand

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

J. Mark Bertrand has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. After one hurricane too many, he left Houston and relocated with his wife Laurie to the plains of South Dakota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her... Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything. As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of , go HERE

Check out their video:

It's STILL snowing!

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:37:00 +0000

It's snowing outside!

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:22:00 +0000

What's the deal with chihuahuas?

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Hubby fell in love with our friends' new puppy! Personally, I don't understand what the deal is with people who love chihuahuas - our friends have three! They are possessive, yippy, and often mean! To each his own, I guess, but give me a big, friendly dog any day!

Snow

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Did I mention that though we didn't have snow on Christmas morning, we did get some the week of Christmas?

The herb garden on a snowy night.

The chicken coop.

Our spring and summer clothes dryer.

Some of the gardens covered in snow.

Christmas pics - at the end of January

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0000

I love Christmas because we get to see all our friends and family members. We always spend the Saturday before Christmas with Hubby's dad and stepmother and his sister and her kids, then Christmas Eve with Hubby's mom and stepfather and his sister and her family, then Christmas morning with our own kids, then Christmas afternoon with my brothers and their wives and the four nieces I have between them, and then the weekend after Christmas with our friends the Marsh family in S.C. These dates are tradition and rarely ever change.

Hubby's father and stepmother with the kids (at their house).

The boys with Hubby's niece on Christmas Eve (at Hubby's mom's house).

From left to right, Hubby's mom, his nephew, his brother-in-law, and his sister. You can see a piece of his stepfather on the far right, lol.

My daughter, Alli, on Christmas morning. Our dog, Leo, looks on.

My son, Adam, and Jack the cat on Christmas morning. Wrapping paper everywhere!

My son, Justin, on Christmas morning.

From left to right, my niece (by my younger brother, my son Adam, and my niece by my older brother) on Christmas afternoon. They are playing in Adam's room.

My older brother, Jon, and my younger brother, Tim. Hubby is in the background in his recliner, lol. My three favorite men!

From left to right, my younger brother's wife, my daughter, and my other niece by my older brother. I think I'm missing a photo of one of my nieces, my younger brother's sweet baby, Alexis. We were eating pumpkin pie at my house on Christmas afternoon.

Our friends the Marsh family, the weekend after Christmas, at their house.

My daughter, Alli, with the youngest Marsh (Hunter).

Blogging again - update on trials of life

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:06:00 +0000

In the midst of our unnamed family crisis, the blog has gone by the wayside. As things as starting to settle down, I look forward to writing and sharing my life with you again!

Although it will probably be at least six months before we know the full results of our "family crisis," we are trying to move on. Regarding our other family crisis - Hubby's job loss - let me bring you up to date.

He was terminated due to low sales. He filed for unemployment benefits. His company denied the claim (we were expecting this as it is the company's unspoken policy to deny every such claim). Hubby had to give a statement to the Employment Security Commission. We received a letter from them this past Saturday stating they had determined that the "low sales" Hubby was terminated for resulted from a bad economy and not anything he did or did not do. His unemployment has been approved and we should start receiving benefits in the next 10 days. It's already been a month since he lost his job, so we could really use it!

In the meantime, we have decided that our best course of action at the moment is for Hubby to stay home and play Mr. Mom and homeschool the kids while I find a full-time job. I already have a part-time job, so I'm hoping to find another job that is only 30 hours a week. That way, I can keep the part-time job that I love at my church.

We have decided that this spring Hubby will step up the homestead activities even more, including expanding our garden space again. We hope that he will then be able to make a little money at the Farmer's Market. This will be an experiment that we are nervous about, but you will be able to follow our progress! Our local Farmer's Market requires a $100 yearly fee as well as a $15 a day booth fee, so this will not be without investment. Our main concern will be our ability to grow enough to make a profit on only 1/3 acre, as well as feed our own family from our garden. Impossible? We don't think so. We already grow hundreds of pounds a food a year.

ANSWERED PRAYERS: Unemployment has been approved, I still have a part-time job, we have the skills to try a new venture at the Farmer's Market later this year, we will still be able to homeschool the kids, and we have a wonderful church family that has provided a lot of spiritual and emotional support.

PRAYER REQUESTS: The results of our unnamed family crisis, that I find a good job and am able to keep my job at the church as well, that our new venture with the Farmer's Market goes well this year.

In the meantime, prepare to see photos from the past couple of months that I haven't been able to post yet - including Christmas pictures like above of the kids.

Book review: Kelly's Chance

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:34:00 +0000

is introducing

Kelly’s Chance Barbour Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2010)

by

Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Note From Wanda:

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. When I was in the second grade, I wrote my first poem about a moth. Luckily, I received encouragement from my teacher. During my teen years, I wrote skits that my church teen group performed during special holidays.

It wasn’t until 1980, that I took a course on writing for children and teenagers. I became serious about a career as an author. Soon after that, I began to write stories, articles, poems, and devotionals, which appeared in a variety of Christian publications. Later, I had 5 books of puppet/ventriloquist scripts published. *These books are currently available by contacting me. (wanda@wandabrunstetter.com)

My first novel was released by Barbour Publishing’s book club, Heartsong Presents, in Dec. 1997. I have now written nearly fifty books, with over 4 million books in print. Many of the novels I've written are Amish-themed.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Kelly’s Chance , go HERE.

Book review: A Lady Like Sarah

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:48:00 +0000

A Lady Like SarahThomas Nelson; Original edition (December 22, 2009) byMargaret Brownley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."

Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life; just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot straight.

Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying US Marshall at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn.

His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and a sweet orphan in tow, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There justice will be meted out hopefully with a portion of grace.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lady Like Sarah, go HERE

Watch the Book Trailer:

Wordless Wednesday: Jack

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Book review: The Silent Governess

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:36:00 +0000

The Silent Governess
Bethany House; Original edition (January 1, 2010)
by
Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.

I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.

My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.

Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of The Silent Governess, go HERE.

Family crisis

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Are you wondering why I haven't posted in so long? Early in December my family suffered a crisis, and we are still suffering. I don't want to go into the details, but frankly, blogging became the least of my concerns.

Do you ever feel like the Job of the Bible? I was feeling like him on Wednesday. Trying to continue living a normal life, I got into the van to make a quick trip to the grocery store. And it wouldn't start. Of course. While I was futilely trying to start the van, Hubby called to tell me he had been terminated because sales were low and his company was doing some reorganizing. No severance or anything like that.

But before you start feeling too sorry for me, let me tell you some good news.

Last weekend we made a quick visit to our friends in South Carolina. And all week we have been turning the house upside down looking for Adam's teddy. Times are stressful for our family right now, and I sure didn't want to deal with the loss of the teddy bear he is so attached to. Today our friend called and said they had found Teddy at their house. Well, we were not going one more night without that stuffed bear, and since Hubby no longer has a job to worry about we decided to do something very uncharacteristic. We decided to be spontaneous and drive the hour and 45 minutes to their house to pick up Teddy. The only problem was that the van still wouldn't start.

Hubby had been trying and trying to start it, but it looked like the fuel pump was bad. It was getting close to bed time and still... no Teddy.

Recently Hubby and I have been doing something different. We have been waking up every morning and asking God to get us through just one more day. And at the end of each day, we have been giving thanks to the Lord for getting us through yet again.

Tonight, after trying yet again to work on the van to get it started, we had given up on getting Teddy back. Then Hubby walked outside, stood in front of the van and prayed a simple prayer. "Lord, we need something positive right now. Please let the van start." He put the key in the ignition, turned it.... and it started like nothing had ever been wrong.

So tonight, we will ring in the new year in prayer with our friends. And Teddy is back where he belongs... in the arms of a loving 6-year-old.

Book review: The Sheriff's Surrender

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:14:00 +0000

The Sheriff’s Surrender
Barbour Books (December 1, 2009)
by
Susan Page Davis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards, but she wants Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When the sheriff of Fergus, Idaho, is murdered and Ethan is named his replacement, Gert decides she has to do whatever she can to help him protect the citizenry. So she starts the Ladies Shooting Club. But when one of their numbers is murdered, these ladies are called on for more than target shooting and praying. Can Gert and the ladies of Fergus find the murderer before he strikes again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sheriff’s Surrender , go HERE

Man's best friend

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:41:00 +0000

See this dog? She was supposed to be my dog.... we got her about six months after my beloved black Lab died of kidney failure.

So whose dog do you think she has become?

Leo, our 10-year-old Italian greyhound, is best buddies with our 14-year-old son. I guess I get the cats...

Book review: Whirlwind

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it--a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Whirlwind, go HERE

Dryer treasures

victoriahillfarm@gmail.com (Barb J.) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

The dryer has been making a funny noise, so Hubby took it apart to look at it.

We vacuumed out the inside and cleaned it up. Did I mention our dryer is about 20 years old?

We never did find the cause of the funny noise, but we did find these....

My daughter's barrette, a toy gun, nails and staples (Hubby), and yes, a fuse and a razor blade (from Hubby's box cutter). I try to check everyone's pockets, but apparently it doesn't always work out that way.