Sunday Funnies!

One roll of tape -- $4.00

Massive amounts of packing foam -- Stolen

Friends with way too much time on their hands on April Fools -- Priceless

"Best Wishes Suzanne

Under Neat That

We Will Miss You"

How you know you're driving too fast:

Sharon Gillenwater ~ Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details on entering*

Here are some details for the book being given away:

Emily's Chance, book 2 in The Callahans of Texas series, by Sharon Gillenwater!

Blurb:

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing Historical Museum will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator. Little does she know that cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay--both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, can he help her uncover the value of love?

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Emily's Chance!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

Read and leave a comment on one or more of my recent book reviews.
+2 Emily's Chance
+2 Abbie Ann

**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (October 29) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (November 4). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 5th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

The Preacher's Bride winner!

And the winner of The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund is:
 Renee (steelergirl83@...)

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater ~ 5 stars

Emily's Chance

Sharon Gillenwater

The Callahans of Texas series #2

Revell Publishing

About the book:

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing Historical Museum will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator. Little does she know that cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay--both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, can he help her uncover the value of love?

My review:

I love the characters in this series! They are so real and so on fire for God. I would love to know these people in real life! Emily and Chance just warm my heart. I love how Chance pursued Emily. Sometimes, while reading a book it will annoy me because the hero won’t pursue the heroine for some reason or another, but that wasn’t the case in this book at all! I love men like Chance. Willing to stick up for their girl, protective, compassionate, hardworking… However, he is still human and has his flaws, but he was willing to listen as God was teaching him and molding him. He would also humble himself and apologize when he was wrong. Emily! I was able to connect with Emily. Some of the issues she was going through are things that I am struggling with, too. Such as relationships, restoration, and other things too.

I just really enjoyed this book and if I went on about its good qualities, it would be way too long. I’ll just say that one thing that I didn’t LOVE was how a chapter would end in the middle of a date or something, but the next scene wouldn’t pick it back up. It would go on to another day (or whatever) and then mention how the last scene ended. That only happened a few times, and it bothered me because I felt like it was a sudden cut off and the author may have missed some opportunities. But, it wasn’t a big enough deal that I didn’t like the book or anything. I just felt that it could have been even better if some scenes weren’t done that way.

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren ~ 5 stars

Abbie Ann

Sharlene MacLaren

The Daughters of Jacob Kane series #3

Whitaker House Publishing

About the book:

Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. In addition to working at Kane's Whatnot and teaching Sunday school at the Third Street Church, she leads the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union chapter in promoting women's suffrage and Prohibition. But their campaign is not universally popular. While Abbie focuses on helping abused women, her brother-in-law, Sheriff Gabriel Devlin, investigates several threats directed at her.

For years, Noah Carson ran a successful shipworks in Connecticut, that is, until his business partner cheated him our of his share, not to mention his wife. Hoping for a fresh start, the recent divorce moves with his six-year- old son, Toby, to Sandy Shores, where he joins his uncles window business. Bur Noah's passion for shipbuilding proves hard to stifle, especially when a local businessman commissions him to construct a ship to race in the annual regatta.

When an unexpected incident virtually catapults Noah Carson into Abbie Anns life, the two feel an immediate attraction that Abbie works hard to ignore. After all, Noah is nor a committed Christian, nor does he seem committed to marriage, considering his divorced status. Still, Abbie finds herself drawn to him, and to his son. Will the independent Abbie trust the Lord and surrender to His surprising plans?

My review:

I love Sharlene’s books. I have read all of her books except one, and I have never failed to be thrilled by them! You can see her love of children in each of her books, and this was no exception. Abbie is a character that, despite her flaws, you love. Her drive to defend others and stand up for what she believed in was really inspiring. I loved her idea for the Hope House! That was great. :) Noah had been hurt by so many people and was struggling just to get by, day-by-day. I really liked him as the male lead for this book, and Abbie’s “other half.” While on the long side, (I tend to like longer books, though) I was able to read this book fairly quickly. The element of suspense in the book certainly didn’t hurt that! If you haven’t read anything by Sharlene, or just haven’t read this series yet, I suggest you move it towards the top of your To Be Read pile, because it is worth it!

Sunday Funnies!

Jody Hedlund ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*You can earn up to 6 entries in this giveaway. Read below for details, the rules are a little different this time!*

Today author Jody Hedlund is telling us about her new book, The Preacher's Bride (October 2010). She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Author's bio:
Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest in Historical Romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

Welcome, Jody! Tell us about your salvation experience.

I grew up in a Christian family as a PK (Pastor’s Kid). My mom and dad led me to an early understanding of what it meant to know and follow the Lord. There were many ups and downs during my growing up years, and ultimately it was during my college years at Taylor University that I committed my entire life over to serving God and following his purposes and plans for me.

Are you:

A spontaneous writer or a scheduled writer?
Scheduled. Committed. Diligent.

Stubborn, or compliant?
Those closest to me might call me stubborn. :)

Organized or completely chaotic?
I try to be organized, but with 5 kids it doesn’t always happen.

How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?
First I stress out and cry. Then I go to my husband, who is much calmer and level-headed than me, and he usually fixes the problem for me. Case in point, just this past weekend, my laptop unexpectedly shut off during the middle of my writing time while I was at the library. I stressed, tried not to cry, and then quickly drove home and handed the defunct laptop into his hands. Within an hour he had it fixed. And I was one happy wife. :)

In your opinion, what is your best trait? What is your worst?
I love that I’m driven. It helps me to push myself to succeed. But there are also times when I wish I wasn’t so driven. I often push myself too hard, lose sleep, and don’t take care of myself the way I should.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I eat pie for breakfast. Yep. Anytime there’s pie in the house, I indulge myself in a piece for breakfast, especially if it has fruit in it of any kind because then I’m getting a couple servings of fruit.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I find it difficult to objectively compare myself to other authors. But my publisher has compared my writing to Lynn Austin, Francine Rivers, and Liz Curtis Higgs. The romance in my books is PG-13. It’s on the sweeter side, but I’ve told my twin daughters (age 11) that they have to wait to read my book until they’re a little older.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
The Doctor’s Lady is scheduled to release in September of 2011 and is another “inspired-by” novel. It’s a fictionalized story based on the first white woman to travel overland West to Oregon as a missionary to the natives. It’s a marriage of convenience story, but also the tale of how a young woman overcame the odds, endured a dangerous journey, and found true love along the way. In the process, her strength and courage paved the way for all of the women who came after her.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Email: JodyHedlund@JodyHedlund.com

Book blurb:

In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher—whether her assistance is wanted or not.

Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John’s protests of her aid. She’s even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family.

Yet Elizabeth’s new role as housekeeper takes a dangerous turn when John’s boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher’s enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she’s more determined than ever to save the child—and man—she’s come to love.

Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?
I love connecting with readers! Please take a minute to stop by my Author Facebook Page and say hi or send me an email via my Connect Page on my blog.

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of The Preacher's Bride!

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

+4 Comment on my interview with Janice Hanna, following the guidelines listed IN THAT POST. This will get you FOUR entries into this giveaway.
**You can earn a total of 6 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (October 22) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (October 28). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner either directly after choosing him/her or on Friday the 29th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Interview!

Sorry, guys! No reviews this week. I'm a little behind in reading. :/ Instead, I have an interview with author Janice Hanna Thompson and the characters of her new book, Love me Tender!

Note from Janice Hanna Thompson, author of LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column
Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?
There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?
Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?
First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?
Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?
I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?
I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?
Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?
Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice Hanna Thompson is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29^th – 31^st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.

~~~~~

This Friday, I'm posting a new giveaway as usual but this week the extra entries will be a little UNusual.

*The entries earned here will be put toward winning THE PREACHER'S BRIDE*

To get the *4* extra entries, comment on THIS post saying something about Janice Thompson and her writing.

Here are some ideas of things you could talk about:

-Which book of her's is your favorite?

-Why do you like her books?

-What do you like about Janice herself?

-If you have never read her books, why do you want to?

-Are any of her books on your To-Be-Read list? Which ones?

Just some ideas! Please don't make your comments just a sentence. We want to encourage the author! :D