Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Pump Your Book Virtual Tours Presents: Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast by Tim Bishop, Debbie Bishop
With no prior experience in either bicycle touring or marriage, 52-year-olds Tim and Debbie Bishop went from an engagement, to Tim’s “retirement” and relocation, to a cross-country trek in just ten weeks. Their adventure, which touches on midlife change, marriage, and faith, inspires its readers to cast away the old and the stale in pursuit of their dreams.
About The Authors
Debbie grew up in Connecticut and New York, and lived in Colorado for 20 years before moving back east and living in Massachusetts for the past 17 years. She taught school for over 25 years and recently retired from her position as a literacy specialist. Tim was born and raised in Houlton, Maine. He is a CPA and worked for a private company in Maine as their treasurer. We met each other on the Internet in 2003 and married in 2010. We were both 52 when we got married and neither of us had been married before.
Blog: http://www.openroadpress.com/virtual-book-tour-stop-16/
My Review:
I loved the faith of these two souls. Tim and Debbie find each other and end up marrying at age 52. Just how they were put in the path of one another, warms my heart.
Once they are married they embark on an unusual honeymoon. They fly to Oregon and begin a bicycle trip across the USA. They seem to be put in the right place at the right time to witness to others. The book is chocked full of beautiful, and breathtaking photos. We sure are blessed to live here.
Come along and share the ride and events that happen along their trip. Some are very unusual, and there are a few chuckles too. Most of the story seems to be written by Tim, but there are reports by Debbie...enjoy two different perspectives of the same event!
A enjoyed this fast read, and lingered over the pictures of this wonderful, and eventful trip.
I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But as she prepares to marry, she's thrown into confusion when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when the family moved on in search of work.
Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? And was her intended's gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
About The Author
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and her husband John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for Oracle Corporation. They have six children.
My Review:
I really enjoyed this sweet and quick read. This story is about the love of our fellow human beings and following God's Will. The true heart of this family is shown time and again.
Rose Yoder is a lovely young Amish woman, who was engaged to a young man who enlisted in WWII. The Bishop and the Community repeatedly told Rose to forget him.
There are many secrets here, hidden memories, and so much love. When Johnathan comes home, Rose is so torn. Then her own life is shattered, or so she thinks. We travel with this family who have truly given their lives to Christ, and done what he asks.
I wanted more, but the story itself is so good. Be ready for so many surprises. Every time they turned around something new was happening. Don't miss this terrific book by Tricia Goyer, you sure won't be disappointed, I wasn't!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours and Tricia Goyer's Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.
Monday, September 23, 2013
I Am A Reader Not A Writer's Kindle Fire Giveaway Fall 2013
- I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
- Feed Your Reader
- Author Annette K. Larsen
- Phantasmic Reads
- Author Bella Street
- Author Bonnie Blythe
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- MyLadyWeb: Women's History, Women Authors
- Book Mama Blog
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- The Reporter and The Girl MINUS The Super Man!
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Saturday, September 21, 2013
Litfuse Publicity Book Tours Presents: Eventide (The Days of Redemption #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley and her publisher are celebrating by giving away FIVE sets of the series.
Five winners will receive:
- Daybreak, Ray of Light and Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Shelley’s blog on the 23rd to see if you won one of the book sets!
A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?
Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman—all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.
Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.
Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Shelley’s website.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com
My Review:
I really dislike this series to end. Have grown to love these characters, and I too, like the Author enjoy the Grandmother, Lovina. What a strong and loving person she is.
This book wraps up several stories in one. Elsie is coming to terms with impending blindness, but is there an answer to help her? When a new neighbor begins to help her brother Roman, she likes what she finds in Landon Troyer. With her handicap can their ever be a relationship?
Peter is finally embracing his problems, but when the book opens, his wife Marie is seriously ill. Changes are coming in the family. Soon Viola will be marrying and moving to Belize. Roman and Amanda have started a new life, but what about Elsie? How will she deal with her blindness?
Loved all of the stories! What a great amount of love goes around here. Such a great faith in God is shown, and a large amount of prayer goes into the life decisions. Enjoy this third book, I sure did, and want more.
We are also treated to a preview to Shelley Shepard Gray's new novella, Peace.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Unforeseeable (Road to Kingdom #3) by Nancy Mehl
However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this.
Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons.
As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.
About The Author
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
My Review:
Wow!! This is the third book in this series that I have read, and each on as good as the other. Loved my return visit with my friends. We are continuing on with Callie and Levi, and hoping that Callie's problems will work out.
Now a serial killer has entered the Mennonite town of Kingdom, Kansas. The town is quickly turned upside down. With the killings having stopped 20 years ago, and now starting up again. Will we loose some of our friends here?
Callie has a lot of skeletons in her closet, and she doesn't seem to realize they are even there. Levi is also dealing with a lot of opposition to his being such a young pastor and not being married. Will these two be able to soon be married?
Be ready for a lot of action, including blizzard, and accidents. Also once you believe you know who is the murderer, beware!! You are probably wrong! I didn't figure it all out. Loved it!! Enjoy!
I received this book from the Bethany House Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Pump Your Book Virtual Tours Presents: Animal/Veterinarian Memoir - The Ark's Cargo by William Buisch,
Join William W. Buisch, DVM, author of the animal/nature memoir, The Ark's Cargo: For the Love of Animals, as he tours the blogosphere September 9 - September 20 on his first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! William will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and 10 e-Book copies of his book! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host William, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.
ABOUT THE ARK'S CARGO
This memoir describes the challenges a young man faces in achieving his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Even a period of homelessness and limited resources do not interfere with his commitment to achieve success. And this is only the beginning! Soon he is faced with the challenges of working in the jungles of Panama, facing the ravages of a roaming black jaguar and the defenses of a native village against the entrance of man or beast. Then, how about Haiti, where the Tonton Macoute militias believe in instant justice, rarely valuing life, or Columbia, where the drug lords have absolute rule. As if that isn’t enough, consider working in the African continent, along the tales surrounding the first shipment of Charolais cattle to the United States or the many facets of working with the wild mustangs in Colorado. Each exciting adventure is told with suspense, drama, and humor! Enjoy!Purchase your copy:
ABOUT WILLIAM W. BUISCH, DVM
Inspired by biblical passages and teachings, the author cherished his work as an international veterinarian. His passion for improving the health and welfare of domesticated and wild animals is most noteworthy. Working within diverse cultures, he observed vast health improvements in animals and, as a result, in people living nearby.Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
- This giveaway begins September 9 - September 20.
- Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
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First Wild Card Tours Presents: Beyond These Hills by Sandra Robbins
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
In the romantic conclusion to the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, Sandra Robbins tells a story of love and loss. The government is purchasing property to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Laurel Jackson fears she’ll have to say goodbye to the only home she’s ever known. Can she find the strength to leave?
Visit the author's website.
In the romantic conclusion to the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, Sandra Robbins tells a story of love and loss. The government is purchasing property to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Laurel Jackson fears she’ll have to say goodbye to the only home she’s ever known. Can she find the strength to leave?
List Price: $13.99
Series: Smoky Mountain Dreams (Book 3)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736948880
ISBN-13: 978-0736948883
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
June, 1935
The needle on the pickup truck’s speedometer eased to thirty miles an hour. Laurel Jackson bit back a smile and glanced at her father. With his right hand on the steering wheel and his left elbow hanging out the open window, he reminded her of a little boy absorbed in the wonder of a new toy.
The wind ruffled his dark, silver-streaked hair, and a smile pulled at the corner of his mouth as the truck bounced along. His eyes held a faraway look that told her he was enjoying every minute of the drive along the new road that twisted through Cades Cove.
If truth be told, though, the truck with its dented fenders wasn’t all that new. He’d bought it a few months ago from Warren Hubbard, who’d cleaned out a few ditches in Cades Cove trying to bring the little Ford to a stop. Rumor had it he kept yelling Whoa! instead of pressing the brake. The good-natured ribbing of his neighbors had finally convinced Mr. Hubbard that he had no business behind the wheel of a truck.
Laurel’s father didn’t have that problem. He took to driving like their old hound dog Buster took to trailing a raccoon. Neither gave up until they’d finished what they’d started. Mama often said she didn’t know which one’s stubborn ways vexed her more—Poppa’s or Buster’s. Of course her eyes always twinkled when she said it.
The truck was another matter entirely. Mama saw no earthly reason why they needed that contraption on their farm when they had a perfectly good wagon and buggy. To her, it was another reminder of how life in Cades Cove was changing. Laurel could imagine what her mother would say if she could see Poppa now as the speed-
ometer inched up to thirty-five. Land’s sakes, Matthew. If you don’t keep both hands on the wheel, you’re gonna end up killing us all.
But Mama wasn’t with them today to tell Poppa they weren’t in a race, and he was taking advantage of her absence to test the limits of the truck. At this rate they’d make it to Gatlinburg earlier than expected. When she was a little girl, the ride in their wagon over to the mountain village that had become a favorite of tourists had seemed to take forever. Now, it took them less than half the time to get there.
She glanced at her father again and arched an eyebrow. “You’d better be glad Mama stayed home.”
Her father chuckled. “Do you think she’d say I was driving too fast?”
Laurel tilted her head to one side and tried to narrow her eyes into a thoughtful pose. “I’m sure she wouldn’t hesitate to let you know exactly how she felt.”
A big smile creased her father’s face, and he nodded. “You’re right about that. Your mother may run a successful business from a valley in the middle of the Smoky Mountains, but she’d just as soon pass up all the modern conveniences the money she makes could provide her. Sometimes I think she’d be happier if we were still living in that one-room cabin we had when we first married.”
Laurel laughed and nodded. “I know. But I imagine she’ll be just as happy today to have us out of the way. She can unload her latest pottery from the kiln and get the lodge cleaned and ready for the tourists we have coming Monday.”
Her father’s right hand loosened on the steering wheel, and his left one pulled the brim of his hat lower on his forehead. “It looks like business is going to be good this year. We already have reservations for most of the summer, and our guests sure do like to take home some of her pieces from Mountain Laurel Pottery.”
Laurel frowned. There would be guests this summer, but what about next year and the year after that? A hot breeze blew through the open window, and she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket. She mopped at the perspiration on her forehead before she swiveled in her seat to face her father. “Having the lodge and the pottery business is kind of like a mixed blessing, isn’t it?”
He frowned but didn’t take his eyes off the road. “How do you mean?”
Laurel’s gaze swept over the mountains that ringed the valley where she’d lived all her life. Her love for the mist-covered hills in the distance swelled up in her, and she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. “Well, I was just thinking that we get paid well by the folks who stay at our lodge while they fish and hike the mountain trails, and Mama makes a lot of money selling them her pottery. But is the money worth what we’ve lost?” She clasped her hands in her lap. “I miss the quiet life we had in the Cove when I was a little girl.”
Her father’s forehead wrinkled. “So do I, darling, but you’re all grown up now, and those days are long gone. Change has been happening for a long time, but our way of life officially ended twelve years ago with the plan for the Smokies to become a national park. Now most of the mountain land’s been bought up by the government, and there’s a park superintendent in place over at Gatlinburg. I guess we have to accept the fact that the park is a reality.”
A tremor ran through Laurel’s body. She clutched her fists tighter until her fingernails cut into her palms. “No matter what we’re doing or talking about, it always comes back to one question, doesn’t it?”
Her father glanced at her. “What’s that?”
“How long can we keep the government from taking our land?”
“Well, they don’t have it yet.” The lines in her father’s face deepened, and the muscle in his jaw twitched. “At the moment, all the land that borders our farm has been bought and is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There aren’t many of us holding on in the Cove, but we’re not giving up without a fight. I have a meeting with our lawyer in Gatlinburg today to see how our court case is going. You can get your mama’s pottery delivered to Mr. Bryan’s store, can’t you?”
“I didn’t know you had a meeting with the lawyer. Don’t worry about the pottery. Willie and I can take care of that.”
A smile cracked her father’s moments-ago stony features at the mention of her younger brother, who was riding in the truck’s bed. “You make sure that boy helps you. He has a habit of disappearing every time I have a job for him. I sure wish he’d grow up and start taking on some responsibility around the farm.”
Laurel laughed. “Willie’s only twelve, Poppa. When he’s as old as Charlie or me, he’ll settle down.”
Her father shook his head. “I don’t know about that. He’s always gonna be your mother’s baby.”
Before she could respond, the truck hit a bump in the road and a yell from behind pierced her ears. Laughing, she turned and looked through the back window. Willie’s face stared back at her. “Do it again, Pa,” he yelled. “That was fun.”
Her father frowned, grabbed the steering wheel with both hands, and leaned over to call out the window. “Be still, Willie, before you fall out and land on your head.”
Willie stood up, grabbed the side of the open window, and leaned around the truck door to peer into the cab. “Won’t this thing go any faster?”
Her father’s foot eased up, and he frowned. “We’re going fast enough. Sit down, Willie.”
The wind whipped Willie’s dark hair in his eyes. He was grinning. “Jacob’s pa has a truck that’ll go fifty on a smooth stretch,” he yelled. “See what ours will do.”
The veins in her father’s neck stood out, and the speedometer needle dropped to twenty. “If you don’t sit down and stay put, I’m gonna stop and make you sit up here between your sister and me.”
“I’m just saying you ought to open this thing up and see what she’ll do.”
The muscle in her father’s jaw twitched again, and Laurel put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. How many times had she seen her no-nonsense father and her fun-loving brother locked in a battle of wills? Her father took a deep breath and shook his head.
“Willie, for the last time…”
Willie leaned closer to the window, glanced at Laurel, and winked. “Okay. I’ll sit, but I still think we could go a little faster. Jacob’s gonna get to Gatlinburg way before we do.”
The truck slowed to a crawl. “Willie…”
A big grin covered Willie’s mouth. “Okay, okay. I’m just trying to help. I know Mr. Bryan is waitin’ for these crates of Mama’s pottery. I’d hate to get there after he’d closed the store.”
“He’s not going to close the store. Now for the last time, do as I say.”
“Okay, okay. I’m sittin’.”
Willie pushed away from the window and slid down into the bed of the truck. Her father straightened in the seat and shook his head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that boy. He’s gonna put me in my grave before I’m ready.”
Laurel laughed, leaned over, and kissed her father’s cheek. “How many times have I heard you say that? I think you love sparring with him. He reminds you of Mama.”
For the first time today, a deep laugh rumbled in her father’s throat. “That it does. That woman has kept me on my toes for twenty years now.” He glanced over his shoulder through the back glass toward Willie, who now sat hunkered down in the bed of the truck. “But I doubt if I’ll make it with that boy. He tests my patience every day.”
Laurel smiled as she reached up and retied the bow at the end of the long braid that hung over her shoulder and down the front of her dress. “I doubt that will happen. You have more patience than anybody I know. There aren’t many in our valley who’ve been able to stand up to the government and keep them from taking their land. Just you and Grandpa Martin and a few more. Everybody else has given up and sold out.”
There it was again. The ever-present shadow that hung over their lives. Cove residents were selling out and leaving. How long could they hang on?
“Seems like we’re losing all our friends, doesn’t it?” Her father shook his head and pointed straight ahead. “Like Pete and Laura Ferguson. We’re almost to their farm. I think I’ll stop for a minute. I promised Pete I’d keep an eye on the place after they moved, and I haven’t gotten over here in a few weeks.”
Ever since Laurel could remember there had been a bond between her father and the older Pete Ferguson. Each had always been there to lend a hand to the other, but now the Fergusons were gone. Their land sold to the United States government and their farm officially a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
She glanced at her father’s face, and she almost gasped aloud at the sorrow she saw. The court case he and Grandpa Martin had waged over the past year had taken its toll on him. He was only a few months away from turning fifty years old, and Grandpa would soon be sixty-five. They didn’t need the worry they’d lived under for the last twelve years. Why couldn’t the government just give up and allow them to remain on their farms in the mountain valley that had been their family’s home for generations? That was her prayer every night, but so far God hadn’t seen fit to answer.
Her father steered the truck onto the dirt path that ran to the Ferguson cabin. The wildflowers Mrs. Ferguson had always loved waved in the breeze beside the road as they rounded the corner and pulled to a stop in the yard.
Laurel’s eyes grew wide, and she stared, unbelieving, through the windshield to the spot where the Ferguson cabin had stood as long as she could remember. Her father groaned and climbed from the truck. For a moment he stood beside the vehicle’s open door, his hand resting on the handle. He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he saw. Then he closed the door and took a few steps forward.
Laurel reached for the leather bag that sat on the floorboard near her feet, unsnapped the top flap, and pulled out her Brownie box camera before jumping from the truck. She hurried to stand beside her father, who stood transfixed as he stared straight ahead. Willie, his face pale, climbed from the back of the truck and stopped next to their father. No one spoke for a moment.
Willie pulled his gaze away and stared up at their father. “Where’s the house, Pa?”
Their father took a deep breath. “I guess the park service tore it down, son.”
A sob caught in Laurel’s throat as they stared at the barren spot of land that had once been the site of a cabin, barn, and all the outbuildings needed to keep a farm productive. “But why would they do that, Poppa?”
Her father took a deep breath. “Because this land is now a part of the park, and they want it to return to its wild state.”
Willie inched closer to their father. “Are they gonna tear our house down too?”
Her father’s eyes darkened. “Not if I can help it.” He let his gaze wander over the place he had known so well before he took a deep breath and turned back to the truck. “Let’s get out of here. I shouldn’t have stopped today.”
Laurel raised the camera and stared down into the viewfinder. “Let me get a picture of this before we go.”
Her father gritted his teeth. “Take as many as you want. Somebody’s got to record the death of a community.”
None of them spoke as she snapped picture after picture of the empty spot that gave no hint a family had once been devoted to this piece of land. After she’d finished, the three of them returned to the truck and climbed in. When her father turned the truck and headed back to the road, Laurel glanced over her shoulder at the spot where the house had stood. She had always looked forward to visiting this home, but she didn’t know if she would be able to return. Too many of her friends were gone, scattered to the winds in different directions. The holdouts who still remained in the Cove lived each day with the threat that they too would soon be forced from the only homes they’d ever known. If her family had to leave, they would be like all the rest. They would go wherever they could find a home, and the ties forged by generations in the close society of their remote mountain valley would vanish forever.
—
Andrew Brady set his empty glass on the soda fountain counter and crossed his arms on its slick white surface. The young man who’d served him faced him behind the counter and smiled. “Can I get you somethin’ else, mister?”
Andrew shook his head. “No thanks. That cold drink helped to cool me down some. I didn’t expect it to be so hot in Gatlinburg. I thought it would be cooler here in the mountains.”
The young man grinned and reached up to scratch under the white hat he wore. “Most folks think that, but our days can be a bit warm in the summertime.” He glanced at several customers at the other end of the counter and, apparently satisfied they didn’t need any help at the moment, turned his attention back to Andrew. “Where you from?”
Andrew smiled. “Virginia. Up near Washington.”
The young man smiled and extended his hand. “Welcome to Gatlinburg. My name is Wayne Johnson. My uncle owns this drugstore, and I work for him.”
Andrew grasped his hand and shook it. “Andrew Brady.”
“How long you been here, Andrew?”
“I arrived Thursday.”
Wayne picked up a cloth and began to wipe the counter. He glanced up at Andrew. “You enjoying your vacation?”
Andrew shook his head. “I’m not in Gatlinburg on vacation. I’m here on business.”
Wayne shrugged. “I figured you for a tourist. Guess I was wrong. They come from all over now that the park’s opening up. I hear that we had about forty thousand people visit Gatlinburg last year. That’s a far cry from what it was like when I was a boy. We were just a wide spot in a dirt road back in those days. But I expect it’s only gonna get better.”
Andrew glanced around the drugstore with its well-stocked shelves and the soda fountain against the side wall. “It looks like this business is doing okay.” He shook his head and chuckled. “I don’t know what I expected, but I wouldn’t have thought there’d be so many shops here. Mountain crafts are for sale everywhere, and the whole town is lit up with electric lights. It looks like the park has put this town on the map.”
Wayne propped his hands on the counter and smiled. “I guess folks in the outside world thought we were just a bunch of ignorant hillbillies up here, but we been doing fine all these years. We’ve even had electricity since back in the twenties when Mr. Elijah Reagan harnessed the power on the Roaring Fork for his furniture factory. He supplied to everybody else too, but now they say we’re gonna have cheap electricity when TVA gets all their dams built.”
Andrew nodded. “I guess it’s a new day for the people in the mountains.”
“It sure is, and we’re enjoying every bit of it.” He picked up Andrew’s dirty glass and held it up. “You sure you don’t want a refill?”
Andrew shook his head. “No, I’d better be going. I have some things to do before I head out to Cades Cove tomorrow.”
Wayne cocked an eyebrow. “Only one reason I can think why you might be going out there. You must be joining up at the Civilian Conservation Corps.”
Andrew pulled some coins from his pocket to pay for his soda and laid them on the counter. “No, I’m not with the CCC. Just intend to visit with them a while.”
Wayne shrugged. “There’re a lot of CCC camps all over the mountains, and those boys are doing a good job. You can see part of it when you drive into the Cove. They built the new road there. It sure makes gettin’ in and out of there easier than it did in years past. I reckon Roosevelt did a good thing when he put that program in his New Deal.”
“Yeah, it’s giving a lot of young men a chance for employment.” Andrew smiled, picked up the hat that rested on the stool beside him, and set it on his head. “Thanks for the soda.”
Wayne studied Andrew for a moment. “You never did tell me exactly what your job is. What brought you to Gatlinburg from Washington?”
“I work with the Park Service. I’m here on a special assignment.”
Wayne’s eyes narrowed, and his gaze raked Andrew. “Special assignment, huh? Sounds important, and you look mighty young.”
Andrew’s face grew warm, and his pulse quickened. Even a soda jerk could figure out that a guy who looked like he’d barely been out of college for a year couldn’t have gotten this job on his own. But with his father being a United States congressman and a supporter of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, it hadn’t been hard for his father to arrange this appointment.
The worst part for him, though, had been his father’s command that Andrew had better not embarrass him on the job. He swallowed the nausea rising in his throat and tried to smile.
“I guess I’m just lucky they thought I was qualified.”
“Well, congratulations. Come in for another soda the next time you’re in town.”
“That I will.” Andrew turned and headed for the exit.
When he stepped outside the drugstore, he stopped and stared at the newly paved road that wound through the town. Before long that stretch of highway would wind and climb its way up the mountainsides all the way to Newfound Gap that divided the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. He’d heard that spot mentioned several times as the ideal location for the dedication of the park, but the event was still some years away. His assignment here would be one of the factors that determined when it would take place.
Andrew took a deep breath of fresh mountain air and turned in the direction where he’d parked his car. Several tourists brushed past him, but it was the approach of a young man and woman who caught his attention. Obviously honeymooners, if the glow of happiness on their faces was any indication. Ignoring everybody they passed, they stared into each other’s eyes and smiled as if they had a secret no one else knew.
Andrew shook his head in sympathy as they walked past him and wondered how long it would take them to face up to the reality of what being married really meant. He’d seen how his friends had changed after marriage when they had to start worrying about taking care of a family. He’d decided a long time ago it wasn’t for him. He had too many things he wanted to do in life, and getting married ranked way below the bottom of his list. Convincing his father of the decision, though, was another matter. The congressman had already picked out the woman for his son’s wife. “The perfect choice,” his father often said, “to be by your side as you rise in politics.”
Andrew sighed and shook his head. Sometimes there was no reasoning with his father. He wished he could make him…
His gaze drifted across the street, and the frown on his face dissolved at the sight of a young woman standing at the back of a pickup truck. Her fisted hands rested on her hips, and she glared at the back of a young boy running down the street.
“Willie,” she yelled. “Come back here. We’re not through unloading yet.”
The boy scampered away without looking over his shoulder. She shook her head and stamped her foot. Irritation radiated from her stiff body, and his skin warmed as if she’d touched him.
As if some unknown force had suddenly inhabited his body, he eased off the sidewalk and moved across the street until he stood next to her. “Excuse me, ma’am. Is there anything I can do to help?”
She whirled toward him, and the long braid of black hair hanging over her right shoulder thumped against her chest. Sultry dark eyes shaded by long lashes stared up at him, and a small gasp escaped her lips. “Oh, you startled me.”
His chest constricted, and he inhaled to relieve the tightness. His gaze drifted to the long braid that reached nearly to her waist. He had a momentary desire to reach out and touch it. With a shake of his head, he curled his fingers into his palms and cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry. I heard you calling out to that boy, and I thought maybe I could help.”
Only then did her shoulders relax, and she smiled. Relief surged through his body, and his legs trembled. What was happening to him? A few minutes ago he was mentally reaffirming his commitment to bachelorhood, and now his mind wondered why he’d ever had such a ridiculous thought. All he could do was stare at the beautiful creature facing him.
She glanced in the direction the boy had disappeared and sighed. “That was my brother. He was supposed to help me move these crates into the store, but he ran off to find his friend.” She smiled again and held out her hand. “My name is Laurel.”
His hand engulfed hers, and a wobbly smile pulled at his lips. “I’m Andrew. I’d be glad to take these inside for you, Laurel.”
“Oh, no. If you could just get one end, I’ll hold the other.”
He studied the containers for a moment before he shook his head. “I think I can manage. If you’ll just open the door, I’ll have them inside in no time.”
She hesitated as if trying to decide, then nodded. “Okay. But be careful. These crates are filled with pottery. My mother will have a fit if one piece gets broken.”
He took a deep breath, leaned over the tailgate of the truck, and grabbed the largest crate with Mountain Laurel Pottery stamped on the top. Hoisting the container in his hands, he headed toward the store and the front door that she held open.
As they entered the building, a tall man with a pencil stuck behind his ear hurried from the back of the room. “Afternoon, Laurel. I wondered when you were going to get here.”
She smiled, and Andrew’s heart thumped harder. “We didn’t leave home as early as we’d planned.” Her smile changed to a scowl. “Willie was supposed to help me, but he ran off.” And just as quickly, her expression changed again to a dazzling smile. “Andrew was good enough to help me get the crates in.”
Mr. Bryan helped Andrew ease the crate to the floor and glanced up at him. “Any more in the truck?”
Andrew nodded. “One more, but it’s smaller. I don’t need any help getting it inside.”
“Then I’ll leave you two. I’m unboxing some supplies in the back.” Mr. Bryan turned to Laurel. “If anybody comes in, holler at me, Laurel.”
“I will.”
A need to distance himself from this woman who had his heart turning somersaults swept over Andrew, and he hurried out the door. Within minutes he was back with the second container, but he almost dropped it at the sight of Laurel kneeling on the floor beside the first one. She opened the top, reached inside, and pulled out one of the most beautiful clay pots he’d ever laid eyes on. Swirls of orange and black streaked the smoky surface of the piece. She held it up to the light, and her eyes sparkled as she turned it slowly in her hands and inspected it.
He set the second crate down and swallowed. “Did you make it?”
She laughed and shook her head. The braid swayed again, and he stood transfixed. “No, my mother is the potter. I help her sometimes, but I didn’t inherit her gift. This is one of her pit-fired pieces.”
She set the pot down and pulled another one out. She smiled and rubbed her hand over the surface. Her touch on the pottery sent a warm rush through his veins.
“Exquisite.” The word escaped his mouth before he realized it.
She cocked her head to one side and bit her lip. “Exquisite?” she murmured. She glanced up at him, and her long eyelashes fluttered. “I’ve searched for the right word for a long time to describe my mother’s work. I think you’ve just given it to me. They are exquisite.”
He swallowed and backed away. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
She shook her head. “No, thank you. You’ve been a great help.”
“I’m glad I could be of service.” He searched his mind for something else to say, something to prolong his time with her, but his mind was blank. He took a deep breath. “I need to go. It was nice meeting you, Laurel.”
She smiled. “You too, Andrew. Goodbye, and thanks again.”
“Goodbye.” He slowly backed toward the door.
Outside in the fresh air he took a deep breath and pulled his hat off. He raked his sleeve across his perspiring brow and shook his head. What had just happened? He’d felt like he was back in high school and trying to impress the most popular girl in his class.
He closed his eyes for a moment, and the image of her holding the pottery in her hands returned. He clamped his teeth down on his bottom lip and shook his head. She’d misunderstood. It wasn’t the pottery he was describing when the word had slipped from his mouth.
Exquisite? The word didn’t do her justice.
And she had a beautiful name too. Laurel. He straightened, and his eyes widened. He hadn’t even asked her last name.
He whirled to go back inside the store but stopped before he had taken two steps. His father’s face and the words he’d spoken when Andrew left home flashed in his mind. Remember who you are and why you’re there. Don’t do anything foolish. People in Washington are watching. He exhaled and rubbed his hand across his eyes.
For a moment inside the store he’d been distracted. He was the son of Congressman Richard Brady, and his father had big plans for his only living son.
He glanced once more at the pickup truck that still sat in front of the store and pictured how Laurel had looked standing there. When he’d grasped her hand, he’d had the strange feeling that he’d known her all his life. How could a mountain girl he’d just met have such a strange effect on him?
He pulled his hat on, whirled, and strode in the opposite direction. Halfway down the block he stopped, turned slowly, and wrinkled his brow as he stared back at the truck. The words painted on the containers flashed in his mind, and he smiled.
It shouldn’t be too hard to find out her last name. For now he would just call her Mountain Laurel. His skin warmed at the thought. A perfect name for a beautiful mountain girl.
He jammed his hands in his pockets and whistled a jaunty tune as he sauntered down the street.
My Review:
The year is 1935 and we are now on our third visit with these loving people who reside in Cades Cove, TN. We are with Laurel Jackson, the Granddaughter of the first book in this series, Anna Prentiss. There is a visit with beloved Granny. The Cove is in real danger now, so many families are gone. The CCC is clearing the area and creating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a lot of heartache in what is happening to their beloved, and beautiful home. How do you fight the Government? The feeling of hopelessness, and yet they have such a strong faith in God. Laurel has a chance meeting with Andrew Brady, and it is life changing. Unknown to Laurel, Andrew is here to finish buying up the few remaining properties for the Government. Do Laurel and Andrew have a chance? He comes from such a different background than her. She has a strong faith, he doubts God. Will these two young people be able to overcome their differences, or will Laurel end up with her childhood friend, Jimmy? Enjoy this wonderful look into our Countries past, and how adversity is overcome or accepted and embraced. I am so glad to have read all three of these books. Thank you Sandra Robbins. I received this book through the First Wild Card Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Pump Your Book Virtual Book Tours Presents: Maple Crossing Book Blast
Join Edwin G. Rice, author of the general fiction novel, Maple Crossing: The Three Families, as he tours the blogosphere September 9 - September 20 on his first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Edwin will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Edwin, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.
ABOUT MAPLE CROSSING: THE THREE FAMILIES
Over a span of several years the highly intelligent and accomplished member of three families, the McDonalds, the Gortdons and the Summerfields meet, and as their lives become interwoven they become closely bonded. The present volume, Maple Crossing, is the seventh in a series of books that portrays with flash-backs the lives, the trials and the accomplishments of the three families. Ultimately the story culminates in a grand triumphant gathering of all the bonded members of the three families.Purchase your copy:
ABOUT EDWIN G. RICE
Edwin G. Rice is a retired physician. He seved as a doctor in the Air Force then entered private practice in a large clinic in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. His current interests are writing, painting, running and playing classic piano. He has published six books.Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
- This giveaway begins September 9 - September 20.
- Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveawayMonday, September 9
Tuesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 11
Thursday, September 12
Authors and Readers Book Corner
Friday, September 13
Monday, September 16
Tuesday, September 17
Wednesday, September 18
Thursday, September 19
Friday, September 20
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Pump Your Book Book Tours Presents: The Sotweed Smuggler Historical Fiction Book Blast
Join Barbara A. Andrews, author of the historical fiction novel, The Sotweed Smuggler, as she tours the blogosphere September 9 - September 20 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Barbara will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Barbara, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.
ABOUT THE SOTWEED SMUGGLER
The Sotweed Smuggler, the 2010 historical fiction winner of the Houston Writer’s Guild, tells a story of suspense. Will Sherewell, the son of a prosperous merchant marine captain, learns when his father’s will is read, that he has inherited his ship. Living with his pious mother, he has little knowledge of sailing and anticipates a majestic vessel. Instead, he finds The Emperor’s Dictum aka The King’s Dick, notorious for smuggling sotweed and whiskey between Devonshire and Scotland. Will yearns to be like his father and sails the Dick, enduring ridicule, fierce storms, pirate attacks, and curses of legendary fairies and ghosts, while finding companionship with his runaway brother and discovering the woman he wishes to marry. In spite of his father’s spying, treachery, murder, and Scottish border intrigue, Will learns he served Scotland with honor defeating the outlaw MacGregor Clan. With the new knowledge, he believes his father is their captive. He receives a Scottish certificate with a handwritten notation “dead.” Did he at last find the truth? Will must choose to accept the veracity of the document, or launch a futile one-man attack on a MacGregor stronghold. Reluctantly accepting his father’s death, he sails home to his new wife at Mothercombe Bay.Purchase your copy:
ABOUT BARBARA ANDREWS
Barbara Andrews, a graduate of the University of Nebraska has extensive experience in adult education administration, sales management, and technical writing. She has previously published the book, Dear Mama, Love Sarah, and maintains an active interest in American history--particularly the lives of those who came and lived in America during the colonial period. She and her husband live in Richmond, Texas.Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
- This giveaway begins September 9 - September 20.
- Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveawayMonday, September 9
Reading Through Life One Page At a Time
Tuesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 11
Thursday, September 12
Friday, September 13
Monday, September 16
Tuesday, September 17
Wednesday, September 18
Thursday, September 19
Friday, September 20
Monday, September 16, 2013
Revell Publications Presents: The Invention of Sarah Cummings (Avenue of Dreams Series #3) by Olivia Newport
When opportunity knocks at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to her goal--and closer to Simon Tewell, director of St. Andrew's Orphanage--Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of.
Can she piece together the perfect life from scraps? Or will it all come unraveled in the face of true love?
Olivia Newport is the author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Her husband and two adult children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies,...
Sarah Cummings has had a hard life, she went to school one day, and when she returned her life was changed forever. Her parents had both died in a buggy accident, and she ended up in St Andrew's Orphanage. In this book Sarah is trying to escape her past and wants to live more like the people she is in Service to. When she strikes up a conversation with Lillie, a young woman of wealth, she enters a new world...and uses a made of name of Serena Cuthbert. Her parents are traveling in Europe. "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."
Will Sarah come to senses? Or will she end up in a relationship with someone who will only use her? Will new friends and old ever be able to forgive her?
You will find this one to be a page turner, and want to get to the end to find out the answers to all the questions your mind is going to be asking you. I for one really enjoyed this book.
I received this book through Revell's Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Present: Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by Elaine Faber
Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by ...
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Winner # 146 True Random Number Generator No Strings Attached Giveaway ...
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I am participating in the Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter and let me know what you are d...
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I Am A Reader, Not A Writer decided to host a spontaneous Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop and I am joining with a $10 Amazon Gift Certif...