Monthly Reading
I've come to the conclusion that I love lists. Reading Books, To Do, Favorite Restaurants... (Of course when my To Do Lists are only mental lists in my head, the items usually don't get done. I have to make an actual list whether on paper or digital. Are you like that too? Tell me it's not just me!)
Over the years, I have kept different lists of books that I've read. I'd make yearly reading goals for myself too. When I was a book reviewer, I'd make a goal of something like 50 to 100 books a year. It was amazing all the books I was reading back then. In recent years as my schedule has gone from busy to crazy/insane, my reading has declined greatly.
So after our family took a trip through the midwest and I visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead in De Smet, South Dakota, I decided to re-read the Little House series and a couple biographies I had about her. And I started to begin again making reading lists. That started in June 2017. Making the lists encourages me to make sure I am reading something everyday and making progress to add books to each month's list. I'd love to hear what you all are reading too.
Stay Tuned!
New Directions
When I started this blog in 2008, I'd been a published author for about 2 years or so. And I was an avid blogger and hosted lots of authors on the blog and published book reviews. These days the blog has been relatively silent because I just haven't had time for talking about publishing or books. Now that I am coming to the end of of my Masters studies and will be graduating with my MA in Education this spring, I feel ready to return back to blogging. But with a twist...
Along with occasional posts on my books, book reviews and writing, I plan to add posts about homeschooling, Classical education, and teaching creative writing. I hope you will come back soon and tell your friends.
Book Review: Now & Forever by Mary Connealy
So, I was accepted into Bethany House's reviewer program which was thrilling!! And the first book I received was the 2nd book in the Wild at Heart series by Mary Connealy. The postman dropped off the package and my heart beat excitedly in my chest. I ripped it open and found this book just waiting for me to read, but being the busy mommy, wife, teacher, author that I am, it has taken me much longer to read this book than I would have liked. It had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with finding time to read the book.
Not having read book 1, at the onset there was some confusion on who all the characters were and how they were related, but once you get into the first chapter or so the book really is stand-alone. The author capably explains the necessary plot ideas that you might have missed from book 1.
In Now and Forever, we meet Matt Tucker (wild man/mountain man) and Shannon Wilde (pretending to be a man since the Civil War and trying to forget that same war too) who end up going through an adventure together and surviving only to be forced into a marriage of convenience due to propriety.
This is one of those books that you just tuck into, rest back into your pillow and enjoy every moment. Mary's writing style is so easy to get drawn into and before you know it several chapters have gone by. There's just something so genuine in the way the author creates her characters and as they reach their epiphany of life and love it touches your heart in a real way and the words flow over your soul and comfort you.
Matt Tucker for instance is a hero to fall in love with and not just because he's handsome and able to fight and protect Shannon but he also has a heart for God. And he says things like this after Shannon finally divulges something personal and hurtful from her past: “”If I’m strong enough to listen, then for certain God is.”
Memorable characters, terrific writing and the plotting and pacing are perfect. I definitely plan to get the other books in the series. Go out and get this one but maybe start with book 1 in the series. Ava liable at all book outlets such as Amazon.
I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House publishers for an honest review.
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday Today
The Stay True Street Team
I have a new book coming out soon. I'm scrambling trying to put together my marketing plan and to start it rolling into action. One way authors, especially self-published and small press authors, have been drumming up interest in their books is to elicit help and put together a street team.
What is a street team, you might ask? A street time aids the author in promoting their books. You are the social influencers who go out there, hitting the streets to help bring the news to readers the author might not be able to reach. Usually this is done by word of mouth or posting something on a blog or social media. Thats it! Not too hard sounding, is it? You'll also have a chance to meet and collaborate with other members of the street team too, if that interests you.
I've created my own street team, The Stay True Street Team, and I'd like you to take part in it. All you have to do is send me an email at cindy@cindykgreen.com. Put Street Team in the subject and let me know you are interested. I'll send you my street team information sheet and you can see if you'd like to take part or not. It doesn't take much time. And you'll receive a few gifts along the way. Thanks for helping! This author appreciates it.
Fiction Friday Blog Hop-February 20th

Fiction Fridays Blog Hop 2/13
Aubrey Christian Academy
Eight Years an Author!
In 2006, I began writing seriously. I’d been a writer since my middle school years, but this is when I began to write daily. I wasn’t sure if it was for publication but I was inspired and in a place where I needed to write. We had just moved to North Carolina away from everyone I knew (other than my family) and I was home full-time with my boys (7 & 1 years old at the time) and I was also homeschooling the oldest (a change from teaching middle school). Writing became a catharsis for me.


Cookson Revisited
Last year, I watched my first Catherine Cookson movie based on one of her novels. I made a comparison of Cookson to Dickens in a blog last Fall. Basically, I just did not enjoy the characters or the story, but I waited to make a final judgement call until I'd watched some more. I do know people who love these and have encouraged me that if I watch period dramas I should give them a try. Well, I watched four more Cookson movies in the last two weeks. Has my opinion changed? Not really. They really aren't my cup of tea and even though I can watch a whole lot more of them on Netflix I am probably going to pass on them.
For me, I think these stories are just too violent, they don't contain many characters that I am attracted to and the plots are driven by all the most horrible and low parts of the human experience. It's not that I just need a fluffy Jane Austen plot to enjoy a period drama. For instance, I loved George Eliot's Daniel Deronda as well as Anthony Trollope's How We Live Now. But the Cookson plots go a step too far so that by the time you get to the end you wonder how this can conclude with a satisfying ending. Most often I am left wanting by the finish. Others may like Cookson but as for me I think I'll go back to Dickens and Austen.
James Franco--Actor & Writer…Umm Excuse Me?


Just Released-Snow Kissed


Holly can nolonger stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It’s time to move on; besides she has other career prospects.
As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly’s mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship? Only time can tell.
Excerpt:
“Just breathe,” Holly whispered to Logan, as she slowly took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”
He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”
“No.” She laughed; he could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”
“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.
“Snow is beautiful…magical.” Her voice came out breathy with the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.
“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”
“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”
“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.
She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”
He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head.
Snow Kissed is now available from White Rose Publishing.
Win a Free e-Book Reader

How would you like to win a free e-book reader??
I'm one of the sponsors of the Sony E-book Reader contest. Between January 15 and March 17, 2009 - purchase any of my titles @ TWRP and you can enter to win a free SONY eReader from The Wild Rose Press.
Romantic Suspense Titles:
A Night of NovelTea
NovelTea Next Door
Inspirational Titles:
Relationship Rescue
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding
And Coming This Wednesday: Dilemma of the Heart (American Historical)
Visit my page at TWRP to read blurbs and my website for excerpts.
Thanks! Hope you all have a great week!
Sunday Book Excerpts

Her mother’s ridiculous idea to gift her with 'a man' for Christmas is driving Angie Bellini insane! Every bachelor and his brother in Noelle are asking her to save them a dance at the upcoming wedding of Santa Claus Holloran’s daughter. What’s a girl to do to keep her sanity and thwart a scheming mother? Date the one man in town her mother despises, of course.
Wes O’Connor doesn’t like the plan Angie has coerced him into for two reasons: 1) He’s still paying for the last time those big brown eyes made him do something stupid and 2) He doesn’t want to 'pretend' to date the beautiful baker, he wants the fairytale to turn into a real happily-ever-after.
Their ending may not be so happy, though, when they discover they aren't the only players in their little game of make-believe.
Excerpt:
Wes shifted in his seat, clenching and unclenching the steering wheel. This is not how it was supposed to go. Sure, at the bakery, after seeing those beautiful brown eyes flare from friendly to frustrated to hopeful all in a span of fifteen minutes, he knew he wanted to get to know her a little better, again. Maybe pick up where his youthful mishap had detoured them. But this was not how he pictured getting the date.
He glanced sideways at her cute little nose scrunched in contemplation—of him.
She played with the zipper on her jacket. “A-are you dating someone?”
“No but—”
“Engaged?”
“No but—”
“Married?”
“No!” Geez, let a guy get a word in edgewise here.
But she didn’t. Instead, she spun on him, leg back up on the seat as comfortable as if she’d ridden in the truck a thousand times before.
“Then what is it? Is it me? You find me ugly, repulsive?”
“No, Angie, come on!”
In truth, her position grazed her knee against his hip, sending a distinct tightening to his groin. Repulsive? Not even close.
He focused his attention on the mid-morning street, counting the huge snowflakes to cool himself down. How did a simple delivery job get so complicated? Now he realized why he let his father handle this end of the business. Ian O’Connor was a people-person, Wes preferred the uncomplicated company of the farm.
Slender hands latched onto his upper arm effectively melting the snowflake theory.
“Please. I need help and you’re all I’ve got at the moment.”
With tight lips, he stared at her hands then turned back to the road.
“For old times sake, Wes. Please.”
He made the mistake of glimpsing the dark eyes, big and round and rivaling any kicked-puppy-dog-look he’d ever seen. His jaw ticked tight, and he felt himself caving.
Be strong this time, Wes, he warned himself.
The hands around his arm pulled in small, pleading tugs while her lips quirked in a mischievous tilt.
“I’ll bake you a special batch of chocolate chip cookies...” she coerced. “Three batches...no a dozen!”
No use, he was a goner the minute she batted those lashes at him. The only choice left was to chuckle and shake his head in defeat. “Dad likes them too. Make it a dozen and you got yourself a deal.”
“Oh thanks, Wes,” she squealed. “You’re a real pal.”
His smile twitched to a wince as she turned away. Being her ‘pal’ was least on his list at the moment. They’d picked up right where they left off in high school—big brown eyes messing with his good sense. And by this mornings events at the bakery, he wasn’t finished paying for the first time.
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The perfect road trip: 2 strangers, 1 truck, and 1500 miles to fall in love.
Detective Justin Hatcher and Cameron McAlister are in a hurry to leave North Carolina—for totally different reasons. He wants to confront his family about a five-year-old betrayal. She wants to escape the remnants of a failed marriage.
Thrown together as unlikely and unexpected travel partners, their trip is filled with both dramatic and humorous situations along the road. But, with God’s constant hand in their journey, can Justin and Cameron discover that…
Yes, you can go home again…especially at Christmastime.
Excerpt:
Tears sprang from her fern-colored eyes. “Look I just need to get to Oklahoma City as soon as possible,” she choked. “Can I join you for a while or not?”
”Are you in such a hurry because you’ve committed a crime?”
She looked at him as though he’d just sprouted spaghetti for hair.
“Okay, then. How old are you? You look like a kid in that get-up.”
“I’m twenty-five. Would you like to see my ID?”
She pushed a shaky hand out the end of her sweatshirt sleeve and started fishing in the pocket of her jeans. Wadded tissues popped out and tumbled to the ground. A tearful squeak escaped her lips as she hurried to pick them up.
He had no business taking on a passenger. Not even a cute redhead. Not even an intelligent woman who clearly had great conversation potential. Not even until the next major city.
“Get in,” he grumbled and reached for her bag.
She jumped in the cab and secured his thermos between her feet on the floor while he checked the side mirrors and started the engine.
He put the truck in reverse and placed his arm across the back of the seat.
She pulled her hat off and shook her hair loose, then brushed away the last tear. She turned to him and smiled. Really smiled. Smiled in such a way it rivaled the first sun of the morning now creeping into the eastern sky.
“Thanks for the ride.”
With one click of the seatbelt, Detective Justin Hatcher knew he was in for the most complicated ride of his life – and he didn’t even know her name.
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Sunday Book Interviews

A Cinderella Christmas is the third book in my Noelle series....Christmas in Noelle, where love and laughter are always at the top of Santa’s List! Each book stands on it’s own as well as this one, along with Reindeer Games and Christmas on Parole, revolve around the hilariously eccentric town of Noelle, Alberta.
A Cinderella Christmas
Her mother’s ridiculous idea to gift her with 'a man' for Christmas is driving Angie Bellini insane! Every bachelor and his brother in Noelle is asking her to save them a dance at the upcoming wedding of Santa Claus Holloran’s daughter. What’s a girl to do to keep her sanity and thwart a scheming mother? Date the one man in town her mother despises, of course.
Wes O’Connor doesn’t like the plan Angie has coerced him into for two reasons: 1) He’s still paying for the last time those big brown eyes made him do something stupid and 2) He doesn’t want to 'pretend' to date the beautiful baker, he wants the fairytale to turn into a real happily-ever-after.
Their ending may not be so happy, though, when they discover they aren't the only players in their little game of make-believe.
I love titles. How did you come up with this one?
Titles are the most fun for me as well. During the first draft, I called this story Cookies and Milk because the heroine is a baker and the hero a hunky dairy farmer—yes, the pun was intentional LOL. As the characters started forming and the story took shape, though, it became sort of a reversed Cinderella story where everyone wasn’t vying for a dance with the prince but a dance with her, and so that’s when I came up with A Cinderella Christmas.
Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?
Not really, having a husband who used to farm helped a lot. As for Noelle, I created the town two years ago and keep a record of the town and townsfolk. It’s so much fun using the same quirky secondary characters and adding new ones.
Where did you get your idea for this particular book?
This sort of goes back to your titles question. I would say eighty percent of my stories come from the title, in that a phrase or title will catch my attention and then the ideas start flowing and the stories build around it. That’s what happened with this one. Cookies and Milk came first so I knew I wanted a baker for a heroine....and the rest built from their and how I could includes various townsfolk already mentioned and add a new one or two.
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?
This is always such a hard question LOL. I fall in love with all of them more and more with each word or scene I write. Wes and Angie in A Cinderella Christmas were lots of fun because they each have their own agenda, and it was exciting to me as the story progressed to discover—and then surprise them with—the little twist at the end.
Where can we get in touch with you and purchase your book?
My books are available from The Wild Rose Press. You can read more about the Noelle series and my other books on my website at www.stacydawn.com and enjoy more Christmas fun this month on my blog at www.stacydawn.blogspot.com
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Almost Home is a road trip love story. It’s about two people who unexpectedly end up traveling together from North Carolina to Oklahoma. Set at Christmastime, Almost Home follows this unlikely couple on their journey to find closure, healing, and new beginnings.
I love titles. How did you come up with this one?
Though a familiar theme, the title did not come easy. I focused on what these two were really trying to do - and deep down that was to get home to their families for Christmas. And while one of them was even going in the opposite direction, the events along the way caused them to grow and learn that they really could go home again.
Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?
Whew! Not this time.
Where did you get your idea for this particular book?
This book was born in a brainstorming session with my husband. I had just returned from a conference where we talked a lot about keeping characters together in most of your scenes to create natural conflict. So I said, “What if I force my hero and heroine to travel together and depend on each other to get there, even though they barely know each other and basically don’t even like each other…?”
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?
I loved writing Detective Justin Hatcher. He’s an over-the-top alpha male with a considerable emotional wound he can’t get past. All the natural character traits that make him a great hero are buried under all the pain that’s left him angry, gruff, and stubborn. Writing him through all those layers was wrenching at times, but well worth it as he came out so much better on the other side.
Where can we get in touch with you and purchase your book?
Digital release of Almost Home is December 2nd, print release is December 19th.
Website - www.carlarossi.com
E-mail - carla@carlarossi.com
Available at The Wild Rose Press
Sunday's Featured Authors
Carla Rossi

Saturday Book Excerpts

Railroad conductor Lee Donovan has struggled to raise his nine-year-old son Alex since the death of his wife and twin toddlers. He is fed up with the busybodies and school personnel who refuse to believe a single father can be a capable parent.
As the second anniversary of the Christmas Eve tragedy approaches, Alex grows increasingly agitated, insisting that his siblings' spirits want to take him to their mother. Lee grudgingly admits that he needs help and turns to Bethany Parks, the school librarian with whom Alex has developed a bond—and whose earlier offer of help Lee had curtly rebuffed.
What follows surprises them all, but brings wonderful gifts: the healing power of forgiveness and the promise of love.
Excerpts:
Laughing, oblivious to her audience, the mousy Miss Parks flipped herself away from a sewing mannequin in a surprisingly good imitation of a jitterbug. As he watched, she bent at the waist, tossed her hair--her long, gloriously wavy and loose hair!--in a circle. The lamp behind her threw a burnished halo through the blur of hair as it whispered to a frothy halt all over her shoulders. She giggled and swung herself around the mannequin with a swoosh of her plaid skirt. Her eyes met his; her mouth formed an appalled 'O' and her joyous step out of character came to a dead stop. The mannequin did a few last happy circles before spinning helplessly onto its side.
Lee couldn't help it. He smiled at her. Without his permission, his hand reached toward her and his lips moved. "Need a real live partner, Bethany?"
Eyes wide, she clutched her skirt in bunches.
Hell. Good girls don't dance with bad boys. Lee lowered his hand just as Bethany breathed out, "Yes, please."
She looked as though she wanted to run. Lee almost turned and ran, himself, but he'd offered; she'd accepted.
Now he had to... no. He wanted to.
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As a child, Simone Littleton adores the European folktale that animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve. She makes a wish to talk to animals “forever and ever” and, when her pet Dalmatian asks her for a biscuit, she discovers her wish has been granted. Now Simone is all grown up and she uses her unique gift to rehabilitate unwanted horses. When racehorse trainer Chet Wallace rolls into San Antonio, with chocolate eyes and dimples blazing beneath his black Stetson, romantic sparks fly. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman who has a mesmerizing affect on both his horses and his dog, but his less than enthusiastic response to Simone’s claims threatens their budding romance. It takes a scheming Jack Russell terrier and a dose of Christmas magic to convince Chet she just may be telling the truth.
Excerpts:
“So this is why all your animals are named after artists.” Her gentle voice washed over him, soothing his nerves.
He turned and there she was, hair full of hay like always. She looked particularly welcoming today, though, wearing a soft pink sweater that hugged her curves. Her hair was on top of her head in a ponytail rather than her usual braid. He had to press down the urge to loosen the fastener and let it tumble over her shoulders in thick, blonde waves.
He gulped. Hard. Just looking at her was almost enough to take his breath away. “Happy Thanksgiving, Simone.”
She came closer, ponytail swinging, and stood next to him. Close enough so he felt almost intoxicated by the orchid fragrance. “Happy Thanksgiving. I can’t believe you painted this. It’s breathtaking. When I close my eyes and picture Buttercup in my mind, she looks exactly like this.”
It was a nice compliment. The special gleam in Chet’s eye came not from her kind words, but from the fact Simone stood close to him and looked at him in the way Ted had observed in the kitchen the night before. Yes, there was something between them all right. He felt it in every nerve ending in his body. “Thanks. It’s just a hobby really.”
“You are quite the Renaissance Man, Chet.” She punched him playfully in the shoulder. “You’re just one surprise after another. What am I going to find out about you next?”
“Well, if I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise now, would it?” His gazed locked with hers and he winked.
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Saturday Book Interviews

"Twilight Whispers" is a short story (36 pages), set in the early sixties, and takes place on a train and around a train station. The healing power of forgiveness and the gift of love are the heart of the story. Without giving too much away, I can say that it has a light paranormal element to it; nothing dark, scary, or hairy. Just underwear in the air.
I love titles. How did you come up with this one?
Much of the story takes place at twilight, and strange whispering noises make the hair on the back of Bethany's (heroine's) neck stand up. Plus… I like the way both words look in print! It still puzzles me, though, whether it refers to the whispers that occur at twilight time, or if the twilight itself is actually whispering. If anyone figures that out, please advise… hehe!
Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?
Only incidental research. My husband, son and I went into a coal mine once, which eventually popped out in the hero's back story, for instance. We took a ride on the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad to get a feel for the specific setting, and I had to consult Billboard's Top Ten charts for the '60s (because I was just a wee little girl at the time)!
Where did you get your idea for this particular book?
Almost ten years ago, my local RWA chapter, Bucks County Romance Writers, (http://buckscorw.org/) chose a topic and members wrote anything at all about it, to see how many different stories would come out of one subject. We decided to use the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad and Bucks County, PA. Several wonderful stories came out of that endeavor, and I hope to convince the others to submit their stories to The Wild Rose Press for consideration as an anthology.
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?
I loved them all, but found Lee, the hero, to be the most intriguing, maybe because he has the most compelling back story. In the 1960s, single fathers weren't common; in the event of separation or divorce or death, kids often either stayed with the mother or a female stay-at-home relative, or might be taken into foster care or a state home in the absence of a female caregiver. The notion that men are somehow lacking as a parent because they aren't as open with their emotions, and because they're perceived to be breadwinners, not homemakers, has always bothered me. This, fortunately, has changed in the years since Lee had to deal with being a single dad with no support system!
Where can we get in touch with you and purchase your book?
First, I'd like to thank Cindy for organizing this White Christmas Jubilee, and thank those who have taken part in it—both authors and readers!
I love to hear from people. You can reach me at my website, http://nanjacobs.com , or via my blog, Silver Fox Tales http://silverfoxtales.blogspot.com/. Contest #2 "It's In The Details" is still open on Silver Fox Tales, with a deadline of Dec 23rd 2008; winners announced on Dec 24th. Please do check it out. You could win a $15.00 gift certificate to amazon.com or thewildrosepress.com!
You can purchase Twilight Whispers at The Wild Rose Press . I wish you all a very happy holiday season. Party on!
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My holiday release this year is the first book in a new series I have with The Wild Rose Press called Hoofbeats & Heartstrings. All the romance novels in the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series celebrate love, miracles and the beauty of horses. Each book takes place on a horse rescue farm and a portion of all the proceeds from Hoofbeats & Heartstrings are donated directly to help horses in need at Saddlebred Rescue. Book One is called Do You Hear What I Hear?, and is based on a European folktale that says animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve.
I love titles. How did you come up with this one?
I chose Do You Hear What I Hear as the title first and foremost because it is the title of a well known Christmas carol, but also because that particular carol involves animals talking to people. One of the lines of the song Do You Hear What I Hear says, “Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy…do you hear what I hear?”
Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?
I did need to do some horse research, as my hands-on experience with horses is somewhat limited. I took dressage lessons for a while, but apparently not long enough to know that straw and hay are most definitely not the same thing! A dear friend of mine who is a horse expert reads all my Hoofbeats & Heartstrings manuscripts and sometimes has a good laugh and my mistakes. Then she fixes them for me, bless her soul. As far as mischievous little dogs go, I have plenty of experience in that department.
Where did you get your idea for this particular book?
I actually started this book as a short story I wanted to write and enter in the Thoroughbred Times short fiction contest. Simone and Chet were supposed to be enemies all throughout the story. But no matter how hard I tried, they wanted to fall in love. After struggling to write it purely as a horse story for a week or so, I gave up and re-started it as a full-fledged romance. I adored it!
Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?
Pollock was the most fun to write. He is a naughty little Jack Russell Terrier with a heart of gold who really just wants to see his human happy. It was fun coming up with ways that a dog could be a matchmaker.
Where can we get in touch with you and purchase your book?
I love to hear from readers, who can contact me at puppylove@satx.rr.com . They can also visit my website at www.teriwilson.net to learn more about Hoofbeats & Heartstrings and all my other writing projects. Do You Hear What I Hear is available now as an e-book at The Wild Rose Press and Fictionwise. It releases in print on February 13, 2009 at Amazon.com.
Saturday's Featured Authors
Teri Wilson
