"Paper Roses" by Amanda Cabot

Product Description:
Her future stretched out like the clear blue Texas sky. But a storm is coming. Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom--a man she has never met but whose letters, her paper roses, have won her heart from afar. But there is a problem--Austin Canfield is dead, and Sarah cannot go back East. As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother Clay wants nothing more than to shake the Texas dust from his boots, but first he must find his brother's killer. And then there's Sarah. Something is blooming out in the vast Texas landscape that neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit, and the promise of redemption blows like a gentle breeze through the prairie grasses. Book 1 of the Texas Dreams series, Paper Roses will sweep you away with a tale of love, loss, and tantalizing possibilities.
But it at www.amazon.com!



Author Bio:
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co-founder of its New Jersey chapter, and an avid traveler.
Her website: www.amandacabot.com


My Thoughts:“Paper Roses” was anything but the typical romance story. By the cover I expected a simple little love story, but this tale is twisted with mystery, murder but most of all- redemption. Usually in Christian fiction, one of the main characters is a believer, but neither Sarah nor Clay has a personal relationship with Christ. In fact, they ignore Him. In time they do come to Him and admit their feelings for each other. The one part that I liked most about this story was that even though Clay was a widower, he wasn’t harsh or uncaring as most widowers are portrayed. Yes, he is bitter and overcome with grief at the loss of his wife, but he isn’t without a heart. I eagerly look forward to “Toward the Sunrise,” the second book in the series which will debut in January 2010.

What is your birthday verse?

http://www.birthverse.com/mybirthverse.cfm

Mine is:
Mark 12:30 NIV-
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

This is my life lesson.

A Survey on Christianity

1. Are you a Christian?
Yes.

2. What is your perception of Christianity? Can you give some specific incidents that have lead to or confirmed your perception?
Well, my perception of Christianity is basically love. God's love for us that He sent His only Son to this earth; Jesus' love for us to die for our sins and come back to life; and the Holy Spirit's love for us to guide and direct us on a daily basis. This is what I get from prayer and when I read the Bible, and from church too. I suppose I view God is a father who is reaching out to this world, but most of this world isn't reaching back and turns a blind eye to Him and what He wants.

3. How do you feel others (Christians and nonbelievers) view Christianity? What makes you think this is the view they hold?
I think that most people see Christians or those who attend church as droll, boring and ridged people who use God/religion as a crutch. And unfortunately they believe this way because of a personal expirience. Perhaps they have encountered a fellow believer or someone who considers themself religious who acted that way. Or they have been to a church that preached damnation and judgement.

4. Name a well known individual whose character, lifestyle, and beliefs serve as an example of what you think a Christian is.
As of late, I've been reading about Sophie Scholl and her personal life. She was a Christian, but she wasn't perfect, nor did she claim to be. Then there was Corrie ten Boom who hid Jews, was arrested and sent to a concentration camp for it. I've also read some about the priest named Maximillian Kolbe, who was referred to as the Saint of Auschwitz. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemoller were two others, along with Stefania Podgorska.

5. What is the greatest difference between your understanding of the teachings of Jesus and the way Christians today live out their faith?
As mentioned in question three, the damnation and judgment part... I believe it's coming but only for those who refuse to have anything to do with God or Jesus Christ. I hear how people complain that God is narrow minded and they wonder why He doesn't accept everyone. Unlike us humans, God doesn't discriminate, He loves us all, created us all, died for us all and accepts everyone who submits to Him. What more does the world want from Him? He's done the hard part, all that's left is for them to commit to Him. Consider this, God is the creator of the world and desires His own creation to believe and act in a manner that He desires. That's why He gets to call the shots, because He's God.

New American Girl!!!

Hey all, guess what! There is a new American girl coming out, named Rebecca Rubin. She is a Russian-Jewish immigrant who lives in New York in 1914. Written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene. According to wikipedia, characters Samantha Parkington and Nellie O'Malley are to be retired, which is unfortunate and they will be missed. But I think this new character sounds really exciting. Anyway, here's the titles of the books in Rebecca's series and a description of each book.

Meet Rebecca
Rebecca Rubin is a lively nine-year-old girl growing up in a big Jewish family in New York in 1914. She dreams of becoming an actress, but her parents and grandparents have traditional ideas and don’t think young ladies should perform. When Rebecca learns that her cousins in Russia are in great danger and must escape to America, she puts on a show to raise money–until her disapproving grandmother steps in. Unexpectedly, Rebecca finds another way to earn money. But for her plan to work, she’ll have to keep it a secret. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” essay about Jewish immigration and culture.

Rebecca and Ana
At last, Rebecca’s cousin, Ana, has made the long journey from Russia to Ellis Island. It’s crowded with two families living in one small apartment, but Rebecca is happy to share everything with Ana. At school, she is determined to help Ana learn English. But when the teacher tells her to include Ana in a special performance, Rebecca panics–Ana’s broken English will ruin the show! As the big day draws near, Rebecca learns an important lesson about what matters most. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about urban schools in 1914.

Candlelight for Rebecca
Rebecca is troubled when her teacher assigns her class to make Christmas decorations. Rebecca’s family is Jewish and doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but her teacher says Christmas is a national holiday, for all Americans to celebrate. Yet Rebecca knows she’s as American as anyone else, even without celebrating Christmas! She wants to please her teacher, but she’s sure her family will be upset. Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Rebecca finds kindness in an unexpected place, and learns the real meaning of the holiday season. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about Christmas and Hanukkah in 1914.

Rebecca and the Movies
On her tenth birthday, Rebecca can hardly believe it when her cousin Max, the actor, invites her to come to his movie studio! Although her parents don’t approve of actors or movies, Mama relents and says Rebecca may go. When the camera begins to roll, Rebecca finds herself facing an opportunity she never imagined in her wildest dreams. Does she have the nerve for it? And what would her parents say if they knew? Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about the early days of silent movies.

Rebecca to the Rescue (In the description for the boxed set, it says Rebecca Saves the Day)
Rebecca is thrilled to spend a day at the Coney Island amusement park with her cousins. If only Papa hadn’t put her bossy brother Victor in charge of all the games and rides! Fuming, Rebecca resolves to show Victor that girls can do anything boys can do. When the boys tease and laugh at her, she and Ana decide to leave their brothers and have fun on their own. Then the Ferris wheel gets stuck and Ana disappears–and the girls get more excitement than they bargained for. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about Coney Island in 1914.

Changes for Rebecca
Rebecca thinks it’s a grand idea to make a movie with her cousin Ana, but when gentle Ana plays the role of a cruel factory boss, the fun turns sour. Later Rebecca goes to the factory where Ana’s brother and father work, and she’s horrified at the terrible conditions-but she knows the workers desperately need their jobs. There’s got to be a way to make things better at the factory, and Rebecca is determined to do her part–even if it means marching straight into danger. Includes an illustrated “Looking Back” section about the labor movement in Rebecca’s time.

Featured Book of February 2009

Description of Before the Season Ends

England, 1813: Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her Aunt Bentley's town house in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Under her aunt's watchful eye, Ariana is soon steeped in high society--and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue.Then, unexpectedly, rumour of a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her faith and her future are at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention. Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it is Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to a man who cannot share her faith, how can it ever turn out right?

Author Bio & mini-bio

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the era of Regency England (circa 1800 - 1830). Fans of classic romances, such as Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility, will enjoy meeting Ariana Forsythe, a feisty heroine who finds her heart and beliefs tested by high-society London.Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Her books and monthly newsletter captivate readers with little-known facts, exciting stories, and historical insights. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy romance that reminds us happy endings are possible for everyone.Publisher's Weekly affirms, "Ms. Burkard's command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details, but also in dialogue. Her novels even help non-Regencyphiles learn the difference between ladies' pelisses and spencers...On the whole, it's a tasty confection."Ms. Burkard began writing when she couldn't find a Regency romance with an inspirational twist. "There were Christian books that approached the genre," she says, "But, they fell short of being a genuine Regency. I knew that many women like me want stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God's involvement in our lives. So, I finally gave up looking and decided to write one myself." Ms. Burkard was raised in New York, where she graduated magna cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. Her hobbies include working on four new Regency novels, family movie nights, swimming, and gardening.
To find out more about Linore Rose Burkard, visit her website http://www.linoreroseburkard.com/ or visit her blog http://www.shesgotcharacter.blogspot.com/

My Thoughts
To me, “Before the Season Ends” was reminiscent of “Pride and Prejudice,” except that the hero and heroine generally like each other. The characters are unique; Ariana is young and innocent, a very believable and realistic character. I think it’s every young woman’s dream to have a kind of fairy godmother kind of relative that purchases you a whole new wardrobe and gives you the experience of a lifetime. Really, this is a Cinderella sort of story. What I liked most about Ariana (aside from her beautiful name) is that as the story progressed, her faith in Christ deepens as well. She refused to allow anyone to sway her to do anything contrary to her faith. Phillip is another favorite too. Although he is disagreeable and controlling at times, you can’t help but like him and once you hear of his past, you sympathize with him. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a lighthearted read. I, for one, can’t wait until “The House in Grosvenor Square,” which comes out in April of 2009.


Buying "Before the Season Ends"
Buy from the author (autographed copy)

Buy from ChristianBook.com

Buy from Amazon.com

Buy from BarnesandNoble.com

Electronics Quiz

Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Both
Do you have both? Yep
What kind of computer is it? Desktop is a Dell and the laptop is a IBM.
Is there more than one computer in your house? Yeah, we're a bunch of nerds.
Do you prefer Mac or Windows? Windows all the way!
What color is your computer? Both are black.
How long have you had your computer? I've had the desktop for three years and the laptop for seven months.
Do you like old computers or new computers better? The new ones, they're faster.
Do you actually like your computer? Of course.
When you first got an internet connection, was it dial-up or high speed? Dial-up.
Do you have a cell phone? No, I'm home all the time so if I have to use the phone, I'll use the regular one. If I do need a cell, I'll beg my sister to let me borrow hers.
What kind is it? Don't have one.
What service is it? Don't have one.
What color is it? Don't have one.
Do you think your cell phone is really good quality or a piece of crap? Don't have one.
Do you pay for your own cell phone? See above.
Have you ever wanted a cell phone to fit in? Sometimes, but I don't like to talk on the phone so it'd be a waste of money to get one for me.
What is your default ringtone? Don't have one.
Do you ever even have the ringtone turned on? See above.
Do you have an iPod or a Zune? iPod.
If you do have one, do you actually want the other? No, I have no idea what a Zune is. What color is your iPod/Zune? Pink
How long have you had it? For a month, since my birthday. Thanks mom and dad!
Do you prefer the old, retro style iPods or the new sleek, modern kind? Retro
How many gigs does your iPod/Zune have? 4GB.
Do you have any pictures on it? No.
What color are your earphones? White or blue.
How many songs do you have on it? Nothing so far. I've been lazy.
If you have an iPod, is it a video? Don't think so.
Do you have a TV? Yes, but only in the living room.
Is it a big screen TV? Yep. When we sold our house ten years ago, we bought it.
What brand is it? Toshiba
Do you have cable/satellite TV? Satallite
Who is your cable/satellite provider? Dish network
How long have you had cable or satellite? For a few months.
Do you have a TiVO or a DVR? Neither.
Do you even watch TV, or do you just watch movies? I do a little of both.
Do you watch the news? Only on FOX, they're the only ones out there that are fair and balanced.
What is your favorite electronic that you own? Either my laptop or stereo. I really like to listen to music.

Blessed Indiana

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said:

'Today, I am going to create a land called Indiana.

It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty; a land of beautiful lakes full of fish. It shall have tall trees, flowing rivers, landscapes full of flowers, tall grass, beautiful blue skies, majestic eagles, forests full of many kinds of wildlife, rich farmland, wonderful people and they will be great at basketball' God continued, 'I shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and they shall be known as friendly people who practice being 'Hoosier Nice' every day.'

'But Lord,' asked Gabriel, 'don't you think you are being too generous to these Hoosier's?'

'Not really,' replied God 'just wait and see the winters I am going to give them.'