Thursday, February 25, 2016

Monochrome

 An V-22 Osprey flew over. Yeah. It's kinda cool when that happens.
You can read more about them here.

 A stormy day on the Bay. 


Reflection of the railing in the rain soaked balcony.

I'm enjoying making photos in monochrome. They really have a different look about them.

~May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and minds forever~

Monday, February 22, 2016

WINNER!!!!

Congratulations.... 


Melanie Backus, you won Rebecca's extra copy of The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl!
I sent you an email.

Thanks to all who came by and entered the giveaway. 

If you haven't already, you might want to sign up to follow Stuff & Nonsense so you don't miss out on future book announcements, giveaways, reviews, and author interviews. There are many choices in the sidebar, so choose one that's right for you! 

~Happy Reading~

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Review ~ Austen in Austin, Volume 1 by Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Debra E. Marvin, Gina Welborn



Published January 15th 2016 by WhiteFire Publishing
Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love--Jane Austen style. 
Volume 1 includes:

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma
A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice.

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice
A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey
A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions.

Four more exciting novellas will follow in volume 2!


Anne's Review

 4 STARS!!!

Based on Jane Austen’s novels—Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Northanger Abbey— these four novellas are set in the late 1800s and their distinctive Austen flavor is quite palatable. The authors connected the stories together by having the principle characters from each previous novella mentioned in the next one. I found this to be a delightful addition! The narratives are easily read and contain humorous dialogue, as well as pleasantly descriptive settings. 

Reading adaptations of classic novels isn’t something I usually do—but I was intrigued by the premise of Austen in Austin—and I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed being diverted from life’s cares for a couple of hours. I would definitely recommend this collection to fans of Historical fiction. I accepted an electronic copy from one of the authors in exchange for my review. No compensation has been received.


~Happy Reading~ 


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Rebecca Maney Reviews ~ The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl + GIVEAWAY

Published January 19th 2016 by Thomas Nelson 

 Television reporter Erica Sparks has just landed her dream job at Global News Network. Beautiful, talented, and ambitious, Erica grew up dirt poor, worked her way through Yale, and is carrying a terrible secret. She moves to Manhattan to join GNN, leaving Jenny, her adored 7-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband. Erica’s producer at the network, Greg Underwood, is handsome and compelling. Scarred by her divorce, Erica is wary of romance, but there’s no denying the mutual attraction.

On one of her first assignments, Erica witnesses a horrific Staten Island ferry crash. Then she lands a coveted interview with presumptive presidential nominee Kay Barrish. During the interview Barrish collapses. Erica valiantly tries to save her with CPR. The footage rivets the world—GNN’s ratings soar and Erica is now a household name.

But she’s troubled. What a strange coincidence that both events should happen on her watch. It’s almost as if they were engineered. Is that possible?

Erica’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her life and that of her daughter in danger. Her investigation leads her into the heart of darkness—where the future of our democracy is at stake.

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 Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

4 STARS!!!
Erica Sparks is convinced that she has reached the top echelon of television news when she is invited to join Global News Network, an up and coming news organization that small town girls like herself, could only dream about working for. Sadly, her first assignment is marred by tragedy; tragedy that she expertly films and reports, catapulting her name and face onto every major network in the world. Eerily, her second major assignment includes similar circumstances, and Erica begins to wonder if there is more going on than appears on the surface of her unprecedented success.

After engaging the help of a co-worker, Erika fears that her request has landed her friend at near death. Confiding in her attractive producer, Greg Underwood, also seems risky at best. Erica develops the eerie sensation that GNN's owner, Nylan Hastings, is not only brilliant, but psychopathic in his drive to reach the top; expertly eliminating anyone who proves detrimental to his cause. The cat- and- mouse game reaches another level when sordid details about her past are threatened to be revealed and Erica fears that her passion for journalism will prove to be fatal.

This sensational thriller is a page turner and gives the reader a glimpse, albeit fictional, into the world of global "newsmakers". 


Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

: : : 

Rebecca has graciously offered to send a blog follower her extra paperback  HARD COVER copy of The Newsmakers! US ONLY (48 contiguous states). 

Leave a comment for Rebecca, and be sure to let us know how you follow Stuff & Nonsense (GFC preferred but you also have the option of Bloglovin or by email). Please include your email address so you can be contacted if you win. Use a format like this -- you[at]here[dot]com -- to prevent spammers.

A winner will be announced on Feb 22nd.

~Happy Reading~ 


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Friday, February 12, 2016

New Collection Release from author Cathy Bryant

MILLER'S CREEK TRUTH COLLECTION is comprised of Crossroads (novel) and its corresponding Bible study, Believe & Know.  

It's priced at just $1.99 through Valentine's Day, when it will revert to full price.

Cathy's devotionals reveal her to be a gifted writer and godly woman, always leaving me with much to think and pray about. I highly encourage you to download her book and devotional. Even if you don't have an e-reader, Amazon offers a FREE KINDLE APP for your computer!

$1.99 on AMAZON for KINDLE until Feb 14th, 2016!!!

 Christian Romance and Companion Bible Study


Now bundled in this digital collection, the fifth Miller's Creek novel A BRIDGE UNBROKEN and its companion Bible study THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS both explore the difficult topic of forgiving the inexcusable.

CROSSROADS

A soldier battles for a prodigal's soul...
A bitter prodigal starts her own real estate company in the picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead to a troubling diagnosis. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

BELIEVE & KNOW
 
Each human being, on their journey and search for truth, must at some point reflect on their life and answer important questions. Why am I here? Is there life beyond life as I now know it? How did the universe and man come into existence, and how does the answer affect me?

This book addresses the hard questions and decisions that accompany the search for truth. It was written with three types of readers in mind: those who struggle with faith, many times because of skewed perceptions or even anger; those who profess faith in the unseen, but find it difficult to live out; and finally those whose faith is strong, but who need answers to combat the arguments and questions of others.

This Bible study, which is designed for either individual or small group study, addresses the following topics:

The Danger of Unbelief
Proof of Intelligent Design
The Problem of Evil
Proof of Jesus as God
Proof of God's Love for Mankind
God's Plan for Us to Believe and Know
Faith Matters 
 STANDALONE BOOKS IN THE MILLER'S CREEK NOVELS
Texas Roads
A Path Less Traveled
The Way of Grace
Pilgrimage of Promise
A Bridge Unbroken
Crossroads 
LIFESWORD BIBLE STUDIES AND DEVOTIONALS
The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable
Believe & Know: The Search For Truth
New Beginnings: A 31-Day Devotional Journey  
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About Cathy

Cathy Bryant is an Amazon bestselling Christian author of fiction and non-fiction. Her first novel Texas Roads was a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis contest finalist. Since then she has added five more stand-alone books to the beloved Miller’s Creek novels, with another due to release Spring 2016. In addition to the novels, she’s written four devotional books (two in collaboration with other Christian writers), two Bible studies, and a Christmas novella.

When she’s not writing, Cathy enjoys rummaging through thrift stores, romping in the great outdoors, and especially spending time with her family. You’ll often find her up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of almost thirty-five years.

~ Happy Reading ~

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Cover Reveal!!! A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White ~ Ladies of the Manor, Book 3



The Ladies of the Manor Series take readers back in time to Edwardian England, when automobiles and electric lights were all the rage, but the old way of life still ruling the land. Lords and ladies, maids and valets…and in this case, a dose of danger and mystery to take them all on their journey to love.


Roseanna White is one of my top five favorite authors to read. Her writing is deep and spirit-filled. I always know she has researched the settings well because I become an invisible character within the confines of the story and don't want to emerge unless absolutely necessary. 


From the astounding debut of her biblical fiction, A Stray Drop of Blood, to this third British-set Historical Romance in the Ladies of the Manor Series, I wouldn't ask for one single moment of my time back that I've spent reading Roseanna's books. Not one. I always come away with a deeper appreciation for history, and a closer walk with the Lord. In a few of her earlier works, she wrote some of the most beautiful prayers that had me reaching for the tissue box more than once.  



If you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Ms White's books, I hope you will soon be among the rest of us who have discovered these literary masterpieces. 


And NOW....


A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White.... 


 Available Fall 2016

Isn't she lovely?!

Here's what Amazon has to say about the book:

White Is Quickly Becoming the Top Name in Edwardian Romance

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?
 
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Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna’s novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com 


Links for A Lady Unrivaled
Find it on Amazon | Find it on Christian Book | Find it on Goodreads | See the Pinterest Page

~Happy Reading~