ROOTS OF WOOD AND STONE by Amanda Wen, Reviewed by Kim

Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen is a stunning debut! I loved every word of this time slip novel! The main characters of each time period were amazing and well drawn, the secondary characters added depth to each story, and the time lines wove together perfectly.

While I loved both stories, I’d have to give a slight edge to the historical story because of Annabelle and Jack and their beautiful life together. I absolutely loved them both. My favorite part of the contemporary story was the banter between Sloane and Garrett. I loved how their relationship developed as they figured out who Annabelle was and how she fit into their story.

I also loved how faith was perfectly woven into this story with the reminders that no matter what our plans are, it is God’s plans that will prevail in our lives and if we are children of God, only He can can fill our empty places.

Can an author be on my auto buy list after only one book?! I cannot wait to see what Amanda Wen brings us next! Highly recommended!
*I bought and received a complimentary copy of this book. The faith thread is prominent.

See Paula's and Winnie's Reviews!

 

Sedgewick County Chronicles, Book One

BackCover Blurb:
This historic home holds the keys to their destiny . . . and their hearts

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary.Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother's historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer's, he can't afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who's fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

This warm, beautifully written split-time novel will resonate with readers looking for stories that reveal the beauty of God's plan for our lives, and how our actions ripple for generations.

 

Kregel Publishing, April 2021

Available in digital ebook, and paperback:

Buy Roots of Wood and Stone at Amazon

Buy Roots of Wood and Stone at Christianbook.com

Buy Roots of Wood and Stone at Baker Book House

Christmas Movie List

Just for fun, and to avoid actually doing anything constructive, I've made a list of "Christmas Movies" as suggested by.. the internet. Next year, I promise to bring in a "made-for-TV movie' expert, but for now, I'm sticking with box-office productions,
(However...check out my links below!)

The oldies (yes, these were oldies when I was a kid): 

A Christmas Carol 1951, starring Alistair Sim
Christmas in Connecticut 1945, a comedy with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan
White Christmas 1954, a musical with Bing Crosby. Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye
Holiday Inn 1942, a musical with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
Shop Around The Corner 1940, a romance with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan
The Bishop's Wife 1947, a comedy with Cary Grant and Loretta Young
Miracle on 34th Street 1947  (and again in 1992), with Maureen O'Hara
It's a Wonderful Life 1946,  with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed

And some consider these 'Christmas' tales:

The Apartment 1960, a comedy with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine
Meet Me in St. Louis 1944, a musical with Judy Garland

"More recently" we have:

A Christmas Tale 2008, a dark drama with Catherine Deneuve
Nightmare Before Christmas 1993, a Tim Burton animated movie
Arthur Christmas 2011, animated
Mickey's Christmas Carol 1983, animated
Ernest Saves Christmas 1988, goofball comedy
Prancer 1989, family tale
Elf 2003, comedy with Will Ferrell
Home Alone 1990, comedy with McCauley Culkin
A Christmas Story 1983, with Peter Billingsley and Darrin McGavin
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989, comedy with Chevy Chase
Love Actually 2003, adult comedy with Hugh Grant and ensemble cast
Bad Santa 2003, adult comedy with Billy Bob Thornton
Scrooge 1970, with Albert Finney and Alec Guinness
Polar Express 2004, family animated movie
The Santa Clause 1994, comedy with Tim Allen
Fred Claus 2007, comedy with Vince Vaughn
Muppet Christmas Carol 1992, family animated movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1967, family animated movie
Jingle All the Way 1996, comedy with Arnold Schwarzeneggar
Christmas with the Kranks 2004, comedy with Tim Allen
The Holiday 2006, adult comedy-drama

And who can forget these ?classic Christmas stories:

Batman Returns 1992, with Michael Keaton
Die Hard 1988 with Bruce Willis
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2005, adult drama with Robert Downey, Jr.
Edward Scissorhands 1990, with Johnny Depp
Gremlins 1984

My favorites are in the first list, and I'll admit to taking my kids to see Home Alone 1 and Ernest Saves Christmas. Thanks to cable tv in the 90s, I've seen plenty of the others, but not all.

What did I forget? What movies will you watch this year? Which movies from the list would you like to see this holiday season and why?

Just for fun, I'm adding links to more Christmas movies that you'll ever need! Go check them out and then come back and Thank Me. Yes, You're Welcome!

Willow and Thatch's List of Ten Victorian Family Christmas Movies

Dr. Casey Wilson's Definitive List of Hallmark Christmas Movies  (a 2016 post).

and lastly, Hallmark's 2017 Christmas Movies

Buy Desert Duet for 99cents or Free on KU

Merry Christmas from Humbug. Wish You Were Here!

It’s 1933 in the good old US of A. In the midst of drought, the Depression, and gangsters on the lam, America finds solace in Hollywood's Golden Age. 

Ex-pilot Eugene Tanner, determined to pen the lyrics for the movie industry's first "Best Song" award, books a rushed December stay at the remote Humbug Creek Guest Ranch (A Gold Mine of a Getaway!) Where better to find inspiration for an epic Western, than amid all that trail dust and burnt coffee? 

Thea Knight gives up her short holiday break from the studio’s costume department to play cowgirl hostess at her family’s struggling guest ranch. But instead of helping their witty and handsome guest, she becomes his biggest distraction. Old flames and past regrets take a backseat when the pair become embroiled in a ghost town mystery marring Humbug, Arizona’s rustic Christmas. Thankfully, the cowgirl is as fast with her Winchester as she is with her comebacks.

Follow my Amazon page for all the new releases in 2018!

8 Best Christian Anthologies 2015

 MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR ROMANCE COLLECTION | Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Marrying For All the Right Reasons by Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Amanda Barratt, Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Connie Stevens, & Gina Welborn

Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK 

 A GENTLEMAN'S KISS ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Modern Romances with an Old-Fashioned Quality by Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck, Lynn A. Coleman, Peggy Darty, Rebecca Germany, Bev Huston, Yvonne Lehman, Gail Sattler, & Pamela Kaye Tracy

Are you ready for some good old-fashioned romance in a contemporary setting? Then you’ll enjoy these nine stories of modern women who are forced to slow down and take a new look at dating and romance when new men enter their lives. For some it will take vacation time, others will discover through music, while some need the gentle nudges from both God and Grandma. Delight in discovering how chivalry is not dead despite the stresses of today’s world. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

 THE OREGON TRAIL ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Stories of Life on the Trail into the Western Frontier by Amanda Cabot, Melanie Dobson, Pam Hillman, Myra Johnson, Amy Lillard, DiAnn Mills, Anna Schmidt, Ann Shorey, & Jennifer Uhlarik

Nine romantic adventures take readers along for a ride on the Oregon Trail where daily challenges force travelers to evaluate the things that are most precious to them—including love. Enjoy the trip through a fascinating part of history through the eyes of remarkably strong characters who stop at famous landmarks along the way. Watch as their faith is strengthened and as love is born despite unique circumstances. Discover where the journey ends for each of nine couples. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Love Stories from the Memorable 1940s by Dianna Crawford, Joan Croston, Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Janelle Burnham Schneider, & Lynette Sowell

Journey back to the great decade of the 1940s through nine romances that ignite despite the challenges and dangers of a world war. Couples meet under unique circumstances—during the bombing of London, at military outposts, through covert operations to save children, as well as on the home front—and the bond of love grows through shared ideals and faith. 

BUY THE BOOK

THE AMERICAN DREAM ROMANCE COLLECTION | Nine Historical Romances Grow Alongside a New Country by Kristy Dykes, Laurie Alice Eakes, Carla Gade, Jane Kirkpatrick, DiAnn Mills, Lisa Karon Richardson, Ann E. Schrock, Tiffany Amber Stockton, & Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Meet the faithful dreamers who helped build the foundation of the new American nation—from four brothers in Colonial Connecticut determined to make something of their lives, to a colony of Quakers in North Carolina resolute in their faith, to settlers in the northwest frontier staking their claim in hostile territory. Watch as nine romances develop and legacies of faith and love are formed. CLICK TO BUY THE BOOK

8 WEDDINGS AND A MIRACLE ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Contemporary Romances Need a Little Divine Intervention by Tracie Peterson, Janet Lee Barton, Lena Nelson Dooley, Nancy J. Farrier, Pamela Griffin, Diann Hunt, Loree Lough, Sandra Petit, Gail Sattler

Weather the storms of life alongside nine modern couples who hope to make it to the altar—someday. Be it a meeting in the wrong place at the right time, an accident that opens hardened hearts, or weather that seems to blow things off course, sometimes love needs a little divine intervention. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Tracie Peterson—this collection of nine romances will become an instant favorite. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

THE CONVENIENT BRIDE COLLECTION by Amanda Barratt, Andrea Boeshaar, Mona Hodgson, Melissa Jagears, Maureen Lang, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik, Erica Vetsch, & Renee Yancy

Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California . . . to the rugged mountains of Colorado . . . to a steamship on the Mississippi . . . to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail . . . into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity . . . and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory. BUY THE BOOK 

THE TIMELESS LOVE ROMANCE COLLECTION | Love Prevails in Nine Historical Romances by Dianne Christner, Lynn A. Coleman, Nancy J. Farrier, DiAnn Mills, Darlene Mindrup, Tamela Hancock Murray, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, & Pamela Kaye Tracy

Journey along as men and women emerge triumphantly out of their challenges and into romances that bolster their faith in nine historical novellas. Lonely Prudence has a secret admirer. Spoiled Olivia finds her first job. Adventurous Edie helps a ranger track bandits. Poor Lillian learns about true wealth. Fearful Katie confronts her past. Desperate Dameon finds work. Grieving Maime discovers new purpose. Guilt ridden Justin faces his fears. Newcomer Garrison seeks a business partner. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

Have you read any? All? Which one is your favorite?

Release Party and Virtual Ice Cream Social for Saguaro Sunset

Available now.  Buy Saguaro Sunset ebook from Amazon  99cents or free on Kindle Unlimited

Hola!
Saguaro Sunset was a successful test for me. This is my first contemporary novella and a quick break from my upcoming mystery novel due out this summer. It worked. I plotted and wrote it in record time. And--yay!--I love this story, and so have readers!

~~No ice cream sandwich is as sweet as a long-delayed sunset kiss~~

Friday night’s first phone call was the answer to Teresa Scott’s career dreams. Before she can celebrate, a second call informs her of her sister’s accident and puts Teresa in ‘the driver’s seat’ of Frosty Fingers Food Truck during the Tucson Festival of Books. Determined to keep her sister’s business out of the red, Teresa hides the painful disappointment of giving up her dream.

Fellow accountant Alan Davis sticks his do-gooder nose in, hanging around to help Teresa, the woman he’s adored since forever, not knowing the coveted board position he's just accepted is the one she had to give up. 

Nice Guy Alan isn’t really Teresa’s type, but she’s won over by his humor, adorable smile, and ice cream scooping skills. As his presence become irreplaceable, she sheds the hardened layers of her heart. Just when it’s clear she needs him in her life, Alan has to face his biggest regret and honor an old promise. Will losing this chivalrous knight in a snowman costume break Teresa’s vulnerable heart?

So, welcome to Tucson!  And visit Saguaro Sunset's Pinterest Page

Arizona, if you haven't noticed, is one of those places I talk about so much, I should receive recognition from the tourism board. Desert Duet, Starlight Serenade and Why Not--my last three novellas--are all set in this remarkable state.

Saguaro Sunset is part of the STATE FLOWER collection from Forget Me Not Romances, and takes place in Tucson during the Tucson Festival of Books and highlights Saguaro National Park. We just missed the book festival last weekend, but there's ice cream left over, so choose a flavor. Dish or waffle cone?

Minty Chip--our signature flavor. 

Wildcat Country--sugary, salty kettle-corn-flavor ice cream. Really.

Mountain Man--peanut butter crunch with white chocolate chunks

Old Pueblo Pistachio--we're nuts about this flavor

Cactus Crunch--strawberry with dark chocolate and walnuts

Arizona Gold--French vanilla only better

Cowboy Kisses--coffee flavored ice cream with swirls of chocolate wafer and coffee bean crunch

'Zona Zombie--dead right, our cappuccino and fudge combo is to die for

Desert Delight--toffee ice cream with brickle bits and prairie dog wishes

What's your favorite?

grab some ice cream, because here comes all those social media links I have to lug around with me...

Amazon Author Page -- a good way to keep up with new releases

Twitter --  entertaining you in 140 characters...but mostly retweeting...

Pinterest -- basically my quilting obsession and all the things I'll do when I retire...

Honest to Goodness. This is Me at the Saguaro National Park Risking My Backside for My Work

(no, I'm not really a redhead, this is the color of Sunset!)

And now for the giveaways -

For new subscribers to my emailed newsletter - I currently have a promotion (1 in  50)  for an Amazon Gift Card $25.00. Sign Up Here!

And of course, I'm giving away copies of Saguaro Sunset to readers with Kindle app or Kindle. Please note in the comments if you'd like to be in the drawing which ends April 10

The Rails to Love Collection Release Party...and a Giveaway!

All Aboard The Rails to Love Collection, featuring Inkwell's own Susanne Dietze!

Here's Susanne, held by her rail-fan dad, with her brother, investigating a train way back in the 1970s. Trains have been a part of her life since infancy, so it's pretty sweet to be in a collection of train stories!

Care for some background noise that is sure to get you in the mood? Click play and then scroll on down.

Now on to the book!

Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel?

Here's our train. Actually, it's THE train. The Honeymoon Express, Susanne's novella, was inspired by a real-life train trip in 1876 called the Jarrett-Palmer Express. This is what it looked like:

Climb aboard and have a seat. Feel free to curl up with a good book or enjoy the passing scenery.

Our porter is Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman's own Sully, who looks suspiciously like Nash, the hero of Susanne's novella.

Welcome aboard. May I offer you a cup of punch? How about some dessert?

While we nibble our little cakes, here's the blurb on Susanne's story, The Honeymoon Express:

Can a jilted bride and a mysterious frontiersman thrown together on a trip meant for honeymooners solve a crime--and find love--before the end of the line?

Heroine Ellen needs a fresh start.

Ellen is a telegrapher

Sully was blue in the railcar on Dr. Quinn. when he wondered whether or not Michaela loved him. I wonder if Nash feels the same way as he struggles with his feelings for Ellen and his decision to never love again in Susanne's story.

If you'd like to win a copy of The Rails to Love Collection, please enter using the Rafflecopter below. Void where prohibited. Contest lasts until 11:59 pm EDT Sept 24, so don't delay!

PSST....The Rails to Love Collection is available from your favorite Christian retailer, and is priced at $7.49 on Amazon...that's half price! You can't beat that! Click here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Susanne Dietze is the proud daughter of a railfan and the author of almost a dozen historical romances. You can learn more about Susanne (but not her dad) on her website, www.susannedietze.com.

Release Party - Austen in Austin (Volume 2)

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good looks must be in want of an Inkwell release party to host.

Howdy, y’all! Here at Inkwell, we’re celebrating the release of Austen in Austin, Volume 2 today. In case you missed Volume 1 (available here), the idea behind A-in-A is to take the plots and characters of Jane Austen’s novels and transfer them to Old West-era Texas. 

Austin, Texas, of course.

So, pull on your boots and mount your horse. We’re heading back to the Hill Country to throw a Texas-sized release party.

Let's look at the blurb of this delightful 4-in-1 collection of Austen-inspired stories:

Simply Lila by Suzie Johnson, based on Lady Susan
Yearning to find a real-life hero, a wallflower must learn to live outside the pages of an Austen novel. 

Fully Persuaded by Niki Turner, based on Persuasion
A brokenhearted artist struggles with the shame of her family's bankruptcy and the return of her first love whose proposal she'd spurned because he was poor. 

Mansford Ranch by Dina L. Sleiman, based on Mansfield Park
An aspiring novelist with a keen eye for character must determine who is worthy of playing her own leading man. 

Sense and Nonsense by Lisa Karon Richardson, based on Sense and Sensibility
A would-be missionary is determined to make it to Ceylon, but when her funds disappear, she has to accept help from the man she most wants to avoid.

Hmm. Is it just my imagination, or do those blurbs tell us a lot about the heroines, but not much about the handsome swains who capture their hearts? Well, we can fix that--in the interest of fairness, of course. Gentlemen, let the party begin!

Ah, up first, Mr. Kirby Ross, come to take our order.

For some strange reason, Texas suddenly feels even warmer than usual. Perhaps Mr. Ross will start us off with a nice, refreshing beverage.

Bless your heart, Mr. Ross. This is perfect. Ah, I mean the lemonade, of course. 

Doesn't he make a fine waiter for a man who trained to be an engineer? Mr. Ross is here in Austin to oversee the installation of the "moonlight towers."

No, no. Not that tower, although it looks lovely in moonlight, and I understand Mr. Ross has a fascination with the French language. Or is it just the local French teacher that has captured his interest?

Ah, here comes that opposite-of-cold Mr. Ford Winters...

... with a tasty little snack for everyone.

How...delicious. It's so nice to have Mr. Ford back in Texas. I hear guacamole isn't the only green stuff he carries with him these days, if you know what I mean.

He's done quite well for himself, courtesy of a Colorado silver mine. Much better than that think-they're-better-than-the-rest-of-us Ellis family and their too-compliant daughter Annie. So glad they finally got their comeuppance! 

But back to more amusing matters. No party in Austin would be complete without some prime Texas beef.

Whoops! That's not the beef. That's hunky cowboy Eddie Mansford bringing us a platter of grilled-to-perfection steaks from the Mansford Ranch. Mr. Mansford knows a bit about perfection--he's helping his longtime friend determine if she has found the perfect suitor...or if she'll need to lasso someone closer to home.

Goodness, things are sizzling now! In fact, I feel downright hot. Almost as if--

Gracious! The hotel is on fire! Luckily Mr. James Ferris is on hand to rescue us...

with something cool.

Oh, that Mr. Ferris is such a peach. Undoubtedly, however, he will need all the sweetness he can summon to assist a certain woman from his past.

Congrats Suzie, Niki, Dina, and Lisa for whipping up some delicious treats even yummier than chocolate!

(I meant the books. You knew that, right???)

Ebook version only $3.99. Click here.

Print version $14.99. Click here. 

Susanne's RWA Report

Hi gang! Susanne here, and I am tired but happy! Just got back from Romance Writers of America's Annual Conference in gorgeous San Diego. (I am biased about my hometown, but it's a great place to be.)

The view from my room!

It was a blast. Wednesday I attended the Annual Meeting for Faith Hope And Love chapter, where the winners of the IRCA and Touched by Love Contests were announced. Congratulations to all!

Enjoyng a chance to meet 'online' friends. Here's the lovely Piper Huguley

RWA had some big news this year--The inspirational category for RWA contests will have a name change!

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

Novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture.

Later, I passed out Bingo sheets for a Faith Hope & Love Chapter Bingo game at the Literacy Signing. If you stopped by the tables of the FHL members who were signing, you got a sticker of their book cover for your Bingo sheet. If you got Bingo, you could get entered to win a nice Amazon gift card!

The workshops were amazing, as usual. Soon I'll share a few highlights in another post, but a few of the workshops I attended were Series Bible: The Savior of a Long-Running Series, presented by Jaci Burton and Jill Shalvis; Chemistry by Sherry Thomas, and Winning the Promo Game (part of the PAN retreat).

Networking is always a fun and important part of writing conferences. The Harlequin Pajama Party offered just one of the many opportunities I had to catch up with old friends and make new ones!

Harlequin Pajama Party. Here I am with Rita Finalist, Kristi Ann Hunter...who went on to WIN! 

Some things were new to RWA this year, like The Swag Shoppe.

In the past, attendees were given a tote stuffed with free books when they arrived at the conference. The sponsored books represented a variety of genres: YA, historical, sweet, erotica, etc, so as you can imagine, not everyone wanted every book she received. What to do with those books you don't want? Well, some attendees took them home. Others started stacks in public areas so passersby/other attendees could take their extras.

To address the waste, this year attendees were given a voucher good for one visit to the Swag Shoppe. Once inside, we could take one of anything we wanted--but there was no going back. I scored a RWA 2016 beach towel, a selfie stick, a a BPA-free water bottle with a fruit infuser, and of course BOOKS!

The Swag Shoppe is not to be confused with the Goody Room, which was open to all attendees whenever they wanted to peek in. Authors could leave promotional swag for others to take, but the rules this year stated all items must be in a container--no leaving postcards, books, pens, magnets, band aids, etc on the table. I dropped by a handful of times to pick up swag. There is no excuse for not having a pen handy at RWA!

A milestone for me? I got to attend my first Harlequin party. WOW! Fancy! It was held at the Omni hotel nearby.

All Glammed up with Kristan Higgens, Deb Kastner and Lisa Carter

And while we're talking fancy, I have to mention the Gala. RITA and Golden Heart winners were announced--congratulations to the winners! Special congrats go out to Kristi Ann Hunter who won the Inspirational category with her debut novel, A Noble Masquerade.

Here I am with LI authors Jolene Navarro and Belle Calhoune!

I look forward to going through my notes, processing, and applying what I've learned--and looking up all my new friends on Facebook! But today, I think I'll take a nap first.

***

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she's the award-winning author of over half-dozen historical romances who's seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher's Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, cozy socks, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos.