A Merry Little Christmas

Yes, I realize it's only October, but I want to recommend a delightful book by Author Anita Higman. A Merry Little Christmas is a sweet story of love and healing set in the early 1960s. Anita does a great job with this time period, and her characters are very believeable as the story moves along. The ending was especially satisfying for me (although I'll admit I wasn't ready to say "good-bye" to these characters!). The cover is so lovely, and the inside of this book will not disappoint you. ~ Since I enjoy Christmas-related stories, I was eager to read A Merry Little Christmas, and am so glad I did. Highly recommended!

Interview with Author Sandra Orchard

I am thrilled to welcome Christian Author and dear friend, Sandra Orchard, to CatMom's Corner today. Sandra's newest release is Critical Condition from the Harlequin Love Inspired line. I cannot wait to read it! ~ Sandra graciously answered some questions for me---Thank you Sandra!
1. Do you write only suspense novels? What do you like about writing suspense?
Sandra: At this time, I write romantic suspense for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense, and I'm working on a mystery/romantic suspense series called PORT ASTER SECRETS for Revell Publishing. I love writing strong hooks at the end of chapters to keep readers turning pages, and I love to keep the reader guessing as to who the real bad guy, or girl, is.
2. What do you like most about being a published author?
Two things. Being able to sell books on spec. so I no longer have to write the whole manuscript before I find out if the publisher will want to buy it. And receiving letters from readers.
3.Have you always lived in Canada?
Born and raised.
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to visit? Why?

I'm not much of a traveller, but I'd like to visit Hawaii, because I've never been any place tropical, and it has beaches and mountains and gorgeous vistas and seems so romantic---a perfect place to set a book.
5. What is your favorite food? favorite drink? favorite color?
Pizza. I don't have a favorite drink. I usually just drink water. Boring, I know. Purple is my favorite color.
     Sandra, thank you SO much for visiting my Corner today, and I enjoyed discovering a little more about one of my fave authors!  (Although you do put me to shame with your answer about only drinking water, LOL---I NEED to drink more water, and less coffee*sigh*). ~ Readers, please feel free to leave a comment.

Exactly What I Need

We all go through times in our lives when we feel we're trudging uphill and growing tireder by the day. Not that we're feeling sorry for ourselves, but rather just growing weary. Perhaps it's illness, financial concerns, or just having days when "nothing seems to go right." Of course, we know--as the old saying goes--That's life. ~ For me personally, I've found it's so vital to read my Bible every day, because so often I'll come across the exact verse I needed at that particular time. This happened to me yesterday, as I was feeling tired and more than a little concerned about a loved one's illness. I've been praying and doing all I can to help this person, but was having a day when I felt weary and didn't know what else to do. After I read my daily Bible verses I began flipping through various books of the Bible, reading different verses I've highlighted over the years. Suddenly a verse seemed to "jump out" at me, so I read it again. It's part of a verse in 1 Samuel: ...for the battle is the Lord's... I paused, then read it again and again. A thought came to me that I had been overlooking, and the Lord used this particular verse to remind me of this all-important truth. I need to continue doing the best I can, pray, and then TURN MY CONCERNS OVER TO THE LORD. After all, it is HIS battle and HE is much better equipped to handle it than I am! I suppose that's part of our human nature---WE try to handle problems, rather than doing all we can do and giving them to our Lord. I'm thankful the Lord gently nudged me with the words that I needed at this time.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

New Friends, Old Friends

As a young child, I can remember my precious mother telling me this little rhyme that she had learned as a child: 
                                      Make new friends
                                      But keep the old.
                                      One's worth silver,
                                   And the other gold.

I'm thinking there's even a little tune that goes along with this rhyme---that would be easy for children to learn. It's a fun little rhyme, but so, so TRUE.
My friends are very important in my life, and I consider them among my greatest blessings. But as blessed as I feel with the friends I have, I still enjoy making new friends too!
That's exactly what happened this past weekend when I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Dallas, Texas. I met some precious ladies (and a few guys too) from all over the United States (and Canada)---and already have been in touch with a few of them (thanks to the wonders of modern technology and computers!).
Although I always learn so much about the craft of writing at these conferences, the friendships made are just as important to me. So I'm sharing one of my photos from this year's conference---showing myself with some of my precious Oregon friends.  These ladies are such a blessing in my life---even though we live on opposite sides of the country!

A man that hath friends must shew himself  friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.   Proverbs 18:24

Sentimental September

The month of September has always been a favorite of mine. As a young child I eagerly anticipated my birthday, counting down the days and looking forward to a yummy cake! My precious Mama also had a September birthday (only a few days after mine) so that made the month even more special for our family. Now two of my three children have September birthdays, so I've joked over the years and commented that the month of September is "like Christmas in our family!" ~ Of course now that my children are all in their 20s, I find that I become sentimental during this month. I tend to "relive" memories in my mind--the excitement of their births, the fun birthday parties when they were very young, and all the happiness the month of September always seemed to bring. ~ Even though life is different now that I'm not planning childrens' parties or shopping for toys, September can still be a happy month as we celebrate each birthday with thankfulness. ~ And who knows....maybe one day I'll have a grandchild with a September birthday!

To Love and Cherish

Christian fiction authors Judith Miller and Tracie Peterson have written a book series that I highly recommend--especially for those who enjoy historical romance! "Bridal Veil Island" is the series title, with the first book titled: To Have and To Hold and the second book is: To Love and Cherish. I highly recommend both books, but have to say the second one is my very favorite.
Set on the Georgia coast in the late 1800s, To Love and Cherish features believable characters, romance, adventure, and even a hint of mystery---it's wonderful! ~ Being a Georgia native myself and frequent visitor to our lovely coast, I was especially pleased with the job these ladies did on this book, and now I'm eagerly looking forward to the third book in this series: To Honor and Trust.

Leaning on the Lord with Little Things

With all the medical "adventures" I've had, one might think that an appointment at the dentist office would be nothing. Not so! For some reason, going to the dentist causes more apprehension for me than the times I faced major surgeries. ~ So after scheduling a routine appointment last week (check-up/cleaning) I was filled with dread. I kept telling myself it was silly for me to feel so nervous; even my oldest daughter reassured me the appointment would be fine. But I knew I didn't want to walk into the dental office shaking like a leaf, so I prayed. And prayed. Sure enough, a sense of calm and well-being actually came over me that morning--even as I sat in the dentist office chair! Thankfully my appointment went well, and although I do have to return for some *little* cavities, it's nothing major. ~ I was thinking about all of this today, and was again reminded of how we should pray and lean on the Lord for ALL things in life---not only the "big deals" but the little things too---even things we might feel embarrassed about bringing before our Lord! I'm convinced that He cares about ALL aspects of our life, and wants us to call out to Him. And that's the "tooth"!

     I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  Psalm 34:4