Book Review: A Cousin's Prayer

I had the chance to read another one of Wanda E. Brunstetter's books, A Cousin's Prayer, it is book 2 in the series Indiana Cousins, and it was another fabulous book. I just cannot seem to get enough of her work and I just can't put them down when I pick them up. I am averaging about one and a half days per book because they are so good. I recommend these books to everyone.

You can purchase her books at Christian book stores and last week I found out that Walmart also carries her books. I was so excited, I bought another one of her books to read, which I have already finished. lol

A Cousin’s Prayer
Hits Stores in September 2009

Uhrichsville, OH—A young Indiana Amish woman strives to break free from the bondage of fear to find love again in A Cousin’s Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter. This book, the second in Brunstetter’s new Indiana Cousins series, is set to release in September 2009.

After surviving a van accident in which her boyfriend was killed, Katie Miller finds herself suffering from depression and anxiety attacks. What—or who—will deliver Katie from the bondage of her fears? Freeman Bontrager has been attracted to Katie for years. Now that she’s home, can he break through her emotional scars long enough to reach her heart? When a mysterious package brings Katie out of her despair, hope looms, until the “gift” must be returned to its rightful owner. Will Katie find the courage to really live—and love—again?

About the Author:

Wanda E. Brunstetter is nationally recognized as an expert on the Amish community, and her book sales have topped the four million mark. Last year, A Sister’s Hope, the final book in her Sisters of Holmes County series, topped the August and September 2008 Publishers Weekly Paperback Religion Bestsellers lists. Her book Allison’s Journey was listed on the Publishers Weekly Paperback Religion Bestsellers list in July 2008. Her books have also received other honors, including the 2006 Reader’s Choice Award and the CBD Book of the Week. Brunstetter enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and loves to visit their communities throughout the country.

Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life—something she says we all need in this day and age. Using the knowledge she has gained from her Amish friends, Wanda has also produced several children’s titles in the Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere series, two Amish cookbooks, and a devotional collection entitled The Simple Life. Wanda and her husband are members of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. She is also a member of the North American Association of Ventriloquists, American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Northwest Christian Writers Association.

Book Review: A Cousin's Promise

I just finished reading this wonderful book the other day. It is by Wanda E. Brunstetter and it's called A Cousin's Promise, and is the first book in the series Indiana Cousin's. This book is another fabulous book. The Amish are so interesting to me, but these books make me feel that I am right there while everything is happening. The author's writing draws me in and causes me to keep wanting to turn the pages. The bad thing is, I am getting nothing done when I read her work. The good thing is, I am enjoying the books and the time it takes to read them. I definitely recommend this book to everyone out there.

Uhrichsville, OH—A young Indiana Amish woman seeks the desires of her heart in A Cousin’s Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter. This book, the first in Brunstetter’s new Indiana Cousin’s series, is set to release in March 2009.

When a horrific accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult enough to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will he sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life? Having already been jilted once, Loraine is terrified of yet another rejection. But does she love Wayne enough to marry him, for better or worse? When her old boyfriend Jake Beechy returns from exploring the English world, he hopes Loraine will give him another chance. Will she renew their love or wed Wayne as promised? How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart?

Visit Indiana Amish country where a tragic accident and an old beau complicate the lives of two young lovers in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s A Cousin’s Promise.

Click here to see the book trailer.

About the Author:

Brunstetter is nationally recognized as an expert on the Amish community, and her book sales have topped the two million mark. This year, A Sister’s Hope, the final book in her Sisters of Holmes County series, topped the August and September 2008 Publishers Weekly Paperback Religion Bestsellers lists. Her book Allison’s Journey was listed on the Publishers Weekly Paperback Religion Bestsellers list in July 2008. Her books have also received other honors, including the 2006 Reader’s Choice Award and the CBD Book of the Week. Brunstetter enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and loves to visit their communities throughout the country.

Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life—something she says we all need in this day and age. Using the knowledge her Amish friends have shared with her, Wanda has also produced several children’s titles in the Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere series, an Amish cookbook, and a devotional collection entitled The Simple Life, which was released in July 2008 and celebrates the virtues of the Amish lifestyle. Wanda and her husband are members of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Wanda is also a member of the North American Association of Ventriloquists, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Northwest Christian Writers Association.

Amazon.com has this book for $8.59. Check it out here.

Sunday Stealing: Ellie Bellie

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as Ellen White from the blog Ellie Bellie Blog. She states that she has been "dragged into this new cult of memeing". She does not explain what blogger "dragged her". But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Ellie Bellie Meme

what are your most common nicknames? Mom, Suzie, Mammy

what is today's weather? It's great outside, about 65 degrees.

where did go on vacation this year? Vacation? We're supposed go have a vacation? As close of a vacation that I got was camping.

what did you do there? Nothing

where did you stay? Cross Creek, Delaware, Ohio

what job do you do? nurse, cook, chef, maid, therapist, doctor, teacher, wife, mom, grand-daughter, taxi driver....other wise known as daycare provider.

describe where you live. Small rural town

what do you usually do on weekends? Try to get caught up from the super busy week, and visit the grandparents.

what food hits your 'bliss spot'? Mexican and chinese

what drink really does it for you? Margarita on the rocks!!

describe the first friend that comes to your head. Rene

what was the last restaurant you went to? House of Hunan, of course.

where would you like to live if you had unlimited moneys and nothing stopping your dreams? In the Caribean.

what is the likeliness of you achieving this dream home? NOT very likely.

what do you like to do in your spare time? Spare time? There you go again thinking everyone gets time to enjoy things in life. I do sneak a good book when I can.

what's your favorite genre for TV programs? Cooking, crime, drama, comedy...

what's your favorite genre for music? Rock, country, you name it.

what's your favorite song that's sad? Favorite Sad song? Should a sad song be a favorite? I will have to go with Lee Greenwoods Proud to be an American where the military families are talking between words of the songs.

what's your favorite soppy film? ???

how about your favorite chick flick? Not much of a movie person...no time

what are you looking forward to at the moment? Sleeping in my own bed.

what are you dreading at the moment? The new week starting soon.

how would you describe your personality? Oh, biotchy!!

if you had a personality eraser, what part of yours might you erase? That's easy, biotchy!!

you are given $5000 to spend in 1 day, what do you do with it? remember, no limitations! Buy new carpet and furniture for my living room and give it a new coat of paint and update.

what is your biggest fear? Dying

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing!

Bookin' With Bingo giveaway!!

BOOKIN' WITH BINGO
is having an
EXTRAVAGANT BINGO BOOKCASE GIVEAWAY
sponsored by
CSN STORES
who sell everything from
fireplaces to office furniture.

Stop by and enter by 6 PM, EST, on September 26th.

Wordless Wednesday: Motley Crew

If you would like to see more Wordless Wednesday pictures you can visit 5 Minutes For Mom, Momdot, Jolly Mom and A Daily Dose of Toni and Go Graham Go.

You can also check out the Mostly Wordless Wednesday H.Q. over at Ordinary and Awesome.

Custom Blog Design Giveaway..

... is at Diana Rambles this month.

The blog makeover (valued at $85) will include:

• custom header
  
• 1 or 2 sidebars
  
• backgrounds (either solid or print) to match
• custom coloring
• a custom URL icon to replace the orange B of blogger up on the browser bar
  
• these extras as custom signature, graphic next to sidebar titles, post divider, numbering for comments, and comment icon
• blog button w/ widget code

The Blog Design will come from Custom Blog Designs

and this is actually where my button came from. Isn't it cute. So head on over and win your blog a new design.

And the winner is...

I have the 2 winners for my MyPostCardprinting.com giveaway of 200 Custom Postcards. There were a total of 34 entries, some of which had to come by way of twitter because for some reason, my blog is being very unfriendly to some of you for some unknown reason.

So, the winners are:
#34
Blogger by way of LoveMy2Dogs said...

Butterfly10210RT @lovemy2doggies: Are you planning a wedding? Need invitations? You could win 200 from my giveaway. Enter to win @http://bit.ly/feXVS9:32 PM Aug 23rd from TwitterFon

#20
Blogger Alexis AKA MOM said...

I have your button up :)

August 20, 2009 3:34 PM

Congratulations to the 2 winners. I will be emailing you asap. You will have 48 hours to respond or I will have to choose another winner.

I would like to take this time to Thank Mypostcardprinting.com for allowing me to do this giveaway and I accept my appreciation prize of 200 Custom postcards also.

OH, what a weekend I had :)

The hubby and I decided that we needed some quality time alone together so that is just what we did. I took Friday off of work and we went camping just the two of us. Well if that is what you want to call it. The next 3 pictures were of the passengers in my car on the way to the campground.

I guess Motley was waiting for me to buckle him in. I am not a bad driver.

Sophie is my front seat companion, or spoiled brat, whichever.

And Shadow, well he is just a big dork. So if you want to call that camping alone you can, but I wouldn't. You see, Sophi is a spoiled dog and heaven forbid I go in the camper to use the bathroom and not take her with me. If I leave her outside, she whines till I come back. Then there is Motley, who thought he needed to try and eat every dog that walked by our campsite. I am not sure who he thought he was. Then there is Shadow who is our air-conditioner baby who wants to stay in the camper with the air on but you have to leave the door open so he can see out. We do keep the screen door closed but I couldn't get a pic of him with it shut.
On Saturday, our daughter and her boyfriend came down to eat supper with us. The little turd that she is brought me this Birthday Cake. I told her "That is not even funny!" They all got a kick out of it. I hate getting old.

For supper I fixed hamburgers and smoked sausage, and since I was outside by myself cooking the sausage I thought I would just snap a picture of that too. I guess you could say I was bored. They were all in getting the burgers fixed. Eww, I don't eat hamburgers unless I have to.

Everything was going really well for the weekend, except the rain. It rained for about 3 hours on Saturday, not a hard rain just a slow rain.That's why we had to cook on the little Charcoal grill. I was going to cook over the fire, but well, you know the rain always wins when it comes to that.
Hubby does not like getting wet and even though we were sitting under the awning he was getting a little wet when the wind blew so he needed an umbrella. Of course we had to laugh at him a bit for that. The next picture is my Hubby and daughter.

So, after the kids left, I call them kids but they are 20 and 21, (who by the way took all 3 dogs home with them:) ) I decided it was margarita time. So I preceded to consume some Jose Curevo. Umm, they were so yummy!!

We spent some quality time sitting around the fire talking about everything that we never get the chance to talk about. Things from what we did yesterday to what we want to do next year. We really had a great time. And boy I needed that. Time alone with the Hubby!! I am always busy with the daycare kiddos and he is always off working on something somewhere or another.

Then, that's when it happened. I ran out of margarita mix. Not a good thing since Hubby asked me earlier when we ran to get more tequila if I needed more mix and silly me said "Nope, I got enough." WTH was I thinking? You can never have enough margarita mix, especially when you are spending the weekend alone with the Hubs! But that was okay I guess, I got over it.

So, needless to say, I am recharged for the time being. I totally loved getting to spend the weekend with him without kiddos saying "Tammy", "Tammy", "Tammy" and someone calling him and saying "Can you come fix this?" or "My car is broke down, can you help?" or "Hey man, we are drinking some beer, want to come over and drink some, too?" It is never a dull moment at our house. It's probably a good thing though, because that is what pays the bills....and pays for camping.

I do recommend that everyone spend time alone with their spouse. It revitalizes a lot of things. I just wish I could do it way more often.

Wordless Wednesday: The Grandparents

Here is my Grandparents that I am always talking about. This year she turned 90 and he 92.

If you would like to see more Wordless Wednesday pictures you can visit 5 Minutes For Mom, Momdot, Jolly Mom and A Daily Dose of Toni.

You can also check out the Mostly Wordless Wednesday H.Q. over at Ordinary and Awesome.

"A Sister's Hope" Book Review

It took me less than one day to read the final book, "A Sister's Hope. I have now completely read the whole series called "Sister's of Holmes County" by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Barbour Publishing. I am amazed at how good these books are, and I just could not put it down. It definitely keeps you wanting to read more. They are definitely a must read for everyone. Even the teenagers. We live within 15 minutes of some Amish families in central Ohio and I have visited a couple of their businesses and I have driven by many of their homes and while I was listening/reading these books, I could see in my imagination everything that was happening.

Lose yourself in Holmes County, where romance, suspense, mystery, and faith-filled Amish ways rule the day! Martha Hostettler is concerned about the continuous attacks being made on her Amish family. With a definite motive and a myriad of methods, Luke Friesen looks like the culprit. Determined to clear his name, Martha decides to play detective. What will the search for truth cost her?

These books about the Hostletter family and their community really describe how the Amish live and raise their families. They tell the stories of happiness and sorrow and at times you felt just that, their happiness and pain. I seriously recommend these books.

This paperback book can be purchased at ChristianBook.com for $4.99 or you can purchase the CD for $7.99. Or you can buy the complete series of paperbacks for $14.99.

"A Sister's Test" Book Review

"A Sister's Test" is the second by in the series "Sister's of Holmes County" by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Barbour Publishing. And this book is just as good as the first one, if not better.

The Hostettler family continues to face an unseen enemy who randomly attacks their property. Despite the unrest, Ruth, the second oldest sister, is about to realize her greatest dream--to marry and raise a family with Martin Gingerich. But in one horrific moment, her world is shattered. Can Ruth rise above the ashes of misfortune, with faith and heart intact?

This paperback book can be purchased at ChristianBook.com for $4.99 or you can purchase the CD for $7.99. Or you can buy the complete series of paperbacks for $14.99.

I am so excited to have listed to these books. I finished listening to this in just one day. I just could not stop listening to it. This book keeps you very interested and there is never a dull moment anywhere in this book. I can not wait to read the final book in this series.

Giveaway: 200 Custom postcards!! CLOSED

Mypostcardprinting.com has offered to give two of my readers each 200 custom postcards. You get to choose your size: 4x6, 4.25x6, 5x7"; 14pt gloss or matte, 13 pt uncoated with full color on both sides.

When they say custom postcards, that is exactly what they mean.

You can get your postcard for your business by getting them done as a calendar, advertisement or an invitation to an open house.

Or, you can get your custom postcards done up for your Christmas cards, or as invitations for a Halloween, Christmas, New Years Eve, Birthday or Anniversary parties.

You could also get the made into engagement, wedding or baby announcements. Or, Thank You cards, the list is endless.

Two winners will win 200 Custom Postcard each and winning is easy.

Mandatory entry: Leave me a comment telling me what you may use your postcards for.

Extra entries:
Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry.

1. Follow me on publicly blogger (1 entry)
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway and leave the link. (1 entry daily) You can copy "Enter to win 200 Custom Postcards for that special occasion (Christmas, Wedding, babies, parties) http://bit.ly/feXVS @uprinting"
3. Grab my button and place it on your blog. (1 entry)
4. Leave me a comment on a non-giveaway post and come back here and let me know you did. (unlimited entries)
5. Blog about this giveaway including links LoveMy2Dogs and Mypostcardprinting.com and leave the link. (10 entries)

**Be the first to enter and you get 10 extra entries. (leave 10 extra comments)

Shipping must be paid by Winner. Offer Valid for UNITED STATES SHIPPING ONLY.

This giveaway will end on August 21st at 10:00pm EST. The winner will be announced the following day. You will have 48 hours to reply to the email that I send you to receive your prize.

**I have extended this contest until August 24th at 10:00pm.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

A Sister's Secret:: My Review

I just finished listening to the Audio book called "A Sister's Secret" by Wanda Brunstetter and boy was it a great book. It is the first book in the series, Sisters of Holmes County. I cannot wait until I get my hands of the second book in the series called "A Sister's Test" which hopefully I get today.

Excerpt

Putting her rumschpringe days behind her, Grace Hostettler returns to her Amish community in Holmes County, Ohio, and becomes engaged to upright Cleon Schrock. But then she runs into Gary Walker, an English man who knows enough about her former life to destroy her future. Can God bring anything good out of a shameful past

This paperback book can be purchased at ChristianBook.com for $4.99 or you can purchase the CD for $7.99. Or you can buy the complete series of paperbacks for $14.99.


I highly recommend this book to anyone. I have never read a christian book before but let me tell you, I would have never considered it just that. If you can get your hands on this book, do read it, you will love it.

Sunday Stealing: Blame Tara

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as MelRoXx of the blog Life of a Mean Jean. She explains that she was tagged to do the meme by gaelikaa and she states that it's called The Blame Tara Meme. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Blame Tara Meme

Question 1: Who do you think is the hottest movie star? Hot? Sean Connery a few years back, whooa am I old?

Question 2: Apart from your house and your car, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Our camper, or Hotel 8 as our friends call it.

Question 3: What is your most treasured memory? The birth of my daughter 20 years ago.

Question 4: What is the best gift you’ve ever received as a child? A baby-doll, that I still have.

Question 5: What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made? Too many to name but lets just leave it at being 15 and stupid!!

Question 6: Give four words to describe yourself. Busy, overworked, wife, mother.

Question 7: What was your highlight or lowlight of 2008? Nothing stands out, my life must be pretty boring.

Question 8: What was your most embarrassing moment? My mind is blank but I am sure someone I know could remind me of something.

Question 9: Tell something not generally known about yourself. On blogger ~ I bowl in a Women's league on Wednesday nights.

Question 10: If you were a comic strip/cartoon character, who would you be? Who would I be? Have no clue, don't read the comic's anymore. Ok, I have it, Garfield!!

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing!

Small Talk Six: Is relaxing possible?

Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly list
Small Talk Six topics for 2009.It will be interesting to see how each participant interprets this week’s topic.

Read more: "Mom Blogs at MomDot"

Today’s topic is “6 things you do, used to do, or would like to do to relax.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Relax, it that possible to do? Well, anyway, here's my 6:

1. I love to take a nice long bubble bath with a good book (and not be disturbed).

2. I love to just sit on the front porch just watching the birdies eating.

3. Going to be and listening to a good audio book is very relaxing (unless it's about murder, which my last book was).

4. Watching a good movie without the interruptions of kids, dogs or phones.

5. Going camping with just my Hubby and a good book.

6. A day off, with NO kiddos and nothing that "has" to be done. Oh, wait that never happens.

Lexi Update

Lexi is back in the hospital. She was running a temp and so her mommy took her back to Children's and they ended up keeping her and giving her a blood transfusion. You can visit her caring page a CaringBridge please leave her and her parents words of prayer and encouragement.

Please keep sending prayers her way!
Thanks to all of you who are!

Wordless Wednesday

These are my lovely Red, White and "Blue" wave petunias.

I have always loved my Browned Eyed Susans.

My Hydrangea finally has it's first bloom. Yeah!!

If you would like to see more Wordless Wednesday pictures you can visit 5 Minutes For Mom, Momdot, Jolly Mom and A Daily Dose of Toni.

You can also check out the Mostly Wordless Wednesday H.Q. over at Ordinary and Awesome.