Winner!

The winner of the January Book Giveaway is:
Virginia Campbell
Clifton Forge, VA

Virginia, I'll be mailing your books out to you soon!

All, I'll be posting another book giveaway tomorrow, or shortly after that!

Congrats, Virginia! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Review For Milk Money

Here's a wonderful review that Molly wrote on her blog for Milk Money - book #2 in the Chesapeake Weddings collection that's coming in April 2010!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Christian Book Distributors Catalog Featuring My Novel!

Check out page 33 of the latest Christian Book Distributor (CBD) catalog! You'll see my 3-in-1 collection featured! Remember, Chesapeake Weddings is coming in April! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Night Light By Terri Blackstock

Night Light by Terri BlackstockPaperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (July 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310257689
ISBN-13: 978-0310257684
From the Back Cover
In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to the age before electricity, the Brannings face a choice. Will they hoard their possessions to survive or trust God to provide as they offer their resources to others? #1 bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if series in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world. An era unlike any in modern civilization is descending, one without lights, electronics, running water, or automobiles. As a global blackout lengthens into months, the neighbors of Oak Hollow grapple with a chilling realization: the power may never return. Survival has become a lifestyle. When two young thieves break into the Brannings home and clean out the food in their pantry, Jeff Branning tracks them to a filthy apartment and discovers a family of children living alone, stealing to stay alive. Where is their mother? The search for answers uncovers a trail of desperation and murder . . . and for the Brannings, a powerful new purpose that can transform their entire community and above all, themselves.

I reviewed the first book in this series here. I can see why this author is a #1 best-selling writer! I was so impressed by the first book that I ordered the rest of this series from Amazon! I kept thinking about the characters and the fact that the lights, electricity and electronics had not been restored by the end of the first book. The characters never left my mind so I eagerly started the second book in the series months later. This book won't disappoint you! The world is still without power and mankind is still scavenging for food and clean water. Most of the residents of Oak Hollow have banded together to stay alive. They've combined their manpower to build a well, so that they can have clean water to drink. Food is still scarce and when the Brannings find children stealing their food, they discover that the youngsters are living in a dirty apartment building, alone.

The children come to live with the Brannings and the family wonders if they'll have enough food to feed the extra youngsters. Meanwhile, technology in the world does get a slight boost when it's discovered that old automobiles, build in the seventies and before that, will work because they don't use a microchip.

Meanwhile, Deni Branning wonders about her fiance. He doesn't seem to care that's she's almost gotten killed during the blackout. Should she breakup with him?

I highly recommend this novel. The story will keep you entertained for hours. Blackstock is one of my favorite authors. Her suspense is extremely intriquing.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

40,000+

Just noticed that my counter has surpassed the 40,000 mark! I'm glad people are visiting my blog!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Momma's Wine Cake

Here's the link to the recipe I tried last weekend. I altered the recipe a little bit, though. You don't have to worry about the alcoholic content in this cake! The alcohol bakes out of the cake in the oven. Here's the version of the recipe that I used. I got some of these variations from the comments on the link above:

Momma's Wine Cake:

1 (18.25 ounce) package butter recipe cake mix
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup white wine
4 eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray the inside of a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle white sugar inside the pan. (This will create a great sugary crust on the cake while baking.)

In medium bowl combine the cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, vegetable oil, white wine, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes. I mixed it by hand. It only took a few minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool on rack in pan for 10 minutes then remove cake from pan to rack. Let cake cool completely before slicing. Garnish sliced cake with a dollop of whipped cream or dust with confectioners' sugar and sliced strawberries. I didn't garnish mine. I just removed it from the pan and we sliced and ate it! Yummy!

I'd like to try this using another variation: Yesterday, I purchased a lemon cake mix and a box of lemon instant pudding from the store. I'd like to try this recipe using those two ingredients. I'd also like to add a little bit of lemon extract to the cake if I do this? Not sure if I'll add the extract, though. It would be interesting to see how it turns out. I probably won't get around to trying this for awhile though - at least a few months! I'll be sure to blog about it once I try it!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Where Am I?

I stumbled upon this post on the Sunny Island Breezes Blog. I told the blogger that I currently am not under contract for any more books. I do have projects for which I'm searching for a home, but so far, no takers! Plus I told her that Barbour rejected my last proposal.

So, if you've read my any of my Heartsongs and enjoyed them, then could you please let the publisher know via this link? Just mention that you liked my books and you'd like to see more!

I hope everyone has a blessed day!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bloomsbury Publishing

Remember when I blogged about African Americans on bookcovers here?

I didn't want an African-American on my bookcover because I was worried about my sales figures. I wanted a more generic cover with scenery versus having a person on the cover.

I recently came across this blog post which tells of Bloomsbury Publishing placing a Caucasian female on the cover of a YA book, but the character in the story is really African American. Bloomsbury has stated that they did this because books that have African Americans on the cover don't sell. However, it is deceiving to place the Caucasian on the cover when the main character in the story is Black. Bloomsbury received a lot of flack for doing this and has since changed the cover to more accurately depict the main character.

However, they did the same with yet another YA title, not depicting the character as a person of color on the cover.

It's shocking that they did this. It would've made more sense to do a generic cover without people...

This Black/White book issue looks like it's a problem that's going to be around for a long time.

Do you think Bloomsbury was justified with what they did?

I don't think they should have portrayed the main character as someone of another race. It's misleading to the reader...it's the same as lying, which I think is wrong. You don't want to deceive the consumer...

I know I was complaining about my cover having an AA person on the cover...BUT, I would never want my publisher to place a Caucasian person on the cover when my characters are African-American! I'm pleased with my cover. I'd just heard that the books within the series that had generic covers had great sales figures. Since I've never seen any of the 3-in-1s with AA covers, I wasn't sure how the sales figures would pan out since my cover is going to be "different" than the others...

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Genesis Contest For Unpublished Authors

Occasionally, unpublished writers will email me, asking for advice about how to get their novels commercially published. I mention joining a writers' organization such as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) or RWA (Romance Writers of America). I also mention entering their manuscript into a contest. This is a great way to gain feedback for your novel. If you place (or win) the contest, you may gain the attention of an agent or an editor.

ACFW recently opened up their Genesis Contest for submissions. This contest is for unpublished Christian fiction writers. I've helped to judge this contest for the last few years. If you have a Christian fiction manuscript that you're trying to get commercially published, then you might want to consider entering the Genesis. Rules and regulations are outlined in the link above!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Latter-Day Cipher By Latayne C. Scott

Latter-Day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802456790
ASIN: B002SB8NQC

When rebellious Utah socialite Kirsten Young is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story—which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last.

Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah’s cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife Eliza is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? And could the murderer be asking the same questions?

I thought this book did a great job of showing the truth behind the Mormon church. I was compelled to purchase the novel more for the subject matter than for the storyline. Since I was raised in a religion that's considered a cult, I was interested in finding out more about the weird teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There's a murderer on the loose and after he/she kills, there's always a message left behind, showing that the murderer is affiliated with the Mormon church. Selonnah Zee, a writer, is given the assignment to cover the murders and to find out more about the Latter-Day Saints church. While bunking with her male cousin and his wife, Selonnah finds herself taken on a journey where she questions the Mormon church and tries to find the answers behind the questions about her own faith.

This book will blow your mind, especially if you know little about the Mormon church and long to know more. I read it in a few days over the Christmas break.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Remember
the dream!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Winner!

The winner of the Stephanie Morrill book giveaway is:

Kelly M.
Adams Basin, NY

Kelly, I've contacted Stephanie on your behalf about winning the novel! I hope you enjoy it!

I'm going to relax and try and enjoy this three-day weekend! It's been a hectic week and I need some rest!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

REJECTED! :-(

Barbour rejected my three-book idea proposal yesterday! Apparently, according to their blog, they rejected lots of people!

Oh well, I guess it's back to the drawing board! Also, it's time to go fishing!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Becoming Lucy by Martha Rogers

I recently finished this novel and thought it was a cute, light read that would appeal to young adults because a lot of the characters are teenagers. It's a historical novel that addresses issues and prejudices that people faced long ago and Martha also makes a good point: there is no sin that falls short of being forgiven by the glory of God. We're all sinners, and even though you think you may have committed an unpardonable sin, God still loves you and you will be forgiven as long as you accept his Grace for your sins.

I thought the struggles between Lucinda and Jake were very realistic and their faith showed how we have to really rely on God to solve all of life's problems. We can't solve all of our hardships ourselves...we all need Jesus's help and his umbrella of forgiveness in our lives.

I recommend this story for those who want an engaging story about an affluent woman who falls in love with a man with a troubled past.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Martha Rogers

and the book:

Becoming Lucy

Realms (January 5, 2010)

***Special thanks to LeAnn Hamby | Publicity Coordinator | Strang Book Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Rogers is a former schoolteacher and English instructor. She served as a newsletter editor for the writer’s organization, Inspirational Writers Alive! for six years and is the state president. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer’s Conference and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her novel, Not on the Menu (May 2007), is a part of Sugar and Grits, a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y’Barbo. Rogers has a Master’s Degree in Education, worked for twenty-eight years as a secondary teacher, and has worked as a supervisory teacher at University of Houston Clear Lake and as an instructor of English Composition at Houston Community College. Martha and her husband live in Houston, Texas and have worked with teenagers at First Baptist Church for twenty-four years.

Visit the author's website.



Product Details:

List Price: $10.99
Paperback: 297 pages
Publisher: Realms (January 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159979912X
ISBN-13: 978-1599799124

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Oklahoma Territory 1896

Jake Starnes hunkered down in his jacket. He smelled
frost in the air, but the cold in his bones came from fear, not
the temperature. A gust of wind threatened to take his hat. He shoved it down tighter to secure it.

He peered ahead at the barren landscape and the outline of the town of Barton Creek. Naked trees stretched forth to the skies against a backdrop of prairie grass that spread as far as the eye could see toward distant mountains. It bore no resemblance to the beautiful hills of Texas where he grew up. He missed them, but he'd probably never get the chance to see them again. He sighed in resignation to the life that lay ahead. A life he hadn't chosen. It had chosen him the day he chose to wear a gun.

Mrs. Haynes sat beside him and nudged his arm. "How much longer will we be? Dear little Lucinda. I pray she doesn't have to wait too long for us. I thought Ben would be done with the stock, but since he wasn't, I'm thankful you were available."

"Happy to oblige, ma'am. Won't be long now." Mrs. Haynes had talked about her sister's "poor orphan child" for the past two months. He could sympathize with the child because he lost both his parents just after he turned fifteen. She must be grieving terribly.

The pressure of Mrs. Haynes's hand on his arm brought him to the present. "Jake Starnes, you're not paying one bit of attention to me. If your mind is on the work you left at the ranch, don't worry about it. Ben and the others can take care of your chores."

"I know they will." Gray clouds covered the late October sky. "It's getting darker. Hope we get back home 'fore night sets in. That wind's coming straight down across the prairie with nothing to stop it."

"Dear me, I do pray Lucinda is dressed warmly." Mrs. Haynes pulled her shawl more tightly about her shoulders.

"You said she's coming from Boston, so she knows about cold weather." He peered at the horizon. The few buildings of Barton Creek drew closer. Another ten minutes and they'd be in town.

Jake's stomach began churning like those blue-black clouds rolling across the sky. Were it not for the little girl waiting for them, he'd have turned back home now. If the sheriff in Barton Creek recognized him or had questions about him being a stranger in these parts, he'd be in a heap of trouble.

He'd avoided going into the settlement ever since he came to Oklahoma six months ago. His wanderings ended at the Haynes's spread, where he'd stopped to ask for work. His first intention to stay only a month or so then move on changed when the Haynes showed him a kindness and love he sorely missed. They had become the family he had lost years ago.

Now the thought of entering the town caused fear to rise like bile. What would happen if the lawman in town recognized him and Ben Haynes learned about Jake's past, a past he wanted to forget?

•

Lucinda stared down at the dusty ground beneath the worn wooden bench of the Wells Fargo depot and twisted her black-gloved hands in her lap. She searched the area for a familiar face. Where were Aunt Amelia and Uncle Ben? Her escort had fallen ill in the last town, but Lucinda had been determined to come on alone despite protests, and now she sat here with no one to meet her. Doubt clouded her mind over the decisions of the past month.

With no one else to call family, she'd had no choice but to come west. Aunt Mellie and Uncle Ben could never replace Mama and Papa, but being a part of the Haynes family would help take away the loneliness haunting her days.

She swiped at something as it brushed her cheek. An insect of some kind flew away, and she shuddered. What other strange things would she see this day? Her gaze swept across the scene before her. Several buildings across from the depot included a general store. She stood and made her way across the uneven ruts crisscrossing the street, if the hard-packed ground could be considered a street. A sign advertising Anderson's General Store squeaked on its chains. Welcome warmth greeted her when she pushed her way through the double doors.

A woman behind the counter peered at her. "May I help you, dear?"

The aroma of lamp oil and peppermint mingled in the air. "I stepped in to get out of the wind. I'm waiting for my Uncle Ben and Aunt Amelia to pick me up."

The gray-haired woman wiped her hands on her white apron. "Are you talking about Amelia Haynes?"

"Yes, ma'am. I've come to live with them."

The lady beamed. "Welcome to Barton Creek. I'm Bea Anderson, and that's my husband Carl over there." A slightly bald man helping a customer grinned and nodded in her direction.

Mrs. Anderson pulled up a stool beside the wood stove. "Sit a spell and get warm. Ben and Amelia should be here soon."

A young man by the shelf of canned goods turned and smiled. Lucinda offered a small one in return. Heat rose in her cheeks as he continued to stare.

She broke her gaze and pointed to glass jars filled with a rainbow of colors. "Thank you, but I must go back over to the depot. I'll take a few of those peppermints if you don't mind."

Mrs. Anderson filled a small bag with the candy. "It's a mite colder out now. Sure you don't want to stay here until they arrive?"

Lucinda handed the woman a few coins and grasped the bag. "Thank you for your concern, but I don't want them to have to hunt for me. Maybe I'll see you again."

"If you come to church on Sunday, you surely will." The bell over the door jingled, and another customer entered. Mrs. Anderson turned her attention to the new patron. The young man smiled and nodded as Lucinda turned from the counter. She didn't smile in return. Mrs. Anderson should have introduced him. Were proper manners of no importance here on the frontier?

Lucinda crossed back to the depot that was down from the town's answer for a hotel. The only fully brick building in sight, it had grand windows, and cut glass adorned the wooden doors, but it couldn't compare to the ones in Boston. Of course, nothing in these buildings resembled the beauty of the masonry of her hometown.

She returned to the bench and popped a peppermint into her mouth. The sharp sweetness teased her taste buds as she savored her favorite candy. It brought back memories of Papa bringing a bag of treats home to her every week.

She'd be eighteen in less than six months and old enough to take care of her own affairs. Until then, however, she had to comply with the lawyer's recommendations. At least her aunt and uncle were family, and she longed to be a part of a family once again. She missed having someone concerned about her welfare. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had been kind, but they had their own affairs to tend to. Her only fear now lay in losing her own identity so far away from everything she knew and loved.

With no idea what lay ahead, one thing was sure: she would have to learn to do without the amenities enjoyed as the only child of a wealthy family. But if Aunt Amelia could come out here and live and be entirely happy, Lucinda had to at least give it a try.

A gust of wind whipped open her dark blue cloak and stirred a small whirlwind of dirt. She coughed from the dust and wrapped the thick wool tighter around her body to ward off the cold. If Aunt Amelia and Uncle Ben didn't arrive soon, she'd have to go back inside to escape the weather.

•

Mellie Haynes shivered in the frigid air. In a few minutes she'd be with her young niece. Dear Lucinda. How would she fare in this country? Amelia missed her sister and the wonderful letters they exchanged, but that couldn't begin to compare to the grief Lucinda must bear.

The Haynes ranch house may not be as elegant as Lucinda's home in Boston, but it was warm, comfortable, and large enough to accommodate her own son and daughter as well as Lucinda.

She pictured her young niece and Becky together. Surely Lucinda's upbringing would have a positive effect on her
daughter's hoydenish behavior. Of course, Becky was only twelve, but the time had come for her to learn more ladylike ways.

Mellie considered the young man beside her. Jake couldn't be much more than a few years older than Lucinda. Such a handsome face, but so full of sadness, it had drawn her to him like a moth to light when he arrived at the ranch all those months ago. He'd become more like a second son. She wanted to erase that haunted look in his eye and believed she'd succeeded until today.

When they reached the main street, her heart beat a little faster. Her precious niece huddled on the bench, staring at the ground. She would offer Lucinda plenty of comfort and love to help her adjust to all the changes in the days ahead.

•

Lucinda sat with head bowed against the wind as it blasted around the corner. She yanked on her bonnet to keep it from flying off into the street. She hadn't felt this lonely since the day after the funeral.

Wagon wheels creaked and broke the silence. Her name echoed across the street, and she glanced up. Aunt Amelia waved and called to her again. Relief flooded Lucinda's soul. She bolted from the bench and ran into her aunt's welcoming arms.

Aunt Amelia hugged her tightly. "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry we're late. Your uncle Ben couldn't leave the ranch, so I had Jake bring me."

A young man in dusty boots and a brown hat stood waiting by the wagon. Hair the color of the wheat fields she'd passed in Kansas escaped from under his hat and brushed his shoulders. He tipped the brim back with a forefinger, and his eyebrows arched as though surprised to see her.

Aunt Amelia hugged her again before stepping back. "Oh, let me look at you. You've grown even more beautiful since we saw you at the funeral." She turned to the cowboy. "Jake, come and meet Lucinda."

The young man sauntered across the unpaved street and removed his hat. Steel blue eyes met Lucinda's gaze and sliced through her with razor sharpness. She gulped. No one had ever looked at her like that.

Aunt Amelia introduced him as Jake Starnes. A muscle twitched in his well-tanned jaw, and a gust of wind blew a few strands of hair across his face. Still, he stared. Curiosity swelled from within, but she averted her eyes. The handsome young man in dirty boots and a blue jacket was like no other young man Lucinda had ever met.

She lifted her chin into the air and turned her gaze toward the station. "My bags are over there."

He stepped behind Lucinda to survey two trunks and a mound of other pieces. He emitted a low whistle. "All that stuff yours?"

At Lucinda's nod, he shook his head, then hefted the smaller trunk onto his shoulder. With his free hand he grasped the handle of her largest bag. "I reckon it'll fit, but we'll all three have to ride on the bench." He strode across the way to a wagon hitched to a pair of horses.

Lucinda scurried to keep up. Dismay swelled in her chest as she surveyed the wooden contraption. No carriage? How far would she have to ride up on that narrow seat? "How far is it?" she asked.

"It's about an hour's drive out to the ranch. Mrs. Haynes, maybe we should have brought the bigger buckboard."

Aunt Amelia covered her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry. I should have thought of that, but this will have to do for today."

Jake pushed his load into the back of the wagon. He turned to Aunt Amelia and offered his assistance to lift her onto the wooden plank bench. After she settled herself, he nodded toward a step on the side and reached for Lucinda's elbow.

Lucinda tensed at his touch but accepted his help. She perched next to her aunt. Not even a cushion on the boards to soften the impact, but the thickness of her petticoats and coat would ease the bumps a bit.

As soon as she was situated, Jake turned back to the station. "I'll get the rest of your things."

Jake's dark jacket strained across his broad shoulders as he lifted the final two boxes and almost staggered under their weight.

Aunt Amelia leaned against her arm. "Jake's a strong young man and a big help on the ranch."

Lucinda's cheeks again filled with heat. Ashamed to think her aunt caught her observing the cowboy, she let her gaze wander back to the street and the buildings. How different from what she expected, but then she had no way of knowing what awaited her in Barton Creek.

Before she could take time for further inspection, Jake returned to heave the last small trunk onto the wagon.

Jake frowned up at her. "'Tain't Boston, but it's growing."

His words echoed her thoughts and unnerved her even more. She clasped her hands to keep them from shaking.

He unhitched the horses and climbed up beside her aunt, then reached behind him for a heavy wool coat. Jake pushed his long arms into the sleeves and buttoned it around his chest. A flick of the reins and the team moved forward.

Wide-open range and grasslands spread across the scene with distant hills giving character to an otherwise dull landscape with its brown and pale greens. Leafless trees sent crooked fingers into the overcast sky. The land looked as though God had created it and then forgotten it. Lucinda shivered as the wind sent chilling gusts through her cloak.

Aunt Amelia grasped Lucinda's hand. "Our house isn't a big one by any means, but we have plenty of room for you, and Becky is excited to have another girl around the ranch. You'll share a room with her."

Share a room? Lucinda hadn't counted on that either. What other surprises lay waiting for her? The view of bleak land sowed more seeds of doubt in her mind. She should have insisted on staying in Boston. How would she ever fit into life on a ranch in such a lonely place?

If only Mama and Papa hadn't been so protective, she might not be as ill at ease as she was now. The sound of her name broke into her reverie. "What was that, Aunt Amelia?"

"I said Lucinda is rather a formal name for the west. How about Lucy? It's short and easy to say."

Change her name? What next? She rolled the name on her tongue but didn't care for the feel of it. If she changed her name, then she'd be giving up one more part of herself. Manners restrained her tongue from a sharp answer. "I'll have to think about the name for a while if you don't mind, Aunt Amelia."

Her aunt pursed her lips. "Of course, dear, but you can call me Aunt Mellie. Everyone at the ranch and in town does except for this young'un here." She nudged Jake in the arm. "Don't you think she looks like a Lucy?"

Jake shot her a quick look. "Sounds fine to me, ma'am," he said politely.

"Yes, Lucy is a good name." Mrs. Haynes grinned at Jake but spoke to Lucinda. "His name is Jacob, but we all call him Jake. Even your cousins have shortened names."

Love emanated from her aunt, but Lucinda would wait awhile before agreeing to change her name. She leaned forward a bit to observe Jake just as he cut his gaze to hers. A strange feeling of excitement engulfed her, but the unknown sent an icicle of fear through her heart.

•

Jake matched Lucinda's stare until she turned her head. Was that fear he saw in her eyes? What had he said or done to frighten her?

He observed Lucinda's ramrod straight back, her hands clutching a dark blue cloak around her. Raven black hair peeked from beneath a bonnet. He didn't know her age, but she had to still be in her teen years. What had led him to think Lucinda was a child? Of course Mrs. Haynes always referred to her as a little girl. Nothing prepared him for the young lady seated on the other end of the wagon bench.

Mrs. Haynes eyed Lucinda's traveling clothes. "We'll have to get you some more comfortable things for life on the ranch."

Jake swallowed a chuckle as Lucinda protested. "No need for that. Mr. Sutton thought I needed a proper traveling gown, but most of the things his wife helped me with are much more practical." More practical? Jake doubted it. A refined lady from Boston like her wouldn't know the first thing about what to wear at a ranch. A twinge of sympathy ran through him. She looked as out of place as a pig at a cattle auction.

"Here we are," said Mrs. Haynes. "Welcome to your new home, dear."

Before them the Rocking H ranch spread out across the horizon. The roof outlines of the house, bunkhouse, and barns drew near. Jake urged the horses forward, eager to deliver his unusual charge and return to his work. Lucinda's troubles were none of his business. Besides, he had enough troubles of his own to carry.

TIRED

Life's been hectic lately and I've been too tired to blog the last couple of days. I hope to post a review for a book that I finished over the Christmas holiday - I just never got around to blogging about it.

Everybody, stay warm and happy! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

John's Quest - Some Kind Words

Ms. Sylvia Van, one of my blog readers and one of my Facebook friends, informed me that she left the following anonymous comment about John's Quest on this post:

I ordered your book John's Quest from the website and was pleasantly surprised. Each word was like eating your favorite dessert without worrying about the calories. I found myself enjoying it more and more and never wanting it to end. I love it that you continued the book going in doing storylines of each the characters in each of your other books. If there is someone who doesn't like to read but is willing to start I would highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.

Just reading those words warms my heart! What a great way to start my Saturday! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Pastor Bernard Boulton - Author Interview

1. When did you first began writing?

My earliest memories of me writing were when I was a little boy around ten years old. I would write stories about my living in other places. My cousin Yvette, who gave me a love for reading, would write poetry and I wrote some poetry as well, following her example.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to see your book in print? That was my ultimate vision as I was writing Do You Wanna Be Made Whole? As I wrote it I wanted to see it published.

3. I Believe you’ve self published your novel? Could you share how you went about doing this?

I felt led to self publish for several reasons. First I had written a novel in 1992 and had a secured an agent in 1993 but he wasn’t able to secure a deal for me. After that I lost my interest in writing and some years later I lost that manuscript in between moves. After I had written Do You Wanna Be Made Whole? I was praying about trying to sell it to a publisher or to publish it myself when I attended a writer’s conference in Virginia Beach. The facilitator was a young woman named Renee Bobb and the thrust of the conference was on self publishing. After that conference I was inspired to self publish. Another person who has been inspiration to me in self publishing is Dr. Linda Beed, one of the moderators on the BWCHRISTIANLIT Yahoo group. Linda has shared a wealth of knowledge with the group and with me personally about the intricacies of self publishing.

4. Linda does share a wealth of knowledge with her Yahoo group members. Did you choose a certain company, did you incorporate yourself, or did you go through some other process to get your book in print? With Renee’s help I choose Lightning Source as my printer and she has given me many helpful recommendations in this process. Renee has also written and published a manual on self publishing.

5. I've heard Lightning Source recommended by others for self-publishing services. Could you tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming a pastor?

I started preaching when I was seventeen years old. I preached my first sermon on March 25, 1984. I knew early in the ministry that I would one day pastor a congregation and I was elected to my first church in September 1993. I have been a pastor to three congregations in the states of West
Virginia, Virginia and Texas. I have been at this church in
southern Virginia for eight years - which is a unique situation in itself. I was elected to this church in September 1994 and I served as pastor until April 2000 when I left to go to Texas. The church elected me a second time in November 2006 and I returned in February 2007. It is very rare in this denomination to pastor the same church twice.

6. What is your novel about?

This novel is about an older pastor, James Maxwell who is a father type to the following characters: Theo Dexter, Michael Cain and Adam Jones. Each of these men are experiencing life crises that are threatening to derail them. Each of them turns to Pastor Maxwell for help and he walks with them through the process of wholeness.


7. Where did you get the idea for your novel?

I’m not really sure where I got the idea because it was a long time ago when I first started writing my book. I started writing this story at the end of 2003 and the beginning of 2004. My mother had died in June of 2003 and I was writing with a lot of pain so it’s very possible that this story was the result of me dealing with my own brokenness.

Thanks for stopping by today, Bernard!

If you want to know more about Pastor Bernard Boulton, visit his website. You can also read an excerpt of his book at his web address.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bible Prophecy

I'll admit that although I read my Bible regularly, I'm not an expert about the subject of Bible prophecy. Let me tell you why I decided to blog about this topic today.

On Sunday night, I was watching the History Channel, and they had a special on about the Mayans and their calendar. Supposedly, the Mayans predicted that the year 2012 would be the end of time and that is when their calendar stopped? This is going from my sketchy memory, and I didn't even watch the entire show because I got tired and went to bed.

Anyway, seeing that show made me think about the subject of Bible prophecy (Just wanted to point out that the Mayan prediction had nothing to do with the Bible). I do recall reading that the Apostle Paul told the early Christians that prophecy was an important spiritual gift.

Another reason I felt like blogging about this is because I wanted to tell about my limited experience with Biblical prophets/prophecy (or those claiming to be so). I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness until I was twelve. At that age, my dad stopped me from going to the Kingdom Hall (that's what JW's call their church). Since the JW teaching was all that I really knew, I thought what they said was "The Truth." (That's what JWs call their teaching.)

Fast forward six years, I'm in college, and I decide to hook up with JWs again since I thought they told "The Truth." While studying with them, my eyes started getting glassy and my head started spinning when they taught me that the generation of 1914 would not pass away before the real return of Christ (or the end of times), also, Christ came invisibly/spiritually to earth in 1914....

That's around the time they started "losing" me, also, the fact that they used these years to predict things didn't seem right to me. When a JW came to my door last winter, I asked about their prediction of the generation of 1914 not passing away before the end of times. He said they didn't believe that anymore, and I thought to myself..."Hmmm, false prophets."

I feel uneasy when someone predicts something in the name of God and then changes their mind or it turns out it's not true.

My other experience with prophecy happened back in 2002, back when my first book, Promises To Keep, was released via Crossings and Black Expressions book clubs. I'd received an email from a Washington D.C. librarian, stating that she was having a
50th birthday party for her sister, and they wanted an author to attend this event. Eager to promote my novel, I agreed to come.

I went to the party located in an upscale neighborhood in Maryland. While I spoke, people asked me questions. Somebody asked me about sending my book to Oprah. I replied that I'd sent the novel to Oprah, but got no response. The birthday woman/guest of honor, touched her head quickly and looked at me and said, "You're going to be on Oprah one day." Then she turned and resumed her conversation with the person she'd been talking to.

Later, one of the guests said to me, "Did you hear what she said about your being on Oprah? She's an ordained prophet, so you should listen to her."

I thought. "Hmm. She's an ordained prophet. What, exactly, makes someone an ordained prophet?"

What's the point of this post? I'm not sure! I'd be interested in hearing if any of you have had any experience with Bible prophecy. Has a prophet ever told you something that became true later?

I'd think if a person is prophesying something in the name of Jesus, then, ultimately, it will come true. I don't think they would change their mind later and say, "I didn't prophecy that right. This is what God's telling me now!"

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Great Review For John's Quest

I received a nice review of my novel, John's Quest, book one in the Chesapeake Weddings collection. Here's what Molly had to say about my novel:
Cecelia Dowdy's writing abilities are outstanding! She knows how to make God's light shine through the pages of John's Quest, a book that will be in her upcoming release, Chesapeake Weddings. Cecelia brings Monica and John, two very different people, together in an unexpected way to help each other out and through these two very different people, she teaches us about the importance of completely relying on and surrendering ourselves to God and His will for us. And in doing that, we might just find out that our dreams will come true. In my opinion, Cecelia Dowdy is an author worthy of many praises for writing a wonderful, inspiring five star book. Highly recommended!

If you're a member of Good Reads, you can also see and comment about Molly's review here.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Interview - Young Adult Author Stephanie Morrill!

Stephanie, the covers of your books are fabulous! They look so colorful and fun - very appealing to YA readers. Can you tell me if most of your readers are teenagers, pre-teens or both? Have you had any adult readers to write to you and comment about your novels?

Thank you! Didn't the covers turn out great? The team at Revell did a great job, especially at picking the model. She's the PERFECT Skylar.

All of the readers who have written to me have been teenagers. High school, mostly. I've had one mom e-mail me, but it sounded like just her daughter had read my books. So far, the adult readers have mostly been people I know personally. Many of them then recommend the Skylar books to teenagers they know, so I assume they enjoy them!


What made you choose YA fiction? Is this your favorite genre to read?

I LOVE reading YA fiction. Even though I read a variety of genres, I find YA books are the ones I really gobble up.

In high school, I wrote books about high school students, but I assumed I would grown out of it. After I graduated and decided to pursue publication, I wanted to write "serious" novels, like you'd study in English class. But I couldn't think of a single idea. The only ideas I ever had were for YA books. Finally, I gave in to what was clearly God's calling. Now I love what I do so much that I can't remember why I didn't want to do it in the first place.


I read the first chapter of both of your novels on your website, and you have the gift for a distinctive YA voice, which I'd think would be hard for an adult to master. Do you have any advice for writers wanting to pursue a career writing YA fiction?

First, thank you!

Writing YA fiction has its own mix of challenges because you're writing for teens, but you first have to sell it to adults (editors, agents, etc.) Also, parents are often the ones who buy the books.

This may sound stupid, but I'd recommend watching and observing a few TV shows geared toward teens. You'll notice quickly that the teens on those shows don't talk like teens in the real world. Instead, they talk like adults. Teens are drawn to snappy, intelligent dialogue, and I think that's a key element of writing for them.

Another thing I would say is get ready to be vulnerable and genuine. I put a LOT of my middle and high school emotions/doubts/fears on the page, and boy does that get uncomfortable sometimes. But if anybody can sniff out a faker, it's teens.

Who are your favorite YA authors?

In the general market, I'm a huge Sarah Dessen fan. She writes "quieter" books like I do, where descriptions sound like, "Well, it's about this girl ... and she's not quite sure who she is ... she meets this guy...." She writes fabulous stuff. I wish I knew about her when I was a teeanger.

In the Christian market, hands-down my favorite YA author is Jenny B. Jones. I laugh like crazy through her books.

***Okay, I couldn't resist asking:
Have you read the Twilight series? If so, did you enjoy it?
So, I finally caved and bought the first two Twilight books because I'm a YA author, and it's kinda expected. I started the first one when I was sick ... and 24 hours later I closed it and started New Moon ... and 24 hours later I dragged my toddler along to the bookstore to buy Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, which I finished a few days later. I couldn't believe how gripping they were.

If you're aspiring to be a YA author (or if you already are one), the Twilight Saga is mandatory. At school visits, girls ALWAYS ask if I've read Twilight. And if I'm Team Edward or Team Jacob. (Jacob.)

Thanks for being on my blog today, Stephanie! We're doing a book giveaway: A copy of Out With The In Crowd!

Leave a comment with your email address if you'd like to be entered into the drawing!
~Cecelia Dowdy~

Book Giveaway - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

***This giveaway is now closed. A winner has been chosen. See this blog post for more details.

I'm kicking off the New Year by announcing my next book giveaway. These romance (and one women's fiction)titles will be given to one winner.

Leave a comment with your email address to enter the contest! If you don't leave your email address then you will not be entered! Also, by entering this contest, you're agreeing to become a part of my mailing list - I don't send mass emails often, so don't worry about getting too many emails from me!
Some of these novels are brand new, never read, and some are slightly used. Here is the list of books that I'm giving away:

1. In Search Of A Hero by Cheryl Wolverton

2. The Long Road Home by Rachel Druten
Will Becca find her true love at home? After the death of her mother, Rebecca Hostettler is determined to become a doctor - no easy task for a woman in the late 1890s. Peter Chaloupek, taken in and raised by the Hostettlers since age ten, wants nothing more than to continue farming with Becca's father and marry the woman he loves-the future Dr. Rebecca Hostettler But when Becca writes home, singing the praises of a wealthy, handsome young man she met her first day at medical school, Peter fears that Becca will never see him as anything but a brother. Is it too late for Peter to fulfill his dreams? Will Becca become the wife of a future lawyer and politician, or will she take the long road home and find her true love?

3. Kind-Hearted Woman by Janet Spaeth
Colin Hammett is drifting, searching for meaning in life. Maybe 1935 wasn't the best year to do this - deep in the Great Depression. But this is his life now, and he's not sure where to turn next. Lolly Prescott is feeling every moment of a hot, penniless summer. When her brothers carry a half-dead man in the front door and onto the couch, she doesn't know whether to run or just give in and give up. As Colin struggles to regain memory, the Prescotts' finances reach the breaking point. Can the attraction between Colin and Lolly grow amid such uncertainty?

4. God Gave The Song by Kathleen E. Kovach
Skye has spent his entire life dealing with abandonment issues. But as an adult, he's finally happy...until the day he gets a call from a lawyer saying his hippie mother, Hannie, is in a coma. When Skye shows up on Hannie's alpaca ranch as the surprised and hostile heir apparent, Ruthanne struggles to believe that her wonderful employer could be the same woman who caused the pain in Skye's eyes. Will Skye and Ruthanne allow their unforgiveness to keep them bound and unfulfilled, or will God use a strange situation to heal their past hurts and anger?

5. Noah's Ark by Debby Mayne
Now that she has a bachelor's degree in art history, Emily is unable to find work in her field. So she heads to West Virginia, the only place she's ever felt at home, to see if she can figure out what to do with her life. Noah may be in over his head. His veterinary practice is taking off, but he has little help and too many clients in arrears. When Emily comes to work for him part-time, her skills and pleasant nature quickly pull things into order. At least in the office. His heart, however, is another matter!

6.
Finding Home by Jennifer Johnson
Five years ago, as an unwed pregnant college student, Sadie placed her baby girl with adoptive parents. Since that heart-wrenching decision, not a day has passed that Sadie doesn't think of her daughter. Yet, she knows the Lord orchestrated Ellie's adoption into a loving Christian home. But a letter written by Ellie's adoptive father, Cam, delivers sad news that Ellie's adoptive mother has died. Is Cam's invitation to visit Ellie an answer to Sadie's prayers? Will Sadie's empty arms finally be filled by her longed-for child? Or will she find another kind of love altogether?

7.
Sweet Harmony by Janice Hanna
Tangie Carini had her sights set on landing a lead in a Broadway play. But when her career flounders, she ends up in Harmony, New Jersey, as a church drama director. Will Tangie find the role of a lifetime where she least expects it? Stodgy music director Gregg Burke realizes he needs help. But how is he ever going to work with the outrageously eccentric Tangie Carini? Or will he discover that opposites attract?

8. Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber (this book was autographed by the author)

9. Washington - Small Town Romance In Four Distinct Novels by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lauraine Snelling

10. A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

If you've read my novels, John's Quest, Milk Money, or Bittersweet Memories, feel free to leave reviews on Christianbook.com on the Chesapeake Weddings (the re-release of all 3 of those titles) link. Even if you've only read one of those titles, you can still leave a review if you wish! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~