Cecelia's Christian Fiction Blog

A fun place to discuss Christian novels, the Bible, and writing-related topics. Although my focus is Christian fiction, I'll still talk about an occasional secular fiction title or an inspirational non-fiction book.


Pages

  • Home
  • Cecelia Dowdy's Novels
  • Cecelia Dowdy's Website
  • Subscribe To Cecelia's Christian Fiction Blog!
  • Speaking Engagements

Win A Box Of Books! :-)

Win A Box Of Books! :-)
Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon
Join My Email List

Questions?

Do you want to get your novel commercially published? If you do, and you have questions about getting published, email me at dowdywriter @ aol.com (without the spaces) and I'll try to answer your inquiry on this blog.

First Mates - published by Harlequin/Love Inspired

Order Chesapeake Weddings Now! Only $2.79!!

Order Chesapeake Weddings Now! Only $2.79!!

Have you read and enjoyed my novels? Let my publisher know! Contact them on the link below:

  • Heartsong Presents - Contact

Connect with me on:

   ShoutLife.com - a fresh approach to community websites.     

 

Cecelia Dowdy

Follow Me!!!

Grab My Code!


Order Bittersweet Memories - ONLY $2.97 + postage

Order Bittersweet Memories - ONLY $2.97 + postage
You can order by calling: (800) 847- 8270

Order Milk Money - ONLY $2.97 + postage

Order Milk Money - ONLY $2.97 + postage
You can order by calling: (800) 847- 8270
Blog Networks
Blog:
My Christian Fiction Blog Blog
Topics:
Christian Fiction, African American Fiction, Writing
 
Join my network

Order John's Quest - Only $2.97 + postage

Order John's Quest - Only $2.97 + postage
Call (800) 847 8270 to place your order.

About Me

My Photo
Cecelia Dowdy
I'm a Christian fiction romance author with books published by three major houses: Steeple Hill/Love Inspired, Barbour, and Crossings Book Club.
View my complete profile

Subscribe To My Christian Fiction Blog!

Enter your Email


Preview | Powered by FeedBlitz

My Published Novels

My Published Novels
Promises To Keep - published by Doubleday Book Club/Crossings

John's Quest - published by Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents

Milk Money Heartsong Presents #826 Available now!

You can order by calling: (800) 847- 8270

My Blog List

  • From the Heart
    Streaming Digital Books by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
    3 hours ago
  • booksandsuch.biz
    The Rest of the Story
    5 hours ago
  • Copyblogger
    Even if Blogging Drools, Online Content Rules
    8 hours ago
  • Steve Laube
    Fun Fridays – Feb. 3, 2012
    9 hours ago
  • Novel Journey
    Put Your Reader to Sleep
    9 hours ago
  • Seekerville
    February Contest Update
    14 hours ago
  • Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent
    Style Or Substance?
    15 hours ago
  • BookEnds, LLC — A Literary Agency
    The Book/Author I Wish I Had Discovered
    1 day ago
  • Pub Rants
    For The Book That Almost Didn't Sell--Happy Release Day FIRELIGHT!
    1 day ago
  • Writers' Rest
    WILL YOU SELL BEFORE THE RAPTURE CONTEST?
    1 day ago
  • Jevon Bolden, Editor
    6 Things Writers Should Not Say to Editors or Agents at Writers Conferences
    2 days ago
  • Christian Writers' Marketplace
    NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 5
    3 days ago
  • Between Sundays
    6 days ago
  • Cindy's Book Club
    My Review of Maid of Fairbourne Hall, by Julie Klassen
    1 week ago
  • Romancing the Palate
    Edits, Revisions, and Rewrites, Oh My!
    2 weeks ago
  • Advanced Fiction Writing Blog
    A Tale of Two Geniuses
    3 months ago
  • The Edit Cafe
    Get Your Serving of Southern Fried Sushi
    4 months ago
  • Heartsong Connection
    A Random Drawing Winner!!
    6 months ago

Labels

  • Abingdon Press (5)
  • ACFW Conference (15)
  • African-American Novels (114)
  • Amish And Plain (28)
  • Ann H. Gabhart (5)
  • Author Interviews (57)
  • Avon (3)
  • Awards (14)
  • B and H (1)
  • Baker/Revell (29)
  • Barbour Publishing (69)
  • Bethany House (6)
  • Biblical Creatures (9)
  • Biblical Musings (49)
  • Bittersweet Memories (15)
  • Book Giveaway Winners (11)
  • Book Giveaways (95)
  • Book Marketing (2)
  • Book Talk (259)
  • Brandilyn Collins (6)
  • Camy Tang (4)
  • Cecelia Dowdy's Books (84)
  • Center Street (1)
  • Chesapeake Weddings (41)
  • Conferences (14)
  • Deeanne Gist (2)
  • Eva Marie Everson (4)
  • FaithWords (2)
  • First Wild Card Blog Tour (24)
  • Food And Recipes (64)
  • Francine Rivers (1)
  • Harper Collins (3)
  • Harvest House Publishers (2)
  • Heartsong Presents (32)
  • Historicals (33)
  • Holidays (51)
  • John's Quest (13)
  • Julie Lessman (7)
  • Kregel Publications (5)
  • Lift Every Voice (1)
  • Milk Money (28)
  • MIRA Books (Harlequin) (2)
  • Moody Publishers (4)
  • Movie Review (3)
  • My Journey To Publication (4)
  • Mystery and Suspense Titles (40)
  • NavPress (2)
  • Non-Fiction (14)
  • Regencies (4)
  • Rejections (13)
  • Research (3)
  • Robin Lee Hatcher (4)
  • Royalties And Advances (18)
  • Saturday Matinee (8)
  • secular titles (3)
  • Shakers (1)
  • Sherri Lewis (4)
  • Stacy Hawkins Adams (4)
  • Steeple Hill (21)
  • Strang/Realms (2)
  • Summerside Press (8)
  • Sunday Brunch (16)
  • Susan Meissner (6)
  • Ted Dekker (9)
  • Terri Blackstock (7)
  • The Early Christians (12)
  • The Next Food Network Star (4)
  • The Shack (4)
  • Thomas Nelson (11)
  • Tracie Peterson (4)
  • Tyndale House (6)
  • Urban Christian (6)
  • vampires (11)
  • Victoria Christopher Murray (3)
  • Waterbrook/Multnomah (9)
  • Whitaker House (1)
  • Writers' Rest Blog Posts (21)
  • Writing-Related Posts (155)
  • YA Title (13)
  • Zondervan (23)

Blog Archive

  • ►  2012 (8)
    • ►  January (8)
      • Barbour Sells Heartsong Presents to Harlequin
      • Is Your Book A Bestseller? Take The Test!
      • Sinners And Saints - First Wildcard Blog Tour
      • Remember The Dream!
      • Reclaiming Lily By Patti Lacy
      • Publishing Predictions For 2012
      • Introducing Author Gina Conroy
      • Happy New Year!
  • ▼  2011 (178)
    • ▼  December (15)
      • African-American Children Adopted By Mennonite Fam...
      • Sunday Brunch - Merry Christmas! :-)
      • A Texas Christmas Mystery!
      • Christmas - A Candid History - From The Blog Archi...
      • Sunday Brunch - The Apostle Paul
      • The Polar Express - On DVD - From The Blog Archive...
      • Christmas Pearl By Robin Bayne
      • Book Giveaway Winner! :-)
      • Stocking Stuffer Idea - Chesapeake Weddings Only $...
      • Savanna's Gift By Camille Eide
      • Warm, Comforting Christmas Reads
      • Too Much Butter! :-(
      • Saturday Matinee - Tuck Everlasting
      • Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan
      • Saturday Matinee - Sleepless In Seattle
    • ►  November (17)
      • Help An Author - Sandi Rog Is Battling Cancer
      • Saturday Matinee - Breaking Dawn
      • Love On The Line By Deeanne Gist
      • Happy Thanksgiving! Pilgrim Facts!
      • Lakeside Reunion Blog Tour
      • Saturday Matinee - Good Will Hunting!
      • Diet And Exercise
      • Fireman Dad By Betsy St. Amant
      • Book Giveaway - Win A Box Of 23 Books! Follow The ...
      • The Incredibles! :-)
      • Sunday Brunch - The Disappearance Of The Saints!
      • Saturday Matinee - The King's Speech
      • Michael Hauge Workshop
      • Burying The Hatchet By Chris Well
      • Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta! :-)
      • The Christmas Shoppe By Melody Carlson
      • Royalties!
    • ►  October (11)
      • Sunday Brunch! Samson And Delilah
      • Saturday Matinee! Titanic - The Movie!
      • A Whisper Of Peace By Kim Vogel Sawyer
      • Saturday Matinee!
      • A Necessary Deception By Laurie Alice Eakes
      • Sunday Brunch - How Do You Know When A Prophet Is ...
      • Holiday Homecoming By Jillian Hart
      • The Daddy Surprise By Ginny Aiken
      • Survivors By James Wesley, Rawles
      • Sunday Brunch - Why Didn’t Jesus Rescue John The B...
    • ►  September (10)
    • ►  August (15)
    • ►  July (21)
    • ►  June (17)
    • ►  May (12)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (18)
    • ►  February (13)
    • ►  January (18)
  • ►  2010 (197)
    • ►  December (15)
    • ►  November (14)
    • ►  October (20)
    • ►  September (16)
    • ►  August (16)
    • ►  July (15)
    • ►  June (16)
    • ►  May (10)
    • ►  April (19)
    • ►  March (16)
    • ►  February (19)
    • ►  January (21)
  • ►  2009 (255)
    • ►  December (20)
    • ►  November (19)
    • ►  October (14)
    • ►  September (23)
    • ►  August (17)
    • ►  July (23)
    • ►  June (22)
    • ►  May (26)
    • ►  April (16)
    • ►  March (26)
    • ►  February (22)
    • ►  January (27)
  • ►  2008 (221)
    • ►  December (19)
    • ►  November (17)
    • ►  October (23)
    • ►  September (18)
    • ►  August (21)
    • ►  July (14)
    • ►  June (17)
    • ►  May (20)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (20)
    • ►  February (16)
    • ►  January (16)
  • ►  2007 (219)
    • ►  December (16)
    • ►  November (17)
    • ►  October (22)
    • ►  September (25)
    • ►  August (16)
    • ►  July (18)
    • ►  June (18)
    • ►  May (19)
    • ►  April (20)
    • ►  March (26)
    • ►  February (17)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2006 (26)
    • ►  December (4)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  August (7)
    • ►  July (2)
  • ►  2004 (1)
    • ►  October (1)

My Stat Counter

Free Digital Photos

  • Free Digital Photos
  • Free Digital Photos

Christian Fiction Online Magazine

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

African-American Children Adopted By Mennonite Families

If you've been reading this blog long enough, you'll know that I've often posted about Amish, Mennonites, and other Plain sects. I found this article interesting - it's about Mennonites adopting African-American Children.

If you read the article, let me know what you thought about it.

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 6:33 PM 4 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Amish And Plain

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sunday Brunch - Merry Christmas! :-)



Merry Christmas, everyone! How will you be spending your holiday - both Christmas and New Year's? Leave a comment!



~Cecelia Dowdy~

Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2
Christ Born of Mary
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Holidays, Sunday Brunch

Saturday, December 24, 2011

A Texas Christmas Mystery!


A Texas Christmas Mystery - currently only 99 cents on Kindle!

A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both.
Sparks fly as Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne. She needs to solve her first case, but the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.
Derrick has worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When the past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves in order to save himself?


This was an enjoyable, intriguing and mysterious read. Amber is determined to solve her first case. She's in the Coast Guard, and she's very focused on making it in her career - she even has a five-year career plan and nothing, including romance, can cloud her dreams for success.

Derrick is struggling with hurt feelings from his childhood. Abandoned by his mother, he has not had a lot of female interaction over the years. He's leery of love, but can't resist his attraction to beautiful Amber.

Meanwhile a killer is on the loose, and it appears that Derrick is being framed for the murder. He's forced to defend himself by trying to find the real culprit. However, his actions could place Amber in danger. Amber is stubborn, and she refuses to leave Derrick's side as she attempts to solve the mystery.

Strong romantic tension as well as suspense make this a wonderful Christmas read!

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Holidays, Mystery and Suspense Titles

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas - A Candid History - From The Blog Archives


Christmas - A Candid History

Do you know of any good books about the history of Christmas? If so, leave a comment with the book title.


I blogged about this book last year.

Since then I've managed to finish the book. If you've been reading this blog long enough, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of non-fiction books in general. It takes me a good while to finish a non-fiction book, if I ever finish it. So, the fact that it took me 2 Christmases to finish this book should in no way put a negative light on the author or the book. It's a good, well-written book about the history of Christmas. If you're curious about Santa Claus and why we celebrate Christmas the way we do today, then you should read this book. It's a fairly short and to-the-point book.

I've always been interested in why we celebrate Christmas the way we do now. I guess my curiosity stems from the fact that I was raised not believing in Santa Claus and not celebrating Christmas. I was always taught about the pagan roots of the holiday, but, as I got older, I didn't really understand how we came to celebrate Christmas the way we do today. For example, I knew Saint Nicolas existed, but, I didn't know how he came to be known as Santa Claus. I did try to research this subject at the library when I was in my early twenties - all I found was an old, battered book about the early life of Saint Nicolas and that was it.

Anyway, here's the most amazing facts that I found from this book:

1. Christmas was initially banned when the Pilgrims moved to America. Christmas was actually an extension of pagan worship of the sun god and people always had winter parties and festivals before Christ even came to earth. Winter was cold and dark, so parties using greenery and lights livened things up, but these winter parties were not the innocent Christmas parties that we know of today. People would participate in all kinds of lewd behavior, including drunkeness. That's one reason why the Puritans did not want to celebrate Christmas when they came to America.

2. The key people who were involved in "sanitizing" Christmas into the celebration we know of today, lived in the 1800's. We've only been celebrating Christmas as we know it today for about 150 years, give or take. These people included (but are not limited to):

Washington Irving
John Pintard
Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston Jr.
Thomas Nast
Charles Dickens

Irving, Pintard and Moore were involved in an elite New York society. This society wanted to "sanitize" Christmas, making it a happy family time.

3. Santa Claus
The Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus transition occurred when Moore's (or Livingston's) poem, Twas The Night Before Christmas was published anonymously. The poem caught on and people came to associate Santa Claus with the giving of gifts on Christmas Eve.
Other things about Santa, like his living on the North Pole as well as other characteristics, can be attributed to the drawings made by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly. Nast drew Santa as the plump, bearded man that we know of today. In Moore's/Livingston's poem, Santa is tiny, like an elf, not the big jolly man we admire today.

Anyway, that's just the tip of the iceberg as far as the wealth of Christmas knowledge in this book. I highly recommend it to all who are curious about the roots of the Christmas traditions that we practice today. This book will definitely stay on my "keeper" shelf.


Another notable book that I read years ago is called Battle for Christmas. Although this book was good, too. I found it somewhat scholarly written and bit hard to read. I think Christmas - A Candid History is much easier to read. Not surprisingly, Christmas - A Candid History does use quotes from Battle For Christmas.

So, do you know of any good books about the history of Christmas? If so, leave a comment about the book and the title. I love reading books about this subject.



~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 8:33 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Holidays, Non-Fiction

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Sunday Brunch - The Apostle Paul





Acts 28:8-10
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.



I encourage you to read the entire chapters of Acts 27 and 28 - which I've copied and pasted below. I read this in my Bible recently, and I keep thinking about it.

This scripture really resonates with me because, well, I guess I keep thinking of the imagery involved. The Apostle Paul, a prisoner, was shipwrecked on the island of Malta with the rest of the crew and prisoners. I keep thinking of the vivid imagery of Malta. I know the winds and the storm were treacherous, but, I'm sure that after everything cleared up, Malta was quite beautiful to the shipwrecked - especially after struggling through that terrible storm.

I also think about what it must've looked like for Paul to build a fire and then a poisonous snake to pop out of the fire onto his hand, and he wasn't harmed or anything. But, what's kinda weird is, the Maltans thought that Paul was a god since he remained unharmed after being attacked by the poisonous snake. I suppose they thought like this since they were not yet aware of the Gospel.

However, what I find truly amazing is when Paul healed all on the entire island through his faith in Jesus. Isn't that wonderfully amazing? If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know how I'm kinda fixated on the miraculous healings in the Bible. I wish there were movie cameras back then so that it could be caught on film for me to watch. I'm sure it would've been an amazing sight to see.

When you read this scripture, what comes to your mind? How would you have reacted if that poisonous snake had attached himself to your hand? I'd have been screaming, scared, my heart would've been racing! I know we need to rely on God during those traumatic times, but, the first thing that would've popped into my mind was fear!

~Cecelia Dowdy~


Acts 27
Shipwrecked on Malta

39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

Acts 28
Paul’s Ministry on Malta
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Sunday Brunch, The Early Christians

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Polar Express - On DVD - From The Blog Archives

I blogged about this movie last Christmas. Have you seen this movie? If so, did you like it?

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

This movie is incredible! The scenery is vivid and moving and the music is great! We watch this movie every year and we never grow tired of seeing it.

A young boy finds himself doubting the existence of Santa. A train pops up in his front yard on Christmas Eve - a train to the North Pole. On the train, he meets an interesting cast of characters, including a young girl and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. A series of mishaps and life-threatening moments occur, giving this story an edge over the sweeter Christmas movies. This is a nice, enjoyable story and if you haven't seen it, you should give it a try!

Have you seen The Polar Exress? If you have what did you like about it?
Merry Christmas, everybody!

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Saturday Matinee

Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas Pearl By Robin Bayne

Christmas Pearl by Robin Bayne

Joe is still bitter after his messy divorce. Since his wife had a shrewd divorce lawyer, she managed to get most of their wealth and possessions during the divorce proceedings. Now Joe is single and he's stunned when Elizabeth (his wife's shrewd lawyer) shows up at a family/friends gathering. He can't forgive Elizabeth (Liza) for the part that she played in his divorce from his wife. In spite of his negative feelings toward Liza, he finds himself attracted to the pretty lawyer.

Liza is stunned to run into Joe. Why can't he forgive her for what she's done in the past? Liza is a Christian now, plus, she's changed her profession - she's no longer a divorce lawyer. Can't Joe see that their attraction might not be so bad after all?

Due to a mishap, Liza and Joe are forced to work together at Christmas parties during the holiday season. Can they learn to overcome their differences and fall in love with one another?

This was a cute, enjoyable, light story that I think a lot of people can relate to. Sometimes, when we're angry with others in breaking up a relationship, our anger can be a bit misguided. I enjoyed reading about the Christmas parties and the holiday touches to the story make it a nice Christmas read.

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Book Talk, Holidays

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Book Giveaway Winner! :-)



The winner for the November Book Giveaway is:

Natasha Grist - Lowville, NY

Natasha, congrats! I plan on mailing you your books this Saturday! :-)

I'll be doing another giveaway sometime in the future! I encourage you to subscribe to my blog so that you can be updated about future book giveaways! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 6:10 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Book Giveaway Winners

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Stocking Stuffer Idea - Chesapeake Weddings Only $1.99!


Do you need a stocking stuffer for the Holidays? Chesapeake Weddings is only $1.99 at Christianbook.com!
I encourage you to order several copies to share with family and friends over the glorious Christmas season. It'd make a perfect gift for members of your book club or for ladies at your church. What an inexpensive way to spread Christmas cheer this year! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 6:29 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Chesapeake Weddings

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Savanna's Gift By Camille Eide


Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide

I really enjoyed this short Christmas story. Savanna returns to the ski lodge where she worked a few years ago. She returns because she needs to drop off her god-daughter, Mylie, to Mylie's grandparents for Christmas. She runs into Luke, her old flame and ex-fiancé. While Savanna worked at the ski lodge years ago, her and Luke were an item and he proposed and she accepted. However, Savanna broke off the engagement, leaving Luke believing that she didn't love him because he was just a lowly lift operator. Luke thinks Savanna wants to marry a man who's higher up on the corporate ladder than him.

However, Savanna had other reasons for breaking her engagement to Luke, and she's determined to make him listen to her reasons. While they're in the midst of a Christmas snowstorm and the roads are shut down, Luke and Savanna attempt to find their way to one another again.

I think I enjoyed this story because Luke and Savanna never forgot one another. In spite of their breakup, their love still ran deep. I also enjoyed the wonderful setting. I loved reading about the lodge and about the guests staying in the lodge, stranded during a Christmas snowstorm. The snow, the lodge, and the Christmas things (like decorations, traditions and such) gave this story a nice holiday appeal. A good, comforting read to enjoy during the cold winter holiday.

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:21 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Book Talk, Holidays

Monday, December 12, 2011

Warm, Comforting Christmas Reads


Check out these short Christmas stories on Kindle (or other e-readers). Each one is only 99 cents and it's a nice, inexpensive way to enjoy some inspiring Christmas stories. I've already downloaded these and plan on featuring on my blog over the next week or so. So, sit back, relax, get a cup of coffee and some Christmas cookies or cake and enjoy these stories. You can probably finish one of these stories in one evening! :-)

A Texas Christmas Mystery by Anne Greene
A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both.
Sparks fly as Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne. She needs to solve her first case, but the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.
Derrick has worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When the past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves in order to save himself?

Christmas Pearl by Robin Bayne
Joe Gardner never expected to see Elizabeth again, not after the part she'd played in ruining his life. Refusing to believe she now shares his faith, Joe tosses aside her efforts to apologize.
But when they are forced to work together in the midst of the Christmas season, Joe has to face the truth about Elizabeth, and himself.


Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide
Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson.

Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

I hope you'll download these stories and read these wonderful authors!

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Book Talk, Holidays

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Too Much Butter! :-(



Do you think there are typos in the recipe below? Leave a comment!

ULTIMATE SOUTHERN LIVING COOKBOOK - ISBN: 0-8487-1816-X
Publisher: Oxmoor House
Page 241 - Beef Stroganoff - I think this recipe has a typo in it! Usually I don't use this blog to vent, but, this has been on my mind for awhile! Since this is food-related, I feel comfortable blogging about my experience with this recipe since I do talk about food and recipes occasionally.

I tried the Beef Stroganoff recipe on Sunday (12-4-11). I even got an expensive cut of meat because I didn't want the meat to be tough. When I started making the recipe, I got kind of suspicious. You're supposed to coat the two pounds of cut-up meat in flour - one and a half cups of flour! Also, before cooking the meat, you have to melt ONE AND A HALF CUPS OF BUTTER - THAT'S THE EQUIVALENT OF THREE STICKS OF BUTTER!!

I stopped when I saw that amount. Before starting the recipe, I'd just skimmed it and looked at the ingredients. I stopped and asked my husband if I should make the recipe - it didn't sound right. He said to go ahead and make it and we could alter it later once it was done. So, I agreed, took his advice and made the recipe.

So, I melted the butter. That was the first time I can remember EVER melting 3 sticks of butter in a pan. The smell made me ill. Don't get me wrong, I love butter, but, that was the first time I'd used so much for a main course. The only time I've used that much butter was when I make my yummy lemon pound cake. When I was melting the butter, both my husband and my son said, "What's that smell?" The scent filled the air, and it wasn't pleasant.

Anyway, after I melted the butter, I ended up dumping the floured meat into the butter. The butter and the flour together made this yucky brown sludge - the smell made me ill, seriously. My stomach curdled while I was cooking. I couldn't stand the scent. I finished making the recipe and when I tried it, it was awful! The smell and the taste just made me sick because of all that butter. I took the entire pan of hot stroganoff and dumped it into the trash! :-( I think that's why this bothers me so much! I wasted so much butter and meat - we didn't even get one meal out of it! Butter is expensive! I rarely use margarine because butter is much healthier for you! We ended up eating sandwiches for dinner that evening.

I think the recipe was supposed to call for one and a half TABLESPOONS OF BUTTER AND ONE AND A HALF TABLESPOONS OF FLOUR. Don't get me wrong. I like this cookbook and I've used several of the recipes in it. I've even blogged about a few of them, but, this recipe was just all wrong.

Here's the recipe - DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!! :-(
Do you think there are typos in this recipe? Have you ever tried a recipe and thought that it was a mistake? Leave a comment!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Beef Stroganoff
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour - I THINK THAT'S TOO MUCH FLOUR - I THINK THIS IS A TYPO!
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds of sirloin steak cut into one-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups of butter or margarine melted - THAT'S 3 STICKS OF BUTTER!! I THINK THAT'S TOO MUCH BUTTER - I THINK THIS IS A TYPO!
3 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/2 cups sour cream
7 1/2 cups hot cooked noodles

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large zip-lock plastic bag; add steak. Seal bag and shake until meat is coated.

Brown meat in butter in a large skillet, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from skillet; cover and keep warm. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic to drippings in skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until tender. Remove from pan, keep warm.

Add wine to skillet; cook over high heat, deglazing skillet by scraping particles that cling to bottom. Cook until wine is reduced by half.

Add beef broth and tomato paste, stirring until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add meat and mushroom mixture; cook until thorougly heated. Stir in sour cream; cook just until mixture is hot, stirring constantly. Serve over noodles. Yield: 10 servings.
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 7:52 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Food And Recipes

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Saturday Matinee - Tuck Everlasting

Popcorn photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos.


Could you imagine, drinking water from a spring, and living forever? Would you crave a life on earth that never ended?


Well, that's what this story is about. I saw this movie on cable a few days ago. The premise sounded interesting, so, I thought I would watch. Fifteen-year-old Winnie is from a wealthy family, and she lives a very sheltered life. She's alone a lot and she's not allowed to do things that other kids do like play ball and have fun. She craves to leave her household, to go out and explore the woods on her father's vast property.

When her parents threaten to send her away to a boarding school so that she can be properly taught to be a young lady, Winnie runs away into the vast woods - woods that she's always been curious about. She gets lost and runs into Jesse Tuck drinking from a spring that's sprouting from a large tree. He's shocked to see her and when Winnie tries to drink, he forbids her to do so, telling her the water is poisonous. Young Jesse takes Winnie to his family so that they can decide what to do with her. The Tucks have been spotted and as far as they know, no living mortal knows of their secret.

Winnie and Jesse fall in love as Winnie continues staying with the Tucks. The Tucks have a secret - they're immortal and the reason why they're this way is because they drank from the spring of water in Winnie's woods. "Young" Jesse Tuck is actually 104 years old.

As time moves on, Winnie doesn't know what to do. She knows the Tucks secret, and she doesn't want to return home to her family, plus she's fallen in love with Jesse. The plot thickens because there is a man searching for the Tucks. It appears that he knows of their secret and this man wants to get ahold of this fountain of youth and profit from it.

This is a sweet movie and both adults and kids will like it. It makes you think about death. Although we're all going to die, I think most people will say that they're not ready to die. Jesse's father takes Winnie aside, making her really re-think about becoming immortal. After all, he thinks you should live your life as is, but LIVE and enjoy and experience life to the fullest. He tells her it's hard to be immortal like they are. Your life never ends on this earth. As people die and the earth changes, you're always here, never getting older.

Could you imagine, drinking water from a spring, and living forever? Would you crave a life on earth that never ended? Have you seen this movie? If so, did you like it?


~Cecelia Dowdy~


Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Movie Review, Saturday Matinee

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan



Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan

If you were engaged, and your fiancé(e) broke your engagement to marry another, do you think you could forgive him/her?

That's the premise for Lisa Jordan's Love Inspired novel, Lakeside Reunion. Five years ago, Lindsey's fiancé, Stephen, broke their engagement so that he could marry another woman. Stephen's reasons for doing this had to do with something he'd done a couple of years ago. He'd gotten a woman pregnant after a one-night stand. He didn't know about the pregnancy until two years later when the woman shows up with his child. He felt he was doing the right thing by breaking his engagement to Lindsey and marrying the mother of his child. After all, his child needed a father.

Now, five years later, his wife is dead, and Lindsey returns to town. Her mother has had an accident and Lindsey must leave her inn and relocate to Lakeside for a few weeks to care for her mom. While in town, she discovers that there's still chemistry between her and Stephen. Can she forgive him for his past actions. Is this there second chance at love?

Lindsey is also stunned to discover that her mother's life has changed so drastically. Her mother is seriously dating someone. Lindsey is stunned, doesn't her mom remember the wonderful marriage she had with her deceased husband? How can she mar Lindsey's dad's memory by committing herself to another?

Lindsey finds it hard to deal with her mother's changed life and her feelings for her ex. Also, she finds herself drawn to Stephen's child, the little boy whose existance ended their engagement. She'd initially resented the child years ago, but finds herself now bonding with the youngster.

This is a sweet story that realistically deals with the issues of forgiveness and healing. Overall it was a good, heartwarming read.

So, if you were engaged, and your fiancé(e) broke your engagement to marry another, do you think you could forgive him or her?

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 7:45 AM 6 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Book Talk, Steeple Hill

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Saturday Matinee - Sleepless In Seattle

Popcorn photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos.


Have you seen this movie? If so, did you like it?

I watched this movie as a requirement for the Michael Hauge event that I recently attended. I consider this one an old favorite, especially among romance fans.

When Sam's (Tom Hanks) wife dies, he feels as if a part of his heart has died too. He's left to raise their son, Jonah, alone. They relocate and Jonah, concerned about his dad's grief, calls into a radio help line, openly broadcasting his dad's dilemma. The phone call spurs lots of attention and Sam receives letters from countless single females. Annie (Meg Ryan), mesmerized by Sam's plight, is determined to interview him for a newspaper story. Recently engaged, she doesn't want to admit to herself that her fiance is a totally wrong match for her.

Sam starts dating a woman and Noah is determined to make his dad see reason. He wants Sam to give Annie a chance, in spite of her living several hundred miles away.

Although this is a romance, the couple is apart during most of the movie and they only see each other, from afar, a few times. In spite of that, the movie is cute, whimsical, mesmerizing and FUNNY!! I also liked Rosie O'donnell's character. She's Annie's best friend and is determined to see Annie hook up with Sam. Sam is determined that the current woman he's seeing is the right woman for him. Annie is determined to convince herself that her fiance (who's a really nice guy, just not the right guy for her) is her perfect mate. The tug of war between their emotions has you rooting for them, wanting them to admit to themselves that they're made for each other.

Have you seen this movie? If so, did you like it?

~Cecelia Dowdy~
Posted by Cecelia Dowdy at 12:05 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Labels: Saturday Matinee
Home
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Popular Posts

  • Doctor of Divinity Degree
    NOTE - ADDED 3/11/2009. Before commenting about this post, I'd like to point out that you need to respectfully read it word for word, caref...
  • Happy Thanksgiving!
    Happy Thanksgiving! I doubt I'll be posting over the next few days, but I just wanted to be sure to wish all of you scribes and Christian...
  • Love Letters - Writers' Rest Blog Post
    Today, I'm blogging over at Writers' Rest about love letters ! Do you remember your first love letter? Stop by Writers' Rest , leave a com...
  • Amish Fiction - Why Is It Booming In The Christian Market?
    Thanks to the authors and readers who commented on this blog post . The following Christian Fiction Authors commented: ...
  • Pen Pals! :-) - Writers' Rest Blog Post
    Photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos I'm blogging about pen pals over at Writers' Rest Blog today! Stop by and leave a comment! ~Cecel...
  • Book Giveaway! :-) Follow The Rules To Enter! :-)
    THIS BOOK GIVEAWAY IS OVER!! WINNER IS LISTED HERE! I'm hosting another book giveaway! ONE winner will receive the titles listed below . IF...
  • Vanilla Milkshake - A Recipe
    I haven't shared a recipe in a long time. Last weekend, I made this and my son and I enjoyed it...a lot! My hubby only had a few sips sinc...
  • Leviathan!
    Thanks so much to Charity, a respondant from this blog post , for sharing this scripture with me. Although I recall reading the book of Jo...
  • The Bible And The Weather
    Do you remember, less than one week ago, I blogged about a snow storm in my area, and they closed my job on Monday, March 2, 2009 beca...
  • July Book Giveaway!
    THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! THE WINNER WAS ANNOUNCED ON THIS BLOG POST ! I'm giving away a box of books. You can s...
Arts Blogs - Blog Top Sites