Congratulations to the 2013 ACFW Carol Award Finalists!

I want to congratulate all the 2013 ACFW Carol Award finalists. Here are their names along with the names of their publishers and editors:

CATEGORY

Seaside Reunion by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired * Editor: Melissa Endlich)

A Horseman’s Hope by Myra Johnson (Heartsong Presents * Editor: Rebecca Germany)

Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired * Editor: Emily Rodmell)

CONTEMPORARY

Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Stephanie Broene/Kathy Olson)

You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Sarah Mason)

Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)

DEBUT NOVEL

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)

Proof by Jordyn Redwood (Kregel * Editor: Dawn Anderson)

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh (Guideposts Books * Editors: Beth Adams/Rachel Meisel/Lindsay Guzzardo)

HISTORICAL

Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)

At Every Turn by Anne Mateer (Bethany House * Editor: Charlene Patterson)

The Discovery by Dan Walsh (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan * Editor: Sue Brower)

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell * Editor: Vicki Crumpton)

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House * Editor: Karen Schurrer)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Downfall by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan * Editors: David Lambert/Sue Brower/Ellen Tarver)

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing * Editor: Karen Ball)

The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez)

NOVELLA

You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch by Paula Moldenhauer (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/JoAnne Simmons)

Impressed by Love by Lisa Karon Richardson (Barbour Publishing * Editor: Rebecca Germany)

A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Natalie Hanemann)

ROMANCE

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson * Editors: Natalie Hanemann/L. B. Norton)

Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing * Editors: Julie Gwinn/Julie Carobini)

An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller (Howard * Editor: Holly Halverson)

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Ami McConnell)

Saving Hope by Margaret Daley (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)

When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

SPECULATIVE

Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

Judge by R. J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)

Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

YOUNG ADULT

Prophet by R.J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)

Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan * Editor: Jacque Alberta)

The New Recruit by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

Happy Fourth of July!

Celebration of the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, dates back to the American Revolution when Congress declared independence from Great Britain. Before we begin our festivities, we should ponder what others before us were willing to sacrifice so we can have the freedoms that we enjoy so much. If you fly a flag, read this article: American Flag Etiquette. 

Photo courtesy of MrMac04/Morguefile.com

Here are some more articles to help celebrate this day:

• Celebrations Around the Country
• Celebrate with Friends
• Fourth of July Party Menus
• Red, White, and Blue Recipes
• Make-Ahead Fourth of July Meals
• Independence Day Prayers
• Safety for Dogs on the Fourth of July

Book #1 in the Class Reunion Series - Pretty Is as Pretty Does

If you haven't already read Pretty is as Pretty Does, the first book in the Class Reunion series, I would love for you to get it from your favorite retailer - online or brick-and-mortar - before the second book is released. My husband is reading it now, and he says the story is all about expectations. I see his point, but I think there's so much more to it.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christianbook.com

Cokesbury


Here's a blurb:
Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons and no longer has the mousy brown hair, crooked teeth, and discount-store wardrobe, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth—and she may be surprised at what she discovers.