Destination Disney ~ a new series

Last week, we finished up our Destination Disney in Color series.  I hope you had a lot of fun with it - I know I did!  I thought it was great fun to see all the different interpretations of the various colors that we focused on.  Now, though, it's time to move on and introduce a new series of topics . . .

We'll be taking this week and next week off from posting.  (Why?  Because I'll be spending next week AT WALT DISNEY WORLD!)  Then, starting on Thursday, September 13th, we'll be beginning this:

I absolutely love some of Walt's quotes!  I also love some of the famous (and not so famous) character quotes from movies.  I wanted to think of another series of open-ended topics - where each person participating might interpret it in a different way.  I came up with this one!  So, each week, I'll be posting a new quote - and you can take that quote and share pictures, stories, etc. that you think tie in with that quote. 

To get us started for the last 3 weeks of September, we'll be focusing on these 3 quotes/phrases:

13th -

20th -

27th -

You have a few weeks to put some thought into what these 3 phrases/quotes mean to you and what pictures or stories you'd like to share on your blog!  I'll be back on September 13th to get started.  Can't wait!

Fall Fiction Fling ~ The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep

This is the last week that I’ll be introducing you to some new books via the Fall Fiction Fling.  After all, it’s nearly winter (and nearly Christmas!)  This week’s book is a bit different from the rest, in that it’s target audience is kids or young adults.  It’s also recommended as a great family read-aloud.

When Sherman, a carefree lamb in the Good Shepherd's flock, grows into a young ram, he longs for adventure and acceptance by his peers. So, against his father's warnings, he climbs "Pleasure Mountain." There he encounters strange new enticements and dangers which at first seem exciting, but finally prove more than a young ram can handle on his own. Sherman finally admits his father was right when he called it "Sin Mountain," but how will he escape and get back to the fold? And what great adventure has the Shepherd prepared for him?

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dean Davis earned a degree in philosophy from U.C. Santa Cruz. After several unsatisfying years on Sin Mountain, the Good Shepherd rescued him, and eventually Dean became a pastor and Bible teacher in Santa Rosa, California, where he currently resides.

Dean has often worked with children and youth, and enjoys story telling. He is currently director of Come Let Us Reason, a Bible teaching ministry specializing in the study of apologetics and the biblical worldview.

Dean and his wife, Linda, are the parents of two sons and three daughters, all of whom have flown the family nest. In addition to The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep, Dean has authored nonfiction books including In Search of the Beginning and The Test: A Seeker's Journey to the Meaning of Life (Pleasant Word).

Watch Dean Davis reading a short, 4-minute section of The Dangerous Journey of Sherman the Sheep:

This book normally retails for $9.99, but is on a special Christmas sale right now for only $5.49.  You can purchase it directly from the publisher.  This book is also now available as an e-book and can be purchased from Amazon.com. The e-book version also includes a Discussion/Activity Guide. (If you purchase the print version of the book, you can download the Discussion/Activity Guide here.)

Fall Fiction Fling ~ Love Rekindled

When a wayward husband comes back into the lives of his wife and sons after years of separation, will they believe he has changed ... and can they forgive him? As a medical crisis forces the family members to face their fears, hurts and true desires, and the conflict develops toward a surprise resolution, the reader will feel the ebb and flow of subtle emotional tensions. Here's a relationship story with a twist - told from the man's point of view.

Candi enjoys writing romance and contemporary novels. Candi has a bachelor's degree in Business and Applied Management from Azusa Pacific University, where she works as executive assistant in the office of the provost. Candi and her husband, Dave, enjoy their four sons and their families. The Adermatts reside in Southern California.

Review Quotes:

"Candy Adermatt's style of writing is captivating." ~ Charlene West, The Quiet Hour

"A wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation... Beautifully addresses issues such as suffering, meaning, spiritual commitment, and the truth that people can change. Adermatt's ability to develop characters and express the complexity of their relationships is evident." ~ Dr. Holli Eaton

"The style of writing that keeps me interested and wanting more -- flowing and not excessively wordy. Not only is the story in itself riveting, but through it Candi also conveys the values of hope, forgiveness, and family relationships. I plan to give everyone I know a copy of this book!" ~ Stephanie Miyake

Click here to read the first chapter of Love Rekindled.

Fall Fiction Fling – Face to Face

Set in the tumultuous world during Jesus' earthly life, here is a timeless story of suffering, longing, and healing. Conflicts arise between a young woman's devotion to God and the demon that holds her captive; between her attempts to free herself and the judgment and condemnation of others; between the rabbi named Jesus and the legalistic religious leaders; between the daily reality of Roman oppression and the Jewish hopes of a Deliverer-Messiah.

A vivid imagining of the account in Luke 13:10-17, where Jesus calls the bent-over woman to himself.

Catherine Lawton was born in Colorado and grew up as a pastor's daughter in seven towns up and down the state of California. She has loved to write since she was a child, having her first poem published in a national periodical at the age of twelve, and since then her byline has appeared in numerous periodicals and book compilations. She has a BA degree in English from Pasadena College. She served as a church musician for many years, as a private piano teacher, a public school substitute teacher and English reader, and freelance writer and editor. Cathy and her husband, Larry, have participated in and led volunteer short-term mission teams to Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela, Sicily & Rome, and Peru.

After living in Santa Rosa, California, for thirty years the Lawtons moved to Colorado, returning to Cathy's roots. Besides the publishing business, Cathy enjoys gardening and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The Lawtons love spending time with their two grown children and their spouses, and their five beautiful grandchildren.

You can read the first chapter of Face to Face here.

Fall Fiction Fling ~ Kathryn’s Fountain

Kathryn is resigned to living out her last days at Victorian Manor, a beautiful old home for senior citizens. Then one day something strangely wonderful happens to Kathryn at the garden fountain, and she begins living an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Love and sacrifice take on new meaning as she involves a social worker and a police detective in carrying out what she believes to be her calling ~ to rescue a street child named Jasmine. The miracle at the fountain brings adventure that bridges the generations with hope and love.

Kathryn's Fountain celebrates the gifts that the generations can bring to each other. The conclusion is a resounding affirmation that it's never too late to make a difference!

" A poignant story with surprising twists and turns that will keep you reading and touch your heart. You won't view life in quite the same way after reading Kathryn's Fountain." ~ Marlene Bagnull

"A story of miracles and self-sacrifice." ~ Kathi Macias

I actually did read and review  this book a few years ago.  You can read my review here.  It’s a book I highly recommend!

Fall Fiction Fling ~ Mysterious Ways series

This week, as part of the Fall Fiction Fling, we’re introducing a series of three books by author Donna Westover Gallup . . .

COLORADO TERRITORY - 1864


Young Charlie is alone on the ranch that sits between the empty prairie and the Rocky Mountains. As he cares for his dying grandpa and tries to figure out how to survive the winter, he keeps remembering the old man's words: "Failure is not an option, son."

As the first storm of the season hits, a mysterious mountain man shows up at the isolated ranch and good things start to happen. But can Charlie learn to trust the giant stranger with his one terrible secret? On Christmas day he learns what trust really means.
An entertaining and heartwarming story for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season and all year.

COLORADO TERRITORY - 1871


Charlie is a young man now with much to learn about himself, the world in which he lives, and the God in whom he has placed his trust. The little ranch at the foot of the Rockies seems to be closing in on him. Seized by restlessness, he sets out to join a cattle drive north across the foothills and prairie to the rip-roaring new town of Denver. On the trail and in the city, Charlie finds the awakenings of love and learns about honor, trust, and the need on the frontier for men who are both tough and tender, who know where to find their strength.
Another entertaining and heartwarming "Mysterious Ways" story for the entire family.

COLORADO TERRITORY – 1872
When Charlie gets the amazing and unexpected news that he's now a millionaire, he once again leaves the cozy Colorado ranch at the foot of the Rockies - this time to take the train to Missouri. He encounters Jesse James outlaws, rogue relatives, new romance, and skeletons in the family closet. These adventures test Charlie's budding manhood, skills, and faith in ways that will entertain and inspire readers of all ages.

Fall Fiction Fling ~ Katie’s Choice

I am participating in the Fall Fiction Fling, hosted by CLADACH Publishing.  Each week, for the next six weeks, I’ll be sharing information about a new book with you.  I haven’t yet read these books, so these won’t be reviews – rather, just informative posts.  Maybe you’ll find a new book or two to add to your Christmas list! 

This week’s featured  book is Katie’s Choice by Tracey Langford.  I think this one sounds really good, and I’m looking forward to reading it for myself to find out.

Katie's Choice is a story about a high school student who becomes pregnant. She meets with a nurse in an abortion clinic and speaks to a counselor at a pregnancy resource center. Encouraged in that direction by her single mother, she decides to get an abortion, believing it is her best choice. As Katie attempts to move on with her life, though, her past continues to haunt her.

She thought she was choosing freedom and a future; but then shame and regret haunt her and keep her inner life a closed book even to the man who falls in love with her. Truth pursues Katie, though, until her defenses finally crumble.

This moving tale of redemption chronicles an emotional journey out of self-loathing and spiritual denial into hope and life-changing love.

First-time novelist Tracey Langford was strongly encouraged to "reduce" her pregnancy. She declined, and now is the proud homeschooling mother of 15-year-old quadruplets. As part of her research, Tracey sat in mock interviews with counselors at pregnancy centers, role-playing the part of a troubled pregnant girl.

Tracey Langford lives with her husband, Jon, and their four children in Alabama. Their children are quadruplets - two boys and two girls - and homeschooling them is keeping Tracey busy these days. Ideas for future novels are brewing, though. In the future she will no doubt tackle other "dark" subjects with engrossing, hope-filled fiction.

Tracey has been a high school English teacher and a youth worker.

Katie’s Choice is available at Amazon.com and through most stores and online retailers. It is also available from the publisher at www.cladach.comwhere it is on sale this week for the discounted price of $12.00