Go.Read.A.Book.

TV.  If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six.  Open your child's imagination.  Open a book.  ~Author Unknown

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Watermelon Salad

It's too hot to cook so I'm cooking light and wanted to share this great salad.  

We love watermelon and this is perfect for a hot summer evening!

I found this great recipe on my recipes.com/ccoking light.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped red onion

• 
  

• • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) 

• 4 cups cubed seeded watermelon 
• 
  
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 
  
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled

Preparation:

 Combine onion and juice in a medium bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Add watermelon, olives, parsley, and mint. Cover and chill 1 hour. Sprinkle with cheese.

Starring Me by Krista McGee

Book Description:  Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

My Review: With so many reality shows blaring at our youth today it's nice to read a funny and witty book with biblical values.  Starring Me by Krista McGee is sweet story about Kara who, like most teen girls wants to star in a teen variety show.  Chad *swoon* has risen to stardom quickly and he gets to pick a partner in this new show.

His parents are concerned about the non christian influences in the movie world and have requested that he have a co-star who shares his faith {like any good parents they believe that a good christian girl will not make showy, ungodly choices....smart parents}.

Of course, not all things go as planned.  There are the many questions of what is important in a relationship with God.  Is Kara's motive for wanting a role in this show more important that wanting to please God?  Chad, too, has questions about his role in the movie industry.  

Loved the ending!  Kind.of reminded me of Esther's story.

Great read for youth (well for anyone, actually, who's looking for a fun light read)!  

*This book was provided by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson*

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401684890
• ISBN-13: 978-1401684891

COTT...Clash of the Titles...Getting Ready To Spar!

Dust off those swords (in the Spirit, of course) and put on that literary armor, 

because Clash of the Titles has an announcement.

The Laurel Award is expanding, and we know you’ll be excited about it.

We are creating a NEW annual literary contest, and it’s strictly for unpublished writers! 

Also, authors will no longer need to be a previous Clash Champion in order to compete for the crown. 

Submissions for this contest open October 29, 2012, 

but first we must name it. That’s right! We want your help naming this exciting, new branch of Clash of the Titles. After reading about it, please take a moment to click on which name you think most fitting for this contest—The Spartan OR The Olympia. (Use survey below.)

About this new contest:

All never before published writers of Christian fiction may submit their work.
$10 Entry fee.

First two chapters will be judged.

Final scoring by a select panel of beta-readers.

Prizes: 

Special feature on Clash of the Titles' blog.

Tour through COTT’s Blog Alliance.

Page on our site for a full year.

Podcast interview with Author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons.

A beautiful plaque.

The outcome is in the hands of readers, not industry professionals.

You’ve written the book of your dreams, now what do readers think? Enter the arena and find out. 

Stay tuned for further dates and details by 
subscribing to our blog and “liking” our Facebook page.

Happy Father's Day to all our Super Dads!

Treasures of Healthy Living: A Journey Unveiling God's Plan for Ultimate Health and Relationships By: Annette Reeder, Dr. Richard Couey

Book Description: 

 Did you know you can find the answers to many health problems in the pages of Scripture? Think of God's Word as a treasure map that leads straight to the healthy life you've always dreamed of. It reveals how you can move from a sickly, lackluster life to one that is full of energy and hope. This practical Bible study will reveal the truth about the foods you eat and provide simple tools to begin improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You won't believe how much your life can change when you grab hold of the treasures God has provided for you.

My Review:  

Treasures of Healthy Living is one of those books that after you peruse and read you will want to keep on your favorite bookshelf as a guide to better living!

Not only is this book a guide but Ms. Reeder and Dr. Couey give biblical reasons and example of the "why."  Why sugar isn't good for us.  Why we need to eat locally grown foods. And even why exercise is "right" for us.  "We must train ourselves for godliness..." (p. 279).

This read has made be rethink my eating habits and forced me to think responsibly about what goes into my body.

Will I change?  You can count on it!  Already I'm eating less sugar and eating more fresh veggies...not so many fruits right now as I'm cutting down on the sugars.  Do I feel better?  A resounding YES!

A fantastic read and a fabulous guide for all the right reasons! Don't delay get your copy today and get started on the road to Healthy Living!

*This book was provided for review by GlassRoad PR*

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing (August 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414115709
• ISBN-13: 978-1414115702
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches

The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description:  When Sylvia Fischer turned down her beau's offer of marriage, she expected him to give her the time and space she'd requested, believing they would eventually wed. Instead he married her sister. When she learns that his betrayal was her father's idea--a proposition made to save the farm--she knows she'll never trust another man. 

Despite the secrets hiding in Aaron Blank's youth, he thinks he's ready to face his future. As he sets out to make up for the wrongs he's done to his family, he meets Sylvia, the new farmhand from a nearby district. She doesn't want him around, seems to have his father's heart in the palm of her hand--and what she knows could ruin his future.

My Review:  This is the third book is in the Ada's House Series.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize this when I decided to read Harvest of Grace.  But since this read is about Sylvia Fisher, Ephraim, Aaron, Lena and Grey (and so many others), it reads like a stand-a-lone novel.  However. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order since I feel there is "history" I may have missed.

I like this Amish love story.  The tug-of-war between Sylvia and Ephraim is fun and so universal, "Jealousy crept up her spine.  It seemed that he'd spent his years as a bachelor dating every single Amish woman in Dry Lake and the surrounding communities." (p. 45).  Sounds like some "English" guys I know.  Men will be men. <smile>

Learning about an Amish dairy farm was interesting too.  But it was "the secret" that kept me turning the pages.  

This reads has quite an involved plot and is a "wonderful gut" read!  If you enjoy Amish fiction don't miss this fantastic read!  And maybe you could read books 1 & 2, too! 

*This book was provided by Waterbrook Press/Multnomah*

Buy book HERE!

About the Author: 

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured onABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her second book, When the Morning Comes, hit numerous best-sellers lists across the US, including edging into the extended list of the New York Times, coming in at number thirty-four.

Her third book, When the Soul Mends, hit the New York Times best-sellers list, coming in at number thirteen, as well as making the USA Today’s best-sellers list.

Cindy continues to write and release best-selling works of fiction, and she’s also written a nonfiction work with an Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. The book is titled Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and caped dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and two daughters-in-law reside in Georgia.