We've added 65 subscribers in the last few months and that's largely because you spread the word. But we're not happy yet. We're not even close to satisfied. Which leads right into our BIG announcement ...
We write about relationships. We are a relationship. We want to dominate the relationship brand. And we want to have at least 500 subscribers by the first of the year. Should we expect you to keep working so hard at strong-arming your friends to sign up while you get nothing out of the deal? No way!
Compassionate as we are, we've worked up a HUGE new incentive. How better to promote our relational fiction than featuring other fiction that focuses on different types of relationship? Why don't we give our supporters a chance to win EIGHT autographed books? Without further ado, we present, with a booming voice,
ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY
For the Friend Relationship: Roxanne Henke's After Anne
One of our absolute favorite books. As you watch Olivia and Anne struggle through a difficult challenge, you'll want to be a better friend.
For the Prodigal Relationship: Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me
How many of us have walked away from what our father wanted for us? Or away from our Father? This story will remind you that the you can go home again.
For the Marriage Relationship: Robin Jones Gunn's Wildflowers Wildflowers
Married Genevieve falls in love with the man she least expected could win her heart. It's not who you might think ....
For the Sibling Relationship: Laurainne Snelling's Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1)
In the first of this frontier series, Ruby must deal with her new "inheritance" while protecting her sister from its influences.
For the Man's Perspective on Relationships: James Scott Bell's Breach of Promise
A heart-rending story of a man trying to keep his family together.
For the Supernatural Relationship: Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir
Don't let the title of this book scare you away. There is no glorification of the demonic, but an enlightened fresh look at what History means.
For the Relationships Gone Bad: Bette Nordberg's Serenity Bay
A truly terrifying story of woman who married Prince Charming and discovered he wasn't.
For the Single Among the Marriage-Minded: Camy Tang's Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1)
You'll laugh. You'll relate. You'll be impressed with this debut novel from up-and-coming author Camy Tang.
EIGHT books. ONE winner. Here are the ways to win:
Any new subscriber or referral will gain another entry.
Publicize this to your homeys through newsletters: one entry.
Blog about the contest: one entry. (Email us and we'll send you what to post or copy off this newsletter.)
Include it in your Christmas cards: two entries.
Tuck it in the gift bag with the fruitcake you'll be leaving on random doorsteps: five entries.
JUST LOG ON TO: www.ashberrylane.net
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www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
www.shoutlife.com/sherrieashcraft
www.shoutlife.com/christinaberry
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
‘The Other Daughter’ circumstances surreal
by Jennie McGhan
In reading The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell, it makes you wonder how your own family would react if it unexpectedly grew by one.
This book explores the reaction of a family when a child appears at their doorstep, claiming the patriarch of the family is her father.
This child is a surprise to everyone in the family. She is withdrawn and scared, not feeling as though she is wanted. However, she and the family have been forced into the situation when her uncle left her at the Carson’s doorstep without even a word to the family.
The Carsons are typically kindhearted and have taken in foster children in the past. But, this child was dropped off at the door step out of the blue, because her mother has died. David happens to be her father and was unaware of that fact, though he had some recollection of a one-time incident with her mother prior to his being married to Susanne.
David is forced to reconcile his relationship with Susanne through a number of apologies. He has to confront the fact that his past has caught up with him and somehow balance his relationship with his daughter and the family whom he had been setting an example for over the years.
Susanne has a hard time dealing with Brianna, David’s daughter, and her resemblance to her husband. She struggles with anger and frustration at the situation, guarding herself from fostering a caring heart toward the girl.
Susanne does all the “right things.” However, Brianna is much like any other child and can see that the kindness shown is only for the sake of appearances. Brianna senses Susanne’s resentment of the situation.
It doesn’t help that Susanne has a friend that reinforces negative feelings about both David and Brianna when Susanne has a “girls night out.”
The Carson children readily accept their new sister and so does David’s grandfather, a man deeply committed to his Nez Perce heritage. Grandfather reaches Brianna in a way that leaves Susanne and David feeling a level of conviction and wonderment. But, they are left to ponder his secret.
It takes much soul searching, and the threat of losing Brianna to her drunken uncle to open the eyes of Susanne. She learns she has a right to feel injured regarding her husband’s indiscretion. She also learns she owes herself the peace granted in forgiving and loving those whom she has been gifted.
David learns he not only has a responsibility to Brianna and his family, but to his own heart. He seeks to bridge the gap in his relationships after this realization.
The Carsons’ two children exhibit the ability to love unconditionally from the beginning. They embrace their new sister and do their best to ensure she feels their love…it just takes the two parents a little longer.
The Other Daughter is both poignant and insightful. It opens up a subject matter that similarly mirrors situations found across our nation. The author, Miralee Ferrell, is from Washington state, and the story is loosely based on actual events in her life.
This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book as a good lesson in love, forgiveness and faith.
In reading The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell, it makes you wonder how your own family would react if it unexpectedly grew by one.
This book explores the reaction of a family when a child appears at their doorstep, claiming the patriarch of the family is her father.
This child is a surprise to everyone in the family. She is withdrawn and scared, not feeling as though she is wanted. However, she and the family have been forced into the situation when her uncle left her at the Carson’s doorstep without even a word to the family.
The Carsons are typically kindhearted and have taken in foster children in the past. But, this child was dropped off at the door step out of the blue, because her mother has died. David happens to be her father and was unaware of that fact, though he had some recollection of a one-time incident with her mother prior to his being married to Susanne.
David is forced to reconcile his relationship with Susanne through a number of apologies. He has to confront the fact that his past has caught up with him and somehow balance his relationship with his daughter and the family whom he had been setting an example for over the years.
Susanne has a hard time dealing with Brianna, David’s daughter, and her resemblance to her husband. She struggles with anger and frustration at the situation, guarding herself from fostering a caring heart toward the girl.
Susanne does all the “right things.” However, Brianna is much like any other child and can see that the kindness shown is only for the sake of appearances. Brianna senses Susanne’s resentment of the situation.
It doesn’t help that Susanne has a friend that reinforces negative feelings about both David and Brianna when Susanne has a “girls night out.”
The Carson children readily accept their new sister and so does David’s grandfather, a man deeply committed to his Nez Perce heritage. Grandfather reaches Brianna in a way that leaves Susanne and David feeling a level of conviction and wonderment. But, they are left to ponder his secret.
It takes much soul searching, and the threat of losing Brianna to her drunken uncle to open the eyes of Susanne. She learns she has a right to feel injured regarding her husband’s indiscretion. She also learns she owes herself the peace granted in forgiving and loving those whom she has been gifted.
David learns he not only has a responsibility to Brianna and his family, but to his own heart. He seeks to bridge the gap in his relationships after this realization.
The Carsons’ two children exhibit the ability to love unconditionally from the beginning. They embrace their new sister and do their best to ensure she feels their love…it just takes the two parents a little longer.
The Other Daughter is both poignant and insightful. It opens up a subject matter that similarly mirrors situations found across our nation. The author, Miralee Ferrell, is from Washington state, and the story is loosely based on actual events in her life.
This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book as a good lesson in love, forgiveness and faith.
Plenty to be thankful for this season
by Jennie McGhan
With Thanksgiving being less than a week away, I have found myself reflecting on the holiday in which we give thanks.
Some, like me, are grateful to God for the many blessings we have in our lives.
Others are just thankful.
I have been listening to the radio in my travels and find myself more thankful each day because there have been some stories on the station I listen to that are heart wrenching.
One lady, who is 25-years-old, wrote to the radio station that I listen to, saying she is thankful to have her husband alive. Not unusual by itself, but there is more. Her husband, also 25-years-old, recently collapsed from a heart condition he was unaware that he had. She wrote the story from his hospital room. He had been an average father and husband going about the mundane task of fueling up at the gas pump when he collapsed. Fortunately, those nearby called an ambulance and the man did not die.
This couple feels blessed and their story made me feel blessed. I know that I would be beside myself if something terrible were to happen to my husband.
There are others in this world who have children suffering from illness or poverty. The heartache around the world and locally touches me to the core.
I have three very healthy, full-of-life children. Each of them, all they can, try to please me on a regular basis. They are hyper, joyful, busy and sometimes they exhaust me.
But, overall, they are good children, and they are a blessing regardless of how tired they might make me.
Whatever complaints I might have about any one member of my family, I have had to step back and realize…They are a gift from God, and I could be facing worse than a screaming fit right now, if He hadn’t blessed me so much.
Stickler for manners and etiquette
by Jennie McGhan
I am an advocate of displaying proper manners and etiquette in public.
Daily, I find myself telling my three children to display proper manners and to apologize when I feel they have been rude to someone.
Perhaps our society is becoming accustomed to behavior that was considered rude when I was a child. I am not sure. But, there have been times that I have told my children to apologize for rushing ahead and essentially cutting off another’s path. The response of those whom I felt were wronged, “You’re sorry for what?”
Or, maybe it is the mere fact that my children are still very young and it doesn’t faze people when these incidents take place.
Recently, I was inside an establishment to purchase my lunch. A group of teens entered the establishment, carrying food from another eatery. They did not order from the establishment in which they had decided to plant their young rears. No, they had the nerve to ask for napkins for the food they had already purchased.
This struck me as very appalling. I was very curious as to how the employee at the counter felt about the teens’ attitude. She said it had been the second time the same group had come in with food from another business. She told me they did not order anything from her the first time, either.
I tried to be as polite as possible, informing her that she had every right to ask the group of teens to leave.
I am still astounded that this group of teens felt they were not in the wrong.
However, I do not want to paint this group as the “norm.” I have been very fortunate to meet several youth in our community, who have exhibited manners and etiquette.
I have met youngsters willing to hold a door open for me and many have had the common courtesy of saying, “Please” and “Thank you.”
I just hope others are as appreciative of the teens and young children with these attributes as I am.
Lost in translation
by Jennie McGhan
When one stops to think about words and what they mean, there may be a surprise in store for them.
In our current culture, we often use common words or phrases from other languages. “Adios” is commonly used when we are saying goodbye.
What we don’t think about is the actual translation of this word. The true definition of “Adios” is “go with God.” “Dios” means God in Spanish, the “a” indicates to go.
The term has been used for ages. In Spain, many did not use the term lightly until the early 20th century. Prior to wishing someone “Adios,” the term “Salud” was more common. This word means cheers.
“Despedida” is defined in the Spanish-English dictionary as the word used for goodbye or farewell.
Another way one might part with another would be in using the phrase “Hasta luego.”
Just as in the English language, there are many different ways of greeting or departing from another person.
I am certain there are other languages in which I might find the literal translation to be quite fascinating, but I am finding I am rather fond of the word “Adios” because I truly feel that I should be wishing others to “Go with God.”
I am a person who believes Christ is my protector and loving others, wishing them the same protection is a fine way to depart.
Another language, German, is often used when someone sneezes. We often say, “Gesundheit.” This word means health in English. But, are we aware we are saying this? Someone who actually knows the German language may know this fact.
In English, we commonly say, “bless you,” if a person sneezes. Again, it is a phrase taken for granted in many circles. I wonder how many people actually wish the person doing the sneezing to be blessed by God.
Stopping to think about the words and phrases we often speak out of habit or otherwise may give us a better understanding of what actually leaves our mouths when we speak to others. I believe it is just as important to think about all the words we use…the words may be helpful or hurtful, depending on what we mean by them and how they are translated.
I don't do cold well
This week has been a rough one for me. It has been cold, and I don't like cold much.
I grew up in an alpine community, where one might expect I was quite acclimated. I was. But, it was a different type of cold weather that we experienced in my hometown.
With the high elevation, the cold seemed much drier than the weather we experience in the Lower Yakima Valley?and, I was much younger when I lived in Weed.
Now, as an adult, I find myself constantly donning sweaters and sweatshirts or wearing a coat.
However, I have yet to experience a cold day in the office when my fingers were not icy. When my fingers are as cold as they currently are, it takes me just a little longer to type.
Also, my nose has been icy this week.
Some may attribute this to my gender -- How many times do we hear from spouses that the female is always cold and the male is always hot?
This plays true in my home?I consider my husband to be warm enough that I turn to him to hold my hands in order to warm me up.
He is not appreciative of this, considering my hands shock his system.
However, I know something else about myself. My physician once told me my circulation is slower than some members of the community at large. This, is due to low blood pressure. My blood pressure is not dangerously low. It is still within the "normal" range. But, it is on the low side of "normal."
Therefore, my blood doesn't reach my extremities quite as quickly as would be necessary to keep me from being cold most of the time.
So, out comes the blanket each night, including the summer months, to keep me warm. After all, the thermostat has to be set at a temperature that is comfortable for the majority, whereas I am in the minority.
I am sure God hasn't made me unique in this way...however, for those who know me?you can send me some of those hand warmers and I will be forever indebted to you.
I grew up in an alpine community, where one might expect I was quite acclimated. I was. But, it was a different type of cold weather that we experienced in my hometown.
With the high elevation, the cold seemed much drier than the weather we experience in the Lower Yakima Valley?and, I was much younger when I lived in Weed.
Now, as an adult, I find myself constantly donning sweaters and sweatshirts or wearing a coat.
However, I have yet to experience a cold day in the office when my fingers were not icy. When my fingers are as cold as they currently are, it takes me just a little longer to type.
Also, my nose has been icy this week.
Some may attribute this to my gender -- How many times do we hear from spouses that the female is always cold and the male is always hot?
This plays true in my home?I consider my husband to be warm enough that I turn to him to hold my hands in order to warm me up.
He is not appreciative of this, considering my hands shock his system.
However, I know something else about myself. My physician once told me my circulation is slower than some members of the community at large. This, is due to low blood pressure. My blood pressure is not dangerously low. It is still within the "normal" range. But, it is on the low side of "normal."
Therefore, my blood doesn't reach my extremities quite as quickly as would be necessary to keep me from being cold most of the time.
So, out comes the blanket each night, including the summer months, to keep me warm. After all, the thermostat has to be set at a temperature that is comfortable for the majority, whereas I am in the minority.
I am sure God hasn't made me unique in this way...however, for those who know me?you can send me some of those hand warmers and I will be forever indebted to you.
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