A retired public school teacher, Miss Budge embarks on a series of slice-of-life adventures that take readers into the intriguing and authentic lives of Southern church women. "What our readers love about Miss Budge is that they all know her personally. In fact, they all are her in one way or another. Daphne's stories are instantly recognizable to those in a church community, and that's where the real humour and real pathos comes from. Daphne is a keen observer of the strange and wonderful subculture of 'the church lady.'" Brett Alan Dewing The Christian Courier (Canada) "Mildred Budge is a forthright, almost larger than life, woman who challenges every reader's faith walk by being transparent about her own. She reminds us that Jesus loves us the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us as we are." Julie Innes Evangel

    Both are gainfully employed, Marcus as a detective for Chicago's Finest, and Monet as a nurse in the neonatal unit of an inner city hospital. They are faithful members of Reverend Ruth Wilcox's church, The Temple. The only thing missing from their life is a child. Doctors have been unable to explain the reason for Monet's inability to conceive, which she calls the Sarah Syndrome. Then the unthinkable occurs. Monet is brutally assaulted. Months later, she learns the news she has been longing to hear her entire married life: she's having a baby. Monet is thrilled, but Marcus is appalled by the news, and orders his wife to terminate the pregnancy. Monet refuses, and a cold war of monumental proportions breaks out in the Caldwell household. In the face of great adversity, will Monet's faith persevere?

    It is decorated with graceful Victorian mansions, carpeted with gray cobblestones and bright wild flowers, and populated by sturdy, hard-working folks-most of whom are unaware that the island of Heavenly Daze is not just like the other islands of coastal Maine. The small town that crowns its peak consists of seven buildings, each inhabited, according to divine decree, by an angel who has been commanded to guard and help anyone who crosses the threshold.  Unexpected hijinks and heart-warming results occur when mortals and immortals cross paths-and unaware visitors to the picturesque establishments of Heavenly Daze discover that they have been entertained by angels.

    Thirty-six year-old Malik Day is no different. He has come to realize “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome” is truly insanity. It is time he man up and get his life in order. One of the top things on his list is finding a godly wife. However, God doesn’t always bless us with the package we expect.

    She's always been happy to be a Mormon but now, at age sixteen, she's moved to a small town where Mormons are mainstream instead of a minority. It's a shock to her system -- and her love life. Though she doesn't feel like she fits in at her new school, Heather finds friends at the restaurant where she works part-time. Her new friends aren't Mormons. But that doesn't keep some of them from being interested in more than friendship. The most tempting of them is her best friend's twin brother. His name is Wayne and he's got a natural charisma that makes Heather wonder if she'd like to follow him -- no matter where he leads. Guiding her through her growing pains is Heather's older brother's new best friend, Ben. He's an awkward, thoughtful boy who calls Heather "Parakeet" after his family's pet bird. Can Heather overcome her prejudices and Ben's reserve and find romance with him? Or will she take a giant step away from the way of life she's always known and follow Wayne? Set in the early 1990s, the story offers something for young adult readers and for older readers looking to revisit their own high school days.

    Four stories. Each one set in the enchanting world of the South. These are the kinds of stories your grandmother told you from a front porch swing. Ice Melts in Spring by Linda W. Yezak When Kerry Graham's boss forces her to return to the Gulf of Mexico where her husband drowned years ago, she feels only spring's chill and not the warmth of the Texas sun. Can the joy of a reclusive author and the compassion of a shrimp-boat preacher thaw Kerry's frigid heart? Lillie Beth in Summer by Eva Marie Everson With the untimely death of his wife, Dr. James Gillespie believes God has abandoned him. He also believes he's never met anyone like the young widow Lillie Beth, whose beloved Granny lies dying at home, and who sees a God who sweeps hope through a farmhouse window. Can a young woman whose husband died in Vietnam restore a faith that is all but dead. Through an Autumn Window by Claire Fullerton Because her larger than life mother Daphne Goodwyn is dead, forty-year-old Cate returns to Memphis with one thought in mind: something always goes wrong at a Southern funeral. But surrounded by the well-mannered society that raised her, the nostalgic rites of a three-day, autumn mourning bring the unexpected gift of the end of sibling rivalry. A Magnolia Blooms in Winter by Ane Mulligan With Broadway stardom within her reach, Morgan James returns home in winter to help an old friend. Maybe it s just nostalgia, but when she sees him again, an old flame rekindles. When she s called back to NYC to take the lead in a new musical, will fame be worth losing the man she loves?

    Even though Curtis and Charlotte wish Matthew could focus on Harvard instead of fatherhood, they are determined to welcome their new grandson with open arms. But for Charlotte, welcoming her future in-laws is another story. Try as she might, Charlotte can't stand Racquel's mother, Vanessa--and the feeling appears to be mutual.When the tension between Charlotte and Vanessa finally erupts, the stress sends an already-fragile Racquel into early labor. Everyone is quick to blame Charlotte, including Matthew and Curtis. That her own husband would side with someone else infuriates Charlotte and strains the relationship they've only recently been able to repair. Her one ally is Racquel's father, but that brings problems of its own.While Charlotte schemes against Vanessa, Curtis is consumed with his own concerns about Deliverance Outreach. A mysterious figure from his past has been sending Curtis cryptic messages threatening to take away Curtis's coveted position as senior pastor and destroy everything he has worked so hard for. But who could hate Curtis that much? And how can he fight an enemy he can't even name?Times of trouble are descending upon the Black family in more ways than one. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and stand together against someone who could take it all away? Or is the Black family finally out of miracles?

    So when she learns her father is dying, her first inclination is to leave the old curmudgeon on his own. Only adding to her stress are the unexplainable feelings of attraction she's suddenly having for her best friend, actor Dixon Nash. Can a Christmas kitten named Star point the way to the Answer she so desperately needs?Finding Christmas and You, by Jan ClineNot only is Jolene Miller struggling to regain her memory after an injury, she's drawn to two men with opposite personalities. As the mystery of her past unfolds in the weeks before Christmas, Jolene discovers the truth about one of them just in time to give her a Christmas miracle.Once upon a Christmas Star, by Kathleen FreemanWhen Misty discovers Papa wanted to be an astronomy professor and gave it up to raise her, she signs him up for grad school and donates her savings to the cause. Unbeknownst to her, Papa has sold his telescope equipment so Misty can quit her ferry job and go to medical school. A handsome med student only confuses the situation. This Gift of the Magi retelling could lead to disaster, unless wishes and prayers really do come true.A Christmas Hallelujah, by Dori HarrellRomance is the last thing on their minds--who'd take on their drama anyway? Piper is dealing with her troubled teen sister. Alex's young son is glued to his side 24/7. And each thinks the other lives on the wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. But as a surprising and heartwarming friendship unfolds before their eyes, will Piper and Alex orchestrate a Christmas hallelujah out of the beautiful messes that are their lives?The Second Noel, by Chautona HavigWhen Breanne Homstad learns that a local family got scammed out of thousands for a Diabetic Alert Dog for their little boy and must find the money for another one ASAP, she embarks on the seemingly impossible task of raising $25,000 dollars...now!Breanne, friends, and a local fireman she still hasn't forgiven for a "date and dash," work to fulfill one little boy's Christmas wish--and maybe a second chance at romance.Home for the Holidays, by Lesley Ann McDanielWhen a handsome stranger fails to respond to Victoria's flirting the way men usually do, she's perplexed. She discovers that he runs an organization that builds affordable housing, and decides to volunteer. So what if it's a faith-based ministry. She can pretend to be a "church person," right?Montana Skye, by Sylvia StewartSkye hadn't envisioned serving the supper crowd in plans for her future. So when Shell, a handsome, flirty cowboy, comes into the Starlight Café, she puts him in his place along with his supper, coffee, and pie. She doesn't need him reminding her of all she's lost back home. But will Shell prove more than she bargained for?

    Can he convince her that he’s more than money?Hudson Jennings wants to get away from the world of business his father is trying to trap him in. He’s seen what it’s done to his family, and to his ailing mother. Why not buy a house in a small town and move far away from it all? Shannon Kendrick is graduating college after six long years of putting herself through school and working at a country club. She’s ready to start her career and help people that are less fortunate. When she meets a guy who has it all and he’s rude to her, she chalks it up to being a rich, entitled, son of a billionaire. When Hudson needs to host an event, he is paired with Shannon to make the necessary preparations. She can’t stand the sight of him, but her spunky personality and determination to do the right thing sparks a light in Hudson that he hasn’t known before. He wants to know more about her, but he also wants to protect her from the life he leads. Shannon begins to see a different side of Hudson than she first expected. But she won’t let herself get too close to a life of wealth that has caused her pain in the past. Hudson will have to decide if he’s man enough to stand up to his father, and Shannon will have to choose whether to believe in Hudson or let him go.If you like sweet romance stories full of faith and compelling storylines, you’ll love Hannah Jo Abbott’s Sweet Home Billionaire Series.

    Since then, Michelle’s friendship with her church buddy David has deepened into something sweet and special, but learning that Pierre has called off his wedding throws her into confusion. When Pierre wants Michelle back, she’s forced to make a choice—one she may regret.Liz Coleman has two great blessings; her calling as an evangelist, and a saved man who truly loves her. But Liz’s insecurity and jealousy are eating at her peace of mind and threatening her relationship. Will she ever discover her source of insecurity, and will she lose her man in the process? Sandy has found the strength to get her ex out of her life. But meeting a loving, godly l man to replace him isn’t easy, and soon her loneliness leads her to the one brother who should be off-limits...The love journeys of good friends Michelle, Liz and Sandy continue in this bestselling sequel to, "He's Fine...But is He Saved?" as they all now ask the question, "He's Saved...But is He For Real?"

    New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the Deep Haven charity auction. Nor does she know that a plea bargain she crafted three years ago kept the man responsible for Felicity’s death out of jail. Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy.It Had to Be You:Eden Christiansen never imagined cheering on her younger brother Owen—a reckless NHL rookie—would keep her on the sidelines of her own life, with little time to focus on her own career. Owen could use a mentor . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran Jace Jacobsen. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, Jace's bad-boy reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury, Eden and Jace begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.When I Fall in Love (2015 Christy Award finalist!):Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she'd vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is thrown headfirst into an adventure. Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he takes a three-week culinary vacation each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires.Always on My Mind:After a failed dig, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his feelings for Raina Beaumont. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives quite a shock: Raina is pregnant. Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby's father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to help his older brother prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. But one of Casper's new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can't seem to forget.The Wonder of You:Mortified after her year abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn't brave enough for the adventures she's dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness. Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and family expectations. He'll do anything for a second chance with Amelia. But Roark's continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?You’re the One That I Want:An injury ended Owen Christiansen’s NHL career, but a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start, maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain's daughter. Scotty, however, doesn't believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, only to be detained in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

    But his feelings soon turn to guilt when he realizes his carelessness caused more harm to Rosalie than a few broken bones. With a newly awakened conscience, Pemberton vows to do everything in his power to get Rosalie back on her feet. He’ll intercede with her employer, find her a place to live, and help her make friends. But as he gets to know Rosalie and discovers her close walk with God, Pemberton begins to wonder if Rosalie might do him more good than he could ever hope to do for her. This early novel by beloved Christian fiction author Grace Livingston Hill was first published as a serial story in a 1904 Christian magazine.

    She feels robbed and is angry at God, and she doesn’t know how to help her nine-year-old daughter Bree through her grief. Where, Amber wonders, are the Sunday dinners, the picnics, the bike rides, the time together they should be enjoying as a family? Instead, Amber is left with a folded flag and an empty heart. Cody Jackson has a death wish. Or at least that is what his manager thinks, as Cody pushes his race car and his luck in every race. Is he hiding something, or just daring God and other racers to end the path of destruction he finds himself on as he rounds the last turn? When Cody encourages Bree to join in a Derby car race for local youth, she finds a way to channel her grief into something good—and she likes that her mom and Cody are starting to become friends—or maybe something more. Cody invites Amber and Bree to see him race, but as they watch Cody narrowly escape a devastating crash, she realizes she can’t lose another person in her life. It’s better to be alone than feel that type of grief again. But when Amber hits rock-bottom, she cries out to God and asks for help. With her faith, her life, her family, and her heart hanging in the balance, Amber is forced to decide between the broken road she knows so well and trusting that God will provide a new path.

    And for centuries the people watched, waited and hoped. He was to be the redeemer of Israel. The all-powerful King of Kings who would finally and decisively deliver the nation from the iron fist of Rome. Joseph of Arimathea is a wealthy man, but wealth can't buy peace. Nor the affection of the wife he loves. Nicodemus is a leader of Israel who will stop at nothing to find truth. Sadducee and Pharisee--two men, worlds apart, thrown together at the most critical moment in the history of the world. Set against the spectacle and grandeur of ancient Israel and the brutal violence of the Roman Empire, here is a tale not to be missed. Step into THE LIST and experience the Christ story as you never have before.

    After turning eighteen years old, his adoptive father, Walter, helped him search for the woman who gave him life. He tried to find the woman for two long years, then he finally gave up. One day, he decides to start the search again. Will Chance finally get the answers he so desperately wants? Is Chance being distracted from God's true will in his life?Maddison is a strong independent woman who is looking forward to her new job at the newspaper in Spokane. While she supports Chance's efforts to find his mother, she often wonders if he'll ever come around to the idea of a relationship between the two of them. She's been his friend for years, but her heart wants more. Can she find love with Chance? Or does she need to cut ties and move on?An inspirational Christian romance that is not only a faith-based book but also a lesson in the love, power, and timing of God. The Space Between Us will keep you turning the pages until the very end. This wholesome and clean contemporary novel will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and remind you of how beautiful God's will is in your life.