Join us at the...

Mooresville NC Public Library 

11-noon

Saturday, June 2

for an interactive discussion on 

Inspirational Romance & Publishing. 

Signed copies of Journey's End & Journey's Edge will be available.

Mooresville Public Library

304 South Main Street

Mooresville, NC

Memorial Day thanks!

Sending a huge thanks to members of our armed forces, 

past and present.

Thank you for your labor of love, 

your fight for freedom, opportunity and democracy. 

Thank you for your courage and honor, 

for your sacrifice of time and service, 

and ultimately for some, their lives.

God bless you, and God bless America. 

Happy Memorial Day!

What legacy will you leave?

William Sheldon Atwater
1915 - 2012

On May 20, 2012, my grandfather slipped into eternity at the age of 96. He left behind 3 daughters (including my mother), 2 sons, 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. What a legacy!

In his younger days, people called him "Wild Bill." My grandma must have tamed him because I never heard him called that. He was a rock for the family, a pillar in the community, and a founding member of his church. He had such an infectious laugh that everybody laughed with him. He loved to play practical jokes, drink diet Mountain Dew, watch game shows, and do word search puzzles. After he retired from Caterpillar, he drove to town every day to meet his friends for coffee.

My grandpa didn't talk much, and I never heard him talk about his faith. Instead, he lived it. He valued faith, family, friends, and hard work. Without a doubt, he met his beloved bride at heaven’s gate last Sunday.

Life is short. Years flip by with lightning speed. Our years on earth are just a speck of sand in light of eternity. Our days are numbered, with a time to be born and a time to die. (Ecc 3:2 NIV)

I can't imagine facing death without hope, without God, without the anticipation of spending eternity with God. The good news is we don't have to face death alone. God offers us a life with Him. He has a giant eraser, bigger than you'll ever need for anything you've ever done. All we have to do is say yes to Him.

What legacy will you leave? 

What choice have you made about eternity?

thanks givings

for sunshine and blue skies after some much needed rain

for Bruiser's new summer 'do. 

Means less fur on the carpet for a few months.

for comfort during a storm.

Bruiser slept through a thunderstorm for the first time in eight years. Hope this shirt works just as well for fireworks! 

for words of comfort from God. 
The same God Who created the earth loves us and promises to never leave us, that we don't need to be afraid. 
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut 31:8 TNIV)

for daycares. :-)

What about you?

What are your thanks givings?

SMALL TOWN TREASURE releases June 22!

Hey friends.

I'm excited to announce that Small Town Treasure releases with White Rose Publishing on June 22 in e-book format only. It's a deliciously, sweet romance, and tops out at a whopping 41 pages. 

Here's a little about Small Town Treasure:

Five years ago, Emily Mannerson escaped small town living and moved to the big city where nobody knew "poor little Emily" and her miserable background. Now an attorney, Emily longs for what she left behind…her adopted mother and high-school sweetheart. 

Fire captain Matthew Westerly treasures his small town of Journey Creek and values faith, family, and friendships. When he rescues Emily from a horrific car accident, he's determined to win her back and make up for the lost years. Can a big city girl and a small town boy discover their true treasure? Will they trust God to work a miracle?

I'm seeking influencers who can help me get the word out about Small Town Treasure by posting a review on Amazon and Pelican Book Group or by buzzing about it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Shoutlife...wherever you hang out online. 

I have a limited number of watermarked pdf copies, so please let me know if you're interested as soon as possible. Leave a comment here on this blog or email me at 

Dora at DoraHiers dot com

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement! I appreciate all of you!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! 
Wish you were in the lower 48 so I could give you a big hug. I love you!!

On this Mother's Day, I feel so blessed and thankful... 


...for our two sons, our daughter-in-love, and our grandkids who brighten our days. You make every day special, not just one day a year. 



...that we started with two wonderful sons and blossomed into five precious souls. 

...for all the love, joy and laughter that fills our home and lives.

Happy Mother's Day

to all moms and to all those who fill the role of mother. May your special day be filled with love and laughter.

My Review of THE UNLIKELY WIFE by Debra Ullrick

The Blurb:
The arrival of Michael Bowen's bride, married sight unseen by proxy, sends the rancher reeling. With her trousers, cowboy hat and rifle, she looks like a female outlaw—not the genteel lady he corresponded with for months. He's been hoodwinked into marriage with the wrong woman!

Selina Farleigh Bowen loved Michael's letters, even if she couldn't read them herself. A friend read them to her, and wrote her replies—but apparently that "friend" left things out, like Michael's dream of a wife who was nothing like her. Selina won't change who she is, not even for the man she loves. Yet time might show Michael the true value of his unlikely wife.

My Review:
Wow! I smiled or laughed all the way through this book!

A historical really has to pull me in, and this one did, starting with the cover. It's so cute, but the story line actually clenched my purchase. How can you not love a person who refuses to change who they are just to get somebody to like them? And you'll love Selina, dialect and all. You can't help but feel sorry for Michael initially, but when he chooses to honor his vows, you really begin to like and respect him. The plot is fun, and the romance lively!

This book isn't just fun and fluff. Ms. Ullrick weaved a subtle message in the story: that God made each person unique, and that we miss out on blessings when we judge people based on outward appearance.

This is the first book I have read by Debra Ullrick, and I wasn't sure what to expect. After reading The Unlikely Wife, I will definitely get my hands on her other books!

Purchase Link
Disclaimer: An unbiased review, based on my purchase of this book.

Do you appreciate differences?

Do you dig deep to know the heart of a person?

My Review of THE WIDOW'S PROTECTOR by Stephanie Newton

The Blurb:
Someone is trying to take everything from widowed mother Fiona Fitzgerald Cobb. Their method? Fires, like the one that left her little boy fatherless—and destroyed Fiona's dreams—two years earlier. Could the attacks be linked? Fitzgerald Bay firefighter Hunter Reece vows to keep Fiona and her son safe. He wasn't able to save her husband—his best friend. This time, he won't let Fiona down. Especially since the handsome man she's known all her life has a secret, …one that will make him risk everything to save her.

My Review:I really enjoy romances where the guy and gal have been best friends forever and something clicks to make them realize they love each other. Add in a firefighter, and I'm all in! 

Ms. Newton set up great conflict in this story. Two years ago, Fiona Cobb's firefighter husband died on-duty, and now someone's targeting her and her son. When authorities suspect her long-time best friend, Hunter Reece, also a firefighter, Fiona struggles to convince her law enforcement family members that they're looking at the wrong guy. How can she fall in love with her best friend, another firefighter? With real-to-life characters and fast-paced action, Ms. Newton crafts a nice read for any time of day.

Although this books is part of Love Inspired Suspense Fitzgerald Bay series, you don't have to read the other books in the series first.
Purchase Link

Disclaimer: An unbiased review, based on my purchase of this book.

My review of UNDERCOVER BODYGUARD by Shirlee McCoy

The Blurb:
Bakery owner Shelby Simons can't deny a stalker is after her. Still, knowing she's at risk is one thing. Admitting she needs a bodyguard is quite another. Especially when the bodyguard is Ryder Malone. The former SEAL is too big, too tough and way too attractive. Yet Ryder won't take no for an answer. If she can't find a place for him in her life, he'll make one, working undercover to protect Shelby and find her attacker. But as Ryder and Shelby get closer to answers—and each other—the killer starts closing in….

My review:
Shirlee McCoy always plops you right into suspense and danger, one reason I love her books so much. A stalker, a murder, and a tough former Navy SEAL make for some heart-racing action that doesn't let up from start to finish. Shelby Simons used to believe in "forever" love, but not anymore. Not after a humiliating breakup and two failed relationships. While Ryder Malone protects Shelby from an attacker, he determines to convince her that "forever" love is possible is she chooses the right guy, him. Great dialogue, and a believable plot make this a fast-paced, page-turning, inspy romantic suspense you won't want to miss. Five stars!

Purchase link

Disclaimer: An unbiased review, based on my purchase of this book.

ACFW May 2012 New Releases

Be prepared for a long list, but worth the browse time...

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar — The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin, Sarah, has come to two conclusions about life: that God does not love her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth. Caught in an arranged marriage, Sarah must learn to love – a task that could prove dangerous. (Historical from River North (Moody).

A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer — At the close of the Civil War in Tennessee, Heaven Wharton’s life is out of control, and Travis Logan is running from a painful past. Did God orchestrate their meeting, or is it one more problem in their search for true peace? (Historical Romance from Barbour).

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert — Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, nurse chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to ER duties. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? To prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge. Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House).

Mary’s Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley — When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden? (Historical Romance from Realms (Charisma Media).

The Black Sheep’s Redemption by Lynette Eason — Charles Fitzgerald is guilty until proven innocent according to the townspeople of Fitzgerald Bay. When Demi Taylor comes to town, Charles finds one more reason to urge his law enforcement family to hurry up and solve the case–Demi’s love. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert — Young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. The unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan. Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook/Multonomah).

The Marshal’s Promise by Rhonda Gibson — Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams-but they’re shattered when she discovers her intended husband has been killed. If it weren’t for U.S. marshal Seth Billings’s housekeeping job offer, she’d have nowhere to go. Caring for Jesse Cole’s would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren’t for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca-and to keep her safe from Jesse’s enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

“Whole Pieces” from 7 Hours by Ronie Kendig — Whole Pieces is a novella in the 7 Hours collection. After a brutal attack left him without a limb and his team dead, former Green Beret Haytham “Hawk” Wilson is angry at life and God. Every day he relives his decision to send the Afghan boy home rather than following orders to kill any who came upon his hidden team. Eaten alive by grief and regret over one order he failed, Hawk seizes the opportunity to go back and correct his failure. The decision is simple . . . until he gets there. (Supernatural Thriller/Suspense from Tyndale House).

Chameleon, The Ravensmore Chronicles, Book Two by Jillian Kent — After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her home-bound for years, Lady Victoria Grayson journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime. Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother. Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. (Historical Romance from Realms (Charisma Media).

The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller — Lexie is fighting a supernatural battle to save her marriage and her husband’s soul. Will she unmask the evil before it’s too late? (Supernatural Thriller/Suspense from Barbour).

Submerged by Dani Pettrey — A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House).

Rainbow’s End by Cara Putman, Valerie Comer, Nicole O’Dell and Annalisa Daughety — Join a geocaching adventure in the spectacular Lake of the Ozarks wilderness, with Lyssa, the reluctant volunteer whose former nemesis is now her chief sponsor; Madison, a city girl paired with an outdoorsy guy who gets on her very last nerve; Hadley, who doesn’t know enough about guys to realize she’s met a womanizer; and cautious Reagan, who meets an equally cautious guy. Will they find the treasure they’re looking for… or something else entirely? (Romantic Mystery from Barbour).

After All (A Hanover Falls Novel) by Deborah Raney — Raney’s Hanover Falls series offers plenty of romance and mystery as three people find hope, forgiveness, and love in unexpected places. (General Contemporary from Howard (Simon & Schuster).

Fatal Disclosure by Sandra Robbins — An undercover DEA agent finds himself protecting the woman he loves from the smugglers who murdered his partner. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad — The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. When a row ensues with the in-laws, a handsome stranger–who designs roller coasters, of all things–intercedes on her behalf. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Annie’s Truth by Beth Shriver — Annie Bieler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is. (Contemporary Romance from Realms (Charisma Media).

Stardust by Carla Stewart — An East Texas widow sets her dreams on running the Stardust Tourist Court, but when her dead husband’s mistress arrives with a child in tow and polio strikes, her dreams are crippled. (Contemporary from Faith Words (Hachette).

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade — A single Christian girls determines to renovate the broken heart of her contractor. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House).

The Homesteader’s Sweetheart by Lacy Williams — To escape a dreaded arranged marriage, Penny Castlerock will face anything–even life on her grandfather’s farm. But it isn’t the rustic lifestyle that’s got the Philadelphia socialite tied in knots. It’s the handsome homesteader and his eight adopted children next door…. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Yowzee! My budget will take a serious beating this month with all the fabulous-sounding books I want to buy!

What about you? 

Any books you absolutely must read?

Check out ACFW Fiction Finder for more details.