Kim McMahill

I would like to thank everyone who has followed my blog, twitter, books, and adventures throughout 2014. Your interest, support, and friendship is truly appreciated.   I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year surrounded by family and friends. Take only the good memories from 2014 as you embark upon a new year filled with opportunity and promise.

As I walked around Yelapa, Mexico, I encountered several mule strings hauling sand from the beach up the cobble-stone paths to be used to mix concrete for a few small scale projects in progress. Witnessing this non-mechanized transportation method felt like a wonderful step back in time.

Wishing you and your family all the joy, happiness, and blessings of the holiday season.   Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Journal by Kimberly B Jackson has been released just in time for the holidays. To get into the spirit of the season, check out this inspirational story by an accomplished Christmas storyteller, for just $0.99. For more on Kimberly, please visit her blog at http://www.kimberlybjackson.blogspot.com Ashley Moore’s life forever changed the day her mother died, and she was sent to live with relatives. Now, ten years later, Ashley returns home, hoping to connect with her estranged father. When she learns he’s decided to reopen the family’s Christmas lodge for the upcoming holiday season, Ashley volunteers to help. While cleaning, she discovers her mother’s journal detailing the last month of her life. Will the book hold the answer as to why her dad sent her away? Who is the mysterious Adam her mother keeps mentioning in the diary? Can the words of her mother reconcile father and daughter in time for Christmas?   Enjoy additional Christmas stories by Kimberly B. Jacks

As anyone who follows me knows, I love adventure fiction. I read it, I write it, and it’s my favorite movie genre. One of the most important aspects of a believable adventure is getting the characters into the action realistically. I don’t generally seek out Christian fiction, but I’ve read two books recently that I enjoyed and they got me thinking. Shaken Blessing by Celeste Charlene and Love Takes Flight by Lee Carver both involve volunteer nurses or former nurses, who find themselves embroiled in amazing and emotional adventures as a result of their service, in one instance in Africa and the other in Brazil. The books are very different, but what they have in common is the reason why the characters find themselves in remote and dangerous places, facing challenges they couldn’t have imagined in their former lives.   Years ago I read The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and had that similar feeling of being totally entranced by the adventures and people encountered as a res

Fishing boats bobbed gently in Loreto’s harbor waiting their next outing. The vision was so beautiful and serene that I thought I had stumbled into paradise.

Today, December 10, a small group of suspense, mystery, and thriller authors have decided to get together and have a Facebook party to give away some early holiday gifts. Just go to our  Suspense, Mystery, Thriller Giveaway throughout the day (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time) and comment for a chance at some really great swag including multiple Amazon and Barnes and Noble gift cards, e-books, print books, t-shirts, etc. Christmas is just a few weeks away, so what better time for a goodie giveaway.   Don’t miss out. Stop by and join the fun!

Having spent time in the downtown area of Cabo years ago, I decided to explore the countryside on my most recent trip. About thirty minutes outside the city we went off-road and got some spectacular views of the harsh landscape as it made its way to the ocean. Riding down the beach sandwiched between the cacti and the sea was an amazing experience I’ll never forget, and winding through the more rugged scrub higher up was a dusty, yet fascinating excursion.

I’m pleased to announce the newest Inspirational Romance novel by Mary L. Ball, Redemption in Big Fork Lake . Please read on to find out … Can he be forgiven? Only after Robert Turner hurts a woman does he realize how much of a hold alcohol has on his life.     For Robert, a chance meeting with an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor offers hope. A new devotion to the Lord and a relationship with Belle McBride gives him expectations for a better future. His life appears to be on the right track, until he comes full circle with his past and faces the one mistake that haunts him daily. Can forgiveness-free Robert? Or will heartache drive him to return to the life he once had? ABOUT THE AUTHOR   Mary L. Ball lives in North Carolina and writes novels and Christian articles. Her passion is weaving together inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, which show the imperfect lives of everyday characters as they face hardships while discovering the real meaning of grace. Her bo

Yelapa, Mexico is located about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta by boat, depending on the speed of the boat. The approach to this small community is simply stunning.

For a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, I often make pumpkin cheesecake. If you want to give it a whirl this year, here’s my favorite recipe. Enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Crust : Crush 10 whole graham crackers and mix with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of butter. Press into a 10 inch cheesecake spring pan (bottom and 2 inches up the sides). Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove. Filling : Beat together until smooth, 2 (8-oz) packages of cream cheese (works best if softened), 1 cup of light cream, 1 cup of canned pumpkin, ¾ cup of sugar, 4 egg yolks (save whites in a separate bowl), 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Beat egg whites until stiff and gently fold into the pumpkin mixture. Pour over prepared crust and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Baking times vary, so make sure the center is set. I’ve found it often takes longer than the 1 hour noted

As the temperatures plunge, what better time to introduce my favorite Alaskan author, Lynn Lovegreen. Lynn grew up in Alaska, and still lives there. She taught English for 20 years before retiring to make more time for writing. She enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family, and hitting targets with a cowboy action shooting club. Her young adult historical romances are set in the Alaska Gold Rush, a great time for drama, romance, and independent characters. Her latest novel in the series, Golden Days , has just been released and you can read more about it below. For more on Lynn and her work, please visit her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com . You can also find her on Facebook and Pinterest. Alaska is a cold place to live until love blossoms. Elizabeth Robinson travels by dog sled to help her family mind the store in Fairbanks, Alaska. She wants to pursue her drawing and painting, but women artists are rare in 1906, and flood, fire, and a death in the family force her

In the hills outside of Loreto, Mexico is Mission San Javier, which was founded in 1699 by the Jesuits, led by Father Francisco María Piccolo. The drive from Loreto takes about an hour and the scenery is spectacular. The road has steep grades, dizzying hairpin curves, and is quite narrow in spots. It’s normally all paved, but when we visited parts were washed out and water ran across the road in several places. The village of San Javier is small, simple, and there is minimal commerce which only adds to the overall charm of this picturesque community and important cultural site. 

I’m especially excited to introduce, Jewell Tweedt and her newest Inspirational/Historical romance novel, A Bride for the Sheriff . The novel, along with many of her other books, is set in frontier Omaha, Nebraska. Modern day Omaha is a place I know well and it is near and dear to my heart, so without further ado, here’s a quick blurb to whet your appetite. After four years of waiting for fiancé Cal Davidson to return, Claire Secord moves to frontier Omaha to start a new life. After all, many men did disappear during The War Between the States. Running the family mercantile keeps her busy days but at night she dreams of Cal and the life they’d planned. Handsome sheriff Tom Maxwell befriends Claire and they begin a warm yet casual romance. When Claire is kidnapped and carried off, she must employ all her faith, skills and intellect to survive until Tom can find her.        Reuniting they discover their true feelings and become engaged. Back in Omaha, Claire discovers Cal wa

In Wyoming, black bear populations are widespread, whereas grizzly habitat is primarily confined to northwestern Wyoming, but as populations increase and habitat decreases bears will expand their territory and reestablish in previous historical ranges or in new habitats. Grizzly bears have not inhabited the Bighorn National Forest since the early 20th century, but for the sake of fiction I have hastened the return of a solitary grizzly to the Big Horn Mountains just as a deadly storm is brewing … Black and grizzly bears can be incorrectly identified if attributes such as size or color are relied upon. For a more accurate identification, it’s important to remember that b lack bears have no shoulder hump, tall pointed ears and a straight facial profile from nose to ear. Grizzlies have a distinctive shoulder hump, short rounded ears, and its facial profile appears dished in. Bears play a fairly small role in Big Horn Storm , but added to an already dire and deadly situation, th

One of the many things I love about Big Bend National Park is its rough and rugged landscape.   The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River forms the border between the U.S. and Mexico, and its character changes dramatically depending on rainfall hundreds of miles away, and the season.   After multiple trips to the region, gazing across the river into Mexico, I knew I had to incorporate this amazing place into a story. In Deadly Exodus the river is the last obstacle standing in the way of freedom.

The third book in the Redbend High Series , Lineage , written by Anna Kittrell, has just been released by Prism Book Group. To learn more about this Young Adult Christian novel and the author please keep reading. Bianca can’t walk away from her family—she’ll have to run. Following the death of her mother, Bianca and her dad are on their own. But when a redheaded stranger at the funeral claims to be her biological father, Bianca’s reality crumbles. She soon finds herself trapped between the alcoholism of one father, and the wicked schemes of another—with no way to escape. About the Author Anna has written stories for as long as she can remember. She still has most of her tattered creations, leftovers she was unable to sell on the playground for a dime, written in childish handwriting on notebook paper, bound with too many staples. Her love of storytelling has grown throughout the years. She is thrilled to learn some people now believe her tales to be worth more than

The word adventure means something different to nearly everyone.  To some, adventure may be trying a new restaurant, genre, or hairstyle, and to others, true adventure can only be defined by climbing the highest peaks or rafting the most dangerous rivers.  To me, adventure is somewhere in between. Through my writing I strive to explore the gamut of adventure with a spattering of actual experiences embellished and tossed in with stories of survival conjured from my imagination. In real life I have an intense craving to see as much of this fascinating world as possible, explore different cultures, taste unfamiliar foods, and meet new people. For those who have been following my blog, I hope you’ve enjoyed my Adventure Scrapbook, and to those just joining in, welcome.   Whether through story or through real life, best wishes for many exciting adventures to come.

As I’ve been enjoying the beautiful fall colors, what better time to introduce Sharon McGregor, and her newest romance novella, Autumn Dreams , which takes place on the prairies in the late 1940s.   Sharon is a west coast transplant from the Canadian prairies. Her imagination and story weaving got its start when she was an only child living on a farm. She’s moved on from cowgirl dreams to romance and mystery, but hasn’t lost her love for horses. When not writing or reading, she’s busy with the two shops she shares with her daughter- an ice cream and candy store and a bath boutique.   In spite of her eternal quest to escape the cold, she does spend time at ice rinks watching her grandchildren figure skate and play hockey. When she can summon up the nerve to get on a plane (she’s terrified of flying like Maddie in Northern Lights ) she likes to visit with her son and grandchildren who are still knee deep in the prairies.   Sharon loves endings with happy resolutions which is why

I would like to welcome and thank Rachel A. James for being a guest on my blog.   Please read on and enjoy! ‘ A’ stands for… People often ask me why I include the ‘A’ in my pen name. I never used to use it, I’d simply be ‘Rachel James’. But, when starting to think about my author branding, and what made me unique as a writer, I realized that the presence of my middle initial, served a purpose. I also like to distinguish between my personal life, Rachel James, and my writer’s life, Rachel A. James. First and foremost, ‘A’ stands for Alice, (which as a child I detested). I recently discovered it means ‘noble woman’, and, I confess, I rather like it! However the ‘A’ represents far more for me as a writer… A stands for Author As I finished writing my first novel, I also began to market myself as an author. I started my website, and other forms of social media. Seeing the ‘A’ in my name reminded me that I was an author, not just a writer. I might not have been published, b

No matter how you decide to explore Yellowstone National Park, or during what time a year, it’s an adventure. Whether just enjoying the scenery and abundant wildlife on a leisurely drive with short hikes, horseback riding, or tackling the backcountry I hope everyone has a chance to visit this wonderland at some point in their life. The Park is truly a natural treasure and has so much more to offer than just Old Faithful, grand as it may be, so wander far and wide.

Ruth Roberts’ latest Contemporary Romance, Diamond Heiress , was recently released by Prism Book Group. Continue reading for more on Ruth, her latest novel, and her other books. When two bitter rivals…. One person stands between Brielle and her inheritance—Nicholas Trenton. If she fails to serve as CEO of her grandfather’s company, Santorini Jewels, for one full year, then everything goes to Nick—the company, her trust fund, and her home…the only home she’s ever known. Nick doesn’t care about the money, but he wants the company his father helped build. Now is his turn to run Santorini. Brielle isn’t qualified, nor does she deserve the position of CEO. One way or another, he will ensure she doesn’t run Santorini into the ground. Are forced to run a multi-billion dollar company together… Despite a clash of wills, they learn to work together for the benefit of the company. But when they can no longer ignore the attraction building between them, will they give in to it

Discover love and experience epic adventure in the great outdoors through Marked In Mexico , Big Horn Storm , and Deadly Exodus , all for one low price with a Kindle Boxed Set . Whether Mayan ruins and jungle adventures, daring horseback escapes in the stunning and rugged mountains of Wyoming, or a run for the border through the desert southwest to leave a dystopian America behind peek your interest, you’ll find what you’re looking for in these adventure novels. Oh, and did I mention hunky heroes? Meet ex-Army Ranger Jack, the future’s male perfection, Ethan , and one smoking- hot cowboy named Deuce.   For more, please visit my website at http://www.kimmcmahill.com or follow me on twitter at https://www.twitter.com/kimmcmahill . The Kindle boxed set can be found on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1cX2bho

The Scarlet Cord by Inspirational Historical Romance writing duo, Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux, is now available from your favorite on-line booksellers.   They also co-authored, Daughter of the King . Please keep reading to learn more about these two highly-rated novels, and check out the awesome Youtube video trailer. The Scarlet Cord Rahab, a resourceful beauty, struggles to survive in the pagan culture of ancient Jericho. As years of harsh labor begin to lift her and her family from poverty, a foreign army threatens the well-fortified city. Rahab is forced to make an immediate decision. Will she put her faith in the fabled walls of Jericho or the powerful God of the Hebrews? Either choice may cost her life. Daughter of the King A heartwarming story about the resilience of true love, inspired by a biblical account of greatness, courage, and foretold prophecy... Princess Michal was the youngest daughter of Saul, the first king of Israel .  In an age when fathers

Bangkok’s Grand Palace is located on sprawling grounds with over 100 buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The architecture represents over 200 years of royal history, and the ornate and colorful structures are simple awe-inspiring. A visitor could spend days exploring and admiring the stunning architecture, fanciful figures, and amazing temples. Unfortunately this country has experienced its share of turmoil recently, so I’m thankful I was able to visit when I did.

Audio book lovers, MARKED IN MEXICO is now available in audio audible from Amazon and on I-Tunes.  Now you can enjoy this romantic suspense adventure anywhere! When hostages are taken at one of Mexico’s most popular Mayan ruins an idyllic Caribbean vacation turns deadly. The kidnappers believe the abduction will be a simple way to negotiate the release of a colleague from a Texas prison, but matters become complicated and the stakes much higher when they realize one of their hostages is the daughter of a powerful U.S. Senator, and another is an ex-Army Ranger who has no intention of playing by the rules. When paradise turns deadly, flee into the jungle and fight for your life Available on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Marked-in-Mexico/dp/B00NUD47T4/

I would like to introduce Inspirational Romance author, Nancy Shew Bolton, and her new release, The Right Ingredients . Please read on to learn more about Nancy and her novel. Missing the right ingredients for a life of joy, a young baker learns lessons in the true recipe for love.   Ann’s hectic work responsibilities demand all her time and effort, and what was once a useful, satisfactory life has become a burden. Her bakery partner Susan has lost none of her enthusiasm for their business, and Ann can’t understand her exuberance, or her friend’s Christian faith. So she trudges along, hiding her dissatisfaction from Susan, resigned to a life of work, sleep and problems.   Unexpected comments offered by two different people cause a crack in Ann’s armor and her thoughts careen into unexpected directions. Attention from a young widower with a son challenges Ann’s resolve to stay safe and uninvolved. Susan’s example of faith through trial furthers Ann’s curiosity about God. An