Tag Archives: C. E. Hilbert

Top 10 Tuesday — Bookish Baby Names

22 May

Do you ever click on the FB links that promise adorable, unique, vintage, or clever baby names. Yeah, me neither 😉 . Well, maybe sometimes, once in a while, always. I love those click-bait posts and always hope for the best. This week Top 10 Tuesday is talking bookish names, so I came up with my top picks for baby names you just have to use. Most are very unusual and won’t occur ten times on your kids class roll. I have tried to find the meaning of each name; in some cases it is very subjective. Let me know what you think of my picks.

Make sure to head over to That Artsy Reader Girl to discover more great bookish names.

 

Top 10 Names You Need To Give Your Baby!

Girls

Adisa (the clear one) from A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

Anniston (resurrection) from How Sweet The Sound by Amy K. Sorrells

Aurelie (golden) from Lady Jane Disappears by Joanna Politano Davidson

Fairlight (the fair light of Christ) from Christy by Catherine Marshall

Isola (island) from The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Kaine (tribute) from The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

Keturah (fragrance or sacrifice) from Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

Pearl (gem of the sea) from A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner

Persomi (no meaning found) from Child of The River by Irma Joubert

Vienne (life) from A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

 

Boys

Ace (unity) from Out of Circulation by Heather Day Gilbert

Aldric (wise ruler) from A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

Boone (blessing) from Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble (Boone is the name of my niece’s youngest son)

Dawsey (sweet or pleasant) from The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Noble (illustrious) from Lead Me Home by Amy K. Sorrells

Qwill (scribe)  from Gathering The Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

Race (clean shaven) from Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry

Roman (a citizen of Rome) from The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

Ryland (island meadow) from Life on The Porcelain Edge by C. E. Hilbert

Zane (gift from God) from Undercut by Heather Day Gilbert

 

Which one would you choose for your baby?

 

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Book Review: Life on The Porcelain Edge

16 May

Tessa Tarrington’s life is swirling out of control. No job. No apartment. Sick Dad…And she’s back in high school! Teaching at her Gibson’s Run alma mater would be tolerable, except she’s sharing purgatory with her mortal enemy, Ryland Jessup. But eight years post-high-school, and after tragedies she can barely understand, Ryland no longer fits her mental image of the over-sized bully he once was. In fact, much to her disgust, he’s finding his way into her heart. After the sudden death of his wife, Ryland hung up his professional shoulder pads and picked up a whistle. Now he’s focused on coaching the high school football team and raising his daughter. The sudden return of his childhood crush, Tessa Tarrington, has reawakened long-ago feelings. But if God’s giving him a second chance to impress Tessa, the Man Upstairs has a funny way of showing it. Just when Tessa starts to lighten up, Ryland’s best friend returns. Will the always-irresistible Joey Taylor stifle any hope Ryland has to ignite the dream of a relationship with Tessa?

 

​C.E. (Courtney) Hilbert is the author of new release – Life on the Porcelain Edge (Pelican Books). This marks her second release with Pelican Books (From Scratch) and her third novel (debut: The Wooing of Jane Grey (Deep River Books) – nominated for 2012 Christian Book Awards Best New Author).

Her writing career began when she had to wait a WHOLE week in between Bookmobile visits. To fill the gap, she pulled out a pen and some paper and began to jot down stories while she awaited the next round of books delivered on wheels. And a passion began.

She enjoys the opportunity to share God’s love through her writing in a tangible, real and somewhat quirky way. She is convinced God has a sense of humor which is equal to the size of His patience level!
​
Outside of writing, she heads up the youth program at her church and one of her greatest passions is reaching young people on behalf of Christ. She is a sports fan (bordering on nut) and is happiest at a hockey game when her team is winning, a Spring Training baseball game soaking up the sun or at a college football game cheering on a victory.

My Impressions:

Looking for humorous chick lit with a serious message? Then you definitely need to check out Life on The Porcelain Edge by C. E. Hilbert. Hilbert has created characters who struggle with the same things as real life people — vulnerability, self-doubt, and fear of rejection — while entertaining the reader and presenting the hope and grace that is promised by God. This charming novel was a delight to read. Although main characters Tessa and Ryland are the ages of my children, I could definitely identify with their dreams and fears.

Tessa returns to her hometown in shame. Her life seems to be circling the bowl — lost job and lost reputation. Faced with her high school tormentor, this self-acknowledged runner is in for a period of growth or stagnation — her choice.

I loved the characters in Life on The Porcelain Edge, especially precociously cute Emma. They could easily be the boy or girl next door, or your nosy neighbor, or best friend. Hilbert has a way of making them fun and funny and true to life. They also grapple with real life issues that go to the core of who we are. In addition, this novel is a wonderfully written romance — there’s plenty of chemistry between Tessa and Ryland. The novel is also firmly grounded in faith, presenting truth to both the characters and the reader.

A quick read, Life on The Porcelain Edge is no puff piece. And for fans of Hilbert, you will recognize characters from her other books. Don’t worry if you haven’t read anything by this author; this one is a standalone. But don’t be surprised when you want to read more!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Top 10 Tuesday — Winter TBR

28 Nov

Although winter is officially a few weeks away, it is never too early to make a list for those long evenings when only a cup of something warm, a cozy chair and afghan, and a good book will do. Here’s my Top 10 Winter TBR — including review books and book club selections. Looks like I have a lot of good reading ahead! For more reading lists for the long winter months, check out The Broke And The Bookish.

 

Top 10 Winter TBR

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Guilt by Association by Heather Day Gilbert

The Heart Between Us by Lindsey Harrel

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury

Life on The Porcelain Edge by C. E. Hilbert

A Passionate Hope by Jill Eileen Smith

A Song of Home by Susie Finkbeiner

Stars in The Grass by Ann Marie Stewart

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

 

What’s on your winter TBR list?

 

 

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Sneak-A-Peek: From Scratch by C.E. Hilbert

24 May

Check out the first chapter of C. E. Hilbert‘s new novel, From Scratch HERE. Courtney’s first book, The Wooing of Jane Grey, was wonderful, and I am looking forward to reading her newest soon.

 

Did you miss her debut novel, then take a look — 

7756017_w185The Wooing of Jane Grey — Jane Grey’s life is fine—fabulous career, fun friend, faithful volunteer. So why is she feeling lumpy, lonely, and lost? Could two handsome suitors be the “tonic” she needs? Successful attorney Paul Wade seems to be the perfect match. But pro hockey player Lindy Barrett might be out of her league. Only God knows the right choice!

 

198392_487534941260585_1067059060_nC.E. Hilbert is a Christian novelist making her debut with The Wooing of Jane Grey.

Her writing career began when she had to wait a WHOLE week in between Bookmobile visits. To fill the gap, she pulled out a pen and some paper and began to jot down stories while she awaited the next round of books delivered on wheels.

She enjoys the opportunity to share God’s love through her writing in a tangible, real and somewhat quirky way. She is convinced God has a sense of humor – equal to the size of His patience level!

Outside of writing, she heads up the youth program at her church and one of her greatest passions is reaching young people on behalf of Christ. She is a sports fan (bordering on nut) and is happiest at a hockey game when her team is winning, a Spring Training baseball game soaking up the sun or at a college football game cheering on a victory.

She currently lives in a 110+ year-old fixer upper with her dog Daisy and she believes that life goes best with Jesus, a cute outfit and SportCenter!

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Author Interview and Book Review: The Wooing of Jane Grey by C. E. Hilbert

25 Sep

Jane Grey’s life is fine—fabulous career, fun friend, faithful volunteer. So why is she feeling lumpy, lonely, and lost? Could two handsome suitors be the “tonic” she needs? Successful attorney Paul Wade seems to be the perfect match. But pro hockey player Lindy Barrett might be out of her league. Only God knows the right choice! 

C.E. Hilbert is a Christian novelist making her debut with The Wooing of Jane Grey.

Her writing career began when she had to wait a WHOLE week in between Bookmobile visits. To fill the gap, she pulled out a pen and some paper and began to jott down stories while she awaited the next round of books delivered on wheels. And a passion began.

She enjoys the opportunity to share God’s love through her writing in a tangible, real and somewhat quirky way. She is convinced God has a sense of humor which is equal to the size of His patience level!

Outside of writing, she heads up the youth program at her church and one of her greatest passions is reaching young people on behalf of Christ. She is a sports fan (boardering on nut) and is happiest at a hockey game when her team is winning, a Spring Training baseball game soaking up the sun or at a college football game cheering on a victory.

She currently lives in a 110+ year-old fixer upper with her dog Daisy and she believes that life goes best with Jesus, a cute outfit and SportCenter!

Impressions:

I had the best time sitting down with C. E. (Courtney) Hilbert at the ICRS in Orlando in July. She and her sister Jennifer were in town to promote her debut chick-lit novel, The Wooing of Jane Grey. And I must say, her book is as delightful as

Courtney and I at the ICRS

Courtney. Here are the results of our talk and my impressions of the novel.

Courtney began writing stories as soon as she could write. Not a big risk taker (she likes life lived in a box), she kept them to herself. Her mother was the first to read the 100 page manuscript that would become The Wooing of Jane Grey. She loved it and encouraged Courtney to finish. The first complete manuscript was finished in 2009 after working on it for several years. And following a lot of polite nos, she decided to enter a writing contest she found in a Google search. She was awarded Deep River Books 2011 Writer’s Contest Certificate of Merit and became a published author. Courtney calls her publication a God Thing since He has given her the desire to write a light hearted story with a character with a love for Christ.

The Wooing of Jane Grey finds plain Jane Grey looking for a change. What she first thought was a move to a new career becomes an unexpected attraction to two men — her long time crush and hockey star, Lindy Barrett and the very handsome and Christian attorney, Paul Wade. But Jane has a hard time knowing what she and God want for her love life. What follows is a smart and sassy novel full of engaging characters and laugh out loud moments that I just did not want to end. Courtney wants the reader to take from her story that you have to trust God, because He has our best interest at heart.

I asked what part of The Wooing of Jane Grey is all Courtney. She stated that she is definitely a rule follower and the quirkiness of the characters definitely comes from her. The relationship between Jane and her sister Mollie is drawn from Courtney’s own life. And of course the hockey part is all her. Set in Columbus, Ohio, Courtney enjoyed sharing the city with her readers.

What else should you know about Courtney Hilbert? Courtney works in fashion retailing and serves as her church’s youth director. She unequivocally states that Jesus is her boyfriend. She loves her family and sports and has a dog named Daisy. Her friends say she does too much church stuff. And she enjoys books that entertain, citing her favorite authors as Kristen Billerbeck and Karen Kingsbury. She loves chick-lit and feels it is important to increase this genre within the Christian market.  When I asked her sister Jennifer what one word best describes Courtney, she had trouble coming up with just one. She describes her sister as faithful, determined, convicted and fun to be around.

So, what do I think overall? I loved meeting Courtney Hilbert and I loved her book! I look forward to many more from this talented writer. (She is currently in the writing phase of another book that features one of the secondary characters from her first novel.)

Highly Recommended.

(I received The Wooing of Jane Grey from Bring it On! Communications in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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