Books published by publisher Next Step Books Oct - 2011

This short story is the perfect introduction to bestselling author Virginia Smith’s latest series, Tales from the Goose Creek B&B. Set in the years before the Richardsons launch their bed and breakfast scheme, the quirky residents of the small Kentucky town are all in a tizzy over the upcoming Fall Festival. Alison, Al and Millie’s headstrong daughter, astounds everyone with the news that she’s getting married—in three weeks—to a Colombian! As her parents frantically try to stop the nuptials, Dr. Horatio, Goose Creek’s beloved veterinarian, is determined to solve the mystery of the six-toed kittens that have been popping up all over town. This charming prequel will make you laugh out loud, fall in love with the delightful residents of Goose Creek, and remind you why you love reading.

Wacky Mayla Strong has finally given her life to God. But does He really want a purple-haired girl with piercings?When purple-haired Mayla Strong slumps into the back pew of her mother’s church she has only one goal—to get Mama off her back. But Pastor Paul’s message pierces her soul, she’s strutting down the aisle in front of the bug-eyed congregation, lip stud and all.Baptized on the spot, Mayla comes out of the water knowing one thing for certain: life will never be the same.“Smith writes with wit and honesty in this chick lit parable for walking in faith in a lost and dying world.” – RT Book Reviews (4-stars)

When Mama awakes in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve with a hankering for a chocolate chip cookie, she tiptoes down the stairs to help herself to one of the treats left for Santa. But she discovers that Santa has already arrived, and there's only one cookie left! Fiction veteran Virginia Smith tells a charming Christmas story that's sure to become a holiday favorite in The Last Christmas Cookie.

When Mama awakes in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve with a hankering for a chocolate chip cookie, she sneaks downstairs to help herself to one of the treats left for Santa. But she discovers that Santa is already there, and there’s only one cookie left! Fiction veteran Virginia Smith tells a charming Christmas story that is sure to become a holiday favorite in The Last Christmas Cookie.VIRGINIA SMITH is the author of twenty Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes fiction in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. Her books have been finalists in ACFW’s Carol Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Maggie Awards, and her romance novel, A Daughter’s Legacy (Love Inspired, June 2010), recently received a 2011 Holt Medallion Award of Merit. She and her husband divide their time between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for “research trips” (or so she says) to scuba dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.VirginiaSmith.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ginny.p.smith.

Wacky Mayla Strong has finally given her life to God. But does He really want a purple-haired girl with piercings? When purple-haired Mayla Strong slumps into the back pew of her mother’s church she has only one goal—to get Mama off her back. But Pastor Paul’s message pierces her soul, she’s strutting down the aisle in front of the bug-eyed congregation, lip stud and all. Baptized on the spot, Mayla comes out of the water knowing one thing for certain: life will never be the same. “Smith writes with wit and honesty in this chick lit parable for walking in faith in a lost and dying world.” – RT Book Reviews (4-stars)

Four children travel back in time by playing the "What If?" game. Their adventures are only imaginary...or are they? When David, Christy, Mary Beth and Slicker volunteer on an archeological dig, they find the work of sifting dirt through a screen tedious and boring. That is, until they are introduced to the “What If?” game. What if that piece of rock is really a broken arrowhead carved by a primitive man 10,000 years ago? What if that man had a daughter their age? What if that primitive girl left the arrowhead there for them to find? Join four friends as they travel around Kentucky having “What If?” adventures. You might be surprised to discover, as they did, that history is a lot more interesting when you meet the people who lived it. Includes discussion questions and facts on the history of Kentucky.