Three years passed between my first and second contract offers, in which I felt like a One-Book Wonder. I came to dread the question, "What's next?" I'd give the eager reader a polite smile and assure her I was working on a new story I hoped would soon find a home.
It did!
On a memorable day in December 2013 my agent, Rachelle Gardner, called to tell me my dream of writing for Love Inspired Historical had come true. I did some serious happy dancing.
Some things are worth waiting for. That's a lesson Tess Grimbsy, the heroine in my first LIH, Family of Her Dreams, has to learn. She arrives in the small town of Shingle Springs, California eager to land a job as Spencer Abbott's housekeeper. The trouble is, she was dismissed by her previous employer.
Recently widowed with two small children, Spencer needs help, but he's hesitant to welcome another woman into his home. Even so, he gives Tess the opportunity to show him what she can do.
Tess embraces the fresh start she's been given, pouring her heart into caring for Spencer's two young children and his home. Along the way, she develops feelings for her grieving employer, but he's not ready to marry again. Will he ever be? And would he even consider her if he was?
I'm giving away an autographed copy of Family of Her Dreams
to one blog visitor with a US address.
To enter the drawing, leave a comment
with your answer to the question below.
to one blog visitor with a US address.
To enter the drawing, leave a comment
with your answer to the question below.
What fresh starts have you experienced in your life?
I'll choose a winner tomorrow and post the name here.
Be sure to leave your email address when prompted so I can contact you if you win.
Please don't leave any personal information in the comment itself.
We don't want spammers to get it and trouble you.
Please don't leave any personal information in the comment itself.
We don't want spammers to get it and trouble you.
A Family to Cherish
Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a
recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she’d fall for her
handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive,
and Tess can’t help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the
sake of her job, she’ll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.
Between his stationmaster responsibilities
in a Gold-Rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer
has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire’s kind personality
warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as
more than just an employee?
13 comments:
I'd have to say moving to Ky was my families fresh start after struggling in Wisconsin for a while but it's hard being away from family. I'm glad you didn't give up on your dream Keli! Jenny
Jennifer, I hope you're enjoying your new life in Kentucky, although I can understand how tough it is to be away from family. My husband and I lived in Germany for four and a half years early in our marriage, and I got mighty homesick at times.
Well, I feel silly to complain...did not move far away as you and Jennifer (hi to Jen); just moved to "country" from where I was born (GA) and lived too many years to tell! lol It is near dh folks, and we thought best thing to do, and I am only 70 mi (one way) from former home so can go back at times.
CONGRATS on your book!
Hi Jackie!!!! You make me smile every time ! Thank you!
Keli I cannot imagine living that far away and in a different country. Even though it was probably cool at the same time.
Jackie, I hope you're enjoying your country life. It's nice that you live close enough to visit your former stomping grounds.
When it comes to change, there's no reason to compare. Change is change, and it can require an adjustment.
Jennifer, we loved living in Germany. I embraced the experience, but it was mighty hard having our baby over there when her grandparents were back here. We came back to visit and moved back when she was two and a half, but I know we missed out on some things even though we gained others.
I love "The Sale" stories. And, it's painful waiting for the "next" book.
Please do not enter me in the drawing. I just finished the book and loved it!!
Pamela, waiting three years for that second contract wasn't easy, but the wait served to strengthen me and my writing in many ways. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to write for Harlequin. It's a dream I've had since I was fifteen. I fell in love with the sweet Harlequin romances of the 1970s and dreamed of writing stories like them. Here I am forty years later doing just that. :-)
jcp, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the story. I certainly enjoyed writing it.
I've held the drawing to find out who's the winner of the giveaway. Congratulations, Jennifer! It's you. =)
Woohooo!!!! Thanks Keli!!! I'm so grateful for all your hard work and never giving up!
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