Steeple Hill Love Inspired Authors

Allie Pleiter on "February Eve"

2012-01-31T00:30:00.000-05:00

January is a long month. February at least has Valentine’s Day, and in March you can fool yourself into believing Spring is around the corner (at least here in Chicago it involves a bit of foolery). But January? Not much going for it. New Years pretty much just tags along on Christmas’s coat tails. I’m a patriotic gal, but Presidential and Civil Rights Leader holidays don’t really rev up my celebrational tendencies. Yep, January’s long and cold.

But hey, tomorrow’s FEBRUARY! Ah, February. Now, that’s a fine month.

February brings the release of Falling for the Fireman, the first book in my Gordon Falls series. I had so much fun with a quirky small town in my Bluegrass series that I had to do it all over again. This time I matched sunny, optimistic candy store owner Jeannie Nelworth with grumpy, scarred fire marshall Chad Owens. They’re perfect for each other...only they don’t know it yet. When Chad becomes involved in Jeannie’s troubled young son’s affairs, life gets tangled up for everyone. Add an plump-but-adorable dog, and it’s a story I hope you’ll love as much as I do.

February is the perfect time to chat about candy and love. My candy favorite is chocolate covered salt caramels--which just happen to be Jeannie’s specialty (how do you suppose that happened?). I love the salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbuck’s too. My husband loves Caramel Cremes--those caramel discs with the white cream centers. My son is fond of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

What about you? What’s your favorite candy?

What's your favorite type of Hero in fiction?

2012-01-30T05:00:00.003-05:00

Jenna Mindel here...
(okay, that's not me, but I bet the picture caught your eye! :)

It's that time of year when the Romance Writer's of America's RITA award contest for published authors is in full swing. I enjoy judging as I get the chance to discover new authors and read books I might not normally seek out. The entries I've read thus far remind me why I love the romance genre. Those wonderful heroes! And the freshness an author brings to a classic hero type make them all the more intriguing.

I tend to favor two types of heroes-
The disreputable ne're-do-well charmer with a heart of gold, and the gruff, tough-on-the-outside-but-mush-on-the-inside hero. I was thirteen when I saw Star Wars and Han Solo has been one of my all time fav's ever since. My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and Beast and Disney's portrayal of the Beast stole my heart as the classic tortured hero with integrity. Still - a truthful, well-drawn hero with flaws as well as a noble spirit gets me every time.

So, who's your favorite fictional heroes and why?

Lyn Cote--Weird, Weird Winter

2012-01-26T08:12:00.003-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks that this January has been strange?
Seattle gets a foot of snow!
Tornadoes in Arkansas and Alabama!
North and South Dakota are in a snow drought!

The weather is a constant topic of conversation. Any ideas why?

Personally I like to use weather in my stories since a storm, tornado, lightning, etc can raise the tension. My first Love Inspired, Never Alone, took place during a very hot, very stormy summer. Did anyone read it? Do you know what weather phenomenon I used for the climax?

So tell me about the weather you're having at home and if it's the usual. And answer that question if you can. I'm giving away one free download of my latest "wintery" ebook, Winter's Secret. I'll annouce the winner on my blog on Sunday!--Lyn

(Click the cover to go to Winter's Secret's Amazon page.)

Saying Goodbye Is So Hard To Do

2012-01-25T01:00:00.003-05:00

Susan Sleeman here, hoping you are having as wonderful of a start to 2012 as I am. I am busy working on my new romantic suspense series for Love Inspired Suspense with Double Exposure the first book releasing in June.

I'm thrilled about the series called the Justice Agency—Law enforcement and family go hand in hand. This series features five adopted members of a family who all left careers in law enforcement and now work together in a private investigations firm to help people that traditional law enforcement have failed to help.

But with the release of a new series, means saying goodbye to the characters in my Morgan Brothers Series. With each book, I got to know them better and better and now I feel as if they are my friends and I don’t want to say goodbye to them.

I'll miss wilderness counselor Ryan Morgan and Mia Blackburn from High-Stakes Inheritance. Or should I say Mia Morgan now that she and Ryan are married. They both have such a heart for teenagers who've made mistakes and need a second chance in life and have dedicated their lives to giving them that chance.

Then there's Russ Morgan, a man who was so closed and broken over losing custody of son, but finds his way in Behind the Badge with fellow law enforcement officer Sydney Tucker. Sydney struggled with raising her sister and lamented the loss of a mother who didn’t want them. I rooted for both these characters to overcome their pasts as I wrote the book and was so happy when they found happiness.

And finally, my heart kept breaking for Reid Morgan in The Christmas Witness. Losing his wife to cancer, raising a daughter on his own and terrified of loving again lest he lose someone else. But he didn’t have a chance when I brought Megan Cash, his former love back into his life. Especially not a chance when her charming little daughter Ella suffering from a brain tumor wormed her way into his and his daughter's Jessie's hearts.

I loved writing the final scene of the last book when the whole family comes together on Christmas for that happily every after ending. I cried, I smiled, I laughed. And I eagerly waited for the book to release so readers could see the family find happiness. And now that the book released in December I have to say goodbye to all of these characters and it's harder than I thought.

I guess I should have expected this, as I love reading series books and hate saying goodbye when the series ends. I love meeting the characters for the first time, seeing their struggles and then seeing them triumph, then in future books see how happy they are. So why would it be any different for characters I created? Now that I know how hard it is, I will savor every moment of creating the Justice Agency books.

What about you? Do you like to read series and if so, is it hard for you to say goodbye to the characters, too?

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan visit:

Her website http://www.susansleeman.com

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanBooks

or join her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/SusanSleeman

Valentine's Day? Already?

2012-01-24T01:18:00.003-05:00

Hi all, Charlotte Carter here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m still vacuuming up tinsel and pine needles.

In stores, Christmas decorations were shoved out one door and Valentine’s hearts were brought in the other, leaving only a brief window to celebrate New Year’s Day. Time is simply flying by too fast.

Still, I am a romance writer. Valentine’s Day represents the forever kind of love. So I hark back to yesteryear (Chuck and I have been married a long time!) when my husband and I were dating. He brought me flowers and took me out to a nice dinner. Perfect and romantic.

By the time our second Valentine’s Day rolled around, we were married and living in Anchorage, Alaska. (I knew I’d found a good one and did not hesitated to say ‘I do.’) On Valentine’s Day I gave him a card; he gave me . . . nothing!

Say what? Sheepishly, he admitted he thought Valentine’s Day was for couples who were dating. I quietly (but firmly) disabused him of that notion. Romance does not stop when you get married.

Fortunately, Chuck is a quick learner; he hasn’t missed a Valentine’s Day since. (And I’ve learned how to drop hints and reminders that are as subtle as a giant asteroid landing in our front yard.)

So I’m expecting a romantic card and flowers this Valentine’s Day. Rather than going out to dinner, which we do regularly anyway, I’ll cook a nice dinner at home and we’ll leave the crush of couples waiting in restaurants for tables to the dating crowd.

What’s your favorite memory of Valentine’s Day? How do you celebrate now?

Books that leave you smiling - by Charlotte Carter

Big Sky Family, Love Inspired, available now

Montana Love Letter, Love Inspired, 10/2012

www.CharlotteCarter.com

Famous Secrets

2012-01-23T03:05:00.000-05:00

Often in our LI romances, there are secrets. We readers love secret babies and such. Recently, for my church's Secret Sisters revealing party, I came up with the following questions. Go ahead, answer without Googling. See what you know.

Famous Secrets

1. Who is Spiderman?

2. This man kept his beautiful wife’s identity a secret from Pharoah.

3. This man wrote under the name of Mark Twain

4. This animal knows the secret ingredient in Bush’s Baked Beans

5. Ralphie, in The Christmas Story, received this in the mail and it helped him read a promotional message from Ovaltine.

6. Who was the secret that Miep Gies hid in an Attic?

7. Which president kept it at secret that he was unable to walk?

I have many secrets. My name isn't really Pamela Tracy.

Oh, and I'm not 29, no matter how many times I say I am.

BTW, I have a Guess the Secret Sister's Game over at the Craftie Ladies of Romance. Go on over there and try that one, too. http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

My next release Once Upon a Christmas, a December LI, has many secrets. You'll have to read it to find out about them.

Excerpt - Stalker in the Shadows by Camy Tang!!!!!!

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Camy here, with the excerpt from my January Love Inspired Suspense, Stalker in the Shadows! Available at retail stores this month only, and some online stores will have it for a few months longer, or order it on ebook (see links below).

Stalker in the Shadows
by
Camy Tang

"Consider this a warning."

Lately, nurse Monica Grant feels she's being watched. Followed. And then she receives a threatening letter—accompanied by a dead snake. If she doesn't stop her plans to open a free children's clinic, she'll end up dead, too. Terrified, Monica turns to former lawman Shaun O'Neill—who believes the same madman murdered his own sister five years before. She understands how much it means to the handsome, heart-guarding man to save her—and her dream. Even if he has to lure a deadly stalker out of the shadows—straight toward himself.

Excerpt of chapter one:

Someone was watching her.

Monica Grant glanced around the bustling central plaza in downtown Sonoma, California, and rubbed the back of her neck, but the ugly, prickly feeling wouldn't go away. She remembered the well-worn phrase from her Nancy Drew books—"the hair stood up on the back of her neck"—but she'd never realized how true it was. Until now.

She couldn't actually see anyone looking at her—there were tourists strolling around Sonoma City Hall and the fountain, cars driving slowly around the square, shoppers stepping in and out of the quaint shops. A few locals across the street noticed her looking at them and waved hello. She waved back with a smile, recognizing them as staff from a nearby restaurant. The Grant family's successful day spa, Joy Luck Life, had helped bring even more activity to the small tourist town, and all of her family was acquainted with most of the local business owners and staff.

But as she continued walking along the line of shops and historical buildings, the creepy feeling crawled up her shoulder blades. She whirled around suddenly, but didn't catch anyone in the act of staring at her, or ducking into a shop doorway to escape her notice.

It had been a silly thought, anyway. She wasn't a spy. She was probably imagining things.

She turned to enter Lorianne's Cafe, a popular new restaurant owned by one of her high school classmates, which served California fusion cuisine made exclusively with local produce. She thought the feeling of being watched would go away as soon as she entered the building, but an uncomfortable shaft of prickling shot down her spine. She turned to look out the restaurant's glass front doors, toward the green park area around Sonoma City Hall, but couldn't see anyone except a few tourists walking by.

"Monica Grant, are you stalking me?"

The voice, still betraying the slight Irish lilt of his homeland, made her turn. "Mr. O'Neill! I should say,you're stalking me."

Patrick O'Neill's light blue eyes creased deeply at the corners. "Seeing you at the Zoe International charity banquet last week wasn't enough. I had to get in more of your lovely company." He enfolded her in a hug that made her cheek rasp against his usual Hawaiian-print, button-down shirt. Quite a contrast to the tuxedo he'd worn at the annual dinner that Zoe International, an anti-human-slavery organization, had hosted to thank its donors.

"Are you here in Sonoma just for the day?" Monica asked. "Or are you staying overnight before you head back down to

Marin?"

"I'm here for a few days, spending time with my new grandson."

"That's right, I heard about the new baby yesterday from Aunt Becca." At first Monica had been shocked because she'd thought the new baby was Shaun's son, but quickly realized her mistake—it was Brady's son, Shaun's nephew. She hoped Aunt Becca hadn't noticed her initial stunned reaction.

"What have you been up to in the seven whole days since

I've seen you?" He tugged at a silver lock of hair on his wide forehead. It brought back an image of Shaun doing the same gesture.

She forced her mind away from his eldest son. "I'm still taking care of Dad since he had his stroke."

"He's doing better? Last week, we were interrupted before I could ask you about him."

"He still needs a live-in nurse, but I'm also taking him to physical therapy several times a week, and he's gaining mobility back. He doesn't need me quite as much, which is good, because my sister Naomi announced her engagement six weeks ago. She's planning her wedding, so sometimes when she has to take off work at the spa, I fill in as manager for her."

"Will she still be manager when she marries?"

"No, she's going to start her own private massage therapy business in the city, closer to her future husband's office. We're trying to hire someone to take over when she leaves, but until then.. " She had to stifle a small sigh. Because she still took care of her dad, filling in for Naomi stole precious free time that she didn't have. The spa needed to hire someone soon.

"From nurse to manager." His blue eyes were more piercing than his son's. "It doesn't sit with you well?"

His insight startled her. "I loved being an Emergency Room nurse," she said, "but I have to admit I don't regret quitting my job at Good Samaritan Hospital when Dad needed me. What I'd really like to do is run a free children's clinic for Sonoma and Napa counties."

Unlike Monica's father, Mr. O'Neill didn't roll his eyes at her. Instead, he nodded gravely. "Then you should do it, my girl. You only have one life to love."

His phrasing touched her on a deeper level, stirred up things she had left collecting on the bottom. She shifted uncomfortably, then changed gears, giving him a teasing look. "So who are you meeting for lunch? Yet another struggling hotel owner whose hotel you're going to buy and then turn into a raging success?"

"No, I'm just here having lunch with my son." He gestured behind him.

Brady, his second eldest son, lived only a few miles from Sonoma in Geyserville. Monica's gaze flickered over Mr. O'Neill's shoulder, past the hostess waiting patiently behind the desk, toward the restaurant's bar.and she froze.

Shaun O'Neill stared right back at her. Her breath stopped in her throat and seemed to hum there. She recognized the strange sensation, something she had only felt twice before in her life—at her first sight of a cherry red Lamborghini, and the very first time she'd met Shaun O'Neill, ten years ago at a Zoe International banquet.

Her heart started racing as he rose from his seat at the bar and walked toward them. His expression was unfathomable. Was he happy to see her? Indifferent? Something about the way he held his eyes made her think he felt the same rush of intensity she did.

No, she had to find a way to smother the electricity zinging through her veins. Shaun was a cop, and she would never, ever date anyone in law enforcement. In the E.R., she had seen what that profession did to the families left behind, had tried to heal the unhealable pain of losing a fine man to a criminal's gunshot. She knew her heart wouldn't be able to handle it.

She also knew she wouldn't be able to handle him.

As he approached, his scent wrapped around her—a thread of well-tooled leather, a hint of pine, a deep note of musk—a combination uniquely Shaun's. "Hi, Shaun." She gave a polite smile that hopefully masked the way he made her feel so…alive.

"Hi, Monica." The deep voice had a slight gravelly edge to it, promising danger and excitement. "It's been a long time."

"I didn't know you were back in Sonoma."

"I quit the border patrol," he said softly.

"What?" Surprised, she looked up at him and immediately drowned in the cerulean blue sea of his straightforward gaze. Shaun had always been aggressive with his stance, with his looks—and he was that way now, standing a little too close to her, staring a little too intently. "I.. " She cleared her throat. "I thought you loved the border patrol. The last time we met, you were so enthusiastic about it."

"I'm back to spend time with my family. I'm thinking of applying for the Sonoma Police Department."

"Not as exciting as the border patrol," she remarked, looking for his reaction.

He shrugged.

How strange. He still had that bad-boy air about him, but there was something that reminded her of a wounded dog. No, a wolf. A wounded wolf. She wanted to reach out to him, to help him if she could.

Wounded wolves still bite. She had to remind herself that he wasn't her type. She had to stop now so she wouldn't go any deeper. She wouldn't submit herself to the kind of pain she'd seen in the Emergency Room. She shook off the memory of a cop's widow's shaking shoulders and forced her mind back to the present.

Then something invisible raking along her spine made her jerk. She turned to look out again through the glass of the restaurant doors but only saw the same view of Sonoma City Hall, made of local quarried stone that looked more flint-gray today under the overcast skies. Different tourists from the last time she'd looked walked around the grounds now.

She was being paranoid. She had to get a hold of herself.

She turned back to Mr. O'Neill. "The last time we talked, you mentioned how you were going to sell the Fontana Hotel in Marin and do consulting work rather than buy another hotel. Do you know when that's going to happen?"

Mr. O'Neill smiled at her. "Does your question have anything to do with the rumors I heard that your father's going to expand the spa and add a hotel?"

Monica grinned. "Guilty as charged. I have a lunch appointment in a few minutes, but do you have time today to talk about possibly consulting for him?"

He gave her a sharp look. "Have you talked to Augustus about this yet?"

Heat like a sunburn crept up her neck. "Uh…Dad mentioned yesterday how he needed help now that he's actually decided to go forward with the hotel."

Mr. O'Neill smiled. "I do have time this afternoon." He turned to Shaun. "Did you want to come with me or pick me up later?"

"I'll come with you." His voice was light, but his blue eyes flickered to Monica.

She had to remind herself that she wanted to speak with his father, not with him. "Great. Thanks, Mr. O'Neill. Three o'clock at our house?"

"Sounds good. Who are you meeting for lunch, by the way?"

"It's a potential investor for my free children's clinic. Phillip Bromley."

Shaun's jaw suddenly tightened and his eyes became shards of ice. "The son of the CEO of Lowther Station Bank in San Francisco?"

She nodded. "His brother's a medical missionary in Kenya. I've known Phillip for a few months, but last week at the Zoe banquet, he expressed interest in my clinic and mentioned that his brother might be willing to donate his time to the clinic when he returns to the States this summer."

But Shaun was shaking his head. "You should stay away from Bromley."

"Shaun.. " Mr. O'Neill said gently.

"Why?" Monica said. "Phillip has always been perfectly civil to me." Whereas Shaun's wildness seemed to exude from him, only barely restrained by his conservative white cotton shirt and jeans.

There was also anger underlying that wildness as he answered, "It's just a mask. It's not the real him."

A mask? Monica hadn't seen that at all, and she prided herself on being able to read people rather well. She didn't particularly like Phillip—there was something about his manner that seemed too self-focused and self-serving—but she hadn't detected anything deceptive during the times they spoke to each other.

"He's dangerous," Shaun growled. "You need to stay away from him."

Shaun's commanding tone grated down her spine, and she lifted her chin to glare at his set face. "How is he dangerous?" Shaun's lips tightened briefly. "He just is. You don't know him."

"And you do?"

"Better than you do."

"Children," Mr. O'Neill said in a long-suffering voice, "play nice."

Monica backed down. Mr. O'Neill was right, she was being childish. The same fiery temper that got her into arguments with her dad was now picking fights with a man who only wanted to…what? Warn her? Protect her? She wasn't used to men like Shaun, whose life work was protecting people. Her ex-boyfriends had mostly been artists and playboys, who all seemed "soft" now compared with Shaun's solid presence.

She had to admit that his presence made her feel less uneasy, less vulnerable to the eyes that might—or might not—be watching her. She couldn't stop herself from glancing outside again, but saw no one lurking or looking at her.

At that moment, her cell phone rang, and the caller ID said it was Phillip.

"I'll talk to you later," Mr. O'Neill said quickly, giving her a peck on the cheek before letting the hovering hostess seat him and Shaun at a table.

She answered the call. "Hi, Phillip." Were his ears burning because they'd been talking about him?

"Hi, Monica. I'm sorry, but there's an overturned construction truck here on highway 121. I'll be about twenty minutes late."

"No problem. I'll be waiting."

She had the hostess seat her at a table, but stopped when she saw it was right in the center of the large windows at the front of the restaurant. She glanced out at the tourists and pedestrians on the street. No one was even looking in her direction, but she felt as if a cold hand gripped her around the throat.

"Could I get a table near the back?" she asked, and the hostess nodded and seated her at a small table at the back of the restaurant.

However, it was close to where Shaun and his father were seated. She didn't want to request another change so she sat, but it was hard for her to keep her head averted with Shaun only a few feet away to her right.

At least the horrible feeling of being watched was gone. She spent a few minutes checking her email on her phone, but then the restaurant's owner and chef, Lorianne, approached her table with a long white florist's box and a huge grin on her face. "Hey, Monica. I happened to be up front just now when this was delivered for you." Excitement radiated from her bright eyes as she sat down across from her. "Who's it from? You didn't mention a new boyfriend when I talked to you a couple weeks ago."

"I still don't have a boyfriend. Your guess is as good as mine." Monica didn't look at Shaun, but could sense him glancing at her at Lorianne's words. Really, what business was it of his? She wished she weren't so close to their table.

"Ooh, a secret admirer," Lorianne said. "Well, as owner of this fine establishment, I am entitled to view any and all flowers delivered." She winked at Monica.

A part of her was flattered by the gift. Who wouldn't be? But another part of her was wary. Who gave flowers to a woman through a delivery and not personally? Then it occurred to her that maybe Phillip had them delivered in advance of their meeting. He had seemed a bit friendly last week at the Zoe banquet, but she'd been careful not to encourage anything more than a business relationship. She hoped he didn't misinterpret her body language.

Well, she knew who it wasn't from. She tried to angle her body away from Shaun as she lifted the lid. An odd cigarette smell made her eyes burn, and she blinked away sudden tears.

In the box, nestled among white tissue paper, lay a huge dead snake.

Monica gasped and dropped the box onto the table, making the silverware rattle.

"Oh, my gosh." Lorianne's eyes were huge.

The ugliness of the gift seemed to stifle her, and Monica fought to breathe. Who would send her something so hateful, so horrible?

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My Pitfalls

2012-01-19T01:00:00.003-05:00

Leann Harris here. I"ll admit have a weakness for flowers (as you can see on my website). I grow, cut them, and go crazy in January when I go to the craft store and they have their Spring flowers. My problem is I just don't go in there once. I wander in see something, buy it, then when I get home start thinking the other flowers or vases that I saw and would look lovely in my office or the living room, or bathroom. Walk into a room in my house and you'll find flowers and plants, real and artificial.

It's a weakness. The safest way to deal with it is don't walk into the craft store. Of course, when Brecks or Dutch Gardens send me their catalogs, it's tough. I'm good with other stores--department, shoe, sports, but it's those flowers that do me in.
Maybe I could start the flowers anonymous group.
What's your weakness?
P.S. If I go to the garden shop in Lowes or Home Depot, I'm sunk. I've run out of room in my garden. I've got Iris out the wazoo, if anyone wants some.

Families that Stick Together

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

Janet Tronstad here. I'm at my parent's home as I write this. They are getting older (86 now for both of them) and need some added help so I try to spend several months out of the year with them. My older sister, who lives on a corner of the family farm is undergoing treatment for cancer so she needs some assistance as well. It's probably no surprise with all that is going on that the theme of my latest Return to Dry Creek series is about families sticking together through the hard times. The first book, Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek, introduced the Stone family as Gracie Stone started encouraging her grown sons to come home to Dry Creek and work on the family ranch. Those of you who agonize over what to do about your family situation will enjoy the Sleigh Bells book as well as the second book in the series, Lilac Wedding for Dry Creek which is coming out in February. In the meantime, take a minute and let us know how things are going with your family at the moment -- any joys? troubles? Let's share.

New Years Goals

2012-01-12T03:00:00.001-05:00

Kim Watters here. Today I'm here to talk about NewYear's goals. You see, I don't make resolutions. They're too easy to break. For me, a goal makes me more accountable (at least in my own mind). I don't set lofty ones--or try not too--because they would be too easy to modify. So my goals for me this year are to sell two books to Love Inspired, go to the YMCA to work out twice a week, and get and stay more organized. I can't seem to function very well if things are messy and I can't find what I'm looking for. This past year has been extremely hard because I moved and things are still in boxes and bins in my garage, and nothing has been filed, it's just sitting in a banker's box. Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get everything in its place. A quality I hope to instill in my children!

In my writing, I use a lot of spreadsheets to keep track of my characters, my fictious towns, chapter scenes etc. With the click of a mouse, I can see what color my heroine's eyes are, or what shop is next to the candle store in town.

So, let's check back at the end of the year and see how I did. Will I be able to use my garage to park my car? Will I be able to find that receipt or owner's manual when I need it? Will I be dedicated enough to work out twice a week? And find time to get two books written? I'll let you know in December. Until then, what are your goals or resolutions for 2012? Inquiring minds want to know.

Happy 2012 by Marta Perry

2012-01-10T20:12:00.006-05:00

So here we are, eleven days into 2012. Have you broken your New Year's Resolutions yet?

I'll tell you a secret: I've decided that making resolutions on January 1st is a really bad idea. Think about it--you're already tired out from lack of sleep during the holiday season, you've been eating too much, your brain and your body are both protesting at the idea of just getting out of bed. So why do we decide we're going to turn over a new leaf on the 1st of the year? Whether it's giving up a bad habit or starting a good one, I think my chances of keeping a resolution are much better on any other day of the year!

Maybe this year I'll try making a fresh start on January 11th instead of January
1st. I hereby resolve that I'll smile more often, tell people I love them more often, and appreciate the magnificent gifts God has given all of us each day.

So happy January 11th to you. I wish you joy and peace throughout this new year.

Blessings,
Marta Perry

Parenting parents

2012-01-10T00:52:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone, Pat Davids here. I've got to put this post up then I have to head out of town. My parents (aren't they the cutest couple) live two hours away on the farm. I love going to the farm. I grew up there and each time I set foot on the place I'm surrounded with wonderful memories. What I don't like is seeing how frail my parents are becoming. Don't get me wrong, they live very independent lives. They may be 80 but they both still drive and enjoy going out with friends, but the truth is, they just need more help these days.

The big farmhouse is too much for my mother to keep up with. My daughter and I get up at least twice a month between us to clean house. My sister-in-law helps too.

My mother has fallen several times this year. When she told her doctor, he said it time they started looking at assisted living. My mom said, "We've talked about that."

As we left the office, she looked at me and said, "I'd really like to go looking for new kitchen flooring. Can you come with me?"

Now does that sound like someone who is thinking about moving out of the big old rambling farmhouse? Not!

So today I'm on my way to take Mom shopping for new flooring. We will not be looking at assisted living facilities.

When is the time right to make that move? I wish I knew.

Oh, well. I need new flooring too. We should have a fun day.

Is anyone else helping parent a parent? How do you approach the subject of moving to a smaller, safer place? I could use some suggestions. Thanks. I'll check back for replies when I get back later tonight. Blessings everyone.

New Beginnings

2012-01-09T01:00:00.003-05:00

Hello, this is Margaret Daley. Every New Year I think of it as a new beginning, but really every day is a new beginning. A chance to do what I need to do. Put the old behind me and move forward. Although I don't make New Year resolutions, I do set goals for myself and try to strive toward them. I especially have to as a writer with deadlines to meet. If I didn't, I would be a week away from a book being due and not have anything written. I've heard of writers who can write eight, nine or ten thousands words in a day. I'm not one of them. My brain doesn't work that way, even when I know exactly what I want to write. So goals are important in my life, but at the same time I need to remain flexible. If I don't, I get very stressed. Instead of having a daily word count I need to write, I have a weekly one so if I need to do something one day that isn't writing related, I can make it up another day and not feel like I made my goal.

I wish everyone a blessed 2012. I hope all your dreams and goals come true. I also want to thank you for reading my blog. I have some amazing authors coming up this year on the blog with all kinds of different books. Come back each week and see who I'm hosting.

Surprises

2012-01-05T04:30:00.013-05:00

This is the cover for my January book, Montana Match, which is on the shelves now. Even though I supply the art department with photos and descriptions of my characters and setting for the novel, I wait eagerly to see what the cover will look like. It is always a nice surprise to see the cover for the first time.

The photo above shows my hero, Parker and the dog that made it's way into the story just because of this picture. The photo below is Brittany, my heroine, who is a secondary character in one of my earlier novels, Love Walked In. When I saw this picture in a catalog, I immediately knew it was the perfect image of the character I had created in my mind.

I think they did an excellent job in capturing the characters and setting in my story on my book cover. Don't you?

Do you like surprises, or are you one of those people who doesn't like to be surprised for any reason? I like surprises. My husband gave me one of the best surprises of my life a few years ago when he took me to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Here I am at Centre Court.

I have been an avid tennis player and fan for years, so this was an especially wonderful surprise.
What kind of surprises do you like or not like?

The Secret Heiress

2012-01-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have a new release out this month. It hit the shelves yesterday. This is the second book in my Protection Specialists series. In honor of the release I'm doing a Virtual Book Tour. To see the dates and the links to the blogs, click here. I'll be giving a $10 dollar gift card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

On another note, I hope everyone had a Happy and Safe New Year. Did you all watch the ball drop in New York city? I was amazed and glad to see Dick Clark hosting the New Year's eve celebration. The man has had an incredible career.

Prayers please

2012-01-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hi guys, Camy here. I am supposed to blog today but I caught a bad cold over the weekend and I'm sick as a dog. Not that dogs are always sick. Where did that expression come from anyway?

Anyway, please pray for me. I haven't been getting much sleep because of my coughing. Happy New Year to me.

Thanks!
Camy

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is the fourth book in her Sushi series, Weddings and Wasabi. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders frivolous things like knitting, running, dogs, and Asiana. Visit her website to sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Leigh Bale's Parents Get an Offer

2011-12-29T00:15:00.006-05:00

Have you ever felt strongly that you needed to do something very difficult, but it’s like trying to start a dead car to make it happen? It just seems so difficult and like everything is out of sync? Nothing works right. And then, maybe one, two or more years later, it all falls into place? It all works perfectly. That’s how it’s been for over two years while my parents have tried to sell their home and relocate to my city, a ten hour drive away from where they currently live. They just have not been able to sell their home. But then, something miraculous happened last week.

I am thrilled to say my parents have finally sold their house. And they actually have equity! The sale took us completely off guard. It happened so fast. Last Wednesday, an offer was made and accepted on their house. On Friday, they drove to my home for Christmas and informed me that they needed to go house hunting in my city. I immediately found them a realtor, scheduled a meeting for them with a funding company, got them in for pre-approval, and today they found and made an offer on a house only five miles away from my home. (See the picture of their new house.) It’ll be hectic and very difficult for them to move at their age, but within six to ten weeks, they’ll be living here in my city. I’m planning to take time off work next month to go in and help them move, but we’re all so happy that things have finally fallen into place. As my parents get older, having them nearby so I can care for them is truly an answer to our prayers.

How about you? Do you live near your family members? Do you get together often to enjoy one another’s company? I sure hope so.

Wishing you a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Leigh Bale
The Forest Ranger’s Husband – Now available
The Forest Ranger’s Child – Available June 2012

Carolyne Aarsen

2011-12-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

Looking Beyond the Present.

Christmas is past us and I know some of us are breathing a sigh of relief. Relief because when life is hard, Christmas only seems to underline the difficulties. When you're in a valley, it seems that Christmas is a light we'd just as soon not spend much time looking at because it seems so far away.

The picture I have attached to this blog is of my mother's family. I got this picture in a collection of old family photos for heritage scrapbooks I am putting together for each of my children. I am working on the fourth scrapbook now for the fourth child, but each time I pasted this particular picture in the scrapbook, I would look at it and wonder why everyone looked so sombre. Especially my Oma who loved a laugh and was always smiling. In other family pictures everyone looked so happy. I asked my mother about that picture and she gave a melancholy smile. That picture, she told me, was taken only a few months after Holland, where my mother's family lived, was invaded by enemy forces. Knowing that, I looked more carefully at my Oma and wondered what was going through her mind when this picture was taken. How many worries and concerns did she have for this family that she and my Opa were in charge of. I'm sure she wondered what kind of future awaited them? What would happen to her children, to the grandchild one of her children was expecting in this picture? Huge thoughts for parents to have to deal with. She didn't know what awaited her in the valley she knew they were going down into. She didn't know if they would come out the other side.

I grew up hearing stories of the hardships, they faced. The people they hid, the risks they took. The privations they endured. The losses they suffered. I'm sure there were many times during those long dark years that my Oma felt as if her prayers went nowhere and I'm sure she wondered many times, How long oh, Lord?

However, we know how the story ended. We know they made it through so we look at it differently and with assurance that they managed.

Many people I know are in a valley right now, we've gone through many ourselves. But when you're in the dark and lonely places, you don't know how to find your way out. I just want to encourage you that valleys do have an end. That things change. That other people have gone through sorrows and valleys and have come out. I pray the same for you.

ROADTRIP BLESSINGS

2011-12-26T22:38:00.008-05:00

Hello there! Dana Corbit here...coming to you from our Christmas roadtrip to Kokomo, Indiana, my hometown. Our family did the whole "Over the river and through the wood to grandfather's house" thing this week, and I can tell you it didn't seem as romantic as the songwriter described. But then Lydia Maria Child probably wasn't envisioning three mostly grown children, two parents (one with a laptop), a body pillow, a Pillow Pet named Gingy, and a collection of books and electronic gadgets, all crammed into a mid-size Ford for four hours of leg-cramping delight. Okay, it wasn't really that bad. We arrived in one piece, and any hits anyone sustained didn't leave a mark...well, except for the friendly notes penned on one unfortunate napper.

All kidding aside and forgetting my longing for the old minivan, I have to smile when I think about this trip. These days are precious. The memories will be dear. We have each other. Whining or not, all three of our children are here with us. We have the car that will get us to grandma's, and all of the grandparents, even my Grandma, are still here for us to visit. We're in a nice hotel instead of crammed in with all of the guests at the house. We are blessed!

I don't know about you all, but I sometimes need a reminder to count my blessings. God has given us so many blessings during the Christmas season and all year long. These moments are here only once, and whether the perfect ones we imagine or the imperfect ones that are our reality, we need to step back, recognize the gifts and cherish them.

As I sit here at the hotel desk, writing my last few words, I am reminded of an additional blessing on this trip: free wireless. Since there's only dial-up at the house - almost as much of a blast from the past as the horse-drawn sleigh in Child's song - that is certainly among my favorite blessings of the day.

Enjoy the rest of this Christmas season, and be looking for the blessings all around you. I know I plan to.

Dana

Philippians 4:4

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-25T01:08:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Carter here wishing you a lovely Christmas with your loved ones, far and near.

If you have experienced a personal loss this year, I wish you relief from your grief and peace. May your memories bring you moments of joy and happiness.

Char.........

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

Crayton the Christmas Cat

Trust cats to find the perfecting hiding spots. Here's Crayton, whom we adopted from the local shelter 3 years ago. He's a cream-point mix with beautiful powder blue eyes.

Funny, I haven't had a cat in any of my stories lately. Must make a note to include one...

Here's wishing all our Love Inspired readers a blessed and joyous Christmas season, and a good things in the new year!

Ruth

Ruth Axtell Morren

Hometown Cinderella,

Love Inspired Historical, February 2012

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Carrie Turansky here, stopping by to say hello and wish you all a Merry Christmas! Here at the Turanskys we are enjoying a quieter Christmas this year with only two of our five young adult kids home for the holiday. Our younger son was married earlier this month, and all the family was together for the wedding....so they've all flown back home now. But what a fun time we had at the wedding! I headed up the flower and decorating team, and we put it all together in a three-day marathon.

I am excited about my new books coming out in 2012 - A Man to Trust in March and Snowflake Sweethearts in December. So be looking for those titles. In the meantime I would love to stay in touch with you! I offer an email newsletter every other month with book news, encouraging articles, recipes and lots of photos. The sign up box is on my website home page www.carrieturansky.com. I hope you will stop by and sign up to receive the newsletter. If you do, drop me an email, and I will send you a free download for my eBook Surrendered Hearts. Here's my email: carrie (at) carrieturansky (dot) com.

My your heart be filled with the peace and joy of Christ this Christmas.

Blessings,

Carrie

FOCUSING ON CHRISTMAS with Gail Gaymer Martin

2011-12-22T12:25:00.001-05:00

The air of Christmas sweeps around us when we eat the last leftovers of our Thanksgiving turkeys. It's a special time of year for Christians as we prepare for the celebration of our Savior's birth in the lowly stable in Bethlehem.

But our focus can stray with the pressures of our prepreations for the blessed celebration. Decorating, gift buying and wrapping, Christmas cards, cookie baking, party planning, and keeping our calendar schedule straight when real life forces us to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and laundry.

Most of us realize that life's responsibilities can dull the excitement that we feel as we anticipate this special season. No matter how many sweatshirts we wear proclaiming Jesus is the Reason for the Season, sadly it's easy to let it slip away under the debris of life.

One way I keep focused on Christmas is my music involvement. Christmas music wraps my heart in emotions of the past, present and the future, reminding me of the Savior's birth, His sacrifice for us, and it folds me in memories of family and friends. Playing handbells, singing with the praise team and the choir at my church is one way I'm imbedded with Christmas. I also sing with the Detroit Lutheran Singers a renown Christian chorale in the Detroit area and one of the finest in MIchigan.

I also love to read novels that draw me to Christmas. I download them to my Kindle and then carry them with me as I wait for appointments, eat meals alone while my husband is running errands, and sometimes at the end of a busy day. I was blessed this year to have a new Christmas release--on Kindle and also mass market release. Small Town Christmas appears in the Love Inspired duet novel CHRISTMAS GIFTS with Brenda Minton.
Click to Review or Purchase

The story relates when the new second grade teacher, Amy Carroll, meets the precocious twin sisters, she knows she has her hands full, but when she learns they live on the street where she is staying with her grandmother and they have a single father who is handsome and needs help, Amy’s hands are beyond full. But Amy’s from Chicago and falling in love with a small town man is not part of her plan. Can God waylay Amy’s desire to return to the big city? Can Mike Russett open his heart to love?

Two of my past Christmas novels were released again from Harlequin Love Inspired by direct mail. Both of these novels were national award-winners and favorites among my readers. If you'd like to learn more about these novels, follow these links:

A woman whose past has nearly destroyed her finds life and love while caring for a child who no longer speaks and the little girl's father who is bound by his past. Secrets, once opened, can bind hearts and reveal a new life filled with forgiveness and love at Christmas time.

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=24427

This novel is set on Mackinac Island in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan. Two people from different worlds find what life and love really mean in this the unique and amazing setting. With no motorized vehicles on the island, the setting introduces a quieter, gentler life focused on what's important and celebrates Christmas in a special way.

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=24797

Wishing you a joyous Christmas and blessings in the new year.

Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/
Also visit me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Gaymer-Martin/1429640580
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110543112472
and Twistter: http://twitter.com/GailGMartin

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas greetings from Sandra Robbins!!

I can hardly believe that Christmas is less than a week away. I hope you are closer to being prepared than I am. Every year I promise myself that I will not wait until the last minute, but it seems the time gets away from me before I know it.

I'm excited, though, because all my children will be home for Christmas this year. For the first time in quite a few years the whole family will be here, and I can't wait. My daughter and her husband will arrive from Texas, my grandsons from Holland and New York, and my granddaughter from California. Added to them will be our three children, their spouses, and five children who live nearby. Also in the mix will be aunts, uncles, and cousins. It promises to be a hectic, but happy, time, and we plan to carry out the traditions that have marked our holiday season for many years.

My sister who is a middle school teacher recently asked her students to write a short paragraph about a tradition in their family. It didn't necessarily have to be Christmas. She was shocked at how many students couldn't come up with one thing that their family does together as a tradition. This struck me as very sad.

One of my most beloved traditions has been reading the story of Jesus's birth before we opened presents. I don't know when this practice was started by my father, but I don't remember a Christmas when it wasn't done. My father has been gone for eleven years now, and my elderly mother is in a nursing facility. However, we still carry on the tradition they started many years ago. As my family gathers to celebrate, we will remember their faith and how it has served as the foundation for our family.

If you don't have a Christmas tradition, this would be a good year to start one. If you do have one in your family, leave a comment and let me know what it is.

I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Lyn Cote Reviews Janet Tronstad's Classic A Dropped Stitches Christmas

2011-12-15T08:41:00.002-05:00

A Dropped Stitches Christmas (Sisterhood Series #2) by Janet Tronstad

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Janet Tronstad's 2007 A Dropped Stitches Christmas surprised me. I didn't think I'd want to read a book about young women who had survived cancer. The BIG C can be depressing. But not so in this book of honesty and triumph. With the advent of ereaders, it becomes possible to resurrect books that have disappeared from store shelves. I've read Janet Tronstad's Dry Creek romances and yes, this story is definitely her flavor of romance. But I was enchanted by the first person narrative from the heroine and her friends. Chicklit may have died down but this author shows she can handle the subgenre with elegance and style. I loved her scrumptious hero and the beautiful but hesitant heroine. If you want a really touching Christmas read, this one's for you! Loved it!

AND don't forget TODAY-- Leave a comment about a Christmas story you've enjoyed or love and be entered into the drawing for my slightly used copy of Janet's book. BTW, offering an Amish Christmas book giveaway on my blog today http://bit.ly/gRCEBN--Lyn

View all my reviews

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-14T20:27:00.002-05:00

Homemade ornament

Greetings from Ruth Axtell Morren

What a lovely time of year. Even though we don't have snow yet this year (unusual for Maine), it's still feeling a lot like Christmas. Wreathing season is starting to wind down as the wreaths made with balsam fir have been shipped to all corners of the U.S. Now, you see pick-up trucks loaded with trees. My daughter cut one down from the edge of our forest. A little uneven but wonderfully scented.
These are a couple of ornaments we've collected over the years.

Partridge in a Pear Tree?

Balsam fir tree

Feb. 1012 release

What a Cutie.

2011-12-13T10:00:00.003-05:00

I want to update everyone on Ollie who I blogged about in Oct. Here he is by his Christmas tree. My son showed me this picture when we went to a Christmas concert together. He's taller and a little heavier than the last time I saw him. When he's running in the backyard and brushes by you, it's like a bowling ball brushing by a pin--you're going down. If he stands on your toes--which I've experienced, there's no moving him. But can you resist that wonderful face?

I hope you smiled, because I know that for some of you this is the first Christmas that you've had since you lost a loved one, or gotten a bad diagnosis, or had some tragedy in your life. You're feeling the pain and loneliness. This Jesus who birth we celebrate is still with you and the same as He was in your joy. Allow Him to comfort you. You are in my prayers.

God is everywhere this Christmas Season

2011-12-12T05:00:00.009-05:00

Jenna Mindel here, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.
I love the Holidays and this year I'm finding God in surprising places. For instance, the bank where I work has a drawing contest for the bank's official Christmas card. Kids 12 and under who are related to employees can enter and there's a commitee that votes for the artwork to be used. Well, the day the winning picture was announced, I broke into tears. I still get choked up thinking about how one child's artwork has moved me.

Every time I look at this Christmas Card, I see awe in the deer's face as he gazes at the star on the tree. For me, that star is Jesus. I'm humbled by what God has done fo us. Especially, what He's done for me.

God appears in His creations, and I believe He shows up in our creations too. I'm reminded of working for Him in all that I do. But lately, I'm learning to let go when it comes to how I write. Sure, I fall short of the mark and wrestle with control issues. But like the deer in the card above, I must go to the Lord for direction with a spirit of thankfulness and awe. Who knows what He might do with my work, but I can trust Him. I'm finally getting it. It's all His, in His time.

Please share how God shows up for you this Season.

Tis the Season for Giving...

2011-12-09T00:05:00.048-05:00

I have always enjoyed making gifts for friends, family and neighbors for Christmas. Although admittedly, I’ve slowed down quite a bit as my children have gotten older…nothing to do with me getting older, you understand. ~grin~

Each year, I used to craft a new Christmas ornament for my children with the idea that by the time they married and moved out, they’d have a special collection to take with them. This is a picture of a few of the ornaments I’ve made over the years.

This year, I’m working on a very special gift, a flannel Christmas quilt for my grand daughter’s FIRST Christmas, and… I’m running out of time!!!

So far I’ve only got the squares cut out!

But that’s because I’ve been working on some new kinds of Christmas gifts this year—gifts for my readers.

My debut novel Deep Cover came out in September, and a few days ago, I posted fun “Novel Extras” on my website.

Think “DVD Extras” except for novels.

I’ve included things like: deleted scenes, bloopers, location pictures, character interviews, and editor’s cut with commentary.

And…

Links to download two free recipe books.

And…

Because I often finish reading a story and wish I could read more about the characters once they’re together, I’ve written a story about Rick and Ginny’s first Christmas. (i.e. the hero and heroine of Deep Cover)

I’m emailing the story to my newsletter subscribers next week, so if you’d like to receive it, there’s still time to subscribe

In the meantime, please hop over and check out the Novel Extras. I'd love to hear what you think.

I wish you all a joyous Christmas season, filled with family and friends, as we celebrate the greatest love of all.

Your Turn: Do you have a Christmas ornament or decoration that is extra special?

My Favorite Christmas

2011-12-08T01:08:00.002-05:00

Hi all, Charlotte Carter here.

I suppose everyone has a favorite Christmas memory. The year they got the bike they had so wanted. Or maybe a Chatty Cathy doll when those were popular.

My favorite Christmas was the year my daughter Carolyn was born.

My husband and I moved to Anchorage, Alaska when we were first married. He was a civilian engineer assigned to help the Air Force keep their missiles operating. For me, a native Californian who had rarely seen snow much less lived in a snowy climate, it was all quite exciting. And truly beautiful.

I was pregnant as our second Christmas approached. (Which, by the way, gave me an excuse not to tramp through the woods through a foot of snow to cut down our own tree and freeze my feet in the process as I had the previous Christmas.)

As I walked through town doing my Christmas shopping, I admired the decorations draped from lamp poles and the store windows painted with holiday themes. Like most first-time moms-to-be, I wanted to shout to everyone that I would soon have a baby! And thank them for decorating the whole town in honor of her upcoming arrival.

On the evening of December 23^rd, my water broke. Off to the hospital we went, which was no easy trick. We’d had a Chinook, a warm spell that melted the snow during the day and turned it to ice at night. Newly-built Providence hospital was at the end of a long, dirt road, not uncommon in Anchorage at the time, and was glazed over with ice. Driving no more than 5-miles an hour, my husband managed to keep us on the road instead of in the ditch. I was so grateful we, and the baby, were in no hurry.

Baby Carolyn definitely wasn’t in a hurry. She didn’t make her grand entrance until the afternoon of December 24^th. It is not possible to describe the surge of love I felt the moment I saw her. Wow! I was a mother. A scary and wonderful feeling.

And the best Christmas present ever!

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Wishing you a lovely Christmas and many happy memories.

Books that leave you smiling......by Charlotte Carter

Big Sky Family, Love Inspired, available now

Montana Love Letter, Love Inspired, 10/2012

www.CharlotteCarter.com

We Love Christmas Stories--Lenora Worth

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone. It's beginning to look like Christmas. Well, everywhere but at my house. As usual, I am way behind. But I intend to get busy next week and clean my house to make it festive. In the meantime, I've been getting in the spirit by watching Christmas movies on Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel. What is it about Christmas and falling in love? These movies always have a happy ending, so I know how they will end. Most of them have two souls searching for some meaning in life and maybe someone to love in the process. Sigh. You'd think I'd get tired of watching the same ones every year, but I don't. I can't even remember the titles but I know the stories. We all do. There is something about falling in love while snow is falling and jingle bells are tinkling and Santa is smiling in the background. I even got an idea for a Christmas story (while I was watching Hawaii Five-O.) Yes, that is how my mind works. We all know the power of Christmas--we know about love and sacrifice and ... the birth of Christ. So in spite of all the hype that happens this time of year, there is still something heartwarming and awe inspiring about stories set during Christmas. I say bring 'em on, sappy and weepy and happy and wonderful. We always need a little Christmas, no matter what time of year.

So readers, what do you love about Christmas stories?

Christmas Memories

2011-12-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

Susan Sleeman here wishing you a wonderful upcoming holiday season and a blessed New Year.

This month I have a romantic suspense book releasing with Love Inspired Suspense called The Christmas Witness. So my mind has been on Christmas much longer this year than in past years as I anticipated the release of the book. All of this got me to thinking about Christmas’s past and some of my favorite memories as a child. So I’d like to share some of them with you going way back to my toddler days.

This picture is of my family before going to Christmas Eve service at church. I’m the one on the right. Both of my parents passed away in the last few years so this picture of all of us together is very special to me. Also special in the photo are our hats. My aunt who lived cross country from us in fashionable Beverly Hills sent beautiful hats to us each year. At this age, I don’t remember enjoying them but as I got older, I really did. Especially the ones she sent at Easter time time with the gloves like my sister is holding in this picture.

Here I am on Christmas Eve after church with all of the kids in our jammies. Our church always did the Christmas pageant presented by the children at Christmas Eve service then we would head home and Santa had visited while we were at church. I’m on the left side in this photo. It was late in the evening after we’d opened a few presents and we were tired, but hanging in there. If you look real hard on the right side you can see a doll I got that year.

As I look at all of these pictures there is one thing in common. Christmas though first and foremost to me is about the birth of our Savior, it's about family to me. I start baking, sending out cards, shopping and all the other busy things of the season early, but it’s only when my daughter comes home from college that Christmas begins in my heart.

What about you? When does Christmas start for you and what are your favorite memories?

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan visit:

Her website http://www.susansleeman.com

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanBooks

or join her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/SusanSleeman

Top Ten Books of 2011

2011-12-05T05:48:00.000-05:00

Pamela Tracy here, and it’s that time again. Time when the Top Ten Books of 2011 start popping up on various blogs and magazine places. Early this morning (think 5:50 a.m. EEK) I found Amazon’s offerings first.

The Art of Fielding (baseball)
IQ84 (I had trouble even typing it. It’s about two people who need to meet each other.
What It Is Like to Go to War (by a marine and what it is like in brutal jungles)
In the Garden of Beasts (I think this is faction about the life and times of the past ambassador to Nazi Germany)
The Marriage Plot (Three women, 1980’s, their lives)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (YA, magical world, heartache, choices)
Before I go to Sleep (Suspense with amnesia)
Steve Jobs (‘nuff said)
Lost in Shangri-La (WWII, another military in the jungle)
The Tiger’s Wife (Quest for answers after a relative’s death).

At about 5:30, I found Publisher Weekly's life.

The Marriage Plot (see above)
The Devil All the Time (American rural life – albeit sensationalize - )
State of Wonder (Two females, both questing. Sounds like the movie Medicine Man with Sean Connery)
After the Apocalypse (An anthology with various offerings)
Bossy Pants (Tina Fey’s story)
Catherine the Great (Catherine the Great’s story)
There But For The (man comes for the party but refuses to go home. The blurb reminded me of Bartleby)
Hemingway’s Boat (Hemingway’s story)
One Day I will Write About this Place (Coming of age in Kenya)
Arguably: Essay ( Anthology by a political critic)

Usually, I’ve read one or two (once I managed three) of the choices. This year: none. Of Amazon’s list, the only one that even crossed my mind was Steve Jobs, and that’s because he’s been in the news so often.

Of Publisher Weekly’s, I’d considered BossyPants and probably will read it. Since the only book to appear on both lists is The Marriage Plot, I might seek it out. Then, too, I like biographies from the past. Catherine the Great is a possibility.

So, what about you? Looking at the above two lists, have you read any of them? Which ones appeal to you?

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-01T12:09:00.003-05:00

My greetings are perhaps a bit early, but I won't be on the schedule again until after the holidays are over, so I just didn't want to miss a chance to wish everyone all the best, and to extend my thanks to all of the readers who visit this blog. You're the best! :)

I had a Thanksgiving themed book out last month (The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish) and have a book out this month as well--Duty To Protect, which is a Love Inspired Suspense set during a very snowy winter in Colorado and Montana. Brrrrrr! I'm glad it was Emma and not me, trapped in a frigid horse trailer crossing Nebraska!

Early forecasts for the Upper Midwest indicated that we were going to have an unusually cold and snowy winter, just as I wrote in the book, but so far we're still having lovely forty degree days (far nicer than thirty below!) and have had just a single whisper of snowflakes one day. But even though the weather is still lovely, I've got our Christmas decorations up and now need to start baking. How about you--are you set for the holidays?

I'd like to share the best recipe I've ever found for cut-out cookies, one especially great for when you're baking with small kids. As much as you work with it, reforming the odd bits and pieces into a ball and rolling it out again, it still stays nice to work with. I've used this since the early 1980's. Once, while reaching for the nutmeg, I knocked a container of chili powder into the bowl, the lid came off and the entire container emptied over the cookie dough. I removed what I could, then added ample cocoa powder to cover the taste--and everyone still loved them. Now, this is one very forgiving recipe! :)

Super Easy Roll-out Cookies --The Rustands

1 cup shortening 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar

1 ½ cups sugar 1 tsp soda

2 eggs ½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla 4 cups flour

2 Tbsp milk

optional: 1 tsp cinnamon and/or 1 tsp nutmeg

You can drop these on a cookie sheet and flatten with a fork, or use for cut-out cookies. We like to double the recipe, and roll them out quite thin. 350 degrees, 8-10 minutes. My favorites are the ones liberally decorated with cinnamon red hots candy!

Roxanne Rustand

www.roxannerustand.com

Janet Tronstad with Sleigh Bells

2011-11-30T02:00:00.004-05:00

Janet Tronstad here. Remember the line in the song, 'Sleigh Bells Ring, Are You Listening?" I do. Christmas is coming and there are small sights and sounds that make the season special to us all. Things like sleigh bells, sparkling lights, shiny ornaments, the smell of cinnamon or cookies baking. The sounds of Christmas carols being sung, the crackle of fireplaces, the giggle of small children. All of these are simple things. But they remind me that Christmas always has been about the simple things of life being played out in extraordinary ways. Nothing is more common, after all, than a baby being born.

What are some of the simple things that you look forward to each year during the holidays?

If one of those things is reading a few new Christmas books, remember my 'Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek' -- its the story of a woman who comes home to Dry Creek after being in prison for ten years, and the grown son who won't let her do that alone. Plus there's the girl next door who has been sweet on the son forever and a town that learns a lesson in forgiveness during Christmas. And then there's the sleigh that takes presents around to the poor children every Christmas Eve. It's heartwarming and very Christmasy.

Only 27 Days Left Till Christmas

2011-11-28T00:48:00.002-05:00

Hi, this is Margaret Daley and I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Christmas is less than a month away and I'm trying not to panic. There is so much to do, especially when you have four granddaughters. They came over today to help us decorate our tree. We also have a small one for them to decorate. Below is my youngest granddaughter trying to decide which ornament to put on the tree first. She ended up with three in her hands and put them all on the same branch.
Right now I have a Love Inspired out called His Holiday Family (Dec. 2011). It is the first in A Town Called Hope Series, about a small town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that is devastated by a hurricane and how they come together to rebuild Hope. When I decided to write a series about a town that goes through a hurricane, I wanted to give tribute to all the people who have gone through a disaster and rebuilt their lives. This series was written for the heroes and heroines who help others in a time of disaster. My mother was one of them. She was a nurse and gave a lot of her time during disasters (hurricanes) that hit our hometown. Visit my website to read about my books at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

Blurb for His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley: When Hurricane Naomi tears through a small Mississippi town, a daring rescue unites two heroes. Nurse Kathleen Hart is a single mom racked by guilt over her husband's death. Firefighter Gideon O'Brien—orphaned as a young boy—has lost too many people he cared for. To rise above the storm's devastation, Gideon helps Kathleen and her sons rebuild their home. As Christmas approaches, they discover that even the strongest of storms can't destroy a romance built on the foundation of faith.

What heroes (heroines) have you met in your life?

Happy Thanksgiving from Camy Tang

2011-11-24T20:03:00.000-05:00

I hope you're having a fantastic dinner with the people you love most! We're going out to eat dinner at a really good restaurant tonight. I'm looking forward to it!

I went for a run today and it was the most beautiful run I've ever had! Isn't it gorgeous?

While I was running, I was so incredibly thankful to God for the beautiful trail and the fact I could spend Thanksgiving with my wonderful husband. This year makes 10 years together!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T18:08:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for all the wonderful Love Inspired readers. I'm thankful that we can share our stories with you throughout the year. May you have a blessed year ahead.
Merrillee Whren

Thanksgiving blessings

2011-11-24T16:53:00.003-05:00

Just want to wish all Love Inspired readers a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful this year. Feeling sated after a great meal of turkey and fixings, I'm sitting here waiting for the main meal to settle before I sample the pumpkin pie.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:04:00.001-05:00

I want to wish the readers a very blessed Thanksgiving.
Leann Harris.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:49:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for reading our books. May God be with you through the year.
Margaret Daley

Thanksgiving Giving

2011-11-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

Hi! Charlotte Carter here sending Thanksgiving Day greetings and wishing all you cooks a happy day AFTER Thanksgiving when you can enjoy the leftovers!

Char...........
http://www.charlottecarter.com/

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:25:00.002-05:00

Hope your day is full of blessings.
Thank you readers, authors, and friends.
Pamela Tracy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

From Sandra Orchard, I'd like to share a quote from Monday's Walk Right In Ministry's blog post:

God "is teaching us that there is a privilege and grand adventure in how life unfolds when it is wrapped within the power, love and grace of Christ’s presence."

No matter whether you are in a valley or on a mountaintop or somewhere in between at this moment, may each of you feel wrapped in God's love in a special way today.

THANKSGIVING WISHES FROM TERRI REED

2011-11-23T01:44:00.007-05:00

HI, Terri Reed here to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. We will be spending it with about 30 or so friends and yet to be friends. A group of people from Good Samaritan Ministries will be gathering together to fellowship and have a feast. We're bringing a ham and a pie. My daughter's the baker in the family so she'll be making the pie. It should be a good time.

On black Friday, we're shopping in the morning and then putting up the Christmas tree! Anyone else put up their tree on the day after Thanksgiving?

I received my author copies of my January book the other day. Its always exciting to hold a new book in my hands.

What I Love About Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

By Debby Giusti

November in Georgiameans leaves are falling, the days are warm, skies are clear andturkeys are on sale at Publix. Thehustle bustle of the Christmas shopping season is right around the corner, butI’m focused on family and food and enjoying both on Thanksgiving.

Our celebration this Thursday starts at church as we givethanks to the Lord for all His blessings, for children and grandchildren, forjobs and health and wellbeing. We prayfor our country and for the courageous men and women in uniform, especiallythose deployed far from home. We prayfor their needs and their safety and for the families who wait for theirreturn. We also pray for our country andask God’s continued protection and guidance so we can continue to be the landof the free and home of the brave.

Later when the turkey is ready to be carved, when the potatoesare mashed and the gravy simmers on the back burner, we join hands around thedinner table and listen as each person recounts his or her own personal wordsof gratitude. This year, I’ll givethanks for all of you who have touched my life and made it better. Thanks for your friendship, your support,your encouragement and your love.

As always, you’re in my thoughts and prayers!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

THE CAPTAIN'S MISSION, book 2 in Debby's Military Investigations series, is on sale now!

A DEMONSTRATION TURNED DEADLY

When one of his soldiers is killed by liveammunition

during what was supposed to be a simple trainingexercise,

Captain Phil Thibodeaux wants answers. Even if itmeans working with

the Criminal Investigation Division that seemscertain to pin the blame

on him. But after CID agent Kelly McQueen defendshis conduct,

Phil realizes that there’s more to the dedicatedagent than meets

the eye. Maybe she’s someone he can trust, afterall. And he’ll need

someone torely on as investigations lead him to doubt everyone

else—even his own soldiers.

Allie Pleiter on Filling Your Thank Bank

2011-11-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Gratitude is an amazing thing. It can transform just about any situation. Recent years have taught me the power of gratitude even in the worst of circumstances.

You’d think it would be hard to be grateful in the pediatric cancer intensive care unit. It isn’t. I would walk the halls and see parents who had it so much harder than our family. We had a cooperative 14 year old boy who had an excellent prognosis even if his current situation was pretty awful. A short walk down the hall I could find parents of a two year old who had to watch their daughter every waking moment because she kept trying to pull out the tubes that were keeping her alive. Two door down there was another set of parents who lived every day with a daunting, sliver-of-hope prognosis for their frail son. I’d return to our room thanking God for all the reasons we had to know our son would likely survive.

And thrive. This year I’m deeply grateful for a healthy son, a thriving college daughter, a stellar husband, our amazing summer trip to Europe (cheers to the Make A Wish Foundation!), a rocking new editor (woots to Elizabeth!), the world’s most adorable dog, fabulous readers, more yarn than I can knit in a lifetime, hot coffee every day, and a circle of friends that could make anything fun.

I’ve spent 2011 beautifully aware that each day is a gift, each friendship is a lifeline, and every kind word is a lamp in the darkness. Remember to visit Janet Tronstad’s Thanksgiving Wall of Gratitude to tell us what you’re thankful for (and perhaps win a prize for filling your thank bank!) Here’s the link:

http://community.harlequin.com/content/harlequin-community-thanksgiving-wall

Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you!

Come Help Build a Thanksgiving Wall of Gratitude

2011-11-20T00:41:00.003-05:00

Janet Tronstad is inviting you to join other Harlequin readers, writers, and staff as we share what we are grateful for this Thanksgiving season.

Just click on the link here and come on over:

http://community.harlequin.com/content/harlequin-community-thanksgiving-wall

Even if you don't want to post a gratitude, you will still be moved by reading the posts of others.

Oh, and did I mention, there are prizes?

A Box of Books

2011-11-16T05:48:00.012-05:00

This is Merrillee, who is going to follow Camy's example and share my box of author copies for my January book, MONTANA MATCH. Here's the box that was waiting for me when we returned from a recent trip.

The excitement of receiving my author copies never goes away. I will admit that receiving my very first book held a little more thrill, but seeing each new book in its final form for the first time never gets old. Just as Camy's book has a character based on a friend, two of my characters, the hero's twin daughters, are based on a friend I had in elementary school while I lived in Montana. Rose, a Native American, had the same dark pigtails, that my fictional Rose has. There the resemblance ends. Also, in a sense, the heroine, Brittany Gorman, is an old friend. She was a teenager in one of my earlier books, LOVE WALKED IN, and she makes an appearance in the book that followed, THE HEART'S FORGIVENESS. I am excited to share her grownup story.

Are there things in your life that never lose their excitement? Do you have a friend you would like to see portrayed in a book?

Lorianne from Stalker in the Shadows

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Camy here! I just got my author’s copies of my January 2012 Love Inspired Suspense, Stalker in the Shadows!

This means that those of you who belong to the Love Inspired Suspense book club will get your copies soon, too! I also intend to get an ebook copy of my book from the ebooks.eHarlequin.com website when it’s available on December 1st.

There’s a character named Lorianne in the book, who owns Lorianne’s Cafe in downtown Sonoma. The cafe is fictional, but Lorianne is based off of a friend of mine who loves to cook!

Lorianne is also a fantastic volleyball player, and I used to play co-ed volleyball with her in my recreational volleyball league, before I tore my ACL and had surgery. She’s one of the best setters I know.

For her day job, she teaches elementary school, and I’ve been with her at class--she’s a really great teacher, too. She’s patient and yet firm with her students, and they love her.

Lorianne is a huge foodie, and one of her favorite pasttimes is going to different restaurants around the Bay Area to try different cuisine and chef’s recipes. She also is a great cook and makes lots of really neat dishes, as well as chocolate chip cookies to die for.

Lorianne has said she’d love to be in one of my books, so I put her in Stalker in the Shadows as the owner of her own restaurant.

I also put a branch of her cafe in my December humorous romantic suspense, Protection for Hire! You don’t see Lorianne in that book, but the hero and heroine meet in her cafe in San Francisco.

For Stalker in the Shadows, I had Lorianne open up a branch of her cafe in Sonoma, California, and she’s also in a couple scenes in the book.

I can’t wait for my friend Lorianne to read Stalker in the Shadows! I think she’ll be thrilled!

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is the fourth book in her Sushi series, Weddings and Wasabi. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders frivolous things like knitting, running, dogs, and Asiana. Visit her website to sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Out of the mouths of babes......

2011-11-14T03:00:00.003-05:00

Kim Watters here. The other day I was helping my son with an assignment. Yes, I know, but hey, he was on a deadline and I type much faster than he does. But being that kind of mom, I wouldn't do the assignment for him, just prompt him to do his own thinking. Anyway, the conversation went something like this:

"So, what's it called when you work for someone for free?"

"Slavery."

Okay. So not the answer I was looking for but he had a point. After I finished laughing and trying to clear the ater that I'd been drinking from my nose, I rephrased the question.

"Okay then. What's it called when you work for someone to learn something?"

"An apprentice."

You can tell he's into mystical things. "Okay, better. How about intern?"

This conversation got me to thinking about two things.

1) How important it is to ask the right questions.
2) How important each word we use is.

Because let's face it. The wrong questions can lead us and our characters down the wrong path, and we won't realize it until it's too late. How many times have you come up against a wall, that had you known which questions to ask or delved deeper into the character, you may have been able to avoid? Or had you rephrased it, may have gotten acompletely different answer?

Using the right word to convey a mood or feeling is intregral to the story. How may times have you been pulled out of a story because the author didn't use the right word or convey the right meaning? Or how many times you've used your favorite word or words until it's overdone?

I'm guilty of all of the above, which is why I never turn out a final manuscript the first time or even the second time around. One of these days, I hope to take my own advice.

So ask and choose wisely or you may be the one snorting water when you hear the answer.

Dana Corbit Fills the Creative Well

2011-11-09T12:58:00.016-05:00

My name is Dana Corbit, and I'm a writer. Some days that's an announcement I am thrilled to make, and other times I have to push the words out like a first-timer in a Ten-Step Program. Still, the truth remains, on those better days and on the worse ones, that I am a writer, who couldn't stop even if I tried, even on days when my creative well isn't damp enough to make a mud mask. That's why filling my creative well is so important to me. Other the years, I've done this in a variety of ways: attending conferences or retreats, spending quiet time in prayer, attending weekend sessions with my fabulous critique/support group the POTL's, and having "business" lunches with writer friends.

This fall, though, I tried something new: I went on a writer's adventure. Sure, I had another reason to be in Boston. Attending Parents' Weekend at my daughter's college was the original plan, but I decided to make the trip double as the injection of creativity I so badly needed. Okay, part of the reason for doubling was my status as the broke parent of a college student, but I digress.

So here's what I did:

I took the Detroit-Chicago-Atlanta-Boston flight. Okay, that was mostly for the broke part (and frequent-flyer miles), but it was an adventure, from the medical emergency I witnessed at Chicago Midway to the delay on the tarmac in Atlanta to severe turbulance that convinced me I would be seeing God that day instead of Boston Harbor.

Avoiding cabs, I took the "T" all over Boston, wearing my computer backpack and dragging my suitcase behind me. I'm a bit of a chicken, so this was a big deal for me. :)

I stayed in a B & B instead of a hotel to experience more of the local flavor. Great experience. I would do it again in a minute.

On the way home, I took the Amtrak trip - all 19 hours of it - and wrote and wrote and wrote.

All in all, it was a blast, and that doesn't even include the visit with my daughter, which was amazing and dear. Am I rejuvenated? Absolutely. Is that well full? Oh yeah. And will there be a book in my future coming out of Boston or on a cross-country train ride? Count on it.

What are some of the ways the rest of you fill your creative wells? I'd love to hear about them.

Blessings to you all.

Dana Corbit

Work of Our Hands by Marta Perry

2011-11-09T09:03:00.002-05:00

Last night I went to a women's association mission event at my church, where we learned about the work of Root International, a Christian organization that sends help wherever and whenever it's needed, although it has continuing operations with children's schools with Native Americans and in Mexico. It proved to be an especially meaningful event, because our town was a direct beneficiary of their work in September, when massive flooding hit our area. It was amazing to see that big trailer from Root International pull up in town, jammed full with mattresses and food and equipment to help with the losses right here.

Part of our program was to make small teddy bears to send with Root to children in need of a bit of comfort as well as more material help. For us, with the memory of our own disaster still fresh in our minds, doing so was particularly poignant. But as we sat around tables stuffing bears and sewing seams while we talked and laughed together, I was also reminded of the role handwork plays in women's lives. For generations, women have used the work of their hands not only to create necessary things for their families and others, but also to express their artistry and creative urges.

I don't have to go any farther than my cedar chest to see that expression of love and artistry. Looking at the Double Wedding Ring quilt created from postage-stamp-size patches by a great-aunt or the Autumn Leaf quilt my mother made for me or the dresser scarves embroidered by my grandmother, I am reminded again of how precious the work of our hands can be. Each item seems to come with a memory attached, carrying love from previous generations. I've tried to express that appreciation often in my books, especially in my Amish stories.

So when I make doll clothes with one granddaughter and Christmas ornaments with another, I hope I'm doing my part to carry on that tradition. What hand work do you do? Do you find particular satisfaction in it? I hope so.

Blessings,
Marta Perry

Janet Tronstad captures the theme of her Dry Creek books

2011-11-07T02:10:00.005-05:00

This is Janet Tronstad here, giving some thought to how to capture the themes that run through my long-time Dry Creek series. As many of you know, Dry Creek is a fictious small town in the southeastern corner of Montana. I was born in that corner of the state, but my parents moved from there when it was time for me and my sister to go to school. It was so isolated there was virtually no way for us to attend school once they closed the one room school that had served the few rural families for decades. I doubt there were more than fifteen in all eight grades of that school (I would know as my mother was the teacher and she brought me to school with her in a basket of some sort. I spent the first few years of my life in that school before I actually officially attended). In any event, even though my family moved to a more prosperous part of the state, the feelings of that remote area are woven through of family's life and find their way into the stories I tell in my Dry Creek series. When it came time to do what I call 'a bigger promotion' of my books, I decided to write a song to talk about the values of that area. Fortunately, I have a good friend who was a professional musician 'in the day' and was eager to help me bring my lyrics to life. I know have a You Tube of that song. I located Depression era photos to go with the song (one of those photos is shown here). These are actual pictures taken by a US government program during the years of the depression. You can listen to part of the song here. You will need to scroll down a little until you see my name and Montana Quilting Song.

Come listen to a song I wrote. Lyrics by me, music by my good friend, David White. Dpression era photos. It's a tribute to my Dry Creek books.

Montana Quilting Song http://www.youtube.com/
Janet Tronstad is the award-winning author of a long-standing series of Harlequin Love Inspired novels set in the fictitious town of Dry Creek, Montana. Roma...

The full song will be available as an iTune when I get it set-up (check my website for updates on the iTune). I was very pleased with the way the song spoke to the values I learned in Montana as a child.

Leigh Bale Talks About Hotshots!

2011-11-03T00:15:00.000-04:00

Hotshot wildfire fighters, that is. A hotshot is an elite wildfire fighter. Structure firefighters are very commonly known…we rely on them to save us if we have a house fire. Smoke jumpers get a lot of press because they leap out of airplanes into forest fires. But man-for-man (or woman), a hotshot is in just as superb physical condition as a smoke jumper. But hotshots work as a team. No one builds fireline faster than a hotshot. They are highly trained, highly skilled at fighting wildfire. In fact, they eat small fires for breakfast. They go where no one else will go, hiking through the most difficult terrain you can imagine in order to face walls of flames.

In my new release out this month titled THE FOREST RANGER’S HUSBAND, the book is jam-packed with intense, page-turning scenes. The hero is a hotshot who almost dies and loses one of the crewmen under his command during a wildfire. His near death experience changes him in ways he doesn’t understand. He suffers from survivor’s guilt and begins to question his priorities. Feeling adrift professionally and spiritually, he seeks to restructure his goals.

This book is the second in my new Forest Ranger series and can be read as a standalone title. Look at the beautiful cover they gave me! They almost got it perfect, except the boots aren't quite right. Wildfire fighters wear White's boots (White's is the maker of the boots), with at least 6-inch lug soles to protect their feet from the super-heated ground and fire. The hero on the cover looks just like I remember my father looking when he would leave to go fight wildfire. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Do you know any firefighters, either for structure fires or forest fires? Maybe yourself, a husband, family member, or friend? They’re an amazing breed of people, aren’t they? Truly an American hero.

Writing Life

2011-11-02T01:00:00.001-04:00

Hi all - Charlotte Carter here.

(This interview by Brenna Audbrey originally appeared in the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America newsletter, November 2011. She asked such good questions, I thought I share it with you.)

Under various pseudonyms, Charlotte Carter has authored 56 romance novels and cozy mysteries for Harlequin, Dorchester and Guideposts Books. Her most recent book, Big Sky Family, is a November 2011 release from Harlequin Love Inspired.

Q. You've written SO many books. How do you keep yourself motivated to write?

I’m compulsive! Maybe it’s because I started late in this writing business, but writing, discovering a story, soothes me (when it’s going well, of course). And there’s always another story to tell lurking somewhere in the back of my mind. So little time, so many stories......

Q. You've written in several different subgenres. Do you stick with one genre at a time or do you switch it up and change from book to book to keep it interesting?

The vast majority of my books have been romance novels. Now, however, I’m writing for two publishers: inspirational romance for Love Inspired and cozy mystery continuities for Guideposts Books. I try to alternate between publishers, which is somewhat dependent on my schedule for the Guideposts books in whatever series is current.

Q. What is your writing process like? Linear or dot-to-dot? Planner or pantser? Do you write long hand or on the computer? etc.

I’m definitely linear and a planner, although the characters have been known to give me a surprise now and then. I start off plotting with a pen and college-lined notebook paper. (You can tell how high-tech I am - Not!) I establish who the characters are and their goals, diagram a W plot and work through the hero’s journey. At that point I can usually write a synopsis, which I do on the computer as well as the rest of the manuscript.

Q. What is your most reliable "go to" tool when you realize your story is broken and needs fixing?

For many years, my favorite “go to” tool was Mindy Neff and Susan Phillips, my critique partners. More recently I’ve been whining to Kara Lennox ( Harlequin American author), who is great with the ‘black moment.’ If they aren’t handy, I may take a second look at Save the Cat by Blake Synder, do Debbie Macomber’s list of 20, or let my subconscious solve the problem while I sleep. I will say, by chapter 3 I pretty well can tell if the story is going to work.

Q. How have you managed to brand yourself, given the different genres you have written in?

I’ve never quite understood this ‘branding’ business, but I do have a motto and a promise that I make to readers: Books that leave you smiling....by Charlotte Carter. When I was writing for Harlequin American (as Charlotte Maclay) I wrote warm, family stories. Now, with Love Inspired (w/a Charlotte Carter) I’m writing warm, family stories but with a deeper emotional tone and characters who are dealing with serious problems — a heart transplant recipient, loss of family members, and in my current book, Big Sky Family, a hero who is paraplegic.

Q. You have a wonderful sense of humor that serves you well when speaking publicly. How does your humor serve you in your writing career?

I wish I could say my sense of humor allows me to laugh at copy editors, but that would be a lie. In my writing, humor tends to worm it’s way into the story via children, who are always unpredictable, or by creating a ‘fish out of water’ story for the hero or heroine. Often it’s the reaction of a ‘straight’ character to a humorous situation that can make a reader smile.

Q. What authors and genres do you like to read?

I most often read suspense and romantic suspense, single title romance, legal thrillers, and the like. I’ve recently read James Patterson (Alex Cross story), John Grisham, Iris Johansen, and Rachel Lee books. Sandra Brown and Susan Elizabeth Phillips have always been my favorites And to my delight, my fellow Orange County Chapter members, Debra Mullin and Tessa Dare have brought me back to historical romance, my first love.

Q. What piece of advice do you consider most important sharing with an aspiring author?

Write! Write! And write some more. I was very fortunate when I joined RWA that I could come home from a chapter meeting and immediately use whatever information I’d gleaned in my work-in-progress.. It’s impossible, in my view, to learn to write without having somehow finished a story. My various critique groups have also been invaluable. (My technique is to be the dumbest one in the group so I can learn the most; so far I’ve achieved that goal..) I continue to learn by attending workshops and taking online classes in the hope of improving my craft. As Susan Macias said at the Orange County October Birthday Bash, “The only guarantee that you won’t sell is if you quit writing.”

Visit Charlotte’s blog at www.CharlotteCarter.com

Research and My New Release - CHRISTMAS GIFTS - Gail Gaymer Martin

2011-10-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

Greetings from Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/

When an idea strikes me for a novel, my mind begins to click with characters and plot, but also with setting. Where should this story take place? So when my agent called to say my editor asked if I would be part of a Christmas Duet novel for this year, I thought a moment--but only a moment--and said yes. I love writing Christmas books and I'd been thinking that I'd love to have a new one. Story ideas came fast, a widowed father with 7 year old twin daughters who were trouble, and a teacher. Perfect.

Now where to set the story? A small town was my first thought so I began looking through the Internet for small towns in Northern Michigan along I-23. I'd driven there a few months earlier to visit relatives and had already considered setting a story in one of these small towns. After investigating small towns on the Internet, I found the perfect spot--Harrisville, Michigan. My husband and I took a weekend and visited the town.

Everyone I meet was pleased to be part of the novel and cooperated fully. I visited the library where many town activities are sponsored and spent an hour or more at the elementary school, touring the building and talking with the principal, office staff, and a second grade teacher. A visit to the Chamber of Commerce provided me with great information especially about their Christmas event, Christmas in the Village. Deidre Gray owner of the gift shop, Maggie’s on Main, answered many questions and served as a liaison, as well as being eager to sell the books in her store, Manny Pompa owner of the restaurant and bakery Flour Garden provided information about the Tree Lighting Ceremony on the highway. Bob and I spent time in the park which provides a scene in the novel, and I drove through neighborhoods taking photographs of houses that I used in the story to create realism. I even called officials to learn their laws about leaf burning in the town. When I delved into the novel, it was like visiting old friends. I hope you enjoy the novel as much as I enjoyed meeting the townspeople and researching the town.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
including Small Town Christmas
Gail Gaymer Martin
Love Inspired Duet - November 2011

Mini-Matchmakers And An Old Fashion Christmas
When the new second grade teacher, Amy Carroll, meets the precocious twin sisters, she knows she has her hands full, but when she learns they live on the street where she is staying with her grandmother and they have a single father who is handsome and needs help, Amy’s hands are beyond full. But Amy’s from Chicago and falling in love with a small town man is not part of her plan. Can God waylay Amy’s desire to return to the big city? Can Mike Russett open his heart to love?

Reveiws:
Martin’s story contains strong characters and touching scenes - Romantic Times

Martin's spirituality and her gift for spinning a story flow through this wonderful Christmas romance novel. A must-buy for any Christian romance connoisseur this holiday season! Reviews by Laura

This duet novel also includes Brenda Minton's Her Christmas Cowboy

Available in all stores where books are sold or at Internet books stores. Click Here for Amazon.com and a first chapter excerpt.

Adventures in husband land - Carolyne Aarsen

2011-10-26T01:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a very cautious person. I'm a worrier. I tend to see not only the bigger picture of various events but every possible iteration of that event. All the things that could happen. This tends to make me careful and tends to make me a worrier. Then there's my husband. He likes to go ahead and solve the problems as they come. Like the little trip we made the other day out into the bush to a cabin we have out there. We took the quad (ATV's as they are also known) because it would be too long to walk and there were various wet spots we had to cross. We came to a creek and I thought - end of the line. Now if you've read a previous post of mine, you will realize that when I come to water, to me it is the end of the line. To my husband it is a challenge to be faced. This first picture is my husband facing the challenge. I'm taking pictures of said husband facing the challenge. The next picture is of the results of facing the challenge. You can't see the smile on his face, but I can To him it is just another thing to deal with. And the interesting part was, he did. Thank goodness for tough willows and winches.

Anyhow the quad got out and I got pictures and once again I had to realize that all the things I worry about again and again, won't necessarily happen. Once again I had to trust my husband. And once again I had to see the adventure in the moment. I'm a work in progress. But the fact that I was taking pictures instead of wringing my hands and wondering how in the world we are going to get out of here and what if we don't and we have to walk all the way back and the bears lurking in the bush attack us and our grandchildren will never see us again and someday some hunter will stumble over our carcasses and see the quad buried in the creek and realize what happens . . . . . shows that I've made some progress.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-10-25T02:00:00.003-04:00

Susan Sleeman here! Looking like Christmas in October? Okay, so it's looking more like fall with leaves turning colors and falling from the trees, cooler temperatures, pumpkins and gourds and costume preparations, but I'm thinking Christmas.

This will be a very different Christmas for my husband and I. Both of our daughters are grown and live out of state. This year neither of them will be able to come home for the holidays. My husband is a church music director so Christmas is one of his busiest times of year and we are unable to travel at Christmas time to be with them. So it will be our first Christmas in thirty-one years without children. A first I'm not sure I'm ready for.

But I also have another first this Christmas that I am eagerly awaiting. I have a Christmas themed book, The Christmas Witness releasing at the end of November. As I prepare interviews for various blogs, press releases, etc, my mind has already traveled to the wonderful time of year.

The Christmas Witness is not your typical Christmas book. Here's the back cover copy.

When a criminal threatened to kill Megan Cash if she testified against him, she didn’t back down. Years later, he’s out of jail and ready for revenge against Megan and her daughter. The only one who can protect them is the former FBI agent who broke Megan’s heart.

But Reid Morgan isn’t the same man—he’s now a widowed father with a harrowing past. . .and a heart more guarded than ever. Still, he’s the only one who believes Megan when she says she’s in danger. Because someone wants to make this a Christmas she won’t live long enough to forget.

As you can see it's a suspense novel with kidnapping, ransom and a revenge plot, things I don't ever think of when I think of Christmas. But under all of the suspense and romance, The Christmas Witness is a story of finding hope in God's promises when life looks the bleakest. And what better time of the year to celebrate hope than at Christmas.

Even though my daughters are thousands of mile away, I can celebrate with my church family and embrace the season for all the joy it brings. So what about you? Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? What will you do this Christmas? Will you be with family?

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com.

Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Sign up for her newsletter to learn about her latest releases and monthly contests. And if you’re on Facebook be sure to stop by Susan Sleeman Books, too, where you can find out what Susan is up to.

2011-10-24T00:02:00.035-04:00

Jenna Mindel here. I seem to be in line with everyone's pet themes since I planned on blogging about my latest passion - a 4month old guinea pig we've named Beatrice! Aunt Bea for short. Our neighbors gave her to us and it's a good thing too, because after holding little Bea, my fate was sealed. She's a sweetie-pie and loves to be held. She's also learned to squeal for lettuce. I've discovered that Aunt Bea prefers leaf to romaine, along with raw carrots. We're anxiously awaiting our neighbors' next brood of baby guinea pigs so we can give Beatrice a little sister.

Now my home is pretty small but to me, my house just isn't a home without pets. I've been bringing home critters all my life, but my parents were not always hip to keeping them. Thank goodness for my husband's willingness to accept my menagerie of living things including discarded houseplants I've picked up over the years. Steve didn't blink an eye when I brought home a fish tank so I could take in a co-worker's Green Terror cichlid. That fish died years ago, but I still maintain a freshwater tropical fish tank mainly because I want to give a Wal-mart Betta the chance to live outside the cup.

My husband and I also love beagles and during our 26 yrs of marriage, we've taken in a few. Our current dog, Lana, was a foundling from four years ago and she's quite the little princess. She's not too sure about Aunt Bea though.... Don't worry, Lana is very gentle with Bea even though she's a little disgusted with us.

What kind of pets do you have and why? I love reading romances that showcase animals. Do you think adding an animal to a book helps or hinders its appeal?

Ollie, Part Deux

2011-10-18T01:00:00.003-04:00

I was going to blog on something else, but when I saw Pam Tracy's picture of her cat, I knew I had to blog about my granddog, Ollie. (Part 1 is at craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com) He's a puppy at 156 pounds and unhappy that his owners left him with me. The whining has been constant since Saturday night. He's a determined guy--sweet but determined. I need to work on final read through of my WIP, so I went to Starbucks. So many of my writer friends go there and hangout. I tried and loved it. I think I'll continue going there after my son and his wife come home and get their puppy. I tell my family all Starbucks gift cards will be welcome as Christmas gifts.

Who Could Resist

2011-10-17T08:51:00.003-04:00

Pamela Tracy here, and what you see posted above is the newest addition to my family. We've only had him two weeks. He's a five month old gray tiger kitten. What's really amazing about him is he has six toes.

For twenty years I shared my home with two cats, Priscilla and Aquila.

Pris was a rescue. I have no idea how old she was when I got her, but she lived with me for 22 years. She was a thin calico cat. When I first got her, she lived under the bed. After about a week, she came out. She hid when people came over. She was a cat. No, I'm not stating the obvious. She would only allow you to pet her when she was in the mood.

Aquila was given to me by one of my kindergarten students. Her dad said, "Cats must go. Now." I wound up with a fluffy black and white five week old kitten. He lived with me for 18 years. From day one he was mine. Pris didn't think much of him. She beat him up every day. He was 1/3 cat, 1/3 dog, and 1/3 kid. I leash trained him. He came when he was called. And he loved me.

I can already tell that Tyre (kitty pictured above) is going to be more like Aquila. He's laying next to me now, his head on my elbow as I type. Sometimes he jumped up to chase the cursor. I'm sure my editor will not appreciate the sudden appearance of srange random typings (like 8b89s22) on my manuscript.

I'm just amazed it took me so long (three years) between cats. I guess I'll blame my son. He kept me busy between age three and six.