A Motive for Murder: Revenge

A Motive for Murder: Revenge

By Margaret Daley

I was in the middle of writing Scorned Justice when the show Revenge came on last year on ABC--a show about a burning need to seek revenge on someone who had hurt the lead character. At least that was the impression I got from the ads about the new show. I have to confess I actually haven't seen the show. But it summed up my story--to what lengths would someone go to get back at another. A person takes the first step in a path of revenge, and before he/she knows it, there is no turning back. The need consumes him/her.

When revenge starts consuming the character, the fun really begins. The stakes are heightened. The villain starts to lose it and make mistakes. A show I do watch--Once Upon a Time--has revenge driving the plot. The Evil Queen wants to make Snow White pay for what she did as a child.

Revenge is one of the basic motives for a person murdering another. There are others like greed, hate/love, the need for power. When I wrote this book, I wanted to show how far someone could go, how it changed his/her life. And since this is an inspirational romantic suspense, I needed, a happily ever after ending so there is a consequence for the revenge beyond going to prison.

What movie, book or show you've read or seen that has revenge at its core? I have a book of Scorned Justice I would like to giveaway to one of the people who leaves an answer to the question. I will need an email addy to notify you if you are the winner.

                                             

Blurb for Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley:

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love? Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?

Leigh Bale Blogs About Valentines and Old Age

Lots of people talk about how they’d like to get married and grow old together.  But growing old isn’t a pretty sight.  It takes real love and commitment to endure the test of time.  And when I think of Valentine’s Day, I can’t help thinking about my favorite romantic couples. There's Antony and Cleopatra, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Bennet and Lord Darcy.   But then, I think about Steve, my husband for over 31 years and the love of my life.  And then, my parents, Dan and Marjorie.  They’ve been married almost 57 years, now.  That’s a long time.  They’ve grown old together.  And yet, when you ask them, they say they were just married yesterday.  When they look at one another, I see the light of love shining in their eyes, along with admiration and respect.  They know what each is made of and that they can depend on one another when the chips are down.  That Dad will still give Mom flowers now and then, and that Mom will still call Dad her “Cookie Monster” when he raids the freezer for the cookies he knows she has hidden there just for him. 

I’m glad we have Valentine’s Day, to remind us to be romantic.  But I think real romance is in the day-to-day living, working, raising kids, sharing laughter and tears, going through the difficulties and pleasures of life together.  Real love is blind.  It doesn’t see the wrinkles, gray hair, and frail bodies.  It only sees the person inside.  The person we first fell in love with.

My next book out in May 2013 is titled HEALING THE FOREST RANGER.  Included in the story are physical as well as mental scars and how real love can look beyond that.  I hope you like the book.  And tell me, who is your favorite romantic couple and why?  Leigh Bale  www.LeighBale.com

Small miracles still happen..

Jenna Mindel here, giving some serious praise for the successful birth of our puppies and the good health of their Rat Terrier Mama - our little Peanut.  We bred Peanut with a Jack Russell terrier for the pure joy of having puppies with no intent to sell them or become breeders.   This was a one time deal.   I studied, I researched, but when the time came for Peanut to deliver, things didn't go well.  Her contractions went away.   After an emergency trip to the vet's for shots to get things moving again, we returned home with bad expectations.  The vet didn't think the puppies would make it as their heart rates were so low, and if Peanut didn't deliver, she'd be in trouble too.  My husband and I prayed - Steve even called our pastor and asked him to pray.  Peanut delivered 4 healthy pups - 3 female and 1 male.  From left to right is Hazelnut, Filbert (laying down), Walnut and Almond.

God chose to touch our dog.  Why would He do that?  Amazing still, God answered my question in my devotions the morning after the delivery.  The passage told a tale of how God cares about what we care about.  And we love our little Peanut and her pups.  We're so very thankful for this small miracle!

On another happy side-note, last week I received the cover for my June 2013 release - and it's just gorgeous!

Check it out at my website www.jennamindel.com

Thank you for stopping by and let me know what kinds of miracles God's made in your life?

Bless you!

Plush turtle from NARROW ESCAPE

Source: amazon.com via Camy on Pinterest

Camy here! I thought I'd post about this cutie today. I admit, I'm a sucker for stuffed animals. :)

Those of you who've read Narrow Escape will recognize this little guy from a few scenes near the end. :) It's one of those plush dolls that projects stars on the ceiling and walls. I happened to see him on Amazon one day and thought he was adorable, so I wrote him into my book as a significant (and cute!) clue.

Who Makes a Hero

Pamela Tracy here, and yes Love Inspired author Kim Watters and I are standing next to Jack Sparrow.

Kim and I were signing books at the Glendale Chocolate Affair, doing what we love most: meeting readers and talking shop, when who did we spy across the way JACK SPARROW.

Being of like mind, we both hopped up, cell phone cameras in hand, and sprinted across the way.

This Jack was awesome.  He stayed in character and we got our picture

Alas, Jack could not be a hero in one of my books.  He'd really, really, REALLY need to be redeemed.  He could be a secondary character though.  He could be a crusty old uncle that only the heroine seemed to connect with in an LI.  Or, he'd be the one with a secret both the H and H need if this were an LIS.  Or, in an LIH, he'd be on the boat bringing the heroine to the new world and the real hero would have to be grateful or something.

How would you use Jack in your book?

Celebrating 50th novel - Her Valentne Hero

Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailgaymermartn.com who is celebrating her 50^th book of fiction in print, Her Valentine Hero. Thanks to so many of you who have been faithful readers.

Sometimes I wonder when I write a book, why I choose a career or issue I know nothing about. I suppose because it fits the character or the plot line but what that means is a lot of research and work for me. Phys Ed teacher and football coach is my hero’s career in Her Valentine Hero. But my family came through—all big sports fans—who explained plays and even proofread the sports scenes. I’m grateful for their help. Next book---firefights. Grateful to a couple of those hard-working men who provided great information.

Her Valentine Hero, in stores now, shows the struggle of a long time crush that has a second chance. Or does it? I loved writing this story and I’m even more excited about the second book in the series about sisters. You’ll meet Neely in this novel and Ashley in the second. If you haven’t read the book yet, here’s a little about it.

He Never Stopped Loving Her

This handsome football coach cannot be little Jonny Turner, Neely Andrews’s best friend’s kid brother. Back in high school, Jonny was nothing but a pest. When family troubles bring Neely back to her hometown, Jon is there to offer friendship and support…and maybe something more. Turns out that Jon has adored her from afar all these years.

Neely has to admit he’s become the kind of man who’d make any woman proud. But will a terrible secret from her past scare him off? Or will Jon make her feel free enough to share everything with him?

Her Valentine Hero is in stores where books are sold, including K-Mart,
Walmart, Target, and even some grocery stores. You can also order it at online bookstores either in paperback or as an ebook.
 Click here: http://bit.ly/12RVQut

Thanks for being faithful readers of Love Inspired, and have a happy Valentine's Day.

Valentine's story

Hi all, Terri Reed here, popping up out of a looming deadline to let you know about a fun Valentine story we're writing over on the Craftie Ladies of Romance blogspot.    The story began on Feburary 1st and runs through the 14th.  I'll be posting a segment on the 8th.  Todays installment by Teri Wilson made me laugh out loud!

I recently had my personal blog/web page redesigned.  Check it out if you have a moment. www.terrireed.com

Upcoming a March release, The Cowboy Target.  

FRAMED!

For years after the suspicious death of his wife, single dad Wyatt Monroe isolates himself on his Wyoming ranch...until he’s accused of murder. With a body at his doorstep, he’s arrested and Wyatt has only one hope—a blue-eyed, blonde bodyguard. But it’ll take more than skill for work-obsessed Jackie Blain to save her reluctant client, who just wants to be left alone. She’ll have to gain his trust by keeping him and his daughter safe. With their lives in her hands, Jackie is faced with her toughest assignment ever—saving the cowboy and guarding her heart.

 A 4 star review from Romantic Times Magazine. See the review below.

Wyatt Monroe is stunned to find his ranch hand, George Herman, dead on his porch. He knows he is being framed for murder, but worries that people will believe he is guilty, as they falsely accused him of murdering his wife. Jackie Blain, a bodyguard and former cop, is called in by her uncle to prove Wyatt’s innocence. Some neighbors are upset at Wyatt for refusing to sign away his mineral rights. Is someone willing to kill those Wyatt loves in order to force his hand? Reed’s fast-paced action will keep readers wondering who and why in this quick, enjoyable read.

The General's Secretary

Debby Giusti here!

I celebrated the release of THE GENERAL'S SECRETARY, the fourth book in my Military Investigations series, last Thursday, with a signing at Omega Book Center, in Peachtree City, Georgia. Karen Duncan owns the shop and always makes her customers feel right at home.

She also makes writers feel very special and provides a cozy signing area and even baked treats for those who stop in to browse or buy. A number of folks call in orders, some as far away as Arizona and Oklahoma. I personalize their copies and Karen mails them to anywhere in the US.

L to R: Elfi, Denise and Alida enjoy shopping at Omega Books!

 

Book signings at Omega Books are always special!

As a way of thanking the community, I donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Last week's event benefited our local St. Vincent de Paul Conference that runs a food pantry and provides financial aid to the needy in our area.

I'm always overwhelmed by the support of so many dear friends and faithful readers. Thanks to all who made the signing so special.

Tracy Sands, author of THE CHRISTIAN ALPHABET,
won the drawing for my gift basket. Congrats, Tracy!

Happy reading!!!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

THE GENERAL'S SECRETARY

By Debby Giusti

Trusting the Wrong Person Can Be Deadly...

Lillie Beaumont's dark past has just turned up on her porch--fatally wounded. The dying words of the man imprisoned for killing Lillie's mother suggest hidden secrets. Criminal Investigations Division special agent Dawson Timmons agrees. He has his own motive for seeking the truth, and it gives Lillie every reason to doubt him. But even as they reluctantly begin to face painful secrets together, Dawson fears that a murderer is waiting to strike again. And this time, Lillie is right in the line of fire...

Heroine Interview from Detection Mission by Margaret Daley

Today we're welcoming Lucy Cullen aka Heidi, the hero/heroine (please delete the unused pronoun) of Detection Mission, written by Margaret Daley, a February 2013 release by Love Inspired Suspense.  

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.   

1.  Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. 

I don't know other than what people have told me. The police--Lee Calloway--saw me running in the woods while they were searching for a kidnapper. When confronted, I ran and tripped, hitting my head. I had amnesia--didn't know why I was running or rather who I was running from.

2.  So, during the book you met Lee Calloway.  Tell us a bit about him/her.  What was your first impression?  When did you know it was love? 

My first impression of him was fear. I woke up in the hospital. I didn't know who I was, but seeing him in his uniform sent fear through.It didn't take me long to realize he was there to protect me and make me feel safe. I knew I loved him when he rearranged his life to keep me safe.

3.  What strengths/skills do you have?  What is your greatest weakness?  

I love kids and work well with them. It has been hard for me to learn to stand up for myself. 

4.  What scares you?  Not knowing who I am.  

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

The lost of my memory--I want to know who I am. I'm falling in love with Lee, and I don't know what kind of life I had before coming to Sagebrush, Texas.

6.  Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? 

Again I didn't know where I was in my faith, except that when I was thinking about God it felt like I knew Him.

7.  Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? 

Strong. I wouldn't have made it without Him. 

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story.  Tell us why this scripture is significant.

Verse: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

This verse reminds me the Lord is my strength, the one to go to in trouble.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? 

A French silk pie because it is rich, delicious and irresistible. 

Rodeo by Leann Harris

I just turned in a book about a charity rodeo, and the month of January is rodeo time.  Fort Worth does a three week rodeo which I always look forward to.  It's one of the delightful things to do in the winter to see the different rodeo events.   Also a lot of stock is shown during the day and when you see all the primping and combing that goes on with the animals, it makes you smile.  Some cows get more hairspray than I've used in the last  10 years.

When you go to the stock show, across the street is the Amon Carter Museum, which shows world class paintings and sculptures.  It you want to see a Remington, that's the place to go.  And if your brave, you can go down to old stock yards, which the city has turned into a tourist haven.
Fort Worth keeps it's western roots close, but it also has one of the best museums, zoos, and  a stunning botanical gardens I've ever scene.
Happy Rodeo.