Allie Pleiter on pop-up pumpkins!

It's almost here...pumpkin everything season.  Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin scented lotion, air freshener, candles, even hand sanitizer.  If it exists, evidently someone can make it pumpkin-flavored or pumpkin-scented.

This is a good thing.  I love pumpkin.  Even the hand santizer.

This year, however, the pumpkins got very personal.  In fact, they invaded.  Without warning, permission, or even our knowledge!

This thing started growing in our dormant garden--as in the garden we meant to plant but never did.  It had pretty speckled leaves...

Then it had lovely yellow blossoms...

It spread faster than gossip...

Before we knew it, we had little green globes.  Watermelon?  Squash?  No one knew, until the little green globes got a whole lot bigger and started to look like...pumpkins.

Pumpkins!  We grew pumpkins--without even trying!

You have to know what a horrendous gardener I am to appreciate the seredipity of this.  Pleiters, growing pumpkins?  A Pop-up Pleiter Pumpkin Patch?   It's just too splendid.  I smile every time I walk past it.

Now, if we could just keep any critters from snacking on our new treasures.  Anyone got any tips for Pleiter Pop-up Pumpkin Protection?

Remembering 1972 by Leann Harris

I've just started the last book in my trilogy Legacy of Lies, and due to the heroine's age it book has to be set in 1972 when the Cold War was raging. '72 was my senior year in college (too much info) and when you're finishing up your degree, you generally don't pay any attention to the news. I've had to go back and look up what happened that year. ABBA was popular. The Brady Bunch was on TV, and the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof

came out. And the ugly clothes. Oh my, what were we thinking? I remember a pair of hound's tooth heavy jersey pants that my husband had. But since I'm setting my book in that year, I thought it would be easy. Wrong. I don't remember when cell phones came into popular use? PCs? What forensics were possible. I remember going with my husband and his box of punch cards to the CVC6600, housed in the main building of the university. So what I thought wouldn't be a lot of research is turning out to be as much trouble as the book before, which was set in 1941. 1972 was the Munich Olympics. I can still remember the shock and sadness of that event. But my book is set around Mardi Gras, so I need to make sure what was possible at the time is right.

The pic of me is on my honeymoon with my jersey pants.

READ IT AGAIN by Marta Perry

Remember what it was like to read story books to your young children, or in my case, young grandchildren? As someone who loves books, you're always eager to introduce a new story to them. But will they let you? Oh, no! Read it again! The refrain goes up each time you reach "The End." The current favorite must be read again and again until you can do it by heart. And you don't dare to skip a word, because they'll be on you in an instant! Several of my grandkids loved Thomas the Tank Engine, and each one had a favorite story that must be read and reread until the book was dropping from my hands!

Still, I can't really complain, because I have my favorites, as well. They're the books we call "keepers," the ones we can't bear to lend because we might not get them back. I find I especially turn to those books in times of stress, when I want to re-visit the familiar characters and places instead of concentrating on someone new. One of my very favorite authors is DE Stevenson. I found a treasure trove of her books while visiting an aunt one summer, and I was hooked. In her tender stories, the romance involves more than the main couple, as family and friends and sometimes the whole community come into the story. And,writing in an earlier time, she could include her characters' faith as an accepted part of the story even though it was intended for a general market--something we struggle with today.

Of course I have other favorites, including Georgette Heyer and Agatha Christie. Each time I read Heyer's The Grand Sophy, I fall in love with both the hero and secondary hero even while I'm chuckling at the predicaments of the unorthodox Sophy.

And where would my library be without the inimitable Agatha Christie? I must revisit her stories over and over again, sometimes being surprised afresh at "who done it."

Those are some of my keepers. I've deliberately named earlier authors, both because I love the books and also because I wouldn't want to play favorites among the many contemporary authors whose work I love!

So tell us: what's on your keeper shelf?

And for a chance to win a complete set of my "Watcher in the Dark" series, stop by my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MartaPerryBooks.

Teachers Had It Tough In the Good Old Days!

Regina Scott here. It’s that time of year when people start thinking about their children returning to the halls of learning. You’ll see “back to school” sales cropping up, and stores carry backpacks and sweatshirts even though it’s still hot in many parts of the country. My mother taught kindergarten for many years, and I have nothing but respect for those who share their knowledge with future generations.

But, as I discovered when researching my August release, Frontier Engagement, teaching in 1866 on the frontier was a whole different game.

For one thing, a teacher taught all grades and all subjects, in one room, at the same time. For another, supplies like paper and pencils and resources like books were rare. School board expectations ranged from keeping the schoolroom neat and tidy to, in some cases, chopping wood for the fire, whittling pencils for the class, and shooting any varmints that happened to claw their way into the school.

But those weren’t the only expectations. A teacher’s behavior was examined in detail. Here are some of the “rules” some teachers had to live by:  

• Never fraternize with the opposite sex. 
• Teachers who married during their term were summarily dismissed.
• Dress in somber colors.
• Under no circumstances dye your hair. Avoid pool halls, barber shops, and ice cream parlors. (As my heroine, Rina Fosgrave said, “Who knew they were such dens of iniquity?”)

Yes, it’s tough to be a teacher, then and now. Here’s to all those who instruct our youth, whether homeschooling or braving the classroom. You are the true heroes!

Regina Scott owes much of what she knows about writing to the teachers who instructed her over the years. The author of more than two dozen historical romances, she’s currently working on a series set in Seattle’s early years:  Frontier Bachelors, bold, rugged, and bound to be grooms. Sign up here for a free e-mail alert with exclusive bonus material when her next book comes out, or visit her online at her website or Facebook.

Remembering 9/11...The World Trade Center Museum!

At the RWA Literacy Signing on July 22, 2015.

Debby Giusti here!

As most of you know, the Romance Writers of America National Conference was held in New York City last month. I arrived early to see some of the sights and was deeply moved by the World Trade Center Museum.

If you get to New York, be sure to put the WTC at the top of your Must See List! The museum provides a poignant yet artful remembrance of 9/11 and the heroes who lost their lives that day, as well as the many men and women who worked tirelessly to help others during the attack and in the days that followed.

Hopefully, the pictures I took will give you a short glimpse into what makes the museum so special.

One World Trade Center. Do you see a cross on the side
of the building?

In memory of those who died on 9/11.

A pillar from Ground Zero. Notice the wall of the
tower. The museum sits under the pools.

The words of Virgil mark the entrance to the WTC Museum.

A painful reminder of the brave firefighters who gave their lives
on 9/11.

The Survivors' Stairs: 100 people made
their way to safety down these stairs.

The cross found in the rubble.

One of the many American flags unearthed at
Ground Zero. 

I hope the photos shared here will encourage you to visit the World Trade Center Museum the next time you're in New York City. I spent 41/2 hours in the North Section of the Museum, which focuses on 9/11 and the day before and the day after. I also visited the Memorial to all those who lost their lives that day. Next time, I hope to explore the South Section. Thanks to all those who worked to create such a lasting reminder of that fateful day. May we never forget and always remain vigilant.

God bless the United States of America..."the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

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

PERSON OF INTEREST goes on sale TODAY! Hope you enjoy the story!

PERSON OF INTERST

By Debby Giusti

WOMAN ON THE RUN

While babysitting a young servicewoman’s infant, Natalie Frazier hears a murder in the neighboring army duplex. Convinced her former commander is behind the crime, the ex-soldier bolts with the baby. But who will believe her story? Army investigator Everett Kohl deals only with the facts, but this time his gut instincts can’t be denied. Is the attractive Natalie a cunning killer, as his ranking officers believe, or an innocent victim? Ordered to bring her in, Everett has a decision to make. Helping her could cost him his job…but not protecting  Natalie and the baby could get all of them killed…

Available in digital or print format: Amazon.

Mountain Living in Community

This is my back yard! So worth all the trouble!

Hi Everyone! Danica Favorite here, and I'm really hoping this post works! You see, we recently moved to our dream home in the mountains, and we're having an interesting learning curve. A couple of nights ago, I was working on my computer, and all the power went out. As it turns out, a power pole elsewhere in the mountains burned down, and it took out all the power for our area, affecting about 5,000 people. Yikes!

Originally, they said we'd be out of power for three days, but fortunately, it ended up only being one. But it was amazing what we could not do with no power. For example, in the mountains, we have water from a well. Without power to run the well pump, we have no water. As you can imagine, that makes for a pretty interesting time!

But the great thing is, life in the mountains means people stick together and help each other out, so we came down from the mountain, spent time with some relatives, and had a lot of others reaching out to make sure we had everything we needed.Which is one of the things my Leadville books also emphasizes. Community, working together, and making sure that everyone has what they need. It's neat to live in a place where it's really true. I think, for survival reasons, living in the mountains, you have no choice but to stick together. Wouldn't it be great to see that happening in more places?

I think that's why I like writing about people living in community. Maybe if we all see how wonderful it is to help each other out, then there will be more of it in this world. So call me biased, and maybe I have a little bit of an agenda, but I always hope that I always demonstrate that community spirit in both my books, and my life. You don't have to live in the mountains to live in community!

How can you reach out to others in your community today?

Former deputy Will Lawson is fighting to regain his reputation—and Mary Stone is his only lead to the bandit who framed him. Now that he's tracked Mary to Leadville, Colorado, Will needs the proud beauty to reveal her past. Instead, his efforts spark a mighty inconvenient attraction…

Mary's only real crime is that she once believed an outlaw's lies. Still, she fears disclosing the truth to Will may land her in jail—and leave her young siblings without protection. Now she must choose between honesty and safeguarding her family. And if Will does clear his own name, can he convince the woman he loves to share it?

Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Lawmans-Redemption-Love-Inspired-Historical/dp/0373283202/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438808844&sr=1-3&keywords=danica+favorite

Lyn Cote’s Less Pasta, More Zucchini Recipe

  A few years ago my dh and I decided to try a more healthy lifestyle, which included lowering our carb intake. But we still wanted a hearty Italian meal so I made this up. Since we're now in garden season, I thought you all might enjoy a recipe that will use up zucchini, one of the most prolific plants in any garden!

  Lyn Cote’s Less Pasta, More Zucchini Recipe
 1 lb. ground turkey
 1 lb. ground beef
 3 medium zucchini, quartered and diced into 1/2” cubes
 1 large onion, diced
 1 pkg fresh mushrooms, quartered (Portobello or white--may substitute canned)
 1 15 oz. can, Italian style minced tomatoes (drained)
 1/2 bottle or can of spaghetti sauce (your choice of brand)
 1 Tb. Orrington Farms Broth Base & Seasoning, Beef flavor
 1/2 tsp oregano
 1 tsp minced garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
 1 c. shredded mozzarella
 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

 Brown turkey and beef in large skillet. Add veggies and spices. Mix gently. Cover and simmer for an hour. Top with cheeses the last ten minutes to melt. May be served over your choice of pasta. Or alone. The one variable that you must take into consideration is the quantity of liquid from the zucchini.

• I have spooned off excess liquid before serving.
• I’ve also mixed in 1-2 handfuls of uncooked whole wheat pasta about halfway through the cooking time to absorb the liquid.
• Instead of the pasta you might substitute a crunchy French or Italian bread that could be dipped into the juice at the table.

You’ll need to play around and see what works for you! I make this large batch because from it we eat 1 supper, 1 lunch and many breakfasts. Leftovers mixed with scrambled eggs the next morning are very tasty! But this recipe should easily feed a large family so if you don’t like leftovers and have a smaller family, you can reduce the amount by 1/2. But the leftovers are really good and my dh says get better overnight!

QUESTION: Have you ever made up a recipe?--Lyn 
For more recipes, check out Weds on my blog

Coming Home

Hi everyone! Lee Tobin McClain here, thinking about travel . . .  and about coming home.

I really enjoy getting away. Last week, I had the chance to travel to New York and hang out with some of my favorite Love Inspired author friends. We ate chocolate and danced the night away at the Waldorf Astoria . . . one of the amazing things our publisher does for us.

I also visited a few New York landmarks, like the Marble Collegiate Church where Norman Vincent Peale did his preaching.

And I met with my agent and editor, and had dinner at the famous Algonquin Hotel, and gawked at the semi-nude, body-painted eccentrics in Times Square.

But I'm a bit of a homebody. So my very favorite part of my trip was coming home to these guys!

How about you? Do you prefer traveling or coming home?

A Hiking High

Keli Gwyn here talking about hiking.

We're privileged to have a great place to walk right here in our community. I've logged many miles on the El Dorado Trail. The sections I walk are striped and paved just like the one in the photo below.

This summer I got a hankering to take my walking to a new level.

My husband retired at the end of last school year. While I've been camped in front of my computer cranking out words, Carl has been heading up to the Sierras to go hiking. He returns with glowing reports of the places he's explored.

Feeling left out, I decided to accompany my guy when I can, using hikes as a reward for getting my words done for the week.

We headed up to an alpine lake a week ago. And I do mean up. According to my Fitbit, we climbed the equivalent of 84 flights of stairs that day.

But oh, was the effort worth it. The wildflowers were in bloom! I whipped out my camera and snapped picture after picture.

Hiking enables me to get exercise, spend time with my guy and enjoy the beauty of our majestic mountain range. Talk about a high!

Do you enjoy walking or hiking?
If so, what are your favorite destinations?

Allie Pleiter on getting one’s ducks in a row…

I visited Memphis last week, and had the chance to see the legendary Peabody Hotel ducks in action.  It’s simply too cute not to share.

According to the “Duckmaster”—an outgoing guy with a ringmaster-like personality and the red coat to match—the ducks who reside in every Peabody Hotel lobby fountain started out as a practical joke.  Many years back, the general manager of the hotel and his buddies got a crazy idea about what to do with the live decoy ducks they had left over from a hunting trip.  What started out as a late-night prank turned into one of the cleverest publicity stunts in hospitality history.

The ducks, who have upscale penthouse lodgings on the top floor, march to great fanfare out of the elevator, across a red carpet, and into the lobby fountain.  All in front of an adoring audience who has waited up to an hour to view the spectacle.  I and my friends gladly paid premium prices for coffee and pie to nab a front-row table.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat.  Look closely at my video and you’ll see the theatrical little group doing their thing—and the size of the crowd gathered to watch.

While I was waiting, did I plot a romance novel about the Duckmaster and perhaps the pretty veterinarian who keeps the ducks healthy? Maybe.  Keep your eyes open…and your ducks in a row.

I'm crying into my Ice Tea by Leann Harris

Yesterday, Marta blogged about her first trip to RWA. Well, she's in New York this week while I'm at home this summer. When my kids were growing up, I had the opportunity to stay at home but after working as a deaf-ed teacher, being a full-time mom was a rough transition. That's when I started writing and I went to RWA every summer, which was camp for mom. I learned and made so many friends. I went to RWA last summer in San Antonio, and saw so many friends. RWA is an organization that teaches writers how to improve their skills, get published, meet editors and agents, and gives you the ability to met other writers who know what you're going through. You don't feel like such a weird person with all those people running around your head. Good luck, friends and have fun.

This a a picture at my first signings at RWA.

BIG WEEK FOR ROMANCE WRITERS by Marta Perry

Today I'm packing my suitcase and checking everything twice. Why? Because tomorrow morning bright and early I'm headed into New York City for the annual Romance Writers of America conference. This is a once-a-year extravaganza during which writers get to live the way popular movies depict authors--being wined and dined by published, having important meetings with editors, signing books for adoring fans--well, that might be a slight exaggeration! But it is fun, busy, and stressful, with all those things packed into four short days.

My first conference was more years ago than I care to count--1989 in Boston. It was the first time I'd flown by myself, the first time I'd been to Boston, and when I arrived, I felt like an impostor. Who was I to mix and mingle with all these successful, well-known authors? Surely anyone who looked at me could tell that I didn't belong there!

But I soon discovered that plenty of the folks who were there that first day felt just like I did. Someone once said that an RWA conference is a chance to see 2000 introverts pretending to be extroverts! And that's about the size of it for most of us. Writers are used to being alone with our computers. We're used to settling down to work in front in our sweat pants and sneakers. No wonder it terrified me that first time.

Now I'm older (a lot) and wiser (a little) and I know that most people feel insecure in situations of this kind. I also have friends I've met through RWA who are as close as sisters, and our only chance to be together is at the annual conference. It's become a kind of "class reunion" for us, and we greet one another with shrieks and hugs when we spot each other in the hotel lobby.

So yes, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'll tire myself out, probably, and eat food that is much too rich for my usual diet. And my writer friends and I will talk and talk and talk, making up for a year's worth of short emails and shorter texts.

If you're in or near New York City, I hope you'll consider stopping by the Marriott Marquis for the huge book-signing held as one of the kick-off events of the conference. Non-attendees are very welcome to come in, browse through rows and rows of books and authors, buy books and have them signed by the author, and contribute to a worthy cause that affects all of us--Literacy in America. Every cent raised will go to literacy projects, and I can't think of a better cause for writers to support.

I hope to see you there: Broadway Ballroom, 6th Floor, Marriott Marquis. The book-signing runs from 5:30 to 7:30, but the line will begin to form as early as 1:00 for people who are eager to meet their favorite authors. But don't worry about standing in line--the Marriott will be prepared with chairs!

A book with a view....

Good Morning, Jenna Mindel here having trouble getting my current work in progress to well... work.    This is the third book of my new Maple Springs series where love is supposed to run sweet.... But not with this love story! When I pitched the premise, I had the brilliant idea to re-write an old manuscript that wasn't publishable as is, but had a couple of great characters I didn't want to leave hanging.  

In fact, my hero, Darren Zelinsky has walk ons in the first two Maple Springs books - Falling for the Mom to Be that releases the end of this summer, and then again in A Soldier's Valentine which comes out in February.  Darren's a big, quiet spoken kind of outdoorsy guy and a conservation officer for the state of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources.  (Another fascinating occupation and I think they're all rock stars!)  Anyway, Darren has had his heart badly broken, and I feel a bit protective of him, but of course I have to make him face crushing heartbreak once again, right?  LOL. 

Have any of you started a project one way and then didn't like how it looked or came together, so you redid it?  Well that's what happening here -  I started this book from the heroine's point of view like I do most of my Love Inspireds and it simply wouldn't work.  This is truly Darren's story, and as much as I want to coddle the guy - I really need to put him through the emotional ringer.  Sigh.  Easier said then done.

So, I wondered who's perspective do you look forward to reading more in a romance?  The heroine, who we as women can hopefully identify with or the hero, who we hope to also fall in love with along the way?

Thanks for your insight! 
Feel free to keep tabs on my upcoming books at my website www.jennamindel.com 

Jenna  

Books, Books and More - Gail Gaymer Martin

Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailgaymermartin.com.

A Mother To Love was in stores for June but if you missed it, you can still find it as a mass market book or an eBook on Amazon.com or  Christianbooks.com. It is the first in the Lilac Circle series. All the stories revolve around the neighbors who live on Lilac Circle. The next book in the series, A Husband To Love  will be released in October, just in time for Christmas.

What's A Mother To Love About?

An Unexpected Family

Angie Bursten wants to find love on her own timeline. Tired of her family's interference, coworker Rick Jameson comes to the rescue—as her pretend boyfriend. Angie starts to spend time with Rick and his adorable daughter, Carly, and what began as a hoax soon feels all too real. Betrayed by the woman he'd married, single dad Rick is slow to trust. But seeing Angie with Carly, he can't ignore the way he feels for his beautiful coworker. And when Angie helps Rick with the toughest battle of his life—gaining full custody of his child—there'll be no more pretending. If they can open their hearts, Rick and Angie have a real shot at happily-ever-after.

But that''s not all from me. In two days, July 15, Romance By Design, a romance with attitude and humor, is availabe on Amazon.com as an eBook and soon to be a paperback. If you purchase the book the launch day - Wednesday, July 15 - the cost is $.99. Now that's a bargain. On July 16, the price will revert to the regular price.

Here's what you'll read on the back cover about Romance By Design:

When successful interior designer Hunter Evans returns from London with his latest contract in hand, he is startled to learn a new designer with curly red hair, ruffles, and a noisy charm bracelet has been hired to add country decor to the modern design firm. And of all things, the company owner seems to enjoy putting them together on the same project And even worse, Hunter can't control his attraction to her.

Thrilled with her new prestigious position, Morgan Branigan faces opposition in the design company that had catered to modern decor. But nothing can stop her. As the only daughter in an Irish family with five brothers, she learned how to win battles. But had her brothers prepared her for the unexpected feelings that draw her to Hunter, her nemesis? Would it take more than feelings to kindle the relationship? Morgan’s only hope is God’s design.

To see the cover of Romance By Design and learn more Click here  I hope you enjoy 

Investing in Ourselves

Terri Reed here, do you ever have those days where nothing fits? The shorts that I bought a few months ago now won't button. The dress I planned to wear in a few weeks is too tight. Being a writer requires copious hours sitting in front of a computer, which doesn't lend itself to physical activity--unless you invest in a treadmill desk. I'm seriously considering this but they are sooo expensive and I don't know if it will work for me or not. I have issues with motion sickness so I usually stay away from treadmills and such. Though I've heard you walk at such a slow pace that motion sickness shouldn't be a problem. I have also considered acquiring a height adjustment desk that slides up and down so I could work standing up for periods of time.

But the main thing for me is I need to get out of the house and exercise. I was doing pretty well for a long time--I went to the gym everyday for Pilates or Zumba. But then I had some minor injuries and health issues that prevented me from going. And now that I'm doing better its so hard to get going again. I'm determined to get back in shape. Or at least lose the inches I've gained. 

I love to dance so I'm off to Zumba now. Its an hour long. 

I tell myself I can invest an hour in my health.  

Its important that we invest in ourselves so that we have the energy, emotional and physical well-being to invest in others. 

What do you do to invest in yourself?

On Sale NOW!  Oh, and stop by my webpage at www.terrireed.com and comment. I have a present for one commenter between now and July 31st.

LONE AGENT 

Under other circumstances, FBI agent Samantha Bennett might welcome a bit of backup—but not from an overprotective Mountie. She's been on the trail of a serial killer for six months and no one has ever taken the case seriously…until now. When Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector Drew Kelley saves her life, he decides that the hunt for "Birdman" is his problem, too. Together they begin a cross-continent chase to stop the madman before he strikes again. However, Samantha fears her growing feelings for the lawman may weaken her focus, or worse—put Drew directly in the killer's sights… 

Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the U.S.–Canadian border safe

One of Those Days

Hello

It's me.  Pamela Tracy.

Yeah, I know, most of you only know me in cyber-space.  But, hey, I'm like you.  I drink coffee, sometimes.  I love to read.  I have a husband who rolls his eyes a lot.  My bed is made.  The cat is begging for attention.  Just played my one millionth game of UNO with my son.  Oh, and right now we're studying James in Sunday School.

See, we have a lot in common.

It's been a pretty good, pretty great day.

I woke up (that's always good)

I went to water aerobics (I'm trying to be good)

I cleaned house and I worked on revisions as well as new writing.

I went shopping (noticed during water aerobics that my bathing suit had a small hole)

Cooked dinner.

Wrote some more.

Got great writing news - Yeah!  Jumped up and down.

Then, the pretty good, pretty great day went cloudy.

Got bad writing news.

Total slump, air taken out of my wind, all that.

Margaret Mitchell said, "In a weak moment I have written a book…"

I finally get it.

It's after the book is finished that you have to be tough.  

Writer Friends: Felicia Mason

Felicia and I at Seton Hill

Update:  winner of Felicia's book is Kathryn Beatty! Kathryn, could you please get in touch so I can email you your book? LeeMcClain1234 at yahoo.com.  Thanks!

Hi there! Lee Tobin McClain here, thinking about writer friends and how important they've been to me on my writing journey.

Writing can be a lonely job. I spend a lot of hours at my house by myself, dreaming up stories, writing them down, and polishing the words to make the story flow smoothly.

But I'm blessed to have made many writer friends along the way, including several Love Inspired authors. It's fun to think about how I got to know these ladies and all the good times we've had together. So throughout the summer, I'm blogging various places about my writer friends (check out the InspyRomance blog this Friday!).

Felicia Mason is my longest-term Love Inspired friend. We met years ago when we both needed critique partners, and have exchanged ideas and manuscripts many times. Felicia has been a real encourager to me in writing as well as in my personal life and my faith. As all of her friends know, she's a great one for sending inspiring cards, articles, and small gifts that seem to show up just when you're feeling down.

Click here to buy!

Knowing how dynamic and knowledgable she is, I invited her to be a guest speaker at Seton Hill University where I work, and she continues to teach in our writing program's twice-a-year residencies. The great benefit to me is that I know I'll get to see my friend at least a couple of times a year. Since Felicia lives in Virginia and I live in Pennsylvania--and since we're both way too busy--it's hard to schedule get-togethers. But we're determined to meet in Harper's Ferry for a writing retreat before the end of 2015. And we'll take pictures!

Felicia's latest Love Inspired book, The Single Dad Finds a Wife, features a frazzled single dad who falls for his son's pediatrician. You are going to love it! For a chance to win an e-copy, comment below--tell us what you like about Love Inspired books. Do it by July 4th to be entered into the random drawing. 

For more freebies, drop by my website. I look forward to hearing from you!

New Release tomorrow!

Terri Reed here on this abnormally hot Oregon day. Whew! 

I have a new release in July that I wanted to share with you all. 

Joint Investigation is the second book in my Northern Border Patrol series from Love Inspired Suspense. 

LONE AGENT 

Under other circumstances, FBI agent Samantha Bennett might welcome a bit of backup—but not from an overprotective Mountie. She's been on the trail of a serial killer for six months and no one has ever taken the case seriously…until now. When Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector Drew Kelley saves her life, he decides that the hunt for "Birdman" is his problem, too. Together they begin a cross-continent chase to stop the madman before he strikes again. However, Samantha fears her growing feelings for the lawman may weaken her focus, or worse—put Drew directly in the killer's sights… 

Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the U.S.–Canadian border safe

To celebrate my new release I'll be guest appearing on several blogs throughout the month of July. If you would like to see my blog schedule you can stop by my webpage to sign up for my latest newsletter.  I have several interview type blog posts as well as sharing some behind the scenes information about this book and also sharing a recipe for a Summer Fruit Treat.

Also stop by my webpage sometime between July 7th and July 31st and comment to enter in a giveaway I'll be doing on my webpage.  

And stop by Goodreads to enter to win a copy of Joint Investigation

I can hardly believe July is upon us. I have taken four writing related classes this year and have more coming up. I believe strongly in continuing to improve my writing and my research.  I just finished a class through Writers University-- M.A. Taylor's "Law Enforcement: Making Your Cop Real".

It was fascinating. The instructor was informative and knowledgeable. She went the extra mile for the students by contacting other agencies with questions from the class.  She even contacted Scotland Yard!  

I'll be heading to New York City in the later part of July to attend Romance Writers of America's national writers conference in the heart of the city. 

Then in August I'll be heading to the mid-west for the Writers Police Academy conference to learn more about the men and women of law enforcement, emergency personnel and fire fighters. I signed up to ride in a fire engine. I wonder if they'll let me drive it? 

I wish you a wonderful, safe and exciting Independence Day!

Endings

The final pages of a good romance have me racing to reach The End. When I do, I close the book and heave a satisfied sigh.

And then I feel a strange sense of loss. After all, I've spent hours with the couple, getting to know them. At times I feared for them. Other times I cheered for them.

But they've reached their Happy Ever After, and I must move on to the next story.

The same is true in my writing world. I work hard on a story, wait a year or more for it to hit the shelves and then enjoy the joyful frenzy that is release month.

My first Love Inspired Historical was officially released on June second. I participated in a successful Book Release Party on Facebook along with the other June LIH authors, hosted a highly successful look Book Launch at the very rail depot where the hero and heroine in Family of Her Dreams met, was a guest on sixteen blogs, gave away many copies of my books and met lots of enthusiastic readers. I was crazy busy, but I had a blast.

But now the month is drawing to a close. The June titles will still be available online, but the focus will soon shift to the July titles.

My book's time in the spotlight is over, but I have a host of happy memories. Reality has returned, with my days spent working on my next story in solitude, but I'm content. That is the ebb and flow of a writer's life.

How do you feel when something you've anticipated for a long time is over?

Sharon is the winner of our quarterly giveaway!

Congratulations to Sharon H. for winning our quarterly giveaway basket! (Sharon, I’ve emailed you so please contact me if you didn’t get it.)

Be sure to re-enter every quarter. Click here for the entry form.

Also, get extra entries by commenting on our blog! (One extra entry per person per blog post.)

Get a peek at the new giveaway basket here.

Thanks for reading and loving Love Inspired romances!

~The Love Inspired authors

Groceries by Leann Harris

The other day my husband and I went grocery shopping. Since I had cancer, he was in charge of the shopping. Now that I'm well, we take turns going to the store. This day as I put things into the cart, my husband told me he had a system. Cold items go in the seat area in a neat pile. Well, I couldn't believe my ears, so I just tossed in the items we needed. He would stop and reorganize. He informed me it was easier to take things out of the cart and put on the cashier belt. Over 44 years of shopping and now suddenly I'm doing it wrong. Go figure. At least he's doing the shopping.

I also took him by the book section of the store and showed him my latest book. He was amazed.

Allie Pleiter on...wait, I forgot...

It’s all material….

image courtesy of WikiHow

It had to happen.  

After all, romance author is probably the only career—except maybe soap opera star—where experiencing an episode of amnesia is a professional resource.  I was bound to do an amnesia story one of these days.  And this year, A RANGER FOR THE HOLIDAYS (November 2015) is just that.

In June of 2010, I woke one morning with no ability to retain short-term information. I remember only glimpses of this, but my son CJ tells me I recognized him and all our family, but not that my daughter was at camp or the things we had bought the day before.  Now, CJ is no stranger to medical crises, so he wisely asked me things like what day it was, etc.  I could not answer any of them.  Smart kid, he sat me down on the couch with my dog, said “here, pet Bella while I call Dad.”  CJ and Dad decided it was time to call an ambulance.  CJ was in cancer treatments at the time, so the immediate theory was that I had suffered a stroke from the stress of his illness.

I remember none of this.  I don’t remember the ambulance ride nor most of my days in the hospital.  Evidently, I asked the same 12 questions over and over (think “50 First Dates” only nowhere near as charming) and gave identical responses to the answers.  Can’t you just see the headline now?  “Teenage cancer patient calls 911 on amnesiac romance author mom”

It’s almost amusing now that everyone is okay.  CJ is healthy and in very successful remission, our house is not in any medical chaos whatsoever, and my doctors tell me that I experienced not a stroke but Transient Global Amnesia—a once-in-a-lifetime vascular phenomena known to happen to migraine patients and people who take cholesterol drugs (I am both).  And, it makes a fascinating story.

I don’t recall many facts, but the emotions are still vivid for me.  Feeling like a freak, feeling as though your missing memory is stalking you, the desperate need to feel safe, all these things were useful to me as I crafted Texas Ranger Finn Brannigan.  And now I really can say, “It’s all material…”  

If the story is vivid and compelling to you, now you know why.

New cover starting a new series....

Jenna Mindel here, excited to share the cover of the first book of my new Maple Springs series.   The book doesn't release until the end of summer, but hey, might as well get the word out now, right? 

The Widow's Surprise Baby.....

When Annie Marshall discovers just weeks after her husband’s death that she’s carrying his baby, her sadness turns to hope. Scared of facing this all on her own, she reluctantly accepts the help of her husband’s best friend, Matthew Zelinsky. The kiss they shared after the funeral was just two friends comforting each other—or so she tells herself. Yet spending time together makes them wonder if what they feel is more than friendship.When people in town start raising eyebrows and her business begins to suffer from the gossip, Annie must decide if loving Matthew is worth the risk.






I'm excited about this for a several reasons.  It's my first, very own Love Inspired series, and each book I have planned highlights some really cool and unique occupations that I've encountered since living in Northern Michigan.  Also, the town of Maple Springs is inspired by the area where I currently live.   Now, I'm crazy about Northern Michigan - but I can't help but wonder if there's certain series settings that are your favorites...

What's your favorite kind of place to read about? 
  
Have a blessed day, and check out more about upcoming books in the Maple Springs series at my website jennamindel.com

Summer by Leann Harris

Summer's here. It's been a wet beginning to the season, but welcomed. I grew up in a small town in Colorado. If you wanted to go anywhere, you walked. I'd pick up a friend and we'd walk to the Woolworth's or ice cream store. Or I'd walk down another big hill to the pool. In a different direction was the rec center. But what I remember are the sounds--kids playing, dogs barking or the wind in the trees and the brook at the bottom of the hill. You could let your imagination fly.

I guess that's when I became a writer. I miss those days.

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM? by Marta Perry

Where do your ideas come from? Writers are asked that question so often that I've posted about it numerous times. Still, no matter what I say, I'm not sure I've answered the question.The easy answer is--Everywhere! But usually people want something more specific, since they can't imagine coming up with ideas for over 50 books.

Two great sources of ideas for me are personal experience and research. No, I haven't experienced all the things that happen to the characters in my novels, I'm thankful to say. But even if I've never run from a deranged killer in the dark, I have experienced that initial chill of being alone in the house and hearing a door open. Thank goodness, there's always been an innocent explanation, but I can imagine what it might feel like to be in that situation and find a stranger with a knife in the kitchen!

In my new book, THE RESCUED, releasing today from Berkley Books, the personal experience aspect of the story comes from the stories I tell my grandchildren. The stories they like most are those about their parents when they were small. Perennial favorites are "When Daddy went Fishing for Chickens" and "The Day Mommy Unrolled a Whole Package of Dental Floss." (You probably don't want to know the why for either of those activities!) So in my Keepers of the Promise series of three books, a grandmother is sharing the stories of their family with three granddaughters. Each woman finds strength for her own future in those precious stories of the past.

Another source of ideas is research. Most people might say they're looking for facts when they do research, not ideas. But every new little tidbit I learn may well lead to a whole new story idea. I discovered the premise for the past story in THE RESCUED while researching something else entirely. I happened to run across a wonderfully evocative black-and-white news photograph of Amish schoolchildren running into a cornfield to escape being forced to attend an English school. From there it was a few clicks to the astonishing story of over a hundred Amish parents being arrested and sent to jail for refusing to send their children to a consolidated school. And this didn't happen in the 1800s--it occurred in 1953 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was a short leap to the back story in my book of a woman who faces just that dilemma in her own life.

To read an excerpt from THE RESCUED, go to http://www.martaperry.com/book_rescued.html.
Blessings,
Marta

Getting a Fresh Start

Keli Gwyn here to talk about new beginnings. I'm experiencing my exciting start as a Love Inspired author this month. My first Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams, will hit shelves any day now. Be sure to see the giveaway below.

I've been though the thrill of a book release before. Barbour Publishing released my debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, in the summer of 2012.

Three years passed between my first and second contract offers, in which I felt like a One-Book Wonder. I came to dread the question, "What's next?" I'd give the eager reader a polite smile and assure her I was working on a new story I hoped would soon find a home.

It did!

On a memorable day in December 2013 my agent, Rachelle Gardner, called to tell me my dream of writing for Love Inspired Historical had come true. I did some serious happy dancing.

A First Sale is an incredible experience, but my second sale made me every bit as happy. I fell in love with the sweet Harlequin romances of the 70's when I was a teen and dreamed of writing stories like them. Here I am forty years later doing just that.

Some things are worth waiting for. That's a lesson Tess Grimbsy, the heroine in my first LIH, Family of Her Dreams, has to learn. She arrives in the small town of Shingle Springs, California eager to land a job as Spencer Abbott's housekeeper. The trouble is, she was dismissed by her previous employer.

Recently widowed with two small children, Spencer needs help, but he's hesitant to welcome another woman into his home. Even so, he gives Tess the opportunity to show him what she can do.

Tess embraces the fresh start she's been given, pouring her heart into caring for Spencer's two young children and his home. Along the way, she develops feelings for her grieving employer, but he's not ready to marry again. Will he ever be? And would he even consider her if he was?

I'm giving away an autographed copy of Family of Her Dreams
to one blog visitor with a US address.

To enter the drawing, leave a comment
with your answer to the question below.

 What fresh starts have you experienced in your life?

  

I'll choose a winner tomorrow and post the name here.

Be sure to leave your email address when prompted so I can contact you if you win.
Please don't leave any personal information in the comment itself.
We don't want spammers to get it and trouble you. 

 

A Family to Cherish

Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she’d fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can’t help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she’ll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.

Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a Gold-Rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire’s kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?

Copyright © 2015 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Cover art and cover copy used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
or its affiliated companies, used under license.