Blessings and Book Ideas

Rhonda Gibson here:

You know that moment when you know you are truly blessed? Well, today I feel that way. I love that Love Inspired publishes historical romances. The month of June is when Pony Express Hero comes out. And, I'm blessed to share the bookshelves with these other three books.





I've had the pleasure of reading other books by Janet, Karen and Lily and know their books are great! So I'll be buying all three when they show up at my Walmart. It is a blessing to be in such great company.

I'm also blessed that I come across such interesting things that bring about the ideas for my books. The idea for Pony Express Hero came when I read an article about a hugh Texas ranch and how the owner died leaving his daughter in charge of the ranch. The author of the article jokingly wrote, "I wonder if she had a hard time finding an honest husband?" That question got my brain to thinking and soon Pony Express Hero was born.

If you are a writer/author, how did you come up with the basic idea for your current book?
If you are a reader, have you come across any ideas that you'd like to see as the basic idea in one of our books? Inquiring minds want to know.

What We're reading

Terri Reed
I’m in the middle of reading the Summer Brides anthology by authors Susan Wiggs, Sherryl Woods and Susan Mallery. All great authors. I’ve finished the first story, the Borrowed Bride by Susan Wiggs and it was delightful. I’m halfway through A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl Woods and its a cute, fun read. I’m looking forward to reading Susan Mallery’s Sister of the Bride.

I recently finished reading Vulnerable by Mary Burton. As always, it was a fast paced, suspenseful read set in Nashville which I’ll be visiting this summer.

Up next, I’m not sure. It will depend on the mood I’m in when I finish the anthologies.

 

Cate Nolan

Currently reading:  Two different books: Think No Evil : Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond and Debby Giusti's Plain Danger

Just finished: Dana Mentik's Dangerous Tidings

Up next: books for a contest

Jolene Navarro

I finished The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding. It's three mothers that live in the New York area and they wrote this right after 911. I'm actually rereading it. Love this book on motherhood, faith and culture. 

I'm reading Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Ron McMillan. It is for work but I'm also finding great insight to personal conversations and a better understanding of the power play with my characters.

What am I reading next? My list is so overwhelming I'm not sure. Maybe a fun Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Jodi Thomas.

Lenora Worth

I am reading The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay. Very good!!

Pamela Tracy
I just finished The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordon.  He wrote Percy Jackson and I'm reading what my son reads.

I'm reading Ghost in the Wind by E.J. Copperman.  What can I say?  I like a good ghost story.

Next, I'll be reading The Apprentice, My Life in the Kitchen by Jacque Pepin.  He wrote Kitchen Confidential.  It's for my book club.

Barbara Phinney

What I am reading: A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson

What I just finished: The Red Sea Rules

Next to be read: Seaside Secrets by Dana Mentink

Leann Harris

I'm reading Linda Goodnight's book, Memory House.

Rhonda Gibson

 Currently Reading: The God I Never Knew by Robert Morris Non-Fiction

What I just finished Reading: Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffery Fantasy

What is next on my reading list: Mrs. Jefferies Wins The Prize by Emily Brightwell Cozy Mystery

Jill Kemerer

I'm currently reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. This is a nonfiction Christian living book written for women who struggle with their weight. I'm very encouraged by the message of finding our significance in Christ and relying on His strength to help us make healthy choices. As someone who is tired of gaining/losing the same 5-7 pounds, I'm thrilled to have found this book.

I recently finished reading Jill Lynn's May Love Inspired, Her Texas Family. Jill has such a fresh voice, I couldn't put this one down!

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Books for a contest.

I am currently reading: Venetia by Georgette Heyer. I adore classical Regency romances and Georgette Heyer is the queen of all Regencies.

Next up I plan to read: The Crown by Kiera cass. My daughters passed the first books on to me after they had read them and I am looking forward to this last book in the series.

Linda Goodnight

I just finished reading: Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin, a gorgeously written, heart-tugging story I simply could not put down. Talk about a manly hero. Oh my!

I’m currently reading: Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas, a Texas rancher romance full of wit, tenderness, and beauty.

Next I plan to read: Rustler’s Moon by Jodi Thomas, one of her Ransom Canyon books. I’ve just discovered her books and love her writing.

So, Craftie readers, what are you reading?

What We're Reading

Cate Nolan:

I JUST FINISHED: The last of my books for a contest I was judging.

I’M CURRENTLY READING: Dana Mentink's Dangerous Tidings.  (I had to set this aside to do all my contest books, so I'm excited to get to finish - finally!)

I NEXT PLAN TO READ: Liz Johnson's The Red Door Inn. I started reading on my Kindle App, but I want the print copy so I can keep the fabulous cover!

Jolene Navarro

I just finished my last Rita book (top secret)so now I get to attack my own sky high stack of stories

Right now I'm reading Alaskan Reunion by the fabulous Belle Calhoune. I'm hooked. I'm also reading The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook. I love exploring the world with watercolor.

Next on my list is Rustler's Moon by Jodi Thomas. It is the second in a new series called Ransom Canyon.

Christine Johnson:

I just finished reading: Several books as a judge in the Rita contest. Sorry, I can't reveal any titles.

I'm currently reading: The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate. This book was chosen by my book club, and I'm loving it. Like all engaging stories, I'd rather spend the day reading than doing my work. Uh-oh.

I next plan to read: A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker. All right, I'll admit that I haven't read any of his books. The genre scares me a bit, but it's the next book selected by my book club, so I'm plunging in...with the lights on all night if necessary.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: Rock Her by Inglath Cooper, a woman's fiction/marriage crisis, sweet romance.

I'm currently reading: Always With You, my long-time friend Elaine Stock's debut novel. My best description is that it's a Christian psychological suspense with strong romantic elements, not what I usually read. It's the kind of book people love or hate.

Next I plan to read: I'll probably finish How to Manage the Time of Your Life by James Scott Bell, which I've been reading a little at a time for the past couple of weeks.

Deb Kastner: 

I just finished reading: The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.

I am currently reading: The Lamb' Supper by Scott Hahn (nonfiction) and Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon.

Next up for me: Reunion by Sharon Sala

Pamela Tracy:

What I just finished reading:  Nine Rita books.  Yup, got my scores in at 10 p.m. the day they were due.

What I'm reading now:  John by Cynthia Lennon - so far, I'm liking it.

 What I'm reading next:  Judging YA for the Desert Quill contest.

Rhonda Gibson

Just Finished: The Blessed Life by Robert Morris 


Currently Reading: First Quest Rogues to Riches by J. Robert King


Plan To Read Next: Conveniently Wed by Angel Moore

Terri Reed:

I’M CURRENTLY READING: I just picked up When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare. So far its a verra good read, funny and touching.


I NEXT PLAN TO READ:Next I think I’ll read Find Her by Lisa Gardner

I JUST FINISHED: I can’t say the title of the one I just finished because it was an entry in the RWA RITA contest. But it was well done and a fun read.

Linda Goodnight:

Just finished:  I've been reading RITA books for judging so I can't discuss. But I want to!!

What I'm reading now:  Bombpops, Blow Dryers, and Butterfly Kisses by Angelia Waite, a nonfiction Christian book for those dealing with the loss of a child.

What I'll read next:  probably  Stardust, by Carla

Stewart. Carla writes nostalgia from a Christian perspective that's always emotive and touching, so I'm looking forward to this one.

Barbara Phinney
Just finished:  The Martian. Bad language, but good story.

What I'm reading now:  Cadfael: The Raven at the Foregate. Slow to start. It’s helping me sleep. And several of my own short stories in order to edit.

What I'll read next:  I have a number of books given to me, but haven’t decided yet. Some sci-fi, some short stories, and one biography.

Missy Tippens:


I JUST FINISHED: Judging books for a contest so can't share. :)


I’M CURRENTLY READING: Just started The Nanny's New Family by Margaret Daley.


I NEXT PLAN TO READ: The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight. I guess it'll be Christmas in March! :)


Teri Wilson:


Just finished: If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins. I love Kristan Higgins, and I read everything she writes. This is her first trade paperback women's fiction book, and it was amazing. I devoured it. 

What I'm reading now: Losing the Light by Andrea Dunlop. I'm going to a book festival in Paris next month, and this book takes place in France, so that was the draw. It's also gotten loads of great reviews. I think it's a thriller, but I'm only on page 10. So we'll see.

What I'll read next: I'm really eager to read After You by Jojo Moyes, the sequel to Me Before You, which I adored. It's sitting on my nightstand, ready to go.

Carolyne Aarsen:


I just finished reading: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes


I am currently reading: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp


Next up: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard


Mary Alford:

I just finished reading: Lethal Action (Danger in the Deep South Book 1) by Rachel Dylan. I loved it. A great legal suspense.

Next I'm planning to read: A Rush Of Wings by Kristen Heitzman. Can't wait. Kristen is one of my favorites.

Allie Pleiter:


Just finished: Rising Strong by Brene Brown is a thoughtful look at how we react to and learn from life's challenges


What I'm reading now: The Iron King by Judy Kagawa is an engrossing young adult novel with another world drawn from Shakespeare's faery characters


What I'll read next: probably The Days of Noah by Virginia Smith.  Ginny is a good friend of mine and I've been meaning to read her inventive take on how the world was before the great flood.

So, everyone else… what are you reading?

Pony Express Horses

Hey Everyone! Rhonda Gibson here... running late... so sorry.

But let's use the time I have left to talk about the Pony Express horses.

I have always loved horses. So while doing research for the Saddles & Spurs Pony Express series, my first order of business was to find out what kinds of horses the Pony Express used. First off, I discovered they used hundreds of horses. They were top-quality and the type of horse varied due to the terrain that they would be traveling.

But, most of them were half-breed California mustangs. They were on the average, no more than fifteen hands high, weighed about nine hundred pounds and were four to seven years old.

These horse's were the riders best friends on the trail. They often saved them from attacking Indians. So they were fed the best grain. They were highly intelligent and had an uncanny sense of direction. Making them especially valuable because they often saved the riders life  by finding their way on the trail, even under the most severe weather conditions.

Of course, I do love the horses but let's be honest, the best horses were of no use without experienced riders.

The first book in the Saddles & Spurs Pony Express Courtship is out this month. In it you will be introduced to several of the riders. I changed their names but each one has a little something about them that I learned from researching the real Pony Express riders or men who worked with the Pony Express.

 

 

Do you love horses? Do you have a special memory that you would like to share with us today? I'd love to hear your stories.

 



FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: A Convenient Christmas Bride by Rhonda Gibson

Hitched for the Holidays 

After a pupil's prank forces Anna Mae Leland to take shelter with a widowed sheriff during a blizzard, she loses her teaching job—but gains a fiancé. Josiah Miller needs a mother for his twin daughters and Anna Mae needs to protect her reputation. This business-only arrangement means the recently jilted Anna Mae need never risk the folly of love again. 

Josiah has long admired the town's spirited schoolteacher from afar. In close quarters, she's an ideal friend and helpmate. Yet Christmas's arrival brings a gift neither dared hope for—a second chance at love and happiness…but only if they'll forego what's practical and follow their hearts.

Interview:
How exciting to have Anna Mae Leland, the heroine from
A Convenient Christmas Bride written
by Rhonda Gibson, a December 2015 release
from Love Inspired Historical Romance .

1. Anna Mae,
tell me the most interesting thing about you. That�s a hard one. I�m not sure I�m
very interesting. I guess what makes me interesting is that I answered a
mail-order bride advertisement. 

2. What do you do for
fun? I love to read. 

3. What do you put
off doing because you dread it? Cleaning the chicken coop.

4. What are you
afraid of most in life? That I will lose my teaching job.

5. What do you want
out of life? I want to be independent. 

6. What is the most
important thing to you? God, my job and the children I teach, in that order.

7. If you could
change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I�m gullible. Others may not
see me that way, but I do.

8. Do you have a pet?
If so, what is it and why that pet? No, I don�t have a place to keep a pet but
if I did get a pet, I think it would be a kitten. I love their soft purr.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the
time period you live in? Here�s a fun tidbit J 1887 Feb
2, People began gathering at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., to witness
the groundhog's search for its shadow. 

Rhonda Gibson
The Texan's Twin Blessings - June 2015
A Convenient Christmas Bride - December 2015
A Pony Express Courtship - March 2016
https://www.amazon.com/author/rhondagibson
http://www.rhondagibson.net * 

December? Christmas Already?

Where did the time go? I can't believe it is Christmas time already! This year we are going home for Christmas. Home for me is Oklahoma. Yes, I live in New Mexico but Mama lives in Oklahoma. See the connection?

I love Christmas. For the past couple of years I have put up our smaller tree. This is a picture from last year but this year will be no different. Normally my tree is up and I'm ready, but this year well... time got away from me. I still can't believe it is so close to Christmas! Can you?

 

 

One of my favorite things about the month of December is the Love Inspired Books that come out each year. We've already seen many wonderful Christmas books this year on the shelves by our favorite authors. This month I am so happy to be sharing shelf space with Winnie Griggs, Linda Ford and Jo Ann Brown. 

 

 

The twins, Rose and Ruby, are back this month in A Convenient Christmas Bride. It was hard saying goodbye to them at the end of the book but I know they are happy.

 

 

 

 

So am I the only one who thinks December and Christmas came early this year?



Quilting A Story

Hi all, Rhonda Gibson here. It seems like forever since I've posted on Craftie Ladies.

I confess I've been busy writing but I've also been playing on Pinterest looking at quilts and building my fabric stash.

 

 

 

What does that have to do with writing? Well, Pinterest and quilting both have to do with writing. I use Pinterest a lot to do research, collect photos for possible use on covers and to procrastinate. Quilting is also a part of researching, there have been quilters in our history for ever! and it too is a great way to procrastinate.

 

So today I'm going to do a comparison of quilting and writing.

 

Step 1

 

Quilting                                        

Go through fabric stash and pick just the right fabrics. 

Writing

Go through story ideas and choose one.

 

Step 2

 

Quilting

Decide on type of quilt to make.

Writing

Decide what genre to write in. Historical? Contemporary? or Mystery? (those are my choices) But it's usually a historical. After all, I do write for LIH.

 

Step 3

 

Quilting

Lay the fabric out and began cutting to create the quilt.

Writing

Start working on the synopsis, placing scenes where they need to go to create a story.

 

Step 4

 

Quilting

Go to the sewing machine and start piecing the fabric together.

Writing

Go to the computer and start writing the story.

 

Step 5 This step is different with each quilt/book

 

Quilting

Break out the seam ripper and fix mistakes

Writing

Edit as I go/fix mistakes

 

Step 6

 

Quilting

Layer top of quilt, what you've spent hours sewing, with the batting and back piece of fabric.

Writing

Write until you get to the end of the book.

 

Step 7

 

Quilting

Sew on the binding. It gives the quilt that finished look

Writing

Send into editor. Polish what she/he says and give it that finished look.

 

Step 8

Quilting

Sewing take a picture and show off your creation.

Writing

Wait for the book to arrive. Take it's picture and show off your creation.

 

There are several steps that I've left out but I wanted to give you the basic idea. I love writing and I love putting quilt tops together. I'm not a fan of the actual quilting process but I'm learning a new way of quilting, it's new to me, called quilt as you go. Which is how I write!!

 

Below is my latest book and my first big quilt. I hope you enjoy both.

 

My latest release.

My first King Size Quilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Party Time

Rhonda Gibson here...

Yes it is that time of the year again. I love Christmas parties. This week I am preparing for my local writer's group, The Story Weavers,  Christmas party. It is going to be Saturday the 21st at one of the members house. This is our first Christmas party as a group and I'm way excited.

Here are a few things we are going to do:
1. Eat Brunch (starts at 10am goes until 12:00)
2. Have a bean auction using small, inexpensive, wrapped gifts that we are all bringing.
3. Discuss our plans for the upcoming year.

But, mainly it's to be a time of fellowship. We will get to know one another better, have some fun and celebrate Christ's birth.

What are some of the things that you've done at Christmas parties? I'd love to hear ideas for next years party and since we are doing this early, I might be able to use them this year.

Oh and there is still time to buy Taming The Texas Rancher for a Christmas gift.

 

                        

Taming the Texas Rancher Interview

How exciting to have Hannah Young from TAMING THE TEXAS RANCHER written by  Rhonda Gibson  a  October 2013 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Hannah, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I would have to say the most interesting thing about me is my love of reading. That may not be interesting to others but I think it is because I try to read the most current fiction novels of my day.

2.  What do you do for fun? Read

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? I love horses but because of a childhood accident I’m afraid to ride them. So for many years I have avoided riding them but to prove myself to Daniel, I have to learn to ride again without being afraid of the horse.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? Not being accepted as I am. You see, because of the horse accident I now live with a limp and hate that others see me as less of a person because of it.

5.  What do you want out of life? To be loved and to be trusted.

6.  What is the most important thing to you? I want to become the person I was when I was a child. I want to work on the ranch beside my future husband, Daniel.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  My height. I wish I was taller so others would take me more serious.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I recently got a puppy named, Buttons. Buttons came from a large family and needed a home plus the little boy that gave her to me is so cute, I couldn’t refuse him.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in? This is the news of the year, at least I thought so: Geronimo Surrenders! The last major Indian War in the USA ends when the Apache Chief Geronimo surrenders at Skeleton canyon after a decade-long campaign of terror to discouraged settlers in New Mexico and Arizona. He and his tribe agreed to move to Florida.

FEATURED BOOK: TAMING THE TEXAS RANCHER BY RHONDA GIBSON

Race to the Altar 

Though he'd never planned to wed, Daniel Westland must marry and produce a grandchild before his brother does in order to inherit the family ranch. Leave it to him to pick a mail-order bride who insists on being courted! Yet every time Daniel wonders if Hannah Young is even suited to rugged living, the petite schoolteacher shows her gumption. 

What man sends away for a bride but doesn't really want to get married? Hannah came to Granite, Texas, hoping to find love and security, and she can't settle for less than a true partnership. If the brooding, handsome rancher can just learn to trust in Hannah, their future could be as filled with promise as this bountiful land.

Announcing our October reader contest

Lacy Williams here with a big announcement! Drumroll please...

If you are an ACFW member or attended the 2013 conference in Indianapolis, you might've seen this ad in the conference booklet:

That's right. A bunch of the CRAFTIE Ladies are giving away books.

How do you win? Post a comment on any Thursday in October and you will be entered to win a book from each participating author.

Tell your friends, your neighbors, your Facebook followers. We want to make sure everyone knows about this giveaway for 18 books!

Stop by every Thursday for special posts and don't forget to comment!

Crafts and Craftie Ladies

Hi everyone!

Rhonda Gibson here.

I was thinking... yes a dangerous task I know anyway ... I was thinking, what do my sister Craftie ladies do for fun when they aren't writing? Then I got a little more specific, what kinds of crafts do they do?

You see, Winter time is when I craft the most. My favorite craft to do is beading. I make beaded jewelry. I'm not real fancy but I do have fun with it and it relaxes me. Just this last week, I made a pair of earrings and a bracelet for a friend for a birthday present. She loves lighthouses and the color blue. I was going to post a picture but it doesn't look like it will let me here... so if you want to see it go to Rhonda's Ramblings and have a look.

Now on to what some of my Craftie Ladie friends are crafting!

Debra Ullrick reported that she enjoys drawing. She does Western Art with charcoal.

Christina Rich says my youngest dd and I love making scarves. See their creations here.

Jo Ann Ferguson enjoys knitting, lately she's been making personalized Christmas stockings for each new member of the family (baby or bride/groom).

Cheryl St. John makes jewelry and Valentine's once a year.

Allie Pleiter says "Most of you know how passionate I am about knitting.  I've written a knitting and travel blog for three years: destiKNITions.blogspot.com. I'm NEVER without yarn and needles!"

Deborah Hale here: "I used to do cross-stitch. The last projects I did were individual stockings for my four children. I would love to get back to it and scrap booking if I had more time. About the only crafts I do these days are sometimes at Christmas when I make an ornament or two for my tree. This year I made half-a-dozen new decoupage egg ornaments which turned out really nice. Here's a link to a picture from Cheryl's Christmas tree tour"

So now it's your turn! Tell us what crafts you enjoy doing!!

Hay Rides and Craft Fairs

Rhonda Gibson here and I agree October can be scary.
 

But, I choose to enjoy the crisp air, the changing colors of leaves and family fun time.

You know what I'm talking about, craft fairs and hay rides!

When I was a pre-teen/teen our church had a hay ride every October. I loved the smell of the hay and since the ride time fell around dusky dark, what great fun to see the scarecrows, hay bales, and pumpkins we passed along the way. My fellow passengers speaking in soft tones heightened the feeling of adventure. The cool crisp air on my cheeks and the warm blanket covering my little brother and I made it cozy.

And, we can't forget the craft fairs! I love them. My daughter and granddaughters go with me every year. Browsing the new crafts is my favorite part and hearing the stories of what people planned to do with their homemade goods puts a smile on my face. Discovering new projects to try during the winter months, well, there's just nothing better. My daughter is always on the hunt for Christmas gifts to buy or ideas to make herself. I often find myself returning without her to purchase something she or one of the grandgirls liked. It's fun to see their expressions later when the gifts are opened.

See? Nothing scary about craft fairs and hay rides.

What is your favorite part of a craft fair? Is it the homemade items? The food? The excitement on faces when they find the perfect gift for a loved one?

And, let's not forget the hayrides. Did you go on hay rides when you were a kid? Do you still?