
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Resolutions anyone?

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Our Christmas snow

This year we had a blizzard warning issued for Christmas Eve. We ended up with 7-8 inches of snow and a white Christmas. Instead of my son and his family coming over for Christmas Day, my husband and I were out shoving the snow from our driveway so it would be easier to get out (we felt the effects of shoving the next day--moving a little slower). My son, his wife and my four grandchildren did come on Saturday for a belated Christmas. We hadn't had a white Christmas in seven years.
This evening we are having part two of snow. A few more inches have fallen here to add to the other inches that haven't melted because the temperature has been so low.
Although Christmas Eve service was cancelled, they are going to perform part of it on January 3rd. I'm really looking forward to going--unless it snows again. Oh well, in the winter you have to be prepared to rearrange your plans in case of bad weather.
How was your Christmas? Sunny? Snowy? Warm? Cold?

Monday, December 28, 2009
To fray or not to fray
Sunday, December 27, 2009
FEATURED AUTHORS: LINDA GOODNIGHT AND LENORA WORTH

Saturday, December 26, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: LONE STAR BLESSINGS BY BONNIE K. WINN

Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas in the Tippens Household

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Day - lost, as usual
Anyway, I just discovered my error and went back online to try to make it up. The following is the end of my original post which is pretty out-of-date by now!
"Truly, it doesn't matter what day you celebrate our Savior's birth or when you choose to give gifts. What I believe does matter, is that you do it all with love and teach your children that Jesus is Lord. In the chaos that used to mark my Christmases I often lost sight of that.
REMEMBER HIM. That's the only thing that really counts."
In His Love,
Valerie Hansen
Lyn Cote & How I Made God Laugh

Lyn's dh and daughter & Lyn
Lyn Cote here! When my dh and I decided it was time to start our family, I said that the only month I didn't want to have a child was December. I often imagine God hearing this and giving a big belly laugh. (I believe God has a great sense of humor.) Because of course he knew that I was going to have both my son and my daughter in December!
However, I discovered that having December babies had many special touches. On both delivery mornings, the hospital practically cleared out the maternity ward. As I had already demonstrated, most women don't want to have babies at Christmas. So soon it was just me, a few other lucky moms and the nurses. I got a lot of care and watched the nurses decorate the maternity ward for Christmas.
When I took my newborn home, I found that night feedings were very cozy, sitting near the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas carols. And Christmas morning was never so special than with my new little son and then 3 years later my daughter.
I'll never forget on the mornings after my deliveries, I lay in my bed and watched the light snow drift down onto the pine grove around the hospital. Lovely. Perfect. Just how God had planned it!
Here are my two children at our son's Halloween wedding hall.
If you're a mother, did you have a Christmas baby? Or were you a Christmas baby? Our best man was born on Christmas.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ah, the Christmas Menu!
Monday, December 21, 2009

Sunday, December 20, 2009
Heroine Interview from A Wedding in Wyoming

Interview with the heroine:
A WEDDING IN WYOMING by Deb Kastner, December 2009
1. Jenn, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I guess that would be my job. I work as a social worker in downtown Denver. I see many orphaned and abandoned children. Hopefully I am able to help some of them find loving foster families.
2. What do you do for fun?
Fun? I’m not sure I really do anything that qualifies as fun. I work all kinds of weird hours, and am often on call during nights and weekends. My work is the focus of my life.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I love my extended family. They are such a hoot! But I dread going to the yearly reunion at my grandparents’ ranch in Wyoming. I always get teased because I’m not in a serious relationship with a man. They want children running around the ranch--Granny and Auntie Myra, especially. This year, though, I have a plan. Things are going to be different.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I am terrified my family will find out about the way I acted out as a teenager, and the resulting tragedy that ensued. I would be so humiliated if they knew how I’d tossed aside my Christian principles, and the trouble it got me in.
5. What do you want out of life?
I want to make a difference in my work. I suppose I’d like to get married and have children someday, though I wish my family would stop pressuring me to make it happen now.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
I love my family. They may drive me crazy, but they’ve always supported me.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
I love to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and good historical romance after a hard day of work.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I didn’t live in fear. I want to live confidently, not timidly, but I just can’t seem to shake off my past.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
I’m a city girl, and my downtown Denver apartment doesn’t allow pets. I grew up around animals on a ranch, but I don’t really care for them. Especially horses—they terrify me. I was thrown from a horse when I was a small child and never got over it.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to my teenage years, and I would do everything differently. I would study hard and avoid the bad crowd. And I most especially would not have gotten in the car with Duke that night when I was sixteen. My whole life would be different if I changed just that one incident.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: A WEDDING IN WYOMING BY DEB KASTNER

Thursday, December 17, 2009
books

My husband and I decided we aren't getting each other anything for Christmas. We have most everything we need. In fact, I was looking around my house the other day and I thought, I need to get rid of some stuff. I looked at my overflowing bookshelves and decided that might be the best place to start de-cluttering. Some of the bookshelves in my office are double-booked - books are stacked two deep. So I started with my office. I pulled all the books off one shelf and then went through them one by one to decide which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. I looked over each one and sometimes I would open one to a favourite passage and start reading. Needless to say the job wasn't quick. And when I was done the first shelf, I had put almost all of the books back and only thrown out two or about 5%. This was not decluttering. But I couldn't throw so many of them away because they had enlightened me, entertained me, made me grow, made me change. The had done the job they were written for - that's how they ended up on my shelf in the first place. The books that didn't make the cut were thrown away or given away long before. I saw each of the books as a friend that taught me something valuable and in the back of my mind was the idea that I might want to revisit this friend again. I do re-read a lot of my books. That's why I keep them. Or I lend them out so I can share the gift. After Christmas I'm going to give the bookshelves another go. I might have to get my husband to help me. I'm sure he can be a bit more ruthless than I can. I just hope I can let go when the time comes.
Christmas Frays-Cheryl Wyatt Style

I play jokes on people all the time. My family expects it. They live in a constant state of heightened awareness (read: fear-LOL) of me because of it. They never know what they're going to get gift-wise or how the gift will be wrapped. I've been known to use entire rolls of duct tape to wrap presents. Sometimes those jokes backfire and I could tell you many frays where I got into a HUGE box only to find a teeny box inside of the seventy other boxes I had to open to get to the real gift. But, indeed I deserve it and I suppose I should be willing to take it as much as I dish it out.
I got this image and description from a friend through e-mail. I usually delete forwards but I'm so glad I looked at this one. At first, I thought the photo was real and I wondered why in the world would someone be snapping a photo of rather than rushing to help the person-in-distress.
Then I realized that the person dangling was fake and that the scenario WAS the Christmas decoration.
I laughed so hard and begged my husband to let us decorate our home like that this year. We have NEVER had outside decorations. Ever. I told him this is the only one I'd EVER ask for.
He said, "No."
Not just "no" but "Absolutely not. It will cause traffic accidents."
LOL! Well, pout.
When I read him the description below that came with the e-mail, he grinned as bright as a Christmas star because he knew he was right.
And I'm still pouting but I do see his point. Still...it would be hilarious and totally like me, being the practical joker that I am. Hubby is a practical joker too..big time. But I guess it's good for humanity that he's also "practical" without the jokey part when necessary.
Here's the description that came with the forwarded photo:
(I'm sorry, I don't know the original author of the photo or the below e-mail or I would TOTALLY give them credit well-deserved.)
---
"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever Great stories. But two things made me take it down.
First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.
Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard"
---
Hope you get a good laugh out of this today. And may your Christmas decorating NOT go like this. LOL!
Merry Christmas!
Cheryl Wyatt
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Christmas Secrets



Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Gifts

2 Timothy 1:6-7 My take away--God has put gifts in each of us. Wake them up! Don't be afraid to use them, because God has filled us with strength, love and wisdom. 1 Peter 4:10 My take away--God has given each one of us gifts, and it is our responsibility to use these gifts to bless the people around us.
Check out my latest Love Inspired novel. Its still available at http://www.eharlequin.com/
This would make a great stocking stuff or just a fun little present under the tree.

When senior citizens start disappearing from a Boston retirement home at Christmas time, heiress Kristina Worthington is suspicious. Especially when she fears her beloved grandmother is next. Without solid evidence, she’s forced to turn to the one police officer who might listen—her former love, Gabe Burke. Now a seasoned cop, Gabe still sees her as the rich girl whose family thought he wasn’t good enough. And though he takes the case, Gabe seems convinced he’s chasing shadows. Until they start dodging threats, bullets...and their own rekindled feelings.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Ways and Frays: Snow Day

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Hero Interview from Jenna's Cowboy Hero

Interview with the hero from Jenna’s Cowboy Hero by Brenda Minton:
1. Adam MacKenzie, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I retired from pro football and then suddenly I found myself the owner of a half-finished youth camp in Oklahoma. A camp for kids is not my thing, but I guess it’ll have to be for the time being.
2. What do you do for fun? I used to socialize, date, eat at great restaurants. Now I’m eating at a place called the MAD COW CAFÉ and trying to corral my neighbor, Jenna Cameron’s, twin boys. And I kind of like this life.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? Talking to my family. I haven’t spent a lot of time with them. My dad pushed me in football and my sister resented me for it. What’s there to discuss?
4. What are you afraid of most in life? I don’t like being used, but I really can’t think of a lot that I’m afraid of.
5. What do you want out of life? I’d like to find a career that is my choosing. Football was great, but sometimes I think I might have quit back in high school. My dad’s pressure really took the fun out of it. It became more about his lost opportunities and now what I wanted or loved doing. So now, now I’m looking forward to doing what I want. Like the job as a sports reporter for a major network. Or maybe I’ll be a fireman.
6. What is the most important thing to you? That’s changed. Getting that job with the Sports Network was at the top of the list, not that I had a list. Now, well, I can’t believe that keeping Camp Hope going is even on the list, but it’s pretty close to the top. And Jenna. Her boys. Yeah, I guess I have a list now.
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? Play books, for football. Every now and then a good mystery.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? If I changed what I wanted to change, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I guess the one thing I could change is my ability to trust. And I wouldn’t have walked away from faith. My dad pushed me in a lot of ways.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? Funny story. I don’t have a pet, but I guess there’s this turtle that comes around a lot. The twins found it first. We wrote their names on the bottom of its shell. Yeah, that’s embarrassing.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I think I’d only go back in time a year. I’d go to Iraq and I’d be there to rescue Jenna. But since that can’t happen, I guess she’s here to rescue me. I’m going to have to end the interview here because that was one too many moments and this isn’t a Barbara Walters special.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: JENNA'S COWBOY HERO BY BRENDA MINTON

Friday, December 11, 2009
television

I got a call from a telemarketer the other day. He was trying to sell me some kind of phone, internet and television service. Normally I politely interrupt these people and ask them to take our name off their calling list, but I was bit bored - actually I was a bit procrastinating working on a story that was putting me in tangles, and so I thought I would chat him up. I asked him about the weather in India and where he worked and I told him that it was minus 25 Celsius here and he asked how in the world we lived in that kind of weather. Things were going just swimmingly and then he got back to the job at hand which was to sell me this satellite television package. I told him we don't have a television. This was followed by a shocked silence. He said, in a very confused tone of voice, "You don't have a television?" Now just for the record we do have a lovely plasma television hooked up to a DVD player and me, being the gadget freak I am, an Apple TV. But I knew what he was selling and said no, no television and no television plan and absolutely no intention of getting one. We liked to spend our evenings reading, not being yelled at by people selling cars and listening to endless negative effects of endless drug commercials. He paused, then said,very slowly, in a tone of voice reserved for talking to serial killers and bank robbers, "I'm going to hang up now." Now it was my turn to be confused. Hanging up is the prerogative of the callee not the caller. Especially with telemarketers. But then I heard a click and realized the impossible had happened. A telemarketer had actually hung up. On me. How rude! See if I ever talk to any of them again.
Memories of Christmas 2008

As Christmas approaches this year, I'm in Tucson, Arizona. I'm helping Katelyn and her mom and dad move into their new home. We've been putting up Christmas decorations, making sure to put only nonbreakable ornaments within reach of Katelyn's little hands. She will be a year old on Sunday. So I'll get to wish her happy birthday in person before I fly back home. She gets to spend Christmas with her other grandma in Boston this year. But at least, I got to be here for her birthday.
Here's my Christmas fray. Why do Christmas lights that work when you put them away after Christmas not work the following Christmas when you get them out?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Christmas when I was eight.

Hi, Pat Davids here.
It’s Christmas Eve and I’m eight years old in 1960. My four brothers and I cluster on the windowseat peering into the darkness for a glimpse of Rudolph’s red nose in the sky. He has to be coming soon. I can’t wait much longer.
My dad, a farmer, has gone out to check the cattle just as he does every night before bed. Mom is washing supper dishes. Suddenly, she pulls aside the curtains at the kitchen window, looks out and says, “I believe it’s time to go upstairs.”
Finally!
No one dares look out the windows. If Santa sees you peeking he won’t stop. My mother has us all kneel around the bed and pray for children who won’t have a happy Christmas. As I dropped to my knees, I wonder how that is possible. Christmas is so magical. I sneak in a prayer for some gift I really want from Santa, but I pray for other children, too.
Our prayers done, we huddle on the bed again. Outside, our old dog begins barking like mad. Sleigh bells jingle in the distance, then closer, then WHOMP!
Santa is on our roof. Reindeer stomp as he calls out, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”
I press my hands to my mouth to hold in my excitement. Soon, I hear the rattle of packages being placed under the tree downstairs. Santa shouts out, “Merry Christmas!”
Then all is quiet. No bells, no barking dog. Just as I am about to explode with anticipation, I hear my dad come in the house. He yells, “What’s all that racket? Kids, come see this!”
I tell you it is a true Christmas miracle that none of us were killed as we bolted over each other in a race down those stairs.
I open my presents with joy. There is peanut brittle candy and an orange for each of us. Beneath the tree I find a beautiful baby doll in a pink wooden crib. It will be a few more years before I appreciate the care my father put into making it for me. I just loved it.
When the presents are all opened, and the hubbub dies down, it’s time to get into our best clothes. The church parking lot is full when we arrive. The light glows beautifully through the stained glass windows onto the snow as we head inside for Midnight Mass.
I know that I’ve come to welcome the baby Jesus into the world.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A Christmas memory

By Margaret Daley
My son and his family came to dinner last Sunday night. I had so much fun with my four granddaughters (ages 8 months to 9 years). What was great was seeing them play with the Christmas village I've had for years. My oldest granddaughter wanted to see how many cars I had so she lined them up on the floor to count. Well, my 2 year old had to help her. She counted to five then had to turn it over to her big sis. (Big sis has been teaching her to count.) I loved listening to them pretend with the people. And of course, they had to rearrange them. Another neat activity we did that evening was to decorate the grandchildren's Christmas tree we have for them (smaller one with their special ornaments). These are Christmas memories I will remember for years. What are some Christmas memories you have?
Have a blessed Christmas.
Margaret
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Already Starting the Frays of Christmas!

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Heroine Interview from The Soldier's Holiday Vow

Interview with the heroine from The Soldier’s Holiday Vow with Jillian Hart:
1. September, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I’ve loved horses since I was a little girl and riding has been my life. I work as a riding instructor for a local riding stables, and my beloved horse is named Comanche. He’s my best bud.
2. What do you do for fun?
I like to hang with Comanche. He and I ride for a lot of causes—for example, we have an upcoming charity ride scheduled to raise money for a holiday food drive.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I try to avoid dealing with the most painful thing that has ever happened to me—I lost my fiancé, Tim, an army ranger killed in the line of duty.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Tim’s best ranger buddy, Hawk has come into my life lately and he’s making me realize how afraid I am of losing my heart again, the way I lost it when I buried Tim.
5. What do you want out of life?
To make a difference and ease some of the suffering in this world—that’s why I like to ride for causes and do all I can for charitable causes.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
Family—and Hawk is beginning to seem as important as family to me, no matter how hard I try to stop it.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
Christian romances, of course. : )
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would want to be more fearless in the way I face my life—to love without being afraid of being hurt again.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
Comanche, my horse, is really more than a pet. He’s my best buddy, my confidante and a part of my family. He and I are tight.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would love to go back to a time before the West was settled so I could see the herds of wild Mustangs running free.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: THE SOLDIER'S HOLIDAY VOW BY JILLIAN HART

Friday, December 4, 2009
Speaking of Frays...
When I think of Christmas I remember being a wide-eyed child who was always excited to greet the day and see what gifts I'd received. Now that I'm older - much older - I realize that the real gift is Jesus and the day we celebrate His birth isn't what should be most important. We receive amazing gifts from God daily and I think He should be worshipped the same way.
Which brings me to my "fray". After my husband and I were married the inlaw wars began. If we happened to mention spending time with one side of the extended family, the others were adamant that we give them the same amount of attention - or more. It got ridiculous. Me, being the kind of person who likes everyone to "play nice" came up with the perfect solution. We would, with everyone else's blessing, spend a whole day at each house prior to Chirstmas, then have a restful Christmas day at home with our young children on Dec. 25th. Sounds logical, right? I sure thought so. Unfortunately, although everyone seemed to have a wonderful time during our visit, all was not well.
On Christmas day, filled with joy and peace, I telephoned my mother to share my joy and thank her for being so understanding. What did she say in response? "You ruined my Christmas."
I'm telling you this true story to make a point. It's not the day that's holy, it's our Saviour. Tradition is fine as long as it doesn't become our main focus. Times change. People leave us, as those folks in my life who were so rigid have done. I'm not sorry that I tried to make peace, only that I did it without saying what I've just said to you.
Be blessed. Everyday. That is my Christmas prayer for you.
Val
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Observing Advent

Hi, Terri Reed here. The first Sunday in December is rapidly approaching which means the beginning of Advent. I'd never heard of Advent until about ten years ago when I bought a book titled, The 25 Days of Christmas by Rebecca Hayford Bauer. This is a great book to help keep the focus of the season on Christ.
I found this very old sterling silver candelabra in my grandmother's things that held five candles with the fifth candle being elevated in the middle. I add a little greenery around the base and its perfect for the Advent wreath. Makes me wonder if that was what the candelabra was originally for.
One each Sunday before Christmas Day, a candle is lit. The first candle is the Prophecy Candle--representing hope; the second is The Bethlehem Candle-representing faith; the third is the Angel's Candle-representing peace and the fourth candle is the Shepherd's Candle-representing joy. Then on Christmas morning we light the fifth candle which is Christ's Candle-representing love. In the 25 Days of Christmas book there are scriptures to read that correspond with the candles themes and devotionals to read aloud.
I've really enjoyed bringing this tradition to my family. Do you observe Advent? Are there other traditions you do observe that help to bring the focus of the season on Christ?
I wish all a very stressfree time as we approach Christmas.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Our Holiday Theme: Christmas Ways & Frays

Lyn Cote here! We Craftie Ladies of Romance decided to share Ways that we celebrate Christmas and the Frays of Christmas, meaning the unexpected things that happen when we let the holidays get too stressful. If you'd like a refreshing list of Ways to de stress this holiday season (meaning Thanksgiving through New Year's Day), drop by my blog. My friend Christine Smart is sharing how she de-stressed her holidays. Great suggestions!

I'm also celebrating having my second Love Inspired Historical come out this month on the 8th, the day after my daughter's birthday. It was interesting to give birth to my daughter on Pearl Harbor Day, but it would have been more fun if she hadn't been 12 days overdue! But more about that when I post on the 22nd!
What is the first thing you do to start preparing for the holidays? And am I the only one trying to decide whether or not to send Christmas cards this year?
Monday, November 30, 2009
What makes a friend?

Sunday, November 29, 2009
Heroine Interview for His Cowgirl Bride

Interview with the heroine for His Cowgirl Bride by Debra Clopton:
1. Tacy Jones, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
Hmmm, I guess the most interesting thing about me is that I want to break horses—not something generally considered a “woman’s” job. But that is it, my dream…and I’m getting shot down from every angle. It could get to me if I let it but then again, I’m a pretty determined gal...growing up with four over-protective brothers and a dad who would have rather I took up sewing it’s pretty self-explanatory. My dad and brothers don’t want me to learn to break horses. Training them is okay but not getting on a green horses and starting from scratch. I had to move away from them in order to make it happen.
2. What do you do for fun?
I ride Rabbit, my horse and I work with horses to train them…I’m good at what I do I just want to take it to the next level. I also love to teach Birdy, my Blue Heeler new tricks.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I don’t put many things off. I’m pretty motivated.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Not living life on my terms. I mean, I know that God has a plan for me and I want to learn what that is and live up to His plan. But my fear is that if I give into everyone else’s plan for my life that I won’t have done what I’m supposed to do. Does that make senses? Do you get what I’m saying?
5. What do you want out of life?
I want my own place where I can train and break horses and raise Blue Heeler puppies. After I get my own place then I want to find a husband—who can appreciate me for the woman I am—one who won’t try to hold me down. God put this desire in me to work with these horses and my talent lies there so I want to see where it leads me. Surely God put a man out there who will like that—who will love that about me.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
Being all that I’m supposed to be.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
I don’t have time to read books, but I read most magazines that have to do with the horse industry. That’s where I read a few articles about Brent Stockwell—the bronc buster who was on his way to winning the championship a couple of years ago and then disappeared suddenly. Oh—I guess I should say that I also happened to read about him when I was standing in line at the grocery store—you know off of those gossip magazines front cover. The man has movie star face that the cameras loved and so did the ladies. (Sigh)…I kind of hated to see the cowboy with so much potential throwing away his talent because he got sidetracked by his stupidity. (I guess that wasn’t a very nice thing to say was it?) But really, the dude was sooo talented and could have gone all the way but he threw it all away for a ditzy blonde and the limelight.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Well, I guess there are a bunch of folks who wish I wasn’t so headstrong. But I’m okay with most everything about me…except like everyone I need to read my Bible more and build my personal relationship with God.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
Yes, my horse Rabbit and my Blue Heeler Birdy. I love horses as you can tell. But my dog is a Blue Heeler because they are just such sweet natured, intelligent animals.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I’m happy right where I am. I mean there’s lots of problems, times are tough, but I know God has a plan. Not just for me but for everyone. Besides, I just moved here to Mule Hollow to make my dream of learning to break horses a reality. Why would I want to go anywhere else? And this is a pretty cute little place, the people are about as friendly as they come. ..and cowboys—oh my goodness, if a gal was interested in getting hitched to a hunky cowboy well gals, let me tell you, this is the little town to find him. But of course, I’m not looking right now, but if I was I’ve definitely come to the right place.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: HIS COWBOY BRIDE BY DEBRA CLOPTON

Thursday, November 26, 2009
Cheryl Wyatt with Thanksgiving Despite Difficulties

Cheryl Wyatt here. Most years are a joyous occasion for our family during the holidays. But some years are difficult due to hardship or loss that occurs during the season. I didn't want this post to be a downer but I can't help but think about the people for whom today is hard.
Night before last, our family business, the one my husband has built for two decades, burned.
The building--which housed seven small businesses and equipment for the same...total loss. I lost count of how many nearby towns sent firetrucks and firemen to help...most of whom work on a volunteer basis and have jobs outside their homes. Today I'm thankful for them. I'm thankful they got there within minutes.
I'm thankful for neighbors who rushed outside and came around us, arms encircling my waist, as the building burned. I'm thankful no one was injured when things, vehicle gas tanks, etc. started exploding. I'm thankful the steel beams didn't break with firemen inside. I'm thankful that the gas main, located in the hottest part of a fire that raged above the tree tops and spanned the diameter of the structure, did not break. Had that happened, it would have caused a tremendous explosion which could have injured or killed firefighters. I'm thankful for EMTs and Paramedics who came to standby and hydrate firemen and women with water and be ready to administer oxygen when smoke became too much. I'm thankful that a couple of my husband's crews had vehicles out after working so that meant they weren't in the building when it burned. It also means they can keep skeleton crews running and all his employees paychecks coming in during holidays.
He has many employees who support their families, wife and children, with the job. I'm thankful those employees rushed to come support my husband when they heard the business was burning. They offered moral support and comic relief for my husband during a tough time. I'm thankful for a sense of humor that enabled me to laugh when I tripped over a fire hose (those things do NOT budge) and re injured the knee I chipped in a wreck two years ago. LOL!
I'm thankful for the paramedic who reminded me that I'd just brainstormed a story about a fire department that burned and here's first hand research and gently suggested I should take notes.
That made me remember that the series before this, I wrote about a woman who broke her ankle in a bridge collapse, then two months later I was hit by an impaired driver and...you guessed it...fractured my ankle and crushed my foot.
I responded to the EMT, who is a friend, that I think from now on I will write about people who win the lottery.
I'm thankful for insurance.
I'm thankful for people who kept the moment light when I could have stood there sobbing instead. Somehow, despite our livelihood literally going up in smoke, I found moments to laugh. I'm thankful for two writer friends, Camy and Dream, who were ready to hop planes that instant and come be with my husband and I who live in Illinois. They live in Denver and California. And I know they would have had I said, "Come." Camy literally did fly in when I had to have a series of surgeries after the wreck. She was a tremendous help to my family.
So today, our family has a lot to be thankful for despite the difficulty and that it will probably take a year to get everything even halfway what it was. God will provide, of that I have no doubt. I'm thankful for the calls and emails of support and for all the people who are praying.
If you are having a difficult day today because of loss or heartache or hardship, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. It's not a happy time for everyone but God is very, very near to the broken-hearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. He is thankful for YOU. Praying that you have a strong sense of His presence today and that He overwhelms you with peace and joy, friends and family to buoy you this day and this season.
I'm thankful that for most of you, today will be a joyous occasion. Enjoy your family and your friends and yummy food. God bless you and yours.
Cheryl Wyatt
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Black Friday approaches...

Are you one of the brave souls who don extra layers for protection from both the elements and crazed housewives searching for sales and head out into the price sticker storm, or do you prefer to stay safely tucked in the house in your PJs, eating leftover turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie and see what madness pops up on the news at 6:00?
I used to be in the first category. I used to think there was something exciting and fun about getting up at the crack of dawn, throwing my hair in a ponytail, grabbing my jacket, and heading out with my mom and grandma to get ridiculously good prices. We'd usually shop for hours then head home, exhausted, realizing it was only 9:00 and way too early for the lunch our tummies demanded. Great memories!
Yet now that I live out in the boonies and have a toddler, I'm thinking the stores would have to actually pay me to shop there in order for me to budge from my cozy country haven! I'll live vicariously through others this year. And the next. And the next. And the next... =)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
What are you thankful for?
Monday, November 23, 2009
I'm Making a List: Checking it Twice

Oh, cool. I forgot about the great black notebook. Pens! There are about a dozen pens in the bottom! Here's the conference program with a Craftie Ladies ad in it. What's this pink piece of paper? Ah, my list of goals, made in Karen Ball's workshop.
My list of five short-term writing goals are
1) put out three books a year
2) get invited to a continuity
3) earn a royalty check that's over [secret number here]
4) win a RITA
5) get picked to do a workshop at Nationals
So, guess which one happened.
Then, what are your five short-termed goals (I have long-termed goals too btw)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Hero Interview from A Forever Christmas
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Interview with the hero from A Forever Christmas by Missy Tippens:
1. Gregory, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life—own my own business. I started my landscaping and lawn maintenance business right out of high school and have done pretty well for myself.
2. What do you do for fun?
Fun? Well, I have to admit I’m a workaholic. But I’m learning to spend more time with my kids. And I’ve always enjoyed Sunday dinners at my dad’s house.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Easy. The laundry. Always hated doing it. Always will.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Of having someone think I’m not good enough.
5. What do you want out of life?
I want my boys to be happy and healthy and to have everything they need. I’d also like to provide some of the extras. And, I admit, I’m starting to think some about dating again. I’m not really ready, but my family keeps telling me it’s time.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
Being a good provider.
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I don’t really read, other than some non-fiction books and magazines on landscaping and plant care.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I made some big mistakes in high school. If I could do it all over again—and still have my sons—I would go back and make better decisions. I’d also give myself confidence at a younger age (which would probably fix the problem with bad decisions).
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No pets. Just two very active little boys! ;)
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
Like I said above, I’d like to go back to high school with more confidence, and would fight for Sarah, the only woman I’ve truly loved. I wouldn’t let her father manipulate me if I had a re-do.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
FEATURED BOOK: A FOREVER CHRISTMAS BY MISSY TIPPENS

Friday, November 20, 2009
Thanksgiving and the Internet
But as a writer, I'm so very thankful for the Internet. Research has become much easier because of the information found there. I can find out hundreds of things just sitting in my chair. For the book I'm working on now, HOMETOWN PROPOSAL (the second book in my Kellerville series), which will be out in August 2010, I've used the Internet to find out about people who work on cruise lines. That is part of my hero and heroine's back story. I've researched things about Cincinnati, Ohio, and the surrounding area because my book is set in an imaginary town in southeastern Ohio close to Cincinnati. I lived in this area over thirty years ago, but I needed more up-to-date information.
There is a two-and-half-year old girl in the story. I needed information about how a child of that age would be talking. There is a site on the Internet for that. I researched toys for children that age. I learned about parade floats because my hero and heroine ride on a float in the town's Fourth of July parade. The heroine's father loves Karaoke, so I studied Karaoke machines and found dozens of songs that my characters could sing.
My hero is in a car accident and breaks his leg. I needed to learn about broken legs. Did you know there are Internet sites where people share their broken leg stories? My characters play wiffle ball on several occasions, so I looked up information about wiffle ball. This was the most entertaining site I found. A guy tells the story of how he came to have a wiffle ball stadium in his yard. I love this story. You can find the story by going to www.youtube and searching for wiffle ball.
What are some of the things you are thankful for? Do you have any interesting Internet sites that you have found?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
One of those Ahh.., moments

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Shattered Trust

I have a serial story that is running for November at eHarlequin. A new chapter is posted on Tuesday and Thursday. There are 8 chapters in total. If you miss one, all of the older ones are still up at the web site. There is a tie in with my book that came out in November, Together for the Holidays. Sean O'Neal is David Russell's police partner. David is the hero in Together for the Holidays.
Blurb for Shattered Trust at eHarlequin:
Maddy Greene has faced her share of tragedy, but thanks to her strong faith, she’s still able to see the good in the world. Wanting to make a difference, she’s started volunteering at a local women’s shelter, and she takes her role very seriously—even when it brings her into conflict with jaded Detective Sean O’Neal!
Sean O’Neal has seen the worst the world has to offer. His dedication to his job as a cop and his loss of faith cost him his marriage. So when he meets Maddy Greene, he’s not sure what to make of her generous nature and trust in God. He’s amazed by her willingness to put herself in danger to help a stranger in need. And even though he’s terrible at relationships and is married to his work, he can’t help but want to spend more time with her….
Check out this link to the story:
Shattered Trust story
Tuesday, November 17, 2009


Hello, it's Lenora. Fall is finally here. The leaves are falling in my yard and the morning's are crisp and cool. I love spring and summer, but there is something magical about fall. Pumpkins and hay bales and turkeys roasting in the oven or being fried in a big pot. Stuffing, or dressing, as we call it in the south. Thanksgiving.
This is what fall means to me. One of the best things about fall is watching my Thanksgiving cactus bud and bloom. My mother gave me the first clipping for this plant when I got married almost 35 years ago. It has traveled with me each time we've moved. It took a while for my tiny clipping to produce blooms but when it did, I was delighted. My mother died when I was in my twenties, so each time my cactus blooms I think of her. Sometimes, it waits until Christmas to bloom. And a few times it decided to hold out until Easter. But I can always count on it to make me smile and feel better. My cactus loves filtered light and big windows. And the funny thing, each house we've lived in has had big windows in the living room so the plant had thrived in each of our homes. This plants also reminds me that no matter where I live, God is always there with me, shining through in the sun and in the changing seasons. My pretty cactus offers up a bit of God's beauty to enjoy, a bit of surprise and awe to teach me about life, and a bit of hope that each new season will bring new blessings. And each bloom reminds me of my mother's love for her children. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I appreciate our many readers and I appreciate being able to write the kind of love stories that also surprise and bless me.
Monday, November 16, 2009
His Cowgirl Bride on shelves now!

It's me, Debra Clopton! I hope everyone is doing well. I am but as always when it is time for me to post a blog I'm on deadline crunch and worrying about what to talk about. So I decided to talk about a few things that are on my mind.
First my book that's on the shelves right now, HIS COWGIRL BRIDE it received a Top Pick 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times review magazine. I was thrilled. It is a fun book. This is the book that I got the idea for two years ago when I was driving cross country from Texas to Arizona and I saw a Pumpkin Chunking Contest going on. That's where people have built all kinds of machines that will shoot, toss or fling a pumpkin across a field. There was a cannon type gun thingy out there with a long, long barrel on it that was in action as I was driving by. Seeing this going on gave me the idea to have my Mule Hollow Characters have a contest. I could just see Applegate and Stanley competing against Norma Sue and Ester Mae. It was a very fun book to write. I hope you'll grab a copy and come spend time with me and the gang in Mule Hollow. A blurb about the book is here on the sidebar or over at my sight http://debraclopton.blogspot.com/
Then take a good look at this picture. I love it. I think the art department is doing a great job on covers. This one really does convey my story--I think. And my mother and several readers think from the side view like this that this looks like me! What do you think?
And then last, did y'all catch the CMA awards the other night? I caught the last of it and Taylor Swift won everything I saw. She is really doing great--and though I get a tad tired of hearing her sing almost every third song on the radio :) I do like the fact that she sings, and creates songs straight from her heart and is connecting with a group of young listeners in a very positive way. I may be rambling now, since I haven't had just a whole lot of sleep over the weekend (deadline--I love them) I'm always thrilled when I see good role models out there--goodness we need them. When I create characters I like to create strong, characters who could be good role models for all of us. Tacy Jones, my heroine of His Cowgirl Bride is strong, determined and willing to work hard for her dreams. I don't know if this picture looks like me or not but I know that I have this in common with Tacy. I wrote for 13 years while raising a family and running my business. I felt like God had given me a talent that I needed to use and in His timing I was able to sell my first book and now, looking back, I am amazed at what He is doing in my life with my books. He is an awesome God. I love, love, love when readers write me and tell me that I was able to help them in some way, just to escape and laugh, or with a problem that my book is written around that hits home with something in their life. I write my books straight from my heart and pray that you will be blessed in some way by what I've written. Okay, now I have to get back to the book I'm working on right now, can't wait, I'm writing the end and I love that part when everything comes together!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Heroine Interview for The Holiday Husband in Blessing of the Season

Interview with the heroine for Blessing of the Season, The Holiday Husband by Annie Jones:
1. Addie McCoy, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
As the daughter of Star City’s very own “Christmas Lady”, I try hard not to be ‘interesting’. I just want to work at Goodwin’s Department Store and live a quiet, private life. Imagine my surprise when I ended up in the front store window as a publicity stunt!
2. What do you do for fun?
I just graduated from college and come home to my very small town, so right now my mind is on getting a good job, not fun.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Having all eyes on me, drawing attention to myself and being found lacking.
5. What do you want out of life?
A real home, quiet, normal, not like the one I grew up in!
6. What is the most important thing to you?
My faith, love and family. I want to have work that makes me a part of my community and now that I’ve met Nathan Browder, manny to little Jesse Browder, I wonder if I have found those things at last?
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
I love to read romances where two people work together to build a life and home.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
The 1950s – and I get to do just that when Nathan Browder and I recreate a publicity stunt, living in the front windows of Goodwin’s Department Store as the perfect family having the perfect Christmas 1950’s style. We learn a lot from the values of that time and discover that where love and family are concerned, things have not changed that much!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Heroine Interview from The Christmas Letter in Blessings of the Season

Interview with the heroine from The Christmas Letter by Brenda Minton in Blessings of the Season:
1. Isabella Grant, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I’m a widow and single mom. Oh, did I mention that my daughter has a vivid imagination and is determined to marry me off? That’s why she mailed the letter.
2. What do you do for fun? Who has time for fun? See above.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? Laundry.
4. What are you afraid of most in life? My life when my daughter, Lizzie, grows up. My adult life has been about raising her, giving her everything that I can.
5. What do you want out of life? To give my daughter a secure and loving home. I grew up in the system, bounced from home to home. I want more for her. I also want to give her the opportunity to attend dance camp.
6. What is the most important thing to you? My daughter and my faith.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? I read romance novels and I love to watch sappy movies with happy endings. Lizzie thinks I need to stop reading and start living.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I might ‘let go’ a little more.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? A cat. It’s independent.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I would love to meet the lady who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, to ask how she found that much faith.