Missy Tippens, here. We're so thrilled to have three 2011 Carol Award finalists among our group of bloggers! Linda Goodnight (LI Romance), Lyn Cote (LI Historical) and Lynette Eason (LI Suspense) are all finalists this year in the contest sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers. Since Mondays are our days to focus on Love Inspired Romance, I wanted to tell you a bit about Linda Goodnight's book, The Wedding Garden.
I've read this wonderful book and wanted to share a blurb with you:
"Are You My Dad?"
The young boy's question shocks Sloan Hawkins. Until Sloan realizes he is this child's father. Years ago, the former bad boy was run out of Redemption, Oklahoma, where, ironically, he was thought unredeemable. The only people who believed in him were his beloved aunt and Annie Markham, the girl he loved and left behind. Now Sloan is back to face his past and help keep his aunt's cherished garden thriving. But when he discovers his secret child--and that single mother Annie never stopped loving him--he's determined that a wedding will take place in the garden nurtured by faith and love.
I asked Linda how this book was special to her. She said this:
"The Wedding Garden" is very near and dear to my heart, perhaps one of very favorites. I love a redeemed bad boy, and Sloan Hawkins is exactly that. Plus he has some extra trouble waiting for him when he roars into the hometown he promised never to set foot in again. Not only do we see his convulted love story and personal brokeness, but there is also the bittersweet love of an older couple AND a twist I hope readers don't see coming. I was thrilled and honored to have this special book be both a RITA finalist and a Carol finalist.
Linda, Lyn and Lynette, we're thrilled for all of you and are so proud! The winners will be announced this Saturday night at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in St. Louis.
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Congrats to all the finalists!
ReplyDeleteI see that all the first names begin with “L” which means next year “M” is up for awards! Margaret, Missy, Merrillee: time to warm up.
I think this just shows that the Love Inspired editors know how to pick top talent. In fact, it looks like Love Inspired is acting as the RITA and CAROL triple A farm team.
Well, we’ll soon know.
Vince
It was a wonderful book, Linda.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Vince! I noticed the same thing when I typed the post! Thought about changing my name. :) But maybe you're right. Maybe next year will be the year of the M's. hehe
ReplyDeleteThere were other LI author finalists who actually aren't on the blog or who finaled with books from another publisher. So LI and its authors were well represented!
Congratulations Linda, Lyn, and Lynette!! Good luck to you all!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all of you. So glad your gifts are being recognized!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels to all who are going be there Saturday.
Peace, Julie
Linda's book are always a treat. Very exciting to see Love Inspired books finaling in such great contests. No matter who takes first, you all are winners!
ReplyDeleteLove the look of this book and the story.
ReplyDeletecongrats to all finalists also.
Congrats to all the finalists - I'll be in the audience Saturday to cheer you on!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be there. And, what's really cool is, our gals are not competing against each otehr. We have a contemporary, a suspense, and an historical.
ReplyDeleteWow
Congratulations to the finalists! Cannot wait until that Awards banquet--so exciting! ~ That is cute that these 3 ladies all have "L" names. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Patti Jo
Congrats to all the LI finalists! I can't believe ACFW is almost here. Won't SAT night be fun!
ReplyDeleteWaving to Vince! And CatMom!