Saturday, November 29, 2014

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW : Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs




THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN 
Reserved widow Eileen Pierce never considered herself the kind of woman who was cut out to be a mother. She wouldn't know what to do with one child, much less ten. But when handyman Simon Tucker is stranded in town with a group of young orphans at Christmastime, she discovers she can't just turn them away. 
Simon knows there's more to Eileen than meets the eye. Though his easygoing demeanor immediately clashes with her buttoned-up propriety, Simon's kindness soon melts Eileen's stern facade. Simon and the children already upended Eileen's quiet, orderly life. Will they do the same to her guarded heart? 
Texas Grooms: In search of their brides…
INTERVIEW
How exciting to have Eileen Pierce the heroine from Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs, a November 2014 release from Love Inspired Historical .

1.  Eileen, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I live in the largest house in town – it’s three stories tall and contains nine bedrooms.  But it’s just me and my one boarder who live there.  I suppose that’s why everyone looked to me to provide lodging for Mr. Tucker and his ten young charges.

2.  What do you do for fun?
I love working in my gardens – both vegetable and flower.  It brings me such a sense of peace and comfort.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I hate doing laundry!

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?
That my neighbors will find out my true financial state.  I much prefer their disdain to their pity.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?
I’ve been taught from a very young age that appearances are what is most important.  But lately I’ve begun questioning if that’s really true

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I like gardening books and poetry.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I can’t have children.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No.  But I’m afraid one of the children who has temporarily moved into my home is pining for a puppy.  I certainly hope he doesn’t acquire one while he’s staying here.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to my first year of marriage and make sure I didn’t make my husband feel as if he had to cater to my every whim and lavish me with expensive gifts.  Perhaps then he wouldn’t have been driven to do what he did and ultimately take his own life.


Friday, November 28, 2014

An E-reading We Will Go

About fifteen years ago, my friend Chris purchased an e-reader from Office Max.  Maybe it was longer ago than fifteen years, but she bought the first generation - not a Kindle or a Nook, but an e-reader.  Maybe the Edsel of the e-readers.  She raved about it.  The rest of us looked at her, turned to the next chapter of whatever book we were reading, and thought to ourselves..."It will never last."

That e-reader didn't last.

However, the next e-reader did.

I love print books best <gasp!>  Always will (really).  But, on trips (really, I brought 200 books with me, I tell my husband), or late at night (this backlit thing is a good idea), or when I'm tired (just how large a large print should I go?), the ebook reader cannot be beat.

So, if you're going on a trip, thinking about reading late at night, or tired and want a short story, go ahead try a new anthology out called Mistletoe Kisses.  You'll see that all the authors have their roots in the LI garden :)

Today, until Sunday night, this 8 author, Christmas romance is only 0.99!

Now at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ON4UXBU/

So, what's your favorite thing about e-readers?

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksiving

From the Craftie Ladies of Romance!

Enjoy and Blessings to you.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving by Leann Harris

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Why? Because it has not been commercialized like all the other holidays.  Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and thanking the Lord for His blessings.  And my life is filled with abundant blessing. I am well this year. I'm going to become a grandmother. My family is close and well. And I know God sustains us in the storm.

But I will 'own up' to cooking my first turkey. It was my husband, father-in-law, and me. Never having been near an uncooked turkey, I was flying blind. So I thought I had a handle on it. It looked good, and my husband always wants his dressing cooked in a separate pan, so I didn't look inside. Wait. You can see it coming. So when I put my perfect bird on the table, there was this bag in the bird that I had no idea what it was. No one told me. Not my mom or grandmother.  If my husband's mom would've been alive, she would've told me and helped but dad's and hubbies aren't too much help.  But I will admit, my husband does the dressing now, cornbread, and
everyone in the family loves.

So what is your Turkey day mistake that lives on to today. I'm not the only one.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction, Story Inspiration from Sherri Shackelford


While doing research, I often uncover true stories that make their way into my books in an altered version. Stories of duels can be particularly fascinating. My latest books features a duel between two men that is based on a true story. 

One man accused the other man of cheating at poker. When neither man backed down, they decided on a duel. They agreed that two guns would be placed on a table beneath a blanket, only one of which was loaded. The combatants would toss a coin into the air and the winner of the toss would select a gun and fire immediately. 


The man who won the toss picked his gun and fired, but his gun was unloaded. Prepared to die, the first man crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the bullet. The second man took aim, then slowly pointed his gun at the ceiling and fired. The gunman had decided that no man who showed such bravery could have cheated. 

The two men became fast friends after the aborted duel. 

This was a much better choice than the two men who decided to cut off each others fingers until someone showed pain. The first man to show pain would be killed. Yuck! True, but odd. I know women do crazy things, but I feel like men have cornered the market. 

I'm excited to preview my February book with you as well: 

The Engagement Bargain



Rock-solid and reliable, confirmed bachelor Caleb McCoy thought nothing could rattle him, until he discovers he needs to pose as Anna Bishop's intended groom. After saving her life, his honorable code bid Caleb watch over the innocent beauty. And a pretend engagement is the only way to protect her from further harm.

Raised by a single mother and suffragist, Anna doesn't think much of marriage, and she certainly doesn't plan to try it herself. But playing Caleb's blushing bride-to-be makes her rethink her independent ways, because their make-believe romance is becoming far too real.


Sherri Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance novels for her dream publisher, Harlequin.


A wife and mother of three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, “Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul. Visit her at sherrishackelford.com, connect with her on facebook and twitter, or email her at sherrishackelford @ gmail.com 

Saturday, November 22, 2014

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Saved by the Fireman by Allie Pleiter


Building their future  
Charlotte Taylor isn't good at playing it safe. Reeling from the sudden loss of her job and her beloved grandmother, Charlotte knows buying a dilapidated cottage in Gordon Falls isn't exactly practical. Especially since she just hired the one man who may love the property more than she does to help renovate it. Volunteer firefighter and part-time contractor Jesse Sykes can't stay mad at Charlotte for very long. Though she snatched up the home he'd planned on purchasing, Charlotte's dreams are big enough for both of them…if only she'd let him in. Charlotte promised she'd never fall for a first responder, but is it already too late?
Interview:

How exciting to have Charlotte Taylor the heroine from SAVED BY THE FIREMAN written by Allie Pleiter a November 2014 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.       Charlotte, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I work as a marketing coordinator for Monarch Textile Artswell, at least I did up until last week.  Now Im using the time in between offers to buy and fix up the most darling little cottage in Gordon Falls.  My MimaI lost her, too, earlier this yearleft me money to do something worthwhile and adventurous, and she would have loved this cottage.
2.  What do you do for fun?
I collect vintage china, I knita lotand Im scouring every flea market and home furnishings shop in the state to find the perfect look for my new home.
3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Thinking about the teeny tiny possibility that I might not find a new job quickly.  I will.  I have  to.  I cant go through another massive bump in the road in my life right now.
4.  What are you afraid of most in life?
Right now, its that this very charming, very attractive fireman Jesse Sykes might just be the guy for me.  My dad was a cop, and I remember what that life was like.  I don't want to be tied to anyone who puts his life on the line like that.
5.  What is the most important thing to you?
Figuring out who I am now that most of the things that defined me are gone.  My grandmother, my job, my confidence.  Im a fish out of water here, and I need to get my act together again fast.
6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I have a stack of home decorating books and magazines taller than I am!
7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That low buzz of dread that wont leave my stomach.  I used to be a confident gal, and suddenly Im a bundle of worries.  I need to get the old Charlotte back.
8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
My friend Melba just gave me the most lovable cat, Mo.  Hes been terrific company, even though I dont think Jesse likes him very much.
9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
Id go back to the Victorian era with all those gorgeous textiles and the elegant, glamorous table settings.  Who could resist?


Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Sisterhood with Barbara Phinney


Family Status: Married
What Is Your Favorite Beverage: grapefruit juice and mineral water
What Is Your Favorite Food: custard pie
What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: write!!
Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: my mother
First Book You Fell in Love With: Nine Coaches Waiting
A Book You Wish You’d Written: The above book
First Book Published: The Time Star
Most Recent Book: Sheltered by the Warrior
Out Next: Protected by the Warrior
How Many Have You Written: 15
What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: Just about everything!
What is Your Favorite Bible Story: Esther
What is Your Favorite Bible Verse: Phillipian 2:9-11
What is Your Favorite Hymn: I don’t really have one
What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: for wisdom


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Inspiration Behind Identity Withheld

Hi all, Sandra Orchard here. 

I'm often asked what the inspiration behind a book was. For my newest Love Inspired Suspense, Identity Withheld, it was a youtube clip of a firefighter rescuing a cat from an apartment building fire that a writing friend told me about.

 
Since I'd already introduced my hero, Jake Steele, as a firefighter in Perilous Waters (April 2014), I was looking for a plot angle for his book.

The clip spurred the thought: what if the cat's owner was captured in the clip, along with the firefighter, and it was broadcast to millions worldwide? And what if she’s in witness security because criminals are trying to kill her? And what if they recognize her in the clip?

Now...as sometimes happens, my editor asked for edits on my proposed first scene so the cat rescue didn't actually make the final cut, but the idea of the heroine's fear of being caught on camera at the site of the fire is.

Here's a quick glimpse of the plot:

After exposing an illegal adoption ring, newly named “Kara Grant” is promised safety in Witness Protection. But someone has found her—and wants her dead. If only she could trust the handsome firefighter who catches her fleeing from a suspicious fire. Jake Steele suspects she’s guilty of burning her own home. But how can she tell him who she really is and what she’s been through without bringing danger to the widowed father’s door? Yet with the criminals fast closing in, taking such a risk might be her only chance at survival. Because the price she’ll pay for her silence could be her life.

The inspiration for the story didn't stop with the youtube clip. A Facebook fan was the inspiration behind the heroine's new name. One of my readers' memories about her childhood dog inspired the dog Jake's parents adopted for his son.

This fellow I met while out for a walk became the model.
 And... the full page of acknowledgements at the front of the book is testimony to how many professionals I interviewed to ensure I got the details right, and whose answers, in turn, inspired other vignettes.

But besides keeping readers guessing as to who the bad guy is, I hope readers will take away a couple of deeper messages:

That our greatest trials can be blessings in disguise, and we need to trust God even when everything appears grim and out of control.

Also I hope the heroine inspires readers to stay true to the person God made them to be. One astute reviewer, Jesse Patch, pointed out this take away to me. She appreciated how even though Nicole (aka Kara) was told to be a new person, with a new name and a new job and new friends, inside she stayed true to herself. Jesse wrote: “The world tells us from every angle who to be, but [Kara] didn't cave... she couldn't turn her back on who she really was.”

Your Turn:  Have you had a trial that turned out to be a blessing in the end? Please, share it with us.

Sandra Orchard is a multi award-winning author with Love Inspired Suspense and Revell (Port Aster Secrets mystery series). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren. 

You can learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

Monday, November 17, 2014

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Suspense November 2014 Releases




Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Suspense writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.


HAZARDOUS HOMECOMING

Ruby Hudson finds new evidence that could shed light on her childhood friend’s disappearance. But she’ll have to fight for her life to keep it out of the wrong person’s hands.

Cooper Stoke’s brother is still the prime suspect, and as the cold case heats up, so do Ruby’s forgotten feelings for Cooper. Ruby wants justice for her friend. Cooper wants to prove his brother’s innocence.

Despite being on opposite sides, they find themselves drawn to one another. But the deeper they dig into decades-old secrets, the closer they come to having to make a choice between family and love. 






WITNESS IN HIDING

After exposing an illegal adoption ring, newly named “Kara Grant” is promised safety in Witness Protection. But someone has found her—and wants her dead. If only she could trust the handsome firefighter who catches her fleeing from a suspicious fire. Jake Steele seems to think she’s guilty of burning her own home. But how can she tell him who she really is and what she’s been through without bringing danger to the widowed father’s door? 

Yet with the criminals fast closing in, taking such a risk might be her only chance at survival. Because the price she’ll pay for her silence could be her life.





DEADLY HOLIDAY REUNION
By Lenora Worth


A Child’s Life Was In Jeopardy

Texas Ranger Jake Cavanaugh will do anything to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the clutches of a killer. And that means turning to Ella Terrell—his high school sweetheart—for help. 

The former FBI agent is lucky to be alive after her own encounter with the vengeful madman. And now history seems to be repeating itself this holiday season. Ella needs time to sort through the past—yet time is a luxury they don’t have. For the kidnapper is taunting them with misleading clues and a ticking clock. 

But Ella will bring Jake’s child home at all costs—even at the risk of losing her heart and her life….

Saturday, November 15, 2014

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: IDENTITY WITHHELD BY SANDRA ORCHARD



WITNESS IN HIDING 
After exposing an illegal adoption ring, newly named "Kara Grant" is promised safety in Witness Protection. But someone has found her—and wants her dead. If only she could trust the handsome firefighter who catches her fleeing from a suspicious fire. Jake Steele seems to think she's guilty of burning her own home. But how can she tell him who she really is and what she's been through without bringing danger to the widowed single father's door? Yet with the criminals quickly closing in, taking such a risk might be her only chance at survival. Because the price she'll pay for her silence could be her life.
Interview:
Today we welcome Jake Steele of Identity Withheld releasing from LIS in November.

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

I’m a widowed, single dad and firefighter. I met Kara when I caught her running away from a suspicious fire. We’d had a series of arsons in the area and when I spotted her, I thought I’d finally caught the culprit. Of course, that hope proved to be short-lived.   

2. Tell us about the woman you’re protecting, Kara Grant. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

She’s amazing. She could have turned a blind eye to the crime she saw, but she didn’t. She gave up everything—her family, her job, everything—to enter witness protection. And even with someone targeting her, she resisted accepting my help for fear of the danger she’d put my son and I in. It took me awhile to accept that what I was feeling for her was love. But when she recited a silly romantic line from the Titanic and I realized that I felt the exact same way about her, I guess I knew.

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

 
Before she died, my wife used to say I had a hero complex. I can’t standby and not help when I see someone in trouble, so I guess I’m a lot like Kara in that respect. My cousin would say that I tend to make decisions based on what I think is best for others, rather than asking how they feel. I’m not sure that’s so bad. People don’t always act in their own best interests and I don’t want them to pay the price for choosing to act in mine.

4. What scares you?

The thought of letting another woman down.

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

What I’m trying to change is to listen better and to see what people aren’t saying…and probably should be saying. 

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

I took my faith very seriously, but I couldn’t forgive myself for letting my wife down. 

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

I realized that sometimes God’s greatest blessings come as a result of our darkest moments. Like the songwriter says, “sometimes it takes a thousand sleepless nights to know He’s really there.” 

8. What is the one thing you would never do?

 Turn my back on someone who needs my help.

9. What do you hope people will learn from your experience in this story? 

Don’t let your fears cause you to let a second chance at love slip through your fingers.


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