Changing Direction

Have you ever been going down one road of life and then changed direction making a sharp right turn? Or even a U-turn?

Maybe it was a relationship, a job, or a habit. Life is full of changes and decision points along the way. Sometimes it’s perfectly clear to us which path we should take. Sometimes we are blissfully sailing along until an event happens that causes us to question everything. And sometimes our faith leads us to make changes in our lives.

In Picture PerfectMurder, Lily Parker leaves her career as a CIA agent to become a photographer. Talk about a major change! Lily loved being in the CIA, but the pain she endured while being an agent was too much to overcome. So she left that life behind to pursue another passion—photography. She found a freedom while taking photos that she didn’t find anywhere else.

Have you ever slammed on the metaphorical brakes and taken a completely new path in life?

Trading Places by Merrillee Whren

In case you check the sidebar schedule, you will see that I am trading places with Winnie Griggs this week on the blog. In 1983 there was a movie, Trading Places. In the movie, a rich man and a poor man are forced to trade places through the manipulation of some unscrupulous characters.

Here is a trailer in case you've never seen the movie.

In my current book, FALLING FOR THE MILLIONAIRE, the heroine Melody Hammond comes from a poor family and works with many underprivileged people at the Village of Hope. The hero Hudson Conrick was born into a wealthy family and is often suspicious that people only like him because of his money. When their worlds collide, they don't trade places, but they come to understand each other, especially Melody who often views the wealthy through a jaundiced eye because of her past experiences.

If you had the chance to trade places with someone, who would it be?

I'll be giving away copies of the first two books in my Village of Hope series to someone who leaves a comment here. The winner will be chosen on March 30, 2016.

 Click here to find buy links for FALLING FOR THE MILLIONAIRE. 

I'll be sending out a newsletter in the next few days. I always give away a gift card to one of my subscribers. Please subscribe now by clicking here. 

Blast from the Past - Guess the Author

It's that time when we glimpse into the past of one of our Craftie Ladies. The first reader to correctly guess this month's author will receive a copy of this author's latest Love Inspired release.

Ready?

Here's your clue:

I was fresh out of high school and moving to the big city of Austin after living most of my life in a small town. I'd stared a job, working for a lab in the bookkeeping department. My first real job. I'd also just met my boyfriend who later became my hubby. This picture was taken when I was going to see him, thus the smile on my face.

At that point in my life, I had no idea about the future. That I'd soon become a step mom and that I'd fall in love with my granddaughters beyond belief and that I would someday see my dream of becoming a published author come true.   

Do you know who this is?

Well, here's one more hint. This author will be taking over Blast from the Past posts starting next month.

Leave your guess in the comments to be entered in the contest. And be sure to look for more clues in the comment section throughout the day.

Good luck!

Protect and Serve

Hello Terri Reed here jumping in out of turn to let you all know my exciting news. I'm blogging over on the Harlequin blog today

http://harlequinblog.com/2016/03/interesting-facts-about-k-9-officers/#respond

about some interesting facts about K-9 officers and their handlers.

My editor sent me this picture to the right, letting me know that Protect and Serve, book one of the Rookie K-9 Unit continuity, received a Top Pick from RT Magazine. My first ever! Thank you RT. I'm so happy this book is being well received. 

On April 7th several of the Love Inspired authors with April releases are celebrating with an online party. We'd love for you to join us.

Though the link isn't live yet, I'm putting it here so you can come back to find it on April 7th.





Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/events/1129066513784555/

Route 66 by Leann Harris

My next book, The Cowboy Meets His Match, is set on the historic Route 66. With the improvement to the highway system over the last 25 years, part of the road was decommissioned 6/26/1985. You can still travel the road from Chicago to St Louis to Tulsa. It passes through Amarillo then Tucumcari, and Albuquerque. The road continues through Arizona and ends in Santa Monica. My story is set in Tucumcari. There are still great sights to see on the trip. In the early 60's, there was a TV program named Route 66, with show set on the road in different interesting places where the heroes had adventures.

Driving Route 66 and visiting some of the historical motels is a fun trip. My hero soon discovers he loves the town of Tucumcari and the lady who is trying to make his life a challenge.

What Are We Writing by Margaret Daley

Author: Louise M. Gouge

Title: Cowgirl under the Mistletoe

Hero and Heroine: Deputy Grace Eberly and Reverend Micah Thomas

Line: Love Inspired Historical

One paragraph from the page you are currently on: Micah reached for the cup. Just not far enough. The cup fell and struck the edge of the table, shattering and sending hot coffee and china shards in a thousand directions.

Due Date: Tuesday, March 15. (already turned in)

Word or page count goal today: (Yea! I'm all done!)

Something cool learned from research: There has been some discussion about cowgirls either riding sidesaddle in dresses or riding astride is split skirts. I'm pleased to announce that both styles were adopted in the Old West, depending on the lady's preference.

Author: Jean C. Gordon

Title: Reclaiming His Family

Hero and Heroine: Rhys Maddox and Renee Delacroix

Line: Love Inspired Romance

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Meme’s reprimand made her feel ten years old, as it should. “Of course, you’re right.” Rhys’ beliefs, custody petition, his relationship with Owen and Dylan and theirs with him—none of it was her business anymore. She sipped her lemonade, the tang of the fruit overpowering the sweetness of the sugar Mere had added. And the sooner she let go and aligned her feelings with that knowledge, the better off they’d all be.

Due Date: Proposal, no due date yet

Word or page count goal today: 1,200 words

Something cool learned from research: I don't know how cool this is to anyone else, but my most recent research was on the process for filing for and obtaining custody of a child in New York State Family Court.

Author: Patricia Johns

Title: The Soldier's Wounded Heart (I'm sure the title will change!)

Hero and Heroine: Brody Mason and Kaitlyn Harp

Line: American Romance

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Perhaps they weren’t so different after all, because she had the same mantra—you got out by going through. Except, the pain that Brody was pushing himself through was different than hers. His would heal, and over time he’d lose most of his limp and the scars would cover that tender place where the pain had been the worst. He’d move on. He’d find another woman to love, and Kaitlyn would be nothing but a memory—the sister of the woman he almost married who acted as his nurse for a few weeks.

Due Date: April 15

Word or page count goal today: None. I'm on the editing stage.

Something cool learned from research:

There is a chemical change in a soldier's brain when he experiences traumatic events. When he returns home, something ordinary can trigger a fight/flight response, and chemically, his brain feels just like he's back in that danger zone. His civilian family will have a hard time understanding him.

Author: Lorraine Beatty

Title: Seth and Carrie’s story

Hero and Heroine: Seth Montgomery and Carrie Fletcher

Line: Love Inspired Romance

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

 Seth sat beside her on the sofa, positioning himself for easy conversation. “I have to confess the pizza was only part of the reason we came over. I wanted to catch you up on what’s happening with Jack and to ask why you’ve been avoiding us.”

What could she say? How could she explain that she missed seeing them, but that her irrational fears kept her hostage. “No. I’m just busy and when I get home I usually hibernate.” Seth’s raised eyebrows told her he didn’t believe a word of it.

 Due Date: May1, 2016

Word or page count goal today: Starting edit of first draft. Hopefully 2 chapters.

Something cool learned from research: DNA tests are nearly 100% accurate but they are very expensive.

Author: Jolene Navarro

Title: Clear Water #4 Single Dad Cowboy & the Adrenalin Junkie 

Hero and Heroine: Adrian De La Cruz and Nikki Bergmann

Line: Love Inspired

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Back in high school Tommy had been all smiles and charm wrapped in a good-looking package. She had wanted to be loved so bad she believed his lies. Then in Arizona, sweet eye-candy, Mike captivated her and convinced her he was ready to take on an adventure as long as she was beside him. Look where that got her. Both men had almost destroyed her. One goal kept her focused, get healthy and get back to her dreams in the Grand Canyon. Well, that was two goals, but one thing she knew as a fact. Adrian De La Cruz needed to stay out of her head. She didn't worry about her heart. It was already gone. 

Due Date: June 1st

Word or page count goal today: 5000 (I'm on spring break so I have all day to write!)

Something cool learned from research: I'm sure many know this but I didn't know that all medical staff for the Marines come from the Navy. Nikki is a Navy medic that worked with the marines. 

Author: Mary Alford

Title: Rocky Mountain Pursuit Book Two - Patriot Acts 

Hero and Heroine: Kyle Jennings and Ella Weiss.

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Someone hauled her to her feet. She was forced to face him. Alhasan. The man of her nightmares. Fear took life in the pit of her stomach at the very sight of him. She struggled not to show it, but it was an impossible feat. His presence meant pain. Ella flinched involuntarily when he lifted his hand to touch her face. The edge of his mouth crept upward. He enjoyed hurting her.

Due Date: Unknown

Word or page count goal today: 2,000 words

Something cool learned from research: I learned a lot about people who have endured torture and the affects if has on the mind.

Author: Jill Kemerer

Title: The Fireman's Promise

Hero and Heroine: Lauren Pierce and Drew Gannon

Line: Love Inspired

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

“You did good.” He wanted to close the inches between them and hold her. Not in a brotherly or thankful way. No, her maternal lioness instincts attracted him, made him want to be in her protective circle. Not that he needed protecting—it just appealed to him to have someone care enough to fight for him the way she fought for Wyatt.

Due Date: June 17

Word or page count goal today: 1500

Something cool learned from research:

I learned the protocol for a child to visit a parent in jail. I never really thought about children who go through these visitations, and I have a new appreciation for them!

Author: Linda Goodnight

Title: Dance With Me, (working title) 

Hero and Heroine: Grayson Blake and Valery Carter

Line: HQN

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

“You’re impossible. You won’t even let me help you anymore.”

“I think you’ve helped me enough.”

“You were barely sixteen. What was I suppose to do?”

“I don’t know.” That was the crux. She’d never known.

Due Date: May 31, 2016

Word or page count goal today: 10 pages minimum

Something cool learned from research: Emancipated slaves dominated a number of businesses after the Civil War, including barbering, hairdressing, and hospitality businesses such as catering and hotels.

Author: Teri Wilson 

Title: The Royal Bargain

Hero and Heroine: Dalton Drake and Aurélie Marchand

Line: It's a secret (for now).

One paragraph from the page you are currently on: 

She dropped all attempts at civility. “I’m not going in there, Mr. Drake."

Aurélie might not be American, but she'd seen Pretty Woman. Several times, actually. She knew precisely what would happen if she followed him inside the boutique. She'd walk out an hour from now looking like a princess from head-to-toe.

He crossed his arms and gazed at her for a moment that stretched on too long. “May I ask why not?”

Intense much?

She felt breathless all of sudden, much to her annoyance. “I have no desire to play the part of Julia Roberts to your Richard Gere.”    

Due Date: June 1 

Word or page count goal today: 1,000 words

Something cool learned from research: This series is set a fancy NYC jewelry store inspired by Tiffany & Co. The other day I watched a documentary on Tiffany & Co and learned that Charles Tiffany invented the solitaire engagement ring as we know it today.

Author: Deb Kastner

Title: The Doctor's Texas Baby

Hero and Heroine: Wyatt Harrow and Carolina Mason

Line: Love Inspired contemporary

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Her heart swelled with gratitude. Wyatt had always been that man--the one who dropped everything to come running when he was needed. Whether or not he could do anything for the deer, he was making the effort.

She'd called--and he'd answered.

Due Date: April 15th

Word or page count goal today: 2,000

Something cool learned from research: When I Googled to find out what department my heroine should call for Texas Roadkill, the first few PAGES of results were people wanting to know if they could take their roadkill home and eat it. Only in Texas!

Author: Jessica Nelson

Working Title: Ingrid (unique, right? lol)

It's in proposal stage for LIH.

Hero and Heroine: Lady Ingrid Hazelthorn and Mr. Rutherford Ladd

 And then she saw him. A dark, smoldering presence standing in a shadowed alcove. She spotted him quite accidentally, her roving gaze caught by his unflinching stare. Was he looking at her? Discomfited, she pondered what to do. Ignore the grave admirer or reciprocate his spying? Not one to give in to nerves, she gave her glass to a nearby servant and cut neatly across the room. What a dark and moody man to be staring at her so!

Research: I'm trying to find a school of music for women in England, but failing. It looks like my heroine will need to travel to France! :-)

Author: Terri Reed

Title: TBA prequel to the 2017 Love Inspired Suspense continuity

Hero and Heroine: Dylan O’Leary, the computer tech for a FBI K-9 unit, Zara Fielding, former K-9 officer joining the FBI

Line: Love Inspired Suspense

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

The masked man aimed his gun and fired again. The bullet hit the ground near Radar’s feet, bits of pavement bit into Zara’s shin. She swallowed a yelp and grit her teeth. She and Radar were trapped.

Due Date: October 2016

Word or page count goal today: 2000

Something cool learned from research:  K-9 officer dogs can develop PTSD just as human officers can. It is seen in military dogs, as well. PTSD does not have a timeline as to treatment or the length of time to recover. This psychological invisible wound can manifest itself when returning from service. It can also be a lifelong disability that subsides and remains dormant. Insidious, it can resurface after many years, triggered by flashbacks such as an event, sight, smell or sound. 

Author:  Allie Pleiter

Title: The Rancher's Texas Twins

Hero and Heroine: Gabe Everett and Avery Culpepper

Line: Love Inspired

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Gabe was cornered as neatly as if the girls had roped and tied him at the rodeo.  They were thanking him—granted, in the worst possible way a busy cowboy could think of—and it would be mean to refuse their efforts at gratitude.

Due Date: March 18

Word or page count goal today: 200 pages of detail matching with the other books in the series

Something cool learned from research: This is about the time the bluebonnets bloom in Central Texas.