Ask Elnora--About Maneuvers? Lenora Worth

Hello my darlings. How I've missed you but I enjoyed my time off and I'm so glad we got to know some of those wonderful RITA nominated books! I must read all of them. Elnora is behind on her reading list. But I have very good excuses. I just finished a long Superromance that I so enjoyed writing. It's off to my clever editors for well .... more edits ... I'm sure. So of course I celebrated with new shoes and a few days away from my computer. But it's hard to stay away for any amount of time.

I had to maneuver things so I could enjoy my down time. I had big plans to finally get this office into shape, to finally go back through and "edit" my overflowing closet yet again, big plans to sit on the beach and read all the books I've been pining to read, big plans to climb mountains and scale walls and ... well, I haven't done much of anything but I've enjoyed my rest. Now it's off to Atlanta to the RWA Conference. I have a great and full schedule--and a workshop on Saturday with one of my favorite people--Marta Perry--and one of my favorite editors--Tina James. We maneuvered into getting this workshop and we're excited to talk about writing. I'll try to give conference highlights next week.

In my last home, a big train maneuvered its way along a track just past my yard. We laughed about the noise and how it shook the earth when we first moved in but we got used to the train and always waved when it passed near the trees. Here where I live by the bay, we hear a different kind of maneuver. We live surrounded by military bases--air force and navy and a couple of very secretive fields and reservations. So we often hear our military practicing maneuvers. When I first heard the boom, boom right outside my door, I did a jump, jump right out of  my recliner. Then I realized what was going on. Now when I hear the rat-ta-ta-tat of a big gun somewhere, instead of scaring me it makes me feel safe. There are heroes out there in the shadows, practicing to protect me. Sigh.

One night recently, Big D and I walked out on the dock to look at the stars. I saw some flickers in the distance. Like fireflies dancing on the clouds. My husband explained that was maneuver planes flying over one of those secretive fields. I have to say it was a lovely sight. Better than fireworks even.

So Happy Belated Fourth of July, my precious people. Let freedom ring or boom or rat-ta-tat. I'm thankful for new shoes and for the freedom to write these words and my books. I'm thankful for the military men and women who are out there protecting me. And I'm thankful for all of you, too!

Now what did I miss while I was away? Come sit by me and let's catch up!!!

Ready for RWA

Missy Tippens, here. Thank you for all the excitement for yesterday's post. It's been a huge thrill and honor to be nominated for a RITA®. It's made getting ready for this year's Romance Writers of America national conference that much more exciting.

I've been busy picking out dresses to take with me, especially for the RITA and Golden Heart awards ceremony. Also for the big party Harlequin throws for their authors every year. Not to mention the shoes and jewelry! I'm just glad the conference is in Atlanta this year so I don't have to fly. I can take as much luggage as I need. :)

When I went to pick out my dress for the awards ceremony, I took my daughter with me. She's sixteen and very honest with me. Needless to say, she had no qualms telling me when something didn't look good! So when I fell in love with THE dress, I was relieved when she approved...provided I wore a body shaper underneath! LOL

Gotta love teenagers and how they keep us humble. :)

I thought I'd share my dress with you today. I adore the color (the close up is truer to color) and satiny fabric. You can all picture me in it next Saturday night (the 19th). Just be sure to picture me all cinched in and "shaped." <grin>

RITA Watch: A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens

Debby Giusti here!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing Missy Tippens' delightful story, A House Full of Hope, which is a 2013 RITA finalist in the Inspirational Category. Missy is one of our own Craftie Ladies, and we're so proud of her accomplishments. 

Congrats, Missy, on the well-deserved recognition for your wonderful story! 

Since we're talking about the fictional worlds that authors create, let's slip into our imaginations to chat with Missy's book...

Can you tell us when you were born? 

I was born in 2011 and was released into the world February, 2012. 

Where was your place of birth? 

The small fictional town of Corinthia, Georgia. 

Do you have any brothers and sisters? 

I do! A Family for Faith (2011) and Georgia Sweethearts (2013), so I'm the middle child of the Faith, Hope and Love series. It's not an official Love Inspired series, but it's how my author thinks of us. As a family. 

What do you think made you a RITA finalist? 

I think readers could relate to the theme of forgiveness (offering and receiving it). I also think readers loved the four precious children in the story. Oh, and the naughty dog! 

A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE

By Missy Tippens

Before becoming a Christian, Mark Ryker ran with a bad crowd and broke hearts. Including his father’s. Now a successful businessman, Mark has come home to Corinthia, Georgia, to make amends. But no one will forgive him. So when the widowed mother of four renting his dad’s run-down house needs help fixing up the place, Mark gets to work. Pretty Hannah Hughes and her sweet kids have him longing to be part of the clan, but Hannah isn’t ready to let go of the past. Still, they are working together on a house full of hope—and that’s all Mark needs.
Click here to get your copy.

Debby again...

A House Full of Hope is a heartwarming story that hooks the reader from the very beginning. I couldn't put the book down and was rooting for Hannah and Mark at every turn as they struggled to overcome the issues in their past. More than anything, I wanted them to have a Happily Ever After. Missy is an accomplished author who never disappoints her readers. If you're looking for a touching story about forgiveness and redemption, read A House Full of Hope. 

RITA watch: MY STUBBORN HEART by Becky Wade

Welcome to RITA Watch! Today we'll meet MY STUBBORN HEART by Becky Wade, an inspiring contemporary romance novel.

1.  Where were you born?

I hail from the great state of Texas. Dallas, to be exact. It's a fun place, big blue skies that stretch your eyes and your imagination, and thankfully, the imagination of my author.

2.  Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I'm an oldest child, but my "mom" just had a new book release, called Undeniably Yours. I'm not jealous. Much. I mean, come on. Look at that cover...

3.  What do you think made you a RITA finalist?

Definitely my hero. Think dark, brooding, hot hockey player with a deep hurt in his past... just waiting for the right woman to redeem him. Enter my heroine, Kate.

4.  Backcover Blurb

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.
Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light...whether he likes it or not.
When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

To learn more about the book or the author, visit http://www.beckywade.com

RITA Watch: An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere

Welcome to another 2013 RITA® finalist book, An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere. We're so glad you agreed to answer some questions today.

1.  Where were you born?

As a story, I was born October 30, 2012. But I take place in London, England, in 1851. (However, my prologue takes place six years earlier in colonial Australia.)

2.  Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I'm the oldest, and there are two younger siblings on the way.  "A Lady Most Lovely" will arrive in just a few months, on September 24!

We can't wait!

3.  What do you think made you a RITA finalist?

Two reasons, I think. First, it's a bit of a Cinderella story. A young lady from a humble background discovers she is related to a wealthy family, and steps into the role of an heiress! Another even more exciting reason is the hero, Geoffrey Somerville. He was born the third son to a baron, and as many younger sons did in England in those days, he went into the church. But in the end he also inherited the title. I think the idea of a hero who is both a clergyman and a peer has really resonated with readers. In fact, Geoffrey won the title "Most Memorable Hero" in a contest given by the Hearts Through History Romance Writers. The ladies love him!

We love those memorable heroes!

4.  Please share the backcover blurb for An Heiress at Heart...

A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she's finally returning home, but she's still living a secret life. Her best friend Ria's dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again . . .

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville's world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he's invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother's young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

Congratulations on being a RITA finalist! You and your author must be very excited.

For more information on Jennifer Delamere and her books, please visit her website (click here.)

RITA Watch: Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Starting today and running through mid July, Craftie Ladies of Romance is going to be introducing all of you to the RITA finalists. Our first guest is Miss Against the Tide by historical romance author Elizabeth Camden.

Hello there, Miss Against the Tide. Let me start by giving you a big, Craftie-Lady welcome, and thank you for interviewing with us today. It's always fun to have new books stop by. Can you tell us when you were born?

October of 2012

Ah, October would be a lovely birthday month,  with all those beautiful tree leaves changing colors. Where were you born? 

I was born to author Elizabeth Camden, who’s a research librarian at a small college in Florida. I'm personally very grateful for my mom's career, as her love of history and research had great influence on my story.

With your mother living in Florida and your story taking place in Boston, that's quite a jump. I would have guessed your mom lived in New England because of the way she so beautifully depicts the setting in your story. Do you have any brothers and sisters? 

I do. I've got two older and siblings and another sister about to be born later this summer, but I'm closest to my oldest sister. In fact, my novel is a bit of a sequel to my mom's first child, The Lady of Bolton Hill.

What do you think made you a RITA finalist? 

Some of the historical research my mom did really made my story stand out. She addresses the overuse of laudanum in the book in a rather interesting fashion. I think most people will be shocked when the find out more about how such a devastating drug used to be given to babies under the guise of an infant cough syrup. And since laudanum didn't used to be listed as an ingredient on medicine bottles, a lot of innocent mothers never even realized they were drugging their babies by giving them cough syrup.

Wow, that sounds like a really interesting aspect of history for your mother to explore. I'm glad you get to help inform people about the past in such an interesting manner. Now can you tell us a little more about yourself?

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

Thank you for being with us today, Miss Against the Tide. And congratulations on being a Rita Finalist. You must be thrilled!

Come Chat with the Inspirational RITA Finalists Tonight!

Missy, here. And I'm very excited to be taking part in an event tonight (Thursday, June 6th). Finalists in the Inspirational category of the RITA® will be gathering for a live chat on the Shindig site. Chat will be held from 8-9:00 PM (Eastern time). Please note the time in your own time zone!

Here's who will be taking part:

Elizabeth Camden, Jennifer Delamere, Robin Lee Hatcher, Rachel Hauck, Marta Perry, Cheryl Reavis, Missy Tippens (me!), and Becky Wade. And, we hope...YOU!

Please go to this page for information and also to reserve your spot! (Click the "RSVP" button).