Spotting That New Release

• Hi Everyone,

I was so excited to see my newest release, A DAUGHTER'S RETURN, in my local Wal-mart along with the other LIH's that came out this month! I think that's as exciting as receiving the first copies of my book. I'll be looking at the other two Wal-marts I sometimes go to this week to see if they are on the selves there, too. And I'd love to know if you've seen it in your area.

This story was special to me because we've known about Rebecca since the beginning, and wondered what happened to her. Even after she was found, we didn't know everything and this is a new beginning for her.

I love writing the Bordinghouse Betrothal series for LIH! And I so enjoy doing research for them. I just turned in the next story in this series (no title just yet) but it will be a November release. I was thrilled to write Christmas into it and much of my research revolved around Macy's. I loved finding out that they were doing their Christmas windows long before my story which takes place in 1897. They had a Santa Clause in their store before then, too. And they were very good to their employees. One of them, Emily, lives at Heaton House and I think she may have to have her own story one of these days.  Do you think a window dresser would be an interesting occupation? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for occupations you'd like to see represented in this series!

Until next time,
Janet Lee Barton

Summer Fun with Lacy Williams

Howdy from Lacy Williams! It's warming up here in Oklahoma and I've been enjoying a lot of long-forgotten summer activities with my kids.

Earlier this week we made Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops from a recipe we found on www.allrecipes.com (see below for recipe). They were easy and fun and messy--everything a popsicle should be.

We've also spent time in the backyard kiddie pool, splashing and sliding.

I think the most fun so far has been finding literally a hundred baby frogs in our backyard. If you've been paying attention to the news lately, you know that Oklahoma has been hit with some awful weather lately. We were blessed that all of it missed us and all our family that live here, but we've had a ton of rain, and apparently our backyard became a breeding ground for toads native to the area.

My 21-month-old was the first to spot one. At first I thought it was a big grasshopper, but on closer inspection we found it was a tiny frog. Then we found another and another--until we realized what had happened. They've all pretty much gone now (just a few left around), but for a few days they were all over the yard. It was so fun to see the kids shriek and hop around, imitating the frogs. They even held one in their hands (was really surprised the almost four year old girl did). What fun memories to make for the future!

In my August 2013 book, ROPING THE WRANGLER, the hero and heroine relive memories of their own childhood Christmases when they have to help three orphaned girls survive a Christmas storm.

Here's a blurb:

Schoolmarm Sarah Hansen longs for a family of her own. But horse trainer Oscar White is the last man she'd consider. Still, she can't help noticing the care he shows three motherless girls and the gentle way he helps Sarah overcome her fear of horses.

Too bossy by half—that's the Sarah that Oscar remembers from their teenage years. Yet as a former orphan, he finds the little Caldwell sisters—and their pretty teacher—getting under his skin. Could the tender heart Sarah's always hidden tame a once-reckless wrangler?

I will also have a freebie novella coming in July, available on all the major online retailers (Amazon, B&N, etc). Watch for COURTED BY A COWBOY if you'd like to try one of my stories for free.

Now I'd love to hear from you - what's your favorite summer ritual? A favorite thing to do with the kids or grandkids?



Recipe for Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops from
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Lemonade-Ice-Pops/Detail.aspx
*1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
*3 cups cold water
*1 (16 ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries

Directions:
In a large pitcher, stir together the lemonade concentrate and water. Place strawberries into the container of a blender, and puree until smooth. Pour in some of the lemonade if necessary to facilitate blending. Stir strawberry puree into the lemonade. Pour into molds, and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Prayers for Our Readers

This week we wanted to share some prayers for our readers in the New Year. Many blessings to all of you.

To our wonderful readers I wish the most blessed 2012.  Without you, our stories don't come alive and our characters don't have the chance to tell their stories. May this new year bring you much joy, much love, and the perfect happy ending.

Christine Johnson

My prayer for my readers is simple.  May God bless you with health, peace of mind, and prosperity.  That covers just about everything, especially "peace of mind."  It's a joy to write Christian fiction, and I hope others are as blessed as I've been by the wealth of inspiring stories.

Victoria Bylin 

I pray that each reader gets exactly what she needs from my books.  I ask God to open her eyes and heart to the message He has prepared individually for her, and that it will bear much fruit.  I thank God for the many readers who have been blessings to me...encouragers, grateful hearts, and uplifters who have gone out of their way to let me know my work blesses them.
--Allie Pleiter

New Year...New Tagline

I always find myself pretty introspective this time of year, with all the talk of resolutions and diets and self-improvement. You too?

One of the changes I’ve decided to make this year is my tagline. What I’m going with is:

Love that overcomes.

What do you think?

I chose this phrase because I really *really* love reading and writing stories where one of the main characters has to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It can be something from their past, or an obstacle that comes up during the book, but the bigger or deeper the problem, the more I love the story. Especially if it involves a big sacrifice at the end.

Here are some of my favorites:

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Austen): Darcy has to overcome Lizzie’s objections, save her family’s reputation and conquer his pride to win her heart.

THE TWILIGHT SAGE (Stephenie Meyers): Bella has to overcome her bad luck and clumsiness along with Edward’s need to control everything.

LONGING FOR HOME (Kathryn Springer): Alex has to overcome his need to be in charge of everything and the deeper fears of abandonment to be able to accept Kate’s love.

THE CHRISTMAS CHILD (Linda Goodnight): Kade has to overcome the demons of his past before he can allow himself to trust Sophie’s love.

And in my upcoming release THE HOMESTEADER’S SWEETHEART (May), hero Jonas White has already overcome big obstacles, including his past, a scandal, and making a home out on the harsh Wyoming plains. But can he conquer Penny’s heart when they come from such different worlds?

I’m going to do a drawing from all the commenters today. The winner will receive an advance reader copy of THE HOMESTEADER’S SWEETHEART in PDF format. I’ll notify the winner by email so make sure your email is in your comment!