FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Cowboy Meets His Match by Leann Harris

Corralling Her Heart 

Sawyer Jensen is ready to grab life—and his new job—by the horns. The tall, hazel-eyed cowboy has been brought in to revive Quay County's faltering rodeo, but his bigger challenge may be taking on Erin Delong. The beautiful rodeo rider was in the running for Sawyer's job, and she's not walking away without a fight. Sawyer is no stranger to conflict, but the feelings Erin is stirring in him are brand-new. Her independent spirit both intrigues and scares him. As it turns out, Sawyer's biggest project will be repairing his own wounded heart—and Erin may just be the perfect person for the job!

How exciting to have Erin DeLong the heroine  from  The Cowboy Meets His Match written by Leann Harris a June 2016 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  Erin, tell me the most interesting thing about you?  I grew up in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The city is off  I-10, but known for being off  Route 66.  I’m a barrel racer and been riding all my life.

2.  What do you do for fun? Ride my horse, Wind Dancer. Growing up, when my mom went to the reservation to visit her family, I went with her and always managed to organize a race.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? Cooking.  That’s not my thing.  To relax, I’m with my horse. I’d rather muck out the barn than fix dinner.  My brother claims my skill at cooking reflects my interest.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? Losing. When I lost the big job to reorganize my hometown rodeo, I knew I couldn’t walk away and let Sawyer Jensen do it without my input and that caused all sorts of problems. Oddly enough, Sawyer didn’t mind.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?  My family. When my dad had a stroke, it threw my family’s world into chaos, leaving us all in confusion, and with questions. Oddly, Sawyer stepped into the vacuum left.  

6.  Do you read books?  Absolutely. You can learn so much from a book on animal husbandry or the memories of a famous barrel rider. It’s not widely known, but I love reading a good romance while out on the back porch. The men in those books are great.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  Well, my mom tells me that it isn’t my job to solve everyone’s problem. I should stop doing that.

8.  Do you have a pet? My horse is my best friend and buddy. Wind Dancer is part of me. I’ve had boyfriends complain that I give my horse more attention than them. Guilty.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I would’ve liked to have been in this area of New Mexico when my mother’s people The Navajo or Diné  roamed the land.

What We're reading

Terri Reed
I’m in the middle of reading the Summer Brides anthology by authors Susan Wiggs, Sherryl Woods and Susan Mallery. All great authors. I’ve finished the first story, the Borrowed Bride by Susan Wiggs and it was delightful. I’m halfway through A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl Woods and its a cute, fun read. I’m looking forward to reading Susan Mallery’s Sister of the Bride.

I recently finished reading Vulnerable by Mary Burton. As always, it was a fast paced, suspenseful read set in Nashville which I’ll be visiting this summer.

Up next, I’m not sure. It will depend on the mood I’m in when I finish the anthologies.

 

Cate Nolan

Currently reading:  Two different books: Think No Evil : Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and Beyond and Debby Giusti's Plain Danger

Just finished: Dana Mentik's Dangerous Tidings

Up next: books for a contest

Jolene Navarro

I finished The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding. It's three mothers that live in the New York area and they wrote this right after 911. I'm actually rereading it. Love this book on motherhood, faith and culture. 

I'm reading Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Ron McMillan. It is for work but I'm also finding great insight to personal conversations and a better understanding of the power play with my characters.

What am I reading next? My list is so overwhelming I'm not sure. Maybe a fun Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Jodi Thomas.

Lenora Worth

I am reading The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay. Very good!!

Pamela Tracy
I just finished The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordon.  He wrote Percy Jackson and I'm reading what my son reads.

I'm reading Ghost in the Wind by E.J. Copperman.  What can I say?  I like a good ghost story.

Next, I'll be reading The Apprentice, My Life in the Kitchen by Jacque Pepin.  He wrote Kitchen Confidential.  It's for my book club.

Barbara Phinney

What I am reading: A Fall From Yesterday by Norah Wilson

What I just finished: The Red Sea Rules

Next to be read: Seaside Secrets by Dana Mentink

Leann Harris

I'm reading Linda Goodnight's book, Memory House.

Rhonda Gibson

 Currently Reading: The God I Never Knew by Robert Morris Non-Fiction

What I just finished Reading: Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffery Fantasy

What is next on my reading list: Mrs. Jefferies Wins The Prize by Emily Brightwell Cozy Mystery

Jill Kemerer

I'm currently reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. This is a nonfiction Christian living book written for women who struggle with their weight. I'm very encouraged by the message of finding our significance in Christ and relying on His strength to help us make healthy choices. As someone who is tired of gaining/losing the same 5-7 pounds, I'm thrilled to have found this book.

I recently finished reading Jill Lynn's May Love Inspired, Her Texas Family. Jill has such a fresh voice, I couldn't put this one down!

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Books for a contest.

I am currently reading: Venetia by Georgette Heyer. I adore classical Regency romances and Georgette Heyer is the queen of all Regencies.

Next up I plan to read: The Crown by Kiera cass. My daughters passed the first books on to me after they had read them and I am looking forward to this last book in the series.

Linda Goodnight

I just finished reading: Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin, a gorgeously written, heart-tugging story I simply could not put down. Talk about a manly hero. Oh my!

I’m currently reading: Just Down the Road by Jodi Thomas, a Texas rancher romance full of wit, tenderness, and beauty.

Next I plan to read: Rustler’s Moon by Jodi Thomas, one of her Ransom Canyon books. I’ve just discovered her books and love her writing.

So, Craftie readers, what are you reading?

What We're Reading

I just finished reading: Cowboy with a Cause by Carla Cassidy
I am currently reading:Finding your way bak to God by Don Ferguson
Next, I plan to read: The Wrong Jesus by Greg Monette
Barbara Phinney 

I just finished reading: Lisa Van Allen's THE WISHING THREAD, which was great preparation for spending Halloween morning in Sleepy Hollow NY

I am currently reading: Brian Grazer's A CURIOUS MIND, a marvelous look into the creative life of a Hollywood producer 

Next, I plan to read: Nicholas Spark's THE LONGEST RIDE to prepare for a rodeo-themed novel
Allie Pleiter

I just finished reading:The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert

I haven't read a lot of WWII historical novels. This one was epic in scope and quite a riveting read.

I am currently reading:A Reunion for the Rancher by Brenda Minton

Rereading the Lone Star Cowboy League books, of which I'm a part. Love revisiting the characters.

Next, I plan to read: A Doctor for the Nanny by Leigh Bale

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Making Memories by Janet Lee Barton

I am currently reading: A Montana Born Christmas (a multi-author boxed set)

Next, I plan to read: A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone
Yes, I've started my Christmas reading. I didn't finish 2014's until March 2015. I love holiday stories.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: The last apprentice by Joseph Delaney (did the audio in my car as I have an hour's drive back and forth to work.  Love,love, loved this YA that was darker than Harry Potter but not as scary as Stephen King) 

I am currently reading: A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley (my favorite author and I finally have her new one.  I am soooooo having fun.  I'm already on page 25 and am searching for more time to read)

Next, I plan to read: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Pamela Tracy

What I'm reading: The Secret Garden (yet again!)
Patricia Johns

I'm reading Beneath the Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter. 

Next is Texas Wish by Jolene Navarro

Barbara Harrison aka Leann Harris

I just finished reading...For the Love, Jen Hatmaker 

I am currently reading...The Reluctant Assassin, JC Morrows

I plan to read ...Seagrass Pier, Colleen Coble 

Dana Mentink

 I just finished reading a WW2 historical for endorsement

I'm currently reading The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert. Yet another WW2 historical. Hmm.

 Next up? Probably a holiday book. I have the 2-in-1 A Western Christmas by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge at the top of my TBR pile.

Christine Johnson

What I'm reading - Nothing for pleasure at the moment because I've been in an intense writing period, but I am reading Roald Dahl's The Witches with my class.

I'm so looking forward to reading all the holiday stories I've been stockpiling - but not until I've met my deadline!
Cate Nolan

I'm finishing - "Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale," by Ian Morgan Cron. I'm also reading Tina Radcliffe's wonderful story, "Safe in the Fireman's Arms."

My book club pick for this month - "Chasing Tomorrow," by Sidney Sheldon so that's next on my TBR list.

Debby Giusti

HA!! I am so busy with deadlines right now that I haven’t been able to pick up an actual book in a few weeks. However, the Harlequin Heartwarming authors have a wonderful series of free (and short!) online reads at Harlequin.com that I’m really enjoying. You can find them here: http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?cid=623303

Danica Favorite

 I just finished reading: The Matchmaker’s Match by Jessica Nelson, a wonderfully rich romance with delightful characters. It’s easy to see why this story received a Top Pick from RT Magazine along with an RT Reviewer's Choice nomination for Best LIH of 2015. 

I am currently reading: Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams, a heartwarming story with a sweet heroine and a charming hero. 

Next, I plan to read: The Bachelor’s Homecoming by Karen Kirst, her latest release that’s sure to be another winner.

What I’m reading:I just finished: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery. I love, love her writing. The book was fun, light and romantic.

 

I am currently reading: Be Afraid by Mary Burton. Another of my favorite authors. This is a fast paced thriller and I’ve enjoying it.

 

Next, I plan to read: Charming Christmas by Carly Alexander. She’s a new to me author. Her book was made into a Hallmark movie which I recorded but I want to read the book before watching the movie.

So, readers, what have you just read?  What are you reading now?  What are you reading next?

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: A Rancher for Their Mom by Leann Harris

Cowboy for Hire 

Cowboy Joel Kaye has ambitions as big as Texas. And after decades away, rodeo glory seems finally within reach. But when two little boys "hire" him to work on their ranch, Joel can't turn them down. He tells himself it's only for one week, but widow April Landers and her family soon begin to fill a void in the rodeo rider's scarred heart. April lives for her three kids—and the ranch she's fighting fiercely to keep. This determined mama's not looking for another wandering partner. Will this ready-made family inspire Joel to put down roots…for good?

INTERVIEW:

How exciting to have Joel Kaye the hero  from  A Rancher for Their Mom written by Leann Harris a June 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  Joel, tell me the most interesting thing about you?  I’m a cowboy, who is following the rodeo circuit.

2.  What do you do for fun? Fun? When I ranched, fun wasn’t in my vocabulary. Now that I’m on the circuit, I enjoy playing the guitar. My horse doesn’t think I’m that good.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? When you’re taking care of livestock, you don’t put off things. Cows and bulls don’t understand you’re tired. Either does my horse. Too bad for you is the motto for the livestock.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? Afraid of not winning that championship belt buckle in my events in the rodeo.

5.  What is the most important thing to you? It was that belt buckle, but not anymore. It’s two little boys, their sister and their mother. Especially their mother, April.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? As strange as it sounds, I love spy books. It’ so different from my background and the world I know. It’s fun to be in another world.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would’ve liked to have changed some of my circumstances in my life and not have my parents and grandmother died in an auto accident on New Year’s Eve.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I wouldn’t call my horse, Sadie, my pet.  Maybe I’m her pet.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I would’ve liked to have been in Texas and met Sam Houston and Steven F. Austin and fought with them for Texas Independence.

Thursday Sisterhood with Leann Harris

 Family Status:  married/with children out of house

 What Is Your Favorite Beverage:  sweet tea

 What Is Your Favorite Food: cheese enchiladas

 What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time:  garden and shopping
   
 Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your life: my mother. She has the heart of a lion
and the gentleness of a dove. She told me there was nothing I couldn't do.

 First Book You Fell in Love With:  Honor's Splendor, by Julie Garwood 

A Book You Wish You’d Written: Wow, that I can't name. I've enjoyed so many other writers and books.

 First Book Published: Bride on the Run

 Most Recent Book:  A Ranch to Call Home

 Out Next:  The book doesn't have an official name. I call it Joel's Journey

 How Many Have You Written: 17

 What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: Don't stress. And enjoy your children when they are young.


 What is Your Favorite Bible Story:  Jonathan and David.

 What is Your Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-- For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 What is Your Favorite Hymn:  Growing up Catholic, I don't remember too many hymns (I can sing them in Latin), but one of the songs that touch me the most right now is Where I Belong by Building 429.

 What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: To continue healing from my lymphoma and get back to normal.

Interview for A Ranch to Call Home

How exciting to have Captain Brenda Kaye the heroine from A Ranch to Call Home written by Leann Harris, a March 2014 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Captain Kaye, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

    It’s ex-captain, since I resigned my commission the first of this year. One of the most interesting things about me was when I was in the army, I was part of an all-female team. We met with the Iraqi women, seeing what their needs were and tried to address them.

2. What do you do for fun?

    Fun?  It’s been a while since I’ve done anything for fun.  I worked hard to recover from the wounds I received when Iraq.  Fun?  Every place I was stationed, I found a stable and rode.  Since I grew up on a Texas ranch, riding is the way I relax.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

     I put off facing the memories of my parents’ and grandmother’s deaths. They were killed by a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve coming home from church.  That’s the reason I joined the army the day after I graduated from high school.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

    Again dealing with those memories.  I ran.  How could God allow those wonderful people to die when the drunk driver lived?  I’m also wrestling with the memories of the Iraqi women who were meeting with me when the suicide bomber walked into the restaurant and blew himself up.  I was the only survivor.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

     I want to help other soldiers deal with flash backs and guilt of living when so many died.  I know how they feel.  Maybe helping others will help me.

6. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

     I love reading.  If I can get my hands on a book, I read it.  I grew up reading Zane Grey.

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

    To have courage to face the hurts in my life. If I faced those wounds, I wouldn’t have married my ex.  He wasn’t the answer to my turmoil, but only added to my problems. I ended up being a meal ticket for him.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

    My horse wouldn’t be considered a pet.  Midnight is a friend and an outstanding counselor.  She’s a great listener and makes me think.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

    I would like to go to 1066 and talk to King Harold Godwin of England who first defeated the Vikings at Stamford Bridge, and then turned around and fought The Duke of Normandy at the battle of Hastings and lost.  What was it in the battle that changed and allowed William to win?  The soldier in me is interested in the tactics.