Trusting the Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

How exciting to have Vic Moore the hero from Trusting the Cowboy written by Carolyne Aarsen, a July 2016 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  Vic, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

Truth to tell I’m not that interesting. I work on the ranch I inherited from my father. I work rodeo as a pickup man. We’re the behind the scenes guys who get cowboy’s off their horses. I don’t like the limelight that much so it works for me. I’ll leave the guts and glory for my little brother, Dean.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I like riding my horse. Working on the ranch. If you enjoy your work, it’s not really work is it?

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

Talking to Dean about his attitude. He’s been grouchy and down in the dumps since his accident and I know it’s my fault, but I don’t what to do about it all.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Letting my family down. Mostly my brother. I’ve got dibs on Keith Mccauley’s ranch but his daughter, Lauren, wants to sell it. I’ve been looking at that ranch for Dean.  A way of making up for what happened to him. But things don’t look that good for me taking it over if Lauren wants to sell it.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Ranching. Taking care of my family. My faith.

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

I like reading biographies. Stories of how people got through their lives. Helps me figure out, at times, what to do about mine.

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

I don’t know if I would change anything about myself, but I sure wish I could go back in time and change what happened between me and my brother.

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

Nope. Just my horses.

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

Back to when Dean got dumped off that horse and busted his leg. I would love more than anything to change that. To be there for him. To have paid better attention when that rank bronc tossed him. That is something that still haunts me. I pray every day that I can find a way to make it up to him.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Yes, you've probably heard those words a thousand times but, in this instance, it really is true. So today I thought we'd have a little fun and put you all to the task of captioning the following picture. 

Just for the record, that is not a real gun. Rather an air soft gun that one of my sons left on my desk when he finished watching television. Still, I was a little surprised at the scene when I walked into my office the next morning and thought it made for an interesting picture.

I can't wait to what y'all come up with.

Ready... GO!

Sugarplum Homecoming Interview

How exciting to have Lana Ross, the heroine  from  Sugarplum Homecoming by Linda Goodnight, a  December, 2013, release from Love Inspired Romance.

1.   Lana, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

Most people are interested in my music. You see, I left my small Ozark town years ago to pursue a career in country music. I sing and play and write songs, so everyone in Whisper Falls said I’d make it big. They were wrong. All I made were a lot of mistakes.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I love hanging out with my niece, Sydney, who lives with me. She’s an amazing little girl who deserves a lot more than a life on the streets of Nashville. That’s why we’re back in Whisper Falls because, heaven only knows, I never wanted to come back here.

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

This question made me smile. I really dread facing the people of Whisper Falls, especially my neighbor Davis Turner. He is the smiling poster boy for Mr. Clean Cut and Nice. We knew each other from high school back when I was the poster girl for Wild Child. The Lord has changed me but people here will only remember the bad things I did.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Losing Sydney. She’s my life now and I’ll do anything to protect her. I’d rather people think bad things about me than for them to discover she is not really my child. I’m afraid someone will take her away because I’m not the most fit guardian.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Giving Sydney the home she needs. It used to be my music but not since I cleaned up my act.

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

I was a horrible student, never read anything in my life except country music magazines, but lately, I’m trying to read the Bible.

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

My reputation! I was going to say I’d like to get rid of this paralyzing stage fright but I think maybe God gave me that so I won’t argue with Him!

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

No, but Sydney is asking for a puppy for Christmas. I don’t know. I never stayed in one place long enough to have a pet. All this change is overwhelming!

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

That’s so hard. I have many regrets that I’d like to rewind, but maybe I’d go back and refuse the first time someone offered me alcohol.

A Hope Springs Christmas Interview

How exciting to have Sarah Wyse, the heroine from A HOPE SPRINGS CHRISTMAS written by Patricia Davids, a Dec 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1.  Sarah, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I expect people will think it's interesting that I'm Amish. I'm also a widow from a small, but wonderful, town in Ohio called Hope Springs. I work in the fabric shop, or at least I did, until recently.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Many things. The Amish know how to work, but they know how to have old-fashioned fun, too. I enjoy quilting, and I especially love quilting bees. It's wonderful to do something I love with my friends.

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

I put off facing Christmas for as long as possible. I lost my husband on Christmas Eve; I learned my twin sister had been killed only a few days after Christmas, my parents both died during the holiday season. It seems that every year Christmas brings me sorrow instead of joy.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

That I'll must face the rest of my life alone. It will be hard, but not as hard as watching someone else I love die before me.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Faith in God. Love of neighbor. Caring for others. These are all things that are important to me.

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

I should not say so, but I do like to read an Amish romance novel once in a while, however, I read my Bible every day.

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

That's a hard question. We often can't see our own faults. Perhaps I would be kinder to others, especially my neighbor, Levi.

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

No pets for me. My next-door neighbors, Levi Beachy, his sister Grace and his twin teenage brothers, Atlee and Moses, provide me with all the entertainment, humor and trouble I can handle. You never know what those boys will be up to next. Such pranksters. Poor Levi. He sure could use a hand with them. They need a woman's firm touch. In fact, Levi needs a wife and I plan to find one for him.

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

I think I would go back to my childhood. Everything seemed so simple and happy then. Ah, but things must change and we all have to grow up, don't we?  

Featured Book:A Hope Springs Christmas

Amish widow Sarah Wyse does not see wedding bells in her future. Still, she can't think of a better way to spend the Christmas season than helping her handsome, shy neighbor Levi Beachy find a wife. But once the single ladies of Hope Springs start visiting his buggy shop, Levi sends the town's eligible men Sarah's way. Neither expects to find love—but with help from the close-knit community, they just might mend each other's broken heart.

Snowflake Sweethearts Interview

How exciting to have Annie Romano the heroine from Snowflake Sweethearts written by Carrie Turansky, a December 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. Annie, tell me one of the most interesting thing about you.

I love to cook for friends and family, and that’s one reason I decided to become a personal chef and start my own business in Fairhaven, Washington. Experimenting with new recipes and serving a special meal to friends brings me a lot of joy.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my six-year-old daughter Emma. We like reading aloud in front of the fire, baking cookies, and taking walks to the park. Recently I’ve been learning to ice skate. That’s been a fun adventure, because I’m not too athletic, but the special man in my life, Alex Jameson, has been teaching me, and that makes it fun. I can’t wait to try it again with Emma.

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

Balancing my checkbook and working on taxes rank up there right next to having a headache and stomach flu. I do not have a head for numbers, so I am very thankful to share that side of the bakery business with Alex.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I’m afraid that I may not be able to give my daughter the safe and happy childhood that she deserves. Being a single mother is often challenging and I’m tempted to worry about the future. I’m thankful that I’m learning more about trusting God and opening my heart and life to others so they can become the family and friends that we need.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Taking care of Emma and making sure she has everything she needs emotionally, physically, and spiritually is very important to me. Being her mom is a blessing, but some days I feel like I might not have what it takes to be a good mother. But since I’ve been staying with Irene, she has really boosted my confidence and been like mom to me and a grandma to Emma. I am very thankful for Irene’s friendship and encouragement.

 

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

Oh, yes! I love to read cookbooks and also inspirational historical romance.

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

Sometimes I wish that my family situation growing up could have been different. My father left my mom and me when I was young, and that has always been a painful reality for me. But that longing for a father was one of the reasons I became a believer in Jesus when I was in college. Knowing my Heavenly Father loves me has been a balm to my heart and met some of my deepest needs.

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

Emma and I would love to have a pet. I hope when we get our own home we will adopt a cat or dog that needs a home and a lot of love. That would be fun for Emma and help her learn more about responsibility.  

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

I’d love to travel back in time and meet my grandparents and other family members in Italy. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about them, and I wish I’d had a chance to get to know them. Maybe I’d learn some secret family recipes I could use at the new Jameson’s Bakery Café too!

Featured Book: Snowflake Sweethearts

Bringing her daughter to the one place she feels safe, single mother Annie Romano returns to Fairhaven, Washington. Though hoping to start a new life as a personal chef, Annie accepts a different job. Alex Jameson, the handsome man she secretly loved as a teenager, needs a live-in caregiver for his ailing grandmother. A big-city workaholic in town temporarily, Alex doesn't seem to realize how much he needs family—or love. But the holiday season, his grandmother's matchmaking friends and one fatherless little girl start pulling at both Annie's and Alex's heartstrings. Just in time for the most special Christmas ever.

Featured Book: FRESH START RANCH by Leann Harris

After seeing Tessa Grant calm his storm-spooked horse, Ethan McClure is impressed. But does the new vet have what it takes to prove her mettle with Ethan's local horse-rescue group? Ethan can't deny her healing touch with animals…or her powerful effect on this rancher. But Tessa is busy trying to get her footing after leaving Kentucky to start over in this mountain town. When she learns a family secret that turns her world upside down, Tessa's ready to push everyone away. Unless Ethan can help her embrace forgiveness—and forge a path to her heart along the way.

Once Upon a Christmas Interview

 

Today's guests are Jared McCreedy and Maggie McCreedy, the hero and Heroine from Pamela Tracy's October 2012 book Once Upon a Christmas.  What a pleasure.  This is the first time we had both main characters show up.

 

So, tell me some interesting things about you.

Jared:  Since marrying Maggie, I'm into social events I never dreamed existed in Roanoke, Iowa.  Before Maggie, I don't think I was too interesting.  Ask my sons.  They'll tell you the same.

Maggie:  Don't listen to him.  He's the dark and brooding type.  You should see his home, his farm, his world.  He's the most interesting man in the world.

Jared:  Now.

Maggie:  What's interesting about me is that I go a mile a minute.  I like doing things with my hands.  I sew, I cook, I still like to play.

Jared:  She gets on the swing set back home even!

Maggie [patting a slight tummy bulge]:  Well, I'll be a bit more care the next few months.

 

Wow, you are interesting.  And, congrats!  It's not often we find out what happens in the characters' lives after the book comes out.  What do you do for fun?

Jared: Sit on the porch and watch our children.

Maggie: Sit on the porch and watch our children.  On the weekends, we go to lots of rummage sales, garage sales, and farmer's markets.  I'm always looking for inventory for my vintage clothing store.

 

What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Jared and Maggie:  Disciplining the  children!

Jared:  Before their mother died, my children were well behaved.  We hit a few bumps after that.  Okay, not a few. 

Maggie:  My daughter has ADD.  Life is never dull in our household.

 

How about what you, specifically put off doing?

Jared:  I put off getting the turkey hens that our nesting out of my wheat.

Maggie:  Spoken like a true farmer.  I put off getting rid of old clothes that are beyond repair because I keep thinking I'll come up with a new idea on how to work on them.  I never do.

 

What are you afraid of most in life?

Jared:  Being alone. 

Maggie:  You're never alone.  God is always with

Jared: Feeling alone.

Maggie:  With me, my daughter, your kids, and Uncle Billy, I doubt that will ever happen again.  As for me, I'm afraid that I need to be doing things different with my daughter.  I worry about the choices we make.

Jared: She's a worrier.

 

What do you want out of life?

Jared:  I want to grow old with Maggie and watch my grandchildren play while I sit on my front porch.

Maggie:  The same, but I want our children to stick fairly close and to know God and be happy.

 

What is the most important thing to you?

Jared and Maggie:  That our children know God and never leave him.

 

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

Jared:  I'd have been there for my first wife when she was so sick and trying to do everything.  I'd also have been more of a big brother to my little brother.

Maggie:  Pretty much the same.  My first husband died in Afghanistan.  There are so many things I wish I could tell him now.  I understand a few things I didn't know before.

 

Do you have pets?

Jared:  Our dog Captain Rex is the main house pet.  We have a farm.  The kids name all the animals.

Maggie: I have more pets now than I've ever had in my whole life.  I even have a favorite cow.

Critical Condition Interview

Today we're welcoming Tara Peterson, the heroine of Critical Condition, written by Sandra Orchard, an October 2012 release by Love Inspired Suspense. 

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure. 

  

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

I am a nurse at Miller’s Bay Memorial Hospital, and while answering a call bell, I found the patient seizing and her husband collapsed on the floor. Someone pushed me from behind and ran out of the room. I summoned help, and as medical personnel struggled to save my patient, I struggled to save her husband. We all failed, but the man’s last words haunted me. “You have to stop the killer.” I went to the police and they sent Zach Davis to work undercover in the hospital.

2.    Tell us a bit about him.  What was your first impression?  When did you know it was love? 

The first time I met him, he didn’t look so good, like he might faint. Some people get that way when visiting the hospital. My heart went out to him, but then after I gave him a glass of juice to help bring back his color, he really looked at me. Looked at me as if he knew me. As if… he could see right to my soul. And he was wonderful with my three-year-old, Suzie. She took to him instantly. She calls him Dak. A tiny part of me probably loved him from the moment he took an interest in Suzie, something her father had never done.

But the day Zach folded me in his arms after we’d chased a prowler from the house, I knew. I wasn’t used to having someone in the middle of a crisis focus on my wellbeing. And I was tired of fighting. Fighting to stay out of a murderer’s sights. Fighting to protect my daughter, and my job. Fighting my attraction to Zach.

    

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

In the words of my sister, I’m smart, creative and have more energy than anyone she knows. I can whip up a delicious five-course meal without breaking a sweat. But I can’t balance a checkbook to save my life.

         

4.    What scares you? 

My daughter getting sick or hurt. Maybe because I’m a nurse, I always fear the worse. If she gets a fever, I fear it’s meningitis. If she gets a cough, I fear she has strep. If a guy starts wanting to hang out with us, I fear Suzie’s going to get too attached and have her heart broken when he walks away.

      

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

I’d try to see myself the way God sees me, the way Zach sees me, as loved and cherished and worthy.

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

I have doubts about God. I take my daughter to Sunday School, and I want to believe there is something better after we die, but being a nurse I see a lot of prayers go unanswered. I didn’t blame God. Most of the time, I blamed myself for the bad things in my life.

    

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

Zach helps me see that just because God doesn’t give me, or my patients, the answers we want, it doesn’t mean He doesn’t care or isn’t listening. His answer may simply be no, or not now. I also learned to stop blaming myself for things that weren’t my fault.

8.    You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story.  Tell us why this scripture is significant.

Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” This verse is special to me, because it reminds me that I’m a work in progress, and that’s okay. I’m not perfect, nowhere near. But I’m on the path God wants me to be on, and with each step I take, the love and hope he pours into my life shines ever brighter.  

    

9.    If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Cake—the special chocolate cake that Gran used to invite me to make with her as a child. She fostered my love of cooking and the smell of that cake always reminds me of her. She was the sweetest person I’ve ever known, accepted me just as I am.