Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Contemporary May 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

Winning The Teacher's HeartBy Jean C. Gordon

A HOMETOWN REUNION

Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn’t been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes.
Her children’s welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don’t approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart…and her home.

THE DONNELLY BROTHERS:  Hometown boys make good…and find love.

A FIREFIGHTER'S PROMISE
By Patricia Johns

When the baby he rescued seven years ago returns---with his widowed adoptive mom---Deputy Fire Chief Matt Bailey can't turn them away. Desperate to escape the reminders of his failure in the line of duty, Matt is close to leaving town. But one look at Rachel Carter and her son, Christopher, has him second-guessing his plans. 

Rachel is a mom in need of a hero for her son. But as much as she wants the two to bond, she's determined to keep her distance from Matt. After losing her husband on the job, she promised never to love another fireman. Yet somehow she finds herself drawn to the one man she should avoid.

2-in-1 Classics: THE MARINE’S BABY and HIS TEXAS BRIDE

By Deb Kastner

Two single fathers have homecomings they'll never forget

THE MARINE'S BABY 

The US Marine Corps made a man out of Nathan Morningway. The orphaned baby girl left to him by his military buddy made him a father. With no training in diaper duty, Nathan heads home to Morningway Lodge—where he's not exactly warmly welcomed by his family. Luckily day-care worker Jessica Sabin helps care for little Gracie and teaches him how to be a daddy. But why does Jessica look so sad sometimes? Nathan's new mission: make Jessica smile forever. 

HIS TEXAS BRIDE 

It's been years since single father Buck Redmond set foot in his Texas hometown. He plans to quickly sell his family's ranch and get out. But the Redmond homestead now belongs to his former flame, Ellie McBride. Ellie stirs up all kinds of memories, and soon Buck is reminded of why he loved Ellie. But making her his Texas bride will mean completely opening his heart.

The Doctor’s Second ChanceBy Missy Tippens

The Bachelor's Baby 

Jake West's troubled cousin leaves him with a most unusual parting gift—her newborn baby girl! And now the small-town contractor is forced to seek help from the very woman he resents—the new big-city pediatrician who practically stole his uncle's practice, Violet Crenshaw. 

Violet knows she shouldn't be consorting with the enemy. But she can't resist the adorable baby and her handsome new caretaker. Violet traded her chance at motherhood for her career years ago. But raising a family with Jake could be everything she's ever wanted.

The Fun of a New Release -- Missy Tippens

Missy, here. And I'm celebrating a new release from Love Inspired! The Doctor's Second Chance. It's a May release, but it's available in print now! Each new book is exciting. It's like another child being born. And each time, it's impossible to pick a favorite.

But this time, I have to say I really, really like this story. I had a lot of fun with a fish-out-of-water setting for my bachelor hero. When his cousin leaves him with a nearly newborn baby to raise, he's clueless. The only thing he can think to do is get the help of the town's new pediatrician--the one woman he doesn't want to associate with.

:)

Yes, it was as fun as it sounds to write it. But I also had to do some research. My heroine is a pediatrician, so I interviewed one of my children's pediatricians. She was a huge help, especially since I haven't had babies in so many years (my "baby" is now 18!). In the story, my hero is a contractor, so I had to contact a friend from Sunday school to ask him questions as well. I hope I got it right!

It's been an exciting month. Earlier in April I had a boxed set release with some blogger friends from the Seekerville blog. With This Kiss Contemporary Collection includes my novella titled His Heart to Hold. It was another fun story to write! I hope you'll check out both of my releases.

Visiting Family

Missy Tippens, here. I'm sorry for a late post today! I've been off schedule since last week, when I went to visit my parents in Kentucky. They don't have Internet, so it's always like a getaway for me.

Photo of me with my mom from 2011

I love going home to visit. This time, it was just me there with my mom and dad. I have to admit, we spent a lot of time eating, talking and watching TV. One of the mornings, we enjoyed eating breakfast at Steak & Shake. A trip there is really fun for them, because they've gotten to know the waitresses--who bring them their "regular" as soon as they spot them. They also call them by name. :)

There's something really cool about being known that way. When someone knows your name, and your likes and dislikes. Good friends and family are that way. They know our strengths and weaknesses. And they love us anyway.

But God knows us even better, inside and out, our thoughts, our hopes, our hurts. And God loves us beyond measure. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that. But what joy to rest in the fact.

Who's someone in your life who knows you well and loves you?

What We're Reading...How About You?

Mindy Obenhaus

I just finished reading Small-Town Billionaire by Renee Andrews. With a title like that, who can resist.

I am now reading The Guy Next Door by Missy Tippens. Lovin’ it.

Next, I'll be reading Lakeside Redemption by Lisa Jordan. Can you tell I love Love Inspired books?

Pamela Tracy

I just finished reading The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley. She's a must-read for me. I get lost in her books and walk around with my finger keeping my page.

I am now reading Boom! by Tom Brokaw. It's about the 60's. So far, it's hit or miss. There are parts I just love. Then, there are parts I just don't get or maybe don't agree with.

Next, I'll be reading Stranded with the Rancher, by Tina Radcliff. I started this a while ago, lost it, and just found it again. I can hardly wait to see how it ends. 

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading A Recipe for Romance. Loved the other authors' stories and especially all the delicious recipes. Have already tried a couple and plan to make many more.

I am currently reading The Selection by Kiera Cass. I try to keep a pulse on what my three young adult children find interesting. It's a bit "Bacheloresque" but in a fun way.

Next up I plan to read Angel Moore's Conveniently Wed. It's her debut book and I know it's going to be wonderful.

Winnie Griggs

I'm currently reading the Divergent trilogy.  I've finished the first two and am in the middle of the third.  The books are YA and gritty but very compelling.  Once I complete those I'll start in on a book recommended by a friend - When Books Went To War.  And sometime in the next couple of weeks I expect a box of books to show up on my doorstep for the RITA contest judging.  This is always fun since I get to dive into books I might never have picked up otherwise and discover new-to-me authors

Debby Giusti

I have the last few pages of LAKOTA DREAMING, by Connie Gillam, left to read. I judged her manuscript a few years ago in the Golden Heart Contest and love that the completed novel is now in print. So good!

In addition, I'm working my way through my book club's January pick: AT HOME IN MITFORD, by Jan Karon. I hadn't read her before and am enjoying this first book in her well-loved series.

Next in line on my To Be Read Shelf is Dani Pettrey's suspense, SILENCED, which I'm eager to crack open. Like many of you, my TBR pile is stacked with great reads for the New Year. 

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading The Littlest Cowboy by Maggie Shayne (a friend of mine). I was in the mood for some good old classic category romance, and I have this idea in the back of my mind to write a cowboy series and need to do some research. This book fit the bill on both counts.

Next, I plan to read the Love Inspired Historicals November boxed set.

After that, I’m judging the Romance Writers of America RITA contest, so I don’t know yet what I’ll be reading

Jolene Navarro

I just finished reading Teri Wilson's UNMASKING JULIET. Utterly delightful and she gave them the happy ending Romeo and Juliet should have gotten but in Napa Valley surrounded by Chocolate instead. Sweet.

I'm currently reading Jenna Mindel's HIS MONTANA HOMECOMING. Who doesn't like a big city millionaire snowbound on a large Montana ranch. I'm enjoying it.

I probably won't be reading any fiction for a while. I'm on the text book adoption committee in my school district for our next visual art books. Looks like I have almost twenty books to read and score. AT least they are art books so it might be fun.

Rhonda Gibson

I just finished reading - Wings of Fire:The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
I am now reading -  Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough, I just started and am already hooked on the story.
Next, I'll be reading - Wings of Fire Book 2: The Lost Heir- I like series books

Danica Favorite

I just finished reading Falling for the Enemy by Naomi Rawlings. SUCH a good book. I really love the French Revolution (my favorite historical time period), so the setting just makes me so happy. 

I am now reading Nothing. I'm trying to pack up my house to get it on the market this week. All my books are being put in boxes.

Next, I'll be reading The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley because I had just starting putting it in a box when I read Pamela Tracy's email and it reminded me that I've been meaning to read this book. So HA! I'm leaving this one out of the box!

Merrillee Whren

Right before Christmas I finished reading Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade. 

I’m now reading multiple books. It depends on which device I have with me when I get a chance to read. 

I have Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano up on my Nook and Fairhope by Lorelle Marinello on my phone. I’m always starting books and then not finishing them for months because I’m trying to meet a deadline or just living life. I’ve made a resolution for 2015 to read more. I’ll see how that works out.

Louise M. Gouge                                                                              I just finished reading: Renee Ryan's His Most Suitable Bride. I have loved her entire Charity House series and look forward to more of them in the future.                                                        I am now reading: Angel Moore's Conveniently Wed. This story is especially meaningful to me because my son-in-law died nine years ago and my husband and I are helping our daughter raise our two grandchildren. Although the romantic conflict isn't involved in our situation as it is in the novel, my hubby fills the role of "Dad" to the children, just as Tucker is trying to do for the twins. I'm enjoying the book very much.                                      Next, I'll be reading Lacy Williams' A Cowboy for Christmas. Obviously, I'm a little behind in my LIH reading!

Sherri Shackelford                                                                            I just finished reading Lions and Lace by Megan McKinney. It's an old favorite.                                                 I am now reading Colorado Courtship, by Cheryl St.John and Debra Ullrick. I realized I'd critiqued part of Cheryl's story, and never finished reading the book!                                 Next I'm set to read Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist.

Janet Lee Barton                                                                             I just finished reading Linda Goodnight’s Cowboy Under The Mistletoe                                                       I am now reading A Taste of Christmas by Lenora Worth, in A Recipe for Romance                                              Next, I’ll be reading the rest of the novellas in that collection. I started it before Christmas but as I’m on deadline, I didn’t get very far. Hoping to attack my growing TBR pile soon as that’s done.

Lenora Worth

I'm almost finished with Shelter Me by my friend Cathy Mann. So good and I've learned a lot about animals in general from this story. I'm also reading Summer Rental by one of my favorite authors, Mary Kay Andrews. She is so southern that I feel as if I'm part of the story. These stories are a bit more steamy than what I write but they have that happily ever after that I love.

And, alas, my TBR stack is growing. I have lots of LI, LIS, and LIH books in there. Have to support my fellow writers! So many books, so little time! I'm way behind due to deadlines, but then aren't we all?

Leann Harris

I just finished reading Her Holiday Family, Winnie Grigggs

I am now reading Where Tree Tops Glisten, Cara Putman, Susan Sundin, Trish Goyer

Next, I'll be reading Alana, Kathleen Bittner Roth 

Sandra Orchard

I just finished reading the final page proofs for Desperate Measures, the last book in my Port Aster Secrets mystery series.

I am now reading my current wip to do edits and a stack of non-fiction books on art and art crime.

Next (maybe even tonight, yay!!!), I'll start reading one of the many mysteries or romantic suspenses or contemporary romances I have piled on my night table or on my kindle. It will depend what mood strikes me. How’s that for specific? I am soooo looking forward to reading someone else’s book after weeks of back-to-back edits and trying to get a first draft done on my next manuscript! 

Linda Goodnight

I just read Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey, a book on dealing with grief and loss. 

Currently, I'm reading The Memory of Water by Karen White. This is the first book of hers that I have read but I absolutely love her southern voice and will find others by her. I have a headache this morning from staying up too late reading!

Next up to read are the RITA books so I won't start anything else until after those come.

Jessica Nelson

I just finished reading Mercy of the Moon by debut author, Jennifer Taylor. She's in my writing chapter Sunshine State Romance Authors of RWA and I was really excited to get a taste of her writing.

I am now reading Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman. Love the hero so far!

Next, I'll be reading...who knows? I pick things spontaneously. ;-)

Barbara Phinney

I just finished Linda Hall’s Night Watch. 

I am currently reading a Dix Dodd comedy. I’m also reading "Psalms" for my mission group, and will be starting Cadfael’s first mystery, A Morbid Taste for Bones, and Paul, his Life and Teachings by Jack Kuhatschek. A real mixed bag, just the way I like it. It’s like a box of chocolates for the mind.

Dana Mentink                                                                                  I just finished reading Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle.                                    I'm about to start reading Heaven in the Midst of Hell, a Quaker Chaplain's View of the War in Iraq.                                                                                What's next? I think I'll be reading books for the RITA contest as I'm judge. 

Lacy Williams

I just finished Saving Justice by Susan Crawford, a great new debut book coming in March.  

I am reading Nonfiction Launch by Jeff Walker.

I plan to read Cowboy Under the Mistletoe by Linda Goodnight. Linda is on my auto-buy list!  

Teri Wilson

The other day, I finished reading The Look of Love by Sarah Jio. It was unashamedly romantic, which I adored. The heroine had the ability to physically see love, but had never actually fallen in love herself. Several different plots were interwoven throughout, and all came to a perfectly bittersweet conclusion. 

Right now I'm reading The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro. This book tells the stories of two different women and alternates between Paris in the 1950's and New York in the 1920's. I love both of these time periods, particularly the 1950's. Reading this makes me want to wear a proper hat and a pair of white kid gloves.

Next up on my TBR pile is American Isis, The Life and Art of Sylvia Plath. Plath was a poet and writer whose work I admire very much.

Terri Reed

I recently finished Holiday Defenders a Love Inspired Suspense anthology with Debby Guisti, Susan Sleeman and Jodie Bailey. Each story revolved around military men. I enjoyed all three stories. Mixing suspense with Christmas is always a challenge but these three authors did a fabulous job.

I am just about to start B.J. Daniels Atonement, a Harlequin HQN Suspense book. I picked it up because the cowboy on the cover and because B.J. writes fast paced suspense. 

Next after this book I plan to read Tess Gerritsen's new book, Die Again. Tess is one of my favorite authors and I buy all of her books. I haven't made it to Barnes and Noble yet to pick up my copy.  

So, how about you?

Go ahead, let us know your just finished, now, and about to start.

Friday Sisterhood with Missy Tippens

Our Beloved MISSY

Family Status: Married for 25+ years with three kids. One is grown and working as a youth minister. The middle son is in college studying physics. The youngest is a senior in high school. Yes, I'll be an empty nester soon!

What Is Your Favorite Beverage: Diet Dr. Pepper

What Is Your Favorite Food: Spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan. Lots of parmesan! And that might hold a tie with brownies--gooey dark chocolate brownies. :)

What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: Read or catch up with DVR'd shows with my daughter.

Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: Probably my husband. But also my Bible study leader, Dotty Gunby.

First Book You Fell in Love With: Anne of Green Gables.

A Book You Wish You’d Written: There are several that have made me cry, wishing I could write like that.

First Book Published: Her Unlikely Family from Love Inspired in 2008.

Most Recent Book: The Guy Next Door from Love Inspired (October) and Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection, an indie published boxed set with fellow authors from the Seekerville blog (November).

Available Now!

Out Next: The Doctor's Second Chance from Love Inspired in May.

How Many Have You Written: 8

What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: How to better balance work/writing with family and "real" life.

What is Your Favorite Bible Story: The story of Esther (really enjoyed Beth Moore's study!).

What is Your Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

What is Your Favorite Hymn: So many!! I can't pick one. But right now, I'm excited about singing the traditional Christmas carols.

What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: For my children to discover and follow the path God has planned for them.

It was a Dark and Stormy Night--Halloween Serial Chapter Six by Missy Tippens

It was a Dark and Stormy Night--Halloween Serial Chapter Six

Missy Tippens

Ellie bit back a gasp. He lives here. This is his party. He's probably not a crazy killer.

The mantra didn't do much to reassure her as she looked at the uninhabited hearse.

At least she hoped it was uninhabited. "Um, yeah. That's unusual all right."

"It was supposed to be parked out front, a prop for the party. But I'm late and need to get inside to greet my guests." JT picked up Mina, the bat cat. "Ready to go?"

"Gladly." Anything to get out of this dark garage. As she stuffed her weapon, aka her shoe, back inside her handbag, thunder once again rattled the door.

He turned off the hearse with some kind of remote control. Then he shined the flashlight to lead the way inside. They stepped into what appeared to be a long hallway. When he set down Mina, she scurried away, her tiny costume wings flapping.

Photo Credit: Crestock/inhabitant

"It's pitch dark in here, too," Ellie said, wondering why in the world she'd risked life, limb and Louboutins to come to a silly party on such a stormy night.

He sighed. "I hope my housekeeper has lit candles. Otherwise I'm afraid everyone will be scared." He stopped, and she nearly bumped into him. Turning toward her, he pointed the flashlight at their feet, creating a dimly-lit circle with them inside . "You have to admit, this house is a bit creepy."

His nearness took her breath away and made thinking clearly difficult. "It is with you in that cape and horrifying mask."

With a deep chuckle, JT lifted the mask to the top of his head. "I'm sorry if I've frightened you. I tend to get carried away when I throw a party."

She looked up into his eyes, half scared of what she'd see there. But even in the shadows, his beautiful brown eyes sparkled with humor.

Her tension eased, but just a fraction. Because a single man this handsome was a danger in itself. A danger to her heart. "Yeah. You had me going with the whole 'You can call me Norman' thing. How about if I just call you JT?"

"For you, Ellie, anything." With a heart-stopping grin, he slid his mask back in place. Then he stretched out his gloved hand. "Will you join me in welcoming our guests?"

Our guests? She swallowed. Hesitated. Then, against the voice in her head shouting turn around and run home!, she placed her hand in his.

Pumpkin Pie Time!

Missy Tippens, here. Before we know it, it will be time for Thanksgiving! And I thought I'd share one of my holiday recipes with you.

Okay, I know by sharing my pumpkin pie recipe I'll be setting myself up for teasing by you who probably create your own recipes and may even grow your own pumpkins. :)  I'm admitting to you now, I use the recipe on the can of pumpkin and buy a refrigerated crust! :)

But why mess with something that never fails to please my family?

So, here we go...

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Put your pie crust in the pie pan. I use the Pillsbury roll up crusts. They're the store-bought brand I've found that's closest to homemade.

Look! I made those ridges with my own fingers! So it's practically homemade!

Next, follow the directions on the can of Libby's pumpkin! This is from the Libby's site. :)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell 
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving. 

Notes from Missy...

Don't over-bake. The pie may not look quite done but it will set up once you take it out.

Also, don't go too heavy on the cloves! I actually use about 1-1/2 or 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice in place of the 3 spices.

Don't mess up and use sweetened condensed milk by accident (yeah, experience talking).

Now I'm craving pie! Not much longer...

This post originally appeared at the Yankee-Belle Cafe blog.

Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Guy Next Door by Missy Tippens

From Friend to…Fiancé?  

Stalwart and steady, Darcy O'Malley has been by Luke Jordan's side since childhood. She has seen him through trials and tragedies, romances and breakups. They've been everything to each other—except boyfriend and girlfriend. Why ruin a good thing? What Luke can't explain, however, is why suddenly Darcy's presence is making his heart beat so hard. Something has changed since he left Appleton, and it's making him uneasy. Is it possible his best friend is meant to be something more? Dare he risk their perfect friendship in the hopes of finding his perfect wife?

Stalwart and steady, Darcy O'Malley has  been by Luke Jordan's side since childhood. She has seen him through trials and  tragedies, romances and breakups. They've been everything to each other—except boyfriend and girlfriend. Why ruin a good thing? What Luke can't explain, however,  is why suddenly Darcy's presence is making his heart beat so hard. Something has  changed since he left Appleton, and it's making him uneasy. Is it possible his best friend is meant to be something more?  Dare he risk their perfect friendship in the hopes of finding his perfect wife?

Interview:

How exciting to have Darcy O'Malley, the heroine from The Guy Next Door written by Missy Tippens, an October 2014 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I guess the most interesting would be that I'm a microbiologist. I've been working in the lab at my local hospital, and I love my work!

2.  What do you do for fun?

Since I also work an extra part-time job, I don't have much free time. But I do like to read when I get a minute.

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

I don't deal well with conflict with friends or family. I tend to not want to talk about it.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

As a teenager, I was teased a lot about being a bookworm. I wasn't popular, and other than my next door neighbor, Luke, I didn't have many friends. So I've always feared being…invisible. I've been afraid I would never have someone to love me, to cherish me.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Loyalty.

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

I do read when I can, and love to read romance novels.

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

I'd love to learn to speak my mind like my sister Chloe.

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

No pets since I'm not home much. But someday, I would love to have one! I'd love a dog or a cat.

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

I would love to go back to the 1600's to be there when Van Leeuwenhoek first looked under a primitive microscope to discover microorganisms.