It's Rita and Golden Heart Announcement Time!

Christine Johnson here today all abuzz with excitement because this is one of my favorite days of the year. Yes, today Romance Writers of America announces the finalists for the 2014 Rita® and Golden Heart® award finalists.

The Rita Award is the Oscar of romance for published authors, and I'm rooting for every one of the Craftie authors and every Love Inspired author. I hope to see many familiar names announced. The Golden Heart is for aspiring romance writers. As a former Golden Heart finalist, I can testify that receiving that call is momentous. Can you say tears, squeals and hysteria? The neighbors probably thought I was dying.

The finalists will be posted today on the Romance Writers of America website.

Did you receive a call? Did a friend or favorite author? Do you have a great "call" story from a previous year? I want to hear about it. Don't hold back, now. Let's hear every detail.

Christine Johnson
Groom by Design (LIH, July 2014)
Suitor by Design (LIH, October 2014)
http://www.christineelizabethjohnson.com
http://www.facebook.com/ChristineJohnsonAuthor

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: 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.)

Welcoming New LI Blogger Deb Kastner and Celebrating with Missy Tippens

Missy Tippens, here. I'm pleased to introduce a new blogger to our Craftie Ladies blog. Welcome Deb Kastner!

Deb's Bio (from the Harlequin website):
Deb picked up her first Harlequin romance novel at the age of 11, and has been hooked ever since. Though it had always been her dream to write the books she loved, it wasn't until January of 1996 that she finally got up the courage to begin writing. Her first book, Beloved, came to fruition in August of 1998.

Deb feels blessed to have the opportunity to write inspirational category romances for Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint. She says, "It's great to be able to write love stories that incorporate faith as a natural and integral part of my characters' lives."

Deb lives with her husband, three daughters, and a Staffordshire bullterrier along the Front Range of the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado. In addition to writing for Love Inspired, Deb homeschools her daughters and teaches a number of writing classes online at WritersCollege.com.

Deb has a recent Love Inspired release, Meeting Mr. Right.

When Mr. Wrong Is Mr. Right

A woman in a man's world, firefighter Vee Bishop has to be tough as nails. She's developed a hard shell that no one can penetrate. But Vee's online friend BJ sees her softer side. BJ seems so kind and caring—just the opposite of Ben Atwood. Her annoying coworker has trampled expectations all over town, or so rumor has it. Turns out, once she agrees to give Ben a fair shot, he's surprisingly vulnerable. As Vee prepares to make a difficult choice, an unexpected twist shows that love is always one step ahead.

Also! I'm very excited to announce I got a call that my 2012 Love Inspired, A House Full of Hope is a RITA^® Finalist! I'm thrilled beyond reason. You can see me celebrating in the side bar. Pamela emailed and asked me to snap a shot of myself holding my book for the blog. Of course it took about 40 tries, and I still had to settle for that one. :)

I'm also excited that my new book, Georgia Sweethearts, is on shelves now! I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard of some Walmart sightings.

Thanks for letting me celebrate both today! And for helping me welcome Deb.

Missy

RITA ENTRY - A LOVE NOTE FROM GOD

Linda Goodnight here with an unusual RITA story I think will touch your heart.

Last fall when the RITA contest opened for entries, my family suffered the most terrible time of our lives. First, my son was diagnosed with “untreatable, incurable” stage four cancer. A few weeks later my brother, worried about his sister and nephew, decided to drive to my house for Thanksgiving. Two hours out of Atlanta, he died in a car accident. My sister-in-law was critically injured.

Needless to say, the last thing on my mind was entering a contest. By the time I remembered, the contest had closed. So I signed on to judge the inspirational category instead.

Fast forward and a packet of books arrived for judging but none were inspirational. I emailed RWA and mentioned that I’d still be willing to judge inspies if needed. Within five minutes, my phone rang. Carol of RWA explained that I could not judge the category because I was entered.

Shock ran through me, followed by tears as she told this story. A Love Inspired author who remains anonymous knew about my personal heartache. That precious sister in Christ contacted RWA and did the most incredibly unselfish thing. She withdrew HER beautiful book from the contest and replaced it with mine. Then she purchased the five required copies of THE CHRISTMAS CHILD and mailed them in to RWA. Entering the RITA is expensive. Books and shipping aren’t cheap. But this amazing woman chose to give up her slot, her money, and her opportunity to bless a hurting sister.

When the RITA calls went out in March and I learned that THE CHRISTMAS CHILD had finaled, I cried most of the day. I’m crying still as I tell the story. Not just because my book was a finalist. Of course I’m delighted, but the final itself seems less important at this point. Rather, I weep with joy for the gift of love and compassion someone gave at the time I needed it most.

God works in the most wonderful ways through his amazing people.

Interview with DOUBLE RITA Finalist Linda Goodnight by Lisa Mondello

Last Friday was a day of celebration for the Craftie Ladies...well, really all of RWA but the CRAFTIE LADIES of Love Inspired Romance really know how to celebrate when one of our own gets good news.

That's what happened last Friday when the RWA RITA Award finalists were announced. Our very own Linda Goodnight finaled with not only 1 book, but 2!

I may be speaking out of line here, but I'm fairly sure that there wasn't a Love Inspired Author who was still sitting in her chair when word got out that Linda Goodnight was a double finalist. (I know my chair few back, I scared the cat and the dog ran out of the room. Of course, it could have been from the Yippee! I hollered, too.) I caught up with Linda Goodnight over the weekend and asked her to share a few thoughts with us on being a DOUBLE RITA finalist. Here is what she had to say...

1. Where were you when you got the RITA call and what were you doing?

After going to the gym with my husband and home-schooled daughter, I had just opened my computer to get to work. Turns out, the gym was the only productive thing I accomplished all day. But that's a good thing!

2. Who was the first person you called/emailed?

My awesome, supportive editor, Allison Lyons. She was beyond excited, too, as I knew she would be. We laughed and squealed together.

3. Did you hear about both books in one phone call? Or two different phone calls? And what was the first thing that went through your mind?

I heard in two separate calls which made the news twice as thrilling. When the first call came, I wasn't even thinking about RWA. The caller ID was unfamiliar and I usually don't answer my phone when I'm sitting down to write but for some reason, I picked it up. SO glad I did. It was Terri McLaughlin with RWA. Instantly, a chill went up my back. I asked if she was calling for the reason I thought. When she said yes, I started laughing and crying like a baby. Poor woman almost never got me shut up long enough to read the official spiel, of which I remember absolutely nothing. Good thing they send a back-up email.

As soon as I hung up, I bolted from my office in search of family to squeal and jump around with. I made it as far as the living room when the phone rang again. My first thought? "Uh-oh, they made a mistake. I'm not really a finalist. " When the caller told me why she was calling I screamed, "No way!" I hope she doesn't sue me for rupturing her eardrum.

4. Do either of the books (or both) have a special meaning to you? If so, tell us about it.

Both these books in my Redemption River series are really special to me. The first, FINDING HER WAY HOME, is about a rape victim, fighting her way out of the darkness and depression, distrust and guilt. I received so many wonderful letters from readers who had suffered abuse, and those letters mean the world to me.

THE WEDDING GARDEN is one of those books in which the hero lived in my heart and I had to give him a story. Having spent my entire life in a small town, I understand the way people you've known forever can surprise you, hurt you, and heal you. Besides, I'm just plain in love with Sloan Hawkins!

5. Did you celebrate in any special way with your family and friends?

My family took me out for dinner last night. I really want to lose some weight before conference but who can resist food, especially chocolate, during a celebration?! And all my amazing friends Facebooked and emailed all day. It was wonderful, encouraging, and joyous.

6. Can you give us a little rundown of what each of the books is about?

Since I've already discussed a little about FINDING HER WAY HOME, I'll tell you about THE WEDDING GARDEN.

Sloan Hawkins grew up as the bad seed, the abandoned son of Redemption's only convicted murderer. Falling in love with the police chief's daughter cost him more than he ever knew when he was run out of town at eighteen. Now he's reluctantly back, attitude and all, because of a dying aunt who gave him hope and a home when he had nothing else. Chief Dooley Crawford isn't happy to see him. Neither is his daughter. Both hide secrets that will shake Redemption and change Sloan's life forever.

A little mystery, a dab of murder, family turmoil, and lots of love on many levels. I LOVE this book! lol

Thanks so much Linda! From all of us at the CRAFTIE LADIES of Love Inspired Romance, CONGRATULATIONS!

Many blessings, Lisa Mondello

http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com/