As summer comes to an end—Lenora Worth

Summer is over but fall is coming!—-Lenora Worth

I’m late on posting today. For some strange reason, I cannot keep up with my posting dates. Could it be too much to do and getting older by the minute. I thought I’d share some of my latest covers and some of the pictures I’ve taken this summer. I wrote two different books over the summer and now I’m working on a novella and my next Amish book, both due before Christmas. But I love my job and I love our readers. That is the fuel that keeps me motivated! The first picture is Marta Perry and me at the Harlequin signing at NY RWA! The second photo is of my roommates and me as we found the townhouse that was featured in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I’m with Nancy Robard Thompson, who took us on this quest, Julia Justiss, Eve Gaddy, Kathy Gabera and Denise Daniels. We all write in different genres but our friendships are strong and I’ve know most of these ladies for close to thirty years. Also, I love being in reissues with friends and I write for LIS and Tule Publishing. See, told you I’m spinning plates and going in circles!

Happy Friday and I wish everyone health and happiness as we go into fall. Thanks to everyone for the prayers for Florida as we survived Dorian. I’m in the Panhandle, so we are okay. Prayers for the Bahamas, too.

Dog Days of Summer, by Myra Johnson

Apparently, the summer heat has been on the minds of several Love Inspired bloggers this month. It’s been brutally hot in Central Texas the past few weeks, with several days in a row topping the 100-degree mark. Texans aren’t the only ones sweltering, however. I recently read an article stating July 2019 may well go down in history as the hottest month on Earth ever recorded!

Chillin' underground with the fam on a hot summer day!

Crazy, but our dogs actually seem to enjoy finding a sunny spot in the grass to stretch out and soak up some rays. Watching them made me curious, though—where exactly did the phrase “dog days of summer” originate? 

Poppy soaking up some rays!

A little Googling and I came up with an answer. Come to find out, the phrase has nothing to do with panting dogs lolling in the summer heat. The term began way back with the Greeks and Romans, when the hottest days of the summer often coincided with Sirius, the Dog Star, rising and setting along with the sun. The Greeks and Romans believed Sirius combined its heat with the sun’s, making the days even hotter (a false assumption, of course). Depending on the tilt of the earth and where you happen to be living, the so-called dog days of summer typically occur between July 3 and August 11.

So now I’m pondering the origin of any number of idioms we hear so often in daily conversation:

• Raining cats and dogs. (Sure could use a good rain right about now!)
• Facing the music. (Are they playing your song?)
• Once in a blue moon. (Ever seen one of those?)
• Having a bee in your bonnet. (Scary thought!)
• Getting up on the wrong side of the bed. (I always get up on the same side, but some days definitely turn out more “wrong” than others.)

Oops! Yep, that's me, waking up on the wrong side of the bed!

If you’re curious about these or innumerable other turns of phrase, many of which I’ve never even heard of, I found an interesting website, Idioms Online. Share some of your favorites in the comments, and enlighten us about the origin if you can!

~~~~~~~

Native Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. She’s wrapping up a Love Inspired mini-series with returning characters from Her Hill Country Cowboy, Hill Country Reunion, and The Rancher’s Redemption. The next book in the series, Their Christmas Prayer, is due out in October.

Also look for the updated editions of Myra’s earlier romances:

Autumn Rains

Romance by the Book

Where the Dogwoods Bloom 

The Horsemen of Cross Roads Farm (3-book collection)

Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with two very pampered rescue dogs who don’t always understand the meaning of “Mom’s trying to write.” They’ve also inherited the cute little cat (complete with attitude) their daughter and family had to leave behind when they moved overseas.

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Summer Sparkles

 Summer has always been my favorite season. As a child--and later as a teacher--June's arrival brought weeks of delicious freedom. I loved it!
But down here in Georgia, summer also brings some serious heat. As I've grown--ahem--older--I've liked that aspect of the season less and less. In fact this year I found myself dreading summer, and that made me kinda sad. Summer and I have been besties for a long time, and I don't want to forget about her good points.
So, I've been paying a little extra attention to the gifts and the lessons this summer has given me. I thought I'd share a few of them here--just in case I'm not the only one whose relationship with summer has hit a rough patch.

Summer makes me lazy, but our chickens? Not so much! They've been laying faithfully. We have enough eggs to share even though our hens are older and lay only every other day. But the eggs they do lay are bigger--so that's a good lesson for this older hen! Good to know I can pace myself and still be a faithful producer.








We've had plenty of rain which has resulted in our first ever

bumper blueberry crop! I begged for blueberry ideas on Facebook, and I was immediately provided with an avalanche of delicious recipes!

Peaches are in abundant supply, too! I wasn't sure I'd get any this year because our closest peach supplier retired. But a local friend told me her son's commute took him right past a peach-packing place. He picked up some seconds for me to can and freeze!
And so blueberries and peaches reminded me what an incredible blessing kind and helpful friends can be--both the ones I've come to know through Facebook and the ones I know in "real life."









Oh, and here's a cute one--while picking blueberries with my kids, we saw that a little bird had

built her nest right in the middle of the best-producing bush. It was a bird version of a bed and breakfast! This bold mama bird wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted--and she offered me a good lesson in gumption and practicality!

Of course the abundant rain also meant a bumper crop of weeds! This batch of green beans came from the weediest garden we've ever had! But hey--that just means you don't have to be perfect to be productive, right? And who doesn't need a reminder of that from time to time?










Once I started looking, I saw summer sparkles everywhere!

                           




 In the cheerfulness of this busy worker, pausing to smile for my camera as she wrapped up my purchase.

In the kind gentleness of my oldest son, steadying his eighty-four year old grandmother at his sister's piano recital.

                                       





                                           And in the brave enthusiasm of my
                                          three-year-old niece as she took her
                                          her first steps into the exciting                                                                world of ballet.

Yes, this searing hot summer has turned out to be pretty wonderful after all. And it's zipping by--cooler days will be here before we know it! In the meantime, let's crank up those air conditioners, slice some watermelon and collect our sparkling summer blessings like lightning bugs in a mason jar!

So tell me, sweet friends--what's making your summer shine?

Available now!

Welcome to summer! (and a giveaway)

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.

Today is officially the first full day of summer, a season associated with vacations, beaches, high temperatures and lazy days.  And true to form, I have some fun things planned for the coming weeks.

The thing I’m looking forward to the most is the family vacation we have planned – a trip to the Grand Canyon!  There’s a large group of family members going – twelve in all – so the planning has been a bit of a challenge.  But it’s coming together and I’m getting really excited about it.

Then in late July there’s the big Romance writers of America national conference. This is always  great event for not only the learning opportunities but also the chance to catch up with friends and industry professionals I only get to see face-to-face at this once a year event. And this year it's being held in Orlando so there may just be a Disney hop in my future...

And in August my mom, my sisters and I are planning a fun getaway to the beach for a few days – a really fun way to top off the summer!

So what about you - what are your plans for this summer?

I have a new book out this month, so to celebrate I'll be giving away a copy to one of the folks who leaves a comment on this post.

A TAILOR-MADE HUSBAND

From Bachelor Sheriff to Family Man 

Tired of pining for handsome sheriff Ward Gleason, seamstress Hazel Andrews plans to head East for a fresh start—until Ward finds an abandoned child. Hazel can't turn down his request that she watch the little girl while he investigates a spate of crimes. But spending time with Ward is sending local gossips—and Hazel's heart—into turmoil. 

Nothing in Ward's world is the same since he took charge of orphaned Meg…and that includes his growing feelings for Hazel. A fake engagement will allow them to care for the child together until Hazel moves away and finds someone more worthy. But with little Meg convinced she's already found her forever family, can Ward and Hazel dare to make her dreams come true, along with their own?

Summer Campfires (and a Giveaway!)

by Jill Kemerer

Now that it's June, summer can begin! From June through August we grill most of our dinners, soak up the glorious sunshine, and have weekend campfires in a small fire pit in our backyard. My husband bought and built it for me for my birthday a few years ago. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

Photo via Unsplash

I like to keep graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey's bars on hand for s'mores, but honestly, we tend to gobble up the chocolate before we even think about making a fire. I should hide the candy bars...or better yet, have another family member hide them from me! I'm a chocoholic. :)

A good campfire needs dry wood. Unfortunately, in June our wood is often wet from spring rains. We compensate with a lot of kindling. By July we're stocked with dry wood, which produces a nice, crackling fire with less smoke. There's something wonderful about enjoying the night breeze, looking up at the stars, and just chatting and laughing with my family.

The only thing I don't like about being outdoors at night? Mosquitoes. I'm a baby about bugs, so I cover my body with bug spray!

I love sitting around our fire. It's the best way to spend a summer night! Well, that and going to a baseball game, but that's for another post...

My new novel, Hometown Hero's Redemption, is set during the summer in Lake Endwell, Michigan. It's in stores now!!

A Temporary Father 

When he becomes guardian to his friend's troubled ten-year-old boy, firefighter Drew Gannon knows he needs help. But before he can get former social worker Lauren Pierce to agree, he's got to prove he's changed from the sports jock who gave her a hard time back in high school. Returning home, Lauren wants no part of her old profession. She only wants to forget the unspeakable tragedy she left behind. She can't take responsibility for another child. Or a reunion with Drew—no matter how generous he's become. But a desperate boy and his handsome guardian may be more than Lauren can resist…

Reviews, sample chapters, and purchase links HERE

My new Love Inspired, Hometown Hero's Redemption, is available in stores and online now! To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway! One blessed winner will receive an autographed copy of Hometown Hero's Redemption. The easy entry options are below. (US only, 18+. See entry form for rules.)

Entry-Form

And please, please join us tonight (4pm - 9pm Central Time) for the June Love Inspired Author's Facebook Party! We have 15 authors in the line-up! I'll be moderating (and giving away a prize) from 6:45-7:00pm (Central Time) and would love to have you join us! Pop in whenever you can. Here's the link to the party: June Love Inspired Facebook Party.

Do you like campfires? What's says "summer nights" to you?

How I Met Your Father--Lenora Worth

For the next few Fridays, some of the Ladies are going to share about how they met their significant others. We are writing these in a fun way. Kind of like a love story ...... . Here's mine:


"Can Lenora come out and play?"

She stared at the blue eyed boy standing on the other side of the screen door, her heart jumping and bumping in the same way it did when she used to ride her rocky horse. Only she was older now, six years old and in first grade. She'd heard about this one though.

His grandparents lived right across the hedge from the little cottage her sister and brother-in-law rented. The grandparents actually owned this little house. And she got to spend the night with her older sister a lot--in town. It was always fun but now, things had gotten really interesting.

He was cute, snaggle-teeth and all. And he wanted to play with her.

"Ya'll want to get in the pool?" Her sister motioned to the round bright blue kiddie pool she'd bought just so Lenora could have some fun and cool off while wearing her frilly pink bikini.

"Yes," Lenora said, determination overtaking caution.

Soon, she and Don were out in the pool, frolicking and enjoying popsicles. Popscicles were easy to eat in the pool. She could wash off the sticky melted stuff and dive right back to having fun with Don.


That was the best summer ever. They played in the pool and on the porch and even at his grandparent's house. But then he had to move away and she went back to being a boring farm girl.

He came back in middle-school and tried to throw Lenora in the big public pool, but when he found out she wasn't a swimmer, he became her protector and wouldn't let anyone else throw her in. Her hero.  But he left yet again, the Army brat.

Then he showed up in high school and she looked up to see him walking across campus, the fall leaves parting as he crashed over them in worn jeans and a gold-colored corduroy jacket.

Lenora turned to her best friend. "That's the man I'm gonna marry."

This time, he stayed and they've been playing together for forty-two years and have two grown children. And he is still her protector and her hero.

Beach Party--Come spend the day with me--Lenora Worth

It's the end of summer and soon we'll be carving pumpkins and grabbing our fleece hoodie and warm boots. Let's have one last beach party! I'll provide the atmosphere and the sunshine if you bring whatever you'd like to eat and drink and your fun attitude. These last days of summer are shorter but still wonderful. Although I have to admit, I'm kind of ready for those crisp fall temperatures. But for today, come with me and let's enough the crash of the surf against the shore.

 

 

A nice walk in the wood near a swamp is always fun. Unless you hate bugs and spiders and snakes and gators, of course. :)

 

Nothing like the sky over water. It's always so soothing.

 

And who doesn't love a  little romance on the beach. From Here to Eternity, anyone?

 

Or maybe just a hero who loves children :)

 

 

Gotta throw in some sand and sea oats and the sound of the surf.

 

And we can't forget palm trees. Hear the rustle of the fronds in that wonderful breeze from the water.

 

What about a nice stroll down an old street, the scent of jasmine wafting through the air.

 

A good summer read is mandatory for these last lazy days.

 

A great meal with a wonderful view. Can you smell those shrimp beginning to boil?

 

Tropical plants and cool drinks out on the deck.

 

And finally, the sun setting over the water. What a great day. Sleep peacefully and let your soul find rest.

 

This blog has been brought to you by God. His world is truly amazing and he doesn't mind sharing it with us at all. Hope you had fun. I sure did :)

 

 

 



Beach Time by Christine Johnson

Having grown up half a block from the beach, nothing says “summer” like the beach. As a kid, my brother and sister and I ran down the gravel road barefoot so we could drop our towels on the sand and splash into the water. The last one in was chicken! We didn’t care if the water was cold. It was just plain fun. Here’s a photo of our childhood beach on Lake Michigan.

These days, I’m much more particular about the water temperature, but I still love a beach. I enjoy walking the shore to collect stones or shells or “treasure” washed ashore. I once found an old key and wondered what it unlocked. Unusual stones end up in my growing collection. The ocean provides countless wonders to this freshwater gal, whether calm or stormy.

Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor on Key West

Beach near Cape Hatteras

  

But sometimes I just like to sit in the shade of an umbrella and read a good book. In my Key West-set book with Revell, Love’s Rescue, the shore symbolizes both her dream and all she has lost. Naturally she must go there.

Do you have a favorite beach? Is one on your wish list to visit? What’s your favorite thing to do at a beach?

Christine Johnson

Love’s Rescue (Revell – June 2015)

Love by Design (LIH – May 2015)
http://christineelizabethjohnson.com
http://www.facebook.com/ChristineJohnsonAuthor

Almost summer!

Ah! It's almost summer. And it definitely felt like summer when I took a short vacation from Michigan to sunny Ft. Lauderdale this past weekend.

After my first and very long Michigan winter.....

this Southern girl needed the hot sun of Florida!

I'm one of those crazy people who loves waking up early on vacation to go outside and enjoy the weather. I had my laptop and kindle with me and used the time outside to write (under a big umbrella). It was very inspiring.

As summer quickly approaches, where will you spend your vacation? 
And what books are you looking forwarding to reading?

I just received the cover for my next Love Inspired Suspense, EXPERT WITNESS, due out in September. Here it is!