Ask Elnora--Pets??? Lenora Worth

Elnora has had a busy week. After a wonderful conference last weekend (where I was given a lovely minature shoe for contracting my fiftieth book (53 books when I'm finished with this entire contract), I came home with a nasty migraine and took to my bed. Then I was asked to do an interview for one of the local stations (again because of contracting for my fiftieth book and because last month one of my books made the NY Times list.) So ... with all that ... I agreed to the interview. But the reporter wanted to do it at my house. In my office. Hah, hah. Elnora's office is like a maze of danger. Not very tidy. Clusters of books in every corner. So once again I was cleaning house in a fast and furious way. Normally, Elnora prefers to sweep the room with a glance, but desperate measures were needed for this.

My darling Big Daddy helped and we got the whole house spic and span. But there was the little problem of Cujo Kitty. She gets overly excited when we have guests and tends to give them a little "love bite" to show her affection. Or lack thereof. And lately, she's been kind of old and tired (much like her keeper!) So when the nice reporter man arrived, she promptly tried to bite him. I had to toss her into the game room with a bowl of food and a prayer. Not a good idea.

The interview went great. I had a nice friend who writes for Superromance here with me and she did a lot of the talking so that helped. Elnora mostly smiled.
But I could hear the kitty's pitiful meows in the background. Along with the garbage truck, the recycling truck and later, the train. I'm not making this up.

So everyone but my nice Super friend left and I let the kitty out. She gave me a meaningful look and pranced past me. But ... she had left me a nice little present in the game room to show her distaste. Picture Elnora holding her nose and daintily trying to clear up this horrible pile of kitty rebellion. On my carpet. So the question of the day, my darlings, is--why do cats seem to own the house in which they live? There is room for only one diva in our house and it ain't Elnora!Questions. Answers. Meows??? Anybody???

Leigh Bale Talks About Forest Rangers

I am delighted to announce that there will be several more books in the new Forest Ranger series I’m writing. My editor at Harlequin Love Inspired called last week to buy three more books for a total of five in the series.

The first book is titled The Forest Ranger’s Promise and will be released in May 2011. In this sweet story, the hero is struggling to keep a number of promises he has made to various people even though each promise seems out of his control. He quickly learns to depend on the Lord to help get him through. The story opens with a bang. Literally! You’ll have to read the first chapter when the book comes out to see what I mean. :)

The second book in the series is titled The Forest Ranger’s Husband and will be released in November 2011. In this story, the hero is a hotshot wildland fire fighter who suffers a life-altering event that sends him on the path of repentance and faith.

The third book has been tentatively titled The Forest Ranger’s Baby and doesn’t yet have a release date. The heroine in this story struggles with committing herself to a promise she doesn't dare make for fear she won’t be able to keep it. You can expect some very action-packed scenes in each book as the main characters deal with grizzly bears, wildfires, floods, and their own aching hearts as they search for their faith in God.

Because my father is a retired forest ranger and is serving as my consultant, many scenes in each book are based on actual events in my dad’s life. I’ve tried my best to write faith based stories that are both very realistic and romantic. Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you! To contact me, visit my website at: www.LeighBale.com
Enjoy! Leigh

Keeping track of the Pesky Email

Terri Reed here, I recently made the switch from a PC to a MacBook Pro. In the process I had to switch email programs, which in one way was a blessing, because, believe it or not, I had over 40K email in my inbox on my old computer. About five years worth. No wonder the machine was dying. I know, crazy, right! But I just couldn't let anything go. Especially in the beginning when I first started using email. Over the last year I've been better about reading and then deleting, but still.... So when I opened up the new email program on my new laptop, I made the decision that I wouldn't hang on to anything that wasn't necessary. Okay, well, I've already probably reneged on that decision-I'm a work in progress. But I have made folders! And every time I open my email I either move the post to a folder or delete it. Yes, I do have a miscellaneous folder for stuff I'm not sure I want to delete but not sure why I'm keeping either, ugh!

I probably need therapy for this.

Meet Jenny!

It’s March, and when the month first hit, we had a killer opening day contest that reintroduced readers to the Craftie Ladies of Romance. Who won the contest? Meet Jenny. She’s an avid reader and maintains a blog called My Buckling Bookshelf. Here’s a picture of a tiny piece of Jenny’s house (lots of books photo here) Welcome, Jenny! Tell us a little about yourself.
Thank you, Pamela. It's good to be here. I'm blessed to be a SAHM to two lovely daughters, ages 4 & 10, and my husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on Ground Hogs Day this year. In addition to reading, I enjoy listening to Bluegrass music, watching FOX News (I'm a bit of a political junkie), spending time with my family, and hanging around the library or local bookstore. I am night owl who enjoys a bit of peace and quiet after my family goes to bed. My reading genes come from my mother and I'm pleased to have passed them on to my 10 year old daughter.

After Anne by Roxanne Henke, The Debt by Angela Hunt, and Jimmy by Robert Whitlow are your favorite books. Tell us, what spiraled them to the top of your list? What did the author do that won you over?
Great questions. In each book, each author put a character in his/her book that really personified Christlikeness and/or child-like faith and I just felt so drawn to these characters. Each book also ended in such a dramatic and unexpected way, and after becoming so emotionally attached to the characters, I couldn't help but be affected. These three books are also proof that not all books have to have an ideal or happy ending to satisfy readers.

Besides the above three, who else do you read? What are you reading today?
I read most genres of Christian fiction, with the exception of fantasy and speculative. I also enjoy reading a bit of non-fiction...biographies, current issues, and Christian growth and humor. My favorite genres would include Amish, Romantic Suspense, Romantic Comedy, and Young Adult. The book I'm currently reading...Kim Vogel Sawyer's newest YA...Katy's Homecoming.

Do you write, also? If so, tell us what you’re working on?
Oh, how I would love to be able to write...but it seems my brain has only input mode when it comes to the written word.

What technique did you use to enable you to identify all the Craftie Ladies for your contest win? (Jenny came to our site following a Facebook post from Merrillee)
I was a bit familiar with a few of the authors, but with the others I wasn't familiar with I just read each author biography and tried to find some of the keywords in each clue....and boy, some of them were really tough!

What were the three most interesting things you discovered while striving to identify the Craftie Ladies?
1. I found the testimony of Leann Harris healing from an aneurysm quite compelling, especially how her daughter's belief that God would bring healing to her mother. It was such an inspiring story to me, as my mother has faced a number of health issues over the last several years.
2. I was amazed at how much vocational diversity there was in the group of ladies...microbiologist, nurse, English professor, gymnastics coach, etc.
3. I was also impressed with the number of books that many of you have written. I know that those in your group who haven't amassed as many published books will have lots of encouragement from those of you who have, and I look forward to more books from all of you.
And then I have to say I was also pleasantly surprised to find a fellow Kansas State attendee (Pat Davids) in your midst. Go Wildcats!

Besides the Craftie Ladies, tell us two or three other Blogs you like to visit and why.
I'd been without a computer for a few months and have just recently gotten back online, so I've got a bit of catching up to do on some of my favorite blogs.

My favorite book bloggers include Rel at Relz Reviewz and Jennifer at So Many Books, who are two of the first booklovers I ever met online. They are the ladies who talked me into starting a blog of my own.
Rel's blog (relzreviewz.blogspot.com) is full of reviews, character spotlights, and upcoming books releases.
Jennifer's blog (somanybooksblog.blogspot.com) has reviews, blurbs about some of Jennifer's favorite book covers, and spotlights on upcoming books she wants to read.
Needless to say, both of their blogs are detrimental to my buckling bookshelf!

A couple of the author blogs I frequent:
Angela Hunt (http://alifeinpages.blogspot.com) - she's always got interesting things on there, from books to cooking, funny or compelling videos, or just her observations on life.
Kristin Billerbeck (http://girlygirl.typepad.com/girly_girl/) - she's a one of a kind, and is not afraid to speak the truth as she sees it. I'm not girly girl like she is, but I do love reading her perspective on life.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks so much for having me....and I really enjoyed getting to know a little about each of the Craftie Ladies. Thank you all as well for the gift certificate. I'm looking forward to finding some goodies over at Amazon.

Jenny,
Thanks so much for being our Monday’s Main Character.

In a Doctor's Arms Interview

How exciting to have _Teresa Morales the heroine from In a Doctor’s Arms a March 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. 1. Teresa tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m not sure I’d say it’s interesting, but I love kids. I’ve worked for years as a high school counselor and love seeing “my kids” go from being young adults to adults. I love their stories and, yes, the lovely color hair that seems to change every week. I was never brave enough to do that when I was a teen!

1. 2. What do you do for fun?

That’s just it. I’m a work-a-holic! If I do anything for fun, it usually has to do with the kids in the community. I volunteer at the community center near my home and find that really rewarding.

1. 3. What are you afraid of most in life?

Making a mistake that will have a long lasting effect to another person. Not seeing a problem with one of my kids and it having a devastating result. Kids are a mix of fragility and strength. That fragility is what scares me because you can lose a kid so easily.

1. 4. What do you want out of life?

I have the same dreams as most people. I want to meet a honorable man that I enjoy being with, who makes me laugh, and doesn’t let me take myself too seriously. Someone who can pull me away from my work and remind me of the important things in life. I want a family of kids of my own. That would be the greatest joy.

1. 5. What is the most important thing to you?

Family and my faith. Without both, I’d have nothing.

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

I read a lot of work related material, but I do love a good romantic suspense!

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

I wouldn’t put so much pressure on myself. There is truth to the physician heal thyself phrase in that it’s easier to see problems with someone else than it is to see them in yourself. If I could only look at myself and take my own advice, the same advice I’d give someone else, I’d be better off. But that’s hard because I can be so critical of myself.

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

No, I do not have a pet. I work too much and live in a condo in the city. But moving to Vermont and having all that open space makes me want to adopt a dog!

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

That’s a hard thing. I don’t think I would. The temptation would be to go back and change something from the past. But how far back do you go to change things. Everything you do moves you forward. Going back means I’d end up in a different place than I am right now and I can’t imagine that.

Check out In a Doctor’s Arms and my healing journey to find God’s forgiveness and my true love, the very handsome and sexy Dr. Dennis Harrington by visiting www.eharlequin.com or www.amazon.com.

Visit Lisa Mondello at www.lisamondello.blogspot.com. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of In a Doctor’s Arms.

FEATURED BOOK: IN A DOCTOR'S ARMS BY LISA MONDELLO

After a tragic car accident, Dr. Dennis Harrington's teenage nephew is traumatized. And Dennis just can't find a way to reach the boy. So when he discovers a respected child psychologist is staying in their small Vermont town, he turns to Teresa Morales for help. The sadness he sees in her brown eyes tells him she's here to heal her own heart and mind. Yet she finally agrees to work with his nephew. As the boy slowly opens up, so does Teresa. But can Dennis ever convince her she's found a permanent home right here in a doctor's arms?

Elnora loves a good party???Lenora Worth

Hello, Friday People. I had a lovely time this week visiting Publisher's Weekly and dear Barbara Vey's Beyond Her Book Blog. http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/
She threw a week-long party to celebrate her blog. (I'm pretty sure it was the fourth anniversary, but Elnora ate too much and shopped too much so I'm a little fuzzy on the details.) Those wild and wacky Seekerville chicks took over on Wednesday and wisked us all away to a tropical island. Every girl's dream, right? And Captain Jack Sparrow was there. Ahoy! Then on Thursday, it was YA, inspirational and non-fiction. The lovely ladies of Love Inspired showed up to have fun because the virtual setting was .... gasp .... a shopping mall.

So let's talk shopping? Why do women love to shop more than men? Why do women love shoes so much? Why do some women (bless their hearts) not like shopping so much? Can we find a way to help them? What's the best bargain you ever found, ever??

Elnora will be in and out today because I'm off to a wonderful local conference (www.nolastars.com) I baked Ghirardelli double chocolate pecan cookies for the speakers. Elnora can become domestic when an editor or agent is going to be visiting!

So ask away and discuss. I will check back between packing and doing my conference duties. Don't you just love Fridays???

Book Clubs

Who here belongs to a book club? Go ahead, raise your hand. I'm counting.

One, two, three, do I see four? Yes, and five, six and so on. Book clubs are popular. Why? Because a good book is meant to be shared the same way our love of reading is meant to be shared.

I've been the speaker at several book club meetings. If you are an author, a book club is the perfect place to speak. Chances are they've read at least one of your stories and they want to ask questions about the characters and how they came about. I enjoy talking about my imaginary friends as much as the next person. It's fun to share how they came to life in my brain. In a way, this blog is an extension of a book club. We meet here to read about our favorite author's experiences and catch a peek into their lives. It's a fun place to meet where books are important.

If you belong to a book club, tell us about it and why you enjoy it.
I'm sure you've noticed the questions for discussion in the back of all the Love Inspired books. Do you find the questions thought provoking? Do they make you see the story in a different light?

Ash Wednesday

This is Margaret Daley. Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. This year Easter is one of the latest dates it can be which means Ash Wednesday is usually not this late either (the latest it can be is March 10th). What does Ash Wednesday mean to you?

To me it means the start of the most important season in the Christian Church--Lent and Easter. To me it is even more important than Christmas. It is when our Lord Jesus fulfilled his purpose. He died to save us. Lent and Easter are in the spring--a time for renewal.

The reason it is called Ash Wednesday is because the ashes from the palm crosses from Palm Sunday the year before are used to make a cross on a person's forehead on Ash Wednesday. Some people give up something for Lent--a food they love to eat, a bad habit they are trying to kick. Ash Wednesday is the start of that "fast".

How do you keep track? by Leann Harris

If you would walk up to me and ask me what color eyes did the hero in my last book have, I couldn't tell you.
What college did Zach McClure (my hero) attend?
How old is Sophie (the heroine)?
Sophie’s horse’s name is what?
These are all questions I needed to remember in my last book, Second Chance Ranch. You’d be surprised how often you forget what color your hero’s eyes are. You'd think I could remember, but you'd be so wrong. I can't tell you the endless hours I spent looking up little details of the hero/heroine's life, so I finally came up with an idea on how to keep my facts straight.

Is it some high tech way or do I create a file with all the info in it?

No. My high tech way of keeping track of facts and info is to write in an old spiral notebook I keep on my desk. I've put tabs on different pages with the name of the book, then on those pages I write all the pertinent information about that story. If a character appears or a new horse, I write it down in the notebook. You can't believe how much easier that makes my life. If I have to know what color eyes Zach has, I look in my book and there it is. By the way, his eyes are blue.

It might sound ridiculous, but every writer I know has developed their own system. And readers notice when your hero's eyes go from blue, to brown, to green, then back to blue.

Our gift certificate was won by Jenny. Thanks to all you wonderful readers who participated in the contest.

Tom Selleck and Tom Hanks: Heroes We Love

Hi Everyone--Debra Clopton here talking about great main characters, and Tom Selleck and Tom Hanks are just a few actors who take great characters and make them come alive in our hearts. Why is this? What is it about the characters they play that draws us?

When creating my main characters I strive for strong, loyal, lovable and always honorable good guys. I often, but not always, think of movie characters as I'm doing this and often combine two heroes from different movies to create one hero.

Unforgettable roles for me are Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under--what an awesome hero he played in this movie. What an awesome job the writer, John Hill, did creating that character for him to play. When he looked back from his horse at Crazy Cora my heart melted. He was a great combination of a hard man, a soft hearted man, funny and oh so strong of muscle and character. He stood for something.

Tom Hanks will forever fill my heart with warm fuzzies when I think of him as Joe Fox in You've Got Mail. A totally different type hero than Mathew Quigley and yet, I loved the role. I also am crazy about him as hurting dad and widower, Sam Baldwin in Sleepless in Seattle. What a hero--struggling to do his best for his son while hurting deeply as he forces himself to reach for a new future.

I absolutely love to create my heroes and watching movie heroes inspires me. What makes a main character stand out to you?

I invite you to meet my heroes from my Mule Hollow books on sale this month. Gabe McKennon in A MOM FOR MULE HOLLOW part of the Small Town Moms anthology with Janet Tronstad's A DRY CREEK FAMILY. And also Clint Matlock and Cort Wells my heroes in my first two books: THE TROUBLE WITH LACY BROWN and AND BABY MAKES FIVE, being released as a Love Inspired Classic on sale now :)

A Place to Belong Interview

How exciting to have Jace Carter the hero from A PLACE TO BELONG by Linda Goodnight, a March, 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I’m not too interesting but I think my work is. I restore historic homes and buildings, anything made of wood. Redemption is an old Victorian town and most of it’s on the National Register of Historic Buildings. I feel pretty good to be one of the few people around qualified to work on them.

2. What do you do for fun?

Work on restoring a turn of the century Queen Anne I bought. Sometimes I wonder why I want that big old money pit since I’ll never have a family live there with me, but I like bringing her back to her former glory. You should see the banister. It took me months to find and refinish it, but the result is worth the effort.

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

Police Chief Jesse Rainmaker wants me to mentor some rowdy teenager that’s been getting into trouble. Seems the boy has magic hands with wood and Jesse thinks I could help him. Me, of all people. Besides, I’m a private kind of man. I work alone. So I’ve put off following up.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

People finding out who I really am. I’ve spent fourteen years convincing this town that I’m someone they can trust. If people knew, they’d run me out of town.

5. What do you want out of life?

Not much. Safety. Privacy. Peace. Well, I dream of Kitty Wainright but that’s all I do is dream. She runs the local motel, an old relic that needs constant work. Since Kitty’s husband died a war hero, I’m honored to work for her at a big discount even though the motel isn’t historic. Being around Kitty is pure pleasure. She’s like a fairy tale or something. I wish things could be different, that I was someone else, someone worthy of a woman like that, but she’s devoted to her husband’s memory anyway. She’d never want a guy like me. So I just go on with life, doing what I can to help a hero’s widow and try to be content with knowing her.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

My reputation. It takes a lifetime to build and only a few minutes to destroy. I worry about that.

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

Magazines-usually about old houses or antiques or wood art. That kind of thing. I read the Bible too, though I stopped going to Kitty’s Bible studies. Every time I did, I had to repent for thinking about her instead of God.

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

I would have graduated high school. But keep that to yourself. The people of Redemption don’t know I learned my lessons through the school of hard knocks.

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

A while ago, the local vet talked me into adopting a little pup. He’s a beagle mix. Entertaining too though he leaves puddles on my hardwood floors. Still, I’m glad he’s around. He’s a good listener and he keeps our conversations to himself.

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

There’s lots of stuff I’d erase in my life, choices I’d make differently, but probably I’d see my mom again before she died and let her know I didn’t turn out as badly as she’d thought.

FEATURED BOOK: A PLACE TO BELONG BY LINDA GOODNIGHT

Faith and warm memories have helped widow Kitty Wainright endure the loss of her husband. That's all she's ever needed…until she hires contractor Jace Carter to repair her motel. Kitty has no idea the silent, scarred Jace has admired her since they set eyes on each other. Although Kitty's wary of letting anyone into her heart, Jace can't ignore his feelings for her. But with old secrets threatening to ruin his future happiness, Jace has to put his past to rest before he can convince Kitty that she belongs by his side.

Ask Elnora--Relationships????

Okay, today, darlings, let's discuss relationships. That's the buzz word for "people who need people". Aren't we the luckiest people in the world? Why do we need other people in our lives?

Well, Elnora needs people to change light bulbs and slay spiders, of course. But mostly, we all need other people to make our lives better. It's about love. And maybe it's just me, but some of the people I love the most drive me a little nuts.And I mean, tossing the pearls and throwing the shoes nuts. And yet, I couldn't live without them. So let's talk about what makes a great relationship and what not to do. Ask away? I have tons of experience in this department!

While you're pondering your fabulous questions, tell me what you love about Friday??
Besides being here with us, of course!

Easy to be Hard

Allie Pleiter here.

I like to laugh.  A lot.

Therefore, people think I’m easygoing, but the truth is I’m a control freak.  I’m flexible and adaptable, but only on MY terms.  Force me to adapt, or take me in ways I don’t want to go, and I’m not such a sturdy creature.  

The reason I write so many characters trying to wrestle their control back from God is that I live that particular temptation daily.   The reason I think so many people respond to my characters is that I’m pretty sure I have lots of company in this department.

There’s no end in sight.  I just realized today that both Lana and Mack from my upcoming Love Inspired Historical YUKON WEDDING are control freaks in their own way.  You know what they say--”write what you know.”

Culture is eager to encourage this temptation.  After all, we live in America, Land of the Self Sufficient.  A “To Do List” queen like myself doesn’t like it when someone else messes with my agenda.  

I’m always striving to put my life in order because I think it’s my job.  I keep forgetting God might have a better plan (“might’?  Who am I kidding here???  He does. Always.)

In my life, in my writing, even in my knitting, I’m striving to learn to loosen the grip a bit this year.  What about you?  Are you striving for worthy goals, or just striving?

Groundhog Day History and the Writer Take Two

Kim Watters on Groundhog Day-Take Two.

Isn't Punxsutawney Phil cute?

Because of our wonderful Valentine's story, my blog was postponed for a month. Being the type of writer who hates to delete things, I'm revising it and reposting. Gee, the story of a writer's life.

Well, it's been a month now, has Spring sprung yet? I don't believe Phil saw his shadow so what's with the weather? We had snow in North Phoenix over the weekend!

For those of you who don't know, the following is a bit of history of how the day began.

(Adapted from "Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992" by Bill Anderson) Credit given to The Official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club

European Roots

Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.

If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.

If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.

The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important.

As a writer I can relate to poor Phil.

We hibernate as we write our manuscripts, venturing out only when we have to to eat or do laundry or other tasks that keep the household running. We slave away in our dark, little caves, churning out page after page of wonderful prose destined to meet with editorial and reader approval.

And then comes the revision letter.

If it's an easy one, (no shadow), we can emerge from our caves and enjoy life a bit more as the winter season has passed.

If it's a complicated one, (shadow), we scurry back into our caves for a few more weeks of a writing frenzy until we can emerge again and enjoy the spring.

As for this writer, I just emerged from my cave for a bit, waiting for my editor's reply.

CONTEST---WHO AM I? - March Madness!

Just in case you missed the announcement about our blog contest, page down to yesterday's post. This will be so much fun! See if you can guess who these Love Inspired authors are.  The contest will be going on ALL WEEK, so keep posting your ideas!  

And by the way, make sure you use the number of the author description when you post an idea, so we know who you mean.

The winner will receive a $16.00 Amazon gift card! We will tally the number of correct answers that were posted first by each participant, to determine the winner.  We won't reveal any of the correct answers until the end of the contest, so keep coming back, and keep guessing!

#1 I grew in the Denver where if you can see the mountains, you know what direction you're going and don't get lost. My parents moved to Texas when I was a teen. I met my husband in college and got my job first--deaf ed teacher. He followed. We're going to celebrate 40 years of marriage this year. (Remember I was a teen when I married.)

#2 I grew up in the Western United States, living in teensy towns with no clinics, movie theaters or restaurants within a 3-hour drive. My father was a forest ranger (which is the theme of my new book series coming out in May). I hate litter bugs, am an excellent seamstress and still bottle produce grown in my own gardens. I graduated with honors with a degree in History and love doing research. I had the distinct privilege of marrying the love of my life thirty years ago and have two wonderful adult children. That said, if I'd known early on how fun being a granny is, I might have just skipped the kids. :) I sold my first book by entering and winning the Golden Heart...a dream come true. Everything else since then has just been icing on my cake.

#3 I'm a Massachusetts girl, through and through. I started out in college in Mechanical Engineering but quickly caught the music bug, changed my major to Sound Recording Technology and started managing a Boston rock band! Our highlight was being interviewed on M-TV and opening for The Fixx after winning the legendary WBCN Rock-n-Roll Rumble. But love bit me hard when I met my husband at a gig and I left music to pursue writing--my other passion-- and finished my first novel the year we were married. That was 20 years and 12 published books ago!

#4 I was born and raised in Kentucky then headed to Georgia to attend graduate school at Emory University--where I met my pastor hubby. I worked as a microbiologist, then became a stay-at-home mom of three. While home with the kids, I started writing fiction. After over ten years of pursuing my dream, I finally made my first sale to Love Inspired!

#5 I was adopted at birth (by a wonderful family) and grew up (in Nebraska) to be both an English professor and author (21 books!). I have been married eight years (and now live in Arizona) have one son and my favorite book of all-time is All Things Great and Small. I sold my first book in 1999 and am now on book 21.

#6 I grew up a Kansas farm girl. I've been an archery champion and a neonatal nurse. I married a sailor, I enjoy traveling and I love, love, love my grandkids and my coffee.

#7 I'm six feet tall and am known as much for my knitting as my writing. I grew up on the East Coast and was a theater major in college. I have a spoiled Havanese dog and am never far from a cup of coffee. My books have taken me to Kentucky, San Francisco, and Cincinnati, among other places, and I laugh as much in my books as in real life.

#8 I literally grew up on a horse. I've always had at least one of them since I was six, and rode with my friends all over our part of the county even at that young age. It was a lot like giving a first grader a set of car keys! I also grew up with a menagerie of pets, and made sure that our kids had that opportunity also. Needless to say, animals have played a role in many of my books. Who am I?

#9 I'm from Georgia but live in Louisiana. My favorite books are "Gone With The Wind" and "Wuthering Heights." I love all kinds of music--from the blues and rock to gospel, classical and country. I'm a city girl with a country heart. I love shoes and chocolate. I get into trouble a lot. Really a lot.

#10 I was born in Nashville then eighteen years later returned to go to college where I met my husband. I love cookie dough ice cream, caramel and pecan pie. I've never been a coffee drinker but love tea. My favorite book is James Rollins' Amazonia.

#11 I have visited all fifty states and lived in ten of them. I met my husband while I lived in Ohio, and our two girls were born there. I lived in Georgia when I first decided to write something to send to a publisher. I won the Golden Heart in 2003 and made my first sale to Love Inspired in 2004.

#12 I was born and raised in Texas. I love eating dessert first, small town life and road trips, but most of all I love God, my family and writing books about all of the above! I was a hair stylist and salon owner for many years and wrote at night after my kids were in bed and dreamed of selling one of my books. It wasn't until I wrote a book about a wacky hairstylist on a mission for God in a tiny Texas town that I finally sold my first book. That was 6 years and nineteen books ago.

#13 I grew up in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada mountains. During college I pursued a modeling career, coached gymnastics and also met my husband. We've lived in Sacramento, NYC, Chicago before moving to Oregon where we started a family. I sold my first book to Steeple Hill in 2003 and have written twenty-two more since then.

#14 I love fruity desserts better than chocolate ones. I love to cook and bake and eat. I worked my way through college as a beautician and still cut my family's hair. I'm a Midwesterner though I was born in TX. I write about strong women. I'm posting my first manuscript on my blog scene by scene this year.

#15    I've lived in two foreign countries, France and South Africa, grew up in the Midwest and now live in a much warmer climate. I'm deathly afraid of spiders so the tarantullas are always out to get me. I work at a golf course but don't play golf. Who am I? :)

Who are we?

Best wishes to you all!
Roxanne Rustand

Oscar Winners and Craftie Ladies of Romance New Launch!

Like many of you, I stayed up late watching the Oscars last night. I haven't seen all the movies that were nominated, but I made sure to take note and add them to my Netflix queue. I have to admit Inception looks pretty cool. And the big winner of the night, The King's Speech, looks like it is really inspiring. If you've seen some of the Oscar movies, please let me know what YOU thought of them.

Now for a big announcement. You've already seen our new site design. Now get ready for our new site LAUNCH! Starting tomorrow, the Craftie Ladies of Romance will be launching our new and improved website where we're hoping to have a little bit of fun!

1. We're having a WHO AM I contest! The Craftie Ladies have all written a little blurb about themselves and we'll be looking to all of you to figure out who is who! It should be a fun way to learn something new about the Love Inspired authors who post here. The person who guesses the most right will receive a $16 Amazon gift card! Let's see how much you've learned about us over the past year.

2. You've already had a taste of one new change. ASK ELNORA! Lenora Worth is here with her pearls on every Friday to answer your questions. So make sure you stop by. It should be a fun way for us all to learn something new and have a few laughs!

3. The Craftie Ladies will be doing some themes throughout the month. If you have a particular theme you'd like us to discuss, please feel free to share that with us.

Make sure you tell all of your friends on Twitter, Facebook, eHarlequin,and Goodreads about our new launch. It's going to be fun around here and we want you all to be a part of it!

See you tomorrow!!

Lisa Mondello

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

Child of Grace Interview

How exciting to have Captain Luke Turner, the hero from Child of Grace, by Irene Hannon, a February 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Captain Turner, tell me the most interesting thing about you. Or should we address you as doctor, now that you’ve left the service?
First of all, make it Luke. After years of salutes and protocol and field medicine, I’m ready to chill and regroup. I don’t know that I’m all that interesting. But if you’re asking about quirks—even though I was born in the South, I hate grits…much to my mother’s dismay.

2. What do you do for fun?
There’s not much time for fun on the battlefield. But my medic, Carlos Fernandez, could always make me smile. He’s also the reason I found my way back to God. That’s why my first priority now that I’m out of the service is to make sure his dream didn’t die with him.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Not much. The army—and the life-and-death nature of field medicine—taught me to do what needs to be done as soon as possible, no matter how difficult it might be.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?
At the moment, Kelsey Anderson, my temporary neighbor here on the shores of Lake Michigan. I’m starting to fall for her. But it’s obvious she has issues, and the last thing I need after caring for wounded soldiers is one more person to worry about. I’m here to heal. Keep a promise. And move on.

5. What do you want out of life?
A calm, normal, settled existence and a family to go home to at night.

6. What is the most important thing to you?
Keeping promises.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I read a lot of medical journals. Now that I’ve returned to civilian life, though, I’m hoping to dive into suspense novels again.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I’d gotten to know my kid sister, Hannah, better. She was in diapers when I went away to college, and I only came home after that for short visits. She’s coming to stay with me for a couple of weeks in Michigan, however. It’s unexpected, but hopefully we’ll reconnect. Though I have to admit I’m worried. What do I know about relating to a seventeen-year-old girl.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No pets. They don’t belong in a war zone.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
Interesting question. Maybe the late 1800s. I’ve always thought it would be gratifying to practice medicine in a small town, back when life was simpler and doctors made house calls. They didn’t have the technology we have today, but I think there was a lot more heart. Then again, that could simply be looking at things through rose-colored glasses. To be honest, I’m happy where I am in life right now—if I could just figure out what to do about Kelsey.


Bio
Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than thirty-five novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico suspense series. A four-time RITA award finalist (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), she took home the golden statuette in 2003. Her books have also been honored with two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT BOOKreviews magazine, a Daphne du Maurier award and a HOLT medallion. A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. She and her husband make their home in Missouri. For more information, visit www.irenehannon.com.

FEATURED BOOK: CHILD OF GRACE BY IRENE HANNON

After giving up a high-powered corporate job, mom-to-be Kelsey Anderson decides to follow her dream. She moves to her late grandmother's lake house and decides to open a quilting shop in town. Then former army doctor Luke Turner moves in next door. The war-weary man stirs feelings in Kelsey that soon make her rethink all her plans. But she has some hard decisions to make, and worries if Luke will ever accept her and her baby. Kelsey must come to terms with the past, and trust there's a future with Luke in God's plan…

Ask Elnora--Lenora Worth and Steven Tyler????

Two things to chat about today, darlings. American Idol and Dieting.

Or rather, dieting while watching American Idol. Sigh, Elnora loves a good bad boy and Steven Tyler surely fits that role. Is it just me, or did he soften just a bit as the auditions went by? Maybe seeing all that singing angst will give him a new perspective?

Dieting is hard while watching such an exciting, nail-biting show. And having Big Daddy (my husband) sitting nearby with peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks to tempt me doesn't help. I allowed myself one bit of chocolate. But my five major food groups don't make for healthy dieting. They are--coffee, chocolate, cheesecake, hot chocolate and cheese puffs. A girl just can't have too many cheese puffs.

So let's discuss. Ask me questions about diets. I've tried them all. Ask me questions about bad boys. I've tamed a few.(In my books anyway.)

Which do you like better? Chocolate or bad boys?

Post-Justin Bieber Letdown

Missy, here. And my daughter is a huge Justin Bieber fan. So much so that when she heard about a pre-release showing of his new movie, Never Say Never, she begged me to get online the day the tickets went on sale to buy them. So right at 10 a.m. on a weekday a few months ago, I purchased us tickets to go see the movie 2 days before it officially released. In our package, we got special purple 3-D glasses and a badge to wear around our necks. Oh, and glow sticks. (Yes, picture me waving my glow stick as he sang!) :)

My daughter was thrilled when I got those tickets. We talked about it for the next two months or so. And on February 9th, we went to see the movie. Went waaay early to get good seats. Stood in line. Then finally went in to get ready for the show. And then after all that waiting...the movie started.

Oh. My. Gosh. The screaming girls nearly made my eardrums bleed. :) Especially the first time Justin reached out his hand, and in 3-D it looked as if he was reaching out to each one of them. It was a totally thrilling experience for my daughter. But on the way home, she gave a big sigh and said, "It's depressing when something you've looked so forward to is over."

I told her it's like that in life. I get in a bit of a funk after a big conference or retreat. Or after an event I've been really looking forward to. And as we're thinking a little this month on the blog about February being the month of love, and post Valentine's Day, I realized that some of us may be experiencing a bit of a holiday let down. (Some may have this worse after Christmas or a birthday.)

It's just something we have to deal with. And I'm wondering what each of you does to handle the letdown after a mountaintop experience.

P.S. The movie was really good!

Post Valentine's Trauma

            Post Valentine’s Trauma

                 by Linda Goodnight
          (With apologies to Robert Browning)
How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

This is how I love thee, oh glorious Valentine’s Day.

I love thy heart-shaped boxes wreathed in ruffles.

I love thy peanut clusters and dark chocolate truffles.

I love thy Godivas and Doves, Hersheys and Lindts.

I love thy brownies, cupcakes, and buttermints.

I love every sweet you bring to me

Almost as much as I love thee.

And so my hinder parts no longer are slim,

And my post-Valentine’s trauma is a daily trip to the gym.

OINK, OINK!

Lyn Cote Shares Author Gail Martin & Dreams Come True

Lyn Cote here! Today I'm sharing a Heartfelt Interview with Gail Martin, another Love Inspired Author. Tell me what you think about her and her upcoming book, A Dad of His Own. (Click title to read excerpt.)



Also in case you haven't heard, I'm posting an original story, La Belle Christiane, on my website blog. Click here to read the chapters I've already posted & then begin following it a scene every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. --Lyn

Love Is Kind

February is thought of as the month for love because of Valentine's Day. Love is one of the greatest emotions, and during February we often think in terms of romantic love. But love comes in many forms and can be expressed in many ways. If we look at 1 Corinthians 4 it says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." What better way is there to show love than to be patient and kind?

I was talking with a friend the other day, and she was telling me about the day that her Red Hat ladies groups had gone to a local pizza place for lunch. When they got ready to pay their bill, the cashier informed them that someone had already paid their bill. They had no idea who had done it. A stranger had paid them a kindness.

Have you ever had someone do this for you, or have you ever done something similar for someone else? Please share your story.

Second Chance Courtship Interview

How exciting to have TREY KENTON with us here today---the hero from “SECOND CHANCE COURTSHIP” by Glynna Kaye, a February 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1.Trey, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
Wait, wait, wait. Not so fast, darlin’. You want me to talk about MYSELF? I thought you were going to ask me questions about rodeoing. Or my cute little nieces. Or that sweet-as-honey-butter-on-a-biscuit gal I had a crush on in high school and just recently came face-to-face with again---Kara Dixon. I’m not much into this touchy-feely, bare-your-soul-to-the-world stuff. Can’t we start with something less personal? Besides, I’m not all that interesting anyway---although I’m hoping Kara might disagree . . .

2.What do you do for fun?
Better question. Thanks. Well, I like fooling around with my two American Quarter Horses, Beamer and Taco. Arena workouts. Ropin’. Cuttin’. And trail riding. Don’t tell Kara, but I have more than a lot of fun spending time with her, even just watching her when she doesn’t know I’m looking. Love to see her eyes sparkle. Hear her laugh.

3.What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I don’t like thinking about coming to terms with the fact Kara has her heart dead set on returning to Chicago---and never coming back.

4.What are you most afraid of in life?
Oh, man, back to the nosy questions again. I guess I’d have to say---because of my background growing up all over the place and then all the on-the-road rodeo stuff---I have a healthy fear that I don’t have it in me to make a long-term relationship commitment. That’s what Kara thinks anyway.

5.What do you want out of life?
Two things. I got saddled with the blame for something in high school that I didn’t do. So I want to clear my name. I also have a hankerin’ to settle down in the mountain country of Canyon Springs, Arizona. Start a family. But not just with anyone---I want God’s best. And I admit I still have my eye on Kara---have ever since I was seventeen and she left me sittin’ high and dry after a kiss I still can’t shake off. We’ve hit a snag, though---I crave roots and she longs for wings. And something else is going on that I’m not sure how to decipher. She’s mighty skittish around me at times. Like maybe she doesn’t trust me. Or is hiding a secret. What do you suppose that’s all about?

6.What is the most important thing to you?
Besides that beautiful strawberry blonde who’s a great kisser, you mean? I guess being God’s man. And an uncle to my two nieces.

7.Do you read books?
You think I’d answer NO in a crowd like this? I’m not that dumb.

If so, what is your favorite type of book?
Equine science. American history. Western fiction.

8.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Selfishly, I’d liked to have had another shot at the national finals before I busted my leg up one too many times. That’s big time, adrenalin rush rodeoing. Otherwise, guess I’d have to say I need to trust God more. A lot more.

9.Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
Now Rowdy I can talk about all day! He’s a Gordon setter-collie mix. Friendly fellow. Kids love him. Great company, too---good listener and doesn’t talk back. Why a DOG as a pet? Well, Beamer and Taco can’t sit on the front seat next to me in that big Ford pickup I drive. They don’t have much talent at Frisbee catching either. And a cat? No, thank you, ma’am.

10.If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I know I’m probably SUPPOSED to say Bible times here. But I’m not cut out for sandals and robes. I’m a Stetson and boots kinda guy. So I’d say put me on a cattle drive in the American west. Or runnin’ a big ranch. Or even in an old John Wayne western---they filmed lot of those here in Arizona. Life was hard in those days, but in some ways more simple. Something you could get your head and heart around. I’d do that time traveling in a heartbeat---if I could talk that sweet little Miss Kara Dixon into going along with me.


Thank you Glynna for sharing Trey with us today. Glynna will give away a book to one commenter. Please leave an email address for her to contact you.

GLYNNA KAYE treasures memories of growing up in small Midwestern towns--Iowa, Missouri, Illinois--and vacations spent in another rural community with the Texan side of the family. She traces her love of storytelling to the many times a houseful of great aunts and uncles gathered with her grandma to share hours of what they called “windjammers”-–candid, heartwarming, poignant, and often humorous tales of their youth and young adulthood. Glynna now lives in Arizona, and when she isn’t writing, she’s gardening and enjoying photography and the great outdoors.

FEATURED BOOK: SECOND CHANCE COURTSHIP BY GLYNNA KAYE

Never Trust a Cowboy

That's what Kara Dixon's mother always warned her. Back home in Canyon Springs, Arizona, to care for her ailing mom, Kara comes face-to-face with rodeo cowboy Trey Kenton. Her former flame—and one-time bad boy—is finally ready to settle down and start a family, and he's got his heart set on Kara. But she's determined to head back to her big-city life in Chicago once her mother's on the mend. Can the charming cowboy convince her to trust him and give their love a second chance?

It's Ask Elnora Friday--Lenora Worth

Darlings, I'm so excited! Today we're trying something different. My alter ego, Elnora, loves to dole out advice (whether she knows what she's talking about or not.)
So each Friday, you can ask me anything. Anything within good taste, of course.

If I don't have the answer, my LI sisters here will help us out. I love to advise on fashion, food, family and of course, fiction. I've been around the block a few times and ... this ain't my first rodeo. But enough with the cliches. Let's have some fun!

I was supposed to send our wonderful Blog Boss a picture, but alas, I have had a giant zit on my left cheek right by my lip for a week now!! Horrors. I suggest our lovely Blog Boss just puts up a picture of a kicking pairs of shoes. Red for Valentine's day!

Now there's a good subject to start our fun. As Cinderella said, "One shoe can change a girl's life." Let's discuss. And please, ask me something!

LEIGH BALE BLOGS ABOUT WEDDING CHOCOLATE

You may recall that I’m in wedding planning mode for my daughter. Valentine’s Day provided LOTS of opportunities for me to look at various chocolate goodies I can possibly serve during the reception in June. Chocolate with butter cream fillings, topped with luscious berries, cake, petit fours, you name it and I was looking at it. (But not tasting too much as I’m on a diet so I can fit in my Mother of the Bride dress…but that’s another story.)

I came up with this confection…a chocolate shell filled with a creamy pudding and topped with raspberries, my daughter’s favorite. Her grandmother (my mom) bottles raspberry/peach jam every year and gives a case of it to my daughter for Christmas. That’s how much my daughter loves this jam. It’s one of her gifts under the tree. So I was also thinking about mini-cheesecakes topped with this jam and one fresh raspberry. Pretty and tasty.

In my new book titled The Forest Ranger’s Promise being released in May, the little girls enjoy summer ice cream cones. That was another thought I had for the reception, but I fear June 17th might be hot enough to melt the cake and all the desserts.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite decadent dessert that might work well for a summer wedding reception out in our back yard? We’re open to ideas at this point. Mmm. All this talk about chocolate is making me hungry. :) Happy Eating! Leigh Bale

Moonstruck Chocolate-Yummmmm

Terri Reed here from wet and green Oregon. Okay so Valentine's is over, but that doesn't mean we (me) have to stop with the chocolate. I love chocolate. There I admitted it. I'm a chocoholic. I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, but really, any chocolate will do. However, I do have a favorite brand--okay several favorites-- but only one is made right here in Oregon.

Moonstruck Chocolate
http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/index.aspx

There are five Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe's around Portland Oregon. Did you catch that? Chocolate cafe. Everything made of chocolate! You know giving a gift of delicious chocolate doesn't have to be only on Valentine's Day. Every day is a day to celebrate with chocolate. Good chocolate.

My heroine in my latest release loved chocolate too!

Hmmm, author projecting onto character?

Chocolate: Too Much Can't Be Bad

Pamela Tracy here, writing about two of her favorite things: chocolate and books! Below is a picture of a chocolate book. Underneath that, is a quiz about romance books and chocolate. I hope you enjoy both!

1) Close your eyes and imagine you're in your favorite place. Where are you?

[] Comfy chair in your living room, a Love Inspired romance in one hand, a box of chocolates on the table.

[] Restaurant, alone, hot fudge sundae in front of you, a Love Inspired romance in one hand, a spoon in the other.

[] Leaning against a tree in a part, husband or favorite person's head is in your lap, a Love Inspired romance is in one hand, the other is gently wisping through your favorite person's hair, you're chewing a piece of chocolate.

2) What is your favorite thing?

[] Travel, packing both chocolate and a Love Inspired romance

[] Exercise, promising yourself a reward of chocolate and quality reading time of a Love Inspired Romance

[] Spending time with family, passing out the chocolates and reading aloud certain passages from a Love Inspired romance (okay, this one was a stretch!)

3) When do you get your strongest chocolate and reading a Love Inspired romance cravings?

[] Lunch

[] Right after dinner

[] Late evening

[] You're kidding, I have to narrow it to a time?

4) Why do you like chocolates and Love Inspired romances?

[] They energize me

[] For escape

[] They're good for you

5) How much chocolate eating and Love Inspired romance reading can you do in one day?

[] I can eat a whole box/read a whole book

[] I can eat half a box/read half a book

[] I eat and read in brief periods

6) Women eat more chocolate and read more Love Inspired romance books than men?

[] true

[] false

7) How many pounds of chocolate does the average American eat and many pounds of Love Inspired books does the average American read?

[] 8.5

[] 12

[] 18

{] 26

8. Kojac loves both chocolate and Love Inspired romances

[] true

[] false

9. During Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of the Oompa Loompas could be seen reading a Love Inspired romance

[] true

[] false

10. This quiz has made me both hungry and made me want to go read a Love Inspired romance

[] true

[] false

See, it's true. Too much chocolate, when combined with too much reading, can't be all bad.

I'll post the answer to number 7 later tonight. In the meantime, have fun nibbling on chocolate and getting lost in a Love Inspired romance.

Her Valentine Family Interview

How exciting to have Jessica Bowman, the heroine from Her Valentine Family, by Renee Andrews, a February 2011 release, from Love Inspired Romance .
1. Jessica Bowman, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
The most interesting thing about me is my little boy, Nathan. He’s five years old and was truly a gift from God.
2. What do you do for fun?
I’ve recently moved back to Claremont, Alabama, the town I grew up in, and am enjoying sharing all of the activities I did growing up with my little boy. I also try my best at the “little boy” things like fishing, t-ball and all, but I know his daddy would do a much better job. And I know Chad, Nathan’s daddy, would be wonderful with Nathan…if Chad knew he had a son.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Telling Chad Martin that I’ve kept him from his son for five years.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
That Chad will not be able to forgive me.
5. What do you want out of life?
I want a real family for me and my son.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
God is number one, and I trust in Him to provide what is best for me and for Nathan.
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
Yes! My favorite books are those about family and faith, where characters put their trust in God, and their lives are changed because of that trust and faith.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t base my decisions, especially important decisions, on what I think is better for those I love. I would be honest always and accept the consequences of my actions.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
No pets yet. Nathan and I are staying at my parents’ home until I get settled in, but as soon as we get a house of our own, Nathan wants a puppy.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to the day I found out I was pregnant. Because when I went to tell Chad and learned he’d received a full scholarship out of state, I assumed that marrying me and raising our child together would hurt his future. If I could go back, I would tell him the truth instead of running away. And the reason why is…now I know I actually hurt Chad and Nathan by keeping them apart. I just pray that somehow, some way, both will forgive me.

Thank you Renee for sharing Jessica with us today.
Renee Andrews spends a lot of time in the gym. No, she isn't working out. She and her husband, a former All-American gymnast, own an all-star cheerleading gym. She is thankful the talented kids there don't have a problem when she brings her laptop and writes while they sweat. When she isn't writing, she's typically traveling with her husband, bragging about their two sons or spoiling their bulldog.
Write to her at Renee@ReneeAndrews.com or visit her Web site at http://www.reneeandrews.com/

Contest Alert: Renee’s current contest giveaway is a gorgeous painting by Gina Brown, the artist mentioned in HER VALENTINE FAMILY. Send an email to Renee with Gina Brown Art Contest in the Subject field to enter. To see Gina’s artwork, visit her site – http://www.GinaBrownArt.com

FEATURED BOOK: HER VALENTINE FAMILY BY RENEE ANDREWS

Part-time college student and full-time single mom Jessica Bowman returns to Alabama to raise her little boy, Nathan, in the only home she's ever known. The last person she expects to see is Chad Martin, her first love. He doesn't know that Jessica's been keeping a secret from him. What he does know is that he never stopped loving her. But Jessica realizes that her silence stands in the way of their reunion. If she takes a leap of faith and reveals the truth, will she find that love and forgiveness are the sweetest Valentine gifts of all?

The Grand Finale of Valentine Vacation by Lyn Cote

Amelia gripped Colin's hand tightly. Somehow she knew that the commotion had something to do with the rings. But she didn't have the nerve to go forward. She started to turn away--when a familiar voice called out, "That's her! That's the woman who found the ring!" The voice belonged to Darrell.

The crowd parted as a tall, perfectly coifed, and stylishly dressed woman walked toward Amelia who had frozen in place.

Colin tugged Amelia along until she began walking to meet the woman. Her heart bobbed up into her throat. It couldn't be, could it?

And then she was there, standing within arm's reach of one the biggest stars in Hollywood, June Roberts.

"I'm so happy you found my engagement ring," June gushed. Camera flashes nearly blinded Amelia but the actress acted as if she didn't notice them at all, her big smile gleamed from her tanned face. "My fiance and I were walking on the beach late yesterday and I didn't notice I'd lost the engagement ring he'd just given me till later."

"She couldn't take her eyes off me," an extremely tall and handsome man said, standing at June's elbow.

"You shouldn't have gotten a ring a size too big." June chuckled in response and reached for Amelia's hand. "Thank you a thousand times."

Amelia couldn't speak. She's seen Miss Roberts in so many movies. She felt like she was in a movie.

Colin cleared his throat. "Amelia was only doing what was right. She's that kind of lady."

"She certainly is. My thanks also." The handsome man led away the actress who thanked Amelia once more. The paparazzi flocked after the "star" couple, leaving Amelia, Colin and Christy and Darrel in their wake.

"I don't know about you, but after all that star dust, I can use a tall drink of something cold," Colin said.

For some reason this tickled Amelia's funny bone and she began giggling. Shaking his head at her indulgently, he led their foursome toward the patio at the back of the hotel.

"How much do you want to bet that this was just a publicity stunt?" Darrell suggested, drawing Christy with him.

Colin laughed. "Let's not waste any more time on this."

"But what if someone dishonest had found the ring?" Christy asked, sounding uncertain. "How could they know someone would turn it in?"

"How do you know it wasn't a Cubic Zirconia?" Colin countered.

Darrell laughed. But then sobered. "We still haven't found...." He stopped and put his arm around Christy. "Sorry. I said we wouldn't let this spoil the rest of the day."

Christy blinked as if warding off tears.

Amelia so wished she could have found their ruby ring. Suddenly she felt her own engagement ring in her back pocket. Without taking time to think, she pulled it out and handed it to Darrell. "Here I won't be wearing this any more. Either use it as a replacement for the ring you lost or sell it and buy another one. Your grandmother will understand. Things get lost." She looked up at Colin who was pulling out a chair for her at a patio table.

He smiled down at her. "And somethings that have been lost are found."

And Amelia knew with her heart what Colin meant. She had lost the past and maybe found a future...on her Valentine Vacation.