Ask Elnora--about chocolate and pumpkins?? Lenora Worth

I just ate some chocolate. And I plan to make some pumpkins bars soon. Yes, it's that time of year that brings out all the creepy people--chocolate lovers who carve up innocent pumpkins! While I'm too old to go "trick or treating", Elnora does love a good bag of candy. Elnora always buys the good stuff for the little munkins who might show up at her door. We celebrate fall at our church with a festival of sorts. I get to help with the cake walk this year--a real one. And a relief, since a writer's life is not always a cake walk! But the chilly weather and the cute costumes being shown on all the day-time shows got me to thinking--why do we love candy and pumpkins so much? Or am I the only one who loves all the orange vegetables--pumpkins, sweet potatoes and my latest--butternut squash. Yummy. Just got my "Southern Living" magazine with pumpkin cheesecake on the cover. Be still Elnora's heart! There goes my Weight Watchers points. And yet, who can resist. You won't believe this, but I used to make pumpkin pies from scratch. And I do mean by first scratchng and scraping the meat out of a real pumpkin. What was I thinking?? Now I have discovered this stuff also comes in cans! Much easier, since I am so not Betty Crocker. So let's discuss. Pumpkins and Chocolate? Just chocolate? Just pumpkins? Or maybe you just go for the candy corn? What's your favorite spooky treat? What traditions do you have for this time of year? Corn maze, candied apples, pies, hay bales, scarecrows? Or maybe a shoe sale??? Discuss while I go make some apple cider. Let's have a fall party!!!

What the Crafties are Reading...

Regina Scott is reading Mary Moore’s LIH debut, The Aristocrat’s Lady, and Tom Pocock’s nonfiction tome, The Terror Before Trafalgar (can’t pull Regina very far from the Regency!).

Jean Gordon is starting Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

Cara Putman is reading Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist and There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones. Both excellent writers!

Debby Giusti is reading Mary Neely (AKA Mary Connealy): Ten Plagues

Oh, my. Lenora Worth is reading lots of things. Val Hansen's Rescuing the Heiress, Margaret Daley's From This Day Forward, and on my to be read list--Hannah Alexander's The Wedding Kiss. And in my Nook--Rachelle MaCalla's Princess in Peril. Loving that one so far. Love all of them so far! I seem to be moving from history to contemporary these days. I love both!

Karen Kirst can handle only one book at a time. I just finished Rachelle McCalla's first book in her new Reclaiming the Crown series, Love Inspired Suspense Princess in Peril. I love royalty stories and this one did not disappoint! Now I'm reading the October Love Inspired Historical novella Once Upon a Thanksgiving. I'm enjoying Winnie Griggs' Home For Thanksgiving.

Leigh Bale reads a variety of stories at one time:
Call Me Irresistible, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Iron Daughter, by Julie Kagawa
Lucy's Legacy, by Dr. Donald Johanson

Right now Christine Johnson is reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It's a "loaner" book, so I set aside my other read, Laura Frantz's The Colonel's Daughter until I finish this one. I'm about halfway through The Help and am totally hooked by the three strong women telling their storiesa.

Lisa Mondello: Reading Water for Elephants on the Nook Color in between writing, cooking and watching Project Runway.

Missy Tippens is reading a book for her book club: These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 Arizona Territories (a novel) by Nancy E. Turner. Missy says...This has me spellbound! I stayed up until 4 am this morning reading!

Pamela Tracy - she who reads more than one at a time.
On my Kindle: Lye in Wait, by Cricket McRae, a cozy mystery - I'm about 1/4 of the way through and liking it.
In my Car: The Jane Austen Bookclub by Karen Fowler - I'm on the next to last disc. The audio has convinced me to rent the movie.
In Print: In a Doctor's Arms by Lisa Mondello - Of course I'm reading a LI book. I'm about 1/4 of the way through and liking it.
What's next? Just checked out from the library The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory - just released... I can hardly wait, although I'm so used to her books about Henry the 8th.

Barbara Phinney, who would be soo confused if she read more than one book at a time, is now reading Shattered by Kate Kelly. Wonderful book set in the Black Hills. Great characters!

So, tell us, what are you reading, and which of the above books have you also read...

Thoughts from Anna Schmidt about connections…

Writing can be a solitary occupation so when notes from readers come via electronic or snail mail I have to admit that I eagerly tear into them…at last contact with the ‘real’ world!!! I am blessed to receive such missives on a fairly regular basis, and they are always bright spots in my day (even when the sender has something that has upset them about my book!).  My favorites are, of course, those that tell me how a certain character’s challenges connected with them in some way and I always love it when a reader suggests that I tell a minor character’s story (although it isn’t always easy to persuade the publishers to be as enthusiastic about giving that character his or her own book).

I also connect with the ‘real world’ via my research. Today, for example, I spent three hours reading actual letters, transcripts, and reports about the life (and death) of Mildred Fish Harnack—the only American woman put to death at the direct order of Hitler. Fascinating stuff and when you realize that this life that reads like a novel actually happened, it raises all sorts of questions about how I (or you) would have acted under similar circumstances.  Having been a history major in college, I actually love doing research—reading files as I did today, going to actual settings and walking where those who lived that special history once walked.

Finally, I connect via conversation with friends and new acquaintances and shopkeepers and wait-staff and others. I am fascinated by the diversity of opinions and ideas available through what may seem a very simple – and even conventional-- exchange. I write stories for one reason: because I believe that by looking at a situation through the eyes of fictional characters who are themselves a composite of many real people I’ve met over the course of my life I and my readers might find some truth—some ah-ha moment (as Oprah might say) that will enrich our lives. Connecting through communicating—what a concept!!! 

All best, Anna

Romantic Suspense ideas?

HI, Terri Reed here. I'm in the middle of writing my 24th novel for Harlequin's Love Inspired line.The first five or so books I wrote were Love Inspired Romances, and the rest have been Love Inspired Suspense. I tend to gravitate toward the romantic suspense genre because I love the action, the tension and the mystery. Coupling suspense with romance is such a great way to get best of both genres. I'm always looking for unique and interesting ways to put my hero and heroines in danger.

Is there anything you haven't seen done that might pose a good threat for my characters?

I'd love to hear your ideas!

The second book in my Protection Specialists: Guarding the Innocent series comes out in January 2012. This book is set in Mississippi at winter time. I tried to give the book a gothic feel, complete with an old house, creepy relatives and a sinister villain all of which make life difficult for our hero and heroine.

A Shocking Revelation!

Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core. And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted. When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again. Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection—and his love—be enough to keep her safe?

Upcoming 2012 titles:

June 2012--The Deputy's Duty, book 6 of the Fitzgerald Bay continuity series

September 2012--The Doctor's Protector, the third book in the Protection Specialists: Guarding the Innocent series.

Ollie and me

I am down to the wire on my current book and in the final push and I'm babysitting my son's and daughter-in-laws dog. He's really just a puppy, all one-hundred-and fifty pounds of him. It's a challenge, and I know now why I talked my husband out of getting another dog.

Don't get me wrong, he's a sweet dog who drools. When he shakes his head, stuff flies off his mouth onto my nightgown and robe or kitchen table. And if I'm walking across the carpet and find something glistening, I have to grab a rag. I have a new appreciation for the comic Marmaduke. Brad Anderson had to have a great dane. And as a writer, we take those moments that are challenging or funny or frustrating and use them in our writing.

I've grown--whether I wanted to or not.

FEATURED BOOK: THE CAPTAIN'S MISSION BY DEBBY GIUSTI

Today we're welcoming Captain Phil Tibodeaux, the hero of THE CAPTAIN’S MISSION, by Debby Giusti, which will be out in October 2011—this month. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

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

I’m a captain in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Rickman, Georgia. I was leading my company in a training exercise for a group of visiting dignitaries when one of my men was fatality wounded, seemingly by friendly fire. Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent Kelly McQueen was called in to investigate the soldier’s death.

2. So, during the book you met Special Agent McQueen. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

At first, I was antagonistic about having someone pry into my company’s business, but Kelly was a professional soldier and didn’t try to push her weight--or her position--around. She worked hard to get to the truth about what really had happened on the training range. I appreciated her work ethic and soon realized my feelings went deeper than admiration for a job well done.

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

I’m determined to do the right thing, and above all else, I want to take care of my soldiers. Hopefully, they realize the decisions I make are for their own good.

My weakness? Maybe it was allowing what had happened in my childhood to keep me from living life to the full.

4. What scares you?

Losing Kelly scared me in the beginning. Now we’re committed to spending the rest of our lives together. With Kelly at my side, I’m ready to accept whatever the future may hold.

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

I wish I could have changed my mother’s heart so she would have accepted a little boy who loved her so much.

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

Struggling. I came from a dysfunctional family, and although my aunt taught me about God’s love and mercy, I had to fine tune her teachings and make them my own.

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

By the end of the story, I knew God wanted what was best for me. He loved me more than anyone, even Kelly, and that fact brought me satisfaction and peace.

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

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Those who accept darkness will die by darkness, but those who put their trust in the Lord will have an abundance of joy that transcends time.

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

I’d be Kelly’s pecan pie. I’m a sucker for good cooking and that pie opened my eyes to the beautiful woman standing before me.

Hello, lovely people. Elnora is fashionably late this morning due to computer problems. Something to do with jetting in from the coast last night, probably. Actually, we didn't jet. We drove a Malibu. But Big Daddy drove like a fighter pilot! We are tired wayfarers this morning. And now, this house seems so big compared to our little bayside retreat. Must clean up and start plans for a huge garage sale. Purses and shoes, anyone? This life in limbo between two places can be stressful. Elnora walked on the beach the other day and the waters were so calm. That indeed had a calming effect on me. And ... the sea had left a gift for all the strollers and swimmers. Seashells, washe up in lovely glistening piles. That got me to wondering as I wandered. What is it about seashells? Why do we search for the perfect ones when God has clearly sent us bits and pieces of beauty. Broken, yes. But then aren't we all in places? Why do we insist on perfection when we can pick up a slightly broken shell and learn its story while we look through the cracks and see the heart? This made me think of people. We tend to want our relationships to be perfect and shimmering, created in one piece and kept that way. But sometimes God sends us not so perfect people and they become the perfect friends. We have to see inside the broken parts. We have to look past the flaws to see the heart shining through. And in return, our friends and loved one can do the same for us. I believe the places where we see the shattered openings are places God left to be filled with forgiveness and love. So, all of you shimmering beauties, what is about seashells? I keep the broken ones, too. What about you? Do you throw those back and start looking all over again? Or do you keep a few. Elnora believes it's not so much about the shell, but about everything that little shell went through in that deep ocean to get so far. Maybe that little broken shell came all that way just somone would find it and take it home and make it whole again. Let's discuss seashells!!!!!

Writing for Love Inspired Historical

Yesterday, Emily Rodmell stopped by and spoke about writing for Love Inspired Historical. She's "actively seeking." That's music to a writer's ear.

Here on the Craftie site, we have quite a few historical authors who've decided to follow the call: Victoria Bylin (see the book above!), Lyn Cote (a Carol winner), Winnie Griggs, Louise Gouge, Patty Smith Hall, Eva Maria Hamilton, Christine Johnson, Karen Kirst, Jessica Nelson, Allie Pleiter, Cara Putman, Naomi Rawlings, Regina Scott, and Lacy Williams.

Most started like you... I love books... followed by I love to write... followed by How do I do it???

Today, if you have a question about writing for Love Inspired Historical (LIH), be sure to post it in the comment section. As you can see we have fourteen authors who often stop by to respond to comments. They are a wealth of talent and knowledge.

In the meantime, here are the guidelines for writing for LIH.

The LIH mission statement:
The Love Inspired fiction program features wholesome Christian romance that will help women to better guide themselves, their families and their communities toward purposeful, faith-driven lives.

So, what do you need to know about writing great books such as the following by Winnie Griggs...

DETAILS
Length: 70,000–75,000 words
Executive Editor: Joan Marlow GolanSenior Editor in charge of line: Tina James Senior Editor: Melissa Endlich Associate Editor: Emily RodmellAssistant Editor: Elizabeth Mazer

Editorial office: New York

CONTENT
Captivating historical romance: love and faith throughout the ages.

This brand in the Love Inspired imprint is a series of historical romances featuring Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in a variety of historical time periods.
Love Inspired Historical should be complex stories rich in period detail that will sweep readers into the past and absorb them from page one.

We are open to seeing manuscripts set in the following time periods: biblical fiction, Americana (e.g., Westerns, post-Civil War, etc.), European historical eras (e.g., Tudor, Regency and Victorian England, 18th-century Scotland, etc.) and 20th century (turn of the century through World War II). We are also interested in stories featuring missionaries abroad in exotic locations during various historical periods.

Each story should be set in the past, and focus on an emotional, satisfying and mature romance; however, the characters should not make love unless they are married. Even if characters are married, lovemaking must occur offstage. Any physical interactions (i.e., kissing, hugging) should emphasize emotional tenderness rather than sexual desire. Please avoid any mention of nudity.

All stories should focus on one hero and heroine who meet as early in the book as possible. The hero and heroine should be on the page together in the first chapter—the first page is even better. By the end of the story the main characters should be in a committed relationship.
In addition, we are looking for opening chapters that are compelling and grab the reader's attention from the first line of the story. Some ways to create effective openings are to employ dialogue, keep paragraphs short, or open with a dramatic situation. Ineffective openings tend to occur when there is little or no dialogue or the author focuses on background and setup (e.g., heroine is in a car/bus/train/plane, reviewing the reasons why she is returning to or leaving her hometown).

Drama, mystery and even a touch of humor all have a place in the series. Foul language and swearing do not. Paranormal or horror elements are not acceptable. Conflicts cannot be solved purely by divine intervention (e.g., an angel arriving to save the day). Any subplots should come directly from the main story. Secondary characters can also help contribute to a substantial and gratifying story.

An element of faith must be present in the books, and should be well-integrated into the plot. The conflict between the main characters should be an emotional one, arising naturally from the story. The progression of the story will incorporate the faith journey of each protagonist, whether struggling to accept faith or simply being active in their church community. By the end of the story, hero and heroine must be both believers and members of a church community.

Because Love Inspired sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. Christian characters in the stories may not consume alcohol, play cards or gamble. Other taboos include explicit scatological terms, Halloween celebrations or magic. Lying is also problematic in the CBA market, and characters who are Christian should avoid lying or deceiving others. Exceptions can be made but they must be approved by an editor.

We are looking for authors writing from a Christian worldview and conveying their personal faith and ministry values in entertaining fiction that will touch the hearts of believers and seekers everywhere.

Want to Write for LIH? Emily Rodmell tells you how...

Today we're delighted to welcome Emily Rodmell, an editor at Harlequin. If you've ever dreamed of writing for Harlequin, then be sure to keep reading. She's got some great tips for you!

Good morning everyone. I’m Emily Rodmell, and I’m the associate editor for Harlequin’s 3 Love Inspired lines (Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical). I’m here today to talk to you about the great opportunity we have at Love Inspired Historical for new writers. LIH doubled its output from two to four books a month this year, and it’s opened up a whole lot of opportunity for new writers looking to get published. Since the expansion, we’ve published 9 new to LIH authors (many of them debut authors), and we currently have 10 more scheduled to publish by the end of 2012.

Facing Your Challenges, your skeptics and your difficult loved ones

At a recent Christian Educators' conference, the following thoughts were presented. I read them and what a light bulb moment for me! Recently, I've had struggles. I have published an ebook, an inspirational romantic suspense entitled Souvenirs and it's been difficult to reinvent that part of my writing life, to garner interest and give people the hope I showcased in that story.

But I also found myself at odds with several other people. Loved ones or not, people with whom you bump noses can still hurt you. So this short workshop really spoke to me, especially as I explain my difficulties to non-believers.

"Some people find it unreasonable to think that challenges and struggles might be a regular part of God's plan for our lives," The writer of this workshop explains. Romans 5:3,4 says "…tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope."

We tend to blame others, but really, in most situations, there is no one to blame. The mature response to tough situations is to affirm by faith God's purposes for us. These hardships give us a story to tell, allowing us to showcase the reality of God and that we don't have freedom from troubles just because we believe in Him.

But rather, Christ sustains us during those dark times.

I like how the Romans 5:3,4 in the NIV is for me more direct and clear. Suffering -> perseverance. Perseverance -> character. Character -> hope. Hope is what we get because we know we can handle tough things.

When you're struggling with a difficult loved one, remember first and foremost to love them. Your love will motivate you. Love them!! Ask them about their goals and concerns. Share your own failings. But focus on them.

Be energetic. At that conference, one writer put it well. "So often evil is portrayed as high energy and creative, while Good is portrayed as solemn and passive." Read Revelation for proof at how 'Good' really is!

Remember that we all have a touch of immaturity. We rush though easy work, but when it comes to something challenging, we hit a wall and become discouraged. Our loved one who are facing and causing challenges more than likely is facing the same. Remember that your loved one is not the enemy. Walk away if you have to, for a time, to prevent offending someone and being offended yourself. Proverbs 18:19 warns that 'an offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city.'.

God is at work when a believer is struggling with a challenge. And when the worst of the worst happens, He's at His busiest, because He's building hope, character and joy, and allowing the believer to tell others about the tough time they had. How can the believer witness if they haven't struggled themselves?

And as I work on my independently stories, as I promote them and show that they, like the Love Inspired books, are designed to inspire, I must remember that hope comes from tribulations. It's really only a few steps away.

Next time you're dealing with a tough loved one, or work is especially difficult, as it has been for me, remember that God isn't making it easy for us. He's showing us we can "Do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

I encourage you to pick up a Love Inspired book today. And consider, also, Souvenirs – a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Souvenirs

Having been accused of murder, Anna LaBonte has no one to turn to but her mysterious neighbor, Brent Stirling. Brent knows the only reason he's helping her is to ease the guilt within him. But unless Brent can fully forgive himself, and Anna learn to trust, they will both end up dead.

Souvenirs is available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005AX7Z64

Thank you for stopping by today, and I pray that God is strengthening you to the fullest. And I thank the Christian Educators' Convention, (part of Accelerated Christian Education) for their inspiring words.

Barbara Phinney

www.barbaraphinney.com

Naming the Hero in The Christmas Child

Linda Goodnight here. Most of my characters come to me with a name, but when I began writing THE CHRISTMAS CHILD, the reticent hero wouldn’t tell me a thing! So, knowing I have brilliant readers, I hopped onto Facebook and ask for help. The hero was a seasoned undercover agent with a wounded spirit, cynical and aloof, but a good man at the core. That’s all the info I knew and all my helpers needed to come with some terrific ideas. Over the period of several days and lots of cool names that I kept for future reference, a consensus formed around the name Kade McKendrick. Perfect, I thought, for this particular hero.


So, a year later, THE CHRISTMAS CHILD, book four in the Redemption River series, is finally on the shelves. If you helped with Kade’s name, thank you! If you weren’t in on the name game, I hope you’ll check him out just the same and let me know what you think.

Thanks, friends!

Read an excerpt

One quick question: Does it bother you to see Christmas books and items this early? Or are you one of those who can’t wait to get started?

FEATURED BOOK: Building A Family by Lyn Cote

How exciting to have Eleanor Washburn, the heroine from Building a Family, written by Lyn Cote_ a October 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Eleanor, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I've helped build 2 Habitat for Humanity houses and am working on the third. And I want to adopt a child.

2. What do you do for fun? I don't have much time for fun. Sorry.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? I find putting things off only makes it worse when I must face it. Sorry.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? I really don't want to answer that. But being alone or being married to someone I couldn't respect. That would be awful.

5. What is the most important thing to you? Being able to give a child a home and loving that child unconditionally.

6. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? I don't get much down time. I do read biographies (but don't tell my mom, sometimes I sneak in a mystery story.)

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My evident inability to inspire some good man to love me.

8. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I don't have a pet but would like several, mostly dogs and cats.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I'm really happy in the 21st century where women have equal rights with men.

Ask Elnora--about WATER??? Lenora Worth

Hello, beautiful people. I’m in Florida for a few days and the weather is wonderful. Not too hot or humid and sunny. I have a view of a bay right out my door, which makes getting any work done very hard for Elnora. Big Daddy is working away, however. He’s pulled up carpet and patched spots on walls, fixed some doors here and there and will soon be buying paint and picking out carpet. I’ll help with those last two tasks. In the meantime, I got to wondering as I stared out into the blue water—what is about water that soothes the soul? Is it the gentle lapping of the water against the shore? Is it the vastness of all that blue and green? Or is it the peacefulness of an ocean breeze and a palm tree rustling in the wind? Elnora loves to look at the big water, but getting lost out there in it isn’t so hot. So … what do you think about water? Now I’m humming that Brad Paisley song “Water”. Why do we all have this love affair with water? Let’s discuss!

The Story Behind Marrying The Major

by Victoria Bylin

Hello readers!  Do you like to read books in a series?  I do.  My oldest son jokes that my characters are like my friends.  He’s right. I know them inside and out, and it’s hard to say goodbye when I get to “The End.”  It’s much nicer to look forward to seeing them again in the next book.

That’s why I wrote “The Women of Swan’s Nest” as a series. It includes four books and is about a group of women who meet in a Denver mansion in 1875. The books all stand alone, but the women are friends and they keep in touch.

Here are the titles and the order . . .

The Maverick Preacher

Wyoming Lawman

The Outlaw’s Return

Marrying the Major

All the titles are available as ebooks, and Marrying the Major is out right now in hard copy.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

He hired a governess, but what retired officer Tristan Willoughby Smith needs is a wife. Not on his behalf, but to protect little Dora and Freddie.  When Caroline Bradley arrives at his Wyoming ranch, she seems perfectly suited--capable, efficient, intelligent . . . if a trifle too appealing.

Caroline knows what a real union of heart should be, and the major’s polite, non-nonsense offer hardly qualifies. Still, she accepts for the children’s sake, little knowing the complications the marriage will bring to test her confidence and her faith. Yet in this unusual match, Caroline starts to see a glimmer of something strong and true--the makings of the family she never thought she’d find…

I hope you all enjoy the story!

A different slant on romantic suspense, here...

Tuesdays are now our days to feature  Love Inspired Romantic Suspense authors.  My own schedule is a little different this fall--thanks to a busy year of deadlines!

I've got a Love Inspired romance in November (The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish, the fifth installment of the Rocky Mountain Heirs series) and a Love Inspired Suspense in December (Duty to Protect)  but this month something different is out--a romantic suspense for the Harlequin Heartwarming Collection called  A Home in Hill Country. It's a romantic suspense that  I wrote some years ago for a different line,  now revised to  hopefully appeal to readers  looking for nice clean story, though one that doesn't have the usual faith elements in Love Inspired books.


I would love to hear some feedback on what y'all think of this new line--if you've enjoyed having this additional choice,  and if you would come back for more!

Blessings to you all,
Roxanne Rustand
www.roxannerustand.com

Lyn Cote here-Final book in her New Friends Street series

Lyn Cote here again! Hope you're not tired of me. I was just here on Thursday. But Missy asked me if I wanted to promote my new Love Inspired, Building a Family. Silly question!

I set this series in a fictitious town near my home in the far north of Wisconsin. I also featured a charity that I admire, Habitat for Humanity. And I enjoyed highlighting what I like best about living in the northwoods.



The beautiful forests and lakes.

Take a walk in the woods.

And the food is good too in America's Dairyland.

And here's a link to a free WI cheese recipe collection.
http://www.eatwisconsincheese.com/recipes/the_perfect_recipe_cookbook_1.aspx

So what do you like about where you live? And what food is associated with your hometown or state? Let's talk about our HOME!

Featured Book:The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight

How exciting to have the heroine from THE CHRISTMAS CHILD written by Linda Goodnight an October, 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Sophie Bartholomew, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m just an ordinary person, a teacher, a small town girl who loves life, God, and people. Sorry, I’m not all that interesting. But something interesting, and rather heartrending, did happen to me the other day. Some friends and I found a scared little boy in a trash Dumpster! Isn’t that awful?

2. What do you do for fun?

Christmas and cookies are my two absolute most favorite things. Well, those and kids. My fifth grade students bake and sell Christmas cookies every year for charity. Being a total Christmas nut, I have a blast with this. I also hang out with friends and spend time with my terrific dad. Since I’m on just about every civic, school, and church committee known to man—all of which I love doing--I stay pretty busy.

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

Calling or visiting my mother and her husband. I just don’t fit in with her new family, a fact that makes me sad and uncomfortable.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Right now, my biggest fear is for Davey, the little boy we found. I’m afraid of what’s happened to him and of why he won’t talk. I’m afraid of what Kade McKendrick will discover in his investigation.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

If I say, “my faith”, that will sound too clichéd, but it’s true.

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

I’m a teacher. I love to read! Mostly, I read children’s literature for my students but I also love cozy, romantic historicals and sappy Christmas books. My hometown is a beautiful old 19^th century town and I really enjoy reading about that time period.

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

All in all, I’m a content, happy woman. My life is good. But I guess if I could change one thing, I’d try to have feelings for the man who’s interested in me instead of for the aloof new guy in town.

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

No, I don’t, but a friend of mine, Kade McKendrick (who is oo-la-la cute, but so, so cynical) has the sweetest golden retriever. Her name is Sheba and she absolutely adores kids, especially a voiceless little boy named Davey.

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

Kade is harboring some sort of big, ugly heartache. I wish I could go back in time and stop it from happening. I wish I could mend his brokenness.