Duty to Protect by Roxanne Rustand

Today we're welcoming Emma White, the heroine of DUTY TO PROTECT, by Roxanne Rustand, a December, 2011 Love Inspired Suspense. 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.

Honestly? my whole life has meant living on the edge. From when I was orphaned as a kid, to when I was adopted by an older couple. They were never warm and doting people, but they gave me security--until they landed in a witness protection program. From then on we all lived in fear that was sure justified--my adoptive mom was killed in a suspicious accident, and just recently, my dad was murdered in a grocery store parking lot. After that, I had to run for my life.

2. So, during the book you met Jake Kincaid. Tell us a bit about him/her. What was your first impression? I used to love watching old westerns on the TV. The idea of good conquering evil, the guys in the white hats prevailing, filled me with longing for justice and safety in my own life. I never thought I'd meet a cowboy hero of my own, but there he was--I was on the run, and he swooped in to save a little boy from being hit by a drunk driver who'd pulled in way too fast in a parking lot. With my pursuers closing in I had to find a way to escape, and I took a chance with Jake. I used to think that God had forgotten about me. But that night? I know it was more than mere chance that I ran into Jake Kincaid.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? I think all of us have a strong will to live, but my background taught me a lot of about developing survival skills, and as tough as it was, it did make me strong and determined. My weakness? Definitely, a lack of trust.

4. What scares you? Anyone I don't know--because the drug cartel that wanted to wipe out my family was both wealthy and resourceful. They could hire anyone to come after me. Someone I didn't recognize could show up out of the blue.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'm working on it. I would love to be able to lose that instinctive shiver of dread when I encounter someone new…or see a suspicious looking stranger across the street. My first response is to turn tail and run, but that is no longer necessary…I hope.

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

As I said before, I was sure God had forgotten about me. Losing my biological and adoptive parents was pretty devastating. How many people face those kinds of losses, along with the absence of any kind of stable home? I never had friends, either, because in a life on the wrong it's hard to get close to anyone. I thought I was all alone in the world.

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

I came to realize that God had been with me every step of my journey--keeping me safe,ultimately guiding me to the one man in this world who is so perfect for me. My faith is deepening every day now, and I feel like a different person.

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

When I first read this verse, it was as if God was speaking directly to me. I wish I'd had it to hold close to my heart since I was a child.

It is: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus Christ." Philippians 4: 6-7.

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

I'm finally living out my dreams, now. With a secure and happy home, and people who love me. And what's more evocative of that than apple pie ala mode?

FEATURED BOOK: DUTY TO PROTECT BY ROXANNE RUSTAND

After nearly a lifetime in witness protection, Emma Graves depends on the anonymity of her false identity. But when her parents die under suspicious circumstances, and Emma is framed for murder, all security is gone. There's nothing to do but run.Cop-turned-rancher Jake Kincaid is an unlikely defender. Why would an ex-cop believe an accused killer? Still, Jake makes Emma feel safe. With his drive to protect, she knows staying on his ranch endangers them both—yet now that her heart's engaged, she's not sure she can walk away.

Ask Elnora--About Coupons??? Lenora Worth

Good morning, my little elves. Elnora is blurry eyed today. I got really brave yesterday and ventured out to shop! Before I went into the fray I had a nice time visiting a library open house with my friend Judy Christie (Author of the new YA novel Wreath, by the way). The lovely staff at the darling Stonewall Library had prepared great food--a chocolate cake to die for--and other wonderful munchies. So we sat a spell and chatted with Miss Nell and the other book lovers. Then we headed downtown and shopped at a very hip place called artspace. (No caps.) Elnora bought a lovely mirror for the Florida home. It's decorated in buttons and jewelry. Very Blingy! We had more chocolate in the cafe there. We shared a giant whoopie pie. Yummy!!! After Judy and parted, I went to the post office and then decided since I was out and all chocolated up, I'd get some more shopping done. I had a purse full of store coupons, so I figured I'd save money. I did. But in order to save money, one has to spend money, right? I bought various presents for various people. I can't say what I bought because some of them actually read this blog! But I had coupons. Of course, the coupons I had in my purse were expired. Still, everything I found was marked down and I hit a good time of the day--more mark downs! I had Kohl's cash and Target deals. So all in all, not a bad experience. The other shoppers were even nice. They must have had two rounds of chocolate, too! Anyway, I got home and checked my e-mail and there I found another Kohl's coupon for twenty extra percent off. Of course, I had my phone with me in the store, but didn't know I could have pulled up the e-mail and used that code, too!! Drat on that! I'm not so sure I want to load all that stuff up and go back into the danger zone. My day will be shot. But that's the thing about coupons. Even when you have a purse full, there is still a better deal lurking out there somewhere. So I ask--What's the deal with coupons? Do you use them, love them, hoard them? Or do you just go about your merry way? Let's discuss while Elnora brews a big pot of coffee!!!!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Debra Clopton here in Texas wishing you all a wonderful, blessed Christmas season! I wanted to put a picture of my Christmas tree here for you to see but LOL I'm on deadline and haven't had a chance to think about getting my tree up yet. So I looked through my photos and came across this shot. It's was taken December of last year on my birthday when Chuck and I were crossing Pennsylvania during a blizzard! It was a very white Christmas season for me and looking at the picture reminded me of how fun it was. It reminds me of my favorite Christmas movie, White Christmas with Bing Crosby. I love that old movie. I can remember watching it as a young girl and just loving the scenes with the snow and wondering what that would be like to see snow like that. As a kid living in Texas where I'd never really seen snow that really stuck to the ground I truly had to dream of a white Christmas because where I lived and still do, you certainly never got one.

As you can tell, I've grown up since then and have seen snow as thick and white as that from my favorite movie. Though I've experienced the wonder of what I dreamed of back them I still love the movie and I the snow scenes. The movie still connects me to the dreams I had watching it as a little girl.

What is your favorite Christmas movie or book as a child and what did it make you dream of?

I pray you'll all have a joyous and blessed Christmas!

Debra Clopton

Bringing History To Life!

Don’t you just love stumbling onto something wonderfully unexpected?


On a recent trip I had the pleasure of doing just that. We were taking an elevator up from a parking garage to a restaurant when the doors opened and we were in the middle of a marketplace. It was fabulous. But what made it even more special was spotting a mannequin dressed in traditional Scots clothing in a store window. This Celtic store had it all: clan mementos, quilts, books, porcelain and china, basically a ton of imports from Scotland. But the best of all was the jewelry. Excuse me while I fan myself. 

In my debut novel Highland Hearts I wrote about an antique brooch called a Luckenbooth. The brooch was usually given to a woman upon her betrothal, much like we give engagement rings nowadays. It usually had the engaged couples wedding day engraved on it and the woman would wear it on special occasions for the rest of her life, such as her wedding day, while giving birth, etc. You can guess my delight when the saleswoman said she had one in stock. You can also guess I’ll be wearing it at my book signing. J How fun to be able to bring something from my book into real life. 

Have you ever wanted to bring something from a book or from history into your life? Please share. I’d love to hear from you!

When the Holidays aren't Happy

Pat Davids here,

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season, but I know that for some people the holidays aren't a happy time. This year, I lost my husband, and I'm facing my first Christmas without him. I'm trying to keep a happy face on for my family. I spent way to much money on decorations and they abound in my home, but the heart of the holiday is missing, and I know I'm not alone in this.

All around the world, people have lost children, spouses, parents and dear friends. As we face holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, we are bombarded with images of happiness, families gathered together and searching out a present for that special someone in our lives. Many people, like me, will keep the television off to avoid the sappy, happy shows, but I can't go to the store or to work without being reminded that this is a joyous time of the year. Sometimes, I think I must be the only sad person on the planet. I know that's not true, but that's how it feels.

Last night, I was thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and how she must have felt at the very first Christmas. Yes, she must have been overjoyed to have given birth to the Son of God, but how much trepidation must have tempered her joy. She knew, better than anyone, that her son would not lead a normal, happy life. Yet, because she accepted the burden God laid before her, I shall see my husband again when I go to stand before the Throne. I'm going to give that woman a big hug when I see her.

If you are suffering from a loss this holiday season, you have my deepest condolences. If you know someone who is facing a less than happy season, take a few minutes out of your day to give them a call. Don't ask, "How are you doing?" Most of us lie and say we're doing okay. Say, "I was thinking of you and how hard the holidays must be this year." Then, just listen. You will help more than you know by showing them you understand and you care.

His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley

How exciting to have Gideon O'Brien, the hero from His Holiday Family, Margaret Daley, a December 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. Gideon O'Brien, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

Absolutely nothing--I'm just a guy who goes to work and enjoys some free time with his friends.

2. What do you do for fun?

I like to play basketball with friends and boating.

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

Housework--I'm a single guy who has to take care of his own house. Not my favorite thing.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Falling in love--I've avoided long term relationships most of my life.

5. What do you want out of life?

To help others--that's why I became a fire fighter.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

The Lord--He is the one I could count on when I could count on no one else.

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

Nah, not much. I work a lot.

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

That I wouldn't be afraid to get close to another.

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

I have a dog. I love animals and he needed a home. I know what that is like.

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

To before my father and mother died to stop it from happening.

FEATURED BOOK: HIS HOLIDAY FAMILY BY MARGARET DALEY

When Hurricane Naomi tears through a small Mississippi town, a daring rescue unites two heroes. Nurse Kathleen Hart is a single mom racked by guilt over her husband's death. Firefighter Gideon O'Brien—orphaned as a young boy—has lost too many people he cared for. To rise above the storm's devastation, Gideon helps Kathleen and her sons rebuild their home. As Christmas approaches, they discover that even the strongest of storms can't destroy a romance built on the foundation of faith.

Ask Elnora--About Christmas Memories--Lenora Worth

Thanks for the memories ....Happy December, my lovelies! Only December 2nd and already my charge card is tired. I've bought lots of presents, mostly for me, of course! Just teasing. I've put a big dent in my shopping list and only bought myself a bracelet, some earrings, some jeans and a sweater. That's a whole outfit! No shoes yet. Oh, wait. Yes, I did buy shoes when I drove across the state line to visit two of my best writing buddies. Oops. I forget Big Daddy reads my blog. Busted. Oh, well, a girl can't help but buy a few baubles during the Christmas season. Everything is so pretty and bright in all the shops and malls. But I digress. I really wanted to talk about something less materialistic. Yes, I can be practical at times. After reading Merrilee's blog from yesterday, I got to wondering about Christmas memories. I have a favorite one and I'd like to hear some of yours, too. My favorite Christmas memory happened when I was a little girl back on the farm in Georgia. I had longed for a new bicycle, but we didn't have a lot of money so my older sister bought me a used red bicycle. I loved that bike, but it got old and worn out (probably because I rode it up and down the county line road, spinning stories in my head as fast as I pushed those pedals.) Anyway, it broke. I was so devastated. So I really wanted a new bike for Christmas. Then I caught a nasty cold and felt awful, but Christmas was coming so I soldiered on and prayed I'd get a new bike. My sister (the same one who'd bought me the used bike) came and picked me up on Christmas Eve. She said she has some last minute shopping to do and I could ride along. So, sniffing and miserable, but ever hopeful, I went into town with her. When we got back, I got out of the car thinking I was going to bed. I was sick and tired and fretful that I wouldn't get a new bike. Then I looked up and my daddy was standing on the back porch with a shiny new blue bicycle by his side. I looked at my smiling sister and then I looked at my mama, and then finally I looked at my daddy and then I burst into tears. My daddy, shocked, said, "Santa Claus brought this bike early--just for you. Don't you like it?" "Like it?" I loved it. I bobbed my head and rushed up the steps and quickly took possession of that bright new bike. I forgot about being sick. I forgot about being miserable. I rode off into the cold sunset with a warm heart and the perfect contentment of a happy child. I rode and rode until my hands were numb, until my mama called me in to supper. And I got up the next day and rode some more, still spinning my stories. I think I rode that bike until I got my first car. That was the best Christmas ever! Because that beautiful blue bike was the same color as my daddy's sweet eyes. Let's discuss special Christmas memories!!!

Christmas favorites

Today is December 1, and this is Merrillee who is starting the countdown to Christmas. One of the best things about being a writer is connecting with our readers. So I'm going to ask you to share with us some Christmas favorites.

What is your favorite Christmas book?
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
What is your favorite Christmas song?
What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
What is your favorite Christmas candy?
What is your favorite Christmas decoration?

And I have two final questions. Do you like to get books for Christmas? If you don't have an e-reader, would you like to get one for Christmas?

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful readers.

Black Friday bonanza

Kim Watters here. I finally did it. I bought a Kindle. I wasn't planning on it when I went shopping on Black Friday. I mean, who would have thought Target would still have any in stock at 10:00 in the morning. I may be crazy enough to go shopping on that day, but I draw the line at waking up way too early, or not going to sleep at all. Trust me people, at my age, I need my beauty sleep.

Anyway, kids in tow, yes, I brought them along, too. (didn't matter because I'd already finished my Christmas shopping-shall I mention my cards and Chirstmas letter are done along with the Christmas portraits? Oh and we put up the tree and decorations yesterday.What can I say, I'm an organized Virgo!) And I just can't resist a sale.

The kids actually found the Kindle first. "Come on, Mom. Just think of how much we'll read now."

"Really?" Hooked, bait, line and sinker.

"Of course." As my youngest is playing a game on the Fire.

"Well...."

"Paleeze." They both whine.

Well, they were majorly on sale (a regular Kindle not the Fire) and still there so maybe it was time to get one since they still had five in stock and my kids are the computer literate generation and can probably teach me how to operate it. "Fine."

So, that's how it happened along with the GPS system, (so Mom doesn't get lost anymore) and the portable DVD player ( to keep my kids from killing each other on those long drive). My kids are determined to ring me into their computer world.

Next year though, I'm going out alone!

So who else ventured out on Friday and waht did you get?

An Honorable Gentlemen by Regina Scott

How exciting to have Gwendolyn Allbridge, the heroine from An Honorable Gentleman, a November 2011 release from Love Inspired Historical written by Regina Scott, with us today.

1. Tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I help my father manage Blackcliff Hall, one of the most beautiful estates in Cumberland. From the top of Blackcliff Fell, you can see for miles. There are salmon in the streams, deer in the woods, and everywhere the fiery colors of autumn right now.

2. What do you do for fun?

Live! Forcing all the numbers associated with the estate to make sense, keeping up the gate house where my father and I live, growing and preparing the produce from my small garden, getting the Hall ready for the new owner--there are very few tasks that I don’t enjoy. Well, I don’t enjoy it when someone is sick and a villager comes for me and my mother’s cures. I love making people feel better, but I don’t like that they were sick to begin with. I’ve seen too much of that.

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

I’ve put off making any more of my mother’s cures since she died a year ago, especially her horehound syrup. She was the village midwife. With the nearest physician over twenty miles away, she did a lot more than bring babies into the world. Everyone loved her. They expect me to follow in her footsteps, but how can anyone live up to her skills?

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Having to leave here. This is my home! It doesn’t matter that things have run down a bit with the last estate owner passing away. I know Sir Trevor Fitzwilliam, the new owner, will set things to rights. He has to! The village depends on the prosperity of Blackcliff. They won’t last another winter without some help!

5. What do you want out of life?

To give it my all and someday reach heaven to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

6. What is the most important thing to you?

My father and my home. And Sir Trevor Fitzwilliam, but don’t tell him I said that. He can be quite puffed up with his own consequence when he wants to. And then, at times, he doesn’t seem to believe in his future at all. Perhaps that’s why God sent him here to Blackcliff, to find what really matters.

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

I read the Bible, and my friend Ruth Newton and I share books we get from the lending library in Carlisle. I like stories about real people overcoming great odds. I don’t much like the gothic stories like those by Mrs. Radcliffe. A spooky old estate? Really! I live with that every day! All her heroines really needed was a good dog at their sides and a loaded pistol in their pockets. That’s how I met Sir Trevor when he showed up at the estate in the night.

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

I would make myself faster and more clever so I would have half a chance of keeping up with everything!

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

I have Dolly. Father would scold me terribly for mollycoddling her, as she was bred to protect the property. Truly, would you baby a 160-pound mastiff? She’s the biggest of the breed ever raised in the Evendale Valley, and my constant companion. People think she must be vicious given her size and her brindled color. But she’s a sweetheart.

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

I’d go back to before my mother contracted consumption and stop it from happening. And perhaps shake some sense into Sir Trevor’s parents as well. Imagine not bringing your child into a family, a place where he can feel loved! But then, maybe that’s why he met me!

A CONTEST AND A FEATURED BOOK: AN HONORABLE GENTLEMAN BY REGINA SCOTT

The Craftie Ladies say: Don't forget to sign up for our book give away! http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/16640-holiday-hideout
Be Sure to Add Your Name!

When the owner of ramshackle Blackcliff Hall arrives, the locals have high hopes that Sir Trevor Fitzwilliam will set things to rights. Especially Gwen Allbridge, the estate manager's daughter who has single-handedly kept Blackcliff Hall going. Now she must convince Trevor to stay and make the hall—and the village depending on it—prosperous again.The decaying estate is just another reminder to Trevor of his noble father's rejection. Abandoning it for London could restore his cheer…but how can he disappoint Gwen? Her faith in him makes him yearn to live up to the ideals she holds dear. As disturbing, unexplained events encroach on the pair, Gwen's steadfast courage will rise to meet Trevor's newfound honor as they learn that there's no dream like home.

Ask Elnora--Black Friday or Quiet Friday?? Lenora Worth

Hello my beatiful friends. I am fashionably late to this post. I bet you all think I was out Black Friday shopping, right? Wrong, precious people. Elnora's delicate sensibilities can not suffer through such brutal challenges. I don't like mean, pushy people. I was simply tired and rested a bit after indulging in too much turkey and dressing and chocolate pecan pie yesterday. I went to bed early, read a little bit of a James Lee Burke mystery and thanked the Lord that I had the good sense to STAY HOME until the worst of the craziness was over. But this does beg the question? Are you a Gunho Commando Shopper? Do you plan a stragedy, pick a point man and plot your invasion of the shopping center? Do you camp out for a good bargain? (Elnora's idea of camping out is a suite in the Ritz and room service.) Did any of my peeps venture out onto the frozen tundra just to buy a television or a topcoat? Did anyone get a good buy on shoes and shower curtains and snow sweaters? Let's talk about the horror and beauty of Christmas Shopping? It's the season of sales and bargains and coupons and malls and lines and wrapping and tinsel and that fabulous spiced coffee at Starbuck's. But ... it is also the season of quiet time and silent nights and joy to the world and harking the herald angels and peace on earth and goodwill to all men. And yes, even peace and goodwill to that woman who stole that wonderful cashmere sweater that was marked down 50% right out of your hands. Black Friday or Quiet Friday? Let's discuss!!!!