Her Secret Valentine Part Four

 Part 4 by Barbara Phinney

"Okay," Shanna started, plunking herself down into the chair opposite Nancy. "So, Ted apparently got hitched this Christmas in the Caribbean. It was a whirlwind courtship." Her grimace turned to a sly smile. "How dare he send you roses and chocolate!"

"Oh, stop it! We both know it isn't him." Nancy scolded. They were sharing a small table in the local cafe. She rarely went out this late in the evening, but Shanna had insisted they meet to discuss this secret admirer. "But who is it?"

She tossed a furtive look around at the patrons. Oh, to be so gregarious that you could just slip out and meet friends and laugh and talk and enjoy life! Nancy was half-scared she'd stick out like a sore thumb, or say something foolish, or laugh too loud.

"Let's go to the next guy on the list, then," Shanna was saying as the waitress set down Nancy's decaf and a beautiful tray of vanilla biscottis, the cafe's famous and most expensive creations. Nancy looked up at her. "I didn't order the biscottis."

 

"They're a gift from another patron," the waitress said, pointing to the edge of the tray. "There's a note tucked underneath."

Nancy pulled it free and unfolded it. "Vanilla, a delicate flavor so as not to overpower your natural beauty. It's nice to see you out enjoying life."

She looked up at the waitress. "Who sent these? It doesn't say. Point him out to me."

The woman scanned the cafe. "Well, he was here a moment ago. He paid cash for them at the counter. Oh, there he is!" She pointed outside. "He's just leaving."

Nancy caught sight of the tall, strong frame of a man dashing across the street. "I've missed him!"

Shanna jumped up. "Let's go!"

Nancy looked mortified. "Oh, I don't think so. After what happened with Ted..." And what happened even before that, with him, back in Georgia... oh no, she wasn't about to risk embarrassment again. "Besides, I just ordered coffee, and what about these biscottis?"

"We'll get them to go but come back for them! This is an adventure, Nancy. Live for the moment!"

In that breath of time, Nancy decided Shanna was right. This was an adventure. And it was fun. She nodded, thanked the waitress for her patience, and dashed out of the cafe, even setting aside her caution with her new shoes. "You're right," she called over her shoulder to Shanna, "but we need to know where he went."

 "To take a creative writing course I hope," Shanna called back. "His note was really cheesy."

Nancy slammed to a stop and glared at her smirking friend. "Well, I liked it! It reminded me of-" She cut off her words. No, it didn't remind her of him...

She searched the street, past those just lounging on the bench or window shopping. Evening had fallen completely, making it more difficult to see, but...there! Turning down the street where Cupid's Corner Museum stood, disappearing from her sight-

Nancy quickly looked both ways before dashing across the street. She was going to meet this man, or else!

 

Her Secret Valentine, Part 3...

Her Secret Valentine (a Craftie Ladies Continuing Valentine Romance)

Today’s Installment by Teri Wilson

The bell above the door of Cupid’s Corner Creamery chimed as Nancy crossed the threshold. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach, which was ridiculous really. She’d thought about Ted a few times since the bowling alley outing, but it wasn’t as though she’d been pining away for him or anything. He hadn’t even been to the church singles group since before New Year’s Day.

Still, it would be nice to know if he’d been the one to send the gifts. As secret admirers went, he would be a nice one. Not that Nancy knew a thing about secret admirers. She’d had one for all of two days.

“Hi, welcome to Cupid’s Corner Creamery!” A woman in a frilly pink apron greeted Nancy from behind the counter. “Can I help you?”

Nancy’s cheeks grew warm. She hadn’t expected an employee. Every time she’d set her designer-clad foot in the ice cream parlor, Ted had been the one to scoop up her ice cream.

The woman smiled at her and waved at the colorful selection of ice cream in the freezer with a Vanna White-style flick of her wrist.  “We have over a dozen flavors to choose from today, along with two sugar-free, fat-free varieties.”

Fat free.

Nancy sucked in her stomach before she even realized what she was doing. Good grief, she was a nervous wreck.

She glanced at the choices and couldn’t help but notice the ironic lack of spumoni.

“Mint chocolate chip, please. Just one scoop.” She smiled and took an exploratory glance around the shop while she waited for her ice cream.

“Here you go.” The woman handed her the cone.  “I’ll ring that up for you.”

Nancy took the ice cream and gnawed at her bottom lip. She was running out of time. It wasn’t as if she could stand around ordering cone after cone until Ted showed up.

She took a deep breath. “Is Ted here?”

“Oh no, I’m sorry. He’s not here right now.” The woman smiled.

It was then that Nancy noticed her nametag. Mint chocolate chip ice cream began to melt down her hand while she stared at the name emblazoned on it.

Donna Spumoni.

Surely that didn’t mean what she thought it meant.

“Perhaps I can help you instead.” Donna Spumoni smiled again. It was a nice smile. A pretty smile. Nancy couldn’t help but wonder if she could bowl, too.  “I’m his wife.”

The Greatest Romance

I recently received a request from a reader for story recommendations that would inspire hope in a Christian friend who’d given up hope of ever finding a life’s partner and was really depressed about that.

I know lots of great stories that I could’ve shared, yet, the first thought—the line of a song, actually—that popped into my head was that “sometimes blessings come through raindrops, healing comes through tears, and sometimes a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know He’s near.” (Blessings by Laura Story)

Romance novels tend to portray finding the perfect partner as the ultimate goal and blessing, something that will give us that elusive happiness we crave. What I appreciate about Christian romance is that we can show that our relationship with God should bring us our greatest fulfillment.

In my upcoming LIS, Perilous Waters (April 2014), I use the heroine’s unbelieving sister to remind the heroine that “there isn’t a man alive who can bring you happiness if you don’t know how to be happy on your own.”

My prayer for my fellow writers and our readers in 2014 is that the greatest desire of each one of us will be for a closer walk with the author and perfector of our faith that the world may see His love shine through us and know true joy in Him.

Sandra Orchard is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint, and Revell Publishing. A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren.  You can learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

Woman with umbrella photo courtesy of of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Debra Clopton Ringin' in the New Year!

Debra Clopton here, wishing you a Happy and Very Blessed New Year! 


Wow, 2013 was a whirlwind of a year full of family fun and lots of writing. So much writing that 2014 is going to be full of many new books! I am so excited to tell you that I finally have a new Mule Hollow novella coming out March 1st it will be introduced in the new INSPY KISSES novella collection I'm doing with Janet Tronstad, Margaret Daley, Linda Goodnight, Lacy Williams and Camy Tang! We are so excited for March to get here.  Her Mule Hollow Cowboy (is my novella in the collection) and will kick off a series of 3 Mule Hollow novellas coming this year.

On sale now the 2nd book in my COWBOYS OF SUNRISE RANCH series HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY which is featured here over the weekend is still in stores and as an ebook as of 1/1/2014. I love this book and hope it brings a smile and a chuckle and maybe a tear to your eyes.

I hope everyone will hop over to my site http://debraclopton.com and sign up for my newsletter and monthly contest. This is going to be a fun year and I'd love to keep you in the loop about my books and events and other exciting happenings in 2014

Also, if you love historical mail order bride stories the BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS~the mail order bride collection is on sale for 1.99 in all ebook forms. Here is the is the Amazon link http://amzn.to/1cf4epT Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher and Margaret and me :) Debra Clopton a note: I thought the sale of this book was supposed to end on the 3rd but its still going on as of now, I just don't know how much longer they'll leave it there! 

Until next time, live, laugh and seek God with all your hearts!
Debra Clopton
Follow me at Http://debraclopton.com
http://facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
and on twitter

 

Her Unexpected Cowboy Interview

How exciting to have Rowdy McDermott the hero from HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY written by Debra Clopton a January 2014 release from Love Inspired Romance.

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

I guess what I think is most interesting about me is that I’ve recently became a new man—I made a new commitment to change my life. Be a better man. A responsible man in all aspects of my life. It’s tough—living down a past you regret. But I’m determined to do it and with the Lord’s help and my family’s support I’m going to do it.

2.     What do you do for fun?

Boy would that have been a different ten months ago. These days, I stick close to the family ranch, Sunrise Ranch, and I do my job, I run the cattle business of the ranch. I spend my “fun” time working with all the foster boys on their rodeo skills…and I stay away from all the places I used to go for fun.

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

Taking showers. I hate to take showers. It’s been about a year since my last one—lol okay I’m joking. I take showers. But really, that’s me just being evasive because I really don’t know how to answer that question. I dread a lot of stuff but I don’t know that I put off anything.

4.     What are you afraid of most in life?

That one I can answer. I’m afraid I’ll fail and not become the man of honor that my brothers, Morgan and Tucker and my dad, Randolph, have become. I’ve failed most of my life but now, I’m trying. Trying to become a man my mom would have been proud of if she’d lived.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

            That. Becoming an honorable man the boys of this ranch can look up to. Not the bad         example I’ve been in the past.

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

I’m a John Grisham fan. Not that I read a lot but for some reason I like the flawed characters he writes. I relate to them—maybe a little too much. But I think I like that they have redeeming qualities.

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

My recklessness.

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

Well, there are the ranch dogs and I have my horse, I’m just a horse man. I know there are folks out there that love their cats but I’ve never been a cat person—but my new neighbor, Lucy Calvert, she has a cat. A big yellow cat that’s eaten a few too many table casseroles if you know what I mean. I have to admit though that I’m not real fond of that nosy cat but I can’t stop thinking about that pretty lady next door...I’m afraid she’s going to fall out of her hayloft again and I’m not going to be there to catch her like I did the other day. She needs a keeper.

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

I’d go back several months ago, when I made the mistake of my life…then again, I guess if I hadn’t made that mistake I wouldn’t have realized how much I needed to change my life…

FEATURED BOOK:HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY BY DEBRA CLOPTON

Falling For The Cowboy 

Rowdy McDermott has a plan. Stay on the straight and narrow, help the foster boys on Sunrise Ranch and forget about love. The last thing he expects is his pretty new neighbor falling literally into his arms. Lucy Calvert is glad the handsome cowboy broke her fall,  but isn't ready for the feelings he's stirring in her heart. She's heard rumors about his past, and is steering clear from the kind of man he used to be. With a little help from his boys,  can Rowdy show her that people— and hearts—can change? 

Cowboys of Sunrise Ranch:  These men have hearts as big as Texas.

Her Secret Valentine part 2

Her Secret Valentine (A Craftie Ladies continuing Valentine Romance)

Today’s Installment by Terri Reed J

Nancy handed the list she’d complied to Shanna.  “That’s every guy I can think of who might—and I mean might with a big capital M--be interested enough to send me roses and candy.”

            And not just any candy.  Chocolate.  Good chocolate from one of her favorite chocolatiers.  Coincidence?

            “Ohhh, that’s a long list,” Shanna teased.  “A lot of frogs and no prince?”

Heat crept up Nancy’s neck.  “Its not that many.”

Shanna laughed.  “Maybe I’ll find my own secret admirer among these guys.”

            “You’re welcome to have this one.”  It wasn’t that Nancy was opposed to romance.  She hoped and prayed one day God would bring a man into her life.  A man willing to open his life fully to her.  A man not shy of commitment.  A man worth risking her heart on.

            She’d yet to find a man like that though she’d tried. 

After moving to Cupid’s Corner she’d joined the Christian Community Church’s singles group.  Amazing there were enough singles in a place with the name Cupid’s Corner to warrant a singles group.  But the beach community also brimmed with couples in love which gave her hope. 

            “What about Ted Spumoni?” Shanna pointed to his name on the list.  “Sweets are in his wheelhouse.”

            Ted owned the local ice cream parlor.  He did know she liked chocolate and gave her a free double scoop on a waffle cone whenever she stopped in.  She wasn’t sure he was the roses type, but who knew? 

They’d been paired on one outing to the bowling alley before Christmas.  Between the two of them they’d had more strikes than any other team.  He’d been fun and interesting and had asked for her phone number.  But he hadn’t called.    

Hmmm, maybe he was working up the nerve with the flowers and chocolate.

            Excitement trembled through her.   Looked like a trip to the ice cream parlor was on her agenda today.  

#

Coming in February

Killer Competition

A champion ski jumper, Nick Walsh wants one thing: to win the gold for his late brother.  Nick has always blamed himself for his family's tragic loss--and so does everyone else.  To complicate things, sweet and shy reporter Julie Frost insists on doing a story about him.  But as Nick gets closer to achieving his dream, someone will do anything to stop him. Somehow, Nick must keep Julie from getting too close as they confront a threat that can destroy them both.  Julie and Nick are on the verge of discovering the truth about his brother's death...unless an unknown murderer finds them first.

            

Her Secret Valentine -- part 1

Her Secret Valentine (A Craftie Ladies continuing Valentine Romance)

Today’s Installment by Lenora Worth 

“More roses.”

Nancy Hart listened to her friend’s soft sigh while she stared down at the beautiful square cut crystal container full of blood red roses. She touched on one of the velvety petals.

“And no card,” she said, worry tripping over hope in her heart. “Do I have an admirer or a stalker?”

Her friend Shanna laughed and sighed again. “I think this one is safe. First candy and now roses. Who do you think it is, Nancy? Who would have a secret crush on you?”

Nancy came around the counter and stared out at all the beautiful shoes surrounding her. She’d opened “If the Shoe Fits” two years ago and she was completely happy with the way the community had embraced her and her quirky shoe store. Moving to the quaint town of Cupid’s Corner was the best decision she’d ever made. She had good friends and she lived in a cute little apartment right over the shop. She could walk to all the great shops and restaurants and she had the Atlantic Ocean just down the road.

“I don’t know,” she said, her head spinning. “I’ve met a lot of possibles in the last couple of years.”

“We need more than possible,” Shanna replied. “We need All Systems Go and Full Steam Ahead.”

“We need to find out who this is,” Nancy replied.  “I’ll start by listing all the men who’ve either dated me once or twice or … those who’ve never called back. And those I'm interested in but haven't pursued.”

Except for the one man she’s left behind in Georgia. Nancy wouldn’t even put that name on the list.

She was so OVER him.

New Year Resolutions?

Terri Reed here.  Today is the first day of 2014!
Do you make resolutions?  Or do you call them goals?
I like the word goal better.  Resolution is too vague for me.  Goals I can see and work toward.
My goals for 2014 are:
*write
*workout three to four days a week rotating between Pilates and strength training and dance.  I find I get bored doing only one kind of exercise.
*write some more
*take me dogs for a walk at least once a day, rain or shine (if its cold...might not happen)
*meet my deadlines
*take a vacation with my family
*go to RWA conference in July

What about you?

I wish you all a Happy New Year and many, many blessings from our dear Lord.