FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Christmas in Hiding by Cate Nolan

CHRISTMAS IN WITNESS PROTECTION 

After her ex-boyfriend's murder, Callie Martin has no choice but to trade her quiet life as a kindergarten teacher for the witness protection program. It's US Marshal Jackson Walker's job to keep Callie safe, but the men who would do her harm just keep getting closer and closer. Either someone on the inside is betraying Callie, or she's lying to Jackson about her involvement. So he decides to go off the grid, spiriting her away to the remote Vermont countryside at Christmas. Jackson wants to trust her, but with danger dogging their every move, he'll have to use all his energy to keep her alive.

Interview:

Today we're welcoming Callie Martin, the heroine of CHRISTMAS IN HIDING, written by Cate Nolan, an October release by 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.

I made some bad decisions in love. I realized too late that the man I was dating was not the one for me, but I was totally shocked to discover he’d gotten involved with a drug ring. Unfortunately for him, he was killed in a drug bust gone wrong. Unfortunately for me, I witnessed it and had to go into witness protection so I could testify against the men who killed him.

2. So, during the book you met Jackson Walker. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression?

Jackson. J Just thinking of him makes me smile - but it wasn’t always that way. I remember that my first impression was I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley. He looked so fierce, blocking the doorway and speaking to me in his gruff voice. And they wanted me to go into hiding with him???

When did you know it was love?

Looking back, that part’s easy. He was my marshal, his job was to keep me safe, but he was so caring, so determined to make my time in witness protection a bit happier. There was one moment - he gave me Christmas - but I don’t want to give away more. You’ll have to read to find out what a complete sweetheart he was.

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

Jackson would tell you that my greatest strength is that I get along easily with people. He kept telling me that my ability to go with the flow would make witness protection easier. I don’t really agree with him. I like people. That just comes naturally to me. My true strength, which Jackson did come to understand, is my faith. I know God will watch out for me, I just have to trust in his plans for me. I guess my greatest weakness is when I fail in that trust.

4. What scares you?

There were lots of things that occurred during my adventure with Jackson that frightened me, but I knew with the Lord by my side, I could get through. The only thing that truly terrified me was the idea I would have to live the rest of my life without Jackson because I was in witness protection.

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

I would like to soften my heart toward my ex-boyfriend. I’ve forgiven him, and I can’t really regret knowing him, because indirectly, my experiences with him ultimately brought Jackson to me. I guess I just wish I could have reached him, drawn him into my church family, helped him to turn his life around. I tried. I really did. So I guess I really need to forgive myself for failing. Thanks for asking and helping me to realize that.

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

My faith is strong throughout the story. Sharing that faith with Jackson meant so much to me.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Ironically, the end of the story is where my faith is truly trusted. It was easy for me to trut in God to keep me safe from harm. It was far harder to hold that same trust when it meant leaving behind the man I had come to love so deeply.

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

For you are my hiding place: You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. ~ Psalms 32:7

I guess, given the title of my book, the connection is evident. It goes with what I said earlier. Despite the danger, despite the constant threats of the people pursuing me, I trusted in the Lord’s protection to help me survive and bring the evildoers to justice.

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

I think I would be a Christmas cookie. The joy of being with loved ones to bake and enjoy time together is such a wonderful holiday tradition. I loved making paper cookie cutouts with my kindergarten class before I had to go on the run.

But I don’t want to be eaten! Can I be the cookie left out for Santa?

What We're Reading

I just finished reading: Cowboy with a Cause by Carla Cassidy
I am currently reading:Finding your way bak to God by Don Ferguson
Next, I plan to read: The Wrong Jesus by Greg Monette
Barbara Phinney 

I just finished reading: Lisa Van Allen's THE WISHING THREAD, which was great preparation for spending Halloween morning in Sleepy Hollow NY

I am currently reading: Brian Grazer's A CURIOUS MIND, a marvelous look into the creative life of a Hollywood producer 

Next, I plan to read: Nicholas Spark's THE LONGEST RIDE to prepare for a rodeo-themed novel
Allie Pleiter

I just finished reading:The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert

I haven't read a lot of WWII historical novels. This one was epic in scope and quite a riveting read.

I am currently reading:A Reunion for the Rancher by Brenda Minton

Rereading the Lone Star Cowboy League books, of which I'm a part. Love revisiting the characters.

Next, I plan to read: A Doctor for the Nanny by Leigh Bale

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading: Making Memories by Janet Lee Barton

I am currently reading: A Montana Born Christmas (a multi-author boxed set)

Next, I plan to read: A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone
Yes, I've started my Christmas reading. I didn't finish 2014's until March 2015. I love holiday stories.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: The last apprentice by Joseph Delaney (did the audio in my car as I have an hour's drive back and forth to work.  Love,love, loved this YA that was darker than Harry Potter but not as scary as Stephen King) 

I am currently reading: A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley (my favorite author and I finally have her new one.  I am soooooo having fun.  I'm already on page 25 and am searching for more time to read)

Next, I plan to read: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Pamela Tracy

What I'm reading: The Secret Garden (yet again!)
Patricia Johns

I'm reading Beneath the Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter. 

Next is Texas Wish by Jolene Navarro

Barbara Harrison aka Leann Harris

I just finished reading...For the Love, Jen Hatmaker 

I am currently reading...The Reluctant Assassin, JC Morrows

I plan to read ...Seagrass Pier, Colleen Coble 

Dana Mentink

 I just finished reading a WW2 historical for endorsement

I'm currently reading The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert. Yet another WW2 historical. Hmm.

 Next up? Probably a holiday book. I have the 2-in-1 A Western Christmas by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge at the top of my TBR pile.

Christine Johnson

What I'm reading - Nothing for pleasure at the moment because I've been in an intense writing period, but I am reading Roald Dahl's The Witches with my class.

I'm so looking forward to reading all the holiday stories I've been stockpiling - but not until I've met my deadline!
Cate Nolan

I'm finishing - "Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale," by Ian Morgan Cron. I'm also reading Tina Radcliffe's wonderful story, "Safe in the Fireman's Arms."

My book club pick for this month - "Chasing Tomorrow," by Sidney Sheldon so that's next on my TBR list.

Debby Giusti

HA!! I am so busy with deadlines right now that I haven’t been able to pick up an actual book in a few weeks. However, the Harlequin Heartwarming authors have a wonderful series of free (and short!) online reads at Harlequin.com that I’m really enjoying. You can find them here: http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?cid=623303

Danica Favorite

 I just finished reading: The Matchmaker’s Match by Jessica Nelson, a wonderfully rich romance with delightful characters. It’s easy to see why this story received a Top Pick from RT Magazine along with an RT Reviewer's Choice nomination for Best LIH of 2015. 

I am currently reading: Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams, a heartwarming story with a sweet heroine and a charming hero. 

Next, I plan to read: The Bachelor’s Homecoming by Karen Kirst, her latest release that’s sure to be another winner.

What I’m reading:I just finished: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery. I love, love her writing. The book was fun, light and romantic.

 

I am currently reading: Be Afraid by Mary Burton. Another of my favorite authors. This is a fast paced thriller and I’ve enjoying it.

 

Next, I plan to read: Charming Christmas by Carly Alexander. She’s a new to me author. Her book was made into a Hallmark movie which I recorded but I want to read the book before watching the movie.

So, readers, what have you just read?  What are you reading now?  What are you reading next?

Backlist eBooks for $1.99

Hi Terri Reed here. So this is happening! The Craftie Ladies of Romance's publisher Harlequin is having a huge sale on select backlist ebooks. The discounted books will be available from November 10^th – November 17th at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Nook, Google and Kobo (US only).

A searchable list is available here on the Harlequin blog. 

Type in your favorite author and a list of their backlist sale books appears. 

Did you know…? 

• Harlequin started publishing eBooks in Oct 2005. 

• Harlequin was the 1st major publisher to make its complete front-list catalog available in the eBook format. 

• Harlequin was one of the 1st romance publishers to offer the eBook format. 

• Harlequin has published approximately 27,000 titles LTD. 

• Harlequin publishes eBooks in 16 languages, including major languages such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Japanese. 

• Romance is one of the most popular categories in digital publishing. 

And for some Christmas Cheer my newest release Murder Under the Mistletoe is out!  This is book 3 of the Northern Border Patrol series.  I'm working on book 5 now. Book 4 comes out in February.  

AGENT UNDERCOVER 

DEA agent Tyler Griffin must stop a drug cartel that's using an Idaho Christmas tree farm to smuggle narcotics across the Canadian border. But to do his job, Tyler needs the cooperation of farm owner and widowed mother Heather Larson-Randall—whose informant brother died on Tyler's watch. Tyler knows a crucial piece of evidence is hidden somewhere on the property. But getting the protective mother to trust him is the hardest part of his mission. As threats against Heather mount, he vows to keep her and her child safe…and clear the farm of danger before Christmas. 

Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the US-Canadian border safe.

Christmas Traditions

Hello. Lorraine Beatty here and I’m really excited today. This is my first post for Craftieladiesofromance so I hope you’ll forgive the gushy tone. I write LI and my first Christmas book is out this month. Her Christmas Hero.
       I love reading Christmas stories and like many of you I buy them in bulk during the Holiday. I think we all enjoy experiencing Christmas through other families and the traditions they hold dear. When I married into a large family – mine consisted of parents and one brother – I was introduced to a new range of traditions. As I started to plot out this Christmas book I wanted to look at what traditions mean to different people. Some traditions are sweet, some are sentimental, some are even silly, but they all hold an honored place in a family. Tampering with those beloved traditions can trigger a storm of emotions.
     When I was coming up with the various events for the heroine to introduce to my fictional town of Dover, aka Do Over, Mississippi, I knew I had to start with the annual Victorian Christmas lights display from the town that serves as my inspiration for Dover— Canton, Mississippi. The charming 19^th century town is exactly like you’d picture with a stately courthouse in the middle of town surrounded by a park and flanked on all side with brick buildings housing with their charming facades. Canton has been the location for several Hollywood movies from My Dog Skip to O Brother Where art Thou, and A Time To Kill, but it’s also known for its display of lights and holiday events each weekend in December. http://www.cantontourism.com/christmas.html

  I also drew inspiration from the massive Christmas lights display in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Billed as one of the top ten Christmas attractions in the South, it is a truly inspiring sight. Situated on the banks of the Cane River in central Louisiana, the event consists of millions of dazzling lights on buildings, bridges, roads, boats, and every tree and shrub available. The banks of the river are lined with displays all reflecting in the water. But the best part is to be there the night they turn on the lights for the first time. All the normal lights in town go dark. For a few moments the crowd waits in expectant silence. Then in a flash the entire town and river bank is flooded in lights. It’s a spectacular sight. If you’ve seen the movie Steele Magnolia’s then you’ve had a glimpse of the real festival. I’ll post a link at the end for you to go and visit the real thing. http://www.christmasfestival.com/
     In the book, the hero wanted everything to stay the same because that’s the way it always been done and he finds comfort in the familiar. But the heroine has been hired to beef up the decorations to draw in visitors and help the struggling economy of the small town. Gemma sees ways to keep the old traditions that have deep meaning, but also introduce new and exciting ways to not only celebrate the Christmas season, but get the community involved in the events.
     My family didn’t have any long held traditions, but my husband’s family had one that we continue. Christmas Eve is Sloppy Joe night. When I asked my mother-in-law about it she said it was a matter of convenience. With seven kids and decorating the tree on Christmas Eve it, was the easiest way to feed the brood and have time to trim the tree. Whatever the origin, when my grown up sons and their families arrive in town they look forward to eating Sloppy Joes.

 What unique and fun traditions does your family have?

 Wishing Y’all a happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.

Lorraine Beatty

 

Lone Star Cowboy League Continuity Miniseries

LONE STAR COWBOY LEAGUE:
Bighearted Ranchers in small-town Texas

Welcome to Love Inspired's 2015-2016 Continuity Mini-series!

The Cowboy's Second Chance 

As president of the Lone Star Cowboy League, rancher Carson Thorn is committed to serving his community of Little Horn. But when high school sweetheart Ruby Donovan returns, his steadfast pledge is tested. Ruby left town twelve years ago—stealing money from his father and breaking Carson's heart in her wake. Now she's asking for his trust—just as her brother becomes Carson's prime suspect in the rash of recent ranch thefts. Carson is torn. His town is depending on him for justice, but one look in Ruby's eyes has him questioning everything he thought he knew—about truth, about love and about the wisdom of second chances…

A Season for Healing 

As Little Horn, Texas, prepares for Thanksgiving, Dr. Tyler Grainger tries to count his blessings. Returning to his family's ranch brings bittersweet memories of the sister he lost. But one thing he canbe grateful for is Eva Brooks, who's just become the nanny for her cousin's baby. Tyler is glad to offer advice, but when his late sister's f horse is stolen, Eva's the one who helps him cope. Tyler's past heartache urges him to ride off into the sunset—alone. Yet the holiday season offers hope that the good doctor may have finally found a woman to heal his heart.

From Leigh Bale:

Writing is usually a solitary job.  But writing "A Doctor for the Nanny," which is the 2nd book in the Lone Star Cowboy League series, it was delightful because I got to bounce ideas off of several of my fellow authors who were also writing books in this fun series.  When something wasn't going well, we could chat and find ways to make it work.  It was like having a "brain bank" to make each story within the series more effective.  I thoroughly enjoyed this series. 

A Christmas to Remember 

In Little Horn, Texas, Amelia Klondike is known as the Queen of Christmas. Her generosity and sheer joy during the holidays is contagious—to everyone except Finn Brannigan. The attractive, wounded stranger doesn't know who he is or where he came from—and he isn't feeling merry at all. It isn't long before Amelia, her grandfather and their adorable dog begin to warm Finn's heart. But when Finn's memory starts to return, his past as a Texas Ranger—the one thing that might cause Amelia to withdraw from him—is revealed. And he worries that he may lose his chance for one perfect Western Christmas with the woman he can't bear to forget…

From Allie Pleiter:

The most exciting thing about working on A RANGER FOR THE HOLIDAYS was the chance to finally use my amnesia experience in a book.  In 2010 I developed a case of Transient Global Amnesia, which meant that I lost a portion of my memory and my ability to process new information for about 4 days.  It was a temporary phenomena—brought on by the stress of my son’s cancer at the time—but we are both absolutely fine now.  I like to think I was able to use the fear and disorientation of my experience to make Finn’s full-scale amnesia come truly alive for readers.

A Cowboy's Homecoming 

Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention—and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance—and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life-altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…

His Unexpected Valentines 

Clint Daniels knows he is nobody's sweetheart. The rugged mountain guide has lived most of his life alone, and with his heartbreaking past, he can't imagine a domestic future with anyone. Especially not a warm and graceful widow like Olivia Barlow. But when her three towheaded little boys approach him at the Lone Star Cowboy League's annual Valentine's dance, he finds it impossible to turn them away. Clint isn't prepared to be a father, but these boys draw out his paternal side. And somehow, vulnerable Olivia and her children begin to make the cowboy suspect their wary hearts might actually be a perfect match…

From Deb Kastner:

It was an absolute delight working with the other five ladies in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity. My favorite part was the process of world-building with the others, based on the original story conceived by editor Shana Asaro. It was great having the opportunity to sling around ideas and to have other authors around when I got stuck on a plot point. I truly enjoyed writing A DADDY FOR HER TRIPLETS and hope readers will enjoy the whole series.

The Cowboy's Unexpected Family 

Awakening from a months-long coma, Ben Stillwater is met with a big surprise: the footloose bachelor cowboy is a father! Ben tries to adjust to life with baby Cody and decides what the child really needs is a mom. Sheriff Lucy Benson does not seem a likely candidate—she already has her hands full closing in on the thieves who have been targeting the ranches of Little Horn, Texas. But the closer Ben gets to Lucy—and the closer they get to solving the mystery—the more it seems the free-spirited rancher and the determined officer could be the perfect match.

From Margaret Daley:

I've taken part in a lot of continuity series but usually it is a Love Inspired Suspense series. This is my third for Love Inspired and I had a great experience working with the other authors. They were so willing to share and help each other. They worked as a team to make the best continuity series.

I loved the story I was given with a female sheriff and a rancher with a baby. I read all the other books before I turned in my story to make sure it addressed and tied up the loose threads. I had the last book in the Lone Star Cowboy Series. I had the fun of wrapping it up at the end and giving the readers a glimpse at all the couples in the previous books.

We hope you've enjoyed a peek into the books and the authors, and we encourage you to pick up all six books in the series!

What's your favorite thing about fall.... Lenora Worth

It's that time of year. The time where Christmas decorations start popping up right after school starts. We have Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, usually in that order but lately things are getting a little confusing. It's like Valentine's Day with Mardi Gras thrown in. Beads or Chocolate?

What is your favorite thing about fall?

I don't like to rush things so I truly wish retailers would go with the order of things. Plenty of time to put out Halloween things after the back-to-school-rush. And let's enjoy Thanksgiving before we dive into standing in line for bargains to put underneath the tree. This can be the most wonderful time of the year if we celebrate at the right time of the year.

But not to worry, fall is still magical and wonderful and part of the process that God put on the calendar that week he created the earth. Spring--things are reborn, Summer--things get a little world-weary and warm. Fall--things turn golden and misty and the earth reclaims the leaves from the trees. Winter--a big chill makes us long for blossoms and sitting on a green hill. It's a system that works if we just allow each season to have it's very own reason. So in honor of how the four seasons are set up I'm going to share some pictures of nature and it's bounty today. In case you missed Summer because you were searching for pumpkins and in case you missed fall because you were knee-deep in Christmas decorations! Enjoy: These moments are brought to you by God! His world is amazing :)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This last one is a reissue of one of my Christmas favorites from 2009!

Had to get in a book cover, of course!

 



The Rancher's Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackelford

There's nothing more fun than kicking off the holiday season with a holiday book!

Mother for His Children

Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.

Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many…


RT Magazine gives The Rancher's Christmas Proposal 4 1/2 stars and calls the book, "A perfect treat for Christmas!"

THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL (4.5) by Sherri Shackelford: The Prairie Courtships series continues with widower Shane McCoy trying to run his ranch while raising his young twins. Shane knows that his kids need a motherly figure, but who? Tessa Spencer is looking to get out of town and away from a vengeful outlaw, and she just might have found her solution in a chance encounter. When Tessa makes a proposal that Shane can’t refuse, will he regret it when he finds out the truth about her past? Shackelford’s latest features imperfect but likable characters whom readers can connect with. Watching the progression of their slow-building relationship is enjoyable and makes this book a perfect treat for Christmas.
Reviewed by: Susannah Balch

Read the first chapter here: HARLEQUIN

Buy here: AMAZON

Leave a comment for a chance at a free book! 

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired November 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

HER CHRISTMAS HERO

By Lorraine Beatty

Gemma Butler has a grand vision to transform the fledgling Christmas celebrations in Dover, Mississippi, and bring visitors to the town. It’s also the single mom’s last chance to providef or her son and revive her event planning business. But Gemma’s not the only one with something to prove. Linc Montgomery has the weight of the family business on his shoulders. And he’ll go down swinging before he’ll let anyone disrupt the traditions he holds dear. Yet when a storm threatens to destroy the holiday, he’ll join forces with the beautiful planner and discover she just might be the love he’s been searching for. 

YULETIDE COWBOYS - Anthology

Includes 2 stories:

• The Cowboy’s Yuletide Reunion 
• The Cowboy’s Christmas Gift 

The Cowboy's Yuletide Reunion 

By Deb Kastner 

When Sarah Kendrick meets her high school sweetheart again, she's ashamed to show Marcus Ender how far she's fallen. But when they're snowed in on her ranch, and he returns holiday joy to her family, Sarah could have a merry Christmas…if she'll say yes. 

The Cowboy's Christmas Gift 

By Arlene James 

An injury forces rodeo rider Matt Ender home to his family's ranch—where he clashes with his grandmother's pretty business partner. Former cowgirl Neely Spence has no time for love. Can they open their hearts and find family this Christmas?

Sweet Reads

Howdy,
   Pamela Tracy here.

    Didn't you love the Halloween serial?  I think Terri Reed, who tied everything up, needs applause.  Are you listening?  Can you hear it?  YEAH!!!

    We're not switching to Xmas right after Halloween.  Nope.  Instead, let's celebrate Thanksgiving.

    Here's one way.  Eharlequin, for the month of November, has 13 free short stories tehat will comfort your soul and lift your spirits (yes, I'm typing right from the advertisement!)

  Be sure to stop by.

 My story, btw, is Heart of a Hero on November 16th.

Each author has giveaways and more!

For more information, try Prism Tours
http://prismbooktours.blogspot.ca