The Marshal's Ready-Made Family Interview

How exciting to have Jo Beth McCoy, the heroine from The Marshal’s Ready-Made Family, written by Sherri Shackelford. This book is a February 2014  release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  JoBeth McCoy tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I work as a telegraph officer in Cimarron Springs, KS. The folks at Wells Fargo figured they should hire women because they could pay us less. Since it’s one of the few ways for women to make any money in the 1880’s I figured I’d give it a try.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I like target practice. I can shoot a tin can off a fence post from across the field. I like spending time with my family – and that includes five younger brothers. Growing up the only girl with all those boys made me tough.

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

I’m not much for playing house or dressing up. I’d rather be out working in the barn.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Can’t think of anything I’m afraid of.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I’d like a family of my own. Being a tomboy, all of the boys in Cimarron Springs see me as a buddy rather than someone they’d court.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

My family is the most important thing to me. I’m very protective of my parents and my brothers.

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

Nothing. I like myself just fine.

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

I like snakes. But most folks don’t think they make suitable pets.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in?

Modern inventions are creeping their way into our lives now. Alexander Graham Bell has already patented the telephone, and Thomas Edison has already invented the incandescent light bulb.

FEATURED BOOK: THE MARSHAL'S READY-MADE FAMILY BY SHERRI SHACKELFORD

A Marriage of Necessity 

Gentlemen don't court feisty straight shooters like JoBeth McCoy. Just as she's resigned to a lifetime alone, a misunderstanding forces the spunky telegraph operator into a marriage of convenience. Wedding the town's handsome new marshal offers JoBeth a chance at motherhood, caring for the orphaned little girl she's come to love. 

Garrett Cain will lose guardianship of his niece, Cora, if he stays single, but he knows no woman could accept the secrets he's hidden about his past. The lawman can't jeopardize Cora's future by admitting the truth. Yet when unexpected danger in the small town threatens to expose Garrett's long-buried secret, only a leap of faith can turn a makeshift union into a real family.

Finale of Her Secret Valentine--What's Nancy to do?

To begin this story or catch up before the end, look right for the links.

"Ya'll can stop this right now," a strong male voice came from behind Nancy. "This is just a joke on Nancy and it's in poor taste too."

Who was  it? She turned but before she could take off her blindfold. Two hands, large strong ones pressed the blindfold over her eyes. The man behind her was somehow familiar.

"I'm going to ask you a few simple questions, Nancy, and I want you to think them over. Okay?"

"What have I got to lose?" Nancy replied flippantly. She was tired of this endless charade. "Ask me your questions and then I'm going to have a few for you."

"Who always made sure he hit you with the dodge ball in grade school gym?"

Dodge ball--she still hated the mention of that stupid game.

"Who sent you a homemade Valentine in 7th grade that said you looked like a giraffe?"

Her memory groped for the answer.

"Who spilled red punch on your yellow dress at the first school dance?"

The answer came but she refused to believe it. And then she recalled the humiliation of the moment returned.

"Who--"

"That's enough!" She jerked off the blindfold and spun around to see--

Mike, Brad's twin.

"You!" And then remembering all the events Mike had just aired, Nancy fisted her hands.

"Darlin', don't forget Brad and I are fraternal not identical twins." The man had the nerve to grin at her. "I think it's time you--"

"I'm leaving--" She turned toward the door.

"Don't you want to know what's going on?" Mike asked.

That stopped her. She whirled on him. "Start talking!"

"Tonya and Brad broke up," Mike said, no longer looking as if this were all a joke. "And she got it into her head that you were responsible. So she decided to try to embarrass you with this Valentine Dream Come True Contest stunt."

Mike turned to the people who gathered to watch the festivities. "This contest was fixed."

Mrs. Carroll with the B & B tried to object.

But Mike went on relentlessly. "She paid for the contest. She paid these three men to come to embarrass you publicly--"

The three men--Jason, Paul and Jean Pierre--all objected loudly.

Again Mike went on relentlessly.  "I'm sure they were all told it was to be kind of a fun reunion type event like THIS IS YOUR LIFE.

"Yes, " the three agreed almost in unison. "We would never hurt Nancy."

"I'm confused," Nancy said, crossing her arms and glaring at Mike. "Why would this hurt or embarrass me?"

"Because," Mike emphasized the word, "all three are married and are here with their wives. I think Tonya wanted to put you in an awkward spot, in public, in your own town and on film. I think this is supposed to end up on YouTube."

Her mouth dropping open, Nancy put one hand to each side of her head. Her brain felt scrambled.

"Honest," Jason spoke up, "I thought it was all a part of a reality show special for Valentine's Day. We were told the secret admirer stuff was just part of the fun."

The other two agreed and Nancy watched three young women join their husbands. "We went along for the free trip and gifts," one of the wives said. "We didn't know anything about all this other stuff."

Nancy glared at everyone in general and then she turned to Garth. "Okay, what do you have to do with all this?"

Looking sheepish, Garth with Shana close beside him ambled forward. "Tonya hired me." He pointed to Mike. "I was supposed to find you, Mike,  and bribe you to leave town. But she didn't tell me anything more than that."

Garth turned to Nancy. "I didn't know it was a nasty trick. And besides I'm just starting as a PI. I knew Tonya's older brother at college. I would have told you if I'd suspected any of this."

Shana claimed his arm and nodded vigorously in support.

Nancy let her hands fall. "Is Tonya out of her mind?"

"Yes," Mike replied. "Absolutely. I came to try and stop this mean-spirited prank, but I couldn't get Mrs. Carroll to believe me."

The lady in question spread her palms in appeal. "I thought everything was legit and he was just trying to make trouble."

Nancy turned to Mike. "You really aren't identical to your brother." Then she punched his arm, not once but three times. HARD. "That's for all those sweet memories of you tormenting me."

"Hey, I was a kid," Mike exclaimed.  Then a slow, sexy smile curved his mouth. "But not anymore."


Lyn Cote here--I'll let you take it from there,  ladies. But remember true love conquers all--even former beauty queens with a bad case of sour grapes. :-)

So did you enjoy our Valentine serial? Let us know!

BTW, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Leave a comment and I'll send a copy of Her Captain's Heart to one commenter. (US only)

Her Secret Valentine---Part 13

Today’s episode of Her Secret Valentine (A Craftie Ladies continuing Valentine Romance) is by Debbie Kaufman. Don’t miss tomorrow’s exciting conclusion to our story. To catch up on any episodes you missed, click on the shoe or one of the links in the sidebar.

 Nancy waited for a moment. No one said a word. They must not have seen the blindfold slip. Only a smidgen more and she’d have the peek she needed. Maybe if she just casually adjusted her hair…

“I’m sorry dear. Did I catch some of your hair in the blindfold? Let me fix that for you.” Mrs. Cannoli’s sweet tone sharply contrasted with her ruthless attention to the silken cover. The blindfold snugged mercilessly and every last bit of light peeking through vanished along with Nancy’s hopes of knowing how to make a right decision.

“There you go. Wouldn’t want that thing to slip and spoil the fun. That’s better.” Mrs. Cannoli patted Nancy’s arm.

Not really, Nancy thought. And how is this fun? The fate of her love life was at the mercy of one of Shanna’s never-ending contest entries. Her friend meant well, but all Nancy could think was now her love life was being held hostage all because of an entry form on the back of a marshmallow cream jar. How could she know which man to choose? They all represented good memories, all were decent men, men whom any woman would be lucky to have in her life.

“Time’s a wastin', Miss Hart. You’ve got two minutes to pick your secret admirer or forfeit the chance for the dream date of a life time.”

What if she chose wrong? What if she didn’t choose the one who was actually in love with her and messed up yet again? She’d thrown away love once the day she ran out of that Atlanta Mall and packed her bags to come to Cupid’s Corner. Since then she’d proven herself successful in business, found wonderful friends, and finally had access to all the amazing shoes a girl could want. Only love was missing from her life, but she’d never felt that same spark she had with Brad. If this contest was another shot at true love, she didn’t want to blow it. But was one of these three men someone she could spend the rest of her life loving? What was wrong with her? It was time to grab life’s brass ring---a happily-ever-after love---and be happy. Why couldn’t she see true love standing in front of her, with or without a blindfold?

“And the clock is still ticking, Miss Hart. Time is running out to choose your secret admirer. One minute.”

Nancy’s thoughts grew frantic as the pressure mounted. She felt herself begin to gasp for the next breath and a cold clamminess settled over her. Her own heartbeat thundered over the murmurs around her.

“Hey,” said Shanna. “Something's wrong.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Mrs. Cannoli. “Everything is going according to plan. In a few seconds, we’ll know who she is going to pick. It’s so exciting!”

Nancy heard both voices as if they came from underwater. The faces of Jason, Paul, and Jean-Pierre swirled in Nancy’s mind, as if they were on a carousel. Round and round, up and down. Jason, Paul, Jean-Pierre. Jason, Paul, Jean-Pierre. All three rode dark mares---brown, black, and spotted. Who did she choose? If they could just give her a minute…

“Thirty seconds.”

 As if on cue, her imaginary carousel picked up speed and the men’s faces flashed past her faster than before. No, no. She had to decide. She couldn’t miss love again. She wouldn’t. If only…if only….

Shanna’s voice sounded above the thunderous beat of Nancy’s racing heart. “I’m telling you, something’s wrong. Look how pale she is, she’s…oh, no. Garth, grab her, she’s going to faint!”

For a half-second, Nancy wanted to argue with Shanna, tell her she didn’t need her private investigator turned boyfriend to do any such thing. Nancy wasn’t the fainting type. She was just feeling a little dizzy. If that carousel in her mind would just stop spinning. Jason, Paul, Jean-Pierre…all behind an empty white charger whose reins dangled across the empty saddle. She realized Shanna was right just as the carousel riders came around again in Nancy’s mind’s eye and provided her with the answer she so desperately sought. Her true love’s name slipped from her lips at the same moment she wobbled on her three-inch heels and darkness pressed inward. Of course, there was only one man for her ….

Debbie Kaufman writes missionary romance set in the jungles of Liberia, Africa. An excerpt of her new release, Journey of Hope, can be found HERE. Connect with Debbie on her WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, or TWITTER.

The Marshal's Ready-Made Family

This is a release month for me, which is a lot of fun. There's something exciting about having a romance book released during February. Who doesn't a love a little romance around Valentine's Day?! The Marshal's Ready-Made Family features a character from my first book, Winning the Widow's Heart. As an author, I enjoy revisiting characters from previous books. When you write about people, you get to know and like them. And I enjoy seeing how their lives are progressing.

I especially loved my heroine, JoBeth McCoy. She's feisty and fearless...well, almost fearless. She does have a little trouble expressing her feelings. But when she does, stand back! Our hero, Garrett, truly sees Jo's beauty and spirit.

4 ½ stars from RT Magazine

THE MARSHAL’S READY-MADE FAMILY (4.5) by Sherri Shackelford: The death of her parents brings 5-year-old Cora to live with her uncle, Marshal Garrett Cain. When she first arrives in Cimarron Springs, Kan., Jo Beth McCoy takes Cora under her wing. Jo would love to have a little girl like Cora, but her independent spirit and her upbringing with five younger brothers have made her too unladylike for the local men. When a cousin threatens to take Cora away, Jo realizes that marrying Garrett can help him keep Cora while giving her the family she longs for. A lovely marriage-of-convenience story, the interaction between the two main characters is a joy to watch, and the hero’s acceptance of love is well done.

Reviewed By: Susan Mobley

Gentlemen don't court feisty straight shooters like JoBeth McCoy. Just as she's resigned to a lifetime alone, a misunderstanding forces the spunky telegraph operator into a marriage of convenience. Wedding the town's handsome new marshal offers JoBeth a chance at motherhood, caring for the orphaned little girl she's come to love.

Garrett Cain will lose guardianship of his niece, Cora, if he stays single, but he knows no woman could accept the secrets he's hidden about his past. The lawman can't jeopardize Cora's future by admitting the truth. Yet when unexpected danger in the small town threatens to expose Garrett's long-buried secret, only a leap of faith can turn a makeshift union into a real family.

Sherri Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance.

A wife and mother of three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, “Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul.

Sherri is currently working on three more books for her Cimarron Springs series. Her current books include Winning the Widow’s Heart and The Marshal’s Ready-Made Family. The Cattleman Meets His Match releases in August of 2014. 

Available on Amazon:

The Marshal's Ready-Made Family

Winning the Widow's Heart

'Tis the Season by Deb Kastner

I’ll bet you read that title and thought, “Wow, Deb is really behind the curve this year.”

Although I admit there were many moments I wasn’t quite certain I'd make it, I’m pleased (and relieved!) to report that I managed to pull our family’s Christmas festivities off on Christmas Day.

My Christmas cactus, however, was definitely late to the party this year.  My mother’s cactus, from which mine was cut, is as regular as clockwork, sprouting blooms just in time to celebrate the nativity.

Mine, not so much.  Okay—never.  My thumb is so black I leave fingerprints.  It’s a wonder any of my plants survive.

So today, I’m celebrating, because my Christmas cactus is blooming.  And it’s beautiful.

My cactus is a good reminder that my ideas for how my life should go are not necessarily God’s best for me.  If I’m a Christmas cactus, I should bloom at Christmas, right? 

But maybe I’m supposed to be a Valentine’s flower.  You?  

Cupid To The Rescue
Rugged and tough deputy sheriff Eli Bishop isn't scared of anything. Except dogs. When he's assigned a K-9 partner, he thinks things can't get any worse. Then he learns who'll be training him. Local vet Mary Travis is sweet as sugar…but she's also Eli's ex-fiancée's sister. Revealing his humiliating phobia to her is not an option. Neither is developing feelings for Mary—who's built her career around the dogs Eli fears. When a terrible storm hits their town, Mary and Eli must find the courage to work together and save lives—and fall in love.

Serendipity Sweethearts: Three small-town matchmakers finding Texas-size love

HER VALENTINE SHERIFF is Deb's 20th book for Harlequin Love Inspired and is a February 2014 release.

Treacherous Slopes Interview

Today we're welcoming Julie Frost, the heroine of  Treacherous Slopes by Terri Reed from Love Inspired Suspense a February release will.  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.   When I heard that Nick Walsh hometown hero and champion Ariel's ski jumper was returning home, I convinced my boss to let me interview him for our local lifestyle television magazine, Northwest Editions.  In the process of working with Nick on the show's segment, it became apparent that someone was trying to hurt Nick and knock him out of the competition for the upcoming Winter Games.

2.  So, during the book you met  Nick Walsh.  Tell us a bit about him.  Nick and I grew up in Bend.  I used to tutor Nick in high school. What was your first impression?  I'd always thought Nick was handsome and gregarious, but I was too shy and self-conscious to ever think I had a chance with him. When did you know it was love?  Somewhere between poisonous spiders, gunfire, and  watching him with kids, I fell hard.   

3.  What strengths/skills do you have?  I ask a lot of questions and am good at getting people to open up. What is your greatest weakness?  My lack of self-confidence.        

4.  What scares you?   Creepy crawly things which made finding spiders crawling on me that much worse.    

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be more of a risk taker.

6.  Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?  I am a believer.

7.  Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?   My faith is stronger after what we endured.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story.  Tell us why this scripture is significant.   Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4

This Scripture helps me to remember to look for God in every situation and to give every aspect of my life to Him and have faith and trust and hope that He knows what's best for me.

    

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? I would be strawberry pie because strawberries are sweet and healthy. 

FEATURED BOOK: TREACHEROUS SLOPES BY TERRI REED

 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 To 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 12

Today’s episode by Christine Johnson.

Installments appear on Thursday and Friday, ending on Valentine’s Day. For previous episodes, click on the shoe or the links in the sidebar.

 

Remember him? The man asked if she remembered him. How could she forget Jean-Pierre? Nancy shook her head. This wasn’t possible. She hadn’t thought of him since… No. She couldn’t go there.

Besides, Jean-Pierre didn’t have black hair. His thick locks were streaked surfer blond, which perfectly matched his tan, the muscular shoulders and endearing lopsided grin. His aftershave and deep baritone washed over her like a lazy ocean swell. She eased her right foot out of the three-inch high-heeled shoe and tapped around until her toes landed on his foot. Classic boat shoes, Jean-Pierre’s footwear of choice. It had to be him. Or a very good impersonation.

“Well?” Mrs. Cannoli asked. “Who do you think your Secret Valentine is?”

 

 

“They’re all so handsome," Shanna added before Mrs. Cannoli shushed her.

“I-I don’t know,” Nancy stammered, overwhelmed by the whole turn of events. A contest? Three men vying to be her Secret Valentine? “You’re telling me I have three secret admirers?”

“Isn’t it exciting?” Shanna gushed. “I never dreamed when I entered your name in the contest that this would happen.”

Mrs. Cannoli cleared her throat. “Now that you’ve met the men, Miss Hart, you need to pick your Secret Valentine.”

Nancy panicked. What if she picked the wrong one? She'd been burned before. “I can’t.”

“Think it through logically,” Mr. Willowby suggested, finally giving her some useful advice. “Examine all the clues before making a decision.”

Clues? Nancy’s head was spinning, and it wasn’t due to the silk blindfold covering her eyes. This whole chase after a secret admirer had left her unsettled. Now she had to choose one of three men sight unseen. It was impossible.

 

"Take a deep breath," Mr. Willowby counseled.

 

She took several and thought over the events since the first gift arrived. The only clues were the man’s height and hair color, but then the B&B’s doorman admitted he’d placed the gifts around town. That eliminated both clues and put blond-haired Jean-Pierre back in the running.

Nancy scrambled through the other alternatives. Paul had joined her for a great tour of Atlanta and picnic, but then he’d jetted off to another city. Denver? Des Moines? She couldn’t quite recall, except that he was an airline pilot and always on the move. One special day couldn’t inspire lasting love, could it?

Then there was Jason. He did take her to the theatre to Gone with the Wind, but so had Brad. Besides, she and Jason had agreed afterwards that there wasn’t a spark between them. Why would he come to Cupid’s Corners now? Unless this man wasn’t Jason.

Nancy tugged at her hair in frustration, and the blindfold slipped just a bit. That gave her an idea. If she could just get a peek at the men…

To be continued next Thursday, February 13, 2014

 

 

 

 

Christine Johnson

Coming in July 2014: Groom by Design, Book 1 of The Dressmaker’s Daughters series.

Visit Christine at http://christineelizabethjohnson.com
or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChristineJohnsonAuthor.

Her Secret Valentine Part 11

By Debby Giusti

“I’ll drive!” Private Investigator Garth Willowby motioned for Nancy and Shanna to climb into the yellow Thunderbird. Before the ladies buckled their seat belts, he floored the accelerator and was in pursuit of the black sedan. Both cars wove along the beach road that led into town. The sedan stopped near the café, and a lone man jumped from his car and hurried toward one of the side streets that dead ended at the Cupid's Corner Museum.

Garth scurried after the man with Shanna and Nancy following close behind. Suddenly the private investigator stopped short. He stared at the museum, which the man appeared to have entered, and let out an exasperated sigh as he pointed to the sign on the door. “Closed.”

“Where could he have gone?” Shanna glanced up and down the street and then placed her hand on Mr. Willowby’s arm. She stared up at him and fluttered her long lashes. “What’s your plan, Garth?”

“M…my plan?” Evidently overcome by her nearness, his face turned as crimson as raspberry cream sauce slathered on top of a chocolate torte. He patted her hand and smiled a lopsided grin as if he’d forgotten the reason for their search.

Nancy rolled her eyes in dismay at how easily the P.I. could be pulled off course. Without question, she had hired the wrong investigator. Needing to depend on her own wherewithal, she started to retrace her steps back to her Thunderbird when raucous male laughter accosted her.

The sound of the merriment grew so intense that Mr. Willowby glanced away from Shanna and toward the source of the hearty revelry. His gaze narrowed. “Seems there’s a gathering at Cupid’s Corner Bed and Breakfast.”

He motioned to the women. “This way, ladies. We may find Nancy’s admirer after all.”

The B&B was a quaint Victorian surrounded by a white picket fence and wide front porch. Mr. Willowby held the gate for the ladies, who quickly entered the well manicured grounds. They climbed the steps, but before they could knock, the door opened, and a handsome man – the man they had seen at the beach – bowed with a flourish.

“Welcome to your Valentine Dream Come True, Nancy Hart.” Taking her hand, he gently urged her forward. “We’re so glad you followed the clues.”

 “You…you mean the roses…the poetry…the cherry Lifesaver?” she stammered.

The doorman nodded. “We’ve been waiting for you. A few friends from your past.”

“But—”

Nancy glanced at Shanna who shrugged and at Garth who shook his head but encouraged her to follow the doorman inside.

The interior of the B&B was warm and welcoming, and some of her trepidation eased when Mrs. Cannoli, the concierge, rushed forward. “Isn’t it exciting?”

“Isn’t what exciting?” Nancy asked, totally flummoxed.

“Why the contest you won.” The concierge’s eyes widened. “Don’t you remember entering the contest, dear?”

“The Valentine Dream Come True Contest on the back of the marshmallow cream jar?” Shanna asked, her voice faltering.

“That’s the one,” Mrs. Cannoli said with a nod of her curly, gray hair. “The one to find your secret Valentine.”

“There’s been a mistake.” Nancy hooked her arm around her friend’s waist and shoved her forward. “If Shanna entered the contest, she should be the winner.”

Mrs. Cannoli’s face clouded. “But your name is on the entry, Nancy. You have to play the game.”

“Game?”

“That’s right, dear. Your admirers are in there.” The concierge pointed to the closed parlor door. “Three lucky gentlemen. They’ll tell you something about themselves, and you have to guess which man is your Secret Valentine. But, first, you need to be blindfolded.”

Before Nancy could object, Mrs. Cannoli tied a silk scarf over her eyes. The parlor door creaked open. Shanna giggled nervously. Mr. Willowby laughed, too, and added a “By Jove, this is turning out to be quite an exciting evening.” All the while, Nancy remained in the dark.

“Hello?” she called out, unsure who would answer.

A hand—twice the size of her own--touched hers. “Nancy, do you remember me? We knew each other in Georgia. I took you to the Fox Theater, and we watched a rerun of Gone With the Wind, which you loved. I’ve brought a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates in hopes you’ll choose me as your Valentine.”

“Jason, is that you?” She recognized the voice. Or thought she did.

He took a step back, and a second person moved closer. “Nancy, dear, surely you remember when we toured Atlanta and picnicked on shrimp and grits and sweet tea along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. I brought heart-shaped truffles and chocolate covered strawberries in hopes you’ll choose me.”

“Paul?”

A third person approached her. The scent of aftershave brought back memories she had tried to forget—not of Brad but of someone else. Someone very special. Her knees went weak and her heart hammered in her chest.

“Nancy, my love.” His voice was deep and rich and enticing. “Do you remember me?”

Watch for THE AGENT'S SECRET PAST, on sale March 1, 2014!

A Snowy Atlanta

Patty Smith Hall here, talking about my hometown of Atlanta's recent snow. I’m sure by now you’ve probably seen all the pictures of stranded cars on Interstate 75 or of the children stranded at their schools on the national newscast. Or maybe heard a crack or two about Southerners’ lack of driving skills in increment weather. But today I want to focus on the story that wasn’t covered--the everyday people who went out of their way, even put themselves at risk to help make a bad situation better.

I think there’s no question that folks in the south are some of the nicest folks you can meet, but a crisis of any kind tend to bring out the absolute best in them. Like my friend, Kathy. She’s a teacher at one of the local high schools who got stranded along with some of her students last Tuesday night. But instead of complaining about her lot or pointing fingers of blame, Kathy in her usual sweet style took to Facebook, posting pictures around school so that parents would know that their children were okay.

What about Rosemarie? This friend from high school opened her home to anyone stranded along the highway who needed a warm safe place to bunk down for the night. My daughter’s friend, Dania carried fire wood for a tired person and helped push cars to safety while walking home from work. And these are just a few instances I know of personally. Numerous people who lived along the interstate loaded up their children’s wagons with food and water, and walked alongside cars, checking on their occupants and offering help. Those who had four wheel drives offered rides to people who’d gotten stuck, even if it took them out of their way. 

Yes, Atlanta shut down for two inches of snow and ice, and in the coming days, much will be made as to how our officials handled themselves so poorly. At least for me, the people of our city responded beautifully. 

Patty Smith Hall has been making up stories to keep herself occupied since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. Now she’s thrilled to share her love of history and storytelling with everyone, including her husband of thirty years, Danny; her beautiful and talented daughters, Jennifer and Carly, and her future son-in-law, Dan. Hearts Rekindled is her February, 2014 release. 

Love Inspired Reader Luncheon

L to R: Lynette Eason, LI Senior Editor Melissa Endlich,
HQ VP Dianne Moggy, Marta Perry, Linda Goodnight,
Missy Tippens, Debby Giusti,
Jesica Nelson and Patty Smith Hall pose for a
picture at the Love Inspired Reader Luncheon.

Debby Giusti here!

Love Inspired Books hosted their first Reader Luncheon on Thursday, January 30, in Tampa, and I was thrilled to be able to attend.

Fellow authors Missy Tippens and Patty Smith Hall and I had planned to fly to Florida on Wednesday, but as you probably know, Atlanta shut down due to a snowstorm. Our flight was cancelled, and we were rescheduled for an early Thursday morning departure. I left my house at 5 AM, and although the roads were icy, I arrived at the airport safely and made the flight without problem. By 10 AM, we were at the hotel and excited about the day ahead.

My table: (seated L to R) Celie Ritchie and Jean Joynes,
(Standing L to R) Karen Gisetto, Debby, Erica Hernes,
and Julie Jeftich.

The ballroom was filled with enthusiastic readers eager to meet writers and talk about the Love Inspired books we all love to read. Each person who attended received a swag bag filled with goodies, including lots of books and cute Love Inspired coffee mugs. In addition, our wonderful publisher had copies of our latest releases for the readers, free of charge, and we had time to personally inscribe the books we gave away.

Julie Jeftich won my basket!

Erica Hearns won my giveaway on www.Seekerville.net
for a seat at my table.

Hors d’oeuvres were served while we mixed and mingled, and prior to lunch, the authors rotated tables at ten minute intervals—like Spin Dating—which gave us a chance to get to know more of the lovely ladies who attended. A few of the authors were on a Q&A Panel with the readers fielding questions and getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our lives as writers. The atmosphere throughout the day was warm and welcoming and filled with smiles and hugs and lots of laughter.

Debby's busy signing THE AGENT'S SECRET PAST. Notice all
the books the ladies in line are holding. Thank you, Love Inspired and
Harlequin.

The Reader Luncheon was a special opportunity to make new friends and share our love for books, especially Love Inspired stories, with so many delightful readers.

Q and A Panel of (L to R) Marta Perry, Linda Goodnight,
Missy Tippens and Debby Giusti

In the Tampa airport, waiting for our flight home to Atlanta,
after a wonderful day with Love Inspired readers!

Thanks Dianne Moggy, Harlequin VP for Series Editorial and Subsidiary Rights, Love Inspired Senior Editor Melissa Endlich and Lucy Scinocca, Harlequin Direct-to-Customer Sales, for coordinating the luncheon. Thank you, Harlequin and Love Inspired Books, for creating a memory I'll always treasure.

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com

The books are waiting for the readers at the
Love Inspired Reader Luncheon!

THE AGENT’S SECRET PAST 
By Debby Giusti 

THREAT FROM HER AMISH PAST 
Eight years ago, a drifter destroyed Becca Miller's ties to her Amish community—and murdered her family. Now a special agent with Fort Rickman's criminal investigation department, Becca knows her past has caught up with her and doesn't want to relive it. She's convinced that the killer, who supposedly died years ago, is very much alive and after her. Special agent Colby Voss agrees to help her investigate. Yet the closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to silencing her permanently. 

On sale March 1! Pre-order here. 

You Asked for It ... Here it Is!

Leigh Bale here.  Many of you read my last book titled HEALING THE FOREST RANGER, which included Dal Savatch as a secondary character.  I've received so many kind emails asking me to write his story.  So, that's exactly what I did.  Dal's story is out this month and titled THE FOREST RANGER'S RETURN.  After being injured in Afghanistan, former U.S. Marine Dal Savatch thought he'd lost everything.  But working on a horse ranch for disabled children teaches him to appreciate the life he still has.  When the new forest ranger in town turns out to be Dal's first love, his tranquil world is turned upside down.  For years, Julie Granger's been carrying a painful secret that's prevented her from having what she wants most; a family.  Reuniting with Dal has her suddenly believing in dreams she thought were long buried. 

This poignant story deals with the trauma of PTSD in war and in life.  My son is a U.S. Marine and has many friends who have been injured in war.  But it occurred to me that some people can face serious trauma right here in the states and you don't have to go into battle to suffer PTSD symptoms.

Do you have any friends or family members serving in the military?  Or perhaps they've suffered some other kind of trauma right here at home?  It's a difficult issue.  My heart goes out to anyone who has such a trial in their life.

Best wishes.  And enjoy!  Leigh Bale