Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Historical January 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Historical 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.

Cowboy Seeks a BrideBy Louise M.Gouge

Marybeth O'Brien is everything rancher Randall Northam seeks in a wife…if she'd only say "I do." Although his family paid for her train ticket West with the understanding the two would marry, Rand won't pressure her to set a date. Especially since he suspects she's learned about his reckless past. Who would want to marry an untamed cowboy like him? 

Marybeth won't marry until she locates her long-lost brother. And when Rand agrees to help her with her search, she can't deny her surprisingly warm feelings toward her prospective groom. Could this honorable cowboy show her he's the husband she never knew she wanted?

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Cowboy Seeks a Bride by Louise M. Gouge

Courted by a Cowboy 

Marybeth O'Malley is everything rancher Randall Northam seeks in a wife…if she'd only say "I do." Although his family paid for her train ticket West with the understanding the two would marry, Rand won't pressure her to set a date. Especially since he suspects she's learned about his reckless past. Who would want to marry an untamed cowboy like him? 

Marybeth won't marry until she locates her long-lost brother. And when Rand agrees to help her with her search, she can't deny her surprisingly warm feelings toward her prospective groom. Could this honorable cowboy show her he's the husband she never knew she wanted?

INTERVIEW: 

How exciting to have Marybeth O’Brien, the heroine from Cowboy Seeks a Bride, by Louise M. Gouge, a January 2015 release from Love Inspired Historical Romance.

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

Like many people in Boston, I’m an Irish immigrant. My parents, my brother Jimmy, and I all came to American to seek a better life. Unfortunately, our father was a cruel man. Jimmy ran away from home to seek his fortune in the American West. When our parents died, I decided to go to Colorado, from where Jimmy’s last letter had been sent eight years ago. Our sainted mother, Mam, gave Jimmy a silver locket and told him it held the key to a great treasure. I’m going to find my brother and claim my share of that treasure. Unfortunately, the only way I could pay my travel expenses to Colorado was to agree to marry the son of a nice couple from that state whom I met at church. When they described their son, Rand Northam sounded like a good man. Then I found out he was a killer, and I decided he wasn’t for me.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Like most Irish people, I love to sing. Mother helped me learn to play the piano, so that’s another of my enjoyments. And I won’t say no to a nice community get-together.

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

I dread telling Rand Northam that I never planned to marry. My father was cruel, and I don’t want to live like my mother did.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

As I said above, my father was cruel. He beat my mother, my brother, and me. I fear marrying the wrong man and ending up just like Mam. She died of a broken heart, so I’m holding onto my heart so it won’t get broken.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I want to live without fear, to make my own way in life, to have friends who truly care for me as I will care for them.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

Right now the most important thing is finding my brother Jimmy and making him share the treasure from Mam’s locket. That way I can pay back the Northams for my travel expenses and then go on to live a comfortable life without having to marry Rand or anyone else.

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

In the tradition of the Irish, I’m a good storyteller. The bad side of that talent is that sometimes I hedge the truth. I know it’s wrong, and I’m asking the Lord to change me. But what am I supposed to do when I’m alone in a strange town and fearing for my very life?

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

Rand gave me an adorable black and white puppy. I named her Polly. She doesn’t get along too well with my landlady’s cat, Pepper, but I think the two of them have worked out a truce. Which sets a good example for Rand and me as we try to work out our differences. Even though I’m uncertain about marrying him, I do value his friendship.

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

After the Civil War, many people from both the North and the South migrated to the western states and territories. Colorado became a state in 1876 and thus is known as the Centennial State. By the 1880s, many areas of the state were settled and growing rapidly. Because of that rapid growth, lawmen sometimes couldn’t keep up with the bad guys. Stories of the wicked Wild West aren’t exaggerated, so oftentimes, good honest citizens had to band together and deal with outlaws to protect their homes, families, and communities.

On a lighter note, despite being far from the more civilized East, ladies managed to keep up with the fashions of the day. When the railroads made travel and transport of goods faster, people could order whatever they could afford and enjoy luxuries to match their eastern counterparts.

What We're Reading...How About You?

Mindy Obenhaus

I just finished reading Small-Town Billionaire by Renee Andrews. With a title like that, who can resist.

I am now reading The Guy Next Door by Missy Tippens. Lovin’ it.

Next, I'll be reading Lakeside Redemption by Lisa Jordan. Can you tell I love Love Inspired books?

Pamela Tracy

I just finished reading The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley. She's a must-read for me. I get lost in her books and walk around with my finger keeping my page.

I am now reading Boom! by Tom Brokaw. It's about the 60's. So far, it's hit or miss. There are parts I just love. Then, there are parts I just don't get or maybe don't agree with.

Next, I'll be reading Stranded with the Rancher, by Tina Radcliff. I started this a while ago, lost it, and just found it again. I can hardly wait to see how it ends. 

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading A Recipe for Romance. Loved the other authors' stories and especially all the delicious recipes. Have already tried a couple and plan to make many more.

I am currently reading The Selection by Kiera Cass. I try to keep a pulse on what my three young adult children find interesting. It's a bit "Bacheloresque" but in a fun way.

Next up I plan to read Angel Moore's Conveniently Wed. It's her debut book and I know it's going to be wonderful.

Winnie Griggs

I'm currently reading the Divergent trilogy.  I've finished the first two and am in the middle of the third.  The books are YA and gritty but very compelling.  Once I complete those I'll start in on a book recommended by a friend - When Books Went To War.  And sometime in the next couple of weeks I expect a box of books to show up on my doorstep for the RITA contest judging.  This is always fun since I get to dive into books I might never have picked up otherwise and discover new-to-me authors

Debby Giusti

I have the last few pages of LAKOTA DREAMING, by Connie Gillam, left to read. I judged her manuscript a few years ago in the Golden Heart Contest and love that the completed novel is now in print. So good!

In addition, I'm working my way through my book club's January pick: AT HOME IN MITFORD, by Jan Karon. I hadn't read her before and am enjoying this first book in her well-loved series.

Next in line on my To Be Read Shelf is Dani Pettrey's suspense, SILENCED, which I'm eager to crack open. Like many of you, my TBR pile is stacked with great reads for the New Year. 

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading The Littlest Cowboy by Maggie Shayne (a friend of mine). I was in the mood for some good old classic category romance, and I have this idea in the back of my mind to write a cowboy series and need to do some research. This book fit the bill on both counts.

Next, I plan to read the Love Inspired Historicals November boxed set.

After that, I’m judging the Romance Writers of America RITA contest, so I don’t know yet what I’ll be reading

Jolene Navarro

I just finished reading Teri Wilson's UNMASKING JULIET. Utterly delightful and she gave them the happy ending Romeo and Juliet should have gotten but in Napa Valley surrounded by Chocolate instead. Sweet.

I'm currently reading Jenna Mindel's HIS MONTANA HOMECOMING. Who doesn't like a big city millionaire snowbound on a large Montana ranch. I'm enjoying it.

I probably won't be reading any fiction for a while. I'm on the text book adoption committee in my school district for our next visual art books. Looks like I have almost twenty books to read and score. AT least they are art books so it might be fun.

Rhonda Gibson

I just finished reading - Wings of Fire:The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
I am now reading -  Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough, I just started and am already hooked on the story.
Next, I'll be reading - Wings of Fire Book 2: The Lost Heir- I like series books

Danica Favorite

I just finished reading Falling for the Enemy by Naomi Rawlings. SUCH a good book. I really love the French Revolution (my favorite historical time period), so the setting just makes me so happy. 

I am now reading Nothing. I'm trying to pack up my house to get it on the market this week. All my books are being put in boxes.

Next, I'll be reading The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley because I had just starting putting it in a box when I read Pamela Tracy's email and it reminded me that I've been meaning to read this book. So HA! I'm leaving this one out of the box!

Merrillee Whren

Right before Christmas I finished reading Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade. 

I’m now reading multiple books. It depends on which device I have with me when I get a chance to read. 

I have Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano up on my Nook and Fairhope by Lorelle Marinello on my phone. I’m always starting books and then not finishing them for months because I’m trying to meet a deadline or just living life. I’ve made a resolution for 2015 to read more. I’ll see how that works out.

Louise M. Gouge                                                                              I just finished reading: Renee Ryan's His Most Suitable Bride. I have loved her entire Charity House series and look forward to more of them in the future.                                                        I am now reading: Angel Moore's Conveniently Wed. This story is especially meaningful to me because my son-in-law died nine years ago and my husband and I are helping our daughter raise our two grandchildren. Although the romantic conflict isn't involved in our situation as it is in the novel, my hubby fills the role of "Dad" to the children, just as Tucker is trying to do for the twins. I'm enjoying the book very much.                                      Next, I'll be reading Lacy Williams' A Cowboy for Christmas. Obviously, I'm a little behind in my LIH reading!

Sherri Shackelford                                                                            I just finished reading Lions and Lace by Megan McKinney. It's an old favorite.                                                 I am now reading Colorado Courtship, by Cheryl St.John and Debra Ullrick. I realized I'd critiqued part of Cheryl's story, and never finished reading the book!                                 Next I'm set to read Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist.

Janet Lee Barton                                                                             I just finished reading Linda Goodnight’s Cowboy Under The Mistletoe                                                       I am now reading A Taste of Christmas by Lenora Worth, in A Recipe for Romance                                              Next, I’ll be reading the rest of the novellas in that collection. I started it before Christmas but as I’m on deadline, I didn’t get very far. Hoping to attack my growing TBR pile soon as that’s done.

Lenora Worth

I'm almost finished with Shelter Me by my friend Cathy Mann. So good and I've learned a lot about animals in general from this story. I'm also reading Summer Rental by one of my favorite authors, Mary Kay Andrews. She is so southern that I feel as if I'm part of the story. These stories are a bit more steamy than what I write but they have that happily ever after that I love.

And, alas, my TBR stack is growing. I have lots of LI, LIS, and LIH books in there. Have to support my fellow writers! So many books, so little time! I'm way behind due to deadlines, but then aren't we all?

Leann Harris

I just finished reading Her Holiday Family, Winnie Grigggs

I am now reading Where Tree Tops Glisten, Cara Putman, Susan Sundin, Trish Goyer

Next, I'll be reading Alana, Kathleen Bittner Roth 

Sandra Orchard

I just finished reading the final page proofs for Desperate Measures, the last book in my Port Aster Secrets mystery series.

I am now reading my current wip to do edits and a stack of non-fiction books on art and art crime.

Next (maybe even tonight, yay!!!), I'll start reading one of the many mysteries or romantic suspenses or contemporary romances I have piled on my night table or on my kindle. It will depend what mood strikes me. How’s that for specific? I am soooo looking forward to reading someone else’s book after weeks of back-to-back edits and trying to get a first draft done on my next manuscript! 

Linda Goodnight

I just read Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey, a book on dealing with grief and loss. 

Currently, I'm reading The Memory of Water by Karen White. This is the first book of hers that I have read but I absolutely love her southern voice and will find others by her. I have a headache this morning from staying up too late reading!

Next up to read are the RITA books so I won't start anything else until after those come.

Jessica Nelson

I just finished reading Mercy of the Moon by debut author, Jennifer Taylor. She's in my writing chapter Sunshine State Romance Authors of RWA and I was really excited to get a taste of her writing.

I am now reading Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman. Love the hero so far!

Next, I'll be reading...who knows? I pick things spontaneously. ;-)

Barbara Phinney

I just finished Linda Hall’s Night Watch. 

I am currently reading a Dix Dodd comedy. I’m also reading "Psalms" for my mission group, and will be starting Cadfael’s first mystery, A Morbid Taste for Bones, and Paul, his Life and Teachings by Jack Kuhatschek. A real mixed bag, just the way I like it. It’s like a box of chocolates for the mind.

Dana Mentink                                                                                  I just finished reading Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle.                                    I'm about to start reading Heaven in the Midst of Hell, a Quaker Chaplain's View of the War in Iraq.                                                                                What's next? I think I'll be reading books for the RITA contest as I'm judge. 

Lacy Williams

I just finished Saving Justice by Susan Crawford, a great new debut book coming in March.  

I am reading Nonfiction Launch by Jeff Walker.

I plan to read Cowboy Under the Mistletoe by Linda Goodnight. Linda is on my auto-buy list!  

Teri Wilson

The other day, I finished reading The Look of Love by Sarah Jio. It was unashamedly romantic, which I adored. The heroine had the ability to physically see love, but had never actually fallen in love herself. Several different plots were interwoven throughout, and all came to a perfectly bittersweet conclusion. 

Right now I'm reading The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro. This book tells the stories of two different women and alternates between Paris in the 1950's and New York in the 1920's. I love both of these time periods, particularly the 1950's. Reading this makes me want to wear a proper hat and a pair of white kid gloves.

Next up on my TBR pile is American Isis, The Life and Art of Sylvia Plath. Plath was a poet and writer whose work I admire very much.

Terri Reed

I recently finished Holiday Defenders a Love Inspired Suspense anthology with Debby Guisti, Susan Sleeman and Jodie Bailey. Each story revolved around military men. I enjoyed all three stories. Mixing suspense with Christmas is always a challenge but these three authors did a fabulous job.

I am just about to start B.J. Daniels Atonement, a Harlequin HQN Suspense book. I picked it up because the cowboy on the cover and because B.J. writes fast paced suspense. 

Next after this book I plan to read Tess Gerritsen's new book, Die Again. Tess is one of my favorite authors and I buy all of her books. I haven't made it to Barnes and Noble yet to pick up my copy.  

So, how about you?

Go ahead, let us know your just finished, now, and about to start.

The Scottish in Me

 

 

Louise Gouge here, wearing the plaid and celebrating my Scottish heritage. Every year, my family participates in the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. I always enjoy celebrating this branch of my ancestral connections who came to the shores of what is now the United States. This year our Games will take place at Central Winds Park, Winter Springs, Florida, on January 17 and 18. I’m excited about participating again. I’ll be in the Heritage Tent helping people locate their Scottish roots. These past few years, we’ve discovered wonderful databases to help us find any name that might remotely be Scottish.

I don’t have a great deal of personal information about my Scottish heritage except that my paternal grandmother’s maiden name was MacCaskill, and that whole branch of the family was extremely proud of their Scottish heritage. Like many Scottish surnames, this spelling of MacCaskill is just one of many, but most of them seem to refer to a “sept” of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis. (There’s also a MacLeod of Harris.) Historically in Scotland, a sept was a smaller clan (family) that attached itself to a greater clan for protection and shared resources. On the right you'll see the MacLeod of Lewis crest or shield.

But just being a smaller sept didn’t mean the MacCaskills were considered inferior. One William MacCaskill led the entire MacLeod clan against a fleet at Clanranald at Eynot. No doubt he was chosen to lead because the MacCaskills were skilled seamen and sailors. In the mid-nineteenth century, Angus MacAskill (note different spelling, but same family) grew to be 7 feet 9 inches tall. Naturally, he was called The Giant.

Below is a picture of the Clan MacLeod family seat at Dunvegan Castle (for over 800 years), the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Great Britain. Rather romantic looking, don’t you think?

(Mihael Grmek is the copyright holder of this image and grants permission to use it from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dunvegan_castle1.jpg . He does not endorse me or my blog post.)

Some years ago, my younger son became interested in his Scottish heritage, having married a lovely lassie whose father is from Scotland. (Her father has that charming accent and even plays bagpipes!) They were the first ones in our family to become involved with the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, eventually pulling my husband and me into the fun.

Timothy and Heidi Gouge at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games kickoff dinner.

 

Now we have the next generation joining us. Last year, our thirteen-year-old grandson entered the Games and placed second in his age group in the ax throwing contest. Way to go, Forest. I can’t wait to see how you do this year, now that you’re a year older and about six inches taller! I think that blond hair comes from your Viking ancestors!

 

 

In addition, for the past few years, the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games have been honored to have a Princess Merida lookalike (from Disney’s movie Brave) as our guest. Here’s Miss Caitlyn Boyd direct from Scotland posing with my granddaughters, Savannah and Emmy.

 

 

No doubt you remember that those Scots were a rowdy bunch and often fought amongst themselves, as well as fighting the English. But the annual Games are a wonderful way to celebrate all the best of Scottish culture without any of the crazy stuff that makes up every people group.

My favorite thing is to see my dear hubby in his dress kilt made of the United States Army tartan.

 

And yes, I love haggis, a unique Scottish culinary delight, which I suspect American Scots have adapted to our more tender appetites.

Do you have a Scottish connection? I’d love to hear about it.

On Saturday of this week, my upcoming release, Cowboy Seeks a Bride, will be featured right here on the Craftieladies blog. Please stop by again on Saturday and leave a comment to be entered in our drawing. U. S. residents only, please.

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired January 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.

Small-Town Fireman
By AlliePleiter

The Catch of a Lifetime

Karla Kennedy doesn't belong in Gordon Falls. The aspiring restaurateur has far loftier goals than running her grandfather's quaint coffee shop. The only person who seems to relate is handsome volunteer firefighter Dylan McDonald. 

Dylan understands dreams—he risked everything to start his fishing charter business. Now he needs Karla's help to make it succeed. As they work together, Karla and Dylan quickly discover that while their timing may be bad, their chemistry is undeniable. Karla always thought of Gordon Falls as a layover on her way to a big-city career, but could it be where her heart truly belongs?

Second Chance Reunion

By MerrilleeWhren

Annie Payton’s lost everything she once held dear. The Village of Hope is her last chance to rebuild the life she’s frittered away so needlessly. But as she works to regain custody of her children, she never imagines an unlikely advocate in her corner—ex-husband Ian Montgomery. 

Ian’s always willing to help those down on their luck, but his ex-wife’s a different story. Her past betrayal is still a painful memory. As the Village’s lawyer, he’ll represent her—but that’s as far as he’ll allow his feelings to go. Can Annie show Ian that she’s changed in every way but one—the love she still has for him?

VILLAGE OF HOPE: A community built on love 

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Second Chance Reunion by Merrillee Whren

A Mom's Redemption 

Annie Payton's lost everything she once held dear. The Village of Hope is her last chance to rebuild the life she's frittered away so needlessly. But as she works to regain custody of her children, she never imagines an unlikely advocate in her corner—ex-husband Ian Montgomery. Ian's always willing to help those down on their luck, but his ex-wife's a different story. Her past betrayal is still a painful memory. As the Village's lawyer, he'll represent her—but that's as far as he'll allow his feelings to go. Can Annie show Ian that she's changed in every way but one—the love she still has for him? 

Village of Hope: A community built on love

Interview:

How exciting to have Annie Payton the heroine Second Chance Reunion written by Merrillee Whren a January 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1.  Annie Payton, tell me the most interesting thing about you. With God’s help I’ve managed to climb out of the pit I had dug for myself.

2.  What do you do for fun? There hasn’t been much fun in my life in recent years. Right now I’m learning to have fun again by playing games with some the senior citizens at the Village of Hope’s assisted living center.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? I put off talking to my parents because I’m not sure they will accept me.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? I’m most afraid of losing my children forever.

5.  What do you want out of life? To be with my children and never go back to my old ways.

6.  What is the most important thing to you? My children and staying clean and sober

7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? Reading is something I’m starting to do again. I like to read thrillers.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would change the way I squandered everything good in my life. I’m trying to get those things back little by little.

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? No.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?  I would travel back to my teen years with the knowledge that I have now and live my life in a different way.;

Happy New Year!!