FEATURED BOOK: DUTY TO PROTECT BY ROXANNE RUSTAND

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

Ask Elnora--About Coupons??? Lenora Worth

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

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

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

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

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

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

Debra Clopton

Bringing History To Life!

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


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

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

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

When the Holidays aren't Happy

Pat Davids here,

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

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

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

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

His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley

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

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

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

2. What do you do for fun?

I like to play basketball with friends and boating.

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

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

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

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

5. What do you want out of life?

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

6. What is the most important thing to you?

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

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

Nah, not much. I work a lot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED BOOK: HIS HOLIDAY FAMILY BY MARGARET DALEY

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

Ask Elnora--About Christmas Memories--Lenora Worth

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

Christmas favorites

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

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

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

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful readers.

Black Friday bonanza

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

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

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

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

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

"Well...."

"Paleeze." They both whine.

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

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

Next year though, I'm going out alone!

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

An Honorable Gentlemen by Regina Scott

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

1. Tell me the most interesting thing about you.

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

2. What do you do for fun?

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

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

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

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

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

5. What do you want out of life?

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

6. What is the most important thing to you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're Thankful

To you, our wonderful readers, friends, and fellow authors

we say

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, I'm so very thankful for you, our wonderful readers. Without you, we wouldn't be here at all. So thank you for helping to make my dream of being an author come true! :) Missy Tippens
I want to thank all the readers who enjoy my books. I hope that my stories are entertaining and inspiring. You are the reason I write.

Margaret Daley

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas time, filled with family and friends, as we celebrate God's most precious gift to us. May you experience His love in a special way this season.

Sandra Orchard

I am so thankful for all the readers who believe in the delicate art of romance.

Sherri Shackelford

Thank you so much, wonderful readers, you are the reason we write.

Pamela Tracy

I’m thankful for readers, with whom I get to share the stories that bring me such joy to write. I’m pretty sure I would write these books even if no one besides myself ever saw them, but it is so sweetly affirming to know that they have touched a number of you in such a way that you felt compelled to share a small bit of your own story with me. Please know that each and every communication of this sort I receive from you touches me in return.

Winnie Griggs

"I'm so grateful for the sacrifices others have made to keep us free--proud to be an American-grateful to God for our amber waves of grain."

Lyn Cote

I'm thankful for you and other readers everywhere for letting us into your home to share our stories with you.

Jean C. Gordon

I am thankful to be one of the rare people who can do what she loves doing and earn a living at it. I want to thank all the readers I've met this year and those who I haven't met but have read one of my books.

Lisa Mondello


Dear readers, you are the reason we write! I'm so grateful that you visit our blog, that you read our stories, and that you lift us up with your encouragement. May God bless you this Thanksgiving and every day.

Christine Johnson

I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving, hoping it will be a day to savor the beauty in this world. Regina Scott

I'm thankful for readers who have been welcoming to a new author and those who have supported the LIH line up until now so I have a place to write.

Lacy Williams

I'm thankful that my husband has survived another year cancer free. I'm thankful that the Lord has given me a writing career, which I hope and pray is a blessing to my readers.

Louise Gouge

I'm thankful for all the readers who support the Love Inspired lines. As a new author, the best part is hearing from readers! It's both humbling and rewarding to hear how my book has encouraged or entertained someone. Happy Thanksgiving!

Karen Kirst

I'm thankful for The Love Inspired readers who have welcomed me into the family. Without you, my stories would have never found a home. Bless you and yours this holiday season.

Kim Watters

I am thankful for our wonderful readers. I feel as if I have friends all over the world. I'm also grateful for my editors. I know how hard they work and I appreciate how patient they are with me and how they help me to write the best books possible. I'm thankful that I live in a country where I am allowed to write my stories and to show the love of Christ in my books. And I'm very thankful for my writer friends who sustain me and pray for me and brainstorm with me. We have so much to be thankful for. And of course, I'm thankful for shoes and I pray that all children have shoes to wear.
Lenora Worth :)

I am thankful for my family. Some of my proudest moments is when I get to go to church with my grown children and their spouses, singing and praising God. I am grateful the Lord allowed me to see this time. (I was very ill 15 yrs ago.) I am also grateful for being able to write stories for Him.
Leann Harris

I'm thankful for the health and happiness of my family. I'm thankful to the MakeAWish foundation who helped us celebrate my son's recovery with an amazing trip to Europe. I'm thankful that I get to craft inspiring stories every day, and that I love my work as well as the people I work with. I'm thankful for a vivacious church and the many comforts I enjoy in my home and community. I'm grateful to the Lord who holds all these things in His sovereign hands. And I'm grateful for wonderful, supportive, loyal readers like all of you! Thanks,

Allie Pleiter

I so appreciate when readers take the time to write to say they've enjoyed a book. So thank you dear readers for reading. You make the writing more worthwhile.

Terri Reed

Once upon a time, I dreamed of writing a book that would make others feel the way I felt when I read a story I didn't want to end. Thanks to all the wonderful readers out there who share my passion for stories of romance and adventure. You have made my dreams come true.

Patricia Davids

I'm so thankful for the readers who buy and read our books and send us encouraging notes and heartfelt thank yous for out stories that touch their lives. Thanks for sharing with us.

Merrillee Whren

Thank you to the readers who join us on a journey to a place where life isn’t easy, but love always wins. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyful Christmas season.

Cara Putman :-)

I'm so thankful for God who sent his son, for Jesus who gave his life to set us free. I'm so thankful for the love of my wonderful family, for the love I've known, and the love I know now. I'm so thankful for the joy I get from sharing my stories with readers, and for you--the readers who make this all possible! May you have a joyous Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Debra Clopton

I thank God for you, dear reader. You are the reason I write, and you bring joy to my life. As you gather with friends and family, may you feel my prayers offered on your behalf and realize how special you are to me. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Debby Giusti

When Thanksgiving Doesn't Feel Right

Last weekend I was involved in a horrific accident. I walked away physically unscathed. The other person did not. Right now a young man is in ICU in serious condition.

I'm very thankful for my family, my friends, my health, but I can't help but wonder how this young man's family is feeling this Thanksgiving.

If you would, please pray for my emotions and for this young man (Larry), that he'd fully recover.

For those of you on a mountain peak, may your Thanksgiving be wonderful and merry and full of good food. And to those of you in the valley right now, I feel you and hope you'll see a sunny spot where you can rest awhile. Perhaps finding a blessing to hold close until your journey brings you back to the mountain top.

Where are you right now? Have you ever been in a dark spot on a holiday? How did you end up leaving that place?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Wall

Come Help Build a Thanksgiving Wall of Gratitude

Harlequin readers, writers, and staff are sharing what they're grateful for this Thanksgiving season over on the eHarlequin site.
Just click on the link here and come on over: http://community.harlequin.com/content/harlequin-community-thanksgiving-wall

The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish by Roxanne Rustand

How exciting to have Mei Clayton, the heroine of The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish, visit with us today! This book, written by Roxanne Rustand, is a November 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance.

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

As a child, I was adopted and brought to America by a rural physician and his wife. I was so blessed to be given endless opportunities in this wonderful country, to pursue an education and reach my dreams. But being adopted into the Clayton family wasn't all roses and sunshine. Coming to terms with my past, healing old emotional wounds and finally becoming a happy, well-adjusted adult has been a lifelong process. Now, I understand so much more about the complexities and conflicts in my family, and can fully embrace my life. The saying about needing to love yourself before you can love others is so true.

2. What do you do for fun?

People laugh in disbelief when I say this, because I look more far more fragile than I am, but I love rock climbing up in the mountains and long distance hikes on my favorite trails.

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

I actually have put off coming back to my home town for years. I don’t have a lot of happy memories of my childhood. My grandfather openly disliked me, my cousins always seemed distant, and I never felt I really fit in anywhere until I went away to college.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Has that ever changed! I used to be terrified of standing in front of people--I could barely speak, I was so shy. But I love kids and I found that I love teaching, and now that fear is gone. Becoming an adult made a difference as well. I no longer worry about what people think of me, and have much more confidence.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

That has changed a lot too, especially recently. I used to take my faith for granted--going to church was just something I did now and then, because I was "supposed to." Now my faith is far more personal and is a big part of my life. I find my life is enriched in so many ways by making it a priority.

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

I'm an avid reader. Fiction, non-fiction, news magazines--but my favorite books are romantic suspense.

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

I look back, and when I felt like I didn’t really belong anywhere and thought some of the townsfolk were being judgmental about me, I was actually being judgmental about them. I made false assumptions and withdrew before giving people a chance. Now that I'm back in my hometown, I've been working hard to change.

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

I have a giant, fluffy dog named Moose, and for good reason!

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

I would love to travel back in time to the cowboy days here in Colorado. Not for a long stay, but long enough to visit with the amazing strong, resourceful women who helped settled this rugged part of the country. Today, we stew about traffic jams and minor inconveniences. Those women faced life and death situations all the time.

A Contest and a Featured Book: The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish by Roxanne Rustand

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

Nearly 300 readers have already added their names!

Also, here's a book to be thinking about.

Adopted as a baby, Mei Clayton never felt like she belonged in her family. She left tiny Clayton, Colorado, the moment she could. Now, to fulfill the terms of a will, she must move home for a year. But when she reunites with handsome Jack McCord—the mountain-rescue expert she once secretly loved—she has to keep her distance. Their relatives have feuded for years. She'll never fit in with the Claytons if she gives in to her feelings for Jack. Unless faith and love can help open hearts in time for Thanksgiving.

"Ask Elnora" Becomes "Lyn Asks"-Share Your Thanksgiving Highlights

Our sweet Lenora is away due to family matters. And she asked me to take over for today! I guess she thinks that over the 15 years we've been friends that I've absorbed all her Elnora vibes!

But did I need them? I told my husband very early in our marriage that I was practicing for when I was a grouchy old lady. One day, he told me to stop practicing, I didn't need anymore! :-)

That same sweet husband is always my Thanksgiving feast helper. He begins by dicing up the dried bread for stuffing. Then he minces the onions and celery for said stuffing. (Or do you call it "dressing?" Either's delicious to me.)

My dh does this because I am a tearer of bread and he likes it cubed the way his grandmother did it. As long as he dices, I'm good with it!

Now I'm going to share my recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffing. My husband lives for turkey and dressing and I must have plenty of leftovers. I can't stuff enough into the bird--even if I get one that weighs in over 25 lbs.

Here's the link to the recipe at allrecipes.com

Now I am constitutionally INCAPABLE of making most recipes without fiddling with them. So I don't add the parsley, mushrooms or marjoram. But the rest works well. I get raves and have tons leftover without tying up the oven.

Do you have a Thanksgiving feast helper?
Or a recipe you'd like to share?
Do you call it dressing or stuffing or both???

DO TELL!!


BTW, the link to the giveaway in the right column is http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/16640-holiday-hideout
Nearly 300 readers have already signed up for the giveaway!

Editors, Agents, Contests, and More

Today is the 1000th post here on the Craftie Ladies of Romance. One thousand! Wow.

When you've managed to post that many times, you must have a lot to say.

So, first, you need to know there's a contest that Lyn Cote and Lynette Eason are putting on over at Goodreads, and the prize happens to be Love Inspired books from authors on the blog. Please hop over there to see what's going on. Over 200 readers have already entered their names! The link is posted on the sidebar.

All month we've been doing a "What We're Thankful For..." We've done readers, writers, and today, we're doing both editors and agents. Some of our Crafties are listing their thankfulness below: others are doing it on the comment portion.

Editors

“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who pulled me out of the slush pile and gave me a chance! I'm thankful for my agent who helped me get my foot in the door with another publisher and who does her best to make sure I have the best deal possible. I'm very thankful God placed these people in my life when He did. His timing is always perfect and I'm thankful for that too!”

Lynette Eason


“I’m so grateful for editors who take the grist of our stories and help make them sing.”

Cara Putman :-)


“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who took a chance on my stories and helps to make them shine. God bless! Thanks also go to the many "hands," from line editor to copy editor, who work so hard to ensure our stories are their very best.””

Christine Johnson


“I'm thankful for the wonderful editors at Love Inspired, In particular, Emily Rodmell and Joan Marlow Golan as well as Marsha Zinberg in Toronto, Canada. This last spring, my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given two months to live. I had three books and a novella under contract. As soon as the word got out about my situation my pressing deadlines vanished. I was told to take all the time off I needed and contact them when I was ready to write again. Their notes and words of encouragement showed me how much they care as people, not just as editors.”

Patricia Davids


Agents

“For my agents, Nalini Akolekar and Karen Solem, I hold the deepest gratitude. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. When my spirits dip, you lift them up. When I ask silly questions, you answer with great patience. Thank you!”

Christine Johnson

My agent, Michelle Grajkowski, has been a true blessing in my life. Alternately cheerleader, taskmaster, career counselor, bulldog advocate and dear friend, she is always squarely in my corner. When I went through a three and a half year dry spell in my career, she never once made me feel as if she had lost faith in either me or my writing. I’m not sure I could have kept going through that scary time if she had not been there, encouraging and adamantly believing in me.

Winnie Griggs

“One of the literary agents I had queried, Pam Hopkins, called me and asked for a 'revise and resubmit' about an hour before an editor from Harlequin called and offered to buy the book. I knew right then I wanted Pam to represent me. Why? Because she was right. The pieces of the story Pam wanted tweaked where identical to the pieces the editor wanted revised. Also, anyone can deliver good news. Delivering bad news is an art. Pam was encouraging without being unrealistic and tough without being unkind. I am thankful for her support and encouragement every day. I call her my, 'crazy buffer.' Believe me, she doesn't get paid nearly enough!”

Sherri Shackelford


Regina Scott is incredibly thankful for her agent, Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency. Publishing can be a challenging business, and Emily is always in Regina’s corner, encouraging and helping her envision new ways to go forward.


Both Editors and Agents

“I'm thanksful for being able to write for Love Inspired Suspense and work with my wonderful editor Emily Rodmell. She always makes my stories better. I'm also grateful for Deidre Knight, my agent, who believes in me and in my writing.”

Debby Giusti

“I want to thank my editors for all their hard work. Your input is invaluable and appreciated.I'm a better writer because of you. I also want to thank my agent, Steve Laube. I appreciate all your wisdom and support over the years.”

Margaret Daley

“I'm so thankful for my wonderful editor, Emily Rodmell, who makes all my books better--and makes me proud to see them on the shelf. And I'm thankful for my amazing agent, Natasha Kern, for believing in me and my work, and for being my cheerleader.”
Missy Tippens

“I’m so glad to have agent like Steve Luabe in my corner to remind me of all I can do and all I have time to do and to reign me in when my ideas go amuck. I’m also glad to have an editor like Tina James to guide me so my stories are the best they can be.

Pamela Tracy