RITA ENTRY - A LOVE NOTE FROM GOD

Linda Goodnight here with an unusual RITA story I think will touch your heart.

Last fall when the RITA contest opened for entries, my family suffered the most terrible time of our lives. First, my son was diagnosed with “untreatable, incurable” stage four cancer. A few weeks later my brother, worried about his sister and nephew, decided to drive to my house for Thanksgiving. Two hours out of Atlanta, he died in a car accident. My sister-in-law was critically injured.

Needless to say, the last thing on my mind was entering a contest. By the time I remembered, the contest had closed. So I signed on to judge the inspirational category instead.

Fast forward and a packet of books arrived for judging but none were inspirational. I emailed RWA and mentioned that I’d still be willing to judge inspies if needed. Within five minutes, my phone rang. Carol of RWA explained that I could not judge the category because I was entered.

Shock ran through me, followed by tears as she told this story. A Love Inspired author who remains anonymous knew about my personal heartache. That precious sister in Christ contacted RWA and did the most incredibly unselfish thing. She withdrew HER beautiful book from the contest and replaced it with mine. Then she purchased the five required copies of THE CHRISTMAS CHILD and mailed them in to RWA. Entering the RITA is expensive. Books and shipping aren’t cheap. But this amazing woman chose to give up her slot, her money, and her opportunity to bless a hurting sister.

When the RITA calls went out in March and I learned that THE CHRISTMAS CHILD had finaled, I cried most of the day. I’m crying still as I tell the story. Not just because my book was a finalist. Of course I’m delighted, but the final itself seems less important at this point. Rather, I weep with joy for the gift of love and compassion someone gave at the time I needed it most.

God works in the most wonderful ways through his amazing people.

This Months LIH's

Rhonda Gibson here...

I love this blog and I love the Love Inspired Historicals that come out each month. This month my first Love Inspired Historical, The Marshal's Promise came out.

Isn't Seth Handsome? Sigh....

I was thinking about what great company I am in.

Renee Ryan's Mistaken Bride is the second in the Irish Brides series, I can't wait to read this series.

Also this month we have Allie Pleiter's book, Homefront Hero. I've been a fan of Allie's for a long time. Her books never disappoint me, so if you haven't read her before. Read this one! I'm sure it will be a winner, too.

Lacy Williams is an Oklahoma girl like me, I grew up in Oklahoma but have been transplanted to New Mexico. The Homesteader's Sweetheart, sounds like my kind of story and I plan on reading it next.

As you can see, I am blessed to be a Love Inspired Historial author. All the Love Inspired authors are great! And I have lots of favorites. I just finished reading Brides Of The West by Janet Dean, Victoria Bylin, and Pamela Nissen.

I'm curious, which Love Inspired book/author did you read last?

Book Clubs

I stayed up late last night, reading THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  Usually I read Love Inspired books by my favorite authors or single title suspense stories, often best sellers, so this current book isn't one I normally would have bought. However, I'm in a book club, and THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS was this month's selection.

The book is a riveting read and hooked me on the first page.  I'll finish it this evening and will discuss it with my friends tomorrow night when the book club meets.  We rotate homes each month, and the hostess picks the next selection so we get a mix of genres and titles.  In my opinion, that's good.  It forces me to read stories outside my usual reading comfort zone.

Are you in a book club?  If so, share what you enjoy about your group and the way you choose the monthly titles.

Not currently in a book club?  Then share what you're reading, especially if it's a book you normally wouldn't have read.

What do we gain by reading outside our favorite genres?

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
www.crossmyheartprayerteam.blogspot.com

Love Finds You

Watch This

My new book, Love Finds You in Sunflower, Kansas, hits the shelves in a few weeks.  I've made a short video in celebration.  Please check it out. 
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/13377540/love-finds-you-in-sunflower-kansas

Lost Legacy Interview

Today we're welcoming Brook Ramsey, the heroine of Lost Legacy, the first book in the Treasure Seekers series written by Dana Mentink, releasing in May 2012, Love Inspired Suspense.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.  

1.  Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. Trouble found the Ramsey family when my father was ruined after the art gallery he was responsible for was robbed. Fast forward several years and he had a chance to redeem himself when he acquired a previously unknown painting which would fetch millions. It was stolen from him. I made it my mission to find the painting before my father’s mind was erased due to a genetic illness. 

2.  So, during the book you met Victor Gage. Tell us a bit about him. Victor and his siblings run a Treasure Seekers agency so I went to them for help. What was your first impression? He was aloof, and what I took to be arrogance I later discovered was a shield which he put up around himself after his wife was killed.  When did you know it was love? Let’s just say my heart knew it long before my brain got the message.  

3.  What strengths/skills do you have?  What is your greatest weakness? I love my father and my brother Tad, who is mentally disabled, and I would do anything to secure a future for them. Weaknesses? Does being shy count? I’m not a confrontational person by nature but this adventure put me on conflict ground zero.     

4.  What scares you? Inheriting my father’s disease and not being able to care for my brother.

      

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d be more confident, trust my instincts more. 

6.  Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I am a woman of faith and it has kept me going through plenty of roadblocks, I can tell you. 

7.  Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?  Even stronger in the knowledge that He is the one in charge, regardless of how hard I strive or how much I worry. 

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story.  Tell us why this scripture is significant.     Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.- 2 Timothy 1:14. Treasures are different things to different people, but there’s really only one eternal treasure.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Probably summer ripe strawberries with fresh whipped cream. Sweet, simple and straightforward, a perfect complement to Victor who is a darker kind of delicacy.

Brooke Ramsey is running out of time. She needs to save her father's reputation before she loses him to illness. That means finding the painting that went missing while in his care. Fast. Which is why she teams up with Victor Gage, owner of Treasure Seekers agency.




The charming private detective has more at stake than uncovering a lost masterpiece. He's investigating his wife's death, and the artwork holds the answer. As Victor and Brooke draw closer to each other, so does a murderer. Someone wants the past to remain buried and will kill again to keep it hidden.

Ask Elnora--About Building a Book??Lenora Worth

If I had a hammer.... We all know that song, right? Lately, Elnora has heard a whole lot of hammering going on. Big Daddy has single-handedly renovated our retirement condo here on the bay in Florida. I know this because while I write my chapters, he's downstairs working away on everything from carpet to tile to bathroom fixtures to paint and then he starts it all over again. He has suffered through with cuts, bruises, a hurting back and yesterday, he drilled his thumb. Not a pretty picture. He and a friend built a closet underneath the stairs, too. Amazing! That got me to thinking about how we write. Maybe we use some of the same tools but in a different way. We build our stories, word by word. We use certain tools to do certain things. For example, we hammer away at creating an outline or synopsis then we take that and make a blueprint of what we want to create. Following that blueprint (kind of) we lay out the foundation and measure off the needed space. Then we take patterns (formulas) and saw away until we have the right shape for our words. We put the whole thing together by hammering away, holding things together with plot points sort of like nails and glue hold a house together. Then we tread on the carpet. Pacing is always important, especially when building up to the end. We tend to level off and stay on task, but we are always editing and tweaking in the same someone does when creating a room. We rearrange here and move a piece there to make things match up, but we keep an eye on the whole overall creation to make sure it flows and looks pretty. We build up walls with our characters then tear them down to get to the foundation of a character's roots. We open doors where walls once stood and we go down paths where no one has ventured before. We build communities and new worlds and we explore frontiers and start all over from scratch. While writers don't drill holes in our thumbs, we do drill ourselves at workshops and with "how-to" books because just like a true carpenter, we never tire of creating. So let's discuss--building books? What are some of your favorite tools? And who amongst us has the cutest tool box?? Are you a carpenter or are you a design specialist? Architect or contractor? If we build a good story, they will come. What do you think??

RITA Roll Call

2011 - Our finalist this year is Linda Goodnight.  Check back next Thursday for the story.

2010 - Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight

2008 - A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight

2008 - Pamela Tracy finaled with her Love Inspired Suspense Pursuit of Justice.  Pamela says, "I knew when I started this book that it was different.  The story had been hammering at me for years, begging me to give it a turn.  From the first page, it felt right.  When it finaled in the RITA, I felt like someone had just whispered in my ear, 'Hey, you really can write.'  I felt like Cinderella the entire conference.

2007 - Allie Pleiter finaled with My So-Called Love Life

2006 -  One finalist this year was Lyn Cote.  She had this to say.
"The first book in my Women of Ivy Manor historical series, Chloe, finaled in 2006.  Finaling in the RITA bolstered my confidence and helped me be more adventurous in what I write. My book Chloe has remained one my most popular and controversial books. I say controversial because either readers love the heroine or hate her. But once they start reading her story they can't stop reading. Chloe was one of my few heroines who didn't start out as a brave woman. Life beat her up in many ways till she finally saw matters clearly and could take charge of her life. She is the matriarch in the remaining books of the series and everyone looks up to her. But early in the 20th century, she had been raised to be just a pretty face, an elegant hostess and nothing more, but she became a woman of character, one I've proud to have written.

 
2006 - Terri Reed also finaled in the RITA in 2006 with her second Love Inspired Romance A Sheltering Love.


There you have it! 
Most of us Craftie Ladies have our Writers' Goals.  Winning a RITA is fourth on my list of five things to do during my writing journey.

How about the rest of you?

Allie Pleiter on Faith and Sock Heels

Faith and sock heels

I thought I'd share with you a piece that I wrote for fellow author Cara Putnam's blog last month.  It's a personal favorite. 

I’m often asked where my story-lines come from, how I pull my unusual plot lines out of the mist of my muse.  I know people are looking for some stunning formula, some admirable technique, but I haven’t got one.  I just pull on a threat and start unraveling, following where it leads.

I was standing in the First Division Museum in Wheaton, IL, looking for a thread to tug.  I knew I wanted to write about WWI, but not much more than that.  My knitter’s eye caught a WWII olive sweater vest in an exhibit, and when I read the description “hand made according to a Red Cross pattern,” I knew I’d found it.  A little more research turned up the WWI “Knit Your Bit” Red Cross knitting campaign poster to produce wool socks for soldiers, and the rest is HOMEFRONT HERO.

Wounded war hero John Gallows finds himself in the unenviable position of having to learn to knit socks in public so that boys will join the ranks of Red Cross knitters.  You can imagine his lack of enthusiasm.  Nurse Leanne Sample takes her knitting very seriously, and isn’t about to let an arrogant poster boy make fun of her efforts.  She sees through Gallows’s bravado to his very deep pain.  It takes faith on both their parts to see why they make good partners.

At one point in every knitter’s life comes the challenge to “turn a heel,” or do those wondrous stitches that take a two-dimensional tube around a corner to make a three-dimensional sock.  It’s complicated as a whole, but simple when taken in small steps.  It looks daunting--and it is.  But it is doable, and a wonderful thing when accomplished.  Still, a knitter has to have faith in her instructions and in the truth that each row builds toward an end she might not yet see.

Sound like life?  Sound like faith?

John’s journey to making a sock isn’t about yarn and needles at all...it’s the perfect metaphor for his journey toward Christ, toward love, and toward healing (or in this case is it “heeling”?)

I hope you’ll enjoy this tale of wartime love that’s so near and dear to my romance-writing, sock-knitting, story-collecting heart!

My favorite gumbo recipe

Hi!  Winnie Griggs here.  Monday was an important day for my home state of Louisiana - it marked the 200^th anniversary of its statehood.  In honor of that auspicious occasion, I thought I’d post one of my favorite regional recipes - gumbo.  Every cook in Louisiana has her own version of this versatile dish.  This is mine - a recipe I’ve adapted over the years through tweaking one passed down from my grandmother.    

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup butter or vegetable oil
• 2 tblsp flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 can (14-15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 lb sliced okra (sautéed with ½ teaspoon vinegar until ‘slime’ is gone)
• 4 lbs meat - any one type or a combination of your favorites.  Meats that work well in a gumbo are sausage (cut into ½ inch slices), deboned chicken or other fowl, pork, shrimp, crawfish, crab or game meats
• Tabasco sauce or liquid crab boil to taste (optional)

Directions:

• Use flour and oil or butter to make a roux.
  Do this by combining ingredients in a heavy saucepan and cooking over a low heat,  stirring constantly until the mixtures is a medium brown color (about 10-15 minutes).
• Add garlic, onions, green onions, celery and bell peppers.  Cook until tender
• Add remaining ingredients except okra (and shellfish if applicable) and bring to a boil. 
• Reduce heat, cover and cook for 30 minutes, adding additional water if needed
• Add okra (and shellfish if applicable).  Return to a boil. 
• Reduce heat and simmer for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove bay leaves, skim excess oil, and serve over rice.

This makes a very large batch.  Leftovers can be frozen for later consumption.

So, do you have any favorite recipes that reflect your home region?  Care to share?

THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER

Debby Giusti here!

A surprise arrived in an email today.  My publisher sent the cover for my next book, THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER, an August Love Inspired Suspense.  As most of you know, authors submit detailed information, along with photos, explaining what they would like to see on their covers.  I've been lucky and have always loved what the Art Department created.

My story takes place on Fort Rickman, a fictional army post in Georgia.  The quarters where my heroine lives is a two-story brick home with a small front porch trimmed in white.  As you can see, the Art Department got it right, including the heroine standing at the upstairs window.

Do you have a funny cover story?  One you really, really liked?  One that was a terrible disappointment?  I hope the readers will share what they like to see on a cover and some of their favorites.

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

A day in the life of Lisa Mondello

Hello to all you Craftie Ladies followers from Lisa Mondello!!  It's good to see you again.  

Too often people have a wild view of what the life of a romance writer is like.  While I'd love to think of myself as living a life of luxury, enjoying having a maid clean my house, do my laundry, do my grocery shopping and put it away, and then carting kids around, I don't.  The only difference between me and my readers is that my day job allows me to work in my pajamas instead of pantyhose.  Don't get me wrong, I see that as a major perk to being a full time writer.

So today, I decided to give you a little glimpse into the world of a full-time fiction writer.  You can decide how close to your own life my life is or how "glamorous". 

You know how it is. We all have housekeepers who make our houses spotless while we sit in our huge beautifully decorated offices (boa wrapped around our neck) drinking Manhattans and eating chocolate as the words just flow from our fingers right on the computer screen.

Get real. THAT only happens in the movies. If you’re lucky enough to have a housekeeper, my hat is off to you. I wish. If the kids drop dishes in the sink, or the counter…or the kitchen table…they’re staying there until my scene is written, which may or may not happen before Project Runway is on, depending on how busy the day is. Thank God for the DVR!

I don’t own a boa and would hate one wrapped around my neck as I type.  It would tickle my nose and distract me.  In truth my writing day looks more like this…

6:00AM Get up with the kids, put on coffee, make sure every has what they need before they head out the door.

6:30AM Kids are on the school bus. I’m searching the house for “hairball presents” the cat left me during the night. Then check the front porch for any “other” cat presents. (Oh, joy, the dead rodent is the reason why my daughter screamed on her way to the bus.)

7:00AM I’m cleaning breakfast dishes (which means the kitchen will be clean until 2:30 when the kids get home), picking up the pile of clothes my daughters decided not to wear after 10 wardrobe changes and straightening the bathroom sink of makeup, hair products and electrical hair appliances. (Yes, that’s plural!)

8:00AM Sitting at my computer and drinking my first cup of coffee which is already getting cold and bitter because I made the pot at 6:00AM.

9:30AM Done with emails, Twitter, Facebook, and putting out any fires that need to be put out. Make a second pot of coffee.

10:00AM Deep into my WIP.

11:00AM Letting the dog outside because he’s whining at the door.

11:15AM Letting the dog back in because he’s whining outside the door.

11:30AM Yelling at the cat because I can hear him scratching the couch.

12:00PM Making my bed because the dog AND the cat want to sleep on it while I write. (Did I mention my “office” is in my bedroom? No glam office for me.)

12:30PM Having a fight with the cat because he insists on jumping on my desk and sleeping in front of the monitor. I lose, so I take a break for lunch.

1:00PM Cat is snoozing under my desk and dog is snoozing by my feet. I am writing.

2:05PM I jump in the shower. (Unless I’m on a deadline. Then all bets are off. Can’t waste precious time before kids get home.)

2:30PM Kids get off the school bus and start asking me to take them (Fill in the Blank).

The rest of the afternoon is usually a mix of driving kids to work or boyfriend’s houses and then picking people up. I make dinner, that is if I wasn’t smart enough to put something in the crock pot that morning. Have dinner with whichever member of the family happens to be home at the time. Clean up and then sit back down at the computer to get whatever writing time I can squeeze in before tackling laundry.

I can almost guarantee your life is more glamorous than mine. No? Make me feel better and tell me what your glamorous day, writing or otherwise, is like!

I love hearing from readers so you can email me at LisaMondello@aol.com, visit me at http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com and find me on Twitter at @LisaMondello.

A Love Rekindled Interview

Interview with the hero from A Love Rekindled by Margaret Daley, an April release.

1. Zane Davidson, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I was considered a bad boy in high school, which is probably the reason Kim Walters was attracted to me.

2. What do you do for fun?

I enjoy sailing when I can get away from work. I have to admit work consumed most of my time.

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

Seeing Kim Walters when I returned to Hope, Mississippi. I was angry with her for what happened when we were teenagers, and yet I couldn't get her out of my mind even after all these years we were apart.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Ending up like my dad who was the town alcoholic. I never want to be like him.

5. What do you want out of life?

To give back. In spite of my troubled teenage years, I was given a second chance to make something of myself. I want to help others have a second chance like I did.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

My word--if I say I'm going to do something, I mean it.

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

I don't usually have time to read books, but I would enjoy a suspense/adventure/thriller if I did.

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

All the lost time Kim and I had because of the past.

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

No, because I'm not home that much. A pet deserves its owner's attention. Maybe one day I can get a dog.

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

Fifteen years ago right before Kim and I broke up. Maybe I could changed the outcome.

FEATURED BOOK: A LOVE REKINDLED BY MARGARET DALEY

Do You Want My Help Or Not?"Kim Walters wants Zane Davidson's help all right. Her family is struggling to rebuild their home after a hurricane, and Zane is a successful contractor. But the fifteen years that have passed since they were high school sweethearts aren't about to magically melt away. Nothing can erase Mr. Walters's clear message—Zane wasn't good enough for his daughter. But now the Walters fortune is gone, and the town is reeling from the recent natural disaster. Can Kim and Zane find the faith to believe that some things work better the second time around?

Love Inspired Forums on Harlequin.com

Hi Everyone, Sandra Orchard here.

Did you know that Harlequin has forums for readers to interact with each other, and editors, and authors?

They recently spruced them up, giving them a new look and making them easier to navigate.

If you're new to the community, you'll have to join to comment. If you were previously a part of it, you'll have to re-update your profile. I found it still had me logged in, but had lost my profile pic etc.

To help you find the MOST IMPORTANT places on site, I've included them below for your convenience.

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/216-The-Christian-Cafe

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/53-Love-Inspired-Suspense

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/49-Love-Inspired-Historical

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/114-Ready-Set-Write!!!-2012-Goals

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/113-Writing-Inspirational-Romance

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/71-Emily-Rodmell-Love-Inspired-Love-Inspired-Historical-Love-Inspired-Suspense

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/213-The-Prayer-Room

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/203-RITA-Finalist-Reading-Challenge

http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/41-Love-Inspired

And one for Canadians (because I am...but this isn't part of the LI lineup):
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/119-I-am-Canadian

A quick added tip, since I just checked a link this morning that worked find for me when I drafted this post. 
I noticed that when I clicked the LIS link and perhaps the same is true of the others...I was taken to a general welcome page for all the forums.

But when I copy and paste the link into my browser, it takes me to the proper place. (I was already signed in in both cases. If you're not signed in or signed up for the community forums, you may have to do that first.)

ASPIRING WRITERS: This just in...pitch your story to LI editor Emily Rodmell!
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/281-Speed-Dating-with-Associate-Editor-Emily-Rodmell  Copy and paste in the link to avoid it defaulting to the forums welcome page.

RWA and The RITA Contest

Terri Reed here talking today about something near and dear to my heart.  In 1993 I joined a writers organization called Romance Writers of America®  

I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and needed something to distract me from the constant morning sickness (I had it from the moment I conceived until the moment she was born-Ick).  I took a class at the local community college on How to Write a Romance.  During the class the instructor gave us information about RWA.  I went to my first local RWA chapter meeting a week later and joined that night.  Through RWA I have learned the craft of story structure as well as the business side of writing, made some of my best friends, networked with agents and editors, and have served on the national board of directors for four years. 

Romance Writers of America®  (RWA) was chartered in 1981 to serve as a nonprofit trade association for romance writers.

The mission of Romance Writers of America is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. RWA works to support the efforts of its members to earn a living, to make a full-time career out of writing romance—or a part-time one that generously supplements his/her main income. To learn more about this organization visit http://www.rwa.org/cs/home

Every writer hopes their work will be recognized and appreciated by readers and peers alike.  In the romance world there are many contests open to authors but the contest that tops them all is Romance Writers of America’s RITA®.   In 2004 I was a RITA finalist with my second Love Inspired Romance novel titled A Sheltering Love.   Finalists receive a silver pin in the shape of the RITA®, which I proudly wear every year to the national conference. 

We have had several Craftie Ladies final and win in the RITA contest over the years.  Our 2012 finalist is Linda Goodnight.  (see sidebar)

Winners receive a gold pin and a gold statuette in the shape of a woman sitting on a stool with an open book in her lap. The statuette is named after RWA’s first president, Rita Clay Estrada.

From the RWA National website:  The purpose of the RITA® contest is to promote excellence in the romance
 genre by recognizing outstanding published romance novels and novellas.

About the Contest

Up to 1,200 romance novels from 12 different categories are entered in the RITA competition each year. A novel may be entered either by the author or by the book's publisher in one of the 12 categories. After the first round of judging by published romance authors, the competition narrows to approximately 100 finalists.

Once RWA announces the RITA finalists, a final round of judges evaluates and ranks these novels to determine the 12 RITA Award winners. 

Romance Writers of America will announce the winners of the 2012 RITA Awards during its Award Ceremony at its 32nd Annual Conference in Anaheim.

Mayerling: An Interesting Bit of History

Hi! Louise M. Gouge here. (I use my middle initial because, believe it or not, there are several other Louise Gouges in the U. S.)

As a writer of historical novels, I’m always looking for historical movies that bring to life interesting events of the past and showcase some fabulous settings. Usually I prefer films set in England or other parts of the British Isles, but you can’t beat the opulence of the palaces and castles of Austria, Germany, and France. I’m always amazed that the modern owners of these edifices permit their use for filmmaking. Maybe that helps to pay the taxes to keep the buildings open for future generations. Just guessing about that.

Anyway, last night I watched a three-hour miniseries entitled The Crown Prince (aka Kronprinz Rudolf), which tells the story of Crown Prince Rudolf, the late 19th Century heir to the Austrian-Hungarian throne. Although I have no doubt the filmmakers “tweaked” history, as they always do, I found this tragic story truly fascinating. If you would like to know more about the deaths of this handsome prince and his pretty, much younger mistress, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayerling_Incident for an overview and several theories about cover-ups of their assumed murder-suicide.

So why am I bringing this up on a blog devoted to historical romance, which specializes in happily-ever-after (HEA) stories? Well, first of all, any self-respecting historical fiction is based upon actual history, even if that history is merely a setting or background for the plot. Not only that, but I think it’s important to understand these tidbits of history because we are who we are today because of who these people were. If the filmmakers are correct, Prince Rudolf wanted to change things in Europe, both socially and politically. He wanted to help the poor and he wanted to influence all of Europe for the good. (Yes, that’s simplistic, but I’m not writing political commentary. :-)) If Rudolf had lived and succeeded with his reforms, perhaps there never would have been a need for the revolutions and wars that followed for the next fifty-some years. Millions upon millions of people all over the world were and have been affected by these two deaths, including you and me. It’s something to think about.

Another historical event/period that has had a lasting effect on subsequent generations is England’s Regency period. I have dipped my writing pen into this era with my first full-length Regency novel, A Proper Companion, which will be released in June from Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical imprint. In this story, an orphaned, impoverished vicar’s daughter is rescued from destitution by a handsome British major. Unlike the tale of poor Prince Rudolf and his lady love, my story definitely has a HEA ending. Look for it at CBD.com, Amazon.com, and your local Walmart. Please visit my blog at blog.Louisemgouge.com.

Barbara Vey's Readers' Appreciation Luncheon

Waiting for the readers to arrive for the Barbara Vey
Readers' Appreciation Luncheon

Debby Giusti here!

On April 10, I had the privilege and pleasure to join more than 30 other authors and nearly 250 readers for a lovely luncheon hosted by Publishers Weekly romance blog editor Barbara Vey.  The event was held in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, just outside of Milwaukee.  I flew in the day before, and fellow Love Inspired author Laura Scott picked me up at the airport.  After I checked into my hotel, we went out for dinner and talked about books and writing and how excited we were to take part in the readers' luncheon.

The next morning, I arrived at the event early to get my table ready.  Each of the ladies sitting with me received a copy of THE CAPTAIN'S MISSION, cute notepaper with a matching journal, a Bath and Body purse mirror, votive candle and candy.  I also brought a tropical print beach tote for the author drawing, which was won by librarian Barbara Roark.

The ladies at my table: L to R, Carol, Jenny, Estelle, Debby,
Carrie, Leila, Matty and Nadine.

Soon the readers started arriving, and my table quickly filled.  The ladies were delightful, and we all enjoyed the delicious lunch and the cute cupcakes decorated with my book covers.  We talked about kids and books and genres and whether we preferred electronic readers or print books. Heather Graham was the guest speaker, and an autographing followed the luncheon.  Everyone received a bag filled with books, and lots of the guests won gift baskets so everyone went home happy.

Librarian Barbara Roark won my tropical beach tote.
Doesn't the hot pink beach hat look cute on Barbara!

Fellow Love Inspired authors Allie Pleiter and Debbie Kaufman were at the luncheon as well as Laura Scott.  The day was a fantastic success and raised more than $2,000 for the libraries in the local area. Barbara plans to make the readers' appreciation luncheon a yearly event and said next year's event will be on April 27 so save the date!

Barbara Vey and I at the end of a delightful day!

Have you ever attended a readers' luncheon? If not, what other type of reader events have you enjoyed?

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
www.crossmyheartprayerteam.blogspot.com
Email me: Debby@DebbyGiusti.com

THE CAPTAIN'S MISSION, book two in my Military Investigation Series is available in print or e-book.

Watch for THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER, which will be released in August.

Pat Davids here, waving wildly from the wilds of Wyoming.

Yes, I'm on the road again. I can't seem to stay home this year. In the past six months I have been to Maine, Cancun, all around Kansas and now out to Thermopolis, Wy. Home of the world's largest mineral water hot springs. It's a hop, skip and a jump (by Wyoming standards) from Yellowstone. If you've never been, I say pack up the kids, throw in your fishing poles and come on out. You'll love it. However, the hot mineral water does smell bad. Once you get past that, the rest of the trip will be great.

I'm traveling with my parents, both in their eighties, and we are having a grand time. Today, I caught the biggest, most beautiful rainbow trout you have ever seen. On my first cast! Then, for the next three hours of our float down the river, I caught clump after clump of river moss. Happily, my brother and my dad did a little better. I didn't mind. The water was beautiful and so clear I could see fish scooting out of our way as we went past. We stopped near an island where the river ran on both sides in sparking ripples for several hundred yards. I told my brother, (our guide) that the water looked like it was laced with gems. He said they call it "Diamond Chop".  Choppy water that looks like diamonds. What a great description. I know I'll use it in a book some day.

Since I'm on the road again, I won't get back to check comments until later. Don't let that stop you from posting. I want to know where you spent your most memorable vacation? Disney World? Europe? Your own backyard? Share with me what you loved about it or hated about it. After all, most memorable doesn't always mean the best.
See you later.
Pat

Her Lone Star Cowboy Interview

How exciting to have Jess Holden the hero from HER LONE STAR COWBOY written by Debra Clopton an April 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. “Jess, tell me the most interesting thing about you,” I ask, a bit nervous because this interviewer is really intrigued by the mixture of seriousness and fun I sense in the dark haired, good looking Jess Holden.

He leans against the porch post outside the ranch office and thumbs his straw Stetson back. “Are you sure you want to do this interview with me?” His lips curve up into that smile that I realized immediately must make women sit up and pay attention. I nod and he hikes a dark brow. “Ok, but I’m just a cowboy who owns a third of a ranch I bought with my two brothers, Luke and Colt. My older brother Luke wanted us to buy this ranch and put down roots for our kids—when we have them. Not that I ever plan on having kids. I can’t remember my dad ever being sober and my mom left us when I was ten…just walked out. If it hadn’t been for Luke,” he shook his head and a sadness flashes in those eyes. “I don’t know what would have happened to me and Colt. I bought into the ranch to help Luke with his dream. That’s me in a nutshell. I’m a pretty laid back boring guy…oh and I don’t ever plan on marrying, not even for Luke. I have my reasons—hey, there you go. The answer to your question. I guess some folks might find me not ever planning on marrying something interesting wouldn’t they?”

2. “I’m sure there are a lot of people who would find that interesting. I’m sure they’d also like to know what it is you like to do for fun?”

Jess grins again. “The ranch and my cattle hauling business keep me pretty busy these days. But when I do go out the ladies know I’m not looking for forever or anything. Even the matchmaking posse of Mule Hollow understands that. They don’t even try to fix me up—which is a good thing, since I prefer to find my dates on my own—that’s fun to me.”

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

“Church. Me and God aren’t on the best of terms. I go to church when I absolutely have to, I guess you could say I feel like God abandoned me and my brothers right along with my parents.”

4. “That leads right into my next question. What are you afraid of most in life?”

He looks away, as if the question makes him uncomfortable. There is a hurt that I see deep in his eyes and it pulls me in. As a reporter I’m supposed to stay neutral, but this guy gets to me. I really would like to know what makes him tick. His gaze shifts back to meet mine. He smiles. “I’m afraid of marriage. I’m afraid of giving control of my happiness over to a woman.”

5. Wow. “Okay that’s fair. So in that case what is the most important thing to you?”

“That’s easy. My brothers and their happiness is the most important thing to me.”

6. Sweet. “Um, next question. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?”

“Now that’s a question I didn’t see coming. I read anything on ranching and cattle I can find. I guess you already figured out I don’t read romances,” Jess says, and then winks! “I will tell you though, yesterday I had to pull this irresponsible veterinarian assistant out of flood waters! Gabi Newberry is her name, and I just happened to come up on her when she was falling into a ditch of raging water…it was thundering and lightening and if I hadn’t come along she’d have disappeared downstream like my hat did! It was a violent lightning storm going on and she was out in it instead of sitting in her stuck truck and waiting on help to arrive.” He frowns, “Sorry, I got a little carried away. What I was trying to say is that people who read romances would probably think that was a good opening to a romance novel—which is exactly why I don’t read them.”

7. A bit flustered by the cowboy’s wink, I laugh. “Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?”

“We have some cattle dogs but that’s it. Hey, I could take one of them into see that cute vet tech.”

My ears perk up. “But, you called her irresponsible a few minutes ago.”

“True, but for some reason I can’t get her out of my head.”

“Hmm, romance in the air?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. She was just…intriguing.”

8. I’ll have to check back on that. “This is my last question. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?”

His jaw jerks and those gorgeous green eyes shadow. “I wouldn’t go back. I’m moving forward like I’ve always done since I was a kid. Me and my brothers are going to make a success of this ranch and I’m going to watch my future nieces and nephews play and grow here. I’ve closed the door on my past and even if I could change something about my parents I wouldn’t. They made their choices. Life is good now and I’m looking straight ahead.”