Romance Novel Themes

 

Good morning, Renee Ryan here.  In honor of a personal anniversary I have a special giveaway today, but more on that later.  Thirty years ago I read my first romance novel.  At the time, I was in college, pursuing a double major in Economics and Religious Studies.  Both subjects required intensive reading of complicated material.  A sorority sister noticed my eyes crossing after a long night of study and took pity on me.  She handed me a Harlequin Presents romance novel and said, “Take a break.” 

 

I was hooked.  Romance novels became my greatest treat after a long day of studying or test taking.  At the time, I never dreamed I’d one day write a novel (see my majors up above) or that I would write for the company where it all began for me.  I certainly never dreamed I would incorporate some of very same themes I enjoyed all those years ago.   Here is a list, in no particular order, of my favorite romance novel themes.

• Marriage of Convenience
• Reunion/Old Flame
• Fish out of water (i.e. city girl on a ranch, etc.)
• Cowboy
• Matchmaker/Matchmaker kids
• Widow/widower
• Single parent
• Twins
• Mistaken identity
• Nanny
• Guardian/Protector/Lawman
• Bad boy and Good girl

Within each of these themes are a million different storylines.   I’ve used one or more in all of my published novels to date.  For example, I used marriage of convenience and widow/widower in my book HEARTLAND WEDDING.  In MISTAKEN BRIDE I had twins, mistaken identity, nanny, single parent, and widow/widower.

 

I guess it’s true what they say, there are no new stories just new ways to tell them.

What about you?  When did you first start reading romance novels and what are your favorite themes?  Leave a comment and I’ll put your name in a drawing to win my November release FINALLY A BRIDE, book 7 in my Charity House series.  By the way, FINALLY A BRIDE has the reunion/old flame and matchmaker themes.   

What's Your Favorite Marriage Proposal?

Hello, Sandra Orchard, here.

Last week I giddily shared on my Facebook Author Page that the hero in my current WIP had just asked my heroine to marry him!!!

I know, I know…it sounds like I gave away the ending, but I didn't say that that was the end! (hee, hee, hee, she laughed in her best suspense voice)

Okay, maybe it was. But I couldn't help myself!

I love writing marriage proposals, perhaps because my own wasn't terribly romantic. Not like one FB friend who shared that her husband dressed like a knight-in-shining-armor to ask her!

Although…at the time, I remember being pretty giddy about my husband-to-be's proposal, too!

The story is actually a tad humorous. I can't remember a more gorgeous star-filled night than the first time my now-husband kissed me. It was a world-tilting kiss. He must've thought so, too, because he felt the need to tell me that this didn't mean we were getting married or anything, then kissed me again.

Fast forward two months: We're chatting in the family room of my parents' basement about I don't remember what when he suddenly says "Will you marry me?"

The question literally came out of nowhere. I said "yes." We kissed and agreed that we shouldn't tell anyone yet.

I was seventeen at the time.

And then we went right on talking about whatever we'd been talking about!

But…

I had high hopes that one day he'd present me with a ring and that that…would be romantic.

Nope.

I can't remember if I was expecting it, but I'd cooked us a special dinner for two and just before we sat down to eat, he plopped a ring box beside my plate and said something like "I got you something."

He must have sensed how horrified I was, because he quickly snatched it back and dropped to one knee. LOL

However, I must say that since I took up writing, my husband has become truly inspiring in the romance department. For example…when I arrived at the airport following my first American writer's conference, he was waiting for me outside the baggage area in his best suit and tie, holding a sign like the limo drivers do so that clients can find their driver.

My husband's sign said "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World." Ahhh.

Okay, stop your snickering about love being blind. Sheesh!

Your Turn: What's your favorite or most memorable proposal from a book, movies or real life?

Sandra Orchard writes romantic suspense/mysteries for Love Inspired Suspense and Revell Publishing. Current releases include Fatal Inheritance and Deadly Devotion. Click here: for fun bonus features for all her novels. Subscribe to her newsletter for extra bonuses, or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard


Photo Credits in order:
Proposal Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net  
Armored Knight Image courtesy of digidreamgrafix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Ring Image courtesy of Surachai at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Readers are everywhere!

Knitters line up for my novels at VogueKnitting Live

Those of you who know me understand my passion for knitting.  I’ve been spending the last few years discovering what I always knew:  readers and knitters and knitters are readers!  Still, it’s fun to share one’s love of books in a non-literary setting, and this past Saturday I got to do just that as I gave out copies of my newest novel THE FIREFIGHTER'S MATCH.

Since so many of my novels contain knitting characters, I discover lots of new readers at events like VogueKnitting Live, the yarn and fiber arts conference hosted in Chicago (and other cities) for the past two years.  Several of the yarn shops I feature in my knitting blog “DestiKNITions” are kind enough to host book giveaways for me.  It’s always great fun to watch a person’s eyes light up when they realize you are giving them a book--especially a romance that shares their love of knitting.  Some of them are brand new to Love Inspired and thank me for introducing them to the line.  We always end up chatting, sharing favorite books and new yarn purchases, and having great fun.

Introducing a new reader to the Love Inspired line

Those of us who love books know that fondness extends beyond the bookstore or the library.  We’re the people who stop folks on the bus or at the airport with questions like “What are you reading?” “Did you like it?” or “Oh, that was one of my favorites!”

Look in my handbag at any given moment, and two things will always be in there:  a book and some knitting.  I’m ready for a few moments of bliss no matter where I am!  

Finally A Bride Interview

How exciting to have Molly Taylor Scott, the heroine from FINALLY A BRIDE written by Renee Ryan, a November 2013 release from Love Inspired Historical.

1.  Molly, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I’m a runaway bride, or so everyone in town thinks.  I’ve been engaged two times, married none.  The whole town believes I was the one to beg off, but my deepest secret is that both of my fiancés ended out engagements.  They claimed I wasn’t in love with them.  They were right.  I’ve always been in love with Garrett Mitchell.  But still.  It’s humiliating to know I can’t keep a man.

2.  What do you do for fun? I love to make bonnets and hats and all sorts of accessories.  I especially enjoy taking someone else’s creation and making it better.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? Telling Garrett the truth about my broken engagements. 

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? That Garrett really doesn’t love me.  That he doesn’t believe in me enough to trust that my feelings for him are the real thing.

5.  What do you want out of life? A family of my own.  I was born to a prostitute and spent the early part of my childhood at Charity House, an orphanage (of sorts) for prostitutes’ by-blows.  My sister and her husband eventually adopted me and became my parents.  But they aren’t really my parents.  It’s hard not knowing where I belong.

6.  What is the most important thing to you? Family.  As much as I love my parents, I so want my own family, but only with Garrett. 

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would have the courage to leave Denver and make a life with Garrett wherever he wants to go.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I’m a personal companion to a wealthy, prominent widow in town.  She has a large tabby cat named Lady Macbeth.  We get on very well together.  Does that count?

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in? 1890s Denver isn’t a cow town anymore, but a very modern, metropolitan city, one that rivals many larger cities out East.  We get some of the best traveling opera troops, as well as acting troops.  I adore any stage production.  Garrett hates them all.  I find it rather charming that he sits through them for me.      

FEATURED BOOK:Finally A Bride by Renee Ryan

Reclaiming the Runaway Bride 

Seven years and two broken engagements haven't erased Garrett Mitchell from Molly Scott's mind. Her employer insists Molly and Garrett belong together. To appease the well-meaning matchmaker, the pair agrees to a pretend courtship. But too late, Molly finds herself falling for a man who might never trust her. 

Garrett is a prominent Denver attorney now, not the naive seventeen-year-old who always felt second-best. Surely the string of suitors Molly's left behind only proves her fickleness. Does Garrett dare believe that she has only ever been waiting for him? The third engagement could be the charm, for his first—and only—love. 

Charity House: Offering an oasis of hope, faith and love on the rugged Colorado frontier

Good Thing Friday

Trick or Treat!!

Okay, no tricks! But we do have some treats for you. Danica Favorite here, and I was going through some old photos from college, and I found a picture of my favorite costume ever. Yup, that's me (and someone else- but I have no idea who it was) dressed as a pig. Throughout high school and college, pigs were my favorite animals. Now I'm more of a chicken lover, thanks to my pet chickens. But I don't think I'll be dressing up as a chicken anytime soon. It's been a long time since I dressed up for Halloween.

How about you? Do you dress up for Halloween? Do you have a favorite costume you've worn over the years?

Now for the treats...
As you know, we've been giving away books on Thursdays, so comment on the post for your chance to win. Here are the details on our Thursday giveaways in case you missed them: http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/2013/10/announcing-our-october-reader-contest.html

Last week's winner was Jackie Smith!!

And, since I don't yet have a release date for my book, I don't have a book to give away. But don't despair, I've got a special treat for you. If you're entering the giveaway, just let me know which current release from our authors you'd like to win, and I'll make sure you get a copy! This week's winner will also get a book from Lenora Worth, Rhonda Gibson, and Margaret Daley.

The Cycle of Life. Christine Johnson

This time of year always reminds me of the ever-changing cycle of life. Spring's reawakening and brilliant colors usher in a burst of energy for those of us living in the north. The days get longer. The sun wakes me at five in the morning and stays up until almost ten o'clock at night. I feel energized.

Autumn brings a less exciting promise. The sun will sleep longer. The leaves turn color and fall to the ground as the earth prepares for the long winter's rest. My energy wanes, and I look forward to an extra hour of sleep when we move from daylight saving time to standard time.

It's at this time of year many years ago that my grandfather died from cancer - my first brush with death. Recently, friends have lost family members - sons, husbands, wives. How easy it would be to see only the falling leaves and the stark earth, yet God has given us a promise through His Son. I see that promise in the vibrant colors of autumn leaves. They remind me that spring will arrive in due time with rebirth and renewal. So too will life begin again in an entirely new and vibrant way, far beyond anything we can imagine. Through all seasons, He is there, showing us hope.

Give someone a hug today and shine a little light in their lives.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)



Christine Johnson
Groom by Design - coming July 2014
http://christineelizabethjohnson.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChristineJohnsonAuthor
Twitter: @ChristineJWrite

Whirlwind Weekend!

Debby  Giusti here!

Hubby and I just got home from a whirlwind weekend. We live in the Atlanta area and headed north to Columbus, Ohio, on Friday to attend a family wedding. The weather was gorgeous, and the countryside along the way was beautiful. In Tennessee, the road was literally chiseled out of rock in many of the mountainous areas, and the views into the valleys were breathtaking. 

As a military brat, I lived at Fort Knox, KY, and love the bluegrass state and especially Lexington's horse country. The stretches of white fences and stables, along with the black tobacco barns are unique to the area. Once in Covington, we crossed  the Ohio River into Cincinnati and picked up Interstate 71 West. From there to Columbus, the land is flat and dotted with farms that are so picturesque with the red barns and huge silos. Ohio is known for its corn, and from the looks of the stalks in the fields, this year's crop was plentiful.

Saturday was spent at the wedding and reception with lots of time to visit with family. The next morning we attended church and then drove to my Alma Mater, The Ohio State University. Although there has been lots of growth over the years, I felt like I was coming home!   

Leaving Columbus that afternoon, we headed back to the Lexington area and spent the night with other relatives. Again, we had much to talk about and enjoyed being together.
I completed a synopsis for a new story as we traveled and thought of other ideas that might turn into future books, my inspiration fueled by the sights we passed along the way. 

It's good to be home, but seeing family was so special. What's your favorite getaway weekend? Are you close enough to spend the weekend with family? 

The weather was cold and the leaves changed while we were gone. Are you enjoying the colorful fall foliage in your part of the country?

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

THE SOLDIER’S SISTER

By Debby Giusti

WHO WILL PROTECT HER?

Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. A warning to leave town is just the beginning. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help and protection. But can she trust him when he’s convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to two men—an estranged brother whose trust she yearns to regain and an agent she may be falling for—Stephanie doesn’t know who or what to believe. As feelings between her and Brody escalate, she’ll have to choose sides to stay alive.

Available now at Amazon.

Lifelong learning...and Novelists Inc.

When I finished graduate school years ago, I figured my education days were over, barring the ongoing, continuing education hours required for a registered dietitian.  And then...I became a writer. I became so excited about this new world that I approached it as if I were embarking on a self-guided graduate program--went to every conference I could find, bought endless tapes of writing workshops, accumulated stacks of writing books...on and on and on.

And now--thirty books later--that love of trying to learn more about writing has never changed.  Late last night, our daughter Emily (and aspiring author, who provides some support services for the business end of my writing) and I returned from the Novelists Inc conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  What an experience that was!  We drove in sleet and slushy light snow the entire way to Chicago, where we caught our plane, then arrived at a beautiful Marriott Grand Dunes, where the food was wonderful and we walked barefoot on a sunny, sandy beach for an hour every day.

But the best part was just how wonderful the conference was.  I've been a Ninc member for years but had never attended.  Have I ever missed the boat!  The conference is focused on the needs of the published author, and the workshops ran all day and then from 8-10pm in the evening.  When I told my husband about the busy schedule, he said dryly, "Well, that sure sounds like fun!"  I think he would have opted for days exploring the beautiful area, but I was thrilled to have every minute count and have already registered for next year.  I love the RWA and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Authors) conferences too, but the Ninc is now a welcome addition!

I'd love to hear about where your own passions lie.  Certain hobbies? Sports?  A career you love?  Have you every attended a truly special conference that really made a difference for you?  I'd love to hear about it!

Anyone commenting here, who is a USA resident will be entered in drawing for a free book of their choice from my backlist--which can be found at my website, www.roxannerustand.com.  There will be three winners, to be chosen on Friday!

All the best,
Roxanne Rustand

Life gets back to normal, but lessons are learned.

I have been a bit scarce on this blog, and for that I am sorry.
We lost a family member two weeks ago today, and his passing still stings. He was 21, and he died in a car accident.
And in these terrible days since, I've discovered how complex grieving is. I've lost family members before, but when it is one so young, so full of life, we who are older pause, and feel it deeply. I  was mad even at him for dying and hurting us all. It's crazy, but that was how I felt.
And if there is anything I can take out of this, is the comfort of Jesus' words when he said, "No one can snatch you from my hands."
God loves us, and even though we sin and make tons of mistakes, his love endures forever.
Another thing that has caught me in all this is that when our younger generation, our children, our grandchildren, even, do dumb things and we want to yell at them, we must remember that God is the one in charge here. God loves all of us sinners, and only after asking for His guidance and through Christian love can we approach anyone else. So soon we and our loved ones are separated, and we must answer all in love.
Next time your son or daughter acts up, remember to stop a moment, pray and above all, tell him or her that you love them.
We're slowly returning to a 'normal' life without Logan, but we ask for comfort (yes, if you are hurting too, ask God to comfort *you*, and he will) and wisdom. Grief is difficult and complex and turns into a terrible slurry of emotions, but in the midst of that, as we sang at Logan's funeral:

The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/matt_redman/10000_reasons_bless_the_lord.html

Love your children, your family, and in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, and God will be there lifting you up in your struggles.
Today is Sunday. Attend the church of your choice.
Blessings,
Barbara Phinney

Good Thing Fridays

The Craftie Ladies would like to set aside Fridays to acknowledge and celebrate the good things that are happening in our lives and we hope that you will join in and tell us about the blessings you have encountered as well.

Autumn recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili

courtesy of www.sxc.hu

Lacy Williams here with a cool weather recipe you can curl up with--and maybe win a good book, too!

We live in Oklahoma Sooner country and now that the weather has cooled off, we've gone from hamburgers and hot dogs for our watch parties to foods that favor the autumn temps.

I tried this chicken chili a couple weeks ago to rave reviews. Hope you like it too!

Don't forget that anyone who comments during the month of October is entered for a chance to win books. See details here.

Hearty White-Bean Chicken Chili

 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
 1 small onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
 1 can Rotel green chile flavor
 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian spices (can substitute oregano)
 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
 2 cups frozen corn
 1-1.5 pound chicken breasts
 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans
 1 pinch salt & pepper to taste

Warm a skillet on medium. Heat the olive oil and then carmelize the onions and garlic. Dice the chicken and add it to skillet. Cook until it starts to turn white, then shred (I use two forks to pull the meat apart).

Add the chicken broth, Rotel, beans and spices and simmer for about twenty minutes. Alternately, once you cook the chicken, onions and garlic you can throw it all in a crockpot on high for an hour and then serve.

In a house like mine, with little kids and lots of chaos, easy is better, and this recipe worked for me. What's your favorite chili or soup recipe? Don't forget to leave a comment.

In honor of her sixth full-length book releasing, Lacy will do an additional giveaway. Anyone who joins her newsletter list by clicking here before Sunday, October 27, will be entered to win one of three copies of RETURN OF THE COWBOY DOCTOR. Good luck!

 

Getting Creative... in a new way!

Hi everyone! Danica Favorite here. Recently I had the opportunity to attend a class on art journaling. I've always been fascinated by creativity and creative pursuits- obviously, because I'm a writer. But visual art is something that's always been something I've been afraid of. I'll be honest. I'm not a great artist. I have never been able to do anything in a straight line. But when my friend said she wanted to teach a class on art journaling, I was curious and signed up.

Wow! What a freeing experience! I am in love! The first thing I learned is that you don't have to be good to make art. It reminded me of an art phase I was in while in college. I painted and colored, and did all sorts of artsy things. But I stopped when people told me I wasn't very good at it. Well, I'm not good at it. I'll never win awards or make any money with my art, but you know what? It felt good.

So I've signed up for more art journaling classes. I am in heaven. I'm learning to make my mistakes beautiful and, even better, I'm learning a lot about how to incorporate art into my spiritual life. Even though my kids look at the stuff I'm making and politely tell me it's interesting (code for, can you be any worse at this?), I am so happy!

The photo you see is one of my first attempts at creative lettering. I'm finding it addictive, to be perfectly honest. When I did my first one, I realized that I used to doodle like this all the time. For whatever reason, I stopped, but now that I've learned about art journaling, I'm going to do even more!

Are you an artist? Do you have an art journal? I'm curious to hear what your experiences with art are.

Newsletters

Hi Terri Reed here wanting to know what you think of newsletters.  Do you like them?  Do you intentionally go to an author's website and sign up for one?  Does offering a book or other gift as incentive motivate you to sign up for an author's newsletter?  What do you like to see in an author's newsletter?

 Last year I started a newsletter.  I decided to put one out quarterly to highlight a recent release.
I have a small group of people who receive my emailed newsletter and another small group that I send a hard copy to, usually in response to hand written letters that I receive from readers.  My virtual assistant and I have tried to make the newsletter interesting with a bit of personal info, a recipe and of course news of the new release.
My third newsletter has released this past week to coincide with my upcoming November release TEXAS K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS. If you're interested in seeing the newsletter, stop by my website www.terrireed.com.  On the right side of the site is a link to sign up for the newsletter.

And don't forget this coming Thursday to stop in and leave a comment to receive some books!  See our past Thursday posts for more information on our blog giveaway.

CHRISTMAS COMES WRAPPED IN DANGER… 

Holiday Hero by Shirlee McCoy 

Emma Fairchild never expected to find trouble in sleepy Sagebrush, Texas. But when she's attacked and left for dead in her own diner, her childhood friend turned K-9 cop Lucas Harwood offers a chance at justice—and love. 

Rescuing Christmas by Terri Reed 

She escaped a kidnapper, but now a killer has set his sights on K-9 dog trainer Lily Anderson. When fellow officer Jarrod Evans appoints himself her bodyguard, Lily knows more than her life is at risk—so is her heart. 

Texas K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners

And So I Ride the Rollercoaster

Pamela Tracy here and I'm the luckily woman in the world

See, living in my house, besides a husband and cat, is an eight-year-old boy.

And boy is he a boy.

I have the Dennis the Menace boy.

He and his friends love to take the shovels and dig deep holes in the backyard.  They find pieces of wood and make ramps in the street to ride their bikes and scooters over.  They build lego worlds all over the floors of my house so that I can, barefoot, step on small pieces.  He's the food all over the face kid.

He wants to be a hot dog for Halloween.

A hot dog?

LOL

His rowdy side made its way as Caleb in my 2012 Once Upon a Christmas from Love Inspired.  His sweet side mades its way into my 2010 Daddy for Keeps from Love Inspired.

As for me, I can fill in backyard holes (actually my hubby does that).  I can put band aides on his cuts he gets when the ramp malfunctions (really, 8 year old malfunctions).  I build legos with him, and offer a wash cloth after he eats.

Yesterday we were at a carnival.  I probably walked twenty miles in a corn maze (I found the way out!).  I rode pushcarts, played putt putt golf, took a hayride, and rode the haunted train.

The black moment (last time I wrote about this I used the Heroe's Journey) was the rollercoaster.

I hate roller coasters.  I'm afraid of heights and don't much trust a gadget that goes up and down and fast.      

Still, I'm in line with the 8 year old, going to sit in the car and go up and down and around.

The stupid thing breaks right before our turn.  Eighty percent of the line walks away when they hear "It'll take at least 20 minutes to fix."  Here comes a mechanic (Later, he was selling kettle corn)

Now, I have to get on a roller coaster right after it's broken down!

And I did it.

Because in 5 years, my son will want a friend to ride with him instead of me.  In 10 years, he'll go to carnivals by himself.  In fifteen years, he'll go with his wife.  And, in 20 years, he'll go with his own 8 year old.

And so I ride the rollercoaster of life.  

Taming the Texas Rancher Interview

How exciting to have Hannah Young from TAMING THE TEXAS RANCHER written by  Rhonda Gibson  a  October 2013 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Hannah, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I would have to say the most interesting thing about me is my love of reading. That may not be interesting to others but I think it is because I try to read the most current fiction novels of my day.

2.  What do you do for fun? Read

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? I love horses but because of a childhood accident I’m afraid to ride them. So for many years I have avoided riding them but to prove myself to Daniel, I have to learn to ride again without being afraid of the horse.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life? Not being accepted as I am. You see, because of the horse accident I now live with a limp and hate that others see me as less of a person because of it.

5.  What do you want out of life? To be loved and to be trusted.

6.  What is the most important thing to you? I want to become the person I was when I was a child. I want to work on the ranch beside my future husband, Daniel.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  My height. I wish I was taller so others would take me more serious.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I recently got a puppy named, Buttons. Buttons came from a large family and needed a home plus the little boy that gave her to me is so cute, I couldn’t refuse him.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in? This is the news of the year, at least I thought so: Geronimo Surrenders! The last major Indian War in the USA ends when the Apache Chief Geronimo surrenders at Skeleton canyon after a decade-long campaign of terror to discouraged settlers in New Mexico and Arizona. He and his tribe agreed to move to Florida.

FEATURED BOOK: TAMING THE TEXAS RANCHER BY RHONDA GIBSON

Race to the Altar 

Though he'd never planned to wed, Daniel Westland must marry and produce a grandchild before his brother does in order to inherit the family ranch. Leave it to him to pick a mail-order bride who insists on being courted! Yet every time Daniel wonders if Hannah Young is even suited to rugged living, the petite schoolteacher shows her gumption. 

What man sends away for a bride but doesn't really want to get married? Hannah came to Granite, Texas, hoping to find love and security, and she can't settle for less than a true partnership. If the brooding, handsome rancher can just learn to trust in Hannah, their future could be as filled with promise as this bountiful land.

Good Thing Friday

The Craftie Ladies would like to set aside Fridays to acknowledge and celebrate the good things that are happening in our lives and we hope that you will join in and tell us about the blessings you have encountered as well.

It's My Anniversary. Let's Give Away Some Books!

 

 As much as I love beautiful weddings, I didn't have one. No cake.  No dress. No church. No guests. Nothing but the man and a ring. Oh, and a bottle of Dr. Pepper!  I guess you could say we eloped.  Forty years later on this beautiful fall day, we are celebrating a milestone anniversary. Same man, same ring, and lots of miles filled with laughter and tears, and always love and faith. Think he'll buy me another Dr. Pepper?

Now, let's celebrate in style by giving away some books.  WE HAVE A WINNER! (I feel so powerful when I type that.)  Drawn from last Thursday's comments and the winner of some wonderful Love Inspired books is.... Paula O!

More books! I'm excited to be paired with the fantabulous Debbie Macomber in a re-release of The Gift of Christmas , available for pre-order now and scheduled to hit stores Oct. 29. No wedding in it but lots of Christmas to get you in the spirit.

So grab a Dr. Pepper and celebrate with me today. 

 Did you have a wedding? Where? What's your favorite wedding memory? Or favorite wedding scene in a book or movie?

(Comment and be entered into next week's book drawing!!)

 

Linda Goodnight

http://www.lindagoodnight.com