FEATURED BOOK: A Ranch to Call Home by Leann Harris

A Cowboy's Promise 

The thrill of the rodeo is gone for cowboy Caleb Jensen. Nowadays, he helps out at a Texas ranch, keeping bad memories locked away. Then the ranch owner's granddaughter unexpectedly returns home—with a request he can't accept. Former army captain Brenda Kaye is organizing a charity rodeo, and she needs Caleb to get back in the saddle. She's determined to save her family's ranch, even if it means working with the smart-aleck cowboy—and uncovering the mysteries that lie in their pasts. Brenda's used to the dangers of war, but if she trusts Caleb, could the next casualty be her heart? 

Rodeo Heroes: Only love can tame these cowboys 

Good Thing Friday

Thursday Sisterhood with Carolyne Aarsen

Family Status:_______Happily married__________________ 

What Is Your Favorite Beverage: ____Earl Grey Steamer___________________

What Is Your Favorite Food: ___Greek yogurt with Granola and Blackberries - that makes me sound like I always make healthy food choices, which isn't always true, but I do love the stuff.

What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: ______Watch Netflix and knit/make cards/read/exercise - I don't like to do any one thing - I like to mix it up

Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: ______My husband - he's been an example and an inspiration__________

First Book You Fell in Love With: ________Little Women________________________

A Book You Wish You’d Written: __________The Moonflower Vine, still one of the best books I've ever read_______________________

First Book Published: __Homecoming______________________________

Most Recent Book: ________A Father's Promise______________________________

Out Next: _______________A Father in the Making_____________________________

How Many Have You Written: ______________47______________________ 

What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: ____Take care of your body, exercise, be faithful with the time given and don't fritter it away watching dog videos on you-tube___

What is Your Favorite Bible Story: __________Joseph - I love the whole rising-above-adversity parts._______________________

What is Your Favorite Hymn: ____Oh Lord of Hosts How Lovely - based on Psalm 84 - I am drawn to the yearning in the song and the plaintive tune______________ 

What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: ________For contentment in my life both for myself and my family_______________

Do you know what a Pick-up rider is? by Leann Harris

Caleb working on the ranch.

A Ranch to Call Home is out this month.  I've written about my heroine ex-captain Brenda Kaye in other blog posts (LI site) and how she showed up in another book wanting her own book.  Well, once I had such a strong heroine, it was awhile before I knew how the hero in her story was.  My hubby and I still get a traditional newspaper and there in the Metro section, I found my hero, Caleb Jensen.  The newspaper story talked about a man who worked strictly as a pick-up rider.  He's the only cowboy guaranteed a pay-check, and my hero needed a consistent pay-check to help support his younger brother.

Caleb is one of those men who you can count on, unflappable, but all the ladies around the rodeo circuit knew if you wanted a forever after guy, don't waste your time on Caleb Jensen.  Once I started asking Caleb questions about his past, what I learned nearly brought me to tears.  He was, an emancipated minor, who cared for his younger brother.  When Caleb sees Kaye, he knows she's a fellow survivor and he allows himself to dream of things he never thought possible.  So, not only did I have a heroine who barged into a book, with me knowing her entire past, I had a hero who wasn't will to part with his secrets.  They're a great match.

Stop. Look. Listen. Write.

Pamela Tracy here, and today, I'm reporting the news.

"Don't be above bending down to investigate an old rusty tin can," says Mary, a California woman who along with her husband found a stash of gold coins (possibly worth ten million) buried on her property just last week.

Hmmm.

Sounds like a suspense novel to me.  

Perhaps you've read the story. 

gold coins found

When I was in college, I was in love with a cowboy named Greg.  I write cowboys, and I actually dated one.  (I let him get away.  I wasn't not really bright when I was in college).  Here's the true test.  Cowboys never wear shorts.  Yup, it's true.  Think of all the cowboy covers you've seen.  Never will you see hat, boots,  and SHORTS.  Greg, to my knowledge, didn't own a pair of shorts.

One of my memories of Greg is of driving home from Six Flags over Texas (I lived in Abilene, back then, so yes, land of the Cowboys.  Hey, they even named their football team right.)  We were on a dirt road and it was about two in the morning (I'm tired, tired, tired, and want to go home).  Greg sees a brown grocery back on the side of the road.  Clearly there's something in it.

"I need to look," he says.

"No," says I.  (Keep in mind, I wasn't a writer back then, just a lowly college student)

"It could be money," he says.

"Not a chance," says I.  

I'm a different woman now.  And, see, the thing about being a writer is, that brown grocery bag can be anything I want.

Right now, I'm writing a suspense.  If there were to be a brown bag found, Native American artifacts would be in it.

What are you writing?  And, should a brown paper bag be found in the next chapter, what could you put in it?

Pamela Tracy is the author of twenty-six books.  Her next release What Janie Saw is a May 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming.  It contains no brown grocery bags, and no brown grocery bags were harmed in the writing of the book.

Stories, Stories Everywhere

by Jean C. Gordon

Readers often ask, "Where do you get your story ideas? "My short answer is "Life." Maybe I should refine that to "Ordinary Life."

For instance the idea for my first published book, a sweet romance, came from the experience of another family that was adopting a Korean baby from the same agency we used to adopt our son. The Korean agency had a strict rule of allowing only married couples to adopt its children. Sadly, after a child was placed with a local family, the mother died before the adoption was finalized. Initially, the agency wanted to take the child back. I don't know what actually happened, but the resolution in my story is a happy one--naturally.

An article I read at work in The Wall Street Journal  planted the seed of my second book. It was about a financial planner who scammed older people. In my book, the hero's grandmother was scammed. My heroine works for the practice that scammed her. Of course, she knows nothing about it. But the hero doesn't know that.

Small-Town Sweethearts, my first Love Inspired Romance grew from a comment a family member made about how she liked their new church because it was more formal, and she could worship privately there. In contrast, I really like our church because of the fellowship the congregation shares. I started thinking about the value of Christian fellowship and how different people perceive it, and the story unfolded.

An incident my daughter experienced as a midwife inspired my latest Love Inspired, Small-Town Midwife. I thought, what if Autumn, my midwife heroine, no longer has the confidence to catch babies. Then, I brought in Dr. Jon Hanlon who exudes nothing but confidence in his technical app roach to delivering babies. How could a romance not develop?

Think about your life. How many story ideas do you see?

The Lawman's Honor Interview

How exciting to have Heath Monroe, the hero from The Lawman’s Honor by Linda Goodnight, a  March, 2014, release from Love Inspired Romance.

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

For most of my adult life, I’ve worked for the DEA. I’m proud of the work and the number of  bad guys I helped put away, but a man gets tired of that kind of life. Always moving, always keeping relationships at arm’s length for safety’s sake.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I like to kick back and watch some basketball on the tube when I have time, which isn’t often. And when I get down to Houston I have a blast with my brothers and their kids. I have this little niece who has a piece of my heart.

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

 Well, you see, I met this woman, or rather, she met me when I crashed my SUV on these crazy, winding, dark, Ozark roads. I like her but I found out something pretty incriminating about her late husband. I want to tell her, but I dread hurting her and besides, what if she’s involved?

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I’m a former DEA agent. Fear is a four letter word.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

I promised on my father’s grave I’d that ferret out the bad guys and make a difference on this planet. Holding to that promise means everything. I carry my dad’s badge at all times as a reminder.

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

I’ve been known to pick up a thriller.

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

I can be a little intense and suspicious. Both come in handy in my line of work, but in relationships, not so much.

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

No pets but I wouldn’t mind owning a one someday. My brother jokes that I’m socially deficient because I’ve never owned a dog.

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

Easy one. I’d go back to the morning my dad died and make sure I told him I loved him. And that I was proud to be his son.

Good Thing Friday

Real Strength Comes Through Enduring Hardships

Janet Lee Barton here--Can you believe the winter we've all had? From coast to coast, border to border, I think this is one of the worst winters I've seen in a while. Between freezing temps, snow and ice, horrible traffic jams and electrical outages, one can begin to wonder if Spring will ever get here.

I planted pansies in the fall, but before they had a chance to really get going, in blew the winds of winter! Then it warmed up and they perked up. Then it got really cold again...blanketing them with snow or ice or both, over and over again. I watched as they peaked out from it all and then hid again--numerous times. But with the above normal temperatures we've had in the last few days, they have begun to perk up,  even opening a few new blossoms.

These delicate flowers are so much stronger than they appear. Kind of like some of our heroines from our hero's point of view.  But give them some hardships and watch them blossom! 

That's what I try to show in the stories in my LIH Boardinghouse Betrothal series. Women who've become stronger for what they've gone through in their pasts. Look for Elizabeth's story, A Home For Her Heart, in September and Rebecca's story, no title yet, next spring.  I'm working on it now and loving every minute of it.

I hope wherever you are, Spring comes quickly!

What Makes a Great Hero?

Hi, this is Margaret Daley. Next week I will be plotting and coming up with a hero for my next Love Inspired Suspense, the second book in my Northern Lights Search and Rescue series, set in Alaska. I thought I would ask for your help on what makes a great hero, especially one in a romantic suspense.  He will be part of a search and rescue team. What should his occupation be? What are his strengths? And because he is a three dimensional character, what are his weaknesses? Is he a loner? Is he a wounded hero (emotionally)? What physical traits do you like in a hero? Use your imagination and describe your hero.

My romantic suspense from Love Inspired Suspense this month is The Baby Rescue with a hero I really enjoyed writing for the continuity series.

Why Romance?

Hey, y'all! Mindy Obenhaus here and I'm a sucker for a good happily ever after. Whether it's books or movies, for me a story must have some element of romance or I'm done. I just think that there is nothing more satisfying than two people defying the odds to find happiness together.

And here at the Craftie Ladies of Romance, I can bet I'm not alone.

So I asked a couple of my fellow Love Inspired authors a simple question.

Why do you write romance?

Lisa Jordan, author of Lakeside Reunion, Lakeside Family and Lakeside Sweethearts (out this June) said, "I write romance because I believe in promises of hope and happily ever after. From the time I was a little girl, I wanted the guy and girl to get together in the end. I wanted to create that same heart sigh with my readers that I experienced while reading romance novels. As a Christian, I want to write romances that glorify God and honor the love He models for us." 

Missy Tippens, author of Georgia Sweethearts and A House Full of Hope said, "I write romance because it has always been what I love to read. I love a romantic story with a happy ending."

So now it's your turn. Whether you're a reader, a writer or both, why do you read/write romance?

Mindy Obenhaus always dreamed of being a wife and mother. Yet as her youngest of five children started kindergarten, a new dream emerged—to write stories of true love that would glorify God. Her debut novel, The Doctor’s Family Reunion, released from Love Inspired Books in September and her second book, Rescuing the Texan's Heart, will be available September 2014. Learn more about Mindy at www.mindyobenhaus.com

Her Valentine Sheriff Interview

How exciting to have Mary Travis, the heroine from Her Valentine Sheriff by Deb Kastner, a February 2014 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

            I’ve been Serendipity’s town vet for several years, but now I’m branching out to follow my dream of owning a dog-training kennel, providing K-9s to local small-town police departments that would otherwise not be able to have them.  I’m super excited about training my first team, but I’m nervous, as well.  I’m great with training dogs--men, not so much.  The success of my new kennel depends on how well this first team-in-training does, and wouldn’t you know, the police captain had to go and appoint Deputy Sheriff Eli Bishop, the one man I’m not sure I can work with.  My sister’s ex-fiancée.  Awkward!

 

2.  What do you do for fun?

            I guess I’m super-blessed because I can’t imagine anything more fun than the work I do.  My dogs make every day exciting.

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

            I don’t want to go to Serendipity’s Valentine’s Social.  I have nothing against the holiday in general, but who wants to spend the evening holding up a post while watching happy couples celebrate their love?  Plus, my best friends Samantha and Alexis will try to push all the single men on me.  I’d rather stay home and catch up on my paperwork. 

            I

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

            Being alone, I guess.  Maybe that’s why I keep so many dogs around me.  My fur-babies never disappoint me.

5.  What do you want out of life?

            I’ve been putting my whole heart into making sure my kennel is successful, but the truth is there’s an empty space in my heart that even my work can’t fill.  Don’t tell Samantha this, or I’ll never hear the end of it, but I’d like to find the kind of love and happiness she has with her husband Will.  I have a wonderful life with my dogs, but someday I’d like to see my house full of children.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

            I can’t name just one.  My faith.  My dogs.  My friends.  My kennel.

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

            I’ve been putting all of my time into my new business, so I don’t get much of a chance to read.  When I do, it’s usually a book on dog-training methodology.

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

            This may sound shallow, but I would like to be more like my best friends, the Little Chicks.  Samantha is so beautiful inside and out, and Alexis is so naturally bubbly and outgoing.  I envy them.

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

            Ha, ha.  I have a house full of dogs—a few of my own, and then those I foster and the K-9’s I’m training.  My black Lab Sebastian is my primary Search and Rescue dog.  He’s pretty much always by my side.

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

            I’m not sure I’d want to travel back in time.  Life is about moving forward, right?

FEATURED BOOK: HER VALENTINE SHERIFF BY DEB KASTNER

Cupid To The Rescue 

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

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

Good Thing Friday

Olympics?

Terri Reed here, popping in on the way out the door.  Is anyone watching the Olympics?
Last night the women's figure skating short program was awesome!! So many talented skaters.    Tonight its the long program...I can't wait! Unfortunately, I end up staying up to watch way past the time I normally go to bed so I'm tired today and will be tomorrow but its worth it!  Monday I stayed up to watched the men's aerial ski jumping because my hero in this months release is an aerial ski jumper.  What fun it was to watch!
I was so hoping the American Mac Bohonnon would medal.  But fifth isn't bad considering he's only 18 and wasn't planning on going to Sochi until the last minute.  I expect we'll see great things from this young man over the years.

Lyn Cote & The Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm! The Great Chicago Fire and The Great Peshtigo Fire.

I know that many of you have never heard of the Peshtigo Fire which took place on October 8, 1871, the same day as the Great Chicago Fire. My very first historical, Whispers of Love (in my Blessed Assurance series) ended with that fire. The Peshtigo fire is often overlooked--was even overshadowed at the time.  But it was more deadly and more devastating than the one in Chicago and caused the most deaths by fire in US history, with estimated deaths of around 1,500 people, possibly as many as 2,500. Survivors reported that the firestorm generated a tornado that threw rail cars and houses into the air.

Fire was a very present danger in a society that still heated and cooked with open fire. And unfortunately, the hunters and native tribes regularly left fires burning in the vast forest of Wisconsin. Today only the northern most counties are still forested in Wisconsin but in the 19th century, the state was solid forest. On the day of the Peshtigo Fire, a cold front moved in from the west, bringing strong winds, and the perfect storm hit. It fanned the fires out of control. A firestorm ensued.

The Wisconsin's governor's wife, Mrs. Lucius Fairchild, heard of the Chicago Fire first. Her husband was away, but she quickly sent supplies to Chicago and then heard of the disaster in her own state. She then led an effort to send supplies to the devastated area of Sugar Bush and Peshtigo.
It's hard for us in the information age to realize how spotty communication was in 1871. Telegraph lines connected only the largest cities so though Madison, WI could get fast news from Chicago, it couldn't from unconnected Peshtigo.

If you'd like to read more about the Peshtigo Fire, drop by The Wisconsin Historical Society website . On this page is a book trailer which includes the eye witness account of a woman who as a child survived the Perfect Storm. http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/highlights/archives/2012/11/peshtigo_fire.asphttp://www.wisconsinhistory.org/highlights/archives/2012/11/peshtigo_fire.asp

To purchase, click here. 
Heartland Courtship (Wilderness Brides)

My latest historical Heartland Courtship takes place in Wisconsin in 1871. I wonder if Rachel and Brennnan will face the perfect storm. This winter has been an unusual one. What have you see this winter you haven't seen in a while?--Lyn

The Girl in the Photo

 By Carolyn Greene

The little girl in the photo smiled back at me, her face familiar but very different than the way I remembered her from my childhood.

I was hard on her back then.  Told her she was skinny and ugly and blind as a bat.  Criticized her for daydreaming when she should have been paying attention.  And curled a lip at the ever-present patches of excema between her fingers and behind her ears.   “That’s disgusting,” I said.  She quietly agreed and hid her hands behind her back.  Sometimes I caught her praying to God to fix her.  Make her better than the horribly flawed person I told her she was.

She should have been more like her older brother, I decided.  Confident, funny, and always ready with a quick reply.  Sure, she had a sense of humor, but her one-liners always came long after the window of comic opportunity had closed.  As for confidence, the only thing she was sure about was which book she wanted to read next.  She would lose herself in stories for hours at a time, imagining herself to be as clever, attractive, and brave as the characters she read about.  I rolled my eyes at her fantasies of taming wild stallions, solving mysteries, and attracting the attention of the cutest guy in class.

I don’t know why I was so mean to her.  If my mother had heard the terrible things I said to her, she most certainly would have set me straight.  “God doesn’t make junk,” Mom would have insisted.  But I was careful not to let anyone hear, so I never got the correction I needed.

Now, several decades later, I stared at the photo and saw for the first time what a cute, sweet kid she was.  And I felt horrible for leading her to believe otherwise.  She’s not as skinny as she once was, her skin has finally cleared up, and glasses have given her sharper focus.  She still daydreams and is sometimes slow to think of clever comebacks, but she’s finally turned those former handicaps to her advantage:   Her daydreams now produce plenty of fodder for the stories she writes, and the second draft is when she adds those late-but-clever comebacks.

She and I get along quite well these days.  That young girl – my former self – shaped who I am today, for which I am grateful.  And I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, which is a good thing, because God doesn’t make junk.

Carolyn Greene is the mother of two and grandmother of one.  She lives in Virginia with her husband and two miniature pinschers.  Carolyn writes romances for Harlequin Love Inspired and inspirational mysteries for Guideposts Books.  Her next Love Inspired novel, UNEXPECTED REUNION, is the first in the Southern Blessings series and is set for release in June 2014.