Meet RITA finalist Irene Hannon and her novel Deceived.

Describe the call:

It actually turned out to be kind of hilarious. I knew the calls were going out that morning, so I was sticking close to my phone, fingers crossed. We don’t have caller ID, so when the phone rang, I grabbed it—and about went through the roof when it was RWA. I mostly listened, doing a lot of “wows” and “I can’t believe its.” My husband passed by my office in the middle of all this, and I frantically waved him in and jotted down the news. He peered at the paper, gave me a blank look, and shrugged. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t more excited! When I got off the phone, I found out why. He didn’t have his contacts in and had no idea what I’d written. He couldn’t even see my face that clearly. Based on my end of the conversation, he thought I was talking to our accountant about what we owed in taxes for the year. Needless to say, he was thrilled to discover I had much happier news!

After finding out you were a finalist, who did you call first and tell?

Since my husband was standing right there during the call, he was first to know. Then I emailed my editor and other key people at my publishing house with the news.

What other cool things have happened now that you’re a RITA finalist? 

Getting the RITA finalist pin in the mail was thrilling, along with the invitation for the finalists reception in New York. I’ve also had fun sharing the news on social media. Other than that, though, it’s been life as usual. Daily page counts don’t go away! 

Short bio:

In addition to writing more than forty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, I have a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism. For many years I juggled two careers, but I finally gave up my executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time. I’m happy to say I have no regrets! Leaving behind the rush-hour commute, corporate politics, and a relentless BlackBerry that never slept was no sacrifice. In my spare time, I enjoy performing in community theater productions, and I’m a soloist at my church. I also love dessert—but usually satisfy my after-dinner sweet tooth with a Fannie May truffle petite!

How many books have you written?

Deceived, my RITA finalist, was number 46. My 48^th book, Hope Harbor—a contemporary romance/women’s fiction novel—was just published.

What other kudos have you earned?

Two RITA awards, a National Readers’ Choice award, three HOLT medallions, a Daphne du Maurier award, a Retailers Choice award, a Booksellers’ Best award, a Carol award, and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. I’m also a two-time Christy award finalist.

One piece of advice you have for other authors...

Never stop learning and never give up. Okay, that’s two pieces!

Tell us a little about this book?

Deceived is Book 3 in my Men of Valor series, which features three ex-law enforcement operatives (and former college roommates) who establish a private investigation firm. However, even though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel, as can all my series books. I don’t like books that leave me hanging at the end, so I don’t write them. All my plot points are neatly tied up by “The End.”

Genre: Inspirational fiction, romantic suspense

Publisher: Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Plot: For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she’s convinced it’s her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating “accident” begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate’s son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden—and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret. 

Anything else you’d like to share?  

I’m thrilled to be a RITA finalist! The RITA is the Oscar of romance fiction, and the competition is fierce, the judging intense. Making it to the finals is a huge accomplishment, and I’m honored to be in the company of so many fine authors. That is a win in itself! Also, please visit me on Facebook. I love to chat with readers!

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Suspense July 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Suspense writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

Emergency Reunion 

By Sandra Orchard

SAVED BY THE SHERIFF’S DEPUTY

Paramedic Sherri Steele refuses to believe someone’s out to get her—until she’s held at knifepoint in her own ambulance. It’ll take her high school crush to convince her she needs protection—and deputy sheriff Cole Donovan is as persuasive as he is handsome. But when his brother rises to the top of the suspects list, Cole’s torn between family duty and the woman he’s never forgotten. 

With every emergency call to the paramedics turning into an attack on Sherri’s life, Cole’s convinced Sherri has a stalker. Cole needs to know whether his brother is the culprit before things spiral out of control.

Survival—and a future with Sherri—depends on discovering who wants to cause trauma to this EMT.

Joint Investigation

By Terri Reed

Lone Agent

Under other circumstances, FBI agent Samantha Bennett might welcome a bit of backup—but not from an overprotective Mountie. She’s been on the trail of a serial killer for six months and no one has ever taken the case seriously…until now.  

When Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector Drew Kelley saves her life, he decides that the hunt for “Birdman” is his problem, too. Together they begin a cross-continent chase to stop the madman before he strikes again. However, Samantha fears her growing feelings for the lawman may weaken her focus, or worse—put Drew directly in the killer’s sights…

Northern Border Patrol:  Keeping the US–Canadian border safe

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Lawman's Redemption by Danica Favorite

Lawman on a Mission 

Former deputy Will Lawson is fighting to regain his reputation—and Mary Stone is his only lead to the bandit who framed him. Now that he's tracked Mary to Leadville, Colorado, Will needs the proud beauty to reveal her past. Instead, his efforts spark a mighty inconvenient attraction… 

Mary's only real crime is that she once believed an outlaw's lies. Still, she fears disclosing the truth to Will may land her in jail—and leave her young siblings without protection. Now she must choose between honesty and safeguarding her family. And if Will does clear his own name, can he convince the woman he loves to share it?

Interview:

How exciting to have Mary Stone the heroine from __The Lawman’s Redemption__ written by  Danica Favorite__ a _July, 2015 release from Love Inspired Historical Romance .

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

Interesting, me? Well, I’m not sure how interesting it is, but I’ve got a knack for being able to tackle anything I make my mind up to. I’ve had to do a number of odd jobs to help support my siblings, and I find that no job is too difficult. A person can learn to do anything if she tries.

2.  What do you do for fun?
Fun? Ha! I’m not sure I know the meaning of the word. There’s not a lot of time for fun, even with our family’s newfound fortune. I have to take care of my younger siblings, and even though everyone keeps telling me to take some time for myself, I never know what to do.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Mending. My brother Daniel is a handful, and he’s constantly getting into scrapes. I feel like the mending pile from Daniel alone is never ending. It’s tedious work, and even though I can do it, I’d prefer to do so many other things.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Back when we lived in Ohio, I had a secret beau. I found out too late that he’s a really bad man, and now he’s here in Leadville. I’m so ashamed of how easily duped I was and I’m afraid that people will believe his lies.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I just want my family to be happy and taken care of. We’ve had a rough go of things, and now that we’ve found my father’s mine and have money, I’d like to see us all finally have a chance to enjoy life together.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?
Family.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Honestly, I just wish I could go back in time and not get involved with Ben Perry. So much of my life was turned upside down because of him, and I hate how I’m still living with the consequences of my poor choices.

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
We could never afford pets, just regular farm animals. If an animal wasn’t useful, we couldn’t keep it. Now that we have money, I’d like to get a puppy for the little ones to enjoy. I think I’d like a puppy.

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

Hmm… the time period I live in… Everyone thinks of this part of the country as being less developed than everywhere else. But Leadville, thanks to all of the silver mines, like the one my father found, is one of the richest parts of the country. I’m amazed at all of the fine cultural events we have here. I’m especially eager to take in a show at the Tabor Opera House, which is the finest opera house this side of the Mississippi.

Meet RITA finalist Katy Lee and her novel Grave Danger

Greetings and thank you for inviting me to share my exciting RITA news! 

On the day Romance Writers of America was notifying the RITA nominees, it was just a typical day in the Lee home. My family was home with me. I homeschool my children, and we were in the middle of studying World War II when the phone rang. My husband works from home, and I didn’t recognize the number, so I thought it was for his business. I passed the phone to him, he answered, and immediately passed the phone back to me. As soon as they said it was the RWA board calling about the RITA Awards, I lost it. I couldn’t even stand on my feet. I just sat down right on the floor right where I was…and cried. Needless to say, history class was over for the day. The kids were pretty excited about that, too. 

After finding out you were a finalist, who did you call first and tell?

As for who I notified next, I told my editor first. It was only right. She puts so much into my stories to make them shine. I take her requests/revisions seriously to achieve what she is asking, even when it will increase my workload or stretch me beyond my writing skills. Which, by the way, only makes me a better writer all around. After that, I told my Connecticut RWA Board of Directors, many of whom have helped me along the way, and still do. 

What other cool things have happened now that you’re a RITA finalist? 

Well, soon after, I received a call that the same book, Grave Danger, is also a Daphne Du Maurier Finalist, so come this RWA Conference, I will be attending two awards events. The whole week in NYC will be scheduled with many receptions and parties, and I am looking forward to being exhausted. And let’s not forget the gowns. I will enjoy every minute. I will also say, my publisher, Harlequin, has been wonderfully supportive. They asked me for quote for other writers that they shared publicly. I’ll share it below with you. But the list goes on and on with all they have done to celebrate with me. I love writing for them. 

Short bio:

Rita nominated, Katy Lee is the author of five published novels. She likes to say she writes higher purpose stories at high speed because her suspenseful romances thrill, inspire, and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on. Her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Grave Danger, is both a RITA and Daphne Du Maurier finalist. Keep in touch with Katy at her website, www.KatyLeeBooks.com. There you will see links to Facebook and Twitter.

How many books have you written?

I have five available now, but my December book, Silent Night Pursuit is completed and ready to go. I am writing the next in the Roads to Danger series, which makes it book seven for me. The list is: Warning Signs, Grave Danger, Sunken Treasure, Permanent Vacancy, and I have one full length novel, Real Virtue.

What other kudos have you earned?

Real Virtue was a Holt Medallion Finalist for Best First Book, as well as a few more awards for Inspirationals that include the Maggie Medallion, The Rone Award, and the Epic Award.

One piece of advice you have for other authors...

See my Harlequin quote.

Tell us a little about this book?

Grave Danger is a Nominee in the RITA Romantic Suspense Category for 2015.

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Plot:  When skeletal remains are found on a small Maine island, forensic anthropologist Lydia Muir is sent to investigate. It's Lydia's job to determine whether the homicide happened long ago—or more recently. Island sheriff Wesley Grant seems sure the murder didn't happen on his watch. But when Lydia uncovers the victim's identity, someone goes to great lengths to get Lydia off the island. Wes vows to protect her, but is the handsome lawman holding something back? To help catch a killer, she'll have to trust him—or become the next victim.

How to Enjoy a Birthday Season

Ever hear of a birthday season?

I hadn't until a friend of mine told me how she celebrates a birthday. She starts the fun a week before the actual day and continues for a few days afterward.

Since I've always thought a birthday came and went too quickly, I embraced my friend's idea. My birthday is July 17, but I began celebrating this past weekend.

Last week Jamba Juice sent an email offering me a free smoothie in honor of my birthday. They must believe in birthday seasons, too, because I could redeem the offer on any day in a two-week period.

Did I wait? Nope. I headed to Jamba this past Saturday and enjoyed a small peach perfection smoothie. Talk about a tasty way to start my birthday season. Yum!

And what do I have planned for the actual day? Red Robin offered me a free burger for my birthday, so I'll be chowing down on one.

The heroine of my debut Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams, makes birthdays special for the members of the hero's family. She bakes a chocolate cake for the birthday boy or girl. The child receives a gift from the hero as well.

Book Giveaway

 

Since birthdays and gifts go together,
I'm offering one person who comments a gift:
a copy of Family of Her Dreams,
which was released June 2015.

I'll choose a winner from those who
answer one of the questions below.
Be sure to leave an email address
so I can contact you if you win.
Use this format: name (at) provider (dot) com,
so the spambots don't grab it.
Deadline to enter is 9 p.m.
on my birthday: July 17, 2015.

What do you think of celebrating a birthday season?

If you were offered a free birthday smoothie,

what flavor would you choose?

What kind of birthday cake is your favorite?

Patricia Johns: Just Part of the Package

     I fancy myself a gardener. Except, I don't really have enough patience. I'm the kind of woman who draws a deep, poetic satisfaction from a sprouted seed, and then gets too impatient to wait for the plant to mature and actually give her some tomatoes, so she tears out those quivering young sprouts (which were planted too late anyway) and puts in some full basil plants instead.

     It's shameful. To everything there is a season...  but some seasons are just too short to waste! And when you've already planted your seeds WAY too late because for some unknown reason you rely on social media and Yahoo news to inform you of the proper times for these things, you realize that you aren't the gardener you imagined yourself to be.

     You are a balcony plant waterer. That is all.

     Thank goodness I have other talents! And I've realized that I just have to embrace who I am--weaknesses as well as strengths--because this bundle of impatience, enthusiasm and writing talent is ME.

     In THE RANCHER'S CITY GIRL, Eloise kills house plants, and she's certainly not the ranching woman that Cory needs in his life, and she knows better than to try and change herself into someone else. Who wants to play act for the rest of her life, pretending to be what someone else wants?

     Our weaknesses are as much a part of who we are as our strengths. What imperfections have you embraced as simply being part of the unique package this is you?

When Cory Stone discovers the father he never met is gravely ill, he brings the ornery man to his Montana ranch, along with his round-the-clock nurse. Once again Cory finds himself falling for the wrong woman--a city slicker like the ex-fiancee who broke his heart. But in Eloise LeBlanc, Cory also finds a kindred spirit. The caring beauty knows firsthand about love and loss. Neither of them is looking for a new romance, and Cory certainly isn't searching for love. But can the independent city girl heal the heart of a broken cowboy?

THE RANCHER'S CITY GIRL came out in January 2015, and is still available online.

Meet RITA finalist Stacy Henrie and her novel Hope at Dawn

Today we're featuring Hope at Dawn.  Its author, Stacy Henrie, has a lot to share about this wonderful Rita finalist. 


Describe the call: 
I missed the initial call because my cell phone was off! A while later, I saw I had an email from someone on the RWA Board. Right then I remembered what day it was! J I called the woman back, and even though I had a pretty good idea at that point what the call was about, I still couldn’t believe it. I remember saying, “Wow!”

After finding out you were a finalist, who did you call first and tell? 
The first person I called was my husband. He’s been my greatest cheerleader and champion.  

Short bio: 
I’ve always loved history, fiction, and chocolate. I earned a B.A. in public relations, then turned my attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. My husband is an entrepreneur and I’m a stay-at-home mom of three. In addition to writing, I also love reading, road trips, and interior decorating. My first novel LADY OUTLAW released with Love Inspired Historical in 2012.

How many books have you written? I
’ve written eight full-length novels, though a few will remain tucked away forever on my hard drive. J Four of those books have been published as well as a Christmas novella.

What other kudos have you earned? 
HOPE AT DAWN was also a 2015 finalist in the inspirational category of the Golden Quill Contest sponsored by the Desert Rose RWA chapter.

Tell us a little about this book? 
HOPE AT DAWN is the first book in my inspirational WWI series Of Love and War from Grand Central Forever. It tells the story of Livy Campbell, a schoolteacher, who falls in love with German-American farmer Friedrick Wagner as anti-German sentiment sweeps the country during the First World War.  

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Historical July 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Historical writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

The Lawman’s Redemption 

By Danica Favorite 

Lawman on a Mission 
Former deputy Will Lawson is fighting to regain his reputation—and Mary Stone is his only lead to the bandit who framed him. Now that he's tracked Mary to Leadville, Colorado, Will needs the proud beauty to reveal her past. Instead, his efforts spark a mighty inconvenient attraction… 


Mary's only real crime is that she once believed an outlaw's lies. Still, she fears disclosing the truth to Will may land her in jail—and leave her young siblings without protection. Now she must choose between honesty and safeguarding her family. And if Will does clear his own name, can he convince the woman he loves to share it?

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Nanny's New Family by Margaret Daly

Second Chance Family 

Annie Knight has her work cut out for her as the McGregor family's newest nanny. Dr. Ian McGregor means well, but the distracted single dad's lost touch with his four kids. The new nanny brings much-needed calm to the chaos, including finding a service dog that could be a real lifesaver. And soon the good doctor's making Annie's heart respond in ways it hasn't for years. But Annie's cheery demeanor hides a heart-wrenching secret that's as much a part of her as her carefully hidden scars. Annie doesn't think she deserves happiness—but Ian and his kids will show the caretaker that with the love of family, everything's possible. 

Interview:

How exciting to have Annie Knight, the heroine, from The Nanny’s New Family, a July 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I love my job as a nanny. I can’t have children but I love working with children and helping them through their problems.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I read and spend time with my large family.

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

Confronting my past—revealing what happened to me as a teenager. I go out of my way to hide my scars.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Someone seeing all my scars.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Helping children—especially troubled ones.

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

I love suspense books.

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

That I didn’t leave a candle burning when I went to bed.

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

No, because I live with the families I am a nanny for. But I’m often taking care of pets for those families.

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

I’d go back to an hour before our family cabin caught fire and burned down. My life would be totally different. My mother died in that fire and I would love to see her again.