A Writer’s Garden–Visiting Bellingraph Gardens with June Foster

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A Writer's Garden, Alabama Public gardens, Bellingraph Mansion and Garden, Catherine Castle’s garden blog series, Christian romance, Garden blog, June Foster, Restoration of the Heart

Today’s guest writer/gardener on A Writer’s Garden is June Foster. Since her last visit to the blog, she’s been on the road. So, she’s taking us on a road trip today to see an Alabama garden. I love visiting mansions and their gardens, and I can’t wait to show you where she’s been tiptoeing through the tulips. Take it away, June!

 

Bellingraph Gardens

My husband and I live full time in our RV, so needless to say, we don’t have a garden in which to grow the colorful blooms I love. But that’s okay. We’re blessed to have opportunity to visit many breathtaking gardens while we travel.

While in Mobile, Alabama for a family reunion, we enjoyed a visit to the Bellingraph mansion and Gardens, now a museum owned by the state of Alabama.

The gardens were once part of the estate of Walter and Bessie Bellingraph. The sixty-five acres of floral pageantry flank the Bellingraph’s 10,500 square foot mansion built in 1935. Today the site is open year round for visitors to enjoy.

The most exciting feature is the monthly display of a variety of flowers depending on the season. Since we visited toward the end of February, we relished an explosion of vibrant colors as we wandered through the azaleas newly in bloom.

Azaleas are described as the flaming drama of the south, and I can certainly understand why. When the azalea bush is in full bloom, every trace of growth is enveloped in crimson, coral, purple, or white.

Come back the next month and you might see verbenas, daisies, roses, or begonias. And if you visit in the fall, you’ll bask in the beauty of chrysanthemums, honeysuckle, or poinsettias.

Mobile, Alabama is blessed with a moderate climate that allows gardens to look lovely year round. If you travel south, you won’t regret visiting Bellingraph.

 

About the Author:

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. June’s books have finaled in the EPIC’s eBook contest, National Readers Choice Awards, the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards and COTT’s Laurel Awards. June has also written several series, The Bellewood Series, The Almond Tree series, June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. One of her most recent releases is Restoration of the Heart available at Amazon

Restoration of the Heart

Though a Christian, Luke Chamberlain ignored his values and indulged in his beautiful fiancé’s world of alcohol, parties, and nights at her apartment. After rededicating his life to the Lord, he vows never to fall into the lifestyle again. When the state of Idaho’s Tourism Department offers his construction company the contract to renovate Silver Cliff, an 1890’s silver mining ghost town, he accepts.

Janie Littleton studied history in college because life in the past is simpler than the uncomfortable reality of the present. With her extra pounds, eye glasses, and mousy brown hair, no man would find her attractive. When she’s offered the job of project historian at the restoration of Silver Cliff, she accepts. But as Luke Chamberlain shows an interest in her, she doubts his sincerity. To make matters worse, someone claiming to be the miner who founded Silver Cliff in 1890 intimidates her with frightening midnight visits.

Can Luke convince Janie he’s in love with the godly woman she is? Can Janie hold onto her faith as she’s harassed by frightening appearances of old Ezra Barclay who died a hundred years ago?

You can visit June at junefoster.com.

 

 

Wednesday Writers: Behind the Scenes with June Foster and Lavender Fields Inn

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award-winning author June Foster, behind the scenes on Lavendar Fields Inn romance, book excerpt from Lavender Fields Inn, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian romance, June Foster, Lavender Fields Inn, twins

Today I’m welcoming award-winning author June Foster to the Wednesday Writers blog. June has an excerpt and a behind-the-scenes post about her book Lavender Fields Inn. Welcome, June. How did you come up with the story idea for this book?

 Thanks for having me, Catherine.

Writing’s never work when the story’s fun to create. Lavender Fields Inn—is one of those novels. I hope readers will agree.

Wren Tabor is taking a well-earned vacation at an inn and spa nestled high in the Rocky mountains. Perhaps her broken heart will heal after her so called boy friend betrayed her.

The hero, Graham Maier, wants to prove to his father that he’s as capable as his brother Greg. So Graham enters a local fishing tournament. Surrounded by lavender fields and stately mountain peaks, Graham and Wren find an attraction to each other, but when Wren sees Graham kissing another woman, she figures all men are alike.

Like many of my stories, this one was inspired by a real-life happening. About twelve years ago before I retired from my teaching profession—and before God called me to write stories, I taught seventh and eighth grade at a Christian school in Olympia, Washington. One of the teachers was a pretty young lady, young enough to be my daughter, and we enjoyed chatting in the teachers’ lounge.

My friend told me a funny story that I never forgot. She dated and married an identical twin. Even her husband’s mother had to look twice to tell these two brothers apart. Once, she went to a family dinner. She and her husband planned to drive separately as they both came from work. When she walked into her mother-in-law’s living room, she saw her husband sitting on the couch watching a football game on TV.

She leaned over the couch from behind him and kissed his prickly cheek then gave him a hug. Only thing, he wore a new aftershave. He turned around and stared at her with wide eyes. She still didn’t get it until he told her she’d kissed the wrong guy. The man was her husband’s brother.

My friend enjoyed laughing about the incident at the time she told me, but the night of the family gathering, she felt like crawling under the table.

Don’t want to give too much away, but this true-to-life event sparked the story idea. Hope you enjoy it.

 

Lavender Fields Inn

By June Foster

 

Love grows amid the flowers in the magnificent Rockies,

but sometimes romance can be deceptive.

 

Wren Tabor hopes the cool Colorado air at Lavender Fields Inn will heal her aching heart after her former boyfriend betrays her. When she literally bumps into handsome accountant Graham Maier, the painful memories from the past begin to fade. But after she sees Graham kissing another woman, she figures no man can be trusted.

Graham Maier needs to prove to his father he’s as capable as his brother Greg. The Rocky Mountain Anglers’ Tournament at Gold Pan Lake will give him the chance. But he must win first place. After he meets Wren, a woman like the unnamed girl who’s occupied his dreams, he can’t understand why she suddenly won’t speak to him.

Can Wren learn to trust men again? Can Graham understand how valuable he is in God’s sight?

 

Excerpt:

Graham Maier peered into his car’s trunk and unloaded the duffle bag, fishing pole case, and tackle box. Lavender Fields Inn dominated the landscape on the other side of the parking lot, with the magnificent Rockies in the background, a reminder of his purpose here. The Rocky Mountain Anglers Tournament. He slammed the trunk closed. Most guys saw the event as a relaxing fishing retreat, but not him. Even the mountain breeze with aromatic pine conifers and evergreens didn’t sooth his stomach’s churning. The tournament wasn’t merely a spare time, fun event but another opportunity to prove to Dad he could do something better than Greg, especially since his brother hated fishing.

Graham firmed his lips, grabbed his luggage, and trudged into the lodge. Straight ahead, an attendant escorted two women up a curved stairway. His mouth went slack. It couldn’t be. The one with shiny dark hair―so like the nameless girl who’d occupied his dreams more than once in the last five years.

Setting his luggage down, he stepped toward the staff member at the counter.

“Yes, sir. Welcome to Lavender Fields Inn.” The receptionist smiled. Her nametag introduced her as Tessie.

“Thanks. I need to register and sign up for the fishing tournament.”

Tessie passed him some papers. “Sure. Fill these out. Then go down the hall in that direction.” She pointed to the right. “The registration table’s in the conference room. If you want to leave your gear here, Zach can take it to your room in a few moments.” She handed Graham a key.

“Sure.” Graham signed the few papers and ambled down the hall to the tournament desk. A brightly colored poster with Rocky Mountain Angler’s Association on the front was taped on the wall above a long table manned by two men in shirts with RMAA and a rainbow trout embroidered over the pocket.

Graham stood behind three other guys already in line. He tapped his toe in time with his pounding heart. Spinner fishing had always intrigued him. If he could come in first place, Dad might be proud of him for once since his father loved the sport.

When the line moved up a step, Graham planted his feet on the tiled floor and allowed another thought—the persistent image in his dreams. Light brown eyes with flecks of gold twinkled above a petite nose and luscious full lips. Raven, shoulder length hair graced creamy, smooth shoulders. With a start, he drew his attention back to the tournament registration desk. He had to shake the image of a woman he’d never met and concentrate on winning the fishing tournament.

Want to read more? You can find June’s book at http://tinyurl.com/j36sqds

About the Author:

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Since then she’s also written Ryan’s Father, Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, The Almond Tree Series: For All Eternity, Echoes From the Past, What God Knew and Almond Street Mission. Also available is Lavender Fields Inn and Christmas at Raccoon Creek. Find all June’s books at Amazon.com. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. Find June online at junefoster.com.

 

June’s links: junefoster.com     https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster

https://twitter.com/vjifoster        https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster

 

 

 

Amanda Cabot talks about A Stolen Heart on Wednesday Writers

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A Stolen Heart, Amanda Cabot, BEst selling Author Amanda Cabot, book excerpt of A Stolen Heart, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian romance, historical romance, Secrets, TExas Hill Country book settings, The Cimarron Creek trilogy

 

Today on Wednesday Writers I have best-selling author Amanda Cabot who will be sharing an excerpt from her Historical romance A Stolen Heart where a young woman’s plans for the future are shattered by the revelation that her fiancé has married another. Sounds like there’s some conflict there, Amanda, and maybe a secret or two. What other secrets and questions do the characters in A Stolen Heart face?

Secrets. We all have them. Some are small; others are big. What they have in common is that we don’t want anyone – and I mean anyone – to know them. When I started plotting the Cimarron Creek trilogy, I knew there would be one large secret that spans the three books, but I also knew there would be a number of smaller ones, because we all have secrets, and when they’re revealed, there are often unexpected consequences. Since this is a new series set in a new town in the Texas Hill Country, my first challenge was to develop that town. Once I understood its history and saw the dynamics between its founding families, I started asking myself what would bring outsiders to Cimarron Creek and why they might stay, even when they weren’t offered a normal Texas welcome. The answers surprised me. They also resulted in a new set of questions.

• What would you do if you traveled more than a thousand miles only to learn that the man you loved married someone else?
• How would you make a living in a town that has no need for your training?
• What would you do if you found yourself in a town where you were distrusted, simply because of where you were born?
• Who would you trust? The sheriff whose father is sure you’re an enemy? The other men who are eager to court you? The town’s schoolteacher who has good reasons to dislike you? The older woman who seems to have a dark secret in her life?

Those are some of the questions Lydia, the heroine of A Stolen Heart, has to answer. Some answers come easily, others don’t, but they all lead Lydia into the greatest adventure of her life, an adventure that just might end with love.

 

 

A Stolen Heart

By Amanda Cabot

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners—like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé.

But when she discovers he has disappeared—and that he left behind a pregnant wife—Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

 

Excerpt

Lydia took a deep breath then exhaled slowly, all in a desperate attempt not to faint. She had never fainted, not even when Hortense, her closest friend at the academy, had laced her corset too tightly. Unfortunately, tight corsets were nothing compared to this.

Edgar was married!

She’d survived the long journey; she’d endured the many snubs; she’d even managed to keep her composure when she learned Edgar was gone; but she’d come unraveled when the sheriff had mentioned Edgar’s wife.

Lydia felt the blood drain from her face, and black spots danced in front of her eyes. It couldn’t be true. The sheriff must be mistaken. But if he wasn’t . . . Lydia’s legs grew weak and her spine threatened to crumble. Stop it! she told herself. You’re not going to faint. But her body refused to obey, and before she knew what was happening, the sheriff had put his arm around her.

She should object. After all, it wasn’t proper for a strange man to be touching her. Even though she and Edgar had been betrothed, he had never been so bold in public. Lydia opened her mouth to protest, then closed it again. She couldn’t object when the sheer strength of the sheriff’s arm was doing more to calm her nerves than her careful breathing.

Edgar was married!

She took another breath, exhaling slowly as she tried to make sense of a world that had suddenly gone topsy-turvy. Though the sheriff’s words had lodged inside her, Lydia refused to believe them. Edgar couldn’t be married. He simply could not. She hadn’t given up her comfortable life and traveled all this way to meet a man who’d found himself another wife.

 

Want to read more? You can find Amanda’s book A Stolen Heart at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book Distributors

 

 

About the Author:

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels including the Texas Dreams trilogy, the Westward Winds series, the Texas Crossroad trilogy, and Christmas Roses. A former director of Information Technology, she has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. Amanda is delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian romances, living happily ever after with her husband in Wyoming.

Social Media Links:

www.amandacabot.com

https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot

https://twitter.com/AmandaJoyCabot/

http://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com/

 

 

Catherine Castle’s Christmas Reads–Christmas Love and Mercy by Saundra Staats McLemore

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Catherine Castle's Christmas Reads, Christian romance, Christmas fiction, Christmas Hotel series, Christmas Love and Mercy, Saundra Staats McLemmore

 

Christmas Love and Mercy

 

Today Catherine Castle’s Christmas Reads is featuring an excerpt from Saundra Staats McLemore’s Christmas book Christmas Love and Mercy, book number 5 in the Christmas Hotel series. Saundra has been a frequent visitor on the blog and she tackles some hard subjects in her books, but with a gentle hand, as she leads her cast of characters through the years of their lives. I’ve read the first four books in this series and have fallen in love with the fictional hotel Saundra created and the charming town.

In Christmas Love and Mercy Chris Wright, the youngest child of Christopher and Jerilyn, is now thirty-two years old. He’s prayed many years for a Godly woman to marry and join him in carrying on the mission of Christmas Hotel. All his siblings are married with children and one with a grandchild. He wonders what’s wrong with him. Although his life is full with the management of Christmas Hotel; he’s lonely. His only constant companion is his dog Fritz. He reacquaints with lovely Lori Anna Stanley; someone he has known all her nineteen years. She sweeps into his life like a breath of fresh air. Is it possible Chris will have the wife and family of his dreams? An idyllic union exists until Chris has reason to question God and his faith. Unforeseen difficulties spiral out of control. Only a miracle can save them. Others have found their miracle at Christmas Hotel, but can they?

Excerpt from Christmas Love and Mercy

By Saundra Staats McLemore

 

“Hey, Uncle Chris. Did you just snap our picture?” Brian had been snuggling on a bench in Franklin’s town square with his wife Christine.

Chris laughed, throwing back his head for a good guffaw. “I’m just photographing my annual Christmas pictures of the square. My, my, a picture of you snuggling with Christine will make a great picture for your little one someday. And quit calling me uncle. I’m only six years older than you.”

“I know, but I just want to remind you now and then that you’re getting old.”

“Thanks a lot.”

Christine smiled and rubbed her rotund belly. Her coat no longer completely closed; she appeared to be wearing a couple of bulky sweaters underneath.

Brian jumped up. “Give me the camera, Chris. Let me take your picture for a change.”

“I don’t think so, buddy boy. This is the latest Canon model. It’s the RC-760 released this year. My parents gave it to me for my birthday in September. I know how camera-challenged you are. Why you couldn’t even use my Polaroid from the sixties. You cut off everyone’s heads.”

“Ha, ha. I was a kid. By the way, why aren’t you at your desk at Christmas Hotel? Since when does the senior manager have time off?”

“I do schedule a day off now and then. What about you? Shouldn’t you be doing your detective stuff? Aren’t you working on a big case?”

“It’s all under control,” Brian said with a smug grin and returned to his seat, hugging his wife closer.

They all turned when they saw a camera flash nearby. A young woman snapped pictures about twenty feet away, and a well-trained Golden Retriever sat at her feet. When the girl walked a few paces, the dog obediently followed and then again sat at her feet. Despite the chill of the December morning, she wore no coat; just a bright green sweatshirt over black sweatpants tucked into her tall, furry boots. A multi-colored knit hat covered her head, but her straight black hair hung to her waistline. Every time she spun around for another picture, her long hair followed in a swinging motion around her lithe, petite figure.

Chris watched her, mesmerized. She gave extra special meaning to the phrase poetry in motion. She appeared to be around twenty, so he knew she was too young for him. It didn’t seem right; a thirty-two-year-old man ogling such a young woman. However, he couldn’t stop watching her and the dog. The dog anticipated her every move.

Brian jumped up and ran his hand in front of Chris’s eyes. “Earth to Chris. Don’t you know who she is?”

Finally, and reluctantly, Chris turned back to Brian. “I guess not. I thought I knew everyone in Franklin.” He cocked his head. “Yet, there is a familiarity about her.”

“You dunce,” Brian said, landing a friendly smack to the side of Chris’s head. “That’s Lori Anna Stanley; James and Carol Ann’s daughter. She’s been away at the University of Louisville for the past two years, but she recently transferred to Western Kentucky University. I hear she’s working part-time at the Franklin Favorite. Maybe that’s why she’s taking all the pictures. I think you’ve been cooped up at Christmas Hotel too much. You need to get out more often, so you can know what’s happening.”

Lori Anna, thought Chris. It’s even worse than I thought. I’m gawking at a nineteen-year-old.

 

Want to read more? You can find Christmas Love and Mercy at Amazon

About the Author

When her hands are not busy at the keyboard creating a new novel, Saundra Staats McLemore is managing the performing arts’ marketing and sales business she built in 1984. Saundra is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Ohio chapter of the ACFW. In her spare time, she loves to garden, and she can be seen throughout the summer working in her flower beds. Saundra has written two novels so far in the Staats Family Chronicles Series: Abraham and Anna and its sequel: Joy out of Ashes. To date, there are five novels in the Christmas Hotel Series: Christmas Hotel, Christmas for Lucy, Christmas Redemption, Christmas Pact, and Christmas Love and Mercy.

Born and raised in the state of Ohio, Saundra is married to Robert, and Anthony is their only child. The other two members of the family are the cat Charley, and the Cocker Spaniel Daisy.

 

 

Catherine Castle’s Christmas Reads: To Gain a Mommy by Tanya Eavenson

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Catherine Castle's Christmas Reads, Christian romance, Holiday Stories, Kids and Bundles of Joy, Kisses, Tanya Eavenson, To Gain a Mommy, Winter romances

 

Hi, and welcome to Catherine Castle’s Christmas Reads! Today’s Christmas read is by Tanya Eavenson, from her winter romance book To Gain a Mommy. To Gain a Mommy is part of the collection Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy, seven winter romances by Christian authors. Let’s just dive right into the story excerpt!

 

 

To Gain a Mommy

By Tanya Eavenson

 

When Hope Michaels decides to face her past, she unknowingly purchases the house across the street from her former fiancé—the man her twin sister married, then widowed. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him—some things never change.

Chapter One

Carl McGuire smiled and shook his head as his eight-year-old son, Brody, held the sheer curtain and stared out the window at some poor, unsuspecting woman across the street.

Brody pointed, excitement dancing in his wide eyes. “Did you see the dog? He was standing by the palm tree a minute ago.”

“No,” Mary huffed, moving her younger brother to the side, swiping the tan fabric from him. “What does she look like?” She followed his stare out the window.

“She’s golden brown. And how do you know the dog is a girl? You can’t tell from here.”

“I’m not talking about the dog. The lady. What does she look like?”

“Who cares about her? Look at the dog.”

Carl leaned back in his desk chair, setting his phone down. The woman had no idea what she was about to encounter being their neighbor, but if she did indeed own a dog, she’d find out soon enough. Perhaps he could go over and warn her before it was too late. “Why don’t you give our new neighbor some privacy?”

Mary perked up and turned from the window. “I have a better idea. Why don’t we go over and say hi? It’s the neighborly thing to do. Love your neighbor as yourself, you always say.”

How conveniently she recalled scripture when it suited. Only last week she totally ignored his comment to ‘obey your parents.’ Even if there was only one parent, it still applied.

“Yeah, dad!” Brody pushed past his sister to stand near the door, so if Carl agreed, he’d be the first out. “I’m sure she’ll let us play with her dog while she moves her stuff from the truck.”

Carl had actually thought about going over to introduce himself and his children when the moving truck had first pulled into the driveway earlier that day, but several phone calls later, the fire department’s fundraiser was finally underway. As captain, he had an obligation not only to the townspeople and their safety but also to raise money for needed improvements to the fire fighters’ “home away from home.”

He glanced at the list of numbers he still needed to call. “Maybe tomorrow. We can take some cookies or something.”

“But Dad, it’s a golden retriever.”

As if the breed of the dog would change his mind. “Sorry, buddy. I still have too much to do.”

Mary released the curtain. “She has blond hair, but that’s all I could tell.” She rounded the couch and plopped down in the recliner. “You know, if you’d just get him a dog, it might cure his dog fascination.”

“Thank you, Mary. I’ll keep that in mind.” Even though his daughter stayed silent, he sensed she wanted to say more but held her tongue, something she’d been doing more often lately.

Being a single parent wasn’t easy, but he’d always known where he stood with Mary and what was on her mind. Now he wasn’t so sure and it bothered him. She’d be a teenager in less than six weeks and was growing up much too fast. Every day he’d been noticing little things that reminded him of Faith, memories of what he used to have before she was taken in a hit-and-run. Some days like today were painfully real.

“…are you listening? We’re hungry.”

Carl blinked twice, pushing his thoughts away as he glanced at the time on his phone. “What do you want to eat?” He stood and slid his cell into his pocket.

Mary linked her arm through his. “Can I go to Tiffany’s house Tuesday for a sleepover?”

Brody ran past them into the kitchen and opened the freezer. “I thought we’re going to Grandma’s?”

“You are. I’m on shift.” He patted his daughter’s hand as it slid from his arm. “Maybe next week.”

“Why I can’t go? I’m a teenager now. I can take care of myself. Besides, it would be easier for Grandma if I wasn’t there. One less mouth to feed.”

“You know how I feel about staying together while I’m on shift. I don’t have to worry about your safety. And besides, Grandma fixes us food regardless or sends it home with us. Speaking of”—he opened the refrigerator—“are you in the mood for leftovers?”

Brody yanked out a pizza. “How about pizza?”

“Not pizza again.” Mary sank to a barstool. Her lips protruded slightly into a pout.

“Okay.” Brody stuffed the pizza back in the freezer and held out two more options. “We have pizza rolls or pizza pockets. I like either one.”

Carl chuckled, swiping his wallet and keys from the counter. “Grab your shoes. We’ll get something to eat.” He went into his room and put on his running shoes, but as he was walking out, the picture of Faith on his dresser caught his eye. The ache in his chest dimmed over the years, but never quite vanished. She gazed back at him, her smile brilliant. Breathtaking. And a mirror image of—

He shook his head to focus on the present and his two hungry children. Walking back into the living room, he yelled, “We ready?” The front door was open. They must be waiting for him by the truck.

In an instant, an ear piercing scream cut through the air, straight down the center of his heart.

Mary.

Want to read more? You can get To Gain a Mommy at: Amazon: Kobo: iTunes

 

About the Author:

 

Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling author who enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/ on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Patty Smith-Hall

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author Catherine Castle, author interview with Patty Smith-Hall, Christian romance, contemporary romance, New Hope Sweethearts, Patty Smith-Hall, Wednesday Writers

Do Today Wednesday Writers welcomes author Patty Smith-Hall. Patty, tell us about your newest release New Hope Sweethearts.

New Hope Sweethearts is the first in my new contemporary series based in the fictional town of New Hope, Georgia. It’s the story of two people who have faced personal tragedy in their lives yet have come out on the other side stronger, wiser and possibly ready for love.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

When I started this book almost fifteen years ago, I had just lost my beloved grandfather to Alzheimer’s. I was just one of several family members caring for both him and my grandmother but the situation made me wonder what it would be like to manage such a heartbreaking task alone. This story was my response to that question.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date on it?

At the moment, I’m in the mist of edits for my January Love Inspired Historical release, The Baby Barter. Then I’m back to a new historical series called Rushed to The Altar which is based in the Georgia goldrush of 1830. A Christmas novella and the first draft of the next New Hope book round out the rest of my year.

Tell us about the genres you write and a bit about your process.

I write both historical and contemporary romantic fiction with a Christian worldview as well as devotionals. I think what makes me different than most is I find the most unusual pieces of history that most folks have never heard of and build a story around it. Like my last book, Hearts Rekindled revolted around a heroine who was a homeland spy in WWII Georgia—that

was based on a lady I met at a booksigning. She had been recruited as an informant to watch people at a bomber plant close to her home during the war. For me, that was a perfect heroine!

As far as my writing process, I do a lot of research so I can get a timeline of events in my head; do character charts and dig into the ‘why’ behind their external goals to get to what’s really motivating them in the story. I’m a ‘plotser’ so I write scene cards, usually about 25 to 50 5×7 cards. Then I write my rough draft. Probably the most unique part of my process is I write my first draft longhand, mainly because this tones down that infernal internal editor, and lets me get the story down. Then I dictate my work into text and edit that copy.

Tell us a bit about your reading Habits?

Goodness, am I a reader! Every morning, I go through FIVE newspapers including one from overseas. Magazines, not so much because I just don’t have time and most articles about writing are like eating paste—really bland and not very helpful. I do love craft books, particularly by James Scott Bell—the man has a way of keeping you engaged while teaching!

And of course, I read tons of books, anywhere from 1 to 3 a week depending on how busy I am. I just finished Karen Witemeyer’s A Worthy Pursuit(a great read!) and can’t wait to read my friend, Kristi Ann Hunter’s debut release, A Noble Masquerade.

Do you have any favorite Movies?

I like the classics—An American President, While You Were Sleeping, Shop Around The Corner, The King’s Speech, Victoria. And my favorite TV shows are Castle and When Calls the Heart—I’m actually an original Heartie!

What’s the most historical city you’ve visited?

Probably London— a couple of years ago, my husband took me there for our 30th anniversary, and we visited Buckingham Palace. All the paintings were amazing!

Thanks for visiting Wednesday Writers, Patty. As you say goodbye today can you tell us what precept has influenced your life?

Something my dad told me as I was growing up—if you’re going to talk the talk, be prepared to walk the walk. I’ve been trying to live up to that ever since.

 

Excerpt from

New Hope Sweethearts

 

Community Hospital

New Hope, Georgia

 

Chapter 1

 

Kallie Huffman gaped at the crowd of people in the laboratory waiting room. If she had any sense at all, she’d backtrack down the hall and out the front door. But she couldn’t, not when she needed this job to survive until her nursing license was reinstated.

With a deep breath, she walked across the room to the admissions window where a young woman dressed in pale blue scrubs sat staring at a computer monitor. The girl glanced up briefly, then went back to work. “Sign in on the clipboard, and I’ll need to make a copy of your driver’s license and insurance card.”

Kallie shook her head. “I have an appointment with Dr. Muster. About a job.”

The girl pressed her lips together as if that information annoyed her in some way. “Do you have a resume?”

“Yes.” Kallie opened her tote, pulled out a manilla folder and held it out to the woman.

She took it and tossed it in the outbox along with a stack of patient charts. “If you’ll have a seat, Dr. Muster will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you,” Kallie answered, but the girl had already gone to her computer. She turned, glancing over the crowed room before finally settling on a seat in the far corner. As she sunk down in the chair, the nerves she had held at bay all morning took hold. “Lord, help me.”      “Did you say something?”

Kallie turned toward the crackled voice. Two seats down sat an old man, his thick-barreled chest heaving with each labored breath he took, his face a map of lines and wrinkles that reflected the march of time. Untamed eyebrows topped a pair of impish green eyes that reminded Kallie of an leprechaun ready to make mischief. Granddaddy’s eyes sparkled just like that before. . .

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturbed you.” Kallie forced the words around the tight knot in her throat.

“Just worried me a bit.” One snowy eyebrow arched in feigned suspicion, his eyes shining with a playfulness that made Kallie’s lips twitch into a smile. “You know, crazy people have a habit of talking to themselves.”

Why, the old gentleman was teasing her! Leaning across the deserted chair between them, Kallie had to work to keep a straight face. “I’ve read some studies that say geniuses hold discussions with themselves all the time.”

“Is that so?” The raspy sound of the man stroking his wiry whiskers whispered between. “I’ve been know to be guilty of that myself. I guess that would make us both either highly intelligent or two nuts right off the tree, Girlie.” He winked. “Personally, I think I’d rather be a nut.”

“Me, too.” She laughed, extending her hand. “I’m Kallie Huffman.”

His weak grasp troubled her. “Steven Anderson.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” He studied her with the intensity of her old microbiology professor peering into his microscope. “You look pretty healthy to me.”

Kallie blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“Are you expecting?” He moved closer, his eyebrows knitted together in concern as he focused on her bare left hand.

“No!” Heat singed her cheeks. “Why would you think that?”

Mr. Anderson’s thin lips turned slightly upward. “We don’t get many young ladies in the lab unless they’re sick or. . . .” Kallie followed the line of his crooked finger pointing to a young couple, their entwined hands joined over the obvious bump at her waist. The man lifted the woman’s hand to his lips, his eyes never straying from her face.

To be young and in love. Kallie’s smile faltered. She’d dreamt of a home, a family to call her own once, had thought it was another milestone like graduating from high school or getting kissed for the first time. If she’d learned anything in the last decade, it was that nothing was for certain. No, whatever dreams she’d had regarding a husband and children had died with Granddaddy’s diagnosis.

But she had her work, or would have once she finished the refresher course. Until then, this job would pay the bills and help her get started on the house repairs she’d neglected.

She took a deep breath. “I’m here for an interview.”

The skin around the old man’s eyes crinkled into thoughtful ruts. “You look more like a nurse than a lab tech.”

“I am.” Kallie shook her head. “I mean I was. I’m going back to school in a few weeks, and one of my professors recommended me for this position. I guess she though it might help refresh my memory.

“But if you’re a nurse already, why are you going back to school?”

Kallie brushed a speck of lint from her skirts. An explanation would take too long. Besides, she couldn’t get through it without tearing up. “I haven’t practiced nursing in a long time.”

He didn’t ask her why but simply nodded his head. “Never went to college myself. Too busy working and raising two sons.” The old man’s eyes glazed over as if he had been carried back to a happier time. “Not that I minded, of course. My wife went back to school once our boys were out on their own.”

“What did she study?”

“Ruby was a teacher. But she passed away a couple of years back.” Mr. Anderson turned and coughed into a handkerchief bunched up in his hand.

A pang of empathy lanced through her. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was for the best, though I didn’t think so at the time.” His white hair glimmered in the fluorescent light as his body shook from the force of his cough. “She’d been sick for a while.”

Kallie started to answer but before she could, the old man slumped into the chair between them. She reached for his arm and gave it a gentle shake. “Mr. Anderson?”

It was in those quiet seconds she waited for a response that she realized what was missing. The raspy sound of his breathing. Kallie jumped up and vaulted over to the old man’s chair, pulling his slack body upright. “Mr. Anderson!”

No response.

“Is something wrong with him?”

Kallie ignored the question from the man nearby and turned her attention toward the admissions window where the young woman stood studying the scene. “He’s not breathing!”

“You don’t know that,” the girl started to argue.

But there was no time to waste. “Call a code!”

“Is there anything I can do?”

The burly man she noticed in the corner now stood beside her. Where had he come from? What did it matter? “We need to get him to the floor.”

Long frantic seconds passed as the man shifted Mr. Anderson’s limp body to the floor. Kallie knelt beside the old man, her fingers moving instinctively to the soft tissue of his neck. No pulse! Tilting his head back, she plugged his nose between two fingers and blew two quick breaths into his open mouth. As she traced the bony outline of his ribcage to the slight indention of his sternum, she voiced a silent prayer.

Lord, please, don’t do this to me! Not again!

 

 

 

About the Author:

Patty Smith-Hall is a multi-published, award-winning author with Love Inspired Historical and Heartsong.  She currently serves as president of the ACFW-Atlanta chapter. She currently lives in North Georgia with her husband of 30+ years, Danny; two gorgeous daughters and a future son-in-love. Her next release, New Hope Sweethearts will be available in July on Amazon.

 

Catherine’s Comments–When Dawn Breaks Book Review

Tags

Author Catherine Castle's blog, Author Jennifer Slattery, Catherine's Comments Book Reviews, Christian romance, missional romance, New Hope Publishing, When Dawn Breaks

 

When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery

A Book About Love—Romantic Love, Parental Love, and God’s Love

Missional Romance is a term I’d never heard until Jennifer Slattery used in her bio on her first Wednesday Writers’ post, and I wondered what it was. After reading When Dawn Breaks I know just what this term means, at least to me. This book embodies a story that shows characters with a heart for others who have allowed themselves to be prompted by God to become servants to those less fortunate than they are. They are fulfilling God’s mission for Christians.

Lest you think this sounds preachy, let me assure you that, even though there was a lot of scripture in this book and quite a few prayers thrown up to heaven, I never felt like I was being preached at. Instead, it felt more like I was seeing into the angst of the flawed hero and heroine as they picked their way through broken lives to listen to the Holy Spirit’s urging. The many Christian elements in this story felt organic and right for the tale the author was spinning.

The book starts slow as the author spends a lot of time setting up the ordinary worlds of the three main characters, but hang in there. When things started to gel I wanted to know more about how the lives of the three flawed, desperately in need of love, characters would intersect.

The ending of this book made me cry, which is something many Christian fiction books don’t do for me.

Four Stars for When Dawn Breaks.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Want to learn more about Jennifer? Check out her  interview, June  2014, and Feb 2015  posts on Wednesday Writers

 

 

Catherine’s Comments–The Lady and the Mountain Man Book Review

Tags

book review, Catherine's Comments, Christian romance, Five star book review, Misty Beller, The Lady and the Mountain Man, western romance

 

Five Stars for Misty Beller’s The Lady and the Mountain Man.

My apologies to Misty for not posting this sooner. Somehow this book review dropped off my reviewing radar, but as I was getting ready to update my Goodreads listings I noticed I’d missed this one.

One look at this gorgeous cover and the story came flooding back to me. I absolutely loved this book, from the cover to the last word on the pages.

The heroine was strong. The hero tortured and their love story sweet and believable. The romance grew organically, was not forced, and I was rooting for them, especially the hero, to express his feelings long before he was ready.

The friendship between the heroine and the hero’s sister was so sweet and added a wonderful dimension to the story.

The author created a book that I could not put down, and I’m so glad to see that there are more books to come in the Mountain Dreams series.

 

I was given this book for an honest review.

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes author Cindy Loven

Tags

Applachian book, author interview, book excerpt, Christian romance, Cindy Loven, Quilts of Love, Swept Away, Wednesday Writers

Today I’m welcoming author Cindy Loven to Wednesday Writers. Cindy will be giving away a copy of Swept Away to a lucky commentor. A print copy for a USA commentor, or an e-book outside the USA. The giveaway will run from today through noon December 2.

Cindy, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Today I am sharing my co-authored book Swept Away, Quilts of Love. This book is a combination of a lot of research and conceptualizing by myself and the talented writing, of my co-author Laura Hilton. I had the pleasure of designing an appliqued quilt top for this story, and wrote about that design, in the book. It is a story of a grandmother wishing to pass on a family tradition. A grandmother with the what appears to be the on-set of dementia or Alzheimer’s. A young man who is broken-hearted over the death of his twin sister, and who is trying to find himself and God on the Appalachian Trail.

I love quilts! Although I’ve never done much appliqué. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

This is a fun question, my dear friend Laura mentioned that Quilts of Love had a call for proposals and wanted to know if I was interested in thinking up an idea, and I love the Appalachian setting, and this idea just blossomed.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

What am I working on now, I am actually more comfortable writing Children’s books, so I have several stories going at this time, none with a publishing date, but I am hoping to see one of them published in the next year.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

Yes, I do, I write children’s stories, that is my main genre, where I feel comfortable and relaxed. I do write some devotionals, and contemporary fiction, but I keep going back to my stories for kids.

Are you pen and paper writer, strictly computer, or some combo of the two?

This is a fun question, I mainly write on the computer, but I have a notebook called the Book of Lists, where I keep lists of ideas for stories. I also have a little journal I carry around where I am working on a rhyming story, those stretch my brain cells a lot, so it isn’t something I work on daily.

The Book of Lists. Interesting name. I stuff ideas in my phone and on scraps of paper, which I always plan to get around to putting in the computer. Speaking of getting around to it … are you a procrastinator or do-it-now person?

LOL, well it depends on what I am working on, with my PR work that I do, I am a do-it-now,   and do it as early as possible kind of person. When it comes to editing, ICK, procrastination is my middle name.

What’s the first book you ever remember reading as a child?

Probably The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

One of my favorite childhood books, too. What’s the book you are reading now?

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I am a book-reviewer so that changes daily.

How often do you read non-fiction?

Well it is not my favorite genre, I have to say, but I do occasionally read and review non- fiction books. I am doing a study right now called A Wife After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George.

I’m always curious about people’s names. Do you know the meaning of your name? If so, does it fit you?

Yes, my name Cindy means light, and I do think it matches my personality.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of writing?

Which ones, I love to read, and I love to sew and crochet. Making cards is one thing I enjoy doing too. I am super active with a ladies group in my church called the Dorcas Ladies, we do crafts and projects, we just finished up making draw string bags for nursing home patients. I am nearly the youngest lady in the group, but we have so much fun.

You named a couple of my favorite hobbies. Watching movies is a pastime of mine, too. Do you have an all-time favorite movie that has stuck in your mind or that you’d watch over and over?

I adore The King and I with Yul Brenner, etc etc etc.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Live your life to the fullest, we are not promised tomorrow. We learned this 5 years ago with the death of our youngest son. Time is too short to fill it up doing things you don’t enjoy. Make the most of what God has given you!

 

Swept Away

He survived a life-altering event. She is facing one.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her grandmother who doesn’t want to be cared for. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but also as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between him and his new employer’s granddaughter.

It doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts online researching him. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.

 

Excerpt from Swept Away

Sara Jane Morgan gasped for breath, scanning the crowded pathways. Everyone showed up for the Heritage Festival, which was good for the artists and vendors, but bad for her.

Especially considering . . .

No. She couldn’t voice her concerns. At least not yet. But losing a loved one in this mob would cause anyone to panic. This was why mothers kept their toddlers locked securely in strollers and older children attached to harnesses with straps.

But one couldn’t exactly fasten a grandmother to a leash. And Sara Jane, being a grown woman, shouldn’t be having a panic attack.

She pulled in a shaking breath and forced herself to calm down. She could handle this. Stepping to the side of the paved walkway, she let a woman pushing a double stroller pass, then

a man driving a motorized wheelchair. She feigned interest in the open-air tent beside her. A display of corncob dolls. People still made them?

Well, this was the Appalachians. There were tourists here from all over the country who expected to find mountain handcrafts for sale.

She merged into the crowd and peeked into the next tent, making sure to get a look at the people inside. This one showcased CDs and DVDs by Appalachian musicians—or rather, one particular group. Pretending to shop while scanning the customers, she lifted a case off the rack by the entrance and looked at the picture. Banjos, played by guys in overalls. She

put it back.

Another booth held pocketknives, hunting, fishing, and utility knives. Grandma wouldn’t be here. Mostly men anyway.

She moved on.

The tent next to it held screen-printed t-shirts . . .

Panic filled her again. Grandma had wandered further than she expected. How long had she been missing before Sara Jane realized she’d gotten lost? She pushed her way past a few people

holding a conversation in the middle of the sidewalk. She caught a glimpse of a uniformed Boy Scout. Weren’t they supposed to help people? He disappeared into the throng before

she caught up to him.

Sara Jane went on to the next display. Oh. Wow. Brightly colored quilts. This was where she would have expected to find Grandma. She loved to quilt and belonged to the Christian Women’s group at church. But Grandma wasn’t with the women oohing and ahhing over the quilts.

Maybe. A gray-haired woman stood off to the back, head bowed as she studied the stitching. No, she wasn’t Grandma. Her hair was a different cut, and she wore a green t-shirt and a

blue jean skirt. Sara Jane would come back and check this tent again later, in case Grandma made her way here.

The next tent was completely enclosed; the canvas doors tied open with twine. Sara Jane poked her head in, ready to rush on. The tent was void of people except for two, a man and

Grandma.

Expelling a breath she hadn’t realized she held, Sara Jane grasped the edge of the tent door, and forced herself to look around.

Grandma was in here. With brooms. Whoever knew there were so many ways to make a broom?

The man behind the table looked as bushy as his wares. His shaggy brown beard hung down to his collar, and a rumpled button-up shirt draped over his blue jeans. His hair was

almost as long as his beard. He looked up as she entered. His eyes reminded her of dark chocolate.

Grandma stood beside the scruffy-looking man, holding a piece of paper, saying words Sara Jane couldn’t catch due to the sudden rush of blood in her ears.

She turned. “Oh, there you are, Sara Jane. I hired Andrew to do some odd jobs around my house since I’m thinking of selling. Doesn’t he have the cutest business card?” She held out the cardstock.

Sara Jane took it and gave it a cursory glance. Starving artist/ pay the bills handyman in bold, colorful print topped the card.

Andrew Stevenson. Followed by a phone number, and a picture of a bright red tool box. She handed it back to Grandma.

“Adorable.”

The adjective didn’t apply to the owner of the card.

“Grandma, don’t you think you’d rather hire someone we actually know to do the repairs?”

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Books.com

Deeper Shopping

Cokesbury

 

About the author:

Cindy Loven, an avid reader all her life, is seeing her dreams fulfilled, with the publication of her first novel, Swept Away Quilt of Love. She co-authored this novel with Laura V. Hilton. Born and raised in Arkansas, she loves her home state and is happy to live there with her husband of nearly twenty-nine years and her adult son. She and her family are very active in their local church, serving in many volunteer positions. She and her husband are very serious about informing parents about the dangers of the choking, after loosing their youngest son to this dreadful ‘game’ in 2009. When not busy with church or her job as a “pr gal” for another author, you can find Cindy in her craft room, ,sewing, crocheting or making cards.

Where to find me on the web:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcindyloven

Twitter handle: @cndloven

Blog: http://cindylovenwrites.blogspot.com

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/cndloven/

Amazon Page:http://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Loven/e/B00J54NEQY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Misty Beller

Tags

author interview, book excerpt, Christian romance, historical romance, Misty Beller, Wednesday Writers

Today Wednesday Writers is welcoming Misty Beller, author of The Lady and the Mountain Man.

By the way, Misty, I love this cover!

To start today’s interview, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Leah Townsend, a recently orphaned heiress, flees Richmond after discovering her fiancé’s plot to kill her after their wedding. She needs a safe place to hide, and finds herself accepting a newspaper marriage proposal from a God-fearing young rancher in the Montana Territory. But when Leah arrives at the mountain ranch, she learns her intended husband was killed by a grizzly, leaving behind a bitter older brother and a spunky younger sister.

When Gideon Bryant finds a city girl standing in his log cabin, his first thought is to send her back where she came from. He’s lost too many people to the wild elements of these mountains––his parents, his wife, and now his brother. His love for this untamed land lives on, but he’s determined not to open his heart to another person.

But when an accident forces Leah to stay at the ranch for seven more months, can Gideon protect his heart from a love he doesn’t want? Has Leah really escaped the men who seek her life?

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

God planted the seed for this story when I was finishing up my first book (which will actually release next year). I was so excited about this one I could hardly wait to finish the other!

I’ve always been fascinated by mountain cabins, secluded in majestic settings. And I love the simpler life, where there’s no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I’m an introvert?), and a strong family unit. I combined so many of these loves into The Lady and the Mountain Man, there are some days I just want to go live with Gideon and Leah!

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’m just finishing up my third book right now, and working through first-round edits on my second release, which will come from Prism Book Group in 2015. I’ve tentatively titled it The Rancher Takes a Cook. I’m so excited about it! Here’s a glimpse of the back cover copy:

When their home in South Carolina burns to the ground, Anna Stewart has no choice but to move with her 15-year-old brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects begin to look better, until the ranch owner’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans. When danger escalates in the form of a band of cattle thieves with deadly intent, can Anna learn to release control to God’s capable hands… and those of the blue-eyed cowboy who’s stolen her heart?

Some writers like quiet when they write, others want music. Which one are you?

I’m definitely one that likes quiet! It’s almost impossible for me to write with my husband or daughters around. Just too hard to get lost in the words. J On the weekends, we have a couple of hours of “quiet time” in the afternoons. It’s a nice rest for the family, and I get so much writing done! Needless to say, my house is rarely pristine…

Are you a panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

I’m a plotter, for sure, and have a pretty detailed process for my plotting. I usually mull the story in my mind for a few weeks until if feels like I have a basic story line. Then I create a Plot Overview—a 2-3 page document similar to a synopsis, that includes plot points, internal and external motivations, and spiritual arcs. After that, I create a chapter outline, describing each scene within the chapter in a paragraph or two. This document is usually between 15-20 pages long (single-spaced). Then, I start writing! J

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, what did you do to break it? If not, what’s your secret to keeping it at bay?

I think every writer has! If I know basically how the scene should go, but I’m just having trouble putting decent words together, my only cure for writer’s block is forcing myself to sit at the computer and WRITE! The words are usually crummy, but I give myself short 100 word goals. After I get through the first 200-300, things usually get easier.

If I have writer’s block about how the story should go, sometimes it helps to sit at the computer and brainstorm every possible way this scene could unfold. Some of the things on my brainstorm list are unbelievably dull, and some are pretty far out there! I always come up a scene I love, though.

How often do you read non-fiction?

Not very often anymore.  Most of the non-fiction I read these days (besides the Bible and devotionals) are books on the writing craft. I read tons of fiction, though! Both because I thoroughly enjoy it, and to learn other techniques, discover new authors, and keep my imagination fresh!

Most writers love books—our walls are lined with them. Name 3 favorite writing craft books on your shelves, 3 fiction books (and the genre), and if you have them, 3 different magazines you read regularly.

Hmm… It’s hard to narrow them down!

Writing Craft Books:

1. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
2. Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell
3. ROMANCE-ology 101 by Julie Lessman (for the romance writer)

Novels (in no particular order):

1. Beguiled by Deeanne Gist (Romantic Suspense)
2. Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Historical Romance)
3. A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist (Historical Romance)

Magazines:

1. Writer’s Digest
2. Southern Living
3. Whatever’s sitting in the doctor’s waiting room J

You mentioned cabins set in majestic setting earlier. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited?

For our high school graduation, my grandparents took my brother and I on a road trip from South Carolina to Alaska (and back). We drove a camper, and it was one of the most special experiences of my life! So many of the places we visited have been inspirations or settings for my books.

Let’s give the reader some Quickies about you:

Favorite food? It’s a toss-up between chocolate and cheesecake. I’m a true woman. J

Favorite singer or band? Gary Allan has always been one of my favorites. If you’ve never heard him croon “Smoke Rings in the Dark,” you’re missing a real treat.

Favorite season? Autumn. I love the crisp taste in the air, the relief from Carolina summer humidity, and the opportunity to bundle up in a sweater with a hot cup of coffee.

Favorite flower? I’m such an old-fashioned gal, so I love roses. But I love white lilies, too. In fact, my wedding bouquet was made up of three huge white lilies surrounded by smaller pink roses.

Favorite color? My daughters have ingrained in my mind that our favorite colors are pink and purple. I also like sky blue and hunter green, though. J

Mug or teacup? Mmmm… Mug. I love to wrap both hands around a mug, inhaling the warmth and the aroma of a good cup of coffee.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Hmm… For many years, I’ve lived by the motto “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

I should explain what I mean by that. J Sometimes life is hard. We work hard, and go through rough times. When God leads us through these tough situations, He always has a plan—a plan for us to have hope and a future. So when I’m going through the hardest times, I know He’s using the circumstances to make me stronger in Him. J

Here’s and blurb and excerpt from Misty’s book:

The Lady and the Mountain Man

Leah Townsend, a recently orphaned heiress, flees Richmond after discovering her fiancé’s plot to kill her after their wedding. She needs a safe place to hide, and finds herself accepting a newspaper marriage proposal from a God-fearing young rancher in the Montana Territory. But when Leah arrives at the mountain ranch, she learns her intended husband was killed by a grizzly, leaving behind a bitter older brother and a spunky younger sister.

When Gideon Bryant finds a city girl standing in his log cabin, his first thought is to send her back where she came from. He’s lost too many people to the wild elements of these mountains––his parents, his wife, and now his brother. His love for this untamed land lives on, but he’s determined not to open his heart to another person.

But when an accident forces Leah to stay at the ranch for seven more months, can Gideon protect his heart from a love he doesn’t want? Has Leah really escaped the men who seek her life?

 

Leah started off again on foot, leading her horse so she could follow the dog’s trail of blood. The going was slow and exhausting, with the snow mid-thigh in most areas. Finally, she mounted her horse. The crimson trail was clearer now, and time was of the essence.

They moved uphill, wrapping around the mountain and skirting boulders that peeked out from the snow. The trees had thinned and morphed into low shrubs with occasional scruffy pine. She had a bad feeling about this.

Miriam continued to call Gideon’s name, and the fear in her tone intensified the farther they rode.

Leah looked around the area as they continued the search. Her eyes drifted back to the ground. No blood. The snow appeared solid white. Had they missed Gideon? She drew her horse to a stop and surveyed the area as far as she could see. No sign of the man. Should they continue or backtrack?

An opening in the rock side of the mountain caught her attention. A cave. She jumped from her horse and looped the mare’s reins on a branch.

“Gideon?” Leah’s hands shook as she struggled to unhook the lantern from her saddle horn. She proceeded cautiously into the mouth of the cave, her light almost ineffective against the deep darkness. “Gideon!”

A faint moan sounded, and she shuffled in that direction. The lantern gradually illuminated a body lying prone on the rock floor. Leah’s heart clenched as she dropped to her knees beside him. “Gideon…”

He was a tangled mass of blood, and his rugged face had blanched to an eerie white, outlined by the red that dripped down his left cheek. Leah touched his forehead. His skin was so cold. God, please! She moved her hand down to his neck. A soft rhythm thumped against her fingers. Thank you!

“Gideon, can you hear me?” She spoke softly, the darkness casting foreign shadows around them.

“Leah…” His voice was raspy and his eyes were still closed, but Gideon had spoken. Leah’s heart gave a little leap.

“I’m here, Gideon.” She stroked his good cheek, her eyes wandering over every strong line of his face. Pain had etched grooves around his eyes.

“Prayed… you’d… come.” His words reached into her chest were her heart resided and squeezed.

Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQB7F4U

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/  

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-lady-and-the-mountain-man-1

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/467511

 

Misty Beller was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

You can find Misty on her website, blog, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Contact links:

Website http://mistymbeller.com

Blog: http://mistymbeller.wordpress.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MistyMBeller

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MistyMBeller

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MistyMBeller

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+MistyBeller