Unto us . . .

As the year winds down, I offer my heartfelt thanks to each of you for reading, commenting and allowing me the chance to get to know you better through this blog. This has been an incredible year, both incredibly wonderful and incredibly hard.

May God bless each of you - and may your holiday and the new year be full of the hope and peace that only Christ, our Savior, can bring. Merry Christmas! See you in 2013.

Rebecca's Rose by Jennifer Beckstrand

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I occasionally share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Rebecca's Rose by Jennifer Beckstrand

What It's About:
When his widowed mother marries an outsider, Levi Cooper's family leaves the Amish community and Levi is raised Englisch. But Levi's world is shattered when the only father he knows divorces his mother and turns his back on the family. In his anger, Levi causes an accident that alters his life forever and sets him on the path of self-destruction. Does the pretty Amish girl from his old community hold the key to his heart and his redemption?

With her mother so ill, Rebecca Miller runs her household, cares for the small farm, and watches after her younger siblings while her father, unwilling to care for his wife, is absent for days at a time working out-of-town jobs. Even though she feels trapped in her dismal life, Rebecca is determined to fulfill the promise she made to a dying friend. Englischer Levi Cooper, with uncommon good looks and a mischievous glint in his eye, might be the boy who can help her do just that. But will his secrets tear them apart or will their growing attachment lead to the loss of everything she holds dear?

My Thoughts:
This is the first Amish book I've ever read and I quite enjoyed it! It was interesting learning about the Amish culture - this book takes place among the Wisconsin Amish. I really liked both Levi and Rebecca, and the romance between them is sweet and deep and wonderful. I also thought the conflict these two have to deal with is difficult yet poignant. This is the second of Jennifer's books, and although I haven't read the first, I didn't feel like I had to in order to "get" this story. It's a great read!  

Find it here on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.  

Joy Journal (Not sure what this is? Read last week's post here.)

• Made two chocolate pies for Thanksgiving!
• Found a good historical detail in my book research!
• Put up our Christmas tree as a family!

Have you read any Amish fiction? Do you have a favorite author of Amish fiction?

Out of the Norm

Right now I have four books on my nightstand that I've started, am half-way through or nearly finished. This is not normal for me. I typically have to read and complete one book before starting another, although sometimes I can do two, but four? :) And you'll notice none of these are my go-to genre - historical romances! Here they are:

Two of these books I'm reading (or re-reading in the case of Jane Austen Ruined My Life - it's my pick for next month) are for the book club I'm in. This month's book is Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy. I'd never heard of this one, but I've found it to be a really interesting read. It highlights a handful of US Senators through the ages and the critical decisions that required them to exercise courage, even at the cost of their careers and popularity.

That's what I love about being in a book club - I get to read things I wouldn't normally pick up. Take last month for example when we read the fantasy thriller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Fantasy isn't often on my to-read list and thrillers never :), but I really enjoyed the book.

So in amongst all the historicals, I find it's nice now and then to try something completely different. Like the four above. Now to finish them!

Do you read one or more books at a time? What's your go-to genre? Are you in a book club - if so, what types of books do you read?

WWI on My Mind

I'm in the middle of writing Book #2 in my WWI series. So although it's 2012 in the real world, it's 1918 in my head! :) I think this time period is so fascinating - the clothes, the cars, the budding technology, the brutality of a war where tanks, airplanes and machine guns were new. I also love the lesser known pieces of history from WWI.

This is a propaganda poster from 1917. Both liberty bonds and propaganda play a part in my first book in this series, which explores the conflict of a schoolteacher and a German-American handyman who fall in love while anti-German hysteria divides the population of their small Iowa town.

I knew a little about the German prejudice during WWI from a couple other novels I'd read, but it wasn't until I began researching it for this book, that I realized how rampant it really was. German-Americans changed their last names, German-sounding streets or cities were also changed, even sauerkraut became "liberty cabbage." German-Americans were forced to buy liberty bonds, were tarred and feathered, were made to kiss the flag and subjected to numerous other injustices. It was both interesting and sad to read accounts of what many Germans here in the U.S. faced during the war.

How much do you know about WWI? Is it a time period that you find interesting or would like to learn more about? Like me, are you counting down the days until Downton Abbey starts again? :)

Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered the An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere giveaway. The winners of the two advanced reader copies are ... karenk and Jes! I'll be emailing you, ladies, for your addresses. Congratulations; it's a great read. The book releases October 30th, but you can pre-order it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I occasionally share my recommendations for books in this genre.

An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere

What It's About:
A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she's finally returning home, but she's still living a secret life. Her best friend Ria's dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again . . .

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville's world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he's invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother's young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

My Thoughts:
The premise of this book drew me in right away - a young woman pretending to be her best friend in high society London! I love the characters in this book. Lizzie is an independent heroine, trying to do what she thinks is best as she attempts to right the past. Geoffrey is a fabulous hero - serious but kind! And James is the perfect flirty, not-a-care-in-the-world cousin who provides great humor. The romance is full of great chemistry between the characters, while never crossing a line - and though, I did have to wait a bit for the hero and heroine to kiss, it was well-worth it. :) The inspirational/faith elements of the story are very light and will definitely appeal to those who like the romance to be at the center of the story. I can't wait for the other two books in the series!

Giveaway!

I'm giving away TWO advanced reader copies of An Heiress at Heart! If you'd like to enter the giveaway, just a leave a comment on this post between now and next Tuesday (the 23rd). I'll randomly select two commenters and announce the winners on my post next Wednesday.

Excited About What I'm Reading!

My to-read pile beside my bed is so large right now that I've had to relegate some of the books to my closet shelf! I'm currently reading an advanced reader copy of this book.

And I'm really enjoying it! This is Grand Central's first inspirational historical romance - and it's a good one. I'm excited to be part of the team with my WWI series and I will definitely be giving Jennifer's book my recommendation!

What are you excited about reading?

*Today Jessica Nelson is reviewing Lady Outlaw on her blog and doing a giveaway!

 

A Pic and a Post!

(Look what we found in Walmart this weekend!)

Today I'm answering questions over on Melissa Tagg's blog, which is quite an honor. She has a fabulous blog, plus Melissa is funny and nice!

Come find out more about my upcoming WWI series with Grand Central Publishing and enter to win a copy of LADY OUTLAW.

*To see where else I've been this month, check out the side bar for all the details on the LADY OUTLAW blog tour for September!

No Sufficient Words!

As I write this Thursday night, I feel tired and humbled. My kids got to bed way too late - like hours late in my 2-year-old's case :), and my kitchen sink is still full of today's dishes. But it doesn't matter. What matters tonight and in the days ahead is the gratitude I feel right now.

Thank you to everyone who came tonight to the launch party for LADY OUTLAW. Thank you to everyone who helped us pull this party off with a bang. Thank you to everyone for your support! It is truly amazing, humbling and encouraging.

Big Announcement!

For those unable to attend the launch party, I wanted to share my big announcement here! I will be publishing a three-book, inspirational romance WWI series with Grand Central Publishing. The first book is slated for release in March 2014 - the 100-year anniversary of the start of WWI. Grand Central has been doing romance for a long time, but they're just starting into inspirational romance and I'm so excited to be part of that venture.

Launch Party Photos!

(Old fashioned candy jars & candy -

these play a role in Caleb and Jennie's first meeting)

 (Me talking about the book)

(Cake with little cowboy hats, horseshoes and cacti on it)

(Me and my critique group - Elana Johnson, Sara Olds & Ali Cross -

love these ladies!)

(Lee Caldwell doing a horse -training demonstration)

(Me signing books - no hand cramps yet!)

More LADY OUTLAW Fun!

- If you'd like to win a copy of LADY OUTLAW, hop over to the blog of my good friend and critique partner Ali Cross for a giveaway!

- Check out Clean Romance Reviews today for her review of LADY OUTLAW.

A Dream Come True

Eight years ago this summer, when my oldest son was just a couple of months old, I began writing my first book. This was my first serious attempt to accomplish a goal I'd written in my journal at the age of 11 - write and publish a book.

(Me and my son by the Atlantic Ocean - Sept 2004)

I wrote during naptime, went to my first writers' conference and finished my book. I wrote another book (which became Lady Outlaw). I had another son and wrote another book. I lost a baby girl at 20 weeks gestation, then later had my second daughter - all while reaching for this dream.

Three times I had a manuscript with a publisher - and all three times I received a "no." I queried most of  last year and racked up more rejections.

This wasn't the quick jump to publication I might have envisioned early on.

The end of last summer, I hit a real low. I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing, but it wasn't happening like I'd hoped or thought.

If I could have only seen what would happen four months later - an acceptance of publication from Harlequin and signing with my agent. I couldn't see it, but Someone could. Through all the struggle and rejection, the Lord was right with me. He knew it would be eight years of work and growth and triumph and failure. But He knew that it was exactly what my journey needed to be - for me. 

Today I feel an abundance of gratitude to Him, to my family and to all the friends and family who've helped with fulfilling this dream in any way. Thank YOU!

Who's been the biggest help in reaching for your dreams & goals? What is the biggest stumbling block to fulfilling our dreams & goals?

*Today my good friend and critique partner Elana Johnson is giving away 3 copies of Lady Outlaw on her blog!

*And check back here on Friday - I'll have pictures from my Western-themed launch party happening tomorrow night!

Weddings on My Mind

While we're waiting for Season 3 of Downton Abbey to start up (still FIVE more months to go), my husband and I discovered My Fair Wedding. We watched the first season and now we're onto Season 2.

The premise of the show is that wedding planner David Tutera shows up three weeks before a couple's big day and changes whatever he wants - the venue, the bridal gown, the food. Typically he expands on the concept of the bride and makes it into something amazing.

It's a fun show to watch - and with my anniversary coming up next month - I've been thinking about my wedding. I wasn't one who knew from girlhood what theme or decor I wanted for my wedding. After my husband and I got engaged, we set a date in September. Because I loved the fall season, the only thing I was definite on was having a picture with the fall leaves. Not a lot of leaves have changed here by the end of September, so getting that picture took some hiking - in my bridal gown - but we got some great fall shots.

I didn't really care what the colors were or the flowers - just something that tied into fall. If I could go back, I would probably have more of an opinion and maybe picked a different dress. But the day was amazing - it couldn't have gone any better - including riding away from our reception in an old-fashioned car!

Have you watched My Fair Wedding? What wedding concepts would you change about your big day, if you could go back? If a wedding is in the future, what sort of theme do you want?

**Also be sure to check out the LADY OUTLAW giveaway that Joanne Bischof is hosting on her blog!

Thoughts on Unbroken

I finished reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption over the weekend. While very raw in parts, this book was incredibly inspiring.

The book follows the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and WWII bombardier, who was stranded on a life raft on the Pacific Ocean for more than 40 days, then captured and thrown into a Japanese POW camp. One of my favorite parts talks about the attitudes of Louis and his friend Phil while on the raft. Though they recognized their dire situation, they were able to remain optimistic, envisioning a future beyond their present circumstances. The third man on the raft, Mac, could not picture a future and was haunted by thoughts of dying out on the ocean. It made me think what my outlook would be in that situation.

The author briefly explores the idea of whether or not we're born with innate optimistic or pessimistic outlooks, then goes on to say the men's different attitudes ultimately turned out to be self-fulfilling. That really struck me. What a powerful reminder that we choose how we react to life's circumstances and challenges. We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can choose faith and optimism or fear and despair.

Just reading Zamperini's tragic but incredible story has caused me to view things in my own life differently. I've found myself more inclined to tell myself "things will work out," even if it's different than I might want or expect. I've thought more about the blessings in my life and the immense gratitude I have for those men and women who've served in the military for this country. It was definitely a thought-provoking read!

Have you read or heard of Unbroken? Do you think we are born with a tendency toward optimism or pessimism? What book have you read lately that caused you to think long after you finished it?

Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

What It's About:

Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her. Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind . . . for a reason.

Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister has abandoned. Ten-year-old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home. The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor. But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads--he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself.

As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most. To save one little girl--and herself--can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God?

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this story! It has everything I want in a good, contemporary romance - lots of laugh-out-loud humor, real growth in the main character and great romantic chemistry. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking. Maggie is hilarious and definitely someone you want to cheer on, and Connor is the perfect match for her.

Find it here on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

California Highlights

Here are the highlights from our trip to Anaheim last week, including three days at the RWA (Romance Writers of America) National Conference for me!

1. Spending time with family

2. Being at Disneyland (the Cars racer ride was my favorite!)

3. Seeing the ocean (I love the mountains I live near, but being a California-native, there's a real love for the ocean too)

4. Meeting my fabulous agent, Jessica Alvarez, in person (Yes, I'm cheesing it here, but it was 11:00 p.m.)

5. Dancing five feet away from Nora Roberts at the Harlequin party (Sorry, no picture of this one)

Any fun plans to squeeze in before summer winds down? Are you a mountain/lake person, an ocean-lover or both?

*Be sure to check out my web site at http://www.stacyhenrie.com/!

How I Read a Book

I thought it would be fun to share "how" we each read books!

Here's how I read:

Format: I don't own an e-reader yet - gasp, I know - maybe someday. So I read hard copies.

Time: The best reading time for me is at naptime or bedtime.

How: I read pretty piecemeal, meaning in starts and stops, a little at a time. On rare occasion, I may stay up to finish a book. But I need sleep so that doesn't happen very often.

Where: I read on my bed - it's the most comfy spot.

Secret: I sneak and read the ending! That's probably more shocking than not having an e-reader, right? :) But when I can't stand not knowing another minute how the hero and heroine are going to get together - or if I want to find out if a good kiss is coming - then I totally skip ahead to see what happens. Once I know, I'm good to go back and keep reading!

What about you? E-reader or hard copy? Day-time reader, night-time reader or stay-up-until it's finished reader? Where's your favorite reading spot? Do you ever sneak a peek at the ending or patiently wait for all to be revealed?

*Photo from here.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo

What It's About:
English professor Emma Grant has always done everything just the way her minister father told her she should -- a respectable marriage, a teaching job at a good college, and plans for the requisite two children. Life was prodigiously good, as her favorite author Jane Austen might say, until the day Emma finds her husband in bed with another woman. Suddenly, all her romantic notions a la Austen are exposed for the foolish dreams they are.

Denied tenure in the wake of the scandal and left penniless by the ensuing divorce, Emma packs up what few worldly possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen. Locating the elusive letters, however, isn't as straightforward as Emma hoped. The owner of the letters proves coy about her prize possessions, sending Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closer and closer to the truth, but the sudden reappearance of Emma's first love makes everything more complicated.

In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people's expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, Jane Austen Ruined My Life is the story of a woman betrayed who uncovers the deeper meaning of loyalty.

My Thoughts:
Don't you just love the title and cover? :) I finally got my hands on this book, which is the first in Beth Pattillo's contemporary series based on Jane Austen and her novels. I really liked Emma - she was a great heroine and her journey to self-discovery was believable and heartwarming. I absolutely loved the ending of the first chapter - you'll have to read it to see what I mean. But it was laugh out loud funny and Adam is such a great character. The author has definitely done her research when it comes to Jane Austen, but I also liked her speculation on the story behind Jane Austen's possible true love. The ending isn't typical of a romance - more like women's fiction - but it is happy and there is promise, so I was satisfied.

Find this book here on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

A Look Back

This past weekend, our family made a quick trip up Bear Lake, in Northern Utah, which is one of our favorite vacation spots. We typically go there at least once in the summer and again in the fall. I love the change of pace, the pretty scenery, the time outdoors.

The last time we were there was last October  - eight months ago. At that time, I brought our laptop along to "work" because I was jamming to rewrite Lady Outlaw to send it a second time to Harlequin.

This weekend I was thinking back to that time and all that's transpired since. I had no idea last fall that in January I would get "the call" about my book or that almost a year later I will have that published book in hand.

Would I have wanted a glimpse into the future as I madly rewrote my book, feeling both hope and trepidation? Do I wish I could have known what was to come this year? I don't think so. It would have robbed some of the sweetness from those moments.

As much as I sometimes wish I knew what lay ahead in life, I'm grateful we rarely get to see very far down the road - that we have to walk in faith and trust. Because then we don't shy away from the hard things that make us strong and help us learn, and the our victories and accomplishments are even more rewarding.

Do you wish we could see into the future, to know what lies ahead? If you were granted a glimpse at what was to come, what would you hope to see? Do you have a favorite vacation spot you visit every year?

Lessons from Arches

Last week I went camping down near Moab and Arches National Park with some youth from my church. This was my first time ever visiting that part of the state, and what an adventure!

I learned a lot about myself and what I can do, even when stretched beyond what I think are my abilities. One of the days there we went on a fairly rigorous hike. We started at nine in the morning and didn't return to our cars until 5:30 that evening. We hiked in hot sun and occasional shade. We hiked through sand washes, over slick rock and up a steep incline. We rapelled down a canyon, including a thirty-foot free fall that was exhilarating.

I was never at the front of the pack. Typically I stayed in the middle or near the rear. I wasn't as fast as our trail-setters, but I tried to maintain my own steady pace. Most important, I didn't quit. Not one of us did. Our entire group, despite running out of water near the end and hiking in high summer temperatures, all made it to the end.

And that to me is the lesson I hope never to forget.

In life we may not feel like the trailblazers with all their pep and talent. We might even be coming along at the rear, but we're coming. There are times of blistering sun and challenge, but there are also moments or seasons of cool shade and rest. No matter our pace, no matter our circumstances, the important thing is to keep pressing onward. Don't quit, no matter how tough things may get. It's not how fast or well we come along; it's that we keep going, one footstep at a time.

Have you ever been to Arches National Park? Do you like camping? What life lessons did you learn this week?

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

What It's About:
Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

My Thoughts:
This is definitely my favorite of Karen Witemeyer's books, which is saying a lot, because I liked her other two as well. I loved the unique characters - a blacksmith with a speech impediment and a spinster librarian. Both of their pasts come back to haunt them, which provides great conflict. I loved the ending - or rather the clever climatic scene near the ending. The writing is fluid and lovely, and the faith elements are naturally woven in.

Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes and Noble.

Cover Reveal!

I'm excited to share the cover of my book LADY OUTLAW. The art department at Harlequin did such a fabulous job - they captured Jennie and the essence of the book perfectly! The tag line is "She'd break the law to save her home."

Road Trip!

My husband and I went on a little road trip two weekends ago. And the not-so exotic destination of our mini getaway was . . . southwestern Utah - the setting of my book LADY OUTLAW. We had a blast taking pictures of different settings from the book for the "bonus features" section of my upcoming website.

Here's a sneak peek!

(This could have been the view from Caleb's room at the ranch, minus the barbed wire fence)

What fun plans do you have for this week? Do you enjoy road trips? Any travel plans for the summer?

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

What It's About:
Clara Endicott is beginning to make a name for herself as a journalist who is intent on exposing the dark side of industry. In the splendor of gilded age America, she soon finds herself face to face with the childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished steel worker she once knew.

Daniel Tremain has risen to become a powerful industry giant. He had always idolized Clara, but when she writes an exposé about his company, it will trigger a series of events that threatens to destroy the only woman Daniel has ever loved.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the mix of characters in this book; even the would-be villain was interesting with his unique and tragic past. I liked that the hero and heroine were good friends years before and that spark of attraction hadn't dimmed. Though I knew how the story was going to end, being a romance, I still found myself thinking that Clara and Daniel couldn't ever be together - there was just too much for them to overcome. Which, of course, kept me reading to see how they'd triumph!
 
Find this book here on Amazonor here at Barnes and Noble.

The Earl's Mistaken Bride by Abby Gaines

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

The Earl's Mistaken Bride by Abby Gaines

What It's About:
As soon as Marcus Brookstone lifts his bride's veil, he sees he's been tricked. He made a bargain with God—to marry a good, Christian girl if his mother recovered from illness. But Marcus intended to marry pretty Amanda, not stubborn Constance. His next plan, to ignore his new wife, fails as well when Constance makes it clear that she wants a true union. Constance Somerton doesn't dare reveal that she's been enamored of Marcus for years. The man believes love is for weaklings. Someone needs to teach him about marriage's blessings. Someone who sees beyond his arrogance to the tender heart beneath. Someone exactly like Constance....

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book - I was hooked from the beginning by the plot and the characters. The heroine is strong and not a typical romantic beauty, though she's lovely in her own right. The hero is proud, but boy does he make a fool of himself for love, which I adored. There's even another love story interwoven throughout Constance and Marcus's story. This is one of those books that makes me so thrilled to be publishing with Love Inspired Historical!

Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes and Noble.

**If you haven't already, you can enter to win a $10 Amazon e-giftcard by answering one of the questions in the comments section of my Wednesday post. The giveaway ends Monday at midnight (MST). I'll announce the winner next Wednesday.

The Power of Attitude

My husband and I stumbled onto Out of the Wild Venezuela one night when we were looking for something to watch. One episode into it and we were hooked.

Nine people from various occupations and parts of the country were dropped off in the wilderness in Venezuela. They'd been given three days of survival training prior to drop off and they had three days of rations to begin a journey they didn't know the length of. Their task was to find civilization. If they didn't feel they could go on or if they became seriously ill or injured, they could hit the button on their GPS device and a helicopter would take them away. They had a map and a cache of supplies, but everything else they had to make or find as they lived off the land.

It was an incredible show to watch. Only a few days into their journey, they began starving. The things they had to eat to survive were disgusting in comparison to what I have readily in my pantry and fridge. But they were grateful for it.

As we continued through the episodes, we saw conflicts among the group but also strong friendships, we saw the group battle thick jungle and constant rainstorms, we saw people leave, we saw strength tested to the utmost, we saw people so fatigued from starvation they struggled to make themselves coherent for their on-camera interviews*, we saw people reach down deep inside thhemselves and continue on.

There were at least two people who wowed me with their attitude. It didn't matter if they hadn't had anything to eat for a few days but maggots or tiny fish - they stayed positive. One guy, who was among the small group who made it all the way to civilization, talked about how you don't know what's ahead but there will be moments of happiness. You just have to look for them.

Their determination to see the journey through, to stay positive in the midst of pure survival was such a powerful lesson to me in my life of relative ease. And even in the hard things, there are always those moments of happiness, if we look for them.

Have you seen this show? Is that something you'd want to do - go on a survival journey? (I probably would have pushed the button when I arrived at the first place to sleep and found it invested with tarantulas and scorpions). What helps you see those moments of happiness, even when the road ahead isn't easy or clear?

*The camera crew members were required to stay 100 yards from the volunteers. I can't imagine how heart-breaking that must have been for them to watch these people deteriorate, knowing they couldn't provide the volunteers with anything.

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

What It's About:  
When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?

My Thoughts:
Typically in books with both the hero and heroine's point of view, I tend to like reading about one character a little - or a lot - more than the other. In this book, though, I enjoyed both points of view. I haven't read a lot of Regency-set (Jane Austen's time period) novels, but I liked the time period and the setting and the little tidbits I learned about both. I liked the mystery element of not knowing who the real bad guy was, and having a kind hero with a French accent was nice too. :)

Find this book here on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

What It's About:

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

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My Thoughts:

This book has a great mix of light-hearted moments and serious challenges for the characters. Adelaide's romantic notions are fun, and who doesn't love a British hero like Gideon? This is the second book of Karen Witemeyer's that I've read, and I like how she weaves bits of comedy throughout her stories while still having gripping scenes as things progress toward the ending.

Find this book here on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.

Movie Quotology

Growing up, my sisters and I loved to quote movies. Much to the chagrin of my parents, we liked to play this game at the dinner table. To get around the rule of no movie quoting at the table, we'd slide our chairs back so we weren't actually sitting up to the table.

It was great to marry into a family who enjoy movie quoting as much as I do - and at the dinner table, no less. :) But you'd better quote it right in my husband's family or you're in trouble!

Quite regularly my husband and I sprinkle our conversations with movie quotes - 'cause sometimes those just say it best. Here are a few of our favorites:

"That ain't no happy child!" 

Mr. Potato Head - Toy Story

"I'm not happy, Bob. Not happy." 

Mr. Incredible's Boss - The Incredibles

"Which one, which one." 

Yzma - The Emperor's New Groove

"You're cookin' my grits, coach." 

Coach Herman Boone - Remember the Titans

"Put it on my tab."
Dan - Dan in Real Life

Do you like to quote movies? What are some of your favorite movie lines? Do you have any fun family games/past times you enjoy?

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

What It's About:
For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor. Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.

Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries. When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

My Thoughts:
I've read this book like two or three times now! It's one of my favorite inspirational historicals. I love the time period and location - 1890's New York City - and that it's told in first person. Clara is a strong heroine and I love the guy she eventually ends up with - but I won't say who for those who haven't read the book. It's well-written and full of interesting historical details that add to, not distract from, the story.

On a personal note:
I had the opportunity to meet and have breakfast with Siri Mitchell about two years ago at a writers conference. She is as kind and gracious in real life as she is online!

Find this book here on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo

What It's About:
Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother’s dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen.  Their mother also left them a mysterious diary that belonged to Jane’s sister, Cassandra.  These private pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time.

As the Dodge sisters visit sites important to the Austen sisters, they are drawn together in unexpected ways. They also discover that Cassandra’s diary holds clues to the greatest Austen treasure of all: Jane’s diary.  But someone doesn’t want the sisters to discover Jane’s secrets and will go to great lengths to keep Ellen and Mimi from uncovering the truth. As the sisters stumble along their own paths toward love, they discover how Jane and Cassandra inspired the characters of Marianne and Elinor Dashwood.  Ellen and Mimi come to realize that despite their different sensibilities, they are a vital part of each other’s happy endings.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book - it was one of my favorites last year! And while there aren't any faith elements in the story, the romance is clean and enjoyable. If you're looking for a Jane Austen story with a modern twist, then this book fits the bill. There's humor, sibling drama and a lost love that shows up at the beginning. The sisters' relationship is authentic and the book explores deeper themes while still maintaining a light-hearted feel. It's a fast and fun read!

Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.

Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I'm doing Christian Fiction Fridays here on my blog where I share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot

What It's About:
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the western setting (Wyoming) in this book. A lot of historical romances are set in places like Texas or the Midwest, which isn't a bad thing, but I appreciated the different location. It was also fun to learn about life at Fort Laramie in the 1880s - I had no idea it was so cultured. My favorite part of the book - hands down - was the hero, Ethan Bowles. I loved his character and how his past influenced his decisions.

My only complaint is the absence of a real kiss between Abigail and Ethan (ie. not just on the cheek)! That aside, I enjoyed the genuine friendship that developed between them, which eventually grew into love. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Find this book here on Amazon or here at Barnes & Noble.

Confessions of a Chocoholic

If a sweet tooth can be genetically passed on, then my love of chocolate is an inherited trait from my paternal grandmother. Frequently, when we'd make the trip to visit her, we'd pick up some chocolate frozen custard for her (and us) to enjoy. If we wanted a treat or dessert for grandma, we knew she'd most enjoy the chocolate ones. And I'm the same way.

In my humble opinion a dessert is not a dessert unless it is partially or wholly made up of this delectable ingredient, but it has to be the right kind. I don't mean like European vs. American chocolate, though I do appreciate the creaminess of the chocolate from across the ocean. I'm really not a big chocolate candy or bar fan. I much prefer something with real chocolate substance like gooey brownies with ice cream, fresh-baked cookies or moist cake.

But if we're out of the good stuff, then I may slightly lower my chocolate expectations to include hot fudge a la mode, or lower them further still to snitch a piece of candy from the kids' stash. I will admit to even pilfering chocolate chips in times of a chocolate famine. 

Are you a chocoholic? If so, what type of chocolate do you prefer? What's your favorite dessert? 

Clearing Out the Clutter - Most of the Time

I am not a hoarder - quite the opposite. I love to get rid of things I'm not using or don't need: clothes, household items, papers, etc. There's constantly a box in my basement for goodwill items. Once I take them to the store, it's not long before I start another box.

For me, there's something thrilling about organizing a drawer or closet or space and purging out what isn't necessary or useful. My husband jokes when I get into organizing mode that the rest of the family should watch out or Mom might organize them all out of the house.

Interestingly this need to organize and purge doesn't apply to the various manuscripts on my hard drive. And thank goodness for that! As I was going through my edits the other week, I found a spot where my editor felt one chapter ended too abruptly. She wanted me to add more to the scene. To my relief - and luck - I found a continuation of that scene, which I'd written about five years ago and kept on my computer - just in case. Having that scene already written made it easy to rework and plug it into the spot I needed it. So, as much as it pains me to say, there are times when it's good to keep a little clutter around.

Are you a hoarder or are you all about clearing out the clutter (a get-ridder)? What things are easy to let go of? What things are harder?

I Heart These . . .

In the wake of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some love - movie love that this. My husband and I love watching movies and quoting movies. We even had a tradition going to watch Out of Africa every year, though that sort of fizzled out - why that movie, I don't really know, especially since it's very sad and long.

But here's Five Movies I Love to Watch Again and Again.

1. Dan in Real Life

2. Confessions of a Shopaholic

3. Persuasion

 

4. North and South

 

5. The Bourne Identity (see, they aren't all romance movies!)

What movie(s) could you watch over and over? What's your favorite type of movie?

Conflict is Key

When I started writing my first book - sort of my pre-draft - I was sure I didn't need conflict. I would have a nice, lovely story without all the angst - characters happily would go about their business. Thankfully I wised up to the importance of conflict and wrote a story rife with it - fires, attempted kidnapping, illness, death, loss of home and wealth, unrequited love.

Because a story without conflict is boring, meaningless, with little power to draw us in.

I once attended a writers class where the instructor talked about what made successful books and movies. He believed the key was the way these books and movies upped the stress levels in readers and viewers, taking their stress above their current level, then resolving that stress at the end. Good conflict creates that vicarious stress and resolution, sucking us into the story and keeping us caring about these fictional characters.


One of my favorite tv shows that does a fantastic job with conflict (especially interpersonal/relationships) and upping those stress levels is Masterpiece Theater's Downton Abbey. It's about the lives of a wealthy, titled family in England during WWI and the lives of their servants. After this last episode - full of relationship strife, war, death, impediments to love and dreams - I told my husband what a big mess things had become for the characters.

And we love it. We have to keep watching until that stress is resolved. We're drawn in. We care about these people.

Have you watched Downton Abbey? What are your favorite types of conflict in books or movies (physical, internal, familial)? What other movies/tv shows or books are examples of good conflict?

The Post I've Waited Seven Years to Write!

Before my blog, before I knew how long and tough this road might be, before I began seriously writing, I dreamed of one day writing and publishing a book.

That dream will become a reality in September of this year when my book will be published by Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical.

This weekend has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I received an offer from Harlequin and now have the fabulous Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC as my agent. I couldn't be more excited for both!

I want to share my journey getting to this point because I love reading other people's stories, but it's hard to know where to start.

Back in 2004, after the birth of my first son, when I decided to write my first novel? Back in 2007, when I finished writing this story that will become my first published book?  Maybe back in 2010 when I went to my first national conference and an agent requested the full manuscript of this book? That was really when I realized I had a viable, fun story.

All of those would work as beginnings - certainly as stepping stones to this point - but I'll save time and fast-forward to 2011 when I entered a pitch contest for Love Inspired Historical. (I wrote about it here.) I was one of six winners selected to do an online chat, and they requested the full manuscript. Though there were things they liked, initially they passed, mostly because my hero was too perfect.

So I took a chance and wrote them back to ask if they would read the manuscript again if I fixed my hero. To my surprise and delight, I got a "yes" response. That began a seven-week task of revising before I sent the manuscript off again.

Then I waited, hoping, wondering what they thought. Last Friday, I got my answer. Harlequin wanted to publish my book. I told my editor it was the best Friday the 13th I'd ever had!

In addition to the sort of dazed state I'm walking around in this week, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the many people who have lent support to my writing over the years - chiefly, my husband and my Father in Heaven. Thanks to all of you - including my blog friends here - for taking this journey with me!

What good things have you experienced lately? What fills you up with gratitude?

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

I won't be talking about New Year's resolutions today - though I did actually make them this year and they're all MEASURABLE, which I'm pretty stoked about. Instead I'm talking about animals.

By and large, I am not an animal-lover. I like cats and bunnies, and that's about it. I believe some of this dislike stems from watching too many tear-jerker movies as a kid involving the tragedies and triumphs of every animal imaginable. (The dog ones were the worst.)

When it comes to horses, the main contributor to my disinterest is one too many bad horseback riding experiences. Nearly every family vacation growing up involved us signing up for a horseback ride. There was the time we were led to believe we'd be galloping along the beach in Hawaii, only to experience about five minutes of riding on the sand and the rest in weeds about as tall as the horses. Another time the horses brought on a bout of allergies.

Our final horseback riding adventure as a family, while in Mexico, didn't go well either. The memory burnt into my mind from that trip is FEAR as my horse maneuvered down the mountain of at what felt like a 90 degree angle.

The irony in all of this is that the man I married trained race horses for several years. He likes horses, has worked with horses, knows how to ride horses. The other ironic thing is that I write historical romances set in the West where people rode - and often adored - horses. Thank goodness for my critique group or the horses in my last book wouldn't even have had names!

Maybe I should enlist my husband's help in creating a positive horseback riding experience. Or maybe I'm content to look at horses from a far and stick to writing fiction where animals and people live in harmony - or pretty close.

Are you an animal-lover or not? If not, why not? Have you ever been horseback riding? Do you like movies/books centered around animals/pets?

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