Sunday Funnies!

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.-

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,

(2) don't ask for money all the time,

(3) are easier to train,

(4) normally come when called,

(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't smoke or drink,

(7) don't want to wear your clothes,

(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and

(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

Linore Rose Burkard ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Linore will be giving away a copy of her new book, The Country House Courtship, so make sure you enter! =)

About the author:

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square and, The Country House Courtship. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency. Readers experience a romantic age, where England from the past comes alive and happy endings are possible for everyone!

About the book:

England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!

Fans of Linore's first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

Linore, Your tag line is "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul". How did a girl from Queens, NY become enamored with the Regency era and come to write novels in that genre but with an inspirational twist?
By my twenties I had discovered Georgette Heyer (called the Queen of the Regency Romance) and then I re-discovered Jane Austen. Christian fiction was just starting to take off, and I kept hoping for a Christian regency to read, but it never materialized. I finally realized that if this book was going to be written, it would have to be by me! So, I wrote the book I wanted to read.

How has Jane Austen's work influenced yours? Who else has inspired your writing?
Austen shows that "romance" does not have to be seen as less literary than other genres, and that wit, taste and depth of character are as important as plot. Georgette Heyer, as I mentioned, was an influence; and beyond them, I suppose it is just that I always read a great deal, and really longed to fashion a story where the gospel was included, but to have it in there naturally, so that readers wouldn't feel preached to. I love all the James Herriot books, Dickens, the Brontes, and other English writers.


What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I hope my readers will feel as though they've been transported to an amazing world of the past, with living characters and places so real they can almost reach out and touch them. I love it when readers write to me to say they just had a wonderful mini-vacation--reading my book! Some say they've had a spiritually encouraging journey while reading--and that means everything to me.

Any Regency romance is going to be compared to Jane Austen's novels ~ how are your books similar / different?
I don't think most regencies are written to be like Jane, and mine are no exception. I'm not competing with Jane Austen; I'm re-visiting the world she wrote about, though; and that is the similarity. When readers say my writing is "Austen-like", I take that as a huge compliment, but that's when I think it's wise not to believe my own press! (smile)


Do you have more Regency novels planned?
Right now I'm working on a regency time-travel that is dying to be a screenplay! I'm writing it as a novel, but little scenes creep in where, at their end, I actually type in "fade to black," before I realize what I've done. That's all I'm going to say about the new book for now, but readers can rest assured that it will be different enough to delight them, but similar in the sense that it's still me writing, it's still my voice.

Can you give us a sneak peek into The Country House Courtship?
Country House is the third book in the Regency Series, and gives one of the minor characters from the first books her own "day in the spotlight," her own romance. It begins about five years later (about 1818) and sees Mr. O'Brien (a curate, now) to a happy marriage of his own. There's a little bit of mystery, a villain (an Austenesque villain--not a serial killer, in other words!)and a denouement that I hope will leave people smiling and satisfied.

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of The Country House Courtship!

To enter:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 29) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Feb. 4). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 5th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Winners!

The winner of Fire and Ice by Susan Page Davis is:

Edna!!

The winner of Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillentwater is:
CollettaKay!

Marrying Mallory by Diane Craver ~ 3/5 stars

Marrying Mallory

Diane Craver

Desert Breeze Publishing

About the book:

Is Mallory Harrington jinxed because her name means luckless? Things have gone wrong for Mallory since she was a small child. All she ever wanted was to have a complete family and live happily ever after. It appears she has it all when she marries Toby Harrington and they have a son. Unfortunately, their marriage ends when Toby has an affair with his law partner. After their divorce, Mallory feels guilt that she couldn't forgive Toby for his affair. As a Christian, she should be able to forgive him for his sin.

Mallory decides to do something for herself, and get a surgical procedure that she's always wanted. What she doesn't expect is her instant attraction to her surgeon.

Sometimes faith is about accepting what can’t be changed and grabbing what God offers her. Life must go on.

My review:
I’m giving this book a three star rating, because of a couple inconsistencies in the story and the sometimes random parts in the dialogue. However, I understand that when writing an 86 page book, you would have to compress stuff and sometimes have the characters say seemingly random things to cut down on size, while still bringing up important issues. I think that this has the potential to be a great story, if only Diane didn’t have to skip so many important moments to meet her word count, or whatever her cut-off was. I liked the story line and characters, just not that it was so short and compressed.

Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater ~ 5/5 stars + Favorite!

Jenna's Cowboy

Sharon Gillenwater

The Callahans of Texas series, #1

Revell -Publisher

About the book:

Can you ever get a second chance at your first love? Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town--the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago. And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever. Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him--and become the man Jenna deserves.

My review:

This book will really touch you. Nate’s struggles with PTSD will make you think more about the people who risk their lives to defend our country. I had never spent much time thinking about the side-effects of war and the stress that a person would be under in those situations. Jenna’s Cowboy made me even more appreciative of people like Nate who so bravely fight for us. The patriotism in these books is truly inspiring. I loved all the characters in this book! Jenna may have been hurt in the past, but she is willing to try to love again. And Nate is all too willing to be the one to help her heart heal. I am definitely going to be reading the other books in this series.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sunday Funnies!

Sunday School Funnies...


STORY OF ELIJAH
The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times. "Now, said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?" A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know! I know!" she said, "To make the gravy!"

LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was driving," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!

GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."

DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"

"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms?"

HIGHER POWER
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, " We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!"

MOSES &THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." "Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

CHURCH SMILES
There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.

AMISH BUMPER STICKER
While driving in Pennsylvania , a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign..."Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.''

SUNDAY SCHOOL MESSAGE
Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

Hurry! Lisa Bergren needs your help!

Author Lisa T. Bergren asked me to post this on my blog. She has three choices for the cover of her upcoming book, Waterfall, and needs your thoughts on the best cover. If you would like to give input, you can leave a comment on this post, or you can request her friendship on facebook and vote from there (In her pictures in the folder "wall photos"). Please tell which cover you like best and why. (She needs input by Monday or Tuesday so please don't wait to post your thoughts.) Thanks for all your help!

Here is a blurb for the book:
Waterfall is the first in the River of Time trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren. The Bentarrini girls have spent every summer of their lives in Italy with their archeologist parents, but this summer is most definitely different. In a bizarre moment, the girls catapult through time and end up in medieval Italy, in the midst of a battle between knights. And after that, every day becomes a battle to get home...and becomes a terrible choice about if they want to get home at all. Action, romance, and heroes and heroines every reader will fall for, this is teen fiction at its best.

Susan Page Davis ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today author Susan Page Davis is telling us about her new book, Fire and Ice. She has offered two autographed copies of her book to two lucky commenters. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Susan! Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Maine, in a very small town. Our house had no running water until I was about eight years old. My dad was the local game warden. I had a wonderful childhood with four older siblings. My husband Jim and I have six children and also six grandchildren. Our children are all home-schooled (two are still at home). The older four are college graduates and far-flung. Jim is retired from news editing and is now a freelance editor for fiction and nonfiction projects. I personally enjoy history, animals, needlework, and reading. A current passion is cryptography, sparked by research for an upcoming book.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I started seriously writing fiction in 1999. I have 25 published novels. More than half are historical romance. Seven are romantic suspense. The others include cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, and young adult.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
My romance is definitely G-rated. Most of my books include mystery or suspense elements, even if they are classified as straight romance, and Fire & Ice is one of those. My suspense books (such as Inside Story and Hearts in the Crosshairs) have been compared to Dee Henderson’s.

In your own words tell us a little about Fire and Ice.
Fire & Ice is my second contemporary romance set in Alaska. Robyn Holland raises and trains sled dogs at the family kennel in Wasilla. She lives with her mother and grandfather. Grandpa’s antics land him in the hospital, and Robyn and her mom wonder if they are going to make it financially. They need to sell some dogs—but Mom suggests they might need to sell the whole business. When Robyn is out dog sledding with veterinarian-next-door Rick Baker, six dogs are stolen from the kennel. Robyn and Rick set off on a quest to find the dogs, and find romance along the way.

Blurb-

Robyn Holland loves her work raising and training sled dogs for her family’s business, Holland Kennel, in rugged Alaska. But when her grandfather has an accident, the resulting hospital bills put a strain on the family’s finances. Will she be forced to follow her mother’s suggestion and sell the business? It would break her heart, but it’s beginning to seem like her only option.

Robyn turns to Rick Baker, a neighbor and veterinarian, for help as the Fire & Ice dog sled approaches. Then some of her most valuable dogs are stolen. As they race against time to find the dogs, a spark ignites. Will they allow God’s light to illuminate the right tracks to follow for the victory He has for them?

What made you want to write this story?
I visited Wasilla in September, 2008, and went to the headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Race. I had already committed to write a story about a young woman serving in the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska, and I decided to make the second book about her sister-in-law, who raised sled dogs. These animals are so beautiful and courageous, I wanted to showcase them.

What research did you have to do for this book?
It was a great privilege to go to Alaska and visit Anchorage, Homer, Wasilla, and other locations. While there I talked to a lot of people. Before the trip I subscribed to Alaska Magazine and did some preliminary research. While writing the series, I’ve also called upon friends living in Alaska to answer questions about everyday life and speech patterns there. I did a ton of online research after I got home and bought a truckload of books (or so it seemed) on related topics—Coast Guard, dog sledding, polar bears, and much more.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m working on a historical romance, Book 3 in my Ladies’ Shooting Club series. These books are set in Idaho in the 1880s, and the first one just released in December (The Sheriff’s Surrender). They feature a group of women in a tiny mining town gone bust. They learn to shoot in order to protect themselves, and they wind up helping the sheriff solve murders and defending the town. It’s a fun series with mystery and romance in each book.

How can readers get in contact with you?
Come see me at my Web site: www.susanpagedavis.com

What are you currently reading?
I’m so deep into Idaho history and cryptography that I’m not currently reading a novel, which is incredible. But my research has me in books right now with titles like “Sagebrush Post Offices” and “Manual for the Solution of Military Ciphers.” (That last one is for an upcoming book called The Crimson Cipher, coming your way next summer from Summerside Press).

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I had a stroke in 1997. This was a major blot clot on my left temple. Through God’s mercy, I survived with no residual effects.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Definitely a horse. Always envied them. So strong and beautiful and graceful!

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
TV shows—I really love The Amazing Race, but drama favorites right now would be NCIS and Castle.

Place to go on vacation?
Anyplace warmer than Maine.

Book this year or month? Why?
I liked Harry Krauss’s Perfect. It had a “different,” ending, but I’ll forgive him. I was sure at first that I wouldn’t like the main character, but she got to me.


What is/was this book’s release date?
Fire & Ice is a January 2010 book through the Heartsong Presents book club. It can be ordered from http://www.heartsongpresents.com/

~~~~~

**This giveaway is open to any country, however, there will only be one book sent to another country**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win one of two autographed copies of Fire and Ice!

To enter:
*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 22) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Jan. 28). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 29th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Sharon Gillenwater ~ Giveaway!

Jenna's Cowboy

Sharon Gillenwater

The Callahans of Texas series #1

Revell - Publisher

About the book:

Can you ever get a second chance at your first love?

Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town--the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago.

And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.

Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him--and become the man Jenna deserves.

~~~~~

Okay readers, here is your chance to win a copy of Jenna's Cowboy!


To enter:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 22) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Jan. 28). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 29th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Allegheny Hopes winner!

And the winner is:

Penny!! (Hull.Margaret)

 

Congrats! I will send you an email for your mailing address today. :)

The Sheriff’s Surrender by Susan Page Davis ~ 4/5 stars

The Sheriff's Surrender

Susan Page Davis

Ladies Shooting Club #1

Barbour Publishing

About the book:

Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards from years of test-firing the guns her brother repairs. But long after giving up on marriage, she longs for rancher Ethan Chapman to see she’s more than a crack shot. When murder strikes the sleepy town, Gert forms the Ladies’ Shooting Club to teach the women how to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Ethan didn’t ask to be named sheriff, but he accepts the position and takes on the investigation into the mysterious death of his predecessor. Now he’s pressured by the town’s women to restore order and safety to Fergus, and by the men who insist Ethan disband the upstart Ladies’ Shooting Club.

Another person is murdered, and Ethan turns to Gert and her ladies to help in the investigation. But will they find the murderer before he strikes again?

My review:
I really enjoyed this book. I do wish that the book had spent more time helping us get to know Gert better. It seemed like lots of time was spent with the mystery and with Ethan, and less with Gert. My heart went out to poor Milzie! I felt so bad for her and kept hoping that someone would befriend her. The mystery part of this book, I really liked. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the book when the murderer was found out. I was very pleased with the way the book ended, and if you enjoy a sweet romance with a mystery thrown in, then I believe you will also.

Sunday Funnies!

I've been thinking for a while about starting something on my blog for funny stuff that I want to share. I'm the type of person that likes to share things that make me smile. So from now on I will try to find one or two funnies to share with you every Sunday. Feel free to use the funny stuff however you wish. Most of it will be things I got in an email or something like that. :)

So here is this weeks funny:

With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information

And wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it

Distributes out to the rest of our bodies.

So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.

Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think,

¨Good grief, look how smart I am!¨
 
Words to live by:

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today author Janice Thompson is telling us about her new book, Allegheny Hopes. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Janice! Tell us a little about yourself.

Where do I begin? Do I tell you about the little girl who dreamed of one day acting and singing on the stage? Do I bore you with the details of my first book, which I wrote in sixth grade? Do I share my heart about the various trials I’ve been through in my adult life, which gave me plenty of fodder for the books I now write? Nah. Instead of all of that, I’ll just tell you that I’m a girl on a journey. . .each day moving one step closer to the Lord. I write because He’s called me to write. I infuse humor in my stories—as much as possible—because I know that a merry heart “doeth good like a medicine.” I live each day to the fullest, despite any obstacles, and thank God for every blessing, including the most wonderful one, of late. . .my awesome, godly children and grandchildren.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I started writing in sixth grade, as mentioned above. My first book was published in 1999 and released in 2000. Since then I’ve written fifty-four novels and/or non-fiction books.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be?Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
My books are similar to those by authors like Sandra Bricker, Kristin Billerbeck and Ray Blackston. I suppose they would fall somewhere between G and PG. :)

In your own words tell us a little about Allegheny Hopes.
In 2005, while on a road trip with my mom, I conceived the idea for my “red, white and blue” books” – three books set in Pennsylvania, each having a redemption theme. I knew that I wanted the stories to be about people with a “past” – people wanting a fresh start. “Red Like Crimson” was published first. It’s set in Philadelphia in the fall (and is a true redemption story). “White as Snow” came next. It’s set in Pittsburgh in the winter (and is a football story). The final book is titled “Out of the Blue.” It’s the story of a young woman running away from the Amish lifestyle. That book is set (primarily) in Paradise, Pennsylvania. All three of these stories were put together in one book, which is titled “Allegheny Hopes.”

Blurb-

Watch as God takes the mistakes from yesterday and uses them to bridge the path to love for three Pennsylvania couples. Adrianne and Chris were in love in college, but an unexpected pregnancy made Adrianne run without telling Chris why. Brianna’s and Brady’s interests couldn’t be more different, and just the talk of football could make Brianna close her heart forever. Katie and Karl were expected to marry and settle in the Amish community, but Katie’s desire for a different life could make her misjudge Karl’s ability to love her completely. Among rolling Pennsylvania hills, three women’s mistakes from the past may block the road to love. Can Adrianne reveal her secret? Can Brianna forgive her father? Can Katie find her place to call home? Will they each allow God to move them forward while learning from yesterday?

What made you want to write this story?
I’ve always had a heart for people who need/want a fresh start. Also, I knew that people think of Pennsylvania as the birthplace of freedom (and that freedom theme comes naturally for people who’ve been set free from the bondages of the past).

What research did you have to do for this book?
My sister lives in Pennsylvania, so I went for a visit with this book in mind. I flew into Philly, a place I’ve been many times before. On our trek through the historical sites, I gathered the information I needed for the first book. We drove out to Paradise (about an hour and a half from my sister’s house) and spent a day in the Amish country. I’d been there before, but this time I visited as a writer, taking careful notes and pictures. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit Pittsburgh. In addition to studying the areas, I had a huge task ahead of me for “Out of the Blue” – an Amish story. I needed to get it right, so I contacted a professor in Florida who grew up in an Amish household. He patiently answered every question for me.

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m currently writing a book titled “Love Me Tender” – which is one of the kick-off books in the new Summerside “When I Fall in Love” line. The story is set in 1957 in a soda shop in Laguna Beach California. It’s a sweet 50s love story with a true Southern California/Hollywood theme.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I can be reached online at www.janiceathompson.com. I’m also on facebook. Folks would need to look for Janice Hanna Thompson. If anyone is interested in emailing me, I can be reached at booksbyjanice@aol.com.

What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading one of the best books I’ve read in ages: “Never Say Never” by Lisa Wingate. I don’t want to give away too much, but let’s just say I “connect” with this story because it touches on several areas/issues in my own life. Beautifully done!

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I bake wedding cakes. In fact, I baked one back in March of ’09 that toppled. Not a happy memory. Thankfully, I had a gracious bride. One other thing people might not know is that I have an autoimmune disease called psoriatic arthritis, (a cousin to rheumatoid arthritis). The pain is unbearable at times, especially when I’m going through a flare. Every day is a struggle. Sometimes, garnering the strength to write is tough.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I happen to be the owner (slave) of two miniature dachshunds, Sasha and Copper. I would gladly switch places with either one of them on any given day. They’re spoiled rotten. Their meals are prepared for them, their tummies are tickled regularly, they sleep under the covers on the bed with their master (slave) and they are forgiven for every shoe they chew up. In short, they live a charmed life.

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
I’ve worked for years as a drama director, so it probably won’t come as a big surprise that I’m drawn to shows like “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” There’s just something about the arts that gets me excited. I also love the Food Network (too many shows to list) and several shows on HGTV.
Place to go on vacation?
Italy. Need I say more?

Book this year or month? Why?
As I mentioned above, this book by Lisa Wingate is blow-you-away good. Honestly, after reading the first two pages, I told my best friend that I could never write another book again, because anything I wrote would be rubbish in comparison to what I was reading in Lisa’s book. Thankfully, my friend had the good sense to tell me not to quit writing.

What is/was this book’s release date?
This book released in November of ‘09

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Allegheny Hopes!

To enter:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 15) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Jan. 21). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 22th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

A Case for Love winner!

The lucky winner of A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus is:

Shelly!!

Congrats! I will contact you today for your mailing address.

**Note: There will be a giveaway this week, but I will be late getting it up. Please forgive me for the delay.**

Blog Award!

I just want to let you guys know that today is the 4 month anniversary of this blog! Thank you guys for making the last four months so fun!

Thanks to Andrea over at Ponderings by Andrea, who gave me the Circle of Friends Award! :)

Now I have to tell five things that I love to do--
1. Read
2. Do crafts
3. Surprise people
4. Listen to music
5. Eat!!

The five people that I'm passing this award to are--
1. Deborah @ Country at Heart
2. Michelle @ Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
3. Jennifer @ Musings on This, That and the Other Thing
4. Trish @ Reading, Writing, and the Stuff In-Between
5. Cathy @ WordVessel

The Raven Saint by MaryLu Tyndall ~ 5/5 stars + favorite!

The Raven Saint

MaryLu Tyndall

Charles Towne Belles series, #3

Barbour Publishing

About the book:

When Grace Westcott is kidnapped by a French mercenary, tossed aboard his ship, and told she will be sold to a Spanish Don in Columbia, she cannot imagine what she has done to deserve such a horrid fate. She has spent her entire life serving God and helping the poor, not to mention trying to save the souls of her two wayward sisters. Thinking perhaps God has sent her to preach to the vile captain and his crew, Grace's every attempt to correct their sinful ways is rewarded with only mockery. When Grace's situation grows far worse than she could imagine, she is forced to face her own human weaknesses. But she isn't prepared to face her biggest weakness of all-falling in love with the nefarious captain, Rafe Dubois.

My review:

The Raven Saint is the exciting conclusion to the Charles Towne Belles series. This book is absolutely wonderful. I cannot say how much I enjoyed it. I loved the message about not judging others, and trusting God with every situation that you face in life. Grace undergoes a beautiful transformation from a judgmental religious person, to a kind, understanding young woman with a true relationship with God. Captain Rafe Dubois finds it hard (if not impossible) to trust others because of numerous betrayals that he has suffered. With God working in their hearts they come to understand that trust and forgiveness are the important things, and revenge will never satisfy. This whole series should be on your immediate TBR list.

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller ~ 5/5 stars

A Man of His Word

Kathleen Fuller

Hearts of Middlefield #1

Thomas Nelson Publisher

About the book:

Moriah's heart will only be safe with a man of his word.

In just a few short months, Moriah Miller's perfect life unravels. Newly wed and newly pregnant, Moriah is abandoned by her husband, Levi. He's left her, his family, and their faith without a backward glance. The community, stunned, rushes to the young woman's aid.

But there is someone who feels more than just sympathy for Moriah. Gabriel Miller--Levi's twin--longs for an intimate commitment that might someday bind them to one another. Convinced of the impossibility of his dream, Gabriel settles for a mere friendship with the woman he loves.

Moriah bravely goes on with her life, adjusting to her new role in their tight knit Amish community and preparing for the birth of her child. She is unaware that her brief marriage--once idealized as the happiest time in her life--may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created her for. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope...if only she'll let it.

My review:
A Man of His Word is one of those books that will make you cry buckets of tears, then sigh while saying “Aww”. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t read much in the way of Amish fiction so really liking this one has encouraged me to try some more. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this series.

Kaye Dacus ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today author Kaye Dacus is telling us about her soon-to-be-released book, A Case for Love. She has offered an autographed copy of this book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer reader's questions, so feel free to leave a comment for her! (Please say if you are only asking a question and not entering the giveaway.)

Welcome, Kaye! Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. I’ve been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers since 2001, and formerly served as Vice President. I currently serve as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, where I teach a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing or the publishing industry every month.

I was born in Louisiana but have lived in several different areas of the country including Alaska, New Mexico, and Northern Virginia. Since 1996, I have called Nashville, Tennessee, home.

In May 2004, I graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration on Professional Writing. And in June 2006, I fulfilled a long-time dream when I received my Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.

I’m a Jane Austen fanatic and love watching and discussing British costume-drama movies with friends. When time permits, I’ll usually be found traveling to visit family in Arkansas or Louisiana.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
Though I started writing fiction when I was twelve or thirteen years old, it’s only been since 2001 (when I attended my first writing conference) that I’ve really studied the craft and focused on trying to get published. I knew God had called me to major in English/Writing, and I had the desire to pursue a graduate degree in Creative Writing; but because I wrote inspirational romances, and because no graduate program I’d ever heard of looked kindly upon any kind of genre-writing, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. But I persevered, and because of that heard about the Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill. Not only did my master’s degree allow me to move from a “job” as an executive assistant at a newspaper into a “career” as an editor at a book-publishing company, it also produced my first published novel—Stand-In Groom was my master’s thesis.

I currently have three books out, Stand-In Groom and Menu for Romance (Brides of Bonneterre books 1 & 2) and Ransome’s Honor (Ransome Trilogy book 1) with the third book in the Brides of Bonneterre series, A Case for Love, releasing at the end of January. Book 2 in the Ransome Trilogy, Ransome’s Crossing, will be out June 1.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
I don’t know that I could objectively compare my style to anyone else’s. But the authors I was reading before getting published whose tone, voice, and storytelling style influenced me and my desire to write were Dee Henderson (the O’Malley series), Susan May Warren (the Deep Haven series) and Linda Windsor (especially her contemporary romantic comedies like Along Came Jones and It Had to Be You).

My stories tend to be light-hearted while still dealing with serious issues like mending broken family relationships, forgiveness, trust, and honesty. As a huge fan of classic romance authors, such as Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott, the romantic couples in my books tend to hold off that first kiss until near the end of the book—just like in most of those costume-drama movies I love so much. So these are books that are safe for even young teens to read.

In your own words tell us a little about A Case for Love.
A Case for Love is the third and final (for now) book in the Brides of Bonneterre series from Barbour Publishing. After teasing readers with the character of Forbes Guidry for two books, I finally wrote his story—in which he learns he can’t control everything. . .especially TV society reporter Alaine Delacroix! A Case for Love isn’t just a story about two people falling in love, though; it’s a story about learning what it means to be an adult, about learning the true meaning of honoring our parents, and about what it really means to surrender to God’s lordship in our lives.

Though the books don’t have to be read in order, to truly understand Forbes, readers might want to start with the first two books in the series, Stand-In Groom and Menu for Romance.

Blurb-

Welcome back to Bonneterre, Louisiana, for the delightful conclusion to the Brides of Bonneterre series.

The Alaine Delacroix that all of Bonneterre knows is the carefully polished image she puts forth every day on her noontime news-magazine program. When her parents’ home and small business is threatened by the biggest corporation in town, Alaine is forced to choose between her image and fighting for the life her family has built.

Lawyer Forbes Guidry is used to making things go his way. But when he’s asked to take on a pro bono case for a colleague, he’ll learn that he can’t control everything—including his feelings for his new client: Alaine Delacroix.

Alaine’s only option to help her family is hiring Forbes, but can she bring herself to trust the handsome, disarmingly charming lawyer? And will Forbes Guidry be able to make a case for love before losing his job and family? Can both trust that God will present a solution before it’s too late?

What made you want to write this story?
Even before I knew this would be a trilogy, having introduced Forbes in Stand-In Groom as a major secondary character, I wanted to get to know him better, wanted to spend more time with him—wanted to see what kind of woman it would take to break through that “perfect” exterior of his, that ultimate control he prides himself in. So when Barbour asked for a series proposal, I knew that Forbes’s story would be one of the three. It took a little longer to come up with Alaine’s character, the woman who would finally crack that veneer of control, but fortunately she came to me in time to even get her name mentioned in Stand-In Groom and to make her a secondary character in Menu for Romance so that readers could start getting to know her along the way, too.

What research did you have to do for this book?
I got to do some of the most fun research so far when writing this book: I went down to the local CBS affiliate station here in Nashville (WTVF/News Channel 5) to shadow the host of the mid-morning news magazine (Meryll Rose of “Talk of the Town”) upon which Alaine’s show is based. Not only did I get a tour of the studio, but I got to sit in the control room and in the studio while the show was being broadcast live.

Having never worked in a law firm, I also got to put some of my networking skills to work by contacting several writing acquaintances who are also lawyers whenever I had questions about how things would work in the legal world—whenever I couldn’t easily find the answers online.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?
As anyone who’s read my blog before knows, I can’t write without having first “cast” my characters. I love having the Real World Templates as a basis for not just physical description but for their body language, facial expressions, and physical movements/reactions to things.

In A Case for Love, Forbes Guidry is something of a hybrid of two actors: Julian McMahon, from his days on Charmed, and Gregory Peck from circa Roman Holiday. He’s very handsome and dapper—as tightly in control of his physical appearance as he tries to be with everything else in his life.

Alaine Delacroix is someone else who, in the beginning, is more concerned about her physical appearance—being in the public eye on TV daily as she is. She’s petite and beautiful, half Cajun and half Portuguese. And the template for her is the actress Morena Baccarin (from Firefly/Serenity and V).

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m currently writing the first book in my next contemporary series, Love Remains, and as soon as I finish it, I’ll start in on the third and final book of my historical series, Ransome’s Quest. With nine books contracted in under two years, there hasn’t really been an opportunity to take a break between books—which has really been quite a blessing, as it’s kept me constantly writing, constantly “priming the creative pump” instead of getting lazy and letting that creativity atrophy in between projects.

How can readers get in contact with you?
Readers can find me online at:

http://kayedacus.com

http://www.facebook.com/kayedacus

http://twitter.com/kayedacus

What are you currently reading?
Right now, I’m reading Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections, a daily devotional compiled from Madeleine L’Engle’s nonfiction. But with a deadline at the end of the month and three-quarters of the book to write, I don’t have a lot of time for reading. I do have several books I’d like to read this year, including catching up on some classics I “should have read” as an English major but never got around to, including some Thoreau essays and Henry James novellas.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I don’t know how surprising people will find this, if they’ve spent any time at all on my blog, but with seventeen months to go until my fortieth birthday, I have never been married, never dated, and never been kissed.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Even though they’re my least-favorite animal, I’d have to say I’d want to be a cat. They’re allowed by their owners to do pretty much anything they want to—including sleeping all day wherever they want, ignoring anyone they want to whenever they want to, getting fed at the least little cry, and pretty much having complete control of their home.

FAVORITES:
TV show and/or movie?
My favorite TV show is LOST. I’m currently re-watching the first five seasons in preparation for the sixth and final season starting in February.

As far as movies, my overall favorite of all time is The Philadelphia Story starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart. As far as contemporary movies go, my new favorite is last year’s Star Trek—amazingly enough made by the same people behind LOST.

Place to go on vacation?
Hot Springs, Arkansas. Not only is it fun to visit the old downtown area and go to one of the bathhouses, but it’s also where my parents live. I love to go during the summer when we can go out on their boat from Brady Mountain Lodge, where it’s docked, onto Lake Ouachita and spend the day.

Book this year or month? Why?
I have to say, out of all the books I read/edited in 2009, it would be hard for me to pick only one favorite, so I’m going to have to call it a tie and say that M.L. Tyndall’s The Red Siren (historical romance) and Annalisa Daughety’s Love Is a Battlefield (contemporary romance) are my two favorite books I read. Both authors are such strong storytellers that I was able to shut off the internal editor/critiquer that lives in my brain and usually keeps me from being able to read for pleasure.
What is this book’s release date?
A Case for Love releases February 1, 2010—but it may hit store shelves a little earlier than that (I hope!).

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter of this book?

Readers can find a couple of excerpts from A Case for Love on my website at:

http://kayedacus.com/2009/07/27/a-sneak-peek-at-a-case-for-love/

and

http://kayedacus.com/2009/12/21/kissingdayblogfest-entry-a-scene-from-a-case-for-love/

~~~~~

**USA and Canada residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of A Case for Love!

To enter:
*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 8) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Jan. 14). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 15th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

First Impressions and Life Savors for Women winners!

The winner of Michelle Sutton's new e-book, First Impressions, is:

Janice Thompson!!

The winner of Michelle Griep's book, Life Savors for Women is:

Andrea!!

Congrats! I'll contact you guys today for your mailing addresses.

Love is a Battlefield by Annalisa Daughety ~ 5/5 stars

Love is a Battlefield

Annalisa Daughety

A Walk in the Park, #1

Barbour- Publisher

About the book:

Take a walk in Shiloh National Military Park in this fun, fast-paced romance by Annalisa Daughety, a new voice in women’s contemporary fiction. Recent history has taught park ranger Kristy O’Neal not to believe in love or risk her heart. Ace Kennedy came to Shiloh to research his family history—but it’s Park Ranger Kristy he’s studying. Using his own ancestors as an example, can he prove that true love really does exist before Kristy walks away forever?

My review:
I loved the themes in this book: forgiveness, trust, and true love. This book really shows that God can take our mistakes and bad choices and turn them into something wonderful. But only if we let Him. If we choose not to forgive and keep that bitterness in our heart, then we are keeping God from using turning it around. I loved Ace and Kristy and all the other characters. I’m really looking forward to the next books in this series.

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble ~ 5/5 stars + favorite!

The Lightkeeper's Daughter

Colleen Coble

Mercy Falls series, #1

Thomas Nelson- Publisher

About the book:

At a lavish estate in Mercy Falls, California, Addie Sullivan finds danger—and quite possibly the love of her life.

Growing up as the lightkeeper’s daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she’s immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion.

As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs.

My review:
The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is about a girl who grows up as (you guessed it) the lightkeeper’s daughter. When a stranger comes to their home with new and shocking information about her heritage, she decides to set forth on an adventure to find the truth about where she comes from, and the loving family she has always longed for.

I’ll admit that I was a little bit leery of reading this book as I’ve read some other things by Coble and haven’t liked them. I’m very glad that I did though, as this book is now one of my favorites! The Lightkeeper’s Daughter is full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. The last part of the book especially kept me entranced as the bad guy was found out and the story was finishing. I loved Addie and have decided that I need to be more like her and not be conformed by the world, and to speak the truth no matter what. She is a character that you will be sure to love. John is a wonderful, strong male character with lots of love to offer. I will definitely be reading the next books in this series.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for sending the book to me for reviewing purposes.

Cover Contest Winner!

The winner of the 2009 Cover Contest is:

Congrats! Here are the final scores for each of the covers nominated:
The Jewel of His Heart-69
Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska-26
A Bride in the Bargain-36
The Carousel Painter-66
The Apothecary's Daughter-10
Deep in the Heart of Trouble-38
A Measure of Mercy-0
Dawn's Prelude-11
A Passion Most Pure-40
Fools Rush In-12
Things Worth Remembering-38
A Vote of Confidence-21

Thank you to everyone who nominated covers, and voted! I hope you enjoyed this contest. :)

Michelle Sutton ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today, author Michelle Sutton is telling us about her new e-book, First Impressions. She has offered to send a copy to one lucky commenter, so keep reading to find out more info about this great book! **Note: If you don't have an e-reader, don't worry! You can read this book on your computer using Adobe.**

Welcome, Michelle! Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm an author and mother of two teen boys, 18 and 16 respectively. I've been married almost 20 years and have written about 13 books and started many others. I love to read and especially love to write. When I'm not doing those things I'm blogging and writing book reviews.

How long have you been writing?
I started writing in August 2003.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?
Um, well, eh… Okay, I write PG-13 + Christian fiction. Lots of tension and kissing. I can't think of anyone I write a lot like in the Christian fiction realm except maybe Karen Kingsbury when it comes to drama. I don't write sweet romances, but I do like a heavy romance with deep spiritual lessons and themes.

In your own words tell us a little about First Impressions.
First Impressions is the first of three e-books in my Tombstone Treasures series. I have a cute video on youtube and my website that gives you a snapshot of the story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5qq1n0LfKI

Blurb:

Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.

When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?

Read my review HERE.

What made you want to write this story?
This was actually the first story I ever wrote. Silly me, but I thought Love Inspired would want it. I had no clue about their rules back then. At any rate, I'd visited Tombstone during one of their Helldorado Days celebrations and thought about the people who acted different parts and how fun it would be to write a romantic story about their lives outside of Tombstone.

What research did you have to do for this book?
The research was easy. My oldest son is graduating from Tombstone High School so I have access to the town at any time. I took all of the pictures for both of my book video trailers with my camera phone.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

I'd have Jessica Simpson play Sammie because she has the body for it and the pretty brown eyes. Plus, she has the vixen look.

And Chace Crawford would star as Jimmy. He's got that wholesome smile and the right features.

What are you working on now or going to write next?

I'm am wrapping up the sequel to Danger at the Door and it's called In Plain Sight and releases in April 2010.

How can readers get in contact with you?
Go to my website www.michellesutton.net to find out more or write to me at michelle@michellesutton.net

What are you currently reading?
In the Arms of Immortals by Ginger Garrett.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
My mother was a nun before she met my father.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Probably a puppy because I'm always into something.

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
I don't watch TV much so I'd say my favorite movie is Charlotte Gray.

Place to go on vacation?
I like beaches. Anything with beautiful landscaping.

Book this year or month? Why?
I've read about a hundred books. That's a tough question. The last book I read and loved was Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson.

Do you have a link to a place to read the first chapter of this book?
Nope. But there is an excerpt on this page…

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-53/%3Ci%3ETombstone-Treasures-Book-One-cln-%3C-fdsh-i%3E/Detail.bok

First Impressions releases today!

~~~~~

**This giveaway is open to any country**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win a copy of Michelle Sutton's new e-book, First Impressions!

To enter:
*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win).

*Please specify that you want to be included in the contest!

*If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.

*The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest.

*The contest will run from today (Jan. 1) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Jan. 7). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 8th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.