Review - The Promise of an Angel, by Ruth Reid

Judith has dreamed of marrying Levi for years. Her parents insist that she cannot begin to court until she is nineteen. She is sure after her birthday Levi will ask her parents to court her. The day before her birthday tragedy happens when her little brother, Samuel, falls from the barn roof, while under Judith's care.

Judith sees an angel, named Tobias, kneeling beside Samuel as he lies on the ground. Tobias tells Judith to keep the faith that Samuel will walk again. When she tells the community about her angel encounter they question her sanity and whether she is sinning or causing others in the Amish community to sin. Levi quickly dismisses his interest in Judith and pursues Judith's younger sister, Martha.

Judith is heartbroken over Levi. She is practically shunned by the community and she struggles to understand the messages Tobias brings to her during their encounters.

Only one person steps forward to stand up for her, Andrew Lapp, the bishop's son. Handsome, quiet and protective, Andrew helps Judith understand what Tobias is trying to tell her.

The angel, Tobias, leads the whole community, in a series of events; on the journey God wishes them to take in order to strengthen their love and devotion for Him and their concern and consideration for each other.

I read this book in 1 day! For me that is practically unheard of. I was drawn into the community, into their homes and lives. The dialect was well researched. I could hear their accents, see the sorrow in their eyes and hold each one of them close to my heart.

I have a list of books that I will read over and over again. The list is not very long, consisting of maybe 6 or 7 books over the course of my life. This book WILL be added to that list. I can see myself picking up this book time and time again to be welcomed into the hearts of those I now hold dear.

This book will warm your heart and guide your faith in a way you never imagined. I highly recommend this book! Even if you don't normally read Amish books, you HAVE to read this one! The second book in the series comes out in April 2012 and I can tell you that I will be one of the first in line to pick it up!

Wings of a Dream, by Anne Mateer - FREE Book

Wings of a Dream: Due out September 1st!


Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans. But the Spanish flu epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.


The cover of Wings of a Dream is so beautiful! I know it will fly off the shelves... no pun intended! Did you have much say in the book cover design?

The only input I had in the cover design was an hour long conversation with Bethany House art department director. He spent some time getting to know me, then asked lots of questions about my heroine and my story. Of course Bethany House has an amazing tradition of beautiful covers, but there was still that one little part of me that wondered if I’d like the one they designed for me. Of course when that picture popped up in my inbox, it was love at first sight!

What was the most trying and the most enjoyable part of getting this baby of yours published?

The most trying part of this process has been the waiting! Waiting for the offer of a contract. Waiting for the contract to arrive in the mail. Waiting for a title to be agreed upon. Waiting for a cover design. Waiting for it to pop up for pre-order on bookseller sites. Waiting for the launch date to arrive. Waiting, waiting, waiting. I’m not very good at waiting, but I’m learning!

The most enjoyable part was probably that I didn’t have to do a verbal pitch! I hate verbal pitches! Instead, I received a manuscript request from the final round judging of the Genesis contest in 2009. (It didn’t win, by the way.)

When and where do you write?

I write mostly during the day, while my husband is at work and my kids are at school and at their various activities. When my days get harried (as they often have with my kids’ sporting events and with volunteer activities at their school), I write at night after everyone has gone to bed. But those late nights are becoming less frequent now that my two oldest are away at college and my baby is a junior in high school and drives. Suddenly I have more flexibility than ever before in my writing schedule.



As to where I write, it depends on what I’m doing! First drafts and revisions are always done in the “office” room of our home, which basically houses an oversized chair and ottoman (where I sit with my laptop), an L-shaped desk that holds the computer the kids shared, and a bookshelf. If I find myself becoming unproductive in that space, I’ll head to the local library or Starbucks. On the other hand, if I’m doing a read-through or editing on paper or any other marketing or administrative kind of writing work, I’m generally in my chair in the corner of the living room, where all the family congregates. The brick hearth of the fireplace extends past my chair, creating a convenient spot for all my papers and books and things. (I’m attaching pictures of both.)



What message do you want readers to take away from this book?

I would love for readers to come away with a greater willingness to trust that God has good plans for them, even if their lives don’t look the way they imagined or if their dreams require alterations.

What is your favorite time of the year?

I’ve always said winter because I hate the hot of Texas summers and because we don’t get much in terms of spring and fall, but this past winter we were so cold for so long that I’m rethinking my answer!

That's funny!  :)

If you could travel back in time what time period would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one, because I love so many different time periods! In my college years, I delved deep into the era of the American Revolution, so I’d love to go there. But then the Regency era in England has always captured my heart. And yet, I have come to adore the beginning years of the 20th century up through the Great War. That’s a fascinating time of change, with the juxtaposition of old and new in people’s lives.

Where is the silliest place you ever received an idea for a book?

Probably in church, during the sermon!

What project are you currently working on?

Since I have already turned in my edits on my novel that will release in September of 2012 (no title as of yet), I am currently fleshing out a couple of new story ideas in hopes of getting to write more novels. We’ll see what God has in store!

Thank you for coming on today to talk about your new release Wings of a Dream! I wish you the best of luck in your writing career!

Follow Anne at her website: http://www.annemateer.com/

Review - Love Turns the Tide, by Gail Pallotta

A sweet romantic summer read. Set in Destin, Florida, follow Cammie as she moves to Florida to help a newspaper become profitable. She is leaving behind memories of a bad relationship in the hopes of finding a new life away from memories that tie her to the past. To get the newspaper off the ground she is asked to interview a Real Estate Tycoon, Vic Deleona. Vic is everything that Cammie vows to stay away from, rich, self assured and handsome, but yet she is drawn to him.

Her world is turned upside down when a new friend's apartment is broken into and then Cammie's apartment is also vandalized. All the while, Vic is there to protect and comfort her as she tries to uncover who the perpetrator is.

Vic, a man who started out intimidating and overbearing turns out to be the one that helps to heal her broken heart.  


To purchase a copy, click here.
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Awe-Struck&cart_id=17368.62086&product=Love+Turns+the+Tide&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Hailee, by Penny Zeller - FREE Book

 

Can you tell us about yourself?
Hi Salena! It’s great to be here. I am a wife, mom, and author of several books (both fiction and nonfiction) and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. I also write a humor blog titled “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” where I include movie reviews from a Christian point of view. I am an active volunteer and serve as a women’s Bible study-small group leader, and I also lead a women’s prayer group. My goal is to assist and nurture women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Hailee is the final book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance Series, which began with McKenzie and Kaydie.


What do you like to do when you’re not writing? When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with my family and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Speaking of Hailee, Can you give us a blurb about your latest book? Sure, Salena. The blurb for Hailee is as follows:

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.






Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Nate Adams would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.






When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?


How did you know you were called to write?
I have had a love for writing since I was in second grade and rewrote Bible stories in my own little second grade commentary. Throughout my school years, I would write stories and “publish” them in homemade cardboard books. In high school, I wrote stories where my friends were the main characters.

Fast forward several years to November of 2000 when I surrendered my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services governmental agency so I could stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my career, beginning with writing magazine articles. Writing is my ministry and my passion and I pray I will glorify Him with each word I write.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I love the creation of characters. My books are character-driven, so I love being able to create situations and dialogue. I enjoy developing how the characters will respond to various situations throughout the book based on their personalities.

What do you love about this story?
I love Hailee’s story because it gives such a wonderful example of forgiveness and of second chances. It also reinforces the fact that God is with us always. I also love to infuse humor into my novels, so that, too, would be one of my favorite things about this story.

Where can readers purchase a copy? Hailee can be purchased at your favorite bookstore or at online retailers, such as Amazon at


You are giving away a copy of Hailee to one lucky commenter. Can you give us the details?
Sure. If you leave a comment, you will be entered into the drawing to win a personalized copy of Hailee. If the winner is from the U.S., she will receive a paperback copy; if she is from outside the U.S., she will receive an e-book copy.

What was your favorite subject(s) in school? English was my favorite subject (surprise, surprise) after recess, of course! I liked pretty much all of the subjects in school, with the exception of anything related to math. Math and I have never gotten along!

Do you have a favorite bible verse? I have so many favorite Bible verses, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say it’s a tie between Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 91.

What’s up next for your readers? I am currently working on a series that takes place after the Civil War. I’ve completed the first draft of the first book and am currently writing the second.


Where can fans find you on the internet?

I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com,

my blog www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,

on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and

on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts



Thank you, again, Salena, for graciously hosting me on your blog. It’s been an honor to be here!

Seasons by Elizabeth Byler Younts - FREE BOOK

Tell us what motivated you to write about your family’s history:


I was born into an Amish family. Even though my family left when I was a preschooler our Amish family has always been very important to us. Amish families don’t have photos or videos of their lives so word of mouth stories that span generations are sometimes all that remain when a loved one passes. In middle-school I read a book about my great-great grandma, Lily, which was written by her granddaughter. It was called His Protecting Hand. I was mesmerized by the idea of that. I was already a “writer” by then & I told my grandma that someday I would write her story. And now I have. I’m just overjoyed to do this for my grandma.

Can you give us an excerpt from the book?



Here is the start of Chapter 2:


THE DAY SMELLED like lemon meringue and tree sap. I breathed it in, wanting the sweetness of it to consume me. When I opened my eyes I saw a flock of birds flying in zigzags against the blue sky. Where were they going? Were they trying to find food? Memm had sent me out an hour ago to pick the late sprouting beans and peppermint tea leaves. There was plenty of peppermint in my regular patch, but I only had a few small handfuls of beans. I reckoned dinner would be skimpy tonight.


Being a military wife you have moved a lot. Where has been your favorite place to live so far?

That’s a tough question…but a great one. I’d say Colorado Springs as a whole was my favorite location yet. We loved our friends, our church, our life, our view…the mountains always reminded me of God’s steadfast love & presense in our lives. HOWEVER, in San Antonio is where God really caught my attention with my writing and brought me to the most amazing weekly critique group (in the world). I miss them so much. So those are my top 2.


What projects are you currently working on?

Besides the almost overwhelming work of marketing Seasons I have started working on a new project. It’s contemporary women’s fiction and is currently titled Crimson Hill. Hopefully there will be a lot more to tell about this project in a few more months. I’m very excited about it.


Tell your readers a little about your daily life.

This question makes me laugh. Mostly full of diaper changes, reading and playing with my 2 daughters, grocery shopping, cooking, trying to skype long-distant family, clock-watching until my husband comes home, and we will start homeschooling this fall. My husband and I have a 4 y/o named Felicity and an almost 1 y/o named Mercy. I’m a stay-at-home-mom, so during the day I do little else than “mothering”. I try to write a few evenings a week and on weekends.


Being the child of a home school family and home schooling my son I can tell you that the experiance will be exciting and rewarding! Best of luck!




What is your favorite time of the year?

Oh, I love the fall! I come from Michigan where when fall comes you know it. The colors are brilliant. The prettiest falls around.



What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I really hope that readers will see God’s faithfulness and how, in the worst of times, in Him we can find contentment.

How did it feel to see your book in print for the first time?

This is how I described it on my blog:

When I opened this box of books I felt complete excitement and then in the very next moment a strong sensation came over me. Was I going to cry? Get sick? No...it was just the feeling of unadulterated terror. Seriously.

I hesitated even picking one up. I barely flipped through it even. I was sure if I started reading at any point in the book I'd suddenly see Liddy run. She can run fast.



You can read more here: http://www.elizabethbyleryounts.com/2011/07/see-elizabeth-faint.html



But truly I feel very blessed. I’ve learned so much through writing and publishing this book and no matter self-published…I really believe in this story. I pray that everyone who picks up Seasons will be blessed.



Thank you for coming by today to talk about your book. I got my copy from Amazon and can't wait to start reading it! I think it is so important that we keep our family history alive for our children and their children. I commend you for making that effort. I am sure your family will appreciate it for generations to come!




Leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for a free copy of Seasons! Drawing will be announced Aug. 21st
Follow Elizabeth on her blog by clicking here:

http://www.elizabethbyleryounts.com/

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin - Free Book

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book stands alone.


Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

How long have you been writing?

Since January 6, 2000. How’s that for exact? Growing up, I always made up stories, but I knew they weren’t any good. In 2000—after college, pharmacy school, and three babies—I woke one morning from a dream with characters who wouldn’t leave me alone. I played with their story while scrubbing toilets and changing diapers and realized I had to write their story. That book will never and should never be published, but it got me started.

What inspired this series?

It came out of a “what if” question in a contemporary novel I wrote (very badly). What if a man and woman met at an event, truly clicked, and parted before exchanging contact info? Wouldn’t it be romantic if he went through great effort to track her down? Obviously it wouldn’t work in a contemporary setting—he’d “Google” her—but it made a sweet premise for a historical. My husband and I watched a History Channel special on the US Eighth Air Force based in England which flew over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, and I was hooked. My great-uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot with the Eighth, so I had access to family stories plus his personal letters. My research fascinated me so much, the story expanded to become a trilogy, with each book focusing on one of three brothers.

What is your favorite character trait to write about?

Hmm. I try to mix things up so every book and character is unique, but pride seems to be an underlying current in everything I write. I feel pride lies at the base of most, if not all, sin—the crazy idea that we could ever know better than God. At some point each character realizes their sin issue arises from selfishness, from putting themselves before others or putting their will above God’s will.

What project are you currently working on?

I signed another contract with Revell for a new series, tentatively titled Wings of the Nightingale. It follows three World War II flight nurses who discover love, friendship, and peril in the skies and on the shores of the Mediterranean. I just finished the first novel in the series, which will release Fall 2012. It features a You’ve Got Mail-like anonymous pen pal relationship between a loner nurse and an Army engineer burdened by the legacy of his infamous father.

What is your favorite past time?

Am I allowed to say writing? Because that’s my combo hobby-career. My kids are in high school and middle school, so I live in my car—go, go, go. I also work part-time, and teach Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. Thank goodness I find writing relaxing and enjoyable.

Where is the silliest place you ever got an idea for a book?

I’ve had two complete book ideas come from dreams, including the “never to be published—PLEASE” first novel I wrote. I also get loads of ideas while trying to fall asleep—insomnia is the writer’s friend. I keep a notepad and pen in the bathroom and dash in there to jot down ideas.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

I never write a novel with a message in mind, but I hope my readers will learn from my characters’ experiences. Fear can cripple you and keep you from the life God intends for you. I hope readers will see how they can find courage in the Lord and the strength to face whatever life throws at them.

What household chore do you dislike the most?

Mucking out the closets and cleaning. I actually hire a housekeeper for the cleaning so I can indulge my writing habit.

Additional comments

Thank you for having me on your blog, Salena! I’m looking forward to meeting your readers!


You can follow Sarah on her writing journey at http://www.sarahsundin.com/

Sarah is giving away a free copy of Blue Skies Tomorrow. Leave a comment for her AND leave your email address to be entered into the contest. Winner will be announced Aug. 21st.


By puchasing a copy of the book through this link you help support this blog. We appreciate you!

Review - A River to Cross

It was an honor and a pleasure to review Yvonne's new book A River To Cross. Excitement from page one, I couldn't put it down.


Elizabeth Evans, a widow, has left Washington to live with her brother in El Paso in order to help him raise his daughter and work on his newspaper. War between Mexico and the U.S. is only a breath away as her brother tries to uncover secrets that lie under the surface of the tension. He is killed for publishing these secrets and Elizabeth is kidnapped in an attempt for Mexico to have the upper hand.

Jake, a rugged and handsome Texas Ranger takes it upon himself to track the marauders through Mexico. A daring rescue leads to a love that neither one of them was ready for and danger that will continue to threaten Elizabeth's safety.

A page turner! Well written, well researched and exciting to the last page!

Thank you to Yvonne and Bethany House for allowing me to review this book!

Review - Stained Glass Hearts, by Patsy Clairmont

Patsy Clairmont's installment in the Women of Faith series was a delight to read. Patsy takes you into her life and home and shares with you moments throughout her life that changed her perspective on faith. Taking into account minor instances, fleeting moments or heart wrenching revelations that would forever change the course of her life and those around her. Small instances that might seem minor can mean so much when we stop to think about the emotion and spirituality behind their meaning.

This was a well written, easy read. If you are looking for a book to lift you up and see you through your own hardships, then this book is it. Know you are not alone in your struggles and that everything that happens has its purpose.

I was given this book by BookSneeze.

Good Summer Reads To Cool You Off

Tired of the heat? Just looking at the covers of these great novels should be enough to cool off your summer. Check them out!

A River to Cross, by Yvonne Harris - Free Book

Texas Ranger Jake Nelson patrols the U.S.-Mexico border, protecting the settlers from cattle rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. Sparks fly when Manuel Diego stirs up a revolt against the government, which leads to the murder of a newspaperman, who is the son of a U.S. senator, and the kidnapping of his sister, Elizabeth Madison, a journalist in the making.

With Elizabeth's photograph in hand--a dark-haired beauty with smiling eyes--Jake rides over the border to find her. After the Rangers defeat the marauders and rescue Elizabeth, Jake is surprised to learn she's not the spoiled daughter of a senator that he was expecting. In fact, he finds himself taken by her. And she by him.



Your novels are action packed and daring. What genres do you enjoy reading the most?

I like Westerns, of course, with lots of action and some danger. I also like romantic thrillers and suspense. Tom Clancy was my favorite for years. I like military backgrounds and appreciate helicopters as well as horses.  

How long have you been writing?

         Twenty plus years. I wrote magazine articles before sliding into novels.  I sold my first article on children and clay to Women's Day, the only place I sent it to.   I was into ceramics at the time.  When I moved to Jersey from Connecticut, I took a job as Personnel Director for a hotel chain.  I picked up the article writing again and wrote business articles on hiring and firing and employment taxes.  The secret is to write what you know, then send it out. 

What did you enjoy most about being a teacher?

         Everything, especially the students. It was the most rewarding thing I've ever done.  I was/am  a business education instructor and   always looking for some way to make it more interesting. 

What project are you currently working on?

         A new Western romance. I haven't decided yet, but I'm considering picking up with the characters of one of the earlier books and watch them grow and prosper.  

Where is your favorite place to write?  
         My computer at 4:30 in the morning. I have a small office  with a coffee pot.  I started that when I worked at the hotel.  Getting started so    early gave me two hours of quiet writing time.


Where is the silliest place you came up with a book idea?

         Lying in the sand on a beach at the Jersey shore and coming up with how my hero and his horse might survive a blizzard in Montana.

What is your favorite time of year?
         Summer.  I've got Alabama blood, and it doesn't get too hot for me.  


If you could ask your readers anything, what would it be?

         To be less critical of their own writing and to stay at it.    

Thank you for joining us today. It has been a pleasure to have you here to talk about your book! The cover is stunning and I am intrigued! I can’t wait to read it! Best of luck to you!



To be entered into the drawing for a free copy of A River To Cross please leave a comment and your email address. Drawing will be on Aug 14th.

Follow Yvonne on her website by clicking here:

http://www.ylharris.com/books.html

Love By The Book, by Cara Lynn James - Free Book

Back Cover Blurb:
Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father's teamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance-until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.
In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.
Yet old habits die hard and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.
When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God's true love.

This is the 3^rd book of your series Ladies of Summerhill published by Thomas Nelson:   What inspired this series of books?

The setting was my inspiration. My mother was from Newport, Rhode Island so I spent a lot of time there as a child. I have wonderful memories! I toured the mansions (called cottages) of the Gilded Age millionaires and I found their extravagant and ostentacious life style really amazing. They built American versions of European palaces and then stayed in them for just six to eight weeks in the summer. They had an army of servants to cater to their every need and whim.

Summerhill is based on one of the older cottages. It’s a rambling Queen Anne style, not built of limestone or marble like the newer and more famous ones. All three of the books are set at Summerhill during three consecutive summers at the turn-of-the-century. All of the families are different, although some of the characters appear in two or three of the books in minor roles.

What is your favorite character trait to write about?

I like to write about strong willed people, especially heroines. Sometimes willful characters can be quiet types. They don’t have to be feisty or out going.

Do you outline or are you a panster?

I’m both. I know the beginning, middle and end of my story before I start writing. My synopsis is fairly detailed so when I get lost writing the middle of the manuscript (and I usually do) I can refer to the synopsis. I also use Michael Hauge’s plot structure, although I don’t follow it exactly. But it keeps me on track. That’s the important thing—moving forward in the right direction.

I can’t outline from the beginning to the end without leaving lots of holes. Normally I’ll write down what has to happen in each section and then come up with possible scenes. These may change as I begin writing. Sometimes I’ll add to my original idea.

The most important thing is not to get lost and go down dead end roads. In my real life I’m directionally challenged, and I’m afraid I’m no better when it comes to plotting out a novel. So I try not to deviate too much. It can be such a time waster.

But on the other hand, I’d find it so boring to know exactly where I was going and how to get there ahead of time.

Do you give your characters some of your own personal traits or do they take on a life of their own?

Even though I try very hard to stay out of my characters’ lives, I imagine I slip in from time to time. Since I probably don’t know myself as well as I think I do, I’d have to admit there might be a lot more of me in my story people than I want. But for the most part, I think they’re their own people.

What is the silliest thing your characters have done that took you by surprise?

Actually this is a rash thing, not a silly thing. In Love by the Book the heroine, Melinda, decides she can’t wait for Nick to return, so she goes off on her own to find her kidnapped niece. She doesn’t think she’s endangering herself, but that’s because she doesn’t think it through. Very foolish!

I can’t think of anything really silly, but I might add some silly behavior in my next book. Good idea.

If you could travel back in time what time period and place would you go?

That’s easy! I’d go back to Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age, around 1900. I’d be one of the privileged millionaires, just like the characters I write about. Over the years I’ve read a lot about the people (Vanderbilts, Astors, Goelets etc.). Surprisingly, they weren’t any happier than most people. They had many of the same problems ordinary folks had—even money problems. When you have millions (billions in present day $) you worry about keeping it and how it effects your family. It might ruin your children. They might become lazy, bored because they can have or do anything they want, careless about spending. Will someone want to marry them for themselves or only for their money?

That said, I’d like to try being too rich for a while!

I’d go to Newport because it’s such a beautiful place with a wonderful summer climate. The ocean fascinates me. When I was a child I loved to sit on the rocks and watch the waves crash and feel the salt spray and the breeze.

Where is your favorite place to write?

On my sun porch. But it’s often a busy place and not always private or conducive to working. I also work at my office corner in my bedroom. When I want comfort I sit on the bed. That’s decadent, isn’t it? I’ll work anywhere as long as it’s quiet and I can concentrate. Once I’m interrupted I have difficulty getting back in my writing zone.

What are you currently working on?

I’m finishing a story called A Path toward Love. It’s set at a ‘great camp’ in the Adirondack Mountains of New York state during the Gilded Age. My characters come from the same high society as my ‘people’ in the Ladies of Summerhill series.

In A Path toward Love my widowed heroine returns to her family at their great camp determined to put her unhappy marriage behind her. She never wants to take the risk of falling in love again. But of course it’s not that easy! And circumstances won’t allow it.

It’ll probably be released next spring.

What is your favorite hobby?

Reading. It’s always been my favorite hobby. I enjoy all kinds of books—romance, women’s fiction, romantic suspense, mysteries, historicals, thrillers. You name it, I’ll read it, except for science fiction, paranormal and fantasy. I wish I read faster. I should be able to since I have enough practice. But I enjoy every word of a well written book.

I was captivated by the first sentence of this book! I know readers will eat it up. Congratulations on your series. I can’t wait to read more!

Thank you, Salena.

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Follow Cara at her website:

www.caralynnjames.com

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My son's birthday

Today I celebrate my son's 7th birthday. I have yet to understand where the years are going. They pass by with such speed and persistence these days. BUT 7 years ago on my own birthday I was given the most precious birthday present I could ever ask for...my son.



He laughs now and says that he insisted on staying in my tummy until my birthday so he could surprise me. And he did!


I will never forget the way this pure, heavy, unreserved and unconditional love swept over me as I held him for the first time. A mixture of relief for his safe arrival and the feeling of the deepest love one human being can have for another brought me to tears. My life has never been the same since. So happy birthday little boy! Mommy loves you so much!

Free Kindle Book

Want to get into a great series this summer? The third book in this series just released and in honor of this occasion the publishing company is offering a free download of book #1. Don't miss out!

Winner for last week's drawing is...

Congratulations Beverly Stowe McClure. You won a copy of Little Shepherd! Please check your email for correspondence from me.

Thank you to everyone that stopped by!