Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 165

My Top 3 ACFW Highlights

Winners of e-copies for last week's "Lady and the Lionheart": Stefanie Harten, Kristine Klein, & Brenda Murphree! Congrats!

Anne here. Of course you all know that the four of us "coffee cups girls" have just arrived home from our annual fiction writing conference and dumped our suitcases in a heap in order to hug and snuggle with our families.

As usual, it's been an amazing fun time with highlights that are unique for each of us.

It's with bleary eyes, a weary body, and a full heart that I give you my top three highlights:

1. Community. Writing is solitary and secluded. It's a profession that requires quiet muse, coffee shop hubbub, earbuds and your favorite writing playlist that shuts out the real world so you can get to that sweet spot where your real life finds you working out your faith on the page of story. That solitary place needs to be well-connected with real life and community. Knowing I'll get to connect with dear friends who've become my sisters, and meet new faces that need that boost of encouragement--it's the bomb! And coming home, to sit around my mom's kitchen table with my family to share my conference stories and listen to the life that happens there--it's priceless. Arriving home to hear my daughter read aloud a poem she'd written about the kitchen table where our stories sink into the wood grain to be kept forever there--filled my cup to a perfect overflowing!





2. Divine Appointments. Every year at ACFW I ask God to set me up with some divine appointments. And I don't mean with editors or agents, or business industry top hobnobs. I mean the average Jenny or Joe. God never disappoints. Of course sometimes it might turn out to be a top industry expert--who is a REAL person too! Being able to speak into a quiet moment of someone's self-doubt, overwhelmed heart, thoughts of chaos and confusion--is a perfect privilege in a world where most people never look down or into the eyes of the person beside them.

3. The God-Whisper. Somehow at conference, it never fails. I'm away from home and daily commitments that keep me busy--and I hear that God-whisper into my spirit in profound way. There, I'm often stripped of my usual self-confidence in a way that awakens the knowing in me for how much I am in need of the Father's voice. Ted Dekker's talk reminded me to let my eyes be opened, to see life's storms from Jesus's perspective, to "walk on the water" by finding a new way of looking at my world through His eyes.

The view from our room: do you see storm or sunshine?
Father God--give me your perspective!
There are many many more special moments and reasons I love ACFW, but I have to leave room for my other coffee cup girls (AKA--amazing women!)--to share theirs too this week!

-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads

Away at ACFW

Gabrielle Here:

As you read this, I'll be attending the 2016 ACFW Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. It will be my first trip to Nashville, but my fifth time attending the conference. There will be much laughter, hugs, and some tears of joy (especially when we cheer Erica onto the stage for her Carol Award!).

It's a highlight of my year and a time of refreshment, perspective, and growth. I always walk away from ACFW with something to ponder for the rest of the year. There are planned meetings, unexpected encounters, and moments of silence to soak it all in. The worship time is phenomenal, the food is always delicious, and the conversation fills me up for weeks to come.

My very first pitch appointment was captured in a candid
shot by a photographer at the 2012 ACFW Conference.
Here I am pitching to Becky Monds of Thomas Nelson. When I return from Nashville, I will have one day at home and then I'll turn around and go back to the airport to pick up two of my dearest writer friends, Lindsay Harrel and Alena Tauriainen. They are coming to my house for five days to attend the release party for my first novel on Thursday, September 1st. Melissa Tagg will join us and then we'll spend the weekend brainstorming stories, visiting, relaxing, and seeing the local sights.

It's going to be a whirlwind two weeks, but I couldn't imagine it any other way!

If you think about it, would you say a prayer for all of us here at Coffee Cups & Camisoles while we're at ACFW? It can be a stressful time and hard to be away from our families back home. We'd love to pray for you, as well. If you have any prayer requests that you're willing to share publically, please do so in the comments.

Greetings from Nashville!

Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website

When Life Changes Quickly

Erica Here

Some of you might have noticed that I have been absent from the blog for the past couple of weeks. Many thanks to the CC&C girls for picking up my slack.

Here's the thing:

Life changes so quickly sometimes. Three weeks ago, my husband had abdominal pain. We headed to the doctor, and he sent us to the ER.

And everything changed.

What we thought was appendicitis was actually a tumor.

Sarcoma. Cancer. Tumor. Oncologist. Surgery. Chemotherapy.

Trust me. In that few moments, everything changed.

Two weeks later, Peter was having surgery at the Mayo Clinic.

And he began his journey as a cancer survivor.

We have asked for prayer for peace and comfort, and that we will be salt and light for those we meet on this journey. And we are praising God that the surgeons were able to remove the entire tumor. We are thankful to live where we do, and to have The Mayo Clinic as our local medical center. We are so thankful for our friends and family for all their support.

I ask for your prayers as we take this new path. And I ask that you treasure your loved ones, remember that we are not promised tomorrow, and thank God for something every day.

Because that's what I'm doing!

#ACFW2016 Bound and 40 Years

This will be me tomorrow! Kissing my coffee mug and chasing down the drivethru (which doesn't take much chasing cause it's stationary :P ) to get my celebratory birthday drink.

You see, tomorrow two AMAZING things happen!

1. I depart for Nashville, Tennessee for the ACFW conference! Anne posted on this yesterday, but it's the entire conglomeration of everyone writerly in the Inspirational fiction market.

I love this conference. It's filled with people who are extensions of my immediate family. Filled with writer-sisters. And pressure--lots of pressure! :)

We'll be pitching to editors and hoping our books sound interesting. I'll be teaching a workshop to 100+ guests (so excited!). And networking, lots of networking! (which is the fun part).

2. Tomorrow I turn FORTY! I'm so excited. Partially because Peter Pan is 4 and he has been quite thrilled to realize that I'll be 4-ty too! Also because I love birthdays. I'm such a kid at birthdays it's not even funny. Confetti and balloons are never too much for me, and really, I'm not all stuck on myself, it's just the fun I'm stuck on. I think forty is going to be an amazing decade. I don't have any of the proverbial angst, and while I will be wearing a black cardigan tomorrow, it's because I hate the A/C blowing on me in the car, not because I'm embracing my inevitable death. Not to mention, who cares if I'm over the hill? It's just a downward slope toward Jesus now, and what's so awful about that?!

So tomorrow holds much of my heart. I will appreciate prayers for the one pang in the day: leaving my family. Cap'n Hook will manage, but I already have an emotional little Tinkerbell whose fairy dust has run out and been replaced by welling tears in her big baby blues. Peter Pan is oblivious--for now. He will not be a fan tomorrow night when Mommy isn't there to sing him Mary Poppins "Feed the Birds" in the dark at bedtime while stroking back his hair and lulling him to sleep. Sigh.

Regardless: TOMORROW TOMORROW, I LOVE YA TOMORROW!

And DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS TRIP!!! I'll be posting an insane amount of Live videos and pictures at my Facebook page, and I'd love love love for you to join me there!

What trips and year activities do you look forward to?

_________________________________________________________


Professional coffee drinker Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.
Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com.


Web Site: www.jaimejowright.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowrightTwitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_WrightPeriscope: @jaimejowright

#ACFW*Nashville2016

It's that time of the year again where hundreds of Christian fiction writers, lecturers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, speakers, sound & tech, and worship team people will all converge in one hotel for a few days of priceless togetherness.






Several years back I hit one of those decade birthdays where you start to think about bucket lists and my husband says to me: "hey, are you going to finish that book, or am I going to have to write the end of it if you die?"

Well. Thanks, hun. Heeheehee.

But that little thought pushed me to think about what I was leaving behind, for him, my kids, and someday my grandchildren. I decided one of the richest things I could leave behind were my words.

Without words, I couldn't pass on my faith or my love.
Without words, I couldn't tell them about God's faithfulness.
Words are what remind them of the richest of stories.

So, in 2008 I finished my first novel. Most authors will tell you they were very proud of their first novel, but it will never see the light of day! Writing a first novel is only to know if you can accomplish it. But usually it's just for the author to learn from--and that's what I did.

I proudly printed off my first novel in it's entirety. Yep. Didn't need to do that. But I didn't know that.
I gave myself permission to attend a little fiction conference an hour from my house, where I learned about American Christian Fiction Writers national organization and state chapters. It launched me into a network of local writers and I was shocked to learn the closest member lived ten miles from me (thanks Lisa Mills!).

My new friend kindly invited me to room with her in 2009 at the Denver ACFW and I went on a ride I haven't gotten off of yet. This year will be my 6th conference, and I can't wait to see friends!!


I can't wait to worship together. Laugh together. Cry together. Cheer each other onward. Pray for one another.

Whether you are a writer or a reader, find a conference to go to that will give you perspective, encourage you, push you in your spiritual walk, and feed your soul and spirit.

And if you are headed to your first conference, take a look around---you may be looking at life long friends! Stay tuned this week for fun conference updates!
-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads

Lady & the Lionheart #GIVEAWAY and #BookCover Story

Readers, this is my most favorite read of 2016 (Jaime here, btw). I've read so many great books this year, but even Romantic Times gave this novel the very rare 5 STAR rating. I'm also NOT a crier, but this novel kept me up until 2AM and had my pillowcase wet by the time it was over. Here's my review:

This book. It touched the deep places inside of me. It became more than a story, and instead, a journey. The circus was palpable, and infused into every crevice and ounce of the novel. Charlie more than tamed the lions, he tamed the soul. Ella became the shadow of myself that walked ahead of me, guiding me page after page until the midnight moon was high overhead and the last page turned to close. The best read of 2016 so far. It engages the emotion, the senses, the spirit of the circus, and the romance that impresses itself on your heart well into the morning light.

Joanne is visiting our blog today with a secret, inside-look into the making of her gorgeous book cover! I'll hand it over to Joanne and then keep reading for book info and a GIVEAWAY!

Take it away, Joanne ...


____________________________________________________
Because The Lady and the Lionheart is independently published, it’s entirely a grassroots adventure –so when it came to the cover concept, it meant a lot of thought and planning around our kitchen table. :) As a former art student, I adore the cover process so was excited for the opportunity to do the design. But from a practical mindset, The Lady and the Lionheart posed a unique challenge because not only is it historical, but it’s set within the circus which made finding pre-existing stock photography nearly impossible. So began the journey of a custom photo shoot and what an adventure it was!
The Model – A few years ago, our family began attending a new church and I noticed that the girl who sat in front of us looked remarkably like Ella, the heroine of the story. I’d never seen anything like it and as uncanny as the resemblance was, it was also sort of a useless factoid that I kept to myself. But two years later, I was ready to move forward with publishing the book, and with a bit of scheming by her sister and a mutual friend, we were ready to see if she’d be up for some historical modeling. The only problem, is that same Sunday, and with all of us holding a burning question that was two years in the making, the cover-model-to-be showed up to church with her blonde hair died a dark brown. I will never doubt that God has a sense of humor. :) Her sister told me to ask anyway, but who walks up to a perfect stranger and says, “So I know we’ve never met, but I’m an author which means I have imaginary friends, and you look just like one of those imaginary friends. She’s a girl who goes to the circus and kind of has a lion tamer for a boyfriend and would you like to be on the cover of that book? You’d get to wear a pretty dress but the only problem is that you’d also need to die your hair back to blonde.” Turns out I say that, because a blink of an eye later, she was overjoyed to be part of the cover. She asked to read the book so I mailed her the manuscript and she read it through. That was a huge bonus because not only was she a big fan of Charlie and Ella from the start, but she approached the shoot with a deep understanding of the characters and story.

The Photographer - With the plan in motion, I sought out a sweet friend whose photography is positively stunning.
The light and emotion she captures behind the lens is what immediately drew my eye to her work. When it came to seeing if she’d be interested in shooting this cover, it was an easy jump. Having never shot a book cover before, she was super excited and immediately on board! All of this happened in the fall, so we set a date for early spring which gave us all plenty of time to arrange the next steps…

The Setting – The majority of the story takes place in Virginia in 1890 on the outskirts of Roanoke when it was just becoming a bustling city. The circus would have taken up a multi-acre lot on the edge of town where circus workers would have plenty of room to set everything up. Because I live in Southern California, most known for its deserts, beaches, and freeways, this felt a tad tricky, but fortunately, we live in the mountains where some gorgeous meadows are sprinkled about. With the help of my photographer friend who knew of a great local spot, we dialed in on a meadow just five minutes from home. We were one off-road drive closer to a cover!

The Props – First on the list was a circus tent. This is when it’s doubly wonderful to have a mother-in-law who is not only handy with a sewing machine, but who also has tubs of fabric and a willing heart! The white portions of the tent you see are actually hospital sheets that she cut into strips, and the red is vintage fabric that she’d been saving for years. We looked at a few pictures of circus tents to get the feel for one from the Victorian-era and she got right to work, even adding a surprise touch of ruffles that is my favorite part. My husband is brilliant at making things, so after showing him the finished draping, he built a curved frame out of PVC piping, strung parachute chord for the back, vintage-style rope for the front, and arranged it all to look like a portion of the Big Top. That man is amazing. And the cutest roustabout I’ve ever seen. ;)
Next up was finding just the right outfit that a young woman might wear to the circus. Something romantic and elegant, but also not so ornate that it would compete with the red and white stripes of the background. After sifting through dozens of dresses at a costume warehouse with my assistant’s help, we realized we needed to switch gears (it helped having a bright red and white backdrop in the dressing room!) I posted pictures to my author page and reader friends were weighing in with their thoughts as we were in the dressing area which was so much fun!


We liked what we had found, but nothing felt quite right. I kept searching and soon, found the perfect skirt and blouse at a vintage clothing store that would be a softer accompaniment to a vibrant background. Wanting a little pop of color, I made the pink sash. For those of you who’ve read the story, you might notice that it’s this very outfit written into the romantic, rooftop scene. :)

The Lionheart - There’s something about that Charlie Lionheart. He’s a huge part of the story and so began the process of finding ways to incorporate his essence into the cover. He’s circus through and through, so having that setting was really special. Also, as a dashing Victorian gent, he not only has a fond affection for his top hats, but there’s a little rumor around the circus that whoever has his hat, has his heart. My hope was that Ella might have that hat in hand on the cover as an extra nod to the romance and Charlie’s oh-so-important character. Which brings us to…

The Big Day– The big day was a big deal not just because we were shooting the cover for a story so dear to my heart, but because getting to that day was a wild adventure all its own! The photo shoot was set for the hour before sunset so it was a wait, wait, wait, go! kind of day. The cover model showed up in leggings and flip flops and with her hair gorgeously done based on a style we’d picked from Pinterest. Next came costume and make up and soon she was transformed into a heroine from 1890. Then we were heading down that bumpy road and within minutes, the photographer was at work with two different cameras—one digital and one film. Film has a grainy, old-fashioned look, and as I sifted through the finished photographs, it was a tough call because digital and its high-resolution look made the most sense. Because the image I most loved was shot in film, I was slightly worried that it wouldn’t fall in line with other modern book covers, but as the story goes, whoever has Charlie’s hat really does have his heart, so the pose on the cover was just too perfect to pass up. Looking back on this experience, God was there each step of the way, helping the process along and there was so much in the little things and all the helping hearts behind the scenes. The response from readers has been as much of a joy!
_________________________________________________________Do you all see what I mean? This book. GAH! I love it so much!!! Check out the story!Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia. 

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

Just then a child in the row behind Ella cried out, “Look, Mama!”

Charlie, dressed in his center ring finery, strode into the arena, as strong and strapping as ever. Face powdered and painted with two jagged teardrops under his eyes, he walked with stoic authority, tall boots forging a fresh trail straight toward his audience. Ella didn’t know a single man could hush a packed house with no words, but…then there was Charlie Lionheart. 
ENTER TO WIN!! Because I believe in this book SO MUCH, I am giving away THREE e-copies of this novel to three lucky winners! (Kindle only) and buy your copy here if you can't wait :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection: Nine Stories of Poverty and Opulence During the Gilded Age

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!

All four Coffee Cups & Camisoles gals will be together in one novella collection releasing with Barbour in July 2017!! We'll be joined by five other stellar authors to form Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection: Nine Stories of Poverty and Opulence During the Gilded Age. I'm thrilled beyond words to be alongside all of these amazing authors, and to share this experience with my CC&C ladies.

This collection is especially dear to my heart, because it was one I proposed to Barbour last fall. I asked each of these ladies to participate, and they all came up with wonderful story ideas to go along with the theme.

Without further ado, here's more about the collection:

The Gilded Age was a time of opulence, growth, and great change for all aspects of American life. Modern conveniences and improvements paved the way for western expansion and leisure activities. The rich became richer, and the poor worked hard to make a better life for themselves. Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection: Nine Stories of Poverty and Opulence During the Gilded Age will feature stories set during this exciting time and will explore this era in American History.

Consuelo Vanderbilt c. 1900Here's a little about each story and author:

Win, Place, or Show by Erica Vetsch
Setting: New York City, Autumn 1890
Blurb: A socialite with a passion for horses finds herself falling in love with her riding instructor. Her parents, having already selected a potential husband for her, will never accept a mere horseman for their daughter. Attempting to tame her with threats, her parents vow to sell her beloved horse if she doesn’t toe the line. The professional rider who has won her heart knows he should walk away from her. He can’t provide the kind of life to which she was born. Should she defy her parents and follow her heart? Should he allow her to? Events come to a head at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden where more than trophies are on the line.


Bio: Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

A Gift in Secret by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana, May, 1881
Blurb: A gift in secret. That's what May Bolen hopes to offer in atonement for what she feels are the wrongs her father committed against Sam Austin while at the helm of Bolen Shipping. What Sam doesn't know is the gift she offers also holds a benefit for her: she gets her freedom to travel the world and escape the city where her father's fortune has held her captive. The chance to take over the company that drove his business into bankruptcy is an opportunity that seems almost too good to be true to Sam. Then he meets May Bolen and knows he--like his company's vessel--is sunk. Will May's offer of marriage--her gift in secret--be the justice both desire or will love triumph to keep May in New Orleans, Louisiana? Set against the city of New Orleans, A Gift in Secret, is the story of love, family, revenge, and the power of a redeeming God.

 Bio: Bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than sixty novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan, her historical romance, Sadie's Secret, from The Secret Life of Will Tucker series was the winner of the 2015 Romantic Times Inspirational Romance of the Year. She has also been nominated twice for a Career Achievement Award as well as a Reader's Choice Award and Book of the Year by Romantic Times magazine. When not wearing her writer's hat, Kathleen is a paralegal, a proud military wife, and the biggest fan of her beloved Texas Aggies from the north of the Red River. Connect with her through social media or at www.kathleenybarbo.com.
 
The Right Pitch by Susanne DietzeSetting: Philadelphia, PA 1876
Blurb: It’s a fair pitch: a guarded, injured rail-works owner will sponsor the local ladies’ baseball team if they let his capricious sister play ball, but when the team’s pretty pitcher insists he manage the team, it’s a curveball that could prevent him from playing it safe, in life and in love.
 Bio: Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she writes in the hope that her historical romances will encourage and entertain others. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, travel, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. A 2013 Genesis Award Winner, she is the author of four contracted novellas. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com.
 A House of Secrets by Michelle Griep
Setting: St. Paul, MN 1890Blurb: Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston, resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, determining to demolish the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house, but when she enlists the aide of her fiance, attorney Joseph Blake, they uncover secrets neither expects—which may mean the end of their relationship . . . or her life.   Bio: Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of BRENTWOOD’S WARD, A HEART DECEIVED, UNDERCURRENT and GALLIMORE. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or www.writerofftheleash.blogspot.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. The Gardener's Daughter by Anne Love
Setting: Bay View, Michigan, 1895
Blurb: When the nephew of a prestigious Chautauqua resort founder sets his eye on the new library assistant believing her an academy student, it will take more than reciting poetry for love to bloom when he learns she’s the humble gardener’s daughter.

   Bio: Writer of Historical Romance flavored with vintage rural charm. Anne Love writes full-length Christian Historical Romance novels from rural settings of the 19th century. She works full-time in Northern Indiana as a Family Nurse Practitioner and balances life as a wife and mother with gardening, genealogy, historical research, music, and strong black coffee. She has been a member of ACFW since 2009, has participated in Scribes critique groups, and has attended ACFW Annual Conference where she met her fellow bloggers and dearest critique partners. She has participated in book therapy with bestselling author Rachel Hauck at My Book Therapy, where she is a member. Her faith and family roots inspire her stories.
  A Tale of Two Hearts by Gabrielle Meyer
Setting: Little Falls, Minnesota, June 1895
Blurb: Hidden talents are revealed in 1899 when the servants from neighboring mansions compete for a place of honor during the annual appreciation picnic hosted by their wealthy employers. Lucy Taylor has more than her domestic skills on the line. She must prove to the community, as well as the neighboring footman, Elijah Boyer, that she deserves to be the lady's maid for the fashionable Mrs. Walker. As the competition increases, so do their feelings for one another--but they must choose between true love or their coveted positions in the most prestigious homes in town. 
  Bio: Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle can be found on her group blog www.coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com, or her personal website www.gabriellemeyer.com, where she writes about her passion for history, Minnesota, and her faith. For Richer or Poorer by Natalie MonkSetting: Newark, New Jersey, 1885Blurb: In order to bring her starving family to New Jersey, Polish immigrant Marcella Lipski must marry wealth, so she takes Americanization lessons from the poor-but-mysterious cart driver teaching her English--and loses her heart in the process.  Bio: A farm girl from the time she could shimmy under a string of barbed wire, Natalie Monk writes award-winning historical romance spiced with laughter and redemption. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers where she serves as New Releases Coordinator.Natalie is a homeschool graduate from North Mississippi, a piano teacher, part-time portrait photographer, certified wedding planner, and devotional speaker. She loves sweet tea, reading, girl talk (usually about books), porch swings, and watching old musicals and action movies with her family. You can find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nataliemonkauthor, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nataliedmonk, Twitter: @NatalieDMonk, and her website at www.nataliemonk.com. The Fisherman's Nymph by Jaime Jo Wright
Setting: Flambeau River, Phillips, Wisconsin, 1890Blurb: Abigail rarely ventures from the cabin her father built in Wisconsin’s northwoods. She spends her days sketching the wildness of the world in which she lives, and when not busy with ink and paper, she studies the biology of the river and the trout who swim its waters. When her father accepts the offer to guide a wealthy entrepreneur from Chicago in a fly-fishing, leisure trip, Abigail is forced to reconcile the interruption of her peaceful world. Charles Farrington II hopes this fishing expedition will lure him from the chaos of business into refreshment and regeneration, and Abigail’s offer of her specially designed nymph seems to guarantee a successful catch. But when an accident leaves her father in critical condition, and Abigail’s future dangling on a hook, Charlies must decide whether his future lies in Chicago, or with the fisherman’s nymph-like daughter.  Bio:  Professional coffee drinker, Jaime Jo Wright, resides in the hills of Wisconsin. She loves to write spirited turn-of-the-century romance, stained with suspense. Her day job finds her as a Director of Sales & Development. She’s wife to a rock climbing, bow-hunting youth pastor, mom to a coffee-drinking little girl, and a little boy she refers to as her “Peter Pan”. Jaime completes her persona as an admitted social media junkie and coffee snob. www.jaimejowright.com or www.facebook.com/jaimejowright Union Pacific Princess by Jennifer Uhlarik
Setting: Cheyenne, 1867Blurb: In the hell-on-wheels rail town of Cheyenne, a grieving Boston socialite must choose between her estranged father—a bigwig with the Union Pacific Railroad—and a former Confederate sharpshooter bent on derailing the Transcontinental Railroad’s progress.  Bio: Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has won five writing competitions and finaled in two other competitions. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenaged son, and four fur children. www.jenniferuhlarik.com
Please join me in congratulating all these authors!!

Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website

 

Why Happily Ever After Is Messier Than We Think

If you were expecting Jaime today, you're in for a little surprise. I, Laurie Tomlinson, friend of Coffee Cups & Camisoles and writing sister to Jaime and Anne, have hijacked the blog. And I'm geeking out SO HARD because I've wanted to do this for so long! Thanks for having me :)
--- 


One thing you should know about me is that all of my childhood, I was a hopeless romantic. Starting with Prince Philip of Disney's Sleeping Beauty lore, my love for stories with happy endings grew with me. This is a good thing, I suppose, for someone who writes romance! 
But somewhere along the way, I learned that the best kind of romance looks different than your garden-variety fairy tale. 
With the dust settled and Maleficent vanquished, Princess Aurora and Prince Philip probably discovered some differences they didn't have the chance to learn in their short courtship -- during half of which Aurora was asleep, mind you. After her own happily ever after, I can also imagine Cinderella having very real issues she didn't know how to process when the roles were reversed and a servant arrived that first morning to bring her breakfast and help her dress. 
That's why my favorite fictional romances these days are built in the messiest of trenches -- maybe stronger than they would have been were it not for those struggles. 
While I love being taken to faraway lands, wooed by a couple falling hard for each other, and enchanted by sweeping rescues, there's another side of romance that just doesn't compare. Give me a hero who puts everything on hold for a while to support his heroine in her professional dreams, knowing she'll do the same for him in a heartbeat. Give me toes touching at the foot of the bed after being up all night with sick kids. Give me couples who face loss and pain and heartbreak and lean in -- couples who lean in even further when one of them starts to fade away. 
When circumstances and attitudes and other human things threaten to pull them apart, the best romances are forged by what's worth fighting for, both in real life and on the page. So even though there's so much life and story after happily ever after, I love stories that let me witness the characters' arrival to the place where they learn about each other deeply and consequently grow in their understanding of who God is.
What story comes to mind when you think of your favorite fictional couple? What is it about them that does it for you?
---

Laurie Tomlinson is an award-winning contemporary romance author, freelance editor and PR consultant, and cheerleader for creatives. She believes that God's love is unfailing, anything can be accomplished with a good to-do list, and that life should be celebrated with cupcakes and extra sprinkles. 
Her debut contemporary romance novel releases in May 2017 from Harlequin Heartwarming. 
You can connect with Laurie on her website, Facebook page, and Twitter.  

I Never....Dreamed I'd Be Published!

Anne here.
There's a silly game called "I never..." It's a fun way of asking: "did you ever...?"

Well......

I got a publishing contract!!

...and I never would have believed it had anyone predicted it.
Not when I was a struggling first grader taking reading classes, and summer school.Not on lazy Sunday afternoons when I was the only family member not happily lost in a book.Not when I was an eighth grader sitting at the table in tears over my first major writing assignment.Not when I was in speed reading class, fighting to keep up.Not when I'd never read a book for pleasure until I was fourteen and discovered Janette Oke.Nope. I would never have believed it.
Most authors will tell you they've dreamed of publishing their entire lives.Instead, I've been pleasantly surprised by this dream. Writing has always calmed my mind, and clarified my thoughts. But this dream of publishing a work of fiction...well, I just never would have believed it.
When the email came up on my phone feed, it was the morning after my son's wedding this summer. Still reeling and glowing from the surreal celebration, we'd driven to the Bed & Breakfast in my home town for family reunion. 
I paced among the backyard flower gardens taking in the moment, relieved that I could soak in the news in peace. As a full-time Family Nurse Practitioner, I'd hoped the email moment wouldn't come while I was at work during an inopportune moment for celebration. But it happened with my family, in that garden. And I squealed!!!!
My family blank-stared me...What??
Keeping them sworn to secrecy, I told them I'd just been offered a publishing contract opportunity for a Gilded Age novella! (THANK YOU for the opportunity, Gabrielle!!)I've been keeping this news quiet, but no more! News is out!!And the best part? My story will be set in the Lake Michigan community where my grandfather worked for years as a carpenter. How sweet to be with all my grandfather's family when the news came! (and not at work cleaning a wound, swabbing for strep throat, or discussing life's serious stuff--I couldn't have squealed!). If it weren't for my Grandpa John and Grandma Emma, none of these dear family would have been present to share in my moment of celebration: 
I don't plan to quit my day job!! But after office hours, my imagination will be swirling in the world of Michigan's Bay View Chautauqua, where a prestigious literary circle draws the library assistant and the founder's nephew across the social lines of 1895. 
Getting the email was great, but receiving the contract in the mail on my birthday the day I arrived home from Ireland, was SWEETER!!!!

Thank you readers, Ted, Emily & Ben, Mom & Dad, teachers Mrs. Andrews & Ms. Erma Yoder, and friends,for all your encouragement and interest. 
Thank you, Father, for words--for the Word.
If you've ever had a dreamor even if you've never dreamed a dream:you just never sometimes hardly ever know.......how the story will be written.
(Stay tuned this week on the blog for more fun announcements!!)-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads

#BookReview & #Giveaway: (un)Natural Mom, by Hettie Brittz

Jaime here. Today's book review/interview spot is a bit different. We typically feature fiction, but I took a dive off the deep end to read this book by Hettie Brittz and see what non-fiction could do for us.

First of all, this is a great book for any of us, if we have kids in our lives. I actually wish they hadn't titled it "mom" 'cause Grammas, Dads, Grampas, etc. can learn from it. However, I get the illustrations have to do with moms, so yeah ...

Ok. Here I go. Reviewing a non-fiction book. Will you do this with me?

Reservations:

I went into the book expecting a cover to cover read. It can be, but in reality, you read the first third and then take an online profile test and then are best served reading the chapters of the personality that apply to you. It's valuable to read the others at some point because that can balance out the weak areas of your "mothering" style, but to really wrap my brain around this book, I had to skip around to my profile sections.

My other reservation was that, while it was well-written, the chapters are broken into a profile type and then takes the reader through different stages of motherhood like you're reading it from a mom's diary perspective. That was a tad confusing for me. I can see where they were dropping a fictionalized mom into a situation (first day of Kindergarten, child's first job, graduation, etc),but I'd rather have read it in a format more psychologically driven. This profile type will face different seasons this way. Negative reactions for that personality type and positive reactions.

Taking the profile online was confusing. The book says it's free, but online it says "add to cart". I just bulldozed through and figured out you take the test, it gives you a basic profile, and you can purchase a far more detailed profile if you're wanting. I wish the web site was laid out more user-friendly with a simple "FREE TEST" button and then guide the test-taker to buy the extended version later.

Positives: 

I think it's great that there's a personality test for parent/grandparenthood. It's a different world as a mom and yeah, I struggle to figure myself out with my kids. I really liked how this profile does parallel the popular DISC profile test. Once I took my parenting profile, it all made sense because I'd already taken the DISC test years ago. Basically, I learned I'm a fun-loving mom whose self-drive to succeed will be encouraged in my children, but I will cringe from discipline because it may hurt feelings and ruin fun unless I can link it to the fact that discipline will help my child succeed and then I'll be all in to discipline.

The parenting profile is FREE online. HUGE plus. You definitely do need to take the profile test for the book to make sense.

It was helpful to read the profile styles. There is a nice balance between examples, application, and spiritual application.

It's also an easy read. If you're new to profile tests, this won't be daunting and will probably really help open your eyes to elements of yourself you hadn't identified before.

About the book: 

(un)Natural Mom: Why You Are the Perfect Mom for Your Kids (David C Cook, August 2016)
Do you feel like you're the only mom who serves store-bought birthday treats, dreads school plays, and misses the days of going to the bathroom by herself?
Unnatural Mom gives you permission to say that mothering doesn't always come naturally to you. Parenting expert and self-proclaimed unnatural mom Hettie Brittz helps you . . .
-Recognize how unrealistic our culture's standards of mothering are-Move beyond the myths of "supermom"-Complete a profile to determine your own parenting style-Understand and forgive the mothers who hurt you-Embrace your capabilities as well as your challenges
Come find new hope in discovering that every mother has unique gifts. In Christ, the "unnatural" mom becomes the supernatural mom who is just right for her family!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2aZi9bM
 About the author:

Hettie Brittz is an author, international speaker, and one of South Africa's foremost voices on parenting advice. She is the developer of the Evergreen Parenting Course and Tall Trees Profiles. Hettie and her husband, Gospel singer Louis Brittz, live in South Africa with their three children.
Website | Facebook | Twitter 
I'm giving away my copy! Leave a comment below and tell me your experience with mom-ing, gramma-ing, and if you think you're the fun one, the strict one, the structured one, or the stable one....