Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 194

Interview & #Giveaway with Sandra Orchard

Fun stuff today!!! Fun stuff today!!! We have author Sandra Orchard here and man oh man, I want to read her book. The cover alone gripped me. So here's a little bit about who she is, what she writes, and whether she drinks coffee or tea :)

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1. What inspired your latest story idea?

This story is the culmination of the previous two books in the series—Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust—inspired by herbal medicine research, questionable pharmaceutical company practices, and small town quirky characters. Each book is a standalone mystery, but since a budding romance between the main characters, Tom and Kate, and an underlying suspense plot arcs the series, the mystery in this final book, is centered around that suspense plot, namely Kate trying to figure out what is so special about the plant her father sacrificed his life for, hopefully without getting herself or anyone else killed.

2. What is your favorite characteristic about your story’s hero and heroine?

Kate’s loyalty to her friends and to her father’s honor and memory, despite appearances, is my favorite. And for my hero, Tom’s incredible patience. Kate is… shall we say, a tad impulsive. Her act-first-reconsider-later tendencies are a challenge to Tom’s need to investigate by the book, or at least in close proximity to it.

3. Please tell us about the spiritual theme of your story you hope every reader is challenged by:

The series as a whole involves the heroine coming to terms with the choices her father made twenty years ago and how she can reconcile them with his declaration to her the last time he saw her that no matter what happens or how things look, she needs to remember that he always loved her. At some point, we all come up against a side of God, the father, that’s difficult to accept. Our circumstances might seem to suggest He doesn’t care about us, but we need to decide are we going to believe what He says in His Word or are we going to let circumstances steal our faith.

4. Jaime & Anne are coffee addicts. Erica & Gabrielle are tea lovers. What about you? Coffee or Tea?
Like my heroine, I love the aroma of coffee, but don’t drink it, and instead enjoy a variety of teas. It helps that my daughter is a Steeped Tea rep. :)

4. Favorite historical movie? Or mini-series?

Hmm, we enjoy watching a lot of the PBS mini-series and watch many of the Jane Austen and Little Dorritt again and again. But probably The Sound of Music is my favorite.

5. While Jaime loves to take selfies, and Erica loves museums, Anne loves Pinterest and food pics. Share a food pic, a favorite family recipe, or link us to your latest pin on Pinterest.

In my bonus features, I’ve shared a recipe to go with each novel in the series. No pics, unfortunately, but here are the links to the recipes: Kate’s Calendula Tea (for female troubles); Julie’s Favorite Muffins (taste like donuts); Patti’s Favorite Chocolate/Cream Cheese Muffins

6. Always wanted to be an author? Or surprised your path led you to publish?

Always wanted to be an author, but didn’t think it would be of fiction

7. Favorite century to read? To write? To watch on TV or in a movie?

This is my favorite century to read and write. In TV and movies, I prefer the last century…nostalgia, I think.

8. Favorite heroine of all time, and why? 

Hmm, a hero would be easier to pick than a heroine. Since I write mysteries, I’m going to go with my most inspiring heroine, Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote…although it has been a couple of decades since I’ve seen the show!
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Subscribe to Sandra’s newsletter to receive a subscriber-exclusive mini-novella. Learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features, as well as writer helps, and check out her blog at www.SandraOrchard.com. Connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard
Enter to win a copy of Desperate Measures!
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Jaime Wright -
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader.Professional Coffee Drinker. Works in HR and specializes in sarcasm :)

- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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Determined & Persistent

Last week I shared a word I've been contemplating, contentment, and I had a number of amazing conversations here on the blog, as well as by private messages and in person based on that post. What I love about the Coffee Cups & Camisoles blog is that I truly feel as if I am sitting across a little café table with each of you, discussing the things that are on our minds and hearts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts as we strive to bring you new, insightful, knowledgeable posts every week.

In the spirit of last week's post, I thought I'd share another word (or, rather, words) I've been contemplating this week.

Determined : 1. resolute; staunch: 2. decided; settled; resolved.

Persist: 1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc. 2. to last or endure tenaciously.

A friend from elementary school recently posted a picture of my first published book on Facebook, and said this: "Of all my friends, Gabe would have always been my vote for Most Likely to Write and Publish Historical Christian Romances...because she knows what she wants and goes out and makes it happen."

After I read her words, I started to think about what they truly mean. I would call myself a determined and persistent person. My friend was right. I know what I want and I go out and make it happen. I've never been one to sit back and wish for things to come my way. I'm one of those people who knew early on what I wanted my life to look like.

So what exactly is determination and persistence? Where does it come from, how do we get it, and how do we hold on to it?

I'll admit, I don't have all the answers. Sometimes I wonder where my determination and persistence comes from. I believe part of it came from watching my parents (who are very determined and persistent people!), part of it I was born with to do the things God has planned for me to do, but more than that, I believe it's a conscious decision I have to make every single day.

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
My parents were married at the age of seventeen and eighteen. They had absolutely nothing to their names when they said "I do." They worked very hard to make a good home for me and my three siblings. We didn't have much growing up, but we had everything we needed, and my parents made the best of every situation. Eventually, they went on to become very successful people. My mom was the mayor of our town for eight years and my dad is highly respected where he works. They built a lasting legacy, teaching me the way I should go. This reminds me how important it is for me to teach my children. I wouldn't be where I am today if my parents hadn't taught me how to be determined and persistent.

Romans 12 says that God has given each of us a measure of faith. Jeremiah 29:11 says that He knows the plans He has for us. Psalms 139 says all our days our marked out for us, before one of them was lived. Hebrews 12 says that we must run with endurance the race God has marked out for us.
All of these things tells me that I am equipped to do the work God has placed before me. He has given me the determination I need to get it done.

I remember a night a few years ago, before I left for my first ACFW Conference, when my husband and I were sitting on our back deck, watching the Mississippi float by. He said to me: "Will you give up if you don't get this story published?"

I cannot tell you what a strong reaction I had to that question! It almost scared me with its intensity. Something deep and beyond myself responded with a resounding NO! I knew, in my heart of hearts, that I would not give up my dream. By the grace of God, I have the determination to keep trying, no matter how many rejections I receive.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." My determination is also a decision I make every single day. It's a decision I believe we're commanded to make when we're in the service of the Lord. We are to let nothing move us from the calling God has placed on our hearts. I have many callings, as I believe others do, one of them is publication. Whether I want to or not, I cannot walk away. I must finish the race God has laid out for me to run. I believe this video is a perfect example of determination. It's also a reminder that God comes beside us to help us in our weakness.

What about you? Are you running the race God has marked out for you to run? Do you struggle with being determined and persistent?

Gabrielle Meyer:
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Rosemaling ~ I want to learn!

The winner of Keli Gwyn's Family of Her Dreams is: Gail H. Please email me at ericavetsch at gmail dot com so we can get your your prize!!!!

When I visited Vesterheim in Decorah, IA, a few weeks ago, I was drawn to the beautiful Norwegian folk painting called rosemaling.

The Norwegian people used wood for many things, eating utensils, storage, furniture. And every inch of it is ornamented with painting or carving or both. Because wood was so plentiful and inexpensive, it was used extensively in Norwegian life.

Every room we entered, every display we saw exquisite examples of rosemaling. The colors are vibrant, and the subject matter is botanical. Flowers and leaves and ivy. Acanthus leaves often. There are often mirror images, and paisely-sorts of swirls. Reds, blues, greens, and yellows.






I also learned that different styles of rosemaling can be traced to different regions of Norway. My favorite style is from Valdres, and one of the characters in my current Work in Progress is from Valdres and paints beautifully.


Which Style do you like the best?
Erica Vetsch:Executive AssistantEarl Grey Aficionado Find me on PINTERESTFind me on GOODREADSFind me on AMAZON.COMFind me on FACEBOOKFind me on my WEBSITE

Reader Feature -- Getting to Know You

One of my favorite things about being a writer? It's getting to know YOU! Anne and I started Coffee Cups and Camisoles several years ago because we love our coffee chats over hot brew, random conversation, a warm atmosphere, and good company. I think we've accomplished that here, and we even added tea to our chalkboard menu when we added Erica and Gabrielle.

But one thing is missing ... YOU! 

So we party it up over my Facebook page. Lots of fun daily interactions and weirdness going on there. The other night we had a Best Fishy Face contest and we all posted selfies of us making fish face. It was hysterical? The prize--of course, there's prizes, that's what adds to the fun--Swedish Fish! Only the best candy known to man!

My prize? Getting to feature a fishy face here on my blog (and I have another fishy face coming later this month too).

It's time to know YOU are beloved readers who hang with us in our little online coffee house. So lift your mugs, whether a flat white and extra shot of espresso like I have today, or some Earl Grey tea... and say hello to:

Karen Johnson! Fishy Face Extraordinaire! Ain't she adorable??

She and I sat down and chatted and it was SUPER neat getting to know her. So I thought you should too.

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How did you hook up to my FB page/blog and why on earth do you follow this weirdo writer? 

I honestly don't remember, probably a reader scavenger hunt. But I love good, clean, historical fiction. 
Jaime's response: ME TOO!! Historical fiction is one of my faves among many other genres. So glad you found us on the scavenger hunts!

What was your favorite book as a kid? 
The Little House books. Also The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, although I did not get the Christian meaning until I was about 12. And Where the Sidewalk Ends, other than Silverstein, and Suess, I was not a fan of poetry.

Jaime's response: I wasn't a fan of poetry either, unless it was Tennyson. I did love me some classic Tennyson. LITTLE HOUSE!! The classics!! Love them so much and I'm only an avid Narnian, so probably passed by the lamp post at one point in our past :)

If you could be one fictional character, which one would you be and why? 
O.k, I usually am guilty of asking authors this, so I suppose it is my turn. 
Jaime's response: call it author pay-back ;)
Anne of Green Gables. Although I would not want to be an orphan (My husband was orphaned by the time he was a teen, although he got to live with family, it is an awful thing to go through) or have had her life prior to living with Marilla and Matthew, I was a Tomboy, and have a wonderful imagination that could/ can get me into or out of trouble. I am a substitute teacher. I like to read and write and have won writing contests, although I do not know if I could still handle her enjoyment of poetry. And I did not have that Bosom friend that was a kindred spirit until college. 
Jaime's response: I hear you!! and relate on many levels. Your husband must have quite a story, and hopefully it has found a happy middle to it! I didn't find my bosom friend until later too. Now I have five of them. My writing sisters, and I just short it to "sisters" because that's really what we are. I'm glad you have one too!

What inspires you to read?

My son would say insanity. 
Jaime's response: LOL!! he and my husband must have collaborated on that answer
He does not like reading. Probably my parents reading to me got me started. But now when I need an escape, I suppose. Reading is a mini vacation that is more affordable.
Jaime's response: I love that quote!! An affordable mini-vacation. SO TRUE!

Why do you think reading is important? 
It allows you to experience and learn new things. No way could I ever actually be a Civil War soldier. So I read. I could never actually be Black Beauty, but I could empathize with how a horse might feel. Or how it might have been to live in those times.

Jaime's response: I can tell you're an avid reader, you're very insightful, Karen!

What is currently by your bed or on your Kindle to read? 
I am prepping myself for living with a teenager, we have a 10 year old. So I have borrowed Have a New Teenager by Friday. My 10 year old son is already arguing over everything, etc. Which I guess is typical, but at school the boys out argue each other. He will actually have you double checking if the sun is out, or argue that it it 78 degrees out because you say it is 80. That is the book that is up on my Kindle.

Jaime's response: Eeek! I might have to borrow that in 7 years when my Peter Pan decides to leave NeverLand and grow up 

Coffee or tea?
Tea. I am not even crazy about the smell of coffee. 
Jaime's response: *Gasp*
I am trying to grow blueberry bushes in our yard for the first time. Used coffee grounds are supposed to help them grow. I am having to get this from our neighbors. My husband rarely drinks coffee at home. He doesn't like tea. He drinks coffee from a gas station or at work. So this the request from the neighbors. One of whom works at a coffee shop, so I figured at least she drinks it. Tea is more relaxing and I like the different flavors. I once found dark chocolate strawberry tea. Heaven.....
Jaime's response: Well, I'll let you and Erica bond over tea ;), altho I HAVE been known to imbibe on occassion.

You have a choice to enter the world of Harry Potter, a Louis L’Amour western, Dr. Seuss, or Nancy Drew … which one would you visit and why? 
Dr. Seuss. With Harry Potter, I would probably end up as a Muggle, half of what was going on with the Death Eaters would be terrifying, even as a wizard, let alone with He Who Should Not Be Named. Although it did have a lot of learning to stand up for the people and things you love and the value of friendship. Dr Suess had a lot of wisdom and morals, from trying new foods, taking responsibility for your actions but not being afraid to having a little fun, value others, kindness, etc. No one tries to kill you or turn you into something else or hurt you. And I have not read Louis L'Amour.
Jaime's response: And just think of all the places you'll go ;) with Dr. Seuss!!
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Man!! I had so much fun with this and I can't wait to bring another reader and his fishy face to the blog soon too! 
What would you say some of these questions? Which question was your favorite?
Winner of Last week's coffee from What Literary Character are You?: Kate June! (Kate, please contact me, I didn't see your email :)
Winner of Victoria Bylin's latest novel: Gail Hollingsworth!! congrats!!________________________________
Jaime Wright -
Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader.Professional Coffee Drinker. Works in HR and specializes in sarcasm :)

- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Monday's Musing: Golfballs, Groundhogs...and Jonah?

Ever have a week where God has to bonk  you on the head? 

Okay, maybe most of my weeks are like that.

But this week seemed to have a theme: 
~~get out of the harbor, get ready to get out of your comfort zone.

Bear with me, because it came in fragments.

So, my husband left for a sea-faring adventure trip this week. I didn't want to go, because I really don't love water enough to dive 80 feet below the surface breathing through a small tube. Ted is all about adventure. I just write about it. (Think the movie, Nim's Island: I'm the writer of the hero, he's the actual hero). But it seriously made me think about my comfort zone.
Ted's Adventure 
He left on Thursday afternoon while I was at work. This is when it's not good to have a writer brain. Because writer's brains write the worst scenarios. So on the way to work, I was brain-writing his eulogy. Once he called between his connecting flights, I'd talked myself out of the necessity of writing his eulogy, only to have my heart pound while watching his flight on my flight tracker app over the Caribean when my phone rang with the caller ID that read: Washington DC.  I was now sure it was the TSA calling to inform me of flight-down in the Gulf of Mexico. (Again, think: crazy writer woman!!) But alas, it was someone with a thick accent trying to sell me a credit card--seriously?Unbelievable, that never happens. Finally, happy that I'd seen his little airplane icon land on my flight tracker app, I breathed a sigh of relief---but still wondered what happens on a flight tracker app when a plane goes down? A little burst of flames icon?? Kicking myself, I thanked God and hopped in the van hoping to dodge an incoming thunderstorm carrying hail with it, grateful that a mere thunderstorm was far safer than hurricane waters of the Gulf. But alas, out of the sky fell a huge golfball sized hail ball and broke my windshield. Oh wait, it WAS a golf ball. No hail. Tragedy dodged. Phew. I would live to face tomorrow, very happy to be in my "safe harbor" thank you!


The next night on the way home, I turned on the local Christian radio to hear a preacher talk about getting out of my comfort zone...seriously, again? I sense a theme here, Lord. The speaker even said to the audience, "what's the opposite of keeping it safe?" The first person to respond on air, actually shouted my thoughts: "adventure!" Hmmm, how did my thoughts just broadcast on public radio, God??

Next day, Saturday, I was sitting on the patio (AKA back yard sanctuary, AKA safe harbor) talking to God about writing my next book.
I asked Him to please inform me what the spiritual theme might be. He basically said, haven't you gotten that yet? Adventure vs. safety. (duh) Stepping out in strong, courageous faith. Ok, got it. So I closed my eyes, and tried to be a good listener, absorbing the instructions....when off to my left I heard a little scurrying. Probably a chipmunk (writer brain: epic FAIL). The scurrying came closer, and louder, and I opened my eyes to find a ginormous groundhog look up at me two feet away from my bare feet!! AAAHHHKKK! I screamed and he just looked at me and ambled away...as if I thought my back yard was a safe harbor.
Very funny, God! Ahaha! I hear you. Nothing like a God who brings the adventure right to the feet of the skittish type!

Sunday morning. Up early to study the Sunday School lesson. Oh boy. "Be Strong and Courageous." About the children of Israel entering the promised land. Something I didn't know....they'd been there 38 years before but didn't enter into the promised land....because they were too afraid. Hmmm. (get out of the safe harbor, even if you are afraid? or risk missing something huge?)  And the sermon? Oh, yes. It was Jonah. (very funny, God, didn't you know my husband's the one on the boat?) Yep. Because if I don't listen, there's always a three day time-out vacation in the belly of a whale. Or the only person I might have a write a eulogy for would be, ah, me? Hmmmm.


So, adventures happen even when you weren't the one to get on the plane.
God has a sense of humor, and apparently doesn't mind using groundhogs to make His point.
When God opens a door....walk through it...because it might not open for another 38 years...or you might get swallowed by a fish (or attacked by a groundhog...or golfball?)
God is at work in His Kingdom, why should I be so afraid to go see what He's up to? 
And why should I let my pride & fear get in the way when He's the one doing all the work?
-------------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.


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Book Report & Giveaway: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Another star performance by Karen Witemeyer with her latest release, her 10th novel:
A Worthy Pursuit!
A teacher on the run wasn't the bounty the Texan had been paid to track down.

But when Miss Atherton's sweet hidden smile filled the field glasses he spied with, Stone Hammond might have been a bit more thrilled than usual that he'd never come home empty-handed from a man-hunt in his life. And he wasn't about the break his record this time!

When a wealthy investor has hired him to find the abductor of his granddaughter and bring the girl back, Stone is eager to track down an enemy. But nothing will stop Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, from fulfilling a pledge to keep little orphaned Lily from her unscrupulous grandfather. Especially not the handsome bounty hunter with unusually honest eyes who come looking for them.

When Miss Atherton reveals proof of documentation that shows she is Lily's legal guardian, Stone must decide if she is villain or victim.


Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Can Stone protect what he once vowed to tear apart and still win Charlotte Atherton's heart?




Karen Witemeyer:

Christy Award finalist and winner of both the ACFW Carol Award and HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.



Readers: For a chance to win a free copy, leave a comment for Karen.

Which of her books is your most favorite? Click here to look at them: Karen's Books
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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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.


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Find me on: Goodreads

Contentment

The only thing that remains of
Old Crow Wing Village.I've been contemplating a word lately, and its meaning.  

Content : satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
Wow. Not wanting more or anything else. How often can we say: "I'm content," or "I'm satisfied with who I am and what I have?"

There have been seasons of contentment in my life. Even now, I can say I'm content with some things, but not with others.

As a young woman, I longed to be married and begin my life. After I was married, I longed to be done with college (we married during our college years). After college, I longed to buy a house. After buying a house, I longed to have a baby. After having a set of twins, I longed for them to be older and more independent. Now that my children are growing older, I long to hold on to their childhoods.

As a writer, I longed to finish my first novel. After I finished it, I longed to have an agent. After finding an agent, I longed to have a contract. After signing a contract, I long to have more.

In each season, I seek to be content. Truly, I do. But it's not easy. What is easy is looking at other people and fighting envy and impatience.

Today, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw three new covers for three of my author friends. And, I'll admit, I had to fight envy. I'm thrilled beyond words that my friends are achieving their dreams, but a niggle of jealousy rose up in my heart and I had to turn off the computer before I let it blow up into a pity party.

I'm disgusted with this discontentment, because I've been blessed beyond measure. My cup runneth over. Above I stated all the things I longed for and God gave to me. Everything my heart has desired, He has granted.

So why the discontentment? Why the longing for more?

I think there is a two-part answer to my questions. First, we live in a fallen world, and we are a fallen people. Didn't Eve long to be like God? Wasn't that why she ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? Clearly, this was Lucifer's problem, as well. He wanted to be greater than God. He was the one who lured Eve into disobedience. Is it safe to say the enemy of our souls continues to whisper this desire into our hearts? The desire to be more and to have more? To strive and be envious and without peace? These feelings leave us weak and defenseless. A perfect target for the enemy to attack. I think this is a struggle for all humans, and it's yet another reason we need Christ.

I think the other part of this longing is deeper still, and speaks to our eternal longing. There is a part of our souls that long for the Court of the Lord. We long to see His face and to be cradled in His arms. We long for our eternal homes. And we long to be loved. I think sometimes our discontentment can be born of our longing for Christ, yet we so often try to fill the longing with temporal, earthly things.

Paul speaks to discontentment in the Book of Philippians, chapter 4, verses 12 and 13. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

As I look at my discontentment, and I see others reaching milestones I long to reach, I recall a promise: I can do all this through him who gives me strength. This was Paul's secret to contentment.

Christ is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Strength. All I need to remember is that I can do anything, including wait, when I lean on Him. He has perfect timing for everything and for everyone. I need not be discontent, because He is in complete control. When I trust Him, I don't feel envy, strife, or loss of peace. I am strong and no longer a target for the enemy. I am thankful for what He's already given me.

If I've learned anything, it's that as soon as I gain something, I will start reaching and longing for something more. That's part of the human experience. We have goals, dreams, and ambitions. But I must rely on the One who brings everything to pass. Then, and only then, will I learn how to be content, whatever the situation.

What about you? Do you struggle with discontent? Have you learned Paul's secret to being content, whatever the situation? What areas do you struggle with discontent? What areas of your life are you content?

Guest Post with Keli Gwyn

I am thrilled to be able to host my friend, Keli Gwyn, on my day to post at CC&C. Keli and I are friends, agency-mates, publishing house buddies, and we even have a story anthology together. I met Keli online several years ago when we were both pre-published, and  I was blessed to meet her in person a few years ago at a conference. She was every bit as sweet and kind and enthusiastic in person as she is online. 
I asked Keli if she would be willing to come talk about her new release Family of Her Dreams, here at CC&C, and she agreed. :) So, without further ado, here's Keli!


Readers often ask how much of myself I put into my heroines. My answer is that there are aspects of me in each of them. I go on to state an example or two.

I thought it would be fun to compare myself to Tess Grimsby, the heroine of my June Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams. So here goes…




Four Ways Tess and I Are Alike
• I keep a journal, and so does Tess. These days my journal entries are brief recaps of my activities. Back in the days before I began writing stories, I would pour out my thoughts and dreams on the pages of my journal just as Tess does.

Keli's scrapbooking closet.• Both Tess and I are sentimental. She saves mementos, such as the train ticket for her ride to Shingle Springs, where her new adventure with Spencer Abbott and his children takes place. Her mementos are tucked between the pages of her journal. If only my collection of sentimental items were as small as hers. I have at least twenty boxes filled with photos, certificates, etc.







• Neither Tess nor I think our singing voices are any good. Thankfully someone comes along who convinces Tess that her voice is just fine. I’m content making a joyful noise.

• Tess has a vivid imagination, as do I. She comes up with clever ways to entertain Spencer’s children. I’m more apt to play with words. Here’s an example. The year our daughter was eight, we traveled to Germany.  Our cat, Snuggles, talked to her all the time back home (in a voice I created). Adri was missing him greatly, so I came up with the idea of having her converse with him via his tailular phone, a solution that eased her homesickness.
 Four Ways Tess and I Are Different
• At six foot, Tess has ten inches on me. Writing a tall character was a s-t-r-e-t-c-h, but I was able to incorporate what I’ve learned from watching my 6’ 2” husband. I also talked with two of my daughter’s tall, lithe and lovely friends.





• Tess is a fantastic cook and enjoys meal preparations. Me? Nope. The less time I can spend in the Keli and daughter Adri at Keli's favorite
 eating place, Taco Bell!kitchen, the better. My dream is to have a take-out window installed on the side of our house and eagerly await daily deliveries from my favorite restaurants. Who’s with me on this?

• Like Erica, Tess is a quilter. They both create stunning quilts I admire but haven’t the patience to create. My sewing machine and I are not on friendly terms.
• Having a family of her own is Tess’s dream. She loves children and wants oodles of them. I’m not a born mother. I used to joke that I made raising one child look difficult. I’m happy to report that our daughter, now 24, survived her childhood and that Adriana and I have a great relationship these days.
In what ways are you like Tess—or like me?

 Award-winning author Keli Gwyn, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush-era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyber home at www.keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.











Family of her Dreams 
Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she’d fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can’t help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she’ll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.
Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a gold-rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire’s kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?
Copyright © 2015 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Cover and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
or its affiliated companies, used under license.



Erica here: Keli is giving away an autographed copy of her new release! Just answer the question above in a comment below, and you're in. (Note: Due to the high cost of international postage, we have to limit the giveaway to US Residents only.) 

What Classic Literary Character Are You?

 Jane Eyre. I connected with her on a very deep, intrinsic level when I was in high-school. The old book was hidden in my father's bookshelves of literary classics. I'd already read Great Expectations, Ivanhoe, Heidi, and other classics, so it stood to reason it was time to read one set in Gothic England. By a female writer, in a time when female writers often dubbed themselves male with male psuedonyms, so their books would actually sell. (Hearken: George Elliot)

Why did I bond with a fictional heroine, plain, orphaned, somewhat soft-spoken, and far more tenacious than I? Her independence. I loved her independent nature that flew without inhibitions even when imprisoned by her circumstances. She experienced grief, broken love, attempted murder, and loss of home, and never once did she give up on life and always did she push through until reaching a resolution. She was beautiful in her own right, and Rochester loved her for it, while not being exactly the most loveable soul himself. I resonated with how she could enter love and ultimately unity with him while still maintaining her own identity. Rochester didn't cage her. Rather, he set her free to be who she was meant to be. That was an example of a man who valued a woman. That was an example of a woman who valued who God had made her to be.

For fun, I wondered ... what classic literary character some of my other author friends related to.

Here are a few and the whys:

Ronie Kendig -- Author of "Falcon" ...

I would've chosen Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. He's the one antihero I've never forgotten, and in a (dark?) way, swooned over. Am I weird for choosing Heathcliff?
Susanne Dietze -- Author of "Love's Reward" from the "Most Eligible Bachelor" novella collection ...

What I Love about Classic Character Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice): Lizzie may not be the prettiest, sweetest, or most graceful gal around (that would be her sister, Jane), but her good sense, wit, and spunk encouraged me to stand up for what's right. Like Lizzie, I have a bit of a feisty streak. I've also made some mistakes in judgment and thought my opinions to be--er, superior, but I hope that like her, I figure out why I do some of the things I do and then grow from my mistakes. I love her so much I wrote a Pride & Prejudice-inspired novella set in historical Austin, TX, and it won ACFW's Genesis Award.

Kara Isaac -- Author of a yet-to-be-titled Contemporary Romance by Howard Books in 2016! ...

To Kill A Mockingbird -- Atticus Finch is who I would be inspired by. He knew he had pretty much no chance of winning and that it would him and his family just for taking the case, but he did it anyway. Because it was the right thing to do and no one else would.

Halee Matthews -- Author of murder mysteries and everything insatiably wicked like that :) ...

Jo March, from Little Women, is me. She's spunky, she's strong, she has big dreams, and she's fiercely protective of those she loves. She's trying to find her place in the world and plagued by the thought of never accomplishing her dreams. And, like Jo, I've chopped my hair three times for charity
;) And another time to help with the oil spill cleanup. And she'd do anything for her sisters, and she's frustrated by the injustices of the world.

Erica Vetsch -- Author of upcoming release The Cactus Creek Challenge...

My favorite character from classical literature was Alec Ramsey from Walter Farley's Black stallion series. I lived every adventure those Alec and The Black had, many times.
Susan Poll -- Reader from my Facebook page who wanted to contribute! 
Alice in Wonderland. What an adventure she had! I always wanted to be her and explore and have fun. Plus I want to meet the Cheshire cat!
There you have it!!! Fun stuff from writers. What Classic Literary Character are YOU?? Leave a comment below and I'll draw a winner from some coffee :)

______________________________________

Jaime Wright -
Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader.Professional Coffee Drinker. Works in HR and specializes in sarcasm :)

- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Lost in Storyland

Today is the last day of my vacation. I've spent a week relaxing with my family at home and for a few days at Lake Michigan. I've spent last year's "stay-cation" beating down a long to-do list. That always feels great to accomplish, but then you still need a vacation to relax after that. So this year, my "to-do" list was only to relax and refuel.

Refueling for me this week has meant prayer, worship, sun, cooking, and re-engaging in my writing.

I've been lost in story land for the last several days, editing my last manuscript set in 1894 rural Wisconsin.

Want a little sneak peek?

Meet my heroine, Andie:
 
And her hero, Cass:

And their beloved sheepdog, Shep:



She once believed in fairytales that her Grandmamma told....but after a decade of loss and real life had stamped out her childish dreams....she could hardly recognize a hero....

...when he showed up in muddy boots...ready to take everything she owned and held dear...

She only wanted to be left alone.....
Can she rediscover blessing, heal the land of her ancestors, and find faith to believe?
I've trudged through 2/3 of the edits. I'm hoping to knock out the last 1/3 over the next few weeks and get ready to brainstorm the next story! I'm off to story land again. Have a great week everyone!
Winner of Dawn Crandall's copy of The Captive Imposter is Carrie Booth Schmidt!
------------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.


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