Candice Sue Patterson's Blog, page 17

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Countdown to Christmas--23 days left!


Baby, It's Cold Outside...     Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home or her heart over the Christmas holidays. After all, her Christmas spirit froze over when Dottie lost her son in World War II. But when a blizzard of the decade traps Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she just might discover that opening her door might also open her heart to a Christmas miracle and a new reason to celebrate Christmas.    Author: Susan May WarrenPublisher: Summerside Press, 2011  My ReviewWhat a great story of second chances! Set in 1949 against the backdrop of a Minnesota blizzard during Christmas, four adults get unexpectedly trapped together and long ago buried secrets resurface. This story had great nostalgic elements, strong characters, and a plot full of surprises. Most of all, it depicts the hope of Christmas--Jesus's love. I gave Baby, It's Cold Outside 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads!  

Bright Copper Kettles Giveaway!

Countdown to Christmas--24 days left! To start things off, I'm giving away two copies of my e-novella Bright Copper Kettles! To enter the giveaway, simply leave any comment at the end of this blog or on my Facebook page (click here). For a second entry, share this link with your family and friends on Facebook and tag me in the post.  A winner will be announced on this blog and my Facebook page on December 5th. Best Wishes!   
Christmastown, Vermont: where it’s Christmas 365 days a year…
Bright Copper Kettles can be purchased
at Amazon,
Christianbook.com,
and Pelican Book Group
 To Darcy Carr the holiday is depressing enough without reliving it every day. Her thriving wreath business and faithful cat are no longer enough to distract her from the pain of her past memories or her current loneliness. Is her frosty neighbor, the only one in town with no Christmas decorations, just another Scrooge, or could he be the one she’s been looking for?Coppersmith Dean Whitfield hasn't celebrated Christmas--or anything else--since the death of his wife and unborn child. And he certainly has no desire to carry on the family tradition of crafting a star for the town's Christmas tree, even if it will benefit a charity. Can Darcy and the joy of the season thaw his frozen heart and help him love again?          Bright Copper Kettles is an e-book. The giveaway copies will be e-mailed to the winners and can be saved and read on your computer or favorite reading device.

Meet the Quid Pro Quills

Any writer who's involved in a critique group probably claims that their group is the best. But they would be wrong. MY critique group is by far the best group of ladies a writer could ever ask for. These women are not only my "editors" and support group, but also strong Christians who've become my closest friends. We pray for one another, cheer each other on, and constantly have each other laughing. I'm blessed beyond words to have them in my life. Let me introduce you to The Quid Pro Quills.

 Six Christian fiction writers who love the Lord and are honored and privelaged to have become writing instuments sharpened by the King.




Pegg Thomas  Pegg lives on a small farm in Northern Michigan with her husband of mumble years. When not riding her old horse, shearing a sheep, or chasing a stray chicken, you’ll find her puttering in her garden or the kitchen. A self-proclaimed “history geek,” Pegg writes historical fiction with a touch of humor. Visit Pegg's blog The Sheepish Scribe for book reviews, writing advice, her life on the farm, her general thoughts, and sheep talk. In addition to being a great writer, Pegg is also a fiber artist! Visit her website Twin Willows Farm for knitting and cross-stich patterns, great lamb birth photos, and what she currently has for sale! Follow Pegg on Facebook!

Pegg keeps me in line when what's going on in my head doesn't come across right on paper (the computer, really). I can say for a fact that I never would've survived my first writing conference without her. She has a great sense of humor and always has our group laughing.

 
  Kara Hunt Kara loves to read and write supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. But Kara also loves to share stories about God's love, mercy and faithfulness.  Visit Kara's blog Fiction with Faith for book reviews, faith-strengthening posts, book trailors, and encouragement through God's word. Follow Kara on Twitter: karahunt2013Follow Kara on Facebook!

Kara is the queen of hooks! Each chapter of her stories leaves a cliffhanger that makes me crazy until her next submission. She's a pro at finding missing words in my manuscripts and scolds me (nicely)when I'm telling instead of showing. I loved meeting Kara at conference as well.
     Jericha Kingston Jericha--tomboy gone rogue--loves the visual, performing, culinary, and literary arts. A Georgia native, she's comfortable in the solitude of the woods, or singing and acting before audiences. Jericha's heart was stolen at age 16, and it's never been returned. She and her husband have been married for a quarter of a century, and they have two grown sons. She warns mothers of young children: rewards for surviving teenagers may include higher insurance premiums, college tuition, and legal fees.   
Jericha has a penchant for great food. She can often be found preparing Indian meals, Thai cuisine, or down-home Southern cooking. Her red velvet cake has made her a popular substitute teacher at the local high school. Jericha began writing in 2011. She creates fresh, relatable characters who struggle against impervious odds. Ousting her inner tomboy has been futile, so Jericha appeases her by fishing, camping, and hiking with her Australian Cattle Dog. Follow Jericha on Facebook!   Jericha is my cheerleader. She's excellent with dialogue and adjectives, and has even helped me brainstorm. She occassionally sends our group tracks to the songs she sings. Her voice is beautiful and uplifting.     Robin Patchen

If time and money were no object, Robin Patchen would travel constantly. Her goal is to visit every place in the entire world--twice. Alas, time is short and money is scarce, and Robin's family doesn't want to follow her all around the world, so she does the next best thing: she writes. In the world she creates, she can go back to the best places time and again. In the real world, Robin is married to the man of her dreams, Edward, and together they have three children, Nicholas, Lexi, and Jacob. Her family is a close second on her list of priorities after her relationship with Christ.   Follow Robin on Facebook!Visit Robin's blog: www.robinpatchen.blogspot.com  I met Robin (online) a couple of years ago and her writing resonated with me. She's a gifted author and pushes me to go deeper into my characters and stories. Her kindness brought me to The Quids. Robin's Christmas novellas One Christmas Eve and Faith House are available now. She is represented by the Chip MacGregor Literary Agency.    Marge Wiebe  Marge Wiebe is a graduate of Long Ridge Writers Group and an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She can’t sew, knit, or crochet, but she’s been weaving tales since she was but a wee lass. Her earliest romance, created at the age of eight, consisted of a prince riding through a field of dandelions to find his beloved princess—who only weighed about a pound. Though her plots have progressed over the years, and her heroines now weigh a little more, she’s still a hopeless romantic. At age seventeen, she married the man of her dreams and is now homeschooling mom to three charming sons and two beautiful daughters. She loves reading and writing inspirational romance and it’s her desire to touch others with her faith-filled stories. She also loves coffee and chocolate—preferably at the same time. She and her family reside in Manitoba, Canada.    Marge gives great insight on making characters likeable. Her critiques are always encouraging and we share a love for chocolate and coffee. She's represented by ________.





There you have it--The Quid Pro Quills.
Visit our webpapge at www.quidproquills.com for more about our friendship, stories, crazy writer's lives, and our blog.
 
 
   
 







Bright Copper Kettles--Now Available!

She needs the future. He needs the past. Together they find the true meaning of Christmas.


Christmastown, Vermont: where it’s Christmas 365 days a year… To Darcy Carr the holiday is depressing enough without reliving it every day. Her thriving wreath business and faithful cat are no longer enough to distract her from the pain of her past memories or her current loneliness. Is her frosty neighbor, the only one in town with no Christmas decorations, just another Scrooge, or could he be the one she’s been looking for? Coppersmith Dean Whitfield hasn’t celebrated Christmas—or anything else—since the death of his wife and unborn child. And he certainly has no desire to carry on the family tradition of crafting a star for the town’s Christmas tree, even if it will benefit a charity. Can Darcy and the joy of the season thaw his frozen heart and help him love again?   Bright Copper Kettles is now available on Amazon at a special holiday price! Click here!

The Explosion of Suburbia

Writing fiction requires research. Depending on the subject, sometimes I enjoy this task and other times I don't. As I was researching Cape Cod style homes for one of my stories, I read an article I found interesting about post-World War II and the choked housing market in a growing population. Since today is Veteran's Day, I thought I'd share it with you.

First of all, THANK YOU to all who serve or have served our country. Freedom is not free, and your sacrifice is great. God bless you!

In 1946, approximately 13 million servicemen and women returned from war. Most had the same dream--to own a home on a quiet patch of land, start a family or spend time with their existing family, and simply enjoy the fruits of their labor. Maybe some even envisioned a white picket fence. But the steadily growing population over the past sixteen years made the housing supply scarce. Realtors felt the noose of supply and demand tightening around their necks. Something had to be done--and quick!

Post-war economy was strong and returning GI's held the governments promise of low interest rates, long mortgages, and plenty of houses. What kind of houses would these promises build? Small ones. Inflation was high, nearly doubling the cost to build a home. But, land away from the city was cheap. Farm land quickly transformed into highways, shopping centers, and subdivisions--with one-level homes, enough space to raise their average family of 3.5 kids but not too much land to tend, and chock-full of all the modern conveniences. Behold, the birth of the "housing edition."

Fact: In 1950, more than 1.5 million homes were built and added to the housing market.

Developers William and Alfred Levitt were so successful, the subdivisions they built were nicknamed "Levittowns." Home buyers like the quality of these villages and they loved the low price due to prefabricated house parts and production speed. Levitt crews built a house every fifteen minutes. Levitt's methods were copied, causing an explosion of subdivisions nationwide, especially surrounding big cities.


That's the history behind suburbia. My writer brain concocted all sorts of plot lines as I researched this. Perhaps this post will be a jumping off point for someone who writes historicals, since I do not. For those of you who are reading this post that aren't writers, I hope you enjoyed the insight into a part of our American history.

Main Street U.S.A.

                                                  The days before Walmart... For many of us, that's hard to remember. But once upon a time, small-town businesses were owned by individuals not corporations, and those businesses were supported by faithful, local patrons. Those patrons purchased items from individually-owned hardware stores, pharmacies, clothing and shoe stores, grocery stores, barber shops, gas stations, and auto mechanics. People helping people. Quality customer service with a smile.Bonding the community. No Walmart. Contrary to how it sounds, I didn't write this post to bash Walmart. I shop at Walmart when I have to. And there are many large corporations out there other than Walmart. I'm just using them as an example. I admit, it's convenient to have one store where I can purchase everything in one stop and be on my way. But for me, who loves all things nostalgic, it's sickening to see small towns turn into ghost towns--historic building upon building, vacant and disintegrating. Oh, the stories they could tell... Anyway, I want to share with you my experience this past weekend in the historic district of Franklin, Indiana, where individually-owned businesses are dedicated to helping consumers and the economy. Tracey Wade, owner of Simplify--All Things Country by Tracey, invited me to attend Franklin's holiday shopping kickoff for an author "Meet n Greet" and book signing. Her store is located in the old train depot where she offers handmade goods crafted by local citizens.
Her passion lies in supporting and promoting local artistry. Each artist has their own unique story of how their business began and why they create. I loved watching Tracey's excitement and genuine warmth as she shared some of these stories with me.

Simplify--All Things Country by TraceyOne such story was about a retired veteran and his wife who were on the brink of losing their home. In one last attempt to save it, they began crafting items from their home and managed to save their mortgage.  People helping people.
Tracey (right) and her mother Beth,
who helps run the store and teaches
"how-to" classes.
The pottery in the background is made
by Jennifer Mrozinski of "Fatty Frog Pots"
available at Simplify or
www.fattyfrogpots.etsy.com
  100% natural soy candles by Linda's Lites.
Purchase at Simplify or at
www.hishandcreations.com Crafts offered by Simplify A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart goes out to Tracey for having me at her store. She helped me spread the word about my debut e-novella Bright Copper Kettles (releasing December 1st), which will put a clean romance with a faith-based Christmas message into the hands of someone who might need it this holiday season. Thank you for supporting my passion.
 I know the economy is in the dumpster and money is tight. But as you do your holiday shopping this year, I encourage you to check out your local, individually-owned stores. You'll not only help your local economy, but you might also help save someones mortgage or help them pay off medical bills from an illness such as cancer. You never know... In the words of Alan Jackson, "God bless the little man." 
     

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, when writers are challenged to create an entire novel in 30 days with a 50,000 word-count goal. I've loved hearing how many schools in my surrounding area are getting students involved by brainstorming plots (setting a lower word count) and providing time in the classroom each day to write stories. Though writing isn't for everyone, I wonder how many students will discover their love for words this month and someday break into publishing? To some, the experience will simply teach them what they like to read and birth a love for books that may have not been there before.
Unfortunately, I won't be participating in NaNoWriMo this year. My e-novella Bright Copper Kettles releases later this month, and I've recently finished a 90,000-word novel so I plan to take a break. But I'd love to hear from you!

Do you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo? What are you working on?

Modern-day Circuit Rider

    Since the birth of our nation, a rugged breed of men have traveled America's wilderness to present the gospel to isolated parts of the frontier. Carrying only the possessions they could stuff in their saddlebags, they spread Christianity across the wild West, preaching where there was a need--as well as officiating baptisms, weddings, and funerals--traveling in circuits that ranged form 200-500 miles. Their pay was meager, if they received any at all. Many paid with their lives before reaching the age of 35. Since farms were wide-spread and travel wasn't as convenient as it is today, churches and meetinghouses were scarce--one serving a fifty-mile radius, for example. Circuit riders traveled from place to place, preaching in a church one Sunday then moving on to another meetinghouse to preach the next Sunday. When their circuit was complete, they'd begin again. Folks knew which Sunday to expect their pastor, and many would make the long journey each month to be fed.    Though I write contemporary, I love reading historical romance. This is where I was first introduced to the circuit rider. Upon research, I was delighted to find circuit riders still exist today. For 54 years, Reverend David Iverson (80) and his wife Ella (77) have traveled their 200-mile circuit to three different churches in rural Montana. Once church still lacks plumbing and electricity. Iverson "preaches salvation and is faithful to the Bible's teachings," says one parishioner. Iverson's other occupation as a rancher helps him connect to his flock. "Sheep and people can be easily misled," says Iverson. "They both have to have care."


What a great ministry! For the full story of Reverend Iverson and his modern-day circuit-riding ministry, visit americanprofile.com.



 

Jessilyn Lassiter Series by Jennifer Erin Valent

As you know, I love to read books in a series. For me, the Jessilyn Lassiter series did it all--invoked every emotion from laughter to tears, took me back to thirteen and angst that came with it, made me reminisce over friendships, reminded me what a blessing my parents are, put me in Depression-era Virginia and made the tragic history of that time real for me, and contained a romance so beautiful, I sighed at the end.  Stick with me for just a few minutes as I introduce you to author Jennifer Erin Valent and the Jessilyn Lassiter series.   

FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER (#1)




 Jessilyn Lassiter never knew that hatred could lurk in the human heart until the summer of 1932 when she turned 13. When her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as one of his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. Violence springs up as a ragtag band of Ku Klux Klan members unite and decide to take matters into their own hands. As tensions mount in their small community, loyalties are tested and Jessilyn is forced to say good-bye to the carefree days of her youth.

Publisher: Tyndale House
Awards: Fireflies in December won the 2010 Christy Award, is the 2007 winner of the Christian
              Writer's Guild First Novel contest, and won the Audie Award for Inspirational Fiction in
               2011.


My Thoughts
I was immediately drawn into the story with the first sentence: "The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I'd killed a man." Jessilyn's spitfire character connected with me (and reminded me how glad I am that I'll never have to be thirteen again). Here, we're introduced to her older and loyal best friend, Gemma, Jessilyn's protective and loving parents, and the All-American guy, Luke Talley, her first crush who happens to be six years older than her. The Lassiter's accept Gemma and Luke as part of their family,while battling violent prejudice and losing innocence. I listened to Fireflies in December in audio-book format (Kate Forbes does an amazing job!) as I cooked and washed dishes in the evening. I found myself creating more work in the kitchen just so I could listen longer!






  COTTONWOOD WHISPERS (#2)
Jessilyn Lassiter and her best friend Gemma Teague have survived prejudice and heartache in their lifelong friendship, but the summer of 1936 threatens to tear them apart yet again. Gemma's job with the wealthy Hadley family leads to a crush on their youngest son. But Jessilyn's insistence that he's no good and that no rich white man would ever truly fall for a poor black girl like Gemma puts them at odds. Tragedy strikes when Jessilyn's cherished neighbor girl is hit by a car and killed. Things get worse when an elderly friend is falsely accused of the crime, and the only way to clear his name is to put her family's livelihood in jeopardy. For Jessilyn, this is a choice too hard to bear and she wonders where to turn for answers, especially when an angry mob threatens vigilante justice.

Publisher: Tyndale House

My Thoughts
Hatred consumes the town of Calloway again in Cottonwood Whispers. A friendship I thought could never be broken was. This book makes you feel the loss of a neighbor, the loss of a child. The characters were put into situations where decisions had to be made and no matter how they chose, tragedy would strike. It made me wonder what I would do in their shoes. As another of Jessilyn's summers crumbles around her, Luke Talley begins to see Jessilyn in a whole new way--as a woman. Cottonwood Whispers kicks everything up a notch, and I couldn't put it down!




  CATCHING MOONDROPS (#3)
Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she's not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she's always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett--a young, black doctor--comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn's best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that's been simmering just beneath the town's surface. The tension starts to bubble over as Jessie's elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first towns person to accept Tal's treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.

Publisher: Tyndale House

My Thoughts
Just when I thought things in Calloway couldn't get worse, they do. Catching Moondrops took me inside the human heart and showed how bitterness and hatred poisons the soul. As Jessilyn battles her inner darkness and struggles to find the peace-filled faith in God her parents have, the romance between her and Luke blossoms into a love story I won't soon forget. (I won't say anymore, so I don't spoil how it all comes together.)

This series was so fantastic, I know I'll read it again. And from a writer's point of view, it encouraged me to dig deeper into my own plots and characters.

I gave all three books five out of five stars on Goodreads.



About the Author
Jennifer's sincerest hope is to glorify the Lord by writing quality Christian fiction that will inspire, encourage, and uplift readers of all ages. She began writing in her mid-twenties, which led to her acclaimed fourth novel Fireflies in December. She's also been a nanny for fifteen years. For more about Jennifer, her blog, and novels, visit www.jennifervalent.com.

Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDER RAFE NOBLE HAD NO IDEA HOW QUICKLY HIS WORLD COULD END.    In less than eight seconds, he lost his title, his career, and his best friend--all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Katherine Breckenridge just wants to make a difference by running her mother's charity foundation. But the mysterious disappearance of half a million dollars has forced it to the brink of bankruptcy. Her last chance to save it is the annual fund-raiser, an event that's destroyed by an out-of-control Rafe Noble. Desperate to rescue the foundation, Katherine heads to the Noble family ranch to enlist Rafe's help in raising the money he cost her in lost donations. What she doesn't know is that Rafe is broke--in cash and in spirit--and helping her could end up costing him his life.    Author: Susan May WarrenPublisher: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007Theme Verse: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you  both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phillipians 2:12,13  My ThoughtsThis is book #2 of the Noble Legacy series. Though I started with the first book and read through the entire series--which was superb--Taming Rafe was my favorite.  The book opens in a rowdy arena and jumps right into the action with Rafe astride an angry bull in the holding pen, choosing to ride even though his gut is telling him not to. The tragedy that follows sets the tone for Rafe throughout the rest of the book. Like a mad bull, Rafe's wild nature can't be tamed... until Katherine Breckenridge comes along. Katherine desires more than anything to make her late mother's charitable foundation a success to help save sick children's lives in Guadalajara. But she'll never live up to her mother's memory and feels uncomfortable in her aristocratic world. Then Rafe crashes into her life--literally--and she discovers a man much like herself, a soul searching to connect to his roots and make a difference in the world. I loved Katherine's character as she would be the only woman who could wrangle this wild cowboy. The plot held a unique angle I wasn't expecting which kept me turning the pages. Another romance blossoms throughout the story between diner-owner Lolly Stuart and rancher John Kincaid, whose had enough of Lolly turning down his marriage proposals. But John holds a secret card Lolly knows nothing about--he's a best-selling author or romance novels penned under the name B.J. King. He'd love to see Lolly's reaction to his latest novel, since it's about their twisted relationship, but Lolly refuses to read such an unrealistic time-waster. John's novel Unshackled unfolds throughout Taming Rafe which creates a teasing plot that comes together beautifully at the end. It's literally a book within a book.  I rated Taming Rafe 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.    About the Author:Award-winning author Susan May Warren recently returned home to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full-time from Minnesota's north woods. Visit her Web site at www.susanmaywarren.comSusan is also an instructor with My Book Therapy.