Love Inspired Historicals discussion
First Ever Reverse Q&A
Eva wrote: "Ok, Hannah :) I'm sure you have your reasons :)Hannah wrote: "I don't do Amish fiction...""
I just can't seem to connect to it. Don't do fantasy, either. At this point, with over 2,000 books on my TBR, I decided not to worry about it. ;)
Great, Jenny. So the sense of community is appealing and the non-city lifestyle. Ausjenny wrote: "Eva, I think I like the more relaxed lifestyle and the sense of community although I would never want to be Amish and I know there are parts of the sect that are dangerous. Reading accounts of peop..."
Those sound like sweet memories, Melinda! The closest community I have near me is about an hour away and they're Mennonites.Melinda wrote: "Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please expl..."
Thanks, Amanda! This group does like to get involved with authors and vice versa :)Amanda wrote: "Dorothy - I can't stand books that have an abrupt ending! I would like a wedding or even if it ends right when the characters profess their love, I love an epilogue that shows us a little down the ..."
Eva wrote: "Great, Jenny. So the sense of community is appealing and the non-city lifestyle. Ausjenny wrote: "Eva, I think I like the more relaxed lifestyle and the sense of community although I would never w..."
Yes I think that's it. I like smaller setting better as I come from a smaller town. They seem to work together but it does depend on who writes the book as I mentioned Wanda Brunstetter does it well as she often has a different slant to the normal story. Sometimes they can become very much the same and I think books do tend to glamourise them in a way.
Oh, now I definitely appreciate a small-town setting. I love stories like that!
This is the last day of our Reverse Q&A, and I'm thrilled by the response! I was quite sure you all would enjoy having our positions reversed, but I'm simply astounded by the turn-out. And your answers are absolutely wonderful! So...here is my first question for today. Would you like us to hold another Q&A early next year?
Now for another question...If you like stories with children included, what age children do you prefer? Babies? Toddlers? Youngsters? Teens?
And to follow-up...do you like books where the children appear at the beginning and then are just stuck in here and there, or do you want the children to really be a part of the story?
Amanda wrote: "Dorothy - I can't stand books that have an abrupt ending! I would like a wedding or even if it ends right when the characters profess their love, I love an epilogue that shows us a little down the ..."Thank you, Amanda! Pinewood holds a special place in my heart. I would love to go back and write the stories of the descendants, to see Willa, Callie, Sadie, Ellen and Daniel as parents and grandparents and watch the town grow. I hope, someday, it becomes possible.
I thought I should explain my previous comment. I know that our dates for the Reverse Q&A were listed as 12 - 15. I came this morning to let you all know how grateful I am to you for your response and your answers. And then I couldn't resist asking another question. : ) I hope some of you check in today to say goodbye. You ladies are the best! I love you all.
Good Morning Ladies! I again can't tell you how much fun this has been. Below are my latest answers I can't believe this is our last day. :(Do you like always happily ever after?
~ Yes! That’s why I read romance. They hero and heroine don’t have to be married or even planning their wedding by the end of the book but I do want them to be happy. This is why I won’t read Nicholas Sparks. I read both A Walk to Remember & The Notebook and while very good books I read to escape real life. So the constant sad endings had me swearing off both his books and movies.
I wonder where offering grace to authors and characters fits in with the expectation of Christian behavior?
~ I don’t get mad at an author if the character slips up once in a while because we are all human. If the character constantly had habits and traits that were more secular is where I think I would have the problem.
So now a fun question: if you went to a reader convention, what would be a fun activity you'd like to do with an author?
~ That’s a great question, I am enjoying what we are doing right now where the tables are flipped and the authors are asking us the questions. So how about a scavenger hunt with their different books as clues leading to the area where the reverse Q & A was going to be held.
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please explain why you like it? What is it about the people or the setting that draw you in? etc.
~ I am a fan of Amish fiction as to why I like it I think the draw is these people have chosen to live their lives separately and shun most modern conveniences. It’s like you get a historical story wrapped in Modern times. Also their sense of community and family is something we could all learn from. I am surprised how popular Amish fiction has become. That all said I read Amish fiction but I refuse to watch things like Breaking Amish.
So...here is my first question for today. Would you like us to hold another Q&A early next year?
~ That would be a blast however I work for an accountant so I might not be able to be as vocal as I was this year. It would depend on the timing.
Now for another question...If you like stories with children included, what age children do you prefer? Babies? Toddlers? Youngsters? Teens?
~I do like children in books and I don’t think I have a favorite age group. They are fun and present their own unique challenges to the hero & heroine.
And to follow-up...do you like books where the children appear at the beginning and then are just stuck in here and there, or do you want the children to really be a part of the story?
~ I think they should be part of the story whether they are trying to play matchmaker or have witnessed something the hero and heroine need to know about in a suspense book they need to play a part in the story.
I'll check back later to see if there are any more last minute questions.
Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please explain why you ..."
I just like variety, so I enjoy Amish fiction also. I enjoy it because I know it's clean and moral. I also read it because of some of the authors. As I get to know them and to know about their books on FB and on blogs, I want to read their books.
Dorothy wrote: "This is the last day of our Reverse Q&A, and I'm thrilled by the response! I was quite sure you all would enjoy having our positions reversed, but I'm simply astounded by the turn-out. And your ans..."Another Q&Q early next year would be good. I like stories with toddlers and youngsters as a part of the story.
Good morning ladies! It is early here in California! I haven't gotten through all the questions but I will start with yours Dorothy! I love books with children in them! Each age definitely changes the story but I think toddlers and young children are my favorite to read about.
Would you like us to hold another Q&A early next year? Yes. It has been interesting to see the answers to the questions.
Now for another question...If you like stories with children included, what age children do you prefer? Babies? Toddlers? Youngsters? Teens?
Children of any age especially if they help with the story line.
And to follow-up...do you like books where the children appear at the beginning and then are just stuck in here and there, or do you want the children to really be a part of the story?
I want the children to be part of the story.
Another question popped into my head as I was reading through the last answers. Do you identify with the heroine? Or perhaps the setting? And that leads me to another question... We all have favorite books--and for different reasons--perhaps it was the hero or heroine or children or animal or descriptions or setting or writing, etc.. If you think about yours...What made you add each of those particular books to your favorites shelf?
Do I like happily ever after?Doesn't EVERYONE hope for a happily ever after??
Problem is that life isn't that way... that's why I stick my head in a book and usually remind myself that my life, despite whatever challenges are thrown my way, is usually still easier than whatever characters got themselves into, and, while the ending isn't always the way we want it to be, still ends on a good note. Maybe not happily ever after, but a confidence that "this is a good way to end the story" kind of feeling.
What do I like about Amish fiction?
Characters I can identify with
I never go away hungry ...always seems like they have far better meals than me, and who wouldn't want a piece of homemade goodies!
More relaxed setting than a war zone or in a busy city.
There's always that one person who gives wise advice.
It's one place I know that I'll always find focus on family friends, community, faith, "old-fashioned" values.
Love the crafts
(my mom & I are crocheters; my mom & aunts are both quilters)
"Technology unplugged" lifestyle (although I could never live that way, still makes me think about some things in my own life)
Stories with children?
I seem to spend more time n a war zone than anywhere, so children aren't really much of the story for the most part.
I've read some with every age, especially back in the late 1800s, while others have teenagers. Never thought of it, really.
And since I'm not a mom, that doesn't help me either.
Some books have the kids there, but focus on other people; others have books as the kids actually part of the story.
Again, I admit I just never really thought that much about it. They're part of the fabric of the story, no matter which way they are put in.
What made you add particular books to your favorites shelf?
Characters I could identify with (critters included)
Plot that particularly stuck with me
Particular "faith challenge" that stuck with me
Learned about history (If I can go do an Internet search and see "who was really there and what really happened" and it lines up with what I'm reading and learned something, then I know the author did research well)
I don't know how the authors feel, but I like it when they involve us and ask us questions. I'd happily come back next year and answer what I can!
"Would you read a book with an older hero and heroine?"Yep.
The oldest lady I've "met" in a book was 87-year-old Dorothy in the Dearest Dorothy/Welcome to Partonville series by Charlene Baumbaugh.
Ladies of Covington series by Joan Medlicott has ladies in their 70s.
In Home to Heather Creek series (Guideposts-published), the grandparents, who were in their 60s, always had me thinking, "uh-huh .. just like my parents..."
"Is there one story aspect that always hooks your interest?"That one unexpected person who always gives the advice!
Megan wrote: ""Would you read a book with an older hero and heroine?"Yep.
The oldest lady I've "met" in a book was 87-year-old Dorothy in the Dearest Dorothy/Welcome to Partonville series by Charlene Baumbaug..."
Oh, Dorothy is such a hoot! I've recommended that book a dozen times at least.
Dorothy wrote: "Another question popped into my head as I was reading through the last answers. Do you identify with the heroine? Or perhaps the setting? And that leads me to another question... We all have favo..."
I identify with one of the characters in books that I love and reread often.
Most of my favorite fiction all of happy endings and have what I think of as a life lesson.
I am going thru books to get my read books down in number and I like my books. I still have books from when I was a toddler so you can tell it is hard for me to give any books up but I am working on it. My library thinks I am off as I have given books that I have reviewed that are not ARC's to them.
The questions have been really good and made me think.
Megan wrote: ""Is there one story aspect that always hooks your interest?"That one unexpected person who always gives the advice!"
So true Megan.
Dorothy wrote: "Another question popped into my head as I was reading through the last answers. Do you identify with the heroine? Or perhaps the setting? And that leads me to another question... We all have favo..."
Sometime I may identify with the problems people have. I like settings of places I have seen or wish to see and for sure historic settings.
I have included books as my favorites because they make me feel hopeful or the characters are truly good people working through their problems to have better days, or the bad folks become better nicer people (or maybe reap what they sowed), or the setting is different and interesting or the author makes me laugh.
Dorothy - I read multiple other genres so it is hard for me to answer this question. I personally don't mind some curse words, I think a drat or damn mumbled under their breath if the character is frustrated or mad is fine, but again the only Christian books I read are LIH and a few other historical books but I can see why many people would not want to see curse words while reading because I agree that sometimes it can take away from the story and might be very distracting for some readers, myself included. I feel the same way about sexual innuendo. I don't need a play by play but sometimes I enjoy more than just a quick peck on the lips in a romance novel. Regina - I like all of them but I enjoy super specific covers the most I think. I like being able to tie the cover to the story, like if it's a scene from the book itself =)
So...here is my first question for today. Would you like us to hold another Q&A early next year? Yes would love to.
Now for another question...If you like stories with children included, what age children do you prefer? Babies? Toddlers? Youngsters? Teens?
up to teens. I think Teens can be more challenging as often in historical they are close to the Heroines age. The exception is for an older hero/heroine where a parent has lost their partner. But like the younger age where they can cause havoc in a book.
And to follow-up...do you like books where the children appear at the beginning and then are just stuck in here and there, or do you want the children to really be a part of the story?
It can depend if the storyline is about say an orphan who is looked after by the couple I would like it in more than just occasionally. I think if you have children in a book they need to be more than just a token gesture otherwise its like why are they even there. They don't have to be in every scene but they still need to be part of the book and not like they are just there for decoration.
Dorothy wrote: "Another question popped into my head as I was reading through the last answers. Do you identify with the heroine? Or perhaps the setting? And that leads me to another question... We all have favorite books--and for different reasons--perhaps it was the hero or heroine or children or animal or descriptions or setting or writing, etc.. If you think about yours...What made you add each of those particular books to your favorites shelf? ..."
Yes Sometimes I do identify with heroines and even the hero I remember reading a Lori Wick book and I really identified with the hero and his thought and situation.
Books that often make my best read for the year will be ones that impacted me somehow. I know one year one I identified with a secondary character who was in the same situation as I was at the time and it helped me see more about myself. Others have had something that has jumped out at me. As a child I loved Enid Bylton because I wanted to be her characters.
Dorothy I would definitely read about an older hero and heroine!
lol Hannah, that's some TBR pile! I love it!!!Small town settings are heart warming :)
Hannah wrote: "Eva wrote: "Ok, Hannah :) I'm sure you have your reasons :)
Hannah wrote: "I don't do Amish fiction...""
I just can't seem to connect to it. Don't do fantasy, either. At this point, with over 2,00..."
I totally agree, Jenny!Ausjenny wrote: "Eva wrote: "Great, Jenny. So the sense of community is appealing and the non-city lifestyle.
Ausjenny wrote: "Eva, I think I like the more relaxed lifestyle and the sense of community although I w..."
So glad to hear you had fun, Laura!Amish fiction is like a historical in modern times! I'm also amazed at how popular it has become!
Laura AKA Loves 2 Read Romance wrote: "Good Morning Ladies! I again can't tell you how much fun this has been. Below are my latest answers I can't believe this is our last day. :(
Do you like always happily ever after?
~ Yes! That’s w..."
That's awesome, Becky!You love books :) Me, too ;)
Becky wrote: "Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please expl..."
Oh, wow, Megan! Awesome answer! Thanks!I laughed about the food! :)
Megan wrote: "Do I like happily ever after?
Doesn't EVERYONE hope for a happily ever after??
Problem is that life isn't that way... that's why I stick my head in a book and usually remind myself that my life, de..."
It's been an awesome week, everyone!Thank you all so much!
I had fun! :)
Danica wrote: "Good morning everyone! Sorry to be late to the party! I was cracking up at the historical facts people think are wrong tidbits, because I have that happen from time to time as well. And I do a lo..."
I'm late getting BACK to the party that I guess has officially ended but will still have stragglers like me that want to comment. Danica, once I have found an author I enjoy, I will follow them. And I'm always blown away at their talent at being able to write two or three different genres...
Dorothy wrote: "Wendy wrote: "Louise wrote: "Hannah, I'm not sure which series you're talking about. Our Love Inspired books don't have either profanity or sensuality. Sorry if I missed something in the discussion..."I'm kind of sad to say that I have followed some favorite authors to their less christian indie books and when I read them I don't enjoy them as much as I enjoyed their Christian books. And sometimes you have no way of knowing if they will remain clean or not.
When I started reading christian books I had an author that I liked that I contacted about books she wrote previously (think very very early internet days when everything wasn't available at the blink of an eye). I was super impressed when she responded that she couldn't in good conscience suggest her earlier books to me since starting her christian journey. Consequently when I found her earlier books I couldn't bring myself to read them because basically she was telling me not to. :)
Becky wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "Would you accept a mild expletive like damn, or an era appropriate, drat! Or do you want the books you read to be totally free of any expletive?What about sexual innuendo? Do you ..."
There are still ways to get the idea across without having to read the word spewing from their mouth. There are other people's reactions or even their own reaction that something like that came from their mouth.
Hannah wrote: "Eva wrote: "Ok, Hannah :) I'm sure you have your reasons :)Hannah wrote: "I don't do Amish fiction...""
I just can't seem to connect to it. Don't do fantasy, either. At this point, with over 2,00..."
Hannah, I agree about not worrying about getting into other genres when my TBR is huge.
This has been a wonderful week of great Q&A's, even if I was late getting on both times I did. Dorothy, I agree that another one would be awesome. Especially after the authors have had some time to figure out the direction their lives are going to take after LIH. I would like to know where to find them still. Thanks to everyone who participated.
I am having trouble posting. My comment keeps disappearing. So, one more time...Thank you all for taking part in our Reverse Q&A! I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as I have. I may not know what will happen with my writing when LIH closes, but I know this--I am sticking to this group like glue! You ladies are the best!
I hope to see you all at our regular Q & A next month! Until then...
Happy reading!
Enjoyed this week. Hope to see you at theJune birthdays. If not there, see you at July's q & A. Have a wonderful rest of the month.
Mod
Lyn wrote: "And don't forget, ladies! We have a special event coming up later this summer. Last year we enjoyed a Victorican bahting party! This year you will be invited to our FRONTIER SUMMER CHURCH PICNIC! S..."I'll be there, Lyn! I'm making a lovely new dress to wear. And I have a delicious new dish to bring.
See you soon!
Thank you, Authors, for all the questions! This was fun! I look forward to the Frontier Summer Church Picnic, and all the birthdays and Monthy Q&A's. Thank you to the members of this group, too. There were so many great answers, it's nice to see what fellow readers are thinking.
Between vacationing and cleaning up from travels, I'm sorry to have missed this week's discussion! I'll go back to read all the questions and answers soon. Interesting twist on our usual Q & A. Church picnics are so fun....and tasty! I'll be watching for that event, Lyn.
Happy remainder of June to all!
My church is celebrating 200 years this year!! In fact, on June 11, 2017, we all dressed up (or attempted to, anyhow) as we "visited the past back to 1828" ...
that was the first year our church met in a real building instead of a tent or home.
It was the first church established in Allegheny County in 1817.
FRONTIER SUMMER CHURCH PICNIC ...
oh, and we all brought fruit pies that June 11th
(well, except for the chocolate one that snuck in) too!
Mod
:-)
Mod
In fact, on June 11, 2017, we all dressed up (or attempted to, anyhow) as we "visited the past back to 1828" ...
that was the first year our church m..."
So cool, Megan!
I'm sorry I missed this awesome discussion! :/ I've been away for some time, so I haven't been keeping up on Goodreads as I like to... Next time, I'll be sure not to miss this!!! Looks like you guys had a great time:)
Hey everyone! I apologize for being late in getting back to the party. I have a weird account situation with Goodreads, so sometimes I get locked out and need to wait to get back in.I just wanted to thank you all for your participation and thoughtful responses. It's really great being part of such a wonderful group of people.
Danica
Love Inspired Historicals
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Amanda wrote: "Dorothy - the ice box and refrigerator is interesting! I don't usually go back and check for accuracy, I trust that the author has done their research but every now and then I'll see something that..."