November Q&A with LIH Authors

[Regina]

You're welcome, Paula-O! I really enjoy these monthly Q&As too!

[Regina]

Hi to you too, Brittany! I'm so sorry to hear the class was cancelled. I know fencing is a resource-intensive pastime--special gloves, the foils, the masks, etc. It must be expensive for any organization to keep going. Still, a shame when people get interested in something only to lose access to it.

[Regina]

Goodness! I seem to have missed a whole raft of comments! My apologies, ladies!

Carole, there are two schools of thought on Asa Mercer. The book I cite in the Author's Note at the end of the book, Mercer's Belles: The Journal of a Reporter, is very hard on him. The coal bin episode, the requests to sign promissory notes, the endless maneuvering to keep the ladies from flirting with the crew are all detailed in that book, by the reporter who accompanied the women on their voyage. There is evidence that he was sued in court by at least two people who felt they misused the funds given to him. On the other hand, when they all arrived in Seattle, he held a public meeting to tell his side of the story, and so many of the women sided with him that the locals were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

And yes, there will be more about Seattle and the outlying areas in the next book. :-)

[Regina]

Thanks, Ausjenny! I agree--to travel all the way around the country, with the possibility of never seeing your hometown again, would be daunting to me! I have the greatest respect for the women who braved the unknown!

[Regina]

Thank you, Britney!

And Katie, the story is definitely about second chances, but also about learning to be who you were meant to be and overcoming the obstacles that kept you from being your best. I tend to gravitate toward themes like that. Not sure why. :-)

[Danica]

I am SO sorry I didn't get in last night to answer questions. My Tuesdays turn insane from about 4pm on. So I'm going to answer the other questions, and then give Regina back her day! (I loved her book, BTW!)

Ausjenny, YES, you see lots of the little sister in the first book, and I think you'll fall in love with her. I did!

Britney, what surprised me on my journey to publication was how long it took. 12 years is a long time, especially when I spent 5 (I think) of them with an agent. He believed in me, though, and he knew we just needed the right story.

Keli, the crazy chicken lady story. I have pet chickens. In my backyard. As in, I live in the suburbs. Backyard chicken keeping is a thing, and I had no idea how much I'd love my chickens. I love them to a ridiculous level. But they're so stinking cute!!

Katie, even though this is my first book, I think I have about 12 that were never sold. Um, maybe more than that. I always lose count. It's kind of embarrassing. But hey, it's proof that you should never give up on your dreams! This book was one of the easier books to write, because I was really writing it to get my agent off my back. So I wasn't trying as hard to make it "good." :) Fortunately, I had a lot of fun writing it, so writing historicals is pretty easy in general. :)

I think that's all the questions, but if I missed one, let me know. I will check in tomorrow and see... the kids have a band concert tonight, so off I go again!

Danica

[Christine]

Before I toddle off to bed, I want to thank Regina for joining us today. It's been such fun to learn about her new book and series!

[Regina]

And I want to thank Christine for being such a charming hostess! I'm about to sign off for the night too, but I'll check in the morning to see if any other questions come in. Thanks for joining us, everyone!

[Katie]

Winnie, I was called into work! Thankfully my job is pretty fun and I enjoy it so it wasn't that bad,but I am still sorry that I missed you! :)
Regina, I love stories about second chances! They always remind me of how God loves us so much that He died to give us second (and more) chances throughout life. :)
Danica, it is always so encouraging to hear about people reaching their dreams! Especially with having their book(s) published after many tries before. I am very happy for you! Congrats again!!

[Melody]

Regina, I hope you know by now I am a fan of yours! So looking forward to reading this! I am sorry I again missed out today, seems my days with these Q and A's are the craziest! Loved to read everything though. Loved learning more about you. :) I always wanted to learn how to use a sword. And a bow and arrow. Maybe someday! ;)

[Jennifer]

Hi Regina, I have read several of your books and enjoyed them greatly. Happy to see you a new book out! Jenny

[Christine]

Today we are featuring Rhonda Gibson's new book, A Pony Express Christmas. Rhonda lives in New Mexico with her husband, two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba.



MISTLETOE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

When Jake Bridges suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece, he knows he needs a wife. What does a stock tender at a pony express station know about raising little girls? A marriage of convenience to the child's caretaker is the most practical solution.

A mail-order marriage seems like Leah Hollister's last chance to know the simple joys of family life. But then she receives word that her would-be groom is dead. Now Jake proposes she marry him. She knows love isn't necessary. Yet the more she learns of sweet Molly's kindhearted uncle, the more she dreams of a true partnership with the man who has unexpectedly captured her heart.

[Christine]

Rhonda will try to stop in today to answer questions. Please continue to keep her mom in your prayers. Even if she in unable to attend, I hope we can chat a bit about the book.

I love the title. From an early age, the pony express intrigued me, and I'm eager to learn more. It never occurred to me that there were stock stations, for instance. Rhonda, what drew you to this subject? Everyone else, was I the only girl who dreamed about riding the pony express?

[Jennifer]

I love the title and the cover! I'm praying for your mother Rhonda and I hope that she'll be comforted by God's loving arms! Jenny

I've always been interested in the pony express, especially because I like horses and history. What interesting information did you find out during your research?

[June]

Hi Rhonda,

I pray your mother is feeling better and continue to pray for her and you.

This looks like a great story. I always had a fascination with the pony express but not to the point of wanting to ride with them like Christine dreamed of. When I was a little girl we lived close to the pony express route. I did not know of the route until many years later though. I've actually slept in a home at one of the stations along the way. (Updated to modern facilities of course). Family friends actually lived there.

I've loved all your LIH books (and at least one for Heartsong Presents). Thanks for sharing these stories with us!!

[Paula-O]

Hi Rhonda, hope your Mom is better and life not quite so hectic...Love to read your stories and Christmas ones are so special.
What made you put a twist so to speak in the story of a mail order marriage gone awry..and then a proposal after she thought she would remain single? I like the idea.
Every woman wants Love but I admire those of old that went out there and took a chance being a mail order bride.

[Dawn]

When I was reading Rhonda's book, I kept picturing the station in the old TV show Young Riders (one of my mom's faves).

What made you decide to write about the Pony Express?

By the way, the book was really good.

[Laura AKA Loves 2 Read Romance]

Praying for your mom Rhonda! So is this book part of a series? What are you currently working on?

[Britney]

Hi, Rhonda! I hope your mother is improving; prayers continue!

I love Christmas stories and marriage of convenience stories, so A PONY EXPRESS CHRISTMAS sounds like an ideal read! When did your love of writing begin?

[Christine]

June, how cool that you lived on the route! And Keli lives near a stop. Okay, I'm trying not be envious.

[Dorothy]

Hi Rhonda. I pray your mom is improving daily, and that the Lord is keeping you both strong in His peace and grace.

You have grouped three of my favorite things in your book, horses, a cowboy and Christmas. You can't lose! What inspired your plot?

This month's featured books all sound great. I'm headed downtown for a doctor's appointment and I'm going to go to Walmart and get my copies before they are sold out! Then comes the decision...which do I read first? I think the only solution to that question this month is to lay the books out, close my eyes and do an eeny-meeny-miny-mo! :)

Everyone--If I don't get back from the doctor's in time to visit more today, watch for my announcement of this month's book winners tomorrow!

[Carole]

Rhonda, our prayers are with you and your mom, as you can see from all the comments. And I actually hope you don't visit here today, because you need to be with her. You can enjoy our comments later.

I can't tell from the cover if this book is part of a series or not, but the cover is so appealing! And I agree with Dorothy that you combine so many elements that I love in this book - mail-order brides, cowboys, a child needing love, and Christmas. I hope to experience your writing soon, and this sounds like a great place to start!

[Wendy]

Keeping you & your family in my prayers, Rhonda.

I love Christmas! So glad we have another Christmas book mentioned this month! And I'm interested in the pony express ~ it's good that it's made its way into a story. What made you decide on the pony express, & to incorporate it with Christmas?

[June]

Christine wrote: "June, how cool that you lived on the route! And Keli lives near a stop. Okay, I'm trying not be envious."

Christine,

Sadly I was only 5 at the time and didn't know I had it so good. :)

[Ausjenny]

this sounds so cool also another small child to fall in love with.

[Christine]

Since we haven't heard from Rhonda today, I'm assuming she's with her mom, which is where she should be. Keep those prayers coming and thank you all for joining us this week! Thank you also to Winnie, Danica and Regina for answering our questions and making this a wonderful time together.

Remember that Dorothy will announce winners tomorrow.

[Melody]

Prayers are with you Rhonda! My friends growing up had a dog named Sheba. ;)

[Britney]

Thank you so much for hosting a great Q&A, Christine, and thank you to all who participated! It is always such fun!

[Dorothy]

ATTENTION ALL: The winners of the November Q&A are: (I LOVE doing this!)

Laura AKA...
Valri
Paula-O
Katie

Ladies, I have sent each of you notification of your win via your Goodreads inbox. Please send me your replies containing your full name and mailing address via my Goodreads inbox or at dorothyjclark@hotmail.com

Thanks to everyone who participated. I hope to see you at the next Q&A! I'll be ready and waiting to choose the next winners!

[Wendy]

Congratulations Laura, Valri, Paula & Katie!

[Paula-O]

Was interesting and informative to visit and chat with the authors again this month, thank you ladies.
Happy to win Danica's book as have not read her yet....
congrat to other winners, Laura,Valri and Katie..

[Britney]

Congratulations to the winners!

[June]

One of my favorite parts of this group, all the winners. Congratulations ladies!!! And it was great chatting with the authors.

[Brittany]

Congrats ladies! :-) Happy reading!

[Christine]

Congratulations to all the winners! It has been a fun week.

[Valri]

Excited to be a winner this month! Congrats to my fellow winners!

[Rhonda]

Hi everyone, I hope it's not too late to arrive. Life here has been interesting to say the least. I'm sorry I haven't gotten on sooner.

Thank you all for your prayers. Mom is doing better and I will soon be heading back to New Mexico.

Thank you all for the compliments, too :)

I have been fascinated with the pony express and when a friend of mine told me her ranch had a bit of the route on it, well I was VERY interested. That's when the idea was born to write a story with the pony express in it.

Thank you all so much for being understanding about my mom's health and my absence. You are all the greatest!!!!!

[Ausjenny]

That sounds cool Rhonda. The Pony express does interest me. It would have been an interesting occupation. Im glad your Mom is doing much better.

[Christine]

Thanks for stopping in, Rhonda. I'm glad to hear your mom is recovering.

I love stepping onto historic ground. How fun to know where part of the pony express route ran. That would intrigue me too. Congratulations on the new book!

[Paula-O]

Hi Rhonda glad you gave us update on your MOM and you will be returning home, we missed ya but know you where you needed to be. the Pony express story was a hit with all here and you definately will have some readers on this one. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Britney]

I am so glad your mother is doing better, Rhonda! Wishing you much success with the release of A Pony Express Christmas!

[Lyn]

Danica wrote: "I am SO sorry I didn't get in last night to answer questions. My Tuesdays turn insane from about 4pm on. So I'm going to answer the other questions, and then give Regina back her day! (I loved her ..."

Danica, So glad you persevered. I'm interested in your first PUBLISHED book. You might think about self-publishing those that didn't sell. I'm doing that and finding it very satisfying!

[Lyn]

Rhonda wrote: "Hi everyone, I hope it's not too late to arrive. Life here has been interesting to say the least. I'm sorry I haven't gotten on sooner.

Thank you all for your prayers. Mom is doing better and I wi..."

Glad life has settled down a bit for you, Rhonda. Hugs!