Party Time! Celebrating A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund!

Jody Hedlund (one of my very favorite authors!!) has a new release, so we are having a party on my blog! Woo-hoo!! I love parties!!

Grab a beverage...



And a scone, donut, or muffin...

 

And let's talk about Jody's latest book!!

A NOBLE GROOM

Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but can’t prove it.

Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He’s been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn’t commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he’ll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa’s farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor.

Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He’s gentle, kind, and romantic–unlike any of the men she’s ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love–but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

***

I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy of A Noble Groom! I read it last weekend in one sitting--I couldn't have put it down if I wanted to! Here's my review:

5 Stars for A NOBLE GROOM

I know I'm going to love a book when I'm cheering out loud by page 14! I've read all of Ms. Hedlund's books, and this is her best yet, which is saying a lot since I devoured her first three! From page one the stakes are high, and they continue to rise until the powerful ending. 

Jody Hedlund is one of the rare authors who gives readers very different stories while staying in the historical genre. A Noble Groom takes place in mid-Michigan in the early 1880's. The heroine,  a young mother, faces desperate circumstances due to her poor German roots, unpredictable Michigan weather, and having to rely on an unworthy husband.  I won't give any spoilers, but the twists and turns in this story delighted me! With its fast pace, sympathetic characters, and excellent writing, I read this book in a day and didn't want it to end. In fact, I found myself wishing there would be another book giving the heroine's sister a happy ending too!

I'm from mid-Michigan and have German roots, and I found myself nodding at many of the family attitudes and the plight of the farmer. A very authentic, finger-nail-biting, romantic book!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

Want to purchase A Noble Groom? Head to Jody's Books page (linked)!!

***

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she’s not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

***

I'd love to know--where did you grow up? 

Thanks so much for partying with us!!

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5 Easy Questions with Rosslyn Elliott

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Rosslyn Elliott!!

I met Rosslyn through mutual blogging friends, and two things struck me—this lady is super smart, and she’s also very down to earth. Rosslyn has a generous spirit, and I’m thrilled to spread the news about her second book in the Saddler’s Legacy series, Sweeter than Birdsong, out now! Her covers are gorgeous. Be sure to head to her beautiful website to check out all of her books!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

KAWFEE. The morning lifeline! I’m trying to switch to half-caff so I can have two cups instead of one. But two cups of full-caff will make me a scary, edgy Muppet-like creature.

2. Any pets?

Two dogs, the heavenly hound and the “other dog.” Ha! Our dog Snow is absolutely perfectly mannered. Frosty is, well, not, but we love him and squeeze him anyway.

3. Dream vacation?

Tonight I am really in the mood for a long restful vacation. So I would like to go for a week or two to a quiet retreat in the mountains, near a clear stream with a rocky bed for wading, just our small family and the dogs. I’d like to read by the fire in a nice recliner and have all meals appear on our table, prepared and served by invisible sprites, all with candlelight, china, and crystal. Everything would be whisked away and washed somewhere out of sight and mind by our fairy friends. This isn’t my dream vacation at all times—just now, when I want to rest and read.

4. What are you listening to right now?

My daughter’s sweet little snoring noises.

5. What's for dinner?

Leftover chicken casserole. Bring on the fairy cooks!

***

Rosslyn, two cups of caffeinated coffee turn you into scary, edgy creature? This I have to see! I, unfortunately, seem to be immune to the effects because I just keep guzzling it. Or maybe I do turn into a freak show but I don’t realize it since I’m alone? I’m sensing a hidden camera moment. By the way, I love the winter theme with your pets. Snow and Frosty! Cute!

Your current dream vacay sounds so, so marvelous. I love the mountains, and hiking, and reading by the fire, and magical fairies who cook and clean. Guess who’s coming along?! I won’t even wake your sweet baby girl. Promise! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

As the child of a career military man, Rosslyn Elliott lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. She attended Yale University, where she earned her BA in English and Theater Studies. After five years working first in corporate New York City, then as a schoolteacher, she entered the Ph.D. program at Emory University and finished her dissertation in 2006.

Her study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She has won awards for both her fiction and non-fiction writing, including the 2011 Laurel Award for Fairer than Morning, which was also selected as one of Lifeway’s Ten Favorite Fiction Reads for 2011.

Rosslyn lives with her husband and daughter in the southern United States, where they enjoy working with horses and pampering their dogs. Her fiction is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary Agency. To learn more about Rosslyn’s books, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles…but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight. 

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing, and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

***

I’ve completely let my exercise and health routine slide. Who is willing to kick me in the buns today?

Tough love, people. Tough love! (No chocolate. Okay, maybe a little chocolate? That isn’t tough? Grr…)

I’ll be in and out this week because I'm teaching a fiction workshop to local 7^th and 8^th graders. You wouldn’t believe their imaginations. So fun!

Have an amazing Wednesday!

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5 Easy Questions with Regina Jennings!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Regina Jennings!!

Regina and I met through our social networks, and we’re Twitter pals, yay! We share the same agent, and I was so excited to see Regina’s great news about her debut book, Sixty Acres and a Bride—out now!!—through Bethany House. If you like inspirational historical romance, you’re going to love Regina’s books! 

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Water with lemon. Boring, but oh, so cheap.

2. Any pets?

We have one beautiful Great Dane named Esther. At two years old she’s bigger than I am and is only now growing out of the chewing puppy stage.

We also have a friendly barn cat that the kids named Taylor who appears at our kitchen window every morning and meows for the left-over cereal milk.

3. Dream vacation?

I’d like to visit the notable libraries of Great Britain. If anyone can score me a pass through the archives, please let me know.

4. What are you listening to right now?

On my ipod for the gym I have Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, Fairy Tale by Alexander Rybak, and Rolling in the Deep by Adele. When I’m writing I like to turn on the Pandora Bluegrass station

5. What's for dinner?

Tonight Pa Jennings cooked. He made chicken-fried deer steaks and gravy. I warmed up a bag of those sweet Hawaiian dinner rolls and called it good.

***

Ooo, Regina, I wish Pa Jennings would head north and cook dinner here. Yum! Although I am wincing a little at your healthy beverage choice. Tell me you have a weak spot, like a secret need for coffee or Mountain Dew? No? That’s okay, you have an adorable dog. My little wiener dog would bark non-stop at Esther, who would not deserve to be yapped at.

Notable libraries of Great Britain? Can I tag along? It sounds perfect! You have a few artists on your iPod I haven’t heard of. I’m off to remedy that! Thanks so much for being my guest today, Regina!

***

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and homeschools their four children.

For more information about Regina, head to her website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

***

Sixty Acres and a Bride:

She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

What are you looking forward to now that Valentine’s Day is over?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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5 Easy Questions with Loree Huebner!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Loree Huebner!!

Loree and I met through blogging, and I loved that I got to be one of her very first followers! Loree is friendly, down-to-earth, and warm, and I hope I get the chance to meet her in person someday. She’s also an expert about all things American Civil War related, and she recently announced the wonderful news that she signed with literary agent Mary Sue Seymour!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

I’m a tea and coffee person. I prefer Earl Grey tea with a spot of cream in the morning, and for my mid-afternoon jolt—coffee with cream, no sugar.

2. Any pets?

I have two dogs. A 14 year old Border Collie named Fly, and we have a 9 year old rescued Greyhound named, Pickles. Flysie is still pretty active for her age. I think she’s beginning to lose her eyesight though. Pickles enjoys her life as a 45 mph couch potato. I do take her to the old Babe Ruth field, shut the gates and watch her run. It’s amazing to see. Greyhounds are so fast!

3. Dream vacation?

Austria! My maternal grandmother was born where The Sound of Music took place and was filmed. I remember her crying every time she watched the movie and saw the mountains. She left Europe and her family when she was a young girl. Some of the parts of Austria look as green as Ireland, but the mountains just look incredible. Like the old saying— “Vegas, baby!” Mine is—“Vienna, darling!”

4. What are you listening to right now?

It’s pretty quiet in the house right now. Huebie and I are empty-nesters. After raising 3 awesome kids, it's quite a change. I do look forward to the house being filled with the laughter of grandkids one day.

5. What's for dinner?

Wednesday is always left over night. I made Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce on Sunday, so we’ll finish those up with salad and garlic bread.

***

Loree, our beverages are swapped. I go with coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon, and I about spewed my tea out when I read your Greyhound, Pickles, is a couch potato. That just doesn’t seem right! Ha!

How touching for your grandmother to watch her old homeland in Austria. Wouldn’t that be a gorgeous vacation? I’m with you on the “Vienna, darling!” By the way, stuffed shells are on my favorite dinner’s list. I don’t care if they’re leftover, I’m stopping by for dinner! Thank you so much for being my guest today!

***

Loree has had a love affair with American history all of her life. She writes historical fiction and inspirational historical romance. She adores the Civil War era. She shares this passion for history and writing along with her husband, Eric J. Huebner.

Loree and Eric J. Huebner are published in the Indiana Historical Society's Spring 2011 issue/June 2011 - of the IHS's quarterly magazine, Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. Their ten page Civil War article is titled, Among The Bravest Of The Brave, The Battle History Of The 9th Indiana.

Loree and her husband have made the Civil War period a personal study and hobby. They are both living historians and serve as Union Civil War re-enactors with the 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Company E, and the 21st Indiana Light Artillery.

Loree is an active member of the ACFW, the ACFW Indiana Chapter, and the RWA. She resides in Indiana with her husband. Loree is represented by Mary Sue Seymour of the Seymour Agency.

To learn more about Loree, head to her blog, BetweenYou, Me and the Gatepost, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

(I made shrimp scampi, followed by strawberry shakes, and we stayed in to watch a DVD.)

Enjoy your Wednesday!

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5 Easy Questions with Sarah Sundin!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or  best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Sarah Sundin!!

I first learned of Sarah through my agent search. When I read her shining endorsement of Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency, it convinced me even more Rachel was the agent for me. Then I noticed Sarah had another release out and that it was getting fantastic reviews. We began an e-mail correspondence, and Sarah was so kind and generous to me. I had to read one of her books, and I promptly picked up A Distant Melody and loved it. She writes such relatable, real characters with huge obstacles, namely World War II.

The third book in the Wings of Glory series, Blue Skies Tomorrow, is already getting rave reviews and is available in stores and online now. If you like historical romance, pick up one (or all!) of her books.

Let's get to it!


1. Beverage of choice?

Diet cola, coffee, tea—anything in the caffeine family. I’m trying to phase out the cola and drink more tea. My favorites this summer are raspberry-flavored black tea and green tea with pomegranate and blueberry.

2. Any pets?

Oh yes. We have an adorable anti-social cat named Janie, and a hyperactive overly social yellow lab named Daisy, who eats my pens and runs away with my slippers when I don’t entertain her enough. Which is always. But Daisy’s a great source of material for Facebook posts, so I’ll keep her.

3. Dream vacation?

How appropriate—I’m doing this interview on the plane home from two weeks in southern France and Italy! This really was a dream vacation. In addition to seeing the usual tourist sites, I got to research my next World War II series. And my children consented! I got sand in my shoes from the landing beaches at Salerno, strolled through Greek ruins at Paestum where an evacuation hospital was based, watched my kids frolic in the surf at Anzio, and got surprisingly close to the Istres airfield near Marseilles—which is an active French military base. I took lots of notes, pictures, and video.

4. What are you listening to right now?

The hum of the engines of a 747, jabbering children, the clunk of overhead bins opening, the crack of my knees as the lady in front of me reclines her seat AGAIN!!! Seriously, why do they make the seats adjustable?????

5. What's for dinner?

Airplane food. I’ll just be happy if they feed us.

***

Oh, Sarah, I am laughing at the unfortunate sounds you were forced to listen to. Why do they give people 1.5 inches of leg room? No elbow room? I don't know, but for the price of a flight, I think they could do a little better on the personal space! I, too, love diet cola and tea. Your kitty, Janie, sounds like my kind of cat. I love the anti-social cats the best! We have a mini-wiener dog who sounds remarkably like your Daisy. She loves pens, attention, and barking at passing vehicles/bicycles. Always entertaining.

How awesome was your dream trip?? You described it beautifully--I can feel the sand between my toes. It sounds amazing! Thanks so much for being my guest today, Sarah!

***

Blue Skies Tomorrow

     Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life.
    As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home.

     Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book stands alone.

***

Sarah Sundin lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and tennis, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. She is the author of the Wings of Glory series—A Distant Melody (Revell, 2010), A Memory Between Us (2010), and Blue Skies Tomorrow (August 2011). In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

To learn more about Sarah, visit her website, her blog, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

So tell me...what historical period interests you the most?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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5 Easy Questions with Laura Frantz!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or  best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Laura Frantz!!

Major gushing alert! I first heard of Laura through my sister-in-law who recommended The Frontiersman's Daughter to me. Instead of that book, I ran across Courting Morrow Little and promptly picked it up. I was instantly smitten. Laura is so gifted in creating complex plots and deep conflicts. Imagine my surprise when I realized we are agency mates! We began e-mailing each other--my messages were, and still are, of the starstruck you're amazing, how do you do it variety, and Laura is so sweet to put up with me. Indeed, she graciously sent me an author copy of her new book, The Colonel's Lady, which made me a very happy woman.

I read it in less than 24 hours. I did not want it to end. I sat on the beach, ignoring the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, eating Pringles with one hand and turning pages with the other. I lost track of how many times I whirled to my patient (God love him) husband with an update. "Ooo, the Indian prisoners sent him a special present and he better not take it," or "Oh, no! Is he going to propose? Will she accept?" and "No wonder he's such a sweetheart to Abby..." and finally, "Tell her your secret!!"

More information and my review of The Colonel's Lady is at the end of this post. But for now... Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Sparkling water and cranberry with a twist of lime--I'm trying to wean myself off of Dr. Pepper Cherry!

2. Any pets?

Yes, too many! Our twin black cats just had two litters of four kitties each, and all are black but one. It's a beautiful gray and we think we might keep her. We also have a dog named Digger who made a brief appearance in Courting Morrow Little.

3. Dream vacation?

I love Scotland and its history and heroes so would have to name this first. I'd stay in a Scottish castle or those wayside B&B's and make time for plenty of writing, reading, eating, and historical sites.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Since one of my sons plays violin/fiddle, I listen to a lot of David Garrett. For my next series, I'm loving the soundtrack from The Mission, specifically Gabriel's Oboe. Lots of inspiration there...

5. What's for dinner?

Spaghetti! With lots of garlic, mushrooms, Italian sausage and French bread. I'd love to have you over for dinner, Jill!

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Laura! I have an addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper, so I understand your difficulties giving it up. Your baby kitties sound so cute! You should definitely keep the little gray one. I'm such a sucker for cats, I'd probably keep the entire litter! A few years ago, I read a series by Eloisa James, and one of the books was set in Scotland. I've wanted to visit ever since, and a Scottish castle would be my preferred housing too.

As for your invitation to dinner--I'm on my way! Spaghetti is one of my favorite meals, and your description just sent my taste buds into overdrive. Yum! Yum!

***

The Colonel's Lady

In 1779, a search for her father brings Roxanna Rowan to the Kentucky frontier - but she discovers instead a young colonel, a dark secret, and a compelling reason to stay.

Jill's 5 Star Review:
Laura Frantz does it again! I loved The Colonel’s Lady. Ms. Frantz excels at building deep conflicts, layering plot twists, and simmering the romance to a roiling boil, all against an exciting 1780’s Kentucky backdrop. I did not want this book to end!
 

Mild-mannered, moral Roxanna bravely journeys from Virginia to Kentucky’s Fort Endeavor, where her father works as a scrivener for the American army. Charismatic, lapsed-faith Cass is the colonel in charge of the fort and is honor bound to protect Roxanna at the request of her father before her father’s death. Roxanna takes her late father’s place as scrivener, just until spring when it’s safer to travel, and soon can’t get the handsome Cass off her mind, but Cass has a terrible secret—one that threatens their new love.

I enjoyed the struggles both characters dealt with. My heart sighed as Cass wrestled with guilt, and I related to Roxanna’s feelings of humility. The threads of faith throughout the book left me with a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

With meticulous historical details, a lyrical writing style like a breath of fresh air, and a fascinating plot, The Colonel’s Lady is a treat to be savored and shared with friends.

***

Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Her family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and settled in Madison County where they still reside. She's the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little. Her newest novel, The Colonel's Lady, releases August 1. Currently she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons and loves to hear from readers at http://laurafrantz.net and on Facebook.

So tell me, are you a fast reader or a slow reader?

Have a terrific Wednesday!!

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