Best books of 2010

I received notice that Wish Craft has been nominated for Siren’s Best Book of 2010 awards in the western category. Voting runs from Jan 10th to Feb. 1st. Every reader/voter has a chance to win one of three prize packs consisting of e-books. You can only vote once per category, but can vote for in all eight categories, and each vote gives you another entry into the contest. Here’s the link and if you have a chance, I’d appreciate your vote.


Blurb:

After intensive studying of Quantum jumping, Jayden White embarks on a journey one hundred and twenty years in the past for two reasons—to aid her sister’s financial crisis and to meet the man she’s come to know through an old family diary.
The night Levi Grimshaw asks his long time sweetheart to marry him he arrives home to discover a strange young woman sleeping in front of his fireplace—trouble is she’s not a stranger to his heart.

Our local high school holds a Poetry Out Loud contest every year, in which students choose a poem to recite for an audience. I’ve had the pleasure of being a judge since they first implemented this program, and I must say, it’s not only fun, the kids do an awesome job! The contest was held today and I listened to 78 recitals. It was phenomenal!

For the past few weeks I’ve been researching gold mining in the 1800’s for my latest WIP. I found lots of information, but not exactly what I was interested in. Then I came across a modern day prospector and emailed him to see if I could ask a few questions. He not only answered my questions, but sent links and videos and we have set up a phone interview that I’m really looking forward to. This story is really flowing, and I’m enjoying writing it immensely.

The neighbor dog is knocking at the door for her evening treat, so I’ll sign off. Enjoy the day, make it one to remember!

Angels Among Us

I just have to share the latest picture of the girls!

Before we left for Kansas I got this review for Wish Craft. Four and a half siren stones. Reviewer Stacey says, “You just can’t help but fall in love with this short story. Wish Craft is wonderfully creative and unique.” Today, I received a four spur review for Boot Hill Bride from Love Western Romances.

Now, on to Cody’s angel story that I promised last week.

The day after Grandpa died, our youngest son, Cody, was cleaning up their property because the historical society was coming out to take pictures for the 150 year anniversary of when Cody’s wife’s family had homesteaded the property. He was at the recycling center, waiting in line, thinking about Grandpa and all the junk he’d hauled out of Grandpa’s yard over the years. (Every summer we would take a trip to Kansas and ‘clean up’ Grandpa’s yard, which he readily filled back up over the next twelve months.)

The person behind him tapped Cody’s shoulder. He turned around to face an elderly man wearing bib overalls covered in holes and patches.

The man smiled. “There’s an angel looking over you today.”

An odd tingle zipped up Cody’s spine. “Oh,” he replied.

“I’m serious,” the man said. “I can see it.”

Again, all Cody could think to say was, “Oh.”

The man, in his seventies or so, dug in one of his side pockets. “I want you to have something.”

“Okay,” Cody said, glancing around. There was nothing out of the ordinary, just a long line of people conversing with one another as they waited.

The man pulled out a key chain made of odd beads in the shape of an angel. “Here, this is for you.”

Cody was hesitant.

The man held it out. “Take it. I want you to have it.”

“Thanks,” Cody replied, taking the key chain. Just then his number was called and he turned to move to the desk. After completing the paperwork for the scrap he’d hauled in, Cody turned around to walk past the line of people behind him, and the old man was no longer there, he wasn’t outside either.

Cody said if not for the key chain in his hand, he’d wonder if he’d really met the old man.

Upon our return to Minnesota, Cody stopped over to show us the angel key ring. I wasn’t home, but DH saw it. Three days later when Cody stopped over again, I asked about the key chain and he said he couldn’t find it. He said right after he showed it to his dad it disappeared. He’s looked everywhere, including under the cushions on our sofa, but it’s just gone.

I said that was too bad, but Cody just shrugged. “Maybe the old man needed it to give to someone else,” he said. “It helped me, maybe it’ll help them.”

Yep, I believe angels are everywhere, we never know when or where we’ll meet them, and evidently my son feels the same way.

You have the power to make it a great week—do so.

Release Day

Wish Craft was released by the Wild Rose Press today.

I received this Top Pick Review for Boot Hill Bride from Night Owl Reviews.






Yesterday, I signed the contract for Wildcat Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 5.

Yes, it's been a great week. Lots of fun and wonderful things.

And thanks for stopping by! I do appreciate it!

Up North

We spent a beautiful Memorial Day weekend up north. It was both a time to reflect as we decorated the graves of those who have left us, and a time to dream of bright futures as we visited the locations that will host our son’s wedding and reception later this month.

Upon my return home I had two reviews for Wish Craft which will be released next week. Got Erotic Romance and Rites of Romance

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Next Book-Wish Craft

Wish Craft will be released on June 9th. The idea for this book came about while I was searching the net one day and saw an advertisement for Quantum Jumping. I instantly thought…what if?
That’s just one of the great things about creating stories—imagining what could happen, and how people would react to it. Of course, romance writing ensures there will be a happy ending.

Here’s the back blurb:

After intensive studying of Quantum jumping, Jayden White embarks on a journey one hundred and twenty years in the past for two reasons—to aid her sister’s financial crisis and to meet the man she’s come to know through an old family diary.
The night Levi Grimshaw asks his long time sweetheart to marry him he arrives home to discover a strange young woman sleeping in front of his fireplace—trouble is she’s not a stranger to his heart.

And…My google alert picked up this reader review for Wedding Night with the Ranger:
…I was reading this one in the bus coming home from work and I couldn't stop laugh(ing). The girl next to me in the bus must think I'm crazy. It's a REAL funny, REAL romantic story. You have to try it.

To know one of my stories made someone laugh is the ultimate. Whether it be this person in Brazil laughing on their way home from work, or someone else, somewhere else, I’m extremely delighted to know I’ve brought a touch of enjoyment to someone. That’s why I write.

Life is good. Enjoy it.

Girls...

I just got new pictures of the girls.



Adorable, aren’t they?

Speaking of girls, I went with my oldest son and his wife to their ultrasound. There we learned the baby they are expecting in August is a girl! I’m so excited. After raising three boys, I’ll never have enough granddaughters!

We’ve had a beautiful weekend full of sunshine…and work. We spent the majority of both days putting up one of those wooden play structures at the girls’ house. No, it still isn’t done—maybe by next weekend. I was in charge of drilling holes in the numerous boards, and got a nice blister to prove it.

In the writing realm, here are my covers for Guardian Bride—The Quinter Brides book 4 and Wish Craft.