Blog Tour Winner

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment on the blog tour! An outside party drew a winning name. Judy Croome won the tour prize package. Congrats, Judy!

Our oldest granddaughter had her preschool orientation today. Yes, I shed a tear. Her little sister can now say Grandpa, and does so repeatedly. It’s adorable. And, the new grandbaby is doing awesome. She’s already gained almost two pounds, and is the sweetest little peanut imaginable.

We’ve been ‘dog sitting’ the granddogs every day. Our youngest son drops them off in the morning and picks them up at night. I didn’t hear him pull in this morning, so when I did get up at 6:45, two sets of big brown eyes were staring at me through the front door. Yep, I felt guilty. They are yellow labs, and such sweet boys. We love having them here. So does the neighbor dog, she comes over every day to play. This son and his wife also have chickens, and they found their first egg in the hen house last night. They were ecstatic and called right away to tell us all about it. Yep, life is good.

I was informed the release date for Wild Cat Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 5 will be April, 1, 2011! I’m excited this book is complete, but do miss those Quinter Brothers.

I hurt my back at work this past weekend, so I’ve been sitting on my heat sock every evening. My granddaughter and I made several such socks as gifts for volunteers that work with me last winter. If you’ve never made one, you should, they are wonderful. Just take a long tube sock, fill it with white rice, add a touch of lavender oil, and tie it off. You can heat it in the microwave or put it in the freezer.

I hope you all had a wonderful and memorable August!

Guest Author Sandra Sookoo

The end of summer is upon us, and I’m wondering where it went. I knew with the wedding and baby, the summer would fly by, which is why I didn’t plant a garden. I knew I wouldn’t have time to weed, but, WOW, is that really September looming in my calendar? Last week was awesome, I contracted my next UNDONE. Her Midnight Cowboy will be released in November!


This is the last week of our blog tour, so be sure to leave a comment so you can be entered in the drawing. Today, I’m over Lilly Gayle's Blog, and I have the honor of hosting Sandra Sookoo, a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances. She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, Sandra’s gone on to grow her unique writing style. She’s a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic’s blog and has a great time keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. That suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

I’ve asked Sandra a few questions, and here are her answers…

Lauri: When you think ‘romance’ what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Sandra: A happy ending, or at least a happy for now ending. I love writing romance for just this fact. Life is unhappy enough. If I can take a reader away from the everyday for a few hours with a story and it makes them happy, then I’ve done my job.

Lauri: And what a great job you do! What would be the best piece of writing advice you could give someone writing their first novel?

Sandra: Finish the book first of all, then set it aside and realize that most likely this book will never be published. The amount of first novels that are published is very small. This will be a lesson on how to learn your craft. Breathe a sigh then get to work on your next book using the skills you learned while writing the first.

Lauri: Wonderful advice! Life can be consuming, what is your favorite leisure time hobby?

Sandra: Baking! This is usually what I do when not writing. More often than not, I’ll get a huge amount of ideas while puttering around in my kitchen.

Lauri: I want to visit you! I love eating, so we’d make a good team in the kitchen. Let’s get to your book. I love the title, Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines! Where is it set, and tell us a little about the characters.

Sandra: It’s set in the city of modern day Indianapolis, and is Kate Little’s story. Since this is told in the first person, the book is pretty much about her. She finds herself through testing underwear. The books tag line is: Life’s hard enough. Don’t give yourself a wedgie on top of it.

Lauri: LOL. What a tag line! When was it released and what do you like most about this book?

Sandra: 08-16-2010. I like the fact that Kate is an every-woman. She’s real. She’s now. She’s just like every one of us. Here’s a blurb and excerpt:

Blurb:
When unassuming mail room worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion.

Trouble is Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments.

Add a jealous co-worker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life.

The last thing she needs is panty lines.

Excerpt:
“I’m sorry, but I can’t test your underwear.”

“That’s exactly why we need you for this project. You’re the everyday woman, Miss—I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch your name.” A vivid green gaze held mine. “In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced. You don’t mind that we pulled you into this brainstorming session, do you? It’s just that I heard your comment about whose job it was to test the product and thought you’d be interested.” Full lips parted with his easy grin and revealed perfect teeth that practically screamed they’d seen years of braces.

“My name’s Kate. Kate Little.”

He nodded, and my stomach lurched. I mentally berated myself for the pleasure that gripped me because he approved of my name.

A snort from Pamela. “That’s funny. You’re hardly a little anything.”

My cheeks heated—this time from anger. “That’s it. I’m not going to hang around and take abuse from you underfed, over-tanned, rude people.” I shot out of the cushy leather chair and angled my way around the conference table, aware that everyone watched my departure.

Yeah, so I’m a thirty-year-old, plus-sized woman. I wear a size 16. It’s not a crime, and it’s not fat. It’s average. And, by the way, I’m just Kate. Not Katherine with a “K” or even with a “C,” and if you attempt to call me Katie, I’ll ignore you. If the nickname persists and I become annoyed, I’ll throw a pencil at you.

I paused at the head of the table to glare at the guy in charge. What’s-his-name in the tailored suit.

“Get someone else to be your guinea pig.”

Lauri: This sounds like a great read! So, Sandra, what’s next for you?

Sandra: I’m actually pretty busy this time of year. On 9-15-10 my very first sci-fi romance releases and I’m thrilled to death about that! Then, I have a few novellas releasing for the upcoming holiday season. It’s a great time to be an author! As for writing, seems like I’m playing in the historical world right now and can’t wait to see where that leads. On the interview front, I’ll be all around the web so stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events.

Wedgie Tales can be purchased in both print and digital:
The Wild Rose Press
Amazon
All Romance e-books

My website From there you can link to my other social networking sites and blog.

Lauri: Thanks for taking the time to visit here today, Sandra, and best wishes on all your upcoming adventures!

Guest Author Lilly Gayle

It’s week three of blog tour month, and to add to the excitement, there’s an awesome package available for one lucky reader at the end of out tour. A name will be drawn from all the people who have/do post comments on any of the blogs in the tour this month. (I’m over at Amber Leigh Williams’ blog, The Cozy Page today so stop by and say hi.)

Now for Lilly Gayle. I’m so excited to have her here today!

Lilly Gayle is a wife, mother, writer, mammographer, and breast cancer survivor. She writes paranormal and historical romance. Her first published novel, OUT OF THE DARKNESS is now available from The Wild Rose Press.

Lauri: Hi Lilly, and thanks so much for being a part of this blog tour. Since we’re all romance writers and readers, tell us what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the romance genre.

Lilly: Romance books are about relationships, character growth, and the all important, happily ever after. It’s not about the sex, although many books contain graphic sex scenes. But even a sex scene has to convey something about the characters’ relationship or personalities. The sex scene has to advance the plot or be a prelude to a plot twist or dark moment. Otherwise, it’s just sex and some readers will actually skip those scenes.

Lauri: That is so true, I’ve definitely skipped a few scenes while reading a book or two. Along those lines, what would be the best piece of writing advice you could give someone writing their first novel?

Lilly: Join RWA. Join your local writer’s group. Make time to write. Read newly published books in the genre you’re writing, not just your favorite writers. Study your craft. And never give up on your dream. Be persistent. Giving up will guarantee failure.

Lauri: Wonderful advice! I agree with it completely. I imagine you have a busy work schedule, and then have writing on top of that, so tell us, what is your favorite leisure time hobby?

Lilly: Sitting on the beach with my Nook or sitting on my camper deck at the beach with a glass of wine and my laptop. There’s just something about the ocean and sea breezes that restores the soul.

Lauri: Oh, that does sound relaxing, and restorative. I love the tagline of your book: Her research could cure his dark hunger if a covert government agent doesn't get to her first. Please tell us more!

Lilly: OUT OF THE DARKNESS takes place in Clarksville, Virginia and Asheville, NC
The hero, Vincent Maxwell is a vampire with a conscience seeking a cure to his dark hunger. And the heroine, Dr. Megan Harper is a research scientist who discovers a possible link between vampire myths and xeroderma pigmentosum, a light sensitivity disorder. It was released in May by The Wild Rose Press.

Lauri: Congrats! It sounds very intriguing. What do you like most about it?

Lilly: Besides the fact that it’s finally published? Lol! OUT OF THE DARKNESS isn’t your typical vampire book. Vincent doesn’t want to be a vampire and Megan doesn’t want to become one so she can be with him. Instead, she vows to help Vincent find a cure for his unholy condition. Here’s a short excerpt:

Her lips parted, and God help him, she
responded just as she had that first time. She
melted against him, pulling his head closer,
taking his tongue deep inside until he was hot
and straining against her.

She tasted so damn good. A heady mix of
wine and woman. Mortal woman.

Warm blooded, mortal woman.

Blood roared through his veins, pounding in
his ears in a primitive rhythm. And the dark
hunger reared its ugly head. A craving for blood
and sex. An uncontrollable yearning.

Lauri: That certainly makes me want to read more! So, what’s next for you?

Lilly: I’m working on the sequel to OUT OF THE DARKNESS. And two of my historical romances have been requested by two different publishers. And next Wednesday, August 25, Amber Leigh Williams will be interviewing me on her blog as part of The Wild Rose Blog tour.

Lauri: You are busy! Where can readers keep updated on your successes?

Lilly: I have a website, blog, and I’m on facebook!

Lauri: Thanks again for being here today, Lilly. Best wishes are all your future adventures!

Winner!

Congratulations Marie! You won the copy of Wolf's Den! (You should have an email in your inbox from me.)

Thanks so much, Aileen, both for visiting and for providing a copy of your book!

Later this week, author Lilly Gayle will be here, so be sure to stop by!

AND...Here's a picture of our latest arrival resting in her daddy's hand. She was 16 hours old in this photo.

Life is good.

Guest Author Aileen Harkwood

I’m excited to have Aileen Harkwood on my blog today. (I had baby brain when I posted on Friday who was going to be here. Sandra Sookoo will be here later in the month, and I’m over at Catherine Bybee’s blog this week. Sorry about the mix-up. BTW-Baby is home and doing awesome!)

As a special treat, Aileen is giving away an e-book copy of Wolf’s Den to a lucky reader of this blog! Please leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. (If for some reason, it won’t let you leave a comment—I know that happens more often than not—just email me at Lauri(AT)izoom.net and I’ll make sure your name gets in the drawing.)



Aileen Harkwood, author of Wolf's Den: Legacy of the White Wolf Book 1 from The Wild Rose Press, lives in the Southern Rockies with her family, their passive-aggressive cat and fetch-addicted chocolate Labrador. She writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense and is always on the lookout for an unexpected twist or touch to add to her stories. Alpha males are her favorite heroes to write, though in real life she loves a hero who doesn't always realize he's an alpha until his heroine is threatened.

Lauri: Hi Aileen, and thanks for being here today.

Aileen: Thanks so much for having me. I look forward to choosing a winner for the ebook of Wolf’s Den from your visitors.

Lauri: When you think ‘romance’ what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Aileen:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. When I first read it, I knew it was the epitome, the foundation of all other romance novels that have come afterward. What I love about Austen is that she used everything around her to craft her stories, the time in which she lived, society as she saw it, the dialogue she must have heard each day, and her dreams of the perfect, destined mate. Sadly, Austen never married, and I can visualize her expressing her own unfulfilled desire for love through her novels.

Lauri: Oh, Pride and Prejudice. I love that one, too. My favorite quote from that book is in Chapter 17,"Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion". So, in your opinion, what would be the best piece of writing advice you could give someone writing their first novel?

Aileen: My advice would be to keep reminding yourself that this is your first novel.

When I first started writing, I found myself frustrated by a number of things. I thought I wasn’t writing fast enough (and in reality, I wasn’t, at least not for this genre). I had trouble with different parts of story telling, actually a whole lot of the parts of writing a story. I worried that the rejections I received said I wasn’t meant to be a writer. I mentally kicked myself for not being able to make the words do what I wanted them to do.

Wolf’s Den isn’t my first book, in fact, it isn’t even my second. I ended up throwing the first one away, as well as the next one. At the time, it felt demoralizing. Looking back, I can see that these early efforts were not a waste of time. They were hard earned lessons and I’m proud to have written them.

While I’ll always ride myself hard, I know that if I keep dwelling on what I haven’t yet achieved, it stops me from moving forward. That’s what I would share, be good to yourself as a writer both in terms of success and nourishing your inner writer.

Lauri: I so agree. Success comes in many forms. Thank you for those words of wisdom. Tell us, Aileen, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Aileen: If I were well off financially and could afford my dream, it would be to buy not one spectacular house in one place, by three or four modest homes in a variety of areas. Nothing too big, cozy places. I would design each one differently to match the area, but also to provide a different inspiration for my creativity.

I would choose a house near the water in northwestern Washington State for its wild natural drama and afternoons where I could sit in a chair in front of a huge picture window, watching the rain and fog and a crashing ocean. I’d buy a funky, old adobe in Santa Fe because nothing inspires my photographic muse—photography is a big hobby of mine—as much as New Mexico does. I love walking Canyon Road and winding my way through the tiny alleyway shopping areas of the Plaza downtown. The Gulf Coast of Florida would get my vote, as well. Driving through Florida, experiencing the coastal towns on the small, barrier islands is both relaxing and exhilarating. Imagining a romantic scene on the beach with one of my heroes is not hard at all. Finally, I would buy a small place in the foothills near Angeles Crest in Los Angeles, even with the fire danger there, because that’s where I grew up and I miss it terribly.

I know a lot of writers would love to live in exotic foreign locales, yet I love the U.S. It may be going through tough times right now, but it still has so much to offer.

Lauri: Oh, please let me know when you are settled in each of these homes, I want to vacation at your houses! I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments on the good old U.S.A. It’s time for you to tell us about your book.

Aileen: Wolf’s Den is set in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, and inspires us to wonder, is love more powerful than death? The hero, Griffin, is a member of the Kith, clans of werewolf shapeshifters who live in the high, seldom traveled wildernesses of the northern Cascades and Rockies. He’s the alpha for his pack, and has just lost his destined mate to a jealous wannabe she-alpha. Pack law dictates that he not only bring his mate’s killer to justice, but having lost his mate, must submit to a killing blow by the next alpha in line, so that he can follow her into the afterlife. The heroine, Luka, is an amnesia victim, who wakes in a body she doesn’t recognize and is accused by Griffin of having murdered his beloved mate.
The Book was released in July, 2010. It’s a breathless, fast-paced book that grabs hold from page one and doesn’t let go.

Lauri: It sounds wonderful, and intriguing. Please give us an excerpt.

Aileen: I’d love to:

Luka?

“Where did you hear that name?” he asked.

“I didn’t. It’s mine.”

“I don’t believe you.” A growl replaced the hurt sound that had come from deep in his chest. “Who told you? Are you a voyeur, as well? Did you spy on us while we made love?”

Spy on him and Anya? Would she do that?

“It’s my name,” she insisted, and then was overcome by a violent fit of coughing. She couldn’t breathe. The smoke was poisoning her lungs and starving her blood of oxygen. She grew dizzy.

She watched him, the supreme effort it took to regain control, but he clamped down and put away his darker half.

“Wait here until you hear the shots, then go,” Griff told her. “Head for the trees, and when you reach them, keep running. Don’t stop.”

He turned, looked back once, and then vanished into the smoke and flames devouring the cabin.

Lauri: Wow! Thanks for that snippet! And congrats! I know there is a great review for it on Amazon! So, what’s next for you?

Aileen: Yes, there is. It’s also available at The Wild Rose Press.
What’s next? Well, I’m working on three different books at the same time, Book 2 in the Kith Series, a romantic suspense set in Santa Fe, and a fun, erotic paranormal that takes place in a small town on the Oregon coast. Visitors can keep up with my writings by visiting my blog.

Lauri: Thanks so much for being here today, Aileen, and thanks for giving away a copy of your book as a prize to a lucky reader!

Arrival!

Yes, Karlee Jo has arrived! At 7lbs 1oz, she is the perfect size to snuggle and love. Here she is with her two cousins. She, mommy, and daddy, are all doing wonderfully, and are scheduled to leave the hospital tomorrow. Her mommy is very creative and chose to spell Karlee this way so she’s named after her daddy whose middle name is Lee. I love it!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi to Maya! It was fun to have her here, and I hope you enjoyed reading about her and her books. Next week, on Wednesday, August 11th, Sandra Sookoo will be here talking about her adventures in writing, and I’ll be over at Aileen Harkwood’s blog.

It’s been a busy week with Karlee’s arrival, and DH and I were scheduled to attend a sponsor’s a banquet for The Wild Turkey Federation last night. I was somewhat tired, but finally agreed to go, jokingly saying, I was only attending so I could win the gun of the year. Well…guess who won the gun of the year? Yep. Me. Hubby was stunned to say the least.

I have an August 16th deadline for HQN, so that’s what I’ll be working on this weekend, beside going to see baby Karlee everyday, and attending a neighborhood birthday party.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Guest Author Maya Blake

Today starts the blog tour! I’m excited to introduce Maya Blake, a thirty-something romance writer whose life-long dream of writing romance came to true last year when her debut novel was published by The Wild Rose Press. She lives in England with her husband and two adorable kids.

Lauri: Maya, writers are also readers, what is your favorite genre to read, and why?

Maya: I love all genres of books apart from misery lit. I think the world we live in is tough enough without going out of my way to read about characters who have to slog through terrible hardships for most of their lives before dying a horrible, lonely death. Romance with a solid gold happy ending is my number one favorite, followed by crime thrillers – just finished reading the Millennium Series that comprises The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. Fantastic stories, all three!

Lauri: I agree, life is tough enough, why read about it! I haven’t read that series, but will have to look it up. So, Maya, when you think ‘romance’ what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Maya: When I think of romance, I think of my husband, stumbling over his proposal to me on New Year’s Day 2000. When I screamed yes and leaned in to kiss him, I felt his heart racing like mad. He told me later, he was terrified I’d say no! As if!

Lauri: Oh, how precious! That is a great romantic moment! I love it. He must really be a keeper! Along those lines, tell us your favorite romantic movie, book, song, meal, and location?

Maya: I must admit to being fickle when it comes to “favorites” as they tend to jump from moment to moment. If you’d asked me last month I’d have said my favorite movie was The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds – awesome movie! The month before it would’ve been something different. This month however, I have to say it’s one of the end scenes from Series 4 of The Tudors. Charles Brandon, played by the glorious Henry Cavill, captured what he thought was a soldier. It turned out to be a woman dressed as a man. Naturally, he kept her captive, promising to release her after the English won the Siege of Bolougne. When they did, she demanded he keep his promise. He refused, of course! When she asked him why he wouldn’t release her, he seemed lost for words, then with a seriously sexy crestfallen expression, he said, “Je t’aime. C’est tout.” She melted…I melted…

Favorite song (for the moment) is Alicia Keyes – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
Favorite book – too many to choose just the one!
Favorite meal – anything involving chocolate!
Favorite location – I’m getting to the age where there’s no place like home, or my bed!

Lauri: Yes, The Proposal was fantastic! And just your recapture of The Tudors had me melting. And I agree, there is no place like home. Well, let's get to your writing! Tell us about your book.

Maya: Hostage To Love was my debut book, published by The Wild Rose Press last year. It’s a romantic suspense that starts in a fictional location called Nawaka in Africa, then moves to a private Greek island before culminating in London. The heroine, Belle, is estranged from the husband, Nick, whom she thinks has cheated on her. Unfortunately, her alone time is rudely disrupted when she’s captured by rebel leaders! I enjoyed writing this book because I love reunion stories, even if it’s just the six months Belle and Nick have been apart. That first reconnection after their separation, when they know deep inside that they’re meant to be together but have a tough time figuring out the hows, was a real thrill to write. Of course, giving them their happy ending was equally thrilling.

Lauri: Congratulations! I’m a sucker for reunions stories, too. Please give us an excerpt:

Maya: Here's a short one:

Through the smoky light she saw a figure, tall and male, enter the cave, followed by two more. In silence the men advanced towards them. Belle’s throat closed up as fear completely seized her. She turned to Father Tom, her hand gripping his as she tried to shield him with her body.

Someone crouched behind her and she squeezed her eyes shut.

This is it. This is it.

‘Hello, Tinkerbelle.’ A deep voice purred in her ear.

Lauri: Oh, goodness, I so want to read more! Please tell us were we can find a copy!

Maya: You can buy my book at The Wild Rose Press

Lauri: Can you tell us what’s next for you? Another book?

Maya: As a result of positive feedback from two competitions in 2008 and 2009, I’m currently working with two editors from Harlequin on two different stories. I’m also working on a few short stories, which I hope to get published sometime this year.

Lauri: Best of luck! I’m sure your writing career will be long and successful! How can we keep updated on your progress?

Maya: You can stay in touch by visiting my blog
Or you can follow me on Twitter or on Facebook

Lauri: Thank you, Maya, I’ve really enjoyed learning more about you and your book!

Maya: Thank you so much for having me here today.

Lauri: Thanks to everyone who stopped by to read about Maya. Next week I’ll have Aileen Harkwood here, and if you’re interested, this week I’m over at Rae Summers’ blog.

Have a great week everyone!

Baby Update...

No new grandbaby yet. The c-section that was schedule for last Friday was canceled because baby is no longer in the breech position! She flipped before the appointment. YEAH! Everyone was very happy with this news. No one wants surgery if it isn’t necessary. Actual due date is Aug. 6th, so we are in the holding pattern mode.

Besides grabbing my car keys every time the phone rang this weekend, I did get through the edits on an UNDONE story. Another YEAH!

This week starts the blog tour I’m participating in. Every Wednesday, I’ll have a guest author here and I’ll be appearing on someone else’s blog. It’s a fun, eclectic group of writers and I hope everyone enjoys the posts.

And of course, I’ll be posting baby news as soon as I have any!

Here's a tidbit of info...

A Man in Uniform

We had a storm several days ago that left this beautiful double rainbow. We lost a couple trees in the storm. A large one fell across the driveway, which made for a morning of cutting wood. DH and I also had a ‘stick picking contest’ (as he called it) before he could get out the lawn mower to ‘suck up’ the yard full of leaves.

This past weekend we had the wedding reception ‘down here’. A friend of mine from Idaho was in town and joined the festivities. She hadn’t seen the boys in many years. It was a fun event, and the kids are very happy.


The next thing on the family agenda is the arrival of our newest granddaughter—which might be yet this week!

On the writing side…things have been slow with everything going on, but I’ve made some progress on a time travel as well as another story with a Texas Ranger hero. I keep jumping between the two manuscripts. I also interviewed the local Chief of Police for a short, short story about a ‘man in uniform’. I had been asked to write one, but the type of ‘man in uniform’ hadn’t come to me—until I was stopped by a very nice young officer who informed what the speed limit was. No, I didn’t get a citation, bless his heart, but I will remember the speed limit of that town next time I drive through it. (As a friend suggested, I’ll keep the pony to a trot.) As the officer was getting back in his car, I caught him in my side mirror, and thought….Hmmm…a man in uniform. A story was born, but since I write historicals, I needed some information. The local chief provided so much interesting information I’ve been pondering a second, longer story.

That’s all for now. I hope you’ve all had a fabulous July!

CataRomance Blog

Hey everyone,

I'm over at the CataRomance Blog talking about Harlequin, Mills and Boon's first western UNDONE, Wedding Night with the Ranger. Stop by and say hi if you have a chance!

Cheers,
Lauri

Pennies from Heaven

My father passed away three years ago in May, and with everything going on lately, my mind has been on him a lot. He would have loved the simplicity of our youngest son’s ‘up north wedding’ and thrilled with the aspect of the birth of our oldest son’s baby.

For years, I stopped at my mom and dad’s house every morning on my way to work. I still stop, every morning to say hi to my mom, and the past two weeks, each morning, either while getting out of my car, or back in as I’m leaving, I’ve discovered a penny. At first I didn’t think much about it, just dropped it in the change bucket in my car, or tucked it in my pocket, but by the second week, I started looking around, wondering if someone had dropped a handful or something. Nope, there was just the one. But the next morning, there was another one. I then realized, it was my dad. He would have insisted on contributing financially to all of the activities going on.

Prior to the wedding ceremony, several people drove the half mile past the church to the cemetery to visit dad’s grave, and my oldest said, when they got back in the car, his wife felt as if they’d just stopped by to pick grandpa up and bring him to the service. They turned the car on, and “You Are My Sunshine” was playing. One of my dad’s favorites. My son said he started laughing, and said, “He’s with us alright.”

I know he’s always with me, I sense him often, but these little coins are physical proof.
They are truly priceless little gifts from heaven. Tiny reminders to never overlook the small stuff.

Cover for Wild Cat Bride

Got the cover yesterday for the 5th Quinter Bride book. Love it. No release date, yet.

Life is still in the fast lane here. We have the baby shower this weekend. Next weekend, we have the wedding open house/reception for those who couldn’t travel up north, and the next week…well, we might have a new baby in the family! She’s due to arrive Aug. 4th, but doctor says an early arrival isn’t out of the running.

Oh, and I’ve been busy making raspberry jam.

Remember to laugh everyday…It’s the ultimate exercise.

June turns into July

Goodness the last two weeks flew by! Not only because of the wedding, 4th of July, and all the company, but because I was on vacation. There’s something about the word--vacation--that turns days into nights faster than normal. Here’s a picture of the entire family (minus my two step grandsons. They couldn’t make it to the wedding.)

My vacation was wonderful. Not only just the wedding and the holiday full of fireworks and family, but the days in between, I actually got some writing done! The first draft of Unclaimed Bride has been completed. Now, I’m ‘cutting and fluffing’ before I send the story off to my beta reader.

I was once again without internet for awhile, so didn’t realize Boot Hill Bride had been nominated for Book of the Week. Thanks Long and Short Reviews for your wonderful nomination!

I’ve been invited to participate in a blog tour the end of July/first of August with several other Wild Rose Press authors. It promises to be lots of fun.

And, Harlequin is updating their author pages on their website. They’ve sent a list of 25 questions for me to answer. Fun questions! I’ll let you know when they get everything updated.

I hope your 4th of July was a true celebration, and that your ‘vacation’ days were as wonderful as mine. Keep smiling. You never know who’s looking.

I'm back...for a day or so.

Our youngest son and his wife were married ‘up north’ in a little country church this past weekend. (Yes, they left the church on their four-wheeler.) The ceremony was followed by a reception at my great grandfather’s farm which he homestead near the turn of the 20th century, and the following day the wedding party and guests took long and relaxing River Boat cruise along the Canadian border. Family and friends traveled near and far to attend the blessed event, which created five days of non-stop fun and visiting. Even the weather cooperated the entire time!

I have a day back home to get things unpacked and settled before the Fourth of July celebrations start with additional family arriving. Life is good!

I somehow lost the charger for my Black Berry, so it wasn’t until this morning that I discovered three wonderful reviews on three different books had been posted during my absence.

Seriously Reviewed had this to say about Wish Craft: Yeah BABY!! Normally I am not super big on time travel stories. Don't know why. Though over the years, as many books as I have devoured, there have been a few in this genre that sang for me and for some reason just rocked me. This is one of them.


Romance Junkies said: KENDRA’S CHOICE is a powerful story.

And Long and Short Romance Reviews said Boot Hill Bride is a true romance…the book is touching and heart-warming.

The dryer is buzzing, and the eye doctor called to say my new glasses have arrived, so I’m off to do another load of laundry and then to pick up my glasses as well as run a few other errands. (With the top down on my car…did I say life is good?)

I wish you all a safe and happy 4th of July!

Books, books, and more books

Here’s the cover for the audio version of Kendra’s Choice.

Gorgeous, if I do say so myself.

For 24 hours, Tuesday, June 24, it will be the Debut Tuesday Special at Audio Lark for the discounted price of $ 2.49.

It turned out one of my Facebook friends is the narrator! How cool is that?

I’m working on the edits of my next HQN UNDONE. Its tentative release date is November, which is the perfect time for this little Christmas story. Earlier this month, I learned my Harlequin, Mills and Boon editor is leaving. (Her last day is tomorrow.) I’ll miss her, she’s been a dream to work with, but at the same time I wish her the very best in her new and exciting adventure traveling the world. Yesterday, my new editor, who is just as wonderful, called to chat, which was very fun.

The final steps have been completed for the Japanese translation of Mail Order Husband. It is scheduled to be released early in 2011 in trade paperback in Japan. I’ll post a copy of the cover art when I get my copies. The Japan UNI Agency was wonderful to work with, and I’m so grateful they offered me this unique opportunity.

Life is otherwise in full swing at our house, gearing up for the wedding next weekend. Family will begin arriving on Tuesday, so I may be ‘off line’ for a while.

I hope you are all enjoying summer! It’s my favorite time of year—yes, the fact I can drive my car with the top down definitely plays into it.

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!

Surprises

My inbox held some nice surprises yesterday morning—A review for An Unbelievable Journey. This book was released two years ago, so the review was truly a surprise. Fallen Angel Reviews gave it five angles.

There was also a review for Boot Hill Bride from Mixed Book Bag and the audio version of Kendra’s Choice for me to proof. I’m excited about this new opportunity, and listened to the story last night. The narrator did a great job. I haven’t heard when it will be released by Audio Lark, but will post when it is. In the meantime, here are a few of the reviews I’ve had on this story.
The Long and Short of It Reviews
Night Owl Review (Top Pick)
The Romance Studio

Now, I'm off to go do some Saturday chores. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

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!

Time flies when you're having fun--

This week was proof! I can’t believe it’s already Friday.

Last weekend was fishing opener, which meant I was home alone…wonderful!

On Monday, I went to the ultrasound with my oldest son and his wife. Baby Girl Robinson weighs 2 lbs 10 oz and all is right on track for her arrival in August. The ultrasounds they have now are amazing! And Monday night I had Papa Jessie Day with my granddaughter without Papa Jessie. We celebrated the special time together with a trip to Dairy Queen—where I learned she likes ice cream cones without the cone.

Tuesday, I got the ‘Mason” jar mugs ordered for the June wedding (long story), and Papa arrived home from fishing with Walleye just for me. (Bless his heart.)

Wednesday, I ate the Walleye—some of them anyway. AND I attended a baby shower for Baby Girl Robinson hosted by co-workers of my son and daughter-in-law. I still giggle with glee over pink and ‘girlie’ things.

Thursday, I took my mother some Walleye. (She loves it as much as I.) I found a few minutes at work to hang up some pictures and slightly re-arranged my office. It’s been so busy since we moved back in February that I still had things in crates. Papa and I went out for supper and then took Dairy Queen treats to our granddaughters. (He heard about Monday and couldn’t be left out.)

And today I volunteered at the Historical Society where 2nd graders came to visit. We made butter and played picture detectives. We looked at old photos and the kids had to pick out things people back then had that we don’t and visa-versa. It was a lot of fun.

Oh, and on the writing side—Harlequin contacted me to see if I’d be at the Romance Writers of America’s (RWA) Conference the end of July. I had to tell them no. As much as I’d like to attend, wild horses couldn’t pull me away from home that close to Baby Girl Robinson’s delivery date! I’ve been invited to be in the delivery room—and I will be! Tomorrow I will present a workshop to my RWA writer’s group about getting your creative juices flowing.

I’m also looking forward to some writing time this weekend. My ‘unclaimed mail order bride story’ as been calling me all week, and I’m itching to get on paper what happens next.

That’s enough for now. Until next time—KEEP SMILING, it makes a world of difference!

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.

Boys vs Girls

Kids do say the darndest things, and I just have to share what happened the other day. It all started when my three-year-old granddaughter rushed past declaring, “Grandma, I have to go potty.”

Of course that means a mad dash to the bathroom, unbuttoning that dreaded button on those adorable little jeans as we run. We arrive and I plopped her on the toilet. All goes well until her little face scrunches up.

“What’s wrong?” I asked from where I was instructed to sit on the edge of the bathtub until she’s finished.

She leans forward. “I get so frustrated when that happens.”

“Frustrated when what happens?” I asked, taking a second look at the discarded jeans to see if we didn’t completely make it in time and wondering once again about the words this kid uses on a regular basis.

“When air comes out my butt,” she whispered.

Holding in the chuckle tickling my throat, I clarified, “When air comes out your butt?”

“Yes,” she answered, completely serious.

I covered my giggle with a small cough. Having raised three boys, where farting was the most amazing and funny thing they could do, I was quite surprised by this significant difference between boys and girls at such a young age. I leaned closer and explained, "That’s called a fart.”

“A fart?” she asked, wide-eyed with astonishment.

“Yes, a fart.”

She pressed her tiny hand to her forehead as if the world had just run out of John Deere fruit snacks. (Which she calls Papa Jessie snacks and absolutely cannot live without a full box in the cupboard.)

Hoping to calm her fears, I pointed to my neck and continued, “And you know when air comes out of your throat and makes a funny noise?”

After a moment of brief thoughtfulness she nodded.

“That’s called a burp,” I said.

“A burp?” Again she was shocked.

I nodded.

“Farting and burping!” She covered her little face with both hands and shaking her head, groaned, “Oh, Grandma.”

****

Once again, I must proclaim, grandchildren are truly gifts from God.

Every day, in every way, life just keeps getting better and better.

Wordle

Oh, the things I can find to waste time. Have you created a Wordle? Aren't they a hoot?

Another weekend over...

The weekend flew by. I had my RWA writer’s group meeting, which is always great fun, and went to grand march at my step grandson’s prom. The girls all looked so pretty and the boys so handsome. Sunday afternoon I took a nap. It was great, and while I was sleeping my DH waxed my car. Yes, he is a keeper.

I spent some time working on my latest book. It’s a western again, of course, about a mail order bride that arrives in Wyoming and discovers the man who’d ordered her died three days earlier. Every man in the small town is lined up when her stage coach arrives, spit shined and ready to claim her. I’m brooding now because my paycheck job is so busy I won’t get a chance to write more than a paragraph or two until next weekend.

Today I had my hair cut. It’s shorter than it’s been in twenty years. LOL I'm hoping I’ll get used to it by July or so.

I completed the galley for Wish Craft so hopefully I'll have a release date on that story soon, and I’ve just received the galley for Guardian Bride, the Quinter Brides book 4. I’m looking forward to reading that one again. I miss those Quinter boys.

Dandelions, ticks, and writing.

I’m in awe, it's only April and I have dandelions blooming along my driveway! A rarity for Minnesota.

Snow in April—yes. Dandelions—no.

Just to be clear—I’m not complaining. I’m rejoicing. Thanking the Universe! It’s absolutely amazing.

This weekend I also found out the wood ticks are out. We went over to our son’s house and took a long, beautiful, four wheeler ride through the woods. And yes, a couple of the little critters tried to steal a ride home with us. I spent the rest of the weekend imagining there were more of them. I also put the finishing touches on two short stories for Harlequin’s UNDONE line. They’ve requested both stories, so my fingers are crossed.

My beta reader sent back her thoughts on Wild Cat Bride, the Quinter Brides book 5. After a few minor tweaks, I’ll be sending that one off to The Wild Rose Press.

Aw, yes, ticks and all, life is good.

Oh, and I just have to post this picture…It’s Papa’s favorite.

Book Giveaway

I'm over at Paty Jager's Blog! Stop by for a chance to win a copy of Boot Hill Bride.

Book of the Week

Thank you to everyone who voted for Badland Bride to become the Book of the Week!

Reviews and other ramblings...

We are dog-sitting while the kids are up north making wedding plans. I had forgotten how happy four-legged friends are when you arrive home from work. It makes a wonderful homecoming.

After pre-preschool this morning, my granddaughter and I had lunch with a friend of mine. She’s working on a fundraiser and I took her a basket of books for their auction. We had a great time, but walking into her office building was another shocking experience of how badly our economy has been hit lately. The building is lovely, and used to be full of prosperous businesses. Today, our footsteps echoed in the foyer and hall as we walked past one empty office after another. I know things well turn around, but I’m fearful of the length of time it will take and how many other businesses may fail before the full turn around. I keep hearing how we need to create new jobs, and I can’t help but think there was nothing wrong with the old jobs—just bring them back.

On to a more uplifting topic—Reviews. As an author I enjoy hearing from people who have read one of my stories—after all that is why I write them. My goal is to provide the reader with a journey to another place and time, to meet new people, and have a few minutes or hours of peaceful enjoyment. I appreciate every reader and/or reviewer who takes the time to read one of my stories. It’s always wonderful to hear when someone loves one of my books, but I also like to hear what they didn’t care for—that helps me dig deeper while working on the next book.

This week I received three reviews, two for Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides Book Two and one for Wedding Night with the Ranger.

The Long and Short of It Reviewer Camellia gave Badland Bride five books. (Which nominates it for Book of the Week, so if you have a chance, and would like to, please vote for it this weekend.) The Romance Studio Reviewer Theresa B. gave Badland Bride three hearts. And Wendy the Super Librarian at The Good, The Bad and The Unread gave Wedding Night with the Ranger a C+.
An exciting week indeed!

Tomorrow night we are attending the annual The Wild Turkey Federation Banquet and Fundraiser. It’s a fun time, but my dear husband always finds something we can’t live without. My living room is already bulging with antler furniture, prints, and stuffed dead things…I’ll let you know how it goes.

Happy Easter

We are back home from Kansas and looking forward to having the kids over for Easter dinner. I picked up plastic eggs and candy on the ride home, and plan on having Papa stuff them tonight while I get the house in order and all of the traveling laundry done.

The trip to Kansas came up unexpected, but since the weather was so wonderful, we took the Mustang out of storage and took her to Kansas. It was so great to be back behind her wheel!

And while we were gone, Boot Hill Bride, the Quinter Brides Book 3 was released in print! The e-book version will be released April 16th.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

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.

Sunshine Award

After a week of gray, gloomy skies and rain, we finally had sunshine on Sunday. Bright, glorious, and over 60 made for a wonderful day! Perhaps it all happened because Paty Jager awarded my blog with a Sunshine award on Saturday. As per the rules, I now must forward the award on to 12 other blogs:

Tanya Hanson

Catherine Bybee

Linda LaRoque

Robin Allen

Celia Yeary

Cheryl Pierson

Deborah Schneider

Beth Trissel

Carol A Spalding

Margaret Tanner

Natasha Perry

Amber Leigh Williams


Another ray of sunshine was the wonderful review I received from Night Owl Reviews for Badland Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 2…A top pick review!

Adorable and Audibles

Isn’t this just about the cutest picture ever? Someone sent it to me in one of those lengthy funny pictures emails…You know the kind, we all get them, along with those Viagra ones that really make me wonder how those spam folks got ALL of my email addresses! Anyway, I fell in love with this picture and had to share it! (Thanks, John.)

I had a wonderful weekend home alone. Well, actually, I wasn’t home alone. Hubby went up north, so I asked Cody to bring the dogs over to stay with me. Yes, I’m a chicken. Always have been, always will be. I accepted the fact long ago. So, in between playing with the dogs, and the grandbabies, (they were over both days, too), I did get a lot of writing done. So much that I finished the fifth Quinter Brides book! Bug's story, Wildcat Bride is with my critique partner right now. I’m really going to miss the Quinter family. It was a great saga to write.

I also learned The Wild Rose Press has partnered with a company to provide audibles—think of the old books on tape—these are downloadable files like music files that you can listen to on IPod’s etc. I was excited to hear Kendra’s Choice will be one of the first files available. It should be released the end of April or so.

I’m having the family over for a fish fry tonight. (Hubby brought home my favorite meal in the world--fresh caught Walleye. I really do love him.) On Thursday evening I’m having supper with a friend I haven’t seen in months. I’m so looking forward to catching up with her.

Make it a great week, everyone, for if you don’t—who will?

Sunshine!!!

Yes, we still have plenty of snow…so much that the parking lots are turning into lakes, but we have sunshine! And the weather man said if we promise to be good, we might see 40 above tomorrow! YIPPEE!

I know it’s only March, so there is still snow ahead of us, but there truly is nothing like that first good bout of spring sunshine…where the sun feels so wonderful you want to do nothing but lift your face to the rays and sigh with pleasure.

We’ve had a great week. The birthday party on Saturday was fabulous! My daughter-in-law is a wonderful cook, and it’s always fun to get together with friends and family.

I completed all of the paperwork to file for tax relief from the Japanese government and sent that off (one more step in this international publishing process) and I was offered another contract from The Wild Rose Press for a short story.

All in all…Life is good!

Have a great week!

Happy Birthday!

My granddaughter will be one tomorrow! We will celebrate her birthday on Saturday with a large family party. Of course it’s hard to know what she ‘wants’ for her birthday, so I picked out several outfits, Papa on the other hand, he’s going for the candy. She does love to eat, but…We’ll, when all is said and done, that’s Papa’s choice and who am I to correct him.

I don’t have an excuse for not blogging last week. Yes, life is busy, but it always is. I have used every spare moment I can catch working on the fifth Quinter Bride book, but now that I’m close to the end, I’m getting a little nervous. I really like this family and will miss them when there are no more Quinter stories to be told.

Today I signed the contract for the fourth Quinter story, Guardian Bride. I was very excited to get a note from my editor saying she loved the story. My mother had said it’s her favorite, but she has to say that--she’s my Mom.

The sun is shinning, but it snowed again this morning. Time goes fast enough, and I don’t want to wish any days away, but if I had three wishes, one would be “No more snow”! Two and Three….Hmm…I’ll have to think on them.

Have a great week all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

DH and I went out last night so we wouldn’t need to fight the crowds today. We had a lovely time. I hope you get to spend the day with your special someone.

I received a wonderful review of Wedding Night with the Ranger at e-Harlequin. And you can review the first few pages here if you’d like.

It snowed again this week, and I must admit, I’m glad we are on the downhill side of winter.

The kids are still without an extra car, so I’ve become Isabelle’s personal chauffer—namely for gymnastics and pre-preschool. It’s been very fun, but I know her mommy misses taking her, so I’ll be happy for them when they get everything settled with the insurance company and replace their car.

I’m watching the Daytona 500 right now. I’m so happy the NASCAR season has started!

Have a wonderful week!

My week...

January slipped into February this week, and kept us busy as it did so.

On Monday, Wedding Night with the Ranger was released! Also, our library hosted Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson. I took my mother to hear Jill speak and we had a wonderful evening together.

Tuesday evening I took Isabelle to gymnastics. When we arrived back at her house the furniture store had delivered and set up her ‘big girl bed’. I was officially invited to sleep in the bottom bunk anytime I want. Princess sheets and all.

Wednesday morning started with a call from our middle son. He’d been in a six car pile up on his way to work. THANKFULLY no one was hurt! As you can tell from the picture, his car was totaled (it’s the red car). There was certainly a guardian angel riding beside him that morning.

While I was on my way to pick him up, I received an email on my blackberry from a literacy agent in Japan with an offer for the Japanese rights to Mail Order Husband.

Thursday, after several emails, I confirmed the offer from Japan, and now am awaiting the final contract and tax papers. The book will be translated and released in Japanese trade paperback later this year.

Friday, I took my mother to the doctor and eye doctor, then to order new glasses and complete several other errands she needed to do.

Of course I worked the day job all week, too.

So here it is Saturday morning, and besides a trip to the grocery store later today for super bowl fixings, I’ll be working on the Fifth Quinter Bride book. Bug’s story is moving right along. Poor guy, Ma refuses to allow him to get married—with her shotgun of course.

I hope your February arrived wonderfully, and that it will continue to bring good news and wonderful adventures.