"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Monday, November 26, 2012

A Change of Fortune Giveaway and Interview with Author, Jen Turano



Welcome everyone! Today, I want to introduce you to a wonderfully talented author, and my Seymour Agency sister, Jen Turano! Jen's debut novel, A Change of Fortune, was recently released from Bethany House. I've got to say, once I picked up her novel, I couldn't put it down - a totally delightful read! She is an author to be watched. Like me, Jen is represented by the awesome, Mary Sue Seymour.


Author, Jen Turano


THE GIVEAWAY - Jen has generously offered to give away a copy of A Change of Fortune, and I'm throwing in a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is answer Jen's question at the end of the interview, or for those who have trouble commenting on Blogger, leave your answer on my Facebook Author Page. The winner of Jen's book and the gift card will be drawn at random next Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 9pm CDT, and announced on next week’s blog post. I just love the cover of A Change of Fortune! Check it out!





Before we get to the interview... I will announce the winner of last week's giveaway. The winner of Stacy Henrie's debut novel, Lady Outlaw, and a $15 Starbucks gift card is...Sarah Forgrave! Congrats to Sarah! I will contact you this week for your address. 

Now to the interview... 

Welcome Jen! So glad to have you here!

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It’s an honor.

Your spectacular debut novel from Bethany House is titled, A Change of Fortune. How long have you been writing novels? Is this your first?

I wish I could make the claim that A Change of Fortune was my first book, but alas, that isn’t quite the case.  I’m afraid some of my early attempts were, well, horrible.  I have six books that are languishing in my computer, and these books will never, ever, see the light of day.  They’re riddled with POV and plot problems, but I was fortunate in that agents and editors took the time to write critiques to me as they sent their rejections, some of which were rather scathing in nature.  After I got over the initial reaction of “ouch,” I forced myself to really think about the points the agents and editors were making, and I realized that if I was ever going to get published, I was going to have to up my game.


The book is a work of historical fiction. What is the inspiration behind the book?

Funny you should ask that because this particular story actually flashed to mind while I was scrubbing the shower, which really isn’t a very inspirational task in the least.  There I was, waiting for my scrubbing bubbles to do their thing and…Eliza suddenly waltzed into my thoughts.  She stayed there all day – but since my house was an absolute disaster, I couldn’t very well stop cleaning, so I grabbed a stack of post-it notes and scribbled down thoughts as I mopped and dusted.  By the time I finally turned off the vacuum cleaner, the story was set.

I love when plots come about while doing ordinary things like cleaning…fun hearing your tale. They say that there is a bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most like you, and why? 

I think the character most like me would have to be…probably Agatha Watson.  She gets into outlandish situations almost by accident, and that happens to me all the time.  She’s also independent and quirky, and I’ve always been a little different.


Is there a sequel or series planned?

There are four books in The Ladies of Distinction series – and that is actually sort of a tongue in cheek description of the series, because my characters, while obviously high society, are anything but typical young ladies of that time.  The second book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, will release to market in June, 2013.  That book is Miss Arabella Beckett and Mr. Theodore Wilder’s story.  The third book – currently untitled, is coming out in November, 2013 – it is Miss Felicia Murdock and Mr. Grayson Sumner’s story – and then the fourth, Miss Agatha Watson’s story, will release in 2014.


What do you read for enjoyment, Jen?

I read a wide range of genres, from romance to suspense, to thrillers, and even fantasy.  My favorite authors are Julia Quinn, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and J.K. Rowling. 


What is your favorite cure for a sweet tooth? Have to ask this one!

This is a huge bummer for me, but I can’t eat sweets.  Ever since I had my son – and that was almost seventeen years ago – candy, chocolate, and anything with too much sugar in it gives me a headache – it’s a crying shameJ  I can’t even eat cake anymore – which makes it very difficult when my birthday comes around because everyone always brings me cake – and then I have to watch while everyone else eats it.

I’m sorry to hear sugar gives you headaches. I sometimes get migraines from pop or certain sodas. Well, I must declare that you have been so “sweet” to come by for a visit. It really has been a pleasure, Jen. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit, and I hope to have you back again on the release of your next novel.

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It was a true pleasure.

Now, Jen has a question for you—

I’m beginning work on a new series – and I need a fabulous name for a meddling grandfather who wants nothing more than to see his grandson well-married. The story is set in 1885 New York, and this grandfather is a self-made gentleman who has a rather gruff nature.   Any suggestions?

Names are fun! Here's my two cents, Jen. I googled "gruff" boy names and came up with - LOL - are you ready for this? - GRUFF - as a name. Babycenter.com defines the name Gruff as:
GRUFF
Gender: Boy
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Lord, prince
I'm trying to imagine my son as Gruff Huebner. LOL! There's my suggestion! ~ Loree
    


For more information on Jen and her books, you can find her at:
On Facebook:
Stop in and "like" her page!


Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree



Monday, November 19, 2012

Lady Outlaw and Giveaway with Author, Stacy Henrie!


Welcome everyone! Today I'm interviewing the lovely, Stacy Henrie. Doesn't she have the sweetest smile? I recently read Stacy's debut novel from Harlequin's Love Inspired, titled, Lady Outlaw, and I loved it. I thought it would be great to have Stacy visit. In a nutshell, she is a stay-at-home mom to three kids and an author of inspirational historical romance. She loves laughing with her family, reading, interior decorating, and chocolate. 
She's represented by Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC.



Author, Stacy Henrie


THE GIVEAWAY - Stacy has generously offered to give away a copy of Lady Outlaw, and I'm throwing in a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is answer Stacy's question at the end of the interview, or for those who have trouble commenting on Blogger, leave your answer on my Facebook Author Page. The winner of Stacy's book and the gift card will be drawn at random next Sunday, November 25, 2012, at 9pm CDT, and announced on next week’s blog post. Check out the beautiful cover of Lady Outlaw!





No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.
Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.



Welcome Stacy! So glad to have you here!

Thanks for having me, Loree! I’ve enjoyed following your blog for quite some time, so I’m excited to be here.

Your lovely debut novel from Harlequin’s Love Inspired is titled, Lady Outlaw. How long have you been writing novels, Stacy? Is this your first?

I’ve been writing for eight years – ever since becoming a mom. Lady Outlaw is the second book I wrote. It was meant to be a companion to the first novel I wrote until the story took on a life of its own. J

The book is a work of historical fiction. What inspired you to choose the Utah Territory as the setting for this novel?

I was excited to set this story in my home state. At the time of the story, Utah Territory had regular stagecoach travel between a number of its towns, but there were still portions of uninhabited land—both were characteristics I wanted for that Old West feel. I also liked the chance to set it in a place that years later would be made legendary by notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch.

Fascinating history! They say that there is a bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most like you, and why?

Jennie Jones, the heroine of Lady Outlaw, and I are alike in many ways. We’re both redheads; we both have a strong stubborn streak and like to do things our own way; we’re both quiet and a little shy until you get to know us and then we love to tease.

I loved Jennie! She had so much depth to her character. Is there a sequel or series planned?

I have a WWI inspirational romance series that will be published by Grand Central Publishing in 2014. The first book is about a schoolteacher and a German-American handyman who fall in love even as anti-German hysteria divides the population of their small Iowa town. I’m currently writing the second book, which is about a nurse and a wounded soldier who meet in a hospital in war-torn France. And the third book will be set in England after the war. 

I know I'm going to just love this new series, Stacy!

I know you are a real chocolate lover. What’s your favorite chocolate? Had to sneak that question in there!

I love European chocolate and dark chocolate, although I’m not a real chocolate candy fan. Give me chocolate with substance—like brownies, cookies, cake, pie, etc.—and I’m a happy girl! J

As we come to a close of this interview, I want to ask you—Thanksgiving is on Thursday, what are you most thankful for Stacy?

My husband and kids; temporal things like a house, food, job; the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom and a writer; and most of all, the help of the Lord in my daily life.

It’s been a pleasure having you visit here today. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule.

Thanks again for having me, Loree!

Now Stacy has a question for you—

What are you especially thankful for this Thanksgiving? What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

Great questions, Stacy! I'm thankful for my wonderful family. My kids are awesome, and my hubby is the best. I am blessed. Thanksgiving traditions for me: I make my mom's stuffing from scratch - turkey soup and all.

For more information on Stacy and her books, you can find her at her website: http://www.stacyhenrie.com/
On her blog:
Stop by and "like" her page.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Don't forget, next week I will be interviewing my Seymour Agency sister, Jen Turano. We'll be talking about her debut novel from Bethany House, A Change of Fortune, and other things, plus there will be another giveaway. See you next week!



Just an extra for you - If you need a smile, or a good hardy laugh today, take a look at this video...love it! 






Monday, November 12, 2012

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?


Can you believe that Thanksgiving is coming up next week? Wow - next week?!? As I was flipping through the channel guide on our TV, I was stunned to see that Lifetime is already showing Christmas movies. WLIT FM Chicago is already playing Christmas music. The stores are already filled to the rafters with Christmas decor, sales, and a whole bunch of new candy is on the shelves. It's not even Thanksgiving! We just had Halloween. Whew! No time to breath or blink - or go to the dentist.

I love Thanksgiving. I find it a perfect time to give thanks for the harvest in our lives, as well as the hard times that God has walked through with us. It's a time to reflect, reach out, or realize the blessings.

One simple question today. What does Thanksgiving mean to you? 

Stay tuned next Monday, as my guest will be the lovely author, Stacy Henrie. We'll be talking about her beautifully written book, Lady Outlaw, and what we are thankful for.

On Monday, November 26th, I will have my Seymour Agency sister, Jen Turano, here for a visit. Her debut novel, A Change of Fortune, is a spectacular release from Bethany House.

If you don't know these wonderful authors, you should. And if you do know them, stop by and say, "howdy". There will be great conversation and giveaways!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Monday, November 5, 2012

Getting it together...


I want to update you from last week's post.

On Saturday, Pickles went to sleep with her head in Eric's lap, while I stroked her back. It was all so peaceful. No more pain for her. And the vet and staff were just awesome. We spent time with her, before and after. I now have peace in my heart for my old pup. Thank you, God. 

I want to thank everyone who sent me sweet notes on my blog, facebook page, facebook, and cards through the mail. Your words of comfort and kindness were overwhelming. You will never know how much the hugs and love meant to me.

This week I'm unplugging. I'm also turning off my blog comments. I just need time to regroup. I know you understand.

I need to get back in the writing saddle. It all stopped nearly 2 weeks ago with Pickle's diagnosis. I have a lot of pain to channel into words. 

To all the NaNo-ers out there - I hope you're meeting your goals. Go! Go! Go! I'm rooting for you!

To all those on the East Coast - I've been praying for you. We've also made donations. We need to do what we can for our fellow Americans in need.

And it's election week. Go out and VOTE! VOTE your heart - not someone else's.

See you next week!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree