CFBA A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Heart to Heal Love Inspired (July 15, 2014) by Allie Pleiter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Courage To Hope.

Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he's felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max's bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon's self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather's heart?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Heart to Heal, go HERE.

Christmas Memories with Valerie Hansen

Please welcome Valerie Hansen to my blog today. She has a new Love Inspired book out this month.

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Here, it's snow and warm, crackling fires in a wood stove and the pristine quiet of the forest.

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

Unfortunately, not anymore. When our children were little we used to go to grand parents' homes but it got really hectic and none of them were eager to share the time. If I had it to do over again I'd have stayed home more. The cookies were really good, though!

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I'm particularly fond of Silent Night and Away in a Manger. I like the old fashioned ones a lot better than any "new" arrangements of the classics.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

As long as I can choose any part of my life, I'd pick the times when we were all together as a family with young children. Now that that's no longer possible, I prefer times at church, like a candle light service Christmas eve. Those bring wonderous peace. And I'm not nearly as patient with little kids as I used to be!  (Jenny here I understand about the children and not being as patient)

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

As a child, I was used to 4 seasons. Moving back to Arkansas from California brought lots of great memories of sledding on snow and ice skating while holding my daddy's hand. Mom used to let me hang the wreaths in the front windows and I was so proud to be helping her decorate. 

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

This year I'll be on my own for the first time in over 50 years. It will be interesting to see how I fare. I suspect that as long as I keep my eyes and my heart focused on Jesus I'll be just fine. After all, He's the reason we celebrate. (Jenny here I know this will be a touch christmas but something I learnt last year was to do something different and create a new tradition which helps to cope with the day a little better. I started a Christmas village last year which was totally new just to me.)

7.    Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

I have always loved the original "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life."  Books would be the one my grandmother read to me, "T'was the Night Before Christmas".  

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Yes. When I was asked to write a Christmas book by my publisher, Love Inspired, I resisted. God had other ideas, of course, and the result is COZY CHRISTMAS. Few families enjoy storybook holidays and neither did I. In order to write this book I had to search my heart and come to grips with my own shortcomings as well as those of others whose customs and opinions may have differed from mine. It was quite a struggle - for me as well as for Josh Barton, the hero of the book. When you read about heroine Whitney Leigh's adventures in the kitchen, those of you who follow me on Facebook may also recognize a few of my personal fiascos.  My point is this. Our lives are a gift from God and so are the people around us who shape our futures. If we accept what we have as the precious gift that it is, we're far more likely to be able to honestly give thanks for whatever happens, not only at Christmas but every day of the year.

Blurb:

"For the first time in years, Christmas brings hope to Bygones, Knasas. But for Josh Barton, Main Street's coffee shop owner, it brings back sad memories he'd rather forget. He's a new man, with a new life and faith now. Still, he hides a huge part of himself from his neighbors - and from one very inquisitive reporter. Whitney Leigh seems determined to uncover the mystery of the town's recent windfall, and Josh could help her. But that would mean opening his guarded heart. Can a man who thought family and Christmas were only for others find a forever home where he least expects?" 

www.ValerieHansen.com
https://www.facebook.com/Valerie.Whisenand

Christmas Memories with Ruth Logan Herne and Giveaway

Please welcome Ruth Logan Herne to my blog today to talk about Christmas Memories. 

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

SNOW!!!! I live in the quintessential picture-postcard setting for most Christmas shots. We are in a snow belt off of Lake Ontario and we get plenty of snow usually... from December well into March. In December I love it. In January, it's peaceful. By February, I'm counting the days until the first tiny crocuses poke their heads up out of the ground with the higher arc of the sun! But yes, December here brings cold and snow and Christmas lights to break the long spell of 16 hours of darkness... Love it! And Jenny, it can be VERY ROMANTIC!!!!  :)

(Jenny here except its Cricket season I think you have me at Very Romantic can I come stay? Of course it’s just for the Christmas season.)

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a lot of them, but one of my favorites is "yarn for Jesus". Every time a little child does something kind or good, they get to lay a piece of colored yarn in the stable. The more good things we do, the more yarn there is to make Jesus's resting spot warm and cozy on Christmas Eve! It's a great visual for kids to see how they affect things around them... and a wonderful celebration when the baby is laid in the manger. All that yarn! All that kindness! Yay! (Jenny again love the “yarn for Jesus” how original and what a way to teach the children and adults)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

My favorite is the medley hymn "Child of the Poor/What Child is This?". It's a beautiful rendition of remembering the spirit of Christmas was truly a child, a child born to a poor family in the dark of a stable. It's heart-wrenching, soulful and beautiful.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

With family. That's my biggest treat is to be with the people I love. I don't need fancy. I don't need vacations. I just like being with my family. Unless they're snots, and in that case, a vacation might tempt me!!!  :) (Jenny again if they are snots as you say come visit me to see what a warmer Christmas is like can’t promise you a lot but I do know how to roast lamb)

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

I was born into a family that had become desperately poor by the time I was old enough to remember anything. It was very sad in some ways. Alcoholism and depression had taken my mother down a dark and lonely road. My father's anger and drinking completed a circle of sadness. But in that sadness were kind people, people who welcomed me into their homes, who didn't cast stones, who made me feel normal. We had food baskets delivered to us on Thanksgiving and Christmas. My father would mock the things in the baskets, as if he was too good to be eating their food. And then he would go and buy a much bigger turkey to show he was in charge. My mother would hide when people would come to the door. She'd send me or my younger brother to answer it, too embarrassed to go herself. But that kindness of strangers is what moves me to go bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. It's what spurs me to write the books I do, that show the sweet natures of neighbors and how that can affect a child of the poor. Those little kindnesses and welcomes of childhood helped me to become the person I am today. (I am so glad you found the kindness of strangers to be strength and made you what you are today.)

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve is a lovely gathering with my husband's family. It's wonderful, good food, nice people and then it's culminated by MidnightMass at our church. When I was a kid I was so excited about getting old enough to sing in the Sacred Heart choir and sing for MidnightMass!!! Now I get to do the same thing and I love it!

7.    Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

Yes!!! I'm so predictable! I love "It's a Wonderful Life".... "Saint Maybe"... "Bells of St. Mary's".... "Charlie Brown Christmas"... "Miracle on 34th Street". And I listen to Christmas music ALL YEAR!!!! Sometimes because I'm writing a Christmas story and listening to "Breath of Heaven" or "Mary, Did You Know?" puts me in the mood for crafting Christmas, but usually it's just because I love Christmas music!!!  Trans-Siberian Orchestra is my favorite.

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

We've been working harder to "keep Christmas simple" in honor of Christ's simple beginnings. We do family gift-giving projects with the Salvation Army Adopt-a-family and Heifer International. And we do local charity things to help ease that strain of expectation so many face at Christmas. It's a great way to celebrate how blessed we are to have education and jobs and health... and to help others find that same path to self-sufficiency. So my message would be "Keep Christmas Simple" with God's love and blessings!

 

Blurb for Love Finds You in the City at Christmas:

In 'Red Kettle Christmas,' (book one of Love Finds You in the City at Christmas) it's 1947, and police officer Mike Wolzak inherits the family home. . . and the custody of his troubled sister. While on patrol during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike meets a Salvation Army bell ringer struggling to support herself and her young child. Over the holiday season in Manhattan, she teaches the veteran how to support his family. In the process, he gains a new one.

Blurb for The Lawman's Holiday Wish:

Second-Chance Christmas

No one in Kirkwood Lake seems willing to forget, or forgive, Rainey McKinney's troubled past. But Rainey can't afford to let that bother her. Her top priority is rebuilding her life and being a good mom to her twin daughters. Even handsome deputy sheriff Luke Campbell can't distract her, tempting as he is. She's determined to keep her distance, but as his son and her girls form a special bond, Rainey and Luke can't help but do the same. Can Rainey put her past behind her once and for all and embrace a future full of hope—and love?

Kirkwood Lake: A town full of heart and hope.

Giveaway:

Ruthy has gladly offered one reader an ecopy of one of these books. This is an international giveaway as both are available. For a chance to enter please tell me one of your Christmas traditions or if you do not have any comment on the interview. Entries open to Dec 8. Please leave a way to contact you if I don’t already have a contact. 

CFBA Tour The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Nurse's Secret Suitor Love Inspired (October 1, 2013) by Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.

Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.

Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.

Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).

She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Strong-Willed Heart   Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?  Eagle Point Emergency:  Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse's Secret Suitor, go HERE.

I am still reading this book due to illness and will get a review up ASAP.

CFBA Tour Doctor To The Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Doctor To The Rescue Love Inspired (December 18, 2012) by Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.

Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka "Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I'd LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Combat doctor Ian Shupe returns home from overseas with his most important mission: to raise his little girl. But Ian's a single dad, and working at Eagle Point's trauma center means having to find child care. When bighearted, struggling lodge owner Bri Landis offers babysitting in exchange for construction work, Ian accepts. He vows to keep his emotional distance from Bri, yet can't deny that his daughter is blossoming under her tender care. But is he ready to believe that his heart's deepest prayer may finally be answered? If you would like to read the first chapter of Doctor To The Rescue, go HERE.

Book Review is to come just got the book Friday and reading at present.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Virginia Carmichael with giveaway.

Please welcome Virginia Carmichael to my blog today. I have gotten to know Virginia on seekerville and also more recently at facebook. I was so excited when she sold her first book to Love Inspired and I look forward to reading it at some stage. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

 I was born in Colorado but raised in Oregon. I spent some time in France, California, and South Carolina while in high school. I went to the University of Oregon and have dual degrees in theoretical linguistics and religious studies. I came back to my home town for 'just a little while' and met my husband here. We have six young kids, who are home-schooled and fairly lovely when they've had enough sleep. Which isn't often enough. :)

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I was one of those kids that thought older was better. At twelve, my favorite book was a collected works of the Bronte sisters. Then I got into poetry, mostly Browning and Pope and other long-winded people. My dad used to take me to Portland (6 hours from my home) so we could troll book shops. Good memories of some beautiful finds! My all-time favorite book when I was a kid was 'The Story of San Michele', about a doctor who moves to a little island off the coast of Italy. Lots of humor, neat facts, and interesting bits about the ruins on San Michele.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

Well, I read just about everything. Looking to my left, on my desk: The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott (about the Titanic, a historical, was okay, kept moving along), 'A Fistful of Collars' by Spencer Quinn (hilarious, the language was a bit rough - or RUFF, since it's from the dog's POV the whole way), 'Calling Invisible Women' by Jeanne Ray (incredible, can't say it enough times, you must read it), Sophie Kinsella 'I've got Yout Number' (hilarious and touching, the language was tiresome, but if you can ignore the f word, it's pretty good), 'The Butterfly Cabinet' by Bernie McGill  (historical, very depressing, lots of family secrets, including infidelity, secret babies, death, etc., flipped through it), 'Happier at Home' by Gretchen Rubin (a sequel to her 'Happiness Project', both very, very good books), 'Atlantis Complex' by Eion Colfer (read it before but it's been a few years and picked it up again, MG/YA fantasy).... And more on the floor but I won't go there. Whatever it is, it has to have some humor, somewhere.

  When I write, I tend to veer toward the YA urban fantasy or romantic contemporary genres. But I read whatever is good. Thank goodness for libraries!

 4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Definitely. Austen, Anna Sewell (wrote Black Beauty), Milne (wrote Winnie the Pooh, very funny stuff!), Frances hodgson Burnett (wrote The Secret Garden), Zenna Henderson (short stories), Madeleine L'engle... And later on I found Laura Whitcomb, Holly Black, Jonothan Stroud, Haven Kimmel, Adam Rex, to name a few. They all have a really wonderful way of expressing  the ordinary in fresh, unique ways. And there's a lot of humor.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I got an idea for a book in 2009, sort of a clean 'Bridget Jones Diary' set in academia. I still love that book but it probably won't ever find a home. (Jenny here, never say never)

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

 I sat down and started writing. And then when I thought it was good enough, I entered contests, realized it wasn't very good and started over. Then I entered more contests and got a critique. Then I read a lot of books on craft and chose some things to work on, until I thought it was better. I wish I could say I never queried during that time, but I always thought I was a great author, when actually, I probably shouldn't have been allowed to e-mail any agent on this planet until 2011. Maybe not even then.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

 A kind and gentle human being who follows Jesus. Oh wait, I think I can be both. :) If you mean a career... I loved working as a librarian. I've worked in 6 libraries- academic, law, and public over fifteen years. If I had unlimited hours in the day I would love to hang out in a library.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

 Paint. Wood crafts. I discovered buttons recently and now am trying to figure out how to make fun button art. I love everything vintage, quirky, unique, hand crafted. I really admire people who can make something out of nothing.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I've never forgotten how magical the city of Prague was the short time I stayed there. I lived in Warsaw, Poland attending the Warsaw School of Ecnomics after I graduated from UO, so it wasn't very far. It seems millions of miles away now... I wish we had a teleporter because I would love to walk my children across the Charles Bridge at dawn. Pure magic.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Flannery O'Connor: the great short story author. She was a very faithful woman and half her stories make no sense to me. I have a lot of questions.

Louisa May Alcott: --- of wait! Living people??

Let me start over. Uhhh.

Julie Hilton Steele.

Mary Curry

Christina Rich

(and you're hosting, Jenny!)

 (I think Stephen Colbert would be a good addition to that group. And I'm requesting a really cute waiter, just FYI.)

 facebook friends that I would love to be able to just enjoy a meal with and shoot the breeze.

(Jenny here, I hope this is catered for as I am not that good at cooking but I can cook a lamb roast now.  It would be a fun night.)

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will

be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

 I've already finished the sequel to 'Season of Joy'  and it's called  'Season of Hope'. Keep your fingers crossed to see if they like this one. :) (I know, I'm terrible at titles.) My November WIP is the third in the series, set a little further out from Denver, in one of the smaller towns. It's called 'Patchwork Hearts'. I wrote a YA series, an urban fantasy that won some awards (indlucing 'best of the best and the YA in the Emily) but it's just not the right time for that right now. I have a historical set right after the San Fran quake but that hasn't been ;picked up. Also two more modern, longer length romantic comedies. I'll let you know if they ever reach the publishing world. :) One of my favorite projects was a middle grade series I wrote for my 9 year old son, all about a super smart hamster and his boy. That was a hoot!

You can find me on Wednesday at Yankee Belle Cafe where I usually make a mess of whatever recipe I'm trying.

Giveaway

Virginia has kindly offered one commenter a copy of her book. To enter you need to leave a comment with either a question for Virginia or a comment on something from the post. You will have til Monday 26 November to comment. (comments saying good post please enter me or words to that effect will be discarded). Also leave a way to be contacted ie myemail at myemail dot com.

Book Review Montana Dreams by Jillian Hart

Book Description: 

Bumping into her ex-fiancé shatters Millie Wilson all over again. Now that she's back in Montana to care for her dying father, her real burden is the secret she's never divulged to Hunter McKaslin.
Millie can't blame Hunter for his anger upon learning he's a father. He's never gotten over opening his heart, only to have it broken. Yet Millie senses a new goodness in Hunter. Finding their lost dreams now seems possible—if forgiveness and trust can find a place in this fresh start.

My Review:

Thanks to Netgalley for my review book.

This book continues the McKaslin series this time Hunter is featured. Hunter has vowed he would never marry and Millie left because of this reason. She didn't tell him she was pregnant as he made it clear he never wanted to be a father. Millie finds she is back home because of her dying father and runs into Hunter. Her son steals some of the scenes and the bond between him and Hunter is interesting even before Hunter knows he's his son. We see in this book how a fathers actions towards a child can last well into adulthood and can cause issues. I enjoyed the story and how it played out. There wasn't a simple fix but instead we saw the heartache and soul searching that happened. 
Good read.

Book Review A Snowglobe Christmas by Linda Goodnight and Lissa Manley

A Snowglobe Christmas

• by 
  • Linda Goodnight
   and 
  • Lissa Manley

• Love Inspired

• Nov 2012

• Category: 
Inspirational Romance

• Paperback

• ISBN:
 9780373877775

Back of the Book
Yuletide Homecoming by Linda Goodnight
Five years ago, Rafe Westfield broke his fiancée's heart when he left to join the military. Now the battle-scarred soldier is back in Snowglobe. Amy Caldwell tries to keep her distance, but the holidays, family and a sweet stray dog keep bringing her and Rafe together…maybe this time, forever.

A Family's Christmas Wish by Lissa Manley
Abandoned by her husband when she was eight months pregnant, single mother Sara Kincaid vowed to rely only on herself. But then she makes a deal with handsome widowed father Owen Larsen to provide babysitting services in exchange for his carpentry work on her inn. Can two pint-size matchmakers help them see beyond the past in time for Christmas?

Book Review:
Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

Yuletide Homecoming is the story of Rafe who was in the military and now is back home to stay. Amy has come home to Snowglobe to take over her mothers shop. We read how Rafe broke Amy's heart when he joined the military. We also see how his time in the military has affected his life and it gives an insight into the culture. We also see how Amy has issues that go back to her father. The story is a sweet Christmas romance that I really enjoyed. I like how we see both sides and what makes each of the people click.

A Family's Christmas Wish is another sweet story. Sara and Owen are both single parents of small girls. Owen has gone to do some work for Sara and in turn she babysits for him. I have to say the two little girls steal the show many times. They are delightful and really make the story. We again see issues that affect how both feel about new relationships and how it affects there decisions. Both stories are good reads and a good Christmas book.

Getting to know you with Charlotte Carter

Please join me in welcoming Charlotte Carter to my blog. I am a little late partly due to the fact I am still so tired and having a few bad days. I love Charlotte's book and will review as soon as I am up to it. I have enjoyed getting to know Charlotte better.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A native Californian, I live in Southern California with my husband of 50 years. We have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Our oldest daughter lives quite near us so we get to see her three boys, ages 17, 12 and 7, fairly often. Our younger daughter lives in Northern California, so we see her 2-3 times a year. Her daughter attends Central Connecticut State University on a full-ride volleyball scholarship. (Yay!) Her 12-year-old son already runs 5K races and wins in his age group.

 2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I remember the original Doctor Doolittle series and a book titled White Witch Doctor. The latter was about a woman missionary in Africa. When she found a huge spider in her boot, I decided I had no interest in becoming a missionary. As a teenager I devoured books by Lloyd Douglas such as The Robe. (Jenny here I have The big Fisherman by Lloyd Douglas and read it one easter.)

 3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?
I write contemporary romance but read more broadly including suspense, legal thrillers and adventure.

 4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
Not so much as authors influencing me as my eleventh grade English teacher. I had written a short story on my own and I showed it to Mr. Murphy. He was quite encouraging and told me took turn it into a novel. It was many more years before I wrote my first novel. I so wish I could thank him for his support.

 5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Although I had told myself stories since about age 6, it never occurred to me that I could write and sell my (somewhat more sophisticated)stories. I majored in Business and avoided Literature classes. But I read romance! In about 1988 my husband gave me a stocking stuffer gift at Christmas, a book about how to write romance. Poor guy hasn't seen me since. However, he does really like taking my royalty checks to the bank.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
I started to write. That sounds so basic, but some wannabe authors forget to put themselves in a chair and their fingers on a keyboard and write. I took some classes. I found the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America; I'm convinced I never would have sold without the help of friends and colleagues in the chapter. I wrote 12 full manuscripts, half of them historical romance novels, before I sold my first book in 1991. I'm currently working on my 57th novel. And I still take classes to improve my craft. 

 7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be? 
It's hard to imagine being anything other than a writer at this point in my life. Now days there are so many more opportunities for women I might have dreamed of being a political commentator/reporter or even a football commentator. (There is something really tempting about all those hunky football players.) 

 8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do? 
Let's see, I don't do crafts; my hands perspire when I knit. I enjoy a relaxing day in the mountains sitting under a pine tree reading a book. I like fresh-water fishing. And yes, I watch those hunky football players on TV. 

 9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? 
Over the years my husband and I have been fortunate to travel to England, Ireland, Scotland, Austria, New Zealand, much of Canada and virtually all of the national parks in the United States. I'd love to visit Africa to see the wild animals, but the thought of being something like 24-hour en route is daunting. 

 10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? 
Hilary Clinton and Madelyn Albright come to mind; Hilary can bring her husband along. Condalisa Rice would make a good contribution to the conversation as well. (See note above about becoming a political reporter.) I love to be around really smart people because they have such broad knowledge of the world. 

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web. 

My October 2012 Love Inspired is Montana Love Letter, the first of a series of books that are set in Bear Lake, MT, south of Glacier National Park. Home to Montana, also set in Bear Lake, is a March 2013 release. Visit me at www.CharlotteCarter.com

Getting to know you Thursdays with Valerie Hansen

Please join me in welcoming Valerie Hansen to my blog today. Valerie has been patient with me as she was scheduled for a couple of weeks back. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a southern-fried Yankee; born in Ohio, married in CA and finally came to live on an old farm in  AR (where I've always belonged) in 1995. My husband and I both feel as if this is where we are happiest and most content.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I loved them all. Read voraciously - everything from comic books to Black Beauty and Gone With the Wind to Agatha Christie and thousands in between.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

I love mystery and suspense. When I'm relaxing I like to read the short stories in Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock magazines. As I wrote book after book for Love Inspired, the editors noticed my tendency toward mystery so when they launched the suspense line I was right there, ready and waiting!

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I never followed authors then the way I do now. If a book intrigued me I read it. Period. Sometimes under the bed covers at night with a flashlight! Yes, I was a bit naughty. 

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I was turning 40 and looking for something to do that would be fun. Something I had never really tried before. I'd already dabbled in commercial art and raising lots of animals so writing a book sounded like a nice challenge. NOBODY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO BE SO HARD. Or something that would grow into a whole new career.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
I took a college extension class that I thought was just about writing. It wasn't. It turned out to be a lot of info about marketing and selling, too. Those teachers said I had potential and I was too "green" and naive to know how much work was going to be involved.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
I will always be a writer at heart. It's more than a job, it's a calling. A compulsion, if you will. In addition to this I have lots of other interests, especially art and animals.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
Ah, here we go. Good stuff to share. I love to garden. Hike with my dogs in the woods. Fish in the farm ponds for the catfish we stocked there. And both my husband and I love to travel, although with all the books I'm contracted to write we don't get away as often as we'd like.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
We went to Norway, the country of my father's birth, a few years ago. Since we've seen most all of the USA over the years I might like to go back to Europe. Then again, there's no place like home.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
This is a hard question. My husband would have to be included so then we're down to 2. Hmmm. I'm sitting here staring at the computer screen and thinking of people I've admired over the years but many are gone now. I did meet and was impressed by Ray Bradbury and Lawrence Block, but Ray died recently. I'd like to shake Billy Graham's hand and tell him that his longevity amazes and blesses me. So does that of the Queen of England. Beyond that I really can't say. I guess my philosophy is to be content where I am and in the company of close friends and family. It's not a cop-out. I just don't feel as if I'm missing anything.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

Gladly. I'm always at www.ValerieHansen.com and post info as well as book covers and excerpts. If I wasn't trying to write up to 4 books a year I might also have a blog but I just don't dare take that much time away from my work. 

 My final book for 2012 is STANDING GUARD, part of my "Defenders" series, set in rural Arkansas and dealing with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children.

Then, in 2013, I have 2 scheduled already and will hopefully have more. EXPLOSIVE SECRETS, April 2013, is book #4 in a K-9 cop series and I wrote about the sweetest black lab while my new rescued lab, Lucy, slept under my desk at my feet. Then there should be a historical about the Cherokees in 1830, followed by book #6 in a new, as yet unnamed Love Inspired series with my contribution coming in Dec. 2013.  All I have to do is write it!!!