Mosey on Down to Heart's Crossing Ranch With Tanya Hanson!

Please welcome back to the blog a treasured friend and multi-dimensional writer, Tanya Hanson. Tanya writes in a number of genres, but always with a flair, and passion, for all things western (and all things cowboy!) She's got something for everyone - what's not to love?

Let's find out about Tanya, her writing, and her latest release, book six in the Heart's Crossing Ranch series - Angel Child!

First off, Tanya, what inspired you to write this book? What drove its creation?

It’s the sixth in a series. When I was asked for synopses for stories about the eight siblings of a Colorado ranch, I knew one of them would feature a little boy who is challenged by Angelman Syndrome, as is my godson.

I think that's what so appealing about your writing, you've witnessed and/or lived through a number of the circumstances you depict in your stories. They're so real and engaging! What’s a typical writing day like for you?

After a career teaching high school English, where I knew every second of every day where I’d be, I now enjoy being a free spirit LOL. Hubby is retired, and he still likes to hang out with me, even doing mundane things like grocery shopping or gardening. I nearly lost him to testicular cancer, so time with him is extra-precious. When the weather’s nice, I take my laptop outside and write on the patio, usually in the afternoon. I am soooo not a morning person.

When did you realize you were called to be a writer?

I think I’ve been writing stories in my head ever since I learned words. But the key moment was reading Little Women when I was eight years old. I knew then I’d someday be a writer. However, I waited far too long to try--until the kids went off to college. Sheesh.

What are you currently reading?

After seeing David McCullough interviewed on Sixty Minutes recently, I realized I need to finish John Adams! After that, it’ll be time for Finding Home. I so love London, Christmas, and you! It’s like the trifecta!

Oh, you sweet thing - what a wonderful compliment coming from someone I respect and admire so much! Here's a toughie: What’s item number one on your bucket list?

Watching an eagle fly. I’ve seen two wounded eagles close up at a rescue zoo, and nesting in ricks along the highway in Wyoming during our city slicker wagon train trip, but I want to see one soaring through the clouds.

That sounds awesome!! What’s your favorite comfort food?

Banana bread. My gramma made it best. She is my personal hero, a truly good woman.

What's coming up next for you?

Western historical romance. I am finishing two series I have going at The Wild Rose Press. I love the Old West setting and have Kansas hometeaders in my blood. MyAncestry.com is going to keep me busy--my resolution for 2013. Then I will probably try self-publishing with a full-length western historical inspirational I’m finishing up.

You're a busy lady - and we'll have lots to look forward to! Yay! Where and how can folks connect with you?

www.tanyahanson.com

www.petticoatsandpistols.com
www.goodchristiancowgirl.com
And my Facebook Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/ak5xqb5

A web-friend is helping me design www.goodchristiancowgirls.com [withgirls plural] so maybe I’ll garner a group of western gals to follow me someday!

I'll be the first in line, Tanya! Now, let's take a closer look at Angel Child - those Martin brothers - they sure are spectacular!

 

ANGEL CHILD BLURB:

Determined to get her life back on track, Mary Grace Gibson takes on a substitute-teaching job, grateful for the room and board offered at Hearts Crossing Ranch. The bustling family life helps her heal after abandonment by her ex. But her little boy’s serious disabilities make her cautious about revealing her secrets to anybody. Even Scott Martin, the handsome cowboy who’s fast stealing her heart.

Her former student now grown up, cowboy and graphic artist Scott Martin is instantly drawn to the beautiful single mom. She’s had some hard luck but never let go of her faith. Their age gap doesn’t fret him, and their kisses ignite his love. But as they fall for each other, Mary Grace’s lack of trust in him shatters his feelings, for he’s been down that broken trail before.

 

PURCHASE LINK:

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/angel-child

Tanya, congratulations on the release and God’s blessings on all that’s to come!! So glad you stopped by today!

Meet Sharon Srock & The Women of Valley View

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

How much of yourself do you write into your characters?

I don’t, intentionally, write any of me into my characters. That doesn’t mean you won’t find a little piece of me in all of the women. Callie teaches Sunday school and loves her guacamole, Terri is looking for God’s will in her life and arguing the whole way, Pam is learning lessons in forgiveness. Yep, there I am.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Believe it or not, I went to bed one night, a normal person, and woke up the next morning determined to write a book. I know, now, where that came from. It was more than a little weird at the time.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love a good courtroom drama. Fantasy when it’s well done. By well done, I mean it has to completely draw me into a different world. Mysteries, and Romantic suspense are devoured at my house like chocolate covered cherries.

What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

To find a good critique partner and learn to work with them. I have the best one in the world. I'm thankful beyond words that God matched us up when He did.

How do you keep your sanity in this crazy fast paced world of ours?

I guess I’m a product of our environment. I like being busy. Even on a vacation I have to consciously tell myself to slow down and enjoy the moment. Sanity…I’m a writer, that option took a hike a few years back.

What is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?

I’m going to assume you don’t mean raising terrific daughters.  Really? This book. Not just for the validation or a sense of “I can really do this”. But because I feel like it represent me, finally finding God’s place for me.

What is your favorite food?

I have two rules when I cook. If it’s sweet add chocolate. If it isn’t sweet add cheese.

What’s item number one on your bucket list?

I want to go to Australia. God willing, in a couple of years, I'll be in a position to do that. 2013 in a cruise with my youngest grandaughter. The last of the grandchild vacations. 2014 is the Alaskan cruise I'm dying to take. Both great things to look forward to, but Australia...That's the grand prize on my to do list.

Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

EXCERPT:

Callie Stillman dabbed raindrops from her face with a linen napkin as Benton dodged a server with a loaded tray and took his place across from her. She smiled into her husband’s blue eyes and reached across to wipe water from his beard. “We’ll both have pneumonia if we don’t dry off soon.”

Benton took the napkin and finished the job. “I’ve been told the food is very good. A few sniffles should be worth it.”

Callie’s gaze roamed the room. “It’s…” Recognition slammed into her chest, forcing the air from her lungs. The man crossing the room behind her husband nodded and continued to his table. Was that the bailiff? Do you swear to tell the truth… She gulped for breath and fought the familiar darkness that crowded the edges of her vision.

Callie ran a finger around her collar, tugging the neck of the blouse away from skin suddenly dewed with a fine film of sweat. Too hot. She took a sip of water, dismayed at the tremor in her hand as she lifted the glass to her lips. Not here, not tonight. Callie closed her eyes and practiced the breathing techniques she’d learned over the last six months. In through her nose, hold for a few seconds, and out through her mouth. Concentrate only on the current step in the process, the next breath. The tightness in her chest began to fade away. Thank you, Jesus. She raised her water again and held the cold glass to her flushed cheek.

Leave your e-mail to be entered in a sensational gift basket giveaway. One comment equals one entry! The winner will be drawn November 19th! Good luck!! Also, if you'd like a PDF featuring excerpts from Callie and her second release in the Women of Valley View series, Terri, please click RIGHT HERE - it's sure to be an enticing treat.


PURCHASE LINKS:

PELICAN BOOK GROUP   l   AMAZON   l   BARNES & NOBLE

FIND SHARON:

Visit her BLOG at: http://www.womenofvalleyview.blogspot.com/
Connect with her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock#!/SharonSrock
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SharonSrock

Congratulations, Sharon, and God's blessings on the release of Callie! Thanks for joining me today!

Tuesday's Child on Tuesday with the Fabulous Clare Revell!

It's always a great day of the week when Clare Revell stops by A Minute with Marianne! Why, you may ask? Because this talented author has crafted a book for each day of the week, based on the retelling of an old nursery rhyme. Tuesday's Child is now on book shelves, so let's find out more!

Clare lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she's working part time in the breakfast club at one of the local schools.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, it's time to face the firing squad--better known as Marianne the Interviewer...

What inspired you to write this book? What drove its creation?

Tuesday’s Child was inspired by a prompt posted on the WRP blog – a child, a hat and a lightning storm. I’d also been watching a lot of Sue Thomas FBEye and wondered what writing a deaf heroine would be like. I did threaten to wear ear plugs in church, and despite getting Pastor James’s permission I didn’t do it.

What’s a typical writing day like for you?

I wake at midnight usually, get a couple hours in while there are no kids watching the TV. Though that doesn’t always work. Then up again at 6.30am for the day job (term time only). Home again by 9.30am and then write or edit until 3.30pm when the kids get in from school.  The word doc usually stays open til I finally crash about  9pm. I do housework, laundry, cooking etc in between, making sure I get up every half hour or so during the day. 

When did you realize you were called to be a writer?

I’ve always written. Going from rewrites of fairy stories to fan fic to original characters in fan fic to what I do now. If I don’t write the voices in my head are almost overwhelming.

What are you currently reading?

Right now I’m reading Devotion by Marianne Evans. Then it’ll be The Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners.

Aww, Clare, thank you for reading Devotion!!!  ::blush::

 

What’s item number one on your bucket list?

I’d like to see Niagara Falls. I love waterfalls and went to an amazing one in Scotland in August. I’ve also seen a lovely one in Wales.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate ;-)

Me too, me too!!  What's coming up next for you?

Finishing writing Sunday’s Child – the last in the seven book series. Then it’s on to the two WIP’s I have part written in notebooks.  Both set in my fictional town of Headley Cross. One deals with the radio station and the other with a children’s home.

Where and how can folks connect with you?

I’m in several places on line.

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

Guilty of love in the first degree, a deaf witness who 'sees' the murders and a cop torn between doing his duty and going out in faith.

Tuesday's Child tenders direction...

Deaf from the age of five, Adeline Munroe operates a hospital for injured dolls, but lately her quiet life is disturbed by violent, haunting visions. Perhaps it's just her unspoken fear--a serial killer has struck in Headley Cross. But Adeline soon realizes she's seeing each murder just before they happen and reluctantly contacts the police.

Detective Sergeant Nate Holmes has enough to deal with between caring for his orphaned niece and his current assignment--the Herbalist killings, so when a woman comes forward who claims to be "seeing" the crimes in dreams, he isn't hopeful she'll be of any help. But he knows her from church, and she inexplicably describes how each crime is committed. Is God answering his prayers through Adeline?

Adeline assists the police, yet more women die and she becomes the prime target of the killer. Will Nate crack the case before the Herbalist can complete his agenda--or will the next murder Adeline foresees be her own?

Excerpt:

All of Nate’s senses kicked into action, his copper’s antennae twitching.

She knew something, or at least thought she did.

“What is it?”

Adeline sucked her lower lip into her mouth, worrying it with her teeth. “This is going to sound stupid, but…” She took a deep breath. “I saw them. All of them. They all had their hair tied back or up.” She picked up the top clipping. “She was playing on a swing and wearing a red jacket. This one was walking the dog and wearing blue.”

Nate jolted as if he’d been struck by lightning. Those details hadn’t been released. Was he wrong about her? Was she somehow involved with the murders? “Wait  a minute. How did you know any of this?”

Adeline carried on speaking as she shifted through the papers. “She was on her way to dance class in pink. This one was jogging in a gray toweling track suit and the first one…”

Nate put a hand on her arm, cutting her off.

She jerked her head upwards in surprise.

He held her gaze. “How do you know all this?”

"I told you, I saw them.”


TRAILER:

PURCHASE LINKS:

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/tuesday-s-child

http://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Child-ebook/dp/B009MA40PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350946390&sr=8-1&keywords=Tuesdays+Child+clare+revell

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tuesdays-Child-ebook/dp/B009MA40PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350946653&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tuesdays-child-clare-revell/1113145354?ean=9781611162080

Enjoy, friends, and Clare, blessings to you, and much continued success!!

The Next Big Thing - Finding Home!

I was blog tagged by Lynn Willis who was invited to participate in The Next Big Thing! So here we go...the answers pertain to my soon-to-be-released Christmas romance, FINDING HOME (Pelican Book Group, December 2012)

 

 Where did the idea come from for the book? That’s easy! My longing to return to London! I’ve been twice, and both excursions were fabulous. I wanted to write about a Dickens-style Christmas brimming with tradition, love and beautiful surprises!

What genre does your book fall under? Inspirational romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Hmmmm…wouldn’t that be incredible?? I can easily see Charlize Theron as the sparky, yet vulnerable Alexa and John Cusack as the debonair yet spicy Peter Royce Colby…

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Sometimes, leaving home is the only way to find where you belong.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Finding Home releases in December from the absolutely fabulous White Rose imprint of Pelican Book Group.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Finding Home literally flew from my fingertips – I was so inspired and motivated to write a Christmas romance set in London! Additionally, it’s amazing with a deadline will accomplish…LOL!!!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? If you love Christian inspirational romance, I think you’ll adore Finding Home.

Who or What inspired you to write this book? I loved the idea of taking a bruised heart (Alexa) and mixing her life with that of a friend from her college days when she studied abroad in England. I adore London and look forward to returning to that magical city at some point soon – writing Finding Home satisfied my yen to hop the pond!

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? At its heart, Finding Home is a fun, frolicking, heart-felt romance. If you’re in the mood to take a brief break from the holiday settle back by the fireplace with a romance that will stir your senses and take you on a mini-vacation to England, I think this story is just the ticket (pardon the pun!!) Hope you enjoy!

Thanks so much for dropping by! Now, I’m going to pass the baton to these five great authors. I hope you'll check out their blogs, too.

Dora Hiers: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/

Dana Pratola: http://danapalooza.blogspot.com/

Katie Lee: http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/

Pamela Thibodeaux: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

Donna B Snow: http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/

Tag, you’re “it,” ladies, and enjoy the pleasure of being “THE NEXT BIG THING!”

Meet Katy Lee & Real Virtue!

At the recent RT Book Lovers convention in Chicago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting, face-to-face, a person I've gotten to know and adore during the course of our on-line interactions. She's a fabulous author who's as sweet as she is gifted. I'm pleased to introduce you all to Katy Lee, and let you know all about her new release, REAL VIRTUE!

To get things started, let's meet Katy Lee!

I wear a lot of hats. And I mean that in a figuratively sort of way. When I sat down to write this, I actually stumped myself on who is the real Katy Lee? Did I want to share about my role as wife to my helpful and handsome husband and mother to my three young children? Did I want to talk about how we fostered and adopted one of them and the whole process of that part of my life? Or maybe that I home educate them and love that I learn something new every day along beside them. Then I thought perhaps I should keep this more professional and talk about my joys of working in the church as a Children’s Ministry Director, where I get to share and simplify God’s message with His precious little children on a weekly basis, and also, where I am an inspirational guest speaker, hoping I encourage lots of people to find their God-given voices.

I have always been a closet writer. Secretly writing down the thoughts and stories stuck in my head, whether I jotted them down in spiral-bound notebooks or clacked away on my ancient typewriter, and then later on my laptop. I had an all-encompassing need to get them down on the page. Or I should say pages. Pages upon pages upon pages. But all those pages never left the closet.

Until last year when Melody Mesini started screaming at me that she better not get left in the closet like all those other characters who were still in there. Yes, Melody Mesini is my heroine from REAL VIRTUE. Her story needed to be told to more than just me. Hiding her in the closet would help no one. So I opened the door to let her out.

So, with my new hat on, I can say, I am Katy Lee, and I am a writer. But I think I just heard my kids calling. Someone is stumped on finding the area of a parallelogram. So for right now, it’s off with my writer’s hat and on with another.

Sounds like a wonderful life, regardless of how many hats you're wearing, Katy!

Let's give folks the inside scoop about your release, REAL VIRTUE!

~~~~

In a virtual reality game where she can fly, someone’s aiming to take her down.

Mel Mesini is a New York City restauranteur and an avid virtual reality world traveler. She's risen above her misfit life and now bears a striking resemblance to her glamorous, gaming avatar. But her successful life--both online and in reality--takes a swerve the night her father is seriously injured in a hit-and-run. Mel is careened back to her judgmental hometown, where being the daughter of the town's crazy lady had made her the outcast she was. To make matters even worse, Officer Jeremy Stiles, the man whose harsh, rejecting words had cut her deepest, is heading the investigation.

Jeremy knows he hurt Mel and attempts to make amends by finding her father's assailant. When he realizes she's the actual target, his plan for reconciliation turns to one of protection--whether she wants his help or not. What he wants is answers, especially about this online game she plays. Is it a harmless pasttime as she says? Or is she using it to cover something up? As a faceless predator destroys the things that matter to her, Jeremy knows he's running out of time before she loses the one thing that matters most--her real life.

~~~~

     “Well, hello to you, too, Jeremy.” The only thing missing from Mel’s Academy Award performance was the red carpet. When she had first laid eyes on him coming toward her, she felt as if she’d been sucker-punched.
     Jeremy Stiles in the flesh. Her old friend—the only friend she had in this town. The very same man she’d trusted with everything, and the very same one who’d torn her heart from her chest and sent her running. Mel straightened, remembering she wasn’t that runaway anymore. She was a different person now. A better person.
     Turning tail was not what Nails, her avatar, would do, and neither would she. She dug deep, pooled all her resources, everything she had in her, and laid it on as thick as possible. “Long time no see.” She hoped her lopsided smile didn’t ruin the effect.
     “I’m sorry. That came out all wrong. You just look so different. I didn’t recognize you. I guess you just caught me by surprise.”
     “Big surprise, I’d say.” His red-tinged complexion creeping up out of his navy blue collar spoke volumes. She tilted her head and leaned in. “What was that about you arresting me?” She waited for him to gush all over the new Mel Mesini so she could rub it back in his face. But instead, he squinted and kind of huffed. It could have been a laugh, but it wouldn’t be one she would consider jovial. More like confusion.
     Harder. She had to try harder.
     Jeremy raised his head toward the front door, causing the light to glint off his silky, sable-colored hair. Her fingers flexed of their own accord and she quickly clasped her hands together. “I’m sorry about that, too,” he said. “I thought you were one of the reporters.”
     She followed the direction of his gaze over her shoulder, and when she swung back, she tossed her hair and picked up a strand of it to twirl. “I was actually a bit surprised to see them out there. What could they possibly want with this little Podunk town?”
     His face fell.
     Pain was not the response she’d been expecting, at least not yet. But she would take it. Score one for me. This was going to be fun.
     He reached for her forearm, and she flinched. Having him touch her, however, was not the fun she’d had in mind. His hand dropped to his side. His ice-blue eyes, which still annoyingly haunted her dreams, darkened before her. The sorrow she witnessed in their depths struck her core, and she stepped back.
     Why was he so sad? Had her remark really hurt his feelings? It wasn’t that mean. She’d only meant to show off her new look. After all, this was her “how-do-you-like-me-now moment” where Jeremy would see what she’d become, the one whom he had turned away. He’d been the one to reject her. So then, why was her chest tightening with guilt?
     The joke was finally on someone else. Someone besides her. Now it was her turn to laugh. And if he wasn’t looking at her with those puppy-dog eyes and shoulders all slumped over, as though she had kicked him while he was down, she would have been able to carry this moment out as she’d always dreamed. So much for her day of reckoning. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to apologize, but the words began to form on her lips. “I’m sor—”
     “They’re here for information about your dad’s accident,” he rushed out in the same moment.
     Mel retracted. “My dad?” Her hand splayed on her chest with the painful reminder of why she was here in the first place. The real reason. And it had nothing to do with settling scores. An image of her father lying alone in a glass room of the ICU flashed in her mind. “Why do they care? Accidents aren’t usually big news.”
     “No, you’re right, accidents don’t usually bring out the reporters, but hit-and-runs do.”
     Her mouth dropped, and she snapped it closed. Hit-and-run? “You don’t know who hit my father?”
     His eyes softened with more regret. “No. I’m sorry. At this point, we don’t.”
     Her exhaustion had to be catching up with her because nothing he said made sense. She was running on empty, her double shots of espresso having worn off hours ago. With the help of Chris, she’d been able to change clothes, pack a few bags, and get on the road before sunrise. But that also meant she’d been up for twenty-four hours straight.
     “I don’t understand. Someone just left him there to ...?” Her hand curled into a fist. “How could they do something like that?”
     “I promise you, we’re doing everything we can to find—”
     She swayed on her feet. In the next instant, Jeremy had a hold of her elbow. “Are you okay?”
     She zeroed in on his hand where it now held her steady, touching her. Touching her! So why wasn’t she pulling away? Pulling away? She couldn’t even look away.
     His hand seemed rougher than she remembered. His nails chopped and worn. They were no longer boy hands. They were larger, stronger, supportive. But yet, they’d always been supportive, hadn’t they? 
     She needed to pull away. The longer his hand rested on her arm, the more she remembered.
     And the more she didn’t mind.~~~~

Great blurb and excerpt! Katy, thanks so much for dropping by the blog!

Folks, grab your copy of REAL VIRTUE today!! Here's the purchase link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Real-Virtue-ebook/dp/B007SHM5AQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345393733&sr=8-1&keywords=Real+Virtue+Katy+Lee

Welcome, Dana Pratola & Her New Release--DESCENDED

Dana Pratola makes a return visit to "A Minute with Marianne" giving us the inside scoop about her latest release, DESCENDED! Check it out!

He has no wings or halo, but he’s an honest-to-goodness hero. And his lineage is quite impressive.

When a reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met. 

Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

Intrigued? Here's a blurb that's certain to pique your interest even further!

Haven was still thinking of Jett two hours later as she applied her makeup in an upstairs bathroom. Unlike the one in her room, this one had a large mirror that swung out from the wall.

"Why do you wear that stuff on your face?"

Haven's hand jerked, dragging a stripe of eyeliner across her temple. She ground her teeth.

“I apologize.”

“I could have poked my eye out! And you aren’t supposed to look in the bathroom when I’m in here.” She wiped away the smudge with a corner of tissue.

“These are not your quarters, and the door is open,” Jett answered. “So, why do you paint yourself up like that?”

“It’s a mask.” She threw the answer out flippantly, but knew it was the truth.

“What are you hiding?”

She shrugged. “I guess the real me, same as you.”

“You don’t hide the real you.” Annoyance tinged his voice. “You’re the most open person I’ve ever met.”

Haven set down the pencil and shifted her feet. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He didn’t answer and she sighed. “I guess I wear it out of habit. Growing up, girls are told they need to be thinner, prettier, sexier. It sticks with you. The world isn’t a very encouraging place. I just want the outside to be more appealing.”

“You couldn’t be more appealing.”

She hesitated, blinking while her skin heated. “Thank you.”

Jett cleared his throat, evidently as surprised by the compliment as she. “So where are you going, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“A movie, then dinner. You know, traditional.”

“This is a date, then?” Bewilderment and a definite touch of hostility colored his voice now.

The guilt was back, the same niggling self-reproach she encountered every time she thought of Chris and Jett in the same timeframe. “Yes.”

“And is this the young man you were with the night Paris went missing? The charming Christopher Andrew Pembroke?”

Haven turned to see him, which of course she couldn’t. “Don’t you respect anyone’s privacy?”

“I’m concerned.”

“You’re nosy. You could only have found that out by poking your nose in where it doesn’t belong. He isn’t an employee. And how did you know his full name? I didn’t even know it.”

“There is much you don’t know. Shall I enlighten you?”

“Don’t you dare!” She jabbed a finger in the air. “And I mean it!” She took a deep breath, gripping the front of the vanity with both hands. “Is there going to be a problem if he wants to come in when he brings me home?”

“Problem?”

“Yes. You said I could have people here. Are you are going to behave yourself and keep out of my business?”

“What you do with your date is your affair. I won’t intrude.”

She smacked a hand on the counter. No matter what he said, she could tell his teeth were clenched. “You aren’t my guardian or my husband. You have no right to try to make me feel guilty for seeing a nice guy. I’m not going to sleep with him—and if I were,” she added quickly, “it would be none of your business. You and I are friends.”

“Is that what we are, Haven? Friends?” His words rang with a peculiar strain.

She swallowed. “Sure.”

“Very well. But if you think you can feel free to express to me your desire for another man, I hate to disappoint you. Our friendship will never extend that far.”

Emotions were escalating, his and hers, and she seemed unable to help it. “Great, just great.” She should shut up, but she shouted instead, arms flailing. “A friendship with conditions. Great. Tell you what? Why don’t you take your friendship and—”

“Ah, ah, ah. Don’t say something you’ll regret.” His voice held a clear warning.

Haven stopped and dropped her hands in surrender. “You’re right. So with that in mind…” She swung the bathroom door closed with a satisfying bang.

DESCENDED PURCHASE LINK


Want to know more about Dana Pratola? After that excerpt, I don't blame you--so, here you go!

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He is merciful and gracious and loves me beyond all human reason. He’s blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic kids, and we all live in a shoe in New Jersey. (Just seeing who’s paying attention, lol)

God gave me a passion to write Christian Romance. Not the kind with a woman buttoned to the neck and a man daring no more than to hold her hand, but the contemporary kind. These books don’t contain explicit sex scenes, but my characters have real desires, struggles and choices to make.  A lot of the time they make the wrong ones.  No subject is prohibited but good always triumphs.

Thanks for visiting, Dana, and God bless!! I can't wait to dive in to DESCENDED!!

Welcome, Kathryn J. Bain & Catch Your Breath!

I'd like you all to meet Kathryn J. Bain - an author of incredible Christian suspense with Harbourlight Books! Be sure to drop a comment - Kathryn has graciously donated an e-copy of her new release, Catch Your Breath to be awarded to one lucky commenter!!

Kathryn J. Bain has been writing for over ten years now. She has two daughters, one a professional photographer, the other a student the University of West Florida. She is the President of Florida Sisters in Crime and the Public Relations Director for Ancient City Romance Authors.

She enjoys critiquing for the new members of American Christian Fiction Writers. To survive and pay bills, she has been a paralegal for approximately twenty years and works for an attorney who specializes in guardianships, probate, and estate planning. She moved from Idaho to Jacksonville, Florida in 1983 and has lived in the sunshine since.

Now that you know the basics, let's get to know her even better - and discover the inside scoop about her writing career!

What inspired you to write Catch Your Breath? What drove its creation?

Catch Your Breath is actually the sequel to my first book Breathless. That particular book was inspired by the Toby Keith song "God Love Her". I liked the idea of the Bible on the motorcycle so much, it became a whole book.

What’s a typical writing day like for you?

I get up at 5:30, exercise, shower, and then write from about 6:30 – 7:15 a.m. I work as a paralegal during the day but when I get home, I do things regarding my writing, i.e. marketing, revisions, etc., until 7:00. I then take the rest of the night off and read or watch TV. My writing time ends when Judge Judy comes on.

When did you realize you were called to be a writer?

About ten years ago as I was watching something on television, I thought that I could do better shows. I kept getting ideas so I started writing them down. When I first wrote, it was a screenplay, but I discovered you really had to live in Los Angeles to make it. I like Florida and didn’t want to move. Then I decided to do children’s books because it shouldn’t be too hard to write thirty pages. I got a big lesson there. Finally someone said to write what you read. I love suspense and mystery. And here we are today.
What are you currently reading?

I’m reading Killjoy, a suspense book by Julie Garwood.

What’s item number one on your bucket list?

I want to go to the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) championships in Las Vegas. Love those cowboys.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate, ice cream, cookies. And if you mix it all together, it’s really comforting.


What’s coming up next for you?

I have a book titled Beautiful Imperfection that should be coming out next year. In that book, my heroine is dealing with the aftermath of breast cancer and a killer.


Where and how can folks connect with you?

My website is http://www.kathrynjbain.com, or you can e-mail me at bainwriter@comcast.net. I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathryn-J-Bain/248456325239552?ref=hl.
Stop by and friend me. I always have a giveaway when a new book comes out.

So, now that you've met this charming and talented lady, are you ready? Here's a glimpse of her new release, Catch Your Breath!

Calley Regan only wants to get through her cousin’s bridal shower without anyone discovering her secret—she’s pregnant. Her sanctimonious family would never understand. Then the one person she confides in happens to tell the incredibly handsome, but seriously uptight, sheriff, Riley Owens—who’s just given her a speeding ticket! How can she trust the brooding, inflexible lawman when he’s everything she’s not?

Riley Owens is instantly attracted to Calley Regan, but it won’t come to anything. For years, he’s lived mired in guilt, and carefree Calley is his polar opposite. But, when someone attacks Calley, Riley is determined to protect her no matter what it takes, and when her family deserts her, he takes Calley into his home. Years ago, he couldn’t save the woman he loved. He’s not about to let that happen again.

Here's the link to purchase - ENJOY! http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/catch-your-breath

Kathryn, thank you so much for being my guest, and good luck to those visiting today - you'll be entered in a drawing to win an electronic copy!

Blessings!