COTT & Amish Romance

*guest post by Delia Latham
It's been an edge-of-the-seat, flashing-swords kind of Clash between Vannetta Chapman and Beth Wiseman. These gals elicited some genuine response! It is beyond clear that both authors are well loved, and that their writing touches hearts.
This was an Amish clash, and if you missed it, you'll definitely want to check out the excerpts, as both were excellent examples of GOOD Amish fiction.
Beth Wiseman's The Wonder of Your Love elicits a whole tangle of emotions, with a dreaded meeting between an Amish woman and her deceased husband's Englitscher mistress.

If you missed our interview with Beth, be sure to stop by and check it out.
Vannetta Chapman's Falling to Pieces, on the other hand, paints a poignant picture of loss and confusion after the death of a loved one, all wrapped up in a stack of gorgeous Amish quilts.

And here's our interview with Vannetta.
I'd love to post every reader response, because I didn't see a single negative one in the overwhelming number we received…but in the interest of space, I had to choose just a few:
Please don't stop writing...because your gift transports me to another place, away from all the stresses of life and encourages me!

I love Amish Fiction. Both of these excerpts make me want to dive into these ladies' lives.

Hearing an Amish story takes me back to my childhood in the mountains of Kentucky. We read by lamp, the Bible mostly. Everything we ate we grew in the garden and canned on a wood stove for winter. The outhouse was about fifty yards from the backdoor. Thanks to both of you for taking me back. God Bless.
I love the Amish Clash as I love to read Amish stories. Having been in the homes of Amish people and corresponding so many years, my home has a room with all Amish figurines and dolls. Keep writing Amish fiction.
Keep writing! We all need encouragement to live more simply like the Amish!
I was drawn into the stories immediately, and now those characters are going to be following me around all day!

We are so grateful for this feedback from our readers! It's your involvement that gives Clash of the Titles its purpose.

So, which sword-wielding author came out on top?

As much as I'd love to name both of them (since they're so obviously both WINNERS!), we can only have one victor per clash. That victor, this time around, was:

BETH WISEMAN

The Wonder of Your Love

CONGRATULATIONS, BETH!

A brand new clash is now underway, and it's the kind that will curl your toes. Head over to Clash of the Titles and vote for the best Almost Kiss!

Welcome to the Blog, LoRee Peery!

I love welcoming fantastic authors, and treasured friends, to my blog. Such is the case today with LoRee Peery. LoRee's brand new release, Sage & Sweetgrass, is book three of her Frivoloties Series, and I was blessed by a pre-read, so that I can tell you all about it!! But first, meet lovely LoRee!!



ABOUT LOREE:



LoRee Peery writes Christian romance, where characters learn through spiritual struggles how to come to terms with the Lord’s will. She is a country girl who attempts to see God’s presence every day. That glimpse often comes as a gift from nature. LoRee is most relaxed in the outdoors.

ABOUT SAGE & SWEETGRASS:

Diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating illness, Lanae Petersen vows to pursue life to its fullest. When she discovers mysterious love letters hidden within an antique desk, she begins a quest to discover who the young lovers were.

Little does she realize that in trying to bring closure to their lives, hers will be turned upside-down.

After the death of his wife, cowboy Sage Diamond wants to be left alone on his acreage in peace and anonymity. When Lanae approaches him with letters to a family member, she not only threatens to expose his family secrets, but also stirs something inside him that he neither expects, nor welcomes.

Sage fights his attraction, determined not to fall for a woman whose health is so fragile. Can Sage trust God's guiding hand, or will his fear of losing another love crush his chance for a future with Lanae?

EXCERPT:

The sky was clear and enormous where it met the horizon. The whinny of horses carried up from a pasture on the other side of the barn. The acreage represented everything she loved about being outside the city limits. Expanse, horses, a sprinkling of trees in the distance…God’s country.

When she caught sight of the cowboy, the vision was complete.

She sighed. Home. How crazy. She felt like she’d come home.

The cowboy rounded the corner of the wood-sided barn that she guessed to be sixty feet long. He loped in the loose way of a man comfortable on the back of a horse.

And she enjoyed every step as he approached.

He even tipped the brim of his hat. “Mornin’. You Lanae?”

Wow was the only thing she could think to say. But she kept it to herself.

Her mouth went dry.

His nose was bent, just off to the right of center. He had a full bottom lip, thinner upper, all accented by what she supposed was a year-round tan. Myriad facial lines gave testimony to a life lived outdoors.

She cleared her throat, mustered up some moisture for her vocal chords in order to answer, “That I am.”

“Sage Diamond.”

When he drew close enough, Lanae was dumbfounded at the impact of his eyes. They were an unbelievable piercing blue with a hint of lavender.

“Did you have any trouble finding the place?” Sage spoke in an unhurried manner.

Lanae wondered if he felt rushed about anything. She started to open the door.

“You always leave your car running?” A hint of amusement tugged at his mouth.

Oops. She turned the key. Great first impression.

He held the door.

Still caught in the lavender blue of his eyes, shadowed now from his hat, Lanae swallowed what felt like the chaff of an August hayfield.

No more singles ads for me.


PURCHASE SAGE & SWEETGRASS RIGHT HERE!


MARIANNE'S REVIEW:

What I love about reading a series is following the lives and loves of those we've met previously.

Like most series entries, Sage & Sweetgrass stands on its own as a wonderful and fulfilling book, but it will, I believe, leave you yearning to catch up with Moselle and Eric, and Rainn and Geneve from Mosell's Insurance and Rainn on My Parade. Sage & Sweetgrass is the third installment of Peery's Frivolities series, which revolves around the lives and loves of the woman who run this unique antique, gifts and coffee shop.

Lanae Peterson is on the rebound after an illness, and looking for love in the classifieds. Instead, she comes upon an advertisement for an oak dressing table for sale. Intrigued, thinking it would make a wonderful addition to the store, she makes an appointment to see the item.

That's when her life, and heart, crosses with that of Sage Diamond.

Sage is a widow, just like Lanae, having lost his wife to a battle with illness that leaves him wary of falling in love with a woman who isn't functioning at 100% - and, since Lanae has recovered from Hepatitis C, he plays his attraction to her very cool, yet in terms that are undeniable as the reader falls into the story and cheers them on.

The tender voice, and loving romance of Sage & Sweetgrass won me over completely. LoRee is a deft writer, skilled at immersing her readers into the depths of both setting and plot. I highly recommend this heart-touching story!!

Meet COTT Founder, April Gardner

*guest post by Michelle Massaro

(Ms. Davy) was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer.

~ Sr. Editor April Gardner, on who inspired her writing.

***

Today we get to spend some time with COTT founder April Gardner. April is an amazing author, good friend, and an inspiration to me. She’s a sometime home school mom, a military wife, a talented writer, and a frugal do-it-yourselfer. So I was excited to get to pick her brain! Below are the questions that I always wanted to ask. I’m sure you will find them just as fascinating as I do.

Michelle: April, what was it like growing up with missionary parents?

April: We never lacked for excitement, that's for sure! Some MKs struggle with change, but I never minded it. I was shy and content merely to be with my family; wherever they were, I was happy, no matter the town or country! Growing up in Spain and learning Spanish was one of God's beautiful gifts to me.

Michelle: That's so cool! Some might be surprised to hear that you are dyslexic. What advice or encouragement would you give to others out there struggling with dyslexia?

April: I'd imagine that most reading this are adults, and by the time dyslexics reach adulthood, they've managed to cope quite well. Having a child with dyslexia, however, was something that took me completely by surprise, surprisingly. LOL From what I hear, it goes through the mother, so odds were pretty good one of my kids would struggle with it. When it comes to dealing with a dyslexic child I've learned three things. 1. Patience is the name of the game! 2. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. 3. There is no shame in being dyslexic or having another learning difficulty.

Michelle: You have now experienced both the public school world and the home school world. What are your observations comparing both?

April: My most important observation is that God's plan for our children's education is 1. God's plan for us in unique! I cannot compare how others chose to educate their children with our own choices. 2. God's plan for us is not set in stone, never to change. What might be His will one year, might not be the next. We must be flexible and keep our ears tuned to Him. He'll speak most loudly through our kids via their progress, contentment, discipline, and attitude.

Michelle: Great insights! Ok, so what began your fascination with history?

April: Laura Ingells Wilder and her Little House books! They were the first "big" books that held my attention well enough to make reading worth all the effort. I haven't looked back since!

Michelle: I love those books too! You are a military spouse--where have you lived, and which was your favorite place?

April: The military first moved us to Germany. We were 19 years old and newly married. Our tour lasted 7 years. Straight from there, we went to England for four years, and we've currently been in Georgia 2.5 years. Germany holds a very dear place in our hearts for many reasons, but I have felt most content and fulfilled right here in Georgia. God bless the USA!! Boy, it's good to be home. :-)

Michelle: Wow, that sounds so adventurous! And now you're a published author--another adventure! Who first inspired you to pursue publication and writing? Who inspires you today?

April: Several people along the path of my life worked together to inspire me to pick up the pen, but the first was my high school creative writing teacher, Ms. Davy. She was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer. Today, it's the drive to reach goals that inspires me. I do love a challenge!!

Michelle: Of the characters you've created, who is your favorite and why?

April: True Seeker, the budding Creek Indian warrior from my latest novel, Warring Spirits, is my favorite character so far. His heart is good and true to his name, he seeks wisdom, honor, and a personal relationship with the Giver and Taker of Breath.

Michelle: I like his character too. But of course, they're all good in my opinion! Besides writing excellent historical romance novels, you also have a lot to share on your blog about managing health issues with diet, frugality, and parenting. Any idea what's coming up in 2012?

April: Great question! LOL My blog is ever changing, but yes, I do tend to focus on those topics. Right now, I'm on an all-natural foods kick, so I'm sure my followers will see more of those tips in the future.

Michelle: Tell us about your recent book releases.

April: Warring Spirits is my latest adult fiction release. It's set in 1816 and is the story of a woman who might be able to hide her African heritage except for her hair, which is a dead give-away. Milly's escape from slavery leads her to the safety of Negro Fort where Major Phillip Bailey, believing her to be white, takes it upon himself to "free" her from the stronghold. At the same time, he's ordered to launch an attack against it. Accomplishing both is a virtual impossibility, especially when the beautiful woman doesn't want to be rescued. Where blood is shed, unexpected love may bloom!

Michelle: I've read it and it's awesome! Head to Amazon you guys, you won't regret it. April, thanks for answering all my hard-hitting questions today, lol.

Readers, check out COTT this week for some of our favorite Amish Excerpts!

Friday Fun With a New Release: Mattie's Meltaways

And so, we conclude our week together by saying 'Farewell!' to the Sweet Treats Bakery.

Mattie's Meltaways, releasing today from White Rose Publishing, concludes the series by Mary Manners and I've had a blast introducing you to this quartet of wonderful, heart-touching women. The Spencer sisters won my heart, and after reading their stories of love and romance, my bet is, you'll love them, too!

BLURB

Mattie Spencer has spent the last decade helping to raiser her siblings and grooming Sweet Treats Bakery into a thriving business.

Over the years, she's watched her sisters grow into beautiful women and find the men of their dreams. Now it's her turn, but, at thirty-five, she feels too old to dream of a husband and children of her own.

Tyler Jacobs, a firefighter in the small town of Mount Ridge, keeps busy raising his seven-year-old daughter. The death of his wife during three years ago still haunts him, but morning stops into Sweet Treats, along with a dose of conversation and a handful of Mattie's delicious mint meltaways, kindle a desire he thought was extinguished forever.

Now Tyler has just one goal--to convince Mattie that love knows no age.

PURCHASE MATTIE'S MELTAWAYS RIGHT HERE

MARIANNE'S REVIEW

Love knows no age, love knows no boundaries, and we're never--ever--too old to pursue our dreams.

I've always believed that when the Lord places a call on our hearts, He gives us the wherewithal, stamina and ability to see it through.

Mattie Spencer has helped raise her sisters. She's been part of the braintrust that has built Sweet Treats Bakery from the ground up. But she fears her heart is destined to remain unfulfilled by marriage, and children of her own.

Into the shop walks firefighter Tyler Jacobs--reeling from his own disappointments in life.

When these two come together, the heady tingles and sweet 'going under' of falling in love takes place, and that's one of my favorite plots--watching two people who have 'given up' on life remain sweet, and caring, and ultimately find their way to true love and happiness.

Mattie's Meltaways forms a wonderful conclusion to Mary Manners's series, and it has been a real "treat" for me to shine the spotlight on Sweet Treats Bakery. I can't wait for what's next from Mary!

Blessings, friends, and have a great weekend!

Friday-Eve....at the Sweet Treats Bakery!

Welcome back! I just put on a fresh pot of hazelnut coffee, and Mary Manners has provided today's "sweet" specialty: Tessa's Teacakes!

Tessa's Teacakes is book 3 of her wonderful Sweet Treats Bakery Series from White Rose Publishing, and I can't wait to tell you all about it, and share my review.

Remember to stop back tomorrow, when we wrap up our spotlight with the release of Mattie's Meltaways, the conclusion of our voyage with the Spencer sisters!

BLURB:

Tessa, the youngest Spencer sister--and the most impulsive--rushes into the Mount Ridge crisis center bent on saving her brother-in-law. She's ready to handle Brent's abductor, with or without help. What she's not ready to handle is the effect policeman, Colin Phillips, has on her. Romance is the last thing on Tessa's mind. She longs for the adventure and fast-pace of New York City, not being tied to Mount Ridge and a man who insists she shouldn't be so impetuous. After all "independent spirit" is what Tessa does best!

Colin transferred from the police force in Atlanta in order to find closure after the brutal murder of his younger sister. He wants a nice, safe future, not one filled with caring and worrying about another impulsive woman. His sister was naïve and unpredictable, and while Colin is drawn to Tessa's spunk and vitality, her willingness to rush into danger scares him. No way could he cope with another devastating loss. His heart must remain closed where Tessa is concerned.

But God has His own plans...and His own way of changing hearts and cultivating love.

PURCHASE TESSA'S TEACAKES RIGHT HERE

MARIANNE'S REVIEW:

What is it about an impulsive, loving woman with a soft heart, and a spine made out of steel? Those seem to be the questions that circle through the mind of Mount Ridge policeman, Colin Phillips when his path crosses with that of Tessa Spencer.

Tessa is strong-willed, confident and capable. Colin is protective, provoked by her spuky spirit, and seems to want to, by turns, draw her in for a kiss…and strangle her. I love the electric chemistry between these two, and Mary Manners does a masterful job with the development of their relationship through the course of the story!

‘Treat’ yourself to Tessa’s Teacakes – you won’t be disappointed!

Day 2 at the Sweet Treats Bakery

Join me at the Sweet Treats Bakery for today's glimpse into the world of Grace's Gold.

Find out all about this fantastic series from award-winning author Mary Manners and White Rose Publishing as we count down to Friday's release of the final book in this series!

Now, without further fanfare, kick back with some sweets, and some coffee, and a tasty nibble of Grace's Gold:

BLURB

Brent Peterson returns to Mount Ridge, Tennessee with a single goal—to win back Grace Spencer. He's loved her since kindergarten, and should have told her how he felt, but Dan Turner swooped in and stole Grace away before Brent had the chance. Now Grace is a widow with a young son, and while it’s been three years since her husband’s death, Brent isn’t sure he should make his feelings known.

When Brent comes around the family bakery, Grace longs to restore their friendship, but the thin gold wedding band on her finger—and memories of Dan—stand between them.

Can Brent's gentle patience coax Grace to let go of her memories…and the ring, or is it time for Brent to move on alone, and leave Mount Ridge forever?

PURCHASE GRACES GOLD RIGHT HERE

MARIANNE'S REVIEW

In the pages of Grace’s Gold, we meet Brent Peterson, and become much more familiar with another Spencer sister: this time it’s Grace.

Grace always thought of Brent as best friend. Brent and Grace share a history that stretches clear back to their childhood. But Grace married Dan—who died just a few years ago. When Brent returns to the wonderful southern town of Mount Ridge, Tennessee, he finds Grace a widow, and a mother, and he’s out to claim her heart—despite the wedding ring she continues to wear.

Can he edge her back to dreams and fulfillment of the heart, despite the memory of her husband? Can he show her how precious their relationship has always been, and if he does, will Grace accept the offering of his heart?
With her flair for touching the heart, sparking a laugh, and leaving me to sigh with delight, Mary

Manners created a wonderful follow-up to Kate’s Kisses, and keeps the treats pouring forth from Sweet Treats Bakery! Don’t miss it!

Join me...at the Sweet Treats Bakery

It’s always a bittersweet feeling to say farewell to a wonderfully written series. Such is the case for me today as I shine the Minute with Marianne spotlight on the “Sweet Treat Bakery” series written by award-winning author, Mary Manners.

I’ve gotten to know these characters, watched them live, love and grow. Now, as the curtain pulls closed, there’s a happy sigh for each ‘Happily Ever After,’ and a heart-tug as well.

So, with this week’s release of Mattie’s Meltaways, I thought it as good a time as any to give you snapshots of each book, along with my review of each installment of the series.

First, a bit about my dear friend and very gifted writer, Mary Manners:

Mary Manners is an award-winning author of inspirational romance who lives in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and daughter. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
In her free time, she likes to garden, take long walks with her husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

We got together recently—if only through the blessing of cyber-space—to virtual chat, and here are her answers to a few of my ‘getting to know you’ questions!

What inspired you to begin writing?

MM: I cannot remember a time when I didn’t write. My earliest memories are of writing, and I believe I was born weaving tales! I love the written word.

You’ve touched many readers with your wonderful inspirational romances, but what is one of the most meaningful compliments you have received from a reader?

MM: My mother-in-law loves my stories. She was among the first to read Mended Heart and she cried when she told me how much she loved it. It got me crying, too, because she’s one tough cookie when it comes to books.

What are you working on next?

MM: I’m writing a three-book series titled Miracles at Mill’s Landing. Each book tells the story of how the arrival of an unexpected letter alters the life of the person receiving it. Each story is filled with a sprinkle of tears, a bushel of faith, and a bouquet of romance.

I can’t wait to read them! Now, for fun!! How did you and your husband meet? What was it about him that made you know he was “the one”?

MM: My husband and I met at church, during a Wednesday evening meal. He was there with his dad and I was with my mom. We sat together and sparks flew. I knew he was the one when I saw how easily he laughed at himself. He has a great sense of humor, an easy temper, and he loves life.

What’s item #1 on your “Bucket List”?

MM: I want a week at the beach to drink coffee with my husband while watching the sunrise—and not have to rush anywhere.

Where can fans find you on the internet?

MM: My Website is: www.marymannersromance.com
Facebook: Mary Manners, author
Blog: www.creativewritingforces.com
And, you can follow me on Twitter: MaryManners1

As an aside? Mary, Dora Hiers and I will be presenting a workshop at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in April! Beyond the Bodice…Lacing Together Faith and Romance is our topic, and it’s sure to be a great time! Hope to meet some of you in Chicago!! Want to find out more? Here’s a link!

http://www.rtconvention.com/reader-program

Now, grab a warm beverage—maybe some hazelnut coffee or cinnamon tea, and take a seat at the bistro-style table while we visit the Spencer sisters, and Sweet Treats Bakery!

Book One ~ Kate’s Kisses

Broken dreams…shattered hearts…a special recipe…

Following the tragic, sudden death of her parents, Kate Spencer broke off her engagement from high school sweetheart Logan Daniels, just weeks before their wedding. She chose, instead, to remain in Mount Ridge, Tennessee to raise her younger sisters and help keep the family together. Now, with her sisters grown, she spends her days at family-owned Sweet Treats Bakery, hiding a wounded heart in the sweet confections she creates.

Logan Daniels left town when Kate broke his heart, but now he's come home to claim what he lost four years ago, and he won't stop until he gets what he came for…Kate's kisses.

PURCHASE LINK - KATE'S KISSES

Marianne’s Review

Kate’s Kisses introduces us to Sweet Treats Bakery, a delectable, cozy-up spot for sweets, coffee, friendship and romance. Kate Spencer runs the shop with her three sisters—and Kate battles back an ocean of pain. The death of her parents and a broken engagement leave her vulnerable, but so real, and still so beautifully spirited. Enter Logan Daniels—the ex-fiancee. He’s back in town for a development project, and the “small-town kid made good” has grown up and matured since the mistake he admits he made in letting Kate go. In fact, he’s out to win her back with complete heart and conviction.

Manners spins a tale of second chances, tender love, and family relationships that touch the soul. I thoroughly enjoyed both her style of writing, and the engaging way the story between Kate and Logan unfolded and bloomed—despite the odds.

Kate’s Kisses is a wonderful kick-off to the series, and I can’t wait for more!