Posts Tagged ‘Mary Connealy’

Posted on April 10, 2012 - by Shannon Vannatter

Great Lines

I’m celebrating Drop Everything and Read day by sharing some favorite lines from recent reads:

From Buffalo Gal by Mary Connealy:

Posted on March 13, 2012 - by Shannon Vannatter

Cover Conundrum

This post was tough for me. I don’t really pay attention to covers and can honestly say I’ve never bought a book based on the cover. My perusal of the cover consists of looking for layers of fabric, dead bodies, or bonnets and buggies. If it’s not historical, suspense, or Amish, then I’m good. I turn straight to the blurb and see if the story grabs me. Only four covers have really intrigued me. And I still didn’t buy the book–I won one, influenced for another, and still don’t own the other two.

Christine Lynxwiler’s Along Came a Cowboy was the first inspirational romance novel I ever saw with the guy on the cover instead of the girl. I thought it was a novel idea. I mean–romance readers want to read about the guy, not the girl. I got lucky and won this book and it’s still one of my favorites. One I’ll definitely keep and re-read.

Karen Witemeyer’s A Tailor-Made Bride was the first historical to ever intrigue me. I love clothes. Not layers and layers like this, but I can feel her cringe as this rude, ruffian steps on the hem of her dress she probably spent months hand-stitching. I didn’t buy the book and probably never well. No offense, it’s just not my genre. But if you’re a historical reader, I’ve heard it’s really good. Seeing that dress just makes me mad. I’m way too modern. If I wrote historicals, my heroine would be ripping off layers. “Don’t you people know it’s 105 and we don’t have air conditioners. I’m not wearing this mess.” Probably wouldn’t go over very well, so I’ll stick with contemporaries.

Jennifer Rogers Spinola’s cover intrigued me partly because I sat across from her at Barbour’s author reception one year and partly just because it’s such fun. She was so fun to talk to and her story was so interesting, I asked her to be on my real life romance blog and received an influencer copy of Southern Fried Sushi. This is another keeper that I’ll re-read. The unsaved heroine is so unapologetically selfish and it’s so fun to watch her change and grow. Her reactions and thoughts are so real and true, it made me take a good look at myself and repeat, It’s Not All About Me. I recently received my copy of the sequel Like Sweet Potato Pie. Another keeper. The difference in the heroine since she met a certain Savior is like night and day and I can’t wait for the third installment.

Linda Yezak’s Give the Lady a Ride caught my attention because I was researching bull riding for my rodeo series. Her book is about a woman learning to bull ride. I thought it sounded like a nice twist and I really like the cover. Partly because if I had a backside like that I’d wear blingy jeans just like those. I haven’t bought it yet. But if I happen upon it in a bookstore, I probably will.

Usually, the way I decide to buy a book is by author name. Sorry, but that’s just the facts and true for a lot of readers. Which means this no name author needs to get busy and make a name for myself.

Lorna asked me what I was going to blog about and I told her I didn’t know because covers don’t matter a lot to me. I said, “The ones I really like are the ones with the guys.” And she said, “That’s what you should blog about. It’s a new trend.”

So for your viewing pleasure:

Look, the same yummy guy that graced Christine’s cover is on Susan May Warren’s Reclaiming Nick. I hope he sticks around and graces lots more covers in the future.

Mary Connealy’s Over the Edge–this guy might convince me to buy a historical. Not to read mind you, just to look at him.

The trend has caught on over at Love Inspired too with Debra  Clopton’s Her Rodeo Cowboy. I really like this guy and might have to buy the book. This surprised me since Love inspired covers are mostly couples or families.

One question, why are there only cowboys gracing covers? Okay, I love cowboys too, wrote three books about them, but regular guys are hunks too. Nothing curls my toes like a man wearing a nice button up shirt,  jeans,  and no shoes. Maybe sitting in the sand on the beach. I haven’t found that cover yet. If you find it, let me know.

It sounds like I don’t get books unless I get them free, but it’s not true. It’s true I grew up a library mouse, so for years I never bought books. But last year, I decided that if I wanted people to buy my books, I needed to be a book buyer. I’ve bought more books in the last year than I have in my whole life. I just didn’t make my purchases based on the cover.

Time to chime in. Does the book cover affect what you purchase? What do you think of the trend with guys on the cover?

Posted on December 19, 2011 - by Lorna Seilstad

Come on I.N. to My House

Are your halls decked? Is there a “ho ho ho” in your home? Studies show that those who decorate for the holidays are more apt to enjoy the holidays. We here at Inkspirational Messages want to invite you into our holiday celebrations this year.

Celebrating for me began last week. I had the honor of hosting the I.N. Group at my home. I.N. Group is made up of Iowa and Nebraska Christian writers. Ten of us were able to gather for a night filled with conversation—some directed toward writing and publishing and some directed toward other things. We enjoyed dinner (creamy chicken enchiladas with sour cream), a book exchange, and of course, lots of fellowship.

Yesterday, we joined with the extended family on my side for Christmas. There were 32 of us gathered at my sisters. Last year, we met my house. Everything was beautiful and the food was delicious. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures. However, the picture at the right is of four of my grand-nephews and one grand-niece. The youngest in the picture, Chase, LOVED all his presents. He’s at such a fun age and was absolutely delighted with his penguin pillow pet. (P.S. My talented niece, their mother, was the photographer.)

 

This year has been quite different than last year for us. Christmas preparations seemed sandwiched between time spent at the hospital as my husband was recovering from lung surgery. Just before Thanksgiving, he developed pneumonia and the fluid remained in his lungs until it had to be surgically drained. He got out on Christmas Eve.

Despite the time constraints, we still managed to go to the tree farm and pick out our tree (left). We picked a 12 foot tree so we had to cut off about three feet of it. Our living room ceilings are 9 feet tall, so we usually have an 8 to 8.5 foot tree. My son was home from college and put it up for us.

Our tree is a collection of ornaments with significance and trimmed with red and gold. There is a collection of musical notes and musical themed ornaments on it. Those are the ones my husband and I purchased for our first tree. Back then, we said we were always going to have a theme tree. Then, we had kids and those baby’s first Christmas ornaments, and everything changed.

 

We have two other trees in our house. The Shoe Tree is a little three foot tree in the dining room that holds a small collection of fancy shoe ornaments, and upstairs, my son has a four foot tree filled with S’more ornaments. They are fun because A.) he loves s’mores, and B.)the ones he has often mirror different times in his life–camping s’mores, fishing s’mores, baking s’mores, or snowboarding s’mores.

 

 

Last year, Parker also had to put up all the lights for us and brought down all my Christmas Rubbermaids from the attic. I think there are 12 or so. I have a rather extensive Santa collection.

Oddly enough, Dawn’s son has been over at our house on several years when it was time to tote the Rubbermaids back up to the attic or down to the main floor. This year, we almost called him to come help just for fun. He never fails to be shocked by the number. I told Dawn I was doing my part to educate him on how different women can be.

 

One especially sweet surprise last year was from my dear author friend Laura Frantz. She sent me these flowers as a thinking-of-you gift during the stressful time. God blessed my husband with a great recovery, and this year, he’s been able to enjoy all of normal Christmas preparations.

 

 

 

 

Another favorite memory from last year came when my daughters and I wrote a book for my nieces called “Mr. and Mrs. Mouse at Grandma’s House.” We found these two mice, wrote the story, and took pictures of the mice to add to the book. This was especially fun since my poor mother-in-law battled a few of the said rodents earlier that fall.

This is just a glimpse into our Christmas—past and present. Now, tell me. Do you have a real tree or an artificial one? Do you have a preference? And how do you decorate your tree? Theme or collection? It will be fun for all of us to know, so please share.

Posted on December 1, 2011 - by Regina

CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES

It’s Christmastime and time for a novel,

Time to read about the little King,

To fill the mind and roll out a myst’ry,

Don’t want to miss a thing . . .

 

And that’s the whole point of reading books about Christmas, isn’t it? We don’t want to miss a moment of the joy, the festivity, the FEELING of Christmas!

I haven’t had a lot of time to read in the last few weeks, but I did manage to read a couple of novels that have been on my list for a while. The first is The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren. It’s a heartwarming read about a mom who just wants to make it the best Christmas ever for her family of grown children, something I’m identifying with more every day! Here’s the blurb:

Marianne Wallace loves the holidays. From dressing the tree to her traditional Christmas dinner, it’s all about creating memories for her family. But when her children begin to leave home – and their traditions – behind, she has one last chance to create a holiday they’ll never forget.

Unfortunately, she’s soon in over her head, and one impulsive decision leads to a string of events that will change the way her family – even her small Minnesota town – sees the Christmas season.

Hint: There will be football, and who DOESN’T like a good football story?

Another favorite that I read last year, and plan to read again this year, is Mary Connealy’s Cowboy Christmas. Full of Mary’s classic “romantic comedy with cowboys,” Annie and Elijah make for a great story of redemption and love. The back cover:

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the gospel with a traveling missionary troupe. When the Latrells take over and want Annie to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie flees to Ranger Bluff, Wyoming, dreaming of uniting with her father for Christmas. But trouble chases her – right off the edge of a cliff!

Elijah Walker’s heart turned as cold and barren as the high plains in December after his ex-fiancee betrayed him and caused his father’s death. But when he rescues Annie out of a freezing river, Walker’s instincts tell him he must help a stranger in need.

With her hermit father retreating to the high country and the Latrells intent on kidnapping her to make money off her singing, Annie may have no way out.

Has Annie hidden the truth about wanted posters bearing her face too long for anyone to believe her now?

Can Elijah overcome the painful past and learn to love again?

Will there ever be peace in their hearts in time for Christmas?

Such a good book!

Right now I’m reading Amy Clipston’s Naomi’s Gift, and waiting in the wings is Susan May Warren’s Baby It’s Cold Outside.

 

A few books I like to read most Christmases are John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas – which by the way, is much better than the movie, although it IS entertaining, and Grace Livingston Hill’s The Substitute Guest. If you get a chance, and just want a nice, tender read, this is the one for you!

 

Joanne Fluke also has some great Christmas cozies, The Candy Cane Murder and The Sugar Cookie Murder, and like a lot of Christmas books, are a little shorter than the average novel, which is great for this time of year! Oh, and Joanne’s books ALWAYS have recipes!!

Happy Christmas reading, everyone.

(more…)

Posted on August 27, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

Company’s Coming!

Oh my, company’s coming to Inkspirational Messages!

And, we’re giving away books too!

Does that mean you have to scrub the floors? Dust on top of the ceiling fan? Take a toothbrush to the grout?

Goodness, no. Just make yourself comfortable. Take your shoes off, pour yourself a cup of lemonade, grab some chocolate, and relax in your recliner.

Ah, that’s better, right?

Now, who’s stopping by, you ask?

Well, we’ll be catching up with our own Lorna Seilstad, Shannon Vannatter, Linda Fulkerson, and Shari Barr. We’re welcoming some old friends: Laura Frantz, Mary Connealy, and Kaye Dacus. We’re even meeting new friends: Sandra Orchard, Gina Holmes, and Jennifer Rogers Spinola.

So, please come on over these next two weeks and chat with us. We’d love to meet you too!

Oh, and don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about those free books. For those of you who stop by to chat, you’ll have an opportunity to win books by a couple of our guests: Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard, Love Remains by Kaye Dacus, and The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz. PLUS, we’re throwing in two additional books from the Love Inspired line: Marrying Miss Marshall by Lacy Williams and Hearts in Flight by Patty Smith Hall.

Now, there are a few small rules you need to follow if you want a chance to win the books, but no worries, they’re not too difficult:

Contest Rules:

Comment on our “Company’s Coming” topic dated August 29, 2011 through September 9, 2011. Every time you comment, your name will go into a drawing for the books. Contest closes Saturday, September 10, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be posted on Sunday, September 11, 2011. Winner must provide a mailing address in an email to Brenda AT brendaandersonbooks DOT com. Do not post your address anywhere on this blog.

Posted on January 4, 2011 - by Shannon Vannatter

Behind As Usual

It’s me. The least well-read Inkster. You’ve heard the familiar tale. I haven’t had time to read anything lately.  Between deadlines, booksignings, a potential new series, hubby, pastor’s wifing, and mothering, not necessarily in that order, my life is a constant race. This year, I plan to try to do better. But as usual, I’m behind so I’m reaching into last year to read the books I never got around to reading.

I’ve wanted to read They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti since it’s debut. The story of a woman whose husband is missing and she’s mad at him for finding an out before she could intrigued me. I’ve heard Cynthia speak several times at the ACFW conferences and I got to meet her at the Barbour Publishing dinner last year in Indy. She exudes sweetness, gentleness, and kindness. It caught my interest to hear she wrote such a complicated book.

When Libby’s husband Greg fails to return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities soon write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband’s escape from an empty marriage and unrewarding career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn’t died…and if Greg hadn’t been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband’s disappearance…if for no other reason than to free her to move on. What the trio discovers in the search upends Libby’s presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.

Several months ago, I read something on a blog. I can’t remember where or the exact words, but the gist of it: The reader was amazed that Myra Johnson, writer of a sweet book like Autumn Rains also wrote One Imperfect Christmas. I googled the second title and loved the cover. Another complicated book with complicated characters. I met Myra in Indy also and convinced her to be a guest on my other blog. We featured the book and I was sold. I’m in the process of receiving a copy in my hot little hands.

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she’s allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves-most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he’s done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. As Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

Hmm, I think I like to read about messy marriages. Not really, but I love to read about broken people who finally realize they can’t fix it, but God can. Just like life.

On Seekerville, I read the totally shocking opening of The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy. Expecting a grieving widow, it had me laughing. Out loud. But I’m a contemporary gal. When I heard Mary was delving into contemporaries, that caught my interest. Mary’s tagline, Romantic Comedies with Cowboys, tugs at me. What woman can resist a cowboy? Before it’s over with, I might just have to read The Husband Tree too, but I’ll start with The Black Hills Blessing trilogy. 

Enter the world of compelling, contemporary romance with award-winning author Mary Connealy’s spellbinding three-in-one collection. Ride the range with Buffy Lange, a woman bent on seeing majestic buffalo reclaim their territory, no matter how hostile local cattleman Wyatt Shaw becomes. Meet rancher Emily Johannson who would leave her derelict neighbor Jake Hanson alone if she didn’t feel duty bound to keep saving his hide. Take a stand with Jeanie Davidson, a single-again woman who’s finally gotten her life together, only to have her ex-husband Michael walk right back in, determined to make amends. Can love redeem these hearts and lives?

I met Kaye Dacus in Little Rock when she spoke for my local writers’ group. No particular book intrigued me, but Kaye did. Instead of going to the school of hard knocks, Kaye went to college. Her thesis became her first published book Stand In Groom. Struggling at the time, I asked her for advice, which she freely gave, and it worked like a charm. I like this series because there are men on the cover. I’d rather look at a nice-looking man rather than a woman any time and I like the premise. She thinks he’s getting married. It’s bound to get complicated.

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she’s found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her “dream” quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer’s wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he’s so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two find a happy ending?

My final selection is White Doves, the second in my series. This book was the hardest I’ve ever written. I’m a seat of the pants writer and I hate, hate, hate outlines. But I had to turn in a chapter by chapter synopsis of White Doves before I wrote the book in order to sign the contract. How was I supposed to know what would happen in chapter nine or any other chapter for that matter. I groaned, gnashed my teeth, and churned out the synopsis. My editor liked it and I signed the contract.

Then from out of nowhere, writers’ block clamped its unyielding jaw around me. Writers’ block which I’d believed to be a myth, until it got me. With great advice from Kaye Dacus, the block lifted. Yet every word was like pulling wisdom teeth. I wrote the beginning almost word for word as it is now, then decided that wasn’t good enough and stuck a whole different scene in front of it. 

Halfway through, a great detail revealed itself, which often happens in my books. This detail pulled the whole puzzle together, but it wasn’t in the synopsis. So, I tried to stick to the synopsis, but added this whole new conflict.

I turned the book in before my first deadline with days to spare. A week later, I got a gentle e-mail from my editor. The gist of it: I’d packed everything but the cast-iron kitchen sink into this book, when I should have forgot the synopsis and went with the new conflict. We had to do an extra content edit and pull several entire threads of the story, before we could even do a regular content edit. One of the threads to cut: my second beginning scene. 

So yes, I’m anxious to read White Doves and see how my wonderful, worth their weight in gold, genius editors pulled this book out of the toilet for me. After all that work, it’s kind of a blur. I’ve only had my author copies since October. Did I mention I’m behind? Thankfully book three wrote itself. 

It’s a good thing. At this rate, I’ll be behind all year. Have you read any of these books yet?

Posted on July 30, 2010 - by Kav

Secondary Characters We Love to Hate

There is nothing like meeting a no-account, detestable, treacherous, rotten, evil-to-the-core miscreant within the pages of a book.  These secondary characters gleefully wreck havoc on the plot.  They delight in delivering angst and tension (and not the romantic kind!) that keeps us turning pages and devouring every word.

 They provide a stark contrast to the hero and heroine – evil vs. good, darkness against light.  These annoying, ornery secondary characters raise our ire and send our frustration levels soaring with their elusive counterplots.  They exist to thwart, outwit, setback, irk and vex our hero and heroine.  In fact, these supercilious villains dare to hold our happily-ever-after hostage!

 In other words, we might not love them, but we sure do love to hate them!

 But what happens when an author has a heart?  What if she takes the time to really get to know that diabolical blackguard(ess)?  What if she does some in depth background research?  What if she puts her psychologist’s hat on and combines it with a theology seminar on counselling and employs a dose of empathy and some heartfelt prayer? 

 Why then she might be Julie Lessman or Mary Connealy and write a book about the reformed knave(ss).  But would readers actually switch their alliance?  Would they pay to read about the despicable lowlifes who caused them such agonies just one short book ago?

 Yep.  Albeit reluctantly.

 Take Charity O’Connor for instance.  She was the heartless, cruel, underhanded, jealous, devious (the list goes on) sister in A Passion Most Pure.  She schemed and connived her way into the hearts of her sister’s suitors.  Yes, more than one and she was unrepentant right to the very end!  Who could find any redeeming qualities in that character?

 Uh, Julie Lessman.

 That’s why she wrote A Passion Redeemed as the next book in the series.  It was Charity’s turn to play heroine and I don’t know how many times I picked up that book and put it down again, tucking it way at the bottom of my TBR pile.  Nu-uh, I wasn’t going to read it.  Charity did not possess a single iota of heroine charm. Why would I want to read about her? Humph!  Besides, I was quite content harbouring ill will towards that O’Connor harpy.  Julie Lessman couldn’t possibly change my mind…could she?

 Uh…yep.

 Once I cracked the book open (and sneaked a peek at the last page to be sure I wouldn’t be devastated!!!!) I started reading…and couldn’t stop. 

 How did Julie Lessman transform Charity from villainous to heroine?  I’m not quite sure, but somewhere between the first chapter and the second she opened my heart a smidgeon.  And then she started pouring in understanding, compassion, a couple of HUGE aha moments and pretty soon I was Charity’s staunch supporter, rooting for her every step of the way…even though she could still be pretty darn annoying.  Charity hasn’t learned to deal with a problem head on.  She still takes the long, convoluted, angsty road towards redemption.  Which is a good thing, I guess or the book would have been a chapter long.  And now, A Passion Redeemed is one of my favourite books in the series.

 Who knew?

 Mary Connealy, that’s who.  If you want the meanest, lowliest, downright rottenest Wild West bad boy, just pick up one of her books.  When I read Montana Rose I became acquainted with Wade Sawyer, notorious slimeball personified.  Can I just say Ewwwwwwww?  He was downright creepy, stalking poor Cassie Dawson, drinking all the time, getting into fights.  You might say he was ornerier than a coyote with a nose full of porcupine quills!  And even though Mary showed some mercy towards him at the end of the book, I didn’t hold out much hope.  I mean skunks can’t change their stripes, right?

 Not right away, they can’t.  Mary knew that so she eased us into the idea of a redeemed villain by giving him a secondary role in The Husband Tree.  He’d come a long ways since his stalking Cassie days, but he still had a way to go and Mary allowed us inside his head so we could see just how far he’d come from.  By the end of the book I was cheering him on, my heart a little lighter at the transformation in that poor pathetic excuse of man. But would I really want to read a whole book about him?

 Mary thought so and, since I’d learned my lesson with A Passion Redeemed, I gave Wade Sawyer a fighting chance.  He comes into his own in Wildflower Bride, which is one of her best books to date. About a month ago, I thought it was her best book but then I read Doctor in Petticoats and that’s left me in a conundrum over which book is best.  And in Doctor in Petticoats we get to revisit with another less than stellar individual.  One Tom Linscott.  He’s always been gruff, brusque and ready to settle an argument with his fist.  Only there’s a couple of scenes in Doctor in Petticoats that shows us a different side to ol’ Tom and he gets his own book in January, Wrangler in Petticoats (only Tom isn’t the one wearing the petticoats).

Posted on May 23, 2010 - by Lorna Seilstad

Heroines Who Deserve to Win

     Giddy or gutsy? Proud or pouty? Winsome or weak-willed?

     When it comes to romance, the star of the page is inevitably the heroine. Whether she’s a damsel in distress, a take charge lady, or a problem solving grandma, a book’s heroine has to leap off the page and directly into our hearts.  But why do some heroines stick out in our minds more than others?

      In the next two weeks, here at Inkspirational Messages we want to discuss what make a heroine endearing to the reader. Why do we cheer for her? And what does she need to make her come to life on the page? Along with that, we want to bring up some of the heroines that starred in our favorite books or in our recent reads.

     Since I’m the first Inkster to write on this topic, I am not going to hog all the good qualities. Instead, I want to focus on the one quality I like to bring into my own characters—strength.  I’m not talking about the heroine with Wonder Woman powers or ninja kicking abilities. I’m talking about a female character who knows who she is, what she wants, and is willing to go for it. She isn’t perfect, but she has an inner strength that allows her  to stand on her own.

     Recently, I finished Mary Connealy’s  The Husband Tree (Barbour). Oh my goodness, her Belle Tanner  literally jumped off the page!  Not only was Bell a unique and fascinating woman, she was incredibly strong and capable. You believe in her and rooted for her from the beginning.  Here’s the beginning of chapter one:

     Belle Tanner pitched dirt right on Anthony’s handsome, worthless face.

     It was spitefulness that made her enjoy doing that. But she was sorely afraid Anthony Santoni’s square jaw and curly dark hair had tricked her into agreeing to marry him.
Which made her as big an idiot as Anthony.

     Now he was dead and she was left to dig the grave. Why, oh why didn’t she just skip marrying him and save herself all this shoveling?

     She probably should have wrapped him in a blanket, but blankets were hard to come by in Montana. . .unlike husbands.

     She labored on with her filling, not bothering to look down again at the man who had shared her cabin and her bed for the last two years. She only hoped when she finished she didn’t forget where she’d buried Anthony’s no-account hide. She regretted not marking William’s and Gerald’s graves now for fear she’d dig in the same spot and uncover their bones. As she recalled, she’d planted William on the side nearest the house, thinking it had a nice view down the hill over their property. She wasn’t so sure about Gerald, but she’d most likely picked right, because she’d dug the hole and hadn’t hit bones. Unless critters had dug Gerald up and dragged him away.

     Belle had to admit she didn’t dig one inch deeper than was absolutely necessary.

     Can’t you feel Belle’s grit? Her strength? She’d survived three husbands now and buried them herself –but not an inch deeper than necessary, of course.  In the book, we learn she manages her ranch better than any man and plans to drive her cattle to market, with our without a man’s help. This fortitude and inner strength made me want her to not only survive, but have it all in the end.

     Strong heroines are nothing new. Think Scarlett O’Hara, Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennett, or Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. 

     Naturally, movies and television have their strong female characters as well. So with that, it’s your turn.  Which heroines in movies and television have admirably displayed the quality of strength? And do you think assertiveness and a show of strength makes a female character less attractive and less feminine?

Posted on April 9, 2010 - by Kav

The Reluctant Hero

There is nothing like a reluctant hero to make me swoon! You know the guy –  he’s attracted to the heroine but there’s some reason that he’s convinced she’s all wrong for him or he’s all wrong for her. Or there is some cosmic intrusion that is too insurmountable to overcome. Or past demons that need exorcising.  Or present evil to slay.  Or…well, there are countless scenarios that an author can utilize but in the end our hero is a man of truly noble intentions, determined to resist all of our heroine’s endearing qualities. 

 Only the more he tries to resist, the more obsessed he becomes.  She’s in his thoughts at inopportune times. He can’t help doing nice, thoughtful things for her.  He ends up sabotaging any other man’s interest in her.  He’s a good friend while fighting the desire to be a lover. But there’s only so much temptation that a man can resist and his reluctance s-l-o-w-l-y gives way to a new determination to get what he wants…and what he wants is the heroine.

 Oh dear – I feel a swoon coming on which is why I need my very own fainting couch.  The floor all around it would be piled high with books and I could read to my heart’s content and safely swoon at all the appropriate parts.  I might even consider wearing a crash helmet as a safety precaution for the really swoonworthy books. Like these:

 Montana Rose by Mary Connealy

 The people of Divide Montana regard Cassie as a spoiled, silk-clad china doll but now that she is a pregnant widow, she needs a husband.  Red Dawson is not going to be that man.

 The dirt and the smell, the humble clothes, and the sod house – this was who he was, and he didn’t apologize for that to any man…or any woman.

 Red knew there was only one way for him to serve God in this matter.  He had to keep clear of Cassie Griffin.

 By chapter three Red and Cassie are married and the rest of the book is an incredible journey towards love and understanding. 

Swoonworthy Moment:  When Red tells Cassie he loves her.  It’s one of the most intimate, heart-melting love scenes I’ve ever read.

 Every time I read a Mary Connealy book I think she can’t possibly top it and then I read the next one and she does!  This one is offbeat and funny but achingly romantic.  It boggles my mind how this author can consistently be so fresh!

*    *    *    *

 Winter’s end by Ruth Logan Herne

 Marc DeHollander is a man scarred by his past and Kayla Doherty is a woman who reminds him of the worst of it.  Marc’s father is dying of cancer and Kayla’ is his visiting nurse so there’s no way he can avoid her…or the burgeoning attraction he feels for her.

 Her sassy smile reminded Marc why women like Kayla should be avoided.  High-maintenance women didn’t belong in the North Country, much less on a farm.

 Swoonworthy Moment:  I can’t tell you or I’ll ruin it – but it’s the way Marc demonstrates his love and puts the past behind him that had me in a swoon-induced haze for days afterwards!

 This is Ruth’s first book and it’s an incredible, thought-provoking read.  It’s ‘real’.  I especially appreciate how both the hero and heroine do their own growing and healing before their happily ever after is assured. 

*    *    *    *

 Fit To Be Tied by Robin Hatcher

 Sherwood Statham is an English aristocrat who has been all but disowned for his playboy behaviour.  He is sent, penniless, to an American ranch to be ‘straightened out’.

 Cleo Arlington wears pants like a man and works on her family’s ranch with as much expertise as any of the hands.  She’s particularly adept at breaking horses. She doesn’t have time for the citified English dandy and he barely tolerates her tomboy ways.

 He’d actually found himself wanting to kiss Cleo.  That was more than extraordinary.  It was preposterous.  She was the last woman he would ever find attractive.  He liked voluptuous females, women who looked like women – long hair and pretty dresses and dainty shoes and fashionable hats.  Not to mention that he didn’t need any sort of involvement with his employer’s daughter.  He was far from England and virtually penniless.  Wasn’t that enough?  Additional complications in his life were most unwelcome.

 But Cleo is a complication that sticks like an annoying burr!  And sparks soon sizzle and sizzles start to burn and before you know it Sherwood and Cleo are in the middle of one hot romance…but they have to work for their happily ever after.

 Swoonworthy moment:  Sherwood’s fierce loyalty to Cleo.

*    *    *    *

 I’ve been crafting my own reluctant hero.  He’s been giving me some problems, but I enjoy wrestling with him.  Here’s a snippet.

 He would not be swayed by a trim figure and over-bright smile.  And though he had a fondness for freckles, the smattering that bridged her nose weren’t enough to count.  Plus there were flecks of red in her hair…and gold…and a tawny caramel strand that just blew into her eyes.  Not that he was taking any notice. Besides the red nixed it like nothing else could.

 What he was going to do was stand here steadfast until she was gone.  Immovable.  Resolute. There was no way she was getting past him.

 “Excuse me.”

 He stepped aside without even thinking and then cursed himself for being suckered in by a pretty face.  It was the dimple in her cheek.  He’d have to watch for that in the future…not that they had a future…not together.  Her hips swayed and he found himself clamping down on a smile.  He sighed.  It was going to be a long day. 

 How about you…are there any reluctant heroes in your reading or writing past…or present?

Posted on March 12, 2010 - by Kav

It’s All Good

I read to write .  The two go hand in hand.  The more I read, the more I write, but more importantly, the more I read the more I learn.  I am not the studious type and I have never been able to crack open a ‘how-to’ writing book, no matter how highly recommended, and start reading from the preface onward.  I can, however, open a book of fiction and read it cover to cover and when I do I soak up the richness of language, the depth of characterization and the subtleties of plot.  I learn by osmosis and my writing is enriched from the experience.

 I’d like to share some of what I have learned from the example of a few amazing writers.  You might recognize more than one seekerville blogger on the list.  Since I started following their blog I’ve been trying to read at least one book from every author.  I have a ways to go yet, but I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed in anything I’ve read from that group of writers. 

 Cliffhangers Keep You Reading

 Debby Giusti writes romantic suspense for Steeple Hill.  She excels at face-paced plots and true-to-life characters that leap out of the pages and into your heart.   She writes page-turning suspense where every chapter ends with that dreaded cliffhanger.  You finish one chapter and she’s hooked you into reading the next.  Here’s an example from Killer Headline:

 She huddled in his arms as he stared into the night.  The killer was out there, waiting for Clay to lower his guard, waiting for Violet to be vulnerable once again. 

Clay couldn’t make another mistake.

 Less Is More When in Comes to Romance

 I discovered a Dee Henderson gem a couple of weeks ago.  God’s Gift, published in 1998 is Henderson without the intrigue; just pure romance – the kind that she excels at.  This book is a study on how to create deep, committed love that grows out of friendship. Her characters are lovable in spite of their flaws.  They are vulnerable but courageous in their love.  A simple scene such as the one below, sets my heart racing – it’s the pacing of the words, what isn’t said as much as what is.  Every measured beat creates a memorable romantic interlude.  Imagine a whole book full!  Be still my heart

 He gently brushed her hair back from her face, “Thanks for lunch.”

She grinned.  “I loved lunch.”

“Come here,” he whispered, tugging her toward him.

Her hands came to rest against his chest.

He kissed her softly, gently.  “Go back to work.  Think about me occasionally.”

She reluctantly got to her feet. “If I think about you, I won’t get any work done.”

He quirked one eyebrow with his smile. “Your concentration is that distractable?”

“I think I will plead the fifth,” she replied, reluctantly slipping her hand from his. “See you later.”

“I’m sure you will.”

 Be True to Yourself

 Just mention Mary Connealy’s name and you have to smile.  She’s an expert at weaving humour into her books but she’s also a maverick – a writer who follows her own quirky path that has led to a very distinctive author’s voice.  I mean who else would think of having her heroine jump into the arms of the hero on the very first page because she’s scared of a mouse?  But that’s what happens in Nosy in Nebraska:

 A mouse dashed out of the kitchen pantry twenty-feet away.

“Eeeek!”  Carrie shrieked.

The mouse skittered towards her.  Carrie ran the opposite direction and collided with the carpenter, who was dashing through the door clutching his hammer.

“What happened?”

The mouse skidded to a halt under the table and squeaked.

Carrie squeaked even louder and jumped toward the carpenter.  He caught her against his chest, hooking one arm under her legs and the other behind her back.

It was nice for the stranger to come to her rescue.  He was the kind of man who could do the whole “white knight” thing, with his lovely height and broad shoulders. The hammer he held – in the hand now under her knees – would make a fair lance, too.

 Reading books by Mary has taught me that being true to yourself is an important part of creating your voice.

 Torture Your Characters

 In A Forever Christmas Missy Tippens has created a page turning romance between two of the most stubborn characters I’ve read about in a long time.  Talk about ripping their dreams apart, stomping all over them and then dangling the tattered pieces before them!  From the first chapter I was invested in getting Sarah and Gregory together again.  I read avidly, hanging onto every word, holding my breath in every scene.  Missy developed the romantic tension early on and then pulled it taut as the story progressed. Missy taught me how to torture characters before finally granting them their heart’s desire.

 How come she had to keep popping up?  It was as if she was trying to torment him – drawing him to her with her silky hair, sparkling eyes and sweet nature.  She reminded him of the good parts of their past.  When in reality it was a past best forgotten.

 Words Can Create Pictures

 Laura Frantz has taught me that painting pictures with words can create a masterpiece of sensory perceptions which transport a reader out of time.

 In the fading lavender twilight, at the edge of a clearing, stood half a dozen Shawnee warriors.  They looked to the small log cabin nestled in the bosom of the greening ridge, as earthy and unassuming as the ground it sat upon…The Indians regarded it with studied intent, taking in the sagging front porch, the willow baskets and butter churn to one side, the vacant rocking chair still astir from the hurry of a moment before.

 By contrast, Tamera Alexander uses measured words to convey brushstrokes on her story canvas.

 The knot in Veronique’s throat cinched taut.  She tried to say something, but couldn’t.

 This sparse paragraph from Remembered creates an atmosphere in an entirely different way then the example from The Frontierman’s Daughter yet both are equally effective in setting tone and mood.

 

 It’s All Good

 And then there’s Pete the Cat.  He’s worthy of a whole blog to himself.  Pete’s taught me about the brilliance that can come from a simple idea, and that repetition makes an unforgettable impact. And his attitude about life can certainly be applied to writing.  Check him out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U&feature=related I bet you’ll be smiling the rest of the day…and singing his song…because it really is all good.