Thursday, December 31, 2015

Secondhand Samhain is available today on Amazon

The seventh novella in the series is here...

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Jan Connor, the new manager of the secondhand shop Vintage Holiday, loves her job, her town, and her life. She doesn't need anything except a little bit of help. Her annual Halloween birthday party isn't coming together, and her antiquated computer system is only making it worse.

Trent McDonald, computer guru extraordinaire, is looking for a place to call home. His brother, Cowboy, suggested Holiday might offer what he needs but never mentioned Vintage Holiday's pretty shop manager.

Between one breath and the next, God changes everything...

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Holiday USA update and cover reveal

Secondhand Samhain is in final edits. I still need to write the blurb. Not my favorite thing to do but a necessary bit of work. Today's project while I wait for the final read through by my editor. I hope you love this story as much as I do. I had such fun writing it.

My Holiday, USA series cover artist, Ruth Mower, created a delightful and fun cover

Isn't it fun?

Christmas Present is also well on its way to being finished. It won't be published by Thursday, but I anticipate it will be soon after. Then the 2015 anthology, with the last 4 novellas, will be published in paperback, in February. Errant Knight is due and will fully occupy January.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Conversation between Heroes 24 December

Jack: Calling the meeting to order.
Leo: We have meetings?
Jack: We do now.
Richard: What has brought this about?
Jack: Nefarious social media hides our lady's communication.
Leo: Bah! We must not allow this to continue.
Fitzgerald: Shall I challenge them to a dual?
Trent: Wrong century.
Fitzgerald: How do we right this wrong?
Carson: Stand down, gentlemen.
Leo: We can't allow this to continue.
Trent: Not a problem. She's appearing again.
Leo: Excellent.
Fitzgerald: I do not trust this social media.
Carson: A wise man.
Leo: If all's well, why are we here?
Jack: An event worthy of notice.
Richard: The most important day of the year.
Leo: Easter isn't for a few months yet.
Richard: Without the birth, there would be no Atonement.
Carson: The calm before the storm.
Trent: Merry Christmas.
Jack: Happy Christmas.


Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

The birth of Jesus changed everything.

I bought the above Christmas cactus a few years ago. I named it Chris. Not particularly clever, I know. It broke my heart when it died off, bit by bit. A few segments dropped off in my hand. I figured, "Why not? It was dead anyway." I planted them. They're growing. So now I have two of Chris. I don't think they're concerned about sharing the same name. :-)

(in)courage shared this and encouraged sharing it:


Saturday, December 19, 2015

Sharing Links Saturday...

Over at A Writer's Path, Kate M. Colby shared her perspective on long term goals:
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/12/06/how-to-approach-your-long-term-goals/
And Meg shared how to add a time jump:
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/12/09/how-to-add-a-time-jump-to-your-story/

Give Her Wings posted a list of what is normal in a Christian marriage and what isn't:
http://giveherwings.com/differences-between-an-abusive-marriage-and-a-healthy-one/
I endeavor to create relationships like this in my stories. A part of me hopes that I'll learn to be "normal" despite being raised in "not normal."

Donna Hatch shares the history of "Kissing Under the Mistletoe."
http://donnahatch.com/kissing-under-the-mistletoe/

God bless.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Reluctant Knight in paperback...

For those who prefer paperback, Reluctant Knight is now available, along with all the other Laurel Hawkes titles.

http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Knight-Endless-Knights-2/dp/1682949877/ref=sr_1_2

The Rebellious Damsel

A baron's spoiled daughter, Cassandra Treyman's plans to escape her parents goes awry, and she determines to burn the Bible of the maid who ruined everything. One word captures her attention: Forgiveness. Is it too late?

The Reluctant Knight

Heir to his father's shipping empire, Richard Carrington's wealth fails to make a tradesman's son suitable for a baron's daughter. Her parents prefer to bargain her to an unknown suitor in India, a man Richard suspects may not exist. Why pursue an unattainable woman?

The World

Unscrupulous men and women conspire to gain what they desire no matter the cost to anyone else. Honorable men and women do what they may to follow God and aid in His work to save souls. Follow the world or follow God. Which will they choose? The consequences may cost more than they can afford.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Not on Pinterest...

I know, difficult to believe what you need can't always be found on Pinterest. It's true.

Vintage Holiday, the secondhand shop in Holiday, has a dancing flower that is activated by motion. Jan, the heroine in Secondhand Samhain, uses it instead of a bell. No surprise, since she's a bit unconventional.

I know what it looks like, but readers might not. My books aren't picture books, so I have to hope readers are able to see what I do by my description alone.

However, enter Pinterest.

I took a picture of the infamous flower. I'm able to post it here and pin it on my Holiday USA board.
 For the record, I set it outside so I'd have enough sun. Sorry, no video to show it dancing.

Fun.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Links to a few of my favorite...

...Christmas songs.

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Manheim Steamroller on their Christmas album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTSkS0Abas4

Believe Again: O Come All Ye Faithful by David Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF__6qGtwSc

Baby, What You Goin' to Be by Trinity HS Alumni Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsoB7mmdmFg

Mary, did you know? by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN70R-3ao0U

Believe by Josh Grobin on the Polar Express album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk

Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I

Josh Groban's O Holy Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

A Soldier's Silent Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO4cJdN-Q8o

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Pinterest

Another blogger declared Pinterest a waste of time in regards to advertising and promoting. They saw no value of any kind for writers.

Yes, Pinterest can make time disappear. However, so can many other pursuits.

Pinterest offered a couple of benefits.

*I learned to manage my time when I visit. I allow myself to pin 15 items, and then I'm done. This keeps me from losing hours.

*I used to save links to pictures and articles in email drafts. The problem was that I had trouble finding some of them later. Enter Pinterest. Now, I'm able to save pictures and articles to particular boards. I didn't create boards for particular stories, at first. I was so excited when I figured out I could pin inspiration to particular story boards. Sometimes, as I'm writing, I'll open the accompanying board to help me describe particular places or things.

Added Bonuses:

*Sometimes, I need inspiration or a break.

*Sometimes, I'm looking for something particular. For example, I wanted an example of the MacDonald tartan for Secondhand Samhain. Yep, others have pinned it.

*Sometimes, I browse cookbooks like others browse magazines. I enjoy cooking and experimenting with food and recipes. I actually do try some of the recipes I pin. Some of the recipes have been good enough to keep. In order to make it easy to find them again, I have a board for pins I've tried.

Granted, many of the pins I'll never look at again. This does not diminish the value of a moment of inspiration, a smile, a laugh, a moment of awe, the birth of a dream, even a small one.

https://www.pinterest.com/lhawkes/




Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday Sharing Links...

Yes! This! Writers In The Storm's Kathryn Craft shared "I am a Writer - Own it!"
http://writersinthestormblog.com/2015/11/i-am-a-writer-own-it/
And Fae Rowen gave some encouraging advice for those times when writing is a struggle:
http://writersinthestormblog.com/2015/12/when-writing-every-day-isnt-producing-the-results-you-want/

Armand Rosamilia is gearing up for "Authors Supporting Our Troops 2016."
http://armandrosamilia.com/2015/12/01/authors-supporting-our-troops-2016-asot2016/

 Donna Hatch is preparing for the release of her newest Rogue Hearts series:
http://donnahatch.com/new-release-announcing-the-suspects-daughter/

God bless.


Sunrise a month or two ago. Interestingly enough, what I saw was a pink/peach color. The camera interpreted it as this beautiful gold.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Before "Reluctant Knight" was "Tarnished Knight"

The Distressed Damsel

In 1817 England, Abigail Stewart is not the appointed estate manager. Her father, who was, is dead. The position should have been hers if not for the fact she's a woman. She's willing to go to any lengths to protect all she loves, including incur the wrath of the owner.

The Tarnished Knight

Jack Roper knows espionage and intrigue. Protecting King and country is his life, until a woman he's never met sets about demolishing everything he's worked to build for the purpose of attaining her own ends, regardless of what happens to him.

The Roper Estate

Without the baron present, Castle Sugan, the surrounding land, and the people living on it struggle to survive. All is not lost. God turns evil for good and changes hearts, but will Abigail and Jack choose to be a part of it...

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

New Releases from DBP... Reluctant Knight

The Rebellious Damsel

A baron's spoiled daughter, Cassandra Treyman's plans to escape her parents goes awry, and she determines to burn the Bible of the maid who ruined everything. One word captures her attention: Forgiveness. Is it too late?

The Reluctant Knight

Heir to his father's shipping empire, Richard Carrington's wealth fails to make a tradesman's son suitable for a baron's daughter. Her parents prefer to bargain her to an unknown suitor in India, a man Richard suspects may not exist. Why pursue an unattainable woman?

The World

Unscrupulous men and women conspire to gain what they desire no matter the cost to anyone else. Honorable men and women do what they may to follow God and aid in His work to save souls. Follow the world or follow God. Which will they choose? The consequences may cost more than they can afford.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Sharing links Saturday...

Ryan Lanz, over at A Writer's Path, shared five pieces of great writing advice:
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/11/09/five-things-my-mentors-have-taught-me-about-writing/
Ryan has a guest blogger, Victor Salinas, sharing "How Long Should Your Novel Be":
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/11/24/how-long-should-your-novel-be/

Oh, dear. I need to learn how to do what Kimberly Brock, over at Writers In The Storm, advises:
http://writersinthestormblog.com/2015/11/emerging-authors/

Nike Chillemi, over at Karin Beery's blog, shared a bit of her journey:
http://karinbeery.com/2015/11/from-whining-and-murmuring-to-confidence-by-nike-n-chillemi/

God bless.


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Preparing the upcoming release...

The Regency period represents a turning point in history, balanced between the past and the future. In England, 1816, the year without summer due to a volcanic eruption, the war is over and the world is changing. A new season begins for the Thorn family. Being one of the Thorn children promises difficulties, unless they bend to the will of their father whose interests lie in wheedling his way into the peerage, seeking power and money. Loving a Thorn child isn't easy either. They've learned the painful lesson of guarding their hearts.

Dark schemes lurk, riddled with twisted intentions bent on the destruction of those who refuse to bend to its will. Hopeless dreams awaken, and doors open to new paths, for those who dare to brave them. The worlds of class differences and propriety clash, and complications abound. Torn between the possibilities hidden in the future and the secrets of the past, choices must be made, before time runs out and the past catches up, deciding the future for them.

Shattered trust and faith may tear souls apart, unless they unearth the courage to embrace the truth. Honor demands choosing the right way, the hard way, God's way. No matter the age, God is there and He never abandons His own.

Books in series: 5

Genre: Christian Inspirational Regency Romance

Available wherever ebooks are sold and in paperback at Amazon.

Secondary characters in the following books demanded their own  stories and so was born the series Endless Knights. More on that later.

One Directive

In 1816 England, James Thorn, by his father's command, must marry a titled lady in exchange for his inheritance. He is granted one Season in London to accomplish the task or lose everything.

Two Stumbling Blocks

James suspects his inheritance is not as lucrative as intimated. The young lady for whom he must sacrifice his soul in order to inherit may not be worth the price.

And an Unexpected Distraction

Lily Milton, housemaid, earns the unenviable role of conspirator in her mistress' plan to hoodwink the young lady's suitor, none other than Lily's own knight in shining armor. Darker schemes lurk, with twisted intentions bent on destruction, but God never abandons His own.

George Budge is a military man. He's survived the army for over seven years. The night before the battle at Waterloo, he endeavors to impart to his protégé what matters most.

Taken under George's wing when he joins the army, fifteen-year-old drummer Leo stands on the brink, more man than boy, facing the fight of his young life.

Life's unexpected twists demand uncommon fortitude, dogged determination, and unfailing courage. From time to time, God sends a pair of unlikely angels.

Will Leo accept the vagaries of war and choose death or allow God to reveal another way and step through the door with the boldness for which his mentor nicknamed him?

Loyalty and Devotion

Hannah Budge married one of her dearest friends to protect her honor and her other best friend, the man she loves. The death of her husband leaves her vulnerable to the advances of a man she loathes, the father of the man she loves.

Betrayal and Revenge

Benjamin Thorn always planned to marry Hannah, until his two best friends betrayed him. They made their choice, and he made his. With his dream dead, he throws himself into other pursuits, until he must save Hannah from his own father.

Love and Grace

Hurt and suspicion will tear them apart forever, unless they choose to trust God and each other...

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Preparing for the coming release...

The Regency period represents a turning point in history, balanced between the past and the future. In England, 1816, the year without summer due to a volcanic eruption, the war is over and the world is changing. A new season begins for the Thorn family. Being one of the Thorn children promises difficulties, unless they bend to the will of their father whose interests lie in wheedling his way into the peerage, seeking power and money. Loving a Thorn child isn't easy either. They've learned the painful lesson of guarding their hearts.

Dark schemes lurk, riddled with twisted intentions bent on the destruction of those who refuse to bend to its will. Hopeless dreams awaken, and doors open to new paths, for those who dare to brave them. The worlds of class differences and propriety clash, and complications abound. Torn between the possibilities hidden in the future and the secrets of the past, choices must be made, before time runs out and the past catches up, deciding the future for them.

Shattered trust and faith may tear souls apart, unless they unearth the courage to embrace the truth. Honor demands choosing the right way, the hard way, God's way. No matter the age, God is there and He never abandons His own.

Books in series: 5

Genre: Christian Inspirational Regency Romance

Available wherever ebooks are sold and in paperback at Amazon.

A Lost Friendship

In 1816, Spinster Elizabeth Thorn serves more as a slave than a servant as her father's housekeeper. The courageous war stories penned by Paul Silver inspire her to correspond with him, but after years of heartfelt letters, he ceases replying. Her father accepts a lucrative marriage bargain on her behalf, and her dream of sharing her life with a kindred spirit withers.

A Marriage Promise

Jonathan Silverton blames himself for failing his best friend. To escape his shame, he moves to the countryside and meets none other than the woman he wrote for a decade. He dares not reveal his secrets, but he will not deny his desire to marry her.

Is Love Possible?

Secrets breed distrust and misunderstandings. The past refuses to stay buried. Shattered trust and faith may tear them apart...unless they each discover the courage to embrace the truth.

A Spinster

In 1816 England, Caitlin Roper's past demands she pursue a solitary existence. Her life as a staid and contented spinster vanishes the moment a handsome gentleman tumbles into her world.

A Stranger

Fynn survives the fall from his horse in body but not in memory. Is he beggar or thief? Gentleman or laborer? He must decide.

A Possibility for Love

Hopeless dreams awaken, and the door to a new path opens. Complications abound when the worlds of class differences and propriety clash. Torn between the possibilities hidden in the future and the secrets of the past, they both must choose...before time runs out and the past decides the future for them.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Reluctant Knight is in...

Today, I will celebrate with a friend.

I love Richard, and I'm so proud of Cassandra.

Back to working on Secondhand Samhain. I think I have the next novella sort of mapped.

Yesterday, I was dazzled by the sunny skies and the pattering rain. I stared at the clear sky overhead. A few clouds dotted the sky, but nothing that looked like rain clouds. Fanciful. The wonder of the moment is in what else I saw. A hawk circled above a flock of birds; I'm guessing pigeons. I would have missed it had the clouds been thicker, and I wouldn't have looked up if I hadn't been mystified by the sunshine and rain. Amazing.

God is good.

(These are pictures from a month or two ago. I love wispy clouds, and the way they collect color.)



Saturday, November 14, 2015

Saturday Posts to Share...

Armand Rosamilia is in charge of Authors Supporting Our Troops. He's preparing for next year, and I'm planning to participate:
http://armandrosamilia.com/2015/11/02/authors-supporting-our-troops-2015-wrapping-up-asot2015/

Donna Hatch writes Regency Romance and on her blog shares interesting bits of historical information. She recently blogged about Dance Cards:
http://donnahatch.com/dance-cards/

Michelle Hanton posted in Simple Team Meeting 7 Tips to Immediately Get More Out of Your Day:
https://simpleteammeeting.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/7-simple-proven-tips-to-immediately-get-more-out-of-your-day-by-michelle-hanton/

A different kind of blog is Brett Works. The focus is music. This particular post is a compelling poem:
http://brettworks.com/2015/11/06/music-is-more-than-music/

God bless.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Veteran's Day

November 11 is Veteran's Day.
To all who served:
Thank you.


Saturday, November 7, 2015

Posts to share...

Writers In The Storm shared lessons from beyond the comfort zone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ismAXH-edyI&feature=share

Over at A Writer's Path, Monique Hall shared hints on writers' conferences:
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/10/22/5-tips-for-writing-conference-newbies/

Have you ever been shoved in a box? Carolyn Kurr's new website is online:
http://carolynkurr.com/

Anne Gracie shared #FallBackInTime
http://annegracie.blogspot.com/2015/11/fallbackintime.html

From 2014, these are still some of my favorites:
But now it's 2014, and here's me with mine:

God bless.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

HEA vs PEA

I write Happily Ever After not Perfectly Ever After.

Many people... okay, most people believe that the fairy tale HEA means the couple has no more troubles. All their strife is over. Everything is smooth sailing. The couple never has another difficulty. Everything is perfect.

Perfectly Ever After.

One is able to be happy in the midst of trials and tribulations. Life would be miserable if we couldn't. I don't know about anyone else, but in my life strife doesn't end. Smooth sailing is the calm before the storm. Difficulties abound. Everything is decidedly imperfect. This does not keep me from being happy. In fact, joy is often found in overcoming a weakness, surviving pain with grace, and helping someone else who is struggling.

The point of the HEA in a story isn't that the couple never has another obstacle to overcome. HEA means they will face their dilemmas and troubles together. HEA means they no longer need to stand alone. When one is drowning the other throws a flotation device. They give each other a hand over the stumbling blocks and rejoice together. They are happy.

Happily Ever After.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Just Friends is on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Just-Friends-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B017FSC4WG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446472066&sr=8-1

If you prefer paperback, Just Friends, along with three other novellas, will be available in the Holiday, USA Anthology 2015 edition at the end of this year or beginning of next year.

The sixth novella in the series is here...

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

After Mindy Harper's life crashes, she cuts off her friends. What other choice does she have? She doesn't fit in anymore. Holidays commemorating friendship fail to convince her she should celebrate them. A handsome ranch hand won't change her mind.

Cowboy left most of his past behind, with no regrets. The moment he sees Mindy he knows where his future lies. Friendship is the best place to start, but what is he supposed to do when she declares they're acquaintances?

God opens closed doors to those who knock, if it's His will...

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Samhain

Celebrating the end of harvest.

This isn't actually the end of harvest. However, these are the plants I planted as seeds, last April, and thought had died. They appeared in August. Surprise! These are the only surviving comfrey plants. 



This is them, this past week:





I wasn't sure they were really comfrey. I know what the seed packet said, but mistakes happen. Then, the other day I came outside to check on my plants and found the one in the terracotta pot limp, leaves flat against the soil. Test. I watered it and within a half hour it was once again perky. Yep, definitely comfrey.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Holiday USA cover reveal

Thanks, Ruth, for the gorgeous cover. A bit more editing of the manuscript and then downloading.


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Blurb for Just Friends...

I worked on the blurb yesterday. The plan is to publish Just Friends by the end of the week.

The sixth novella in the series is here...

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Mindy Harper's life crashed, and she cut off her friends. What other choice does she have when she doesn't fit in anymore? Three different holidays for friendship aren't enough for her to believe she should celebrate any of them.

Cowboy left his early life behind, with no regrets. The moment he sees Mindy he knows where his life is headed. Friendship is the best place to start, but what is he supposed to do when she declares they're acquaintances?

God opens closed doors to those who knock, if it's His will...

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Reluctant Knight cover art

Thank you, Carol Fiorillo, for the personally designed cover. It's heroic! Thank you, Jenifer Ranieri, Marketing Director of Desert Breeze Publishing for the different versions, including an avatar.


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Storm Pictures...

Final editing and cover art, for Just Friends, are underway. Hopefully, publishing will happen at the end of this week. God willing.

I'm sharing more pictures from a storm not long ago. I use a little digital camera. My thanks to the person who kindly gave it to me. What a blessing it has been to me.




Saturday, October 17, 2015

Sharing Links...

Over at Patricia Johns' blog, a little bit of real life romance:
http://patriciajohnsromance.com/2015/10/10/the-romance-that-made-me/

Lori Crane shares her advice on writing a blurb:
https://loricrane.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/3-step-formula-for-writing-blurbs/

Pictures from a storm last August.

God bless.