New Year’s Resolutions: looking back and looking forward

This time of year I’m always full of retrospect. The Christmas tree is sitting in the corner of the living room, half the ornaments taken off the other half in boxes, the Nativity scene is still on top of the entertainment center and I’ve started a pile of Goodwill items.

As I look back at 2007, I realize how much the old saying, “letting go and letting God”, was so much a part of last year. Over the past three years, I tried so hard to find a publisher or agent for my book, Alvarado Gold, and just couldn’t make the right “connection”. I prayed about it every morning on the way to work always asking for His will, since I work nine hour days, that’s my prayer time. In June of this year, I found TWRP. I had been given the name of another publisher and each time I looked up that name, I’d see Wild Rose Press. It kept happening over and over, finally I went to the website and as they say – the rest is history. Now looking to 2008, I’m getting ready to submit the sequel.

I think my entire family has let God lead them this year which makes me incredibly proud of my two grown daughters. My husband and I are inching toward retirement which has caused us to ask for His direction in several aspects of our lives, too.

And then there’s that twenty pounds. But that’s on every year’s resolution list.

Happy New Year!

Victoria

A Merry, Merry Christmas

span style="font-weight:bold;">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

We wish a blessed Christmas to all and look forward to a new year of sharing our stories with you. Thanks for reading.

The White Roses in Bloom

Cindy Green is a "Winter Wonders" Author

Cindy K. Green's short story "Snow Kissed" is included in the Winter Wonders anthology, coming from By Grace Publishing. Other authors included: Joann Carter, Meg Allison, Muncy Chapman. Visit By Grace Publishing for details on purchasing.

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Excerpt:
“So,” asked Logan, lifting his chin, a real smile moving onto his face now, “what are you up to this afternoon?”

She smiled back. “I’m off for a snow walk.”

“That’s what so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There is no snow!” He raised both his hands in frustration.

“There will be,” she replied with complete confidence.

“How do you know? There’s no snow in the forecast. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm while a swirl of pleasure moved around inside her stomach at the contact. “Just breathe,” she whispered to him slowly as she took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No,” she laughed. He could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful, magical.” Her voice came out breathy, the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight though, not that you would dare show your face there.”

She paused, making a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This might possibly be their final farewell. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many wonderful memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams. “Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. It was easier than being disappointed.

“Bye Holly.” He said the words as he always did—with genuine warmth, when no one else was paying attention, that is. He released a small smile and Holly was caught in his gaze, a little thrill pulsing in her heart.

Logan was rugged from the clothes he wore to the tough and edgy persona he showed to the world. But his eyes, yes, his eyes betrayed his softer side. You would have expected him to have black, beady eyes by the way he barked at everyone, but instead he had these deep, soulful eyes in the most brilliant indigo Holly had ever seen on any person, man or woman. She would miss those eyes and these stimulating conversations. Well, everything that is Logan Riley.

Behind the Scenes in Orchard Hill

This Wednesday, December 19, “Saving Gracie” the first in the Orchard Hill Romance series will be released. I’ve already shared my blurb and excerpt, so this time, I’d like to tell you a little bit about how the series came to be.

It started with the fruits of the spirit - you know Galatians 5:22 – “But he fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I wanted to write a series of stories, with one to highlight each virtue. For reasons I don’t have time to go into, it didn’t work for me.

But from these words I started playing with titles and came up with things like “Keeping Faith” and “Finding Joy.” I also took a few other bible verses and made them into a “play on words” type of title. For example I got “Considering Lily” from "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12:27. And I bet you can guess where “Entertaining Angel” came from.

So what was I going to do with these titles? This was starting backwards. I had titles with no stories. First of all, I found a common setting for them. Since I love the principal of “write what you know” I chose to create a small town in Wisconsin, Orchard Hill. Believe me, I am writing what I know there.

Then I decided to center each story around a holiday. No particular reason for this other than I thought of nine holidays that would cover a year’s worth of stories. And holidays are fun.

Now I was getting somewhere. I came up with short synopses of what each story would be about, and I divided them into groups of three. The first three stories center around the downtown and the young business professionals there. The second set of stories centers around the school and its employees. (Ironically, these are the summer stories.) The final set of stories centers around the church and the activities going on there. But something was still missing.

That’s when Pansy and Misty butted in. These two ladies are rivals in the art of matchmaking, and enemies to the bitter end. First of all, they barged into my story and challenged each other to see who could make the most matches in a year! Now they are squabbling and sabotaging each other right through the series, alternatively helping and hindering cupid’s work. They’ve taken over and there’s nothing I can do about it!

But they’re going to get their comeuppance, because these ladies are about to get hit with cupid’s arrows themselves. Before the end of the series these women will find themselves falling in love with some very surprising men, burying the hatchet and coming together to concentrate all their matchmaking skills on the hardest target of all – young, handsome and definitely set on staying single – Pastor Isaac of the Orchard Hill Community Church!

I hope you’ll come along to spend a year in Orchard Hill with Pansy, Misty and nine special couples. I promise, it won’t be dull! For more information, visit my website or the new Orchard Hill Hilights blog.

Kara Lynn Russell

An Introduction to Nicola Beaumont

Hi, Everyone,

I'm excited to be a part of the White Roses in Bloom Blog, and privileged to be able to write stories that bring my two obsessions together: romance and God--not necessarily in that order. I have always been a romantic--at least, I was told I was by my high school English teacher (way back in the days of the ancients). And since I love a HEA ending, and a man who'll do anything for the woman he loves (and vice-versa), I guess I believe it-- and mixing romance and God isn't such a stretch when one considers the Paschal Mystery is actually the greatest love story ever.

I like to epitomize the struggle between good and evil--the resistance of temptation is a classic struggle, and one that's been present since the beginning of time. My novella, The Lighthouse, is lightly allegorical. In this life, we all must face and resist worldly temptations and strive to find the right path, see the truth in all things. Sometimes this easy; sometimes, it's not so easy. That's the subtlety underlaid in The Lighthouse...but on the surface, it's a contemporary romance about two friends who have secretly loved each other for years. It's received rave reviews, and for that I'm really grateful. Here's a blurb, in case you'd like to know more:

DANGEROUS LIAISON…

Rachel is in love with her best friend, but when Malachi doesn’t seem interested, she turns to an international stranger whom she meets on the internet. At first, conversation is just a pastime, but soon, romantic fantasies form in her mind. Why not consider a man who travels across an ocean to meet her—a man who makes her feel wanted? After all, Malachi might as well be a world away—even if his concern does seem genuine when he warns her about the intriguing Frenchman.

RESCUE ON THE WAY…

Malachi has sworn not to interfere in Rachel’s relationship, but he’s in love with the head-strong woman who is determined to continue her budding romance…Yet, Malachi senses something isn’t right about the playboy who has suddenly consumed Rachel’s time, so he vows to save her from the stranger—and herself—even if it means losing her forever.

Blessings,
Nicola Beaumont

http://www.inicola.net
http://shoutlife.com/nicola
NOW AVAILABLE Hyacinths in Winter
NOW AVAILABLEThe Resurrection of Lady Somerset ISBN 1-60154-066-3
NOW AVAILABLEThe Lighthouse ISBN 1-60154-150-3

Meet Georgiana Daniels

Greetings! I'm so excited to be part of a group who loves to read and write Christian fiction as much as I do.

My name is Georgiana Daniels, and I'm a first-time Wild Rose Press author. I live in the beautiful mountains of Arizona with my generous husband, talented teen, and two fun-loving tots. I'm so blessed to have a family who's incredibly supportive of the dream God has given me. As we all know, writing takes time, and the journey is long, but I'm so glad I landed in the Garden!

A little about me: after graduating with a degree in public relations, I spent several years in retail management, then began a career in investments. When our middle child was born, it was time to hang up the ticker tape and live my calling as a homemaker and writer. I write inspirational chick lit, and am anxious for my first book, Table for One, to be released in January.

In my spare time--if there is such a thing--I love to blog about reading, writing, and random bits of fun.

Next time I'll fill you in on my book, and the inspiration behind the story. I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Introducing Betsy Ann St. Amant

Hi there! My name is Betsy Ann St. Amant, and I'm a woman with a passion for God, chocolate, and polka dot shoes! (wink) I love writing stories that tell the wonders of God's grace and the effect He has on our lives.

I'm 23 years old, live in Louisiana, and have been writing since I was about 7! Stories and words have always been in my heart. My mom tells me when I was little, I used to sit on the floor surrounded by books on all sides and cry because I didn't know how to read yet - I was too young! I firmly believe God put the passion for stories in my heart at that early age. And now, I'm blessed enough to have three books published with The Wild Rose Press - a full length novel (in print) called Midnight Angel (a romantic suspense) and two romance short-story e-books entitled If Wishes Were Dog Biscuits and The S.S. Grace. I also contribute monthly articles on the topics of faith and marriage to Crosswalk.com.

When I'm not writing (which is a little rare) I'm working a full time job, being a wife to my hubby of three years, working out, blogging, reading, consuming large quantities of Diet Coke, shopping, and...preparing to be a mother! We just found out we're expecting our first baby in July. (And oh yes, all prayers are welcome!) =)

So that's me. Just a woman trying to live for God and make a difference in this world through the stories He has placed on my heart. Life is such an adventure, and I'm happy to record every moment of it.

New Orchard Hill Series

I'm proud to announce that "Saving Gracie" the first story in my new series will be released this month. Riley and Grace were such fun characters to work with. I hope everyone will enjoy them as much as I do.

It's exciting to have this happen so close after my Christmas release "Nick and Noelle." If you visit my personal blog - sweetnessandlightreviews.blogspot.com/, you can read some excerpts from that story and get a chance to win a free copy of "Saving Gracie."

Blurb:
Orchard Hill Residents - Lock up your hearts. Pansy Parker and Misty Green are rivals in romance. Each believes she is the town’s best matchmaker. Now they’re going to settle the question for once and for all. They’re keeping track to see who can make the most matches in a year’s time. Both Misty and Pansy are determined to be the winner. No heart is safe in Orchard Hill – not even their own.

Riley O’Neil and Grace Randall have been best friends since kindergarten and Pansy knows they belong together. After Grace’s fiancée leaves her at the altar, Riley decides it’s time to tell her he wants to be more than friends. Grace is still reeling from her fiancée’s betrayal. She fears that if she and Riley start dating, it will ruin their friendship – and right now Riley’s friendship is something she can’t spare. A new year is coming up and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. Will Grace take a chance on love with Riley?

Excerpt:
When he pulled up in front of her house, she barely waited for him to stop before she jumped out. She slammed the car door without saying good-bye and stormed up the walk to her house.

Riley parked the car and came after her. She looked surprised when he walked in the door just behind her.

“Forget it. The evening’s ruined, Riley. Go home.”

“I don’t want it to end like this. I have to tell you something.” His eyes pleaded with her.

Grace crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine. What do you want to tell me?”

“Don’t be like this Gracie.”

“What am I supposed to be like? I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Riley.”

He gave up. Words were only making things worse. He’d just have to show her.
He grasped her arms and pulled her to him. He could feel her surprise as he lowered his mouth to hers, but she didn’t push him away, so he pulled her closer, into the circle of his arms. If he had known this would feel so right, he would have given Steve a run for his money years ago. He tightened his arms around her and kept kissing her until he had to come up for air.

She stared at him with wide, shocked eyes and lifted her hand to her mouth. “That’s what’s gotten into me, Grace. I wish you had told me a long time ago that you had doubts about you and Steve.”

Cindy Green featured in Winter Wonders Anthology

Cindy K. Green's short story "Snow Kissed" is included in the Winter Wonders anthology, coming from By Grace Publishing on December 14. Other authors included: Joann Carter, Meg Allison, Muncy Chapman

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Excerpt:
“So,” asked Logan, lifting his chin, a real smile moving onto his face now, “what are you up to this afternoon?”

She smiled back. “I’m off for a snow walk.”

“That’s what so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There is no snow!” He raised both his hands in frustration.

“There will be,” she replied with complete confidence.

“How do you know? There’s no snow in the forecast. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm while a swirl of pleasure moved around inside her stomach at the contact. “Just breathe,” she whispered to him slowly as she took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No,” she laughed. He could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful, magical.” Her voice came out breathy, the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight though, not that you would dare show your face there.”

She paused, making a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This might possibly be their final farewell. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many wonderful memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams. “Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. It was easier than being disappointed.

“Bye Holly.” He said the words as he always did—with genuine warmth, when no one else was paying attention, that is. He released a small smile and Holly was caught in his gaze, a little thrill pulsing in her heart.

Logan was rugged from the clothes he wore to the tough and edgy persona he showed to the world. But his eyes, yes, his eyes betrayed his softer side. You would have expected him to have black, beady eyes by the way he barked at everyone, but instead he had these deep, soulful eyes in the most brilliant indigo Holly had ever seen on any person, man or woman. She would miss those eyes and these stimulating conversations. Well, everything that is Logan Riley.

Cindy Green is a "Winter Wonders" Author

Cindy K. Green's short story "Snow Kissed" is included in the Winter Wonders anthology, coming from By Grace Publishing. Other authors included: Joann Carter, Meg Allison, Muncy Chapman. Visit By Grace Publishing for details on purchasing.

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Excerpt:
“So,” asked Logan, lifting his chin, a real smile moving onto his face now, “what are you up to this afternoon?”

She smiled back. “I’m off for a snow walk.”

“That’s what so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There is no snow!” He raised both his hands in frustration.

“There will be,” she replied with complete confidence.

“How do you know? There’s no snow in the forecast. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm while a swirl of pleasure moved around inside her stomach at the contact. “Just breathe,” she whispered to him slowly as she took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No,” she laughed. He could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful, magical.” Her voice came out breathy, the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight though, not that you would dare show your face there.”

She paused, making a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This might possibly be their final farewell. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many wonderful memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams. “Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. It was easier than being disappointed.

“Bye Holly.” He said the words as he always did—with genuine warmth, when no one else was paying attention, that is. He released a small smile and Holly was caught in his gaze, a little thrill pulsing in her heart.

Logan was rugged from the clothes he wore to the tough and edgy persona he showed to the world. But his eyes, yes, his eyes betrayed his softer side. You would have expected him to have black, beady eyes by the way he barked at everyone, but instead he had these deep, soulful eyes in the most brilliant indigo Holly had ever seen on any person, man or woman. She would miss those eyes and these stimulating conversations. Well, everything that is Logan Riley.

Meet Pamela Thibodeaux

Hello White Roses in Bloom Fans!

Here’s hoping EVERYONE had a BLESSED and Happy Thanksgiving!
I am very pleased and honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of writers. As much as I’d love to tell you all about my books, I believe that you should have the opportunity to know a little about me first (not that I’m all that—LOL!). Anyway…for those of you who don’t know me, here’s a little introduction:

My name is Pamela S Thibodeaux and I write “Inspirational with an Edge!” romantic fiction as well as creative non fiction. First and foremost I am a firmly committed Christian. God is very real to me and I hope to show through my characters that He can be just as real to you!

I am a wife/mother/grandmother/full-time insurance sales producer/writer as well as the co-founder/president & treasurer of Bayou Writers’ Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

To date I have 4 full-length novels published. Books 1, 2 & 3 of my 5-part Tempered series are published through ComStar Media and my single-title novel, The Inheritance is published through The Wild Rose Press. I also have a short story, Cathy’s Angel available now through TWRP. Another short story is due for release on Jan 8, 08 and another is under consideration. All of my full-length novels are available in E-book and Print!

I have been a weekly contributor to The Romance Readers Blog with Pamela’s Ponderings for almost a year now and have a Personal Blog that I update regularly. I’ve also been known to hang out at MySpace and ShoutLife.

Well, that’s my life in a nutshell LOL!

Until later….take care, stay in touch, God Bless and remember…when the going gets tough, the tough get on their knees.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
“Inspirational with an Edge!”

Through the Eyes of Love & New book winners

Today Rose Ross Zediker's THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE was released. This is the last of the White Roses in Bloom books to be released for November. But don't panic - there are more coming in December and January.

Cindy K. Green has a story in a By Grace Publishing winter Anthology. The book is called Winter Wonders and Cindy's story is "Snow Kissed." "Saving Gracie" the first installment in Kara Lynn Russell's new series "Orchard Hill Romances" will also be hitting the virtual shelves in December.

A couple of authors who are new to our White Roses in Bloom group have January releases: A short story by Pamela Thibodeaux and the novel A Table for One by new Wild Rose Press author Georgiana Daniels. Betsy Ann St. Amant, author of Midnight Angel and "If Wishes Were Dog Biscuits" has also joined out group. Each of these three talented authors will be introducing themselves to us soon.

Okay - now for the big news - Who won the free books?
1. The Broken Path - Sarita Leone
2. The Spirit of Christmas - Lisa K
3. Uncharted Waters - Patricia W.
4. When Johnny Comes Home - Krysten

If you are one of the winners, please email the author of the book you've won and let them know what email address you want the book sent to. You should be able to reach the authors through our links page. If you have any problems, please email Kara Lynn Russell at karalynnrussell@gmail.com.

Congratulations to all the winners! Keep checking back to our blog for holiday fun in December.

Kim Watter's Upcoming Release

Here's a preview of "When Johnny Comes Home" one of our prize books for this week's drawing:

Audrey Roberts's masquerade is about to end in disaster. For years, she's written love letters to Johnny and signed them with her sister's name. Now, the man she adores is coming home to marry his pen pal and Audrey is left to face the consequences of her deception.

Injured during D-Day, Johnny Davenport is shipped home. His only plan: to find the woman whoselove letters kept him sane and hopeful throughout the destruction of war. Nothing will stop him from drawing out the beautiful, shy girl he left behind and making her his wife.

But once the true writer is revealed, which sister will he claim?

Excerpt
August 17, 1944.

“Johnny should be here any minute.” Audrey Roberts bit her lip and almost shredded the telegram in her hands as she stood by the lace covered window.

Keeping a classroom full of third-graders entertained enough to learn their lessons was easier than the job that soon awaited her. Dropping the tattered pieces of paper on the floor, she twisted her fingers together. Nonsense! As the eldest child of Edward and Hannah Roberts, she’d been raised to be the responsible one, the kind and considerate one, the studious one with her head in a book and her feet planted firmly in reality.

Still, a fine drop of perspiration trailed down her forehead, over her cheek and past the stiff collar of her white blouse. Nothing stirred in the late afternoon. Not even the breeze from the rickety, old fan clanging in the background. The humid temperatures languished in the interior of her mother’s first floor apartment in Mercy, Michigan.

“Why did I have to go and make such a mess of things?” Her fingernails dug into her palms. Why, she felt more skittish than the new-born colt just born on Uncle Henry’s farm. Silly nonsense. She was a grown woman in charge of educating a roomful of children.

Certainly she could handle telling her sister’s suitor that Kathryn had run off with another man. If only she hadn’t created the masquerade that was sure to end in disaster. The nerves in her stomach bunched together like a pail of her younger brother’s worms. She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the faded, floral wallpaper. A young Johnny’s smiling face floated in front of her darkened lids. She’d complicated things because she’d taken to him the day her younger sister, Kathryn, had introduced him to her.

Audrey had fallen in love immediately with the handsome soldier. She’d sensed a disquiet about him, a need that called out to her on a deep emotional level. She’d continued to fill that need long after Kathryn had pushed him aside to pursue a better prospect.

First Round of Book Winners!

Today is the release day for Alvarado Gold by Victoria Pitts-Caine, the print version of Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man by Kimberlee R. Mendoza and Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell. Earlier this week Kimberlee's A Girl Named Christmas was also released.

Next week Through the Eyes of Love by Rose Ross Zediker and When Johnny Comes Home by Kim Watters will be released. We are all very excited about these great new books! They are indeed blessings for us.

Today is also the first round of our November book give away. Congratulations to the winners. Winners please contact the author so you can give her the email address you want your book sent to. Authors can be contacted through the links on the right. If you have any problems contact Kara Lynn at karalynnrussell@gmail.com.

1. Georgiana Daniels - Nick and Noelle
2. Cherie J - Alvarado Gold
3. Robynl - A Girl Named Christmas
4. Catslady - Through the Eyes of Love

Congratulations! We hope you enjoy our books.

If you didn't win, check back next Friday. We are giving away four more books.

Release Day for "A Girl Named Christmas!"

Today is release day for Kimberlee R. Mendoza's "A Girl Named Christmas," available at the Wild Rose Press - www.thewildrosepress.com. Here's the blurb:

Christmas is dragging her feet to her fortieth birthday, dreading the realization that she will never marry. In a vain effort to feel better, she begins to reminisce about her youth.

The year is 1955 in Ashabula, Ohio. Chris and her siblings are attractive young women forbidden to date until they are adults. When the gardener’s son Elijah begins to pursue Chris, despite her stubborn heart, she falls hard. When her mother finds out, a tragedy occurs and Chris turns her back on the only man she would ever love.

Is it too late for her? Or is it possible that her romantic journey is just beginning?

On Friday - ALVARADO GOLD by Victoria Pitts-Caine and NICK AND NOELLE by Kara Lynn Russell will be released by the Wild Rose Press. Both books will be available as downloads. NICK AND NOELLE will also be available in print. ALVARADO GOLD will be released in print soon. Friday is the day that Kimberlee R. Mendoza's YA novel LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN will be available in print.

We will be drawing the first names for our book giveaway, so make sure you check back here to see if you've won. If you haven't entered the contest yet, there's still time. Just leave us a comment listing three of your favorite blessings.

Victoria Pitts-Caine Shares Her Blessings

I thought I'd join in on the blessings blog as well. Here's what I'm thankful for:

1. My family. A strong Christian husband and my two Korean born daughters.
2. My home. I've always had a roof over my head and plenty of food on the table. There are so many who don't and I'm blessed that I may want more but I do not need more.
3. Talent. I'm quiet about my faith and the ability to write my stories lets me deliver that faith to others.

Excerpt from Alvarado Gold:


I backed up against the doorway to my room, shaken. My insides quivered. I always thought I was tough enough to stand up to anyone. I’d just about proven myself wrong. If it hadn’t been for Gary showing up when he did, I’d . . . .

I’d thought he’d betrayed me but yet he’d shown up as my rescue. First, I assumed it was a convenient set up between the two of them. But Donnie didn’t appear to know him, or, at least, pretended not to. It was going to take . . . What did Grandpa call it? A step of faith. If I was going to let myself trust him, I needed to apologize.



Victoria

Rose's Blessings

Since we asked you to share three blessing with us this Thanksgiving season, I thought it only fair to share three of mine.

1) That I live a country where I’m free to worship as I choose.
2) My family and friends
3) My health

My excerpt that’s posted below, talks about a family
tradition that the hero wants to share with the heroine. All families have traditions that are passed down, like a favorite recipe, my grandma’s homemade rolls, or an activity, like watching a big game on television. Some of my families traditions, I took for granted growing up and looking back, I realize they were blessings in disguise.

May all your traditions, both old and new, be blessing to you this Thanksgiving holiday.

Rose

Excerpt: Through The Eyes of Love

“I bought my tree from the lot beside the gas station.” Mike emptied a sugar packet into his cup. He stirred his coffee. “I thought maybe we could decorate our trees together.”

Audra shifted in the diner booth. “I don’t put up a tree.”

Mike looked at her as if she were from outer space. “Why not?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “No reason to I guess.” She sipped her coffee. “The only decorating I do is in the office and from what the critics tell me this year, I didn’t do a good job of that.”

Mike grinned. “Begin a tradition and start this year.”

Audra wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think so.”

“If I buy the tree will you put it up?”

“No, there is no reason for me to have a tree.” Audra folded her arms on the table.

“You need somewhere to put your gifts. It wouldn’t have to be big.” Mike leaned close and flashed his most persuasive smile.

“Two gifts sent from my mom doesn’t necessitate a tree.”

“Will you at least help me decorate my side of the duplex?”

Audra waited until the waitress topped off their cups to answer. “I suppose I …”

“Good. My family had a tradition of doing something special each Sunday of the Advent. Since I can’t go home, I thought, if you didn’t mind that you and I could do those things.”

Audra outstretched her forearms laying her palms flat on the table. “I know you miss your family so I’ll do your Advent activities. I doubt if it’ll be as special for two reasons. One I don’t know what I’m doing and two I’m not your family.”

Mike stopped stirring his coffee and left the spoon in his cup. He covered both of Audra’s hands with his. “I’d like you to be.”

Audra felt the depth of his gaze clear to the bottom of her heart. For a few moments she forgot they were in a café surrounded by people. Her mind began to rationalize the meaning behind his words but her heart knew what he meant.

Someone cleared her throat. Audra turned to find Hap and Cara standing beside their booth.

“For the second time, can we join you?” Cara asked.

Kimberlee R. Mendoza's Contest

(Note: This contest is separate from our Counting Your Blessings Contest. But hey, who's going to complain about more chances to win free books!)

SIBLING RIVALRY JUST GOT NASTY

This Friday, November 9, the print release for the first book in the Russell Family Series, Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man will be made available to purchase! You don't want to miss this book that made reviewer Alice stay up all night. "I blame it all on Kimberlee Mendoza for my lack of sleep because I just had to know what will happen next. Every page screamed “read me!” and it took me a lot of effort to stop pushing myself." Love thy Sister received five enchatments (Enchanting Reviews), five angels (Fallen Angel Reviews) and four coffee cups (Coffee Time Romance).

To celebrate this release, if you can name all four siblings in an email to me at kim@writesftk.com, you will be entered to win a free copy of "A Girl Named Christmas." (Releasing next Wednesday, November 14).

Also mark your calendars to attend the release party on Friday, November 16, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Chapel Cafe in Spring Valley, CA. For more information, log onto: www.kmendoza.com.

Blessings and happy reading!

Count Your Blessings Contest

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for counting your blessings. All of the White Rose authors here count being a part of the The Wild Rose Press as one of our blessings. We’d like to know what blessings you have.

Leave us a list of three blessings in your life as comments on our blog and you’ll be entered in our contest. Names will be drawn from the entries for free books! Keep watching here for more details.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak at Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell, which will be released as an e-text and in print on November 14. In this excerpt it’s clear that our hero, Nick is having a bit of trouble counting his blessings at Thanksgiving dinner.

*****

Dinner couldn’t have been any more agonizing for Nick if he’d been sitting on a chair full of nails. Gladys had seated Noelle next to him at the crowded table. That put her near enough for him to smell the sweet scent of her perfume. They were packed in so closely that their shoulders brushed. He caught her every movement from the corner of his eye. How was he supposed to ignore her when she was invading his senses like this?
He was careful to give her all the space he could. He even made sure their hands didn’t touch when he passed serving bowls to her. To make matters worse, Natalie just wouldn’t let up about fixing Noelle up with someone. In Nick’s opinion she stunk as a matchmaker. He’d never heard such a list of losers before in his life. It sounded like the roll call for “Jerks R Us.” If Noelle had shown the faintest interest in any of them, he’d…
He’d have said nothing. Because he told her the kiss was a mistake, and it wouldn’t happen again. He’d just been protecting himself against her imminent rejection, but now he couldn’t very well turn around and object to her potential dates.

A Bouquet of Roses in November

November will be an exciting month for our White Roses in Bloom group. Several of us will have new releases this month. Check these out:

Nov. 14
A Girl Named Christmas, a White Rosebud story by Kimberlee R. Mendoza
Nov. 16
Alvarado Gold, the first Wild Rose Press release by Victoria Pitts-Caine
Nick and Noelle, a holiday romance by Kara Lynn Russell
Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man, this Climbing Rose by Kimberlee R. Mendoza will be available in print. (If you can't wait you can buy the ebook version now.)
Nov. 23
Through the Eyes of Love, the first Wild Rose Press release by Rose Ross Zediker

Keep checking back here at the Wild Roses in Bloom blog for blurbs, excerpts and news. With all these releases we have to do something special to celebrate! Details available soon.

Kara Lynn Russell

Cami Checkett's Halloween Challenge

Happy Halloween! In honor of the holiday of mini candy
bars and donuts, I decided to do a contest to
celebrate the release of "The Broken Path" and to try
to curb my chocolate addiction. It works like this.

Everyday you exercise - at least an hour of intense
exercise is my goal, but you can set your own goals -
you get a point.
Every treat you eat you lose a point - a serving will
basically be what you could fit in your hand - a
handful of candy, one slice of cake or pie, a few
cookies, a bowl of ice cream - lucky me, I've got
really big bowls!

The contest will start November 1st. At the end of the
month you will total your points. Hopefully, they'll
be positive. Then you'll e-mail me -
camichecketts@yahoo.com. If you get a higher score
than me, you get your choice of an electronic download
of either "The Broken Path" or "The Fourth of July".
Whoever gets the highest points wins a free print copy
of either book.

So, I'm hoping you'll all help me out and try the
contest. You could win a free book and improve your
health.

Let me know if you're in. I'll give you updates on my
blog - fitmomma.blogstream.com - about how I'm doing
pointwise. That way you'll know how far ahead of me
you are and the certainty of winning a free book.

Have a safe and happy Halloween.

Cami Checketts
http://www.camichecketts.com
http://fitmomma.blogstream.com

"The Fourth of July" and "The Broken Path"
Available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Wild Rose Press and Amazon.com

Caring for your Physical Body

As a wife, mom, author and exercise scientist I have a
lot of things pulling me in different directions. I'm
sure all of you can relate. I'm often asked how I fit
in exercise. The truth - I get up at 5:30 a.m. Not
fun, but well worth it.

I promise if you make time for exercise, you will reap
the benefits: lose weight, increase tone and strength,
decrease the risk of contracting various illnesses and
improve your brain power. People who are fit not only
enjoy higher quality of life, they also have a higher
income.

Have I convinced you to try some exercise yet? Great.
Here are a few ways to get started.

#1 – Find out what you love and do it. Join a tennis
league, go on a walk, join a gym, run, bike, dance,
crawl. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you
get off that couch and move.

#2 – Wear a pedometer. It's a great motivator. When I
wear mine I actually run down the stairs to talk to my
boys instead of yelling over the railing! Make sure
you’re doing more than 10,000 steps a day and you will
reap the benefits.

#3 – Eat in moderation. The best diets include all the
good things nature has to offer: whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, lean meats, dairy, etc. Throw in a little
chocolate or Diet Coke for sanity’s sake and you’ve
got yourself a winner.

#4 – Portion control. You can eat almost anything you
want if you’ll eat small servings and keep track of
what you eat during the day.

#5 – Turn off the television. Whenever clients tell me
they can’t fit in exercise I ask them how much t.v.
they watch a day. I’ve never had someone say zero. If
you really must see American Idol, please dance with
them, run the stairs during commercials or stash your
hand weights next to the couch so you can reach for
them during the show.

#6 – Lift weights. Many women are afraid of weights.
Don’t be. Weight training is fun and easy to learn.
Buy a book on weight-lifting, look online for advice,
hire a personal trainer, find a friend who knows what
she’s doing and trade a favor, or read my blog:
fitmomma.blogstream.com.
Lifting weights will increase your metabolism
significantly, decrease your risk of osteoporosis,
make you look and feel better, and is the best way to
stay fit for life.

#7 – Try to move as much as possible. Pace or do
squats while you talk on the phone. Run the diaper to
the trash instead of practicing your pitch. Dance
around the kitchen while you cook. Roll a tennis ball
under your foot while you work – it’ll keep you moving
and it’s a great foot massage. Replace your office
chair with an exercise ball and squeeze your abs and
glutes while you sit.

#8 – Give yourself a free day. One day a week don’t
write down what you eat, don’t exercise and let
yourself eat dessert, nachos or whatever you desire.
If I have that free day to look forward to I can
handle depriving myself during the week. Also, it’s
almost impossible to undo the good of six days in one
bad day.

#9 – Remember to take baby steps. Start by taking a
short walk or bike ride with your kids or buying some
exercise bands and playing around with them while you
watch t.v. Every year I try to change one bad habit.
It’s a gradual process. If you take it slowly you
won’t feel frustrated or deprived. The important thing
is to keep improving and realize these are life-long
changes, not a crash diet or quick fix.

Improving your health will affect every aspect of your
life. Give it a try and see how much better you think
and feel.


Cami Checketts' blog - fitmomma.blogstream.com offers
daily fitness advice and strength training routines.
Visit her website – www.camichecketts.com to read
excerpts of her novels or print out healthy recipes
and strength training guides.


Cami Checketts
http://www.camichecketts.com
http://fitmomma.blogstream.com

A Question from Rose Ross Zediker

Does The "Teaser Page" Entice?

On today's blog, I'm going to post what I call the teaser page of a novel. The front page matter that covers one short portion of a scene that shows the hero/heriones attraction for one another.

I'd like your opinions-does this leaves you wanting to know the "rest of the story"?

Enjoy!
Rose
*************************************************************
"It's okay. You can touch my hair, if you want to." Mike brought Audra's hand to his cheek.

Audra slid her hand up his face until she locked some strands between her two fingers. She smoothed down and out until the breeze caught it. She duplicated the movement on the other side.

Mike had to close his eyes and focus on keeping his emotions in check. His heart drummed in his chest, causing his breath to be rapid and unevenly paced.

Audra tucked hair behind his left ear. Her fingers traced the outside of his ear resting on his earring. She lingered there rolling the hoop betwwen her thumb and forefinger. Her fingers left his earlobe and trailed down his strong jaw line to his goatee.

Mike opened his eyes. Audra had leaned in close. Her concentration showed on her face. Did she know her light touch caused intense vibrations through his body?

Her eyes searched his eyes. They were filled with emotion. She stroked the hair on his chin with the back of her fingers. "All this shocked me a little, at first." Her voice was gentle.

"But I like it. I really do."

Mike reached up and moved her hand to his lips. He kissed the back of her hand, then moved it to his cheek and held it there. "Thank you." His voice husky. His breathing erratic.

He slanted his body toward her. Kissing her hand wasn't enough. He wanted to feel the warmth of her body in his arms, the softness of her lips on his.

The blast of a car horn cause both of them to jump. Audra squeezed Mike's hand.


Rose Ross Zediker
Through the Eyes of Love-Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press!
www.thewildrosepress.com
www.whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/roserosszediker
www.shoutlife.com/roserosszediker

Alverado Gold will be Available Soon

With my release date for Alvarado Gold quickly approaching, I've been attempting to do all the right things to boost my sales. My journey from contract to release date has kept me busy doing bookmarks, business cards, web sites and video trailers; but I'm not complaining!

I finished my the video trailer Sunday afternoon and then decided I wasn't going to move until I wrote the final chapter in my WIP, Cairo. I shut down the computer about five hours later with such a feeling of accomplishment. I still have a lot of work to do with rewrites and polishing. I didn't even know how I'd end the book when I started the last chapter. It all just fell together. I read it to my critique group and they loved it which added to my elation.

The final line of Cairo is: Seek and ye shall find, ask and it will be given. I feel truly blessed to have been given the talent to weave a story with my writing and I'll continue to use it to glorify God.

Victoria Pitts-Caine
Alvarado Gold
release dates:
November 11, 2008 digital
May 16, 2008 print

Introducing Kim Watters

Hi. My name is Kim Watters and I write sweet and inspirational stories for both Avalon Books and the Wild Rose Press. I was called to write years ago, but until I had moved from Chicago to Phoenix, I never seemed to have the time. And boy I’ve sure made up for it. With two books from Avalon, another one in the works, a full novel at the Wild Rose Press, and three short stories later, I’m at it as full time as I can get. During the day, I work as an administrative assistant for a local golf resort, which I find amusing because I don’t play golf. My writing time is during that precious hour in the morning before the kids poke their heads into the office and start asking for breakfast.

I’ve received many blessings and a true understanding of God through the birth of my children. They truly have the understanding of God with a child’s innocence lost upon many adults, myself included sometimes. I love creating stories for others to enjoy and hope the message of unconditional love, acceptance and the belief in a happily ever after is my gift to the world that God has chosen me to share.

Blessings.

Kim Watters

Meet Cindy K. Green

Hello, Readers, I’m Cindy K. Green, one of the White Rose authors. I am a California native who now resides in North Carolina with my husband and two young sons. Growing up, I loved reading and writing, but my heart always lay in teaching. After graduating from college with a degree in history, I taught Jr. High in just about every subject. I currently stay home and write as well as homeschool my children. In my spare time, I love reading, photography, scrapbooking, Period Dramas, and spending time with family. I enjoy writing Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense, Young Adult and Historical.


I have two titles with the Wild Rose Press. It is a wonderful company to be a part of. I encourage you to take a peak at the books listed there and read some excerpts. You will no doubt find something to inspire or entertain you every time.



Here are the places you can keep up on all I am involved in:


My Website: www.cindykgreen.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/cindykgreen

ShoutLife: http://www.shoutlife.com/cindykgreen

Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/CindyG52

Kimberlee Mendoza wins Writer of the Year

This weekend I attended the San Diego Christian Writer's Conference. It is one of the largest countrywide Christian conferences in the nation. Friday night they handed out awards for best fiction, best non-fiction, best poetry AND writer of the year. When they called my name as the recipient of the "Sherwood Eliot Wirt Writer of the Year" Award. I was amazed, to say the least. It has been a really good year, and it is only getting better.

At the beginning of 2007, I published a romance about a young woman's journey into the Army called, "Reveille of the Heart." I also had two e-books accepted: "Uncharted Waters" and "A Girl Named Christmas." But the thing I'm most excited about is the young adult, "Russell Family Series." The first book comes out November 9, which just happens to be my birthday. I'm celebrating with a release Open House on Friday, November 16 at The Chapel Cafe in Spring Valley, CA. If you're around, come celebrate with me!

The first book is called, "Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man." A book about a Christian teenager finding her way in the world. "Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper" and "Seek Ye First My Heart" will be out sometime in 2008. If you're young or young at heart, I hope you'll pick them up.

Now, I'm just going to hang around up here on Cloud-9 for a while, and hope you have a blessed day!

New Release for Kim Watters

Author Kim Watters has a new release at The Wild Rose Press. "Discovering Jenna" is in the sweetheart rose category.

Reclusive children’s author Jenna Winslow hides behind her books to keep life from disappointing her. She’d rather spend her time in museums with the dinosaurs she writes about…until she meets a man who makes her want to live again.

Matt McCutcheon is confined to a wheelchair but doesn’t let life confine him. He’s determined to unearth the mysteries of a woman whose physical scars camouflage wounds that go far deeper.

But are his efforts to unlock the warmth and beauty inside Jenna enough to draw her into the land of the living?

Cami Checketts - Thoughts on Service

Hi all. I'm Cami Checketts, author of inspirational
romantic suspense novels - what a mouthful. I'm
excited to contribute to the White Roses in Bloom
blog.
Today I'm sharing some thoughts on service.

Galatians 5: 13-14
"...by love serve one another. For all the law is
fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself."

I love to spend time serving others, but I've had a
tougher time receiving service. This summer changed
that.

On July 9th, I stuck my hand in a lawn mower. It's not
a happy ending. The lawn mower wins every time. I
chopped off three of my fingers and am now the proud
owner of a nubbin where my middle finger should be.

Through the pain of healing and the hazy world of
being doped up on prescription drugs, I learned a bit
about love and service.

I learned that the Lord is always there for me and He
sends his faithful servants when I need them most.

The service I received wasn't always time-consuming or
elaborate, sometimes just an e-mail or a prayer, but
every act meant so much.

I wanted to share with you a list of what friends and
family did for me.

- Dinners - I didn't cook for six weeks, how sweet is
that?
- Phone calls - Probably the easiest thing to do, but
they helped me get through the day.
- Get well cards and e-mails
- Visits - The visits meant so much because I was
miserable without my three boys around to entertain
me.
- Babysitting - I couldn't change my baby's bum
(silver lining), my friends and family took my boys
whenever my husband had to go to work.
- Housecleaning - you know your friends love you when
they scrub your toilets.
- Ironing - I don't iron when I'm healthy! A sweet
lady ironed 30 shirts for me.
- Prayers - This is the most important act of service
and also the easiest. Thanks to all of you who prayed
for me.

After I healed I determined I wouldn't let
opportunities to serve slip away because I was busy or
unorganized. Sunday night my husband and I write on
our family calendar which days we will take dinner to
someone, visit our elderly friends, or spend the night
making cookies and doing viists. Now when I get the
impression to call someboy, I pick up that phone and
dial.

I pray each of us will find our own ways to serve and
share the Savior's love with others.

Cami Checketts
http://www.camichecketts.com
http://fitmomma.blogstream.com

"The Fourth of July" and "The Broken Path"
Available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Wild Rose Press and Amazon.com

From Summer into Autumn

Now is a great time to have one last summer fling - book-wise that is. My novel UNTIL SUMMER ENDS will be released in print on September 28. It is of course, available in ebook format now. Here's an exclusive excerpt just for our blog readers:

Kathy and Greg have a deal - they'll have a fun summer of dating and remain "just friends." But their hearts aren't willing to go along with that.

“Greg, is something bothering you?”
A guilty look flashed across his face. “I’m sorry I’m not being very attentive Kathy, but something is bothering me. I’m trying to think how to talk to you about it.”
Alarm tingled through Kathy. “Don’t beat around the bush; just say it.”
“Okay. Well, for starters, how come you’re not angry with me?”
Kathy’s eyes widened in surprise. “What?”
“I mean about Saturday night. I didn’t treat you very nicely after the incident with Brad.”
Kathy had forgotten everything but the kiss. “I guess not, but....when we said goodnight, everything seemed to be fine.”
Greg rubbed his forehead. “No, it wasn’t, Kathy. I kissed you.”
“I know. I enjoyed it.”
He reached across the table and picked up her hand. She could tell he was lining up his words carefully, as usual. “I kissed you for the wrong reasons.”
Kathy wrinkled her brow. “What do you mean?”
“I kissed you because I was angry that I wasn’t able to protect you from Brad. I didn’t like the idea of you two getting back together again. In short, I was jealous.”
Shock and hurt flashed across Kathy’s face and Greg hurried to continue. “I spent a lot of time thinking about this Saturday night and Sunday. Kathy, I care for you very much. I would really like to kiss you again, and to show you real love, the way God intended it to be. Not to manhandle you to mollify a petty tantrum.”
Kathy smiled tremulously. “You would?”
Taking a deep breath, Greg went on. “But, I also realized that I’m not ready for that yet. You’re the first person I’ve dated since Sharon died, and I don’t want to rush into a serious relationship. Plus it wouldn’t be fair to expect you to step into my life right now as it is. I have two kids, I’m heading into a new job in a new community, and I have a mother-in-law that’s not entirely stable, emotionally speaking.”
To say that she was devastated was an understatement. Kathy struggled to take in all that Greg was saying. Obviously the kiss had been very different than she’d perceived. That made her feel a little stupid. One thing was clear however, and that was that their “just friends” clause would still be in effect.

Meet Victoria Pitts-Caine

Hi – I’m Victoria Pitts-Caine.

Have you ever been sitting in church and felt the Lord was trying to tell you to do something? That’s exactly how I felt the night our praise band sang Turn, Turn, Turn. The song is based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which is the passage I’ve used throughout my Christian Romance Adventure novel, ALVARADO GOLD. I felt it was my time.

As a Christian, I’ve learned to believe in signs. I’m sure we can all remember some point in our lives when we knew we were being led by some indiscernible knowledge. That little nudge or the sudden answer to our prayers comes from God’s own hand.

I believe that’s how I found Wild Rose Press and a home for my novel. I sent the manuscript out multiple times to both agents and publishing houses and with standard rejection letters or three pages of email comments, it was always returned.

Then, one Sunday I began searching the internet and over and over, I saw the mention of The Wild Rose Press. The query letter was sent, the first three chapters were asked for and then the full manuscript. I don’t think I fully exhaled for days. Then it was there, in my inbox – the offer of a contract.

I did not take that step blindly but I’m so grateful I did. Here I am. Alvarado Gold is soon to be released and now and then I’ll blog with an excerpt.

Until then, blessings,

Victoria

Introducing Rose Ross Zediker

I’m Rose Ross Zediker, the author of “Through The Eyes of Love” a White Rosebud which should be released for the upcoming holiday season.

Why write an inspirational novel? Christians are urged to share the good news and what better way could there be to convey that message than through a story!

Usually to get going on a story, I find a piece of scripture and try to apply the scripture lesson to a real life plot line without “preaching the lesson”. This approach may be related to writing devotions! I find that writing this way works two fold. I get to share the word of God with readers and as I peruse the scriptures and write my faith gets stronger too.

Let the Blogging Begin!

I’m going to start off the blogging by introducing myself. I’m Kara Lynn Russell and I am the author of Until Summer’s End. I also have a short regency story out in the English Tea Rose line titled “A Recipe for Love.” This holiday season, WRP will release “Nick and Noelle” in their White Rose line.

I promise to tell you more about my books and stories in my next post. For now I’ll stick with introducing myself. I’m not going to cover any of the mundane aspects of my life. You can read those for yourself in my bio on my website if you are interested. (It’s listed in the links in the sidebar) Instead I’d like to tell you why I write inspirationals.

At first, I didn’t think I could put my feelings about my faith into words. If you’ve ever listened to Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” you’ll understand. I identify strongly with his stoic Lutheran characters. Like them, I was raised to be humble which makes promotion a real nightmare. We are also not known for our evangelism skills. For myself I would have to agree that preaching is not my gift.

So why write an inspirational novel? In a way it isn’t a choice. Faith is a deep and solid foundation for my life. I found that my characters often felt the same way and their faith showed up in my stories. When you read my books you may not find a “lesson” to take away with you, but I hope you will feel that your own faith is echoed and affirmed, perhaps strengthened, through them.

I would love to hear from other authors about their reasons for writing in this category. Readers, please leave a comment on why you read inspirational romance.

Welcome to White Roses in Bloom

We are the authors of the White Rose line for The Wild Rose Press. White Rose is their inspirational romance line. We hope to create a place of fellowship for authors and readers. So look around, leave a comment and come back soon for more entries!