Special Guest - Bess McBride

Happy July 1st!

I know, we celebrate our country's independence on July 4th, but hey, what's wrong with starting early?

Today the White Roses would like to welcome fellow TWRP author, Bess McBride with two of her five books as our special guest!

Thanks, Roses, for spotlighting me today. I’m happy to be here. I’m Bess McBride, and I write romances in several different genres...contemporary, light paranormal/fantasy (lovelorn ghosty stuff a la Ghost and Mrs. Muir), time travel and romantic suspense. I have five books in print with The Wild Rose Press, and two more on the way. You can contact me through my web site at www.bessmcbride.com. My tag line is “Romances for the Shy Girl in All of Us,” and I tend to write romances where the love scenes are fade to black, if not sweet. That’s what I like to read, and that’s what I like to write! I hope you enjoy the blurbs.”

A Train Through Time, time travel, sweet

Blurb: College teacher Ellie Standish thinks she’s on a sleek modern train heading to a conference on women’s studies in Seattle, but she awakens from a night’s doze to find herself on a bizarre historical train full of late Victorian era reenactors who refuse to come out of character. When the leader of the group—one handsome, green-eyed Robert Chamberlain—finally convinces her the date is indeed 1901, a skeptical Ellie decries any eccentric theories of time travel and presumes she is smack dab in the middle of a very interesting historical dream. She turns the directorial reins of her dream over to one smitten and willing Robert, only to realize that dreams cannot last forever. Someday, she must wake up to reality, though Ellie no longer has any idea what reality is. She only knows that Robert must play an important part in her future. But how can he...if he’s only a figment of her imagination or worse yet...a man who belongs to an era long past?

Caribbean Dreams of Love, light paranormal/fantasy, sensual (no explicit love scenes/fade to black)

Blurb: Daisy and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Lily, are embarking on a Caribbean cruise. She isn't looking for anything special on the cruise other than a pleasant break from her humdrum existence as long-time divorced single mother to a busy teenage girl. She certainly isn't prepared for an enigmatic man named Peter whose idiosyncrasies in dress and speech mark him as an eccentric person to avoid. But Daisy can't avoid him. In fact, she begins to obsess about him from the first moment she catches him staring at her in the cruise ship terminal. Peter remains elusive and mysterious throughout the cruise. She catches sight of him occasionally, never often enough to please her, and they connect one wonderful night as he sweeps her into his arms for a waltz. A waltz? On a Caribbean cruise ship? While Daisy's dinner companions share nightly tales of the legends of cursed pirates, Daisy dreams of the mysterious man who has captured her heart.

Wow, find out more about Bess's titles at her website or The Wild Rose Press!

Hope you've enjoyed our guest today. Come back often to see what's going on in the lives and writing careers of the White Roses.

Until later...take care and Be Blessed!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

How Our First Reader Graced Us

Our new cover from gifted cover artist, Nicola Martinez.

Isn't it stunning?

Last summer we anticipated the release of our first White Rose book - our first published book ever.  Imagine our excitement, joy and, yes, anxiety about the next step after publishing.  Will we reach Readers?  If they take the chance on unknown authors will they enjoy our voice, be touched by our faith inspired messages and happily travel our story's journey?

A few days after the magical release date of JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC, my (Pat) husband, Nick, borrowed by car to drive to weekday Mass. [Important note: my license plate reads: KM DAUTR - the vanity plate a gift from Nick after we completed our first manuscript.]  After Mass a woman approached Nick and questioned him, reportedly incredulous, "Are you K.M. Daughters?"

Nick explained that his wife and sister-in-law (Kathie) write under the penname and the woman further inquired how she might purchase our new book.  Turns out the lady, Rosemary Kaenel, is a Wild Rose Press author (Last Rose of Summer, Rosette, It's Called Love) and her interest struck me as heaven sent.

Our book features Marian apparitions and the rose is associated with visions of the mother of God, her favorite flower - a pivotal reason why we submitted to The Wild ROSE Press after we completed the manuscript.  A woman named "Rose" "Mary" wanted to buy this book?  I couldn't deliver it to her fast enough.

An instant connection occurred with Rosemary.  She's a lovely person - interesting, interested, engaging, gracious, funny, quietly - deeply religious.  Amazing, she has sung the Lord's praises in our church choir for seventy years!  I produced the autographed book for her, our first sale, our first official Reader!  When she had finished reading it she took the time to send an email to tell us she loved it and why.  Such a precious gift.

But there's more!  A few months later I received another email from her advising me to call a local bookstore right away.  She had just visited the store and convinced the owner to host a signing for K.M. Daughters.  We made the arrangements and on a bitter cold January day (in the Chicago environs cold is bitter cold) we sold enough copies that the store wants us back to sign ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC! 

Rosemary attended the signing affording us the chance to hug her for her lovely good deed.  Our fellow White Roses are attuned to the angels among us.  How nice to have the chance to single one out and share her with you.

I did seize the opportunity to return the small favor of purchasing her Rosette and sent her an email to tell her why I loved it.  She told me she's eagerly awaiting the July 31, 2009 release of our sequel (ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC). We found a Reader, or should I say, she found us - and we gained a dear friend.

Visit us at:  http://www.kmdaughters.com

A Day in a Writer's Life

Good morning! Today I thought I'd share a day in my writing life. I also run a small business with my husband but I'm caught up (for once!) and I'm dedicating the day totally to writing. I really need to since I have major revisions to do on my latest novel, Violets for Vanessa.

Here's my plan for the day. I got up about 6:15am. Threw on sweats and a t-shirt. LOVE working from home days! Watched the news with my husband and ate breakfast - my usual yogurt, berries, granola, and walnuts with a glass of OJ and a vitamin. Kissed hubby goodbye as he went off to work. Now writing my blog so you could read it first thing.

I will read my devotional "Our Daily Bread" and pray over my life and my writing. I'll undoubtedly do the dishes and straighten the house, maybe toss in a load of laundry. Then to work!

Today's revisions include making my hero more "heroic." I gave him some flaws so I could show his growth. Apparently I went a bit overboard on that! My editor wants him fixed and I agree with her. Chad James is getting an attitude adjustment today. In additon, my heroine isn't showing enough emotion. She's been sexually abused and is naturally shy and reserved. Although there's plenty of emotion brewing underneath, Vanessa Gallagher is keeping her feelings to herself - and not even sharing them with the reader! So she needs fixing too. I hope to start writing by 8:00. I'll make a cup of vanilla almond tea with honey and sip as I write.

I'll take a break around noon for lunch - a week-after-Easter egg salad sandwich and an apple. I'll probably check email and switch laundry from washer to dryer, maybe fold a load of clothes as I'll need a diversion for a bit. And call my daughter who's away at college. She's coming home this weekend and we need to confirm our plans. :)

Back to work and write the rest of the afternoon. Isn't this exciting? LOL Around 5:00 I'd like to take a walk outside. I'll need some fresh air by then! Pet our outside cat and feed her supper. I'll check to see if the daffodils are blooming yet. I live in a cold zone of northeast Ohio and spring lags behind a bit up here.

Time to make dinner, and yes, I cook. Today's menu is scallops (the frozen less-expensive kind) with pasta and vegetables. I'll slice some fresh strawberries too. Wow, this sounds like I'm such a healthy eater and truly I deviate waaaay too often. Did I mention the mini-cupcakes leftover from Easter or the box of chocolates on my buffet? Or that I ate McDonalds for lunch AND dinner on Tuesday????

The evening will probably consist of the excitement of television and a phone call to my son - also away at college and coming home this weekend. Next week is my husband's birthday and we're going to dinner on Sunday.

Well, that's my writing day. Like I said, this dedicated day is unusual. Yesterday I went to NewCastle, Pennsylvania on business in the morning and wrote in the afternoon. Tuesday morning I took care of paperwork, email, and made bookmarks, had lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in years, ran banking errands, etc., and then rushed home to change and get ready for a booksigning. I sold several copies of the first two books in The Crystal Falls Series, Lilacs for Laura and Roses for Rachel. Monday was business paperwork til 6:00pm, eat Easter leftovers, rake gravel and leaves in the yard for an hour and a half, and then work on revisions until late into the evening.

Every day is different - and that's what makes life interesting! (sometimes....)

God Bless YOUR Day!

:) Dianne Miley

http://www.diannemiley.com/
Lilacs for Laura; Roses for Rachel
Available from http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/


"'For I know the plans I have for you,' saith the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

Teri Wilson is Back!

The White Roses are pleased to welcome Teri Wilson back with Book Two in her Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series, Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw.

Blurb: Christabel Wilde’s life has just turned upside-down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she’s never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

Excerpt: He wore a straw cowboy hat, frayed leather work gloves and faded jeans. Period. She suspected cowboy boots completed the picture, but he stood too close for her to get a glimpse of his feet. He didn’t wear a shirt, though. That much was certain. Christabel drug her gaze from the stranger’s rippling abdominal muscles and somehow managed to look him in the eyes. Of course, they were nearly as distracting. Clear, ice blue. Twinkling with good humor. “Um, I guess I could use a little help.”

He flashed a crooked grin. “Pop the hood and I’ll take a look.”

“Thank you.” She did as he said, scooped her dog into her arms and stepped out of the car while he held the door open for her.

A gentleman. Nice.

“I’m Declan, by the way.” He tipped his hat and gave her a wink.

She made every effort to keep her gaze focused firmly on his face… or the car… or anywhere but his bare chest. “I’m Christabel. Thanks for your help, but I’m afraid my car might be hopeless.”

“We’ll see about that.” He took off one of his gloves and scratched the dog on the chin. “Cute Chihuahua. What’s her name?”

“Snowdrop.” The pup’s nose quivered and she licked the tips of Declan’s fingers. In the past weeks, Christabel had wondered more than once what kind of dog she’d brought home. “Do you think she’s a Chihuahua? I wasn’t sure.”

“Definitely a Chihuahua. See the dome-shaped skull?” He ran his fingers over Snowdrop’s forehead, pausing to scratch behind her ears. “It’s a dead giveaway. Is she a rescue dog?”

Christabel’s tongue tripped on her reply. The man asked a loaded question to say the least. “Y-you could say that.”

“It looks like she’s lucky you came to her rescue, then.” He met her gaze over the top of the dog’s head and she became transfixed by his sapphire eyes. They possessed an intensity that made her feel transparent, as though he could read her thoughts. “Snowdrop, huh? Nice name. I suppose that’s because she’s white like snow.”

She tore her gaze from his, telling herself she only imagined his extraordinary perception. Of course he couldn’t tell anything about her just by looking at her. “Actually, a snowdrop is a type of flower.”

“Really? I’ve never heard of one before.”

“They have a unique history – their own mythology.” What was she doing standing here rambling about flowers? She needed to get out of here and figure out what to do with the rest of her life.

“Do they now?” Declan’s brows lifted and he leaned closer, clearly interested in the story behind Snowdrop’s name.

“According to legend, the snowdrop started as a snowflake that was magically transformed into a flower to comfort Adam and Eve when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Now they’re known as a symbol of consolation and hope.” Her cheeks burned with heat and her gaze darted once again to his muscled physique. She looked away, trying to ignore the fact that he stood before her half as naked as Adam himself.

Declan’s face grew serious, his voice quiet as a whisper. “What do you hope for, Christabel?”

Hope. The word alone held so much weight. She’d come here today with a heart full of hope, only to find that hope dashed. What did she dare hope for now?
Love Lillies & the Unbroken Straw is available now in Ebook and will be in Print next month!

Find out more about Teri and her books at her website.

Good luck Teri!

PamT

March Madness!

Hey Friends!

Great news! My new short story, Winter Madness releases today at White Rose Publishing - the Inspirational imprint of The Wild Rose Press!

Blurb: Sienna has survived what most succomb to - the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Excerpt: They met on a cold winter morning in a cozy coffee shop. Not just the tinkle of the bell above the door announced his arrival, but also the quickening of her heart, the slow thud of blood through her veins, the sharp curl of need in the pit of her stomach. Even before she saw him, she knew the minute he’d walked in. A dream from her past.

He turned; their eyes met.

William’s eyes widened, and his breath caught. There she sat all soft and glowing. A ghost from his past. He hesitated, blew a soft rush of air to cool the steaming brew he’d just purchased. A sigh escaped followed by a resigned shrug. There was no way out of the meeting now. Only a few steps separated them physically, miles emotionally. One hurdle at a time, he thought, and joined her at the table for two beside the window.

In conjunction with my new release, Winter Madness, I'm having a month-long sale on The Inheritance!
Get an autographed copy for only $8.95 + s/h!! For details visit My Website OR Pertinent Promotions!

Well that's about it for today. Until next time.....

Take care and Be Blessed!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

TWRP Opens New Inspirational Publishing Company!

Well Friends, looks like things are on the up-and-up for The Wild Rose Press and their White Rose Authors!

March is White Rose Month @ TWRP and as a surprise to EVERYONE, including the authors, Rhonda, RJ & Nicola introduced some exciting news and now I'm passing it on to you!

We're excited to announce the arrival of White Rose Publishing.

On May 1, 2006, two writing critique partners, RJ Morris and Rhonda Penders, decide to open a "kinder and gentler" publishing company. That company was, and is, The Wild Rose Press. Their premise was to grow a "garden" where authors would be treated with respect, concern, and understanding. RJ and Rhonda wanted a publishing company that didn’t make authors wonder what was happening with their manuscripts. The two also believed that no one should ever again receive a form rejection letter. If the manuscript was not something the company could use, every writer who sent a query would receive a personal, prompt, and courteous letter of rejection explaining exactly why the manuscript wasn’t accepted and what the author could do to improve it. If an author was to receive a contract, the process would be as efficient as possible, and the author would be kept in the loop with communication every step along the way. In fact, communication was to be one of the key strengths of the company.

Almost three years later, RJ and Rhonda have successfully fulfilled their goals, and over five hundred authors in a range of fourteen different lines have been published at The Wild Rose Press, and a staff of close to fifty includes a Graphic Arts Department, Production Department, Proofreading, Marketing and, of course, Editing.

Continuing to cultivate The Wild Rose Press was to be the end of the story. However in late 2008, RJ and Rhonda became aware that some Christian readers and authors were reluctant to visit The Wild Rose Press catalogue site because of some of the non-Christian covers that sometimes appeared on the front page as new titles in the non-Christian lines were released. Not wanting to offend, RJ and Rhonda quickly bulit a White Rose portal at http://www.whiterosesbooks.com/ so that Christian visitors could avoid non-Christian content if they so chose. But, on further research, both agreed this was not enough.

VOILA! White Rose Publishing was born. With the experience of RJ and Rhonda behind it, along with the impeccable reputation and RWA recognition that The Wild Rose Press is an upstanding publisher, pays royalties promptly and on a regular basis, and is not a vanity or subsidy publishing house, White Rose Publishing sees its dawn as we move towards becoming the online place for quality Christian romance. We will publish books and stories in various lengths ranging from Rosettes (which are quick reads) to Roses (which are 100,000 word novels). All books over 65,000 words will be released in both print and ebook form. Anything less than 65K will be available as an ebook at a variety of distributors, including Amazon Kindle, Sony Ebook store, and Fictionwise, among others. Printed books will be distributed through http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, Target.com, and can be ordered by libraries, bookstores through such distributors as Bakers and Taylor and Ingram.

As a new publishing venture, we are actively seeking quality submissions in all romance subgenre. Senior Editor Nicola Martinez, holds to strict guidelines of what is and isn’t acceptable for a White Rose book. While we will publish some titles that might be considered “edgy” according to regular CBA guidelines, with her team of three editors, Ms. Martinez will work hard to bring readers entertaining, quality stories that also glorify Christ by upholding a strict code of Christian values. For informaton on how to submit, please read our submission guidelines.

Wow, isn't that Wonderful!?!

Visit the new White Rose Publishing and check out all they have to offer.

Until later....Be BLESSED!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Special Guest - Teri Wilson!

Hello Friends,

The WRIB authors opened up our blog for guests and today I'd like to introduce to you fellow TWRP author, Teri Wilson!

Teri Wilson loves romance, dogs and wearing pink. Her stories are often filled with happy endings, splashes of humor and a lovable critter or two. After all, Cinderella never would have lived happily ever after without a little help from her animal friends! Teri is the winner of the 2008 Pet Sitters International Humor Award, the 2008 Spaniel Journal Writing Contest, the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club Angel on a Leash Writing Award and the 3rd place winner of the 21st Annual American Kennel Club Short Fiction Contest. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, son and three delightful dogs.

You can learn more about Teri and her books at http://www.teriwilson.net/.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book One

Blurb: As a child, Simone Littleton adores the European folktale that animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve. She makes a wish to talk to animals “forever and ever” and, when her pet Dalmatian asks her for a biscuit, she discovers her wish has been granted. Now Simone is all grown up and she uses her unique gift to rehabilitate unwanted horses. When race horse trainer Chet Wallace rolls into San Antonio, with chocolate eyes and dimples blazing beneath his black Stetson, romantic sparks fly. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman who has a mesmerizing affect on both his horses and his dog, but his less than enthusiastic response to Simone’s claims threatens their budding romance. It takes a scheming Jack Russell terrier and a fresh batch of rescue horses to convince Chet she just may be telling the truth.

Excerpt: “So this is why all your animals are named after artists.” Her gentle voice washed over him, soothing his nerves.

He turned and there she was, hair full of hay like always. She looked particularly welcoming today, though, wearing a soft pink sweater that hugged her curves. Her hair was on top of her head in a ponytail rather than her usual braid. He had to press down the urge to loosen the fastener and let it tumble over her shoulders in thick, blonde waves.

He gulped. Hard. Just looking at her was almost enough to take his breath away. “Happy Thanksgiving, Simone.”

She came closer, ponytail swinging, and stood next to him. Close enough so he felt almost intoxicated by the orchid fragrance. “Happy Thanksgiving. I can’t believe you painted this. It’s breathtaking. When I close my eyes and picture Buttercup in my mind, she looks exactly like this.”

It was a nice compliment. The special gleam in Chet’s eye came not from her kind words, but from the fact Simone stood close to him and looked at him in the way Ted had observed in the kitchen the night before. Yes, there was something between them all right. He felt it in every nerve ending in his body. “Thanks. It’s just a hobby really.”

“You are quite the Renaissance Man, Chet.” She punched him playfully in the shoulder.

“You’re just one surprise after another. What am I going to find out about you next?”

“Well, if I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise now, would it?” His gazed locked with hers and he winked.

Do You Hear What I Hear? is available now in Ebook & Print from The Wild Rose Press!

Introducing KM Daughters & Jewel of the Adriatic

We didn’t know what to expect when we entered the adoration chapel on the grounds of St. James Church. A strange little building with a copper turret atop a cinder block structure it didn’t fit any notions we had of a place of worship. But our guide had inspired us with an anecdote about “what to do in an adoration chapel”, so we were excited at the prospect of worshipping there.

We should backtrack a little. Needing a guide and translator while on a pilgrimage in the village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzogovina – a long way from the suburbs of New York City and Chicago where each of us resides – we were especially grateful for her guidance that day. She related a story about Sister Elvira, the head religious at a resident rehabilitation center for alcohol and chemically addicted men. Working with one of her charges, Sister counseled him to spend time in the adoration chapel and he opposed the advice claiming he didn’t know what he was supposed to do to “adore” in the chapel.

Sister Elvira compared the prayerful time she wanted him to experience to sunbathing. “When you lie in the sun, you don’t do anything, the sun does all the work. I want you to go to the chapel and let the Son work on you.”

As we mentioned, we were excited to worship in the chapel. After a peaceful and prayerful time intent on hoping the Son would work on us, we emerged from the chapel into the glare of an early summer day. Kathie’s face was radiant, on fire with the spirit of the Lord. “I know what we’re supposed to do, Patti. Honestly, it was as if He spoke to me, the words were so clear in my mind. We’re supposed to write about what we’ve learned on our pilgrimages. I think we’re supposed to stop writing the book we’re working on and write an inspirational romance.” The Son had worked on Kathie in a profound way!

Our pilgrimage ended in late May 2007. By November we had completed our manuscript. Pat heard about The Wild Rose Press publishing company’s call for submissions in all genres and it seemed meant for us to submit a query. The talented and discerning Nicola Martinez rejected the book based on a partial manuscript submission for several good reasons. Normally we’d accept a rejection with grace and gratitude for the constructive criticism. This time we were compelled to act totally out of character. We “fixed” the flaws Nicola outlined and asked permission to resubmit to her. Once granted, we sent her the “prayed over” full manuscript.

On January 26, 2008 Nicola offered us a contract for Jewel of the Adriatic by K.M. Daughters. Our penname is dedicated to our parents (both gone to eternal life) Katherine and Michael. Thrilled, honored and blessed, we are privileged to be included with our fellow White Rose authors.

Jewel of the Adriatic is a story about a village in the Adriatic where millions believe the Mother of God appears daily to three visionaries. Here two souls find faith…and love. Historic and contemporary Marian apparitions around the world inspired our story. Places like church-approved shrines in Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; and the yet to be approved Medjugorje, captured our imaginations and deepened our faith… as we listened in the chapel.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12

Visit us at our Website Or at The Wild Rose Press

Until next time, Be Blessed!

KM Daughters

A Resolution & Recipe by Karen Cogan

I'd like to introduce myself and welcome you to this blog. My name is Karen Cogan and I've been writing since I was a child. After numerous articles and short stories, a few years ago, I began to publish books in my favorite genres. I love contemporary romance, inspirational romance and historical romance. I have a number of novels out with one inspirational from The Wild Rose Press and two more coming out soon. I hope you enjoy the following blog and the recipe.

I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. It's too much trouble to make a list. Besides, if it's things I'm not already doing, I realize I probably won't do them anyway. However, as I thought about this at the beginning of January, I realized that I make resolutions each day. I keep a mental check list of all that I want to accomplish. Often, it is a ponderous list and I get frustrated trying to complete half of what is on it. There's simply too much to do and not enough time.

Does this sound familiar?

As I began to view my time stress in view of eternity, I wondered how I could manage a more realistic view of my time. Though I already prioritize, I need to cut more off the mental "to do". To enjoy accomplishing a few things well each day is my new goal. If I can't write an entire chapter, I can write 500 words. If I need to shop, clean, write and cook, all in one afternoon, I'll cut out whatever can wait (not writing, of course). I'm realizing that much of the stress in my life is self-imposed, put there by unreasonable goals.

In not making any sort of formal resolution, I left myself open to a tyranical daily schedule. So... my goal for 2009 is to enjoy life more and listen to my mental sargeant less. Each day only comes once. What a shame not to feel good about it when it's over!

MONKEY BREAD: 1 tbsp yeast,1tsp sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup shortening, 1 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 cup unsifted flour, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 cups unsifted flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 chopped nuts, 5 tsp. cinnamon,

Dissolve 1 tbsp yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water with 1 tsp. sugar.
Bring a cup of milk to the boiling point
Remove the heat and add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 shortening, 1 tsp salt and 1 1/2 unsifted flour.
Mix well and add two beaten eggs.
Add 2 1/2 more unsifted flour and mix in well.
Place in ungreased towel covered bow and let rise until double in bulk. (hint: put a cup of water in the microwave, heat it, then put the bowl in the microwave with the cup; it keeps the dough moist and it rises faster)
Punch down and let rise again.
Knead the dough and mke into balls the size of walnuts.
Melt 1/2 cup butter and set aside.
Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 chopped nuts and 5 tsps. cinnamon.
Dip the balls into the butter, then in the sugar mixture.
Drop in an ungreased tube pan.
Let rise till about 3/4 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes before removing from the pan.

Along with my new resolution, is my intent to take a little time out for sitting down with friends to share a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. This recipe goes well with either and is perfect for a cold winter day.

Much happiness in 2009!
Karen Cogan
Website: http://karencogan.com/
Blog: http://kecogan.blogspot.com/

Meet E.A. West

Hi, everyone! I’m E.A. West, a new author at The Wild Rose Press. I’m so excited and honored to be a part of White Roses in Bloom. In a future post, I’ll tell you all about my White Rosette, Dreams Do Come True, that’s coming in July. Today, however, I’ll tell you a little about my journey to becoming an author.

I’m sure you’ve all heard of countless authors who have been writing since they could hold a crayon. I’m not one of those authors. My story is a little weirder. I’ve always been a voracious reader, consuming books, magazines, and box labels when nothing else was handy. I learned to read at the ripe old age of three, and I still can’t get enough of the written word.

Storytelling is another love of mine that goes back to my childhood. I spent hours creating imaginary worlds and scenarios. Unfortunately, my friends couldn’t enjoy the stories because I couldn’t explain my imaginings well enough; I have learning disabilities in languages. I know you’re all thinking I could have written the stories down and worked to make them understandable, but there’s one problem: I hated writing. I did everything I could to avoid it most of the way through school.

Then my freshman year of high school, I took a writing class. I needed the English credit, and my parents insisted I needed to learn to write properly. I didn’t mind too much, since I had several friends in the class as well. As the class went on, I made a shocking discovery. I liked writing. It enabled me to communicate what I was thinking in a clear manner. My favorite assignments involved writing character sketches and other fiction writing.

That’s when I learned my love of books and storytelling extended into writing stories as well. During the course of high school English, I wrote my first novel. I learned a lot more about writing after I graduated, and I’m still learning new things today.

One thing that makes me like so many other authors is my current love of writing and the fact that I can’t not write. Writing is a major part of my life, and I’d go nuts if I didn’t write. My imagination still works overtime, just as it did when I was a kid, but now I have a medium that allows me to share what I’m thinking with others.

Have a blessed week!

E. A. West
Where Love and Faith Meet

Strike while the Iron is HOT!

Hey Friends,

Just wanted to remind you that The Wild Rose Press is giving away a Sony E-Reader and WRIB author Victoria Pitts Caine and myself are two of the participating authors!

It's easy to enter the contest: once you purchase a book or short story from any of the participating authors email your order number to sonyreader@thewildrosepress.com

That's it.

TWRP will verify your order and enter you into the drawing. If you purchase more than one tiitle, you can enter more than one time.

For questions on this contest, please contact Rhonda Penders at rpenders@thewildrosepress.com Please put the words SONY eReader contest in the subject line.

You may also enter the contest by mailing a postcard to The Wild Rose Press, P.O. Box 708, Adams Basin, NY 14410. Write down the titles of three books or short stories by three different participating authors and we will put your postcard in the general drawing.

Winners will be announced on December 16 in TWRP's weekly chat, and their web site the next morning.

Find out who the other participating authors are here.

If you have purchased a book from The Wild Rose Press, THANK YOU!

If not, now is a GREAT time to do so!

Good luck and God Bless!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

We Have a Release Date!

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to drop in and let you all know that we have a release date for my latest White Rosette, Winter Madness from The Wild Rose Press.

Mark your calendar for March 11, 2009!

I know, seems like forever - but at least we know it's coming!

Here's the blurb:

Sienna has survived what most succomb to - the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Until later take care, God Bless and remember....anticipation enhances the excitement.

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Win a Sony E Reader!

The Wild Rose Press wants you to have a SONY eReader! The following authors are sponsoring TWRP’s Fall 2008 SONY eReader giveaway. Between September 22 and December 15, 2008 purchase any title from any of the authors listed below and you will be eligible to enter the contest. Once you make your purchase whether at TWRP’s bookstore or any of their distributors, send a copy of the order number and the title purchased and the date you purchased it to sonyreader@thewildrosepress.comIf you purchase several titles in one order you may send in as many entries as you have titles. For questions, please contact either Rhonda Penders at rpenders@thewildrosepress.com or Martha@thewildrosepress.com

Click on each author's name to link to thier books in our bookstore.
Jean Adams (Champagne - Book due out in October)
Kim Amburn (Crimson Rose)
Clare Austin (Book due out soon)
Clover Autrey (Faery Rose)
Carol Braswell (Crimson Rose)
Sharon Buchbinder (Champagne Rose, Last Rose of Summer)
Anne Carrole (Book due out soon)
Lynda Coker (Yellow Rose)
Wendy Davy (White Rose)
Tabitha Gibson (Sweetheart Rose, Champagne Rose, Crimson Rose)
Devon Gray (Scarlet Rose)
D.K. Harper (Champagne Rose, Last Rose of Summer)
Cierra James (Crimson Rose)
Paty Jager (Cactus Rose, Yellow Rose)
Jennifer Johnson (Champagne Rose)
Sylvia Kaye (Scarlet Rose, Yellow Rose)
Dayana Knight (Black Rose)
Renee Knowles (English Tea Rose)
Sharon Lanergan (English Tea Rose)
Liana Laverentz (Champagne Rose)
Hywela Lyn (Faery Rose)
Cara Marsi (Crimson Rose)
Bess McBride (Faery Rose, Last Rose of Summer, Vintage Rose, Champagne Rose)
Lily Rose Moon (Faery)
Skyhe Moncrief (Black Rose, Faery Rose)
Beth Morrow (Champagne Rose)
E.G. Parsons (Faery Rose)
Victoria Pitts-Caine (American Rose, White Rose)
Amber Polo (Champagne Rose, Faery Rose, Sweetheart Rose)
Sky Purington (Faery Rose)
Rynne Raines (Faery Rose)
Judith Rochelle (Yellow Rose, Crimson Rose)
Jocelyn Saint James (Last Rose of Summer, Champagne)
Jan Scarbrough (Faery Rose)
Tarah Scott (English Tea Rose)
Susan Shay (Yellow Rose)
Patti Shenberger (Champagne Rose)
Robin Shope (Book due out soon)
Linda Swift (Book due out soon)
Margaret Tanner (Vintage Rose, Champagne Rose)
Sara Thacker (Crimson)
Pam Thibodeaux (White Rose)
Deborah Tompkins (Last Rose of Summer)
M.K. Trent (Champagne Rose)
Beth Trissel (American Rose)
Shereen Vedam (Faery Rose, English Tea Rose)
Lisa Wells (Champagne Rose)
Anne Whitfield (Vintage, Last Rose of Summer, Champagne)
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter (White Rose, Faery Rose)
Patrice Wilton (Faery Rose)
Michelle Witvliet (Champagne)

For questions on this contest, please contact Rhonda Penders at rpenders@thewildrosepress.com Please put the words SONY eReader contest in the subject line.

No purchase necessary. You may also enter the contest by mailing a postcard to The Wild Rose Press, P.O. Box 708, Adams Basin, NY 14410. Write down the titles of three books or short stories by three different participating authors and we will put your postcard in the general drawing.

TWO new Contracts from TWRP!

Hi Friends,

Thought I'd pop by and let you all know that I've received 2 new contracts from TWRP!

One is a FREE READ, "Review of Love" and the other is for a White Rosette, "Winter Madness."

I don't have release dates yet for either but I'll keep you posted!

IMW, to find out what's happening with my other writing projects, visit my website or blog!

Until later....Take care and God BLESS!

PamT

My First Experience with Romance.

When I say my first experience with romance, I’m referring to my exposure to the genre as a reader, of course. I’ve head tales from romance authors of the first romantic tales they began reading as girls—some of them quite scandalous too. ;) My experience was much tamer and sweeter as the first romance author I read was Grace Livingston Hill when I was in the fifth grade.

For those of you unfamiliar with this author, Grace was a Christian romance novelist of another age (called the Mother of Inspirational Romance). Her first book was published way back in 1877 and she continued writing books until her death in 1947—more than a hundred titles. She was incredibly popular in her lifetime and her books continue to be good sellers to this day. Within her romantic stories were plainly defined Christian messages, a clear cut delineation between good and evil, and an ending that brought resolution to problems both physical and/or spiritual.

She is an author I look up to and who still inspires me in my writing today. In fact, it was after reading one of her books back in 2003 that I decided to write my own for the first time. Three years later my first book was published. Authors are busy people. We get wrapped up in our writing and promotion. We attempt to make time for our families and try to accomplish some housework. It is very easy to loose track of what we really are doing.

As inspirational authors more than any other genre, we really have a responsibility to our readers. I never realized that until my first Inspirational, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding, released. I received so many emails from readers on how much this book touched them. Then they would give examples from the story on how this situation was similar to something they experienced or that character was just like them or their daughter. Some of their stories were incredibly emotional. I was moved by the response and even educated. I wasn’t just writing for me, I was writing for them and the impact I would make.

At the end of last year, I wrote another Inspirational story, Relationship Rescue. It’s just a short story but one with great emotional drive and a dollop of humor. It’s very hard for me to write without some form of humor. This story came from an idea of—what if a couple broke off their engagement because one still hadn’t figured out what love was all about. He still had some growing up to do both spiritually and emotionally. And what if friends of theirs saw the unhappiness of this broken up couple and decided to get them back together…well, at least talking again? What would happen then?? That is the premise behind this story. It releases this September from The Wild Rose Press. I’m happy to have another Inspirational story to add to my collection. I write in several genres because I just love them all, but Inspirational is close to my heart and no matter where I go or what I do I will remain an Inspirational reader and writer. I really must thank Grace Livingston Hill for that. She instilled the love of romance and even more the Christian romance into my heart and that is something which will stay with me to the end.

****

Don't forget to check out my newest release, NovelTea Next Door (Romantic Suspense), just released from The Wild Rose Press. Visit my Website to read an excerpt.

Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper

The sequel to Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man releases in e-book form January 18 (Print July 18). The title is Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper. This one follows the story of Nick, the second sibling in the Russell Family Series (Inspirational YA for the young and young at heart).

Here is the blurb:

Sixteen year old Nick Russell falls in love with high school outcast Sherry Park. After losing her in a tragic car accident, he decides to never love again. But when an unlikely foe captures his heart, he begins to change his mind. When his sister Melena finds out her brother is hanging out with her professor’s wild child, she puts on the breaks. Can Nick find happiness despite his sisters encumbering efforts? Will his heart ever heal?

Rose Ross Zediker on Contests

Since, Through The Eyes of Love is the result of entering a contest that is what I’d like to talk about in this blog.

Writers, do you enter your work in contests? I don’t mean the ones who charge exorbitant fees for entry but the ones that charge ten dollars and under. The contest I wrote the first chapter and outline of my now published book was free and sponsored by a top romance publisher. Although, I didn’t win, place or show in the contest, I was still a winner. I had a good first chapter, the frame work of a novel, a cover letter and I met the deadline-all things a full time novelist does every day! Plus a contest is good way to work out of a writer’s block or to get out of your comfort zone. As you reflect on 2008’s writing goals, consider a low or no fee contest.

Readers, do you enter contests? Last year the White Roses In Bloom offered a chance to win free eBooks and all you had to do is leave a message on the blog. This has become the standard in the “writer’s blogging” world and it’s great way for you to be introduced to a new author or genre. So if you see a contest for a free book, leave a message and check back often to see if you’re a winner so you can claim your prize.

Contests are a win/win for authors and for readers!

Happy New Year!
Rose Ross Zediker