Sneak Peek of Second Guess!

I've been working on the next Griffin Force book, Second Guess, today. It's Elliot's story and I'm really loving it so far. Here's a little sneak peek from the first page: 

**SPOILER ALERT if you haven't read the end of SECOND CHANCE do not read this or you will be spoiled.**

The wings of the planes dipped as they turned and headed away from the airfield where Griffin Force had been waiting to board. What a mess. He should have seen Fahad boarding or felt some sense of danger when he’d wheeled Atwah into the plane, but he’d felt safe. They were so close to finishing the mission, he’d let his guard down. Elliot pressed the compress tighter to the side of his head, trying to stop the bleeding and wincing at the pain. He wouldn’t make the mistake of letting his guard down again.

He lifted his gaze to Fahad. Fahad had seemed jittery and angry until the plane had finally leveled off. Ever since then, he’d been a bit more relaxed. Somehow that probably didn’t bode well for Elliot.

Fahad finished speaking to the man guarding the cockpit and started back toward Elliot. His mouth was once again pulled into an angry line and Elliot’s stomach tightened. What now?

“Get up,” Fahad commanded, when he got close.

I can't wait to share this story with you!

Book Review: Until Vienna

I was excited to read the next installment in the Orient Express series. Heather Moore's Until Vienna was a tender romance with lots of detail and depth. (Isn't that a great cover?)

Gigi is asked to travel with her Aunt Rowena on an art tour across Europe. Their tour director is handsome Clyde Haskins, but when it becomes clear Aunt Rowena is trying to play matchmaker for Gigi and Clyde, Clyde informs them he is a confirmed bachelor after having his heart broken. But as the tour continues, Clyde and Gigi find an unexpected friendship. Could it ever be more?

I really enjoyed the backdrop of the Orient Express for this sweet romance. The details and descriptions made it so easy to feel like you were right there with the characters! Gigi has hopes and dreams, some of which have been dashed. When the secret comes out about why her beau abruptly left her, Gigi has to examine her thoughts and feelings and decide if she's ready to move on. The friendship and blossoming romance between her and Clyde was paced well and had some really great moments---and swoon-worthy kisses! Clyde was a solid hero, and his kind attentions to Aunt Rowena and her friends would make the hardest heart melt. And of course, Gigi slips behind his wall of defenses and burrows her way into his affections in a way that takes him by surprise. It's really sweet, actually. Readers will root for this couple to find their happily-ever-after, and enjoy the exotic setting locations.

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Georgina Ballard has been disappointed in love more than a few times, a fact that she is uncomfortably aware of amid her sister’s wedding preparations. When her elderly aunt Rowena bids Gigi to accompany her on an art tour across Europe, Gigi hesitates but eventually resigns herself to the train journey alongside a group of aged art connoisseurs, if only to mollify her aunt.

Once aboard the Orient Express, Gigi is pleased to discover that not everyone on the tour is in their twilight years: Clyde Haskins, an energetic young art professor from the University of London, will serve as the group’s tour guide. Clyde is equally intrigued that a young lady has joined the tour, and Aunt Rowena and her friends immediately set out to play matchmaker. Clyde and Gigi both find humor in Aunt Rowena’s antics despite knowing that each is determined to keep their heart carefully guarded. Yet, the enchantment of their European exploration weaves an undeniable spell between them. When their journey ends, can their holiday love story endure the obstacles of real life?

A Big Surprise!

Our family had a big surprise this past week when my little grandson was born eight weeks early. He was tiny at only 4 lbs. 2 oz., but he's a fighter! We're so happy he's here.

Have you ever had an experience with someone born prematurely?

Mission Stories and a Giveaway!

There was a big announcement today from Excel Entertainment! They have created a new media franchise called, MISSION STORIES, which will focus entirely on telling stories of missionaries for The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints. The franchise launched with the theatrical release of MISSION STORIES, a moving retelling of three true stories of missionary work. The feature film opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, May 7 and is distributed jointly with Purdie Distribution.

Assembled as an anthology of three stories told over four chapters, the project was created by the filmmaking team of Bryce Clark (writer, producer, director), Jason Allred (producer), Crystal Myler (writer) and Arthur Van Wagenen (executive producer) after meeting with a full room of former mission presidents and their companions. 

“We heard so many incredible stories -- story after story of events that cannot be simply coincidences,” explained Bryce Clark. “Every story shows that God has his hand in the work and people’s lives are being transformed and saved through this work.”

“People assume they know what a “mission story” depicted on the big screen will be like,” said Arthur Van Wagenen. “Our goal in this film and the entire MISSION STORIES franchise is to tell stories from not just the perspective of missionaries, but from the perspective of people who make the radical choice to become disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The film tells three true stories, including “Hermanos” that focuses on a father overcoming a crisis of faith so that he can baptize his family. “Chuck” tells the story of a man questioning whether God truly loves him and learning to see himself as God does. Finally, “Full Circle” is told in the opening and closing chapters of the film, and shows that the power of faith applied over years or even decades can ultimately bear fruit in overcoming spiritual issues as serious as depression and addiction. 

“Full Circle’ is an especially personal story for me because a character is based on me and the culmination of this story played out as we were developing this project,” explained Clark. “When people watch the film they’ll see when people struggle the Lord never gives up on them, and how the faith of others can help rescue them. I hope sharing this story may inspire others who are facing similar challenges.”

“The MISSION STORIES film is only the first step in creating a full Mission Stories brand and media franchise,” said Van Wagenen. “We are creating an avenue where people can submit their own mission stories which can be shared with the world to help increase people’s faith and sense of worth.”

Going forward, Mission Stories will become an incubator for up-and-coming writers and directors who will continue to tell these important stories for years to come.”

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here is the theatrical trailer: 

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Freebie for Historical Romance Fans!

If you love historical romance fans, I've got a deal for you! The Timeless Romance Anthology: Mercer's Belles is free today! All of the stories in the collection are based on real-life events, so that makes it even more fun to read.

Get your free copy here

Here is the back copy:

When Mr. Mercer sends out a call for single women to travel to Seattle for teaching positions and the potential of forming marriages, 45 answer his call, becoming Mercer's Belles.

The following collection is based on based on true events during the 1860s:

ONE DANCE by Heather B. Moore:
When Harriet Silverman arrives in Seattle for a fresh start and a new teaching position, the last person she expects is to meet is a fisherman who seems to be every place she turns. As she gets to know Caleb Munns, Harriet discovers they are a perfect match--for friendship. They both have solid reasons for not pursuing marriage. But as their paths continue to cross, Harriet begins to see a completely different future than she imagined.

A JOURNEY TO LOVE by Teri Harman:
Cora, a nurse and surgeon's assistant who learned her skills during the war, joins Mercer's expedition in hopes of finding a job in the West. She's a widow and does not want to marry again. When she meets Albert, a surgeon who is traveling on board the Continental, she finds herself intrigued. Yet, Albert's determined to open his own practice in Seattle, make it a success, and has no plans to look for a wife. But the more time Cora and Albert spend together on the voyage, the more they are drawn to each other.

A FARAWAY LIFE by Linda Carroll-Bradd:
Teacher Sorcha Geraghty yearns for a fresh start after the death of her beau and a factory accident maimed her hand. Asa Mercer’s call for teachers for Washington Territory provides a new opportunity, and she joins his ocean-going expedition. Upon arrival, she learns of the expectation for the women to become wives to the many bachelors. Sorcha needs a new plan and fast. Logging manager Lang Ingemar wants a teacher to provide basic English instruction to his Swedish-speaking crew and keep them out of trouble when they go to Seattle. When he convinces Miss Geraghty to relocate to the logging camp, he has no idea the ways his life will be changed.

Easter Weekend is Here!

I am so excited for Easter weekend! I love all the family traditions and being able to relax and reflect.

We always do a ham and potatoes dinner, have an Easter egg hunt for my little kids, and I do a money hunt for my oldest kids. (I put dollar bills in eggs and hide them.) We also color eggs. 

And then on Easter Sunday we talk about our Savior and his resurrection and the events that happened. It is just a sweet time for our family.

Do you have any traditions?

I thought it would be fun to have a little celebration with you, too, I'm doing a fun little giveaway on my Author Facebook page. So head on over there and enter to win a little Amazon gift card!

Just click here

April Fool's Day!

Happy April Fool's Day! Do you love it or hate it? Have you ever had any good pranks played on you?

One year my husband, who works in the computer tech industry, went to work early and put a piece of clear tape over the bottom of everyone's computer mouse. It took some people a really long time to figure out why their mouse wasn't working! Haha. 

Today, my daughter is trying so hard to prank my son, but he hasn't fallen for anything so far. It's sort of funny to watch, though.

What about you? Have you been pranked?