Last Day Kidless

Just a quick note to let you know I'm keeping myself occupied while the kids are away at camp.

I've almost finished plotting my new wip, Silent Keeper which has taken longer than I expected or wanted. But that's okay because I want to think it out thoroughly first and in the meantime I've started writing it.

My blog post on Brainstorming yesterday at Prairie Chicks Write Romance didn't get much of a discussion going but my comment on today's POV topic sure did.

Speaking of the Prairie Chicks, we're welcoming Steeple Hill Love Inspired author Allie Pleiter as a guest blogger today so drop on over and say hey.

Okay, I pick up the youngest from camp on Sunday and I don't want to waste my last day of uninterupted writing time so I'll sign off for now.

I'll be checking here and the Prairie Chick blog tomorrow so I'll see if you leave a comment about how your weekend is going. And I don't mind talking about the weather - it's been cool and cloudy here all week and I'm ready for some hot summer days.

Book Review: A Weaver Wedding

A Weaver Wedding by Allison Leigh Silhouette Special Edition #1965, Apr 09

Once again, Allison Leigh proves why she’s an ‘auto-buy’ for me. She hooked me with the prologue and got me so interested, I’d read a third of the book before I realized it. Allison turns on the emotional train with a secret baby story that had me wanting to tell the hero he was going to be a father. And although I didn’t think it fair of the heroine to keep it a secret, she was such a likeable character, I didn’t really mind because it added so much conflict and tension to the story.

Tara Browning figured she was destined for spinsterhood after a very brief marriage when she was eighteen. It’s not a big secret why she doesn’t date, she just hasn’t been attracted to anyone since. But when tall, hunky Axel Clay stands in her way, her inhibitions flee and she’s ready to follow him anywhere. A couple days later, she awakes in their motel room to find Axel gone without even a note. He did leave her a nice present, however, which she discovers a couple months later. Since Axel hasn’t made any attempt to contact her though, she’s not going to go searching for him either. She’ll raise their baby just fine by herself.

Seems Axel Clay has been in love with Tara Browning since he first spotted her 5 yrs ago but his job as a secret operative stopped him from making his feelings known. He wouldn’t have spent the weekend with her either except she was involved with his job and he had to keep tabs on her somehow. Of course if his boss found out how close he’d watched Tara, he’d be pulled off the assignment for conflict of interest but Axel was going to ensure no one knew. He’d stay away from Tara and everything would be fine. Things don’t go according to plan when Axel has to go back as her bodyguard, though.

Tara is determined to hide her pregnancy from Axel and his family who insist on pulling her into their lives like a long-lost daughter. If she thought it was hard keeping the baby from Axel though, she finds it’s agony not to tell Axel’s mother.

Heat Level: Sensual

My Rating: Great (A Keeper)

Early July Happenings

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Here in Montmartre, SK the sky was cloudy and drizzly but it didn't dampen the spirits of those coming to attend the 100 year celebrations.

I stayed home. Since we've only been living here 10 yrs, we don't have ourselves invested into the history of the Rural Municipality (RM) as much as the long-standing citizens. So the boys went, but I stayed to get some plotting done.

Today after church, however, I stopped in to take a few pics of the new replica of the Eiffel Tower. There's rumours going around that it will be taken down because of the threat of kids climbing on it. I wonder if the RM's insurance rates will skyrocket because of the structure. We'll have to see.

Anyway, there's been a change at home as I'll be dropping off both boys at camp on Monday which leaves me kidless for the week. Yay!

I'm also participating with eHarlequin's JunoWriMo Challenge. My goal is to write 3,000 words a day starting Tues once the kids are at camp. I'll let you know how I do.

So, how do you like writing in the summer? No problem? Or would you rather be enjoying the summer?

Happy Birthday, America

To all my American friends, I'd like to wish the best birthday ever!

Imagine, 233 yrs ago today, you fought for Independence against England - and won!

From my point of view on this side of our long-standing border, the American people have grown strong in body, mind and spirit. And I'm very glad to call so many of you my friends and relatives. *waving to Judy

Happy Birthday, America. May God keep your nation strong.

It's Canada Day!

I'm sure there are parades happening all over the country today and I hope for dry skies for all the firework shows.

But here in Montmartre, SK the parade happens on Saturday when the Rural Municipality we live in celebrates its centennial year. Called 'Paris of the Prairies', a 28 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower has been installed downtown. Plus, an 8 foot replica beside the highway draws attention to the local electronics store. Here's a photo of the 3 foot version available for homeowners. And yes, they're all made of metal.

In case you're wondering why Paris and the Eiffel Tower - Montmartre, Saskatchewan is paired with Montmartre, a community in Paris. I did a web search and found this tidbit on Montmartre, France:

The area where Renoir, French Cancan and Van Gogh (among others) all came of age...
Still a little village in the big city, Montmartre borders the Red Light district (Pigalle) to the south, and the less than tourist-friendly Saint-Ouen neighborhood to the north. Therefore caution is needed when making hotel arrangements.

Well now, isn't that an interesting tidbit for a romance writer, eh.

No matter how you celebrate today (in Canada) or on the 4th of July (in the US), thank God for giving our forefathers the wisdom to create these great democratic countries where we can celebrate, or not, as we wish.

So, whatcha gonna do to celebrate? Huh?

After reading Captain Hook's comment, I realize I meant to say, 'What are you doing to celebrate either national day?'

The Last Day of School

The boys are heading off to their last day of school this morning.

This is how the little guy came home from school last week. Used to be just the girls wore paint on their face. Heh.

On Thursday, I picked up Jessie after her final exam and drove her out to the Circle Square Ranch where she's counselling for most of the summer.

And so today is my last day of quiet until July 26th when they all head off on different adventures. That's a month away!

If I want quiet there's always the RV out there under the apple trees. It's just that we've been having problems with our riding lawn mower and the grass is high between the house and the RV. Not over the knee high, but anything higher than the ankles could be hiding ticks. And if you've read my earlier posts, you know ticks freak me out.

But this year, I can go into our converted garage . . . er . . . Rec Centre and get away from all the electronic noise in the house. I tried it out last night when Nelson and the boys were watching a movie and I had homework to do. The Rec Centre was dark but Nelson had set up the old computer desk near the west window and with the sun setting, I had plenty of light streaming in through the trees. With just one window open to catch a breeze, the room was cool instead of stifling. And it was quiet if I didn't count the birds chattering away. I was out there for the length of the movie and was able to complete my homework assignment from the Roses Plotting Bootcamp I'm taking this month.

So today, when the boys get off the bus for the last time until Sept, after a reasonable social interlude - say 30 mins tops - I'm going out to the Rec Centre to continue working and the boys can make all the noise they want in the house.

Hmmm . . . this'll be a good time for Nick to learn how to cook, eh. Heh.

And how about you . . . is there a major change in your house at this time of year? How do you or will you cope?

Book Review: The Prodigal's Return

The Prodigal’s Return by Lynn Bulock Love Inspired #144, July 01

This is a great book. I like the fact it explores the relationship between a father and his daughter, God and His people, and cops and their kids. There are so many levels to this story and it all works well together.

Laurel Harrison has been living in California but she wants an excuse to return home to Missouri. She finds the perfect opportunity when her father, the local sheriff, falls ill. No sooner does she get to town when she starts getting tickets from her father’s deputy who seems to be missing tact when it comes to certain citizens in town – like the sheriff’s daughter.

Deputy Tripp Jordan doesn’t believe in playing favorites to anyone. If you’re illegally parked, you get a ticket. If you speed, you get a ticket. It doesn’t matter if you’re the mayor or the sheriff’s daughter. Tripp has a rule book and he abides by it. Of course the problems start when his teenage daughter comes to live with him because that’s a whole new set of rules. And it’s hard giving tickets to someone as attractive as Laurel who offers a helping hand at every turn.

As her father heals, Laurel must make the agonizing decision whether to go back to California for good, or take a chance with her work and heart in Missouri.

Heat level: Affectionate

My Rating: Great (A keeper)

Book Review: A Soldier's Reunion

A Soldier’s Reunion (Wings of Refuge Book 4) by Cheryl Wyatt Love Inspired #496, Jun 09

This is an excellent book by an author who knows all the ins and outs of military life. Cheryl Wyatt easily weaves the jobs of pararescue jumpers with civilian life and gives us a glimpse of the hardships these brave men face when it seems they must choose between love and career. The book starts with a heart-stopping rescue attempt by the civilian heroine after a major bridge collapse and delves into the world of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which many believe only soldiers suffer. The author, a former RN, shows otherwise. This book is rife with romantic tension.

Mandy Manchester’s world centers around her chosen career in the medical field after being dumped by the man she’d hinged all her dreams on 10 yrs earlier. She puts her skills to good use when the bridge she’s driving on collapses and she watches in terror as numerous cars slide off the broken bridge and plunge into the dark river. Her car is the next to go but miraculously stops at the edge. Her training kicks in and she starts checking injured motorists including a school bus full of little kids. But with the broken bridge blocking one exit and a burning tanker on the other, how will they get to safety?

Nolan Briggs can’t believe his eyes when he sees his Manda Panda awaiting rescue on the crippled bridge. It’s been a long time since he left his teenage sweetheart with promises of writing to her but for whatever reason, she never wrote him back. When he realizes she’s holding a major grudge, it begins to dawn on Nolan that she still feels abandoned. But that would mean her feelings were still involved, right?

Mandy doesn’t want anything to do with Nolan although the guy is persistant and slowly breaking down the wall around her heart. But is he hanging around because he wants her or because he wants her to seek treatment after exhibiting signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after watching all those people die in the river?

Heat Level: Affectionate

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; Top 10 list)

The Wings of Refuge Series:

Book 1 - Jan 08 – A Soldier’s Promise Love Inspired #430

Book 2 - Mar 08 – A Soldier’s Family Love Inspired #438

Book 3 - Apr 09 – Ready-Made Family Love Inspired #490

Book 4 - Jun 09 – A Soldier’s Reunion Love Inspired #496

Book 5 - Oct 09 – Soldier Daddy Love Inspired #520

Book 6 - Jan 10 – A Soldier’s Devotion

Book 7 - Spring 2010 – Home Sweet Hero (tentative title)

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Book Review: Ready-Made Family

Ready-Made Family (Wings of Refuge Book 3) by Cheryl Wyatt Love Inspired #490, Apr 09

This was another great book about the pararescue jumpers of Refuge, Illinois. I’m enjoying the series by Cheryl Wyatt who integrates racial differences in her stories as easily as personalities and careers. In this book, she not only introduced the bigotry that can occur between whites and Asians due to the Vietnam war, but also racism between so-called average and handicapped people, in this case, Mosaic Down’s Syndrome.

Pararescue jumper Ben Dillinger is in a parking lot minding his own business when a little girl begs him to help rescue her mother from their crashed vehicle. As the mother recuperates in the hospital, Ben learns she is ‘between jobs and homes’ and finds himself falling for her. He wants to help her get a job so she and her daughter will stay in Refuge and he can get to know them better. As he sees it, his biggest problem is his inability to admit he has a brother with special needs who will soon move in with him. He loves his brother and has grown out of his childhood embarrassment about his brother’s special needs – at least he’s sure has – it’s just that he wants a bit more time before springing the news.

Amelia North is enroute a new job when she faints while driving and crashes. In the hospital, she’s amazed when her normally introvert daughter acts like she’s known Ben Dillinger forever. Although drawn to the tall Asian, he’s too bossy for Amelia’s liking. But as Ben shows himself to be a friend she can depend on and hints at becoming more, a heavy foreboding comes over her. She’s trying to make peace with her estranged parents but if there’s one thing her dad always said, it was not to hook up with an Asian or don’t bother going back home.

Prejudice is an ugly thing and cannot be tolerated but if it came to choosing between Ben and her father, whom would she pick?

Heat Level: Affectionate

My Rating: Great (A Keeper)

The Wings of Refuge Series:
Book 1 - Jan 08 – A Soldier’s Promise Love Inspired #430
Book 2 - Mar 08 – A Soldier’s Family Love Inspired #438
Book 3 - Apr 09 – Ready-Made Family Love Inspired #490
Book 4 - Jun 09 – A Soldier’s Reunion Love Inspired #496
Book 5 - Oct 09 – Soldier Daddy Love Inspired #520
Book 6 - Jan 10 – A Soldier’s Devotion
Book 7 - Spring 2010 – Home Sweet Hero (tentative title)

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Book Review: The Preacher's Wife

The Preacher’s Wife by Cheryl St John Love Inspired Historical June 09

Cheryl St John has written a great book for her first Love Inspired novel. After writing many Harlequin Historicals which have a higher level of sensuality, the author still conveyed the emotions and conflict necessary to an entertaining book. She picked her characters and their traits well and I really enjoyed reading this book.

Badgered by her late husband’s mother, Josie Randolph makes the weekly trek to his graveyard although she longs to put the past behind and start a new life. Josie is a nurturer. With inherited wealth, she doesn’t need a job to maintain her lifestyle so she volunteers at the parsonage, keeping house and taking care of the injured pastor. A widower, the lonely pastor proposes to Josie. A marriage based on friendship seems to be what they both need. Yet, Josie hesitates.

Enroute his new post, Samuel Hart has just faced an unbearable hardship. He lost his wife and his daughters lost their mother. Sadness and guilt hangs over the quartet like a soggy blanket. Sam has no idea how he’ll cope with the girls and his work, but he’s a preacher and has faith it’ll work out. He sees the lonely widow working at the parsonage where he stops for awhile as interim pastor. After watching her offer empathy and wisdom to his daughters, Samuel feels led to offer marriage. She’ll be a suitable caregiver as well as a preacher’s wife but that’s as far as his intentions go.

Suddenly faced with 2 proposals, Josie picks Samuel. She already feels an affinity for his daughters and she’s half way in love with him. When it’s time for Samuel to leave the parsonage behind, Josie, as his new wife, goes with him. But being a wife and feeling like a wife are two different things when the husband’s heart isn’t involved.

Heat Level: Affectionate

My Rating: Great - 4 stars (a keeper)