Christmas in Snow Valley (A Christmas Romance Anthology) - Review

Christmas in Snow Valley
(A Christmas Romance Anthology)
by Cindy Roland Anderson, Jeanette Lewis, Cami Checketts, Taylor Hart, Kimberly Montpetit, Lucy McConnell
Published: November 3, 2014

Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season.

Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn’t pursue him or even seem interested. Ty’s career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

​The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.

Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend’s death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she’s surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
As head of Snow Valley hospital’s fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn’t have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She’s been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

Goodreads * Amazon

My short and sweet review:

Christmas in Snow Valley is a group of sweet, clean romance novellas all set in Snow Valley, Montana. Each author wrote the love story of a different set of characters. Some of these stories tied in with the rest of them better than others, but they all had some of the same elements. I would recommend reading these novellas in this box set, although they would be good separately too, because it definitely adds a richness to the reading experience when you consider how these stories are all set at the same time and in the same place. 

This is a great set of clean Christmas romances to read to get you in the holiday spirit. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys clean romances.

A copy was provided for an honest review.   

Laying Low in Paradise by Kristy K. James - Review

Laying Low in Paradise
by Kristy K. James
Published: January 2014

Laura Keane and her son have been spending summers at their chalet on Bois Blanc Island since her husband was killed in the war. She never let anyone else in after the chaplain delivered the sad news four years ago, so it’s just the two of them, and she wouldn’t change that for the world.

Cameron Rafferty and his friends were keeping secrets. Dangerous secrets, and they’d hoped the little island paradise would be a safe place to hide out. The plan to keep a low profile quickly unravels when an accident changes everything. Cameron soon finds himself becoming more involved with the Keane family than he’d intended -and wishing for things he shouldn’t.

Goodreads * Amazon

My short and sweet review:

Sweet, clean romance with an unexpected twist. Cameron and his friends are hiding on the island for reasons you are never going to guess. Seriously, I never suspected that would be the plot twist. The only negative I would say about Laying Low in Paradise is that it could have been a little more developed in the middle. However, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. I think it is refreshing that, although both Laura and Cameron already have children, there is no sex in this book, as both of them believe in waiting until marriage.

You will enjoy this book if you like clean romance and if you appreciate a good read that gives you a little something more than the usual plot line. 

I downloaded this while it was free on Amazon. I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Kristy K. James' first goal in life was to work in law enforcement, until the night she called the police to check out a scary noise in her yard. Realizing that she might someday have to investigate scary noises in yards just as dark as hers if she continued on that path, she turned to her other favorite love...writing. Since then her days have been filled with being a mom and reluctant zookeeper (7 pets), creating stories, and looking for trouble in her kitchen. 

Find out more at KristyKJames.net.  

     

Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris - Review

Seven Day Fiance 
(Love and Games #2)
by Rachel Harris
Published: October 14, 2013
by Entangled Bliss

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning Cane at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

My short and sweet review:
Seven Day Fiance is hot, hot, hot! I absolutely adore Cane. He is a sexy, inked up, leather wearing, motorcycle riding bad boy who is also smart and loves to read! He also has a string of one night stands behind him. He is damaged and doesn't want a commitment. Angelle and Cane had an instant attraction months ago and slowly became friends, but he was certain he wanted nothing more than a roll in the hay. (You will get that joke when you read the book!) But Cane soon realizes that simply breaking through her defenses and getting physical isn't going to be enough. The attraction between the two almost scorches the pages! This is my favorite book by Rachel Harris so far, and I have enjoyed all of her books.

You will like this book if you like contemporary, "clean" romances.

You may not like this book if.... Seriously, I can't think of any reason other than if you don't like romances.

A copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

*Check out my review of Taste the Heat (Love and Games #1).

About the author:
Rachel Harris grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother, and staying up  late sneak-reading her mama's romance novels. Today, she still stays up late reading romances, only now she does so openly. 

A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, she firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

She homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches countless hours of Food Network and reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!

Find out more at RachelHarrisWrites.com. 

   

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachel Anderson - Get Your Copy for FREE

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge.

Grab a copy for FREE on Amazon!

Add to Goodreads

Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop - Win Your Choice of Books

This giveaway is part of the Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Tifferz Book Review! There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.

While you are here, please also check out the other giveaways I have going on. They can be located in the right sidebar.


My Giveaway:
1 winner will receive your choice of up to $10 in YA Romance or clean adult romance book(s) from Amazon.

While we are talking about YA and clean adult romance, here are just a few books from those genres that I have reviewed here at Krazy Book Lady. (You do not have to pick from these if you win.)

Love Unfinished by Darian Wilk
The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer
The Greek Maiden and the English Lord by Patty Apostolides 
Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett 
Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

How to enter:
Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady in whatever way you choose. Then fill out the form below. 

Additional optional entries:
+1 Leave a comment on this blog post telling me a YA Romance or clean adult romance you would like if you win. 
+1 Leave a new comment on ANY OTHER blog post.

Giveaway Details:
Giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway ends July 17th at midnight EST. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to show the winner. Winner has three days to respond, or a new winner will be selected. 

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed.

Winner: Denise V.

Review: Emerald City by Alicia K. Leppert

Emerald City by Alicia K. Leppert

Expected publication: April 10, 2012 by Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort

Olivia Tate is a broken shell of a girl haunted by the tragic events that fill her past. She has closed herself off from the world, each day grasping at something—anything—to live for. Convinced there will never be a way out, she seeks solace in the depths of her medicine cabinet. When she wakes up days later in the hospital she is introduced to Jude, the quiet stranger responsible for saving her life. She never could have guessed then that her mysterious rescuer would end up saving her life a second time, while simultaneously turning her world upside down. A modern-day romance with a twist, Emerald City has a little bit of something for everyone!

Kayla's Review:

Emerald City by Alicia Leppert is a young adult romance that could easily be classified as contemporary, with just a hint of paranormal romance. It is Leppert’s debut novel, published by Cedar Fort Books.

Olivia Tate found herself in a very dark place. She had numbed any emotions that she may have had since the death of her mother. Her father was long gone, having left her and her mother fifteen years prior. She was able to go through the motions of life until finally everything becomes too much. A bottle of Valium later, she finds her life has changed (and been saved) due to the concern of her mysterious neighbor, Jude West.

When I started reading this book, I wanted to put it down. I do not usually enjoy reading about others floundering at the bottom of the deep void of depression, but I am so glad that I stayed with it. This is a story of survival, hope, sacrifice, and how just the little things can turn someone’s life around completely. The characters were very sweet, and it was easy to become attached to them. I am not usually a fan of romance, but this one was palatable. The book had a bit of a twist, but I had picked up on it almost immediately. (It’s been done before.) However, it did not detract from the story or my enjoyment of it at all.

The book only had a few minor issues, with the main one being Olivia (and the only one really worth mentioning). I know how realistic it is for teenagers to feel so very hopeless, but I was irritated by what instigated her Valium consumption. (This is not a spoiler – it happens very early in the book.) She does not mourn the death of her mother or her loss of other personal relationships in her life. However, when she is called a freak at work after someone wanting a different waitress than her, she is driven to suicide. Olivia spent the first pages of the novel describing how numb she feels, but she gives up so quickly. It galled me a bit, even though I am aware that sometimes the burden can just become too heavy. Also, she was a very ill individual. I just wish she would have gotten stronger for herself. I will grant that she did see a mental health professional, but Jude was the driving force.

All in all, Emerald City is a lovely debut novel for Leppert. I finished it in two days and did not want to put it down. Due to the suicide attempt at the beginning of the story, I would only recommend it for the older young adult audience. That being said, maybe reading this would inspire someone in pain to seek help. Not everyone gets a Jude, and it is just important for someone to learn to stand on his or her own two feet. I think anyone who enjoys romance and contemporary books with a hint of the supernatural would be happy to get their hands on this book.

If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A copy was provided by the publisher for review.

About the author:

Alicia K. Leppert always knew she wanted to be a writer, ever since Career Day in first grade when she walked around carrying a notebook and pencil. Twenty-some odd years later, after a short stint in high school where she dreamed of being an actress, a whirlwind Internet romance including a blind proposal that led to a fairytale wedding and two pretty-near perfect kids, her lifelong dream came to fruition with her first novel, Emerald City. She lives with her small brood in her beloved hometown of Pasco, which is located in the only part of Washington state that isn't green. When she is not writing, she can be found decorating novelty cakes and taking naps--her other two passions. 

You can find out more about Alicia K. Leppert and how to connect with her on her website.

Click here to see the rest of the tour stops.

I am running a giveaway of Emerald City until April 1, 2012. Please see this previous post to enter.

 

Abby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King - Review

Abby Finds Her Calling: Home at Cedar Creek, Book 1 by Naomi King

Published: February 28, 2012

Publisher: New American Library 

The Lambright family's eldest daughter, Abby, runs her own sewing shop. There, she mends the town's clothes and their torn relationships. But the town maiden has sworn off any suitors of her own because of her unrequited love for James Graber, who is about to marry her younger sister, Zanna.

On the wedding day, Zanna is nowhere to be found, breaking James' heart. Zanna has brought shame to her family, but there's more in store for them when they discover how far she has fallen. Long-buried secrets come to light, and they test the bonds of the Cedar Creek community. Abby is at the center of it all, trying to maintain everyone's happiness. But will she ever find her own?

My Review:

James and Zanna are planning to be married, but she runs off on her wedding day. When she is found, secrets come out that will turn their little Amish community upside down. Abby, Zanna's sister, has been friends with James most of her life, but she is also secretly in love with him. Abby must put aside her personal feelings to help support her sister, her friend, and her family.

Most of this book revolves around Zanna and her secret which has repercussions for the whole Amish community. However, Abby is in the center of it all. When you read closely, you discover the book is actually about Abby's quiet faith in God and following what He wants her to do so that she is able to help her family. It is an inspirational story that brings you a sense of peacefulness when you read it and reminds you to stand strong in your beliefs and your faith.

When I first agreed to read this book, I didn't realize that I also had another one from the same author but written under another name. I enjoyed reading this book as well as the other one. Naomi King is a skilled writer who easily engages you in the lives of the characters she has created. 

A copy was provided by the author for review.

About the author:

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian NAOMI KING writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Home at Cedar Creek series. Like her series heroine, Abby Lambright, Naomi considers it her personal mission to be a listener—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls—and to share her hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and frugality are hallmarks of her lifestyle: like Abby, she made her wedding dress and the one her mom wore, too! She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to travel, try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Naomi now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie, Ramona. 

You can find out more about Naomi King on her website. 

Naomi King also writes as Charlotte Hubbard. Please see my review of Summer of Secrets.

Persuasion by Rebecca H. Jamison - Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Persuasion: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison
Expected publication: February 14, 2012
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she'd never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil's brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil's return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen's most romantic novel.

My review:
Anne realizes she still loves her ex-boyfriend, Neil, when he unexpectedly comes back into her life. However, it seems that Neil is already in a relationship. Anne tries to distract herself by dating someone else, but it doesn't quite go as anticipated.

Persuasion is an inspirational, uplifting, sweet story of coming to terms with past mistakes and learning to start over and love again. This is a LDS fiction book. The main moral is the same even for people of other religions, and that is to put your faith in the Lord and hold firm in your beliefs. Rebecca H. Jamison has done a wonderful job portraying someone who is doing that. It isn't always easy, and it isn't always what everyone else wants you to do. In this novel, we watch as Anne navigates her way through family pressures and a challenging situation with an ex-boyfriend while looking toward the Lord to find her path. Just when you think it is going a little slow, something happens to grab your attention again. My only complaint about this book is there are some inconsistencies; however, this was an ARC so these issues may be resolved before final publication. Overall, I enjoyed this novel, and I would recommend this to anyone who likes inspirational fiction.

Provided by the publisher for review.

Guest post by Rebecca H. Jamison:

Meeting My Ex . . . Unexpectedly

It stands to reason that if you’re having a good hair day, you probably won’t run into your ex-boyfriend. If, on the other hand, you just got back from a camping trip and you’ve recently gained weight, you’re highly likely to run into him. Believe me—I know from experience.

It hasn’t been that long since I had my own encounter with an ex. I was meandering the aisles of a local thrift store with my hair in a messy ponytail when I spotted a guy I once dated heading toward me. Luckily, my two kids provided a distraction by climbing onto the bottom shelf of the shopping cart I was pushing. Instead of looking at me, my old flame stared at my children. He was probably wondering why their mother was allowing them to climb onto a shopping cart like that. After my close call, I headed for the other side of the store and observed him from afar. Truthfully, he wasn’t looking so good himself. After all, what kind of man wears crocs in public?

Jane Austen's Persuasion begins with just such a situation, only in Anne's case, she still has feelings for her old flame, and they both recognize each other. Though she has a few days to prepare for their meeting, she doesn't pull it off too well. Austen writes that "a thousand feelings rushed on Anne, of which this was the most consoling, that it would soon be over." Anne's petrified reaction didn't make a great impression on Captain Wentworth, who later reported that she was so different he wouldn't have recognized her.

Stumbling words along with a shocked expression wouldn’t have helped in my case either. In case I ever run into another ex-boyfriend and he actually recognizes me, here's my plan:

• Smile.
• Act surprised to see him. Say something like, "Wow, I'm surprised to see you. How have you been?" I won’t say it's good to see him, unless I actually feel that way.
• Be grateful for the life I have now, so I can confidently explain how great my life is.
• Put an attractive picture of myself on Facebook.

Have you ever unexpectedly met your ex? What’s your advice?

About the author:
Rebecca Jamison met her husband on a blind date. His first words to her were, "Do you want to get together and play spin the bottle?"(He was trying to avoid another bad blind date, but she went out with him anyway.) Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca and her husband have six children. She enjoys running, dancing, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks. You can learn more about her at www.rebeccahjamison.com

Click here to see the rest of the stops on the tour.

Giveaway:
One will will receive a copy of Persuasion: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison. Per Cedar Fort's policy, winner will have the choice between a print or an e-book if in the U.S. and an e-book will be sent if the winner lives outside the U.S.

How to enter:
Simply provide your name and email in the form below.

For an extra entry, leave a comment answering Rebecca's question. (Have you ever unexpectedly met your ex? What’s your advice?) When you fill out the form, let me know that you left a comment and the name you used to leave the comment. Please do NOT put your email addresses in the comments.

Giveaway Details:
Giveaway is open internationally. (See details above.) This giveaway will run until midnight EST on February 16. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed.

Winner: Lisa R.

Review: Enduring Light & Guest Post by Carla Kelly

Enduring Light by Carla Kelly
Expected Publication: January 8, 2012
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.

She leaned toward him and rested her elbows on the brass rail at the foot of her bed. “All right, cowboy, just when did you fall in love with me? I’m definitely curious now.”

He regarded her in the moonlight. “I knew I was a no-hoping goner when I caught that ridiculous hat of yours on the platform at Gun Barrel.” Julia sucked in her breath. She tried to be severe. “Mr. Otto, nobody falls in love that fast!”

“I did,” he said simply, as he left her room.

Julia Darling is finally able to marry Paul Otto for eternity. But it’s a harsh world for a rancher in turn-of-the-century Wyoming, especially a Mormon rancher. When alienation and threats begin, Julia must prove she’s her husband’s equal in strength and endurance as she learns to let go of scars on the outside and inside.

Bestselling author Carla Kelly has woven a new story of a determined rancher, his wife, and how they discover the depths of love.

My Review:
In the beginning of Enduring Light, Julia and Paul are in love and are making plans to be married. At first, they have to spend most of it separated because he is searching for the cattle he lost during a bad fire at his ranch that almost claimed Julia's life. They also experience more problems both before and after marriage because of discrimination due to being Mormons. Paul is a "new" Mormon, and many of his old friends and acquaintances do not believe he is doing the right thing. Julia is sure of her decision to leave her "easy" life in Salt Lake City and take on the hard role of a rancher's wife in Wyoming because she loves him and knows that is where she should be, and even with the threat of danger, Julia will not leave Paul for the safety of her hometown because she is certain in her love for him and her belief that she belongs with him.

This book is similar to Christian fiction. I know that the two faiths are very different, but it is the best way I can think of to describe this book. The main point of Enduring Light is putting your faith in the Lord and trusting in him to help you endure any hardships that you face. You are also reminded that people are not always who they seem.

On the downside, I felt that some parts of this book could have been left out and still retain the underlying theme. It sort of dragged in some areas. I also have mixed feelings about the many references to sex. On the one hand, this is a clean romance, and there were no detailed discussions in it. On the other hand, it seemed there were a lot of references to sex for this being a LDS fiction book. Plus, there were many times that I felt were missed opportunities for the author to have provided a little more knowledge to non-LDS readers, such as myself, about the LDS beliefs. I understand this was mainly written for a LDS audience, so most will not see this as an issue. For an example, when the men would give a blessing to a person, it would have been nice to have just a little background about why men of the LDS church do this.

Overall, I did enjoy reading Enduring Light. It is an inspirational and touching story of love, trust, and enduring all hardships with your faith in the Lord.

An ARC was provided by the publisher for this review.

Guest Post by Carla Kelly:
Loving, Enduring

I’ve often thought that the moment fiction writing turns into a chore, I would stop. After a lot of books, that hasn’t happened yet. One thing a writer learns after a while is that it’s the readers who are part of the fun – probably a big part.

When Borrowed Light was published January 2011, I had no plans whatsoever to write a sequel. The story ends appropriately, and no one was left hanging. Previously, I have only written one other sequel: One Good Turn was the sequel to Libby’s London Merchant. It came several years later, after a lot of readers wanted a Happy Ending for the duke who lost Libby to a wonderful physician in Kent.

Vondell, my water aerobics buddy, told me right away: “You need a sequel.” Others said the same thing, so I started thinking about the further adventures of Julia Darling and Mr. Otto. I had enjoyed the characters, which is what a writer is supposed to do, or she’d never put a word on a page. And Julia and Mr. Otto were special to me, because I was finally writing a book that explored my own LDS roots a little.

Enduring Light took me only two months to write, because I knew those characters well. I must agree now with the folks who wanted more, because I wanted to know what happened to them, too. I’ve never written a book as fast as I wrote Enduring Light. Guess it was meant to be.

I wanted Enduring Light to be a loving portrait of a brand new marriage, one for time and eternity, which is how we do it in the Mormon faith. That means taking the good along with the bad and persisting. Since it was written for a largely LDS audience, I suppose, and since Cedar Fort, Inc. doesn’t go in for the graphic, it had to be a sexy book without being, well, sexy.

You can determine if I succeeded in that, but a lovely review from Publisher’s Weekly calls it “endearing” so I think it made the grade. This is a couple, after surmounting some heavy obstacles, who are in love, and the readers deserve to know that.

My personal favorite part of the book? I have many, but this one shines through: I dedicated it to Laura Lee Wilkinson, a rancher’s daughter from Laramie Peak, Wyoming, who married her cowboy, Chuck. After a long marriage, and several years of struggle with Chuck’s Alzheimer’s, and congestive heart failure, Chuck passed away last April. Laura misses her cowboy.

The dedication reads, “To Laura Lee Wilkinson, who loves a cowboy, ranching and Wyoming.” Love doesn’t die, which is why that dedication is in the present tense.

In the novel, Mr. Otto mentions a rancher, name of Bell, who lives at Laramie Peak. That’s Laura Lee’s grandfather. You see, beyond the story itself, this is how a writer has fun: writing to include her friends in the adventure.

So thank you, Vondell, Laura Lee, and a bunch of readers. You were right. We did need to know more about loving and enduring.

About the author:
Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donal I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America.

Recently, she's been writing Regency romances (think Pride and Prejudice) set in the Royal Navy's Channel Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars between England and France. She comes by the love of the ocean from her childhood as a Navy brat.

Carla's history background makes her no stranger to footnote work, either. During her National Park Service days at the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic site, Carla edited Friedrich Kurz's fur trade journal. She recently completed a short history of Fort Buford, where Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881.

Following the "dumb luck" principle that has guided their lives, the Kellys recently moved to Wellington, Utah, from North Dakota and couldn't be happier in their new location. In her spare time, Carla volunteers at the Railroad and Mining Museum in Helper, Utah. She likes to visit her five children, who live here and there around the United States. Her favorite place in Utah is Manti, located after a drive on the scenic byway through Huntington Canyon.

Any why is she so happy these days? Carla looks forward to writing for an LDS audience now, where she feels most at home.

You can find out more on Carla Kelly's blog, Facebook, and the Book Poster page.

 Check out the rest of the stops on the Blog Tour.