Love Inspired Historicals discussion

Hello friends!!

So, I'm just going to jump in and apologize right off because I completely messed up. :( I was in charge of hosting this week, and had weird computer issues, then completely forgot. It's been a crazy few weeks.

As an apology, the first ten people to send me a direct message with their mailing info will get a copy of any of my backlist books, excluding Rocky Mountain Dreams. Just let me know what you want.

I'm emailing the authors next, and I will get you all a schedule as soon as I hear back.

Again, I am SO sorry!! If I didn't need my computer so much, I'd throw it out the window right about now. But that won't solve anything, so free books!! Yay!! :)

Danica Favorite

Our first author this week is Keli Gwyn, aka, the super rockstar who was willing to jump in first! :) She's also an awesome writer, awesome person, and I know you guys love chatting with her.

If you haven't met Keli, here's a little information about her and her book. I hope you'll check it out!

Her book is Make-Believe Beau.

I believe Keli will be giving away a copy of her book as part of the regular Q&A Giveaway, so stay tuned for details on that from Dorothy. :)



Bio
Award-winning author Keli Gwyn, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California's Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush-era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyber home, where you'll find her contact information.

About Make-Believe Beau
The Courtship Charade
As a draftswoman in a man’s world, Jessica Sinclair causes a stir as her new male colleagues vie for her attention. And the company manager has an ultimatum: fake a courtship with her boss, Flynt Kavanaugh…or lose her job. But pretending to be smitten with the handsome engineer unleashes a real, complicated attraction—and could reveal the past she hoped to keep hidden.

Jessica is certainly the best person for the job. But as their make-believe romance escalates, Flynt knows that’s not the only reason he wants her on his team. However, with his past shrouded by a shameful secret, Flynt has always focused his ambitions on building a career, not a family. Now he has designs on Jessica’s heart, but can they trust each other with the truth?

Oh, I was supposed to post a question for Keli. Guys, bear with me. :) I'm catching up on the email about what I'm supposed to do, and still finding my bearings.

So Keli, I would love to know about your inspiration for the story. The draftswoman heroine is an awesome idea! Can you tell us a little about where that all came from?

That's pretty cool that you got to talk with your own mom for inside info for your book!

Thanks Keli! I think I've mostly figured out the computer issues, or at least a workaround. I'm thinking it may be time for a new one. :(

I love that information about the draftswoman history. How great that you had your mother as a resource and could honor her like that! I'm really excited to read your book!

I hope your computer issues are resolved soon, Danica! I just sent you a direct message. :)

I love learning the story behind your story, Keli! Make-Believe Beau is up next on my reading list, and I can't wait to get started! Did Flynt or Jessie surprise you in any way as you were writing their story?

Keli what are some of things your mom drafted? Besides the water line what has your heroine have in her portfolio?

Keli - Jessie sounds like a gal who can hold her own. Do you have any preferences with your characters personalities? Is it easier to write about characters who are more quiet, mannerly and easy going, or is it exciting to write about quick witted and outspoken characters? Flynn seems reserved but strong.

That's pretty cool! Did your mom like her job?

Jessie sure had it tough starting out but she seems like a tough gal. Where did she go to school? And how long?

This is my first Q&A on Goodreads. I don't know how to direct message anyone. I'm also having some computer issues. I follow Keli on Facebook, and have read a couple of her books. Danica, you are a new to me author and I look forward to getting to know your work. Where do you think I should start?

Thanks Keli, That's interesting that that gentlemen took her in and gave her a chance but others were not so willing.

Hello Keli, wow this has slipped up on us , your book sounds so interesting,I enjoy reading about women that are doing something well in a "Man dominated" job.
What made Jessie decide she would like this kind of job?
I can read between the lines, that she won't have a problem of showing interest in Flynt. You are great at giving us a little mystery in your characters.

What were some interesting info you came across during your research of this book?

Keli,
It was interesting about a draftswomen. It must of been nice to primary source material straight from your Mom. I just picked up your book. The cover drew me in and the blurb on the back. I have read your books before and enjoy them.
Did you have to do much research about the irrigation system?

Hope the computer issues get worked out.

Hi, Andrea,
You will enjoy our discussions.

Keli,
I like that you have characters with a past. It makes them seem like a next door neighbor or a co worker.

Melinda wrote: "Hi, Andrea,
You will enjoy our discussions."

Thank you, Melinda.
I'm trying to get better at using Goodreads.

Hi Keli, I'm excited to have another book from you to read. I can't say I've ever read a book about irrigation systems or a draftwoman, so this will be a whole new experience for me. Ultimatums are always fun too. Congratulations on a new book

Keli I hope your mom likes being in the acknowledgements and thank you so much for answering all my questions. I like oranges as well! Jenny

Keli wrote: "Danica wrote: "So Keli, I would love to know about your inspiration for the story. The draftswoman heroine is an awesome idea! Can you tell us a little about where that all came from?"

Danica, I'm..."

That sounds like such a neat experience. Congrats on your release, Keli. :)

Keli, your story sounds wonderful! Fun that your mom was a resource. I love the title and the premise, and know you did a great job telling Jessica and Flynt's story.

Janet

August already? It slipped up on many of us.
Welcome, Andrea! Hope you enjoy this fun group.
Keli, congratulations on you newest book...it sounds delightful! I love interesting occupations and SECRETS! How special to include your mother as research.
Danica, hope your computer is behaving now. I tried to DM through Goodreads, and couldn't find you, so I DM'd through FB. Hope that works.
Welcome back, Paula! Reunions are so much fun!

Keli,
Thanks for sharing how you created the story and answering our questions.

Thanks for visiting with us, Keli! I can't wait to meet Flynt and Jessie!

Today we have author Penny Richards stopping by! Penny's August book is Wolf Creek Wife.

About the book:
A Marriage of Inconvenience!

After a storm strands her overnight in Will Slade's cabin, Blythe Granville's reputation is in shambles. The townspeople doubt that she was innocently nursing him back to health after saving his life. Now Blythe must accept Will's proposal: a marriage in name only to save her good name. But the former socialite is determined not to fall for her new husband…even if she's drawn to the gruff stranger who's vowed to stand by her, in sickness and in health.

Will never wanted to remarry after his ex-wife betrayed him. But now he finds himself hitched to a city girl who has no idea how to keep a house…but is somehow chiseling her way into his heart. As Blythe melts Will's crusty facade, though, they're discovering that this most unexpected union might just lead to true love.

About Penny (short version! She has so much cool stuff about her, so ask her about her full bio!):Penny Richards is interested in everything! She's worked as a beautician, interior decorator, short-order cook, and store clerk. Besides studying cosmetology and interior decorating, she has taken courses in wine appreciation and screenwriting. She isn't afraid to tackle much in the way of anything creative, and has taught herself to play the guitar, oil paint (she's won some awards), and she does her own wallpapering and furniture refinishing.

Clearly, Penny likes the challenge of learning about something new, so she collects books.

Wow Penny my life seems so low key after reading your shortened bio!

Andrea wrote: "This is my first Q&A on Goodreads. I don't know how to direct message anyone. I'm also having some computer issues. I follow Keli on Facebook, and have read a couple of her books. Danica, you are a new to me author and I look forward to getting to know your work. Where do you think I should start? "

Andrea, welcome!! Just click on the person's name, and you should have the option to send them a message. Some people you have to add as a friend first, depending on what their settings are.

You can start anywhere with my books, even though they are a series, I try to make them stand alone. :)

Thanks for being here!!

The rest of the week's schedule:

Today: Penny Richards
Tomorrow: Louise M. Gouge
Friday: Jessica Nelson

Penny how many books have you written? And how did you end up writing books?

Thanks for the introduction, Danica. I think we all agree that computers are wonderful until they aren't!

Jennifer, I love to learn and there isn't much that doesn't interest me to some degree. I've also had a B&B and catering business which I loved, know more about Navy SEALs than most people my age, and have been through Master Gardener twice! And I've used every bit of that crazy "education." :-) The thing is, I've NEVER let "not knowing how" stop me from doing anything I really wanted to do, and it's advice I give to people all the time. Be like the Little Engine That Could. You're doing it for you, to enrich your knowledge or life in some way, so if it's isn't perfect, so what? Just do it!

Welcome, Andrea! This is a wonderful group of very savvy readers who love LIH books. We authors have a great time chatting with them. The gleaning of information is a two-way street. : )

Keli, I'm sorry I wasn't here yesterday. I love your cover, but the couple looks so young! Alas, I think it's my age that makes it so. : )

Hi Penny! I'm wondering where Wolf Creek is located? And what year does your story take place? Obviously, the cover does not depict Will's cabin. Is it Blythe's home?

Hi to all! I'm sorry I'm late to the Q&A. Lot's of family stuff going on including a family reunion, so I haven't been online the last few days.

Remember, I'm taking down your names to toss in my "draw the book winners hat" so tell your friends to come and join in the fun!

I'm surprised I haven't read any comments about Keli's hint. You ladies are usually quick to pick up on things like that. Did you miss it?

Hello, Penny! What a perfect blurb: "A marriage of INCONVENIENCE!" Sounds like a great story!

Beautiful cover...drawing me in to sip tea by the fireplace. What is this setting? I love how authors find their story inspiration...so what was your inspiration for this story?

Thanks for visiting with us today.

Dorothy wrote: "Hi to all! I'm sorry I'm late to the Q&A. Lot's of family stuff going on including a family reunion, so I haven't been online the last few days.

Remember, I'm taking down your names to toss in my..."

No, I figured someone will tell us what is happening next week when we need to know. I am hoping for another dance but whatever it is will be fun.Hope you are having a good time at the family reunion ,Dorothy

Dorothy wrote: "Hi Penny! I'm wondering where Wolf Creek is located? And what year does your story take place? Obviously, the cover does not depict Will's cabin. Is it Blythe's home?"

Hello, Dorothy. I live in Delight, AR, which was Wolf Creek back in the day. In fact, Wolf Creek runs just across the road from my house. It's a beautiful creek. As for the time, it's summer of 1886 if I remember correctly.

Keli wrote: "Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by and asked such great questions about Make-Believe Beau. I had such fun answering them. Thanks, Danica, for being such a great hostess, even when you've b..."

Keli, yes, the Will Slade IS (gasp) divorced. I was as surprised as you that they let me do it. His ex, Martha, is quite a piece of work and walked out on him. I don't want to give away any more of the story.

Penny,
When you came up with the Wolf Creek series of books, did you have an idea how many books will be included? Did you plan the town out before you started the books? I am looking forward to reading this new installment.

Dorothy wrote: "Hi Penny! I'm wondering where Wolf Creek is located? And what year does your story take place? Obviously, the cover does not depict Will's cabin. Is it Blythe's home?"

I guess it would help if I answered all the questions. The picture on the cover is the parlor at Hattie's Boardinghouse, where Will and Blythe are married. When I first saw it, I posted on Facebook that the color of the room, and even the room itself reminded me of a castle I visited on a recent trip to Ireland, which was really neat. Even the color on the wall and the placement of the fireplace and pictures were similar. I'll re-post them on my Penny Richards Author page and you can check it out. Thanks for the questions, Dorothy.

Melinda wrote: "Penny,
When you came up with the Wolf Creek series of books, did you have an idea how many books will be included? Did you plan the town out before you started the books? I am looking forward to r..."

I really didn't have a specific number of books in mind, Melinda, but this will be the last of them...at least for a while. I didn't have a plan for the town, I've just used the layout as it is, and plopped down my businesses wherever I pictured them (some added) and just went from there. The house on the cover of WC HOMECOMING is a real house, but the RR track that was there is gone now, so I just imagined what she would see and hear from that location. Does that make sense?

Keli wrote: "Penny wrote: "...Will Slade IS (gasp) divorced. I was as surprised as you that they let me do it. His ex, Martha, is quite a piece of work and walked out on him. I don't want to give away any more ..."

Keli, I hope you enjoy. It was a fun book to do.

Penny wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "Hi Penny! I'm wondering where Wolf Creek is located? And what year does your story take place? Obviously, the cover does not depict Will's cabin. Is it Blythe's home?"

I guess it w..."

I just wanted to let you know that I did post both pictures on my Penny Richards Author FB page. Let me know what you think.

Another great month of authors, I see! Thanks, Danica for hosting!

Hi, Penny! I just visited your FB author page and enjoyed the pictures you posted. How fun to see the similarities between the parlor on your cover and the parlor in Malahide Castle! Congratulations on the release of Wolf Creek Wife!

Britney wrote: "Hi, Penny! I just visited your FB author page and enjoyed the pictures you posted. How fun to see the similarities between the parlor on your cover and the parlor in Malahide Castle! Congratulation..."
Thanks, Britney. I thought it was a great coincidence.

Penny wrote: "Melinda wrote: "Penny,
When you came up with the Wolf Creek series of books, did you have an idea how many books will be included? Did you plan the town out before you started the books? I am look..."

Thanks, Penny. I hope you will go back and visit and write a Wolf Creek book down the road. Do you have another series that you will start?

Keli wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Thanks Keli, That's interesting that that gentlemen took her in and gave her a chance but others were not so willing."

Jennifer, times were different back in the 1870s when this s..."
I like forward thinkers!

Keli wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Keli I hope your mom likes being in the acknowledgements and thank you so much for answering all my questions. I like oranges as well! Jenny"

Jennifer, I sent my mom a copy of the..."
Hi Keli, Your mom has to be so proud of you and its great that she keeps your books right on her coffee table! I'll go back through all the comments and find your reply. Thank you!

Penny wrote: "Thanks for the introduction, Danica. I think we all agree that computers are wonderful until they aren't!

Jennifer, I love to learn and there isn't much that doesn't interest me to some degree. I'..."

Hi Penny, Thanks for the encouragement about doing or trying things even if I don't know how and I'm glad you didn't let that stop you! How was it owning and running a B&B? I've always wanted to stay at one. Jenny