Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Following her father's footsteps, Miranda Hunt is a Pinkerton agent. Finally she gets a chance to prove she is capable of taking on serious assignments. She must go undercover as Annie Beckman, a young woman answering an ad for an heiress to the renowned Last Chance Ranch, owned by eccentric cattle woman, Eleanor Walker.

Miranda/Annie is searching for the person responsible for a string of robberies, known as The Phantom. On her way to Cactus Patch the train is robbed.

Warned that she is only to keep an eye out for the Phantom and to notify the law when she has information. Miranda/Annie falls for a mysterious and handsome ranch hand, David Branch. Could he be part of the Phantom gang?

Gunpowder Tea is the third book of The Last Chance Ranch series.Loved the story!

Book Description

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.
When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.
But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.
Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.
The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait.

Thread of Suspicion by Susan Sleeman

I love this series. Susan Sleeman is one of my all time favorite authors and the Justice Agency is a series filled with suspense, action and romance. Doesn't get much better than that as long as you have a talented author at the helm and Susan's got it!
I loved Dani's story and Luke was just the man to open her heart. Just one Justice member left. I can't wait for the last book in the series. Highly recommend this book and all the others in the series.


Book Description:

FALSELY ACCUSED!

When someone sabotages former navy SEAL Luke Baldwin's "unhackable" software, there's more than his reputation at stake. Faced with treason charges, Luke turns to Dani Justice, a computer expert and skilled investigator. She's eager to dive into the challenging case…until she uncovers a devastating connection. The hacker framing Luke has a personal, deadly history with Dani. Luke's code of honor and his growing feelings make him resolved to protect the sweet, strong woman he knows is more vulnerable than she'd admit. But what good is his training or determination against an enemy who can hack into any system and find them wherever they hide?

The Justice Agency: Family and law enforcement go hand in hand

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan

 Perfectly Matched, the final book in the Blue Willow Brides, is a delightful read. I read book one in the series but somehow missed book two. Like the first I enjoyed this story. It stands alone but does give the reader some info on characters from the other books.

I loved the chemistry between the heroine and hero. You can't help but smile as you watch this mail order bride and her new husband get to know one another and fall in love despite being two very different personalities. I don't usually care to read a book more than once but I would this one because of the lightheartedness and the proof that love is the cord that binds.


Book description:
Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.

Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?

Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.

The Promise Box

 

 

 

 

This is the first book of Tricia Goyer's that I've read and I've found another author to add to my favorites list.  The book is well written and the story kept my interest to the end. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read Amish inspirational romances. 

 

Book Description

Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!
In The Promise Box, the second book of bestselling author Tricia Goyer’s Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational “tell-all” book about the Amish.
Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. Will the pain of her childhood— and her potential betrayal of her community—keep her from committing her whole heart?

A Bride for all Seasons

 

 

I loved this book, but than what can you expect when you get four talented authors together and have them write a book. Four mail order brides whose stories correspond with the four seasons. 

They were all entertaining and inspirational. Five stars!

 

Book Description

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.
"And then Came Spring" by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.
"An Ever After Summer" by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks-and just the girl he needs.
"Autumn's Angel" by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ e trouble is, there's no money to send them back . . .
"Winter Wedding Bells" by Mary Connealy
David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone-nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

A Wedding for Julia

Five stars are not enough!
I've read and enjoyed each of the books in this series but A Wedding for Julia stands out. It is the type of book you don't want to see end and stays with you long after you're done. One of the best books I've read in a while.

Vannetta creates characters so real you feel as if you'd like to meet them in person. Memorable scenes pull you right into the story.  I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning to finish this book. I had to see how it ended.
It goes without saying, I highly recommend this book to Amish fans.


Book Description:
A Wedding for Julia, the third book in a romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, takes a last look at the Amish community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.
Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother's announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother's imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café?
When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God's plan for her future?
Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it?

Letter's to Katie by Kathleen Fuller

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Book Description:

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Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.
Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.
Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.
Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.
With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

 

The third book n the Middlefield Family series, Letters to Katie is a sweet story that stands alone for those who may not have read book one and two. Readers that enjoy reading Amish romance stories will enjoy this book. The writing kept me turning the page and left me looking forward to the next book.

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Ann Shorey's When the Heart Heals

Set in post Civil War Missouri, When the Heart Heals concludes where Where Wildflowers Bloom left off. We get to read about Curt's sister, Rosemary Saxon. Independent and resourceful,  Rosemary served as a nurse during the war even though female nurses were frowned upon. She needs work and takes a job with the town's new doctor. She insist on giving advice about herbal remedies to Dr. Elijah Stewart's patients even after he forbids her to.

Rosemary is receiving threatening notes from someone in the community. And her home is vandalized. Rosemary has a big heart and helps those in need, even when it causes gossip. This romance is hard to put down and covers interesting history with suspense and action. Forgiveness is a strong medicine and Ann Shorey has given us another excellent story to read.

Book Description:
Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and downright vulgar. Although she would like to put her experiences as a nurse behind her, she must support herself. She takes a position with Dr. Elijah Stewart and a mutual attraction begins to develop. But when a sophisticated woman arrives in town claiming to be Elijah's fiancée, a heartbroken Rosemary decides to leave Noble Springs and start fresh. Can Elijah convince her of the mystery woman's deception before he loses her forever?

With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites readers back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love's tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition. Readers will find in Rosemary a sympathetic but strong woman determined to thrive in a world that doesn't always understand.

A Home for Lydia is the second book in The Pebble Creek Amish series. Gabe, Miriam, and Grace from book one appear in this story, and help Aaron and Lydia with their cabin rentals and more importantly their friendship. If you like to keep up with characters from previous books you'll enjoy this one.

Aaron and Lydia start off on the 'wrong foot' and it seems hard to see them together at first. The author adds humor to the story as well as showing how these two can help one another. Sometimes I forget that the Amish face the same trials and temptations as we do.  Vanetta shows us just how true this is and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Book description:

A Home for Lydia, the second book in a new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, centers again on the Plain community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.
Aaron Troyer simply wants to farm like his father and grandfather before him. But instead he finds himself overseeing the family's small group of guest cabins nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek. That also means he must work with the cabins' housekeeper, Lydia Fisher.
Lydia is the most outspoken Amish woman Aaron has ever met, and she has strong opinions about how the guest cabins are to be run. She also desperately needs this job. Though sparks fly between boss and employee at first, when the cabins are robbed, nothing is more important to Aaron than making sure Lydia is safe.

Together they work to make the vacation property profitable, but can they find out the identity of the culprit before more damage is done? And is Lydia's dream of a home of her own more than just a wish and a prayer?

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

 

 

 

Shattered is an action packed novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. It's a hard book to put down. A sweet romance is weaved in between the pages of mystery and suspense. The setting and characters come to life, pulling us into the action. By the time I reached the end I was satisfied with the outcome but wanting more. I hope Ms. Pettrey is working on the next book. 

 

Book Description:

With All the Evidence Against Him, Only a Sister's Trust Can Save Him Now

When her prodigal brother Reef’s return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him. 

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step

I love when I come across a book that I can not put down. Stitched with Love is a collection of well written stories by prolific authors. Several of the stories go hand in hand and allow the reader to return to the characters and town that are brought to life by this group of writers. 

This book is perfect for anyone that enjoys reading historical romances. 

 

Book Description

Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Cathy Marie Hake and Vickie McDonough—this keepsake collection of nine romances is a true treasure. Faced with finding the right fit in life and love, are nine courtships destined to be stitched with romance?

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

The Guardian catches your attention from the first page. What I particularly liked about this story was the fresh approach to a popular genre. Two romances are taking place on English and the other Amish and no one is questioning their beliefs.

The characters grow on you and their journey touches the heart. We all face trials in life regardless of who we are or what we believe. Each person finds our own way to cope. In The Guardian we learn struggles are much easier to bare with family and God.   


Book Description:
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

 Not your topical Amish story, Accidentally Amish intertwines two tales of romance and how our hearts motivate our decisions. I enjoyed learning about the origins of the faith.  Our lives are so much more complicated than they need to be and I wonder how hard it would be to walk away from all the technology and live a simpler life. Olivia Newport does a wonderful job of presenting both sides and her author notes at the end made the story that more impressive. I would highly recommend this book to those who like Amish and historical novels.

Book description:

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

The Bartered Bride Collection

 Nine historical romance stories of arranged marriages written by prolific writers - how can you go wrong?  I enjoyed each story. There's something about mail order brides or marriages of convenience that stirs the romantic at hearts imagination. Love can bloom anywhere two hears are joined.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a great gift as with nine individual stories it's a book you can enjoy at leisure. No one wants to see a good read end and this one will last quite a while.

Book 1 Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Josée has been brought up by LaBlanc family. The family custom is that the father pick a spouse for his daughter when she reaches 18. Josée is surprised when she finds herself engaged to wed Edouard, the older aloof brother.

Book 2  Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
Traveling on a wagon train to Willomet Valley, a widower with two small children needs help.Charity's parents pass away and the wagon Master insisting she can't travel alone. Ethan and Charity combine their wagons and resources which leads to  a happy ever after for both them and the young children.

Book 3 The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Another wagon trail story. Bethany's friend Penny's brother asks her to be his wife and travel with the family across country. She accepts and their relationship grows.

Book 4 From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake
  A misunderstanding in a advertisement starts this great four part story. James Collingsworth orders 4 horse bridles, and ends up with four mail order brides! Four sisters needing husband arrive in a town without women.

Book 5 From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
 This is the second of four sisters finds herself widowed, about to deliver her first baby and in need of a husband.

Book 6 From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
Will the third sister find happiness as well. You never know where love and romance may pop up.

Book 7 From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
The fourth and final sister is a tomboy at heart. Can the return of horse wrangler Thomas Harding tame her?

Book 8 A Vow Unbroken by Amy Rognlie
When an aunt tricks her very pregnant and widowed niece into taking her place as a mail order bride the mix up leads to love and peace with God.


Book 9 Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Jilted at the alter  Captain Gregory Royce marries his intended's sister instead. Short but sweet this story was one of my favorites in the book.

Book Description:

Treasure this beautiful collection packed with all the angst of romance founded upon practical arrangements. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they’ve just met. Will love blossom for convenience sake?

Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard

The second book in Amy Lillard's  Clover Ridge series, Katie's Choice was everything you expect from an Amish romance but refreshingly unique. I enjoyed getting to know the Fisher family and look forward to reading more of Ms. Lillard's work. I have not read the first book in this series but the story stood alone and I plan to purchase book number one.


Book Description:

 Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.

Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.

News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.

Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.

The Icecutter's Daughter By Tracie Peterson

  The first in a new series by prolific author Tracie Peterson, The Icecutter's Daughter is what historical romances are all about. Romance with history sprinkled in. The reader is reminded that technology has been changing our way of life for centuries. I found it to be very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Merrill and Rurik.


Back of the Book:

Merrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she's bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses--despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small town to join his uncle doing carpentry, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. As he thrives under the mentorship of his uncle, Rurik dreams of inheriting the business and claiming Merrill as his wife. But while he is determined to start a new life, the past is determined to follow him when his former fiancee and her brother show up in town. Soon Rurik is put in the center of a major scandal that may damage his relationship with Merrill. Can they learn to trust God--and each other--and embrace the promise of love?

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

 

 

 

What a timely written story!  The question of whether Christians should arm themselves or turn the other cheek is one that believers have dealt with for ages. Nancy explores both sides of the issue, weaving the pros and cons into her story without distracting from the main issue: finding the one true love God has meant for you. 

 

I could not put this book down and while rushing to reach the end dreaded the knowledge that finishing it would mean leaving Kingdom. I'm looking forward to the next installment. I've read both book one and two. I enjoyed them both but Unbreakable stands out. I felt as if I'd grown in my faith after reading this delightful story. 

From the Back Cover

Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope's safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can't help but question what she's always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that's always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

Nancy Mehl is the author of thirteen books and received the 2009 ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW. Nancy lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson, in Wichita, Kansas.

Swept Away

Prolific author Mary Connealy is one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her wonderful sense of humor and wit bring life to her stories. Her newest book, Swept Away is filled with action and romance. This new series is off to a great start. I believe Swept Away is one of her best books. Fans of this writers unique voice are in for a treat.



Book Description:
Laughter, Romance, and Action Abound in This New Series from Mary Connealy

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.

His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.

Choices of The Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

Laurie Alice Eakes's newest book is filled with realistic characters living during a time when family loyalties were strong, strong enough to fight for. This book kept me turning the page as I was transported to 1840s Appalachia. The romance and suspense is well done and from start to finish I enjoyed ever word.

Book Description:

Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther takes a position as a teacher in the western mountains of Virginia instead. There she finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. When it seems as though her past has followed her all the way into the mountains, all she wants is to run away again.

In this gripping story of trust, deception, and bittersweet loss, a young woman learns the true meaning of choices of the heart.

A Blog Hop

Are you ready to be introduced to some new authors through a Blog Hop? Here’s how it works: I’m going to answer ten questions, then at the bottom, I’ll be adding links to several authors I’d like you to meet on January 9th.

What is the working title of your book?

Choices of the Heart

On the trail of outlaws, Pinkerton agent Jacob Hanley comes across a tenacious woman with a secret that puts her at odds with a small frontier town. Determined to honor a deathbed promise, Laura Prescott vows to hold her ground. Choices of the Heart takes place in the Reno Nevada area in 1883.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Part of a dream. I saw a ranch house set in the mountains with a large orchard. The image stuck with me and I tried to image who would live there and what their life would have been like in the late 1800's. (my favorite time period to write)

What genre does your book fall under?

Inspirational Historical Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

None come to mind. I'll have to give that some thought.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  

Laura Prescott, the unlikely guardian of two young children and a teenage boy helps a lawman running from his past fulfill his mission while trying to keep her safe.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Requested revisions have been sent to a major publishing house in New York.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I believe it took just over a month. I found myself struggling midway through and wondering if it would ever come together. At that time I'd won a copy of one of Julian Heart's books. In my thank you email I asked her to pray for my writing and after that the words just flew.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Marrying Miss Marshal by Lacy Williams and The Preacher's Outlaw Bride by Mildred Colvin are both books I've enjoyed and believe are comparable to Choices of the Heart.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?  

Actually an editor at Love Inspired. I won a pitch contest almost two years ago with Tina James. At that time I had not read a Love Inspired book but my story fit the submission guidelines. After I sent the manuscript I read  the first of many LI books (I'm a big fan now) and realized my story was not one that fit their line. Ms. James sent me the kindest letter encouraging me to send another story and explained what they were looking for. When I got the idea for Choices of the Heart my goal was to write something just for Love Inspired Historical.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest? 

I love the location of the story. We went out west for a vacation a few years ago and there's something about the high dessert with all it's unique beauty and mystery that stirs my creativity. In Choices of the Heart there's a family closeness with love and humor that touches the heart.

Go to http://reginatittel.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-blog-hopcherished-stranger.html to see what
Regina Tittel's been up to.

Follow me on Twitter:  @roosgal