THE MOLLY CONTEST--for Unpublished Authors

*2010 Molly is Open for Entries *

*Purpose:* The purpose of THE MOLLY is to inspire, motivate, and reward
unpublished authors of romance fiction.

*Eligibility:* Participation is open to all unpublished authors of novel
length romance fiction and those who have not published within three years
prior to contest deadline. Previous Molly FIRST PLACE winning entries are
not eligible to enter that winning manuscript. Reformatting and/or title
changes of previous winning entries will result in disqualification and
forfeiture of entry fees. All work must be the author's original work that
has not been contracted for publication prior to the contest deadline. The
official entry form (which may be copied) and entry fee must accompany each
submission.

*CATEGORIES:
*
*Contemporary* - Romantic novels, which may also include sensuality that may
or may not be intense. Projected word count: More than 40,000 words.

*Single Title* - Romantic novels released as individual titles. Projected
word count: over 70,000 words.

*Romantic Suspense* - Romance novels in which suspense may constitute a
strong element in the romance plot. Projected word count: over 70,000 words.

*Historical *- Novels that have a strong romantic element throughout. This
includes Regency and gothic romances. Settings must be at least one hundred
years in the past. Word count: over 40,000.

*Paranormal/Time-Travel/Futuristic *- Romantic novels with any time setting
that contain elements such as time-travel, angels, or other
mystical/paranormal themes or set in the future. Word count: over 40,000
words.

*Young Adult - *Novels with a romantic element aimed at teen and young adult
readers. Word Count: More than 40,000 words.

*HODRW reserves the right to return all entries and fees if the minimum
entry number for each category (10) is not received. Entrants will be
contacted to see if they wish to place their entry in another category
before entries are returned.

We accept Electronic entries only in 2010*

*Entry Deadline: *All entries must be received by *May 25, 2010*. Entries
must be *received* by 11:59pm MDT *May 25, 2010*. Please factor in your ISP
may not deliver in mere seconds.

*Entry Fees:* $30 for all HODRW members, $35 for all RWA members who are not
members of HODRW, and $40 for all non-RWA members. *You may pay by using
Paypal .* (click here) Payments
by check or money order should go to* treasurer@hodrw.com* and be marked for
Molly Entry 2010. International entries must use the PayPal method.

*EARLY BIRD Deadline - *

* DEDUCT $5 FROM FEE IF e-mailed BY April 25, 2010


*Checklist*

_____ One (1) completed and signed official entry form and agreement for
each entry. *Entry* forms should be in the body of email.

_____ First up to thirty (30) pages of your manuscript. This can be a
combination of Prologue plus Chapter One+, but 30 pages maximum. Formatting
should be standard Times New Roman 12 or 14 or Courier 12, 1 inch margins,
saved in .rtf. Five (5) page max of your synopsis (same formatting as ms
entry). It is best to use the standard Hard Page Break with the synopsis
included in the one file.

_____ One (1) check or money order made out to "HODRW" for the applicable
entry fee for each entry. Or the PayPal receipt of payment or confirmation
number.

_____ Entry sent to the category coordinator

*ELECTRONIC ENTRIES: Format/Checklist: Each entry will be formatted and
presented as follows:*
Entries MUST be in an .RTF (rich text format) file. Header on manuscript
and synopsis pages should contain title and category in the upper left
corner and the page number in the upper right. A category subgenre (i.e.
“Regency,” “Time Travel,” “Young Adult,” etc. ) *may* *but need not* also be
included in the header. We understand formatting sometimes changes in
transmission, but every attempt should be taken to maintain proper
formatting and ready for printing. Some of the final round judges still ask
us to print the finalists entries mailed to them. Author's name may not
appear anywhere on the manuscript or synopsis, or the entry will be
disqualified. Author’s name should only be on the separate entry form.

Copy Contest Entry Form and Contestant Agreement into an email with a
subject line of *Molly Entry and Category name*. Attach entry and then email
completed form to proper category coordinator. *(ENTRIES MUST BE .rtf
FORMAT)*. The title of your entry should be the file name.

Payment is encouraged through PayPal, but payment by check for electronic
entries must be received by the HOD treasurer - with a printed entry form
for proper tracking - by May 20, 2010.

Verification of receipt of entry will be made by email address included on
the entry form. If you do NOT receive a verification email within 72 hours,
please notify the appropriate coordinator immediately.

*FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES MAY DISQUALIFY THE ENTRY AND
THE ENTRY FEE MAY NOT BE REFUNDED. *

*Judging: *

*First Round: *Two qualified judges will judge the first round. The top 30
percent of entries in each category will move into the second round.
Re-judging will occur in the first round only, and only where there is a
difference of at least twenty (20) points between the two judges, AND the
higher judge gave a score of 85 or more. When re-judging occurs, the lowest
score will be discarded (whether or not it is an original or rejudged
score).

*Second Round:* The second round will be judged by two published authors.
After the four scores from first and second round are received, the lowest
of the four scores will be dropped. The three entries with the highest total
of the three remaining scores will advance to the finals. Additional
finalists will be added in the event of a tie for third place.

Judges for both rounds are encouraged to comment within the manuscript on
ELECTRONIC entries.

*Final Round:* An *editor*/*agent* will select a winner from the finalists.

*Final Round Judges:*

*Contemporary: Patience Smith, Harlequin *

*Historical: TBA *

*Paranormal/TimeTravel/Futuristic: TBA *

*Young Adult: Katelynn Lacopo, BookEnds Literary Agency*

*Single Title: Holly Blanck, St Martins Press*

*Romantic Suspense: Danielle Poiesz, Simon and Schuster, Pocket Books*

*Heart of Molly: TBA*

*Unsinkable Heroine: TBA *

*Notification:* First Round semi-finalists will be notified by APPROXIMATELY
*July 1, 2010. *Second Round finalists will be notified by
APPROXIMATELY *August
5, 2010. *Winners will be notified by* *APPROXIMATELY *October 17,
2010,*following the contest award ceremony.
*Awards: *The first place winner in each category will receive the "Molly
Award Plaque." All other finalists will receive certificates. Results will
be publicized on loops and in the RWR.

*"The Unsinkable Heroine" Award:* Each entry will be judged for "The
Unsinkable Heroine" award. This award is separate from the regular contest
scoring and in no way reflects adversely or advantageously to the general
scoring system. The heroine in each entry will be judged for Spunk,
Imagination & Creativity, and Unsinkability.
Beginning in 2010, all entries with two perfect scores on the Unsinkable
Heroine score sheet will be compared to their overall scores in round
one. Then
the highest three scoring will be advanced to the Unsinkable Heroine
finalists. All those receiving the two perfect scores will receive
Honorable Mention certificates.

*The Heart of Molly Award: *Only Heart of Denver Romance Writers (HODRW)
members (as of January 31, 2010) are eligible for this special award at no
additional charge and in addition to the Molly and/or Unsinkable Heroine
Awards. An agent or editor will select the winner from the first and second
round top HODRW scores for the *2010* Heart of Molly Award.

*Submission: *Entries must be directed to the appropriate category
coordinator:
Payments by check to:

Grace Larralde
719 Butte Pass Rd
Ft. Collins, CO 80526
treasurer@hodrw.com

*ENTRIES FOR CATEGORIES*:

*Romantic Suspense*

*Contemporary*

Email entry to: Lesli Lent,
Mollycoordinator@hodrw.com
*ENTRIES FOR CATEGORIES:*
*Paranormal/TimeTravel/Futuristic*
*Single Title*
*Young Adult*

Email entry to: Lisa Pietsch,
Molly@hodrw.com

*ENTRIES FOR CATEGORIES:*

*Historical*

Email entry to: Roxanne Kean,
*HistoricalMolly@hodrw.com*

*General Questions?* Email *Lesli Lent at** *Mollycoordinator@hodrw.com* *

The Healer's Apprentice

This is an upcoming book to be released in the Fall from my good friend, debut author Melanie Dickerson. As soon as you watch the fabulous trailer, I know you'll be hooked and want to read the book. : )


When destiny sleeps, it can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.

In this historical romance loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, a woodcutter’s daughter becomes the town healer’s apprentice. Rose’s job is to care for the sick and injured in Hagenheim Castle. But Rose gets sick at the sight of blood and is more suited to making up stories than sewing up wounds. She is determined to overcome her weakness and prove herself a competent healer, or she faces marrying a disgusting old merchant her mother has picked out for her.

Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of the region, is injured and Rose must overcome her squeamishness to save him. He is everything that is noble and good, but loving him is forbidden. He is already betrothed to a mysterious woman in hiding.

With two noble-born brothers vying for her affections, Rose learns that the people of Hagenheim are not always who they seem, and even her own heart can mislead her.


Melanie Dickerson
The Healer’s Apprentice … Fairy Tales Do Come True
YA Medieval Romance, Coming in Sept/Oct from Zondervan
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2m9-Ap4IZE

http://www.melaniedickerson.com

http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com

A Prisoner of Versailles

A Prisoner of Versailles is the second book in the "Darkness to Light" Series by Golden Keyes Parsons, from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I was pleasantly surprised with Prisoner. Although I enjoyed the first book (In the Shadow of the Sun King), this book was even better. The story was fast-moving, the heroine was more sympathetic, and there were lots of "King Louis" scenes, which to me make up some of this author's best writing. There was more of a romance, which is always enjoyable, and a bit more character-development of the key players.

I have to admit that I'd enjoy more authentic-sounding dialogue, and costume description of the ladies, including the hair styles; not in every word or sentence but a bit more to keep me in the time period. But anyone who enjoys a good historical setting with lots of action (derring-do, musketeers, royal courtiers!) will want to read this book. I was happy to return to it whenever I got the chance, and it has a satisfying ending--along with (happily) the promise of another sequel! I definitely look forward to it.

This book gets five stars, and the heroine is a "she's got character" lady for sure. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.

The Raven Saint

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. Enjoy your free peek into the book!

Today's Wild Card author is:

M. L. Tyndall

and the book:

The Raven Saint (Charles Towne Belles)

Barbour Books (January 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to MaryLu Tyndall for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M.L. Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but expose Christians to their full potential in Christ.



Visit the author's website.

Visit the author's blog.







Product Details:



List Price: $10.97

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Barbour Books (January 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1602601585

ISBN-13: 978-1602601581



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Outside Charles Towne, Carolina, October, 1718



Chapter 1





Black, menacing clouds snarled a warning from the Carolina skies.



Clutching her skirts, Grace Westcott trudged down the muddy path. A shard of white light forked across the dark vault, and she glanced up as thunder rumbled in the distance.



“I hope the rain doesn’t catch us, miss.” Alice’s shaky voice tumbled over Grace from behind.



“Never fear, Alice, we are almost there.” Grace pushed aside a leafy branch that encroached upon the trail. As the wind picked up and raindrops began to rap on the leaves above them, the wall of greenery arching overhead provided a shelter that brought an odd comfort to Grace.



“Look, miss. This plant. Isn’t it bloodroot?” Alice squeaked. “To heal afflictions of the skin?”



Grace huffed. Her legs ached from the mile-long journey from Charles Towne. She could hear the rush of the Ashley River in the distance. They were close to the Roberts’ cabin, to poor little Thomas, sick with a fever and in desperate need of the medicines they brought.



Whirling around, Grace examined the leaf in her maid’s hands. “Nay. ’Tis not bloodroot, as you well know.” She searched Alice’s eyes but the maid kept her gaze lowered. “Whatever is the matter with you today?”



The maid cast a quick glance over her shoulder and shrugged. “I am only trying to help, miss.”



“You can help by hurrying along. Thomas may be failing as we speak.” Grabbing her skirts, Grace turned and forged ahead. A drop of rain splattered on her forehead, and she swiped it away.



“But the rain, miss. Shouldn’t we return home and don some proper attire?”



“Mercy me, Alice. We are nearly there. A bit of rain will not harm us. We’ve been in far more dangerous situations.” Grace hoisted the sack stuffed with herbs, fresh fruit, and rice farther up her aching shoulder. “Besides we are going about God’s work. He will take care of us.”



Grace heard Alice’s shoes squish in the mud “Indeed, miss.”.



Her maid’s voice quivered—a quiver that set Grace’s nerves on edge, along with the dark tempest brewing above them. Something was bothering the woman, Grace couldn’t guess what.



Another flash lit up the sky. Releasing her skirts to the sticky mud, Grace pushed aside a tangled vine that seemed to be joining forces with Alice in attempting to keep her from continuing. Musky air, heavy with moisture and laden with scents of earth and life, filled her nostrils. Thunder bellowed, closer this time, and raindrops tapped upon the canopy of leaves overhead. Plowing ahead, Grace ignored the twinge of guilt at her most recent expedition. One of many expeditions she’d been strictly forbidden to embark upon—both by her father, before he set sail for Spain, and more recently, her sister Faith and Faith’s new husband, Dajon. But Grace could not allow anyone or anything to stop her from doing what God had commissioned her to do: feed the poor, tend to the sick, and spread the good news of His Gospel.



She glanced up at the dark clouds swirling like some vile witch’s brew. Perhaps she should have left a note informing Faith of her whereabouts. No matter. She would drop off the food and herbs, attend to Thomas, and be home before sunset.



Grace emerged from the green fortress into a clearing. Thunder bellowed, and she shivered as a chill struck her. In the distance, the wide Ashley River tumbled along its course. A cabin perched by the water’s edge, smoke curling from its chimney. Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath and quickened her pace. “Here at last. And, as you can see, Alice, all is well.”



A nervous giggle sounded from behind her.



Hoisting the sack higher up on her shoulders, Grace clutched her skirts and climbed the steps of the cabin, but before she could knock on the door, it swung open. Mr. Roberts, a burly red-faced man with unruly dark hair, stared curiously at her for a moment then cocked his head and smiled. “Miss Grace. A grand pleasure to see you.” His glance took in Alice standing on the steps behind Grace. His forehead wrinkled. “What brings you this far from home on such a rainy day? Helen, Miss Grace has come for a visit,” he yelled over his shoulder. The scent of smoke and some sort of meaty stew wafted over Grace.



“Why, we’ve come to help Thomas of course.” Lightning flashed, casting a momentary grayish shroud over Mr. Roberts’s normally ruddy face.



“Thomas needs help?” He scratched his thick, dark mane.



Alice’s boots thudded on the steps, and Grace turned to see her maid inching away from the cabin, her chin lowered.



Shaking her head, Grace faced Mr. Roberts. “Yes, you sent Alfred yesterday to inform us of Thomas’s fever and ask for my help, did you not?” The man looked puzzled. Grace slid the sack from her shoulder and set it down on the planks of the porch. “I’ve brought elder root and dogwood bark for his fever and some fresh fruit and rice for you and your family.”



Mrs. Roberts appeared in the doorway, her infant daughter cradled in her arms. “Grace, what a wonderful surprise. Henry, don’t just stand there. Invite her in out of the rain.”



“Thomas isn’t sick.” Mr. Roberts’ nose wrinkled. “And Alfred was here with us all day yesterday.”



Grace swerved about to question Alice, but the girl was nowhere in sight. Descending the stairs, she dashed into the clearing, her heart in her throat as she scanned the foliage for any sign of her maid.



A swoosh of leaves and stomp of boots reached her ears, then a band of five men materialized from the foliage. Armed with cutlasses and pistols, they stormed toward Grace. She tried to move her feet, but the thick mud clung to them like shackles. Mr. Roberts cursed and ushered his wife inside. The baby began to howl.



A tall, sinewy man halted before her. A burst of wind struck him, fluttering the green feather atop his cocked hat and the tips of the black hair grazing his shoulders. He shifted his jaw, peppered with black stubble, and gazed at her with eyes the color of the dark clouds churning above them. A slow smile crept across his lips, lifting his thin, rakish mustache. “Mademoiselle Grace Westcott, I presume.” His thick French accent turned her blood to ice.



Grace met his gaze squarely. “I am, sir.”



With a snap of his fingers, two of his men flanked her. “You will come with us.”



“I will not.” The men wrenched her arms behind her back. Pain shot across her shoulders.



The snap of a rifle sounded, drawing the man’s attention to Mr. Roberts pointing his musket in their direction. “Leave her be.”



A flicker of relief eased over Grace, quickly fading when she examined the man before her. Instead of fear, amusement sparked in his eyes. The men on either side of Grace chuckled as if Mr. Roberts had told a joke.



“Quel homme galant, but I fear I cannot do that, monsieur.” The leader crossed his arms over his gray waistcoat and scraped a finger along his lean chin. “With a bit of fortune and a good aim, you may shoot one of us. Mais that would leave you and your family completely at our mercy. Comprenez-vous?”



Mr. Roberts stared at him for a long moment, obviously measuring the man.



“Toss your weapon to the ground, monsieur and go into your house. If you come out, we will shoot you. If you fire another weapon at us, we will kill your family.



A short, barrel-chested man beside the leader drew his pistol and leveled it at Mr. Roberts. The sneer on his face suggested he would love nothing more than to shoot the man where he stood.



The musket quivered in Mr. Roberts’s hands as he perused the band of ruffians, but still he did not relent. Grace shook her head, sending her friend a silent appeal. She would not allow him to put his family in jeopardy for her.



Mr. Roberts swallowed, threw his weapon into the mud, and gave her an apologetic look before slipping inside the cabin and closing the door with an ominous thud that echoed Grace’s fate.



She faced the leader. Thunder roared across the clearing. “What have you done with Alice?”



“Alice? Hmm.” His eyes lit up. “Votre servante? I merely paid her well for leading you to us.” He grinned.



The skies opened and released a torrent of rain upon Grace as if God Himself shed the tears that now burned behind her eyes. How could Alice have done such a thing? She had been Grace’s personal maid for the past five years—had traveled with her in the crossing from Portsmouth to Charles Towne.



The rain bounced off the cocked hat and the broad shoulders of the man before her. Drops streamed down Grace’s face, her neck, soaked into her gown, and befogged the scene before her. If only the fresh water from heaven could wash away these devilish creatures like holy water sprinkled upon evil.



The black-haired man turned and marched away as though her desperate wish had reached God’s ears. But then his two minions wrenched her arms again and dragged her behind him. Panic seized her. This couldn’t be happening! She dug her heels into the mud but her captors merely lifted her from the ground. Pain scorched across her arms and neck.



“Please, sir. Please. What do you want with me?”



But the only reply came from the rain pounding on the leaves and the thunder rumbling across the sky.



They plunged back into the thick forest. Grace struggled against the men’s meaty grips. Even if she did manage to break free from them, tree trunks rose like prison bars on either side of her holding her captive within the dense thicket. They trudged down the path for what seemed an eternity. Each step dug the knife of fear deeper into Grace’s heart. Silently, she appealed to God for her salvation, begging to hear His comforting voice, but her petitions were met with the same silence her captors afforded her. Finally, they emerged onto a secluded shore, and the men shoved her onto the thwart of a small boat then launched the craft into the rushing river. In the distance Grace saw a two-masted brig swaying with the rolling tide.



Lord, where are You? She clasped her hands together and tried to catch her breath.



The black-haired man locked a smoldering gaze upon her. He did not look away as propriety demanded but perused her with alarming audacity. Rain streamed off his hat onto his black breeches, and a smirk creased one corner of his mouth. Averting her gaze to the agitated water, she considered leaping overboard. She couldn’t swim. At least not well enough to fight the strong Ashley current. Besides, surely God would rescue her from these brigands. He was simply testing her faith by waiting until the last minute when things were at their worst. Lifting her chin, she cast a defiant look upon her captor, but it only caused his smirk to widen.



Within minutes, they reached the ship and thudded against its hull. Shouts pitched upon them from above as faces popped over the bulwarks to peer down at her. Grace glanced about for the rescuer God should have sent by now. The leader pulled her to her feet, and before she could make a move, he hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of grain and climbed the rope ladder without effort.



Grace could no longer feel the fear or even the damp chill. Numbness gripped her, born of shock at her predicament. Blood rushed to her head, and she closed her eyes, breathing in the musky scent of the man’s damp wool waistcoat and praying for the nightmare to end.



Once aboard, he carried her across deck as he issued a string of orders in French, sending his crew scrambling in every direction.



“Welcome back, Captain,” a deep voice shouted, then a shock of brown hair appeared in Grace’s vision. “I see you found her.”



“Oui, bien sûr.” His tone carried the haughtiness that excluded any other possibility as he tapped her on the rump.



“How dare you!” Grace shouted and tried to kick her legs, but the captain’s arm kept them pinned to his chest. The two men shared a chuckle.



“Weigh anchor, away aloft, and raise the main, Mr. Thorn. We set sail immediately.”



Raindrops bounced over the wooden planks, pelting her from all directions. Her head bumped against his damp coat. His hard shoulder pressed into her aching stomach as he carried her down a ladder. She stretched her hand to grab the hilt of his rapier, but it taunted her from its sheath at his other side, out of her reach. She pounded her fists against his back. Muscle as unyielding as steel sent pain through her hands.



With a chuckle, he sauntered down a hallway and kicked open a door. Grace tensed, fearing the man would toss her to the floor. Instead, grasping her waist, he gently set her down inside the tiny cabin.



Gaining her balance, Grace wiped the matted strands of wet hair from her face and faced him. “Who are you and what do you want with me?” she said in a stalwart tone that surprised her.



He doffed his feathered hat and banged it against his knee, sending droplets over the floor. Tucking an errant strand of wet hair behind his ear, he bowed. “Captain Rafe Dubois at your service, mademoiselle. I welcome you aboard Le Champion. And regarding what I want with you”—he raised one brow and allowed his gaze to scour over her—“I am to deliver you to Don Miguel De Salazar in Columbia.”



“Columbia?” Grace took a step back and gripped her throat.



“Oui, he has promised to pay quite handsomely for you.”



“For me? But why? I don’t even know the man.” A shudder ran through her.



“Ah, but your father does apparently. The two men are not…how do you say? Agreeable? Don Miguel holds him responsible for the death of his son in a skirmish with a galleon. He thought you would be adequate payment for the transgression.”



“Payment!” Grace’s fear gave way to anger. “I am no one’s payment. How can you take part in such a wicked scheme?”



The captain shrugged as if her words rolled off of him. “Like I said, he’s willing to pay handsomely.” He offered her a devious grin then donned his hat and closed the door with a resounding thud.

In the Shadow of the Sun King

In The Shadow of the Sun King, by Golden Keyes Parsons is a drama/family saga of religious persecution during the reign of France's "Sun King" Louis XIV. Many things set this tale apart from standard CBA fare beginning with the central theme of persecution of Protestants by Catholics; the time period, the attention to detail, and a heroine (who definitely deserves to be on this blog since SHE'S GOT CHARACTER) to root for.

Ms. Parsons is a generous writer, even giving the reader perhaps too much back story at times--for me, the prologue did so. In fact, it was enough to make me start reading with trepidation, but fear not; despite the promise of hard times for the characters, there is an interesting story, lots of action, pathos, and memorable characters. King Louis did not live up to my prior understanding of him, coming across as half-boy, half-man, but my "prior understanding" was formed a long time ago, and I haven't read about him in ages. And I enjoyed every scene where he appeared, regardless.

What could have been a little depressing in terms of the struggles the Clavell family suffers during the course of the book, instead, thanks to the deft handling by the author, leaves the reader with hope.

I highly recommend this book and I am now moving on to Golden's sequel,A Prisoner of Versailles.

Author Info: Golden Keyes Parsons is "The author who issues the challenge: Dare to take God seriously!" To learn more about Golden, click the title of this article.
Her books are available in bookstores, on Amazon, and wherever books are sold.

The Country House Courtship on the Blogosphere

The Country House Courtship on the Blogosphere!
(Have Book Will Travel)


Today is the first "organized" blog tour for my newest release, The Country House Courtship. The book has been making the rounds among bloggers and book reviewers since it's release last month, but today marks the first day of a blog tour organized by someone other than me! My publicist, Rebeca Seitz of Glass Road Public Relations set this one up.

What does this mean? That something like forty bloggers will be posting about the book today, including many of their thoughts on it. I love getting feedback in the form of reviews, so I've been looking forward to this!
Some of the places you might see Country House today? Here's a few:

http://christinelindsay.com
http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com
http://Favoritepastimes.blogspot.com
http://bl.books.blogspot.com
http://www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/
http://novelreviews.blogspot.com
http://jessicacoultersmith.wordpress.com
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com
http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/
http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com
http://www.rorreviews.wordpress.com
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com
http://ww.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com
http://ambermillerauthor.blogspot.com

If you've never been to some of these blogs, they are all well
worth a visit for book lovers, readers or writers. "Bookish"
places, all!

Here are some more:

http://hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com
http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
http://readinggrounds.blogspot.com
http://www.aweakrose.blogspot.com
http://www.mainlymystery.blogspot.com
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com
http://ribbit-ribbit.blogspot.com
http://www.notesofjubilee.blogspot.com
http://wynsbooks.blogspot.com
http://reviewsplus.blogspot.com

(Are these great or what? : )

http://somanybooksblog.blogspot.com
http://jeanniecampbell.blogspot.com
http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
http://lynnmcmo.com
http://www.patiacuzzi.com

I may not have included everyone on the tour, and if
you see this and your blog is missing, let me know
and I'll post yours in a new entry!
And thanks so much for all the wonderful bloggers
and book reviewers out there that have featured
my book! I appreciate you!

Highland Blessings

The beautiful cover of this book opens to a great read I didn't want you to miss.
Since this blog is called "She's Got Character" I had to talk about Highland Blessings,, as the heroine, Akira, is a feisty female character you'll love.

Here's my brief review of the book:

Highland Blessings is a surprisingly adept first novel from Jennifer Hudson Taylor. The book serves up a truly likeable heroine, a satisfying romance, and all with a lush backdrop of castles, clans, plaids and a Scottish brogue to boot. A good supporting cast brings depth to the story, and I can recommend this book for a good dose of blessings, indeed. I look forward to seeing more from this new author.

There were a couple of plot points I stumbled over a bit, but the good far outweighs the bad in this medieval Scottish tale.
Click the title of this blog to learn more about the author, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and congratulations to you, Jennifer, for a strong debut novel.

A New Preamble to the Constitution!

I generally steer clear of politics online, but this, from an email, was irresistible.
Linore


"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."


ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.


ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.


ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy..


ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes ..


ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.


ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.


ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.


ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)


ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.


ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)


ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!


If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

THE COUNTRY HOUSE COURTSHIP IS HERE!

My latest book is now "officially" released and in book stores across the country.

Do you have a blog? Would you like a ready-made post about this book, replete with images, an interview with me, and everything you ever wanted to create a great blog post about a book?

I have a handy-dandy "blogger's toolkit" for this book. You can access it HERE. And here's a bonus tip: If you're an author too, use this toolkit as a template for your next release. It'll save you scads of time and trouble.

If you choose to do a post to your blog about my book, let me know. I'll offer a free copy to one of your commenters, which will help increase traffic to your blog. The only catch is that you must garner at least ten comments from different people to offer the giveaway--but tell this to your readers and they'll help bring you more!

So, once again, here's the free and easy to use "Blogger's Toolkit" for The Country House Courtship. And if you're curious about the book, but don't blog yourself, you can access the toolkit too, and read all about the book. Is it for you?

Here's a short blurb for

The Country House Courtship:


England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!

Fans of Linore's first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.
Remember, if you post about the book and want to let me know or offer a giveaway, email me
at Linore (at)LinoreRoseBurkard (dot) com.
I look forward to hearing from you!

A Poem for Writers

A Writer’s Step of Faith
(Matthew 14:28-33)

by Donna J. Shepherd, Author, Speaker, Singer

I step out
Into a sea of words.

Oh, that anointed phrases
And heavenly prose
Would jump onto my page
Like fish jumping into a boat!

But they don’t.

I take each step in faith,
all the while
Catching fish as I walk.

Waves of rejection
Threaten to overcome,
And I’m afraid.

I begin to sink
Into the murky deep.

“Lord, save me.”

Jesus stretches forth His hand.
I keep my eyes on Him,
And grasp Him tight.

He guides me
through every storm
Over contrary seas,
Catching fish
One word at a time
Until we cross
To the other side.

Copyright © 2006 Donna J. Shepherd

Labels: Donna Shepherd, Inspirational, Poetry, Writers

Researching Your Character's World

I wrote a guest post for Word Vessel Blogspot today on how to create the world that your (historical) character lives in.
Click the title to be taken to Cathy Bryant's eye-pleasing and brain stimulating
blog!

What Single Women Should Remember

Ariana Forsythe, the heroine in my first two books, (Before the Season Ends, and, The House in Grosvenor Square) is not the typical regency miss when it comes to the "marriage mart"; Why? Because she is not satisfied to look for a husband who is merely wealthy or titled, attractive or agreeable. Instead, like the authentic young woman of faith that she is, she bases her discrimination of "husband material" on 2 Cor. 6:14.
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers."

This one thing sets her apart from the vast majority of single women, not only then, during the regency, but today.

In the first book, the above verse is recalled numerous times, but I had no opportunity to really delve into the reasoning behind it, the reasons why God instructs his people to be separate, to marry only fellow believers. It is not prejudice, or whim; it is not because God wants to make life difficult for his people: No! Quite the contrary. Note the following reasons, all of which are given in the context of that injunction: Why should Christians only marry fellow Christians?

* Partnership "For what partnership have righeousness and lawlessness?" (2Cor.6:14b)
* Fellowship "Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (Ibid)
* Harmony "Or what harmony has Christ with Belial? (2Cor.6:15a)
* Commonality "Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?" (2Cor.6:15b)
* Agreement "Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God." (2Cor.6:16)


Wow. Read those words again: Partnership, fellowship, harmony, commonality, and agreement. I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want to enter a marriage that was lacking in any of these areas FROM THE GET GO. In other words, before you even have a chance to disagree on something, you are in disagreement. You are coming from opposite camps, as it were, and the degree of partnership is forever limited, forever handicapped, if your spirits are not both in the Lord.

Christian, you are a temple of God. You have the enormous privilege of being called into the fold of the redeemed. There are many, many differences to face in marriage, differences of temperament, of habits, of viewpoints in many things. What a tragedy if all of the natural differences we bring to marriage are compounded by the irreconcilable difference of SPIRITS!
According to this passage, when a Chrisitan marries, they bring into that marriage the Holy Spirit in them (they are a temple of God); the unbeliever also has a spirit, but it does not contain God. (In fact, according to today's verse, it is the spirit of Belial.)

Some that will argue that the person they are dating is so nice, so "good," even if they are unbelievers, that they must be acceptable partners. However, unless they know Christ, according to GOD, there can be no real partnership. Do you chafe against this? Do you yearn for marriage apart from God's revealed will (the Word)?

Trust him, my sister. He will bring the right mate for you in His time.
Trust!

New Resource Available!

If you've never read one of my monthly e-magazines, they are now archived on my website. Scroll down on this page to click the Archive button and view them:
http://www.LinoreBurkard.com/resources.html

So what's my e-magazine, anyway?
I write "Regency Reflections," an illustrated, informative peek at the Regency. So far, I have all the issues from this year archived, so you'll get fun and interesting articles, fabulous illustrations, and a good idea of
whether or not you would enjoy getting this (free) in your in-box. If you like what you see, take a few seconds and subscribe--it's FREE--so you won't miss a single issue.

Writers and researchers, as well as Austen fans, (and my readers) will find something of interest. I'll be adding more (past) issues as I finish them
in the proper format, but your best bet to stay informed is to subscribe yourself, if you want to see more.

SO--If you're interested in the early 19th century (and many of us are!) you can
take a peek at the archive (and the rest of my free reader's resources)
on this page:
http://www.LinoreBurkard.com/resources.html

Enjoy!
Warmly,

Linore
PS: Leave a comment and let me know what you like best in the e-zine. What don't you like? I can only improve it as I know what you want in it! Thanks much.

CONTEST FOR WRITERS

This is a promotion/Contest that I am running. If you write, know a writer, or want to start writing and would like some feedback from a published author, read on:


PROMOTION FOR WRITERS:
ENDS SEPTEMBER 15:
Anyone who sends me (via email) proof of purchase
for one of my books from Amazon or Christianbook.com
(Or B&N.com, etc.) will be entered in a drawing to win an edit/critique of their manuscript, upto 300 pages, by me.

You can send me one chapter or a whole book (up to 300 pages) if you win, and I'll
give you my expertise for writing publishable copy.

The receipt must be dated from today through September 15th to qualify.

If you purchase more than one book, you will be entered more than once.
Each purchase is an entry.

My books are "Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul,"
and include
Before the Season Ends,
The House in Grosvenor Square,
and the upcoming release, The Country House Courtship,
all published with Harvest House Publishers.

I have attached the links to Amazon, but you may purchase the books
from any online seller and still enter the contest (with receipt).

YOU MAY ALSO ENTER by asking your friends or family
to get a book. If they are not writers, you can enter with their receipt. Just
state that you are doing so, with their permission. Or have THEM send me the
email receipt with your name and email as the entering writer.

You do not need to write romance to enter this contest. I can critique or edit
any manuscript with the following exceptions:
NO gore, no horror, nothing rated R for sexual content. ( I probably don't need
to say this for Christian writers, but better safe than sorry! )

SEND ALL RECEIPTS/ENTRIES TO:
Linore (@) LinoreRoseBurkard (dot) com

Thanks and GOOD PROVIDENCE!

Linore

UNLOCKED

I've been "locked out" of this blog for awhile, but I'm glad to be back.

Since we're all about "She's Got Character," here, I'm giving a nod to Mother's today since it's Mother's Day. Here's the reason why: Mothers have a unique opportunity to develop their character through the raising of children. Mothers help raise kids, yes, but kids also help develop their moms into fully mature people.
If parenthood challenging? You bet. We wouldn't be forced to grow from it if it wasn't.
But is it also rewarding?
Inexpressibly so.

TO BE CONTINUED. I'm going to an orchestral concert for Mother's Day!