Loree Lough's Blog: The Lough Down

The Merry-Merry Month of MayThe month May was named for the Greek goddess Maia, known for her connection to the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea. Unless you listen to the Roman poet Ovid, who claims the month of May is named for the maiores (Latin for 'elders'). And then there's Mayovka, a celebration born in the late Russian empire, where countryside picnics celebrated the merry first days of the month. The emerald is May's birthstone--symbolic of love and success. The aromatic Lily of the Valley plant has become May's official flower, the harbinger of 'true spring.' May's zodiac signs are Taurus (through the 20th) and Gemini (May 21st and onward).

One thing you can rely on—all year long!—are exciting, poignant storylines presented by Harlequin authors. In May, I'll close out my “Those Marshall Boys” series with The Firefighter’s Refrain, featuring a Colorado cowboy turned firefighter who, after an on-the-job injury, puts his skills to use at the Nashville fire academy, teaching rookies what it takes to keep citizens—and themselves—safe.
 But wait, you say, why did this rugged cowpoke trade life on the family’s Double M Ranch for the hustle-bustle of Music City, USA? Well, it just so happens Sam Marshallis a talented songwriter whose guitar skills are rivaled only by his smooth baritone… Things move along according to his plan…until he literally knocks the lovely owner of The Right Note Café off her feet.
Once he dusts her off and sets her back on her feet, Finn Leary tries hard not to get lost in Sam’s apologetic blue eyes. But he’s a musician, she reminds herself, and she hasn’t met one yet—wanna-be-stars parents included—that can be trusted.
Does she have the willpower to keep Sam at arm’s length? And does he have what it takes to choose between a lifelong dream and the woman who could complete his life?
Just for fun, here's a sneak peek into the moment when Sam and Finn first meet…
The movements of a short-haired brunette drew Sam’s attention to the kitchen.“Didn’t your mama teach you it’s rude to stare?”“My luck,” he told his pal, “she’ll turn around and give me an eyeful of hairy moles and missing teeth.”Mark snickered, then pointed at Sam’s leg, stretched out into the aisle. “There are better ways to find out than to trip her.”Sam, too preoccupied with hopes that the waitress would turn around, barely heard the warning.“So it’s still bugging you, is it?”“Now and then.” Sam shrugged. “Not much.”            “How long since the last surgery?”            Sam did the math in his head. The ceiling cave-in happened in 2009, and he’d had two operations since. “Going on three years.”            Mark leaned back. “Are you gonna talk to somebody about it, or keep playing the brave, silent hero?”            “I’m talking about it now.” He leaned back, too. “Unfortunately.”
            The waiter arrived with Sam’s iced tea, and taking a pencil from behind his ear, asked, “You guys ready to order?”            Mark hadn’t even glanced at his menu. “Turkey burger and sweet potato fries, house salad with lite Italian on the side.”            “Holy health food, Batman,” the kid said, “what’s got into you?”            “That crack is coming out of your tip, wise guy.”            Sam read the boy’s nametag. “Go ahead and laugh, Ted. I’ll get the tip. It’s worth every dollar to see this guy squirm.” He tapped his menu. “I’ll have a BLT, a side of curly fries, and coleslaw.” And when Ted walked away, he leaned forward and whispered “So what’s her name?”            Mark’s eyebrows rose. “Whose name?”            “The woman who put you on a diet.”            Waving the comment away, Mark said, “Can’t a guy cut back a little without his friends jumping to crazy conclusions?”            “So I take it ‘be my best man’ isn’t the reason I’m here.”            “Man. You’re like a puppy with a bone.” Shaking a packet of sugar into his already-sweet tea, he said, “All right, Mr. Impatience, here’s the deal: Duke Miller is taking Eli on the road.”            “No kiddin’? Well, good for Eli. It’s about time that brother of yours caught a break.”            After leukemia took his little girl, Eli’s heartbroken wife committed suicide, and he found comfort at the bottom of a bottle. Hard to tell how long he might have stayed there if Mark hadn’t made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: “Shape up and kick the addiction, and I’ll make you full partner at The Meetinghouse.”            “He leaves in two weeks. Just enough time to get his affairs in order.”“Will Torry replace him as manager?”            “I’ll ask him, but he won’t say yes. He’s on the road more than he’s here in Nashville.”            Sam pictured Torry Martin, the big red-haired comic whose stand-up and movie career had taken off in the past year. “But Eli’s still your partner, right?”            Mark shrugged. “Therein lies the rub, Sherlock.”            “Wish I had a dollar for every time that line was botched.”            Mark looked up. “Huh?"            “For starters, it’s Shakespeare, not Sherlock Holmes…Hamlet, to be specific.”            “Gimme a break,” Mark kidded. “You know as much about the bard as I do. Which is zip.”            “Sez you.” Sam launched into the story of how, back in high school, the object his affections was signed up to play Gertrude in the annual winter pageant.            “Claudia’s family owned the ranch just north of the Double M, see, and I figured she and I might have a chance to get closer if I signed up, too, and offered to drive her to and from rehearsals.”            “Closer, huh?” Mark wiggled his eyebrows.            Sam ignored the disruption. “Claudia loved attention. Positive. Negative. Didn’t matter, long as people were looking at her or talking about her. She was a cheerleader. Recited the Pledge during morning announcements. Faked migraines and fainting spells in the halls, so guys would have to pick her up and carry her to the nurse’s office.”            “Figures you’d develop a crush on a girl like that.”            “I was young and dumb. What can I say? Anyway, it didn’t surprise anyone when she snagged the female lead. I read for the part of Horatio, thinking, fewer lines to memorize than Hamlet. But good old Mrs. Smith had other ideas.”            “No way….”            Sam nodded. “Yes way. You should’ve heard my cousins, mocking every line as I prepped for that part.”            “Well, at least you got the girl.”            Sam took a deep breath, let it out slowly.            “No way,” Mark repeated.            “Yup. I took all that razzing for nothing, since Claudia only had eyes for Bart Isaacs.”            “Captain of the football team?”            “Nah. His dad was a big shot in Denver politics.”            “Ah. Name-dropper, was she?” Mark took a swig of his tea. “But I didn’t just fall off the proverbial turnip truck, my firefighter friend. No way you’ll convince me you played Hamlet!”            Sam sat ramrod straight, and began:            “‘To sleep, perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub. For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give—’”            A breathy oomph, the shattering of plates, and the clatter of silverware hitting the tiles interrupted his monologue.            There on the floor beside him, amid broken dishes, tomato slices, and a jumble of golden fries, sat the most gorgeous woman Sam had ever seen. Dark, long-lashed eyes flashing, she glared up at him.            “Did it ever occur to you that sticking your leg out into the aisle might trip someone who can’t see over a serving tray?”   Now for our traditional "The Lough Down" recipe, an easy, healthy, tasty treat for the whole family: Spring Veggies and Spinach Dip   Ingredients:For the spinach dip…One 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drainedOne cup sour cream½ cup mayonnaise3 spring onions, chopped1 carrot, peeled and chopped1 clove grated garlicJuice of ½ lemonSalt & pepperFor the veggies…2 bunches asparagus2 bunches kale6 carrots, cut into strips2 red bell peppers, cut into strips1 head broccoli, broken into florets1 head cauliflower, broken into florets1 bunch spring onion1 bunch radishes, each cut in half1 head red cabbage, hollowed-out (to hold the dip)Directions:For the spinach dip…In a medium bowl, mix spinach, sour cream, mayo, green onions, carrots, garlic, lemon juice, half of the salt and pepper. Cove and chill for 2 hours.For the veggies…Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In separate pot or large bowl, prepare an ice water bath. Blanch the asparagus in the boiling water, until bright green but still crisp. Transfer to the ice water bath to stop cooking process. Drain, dry with paper towels, and set aside.Line a pretty basket with a paper doily and cover with kale. Then, arrange the remaining veggies on top of it, leaving space in the center for the dip.Spoon the dip into the hollowed-out cabbage and place in the center of the basket, and voila! (Recipe and photo from Ree Drummund.)Stay tuned for the next installment of The Lough Down, coming soon!  

Travis W. Inman grew up in the ranch country of West Texas and worked as a cowboy for his first 20 years.  Travis graduated from seminary in Dallas, Texas, and later served a year in the mission field in Mexico and South America.  He returned home and married Sarah, his wife and sweetheart of more than 20 years.  They have two teenagers whom they home school.
Over the years, Travis has applied his skills to a variety of fields, ranging from marketing and real estate to criminal justice and law enforcement.  Travis served in the United States Army where he overcame a devastating injury and was able to walk again despite the odds.
Writing is a life-long passion for Travis.  His short stories and poems have been selected for publication in a variety of newspapers and on Internet sites.  Travis’ writing includes children’s literature, action adventure, short stories, one act plays, love stories, westerns, sci-fi, thrillers, and drama.
Travis and Sarah Inman currently reside in Idaho. And now, without further ado, here's Travis!   
ü  How old were you when you learned to read?
o    First grade…so that would be about 6? I was as ordinary as ordinary could be. I learned how to birth calves before I learned how to read! One of those is a skill set that will help you get a paying job. One of them isn’t.  
ü  Since then, how many books would you guess you’ve read…and which one stands out from all others?
o    Hundreds. I honestly have no better guess. And my absolute favorite was Chippy Chipmunk’s Vacation by Adda Mai Sharp. This is the first real book I read in the first grade, and it started my journey. Your first love is always a fond memory, or so they say. 
ü  What’s your favorite form of entertainment? (Sorry, writing doesn’t count.)
o    Well, cage fighting, of course. But, since they don’t let Nicholas come out to play anymore, I’m going with working in the yard, planting, landscaping, etc… I absolutely love planting trees. And with all the deer in my yard, I get to plant them over again every year. 
ü  What do you like best about the place you call home (city, state, house)?
o    I grew up on the Wildhorse Ranch near Colorado City, Texas. Our nearest neighbor was several miles away, and the ranch extended as far as your eyes could see. I enjoy isolation and we had enough isolation to fill a dump truck (if that’s possible). We could see the stars at night, and we would sit and stare into the heavens as often as the weather permitted. And that’s how we came to see our first UFO! But, I’m off topic. Anyway, that ranch house was home. It was where we were comfortable and felt at peace, and it was a magnificent place to grow up. Years later when my folks moved to town, I mourned the loss of that house as if a dear friend died. Gee, ain’t I fun to chat with? 
ü  If you don’t write full time, how much does your job/career impact your writing? (If you do write full time, which past job/career had the biggest influence on your work?)
o    Well, I have a broad range of experience when it comes to the many ways I brought home the bacon. The first real “paying” job was collecting shopping carts in a grocery store. I have also been a taco maker, a hammer swinger, a ditch digger, a real estate salesman, a marketing rep for my very own firm, and the list goes on. But, the jobs I’ve held that provided the most depth to my experience where my cowboying days, the time in the Army and the infantry, and the time I spent on the Southern border as a Border Patrol Agent. Those three jobs granted me a glimpse at how the world works, and how it should work, and how it doesn’t work. The last job I’ll note is being a police chaplain, which is something I still do to this day. 
ü  Typically, interviewers often ask, “If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be, and why?” But I’ve never been ‘typical,’ so let’s change that up a little: If you could take me on a tour of your favorite place, where would we go and what would we do?
o    I’m not sure there are any roads that would get us there, so we’d probably have to saddle up and ride to a rock that stands out in the middle of nowhere in West Texas. It doesn’t have a name, but it does have a history. Early pioneers, cowboys, and soldiers carved their names on that rock which is near a watering hole. I found that rock while exploring, and I’m not sure that more than a dozen or so people know of its existence. What would we do? We would go out there with a hammer and chisel, and scrape my name off of the rock. I deeply regret scratching my name on the rock, knowing that I probably ruined its historical value. But, man, I love that place and I can only imagine what events happened at that rock throughout history.  
ü  What do you like best/least about the Facebook group, Loree Lough and Friends: A Nice Place to Hide?
o    Well, the members. Those are some of the most incredible people in all of social media, and they are all collected into one location. And I can’t offer complaints about it. 
ü  If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be, and why?
o    I would significantly improve my health. I have a substantial heart issue that has changed the course of my life in many ways. If I could live a life without blood thinners, I would explore more, and do more adventuring. Perhaps knowing my limitations has kept me alive? Perhaps. I used to be quite the risk taker…and I have many stories that prove my willingness to throw caution to the wind. But, I do miss that, and I long for those days of adventuring. 
ü  What, in your opinion, is the scariest animal in the animal kingdom, and why?
o    Spiders. I hate spiders. I have one approach to them. BLOW TORCH! When I was a kid, I was crawling around under the house and got bit by spiders, and huge blisters formed on my skin, which had to be lanced and drained. Frequently. Very bad memories of spiders.  
ü  If you have a go-to Bible verse, which is it, and why?
o    “He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.” Col 1:17 I love knowing that God has it all under control, and is holding it all together. 
ü  Tell us how—and why!—you became an author.
o    Like so many others, if I didn’t, I think I would have died. All those stories and ideas were building up inside of me, and I had to release them into the wild. So, it all began in junior high English.  Our teacher gave us a writing assignment to write anything we wanted. I wrote a fictional story of a soldier on Hill 503 in Korea. My teacher wrote, “Good job! Great imagination!” on my paper—and the bug bit me. It started with short stories. I LOVE short stories. I even won a few writing contests back in the 80s with a few of them. But, my career began when I had heart surgery back in 2006. I was sitting at home and had nothing to do because there was nothing I could do. So, I sat down and started typing out a story line that was gnawing at me. 45 days later, When Love Called (Book One of the Glenfield Series) emerged. So, in a way, I became an author because of my strongest weakness.  
ü  What is your newest release?
o    Shadows, which is a book published by Fred St Laurent and Elk Lake Publishing. Shadows is Christian speculative fiction, and it examines one man, Justin “Flip” Grey, who has to make a decision if he will accept or reject the advances of a tempting and mysterious woman he meets while on a business trip. Through the miracle of writing, I allow him to make both decisions, and create a split-screen type of story where I project the probable outcome of his decisions. In one reality he stays true to his wife, and I examine how God blesses his life. In the other reality, the one where he sinfully pursues the tempting woman, I analyze how his betrayal cascades down to his wife and kids, and alters the course of their lives. The story is edgy and gripping, and both inspiring and terrifying. All at the same time!
 
ü  Can you share a little about your WIP (work in progress)?
o    I’m currently mapping out a young adult science fiction series that involves time travel, alternate realities, civil war, adventures in an abandoned mine, secrets behind the theme park on the moon, treasure hunts in the past, and good old fashioned youthful fun. I pitched the idea to my publishers, and they gave me the nod. I’m hip-deep in researching things such as mining the moon, near space travel, string theory, and a place called Skin Walker Canyon. My kids are very involved with this project. Caitie, my only teen daughter, is focused on designing uniforms and fashion for a world that doesn’t yet exist. Seth, my only teen son, is busy building and mapping out the theme park on the moon. It’s been a blast so far! And a new horizon for me, so to speak.
o    Having said all of that, I will probably release the second book of the Glenfield Series, which is already written, just delayed due to some technical difficulties. 
ü  When people ask if you’ll ever retire from writing, what’s your standard response?
o    To not be driven mad by getting words on paper? Bring it on! I’m lazy enough not to work if I don’t have to! But, that within itself will cause a build up of words, which have to be released into the wild, which will cause madness if they aren’t written. I’m not sure it’s possible. 
ü  What can readers expect next in the Travis W. Inman lineup?
o    I have a few one-act plays that are scheduled to be in production in Spring 2016, under the skillful direction of Jesus Quintero and the American Laboratory Theater. This is a fun project for me. I love writing for theater. It’s almost easier than writing books. Almost. But, I’m excited to see my plays actually brought to life with real actors on a real stage. 
ü  Tell us a little about the family you grew up with.
o    I am a fourth generation Texan, who grew up in a traditional ranch setting. My extended family homesteaded a huge ranch in Scurry County, which is in West Texas.  I grew up the middle child of three, under parents who were kind, caring, God fearing, Jesus loving, strong, and determined. My father is the kind of man who would bring home an orphaned calf for us to bottle-feed, but would single handedly face down poachers or rustlers. My mother is a fantastic cook, who knew how to feed the cowboys with brisket, beans, sour dough rolls, and blackberry cobbler. She is also a registered nurse. My older sister was a hardheaded teen. We used to sit around the record player in her room and listen to music. My younger brother was and is a hard worker who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He and I spent many hours sword fighting in the back yard and down along the creek, where we would spend even more time fighting Indians and Yankees, and sweeping in the very last minute to help Davy Crockett defend the Alamo. I had a GREAT childhood!  
ü  How did your background form the ‘character’ you are today?
o    I learned the value of life and the value of struggling at an early age. Getting up on a snowy night to help my dad pull a calf was a common thing. You learn to respect life, doing things like that. I learned the value of strength and valor while serving in the Army and the Border Patrol. Some things are worth dying for, and America is one of them. But, I’m probably not actually answering your question. I see that character is in quotes. I learned how to adventure because Louis Lamour and Zane Grey inspired me. I would saddle up on a Saturday morning and strike out across the pastures looking for anything that might pop up. I loved weathering storms. I loved hunting for arrowheads. I loved camping under the stars. I’m the “character“ I am today because I learned to adventure at a very young age. And mischievously, at that!  
ü  Share a little about your wife and kids…
o    My wife, Sarah, is the love of my life. She is an RN who gave up her career to become a stay at home mother and homeschooler. She is my best friend, and I’m so thankful she didn’t jettison me when she had the chance. Caitlin is our only daughter, who is now 17. She was born 12 weeks premature, and learned how to struggle for life at a tender age. We are lucky she is still with us! Seth is our 13 year old, and he is our brainiac. He knows how to write computer code, and is a graphic designer, and is active with his YouTube channel posting video games he designs.   
ü  Define ‘fatherhood.’
o    I’m always hesitant to offer advice for something I’ve not yet fully proven, but if I could sum up my approach to being a father, I’d say this: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion, while relationship without rules leads to disaster.” The hardest aspect of being a father for me is allowing my children to fail. I’m a fixer. And watching them fail is very painful to me. And they have to do so before they can learn success. But, I’m always there with them, cheering them on, and pointing the way. They may not know it, but I’m always watching them from a distance, waiting and watching, just in case!  
ü  Define ‘husband.’
o    I’ve been married for almost 23 years. I first married my sweetheart, and then my enemy, and finally, after many years of power struggles, my best friend. Realization came to me and I accepted that the vast majority of our troubles are because I failed to be the leader and the lover, and I selfishly expected her to be those things for me. Once I learned who I really was, and how that was affecting my wife, I made a significant course adjustment and learned how to lead and love sacrificially, and my best friend emerged! Fancy that! So, I would say this, “It’s not about who is right. It’s about what is right. And when you decide that together, there is harmony.” 
ü  Do those definitions ‘slant’ what you write, and they way you write it?
o    I write from my worldview and my own experience. I’ve tried not writing what I know, and it doesn’t work very well for me. My characters will always reflect my journey. The dark characters will also reflect me in some way. My positive characters reflect who God has made me to be. 
ü  Which of your fictional characters is most like you?
o    All of them reflect me. My friends often compare me to Caton Harvey from the Glenfield Series, saying that his sense of humor and approach to life are very similar to me. I would say that I most closely identify with Justin “Flip” Grey, who is both the hero and the goat in my newest release, Shadows. His story could be mine in that we struggle with the same issues. 
ü  Please share a favorite photo of yourself…   ü  Please share the cover of your favorite Travis W. Inman novel…and tell us why it’s your favorite.
o    I love the cover for When Love Calledbecause the depth of the character gazing into the distance speaks so strongly of longing and desire, and perfectly encapsulates the character, Lily.    
ü  25.) How can readers get in touch with you? (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.)
o    My personal Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/travis.w.inman
o    My author Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/BlunderingDi...
o    My twitter account is: @traviswinman
o    My website is: www.traviswinman.com
o    My blog is: www.traviswinman.blogspot.com
o    Gee, that ought to be enough, eh?  
Thanks, Travis, for spending a portion of your day with us. It’s been a pleasure, getting to know you better!

I've had the pleasure of knowing Robert for several years now. We met when I was researching material for my "First Responders" series (Abingdon Press) and found The First Responders Prayer, written by the right reverend Robert Crutchfield. I wrote to ask his permission to use the prayer in book #1, From Ashes to Honor; not only did he graciously say yes, but allowed me to use the prayer again in Honor Redeemed and A Man of Honor, too.


Father in Heaven,
Please make me strong when others are weak,
brave when others are afraid,and vigilant when others are distracted by the chaos.
Provide comfort and companionship to my familywhen I must be away.Serve beside me and protect meas I seek to protect others.Amen

And that isn't all! Robert also allowed me to put him into each story. So when Pastor Wilson, leader of the Denver church attended by Currency of the Heart (book #1, "Secrets on Sterling Street" historical series, Whitaker House) left town for a family emergency, I asked Robert if he minded taking the good reverend's place. Yet again, he said yes. Robert remains at the pulpit in Guardians of the Heart and he'll lead parishioners in Healing of the Heart, too.
It's my honor and privilege to introduce you to my fun, funny, and faith-filled friend, Robert Crutchfield:

Q: So Robert, how long have you lived in Katy, TX?
I have been in Katy a little over 12 years now. I spent my first 41 years in a blue collar suburb near the Houston Ship Channel. I served on the recreation board there, and as precinct chairman and senate district chairman for the local Republican Party. I was quite a big fish in my little pond.
Q: When—and why—did you decide to become a pastor? 
I first felt the call to ministry around 1998. Wrote some, served as chaplain to a couple of groups. I didn't feel called to the pastorate until about 5 years ago. Katy is very fast-growing. It needed, and still needs more churches. God really put a burden on my heart to help fill this need. I started preaching out of a nursing home just under three years ago, and we are still there. 
Q: Everyone who reads the “First Responders” series comments on the beautiful prayer (above) that you so generously shared for each story. Tell us about your affiliation with first responders and what inspired you to write that prayer.
I have always had a love for our military and first responders...even when I was little. I served as a disaster team member with the Red Cross, then I was a military policeman while in the Texas State Guard. Following that, I spent five years in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which is technically non-military but gave me an opportunity to work with the fine members of our smallest military branch. Later, I spent about three and a half years as chaplain to the Fire and EMS Department here in Katy.  So the short answer is, I'm drawn to first responders because in many ways I am one of them, they are my people. 
Q: If you have any awards or certificates, list them here and tell us a little about them…
I have more certificates than wall space! I'll share a few favorites with you. One is my commission as an Admiral in the Texas Navy which was given to me by the Governor of the state of Texas in 1986 when I was 23 years old!  It's an interesting document in itself, because it bears the actual embossed seal of the state of Texas, which you don't see "in the wild" very often. I guess then-Governor White saw great things in me back then.
I also have the One Hundred Fathoms Group Award. It's given to the auxiliary members within the district who make the greatest contribution during the course of a year. It comes with its own pennant. When I was in, the personal pennant of a 100 Fathoms Group member was the only civilian flag or pennant that was authorized to fly from an operational vessel of the Eighth Coast Guard District. Another is the Texas Twister Award which was given to me by the American Red Cross for my participation in my first large disaster recovery operation back in May 1983. Back to the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary...I have my Chart Updating Program Honor Roll certificate.This is a national award given to several people each year. It recognizes those who made the greatest contributions to the aid to navigation/chart update program that year. They listed my name in the auxiliary's national magazine and everything, so that was kinda cool! The last one I think you'll really like: It's my certificate from John Hopkins University for completing their online course in Disaster Mental Health Intervention. It's definitely cool, having any piece of paper with my name on it from a school as prestigious as Johns Hopkins, but I'm proud of this certificate because it represents additional preparation that helps me help others who really need it.
Q: Regarding the Compassion Church... what is your personal hope for every parishioner?
That's easy! To help them use their God given gifts to develop an active personal ministry of their own. 


Q: Do you have a go-to Bible verse? What makes that one special to you?
Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." It's special to me for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it's the motto of the Order of St. Isidore of Seville, a group I have twice served as Chaplain-General twice, and once as Governor-General. It also reminds me that as Christians, we are called to make a positive impact on the world around us, while resisting the negative impact the world can have on us. God gave man dominion over the world, not the other way around!
Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about ‘men of the cloth’?
That we think we're perfect. Most of the time we are running around hoping we don't mess up too badly! That's why we pray and study so hard!
Q: I know you, too, are a writer. Can you tell us a little something about what you’re working on?
My blog, FaithInspires.Org, mostly. My bi-vocational minister's schedule, which includes a full time job outside my ministry, doesn't allow me to do as much original content as I would like. I've long had a dream of writing a book, and God willing, that dream will come true when He sees fit...and when I have the resources to ensure I'll do a first class job.
Q: How long have you been married?
When I met my "Karebear," she was a single mother working at the newspaper here in Katy. She had zero intention of remarrying. We dated, and almost immediately, something snapped inside both of us...and we've been married almost 11 years now. My favorite thing about her is her sacrificial generosity. She would literally take food out of her own mouth so that others could eat. I also like that she is a strong independent woman, but still has the ability to turn to me and say, "Whatever you say, Honey; you're the man of the house."
Q: Do you have kids and grandkids? What’s your favorite thing about being a dad/grandfather?
The hero worship! All my grandkids worship the ground I walk on. It's hard to describe in some ways. There's a special satisfaction in being able to mold a whole new person over time. As a grandparent I am close enough, often enough, to have a profound impact on their development. Still since I do not have the day to day responsibility for the nuts and bolts of their lives, I have a certain distance that can be helpful. The nicest thing my wife ever said about me was when she told our oldest grandson that "Papa loves everybody." 
Q: How can people reach you?
The easiest way to reach me or Compassion Church of Katy is to email me at [email protected]. My blog is at www.faithinspires.org. I am on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revcrutchfield, and on Twitter  at www.twitter.com/revcrutchfield. In addition Faith That Inspires Action (my blog) and Compassion Church of Katy have their own pages on Facebook.

Thanks, Robert! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you a little better, and I'm tickled pink that others now have a chance to get to know you, too. I'm sure everyone reading this appreciates that you took time from your busy schedule to share a little of yourself with us!

Allow me to introduce you to Janet Dowell, my dear friend and the founder of Loree Lough & Friends: A Nice Place to Hide! I had the pleasure of meeting Janet in person a year or so ago, when she arranged a book signing for me in her home town. Those of you who already know her agree, I'm sure, that she's one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people in your world.

Janet appears as the town librarian in my latest release, Guardians of the Heart. When the story opens, she's a young widow, but... Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out how things turn out for Janet! And now, without further ado, he-e-e-ere's Janet!

First of all, thanks so much, Janet, for agreeing to this interview! So...how old were you when you discovered a love for reading?

I was around 10 years old when I fell in love with books.

What was the first book you remember reading? 

My first chapter book was one in the Boxcar Children series. I was drawn into these books partly because they were about children and because the characters were lively and sometime mischievous; they also dealt with some real and serious issues. This series is a classic now! Many children today do not know the joy of reading classics like The Boxcar Children, To Kill A Mockingbird, Great Expectations and Across Five Aprils! I believe these classics are a very important part of childhood. Books are a way of escape and also a very inexpensive way to travel. You can go anywhere in a book....You can go out west one day and to the desert the next day. You can even go to the moon without leaving your house! I learned this early and that is why I enjoy reading so much.

Think of the last movie you saw that was based on a novel you read. Do you think the filmmakers did a decent job of telling the story, or are things left out—or put in—that diminished your enjoyment of the story? 

The last movie I watched that was based on book was pretty much on target with the storyline of the book, with a few changes here and there! I enjoyed the movie but of course the book was better! The story was about the adoption of a little boy. His biological dad was in prison and when he got out, he and his wife fought the adoptive parents for custody. His real dad was still bad news, but his adoptive parents were good people. It's a real tear jerker. Sometimes when you watch a movie based on a book and the movie is off-base with the storyline, it takes away from the book -- or at least it does for me!

Do you have a favorite genre (romance, historical, contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, action-adventure, thriller)? 

My favorite genres is Contemporary and Historical Romance, especially stories about cute cowboys. I recently read my first fantasy book and I really enjoyed it. I always thought fantasy books as weird, but, to my surprise, I found a new category of books that I really like! I also enjoy reading autobiographies so I can get to know my favorite authors, singers, actors, etc. better.

How do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?
 
I hear people say "I don't have time" all the time. God gives us all the same amount of time. What counts is HOW we spend our time. Reading passes a lot of time for me so I try to use it wisely.

Do you have a 'Favorites’ shelf? How many shelves are filled with books? 
I have two rooms full of books, and I'm adding more books all the time!

How do you choose a book: Cover? Title? Author’s name?
 
I choose books partly by the cover. I know they say "Don't judge a book by its cover," but you can tell a lot about a book by the way the cover looks. 

Do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?

I always read the back jacket of a book before I buy any book.

Do you prefer print books to e-books? Why? 

I prefer print books because I love to hold a real book in my hand. E-readers are more convenient because you have all your books in one place, but they are heavy and you have to deal with glare on the screen.

Do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?
 
I love to interact with authors online. I also love how most of them consider their fans...friends. When you read a friend's book, it means so much more to you. My favorite sites are Facebook & Instagram. I have an account on Twitter and Pinterest but I am not big fans of those sites.

How many book signings have you attended? 

I have attended two book signings. Both signings allowed me to meet some very special people. The second book signing was for Loree Lough! She and her husband Larry came to my hometown and did a book signing for some of my friends. We had an awesome time! 
 
Do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?
  
I usually have a glass of iced tea beside me when I read.

Speaking of eating...do you have a favorite recipe you're willing to share with us? Is it an old family recipe? One you ‘invented’? Something your loved ones ask you to prepare often?

This is a family recipe that my mom cooks often, and I love it because the cookies are delicious!








Linda's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2/3 C. Shortening
3/4 C. Regular Sugar
1 C. Brown Sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 C. Chopped Nuts (Pecans)
2/3 C. butter (Softened)2 Eggs
3 and 1/2 C. Sifted Self-rising flour (Sift Twice-- Makes a softer cookie)
1 pkg 12oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions: Wash your hands and mix all ingredients together with your hands. Place on ungreased cookie sheet with a teaspoon and cook at 330 degrees (You may have to adjust the temperature because all stoves are different) for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Just so you know, readers, I had the pleasure of tasting these cookies while I was visiting Janet, and she's right: They're delicious! So Janet, when you're not reading, do you have a favorite hobby?
 
I love to do bead work, reverse glass painting, and fuzz art projects.
Tell us a little something about where you live, your work and family. 

I live in a very small town in Georgia where everybody knows everybody! Most of the time it is a good thing. I love small town life. It's very relaxed, cozy, & laid back.

Thanks so much for participating, Janet! You’re the best!  


 

 MeetLinda Hanna!
 I’ve knownLinda for quite a few years, thanks to the miracles of technology like Facebookand Twitter. She’s a dear lady and I always enjoy her posts, and comments on myposts, so I thought you'd enjoy getting to know her a little better, too!

SoLinda, how old were you when you first realized you loved books and reading? 

 

I was about 4 years old – but it wasjust picture reading at that point since I couldn’t read real words.

 

Doyou recall the titles of some of your earliest favorites?

It was a Flash Gordon book aboutpeople running through a jungle trying to get away from flying spears anddangling tree snakes. Dad bought it to keep me quiet in the library while hestudied. It traumatized this 4 year-old little girl who loved tea parties andbaby dolls! The Poky Little Puppy would’ve been a much better choice. However, itdidn’t ruin my love of books. Later on I devoured Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden,and many other mysteries.

 

Someof my favorites, too! (Except for the spears and dangling tree snakes! Ewww!)Do you have a favorite genre? 

 

I enjoy clean inspirational romance and cozymysteries. 

 

Somethingelse we have in common! How do you make time to read, with so many otherdemands on your time?

Sometimes it’s difficult. It takesme a long time to read a book due to injuries from an accident.

 

We’resorry to hear about that, dear Linda, and we’ll pray your injuries will heal100%! So, do you have a 'Favorites’ bookshelf? How many shelves are filled withbooks?

Yes, I do have a favorites shelf. Actually,about 16 shelves are filled with my favorite books.

Howdo you choose a book: Cover? Title?Author’s name?

Author’s name and the first fewparagraphs.

Anddo you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?

Yes, but I still read the first fewparagraphs of the story before deciding.

 

Doyou prefer print books to e-books? Why?

Print books because I really like tohold an honest-to-goodness book.

Yetanother thing we have in common! So Linda, do you enjoy interacting with yourfavorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite(Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?

 

I do enjoy interacting with myfavorite authors. Facebook is the only social networking site I’m on now. Twittermade me nervous for some reason. It just wasn’t my ‘thing.’

 

Yeah,a lot of people feel that way…me, included. Took a while, but once I got thehang of it, I liked it quite a lot! But I digress…. (Surprise! LOL) How manybook signings have you attended?

 

Maybe a dozen – not that manyauthors visit our little town. I’ve gone out of town, and would do it again, butonly for one of my all-time favorite writers.

 

Whatdid you like best about it?

 

Meeting and chatting with the authorduring a slow time was pretty cool.

 

Whatdid you like least?

One time I checked out the book of a little known author and realized it wasn’tsomething I wanted to read after all, but we were the only visitors to hersigning. Since she was practically drooling and watching our every move, I feltobligated to purchase it. That was a wasted $20.

 

Ugh. A horrible situation to be in,I’m sure! Something more palatable (literally! LOL): Do you eat and/or drinkwhile you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?I usually drink iced tea whilereading. 

Samehere! And do you have a favorite hobby?

I enjoy crocheting. I also like tocook and bake, which is the hobby my family enjoys most.

Oh,I’ve always envied people with the talent and patience to crochet and knit! Mymom, aunt, and grandmother made so many beautiful things that way! Speaking offamily, can you share a little something about where you live, your work andfamily? (We’ll press you for a recipe in just a minute… <wink> )

We moved around a lot when I waslittle, so I’ve called several states “home.” Our last move was to Indiana in1966.

Bill and I have been married since 1973. We settled our family of threedaughters in this little town back in 1989. I’m perfectly happy being rootedright here. We’ve been blessed with six grandchildren – 3 girls and 3 boys,ranging in age from 18 to almost 2.

I was a secretary for several yearsuntil we moved to our current location. At that time, a friend (Debbie) and Ibecame the district directors of a senior adult ministry for the northern thirdof Indiana. We enjoyed every creative minute of it. An accident in 2001 causedmy unscheduled retirement, so Debbie (Deborah Dulworth) and I decided to writea cozy mystery we had simmering on the back burner for manyyears. 

 

Canyou tell us a little something about it?

 

Sure,I’m happy to! This is the back jacket copy:

 

REFLECTIONSOF A STRANGER :

 

Coraand her husband, PGA golf pro Steady Eddie Timms, live in a safe gatedcommunity, so when Cora witnesses a murder, she’s shocked and frightened. Butwithout a body, murder weapon, or evidence of a crime, Cora’s sanity is calledinto question—especially when it comes to light that Cora’s not been dealingwell with the stress and grief of losing a daughter, and her memory of latehasn’t been all it should be.

Determined to prove her sanity, Cora bursts into a flurry of danger andunanswered questions as she sets out to find evidence of foul play. With thehelp of a bumbling security guard, a loyal best friend, and a neighbor's yappydog, pieces finally fall into place. By all appearance, the mystery issolved...until Cora is kidnapped and implicated in a case of hidden identityand an old embezzlement scheme.

It will take more than the national attention garnered from Steady Eddie’sstatus to clear Cora’s name, rescue her from the kidnappers, and help find herway back to the peace and sanity found only in God’s loving arms.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Stranger-Linda-Hanna-ebook/dp/B0091XFU5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167244&sr=8-2&keywords=Linda+Hanna

Soundsso exciting, Linda, and I can’t wait to order my copy!

 

Soabout that recipe… Is there something in one of your cookbooks that has becomea family favorite?

 

This is a recipe my grandma madeback in the 1930s when my mom was a girl. When I was growing up, we had a lotof company, and this was ALWAYS on Mom’s menu:

 

PineappleCream Salad 

 

1 large box orange flavored Jell-O

2- 20 oz. cans crushed pineapplewith juice, not syrup

1 c. sugar

1– 8 oz. block cream cheese

1 pint whipping cream

Whip cream and set in refrigerator.

Add undrained pineapple, sugar, andJell-O to sauce pan. Boil about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow mixtureto cool – but not gel

Add cream cheese, breaking it intosmall pieces, then set in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

Carefully fold in whipped cream andput into a 9” x 13” dish.

Refrigerate to set up for at least 3hours before serving.

*Lime or Lemon Jell-O can besubstituted for the orange

**recipe may be cut in half

 

Omigarsh!That sounds divine! I’m definitely testing this one out on my bunch!

 

Thanksso much, Linda, for taking time from your schedule to visit with us for awhile! It’s been a genuine pleasure, learning a little bit more about The LovelyLady Online, and it’s no surprise to me that you’re even nicer than you seem on Facebook! Don’t you agree, friends!<grin>

 

Staytuned, my friends, because I’ll share another interview with another LL&F member, real soon! <GRIN> AND REMEMBER...EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS ON LINDA'S INTERVIEW IS AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A SWELL PRIZE!

 Meet Linda Hanna!
 I���ve known Linda for quite a few years, thanks to the miracles of technology like Facebook and Twitter. She���s a dear lady and I always enjoy her posts, and comments on my posts, so I thought you'd enjoy getting to know her a little better, too!

So Linda, how old were you when you first realized you loved books and reading? 

 

I was about 4 years old ��� but it was just picture reading at that point since I couldn���t read real words.

 

Do you recall the titles of some of your earliest favorites?

It was a Flash Gordon book about people running through a jungle trying to get away from flying spears and dangling tree snakes. Dad bought it to keep me quiet in the library while he studied. It traumatized this 4 year-old little girl who loved tea parties and baby dolls! The Poky Little Puppy would���ve been a much better choice. However, it didn���t ruin my love of books. Later on I devoured Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and many other mysteries.

 

Some of my favorites, too! (Except for the spears and dangling tree snakes! Ewww!) Do you have a favorite genre? 

 

I enjoy clean inspirational romance and cozy mysteries. 

 

Something else we have in common! How do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?

Sometimes it���s difficult. It takes me a long time to read a book due to injuries from an accident.

 

We���re sorry to hear about that, dear Linda, and we���ll pray your injuries will heal 100%! So, do you have a 'Favorites��� bookshelf? How many shelves are filled with books?

Yes, I do have a favorites shelf. Actually, about 16 shelves are filled with my favorite books.

How do you choose a book: Cover? Title?Author���s name?

Author���s name and the first few paragraphs.

And do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?

Yes, but I still read the first few paragraphs of the story before deciding.

 

Do you prefer print books to e-books? Why?

Print books because I really like to hold an honest-to-goodness book.

Yet another thing we have in common! So Linda, do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?

 

I do enjoy interacting with my favorite authors. Facebook is the only social networking site I���m on now. Twitter made me nervous for some reason. It just wasn���t my ���thing.���

 

Yeah, a lot of people feel that way���me, included. Took a while, but once I got the hang of it, I liked it quite a lot! But I digress���. (Surprise! LOL) How many book signings have you attended?

 

Maybe a dozen ��� not that many authors visit our little town. I���ve gone out of town, and would do it again, but only for one of my all-time favorite writers.

 

What did you like best about it?

 

Meeting and chatting with the author during a slow time was pretty cool.

 

What did you like least?

One time I checked out the book of a little known author and realized it wasn���t something I wanted to read after all, but we were the only visitors to her signing. Since she was practically drooling and watching our every move, I felt obligated to purchase it. That was a wasted $20.

 

Ugh. A horrible situation to be in, I���m sure! Something more palatable (literally! LOL): Do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what���s your go-to snack?I usually drink iced tea while reading. 

Same here! And do you have a favorite hobby?

I enjoy crocheting. I also like to cook and bake, which is the hobby my family enjoys most.

Oh, I���ve always envied people with the talent and patience to crochet and knit! My mom, aunt, and grandmother made so many beautiful things that way! Speaking of family, can you share a little something about where you live, your work and family? (We���ll press you for a recipe in just a minute��� <wink> )

We moved around a lot when I was little, so I���ve called several states ���home.��� Our last move was to Indiana in 1966.

Bill and I have been married since 1973. We settled our family of three daughters in this little town back in 1989. I���m perfectly happy being rooted right here. We���ve been blessed with six grandchildren ��� 3 girls and 3 boys, ranging in age from 18 to almost 2.

I was a secretary for several years until we moved to our current location. At that time, a friend (Debbie) and I became the district directors of a senior adult ministry for the northern third of Indiana. We enjoyed every creative minute of it. An accident in 2001 caused my unscheduled retirement, so Debbie (Deborah Dulworth) and I decided to write a cozy mystery we had simmering on the back burner for many years. 

 

Can you tell us a little something about it?

 

Sure, I���m happy to! This is the back jacket copy:

 

REFLECTIONS OF A STRANGER :

 

Cora and her husband, PGA golf pro Steady Eddie Timms, live in a safe gated community, so when Cora witnesses a murder, she���s shocked and frightened. But without a body, murder weapon, or evidence of a crime, Cora���s sanity is called into question���especially when it comes to light that Cora���s not been dealing well with the stress and grief of losing a daughter, and her memory of late hasn���t been all it should be.

Determined to prove her sanity, Cora bursts into a flurry of danger and unanswered questions as she sets out to find evidence of foul play. With the help of a bumbling security guard, a loyal best friend, and a neighbor's yappy dog, pieces finally fall into place. By all appearance, the mystery is solved...until Cora is kidnapped and implicated in a case of hidden identity and an old embezzlement scheme.

It will take more than the national attention garnered from Steady Eddie���s status to clear Cora���s name, rescue her from the kidnappers, and help find her way back to the peace and sanity found only in God���s loving arms.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Stranger-Linda-Hanna-ebook/dp/B0091XFU5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167244&sr=8-2&keywords=Linda+Hanna

Sounds so exciting, Linda, and I can���t wait to order my copy!

 

So about that recipe��� Is there something in one of your cookbooks that has become a family favorite?

 

This is a recipe my grandma made back in the 1930s when my mom was a girl. When I was growing up, we had a lot of company, and this was ALWAYS on Mom���s menu:

 

Pineapple Cream Salad 

 

1 large box orange flavored Jell-O

2- 20 oz. cans crushed pineapple with juice, not syrup

1 c. sugar

1��� 8 oz. block cream cheese

1 pint whipping cream

Whip cream and set in refrigerator.

Add undrained pineapple, sugar, and Jell-O to sauce pan. Boil about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool ��� but not gel

Add cream cheese, breaking it into small pieces, then set in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

Carefully fold in whipped cream and put into a 9��� x 13��� dish.

Refrigerate to set up for at least 3 hours before serving.

*Lime or Lemon Jell-O can be substituted for the orange

**recipe may be cut in half

 

Omigarsh! That sounds divine! I���m definitely testing this one out on my bunch!

 

Thanks so much, Linda, for taking time from your schedule to visit with us for a while! It���s been a genuine pleasure, learning a little bit more about The Lovely Lady Online, and it���s no surprise to me that you���re even nicer than you seem on Facebook! Don���t you agree, friends! <grin>

 

Stay tuned, my friends, because I���ll share another interview with another LL&F member, real soon! <GRIN> AND REMEMBER...EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS ON LINDA'S INTERVIEW IS AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A SWELL PRIZE!

 Meet Linda Hanna!
 I’ve known Linda for quite a few years, thanks to the miracles of technology like Facebook and Twitter. She’s a dear lady and I always enjoy her posts, and comments on my posts, so I thought you'd enjoy getting to know her a little better, too!

So Linda, how old were you when you first realized you loved books and reading? 

 

I was about 4 years old – but it was just picture reading at that point since I couldn’t read real words.

 

Do you recall the titles of some of your earliest favorites?

It was a Flash Gordon book about people running through a jungle trying to get away from flying spears and dangling tree snakes. Dad bought it to keep me quiet in the library while he studied. It traumatized this 4 year-old little girl who loved tea parties and baby dolls! The Poky Little Puppy would’ve been a much better choice. However, it didn’t ruin my love of books. Later on I devoured Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and many other mysteries.

 

Some of my favorites, too! (Except for the spears and dangling tree snakes! Ewww!) Do you have a favorite genre? 

 

I enjoy clean inspirational romance and cozy mysteries. 

 

Something else we have in common! How do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?

Sometimes it’s difficult. It takes me a long time to read a book due to injuries from an accident.

 

We’re sorry to hear about that, dear Linda, and we’ll pray your injuries will heal 100%! So, do you have a 'Favorites’ bookshelf? How many shelves are filled with books?

Yes, I do have a favorites shelf. Actually, about 16 shelves are filled with my favorite books.

How do you choose a book: Cover? Title?Author’s name?

Author’s name and the first few paragraphs.

And do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?

Yes, but I still read the first few paragraphs of the story before deciding.

 

Do you prefer print books to e-books? Why?

Print books because I really like to hold an honest-to-goodness book.

Yet another thing we have in common! So Linda, do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?

 

I do enjoy interacting with my favorite authors. Facebook is the only social networking site I’m on now. Twitter made me nervous for some reason. It just wasn’t my ‘thing.’

 

Yeah, a lot of people feel that way…me, included. Took a while, but once I got the hang of it, I liked it quite a lot! But I digress…. (Surprise! LOL) How many book signings have you attended?

 

Maybe a dozen – not that many authors visit our little town. I’ve gone out of town, and would do it again, but only for one of my all-time favorite writers.

 

What did you like best about it?

 

Meeting and chatting with the author during a slow time was pretty cool.

 

What did you like least?

One time I checked out the book of a little known author and realized it wasn’t something I wanted to read after all, but we were the only visitors to her signing. Since she was practically drooling and watching our every move, I felt obligated to purchase it. That was a wasted $20.

 

Ugh. A horrible situation to be in, I’m sure! Something more palatable (literally! LOL): Do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?I usually drink iced tea while reading. 

Same here! And do you have a favorite hobby?

I enjoy crocheting. I also like to cook and bake, which is the hobby my family enjoys most.

Oh, I’ve always envied people with the talent and patience to crochet and knit! My mom, aunt, and grandmother made so many beautiful things that way! Speaking of family, can you share a little something about where you live, your work and family? (We’ll press you for a recipe in just a minute… <wink> )

We moved around a lot when I was little, so I’ve called several states “home.” Our last move was to Indiana in 1966.

Bill and I have been married since 1973. We settled our family of three daughters in this little town back in 1989. I’m perfectly happy being rooted right here. We’ve been blessed with six grandchildren – 3 girls and 3 boys, ranging in age from 18 to almost 2.

I was a secretary for several years until we moved to our current location. At that time, a friend (Debbie) and I became the district directors of a senior adult ministry for the northern third of Indiana. We enjoyed every creative minute of it. An accident in 2001 caused my unscheduled retirement, so Debbie (Deborah Dulworth) and I decided to write a cozy mystery we had simmering on the back burner for many years. 

 

Can you tell us a little something about it?

 

Sure, I’m happy to! This is the back jacket copy:

 

REFLECTIONS OF A STRANGER :

 

Cora and her husband, PGA golf pro Steady Eddie Timms, live in a safe gated community, so when Cora witnesses a murder, she’s shocked and frightened. But without a body, murder weapon, or evidence of a crime, Cora’s sanity is called into question—especially when it comes to light that Cora’s not been dealing well with the stress and grief of losing a daughter, and her memory of late hasn’t been all it should be.

Determined to prove her sanity, Cora bursts into a flurry of danger and unanswered questions as she sets out to find evidence of foul play. With the help of a bumbling security guard, a loyal best friend, and a neighbor's yappy dog, pieces finally fall into place. By all appearance, the mystery is solved...until Cora is kidnapped and implicated in a case of hidden identity and an old embezzlement scheme.

It will take more than the national attention garnered from Steady Eddie’s status to clear Cora’s name, rescue her from the kidnappers, and help find her way back to the peace and sanity found only in God’s loving arms.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Stranger-Linda-Hanna-ebook/dp/B0091XFU5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167244&sr=8-2&keywords=Linda+Hanna

Sounds so exciting, Linda, and I can’t wait to order my copy!

 

So about that recipe… Is there something in one of your cookbooks that has become a family favorite?

 

This is a recipe my grandma made back in the 1930s when my mom was a girl. When I was growing up, we had a lot of company, and this was ALWAYS on Mom’s menu:

 

Pineapple Cream Salad 

 

1 large box orange flavored Jell-O

2- 20 oz. cans crushed pineapple with juice, not syrup

1 c. sugar

1– 8 oz. block cream cheese

1 pint whipping cream

Whip cream and set in refrigerator.

Add undrained pineapple, sugar, and Jell-O to sauce pan. Boil about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool – but not gel

Add cream cheese, breaking it into small pieces, then set in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

Carefully fold in whipped cream and put into a 9” x 13” dish.

Refrigerate to set up for at least 3 hours before serving.

*Lime or Lemon Jell-O can be substituted for the orange

**recipe may be cut in half

 

Omigarsh! That sounds divine! I’m definitely testing this one out on my bunch!

 

Thanks so much, Linda, for taking time from your schedule to visit with us for a while! It’s been a genuine pleasure, learning a little bit more about The Lovely Lady Online, and it’s no surprise to me that you’re even nicer than you seem on Facebook! Don’t you agree, friends! <grin>

 

Stay tuned, my friends, because I’ll share another interview with another LL&F member, real soon! <GRIN> AND REMEMBER...EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS ON LINDA'S INTERVIEW IS AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A SWELL PRIZE!

 Meet Linda Hanna!
 I’ve known Linda for quite a few years, thanks to the miracles of technology like Facebook and Twitter. She’s a dear lady and I always enjoy her posts, and comments on my posts, so I thought you'd enjoy getting to know her a little better, too!
So Linda, how old were you when you first realized you loved books and reading?  
I was about 4 years old – but it was just picture reading at that point since I couldn’t read real words. 
Do you recall the titles of some of your earliest favorites?
It was a Flash Gordon book about people running through a jungle trying to get away from flying spears and dangling tree snakes. Dad bought it to keep me quiet in the library while he studied. It traumatized this 4 year-old little girl who loved tea parties and baby dolls! The Poky Little Puppy would’ve been a much better choice. However, it didn’t ruin my love of books. Later on I devoured Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and many other mysteries. 
Some of my favorites, too! (Except for the spears and dangling tree snakes! Ewww!) Do you have a favorite genre?  
I enjoy clean inspirational romance and cozy mysteries.  
Something else we have in common! How do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?
Sometimes it’s difficult. It takes me a long time to read a book due to injuries from an accident. 
We’re sorry to hear about that, dear Linda, and we’ll pray your injuries will heal 100%! So, do you have a 'Favorites’ bookshelf? How many shelves are filled with books?
Yes, I do have a favorites shelf. Actually, about 16 shelves are filled with my favorite books. How do you choose a book: Cover? Title?Author’s name?

Author’s name and the first few paragraphs.
And do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?
Yes, but I still read the first few paragraphs of the story before deciding. 
Do you prefer print books to e-books? Why?
Print books because I really like to hold an honest-to-goodness book.
Yet another thing we have in common! So Linda, do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)? 
I do enjoy interacting with my favorite authors. Facebook is the only social networking site I’m on now. Twitter made me nervous for some reason. It just wasn’t my ‘thing.’ 
Yeah, a lot of people feel that way…me, included. Took a while, but once I got the hang of it, I liked it quite a lot! But I digress…. (Surprise! LOL) How many book signings have you attended? 
Maybe a dozen – not that many authors visit our little town. I’ve gone out of town, and would do it again, but only for one of my all-time favorite writers. 
What did you like best about it? 
Meeting and chatting with the author during a slow time was pretty cool. 
What did you like least?

One time I checked out the book of a little known author and realized it wasn’t something I wanted to read after all, but we were the only visitors to her signing. Since she was practically drooling and watching our every move, I felt obligated to purchase it. That was a wasted $20. 
Ugh. A horrible situation to be in, I’m sure! Something more palatable (literally! LOL): Do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?I usually drink iced tea while reading. 
Same here! And do you have a favorite hobby?
I enjoy crocheting. I also like to cook and bake, which is the hobby my family enjoys most.
Oh, I’ve always envied people with the talent and patience to crochet and knit! My mom, aunt, and grandmother made so many beautiful things that way! Speaking of family, can you share a little something about where you live, your work and family? (We’ll press you for a recipe in just a minute… <wink> )
We moved around a lot when I was little, so I’ve called several states “home.” Our last move was to Indiana in 1966.

Bill and I have been married since 1973. We settled our family of three daughters in this little town back in 1989. I’m perfectly happy being rooted right here. We’ve been blessed with six grandchildren – 3 girls and 3 boys, ranging in age from 18 to almost 2.
I was a secretary for several years until we moved to our current location. At that time, a friend (Debbie) and I became the district directors of a senior adult ministry for the northern third of Indiana. We enjoyed every creative minute of it. An accident in 2001 caused my unscheduled retirement, so Debbie (Deborah Dulworth) and I decided to write a cozy mystery we had simmering on 
Can you tell us a little something about it? Sure, I’m happy to! This is the back jacket copy:
  REFLECTIONS OF A STRANGER :
 
Cora and her husband, PGA golf pro Steady Eddie Timms, live in a safe gated community, so when Cora witnesses a murder, she’s shocked and frightened. But without a body, murder weapon, or evidence of a crime, Cora’s sanity is called into question—especially when it comes to light that Cora’s not been dealing well with the stress and grief of losing a daughter, and her memory of late hasn’t been all it should be.

Determined to prove her sanity, Cora bursts into a flurry of danger and unanswered questions as she sets out to find evidence of foul play. With the help of a bumbling security guard, a loyal best friend, and a neighbor's yappy dog, pieces finally fall into place. By all appearance, the mystery is solved...until Cora is kidnapped and implicated in a case of hidden identity and an old embezzlement scheme.

It will take more than the national attention garnered from Steady Eddie’s status to clear Cora’s name, rescue her from the kidnappers, and help find her way back to the peace and sanity found only in God’s loving arms. 

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Stranger-Linda-Hanna-ebook/dp/B0091XFU5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167244&sr=8-2&keywords=Linda+Hanna
Sounds so exciting, Linda, and I can’t wait to order my copy! So about that recipe… Is there something in one of your cookbooks that has become a family favorite? 

This is a recipe my grandma made back in the 1930s when my mom was a girl. When I was growing up, we had a lot of company, and this was ALWAYS on Mom’s menu: 
Pineapple Cream Salad   1 large box orange flavored Jell-O

2- 20 oz. cans crushed pineapple with juice, not syrup
1 c. sugar
1– 8 oz. block cream cheese
1 pint whipping cream
Whip cream and set in refrigerator.
Add undrained pineapple, sugar, and Jell-O to sauce pan. Boil about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool – but not gel
Add cream cheese, breaking it into small pieces, then set in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.
Carefully fold in whipped cream and put into a 9” x 13” dish.
Refrigerate to set up for at least 3 hours before serving.
*Lime or Lemon Jell-O can be substituted for the orange**recipe may be cut in half
 Omigarsh! That sounds divine! I’m definitely testing this one out on my bunch! 

Thanks so much, Linda, for taking time from your schedule to visit with us for a while! It’s been a genuine pleasure, learning a little bit more about The Lovely Lady Online, and it’s no surprise to me that you’re even nicer than you seem on Facebook! Don’t you agree, friends! <grin> 
Stay tuned, my friends, because I’ll share another interview with another LL&F member, real soon! <GRIN> AND REMEMBER...EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS ON LINDA'S INTERVIEW IS AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A SWELL PRIZE!

Yeah, yeah, I'm a writer. As such, I'm confined to my desk for hours at a time. Literally. And like most authors, I eat quite a few meals here, balancing on my exercise ball. Some are healthy...cucumber sticks. Spoonfuls of peanut butter. Salad. Admittedly, some aren't as good for me: Ice cream. Candy. Chips. Black coffee.

This time of year, though, cold drinks suit me far better than the steamy stuff. But I'm not a big soda drinker, so I reach for homemade lemonade or iced tea, sweetened the old-fashioned way because I don't like the aftertaste of sugar substitutes. Lucky for me, I get to choose, unlike dieters and diabetics.

About a week ago, I read an article about "ASPARTAME DISEASE." I know, right? I felt the same way when I read the headline: Say WHAT?

The question prompted me to remove my novelist's hat (a very jaunty Fedora-type thing) and replace it with my beat-up old reporter's cap. And then I cracked my knuckles and did some serious research....The term Aspertame Disease was coined by doctor H.J. Roberts, who churned out a couple thousand pages that list the symptoms, side effects, and health consequences of ingesting aspartame, especially for prolonged periods of time.According to Roberts, aspartame products are responsible for about 80% of all food additive-related complaints registered with the FDA. Headaches, dizziness, moodswings, vomiting and/or nausea, abdominal pain/cramps, alterations in vision, diarrhea, seizures/convulsions, memory loss, fatigue.... The list goes on and on. And on. As if that isn't bad enough, aspartame is also linked to some fibromyalgia symptoms, including (but not limited to) muscle spasms, shooting pains and numbness in the extremities, cramps, tinnitus, joint pain, sudden and/or unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, and various cancers!


Okay, so according to the FDA, there isn't sufficient research to PROVE adverse health complications from aspartame. But they don't refute the POSSIBILITY that some of the above-reference symptoms COULD BE related to prolonged aspartame use, either. Meaning...even if I wasn't turned off by the icky aftertaste of those products, I'd reconsider adding them to the foods and drinks I consume. You know, the old 'err on the side of caution' philosophy.But what if you're a diabetic, or have sensitivities to sugar products? What if these substitutes are IT for you?Fortunately, a whole bunch of health specialists have weighed in on the subject, and they have plenty to say about sugar alternatives:
Substitute flavored seltzer water for diet sodas.Use fresh fruit on your morning cereal instead of sugar substitutes.Read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on all food products and find tolerable, healthy things that work for you and your lifestyle.
I know, I know, DUH. But that's what the so-called experts say, so I had to include the suggestions.
So now it's up to you. I encourage you to do your own digging. Study everything you can get your sweet li'l hands on, so you can figure out what you can eat and drink -- and what you're not willing to swallow. If, after weighing the pros and cons, you decide to continue using sugar substitutes, more power to you. But at least you'll do so armed with accurate information and facts. Because as the sages say, forewarned is forearmed.
Now I'm off to pound out a couple more chapters in my soon-to-be-released novel. No doubt I'll nibble while I'm typing. Fudge, made with processed confectioners sugar, washed down with iced tea, sweetened with the granulated kind.


Hey, I know the risks. If the stuff makes me sick, or fat, or both, I'll have no one to blame but myself, right?

Happy reading, friends. And happy eating and drinking, too! When you get a minute, hop on over to Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and say hey. Or visit me at http://www.loreelough.com. I'm usally home, because, well, deadlines, y'know?

I'm proud to introduce you to my pal, Tammy Shuttlesworth! What a blessing  it's been, getting to know this delightful, happy-go-lucky lady. There are a lot of reasons to dislike Facebook, but meeting people like Tammy sure isn't one of them! I'm tickled pink that you get to learn a little something more about her, too:

   
So Tammy, how old were you when you discovered a love for reading?
I remember going to the bookmobile to get books when I was probably about 4. I was amazed a vehicle could hold so many books and wanted one for my own driveway.   
What was the first book you remember reading?
A Little Golden Book titled, Tammy. I thought it was written just for me. <g>
Aww! I'll have to look for that one and read it to my grandorables! Speaking of reading, what's the last movie you saw that was based on a novel you read? Do you think the filmmakers did a decent job of telling the story, or are things left out—or put in—that diminished your enjoyment of the story?
I seldom watch a movie if I’ve already read the book. Mainly because I don’t want to be disappointed if something turns out differently. The exception is ‘Gone With the Wind’. It was the first movie my aunt took me to see when it first came out. For years I read the book each summer after school was out. I haven’t read it lately but the memory of seeing that movie on the Big Screen with my aunt is definitely a happy one. Scarlett and Rhett may make an appearance on my end table soon. 
I tend to agree with you: Movies seldom capture the essence of a book. <sigh> Do you have a favorite genre (romance, historical, contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, action-adventure, thriller)?
Historical romances seem to draw me in faster than any other. Not just the fact that people fell in love ‘back then’ and often had to fight for what they wanted, but reading about the obstacles and crises they lived through which made them stronger as a couple make me appreciate what my ancestors sometimes lived through.
I get that! People 'back then' knew how to make a commitment--and stick with it, didn't they! But tell me...how do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?
Since I’m retired there aren’t too many demands on my time anymore.  I do always keep a few books in the car to take with me to doctor appointments, etc.
I carry books everywhere...for the same reason! Do you have a 'Favorites’ bookshelf? How many of those shelves are stuffed to the brim with books?
My Favorite shelf is everyshelf I have books on! LOL An estimate of shelves would be 22.
Twenty-two? Wow! You are the type of reader every author loves to meet! And just how do you choose a book: Cover? Title? Author’s name?

Cover art, then title.  I try not to get too hung up on looking for specific authors (Loree excluded, of course) because I’ve found some wonderful romances written by someone I might have overlooked otherwise. 
And do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?
Absolutely. I think it tells me a lot about the author’s style of writing and whether I think I’ll enjoy it.
What about the way you read? Do you prefer print books to e-books?
I don’t have a preference.  Just let me read!

LOL! Do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?
Yes, I do enjoy spending time with authors, and I’d say Facebook better suits me.

How many book signings have you attended?
Five. (One was my own so hope that counts!)

It absolutely counts! Someday, I want to hear all about your writing! What do you like best about book signings?

Getting to see and talk with the author on a personal level.   That's my favorite part of book signings, too...meeting readers face-to-face and getting a chance to talk with them, one on one! I always serve food and beverages at the signings...do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?

I drink mostly water.  Sometimes those potato chips and French Onion dip scream my name way too loudly though. I’ve learned to allow myself just 10 minutes of the chips/dip combo for health reasons.
Oh, I hear ya, girl! Chips and dip are one of the reasons I'm a lifetime Weight Watchers member! <g> So do you have a favorite hobby?

My three R’s are Reading, Writing, and Relaxing. I used to bowl a lot but had to stop after numerous shoulder surgeries.
Bummer on the surgeries! Can you tell us a little something about where you live, your work and family.
I was born in West Virginia and raised in eastern Ohio. I joined the US Air Force after high school because unemployment was at 26% in my county at the time. The AF gave me assignments in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Germany, South Dakota and finally Louisiana. I retired after 20 years and taught AF Junior ROTC at a local high school before leaving that after 14 years. I married my husband in Florida at my first duty station, where we also had out first daughter. Our second daughter was born in South Dakota. We’ve lived in NW Louisiana for almost 25 years so I think we’re probably staying. I have a grandson and a granddaughter, both of whom fill my heart with unbelievable love and make me smile when I think of them. I also have a very spoiled 12-year-old miniature long-haired dachshund, who is perhaps the best dog I’ve ever owned. There’s also a 2-year-old cat who likes to use my sofa to sleep on throughout the day.

Do you have a favorite recipe you can share with us?

Strawberry – Sour Cream Salad (Tammy Shuttlesworth)
Ingredients:
2 packages strawberry Jell-o2 cups hot water1 bag frozen strawberries2 ripe bananas (mashed)1 15 oz can crushed pineapple½ cup celery (chopped) optional½ cup nuts (chopped) optional1 pint sour cream (I sometimes only use ½ of the pint)
Directions:
Dissolve Jell-o in the 2 cups of boiling water, then add frozen strawberries. Stir for a few minutes to let the strawberries thaw.  Fold in mashed bananas, pineapple, celery, and nuts. Put half of the mixture in an 8x8 square pan (or Jell-o mold if you have one) and chill for 2 or 3 hours. Cover and leave the remaining mixture out on the counter. When first half of mixture is chilled, whip the sour cream; by hand is fine. Spread sour cream across the chilled portion, then pour on the remaining mixture.  Chill again until firm.  12 servings.


Omigarsh...that looks like it would be a family favorite at my house, too! Thanks for sharing the recipe and a little of yourself with us, Tammy. These are just a few of the reasons I know we'd get along great if we met in person. Someday, I hope we do! Thanks so much for letting us get to know you better, Tammy! You're the best...and I mean that!