Secrets of the Secret Service

Terri Reed here and I'm watching this really interesting show on the Discovery Channel all about the Secret Service: the weapons, the technology and protecting the president.

So fascinating to hear how the Secret Service protected President Bush during 9/11. AirForce One became the White House. They were airborne for nine hours with two stop at top secret air force bases before returning to Washington DC.

During that time the president couldn't address the country because AirForce One wasn't set-up for it. Now it is.

In 1989, a gunman stood outside the White House gates and shot at a man in a suit that the assailant thought was President Clinton. The man got off 29 shots before being taking down by bystanders. I hadn't heard about this.

While President Truman was in office, an assignation attempt resulted in one

agents death.

I found this great website while I was researching my July release, The Innocent Witness.

Check it out http://www.funtrivia.com/en/World/US-Secret-Service-18594.html

Next up on the Discovery Channel is Secrets of SEAL Team 6. Perfect timing for one of the books I'm currently working on. I've got the DVR set up ready to record.

Though so sad on the heels of the tragic deaths of so many SEALS this week. My prayers are with the families of our fallen heros.

Virtual Book Tour

Hi, Terri Reed here and I'm doing something I've never done before. A Virtual Book Tour. Below are the dates and the name of the blogs I'll be visiting. If you have a moment to stop by I would so appreciate it. I'll be giving away a $25 Visa gift card to one randomly drawn commenter.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

7/5/2011: Book Junkie http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com

7/6/2011: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

7/7/2011: A Chick Who Reads http://achickwhoreads.blogspot.com

7/8/2011: Me, My Muse, and I http://jennifershirk.blogspot.com

7/11/2011: Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com

7/12/2011: Marianne Arkins http://www.reading-writing.blogspot.com

7/13/2011: Black Velvet Seductions Reader's Blog http://www.blackvelvetseductions.com/readers_blog

7/14/2011: Ryshia Kennie's - Once Upon A Time...http://ryshia.blogspot.com

7/15/2011: Theresa Stillwagon http://tstillwagon.wordpress.com

7/18/2011: The Cottage Bookshelf http://thecottagebookshelf.blogspot.com

The Innocent Witness Interview

Today we're welcoming, Vivian Leigh Grant from THE INNOCENT WITNESS by Terri Reed a July 2011 release.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I’m the wife of a senator who has

recently declared his intent to run for the presidency. I have one child whom I love dearly and would move heaven and earth to protect, which is what set my son, Mikey, and me on the run for our lives. I found my estranged husband murdered and my son was the only witness to the crime. Now the killer wants us both dead.

2. So, during the book you met Anthony Car

lucci. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Anthony is a ex-Secret Service agent turned bodyguard hired by my father to protect Mikey

and me. I have to be honest and

say I didn’t think too much of Anthony at first. I thought he’d led the bad guys to us and I doubted his skill to keep us alive. But he risked his life over and over again to protect us both and somewhere along the way I realized I’d fa

llen in love with my bodyguard. I really had n

o intention of ever going down that path again, but God had o

ther plans when he brought Anthony into my life.

2. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? My strength and my weakness is my love for my son

4. What scares you? The thought of anything h

appening to Mikey.

5. If you could change one thing

about yourself, what would it be?

I would be bolder. I allowed too many people to dictate my life.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’ve had to rely on my strength to help me with my lovel

ess marriage and with my son’s autism. Without God’s mercy and grace I don’t think I could have coped.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? When all was said and done, my faith was stronger because I had to really trust in the Lord in a way I’ve never had to before. I had to give up any semblance of control and put all my faith in God.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.

Psalms 46:1 reminds me that no matter what this world throws at me, God is my refuge and my strength.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? I would be Crème Brule. The outside is hard and pretty b

ut inside is a soft center that is very pleasing.

Look for more interesting facts about The Innocent Witness

FEATURED BOOK: THE INNOCENT WITNESS BY TERRI REED

Faith sustained Vivian Grant through her horrible childhood and loveless marriage, but how much more can she take? Her husband has been killed. Her autistic son is the only witness. And someone is twisting the evidence to place the blame on her. Viv has no one to trust—and danger is closing in.A failed protection detail cost former Secret Service agent Anthony Carlucci his job—and his self-confidence. He's not going to fail anyone under his care again. Anthony will risk anything to keep Viv and her son safe…including his heart.

Birthdays-How do you celebrate?

Terri Reed here and yesterday was my birthday. My husband and I went away for the weekend to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary, which was May 28th-we've been married 23 years. We didn't travel far, just up the mountain to Hood River where we stayed at the beautiful, historic Hood River Hotel. It was 1st Friday, which means the town was hopping as all the stores stayed open late and venders and musicians lined the street. We had a wonderful dinner at a Japanese Restaurant and then walked around town. Saturday we went for a hike along Eagle Creek trail. Saw spectacular views, waterfalls and flora. It was as rare sunny day here in Oregon.

Then we danced the night away at a friends party. It was a beautiful weekend. And yesterday my family took me to PF Chang's for dinner.

How do you celebrate your birthday?

Coming in July the first book in my new series, The Innocent Witness.

Carrie Underwood sings

Terri Reed here, hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and enjoyed our Easter story last week.

The other day someone shared with me this link to Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill singing How Great Thou Art. I thought I'd share with you in case you haven't seen it. It brought tears to my eyes. I love her voice. I love that God was praised in such a sweet and beautiful way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk

The Great Easter Bunny Heist--part Five by Terri Reed

Richard placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “Are you sure it was Mrs. Candy?”
Ellie felt branded by his touch. Every nerve ending tingled. She grew dizzy staring into his unfathomable gray eyes. How could he still have this effect on her even after all this time? It just wasn’t right. She was over him. Her heart had healed and she’d built a life without him. She was doing just fine. Wasn’t she?
She swallowed and shook her head, not sure of anything. “It was her car. But I didn’t actually see her.”
“Come on, she may have been kidnapped!” Richard grabbed Ellie by the hand and pulled her toward the front door.
Stumbling behind him, she asked, “Where are we going?”
“We’ve got to follow that car! Keys?”
She tossed him the keys to her car and she slid into the passenger seat. Tires squealed as Mrs. Candy’s bright red Cadillac fishtailed around the corner at the end of the block and disappeared.
Richard gunned the engine and stomped on the gas. Ellie grabbed the dashboard and held on for dear life. She sent up a prayer of protection as Richard drove her little yellow VW bug like a professional street racer, whizzing through the normally quiet neighborhoods of Hopper’s Cove, eliciting startled glances from her friends and neighbors. She'd have some pretty explaining to do come Sunday morning at the Hopper's Cove Community Church.
“There!” Ellie pointed just as Mrs. Candy’s big caddy roared through the town square, barely missing Mr. Ambrose crossing the street, and headed toward the docks at the edge of town.
A horn blared. Richard slammed on the brakes. Ellie pitched forward as the car screeched to a halt inches from the smiling face of a cow painted on the side of a local dairy milk truck.
Richard slammed his palm on the steer wheeling. “We’ve lost them!”
The truck ambled out of the way.
“Go, go!” Ellie urged once the path was clear. “To the docks.”
Richard threw her a grin and hit the gas. “That’s my Ellie!”
She sucked in a breath. His? No, not his. Not now, not ever. So why did her heart leap just a little at the thought? Was there more to his returning to Hopper’s Cove than just a stolen egg?

Rain, rain go away

Terri Reed here, do you remember that saying, rain, rain go away, come again another day?

I sure wish the rain would go away but I don't want it back. At least not any time soon. I know it's wishful thinking. After all, I live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains more often than not. When I'm working on a book, I don't mind the rain because I'm at my computer. Though the rest of the time I sure could use a bit of sunshine.

And even though it's April, its still cold out which is perfect for hot, delicious soup.

My friend Andrea does a cooking blog inspired2cook and she posted a wonderful sounding soup recipe yesterday

http://www.inspired2cook.com/2011/04/03/asian-dumpling-soup/

I hope you enjoy the recipe and Andrea's site.

Coming in July

The Innocent Witness

Book 1 of the Protection Specialist

Summer Plans

Hi, Terri Reed here, my family and I are planning a trip late this summer for London and then the Ukraine. The London portion will be for sightseeing. I love cities and I'm sure I'll love London. The kids are excited to see castles, Big Ben and Stonehenge. I'm still trying to figure out a place to stay. If anyone has suggestions for a family on a budget, send them along.

Our trip to the Ukraine will be a mission trip. We'll we helping to put on art day camps for children in three different villages. We're going through Good Samaritan Ministries. If you think about it, please pray God will bless our trip and let us be a blessing to those we come in contact with.

MacBook Pro

Terri Reed here, sweating bullets. My PC was dying a slow death so my husband bought me a MacBook Pro. We've slowly been migrating in the direction of Mac for the last year. But there is still a learning curve. Which isn't the best thing for a writer in the middle of a deadline, but I'm getting the basic down so that I can get this book done. I'm working on a new series titled Protection Specialists. A group of bodyguards are the main protagonists. The first in the series will be out in July 2011, The Innocent Witness. I'm writing the second book now, The Secret Heiress which will be a January 2012 release. Say a prayer for me that I meet my deadline and learn how to use my new computer successfully.

Have a great day!

Keeping Guard Interview

Today we're welcoming Kylie Summers, the heroine of Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt, a February 2011 release.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
My name is Kylie Summers. I have a cooking show on a local TV station back in Kentucky. Cooking for other people is like sharing part of my life with them. I love nothing more than coming around the table with other people to share food and stories. About six months ago, I began receiving threats on my life from someone. The problem is that I’ve never seen this person’s face, so he could be anyone. It’s gotten serious enough that I left my home to take refuge with my brother’s best friend in Virginia. I’m working in his restaurant and living in an extra apartment above the kitchen.

2. So, during the book you met Nate Richardson. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Nate came across as really gruff to me initially. I couldn’t imagine spending one hour with him, nonetheless weeks! But Nate’s a bit like a roasted marshmallow. He’s tough on the outside, but so sweet on the inside. I knew I loved him when he put his own life in danger in order to save me. He’s quite guarded with his heart, but once he lets you into his life, he’s protective, loyal and faithful.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m great in the kitchen. I also love people and I love organizing things. My greatest weakness is that I’ve been letting other people boss me around for far too long. It’s time to start making my own decisions now, and to take control of both my life and my career.

4. What scares you?
Besides the mad man trying to kill me? I’d have to say that being alone scares me—not in the temporary sense, but in the grand scheme of things. Life is so much sweeter when we surround ourselves with people who care about us… much like a brownie tastes ten times better when covered in chocolate, ice cream and whip cream!
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t be the youngest in my family. I tend to get babied quite a bit.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I had lymphoma as a teenager and the disease strengthened my faith in God at the time. But after remission, I began asking questions to God like: Why me? Why when I was so young? What did I do wrong to deserve that disease? Eventually, I simply started going through the motions of Christianity, but my relationship with God wasn’t really there.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I’ve realized that circumstances can’t determine who I am. I have to let God take charge of my life, and let my faith strengthen me instead of using life circumstances as an excuse for doubt.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
The Scripture is Psalms 25:20 which says, “Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.” God does watch over our lives, even when we feel like He’s absent. We’re the ones who take steps away from God, never the opposite. We must cling to God in the hard times, trusting that He’s indeed guarding over our lives.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I’d have to say bananas foster. Why? Because before the dessert reaches it’s full potential, it has to be set on fire. I’d definitely say that I had to go through the fire in order to be refined!

Christy will bless a commenter with a book. Please leave an email address for Christy to contact you.


Christy Barritt has two new romantic suspense novels coming out in 2011: Keeping Guard and The Last Target. She’s also the author of the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series, which follows the adventures of crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire. When Christy’s not working on her books, she writes articles for various publications and leads worship at her church. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two young sons and a houseplant named Martha. When Christy has some free time, she enjoys… who’s she kidding? She never has free time! And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.

Everything by Lifehouse

Terri Reed here on a gloomy Tuesday. Outside my office window the sky is gray and drizzly. In front of me is my computer, waiting for words that aren't coming so easily today. See, I'm in the middle of a deadline and I'm feeling the pressure. I can't work in silence, so I fired up my daughter's ipod. Everything by Lifehouse qued up first. The song starts out soft and gentle but builds to a cresendo. As I listened, I could feel my spirits lifting, my energy reviving and my creativity stirring.
Click on the link below and when the music starts, close your eyes and listen. I hope you'll be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjDojEOiMcE&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=MLGxdCwVVULXeWOEdMBAgr_2ejvnWg_dFW

Turbulence Interview

Today we're welcoming Maddie Lambert, the heroine of Turbulence, a February LIS novel by Dana Mentink. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I was boarding a flight to deliver a Berlin Heart, an experimental artificial device, to my father who was injured in the same crash that killed my nieces. The doctor who treated the girls was my fiancé, Paul Ford whom my father and I blamed for letting my nieces die.

2. So, during the book you encountered Paul Ford again. Tell us a bit about him/her. I was completely in shock to discover Paul on board the plane. I believed at one time that Paul was my soul mate. Until the day of the accident I thought he was the best trauma doctor in the world. Then things fell apart, too much grief,too much blame, and we broke up. After surviving the plane crash and fighting for survival against a man who wanted us dead, I let go the anger I’ve been carrying around and Paul came to terms with his guilt. We found our way back to each other with the Lord’s help.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? I’m proud and stubborn which is both a strength and weakness. I’m compassionate, especially about children, and ferociously devoted to my father and sister.

4. What scares you? Losing my father or sister.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would become more humble.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? Enraged at God for taking my nieces.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Accepting of the loss and able to trust God that he uses all things for the good.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. The scripture is Proverbs 3:3-4. It talks about how we need to keep God’s kindness and truth close to us always, in spite of the traumas and tragedies we experience.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I would be fresh fruit, wholesome, refreshing and a little tangy too.

Thank you Dana for sharing Maddie with us today. Sound like an exciting read!
For a chance to be blessed with one of Dana's book's leave a comment and your email address for her to contact you.

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two girls (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear works for the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.
Dana is a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her October release, Betrayal in the Badlands, has been nominated for a 2010 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.
She spent her college years competing in speech and debate tournaments all around the country. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching Sunday school and working in second/third grade combination class. Mostly, she loves to be home with her family, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle and a quirky parakeet.
Dana loves to hear from her readers via her website (www.danamentink.com) or her Facebook reader page

Daughter of Texas Interview

Today we're welcoming Corinna Pike , the heroine of Daughter of Texas, by Terri Reed, a January 2011 release.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
I'm a ballerina by profession and I also teach dance to children at a women's shelter. As the daughter of a Texas Ranger I’ve known since I was old enough to comprehend that my father’s job held great danger but he did everything he could to shield me from the nastier side of life. But he couldn’t protect me from finding him murdered in our family home. The villain that killed my father now wants me dead too!

2. So, during the book you met Ben Fritz. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
My father brought Ben home when I was twelve and Ben was nineteen. He was a punk, headed down the wrong side of the law when my father decided to bring Ben under his wing. I resented Ben from the get-go. Here was the son my dad always wanted. Dad groomed Ben to become a Ranger like himself. I didn’t see much of Ben as I grew older. But when my dad was murdered, Ben became my self-appointed protector. I just wanted him to find the killer, but Ben wanted to keep me safe forcing us to be together. As I got to know Ben, I realized how good hearted and honorable he was, just like my father! But Ben also had a way of making me feel special that really captured my heart.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m my father’s daughter, which is my greatest strength and my greatest weakness. Hiding from danger, letting the bad guy win was not an option, much to Ben’s frustration. I didn’t make it easy for him to protect me.

4. What scares you? Losing the ones I love. My mom died when I was young. Then my dad. I don’t know if I could take losing Ben.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d be more open with my feelings. I tend to isolate for fearing of being hurt.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’m angry at God for allowing my mother to die of cancer. I prayed and prayed for her to become well, but she didn’t. I turned my back on God. My father never did. And yet, he was murdered. I didn’t understand why God would allow that.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Ben helped me see that God loves me and that sickness is a part of the human condition. My mother was healed, in heaven. As for my dad’s murder, a human being did that, not God. God gives up free will. Sometimes I wish He didn’t, but I know God wants us to choose to love Him.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4
I like this verse because it’s active. For me delighting in God means praying, reading the Bible, listening for Him wisdom. Then God is active by giving us the desires. I don’t think this means, He asks like a genie and will grant us wishes, but rather He will place in our hearts desires that are to our benefit. Just like He placed love for Ben in my heart. I never would have wished to fall in love with Ben, but God knew we needed each other.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
Tiramisu because it’s rich with layers both delicate and strong, just like me. Plus, it’s my favorite dessert.

Terri Reed will be sending one lucky commenter a copy of Daughter of Texas-so please leave an email address so she can contact you.

FEATURED BOOK: DAUGHTER OF TEXAS BY TERRI REED

Texas Ranger Ben Fritz would give his life to protect Corinna Pike. After all, she's his captain's beloved daughter—and the only witness to her father's murder. When the assassin targets Corinna, Ben dedicates himself to her safety…while keeping his distance. The beautiful ballerina deserves better than a rough-and-tough ranger. Yet Corinna refuses to ignore the draw between them, just as she refuses to give in to fear as danger grows. Ben will need her courage—and love—to guide him through the line of fire when the killer strikes again.

For Women Only

Terri Reed here and I wanted to share a book with you that has helped me not only in my marriage but in my writing. In this book the author has interviewed men from all walks of life and has shared the eye opening results with the reader. If you've ever wondered what's going on inside your guys head, read this book.

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

http://www.shaunti.com/BooksStudies/ForWomenOnly/AbouttheBook/tabid/168/Default.aspx

Danger on Her Doorstep Interview

Today we're welcoming Gideon Bromley, the hero of Danger on Her Doorstep, by Rachelle McCalla, January 2011. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

An old friend of mine called me up to tell me he’d found something suspicious—that I wouldn’t believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. Twenty minutes later I arrived at the old Victorian home he was working on and found him dead on the floor with his pockets turned out. I have no idea why he may have been killed or what the suspicious item was that he wanted me to see—but I believe it may be somewhere in that old house.

2. So, during the book you met Maggie Arnold. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Maggie’s father is the man I found dead. She’d returned to Holyoake after years away hoping to settle her father’s estate. But before she can unload the house he died in, it has to be returned to a habitable state. That’s where I come in. I’m going to help Maggie fix up the house—and hopefully discover who killed her father, and why.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I’m a pretty clever handyman when it comes to fixing up the house. But I can’t forgive myself that Glen Arnold died in this house—and that I didn’t get there in time to save him.

4. What scares you?

Whoever killed Glen Arnold is still out there. Strange things have been happening around the house—like someone is trying to scare us away. My biggest fear is that something will happen to Maggie. I failed to save her father. How could I live with myself if I fail her, too?
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had the kind of faith Maggie has. I got a Bible from her father years ago, and I’d like to learn more about faith, but I don’t want to look foolish in front of Maggie.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

It worries me that Maggie thinks God can protect her. God didn’t protect Glen, did he?

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

God really can protect us—if we trust Him. I’ve learned to trust God, and that makes me feel a lot better about the future.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Glen Arnold marked this verse from Psalm 127:1 in the Bible he gave me. For a long time, I thought it was about building houses. But then God opened my eyes to see the true meaning—that it’s not just about a physical building, but a household, a family. I want to have a Godly family, and I want Maggie to be a part of that.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Chocolate lasagna. I have a lot of layers.

MISSING INTERVIEW

Today we're welcoming Lacey Gibson, the heroine of MISSING by Lynette Eason, released January 2011.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

Indeed I have. It’s amazing how you can plan everything so carefully and then life throws you a curveball like you never imagined.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I’m Lacey Gibson, a mom first and graphic designer second. My fifteen year old daughter, Bethany, and I just moved back here to Spartanburg, SC. I was a teenage mother. My father was a strict, hardnosed man with a congregation that wouldn’t understand the pastor’s daughter turning up pregnant. So, they sent me off to a home for unwed mothers. Yes, they still have those. I had my baby and carved a life for us, barely scraping by, but we made it. With God’s help and the help of the people He put in our paths. Before long, I knew I needed to move home and take care of things from the past. One of those things was to make amends with my parents. Unfortunately, just as we started doing that, Bethany disappeared.

2. So, during the book you met MASON STONE. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love? Mason was my first love back in high school. In fact, you know those things from the past I moved home to take care of? Well, Mason was one of them. He’s Bethany’s father only he doesn’t know it. Somehow, I’ve got to find the courage to tell him about her. And beg his forgiveness for waiting so long to do so.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? Strengths? I’m a bulldog. I get my mind set on something and you might as well not bother trying to get me to change it. Which can also be a drawback, a weakness. Stubbornness gets me in trouble a lot.

4. What scares you? Life sometimes. I get overwhelmed, wondering if I’m doing enough, if I’m a good enough mother. It’s hard raising a teen alone and I’m scared I’m going to mess her up permanently.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would learn how to ask for help. It’s so hard for me to do that because I’ve been on my own for so long.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’m a relatively new Christian who wants to do what God wants even when I don’t understand why He’s telling me to do something.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Still a new Christian, but definitely a stronger one. One who’d faith was tested—and came out true. I learned God is exactly who He says He is.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. “My Son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke 15:31-32. I’ve always loved the parable of the prodigal son. The child who took his inheritance, squandered it, and then returned home willing to be a slave in his father’s house if only he could live there once again. Instead, his father welcomed him home and threw a party for him. In MISSING, Bethany was making a lot of bad choices. One of those choices put her in a bad position and even played a role in her best friend’s death to a small degree. However, while she wasn’t necessarily a prodigal, she was a lost child trying to find her way home again. When she finally did, she found out how truly special she really was in the sight of her parents and her Lord and how much they loved her.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Anything chocolate because everyone LOVES chocolate.


Thank you Lynette for sharing Lacey with us today. This sounds like an exciting story!

What I Hope For in 2011 and beyond

Hi, Terri Reed here on New Year's Day. I don't usually do resolutions or goals necessarily. They are too easily broken. At least for me.

So I will look to the future with hope through faith. The Bible says in Hebrews 11 that Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

My hope for 2011 and beyond is (in no particular order) to see old friends and meet new friends, to be healthy, to realize and act upon opportunities to help others, to love with all my heart and to trust the Lord in everything. I hope for God's blessing on my family and our fiances. I hope to write books that touch hearts and bless God.

What do you hope for the future?

YULETIDE DEFENDER Interview

Today we're welcoming Rachel Long, the heroine of Yuletide Defender, by Sandra Robbins, releasing December 2010.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I’m a newspaper reporter for the Lake City Daily Beacon, and I’ve been writing about the murder of gang members in our town. The police thought it was rival gangs trying to kill each other off, but that all changed when I received a tip from a confidential source. He said he’d witnessed one of the murders, and it wasn’t committed by a gang member. He believed there was a vigilante who had committed the murders in hopes of sparking an all-out gang war. Of course this story was too good to pass up, and I soon found myself following every lead which led to my becoming the target of the vigilante.

2. So, during the book you met Matt Franklin. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

When I first met Matt, I thought he was so handsome, and his clothes looked like they were very expensive. He could very well have passed for a fashion model instead of a police detective. It took me a while to realize the feeling I had for him was love. When the vigilante ran my car off the road and it sank in the lake, I knew I loved him and wanted to see him again.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I am dedicated to my work, and I love my family. I realize that someday my special needs sister is going to be my responsibility, and I’ve been very frugal. I save my money because I know it takes a lot to provide her with the things she needs.
As for a weakness, I’m afraid to trust men. My father deserted us when my sister was born, and every boy I ever brought home to meet my mother dropped me after they met my sister. I didn’t think Matt would be any different, but he was.
4. What scares you?

It scares me to think I may not be able to provide for my sister.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be less cynical about people and why they do things. I suppose being a reporter and dealing with my father’s rejection of his family has left me afraid to trust people.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

My mother always made me go to church. When I got out on my own, I drifted away from God. At the beginning of the story, I believed in Him, but I didn’t see any need for Him in my life.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

It was only through God’s protection that I survived the attempts on my life, and it was only because of God’s love that Matt came into my life. At the end of the story my life is recommitted to Him.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
The scripture is: And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalms 9:10.
Even though I had ignored God for years, He had never given up on me and hadn’t forsaken me. When I needed Him most, He was there to provide protection and love. When I realized that, I put my complete trust in Him.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

I think I’d be a chocolate chip cookie. I think of them as a comfort food, and I want to be a comfort to my family, especially my sister. Some chocolate chip cookies are baked soft while others have a harder texture. I want my words and actions to be soft and inoffensive to others, but I want to have a tough streak that is willing to stand against wrongs and injustices. And like the chocolate chips that are hidden in the cookie, I think I have great morsels of love hidden inside me just waiting to be given to the person God has for me.


Sounds like a great read! Thank you Sandra for sharing Rachel with us.