FEATURED BOOK: CHRISTMAS BODYGUARD BY MARGARET DALEY

Someone's after wealthy Texan Slade Caulder's daughter. Desperate to keep her safe while he determines the motive, the widowed father hires a bodyguard for Abbey. A female bodyguard, with the training to protect the girl—and an understanding of a willful teenager who keeps trying to outsmart her. Elizabeth Walker is the perfect combination of caring and toughness for her job. But as the holidays approach, the stalker's threats escalate. And Slade finds himself willing to risk everything to keep his Christmas bodyguard by his side…forever.

FEATURED BOOK: HOLIDAY HAVOC BY TERRI REED AND STEPHANIE NEWTON

Yuletide Sanctuary by Terri Reed
A cry for help shatters youth counselor Sean Matthews's quiet Christmas night. He saves Lauren Curtis from her attacker—for now. But the vengeful man on her trail won't be held at bay for long….

Christmas Target by Stephanie Newton
She hadn't wanted the contest "prize" in the first place. But when police officer Maria Fuentes arrives for the holiday vacation she won, she finds much more than expected. Her "date"—handsome weatherman Ben Storm—is in danger, and Maria is the only protector he'll trust.

Steeple Hill Editor over at Seekerville

Terri Reed here, over at the Seekerville Blog my editor Emily Rodmell is a guest today. Here's the link. Stop on by to see what she has to say about Love Inspired books.
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com

FEATURED BOOK: SILENT PROTECTOR BY BARBARA PHINNEY

His life as a U.S. marshal was something Pastor Ian McNeal had left behind…until he's asked to care for little Charlie Troop. The boy witnessed a terrible crime and hasn't spoken since—except to his Auntie Liz, the one adult he trusts. Ian just wants to find the truth, something only Charlie can reveal. But Charlie isn't talking, and Liz is determined to protect Charlie against anyone who'd hurt, frighten or pressure him—including Ian. Yet with a killer dead set on making sure Charlie never speaks again, a protector like Ian is just what Liz and Charlie need.

FEATURED BOOK: PROTECTIVE CUSTODY BY LYNETTE EASON

Guarding witnesses? All in a day's work for deputy U.S. marshal Carly Masterson. Protecting the judge who was indirectly responsible for her mentor's death? That's another story. Still, she won't let harm come to Judge Nicholas Floyd, or the niece and nephew in his care. She's determined to do the job right, and not let her emotions take over—no matter how wonderful it feels to be accepted by the little family. Can she let go of the past and learn to trust again before danger finds them once more?

FEATURED BOOK: VANISHING ACT BY LIZ JOHNSON

Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley—and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father's shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side—right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he's wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

Heading to Orlando...

Well, not quite yet... That's not happening until the end of the month.

I'm Lisa Mondello and even though it's a few weeks away I'm getting really excited about attending the annual Romance Writer's of America conference in Orlando! I've visited Mickey several times in my life and have always enjoyed myself in Orlando. But this year will be different. I'll be going without family to spend some time with my writing family and friends, many who are on this blog, the Craftie Ladies of Romance blog and the Love Inspired Authors blog. I always have a great time and learn a lot from the Steeple Hill family of authors every year.

This year will be special in another way. A dear friend is up for the Golden Heart award and has invited me to enjoy the Rita and Golden Heart Awards with her. (Yes, that's you CJ!) I always have a lot of fun and leave the conference tired and fully charge to write.

Lyn Cote posted a nice update about what the Rita Awards are over at the Craftie Ladies of Romance blog so make sure you go over and check that out. AND check back here during the conference to get updates and pics of the Literacy Booksigning and what's happening with the Craftie Ladies.

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello

Having Your Book Come to Life on the BIG Screen...

Every writer dreams in movies. Well, I don't know about you but I do. All my story ideas come to me as if they've been filmed on location wherever they're set. I scout out locations to make sure my story is being set in the right place. As the puzzle writer, I write my scenes out of order as I see them play out in my head. I back up and reshoot scenes in my head as I'm writing to get things right.

As a novelist, I dream of one day having one of my books turned into a movie. But not all books are meant to be movies and not all books turn out the same when they're made into a movie. That's what I'd like to explore a little here.

With so much attention on the Twilight and Harry Potter craze, I hear people saying things like, "The book was so much better" or "I can't believe they changed my favorite character in the movie. He was so cool in the book." When I saw Lord of the Rings (A trilogy that I loved!) there'd been enough years (read many) since I'd read the story that a lot of the detail had become a blur to me. I wasn't upset by absences in the movie or changes that were made. But I sure heard some noise from others who were disappointed.

Think of a book that you've read that has been made into a movie. I'm thinking of The Horse Whisperer. Fantastic book and fantastic movie in my opinion. I won't give out any spoilers here, except to say that I thought the ending in the movie, which was different from the ending in the book, was much more satisfying.

That was a small change. What about a story with a big change. Meg Cabot spoke at the RWA Conference a few years back and talked about how when she wrote The Princess Diaries the dad has a large role in the story and the grandmother was very minor. Since the studio wanted Julie Andrews to play role of the grandmother, they needed to make her part bigger so they wanted to make the dad go away by having him die before the movie starts. Great fix. Get rid of dad. Swap lines. Julie's got a bigger part. I'll admit I didn't read the book. I only saw the movie. But my daughter read the book and although she enjoyed the movie, she thought it makes for a much different story with the dad being the one to guide Mia to throne.

Think of the books you've read that have been turned into movies. Which movies stayed true to the book and which ones differed greatly from the original story? Tell me about them and why you liked or disliked them.

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello

http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

Editor Blogs on Harlequin

Wow, Terri Reed here, my editor blogged on the Harlequin blog about the upcoming continuity series for Love Inspired. I wrote book two and will hit the shelves in August. This series is set in Alaska, with plenty of mystery running through all the books as well as tender love stories. This book was so much fun to write. And I have to say I love all the covers. They are so bright and vibrant.

And I know you will recognize all the authors!!

http://harlequinblog.com/

Killer Chocolate -- A Valentine Mystery (#13)

Part 13 by Cara C. Putman

Something in Rouen's voice stopped Lovey in her tracks. She followed him, almost blindly, as he helped her onto the ledge, but all she wanted to do was curl up in a corner with Cupid and pretend that everything had been nothing more than a terrible dream.

She shivered as her wet clothes soaked through to her skin. Cupid yowled in her arms, furious at being subjected to the water. Lovey clutched the cat more tightly, determined not to lose her feline friend as she'd lost her fiance and best friend. Though as she watched Rouen through her daze she wondered...what if she was wrong...what if he was Ryan returning to her like a phantom in the night. If he was, the man in front of her had five-years worth of explaining to do before she threw him off the ledge.

A hand grabbed her ankle, and Lovey screamed.

"Don't think you can get rid of me that easily." Athena pulled herself up next to them, shaking water logged hair from her eyes. Her hands were conspicuously empty, but her eyes held a venom that terrified Lovey. She wouldn't be surprised if her "friend" suddenly threw her from the ledge into the climbing water.

Rouen studied Athena, his body set on high alert.

"Give me that diamond." The words hissed from Athena's mouth.

Lovey stepped back until she felt sharp rock poke into her back. Maybe if she hid in the shadows that terrible woman would forget about her. She held her breath as she waited for Rouen's reply.

"You know I can't give it to you, Athena."

"Going to continue to play the game are you, Ryan? Well, I'm sick of it. This isn't the time to ride in like a white knight and save the day. If you haven't noticed we're all trapped."

Lovey stared at Rouen/Ryan. Yes, she'd begun to suspect but to learn the truth in such a manner. She didn't know whether to hug or beat the man. Ryan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, an apology hidden there. It would take more than a look to right the last five years.

Athena lunged at Ryan, grappling for the diamond he still clutched in his hand. Ryan fell to the ground as she beat at him, and then rolled on top of Athena. Lovey watched, a firm grasp on Cupid, and wondered if she should try to help. All she could do was kick and she was as likely to land a kick on Ryan as on Athena -- though at the moment she'd like to do a lot more than that to the man.

"Lovey, here. Take this." Ryan handed her the diamond. Athena took advantage of his momentary distraction to wriggle away from him. He lunged for her, but she side-stepped only to step right off the edge into the rushing water. Lovey screamed -- the sound richocheting off the rock walls.

Ryan grabbed her, clutching her to him. Cupid meowed a protest then snuggled in. "I'm so sorry, Lovey. This isn't how I wanted to tell you."

She sobbed against his jacket, savoring the feel of his hands brushing her hair. Being in his arms felt like a homecoming. Even after all the time that had passed.

Water brushed her toes, and she startled. "Ryan, we have to find a way out. The water's risen to our feet."

Reluctantly he stepped away from her. "See that slit up there. It's wider than it looks. It's how I got in here once before. If we can reach it, we can squeeze through."

He boosted her onto a rock and then took Cupid from her. Patiently, he told her how to find hand and foot holds until she reached the carved out hole and could shimmy out. Then he handed Cupid up to her and pulled himself out.

A moment later they stood staring at each other...

Killer Chocolate: A Valentine Mystery PART 12 Lisa Mondello

PART 12 - Lisa Mondello

As the grid disappeared, Rouen turned back and looked deeply in Lovey's terrified eyes. She looked up at him with eyes so vulnerable, yet strong and determined. And with such trust. It was if..

Did she truly not know that he was really Ryan? There was a moment when she'd uttered the date they were to be married 5 years ago that he wondered. The look on her face had brought him back to when she was his and they'd made plans for a lifetime together.

How could she have kissed him—even the brief kiss they'd shared—and not remember him? Rouen had shed his former identity 5 years ago when the Luxor Project had taken a turn for the worst and he realized that Creamer had betrayed everyone. He'd fooled everyone. But surely his Lovey would know him.

"Interesting that you just happened to have the combination to unlock the grid," Athena said. He'd almost forgotten about the gun Athena still had trained on Lovey. "All these years and I had the answer I was looking for right under my nose. I should have brought you here years ago, Lovey."

"How can you do this, Athena? I thought we were friends?" Lovey said, tears filling her eyes.

"Friends? Well, we had some laughs, sure. But there are more important things than friendship. Now walk on through ahead of me. If the information I uncovered in Egypt is correct, Ryan would have put the Luxor Diamond in this chamber. If you're lucky, it's still here."

"And if we're not?" Rouen said. Of course, he knew the Luxor Diamond was here. It was only recently that he deciphered the cryptic notes his partner had left him just before his death. There were five different places the Luxor Diamond could be. He'd checked 4 of them already. The last place was here.

"Silly me. I guess I'll be the only one who is lucky. You two will just be dead. Too bad Ryan isn't here to see me steal back the diamond he stole from me."

"Diamond? This is all about a diamond?"

"Keep moving," Rouen said quietly watching the two glowing lights meander toward Athena's back. "And stay behind me."

Athena's face showed twisted satisfaction as they slowly moved in the darkness of the chamber toward the platform where his partner stowed the artifacts Creamer and his cronies were selling for profit instead of giving them to the government. The platform was high enough that the water wouldn't reach it. All the artifacts were here, waiting for the time when Rouen had solid proof of Creamer and Athena's criminal dealings.

But there was only 1 piece that Athena and Creamer had been interested in. The Luxor Diamond, a 32 carat uncut diamond that when cut would be worth nearly 8 million dollars.

As he flashed the light onto the wall, the boxes of artifacts came into few.

"Which one is it? I know you know, Rouen. Ryan must have told you."

He knew. But only because of the description of the box his partner had left for him. His eyes immediately found the one brown leather box in the center of the shelf. His hands touched the dusty leather before flipping the lid open.

Lovey gasped when she saw the diamond nestled on blue crushed velvet. Even uncut, Rouen had to admit the stone was magnificent.

What should have brought hope and prosperity for the developing country that mined the diamonds, only brought despair when the riches were used for evil. Two key people on the project, his partners, had been mysteriously killed as well as their families. Everyone he was close to was in danger, especially Lovey.

How could he have married her and put her at risk? And for what? The chocolate diamond that would one day be cut and shine a brilliant canary yellow and be worth a fortune. Soon after his disappearance, Creamer had planted himself across the street from Lovey's chocolate shop and Athena had gone to work for Lovey. They were too close. They were watching her every move in the hopes that Lovey would lead them to Ryan.

That's when Ryan had become a ghost of the past and his fictitious twin brother was born as way for him to safely uncover the Luxor Diamond. And everything he'd wanted for himself…and Lovey was suddenly out of reach. If he'd contacted her to tell her the truth, she would have been used as a pawn to get to him. Only when he was able to deliver the diamond to the proper authorities and expose Creamer's criminal dealings would he and Lovey have a life together.

That is, if she'd still have him. After seeing her today, feeling her next to him, he prayed that she would. If they could make it out of the cave with Luxor, they had a chance.

"Out of my way," Athena snarled, snatching the diamond from the velvet box.

Just then, the glowing lights that had stealthy moved into the cave came into view. Only this time from above on the shelf. Cupid screeched and jumped onto Athena, scratching her face, startling her enough that she dropped the gun.

With Athena screaming in pain, Rouen grabbed the diamond from Athena's hand. Cupid whined and weaved around his feet as the sound of rushing water echoed in the cave.

"High tide?" Lovey asked. A rush of cold breeze blew Lovey's hair across her delicate face as a rush of water filled the floor of the cave and submerged them to their knees.

"We can't go back the way we came in," Rouen said. With the diamond in his hand, Rouen scooped Cupid up out of the water and handed her to Lovey. "Hold on to her tight. This is going to get rough. But I think I know a way out."

Taking Lovey by the hand he turned as a wall of water hit them in the back. He was able to climb onto the ledge and lift Lovey and Cupid up as well. The slice of light above was their only way out. It was either fight for life or die trying. Rouen knew one thing. He wouldn't lose Lovey again. He prayed with every fabric of his being that God would lead them out of the darkness and into the light before the tide swallowed them.

Things to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving

Hello from Lisa Mondello. I was going to talk about the Project Runway finale (I really do love looking at all those fashions!) but I find myself a little sidetracked today.

I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. You see, yesterday my agent called me to let me know that Steeple Hill is offering me another contract, this one for the Love Inspired line. I mean, how cool is that? I get to write the kind of books I love and I get paid for it!! Fly Away Home, a soldier's homecoming story, is scheduled to be released October 2010! By the way, that title most likely will change, so check back soon. I've very excited about this book because it'll be my first Love Inspired Contemporary.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. My December 2009 Love Inspired Suspense release, Yuletide Protector comes out next month! I'm really excited and feel blessed to be sharing the month's releases with Margaret Daley, Debby Giusti, Pamela Tracy and Ramon Richards, 4 amazing women who are part of the CRAFTIE Ladies of Suspense.

As Lenora Worth announced in her post the other day, some of the CRAFTIE Ladies will be participating in a short story. Each day for 8 days they'll be giving readers a new piece of the story. You won't want to miss this, so mark your calendars.

I know it's easy to get wrapped up in annoyances and worry about things that in the end really don't matter. It's easy to overlook the things that are important. My hope for all of you is that you stop and take a breath this Thanksgiving and enjoy time with your family and friends.
I know that's what I will be doing.

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello

A Tribute to Florence Case

A Tribute from Jessica Ferguson...
My sweet, sweet friend Florence Moyer (she wrote as Florence Case) has gone to be with the Lord. Flo was my RWA Chapter - Faith, Hope and Love friend. We never met, but oh, the love and encouragement she gave to me via email. Once when I was particularly low, she offered to read my proposal. That doesn’t happen very often—at least not in my little corner of the writing world. That’s how I knew Flo was a gift from God—she offered, I didn’t have to ask. And she told me that she didn’t often make that kind of offer but felt God connected us.

Flo was a former instructor for Writer's Digest School. She taught for them for 5 years, with over 300 students during that time, did critiquing of proposals and whole books for them in a separate section of the School and she also worked as a freelance critiquer for about seven years. She sold three secular historical romances and five Silhouettes, and two Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspenses. Melissa Endlich was her editor.

Flo and I often ‘talked’ about ideas from God and writing for God. She believed if an idea wouldn’t leave you alone, it must be important.

She told me: “If writing is your dream, please do not give up on it. I recently read that there are two ways to write as a Christian--to be called to it by God, and to just write and offer it as a gift to God. Isn't that something? I'm not sure which mine is. ”

Flo's friendship was special to me. She didn't rush through her posts or her explanations. She spent time composing just the right words and encouragement. Once I opened an email from her and read, “I DO NOT want you to lose your passion. So persevere, Jess. Write from the heart and your emotions. And don't give up. Flo"

Flo's gift wasn't only writing for God--it was encouraging others. I'm going to miss this very special lady and receiving her wise counsel. I pray she knew just how much I cherished her friendship.

Flo's last Love Inspired Suspense hit the stands in November. Let's honor her memory by buying Mistletoe and Murder. I know you won't be disappointed because her writing partner was God.


Comments from Missy Tippens…
Flo was a very special person and such an encourager. We emailed for the last year, spurring each other on in our deadlines and "racing" each other on work on proposals.

About a month before her death, I wrote to her to check in and told her about a rejection I'd had. When I found out that she wasn't doing well, I told her that any of my writing woes were trivial compared to what she was going through. And she wrote this back to me (yes, I saved her emails):

"But they weren't, and aren't!!! Your work is so important to God. I got to understand the difference between "knowledge of God" and "being saved in the heart" by reading a book. You could do that for someone someday!"

What an encourager who knew just the right thing to say. I'll miss her.

Terri Reed here. We would love to give a copy of Florence's book away. Please leave a comment. And if you've already had a chance to read Mistletoe and Murder, please let us know how you enjoyed it.

GIMME FIVE!!!!

By Debby Giusti

Want to know the five best things that happened to me at ACFW? Is so, read on…

1. Tina Colombo, AKA Tina James! Steeple Hill’s senior editor for the Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical line came to ACFW and was a true delight. Tina, who married this summer and thus the name change, is a beautiful, articulate, warm and endearing woman. In the sessions with Steeple Hill, she laid out the guidelines for the three Love Inspired lines and answered a myriad of questions with grace and poise. I learned so much and came away totally charmed by the lovely woman who leads the editing team for the books I write.

2. Charlene Patterson, Bethany House Editor! At dinner on Thursday, a lady slipped into the chair next to me. Wanting to get to know those I was sitting with, I asked what she wrote. Charlene Patterson smiled and said she was an editor. Of course, I apologized for not recognizing her, and then we continued to chat about the conference, books and writing in general. We had a wonderful discourse throughout our meal, and I was completely taken by her sweet sincerity. Bethany House authors have a gem in Charlene. I feel blessed to have shared the evening with her and hope we can reconnect at future ACFW functions.

3. My “other” blog is Seekerville, http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/, where 15 unpublished writers joined together for mutual support in 2005. Two years ago, we went public with the blog that now generates 6,000 visitors a month. For the first time in Seeker history, all 15 of us were together. Of course, we made the most of the conference with a Treasure Hunt for Seeker friends that will lead to a Treasure Chest of prizes in the upcoming weeks. We also met each evening to recap our conference highlights and catch up on Seeker news.

4. Friday night I returned from dinner with the Love Inspired Authors and found none other than best-selling Christian suspense author Ted Dekker in the hotel lobby surrounded by a gaggle of women. Knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I pushed my way (nicely, of course) through the crowd and asked if someone would take our picture. Ted’s a cutie. Who knew he was so young!!! I’m a fan and now even more so. He asked me which of his books I liked the best. With my love of the World War II era, I quickly answered, “Obsession.” Thanks, Ted, for making my ACFW conference experience so memorable.

5. Another ACFW joyful memory was spending more time with Pam. We sat together in a couple of workshops, shared a table at lunch and kept running into each other in the hotel. I was the one screaming the loudest when she won the Book of the Year!!! Way to go, Pam!!! We’re so proud of you!!!

I’ll be at Georgia Romance Writers’ Moonlight and Magnolia’s Conference this weekend. Hope to see some of you there!

Happy writing!!!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Watch for Debby’s December 8th release, CHRISTMAS PERIL!

Fierce Heroes...and their softer sides.

Everyone loves a strong hero (at least I do) and so to keep in our theme of March Madness: In like a lion and out like a lamb, I thought I'd talk about strong heroes and what brings them to their knees.

For instance, take Gil Waite, the hero in Her Only Protector. Being a bounty hunter lends itself to being pretty brave right from the get go. If you've ever seen those bounty hunter series on cable, then you know these guys (and gals) go into dangerous places in search of fugitives who are doing their best NOT to get caught. Sometimes with a gun pointed in their face for their troubles. I don't know that you could call them fearless, because let's face it, you're stupid not to fear the unknown where criminals are concern. But you'd definitely call them brave, ready to take on any challenge. That why many times you see these guys (and gals) out playing hard and getting dirty. They live on the edge.

Now, introduce a baby into their lives and this fierce lion turns to a little lamb. If you have any doubt, just look at the cover of Her Only Protector. In Her Only Protector, Gil is big and bad when he's after Cash Montgomery. But faced with Cash's sister Sonny and Cash's baby in tow and the fierce hunter turns into the fierce protector.

What is your favorite story of fierce hero turning to mush because of a woman and/or baby? I know there are many. Remember, if you leave a comment you'll be entered into our drawing to receive 4 Love Inspired Suspense books for March. (Leave an email address so we can contact you if you win!) And you can always order Love Inspired Books from Amazon.com using our link at the top of the page.

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello

Perfect Target Interview

Today we're welcoming Bayley Foster, the heroine of Perfect Target, by Stephanie Newton, a March 2009 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 had some problems with a stalker when I was in college. I thought that time in my life was over, but when creepy—and familiar—things started happening again, I realized the stalker was back.

2. So, during the book you met Cruse. What was your first impression? I’ve known a lot of cops and I thought Cruse was just like every other cop I’d ever known—overbearing, know-it-all, hyperprotective.
When did you know it was love? It wasn’t a big romantic gesture that opened my eyes, more of a quiet night after a really rough day. I realized things weren’t as complicated as I’d been trying to make them.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? I’m skilled at plumbing repairs, thanks to the internet! And I definitely have a weakness for a good cup of coffee.

4. What scares you? The thought of not being able to find enjoyment in life.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Oh, wow. That’s a tough one. But really, I wouldn’t change anything. I might make different decisions…but God made me the way I am for a purpose.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I know that God is trustworthy—He has brought me through some tough times in my life—but trusting other people is more difficult. When the stalker comes back into my life, it even gets hard to see God’s hand at work.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I’ve learned to trust Cruse and accept that God has a plan for both of us—together.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
I’ve spent a lot of my life being afraid. Psalm 27:1 tells me I don’t have to be—that I have a safe place to run to because the Lord is the stronghold of my life. I love that word stronghold. Can you imagine a safer place than that?

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
A white chocolate mocha with lots of whipped cream, of course!

Thank you Stephanie for sharing Bayley with us. She sounds like a strong and caring person. Can't wait to read this story!

March Madness

How often does it snow in Atlanta? Usually once a year. For 2009, the storm rolled in on Sunday, March 1, while my family and I were in church. We came out of the sanctuary to see big flakes falling like confetti from the sky, covering everything in sight.

The snow continued throughout the day. Temperatures that had been in the balmy mid-60s earlier in the week dropped below freezing as Mother Nature reminded Georgians spring wasn’t here yet.

She failed to tell the flowers. My front walk was lined with snow-tipped daffodils. Azalea bushes, red buds and Bradford pears were blanketed in white, and the pansies got a frosting. The last of the white stuff melted today, and we’re expecting warm temperatures by the end of the week.

March Madness? You bet! With a start like that, the rest of the month could be whirlwind. My first continuity is due on my editor’s desk March 15th. I’m into the rewrites and spending lots of time with my hero and heroine to get their act together on the written page. Lucky me, I'm honored to work with a fantastic lineup of Steeple Hill authors, including Craftie Ladies Margaret Daley, Barbara Phinney and Lenora Worth.

As soon as that manuscript is headed to New York, I’ll start working on YULE DIE, a Christmas suspense, which will be out in December as a two-in-one with Craftie Lady Margaret Daley. Again, lucky me!

Best of all, my son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first child any day now. Hubby and I are waiting for the phone call and the good news about our precious new grandbaby.

Hope your March is full of madness! The fun kind, of course.

Happy reading! Happy writing!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

eHarlequins 100,000 book challenge

We all read books. And I'll venture a guess that we all read A LOT of books. Why not take our passion for books and turn it into a great cause. As mentioned before on the CRAFTIE Ladies of Suspense blog, eHarlequin is having their 100,000 book challenge. You can read ANY book and post it to their forum in the eHarlequin community. Here's the link. http://community.eharlequin.com/book-challenge . Read a book from January 2008-December 2008, post it on the eHarlequin forum, and the book counts toward the total 100,000 books. When eHarlequin reaches that amazing number, they will donate 100,000 books to National Foundation for Family Literacy. It's a great cause and easy to help doing something we're already doing. I must admit I have not been good about participating in this great program, but I'm heading over there and posting some great books I've read over the last couple of weeks. And I give you the same challenge! If you've read any books at all, check out the link http://community.eharlequin.com/book-challenge and participate in the 100,000 book challenge. Remember, you can also leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win all 4 Love Inspired Suspense books for August, including my book, Her Only Protector, which is now available in stores and on eHarlequin. Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello