Robin Shope's Valentine Edition Spotlight!

I love it when we have characters come to visit with us. Robin Shope creates some of the most interesting women characters I have read lately. Her newest heroine Jody in Valentine Edition. A few months ago I spotlighted her first Turtle Creek novel Christmas Edition.


Both of these books are stand alone but it is fun to be reunited with characters from past novels. I read Valentine Edition first as a PDF which I rarely do but I fell in love with the characters and the story and continued to stare at the computer screen until I was finished reading it. I loved it more than the first.

If you want to win a copy details are at the bottom of this post.






Read my interview with Robin here.
Lets take a little time to get to meet Jody and learn a little more about who she is.





Jody, tell us a little about yourself. I am a city girl through and through. Give me green latte's at Starbucks and I will be your best friend. My life has been, well, complicated. Sometimes easy but not always happy. Maybe my life has been a lot like yours. First off, my dad left my mom and I. Nothing new to happen these days. It was awful just the same. I don’t think I ever got over that broken trust. It has colored all of my relationships.


My mom remarried when I was a teen. He's nice enough. We're just strangers. My step dad doesn’t get me. Okay, enough sad stuff. I love to meet new people and I am adventuresome. Maybe that is what made me apply for the job at The Turtle Creek Newspaper in Wisconsin. Once I actually got out into the country, I wanted to head back to the city. Maybe I would have if it hadn't been for that pitiful dog in the road I had to rescue.



What is the craziest thing you have ever done? The craziest thing I ever did took place in college. Lizzie and I sat up late eating popcorn and watching a documentary on how the Rocky Mountains were formed. Spring break started the very next day.


Lizzie and I looked at one another and just like that we packed the car and headed west on the spur of the moment. We slept at a youth hostel in Greeley, met a lot of fun people and took lots of pictures.


If Robin were to describe you what would she say? She'd say I was reflective, fun and creative. But it's hard for me to say no. and at times, it's hard to express my true feelings. Growing up, my mother always warned me never to hurt anyone's feelings, put myself last. That advice has made me stumble. Even though I would never dream of hurting anyone, if someone is doing something that isn't right, I have the tendency to back away instead of standing up against it.

Path of least resistance is not always a good road to take. We only have one life and it's important to live it purely. And we need to know our limitations. Sometimes we have to say no. Oh boy, I feel like I am rambling a bit. Sorry.




What do you wish Robin had done differently for you? It's hard to grow and to change. Robin forced that on me. I also wish I had known what Della was up to -- what her plans for getting rid of me were. It's hard to believe someone would be so diabolical. Evil. I don’t like conflict and I sure had my share of it in the book, but it taught me forgiveness.



What do like best about Turtle Creek, Wisconsin? Josh! I am still trying to get used to the quiet, the philosophy that things can be done tomorrow rather than today, the laid back lifestyle. I am sure people live longer because of it, but I want things taken care of yesterday. So I like Josh the best about Turtle Creek. He has taught me a lot about patience and what love really is.

Who was the biggest influence in your life? My dad had the greatest influence in my life. I thought we had this special connection that was unstoppable, unbeatable. When I looked into his face, I could see the love there that he had for me. I trusted him. I felt protected. One day all that went away and never came back.


Could you please describe in your own words the good Dr. Josh Thomas? Josh is handsome, tall, smart, articulate, strong, kind, tender, filled with faith and honest. I still do worry at times, that there is another side to him that will surface at the worst possible , moment. I mean, is love really forever? I guess that is where faith and trust comes. Josh is the kind of guy every girl dreams of marrying. He listens. Watches. Cares about my feelings and does his best to give me happy surprises.


What is the most difficult thing you faced coming to Turtle Creek? The hardest thing is lack of technology at the newspaper. It really hampers what we could do and create. It's like we are in this time warp. And everyone seems oblivious to the possibilities that comes with being updated.
It's also hard living in an apartment where I can't use my cell and there's no internet connection - not even dial up. Being in the news business, it's important to keep stride. Turtle Creek is almost like that movie, Brigadoon, everyone is old fashioned and happy to be so.


What would you have wanted your author to have done differently in the novel? It would have been nice to experience my wedding day. I still wonder what my dress is like and what kind of flowers I pick to carry in my bouquet. However, my author is working on The Easter Edition and it should be out spring 2010. I happen to have inside information that some of my questions will be answered. But the book isn't about me, although I am in it.


Any good tidbits about your author you feel led to share? My author, Robin Shope, is currently finishing up a murder mystery that takes place in Chicago. Talk about issues, those people have them. Robin Shope also has started two other romance books. One takes place in Freedom, Wisconsin…and the other takes place in Verona, Texas. However, her book, Wildcard, will be out this spring, late April 2009. That is a wonderful mystery with plenty of romance to keep everyone satisfied.


So tell us, what do you see for your future in say, five years? Josh and I will be married. The question is, how many children will we have by then. How many horses will there be in the stable, how many inches of snow will have fallen in Turtle Creek, and how many times will I have slid off the icy road? I also plan on bringing the newspaper into this century with all the modern technology it needs. Josh and I are active in our church and we are working on building a youth group. And new people come daily to town. Some need to be kept an eye on. Like that new assistant pastor.


What do you do to unwind and relax? Josh and I go fishing.


If you would like to win a copy of Robin's newest book and learn even more about Jody and her life in Turtle Creek please leave a comment with an email addy so I can contact you if you win. As always you can earn extra entries. I changed it up a bit for this drawing so be sure to check out the other ways to earn extra entries.

Daily Question: Well, since this book is all about Valentine tell me either your worst or best Valentine experience.

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.

1 extra entry- visit Robin's site here and tell me one interesting thing you saw on her site you can even leave her a comment letting her know she had a visitor.

1 extra entry-send a friend to Write by Faith. Make sure they tell me who sent them.

1 extra entry-Be a subscriber to this blog

1 extra entry- follow me! or twitter me "writebyfaith"

Spotlight on Michelle Griep's wonderful characters

What a treat we have today!! I was able to secure a much sought after interview with Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore Castle. He is the hero in Gallimore and what is so incredible about this inteview is we had to bring Colwyn into the future to learn more about him.

But before we do lets have Michelle Griep the author of Gallimore tell us a little about her wonderful character Colwyn Haukswyrth.

Here’s a short teaser on him:

Colwyn Haukswyrth, as cold and unfeeling as the armor he wears, is a knight who has one focus in life—himself. The product of a family rooted in hatred and greed, he never understood the significance of forgiveness. Until he meets Jessica Neale. More vexing and irksome that any wench he’s ever encountered, this provoking bit of a woman teaches him what genuine love is. . . a lesson he’ll take with him to the grave.


Are you a person who loves the secrets and surprises or do you want to know what is hidden in the packages under the tree?

I know naught of packages and trees, but secrets abound in castle corridors, especially during the long, dark nights surrounding winter’s solstice. ’Tis generally best to avoid that which is hidden, for the holy light of a Christ child is nowhere to be found on Gallimore grounds.

Wow!!!

What is the best Christmas present you ever received?

A gift well worth savoring was when my brother, the Earl of Gallimore, journeyed far and away, and was kept from returning by weather turned wicked and foul. ’Twas said of that winter that none ever so cold had been seen, the hoarfrost coating e’en the insides of hearths. Though chilblains accosted me and food was scarce, the absence of my brother warmed my soul.

I am not sure what to say in response to that Colwyn.

Are there any foods that you only have a Christmas dinner? Could you please share a family favorite recipe?

Gingerbread. Laugh and my blade will end any further capacity for your mirth in the future. The Gallimore kitchens don’t easily give out their secrets, but with a little persuasion, the cook’s lips were loosed.

“Seethe and skim a quart of honey. Throw thereon saffroun and powdered pepper. Take grated bread and make it so stiff that it will be leched. Dust over with cinnamon powder. Shape it square as though thou wouldst slice it. After thou slicest it, cast box leaves above, stuck thereon in cloves. And if thou will have it red, color with saunders.”

I promise I will not laugh. I happen to love gingerbread too although I have never had it quite the way you are suggesting.. What traditions do you hold most dear?

The twelve day battle truce. Even warriors prosper from respite. Every Christmastide, I set aside my weapons, within reach naturally, and lift a tankard or two with my second-in-command.

Naturally within reach of course. I am glad you have a day to relax your guard a bit. You seem a little tense.

Christmas is a time that many memories are made. What is the best Christmas memory you have?

’Twas a season in my life when a smile lightened my countenance. I knew love but for a brief moment, but ahh…such a fierce passion. A Christmastide, now nigh on eleven winter’s past, was the happiest of holidays ever have I known. Stolen away in Gallimore’s stable, my true love and I cozied ourselves in a nesting of sweet straw. ’Twas there I first pledged my heart, my very life. ’Tis a bittersweet memory, one of which I rarely allow to linger in my mind for surely the sorrow it brings would drive me mad.

It is a very lovely story and I am sorry for the sad ending.

What pet peeves do you have associated with the Holiday season?

Kissing boughs. Detestable practice. Since my true love was taken, I cannot bear the doe-eyed, wanton glances from the serving wenches who hope to catch me beneath the entwined evergreens. Fortunately, I’ve perfected my scowl.

I am sure your scowl does deter the ladies.

Michelle, I loved that you shared Colwyn with us he is truly an interesting character. Could you please briefly describe your novel?

Sure, here’s the back cover copy:

Jessica Neale’s faith is lost the day of her husband’s death, and with it, her belief in love. In a journey to find peace, she encounters a gentle, green-eyed stranger who leads her to the ruins of the medieval castle, Gallimore.

On his way to battle, Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore, comes face to face with a storm the likes of which he’s never seen, and a woman in the midst of it who claims to live centuries in the future. The Lady Jessica of Neale is an irksome, provoking bit of woman to be sure. And she’s about to turn his beliefs on end.

The product of a family rooted in pain and evil, Colwyn has focused on naught but himself—until Jessica. To a mysterious prophecy stitched on a tapestry, through the invasion of Gallimore itself, Colwyn and Jessica are bound together by a lesson in forgiveness and love—a bond that might be strong enough to survive the grave.

If you would like to win your own copy of Gallimore please leave a comment telling me what your Pet peeve of the Christmas season. As always leave a way for me to contact you if you win.

For additional entries be a subscriber to my blog or post a link to this site on your own blog. Be sure to leave me the link. The winner will be picked by December 19th.

Christmas Spotlight on Character Lucy Collins

What a treat we have on Write by Faith today. We have Lucy Collins the heroine is The Chirstmas Edition by Robin Shopes. I had the pleasure of interviewing both of these amazing women about one of my favorite times of the year Christmas. If you leave a comment to this post your will be entered to win this beautiful ornament which has been part of the Collins Christmas tree for years.

Donna, Thank you for having me on. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a drawing for this heart ornament from The Collin's Family Tree. This ornament has been a part of my life for several years. Will it be on your tree this Christmas? And why am I getting rid of it? The answer to the last question is in The Christmas Edition.

I remember sneaking with my sister into the living room one day where the tree stood and together we untapped all of the packages to see what we were getting. Thinking that we would get away with our little caper we rewrapped all of the presents. As my children would say we were ‘busted’ when our parents came home to presents that were not shall we say wrapped to perfection. Are you a person who loves the secrets and surprises or do you want to know what is hidden in the packages under the tree? As a child did you do any sneaking around to discover hidden presents?

Gasp! Never! Peeking at presents spoils the wonderful surprise on Christmas morning! My little brother did enough sneaking around to satisfy a troop of nosy children. He’d try to report back to me about my gifts but I would cover my ears and tell him to go away!

Those little brothers certianly can ruin the surprise for all. Of course I was the little sister and took my job as pest very seriously.

What is the best Christmas present you ever received?

My grandfather made a dollhouse for me. He painted the outside yellow and gave it a wonderful red roof. It was two stories and all the windows went up and down. My grandmother made lace curtains for the windows out of her wedding dress slip and lined with rooms with old wallpaper. My parents drove all the way into Chicago during a blizzard just to buy furniture for it at a big department store. Each time I look at the dollhouse I see a family that loves me.

Are there any foods that you only have a Christmas dinner? Could you please share a family favorite recipe?

I love hot chocolate, here is my family recipe.

2 cups whole milk

8 tsp sugar

1 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

1oz unsweetened chocolate,chopped

1 tbs brown sugar

A splash of vanilla

Real whipped cream

Heat everything in a saucepan, except the vanilla, until chocolates melt and sugar dissolves. Pour half into a blender and mix until foamy. Return to the saucepan and add vanilla. Stir briefly and then serve with three inches of whipped cream. Be sure to enjoy it with someone you love!

What traditions do you hold most dear? The most special Collin’s Family tradition is, each year is my parents, Mike and I buy a special ornament for the Douglas fir tree. One by one we take ornaments from the boxes and reminisce the story behind it and then we hang it on the tree. The memories along with the ornaments multiply with each year. My favorite ornament is in the shape of a house with a red roof. It’s made of German mercury glass. It reminds me of the special dollhouse that I love so much.

What pet peeves do you have associated with the Holiday season? People pin their hopes on this holiday, expecting it to somehow solve all their problems and make their life perfect. This holiday is to remember Christ birth and that He has already done everything for us. To take that inspiration to the world. Our focus shouldn’t be inward but outward.

What would you like most so see happen this holiday season?

My Christmas wish is to hire a new editor for The Turtle Creek Newspaper. One who will knock the socks off our readers with his fresh ideas and perspective! They will be emotionally driven stories with an honest principle. When our readers pick up one of our newspapers, I don’t want to fail them. I want them to be awed, moved to laughter or tears, or both in the span of a few lines. I want them to talk to their friends and neighbors about The Turtle Creek Newspaper, that they have found a keeper in sticking with us and they cannot wait for the next editorial column. The man I have prayed for will write with heart.

If you would like to win this beautiful ornament and be entered to win a copy of The Christmas Edition, please leave a comment telling me: What you wish for this Christmas?

For extra entries:

1 extra entry Subscibe to my blog

2 extra link this blog to your own be sure to leave me the link.

Contest is limited to the U. S. Please leave a way for me to contact you if you win. Contest closes December 19th.

Read my interview with Robin Shope and enter a drawing to win a copy of the Christmas Edition Here

Read an interview with Joe McNamara (hero in The Christmas Edition) at Wendy's site Here