Love Inspired Historicals discussion

December is here, and it's time for more wonderful releases from our Love Inspired Historical authors! Here's the lineup:

Monday, December 1st Lacy Williams

Tuesday, December 2nd Dorothy Clark

Thursday, December 4th Linda Ford

*Please note we'll be taking a break Wednesday, December 3rd.

We look forward to discussing these new holiday releases with you! The authors will be giving away several copies of their books, as well. See you tomorrow!

cant wait

Sounds great!

I'm looking forward to it!

Looking forward to a great week!

Good morning, everyone! Today Lacy Williams is here to talk about her new release, A Cowboy For Christmas.

Lacy grew up on a farm, which is where her love of cowboys was born. In reality, she's married to a right-brained banker (happily with three kiddos). She gets to express her love of western men by writing historical romance. Her books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012 & 2013), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award.

A Cowboy for Christmas


Redemption Ranch

After an accident leaves her injured, Daisy Richards stays secluded at her family's Wyoming ranch to avoid the town's gawking stares. Yet handsome cowboy newcomer Ricky White insists she can do anything she dreams—ride a horse, decorate a Christmas tree…even steal a man's heart.

Once a reckless cad, Ricky is to blame for what happened to Daisy. Now reformed, he wants to make amends by setting things right for his boss's beautiful daughter in time for the holidays. But Daisy doesn't know Ricky's responsible for her predicament. When the truth is revealed, will he lose the greatest gift he's ever received—her trust?

Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love

I've read some of the previous books in this series and can't wait to read this one! Lacy, what do you find most challenging about writing a series? Was this your first time writing about a wounded heroine?

Lacy is giving away 3 copies of her book!

Thanks for hosting me, Karen!

<< Lacy, what do you find most challenging about writing a series? Was this your first time writing about a wounded heroine? >>

This series has challenged me with the number of siblings in the family. If you get all 7 brothers and Breanna in one scene, it gets crazy. Then you start adding in spouses and kids and I've had to create an Excel spreadsheet to keep everyone straight very early on. My trick is to try and keep the story to the characters closest to the hero. For instance, in Davy's story (working on edits for it now, it comes out in June), Breanna is his closest sibling and has several scenes in the story, and the entire family is limited to one scene because it's just too crazy with all those people wanting a turn to talk!!

Hattie, from Return of the Cowboy Doctor, battled a disease much like MS, so I would say this was my second time around working with a heroine with a physical challenge. In Counterfeit Cowboy (not in this series, a December 2012 release), I wanted to give the heroine a club foot but my editor nixed that. I don't know why, but apparently sometimes I like to give them physical challenges!


I've got a question of my own -- I'd love to know what everyone's favorite Christmas movie is.

One of my fave Christmas movies is Christmas Shoes but it makes me cry. I haven't been able to watch it since mum died but I love the story and also the next one in the series Christmas Blessing.

Lacy wrote: "Thanks for hosting me, Karen!

>

This series has challenged me with the number of siblings in the family. If you get all 7 brothers and Breanna in one scene, it gets crazy. Then you start adding i..."

Lacy, you are definitely an ambitious lady!
It's hard for me to choose just one favorite Christmas movie--I love so many. I think I might choose the George C Scott version of A Christmas Carol. So moving.

Hi everybody!!

I imagine it's tricky keeping all those characters straight! The spreadsheet is a great idea. Looking forward to reading Ricky's story! The fact he's responsible for her accident ramps up the emotional conflict.

Lyn--it was accidental. They were minor characters in The Homesteader's Sweetheart and then it turned into their own series. LOL

Thanks for stopping by, Karen. Yes, he has some guilt to deal with. :):) Gotta love a dark hero (at least, I do!).

Jenny, I haven't seen the Christmas shoes, but isn't there a song about it? I can't watch sad movies, I have to have my happily ever after!

Lacy, I've been anxiously awaiting Ricky's story! I know it will be a good one!

As far as Christmas movies, I don't have a favorite but I love watching all the Hallmark movies with my hubby each year, along with many of the old favorites!

Wow, Lacy...seven siblings plus the additional family members to keep track of in how many books? How brave are you to take that on. LOL I can't keep track of who goes with who in my own family!

Is anyone else curious about that ax on the cover? My guess is that your cowboy hero is on his way to cut down a Christmas tree, Lacy. Am I right?

Hi everyone!

My favorite Christmas movie is Little Women...the June Allyson, Margaret O'brien version. It isn't strictly a Christmas movie, but I think of it as one.

I love Margaret O'Brien. She's my favorite "child star." That little girl could rip your heart out with her acting! Remember her in Meet Me in St. Louis? Another great Christmas scene where she has your heart in her hands.

Valri wrote: "Lacy, I've been anxiously awaiting Ricky's story! I know it will be a good one!

As far as Christmas movies, I don't have a favorite but I love watching all the Hallmark movies with my hubby each ..."

Valri,
I'm a huge Hallmark movie fan as well. Thank goodness for DVRs. :)

Dorothy wrote: "Is anyone else curious about that ax on the cover? My guess is that your cowboy hero is on his way to cut down a Christmas tree, Lacy. Am I right?"

Dorothy--eight siblings and it is currently a six-book series.

Yes, you've got it in one. The hero and heroine do chop down a Christmas tree and there is a snowball fight...

Dorothy wrote: "My favorite Christmas movie is Little Women...the June Allyson, Margaret O'brien version. It isn't strictly a Christmas movie, but I think of it as one."

I actually picked this as one of my favorite literary Christmases. Love the book.

Keli wrote: "Lacy, the story sounds great. I'm eager to see how Daisy and Ricky work things out when she learns that he's responsible for her accident. The revelation must be quite the scene.

One of my favorit..."

Keli,

Yes, that was a hard scene to write. Very emotional. But I hope it gets redeemed in the end.

I LOVE While You Were Sleeping. It's one of my all-time favorite movies period. I need to dust it off.
"Cuz he looked like he was... leaning."

Thanks for stopping by!

Dorothy wrote: "My favorite Christmas movie is Little Women...the June Allyson, Margaret O'brien version. It isn't strictly a Christmas movie, but I think of it as one.

I love Margaret O'Brien. She's my favorite ..."

I'll never forget Judy Garland singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and then later Margaret O'Brien attacking the snowmen. Memorable.

Keli wrote: "Lacy, the story sounds great. I'm eager to see how Daisy and Ricky work things out when she learns that he's responsible for her accident. The revelation must be quite the scene.

One of my favorit..."

Oh, yes! The guy she thought she loved--JERK!

Lyn wrote: "Oh, yes! The guy she thought she loved--JERK! "

LOL Peter...

Yes, thank goodness for DVRs!!! I have been in Calif. for 2 weeks to a big family reunion with my parents and siblings for my mom's 80th birthday but my hubby couldn't make it so he's been DVRing all the Hallmark movies for me! I have a lot to catch up on when I get home tomorrow!

Can't wait to see Ricky humbled a little and become an "adult" !!!!! I know it's going to be a fantastic journey!

My favorite Christmas movie is definitely While You Were Sleeping. I got to go to a special screening of it in college right around the time it released and it has been a favorite ever since.

I cannot wait to read this story! I agree with others in the earlier comments that the fact he caused her injury just ups the ante on their possible relationship.

Do you have any hints on future books or series you are working on?

Valri wrote: "Can't wait to see Ricky humbled a little and become an "adult" !!!!! I know it's going to be a fantastic journey! ..."

Sounds like a fun trip! I could catch up on all my movies if I never slept... ;)

Yes, Ricky had a lot of humbling done in this story. I think you'll like him a lot more than in Edgar's book.


Okay, another question for our discussion today: what's your favorite Christmastime food? Mine is peppermint bark...

Hey everyone! I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. So first off please don't enter me to win this month since I won last month plus I already have all of this month's books :)

So Lacy since you are editing Davy's story which sibling's story will you be working on next? As to your the answer of your question my favorite Christmas Movie is a toss up between It's A Wonderful Life & White Christmas. I of course and am loving all the Hallmark Movies too my favorite so far has to be The Nine Lives of Christmas! You have a fireman plus a cuddly cat!!

Favorite Christmas food???? Being allergic to chocolate cuts down on the choices but I do love caramel anything and peppermint ice cream, a "little" bit of light egg nog and sugar cookies!

I know I will like Ricky better in his own story! Can't wait!

Laura AKA Loves 2 Read Romance wrote: "So Lacy since you are editing Davy's story which sibling's story will you be working on next?"

Laura, my father and I have It's a Wonderful Life as our fav Christmas movie We quote it back and forth to each other all the time. "Why don't you kiss her instead of talking her to death???"

Davy's story is "Her Convenient Cowboy" and will be available June 2015. Then comes Matty's story in October (I think that is the release date). Matty is all grown up and a sheriff's deputy.

Poor Valri--I would be long gone if I was allergic to chocolate. But my grandma makes the best Christmas sugar cookies so I guess I would survive. :)

Fun note: my in-laws do a non-traditional Christmas dinner and we always have (special recipe) hamburgers and baked potatoes. I can't wait for this year...

HA HA, Lacy, if it put you in the hospital, you would look at chocolate a different way ---- believe me!!!!

We have had waffles with strawberries and whip cream for Christmas Eve dinner for as long as I can remember (even from childhood and I brought it into my own family when I married!) so I understand non-traditional! That's fun, Lacy, thanks for sharing!

Yummy, I love waffles. Maybe I should try that, Valri!

Yes, no doubt hospitalization would be a huge deterrent for me. Ha. :)

Hi Lacy! I almost forgot to check in for the Q&A today! So glad I remembered! :) I will be sure to add this to my need to buy book list! Love, love the cover and title. :)

My favorite Christmas movie is one from ABC Family. Christmas in Boston. It's so cute, pen pals meeting and falling for each other... I am a Hallmark movie fan too. I actually love most everything Christmas! (As does the main character in Christmas in Boston!)

We don't really have any treats that are particularly Christmas. So chocolate anything for me! I drink a lot of hot chocolate in December! My bro and I buy the big cans of Stephens brand from Costco. And we use waaaay more that the serving suggests, so the can doesn't last long! hehe

Oh, Keli, I forgot about While You Were Sleeping. I love the scene when he walks her to the door and they slip and slide and fall on the ice and he tears his pants.

Having lived in New York state most of my life I love snow scenes, and when I describe them in a book you can bet I've "been there and done that."

What about the rest of you? What is your favorite time of year for the setting of a book?

You know Dorothy, it all depends on the book. I enjoy all the seasons, but I think Christmas time books always make me the happiest. Ironically enough I don't usually read Christmas books around Christmas time, but throughout the year when I need a little boost that the Christmas spirit always brings.

Christmas shoes is sad but has a happy ending.

We always have bacon for breakfast for Christmas. We use to have plum pudding but changed to different types of ice cream. We had turkey but also lamb as I hate turkey.

Keli wrote: "Lacy, the story sounds great. I'm eager to see how Daisy and Ricky work things out when she learns that he's responsible for her accident. The revelation must be quite the scene.

One of my favorit..."

I agree! Such a sweet movie!

Valri wrote: "HA HA, Lacy, if it put you in the hospital, you would look at chocolate a different way ---- believe me!!!!

We have had waffles with strawberries and whip cream for Christmas Eve dinner for as lon..."

Valri,
This may have to be a new tradition in our house! Yum!

Hi, Melody!

Glad you checked in, too. I will have to look up Christmas in Boston and see if I can get it. Sounds cute! I don't drink coffee at all, so when I want to warm up in this season, hot chocolate is a must. Yum!

Dorothy,

I've set three books and a novella at Christmas, there is something about the season. I love reading and writing about it. Of course, the book I'm working on right now is set in the summer so it seems like I'm always at opposites writing/life. Ha!

Jenny,

I love bacon. We've done breakfast for supper here a couple times lately and bacon has been a big part of that. Do you get to have the ice cream for breakfast??? Because that would be a great reason to move down to Australia!

Hi, Lacy! I adore your books and am eager to read A Cowboy for Christmas! Christmas and cowboys are two of my favorite things!! :)

As for Christmas movies, I love watching Hallmark movies and The Christmas Card is one of my favorites.

Since we're naming favorites, what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Hi Lacy ~ I loved . Sadly I haven't yet read any featuring the children, but I'm looking forward to doing so someday. I love that this is set during the Christmas season...I agree with Melody when she says this is the happiest season to read about. What was the idea that sparked off Ricky's story?

Favourite film ~ The Christmas Card

Favourite food ~ Mince pies!

Lacy the icecream is for lunch. Sometimes we have pavlova which is always nice.

Hi, Britney!

My favorite part is when it's over. LOL okay that's a joke. I love brainstorming about the characters and story before I even start. Diving deep and figuring out these people from the inside out.

But my very favorite part of every book is the first kiss. It used to be the ending, but it has evolved into this. The tension and emotion... yeah. Love it.

Lacy, I am so excited to see how you bless Ricky's life! I love happy ever afters for the guy who seems least lovable. It's obvious that Ricky has some issues that really make him struggle and watching him grow through the books has tugged at my heart.

Favorite Christmas movie: I love seeing new movies, so the Hallmark Channel at Christmas is the only TV I ever watch. (Usually while working on Christmas gifts because reading time is too precious to give up for TV time.) ;) And it just goes without saying that hot chocolate accompanies that time.

I am chiming in late as had a morning dental appointment then shopped a bit while there and mailed off couple pkg to family. I love to read your books, love a good Christmas story too so you have a winner with this one and me. How did the ranch get named "Redemption"? Interesting. I have just read trough some comments and our group has some good questions this time.
Not really a fav in Christmas movies like a lot of them, Hallmark has some good ones that I have been watching this year. If only life could be as sweet as some of these are.
Merry Christmas all.

Okay, I'm going to have to check out The Christmas Card, too, on your recommendations!

Wendy, in the previous book, The Wrangler's Inconvenient Wife, Ricky left home and was rebelling. I knew this story would be his chance for redemption, so I knew going into it that I wanted him to be the cause of whatever had happened to Daisy. And as a writer, one of the most powerful weapons in my arsenal is conflict--so I knew I had to give Daisy an injury that would be so bad she couldn't see her way out of it.

As a funny story--originally there was a housekeeper involved. But then about 1/3 of the way into the story, I realized if Daisy had a housekeeper to help her, there was less motivation for Daisy to recover because someone else would just take care of things. So the housekeeper got nixed in the first draft.

Jenny,

Darn. Well, ice cream for lunch is good too!!

I have had chocolate for breakfast before. In aust anything goes!
Christmas Card is good.

I love knowing that the first kiss is your favorite part of every book, Lacy! You always do such a fantastic job of writing palpable tension and emotion!

Karen wrote: "Valri wrote: "HA HA, Lacy, if it put you in the hospital, you would look at chocolate a different way ---- believe me!!!!

We have had waffles with strawberries and whip cream for Christmas Eve din..."

We do pizza on Christmas Eve!