At the Fair with Ruth Logan Herne

Today we're going to visit the fair with none other than author Ruth Logan Herne! For those of you who aren't familiar with this author, you can find her at her website or her blog. Also, one of my favorite places to chat with her is at the Seekerville blog. Ya'll are in for a treat today!

Amber: What is your favorite part about the fair?

Ruth: I love the animals. I can moo like a cow, cackle like a hen and crow like a rooster. I love to see who's cross-bred what, to check out new breeds to our area, to see the 4-H projects. I love the county fair for just that reason, the animals/farm essence of the whole thing. It's great. Totally bucolic and country. A few country rock guys that know how to play a mean guitar or fiddle just add to the fun!

Amber: Do you have a favorite fair food (ie: popcorn, cotton candy, curly fries)?

Ruth: Funnel cakes. Awesome. And Cheesy fries. A heart attack waiting to happen.

Amber: What kind of ride do you enjoy the most, and what do you think that says about your personality? (For example, if your favorite ride was the Ferris wheel it might say that you're daring and you like seeing the big picture from a higher perspective. This is just for fun, so anything goes!)

Ruth: The Merry go Round with my husband at the Fair. At an amusement park? The biggest, baddest, fastest roller coasters they make.

Not with hubby, he'd rather watch.

Not me!

Amber: Any fun fair memories you want to share?

Ruth: Kissing behind the chicken barn.

Amber: You're not going to elaborate on that? ;) Anyway, can you think of any movies or books set at a fair that you would recommend for us to check out?

Ruth: There's a great fair chapter in Understood Betsy one of my favorite childhood books. It's a great book about coming of age and growing up and seeing the world through changing eyes, and I just love it to pieces. It affected my outlook on life and the way I raised my kids. That's some book!

Amber: Could you tell us what books of yours are available? Maybe a short description of each would be nice... ;) And, of course, we would love to hear about any upcoming releases, as well!

Ruth: My debut novel, Winter's End, is still available on Amazon. It's an amazing book that's got a lot of people talking because it touches hearts in ways you don't often find in a romance novel. Marc and Kayla are two people who cannot be together for a number of reasons, and they know it. Still, they yearn. And with the gentle power of God's love and patience, the Holy Spirit is able to apply slaps upside the head at just enough velocity to bring two stubborn hearts and heads around.

Waiting Out the Storm is actually the FIRST novel in the series, but it was published second because my editors at Steeple Hill loved Winter's End and wanted to get it out there, in people's hands. What a lovely compliment that was. And if you love county fairs, farm folk, totally hot country vets, and farm girls that do not need a man to help tend the farm, but like to have one around anyway, then this is a book you'll cherish. Great story, great setting, the North Country of New York State, rugged and cold, bordering our Canadian friends. Long winters. Short summers.

Due out in two weeks is the second book in the series, Made to Order Family, a great story of forging a family out of the ashes, of rebuilding lives, hopes and dreams with enough humor (and a DOG) that you just want to sit down and have supper with this family. And the dog, of course! All of them are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Parable.com and Made to Order Family will be in WalMarts, big grocery stores, book stores, etc., anywhere where Harlequin books are sold.

And (bragging here!) all three books have been given the coveted 4 1/2 STAR review from Romantic Times Magazine. I'm so grateful for that, what a lovely pat on the back that is!And Winter's End was named a BEST BEACH READ by Woman's World magazine in July.

SWEET!!!

Amber: Congrats on all those accolades! I really need to read your books now! Thanks so much for joining us, Ruthy!

Now, readers, I sort of coerced Ruth into giving away a book today. ;) Here's how I asked: "And, if you wanted to...say...give away one of your books on my blog, I wouldn't hate you for it or nothin'. ;) Completely up to you!"

Yes, I was bad. BUT, Ruth went along with it anyway! Here's what she said in response: "Yes, give away a copy of Made to Order Family, okay? It's the new one about to come out. If you need anything else, let me know, kiddo." Isn't Ruth great? =)

So leave a comment for Ruth along with your e-mail address to enter for a chance to win Made to Order Family! Giveaway ends 11:59 PM West Coast time on Friday, August 20. ;) Winner will be announced on Saturday, August 21.