Love Finds You With a Spark of Independence

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland is lovely inside and out! The book explores the ramifications and meaning of independence, set not long after the American Revolution and U.S. independence from Britain. And, as part of the LFY series, you can bet on some sweet romance to go along with that spark of independence. ;) You can read my review of the book HERE.

Read on to learn more about the author and her book - followed by details on how you can get your hands on a copy!

Amber: What do you love most about writing for the “Love Finds You” series as compared to other books you’ve written?

Roseanna: While setting is always important to me, it takes on new importance in the LFY books. I’m a historical writer, so I have a lot of fun finding what sets a place apart, especially during the time period it’s most known for, and bringing that to life. And I love that within the confines of the Love Finds You vision we have a lot of freedom in determining how and why a story revolves around a place.

Amber: Have you visited the setting of your latest “Love Finds You” book? If so, what was your favorite part of the trip?

Roseanna: I actually went to college in Annapolis, at St. John’s College, which was only a year away from being commissioned at the point of my story and was at the time King William’s School, where my hero and heroine’s brother attended, and where the heroine’s host is a teacher. =)

But though I lived in Annapolis for nearly 6 years, I never played tourist—instead I growled at the tourists who did crazy things like stop without warning in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture. So naturally, when writing this book a friend and I had a blast playing tourist one Saturday and doing crazy things like stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures. =) It was so much fun to see the town we knew so well through new eyes. And the most fun of all was when we started at the State House and plotted then followed the path Lark (my heroine) would have taken when she’s running away from Emerson (hero) at one particularly exciting part of the story.

Amber: I love that part!! Sounds like you had a blast. =)

Have you learned anything about love and humility while working on your latest “Love Finds You” book that you could share with us?

Roseanna: Oh my, this entire book was a big lesson in the Lord’s love for me and my own need for humility. I wrote it in a rush, praying every single time I sat down at my laptop that the Lord would somehow deliver the words I needed. When I finished and sent it to my editor for consideration, I had no idea if it was good enough. I’m usually pretty confident about my work, but with Annapolis I felt completely at a loss. Would this be the book the Lord used to open a door to a big publisher (my two previous novels are small press), or would it be one He used to show me something completely different?

Even after I got The Call, I still looked at this book and said, “Really, Lord? Seriously?? It’s happening???” LOL Every step of this path with Summerside has been a blessing, one that has shown me in funny, amazing ways that the Lord had this in mind all along, all those years I sat hoping and praying over other manuscripts. Do I understand why now, why this book? No—but I trust that it’s all part of His purpose, and amazed at His love for me—and how this manifestation of it didn’t come until I surrendered every last dream and ambition to Him.

Amber: Your trust and humility are inspiring - I think especially to those of us who are still waiting on God's plan and timing regarding our writing. =)

What would a Christmas party in the town and era of your latest “Love Finds You” book look like? (Any details about food, decorations, traditions, etc., would be wonderful!)

Roseanna: Oh, this is an especially fun question because I actually have Christmas in the story! =) Though New England at the time had strict rules about not celebrating Christmas, my characters would have belonged to the Church of England and would have enjoyed traditional English celebrations, all with a New World flavor.

One tradition of the day that most of us have only passing knowledge of is wassailing. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the poor made up large batches of a milky drink called wassail (which isn’t known for being very tasty, LOL), which they would take around to the rich folk. The wealthy were pretty much obligated to buy this beverage, and did so with the idea that this was equivalent to alms without offending the pride of the less fortunate.

Also during this late Colonial/early Federal era, people often published in the newspaper when they were having parties, and total strangers would show up and expect a meal. Craziness! That came to an end right around the time of my story, LOL.

Decorations would consist of greenery and mistletoe, and the meals were a feast of local delicacies. In Annapolis, they would have enjoyed Maryland ham, a variety of seafood, treats that often featured sugar and fruit imported from the Caribbean . . .

Gifts would have been exchanged, and children especially would be unsurprised by what they received then. Toys, hair ribbons, books, new clothes . . . in Annapolis, my heroine Lark is away from home on Christmas and so very touched when a new friend gives her a leatherbound diary.

Amber: That was a great scene! Thank you for sharing all those tantalizing details, and thank you so much for being with us here today!

Giveaway!!!

Here are the rules for today's giveaway of a copy of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland! Please read carefully.

• Leave a comment for Roseanna along with your e-mail address.

• You must have a U.S. mailing address in order to be eligible for this drawing.

• All winners this week will be announced on Sunday, December 11, 2011.
  

But wait - there's more!

Anyone who leaves a comment will also be entered into the Great ANNAPOLIS Giveaway, as well! (Check out the link to see what the prize is - it's fabulous!!) So what are you waiting for? Join in the fun! =)

(St. John's College photo from the school's website. Learn more about Roseanna at her website!)

The "Love Finds You" Blog Party is Here!!!

Welcome, one and all, to the 2nd annual "Love Finds You" blog party!! Today we're gathering around the virtual Christmas tree to start the festivities off right with the traditional pickle ornament hunt! But before we do, grab a mug of hot cocoa while I attend to a few formalities. =)

The "Love Finds You" Series

Let's begin with a quick re-cap (or introduction) to the "Love Finds You" series (published by Summerside Press). I'm going to share my explanation from last year's party:

Now, I realize that some of you may not be as familiar with this series as I am. The "Love Finds You" series is a collection of Christian romance stories set in various places (mainly in the United States) with unique town names and history. The stories range from historical to contemporary and are just as diverse as the towns themselves. The "Love Finds You" series is fun and inspirational, reminding readers that "Love Finds You" wherever God plans it to!

So here we are once again to celebrate this wonderful series and share some Christmas cheer! (If you'd like to read the great interviews from last year, click HERE and scroll down until you get to the 2010 posts.)

The Party Plan

If you haven't yet seen the party page, click HERE or click the button in the sidebar. There you'll find the party schedule and a list of this week's giveaways. As each post goes up, I'll include the links to them on that page, so if you ever feel lost with what's going on during the party, just head over there! Or feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me with any of your questions. =)

The Main Prize Package

As you'll see on the party page, there are going to be some great giveaways this week - starting with today's prize package!

You have the chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card and 2 copies (one for you and one for a friend) of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland!

Here are the rules for this particular drawing (please read them carefully!) -

• You must leave a comment on this post saying which country you are from. If you are from the U.S. or Canada, you are eligible for all parts of this package. If you are from any other country, you are only eligible for the Amazon.com gift card (so if you win, another person will be chosen for the books). Hope that makes sense!

• You can gain 2 extra entries by taking the party button and putting it on your blog to help me spread the word. If you've already done so, no need to tell me again as I'll check back on the comments from the original post. However, you still must leave a comment here to be entered in the drawing!!

• You can gain extra extra entries by participating in today's activity, so read on!
  

The Great Pickle Hunt

If you're a long-time reader of this blog, hunting for pickle ornaments is nothing new for you! But for all our new visitors, here's an advertisement from The German Way that will tell you a little bit about the pickle-hunting tradition (click on the image to enlarge):

Basically a green pickle ornament is hidden among the branches of the Christmas tree, and the first to find it receives a gift. (My sister and I enjoy this tradition at Christmastime!) Today 5 pickle ornament images have been hidden in various places on this blog. Each pickle is worth 3 extra entries in today's drawing.

Here are the official rules:

• When you find a pickle image, just leave a comment saying where you found it (you can either describe the post/page or include the URL).

• You aren't limited to finding just one pickle image, so you can claim all 15 extra entries if you find all five pickles. However, if you want to be nice and not hog all the pickle claims, then I'm sure others will thank you. ;)

• I might be a little slow in checking in, but just know that once all five pickles are found, the game is over. (I'll eventually add the names of those who find the pickles to this post once the pickles have all been found.) If people are having a hard time finding the pickles, I might offer a hint or two later on.
  

• Also, please note: the pickle images from the rules post for last December's game and last July's game do NOT count. You will find them (as well as today's post) HERE, which is a link to the posts with the label "Pickle Ornament Tradition." Any other pickle images count, though! ;)

Finally, below is what the pickle image you're hunting for looks like. (But this is NOT one of the five I've hidden; this picture is just an example!)

*All 5 pickles have been found by Melanie, Bluerose, Casey, and Christy! Thank you to everyone who participated!*

In Conclusion...

I know this is a lot to take in! Please let me know if you have any questions, and remember that a lot of the information you need to know for this week is available on the party page. Have fun, and don't forget to come back tomorrow to meet Roseanna White and learn more about Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland!

My Review of Love Finds You in Annapolis

Here's a description of the book from Summerside Press:

"In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.

Never did Lark think she’d want to escape Emerson Fielding, the man she’s loved all her life, but then he betrays her with her cousin. She flees to Annapolis, Maryland, the country’s capital, and throws herself into a new circle of friends who force her to examine all she believes.

Emerson follows, determined to reclaim his bride. Surprised when she refuses to return with him, he realizes that in this new country he has come to call his own, duty is no longer enough. He must learn to open his heart and soul to something greater... before he loses all he should have been fighting to hold."

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

Lark is a young woman living in the newly independent United States who is tired of being stifled and ignored. So when the man she's long planned on marrying is found in a compromising situation, Lark finally flies away to test her own wings and find her own voice. When her fiancee eventually finds her again, will he see the treasure he took for granted and be given a second chance at loving Lark for who she really is?

As lovely and sophisticated as the cover, this story is a treat for lovers of historical romance! The pace is mostly gentle, and while not overly emotional, the plot is intellectually stimulating and quite sweet. The tension between Lark and Emerson make for some really engaging scenes as the story unfolds. The characters are charming, and White does a great job of taking a rather irritating man and making him into a sympathetic hero to cheer on in his daunting task of reclaiming his bride-to-be. And Wiley is just wonderful - all that a girl could ask for in an older brother. He has great hero potential for his own story!

Misunderstandings and a yearning for independence mark this well-constructed book, making Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland a meaningful and enjoyable read.

*With thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Love Will Find You

At least in the pages of the "Love Finds You" book series!

This is a friendly reminder that Sunday (December 4th) marks the beginning of the "Love Finds You" blog party taking place right here at this very blog! There will be some really fun interviews and giveaways to get you in the Christmas spirit, so I do hope to see you there. And don't forget (if you haven't already!) to check out the party page to see the schedule and learn how to gain extra entries in the main prize package drawing!

While we're on this "Love Finds You" theme, there are new covers up on the Goodreads site for a couple of February 2012 LFY releases. Care to see them? They're quite lovely!


I'm eager to see what else is in store for this series in 2012! And I'm also quite eager to show you what's in store for next week! Soon, very soon... ;)

My Review of There You'll Find Me

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen year old. She’s witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming audition at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother.

She decides to travel to Ireland following his travel journal. It’s the place he felt most alive – and she desperately needs to feel alive again. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane. Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She’s the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down – the loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to new – and dangerous – vices.

Then she comes across something that changes her perspective irrevocably. Is it enough to convince her that everything she’s been looking for has been with her all along?"

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

Wow!! The charm of Ireland, the angst of young adulthood, and the beautiful craziness of life come together to make this an engaging, moving read! Jenny B. Jones has a winning and creative writing style that somehow combines humor and sincerity in a way that keeps the pages turning and the journey going. And this is one journey that I'm so very glad I took!

There You'll Find Me features quite a cast of quirky characters, many of whom charm the reader's heart despite their unique first impressions. Even though the hero seems a bit too good to be true and the mean girl seems a bit too awful to stand, the story is wonderfully told. It's heartbreaking to witness the events unfold, and yet there's enough sweet surprises and fun scenes to make it an ultimately enjoyable read.

This novel comes disguised as a diversionary YA book, but in reality it digs deep and refuses to shy away from painful questions and situations. Brimming with emotion and overflowing with hope, this book stole my heart. Is there a list for new Jenny B. Jones fans? Because if there is, well...there you'll find me.

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of The Harvest of Grace

Here's a description of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah:

"Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever?

Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.

After months in rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.

Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love."

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

The "Ada's House" series features some powerful stories full of healing and hope and love. The Harvest of Grace is a wonderful, fitting conclusion to the Amish trilogy. While Woodsmall catches all readers up-to-date at the beginning of this book (making it possible to read this novel as a stand-alone if desired), the series really shines as a whole - with all three books coming together to look at the gem of God's love and the love between people from various angles.

Sylvia is a new character introduced in this book - a stubborn farmer determined to escape her past and prove herself by saving the Blanks' farm where she now works. Aaron is a familiar face, but in this installment the reader gets a closer look at his motivations, including his desire for acceptance. Both are hurting souls that are seeking a harvest of grace.

Other familiar friends from The Hope of Refuge (Book 1) and The Bridge of Peace (Book 2) share the spotlight in this gentle story full of flawed characters and raw pain. The romance is sweet and the lessons on honest, forgiving love are even sweeter. Woodsmall has done it again!

*With thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Would you consider ranking my review? Thank you!

Thanksgiving Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Leah, who won my gently used copy of A Heart Most Worthy! You have until next weekend to respond to my e-mail so I can get the book out to you. =) Enjoy!

More giveaways to come during the "Love Finds You" blog party starting next Sunday!!