Get Ready for "Enduring Hope"

I've just heard that another Orchard Hill Romance will soon be released. Orchard Hill chronicler Kara Lynn Russell says that "Enduring Hope," the fifth story marks the halfway point in the series.

"I wanted to make this story extra special," Kara told me "to celebrate reaching this point. "Enduring Hope" is longer than any of the previous stories and I absolutely fell in love with my characters. I hope readers will have as much fun reading about Hope and Oliver as I did in writing about them."

"So what's this story all about?" I asked, as if I didn't know. I'm Hope's neighbor and I'll tell you that their courtship has been particularly interesting. It involves softball, an unwanted suitor, an extreme aversion to marriage, Hope's triplet nieces, her big brother's disapproval and fireworks. Not to mention Oliver dragging Hope out of Big Apple Pizza, a well-timed punch in the face, and lots of ice cream. I saw a fair bit of kissing, too when I was looking out my window at night. Not that I was snooping, I was just watching for my cat Whiskers, to return after her nighttime prowls.

Come to think of it, that's a better explanation of the story than the one Kara gave. I'll leave hers for another time. She tells me she'll be doing some special things here on the blog to celebrate the release of "Enduring Hope." Check back for exclusive excerpts, a chance to win a free copy of "Enduring Hope" and interviews with fellow authors Cindy K. Green, Donna Marie Rogers, and Stacey Joy Netzel, and with editor and cover artist Nicola Martinez. Sounds like a party to me.

Cora Applebaum

Romance Writers Descend Upon Green Bay

I picked up the Green Bay newspaper today and what do you think I saw? There's a group of ladies - and few men, too I hear - gathered in Green Bay to learn about romance writing. I guess there's a lot to learn if you're going to write that stuff. But I do love a good romance.

There's plenty of that these days in Orchard Hill, even without cracking open a book. There seem to be couples everywhere. I asked my good friend Pansy Parker about it. She said she didn't know a thing about it but between you and me, she looked like the cat who's got into the cream. I think I'll have to keep my ears open on this one. You'll let me know if you hear anything won't you?

In the meantime I'm going to hit the books. This romance conference has got me to thinking about all the great authors we have right here in Wisconsin. I've got a copy of "Welcome to Redemption" by Donna Marie Rogers and Stacey Joy Netzel, a copy of "A Wish in Time" by Laurel Bradley and a copy of "It Takes Moxie" by Delia DeLeest. They all look so good, I don't know which one to read first.

Until next time,

Cora Appelbaum

Happy Mother's Day from Orchard Hill

There's no doubt about it, being a mother is hard work. It's a good idea for moms to take some time off every once in a while. What better way to make your family appreciate all your hard work! Let them come home to no dinner and dirty laundry for a few days and they'll appreciate you, believe me.

That's why they invented Mother's Day. It gives your children a chance to show that appreciation for you so you don't get any ideas about taking a vacation and leaving them in the lurch.

Single mothers out there deserve a little extra gratitude from their children. And just think of single mother Faith Fielding! Not only is she raising a teenage son by herself (and doing a great job. Her late husband would be so proud.) but Faith is also our town's elementary school secretary. She's done a lot of mothering to all the children of Orchard Hill in that role. Faith's desk should be filled with flowers and candy come Monday morning, if you ask me.

So, all you mothers out there, listen to me. Take it easy today and soak up all the love and attention your family can dish out. You deserve it. And you aren't likely to get any more of it before next Mother's Day.

Cora Applebaum