Wrapping up the Trivia Contest

Hello Everyone!

Thank you to all who participated in my "Spend a Year in Orchard Hill" Trivia Contest. To recap:

Day 1
My early bird winner was Sherry Kuhn and the drawing winner was Nancy Garrett.

Day 2
Becky Tidberg was both the early bird and the drawing winner.


Now on to Day 3. (Drumroll, please)
The early bird winner is E. A. West
The winner of the drawing is JoAnn Carter

The early bird winners will receive an Orchard Hill magnet set and the drawing winners will receive an Orchard Hill desk calendar and the Orchard Hill download of their choice.

But wait...There's more.

Beverly Gordon is the only participant who entered multiple days and did not win a prize. Beverly, I'll send you a magnet set, too.

Again, I thank you all for entering in spite the link problems. I greatly appreciate the time you gave to read my excerpts and find out a little bit about Orchard Hill. I hope you've enjoyed your time there and will visit again soon. In fact, please stop by my website tomorrow to read the newest free story "First Comes Love."



I wish you all a Christmas filled with blessings. I hope you will be together with family and friends. At a season when time always seems short, I also wish you the time to be still and remember why we celebrate this day and give thanks for Jesus, God's great gift to us.

Merry, merry Christmas!

Kara Lynn Russell

Looking Ahead in Orchard Hill

Yesterday I posted a blurb and excerpt about a new story due out in June 2010. Before that there will be two more free reads available.

The first will be posted on my website on Monday - http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/. In "First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage" Cora Applebaum gives an account of all the weddings that resulted from Pansy and Misty's matchmaking. She also has a few things to say about an old beau that she keeps meeting at these weddings. If you plan to read the complete series, but haven't yet, you may want to wait to read this one.

Next, "Baby Boom" will be featured as a free read from White Rose Publishing. I don't have a release date for that one, but it should be some time in January or early February since it is a Valentine's story.

In "Baby Boom" Riley and Ian's cousin Vanessa has volunteered to baby sit so that they can take their wives out for Valentine's Day. It sounds better than staying home alone yet again on Valentine's. But caring for Riley's infant twins and Ian's six puppies is more work than she bargained for - especially when the puppies escape. So she grabs the baby monitor and heads out into the snow to find them.

Here's a tiny peek at the story:

****

Kneeling, she began to reach under the prickly bush. She'd just managed to get her hand around one of the puppies when she was suddenly grabbed from behind and pulled to her feet. She shrieked in surprise and the puppy wiggled away. The baby monitor slipped from her belt and fell into the snow.

Behind her a man's voice demanded "Who are you and what are you doing?"

"My name is Vanessa and I'm...I'm babysitting."

The grip on her arms loosened slightly. "You're what?"

"I'm babysitting for my cousin's twins and my other cousin's puppies. Only the babies were crying and then the puppies escaped and..."

She tried to turn so she could see the man, but his hold on her tightened again. "That's quite a story. Have you got any more?"

"I'm not making this up! There are two puppies in your bushes. I need to get them inside before..."

A tiny wail sounded from the baby monitor, now covered in snow.

*****

Sounds like the worst Valenine's ever, right? But then again, maybe not.

Orchard Hill Trivia - Day Three

Good Morning!

Once again I apologize to those who had problems with the links. I am not sure what the problem is. They work when I test them, but people are still reporting being unable to get through to my website. I hope today goes better. Anyone who has been unable to enter, please contact me at karalynnrussell (at) gmail.com. I'll email the excerpts to you.

Answers may be found at my website: http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/home This is the home page. You will need to select Orchard Hill from the side menu to get to the blurbs and excerpts. Yesterday and the day before I tried to link directly to the Orchard Hill page. Since that's not working, I've decided to try linking to my home page instead.

Yesterday's Winners - Becky Tidberg is both my first entrant of the day and the winner of the drawing. Congratulations! Everyone else, please give it another try today. I will send a set of bookmarks to anyone who enters or anyone who emails and tells me they haven't been able to get through to my website for the answers.

Today's Questions
7 What does Harmony not want Joseph to see when they are caught together during a thunderstorm?
8. What is Shaun's big surprise when he sees Patience after their separation?
9. What is Joy doing when Isaac comes to visit her?

Stop back later today for news about two free Orchard Hill stories to be released soon.

Thank you everyone for entering my contest, or at least trying to enter my contest, in spite of the problems.

New OH Story coming in June

Here's a sample of "Susan's 4th of July Fireworks," which will be released from White Rose Publishing next June.

Pansy and Misty matched a lot of couples in Orchard Hill but not everyone needs their help.

Cal Wensloff has moved back home to Orchard Hill and Susan Schmidt discovers that the crush she had on him in high school is alive and well. The amazing part is that Cal seems to be interested in her, too. But when her father forbids her to see him, and a rival sets her sights on Cal, Susan has to make some hard choices.

The 4th of July is coming up and one way or another, there'll be fireworks for Susan.

********************

Excerpt (In which Susan discovers that her high school crush is her father's new employee.)

Cal Wensloff, the subject of her high school fantasies, stood in her doorway. Unprepared to meet him again after all these years, Susan stared at him dumbly. Over six feet of hard muscle, broad shoulders and that mischievous glint in those blue eyes that contradicted the farm boy “aw shucks” smile on his face.

“Hi Susan,” he said, his smile widening a bit for her. “Can I come in?”

“S-sure. In. I mean, come in.” So much for her cool, self reliant businesswoman image.

She stepped back so Cal could enter. His arm grazed hers and tingles flew up to her shoulder. She might as well be back in Mrs. Schlaeger’s home room, she told herself.

Suddenly Susan couldn’t remember if she’d combed her hair yet. And she wished she was wearing a suit and heels. She felt vulnerable in her bare feet.

Her father greeted Cal and he nodded in return. “Ready to go?” he asked.

“Not quite. Give me a couple of minutes.”

“Would you like some coffee, Cal?” There, she could speak in complete sentences. Cal had just caught her off guard, that was all. She was fine, Susan told herself.

“Sure, if it’s no trouble.”

She opened her cupboard and saw that she’d used the last mug on the lower shelf. Standing on tiptoes, she stretched up to reach the higher one.

“Let me get that for you.” Cal was suddenly right behind her, crowding her against the counter and reaching over her head to grab the mug. He rested one hand on her shoulder and his chest brushed her back. Instantly every nerve she had was on high alert and her heart fluttered in her chest.

See, she had come a long way since high school. If he’d touched her like this back then, someone would have had to mop her up off the floor and pour her into a bucket. Now, they’d probably only need a spatula.

Orchard Hill Trivia - Day Two

Before I announce yesterday's winners or give the questions for today, I must apologize. It seems that I forgot to mention yesterday that you can find the answers to the questions on my website - http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/

I've been talking about the contest so much I guess that I'm not paying attention to what I say anymore! In apology, I'd like to offer a set of my bookmarks to anyone who was not able to enter yesterday. Just email me with your snail mail address and I'll send them out.

Thank you to those of you who did enter yesterday. My first reply was from Sherry Kuhn. The winner of the drawing was Nancy Garrett. Congratulations ladies. I'll be contacting you.

Today's questions are:
4. What animal is printed on the pajamas that Faith is wearing when Andrew and Harmony stop by?

5. What is the name of Oliver's rival for Hope's affections?

6. What does David think he and Sarah need to practice?

Just a reminder - the first person to email me with the answers will receive an Orchard Hill magnet set. The winner of each day's drawing will win the Orchard Hill download of her choice and a "Spend a Year in Orchard Hill" desk calendar, featuring a different cover from the series for every month.

Thank you to all who participated. Later today I will post an excerpt from my upcoming Orchard Hill release "Susan's Fourth of July Fireworks."

Orchard Hill Trivia Day One

Get Ready...
Read the questions. There will be three trivia questions each day for three days. That's one question per story (excluding the free reads.)

Get Set...
Go to my website http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/ and search blurbs, excerpts and free reads to find the answers to the questions.

Go!
The first person to respond each day will win an Orchard Hill magnet set. Each correct answer that a person submits = 1 chance in that day's drawing. The winner will receive a "Spend the Year in Orchard Hill" desk calendar and one download of any Orchard Hill story.

Today's Questions:

1. In which room of the church did Riley comfort Gracie after her fiance left her at the altar?

2. What does Angel name the dog she adopts?

3. Why is Lily unwilling to let anyone get close to her?

Email the answers to me - karalynnrussell (at) gmail.com. Please do NOT leave answers as comments. Those will not be counted as entries. Please DO include an email address so I can contact you if you win. I will not use these addresses for any other purpose but to contact the winner.

Come back tomorrow to see who wins todays contest - and to get the next set of questions.

Introducing Orchard Hill

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Orchard Hill Trivia contest. So today I will introduce Orchard Hill for those who are new here. Orchard Hill, Wisconsin is named after the orchard that overlooks the town. Orchard Hill is actually in a valley. Other than the name thing, it's a pretty typical small town. But even small towns have excitement once in a while. And last year was a big one for Orchard Hill!

At the Orchard Hill Community Church Pansy Parker serves as secretary and Misty Green is the Choir Director. These ladies also consider themselves experts on love and romance. Each claims to be Orchard Hill's best matchmaker. When their rivalry gets to be a problem, they decide to put it to a test. They will prove which one is the best matchmaker by keeping track for a year. The one with the most matches wins. Not that there's a prize, other than the satisfaction of being the best. It's not like they can tell anyone, right? Pastor Isaac would never approve of that.

The contest begins at the New Year's and goes straight through to Christmas. The titles are:
Saving Gracie
Entertaining Angel
Considering Lily
Keeping Faith
Enduring Hope
Accepting Charity
Disrupting Harmony
Losing Patience
Finding Joy.

You can find more information on Orchard Hill and my other books by visiting my website karalynnrussell.googlepages.com.

I hope you'll be back tomorrow for the beginning of the Orchard Hill Trivia contest. Plus there'll be few extras here before the end of the year. Cora Applebaum, Orchard Hill's most informed citizen will be reporting on all the weddings that took place after the matchmaking contest. (They sure kept Pastor Isaac busy!)

And I'll give you a little sneak peak of a couple of new Orchard Hill stories. Pansy and Misty may have done their share of matchmaking, but sometimes love happens even without them!

Spend a Year in Orchard Hill and Win!

Think you'd like to visit Orchard Hill, a small town with big romance? There are a few ways to get there. You can

Try some short Orchard Hill stories for free!

Buy individual Orchard Hill stories at White Rose Publishing.

Buy the collected stories in print - volumes 1, 2 & 3 - at White Rose Publishing.

Buy the Orchard Hill Gift Set from White Rose Publishing. Includes all three print volumes, a White Rose Publishing Mug and Apple Cider mixes.

OR

You can enter the Spend a Year in Orchard Hill Trivia Contest!

I'll post 3 Trivia questions each day on December 10, 11, and 12. Answers to all questions can be found on my website, in the story blurbs or excerpts. Send me the answers at karalynn_russell@yahoo.com. Please include your email address so I can contact you if you win.



Every correct answer earns you 1 chance in that day's drawing. (3 correct answers means I'll put your name in the hat 3 times.) I will draw the winners' name on the day after I post that set of questions and announce the winner on the blog.

One winner each day will win a "Spend a Year in Orchard Hill" desk calendar and a download of any Orchard Hill story they choose.



The first person to reply each day will win an Orchard Hill magnet set, which includes one small magnet featuring the covers of the print volumes and a larger calendar magnet with the slogan "Spend a Year in Orchard Hill."



So pack your bags and get ready to visit Orchard Hill. Just make sure to lock up your heart if you don't want to lose it. You never know what will happen with Pansy and Misty competing for matches.

Spend a Year in Orchard Hill Contest

There are some are some big romances happening in this small town, thanks to matchmakers Pansy Parker and Misty Green. Each believes she's the best matchmaker Orchard Hill has ever seen. To decide once and for all who's really the best, Pansy and Misty agree to a matchmaking contest. Whoever makes the most matches in one year wins. From New Year's to Christmas, no heart in town is safe. Spend a year in Orchard Hill and watch the sparks fly!

Visit Orchard Hill: http://karalynnrussell.googlepages.com/orchardhill

Participate in the Orchard Hill Highlights blog trivia contest and win free Orchard Hill books, magnets and calendars.

The contest begins December 10th, right here at Orchard Hill Highllights - http://orchardhill.blogspot.com/

More details available soon!

Library Journal Reviews The Prodigal Father

I know this blog is supposed to be dedicated to my Orchard Hill stories, but...
I have a book coming out in December from Five Star Expressions and yesterday I found out that it was reviewed in Library Journal:

Russell, Kara Lynn. The Prodigal Father. Five Star: Gale Cengage. Dec. 2009. c.278p. ISBN 978-1-59414-823-1. $25.95. CF

Set in Wisconsin, this modern story revolves around the Lunds, a family in crisis. Three years ago, Scott left his wife, Beth, but has now returned to win her back. Beth wants to believe that they can make the marriage work, but she can't quite get over his leaving and learn to trust him again. Complicating matters, Beth tells Scott that they have a daughter with Down syndrome. Scott wants to embrace them both if Beth will just give him another chance. VERDICT This well-written, tender tale of forgiveness and reconciliation features realistically drawn characters struggling with the same problems that many contemporary couples face. Sure to attract fans of domestic fiction that explores marriage issues.

In case you are curious, here's the blurb for The Prodigal Father:

Beth is faced with the decision of a lifetime when her estranged husband Scott suddenly returns and asks her to give their marriage a second chance. She thinks he will change his mind once she tells him they have a daughter, and that their daughter has Down syndrome. Instead, Scott convinces her to come to the resort he owns in northern Wisconsin and along with their daughter, Risa, take a chance on becoming a real family. He does his best to adapt to his new role as father, learn about his daughter’s disability and show Beth that they all belong together. Beth realizes she still loves Scott and wants to stay with him. She is torn between her desire to create a family, the fear of failure and guilt over past mistakes.

I promise to post an excerpt in the near future. And to get out details about my "Spend a Year in Orchard Hill" promotion! Please stop by again soon.

Join the White Roses at the Coffee Time Romance Forums

White Rose authors are at the Reader's Retreat at Coffee Time Romance's forums all month and you're invited to join us. Stop by to talk to your favorite White Rose Authors, ask questions, read excerpts and more. I hope to see you there!

You're invited...

Orchard Hill Trivia Contest

Win books, calendars and more

Details coming soon

When Matchmakers Compete no heart is safe.
Spend a year in Orchard Hill and watch the sparks fly!

Looking for a Great Christmas Gift (or two or four)

White Rose Publishing is offering gift bundles - just in time for Christmas buying. Why trudge out to the mall with the rest of the herd when you can complete your Christmas shopping from your computer?

Since this is my blog, I get to start with my stuff. :)



The Orchard Hill Gift Set Includes all three Orchard Hill volumes, which includes all nine Orchard Hill series stories, plus three bonus stories, along with a tall mug and two varieties of sugar free apple cider mix (caramel apple and spiced apple)...Enough to make ten cups of delicious cider.



This next gift set includes a Special HARDBACK Edition of Teri Wilson's award-winning new release, Cup of Joe, along with a tall mug and 5oz of gourmet Starbucks coffee. Included is a pack of regular and a pack of decaf, so you can enjoy this set no matter waht time of the day or night you decided to indulge.



Get this lovely White Rose Publishing tote bag filled with three wonderful Christmas stories. This two-tone recyclable tote bag model features a black base with a colorful top. The wide adjustable strap makes it easy to carry this tote bag around comfortably without much shifting. Plus, the convenient side pocket stores a pen or other slim device for easy access.

The books you'll receive are:
The Christmas Edition by Robin Shope
Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas by Kimberlee R. Mendoza
Almost Home by Carla Rossi



All three books are holiday favorites among White Rose fans. If you're in the market for something a bit simpler but still filled with holiday spirit, I recommend Cindy K. Green's newest release Snow Kissed. Who wouldn't want to find this delightful download in their inbox?



And last, but certainly not least is a unique gift set. You'll receive both Fragile Dreams and Love Never Lies by critically-acclaimed author, Karen Cogan. Award-winning, artist John D. Cogan lends his talents to create the image for the five note cards included in this set. Specializing in southwest landscapes, Winter Light at Mather Point is a beautiful Grand Canyon winter scene. Use these cards--blank inside--as Christmas cards or for any occasion...or frame one!

So are you convinced? Have you put your car keys down? If not, then what about some of White Rose's other holiday stories



Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell
A Girl Named Christmas by Kimberlee R. Mendoza
The Cactus are Lowing by Emily Brevard

White Rose Publishing offers not only great stories but also some of the best covers on the market today. (At least I think so. Check the website. I think you'll agree.) And that combination makes the best gift set of all.

Exciting News for fellow Wisconsin author Robin Shope!

Salty Earth Pictures and Robin Shope are pleased to announce that plans to produce a Feature motion picture based on Shope’s novel “The Christmas Edition” is underway.

Ms. Shope, an author now living in Dallas, Texas, has written a series of novels that are set in Wisconsin, known as The Turtle Creek Edition series. Salty Earth Pictures, located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, producing, and distributing entertainment that challenges minds, lightens hearts, and strengthens souls.


“Ms. Shope’s faith based novels take place right out our front door, making them a perfect fit for Salty Earth Pictures,” said studio President Steven F. Zambo. He added, “It is our goal to produce a feature based on Robin’s “Christmas Edition” in a manner much like the successful “Facing the Giants” film was produced.” The film will be shot for a relatively low budget, by Hollywood standards, but will rely on volunteers and passionate individuals and supporters to bring the film to the screen. When asked about the movie of her book Shope commented, “Being born and raised in Delavan, Wisconsin, I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for a book and now the movie.” Wisconsites may remember Robin Shope as Robin Jansen. She is a 1968 graduate of D-DHS and also graduated from U-W Whitewater.

Without revealing too much of the story, the movie will be based on a struggling family owned business in a small Wisconsin town. It focuses on relationships, secrets, trust, faith, and the hope Christmas and it’s message provides.

Much work needs to be done before the camera will roll. “Scripting, casting, financing,music and locations are all issues we will be facing in the next several months. But, it is our prayer that we will be in production late this year with a planned distribution for Christmas 2010,” said Zambo. Salty Earth Pictures’ studio is located in Fort Atkinson,Wisconsin and will be the primary location for production. The studio has over 30,000 square feet of production space.


Marketing an independent film is no small task. Zambo says, “We are going to use the
electronic tools out there to build and keep interest.” Periodic video update will be
available on Salty Earth Pictures’ Youtube Channel. Also, both Shope and Salty Earth
Pictures will be using their group pages on Facebook to build audience interest as well as Robin Shope’s Shoutlife page and blog.
“The finished movie is only a part of the product,” says, Zambo. “We feel the journey getting there will also be exciting and entertaining. We want to share the entire experience!”

Spring and Rumors are in the Air

Rumors from Orchard Hill
Hello all,
This is Cora Applebaum from Orchard Hill. You know, the quaint little town that Kara Lynn Russell writes about. Yes, that Orchard Hill. Well, we all thought we'd seen the last of Kara and her stories about our fine citizens. But today I heard... You know I really don't like to pass on rumors. Maybe I'd better not say. I mean, it isn't like I've got proof or anything.

No, I've made up my mind. I ain't saying. You know how I don't believe in gossip. We'll just talk about the weather. It's cold and nasty today, isn't it? You know I saw the first robin last week and it's snowed twice since then, so that means only one more snow until spring. And no, that's not just an old wives' tale. Three snowfalls on the robins is just as reliable as that groundhog and his shadow anyway.

Now, I know you want to bring up that thing with Kara Lynn again, and it's no use. I told you it's just a rumor anyhow. There's probably nothing to it. Why would Kara want to write another story about us Orchard Hill people anyway? Not that she is. Well, not officially. I mean, I've heard talk about it, but I don't actually know that there's going to be another Orchard Hill story.

And even if I did know that there was going to be another Orchard Hill story, I couldn't possibly say that it's about Susan. You remember Susan, don't you. She's the real estate agent that Jeff dated before he fell in love with Angel. Kara told that story in Entertaining Angel. I know Susan wasn't very nice to Angel about the whole thing...okay, she was down right nasty...but there's a reason Susan behaved that way. I think that's what Kara wants to tell people about in her new story.

If there is one. Which I'm not saying there is. But there might be. Just remember, you didn't hear it from me.

Cora Applebaum

Welcome White Rose Publishing!

The Wild Rose Press, which published the Orchard Hill Romance Series, publishes all types of romance including young adult, fantasy, paranormal, mystery, western and historical. Inspirational romances had been published under the White Rose line. Some of our readers and potential readers would not visit the Wild Rose Press site because they found the covers and storylines for some of the "hotter" romances to be offensive. Showing great sensitivity for the preferences of their readers, RJ and Rhonda, owners of The Wild Rose Press, have decided to allow the white rose line to create their own company - White Rose Publishing. We're all excited by this news. You can read more and visit the new White Rose Publishing site here.

Pamela Thibodeaux's Valentine Contest

A Sweetheart of a Contest

As we all know, the flagging economy is forcing businesses to make tough decisions and the book industry is no exception. Book stores are closing. Publishers are laying off people, cutting back on production, and pulling titles from distribution.

What’s an author to do?

Get those sales up.

So, Fellow author and Friend, Pamela S Thibodeaux, is having a Valentine’s Day contest Where Everyone Gets a Gift!

Between Jan. 31st & Feb. 13th

Everyone who enters will receive Thib’s Teaser (a pdf with blurbs/excerpts/discount coupons/short story) AND their name will be entered into a drawing for the GRAND PRIZE – simply email Pertinent Promotions at ppromocntst@aol.com with Sweetheart Contest in the subject line.

No Purchase Necessary to Participate

~HOWEVER ~

Purchase any (1) Tempered novel and, along with Thib’s Teaser you will receive a Special Surprise Gift and your name will go into the drawing twice for the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (include your mailing address for the surprise gift).

Purchase 2 Tempered novels and in addition to Thib’sTeaser you will Receive a Special Surprise Gift, Your pick of a FREE download of either Choices or Cathy’s Angel and three chances to win the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (pick your short story and include your mailing address for your surprise gift)

Purcahse the first 3 Tempered novels (Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire) and in addition to Thib’s Teaser you will Receive: A Special Surprise Gift, Your pick of a FREE download of either Cathy’s Angel or Choices a FREE autographed copy of Tempered Joy and 4 chances to win the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (pick your short story and include your mailing address for your autographed copy of Tempered Joy & your surprise gift)

Together we can take the Tempered Series to Amazon’s Best Seller List!

**Amazon Purchase NOT Your ONLY Option**

If you purchase Any of the Tempered Series according to the rules above from your local book store, MAIL a copy of your receipt to Pertinent Promotions c/o Pamela S Thibodeaux, PO Box 324, Iowa, LA 70647 and your prizes will be the same as those listed.

Same rules apply if you purchase DIGITAL copies of The Tempered Books *Note* If you purchase digital copies of Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams, and Tempered Fire according to the rules above, you will receive a digital copy of Tempered Joy. *Digital copies also available @ All Romance Ebooks!

Winner will be announced on Feb 14th

*All entrants will be added to Pertinent Promotions and the Author’s personal mailing lists.*

Grand Prize: CD of my TWRP titles which includes 3 short stores (Cathy’s Angel, Choices, & A Hero for Jessica), 1 full-length novel The Inheritance and an advanced copy of my Upcoming Release Winter Madness (short story) and a Valentine Gift Basket!

New Review Site

Hello All,
Great news here. I've just heard through the grapevine that there's a new book review site going up on the web. I know what you're thinking - another review site, ho hum. But this site is different and I'm guessing it's just what some of you have been waiting for.

Novel Editions is a site that reviews inspirational and "clean" books - books that don't include large amounts of graphic sex and violence. And no foul language either. I don't understand why some authors have to do all that cussing to tell their story anyway.

While there are many great review sites out there, those of us with more delicate tastes find ourselves a bit overwhelmed by all those book covers and banners featuring, well, you know. Now those sites have reviews for some good books on them, but what if I were on the computer that my son bought for me and one of the neighbors came over and caught me visiting one of those sites? Well, there'd be no end of talk about it. Some people just can't help gossiping, you know. Pretty soon all of Orchard Hill would think Cora Applebaum is some kind of sex maniac. And then they'd ask Pastor Isaac to visit me to discuss my problem and...you can see how this all gets out of hand.

So I'll stick with Novel Editions. They're still getting set up over there, so be patient when you stop by. I hear that Kara will be doing some of the reviews. I wondered what she was going to do now that she's finished her Orchard Hill series.

Cora Applebaum

White Roses in Bloom Blog

It's quiet in Orchard Hill this week, so you may want to go over to the White Roses in Bloom blog. They have new members and a new look. Check it out: White Roses in Bloom.

Watch for Trivia Contest

Hi All,

Did everyone have a good Christmas? I know I did, even though I ate too much and now my pants don't fit. It looks like I'll have to start doing more walking around my neighborhood and see if I can drop a few pounds. Plus I always enjoy seeing what my neighbors are up to.

Speaking of being up to something, I know Kara Lynn is putting together a contest for Valentine's Day. I guess you can't expect a romance writer to let that holiday pass without notice.

I don't have the details yet. All I know is that it will involve Orchard Hill Trivia and the winner will receive a complete set of Orchard Hill ebooks! Now that's a grand prize!

Here in Orchard Hill things are bustling even though it's the time of year when most people are burrowing in and expecting to wait out the winter. Not this year at the Orchard Hill Community church. This will be a banner year for brides here. Former enemies Pansy Parker and Misty Green were just married - not to each other, of course - in a double ceremony. Pansy married Misty's father and Misty married Pansy's son. I didn't think it would ever happen but the two ladies are on friendly terms with each other. Now that they're family I guess they had to put their feud aside.

Riley O'Neil and Grace Randall are getting ready for their Valentine's Day wedding and after that... Well, let's just say I could go broke buying wedding gifts this year!

Luckily, you don't need to worry about that. Just check back soon for more information about Kara's Valentine's Day contest.

Stay warm!
Cora Applebaum