June is the month when everything turns around. School is out for most kids and summer
stretches ahead with endless possibilities for fun. There are places to go and things to do that
aren’t available in winter. Brides and
grooms are ready for their walk down the aisle, and there are vacations begging
to be taken.
This June -- right now in fact, I’m proud to say that my first Harlequin Heartwarming is available. Her Lone Cowboy is a book I had in mind for a while, the story of a rancher, Caleb Ransom, who only wants to be left alone. This becomes impossible when he gets a new neighbor with an inquisitive four year old who is determined to be his friend. Laney Reynolds tries to keep her son Sam away from Ransom’s place but he and his dog Bertie are just too much of an attraction. Ordinarily, Laney would be too busy to spend so much time at home, giving her son the opportunity to run to Caleb’s, but she’s a teacher, so she’s home for the summer.
This summer is different for me because I have a new book
out, but also because I’m currently at my son’s home, awaiting the birth of
another granddaughter. The older kids
are playing in the back yard, squirting each other with water guns that
resemble rocket launchers. I think I’ll
go join them.
What do you do to make summer different?
To me, one of the best things about summer is taking the
time to read books. In the small Arizona
mining town where I grew up, there wasn’t a whole lot to do, but there was a
public library I visited whenever possible.
Through the books I checked out, I helped Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys
solve mysteries. I visited foreign
countries and fought Civil War battles.
All of this was possible because summer is different and it needs to be
different so we can participate in activities we don’t usually have time for.
In the days when I taught school and had four kids at home,
summer was the time when I could spend much of my time writing – at least in
between their activities. Maybe that’s
why most of my books take place in the summer.
This June -- right now in fact, I’m proud to say that my first Harlequin Heartwarming is available. Her Lone Cowboy is a book I had in mind for a while, the story of a rancher, Caleb Ransom, who only wants to be left alone. This becomes impossible when he gets a new neighbor with an inquisitive four year old who is determined to be his friend. Laney Reynolds tries to keep her son Sam away from Ransom’s place but he and his dog Bertie are just too much of an attraction. Ordinarily, Laney would be too busy to spend so much time at home, giving her son the opportunity to run to Caleb’s, but she’s a teacher, so she’s home for the summer.
What do you do to make summer different?
Oh, I like this. I don't think I DO make summers different anymore. Makes me think maybe I should. Congratulations on the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. Even something small like a picnic can remind us it's summer.
DeleteI'm with Liz...kinda stuck in my "It's summer again" ways. You've inspired me to find ways to shake things up a bit, Patricia, so thanks. I think. :-) Have yourself a terrific Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I will certainly have a great Tuesday if my daughter-in-law has the baby she's trying to encourage to be born today.
DeleteI'm with Liz...kinda stuck in my "It's summer again" ways. You've inspired me to find ways to shake things up a bit, Patricia, so thanks. I think. :-) Have yourself a terrific Tuesday!
ReplyDeletePatti, looking forward to reading the book. Love the cover. Summer is usually hot so I get up and walk earlier. The last few years it's when my kids come to visit. I love to take the grands shopping for school clothes. But they're from cold climates and our clothes are definitely summer ones. I hope you get that new grandbaby soon. And don't lose the battle of the squirt guns.
ReplyDeleteNow they've progressed to water balloons. I think my son does this because it takes the kids an hour and a half to fill enough balloons for a good battle.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience, waiting for another grandchild. Except for a two week vacation, my summers aren’t too different from every day. Really liked your cover and look forward to reading the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marion. Anxious for this baby to come!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting about your soon-to-be-born granddaughter! I bet that alone would make for an awesome summer :). Love the sound of your story! There's nothing like a child's innocence to shake things up ;).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rula. I love writing about kids and getting new grandkids!
DeleteCool, I can see a new plot coming. Gramma in the back yard shooting a water gun and here comes the mailman and Gramma shoots him in the eye by accident and two months later they get married. Patti, I'm looking forward now to both books.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea!
DeleteCongratulations, Patricia, on the book and the baby! I love Pamela's idea - you'll have to jump right on that. For me, summer means doing everything on the porch. Ron and I have mid-morning coffee out there, I work out there most afternoons in an old wooden glider, and every other week neighbors get together on our porch for pizza or potluck. It's a wonderful time. I love the thought of you out there with a water pistol and water balloons!
ReplyDeleteI agree--I need to relook at summer. It should be a time to wind down and do something different. And I love the new book and cover!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a new grandbaby to come. What a wonderful start to your summer. Long days, no school, gardens, sunshine -- summer is special. And congratulations on the birth of your first Harlequin. It sounds like a winner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. Although this is my first book for Heartwarming, it's not my first Harlequin. That happened back in the 80's. I feel like I've come full circle.
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