Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Terri Blackstock (Plus Giveaway)

Back a couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting not one, but TWO, great Christian suspense authors.  The first one (Brandilyn Collins) stopped by for a Meet & Greet of her own a few weeks ago, and author number 2 is here with me today.  :o)

I have been reading Terri's books since I first started reading Christian fiction, and in my expert opinion, she has gotten better and better with every single book.  Her latest series about drug addiction has really taken off like a rocket, and I've talked to several people who have really enjoyed them immensely.  I was so very excited to be able to meet her in person, and as a fellow Southerner, answer a few questions for me about her books and thoughts on the South.  I hope y'all will give Terri a very warm welcome!

***

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
 
I knew when I was eleven years old. After my dad got home from Vietnam, I wrote a poem about the war, and my mother sent it in to our local newspaper. They published it, and I was so thrilled. From that moment on, I knew that writing was what I wanted to do with my life.

What genre do you most like to write?

I mainly focus on suspense, because that’s what I like to read the most. I have a short attention span, so books that I read and write have to have a lot happening to keep me engaged.  

I love your suspense, but when you venture to write a women's fiction novel, I'm in heaven.  *sigh*  Couldn't get enough of your series of books with Beverly LaHaye! 

What do you hope readers take away with them after they read one of your books?

I want them to understand the depth of God’s love for them and His provision through every circumstance. While my books are crafted to be fast-paced thrillers, I weave a message of redemption and hope, and a strong thread of good versus evil, throughout each book. I’m a firm believer that God gives us crises for a purpose, and that crises often bring profound blessings. It’s important to me to show that through characters who are suffering or in danger, and while they often don’t have things together spiritually, the reader can follow their growth arc throughout the story and come away with a feeling of hope for their own trials.  

What is your latest book release?

My latest release is Downfall, Book 3 in my Intervention Series. The series is about a family struggling with a loved one who has addictions, and it was inspired by my own journey with my daughter’s addictions. The series takes the reader through the character arcs of these family members as they deal with the addictions, the potential relapses, and the danger surrounding addictions. Intervention (Book 1) and Vicious Cycle (Book 2) were both New York Times Best-Sellers.

In Book 3, Downfall, Emily has turned her life around, but her family still has trouble trusting her. Though Emily has committed herself to a year-long treatment program and has been sober for almost a year beyond that, even her mother walks on egg shells around her, fearing she’ll relapse. After her behavior during her drug years, Emily realizes she has a lot to prove.

When police discover a home-made bomb under Emily’s car, and she then learns the wife of one of her friends was murdered that same morning, she knows things are deadly serious. But who wants Emily dead? And why? A conversation she had with two men, an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and a plan for a double-murder all conspire for one explosive ride...and Emily is the only one who can identify the killer and save the life of the next potential victim. As she frantically works to solve this ever more complicated puzzle, Emily finds herself playing right into the killer’s hands. To buy or read an excerpt, go to http://www.terriblackstock.com/books/adult-fiction-books/the-intervention-series/. 

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?
 
I’ve just finished the first book in my new series. It’s called Truth-Stained Lies, and it’s part of the Moonlighters Series. It won’t release until February of next year, but I’m having so much fun with it. The series is about three sisters--a blogger, a stay-at-home mom, and a ne’er-do-well taxi driver--who wind up moonlighting as private detectives to solve some crimes related to their family. In the first book, their brother is accused of murdering his wife in order to win custody of their son. But the killer staged the scene so that the truth is too ludicrous to be believed. How can they prove their brother’s innocence when the lies make more sense than the truth? When their five-year-old nephew is kidnapped, their urgency ramps up. Since the police don’t believe the truth, it’s up to the sisters to find the killer and stop the madness.

Wow...sounds like another winner!!  

Where can readers find you on the web?
 
www.terriblackstock.com 
www.facebook.com/tblackstock 
www.twitter.com/terriblackstock
 
Most people can recognize a Southerner by their accent.  Would I know what area of the country you’re from by yours?
 
You would definitely know I’m from the South, but you might not be able to place exactly where. I grew up in the Air Force, and we lived all over the place. Because of that, my accent is probably not quite as clear-cut as some of my neighbors. I’m also a little bit of a chameleon with accents. If I’m in another place for two weeks or so, I’ve been known to lose my accent entirely. 

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

The thing I love about the south is the people. They’re warmer, kinder, more empathetic, less pretentious, and when you’re in crisis, they’ll love on you with casseroles and hugs. Doing what I do, I could live anywhere. I stay in Mississippi because of those good people.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Un-sweet for me, usually. I’m not much of a sugar lover.

Gulf Coast beaches or the mountains of East Tennessee?

Mountains of East Tennessee. My honeymoon was in Gatlinburg. Because we live in Mississippi, we don’t like baking in the sun, so the beach doesn’t hold as much of an appeal to us as it does to others. I’m also a real red-head, so my skin has no pigmentation. I’m not a good candidate for sun tanning.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

I love them both, but there’s something about Dolly Parton’s story-telling in her songs that really moves me. I love a good story-teller.

Beignets in New Orleans or BBQ in Memphis?

These days, BBQ, because I have to be gluten-free. But I could have eaten my weight in beignets before.

It's probably a good thing that neither of us lives in New Orleans.  :o)

You, you all, or y’all?

Y’all, definitely. 

***

Terri, I can't begin to thank you enough for being my special guest today!  It was such a pleasure to meet you in person, and that much more enjoyable to have a nice little chat with you, too.  :o)  

And thanks to Terri's fabulous generosity, you have the chance to win a copy of her latest book, Downfall.  Trust me, friends...this entire series will have you burning the midnight oil more than once!  If you'd like to be included in the drawing, simply fill out the form below in its entirety by Sunday, June 24th, 11:59pm.  The winner will be selected through third-party site, random.org, and notified via email by me.  Limited to US residents only.  Odds of winning are based on the number of entrants, and I am not responsible for lost or damaged prizes.  

Good luck, y'all, and thanks for stopping by today!  Grab your glass of tea before you leave (and leave a comment down below the entry form, too, if you'd like).  :o)

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Brandilyn Collins Plus Giveaway!

A few weeks back, I had the enormous pleasure of meeting two of my favorite authors at a book signing--Terri Blackstock and Brandilyn Collins.  Believe me, it was worth the 6 hour round trip because both of these ladies are superb writers, and truly at the top of their game in the suspense genre.  I decided to go out on a limb and see if they'd be interested in doing an interview here, and thank heavens, they both said yes.  :o) 

Up first this month is Brandilyn.  I never would've imagined such a sense of humor from someone who writes about boogeymen full-time!!  When you read our fun convo (not to mention that it's the first Southern-Style Meet & Greet that's been here in six months), you'll be able to picture Brandilyn sittin' right in front of you, talking over that glass of tea, and havin' yourself a passel full of laughs.  :o)

Oh, and as always, stay tuned to the very end for a book giveaway!

***

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Can’t say exactly. I grew up in a family of writers and wordsmiths. (Don’t challenge us in Scrabble. You’ll die.) Anyway, I do remember writing a story in third grade. Oh, wait! In second grade I won the prize for the best story in the classroom! I still remember the opening line: “Once there was a stallion named Betsy.”

I’ve been trying to write with as much eloquence ever since.

Then there’s an event from my teenage years. My friends swears it’s true, although I don’t remember it. We were coming out of church. She says to me, “That was a great sermon, huh.” I shrugged. “Wouldn’t know –I wasn’t listening. I was writing a story in my head.”

Maybe I should add that the pastor was my uncle. I don’t know if this makes my reaction better or worse.

What genre do you most like to write?

You’re asking me this question? Suspense, of course! My trademarked brand is Seatbelt Suspense®. My tagline is “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e …®  My brand comes with a four-point promise:  fast-paced, character-driven suspense, with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.

Okay, so I knew the answer to that question, but there might be just one person that didn't.  So...ya know...none of us have a smidge of doubt now.  :o) 

What do you hope readers take away with them after they read one of your books?

First, I want them to have been on the edge of their seats and caught up in the suspense plot.  In other words, they must feel highly entertained. If they’re not entertained, they won’t even finish the book. Second, I want them to have learned something about life. To come away with a deeper spiritual understanding of whatever faith thread is woven into the story. The best novels don’t just entertain. They give us an aha moment.

But that moment—and the faith thread in general—has to arise naturally out of the plot and who the character is. That’s why I never sit down to write a “Christian” suspense. I set down to the most rollickin’ suspense I can, knowing that somewhere along the process, the faith element will naturally present itself. This is why my readers are both Christian and non-Christian. A lot of people simply want to read a “clean” suspense.

What is your latest book release?
 

Brandilyn with the real-life Cherrie Mae!

Gone to Ground released in March.  It’s a Southern-drenched suspense. The story in a nutshell: In small-town Mississippi, six murders have occurred. Now to their horror, three women of three different generations realize they know who the killer is—someone dear to them. Independently, not talking to anyone, each woman must make the terrifying decision to bring the man down. But each woman suspects a different man.

You absolutely have to watch the trailer for Gone to Ground!  It features the three voices of my protagonists: Cherrie Mae (black, age 62), Deena (white, 35), and Tully (white, 19).  There’s a great background story about my researching in Mississippi for the story.  I met a real-life Cherrie Mae, whose name was so perfect for my character I obtained her permission to use it.  And that real-life Cherrie Mae plays the part of my character in the book trailer. She’s wonderful!

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

When am I not working on another novel? But the novel I’m writing now isn’t the next one to release. That one, Double Blind, comes out in October.  That story in a nutshell:  When severely depressed Lisa Newberry hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that can heal her, she knows it’s her last hope. But what if she receives only the placebo? What if something far worse goes wrong …?

(Hint—it’s a Brandilyn Collins Seatbelt Suspense® novel. You can bet some very bad things go wrong.)

Where can readers find you on the web?

You can read about all my books, including each one’s opening chapter, on my website. And if you’re not connected to me on Facebook—do you have any idea what you’re missing?  For one thing, you’re missing my Today’s Word.  Every day I give you an unusual word and its definition, inviting people to use it in a sentence. See how much smarter you could be? Talk about impressing your friends (and that snooty relative).  Plus you’re missing out on the deals on my books that I find on the web and pass on to readers. Third, you’re missing my unpredictable updates—maybe it’s creating a caption for Funny Foto, or a crazy event in my life (which seems to be full of them). (Recent update: “what does the death of some American Indians a couple 100 yrs. ago have to do with the sale of our home?” Pretty bizarre answer to that question.) So-come “like” me on Facebook!

Finally, I send out my Sneak Pique newsletter every other month (on even months) via email. Sneak Pique includes info about my books, plus info on the latest releases in Christian fiction. You can sign up for my newsletter here.

Most people can recognize a Southerner by their accent.  Would I know what area of the country you’re from by yours?

Okay, here’s a story. I was born in India, raised in Kentucky since the age of 2. (Yeah, well, that’s another story.) Then I moved to California at twenty-one, toting my Kentucky accent. Until I made the mistake of using the word “britches” in a sentence. The woman I was talking to looked at me like I was an alien. She made me repeat the sentence three times. Then finally said, “Oh! You mean pants.” Right then and there I resolved to rid myself of my Kentucky accent. And I did. Except when I’m in Kentucky or anywhere south of there, I find myself picking it up real easily.

Yep, there are certain...um..."words" that are native to us Southerners.  Don't go sayin' the word "holler," either...it will be interpreted several different ways down here.  :o)

Wisteria Bed and Breakfast

What is your most favorite thing about the South? 
 

I love the people! I love the culture! I’ve been to Mississippi three times for Gone to Ground, and every time have just loved the total atmosphere of the place.

By the way, when I go to Mississippi I love to stay in Wisteria Bed and Breakfast in Laurel. Lovely setting and genteel Southern owners.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

There’s such a thing as un-sweet tea?

You're a woman after my own heart, Brandilyn!

Gulf Coast beaches or the mountains of East Tennessee?

Ooh, that’s a hard one. So much beauty in both. The beach. No, the mountains. No, the beach…

Ask me again tomorrow.

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Elvis, baby!

Beignets in New Orleans or BBQ in Memphis?

Oh, have mercy? How to answer this one? I’d say … beignets in the morning (with a latte), followed by a bbq dinner at night.

(What do you mean, I’m cheating? This is my interview, ain’t it?)

(I didn't say a word, but I guess we can allow some cheating around here.  Be good, though.)  :o)

You, you all, or y’all? 

Even in chic California, y’all is simply the best.

***

Brandilyn, thank you so much for being my guest this week!  I've said it before and I'll say it again...if no one else had a great time today, I know I did!  :o)

And just like I promised, there is a giveaway this week for Brandilyn's newest book, Gone to Ground.  Simply complete the form below with your full name, mailing addy, and email addy, and your name will be entered to win a copy!  Be sure to complete your entry before Tuesday, May 15th, 11:59 CST, if you want it to count.  :o)  Giveaway is limited to US residents only, and void where prohibited.  Odds of winning are based upon number of entrants.  I am not responsible for lost or damaged books.

And if you'd like to leave a comment for Brandilyn, scroll down just a little further past the giveaway form to the comment section, and talk 'til your heart's content.  :o)  I know she'd love to hear from you!

  

I Met Cindy Woodsmall Today!

Y'all...today was a dream come true!  Never in a million years would I have ever believed I would've gotten to meet this sweet woman, who also happens to be an extremely talented author.  And the big bonus?  It was release day for her newest book, The Harvest of Grace!  I cannot wait to crack this book open and discover her latest story.  :o)

But about meeting her...  *silly grin*

She is the most down-to-earth, genuine person that I've had the pleasure to meet in a very long time.  When I walked in the store, she immediately cracked an joke (with the help of some friends), and I knew right away that I was in great company.  :o)

We talked about books (hers, of course, as well as several others), and about her kids (as well as the grandbaby that she's expecting soon...exciting!).  But seriously, we mostly talked about books.  I couldn't help but gush just a little about how I discovered her books through a friend, how she is my favorite author of Amish fiction, and that I've loaned my copies of her books to my dad...and he's loved them just as much as I did.  :o)  And somehow, we got to talking about some other new releases, and I asked her if she had ever read anything by Sandra Byrd.  She thought she had, and I asked if she had gotten to read her newest book yet.  When she said no, I quickly went to the store shelf (where there were 5 lovely copies), and brought one back to her.  She. Bought. The. Book.  WOW!  Talk about instant gratification for someone who reads and reviews books all the time!  :o)

But I've saved the best news for last...

She's coming here for a visit!  Well, *here* here...like to this blog...like in a couple of months.  Squeeeee!!!!!  She's got a new Christmas book (The Christmas Singing) releasing in October, so y'all be on the lookout for that.  She'll be giving away a copy of it here, too, as part of a Southern-Style Meet & Greet, so be sure to check the schedule up top to see when we've got a firm date set.  :o)

So what about you, my friends?  Have you gotten to meet an author in person?  What was your experience like?

Cindy Woodsmall is Comin' Down South! Yippee!!!

Y'all just have no idea how giddy I am right now!!! I am about to burst with excitement that THE Cindy Woodsmall is coming to MY area of the world for a book signing!  Seriously, it just does not get any better than that.  Book signings in this area are hard to come by, and I think I stay pretty well on top of that kind of stuff (considering I've only ever been to one in the past 3-4 years since I've been blogging).  And no joke...I've been telling everyone I know, which means now it's time to tell y'all,  too.  :o)

Here's the complete list of Cindy's appearances in our little corner of the world down South a'ways....

Tuesday, August 9 (Release day!), 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Memphis East LifeWay Christian Store

The Commons

8025 Giacosa Place

Memphis, TN 38133

Phone: 901-373-4900

~

Wednesday, August 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

670 Elsinger Blvd.

Conway, AR 72032

Phone: 501-513-2226

~

Wednesday, August 10, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

11500 Financial Center Pkwy.

Little Rock, AR 72211

Phone: 501-954-7646

~

Thursday, August 11, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Mardel

9725 E. 71st St.

Tulsa, OK 74133

Phone: 918-254-1571

~

Friday, August 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Mardel

4848 NW Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

Phone: 405-773-1717

~

Saturday, August 13, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Topeka LifeWay Christian Store

2121 SW Fairlawn Plaza Drive

Topeka, KS 66614

Phone: 785-228-2858

~

Sunday, August 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

420 W 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

Phone: 816-753-1313

~

Monday, August 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

113 West County Center

Des Peres, MO 63131

Phone: 314-835-9980

~

Tuesday, August 16, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Springfield LifeWay Christian Store

Primrose Marketplace

3362 South Glenstone Avenue

Springfield, MO 65804

Phone: 417-886-0911

~

Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 a.m. to noon

Christian Gift Outlet

300 Tanger Blvd, Suite 101B

Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-348-0841

~

Wednesday, August 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

1428C Hwy 62-65 N

Harrison, AR 72601

Phone: 870-741-2600

~

Thursday, August 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

4505 W. Walnut, Suite 1

Rogers, AR 72756

Phone: 479-936-7777

~

Friday, August 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

LifeWay

Turtle Creek

3009 East Highland Dr., Suite D

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Phone: 870-972-0606

I cannot wait to get myself in line, buy this book, get it signed, get a picture, have a chat, go out for a sweet tea (well, she probably won't have time for that...*grin*)...anyway, you get the picture.  Be watching for a post some time next week with all the juicy details because I know I'm gonna have the most wonderful time!

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Annalisa Daughety

Time for another week with another Meet & Greet! This week, I've got another sweet, Southern author, and one that I've ACTUALLY gotten to meet in person, too!! How exciting is that?! But first, gotta let you know who won last week's giveaway of The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Thanks to our dear friends at Random.org, the lucky winner is:

Jo (ladijo40@...)

Congrats, Jo! I'll be in touch with you shortly to get all the necessary mailing info. :o)

And now, it's time for our next author....Annalisa Daughety! Like I said before, I had the great privilege of meeting Annalisa at a local book signing some time ago, and truthfully...I had a little bit of a starstruck moment. I remember that I could hardly think of anything witty to say, so I just said "thanks for signing my book, and can we get a picture, please?" If I could do it over again...well, that's why we're having this here meet and greet. :o)  Since she's Southern, and a local Southerner to boot, we're gonna have all kinds of fun talking about our favorite Southern things.  Stay tuned to the very end for a nice surprise!

Welcome, Annalisa!
________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing stories since I learned to hold a pencil so I guess I’ve been a writer almost my whole life. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved to read—and I think that love of words and books contributed to my desire to be a writer.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be and why? (This is, of course, assuming that writing IS your dream job!) :o) 

Writing is definitely one of my dream jobs. :) I’ve been blessed to have worked in my other “dream” fields as well. I worked as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, which was definitely a dream job. I loved working at a Civil War battlefield (Shiloh) because I’ve been a Civil War buff since I was a little girl. My other dream job is working as an event planner, which I’ve done for many years. I love seeing a special event come together and be a success. Most recently I worked in that capacity for the National Foundation for Transplants and loved working for an organization I believe in.

I've been to Shiloh once, thanks to my Civil-War-buff hubby.  I'm sure we'll go again at some point in time...he can't get enough of all that history.  :o)

What genre do you most like to write? 

I’m still finding my way—at this point, I think the genre I most like to write would be labeled women’s fiction but most of the books I’ve written that have been published are romance. Being a history buff, I would eventually like to branch out and do a book that blends contemporary and historical, yet still ties in a little romance. Guess I’m sort of all over the place.

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories? 

Of course! Usually amplified in some way though. And I always change names. :)

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

My main purpose is to entertain and tell a story. My books aren’t preachy, but the characters definitely rely on their faith to get them through tough times.

What is your latest book release?

My July release is from Summerside Press—Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Here’s the back cover blurb:

Two women with nothing in common—except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak? For Caroline, love comes in the form of journalist Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when reporters start hovering once again, or can Caroline find a way to trust him with her heart?

My guess is that this is a semi-sequel to Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio.  Oh, I do hope I'm right!  

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

I just turned in All Shook Up which will release through Heartsong Presents Book Club in January. It’s set in Memphis, which made it really fun to write!

Graceland wedding planner Suzanne Simpson finds love with writer Nick Taggart after a chance meeting during Elvis Week. Will Suzanne’s fierce independence and Nick’s fear of commitment doom their blossoming relationship? Or have they finally found a love that’s worth the risk?

For the record, I probably should admit that I've never been to Graceland in my life, and I've lived close enough to visit it for 23 years.  Oh, the horror...  But you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be reading this one when it comes out!

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website: www.annalisadaughety.com
My blog: www.princessofpatience.blogspot.com
Also I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook and would love to connect with readers there!

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

I love everything about the South. I love the hot, lazy summer days and the way lightning bugs dance around the yard at dusk. I love meeting new people in a small Southern town and spending the first fifteen minutes of our conversation establishing who we know in common and how we may or may not be related. People in the South are great storytellers and I think that’s one reason there are so many wonderful Southern authors. Southern hospitality and manners are still alive and well and when I hear a Southern child say “yes ma’am” it does my heart good. And I can’t gush about the South without talking about the food! Barbecue, fried okra, and sweet tea are some of my very favorites.

Oh, just wait...we are definitely gonna talk about some food!


Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet--the sweeter the better!

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef? 

Barbecue is my FAVORITE food! In fact, I just finished up writing a book set in Memphis and I’m ashamed to tell you how many times barbecue is mentioned! Definitely pork.

Definitely pork for me, too...nothing will do but Corky's.  Yum, yum, yum!!!

Potluck dinner or restaurant dinner? 

Restaurant. Unless it’s just my family and then I like potluck.

Summer or Winter?

I’m a summer girl through and through. I like one snow per year—the kind that shuts the city down and allows me to stay inside and drink hot chocolate—and then I’m ready for summer again.

One snow per year for me, too, although lately, it's been coming around more than once.  That's okay, too...I'm good with 2 or more days off work!

Country gal or city gal? 

I’m kind of a mix. I grew up in the country surrounded by rice fields—but I’ve lived in the big city for the past fourteen years. I love the city, but after a little while start to feel very stifled and long for wide open space again.

You, you all, or y’all? 

Y’all. No question. :)

Y'all is right!  

Annalisa, I think somehow we must be "kindred spirits" (courtesy of dear Anne).  I won't be so bashful next time around if I see you at another book signing...or at a BBQ restaurant!  :o)  Thank you so much for coming and chatting today, and telling all of us about your newest (and also forthcoming) books!

_________________________________

Remember that surprise I promised you?  Well, you probably guessed what it was anyway, but it's always nice to be surprised.  :o)  Annalisa is giving away a copy of her brand new book, Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (which I, for one, cannot WAIT to read) to one special person that comments on this post.  If you'd like to be entered for a chance to win, please leave a comment with your email address before Sunday, July 31.  If there's no email addy, sorry, but your comment will not count toward the drawing.  The winner will be announced next Monday, August 1st.  US addresses only, please.

Thanks for stopping by, as always, my dear friends!  I love meetin' with you here each and every week!