I asked for my rights back from the publisher of THE PROPOSAL! The old cover did fit the story well but decided since I was publishing it myself that I’d give it a new cover. I like it a lot and it’s live on AMAZON and sells for $1.99.

Click here if you’d like to buy it! Btw, it’s the same story that was published in A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION by Victory Tales Press.

BLURB:
Jacqueline Andrews hopes her boyfriend Brad’s surprise is an engagement ring for her twenty-sixth birthday. Her best friend, Tyler Jordan, wants Jacqueline to be happy but not with Brad. Tyler regrets blowing off Jacqueline’s confession of love for him before he left for college. When he returns to their small town as a physician’s assistant, he falls in love with her. He needs to win her love back. Will his hot kisses sway her? Or is she going to marry Brad?

Today I’m happy to introduce the charming and talented author, Linda Poitevin. She lives just outside Canada’s capital, Ottawa, with her husband, three daughters, and a varied collection of animals. In her spare time, she gardens (organically), cans and freezes the family’s winter fruit and vegetable supply, knits (basically), crochets (better), and starts way more projects than she ever finishes. (Fortunately that doesn’t hold true of her books!) She loves spending time with her family, having coffee with friends, walking by the river and watching thunderstorms…in about that order.

GIVEAWAY: Linda will be giving away a pair of artisan-crafted earrings as well as a $10 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press (a total prize package worth $20) to one lucky commenter during the blog tour. Comment here and on other blogs to enter and increase your chance to win. Ends February 5, 2010.

Linda’s newest release is A Fairy Tale for Gwyn and is published by The Wild Rose Press!

And now I’ll turn this chat over to Linda. She has a special treat for you today. Enjoy!

Chatting with Nicholas and Maggie

Today I’m expecting two very special visitors from my story, A Fairy Tale for Gwyn. They should be here soon – ah, there’s a car in the driveway now…and yes, it’s them. We’ll just wait for their mom to help them out of their car seats; those seat belts can be a bit of a struggle for little fingers sometimes.

I open the door and call out: “Good morning, Gwyn. Thanks so much for bringing Nicholas and Maggie – did you want to come in and wait for them? I have coffee on.”

“Coffee?” Nicholas wrinkles his nose and looks up at his mother. “You said she’d know kids don’t like coffee.”

Gwyn shushes four-year-old Nicholas and casts a wry look in my direction. “Unless you think you’ll need me, I’ll just wait in the car, thanks. I’m behind on a client project and brought my notebook with me.”

“That’s fine.” I hold the door wider as Nicholas and his twin sister Maggie climb the stairs. “Good morning, Nicholas and Maggie.
Thank you so much for coming today.”

Maggie removes her index finger from her mouth and offers me a shy smile. “Are you really going to give us coffee?”

“I thought you might like hot chocolate better.”

Nicholas eyes me narrowly. “With marshmallows or whipped cream?”

Feeling rather like I’m being tested, I answer promptly, “Both,” and he rewards me with a wide grin.

“I like you,” he announces as he pushes his sister ahead of him into the front hallway. “Can I have extra whipped cream? And Maggie’s marshmallows? ‘Cause she doesn’t like them.”

Ten minutes later, after the two of them have visited with the bunny, the new puppy, the bearded-dragon lizard, and both our cats, we settle at the dining room table. “So,” I begin.

“Why do you want to ask us a bunch of questions?” Nicholas asks. “Mommy says it’s rude to ask too many questions.”

Maggie nods agreement, her top lip white from the whipped cream in her cup.

“I thought people might like to know more about some of my characters,” I explain. “And I thought it would be fun – “

“What are char – “ Nicholas frowns and tries the unfamiliar word again. “Char-k-trs?”

“Characters are the people in a story.”

Maggie’s eyes widen. “You mean like pretend people?” She looks to her brother for his reaction. Nicholas is scowling.

I realize my mistake. My own children are pretty much all grown, and I’ve forgotten more than I realized about dealing with little ones. I backtrack hastily. “They can be real people, too,” I assure them. “Because lots of stories are real, aren’t they?”

Maggie nods slowly and Nicholas’ frown fades, but they both remain wary. Having narrowly averted disaster, I proceed with caution. “So,” I say again. “Why don’t you start by telling me what you did in school today?”

“It was a day off.” Nicholas rolls his eyes. “Don’t you know that? Don’t you have any kids?”

“I do, but they’re all grown up now.”

“Yeah,” he nods sagely. “I forgot you’re old.”

My less-than-fifty-year-old self bridles at the observation. Cheeky monster. “Thanks so much for noticing,” I tell him. “Fine then, tell me about your sister, Katie – “

“I thought you wanted to know about us.”

I swallow a sigh. “All right, then, let’s do it this way. What would you like to talk about?”

“Penguins,” Maggie offers.

“Penguins?”

Nicholas pokes at a marshmallow and then licks his finger. “They’re her favorite animal. But they’re not reallly an animal, you know. They’re birds. But they can’t fly. Are you married?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Mommy’s not. My dad didn’t want to be married to her anymore, so he left. My Auntie Sandy is married.”

“Do you miss your daddy?”

“I only met him once when I was a baby. Mommy says I threw up on him. I’m glad.” He scowls fiercely. “He made Mommy and Katie sad when he left.”

Maggie sighs. “I miss him.”

“You do not,” Nicholas says scornfully. “You were just a baby when he left, too.”

Maggie ignores him. “My friend Annika’s daddy reads her stories and plays dress-up with her,” she tells me earnestly. “I think it would be nice to have a daddy like that.”

“What about you, Nicholas? Would you like to have a daddy?”

He looks wistful. “Maybe a little. Mommy says we’re fine without one, but…” his voice trails off.

Realizing I may have opened a can of worms, I offer more marshmallows to distract him. He is about to accept when the doorbell rings. He sighs.

“That’s Mommy. We have to go to our swimming lesson.” He casts a forlorn look at the marshmallows as he slides from his chair. His face brightens as I fold the top of the bag closed and hold it out to him, and then pass the aerosol can of whipped cream to Maggie. “Really?” he asks.

“Really,” I say. “As a thank you for coming to visit me today.”

“We can come back, if you like,” he offers, taking Maggie’s hand and towing her toward the front door. “Maybe you could give us cookies next time.”

Blurb:

Gwyn Jacobs doesn’t believe in happy-ever-after.

Ever since her ex-husband walked out four years ago, abandoning her with a toddler and infant twins, Gwyn has been mother, father, and bread-winner all rolled into one. Her own scarred heart and failed marriage aside, she is determined not to open up her children’s lives to the possibility of another heartbreak…until her very own fairy tale falls into her lap — and the hero won’t take no for an answer!

Excerpt:

“It’s me. Did I wake you?” Rich, dark tones washed over her, velvet-smooth.

Gwyn clutched at the duvet and dragged it up to her chin. Her traitorous heart thudded against its confines. She swallowed. Cleared her throat. Managed a barely coherent, “No. I was awake.”

“Me too.”

Silence.

She wiped sweaty palms against the duvet, one at a time.

“I miss you,” he said.

She squeezed her eyes shut and coached herself through the forgotten art of breathing. Inhale…exhale…

Gareth’s voice deepened, roughened. “Tell me you’re suffering as much as I am.”

“I…uh…”

“The truth.”

The ache that had started in her belly spread relentlessly outward. He wanted the truth. But how could she tell him something she was still trying to avoid acknowledging?

“Gwyn?” the deep voice prompted, with an edge to it that startled her. A rawness that echoed her own state.

“I’m here.”

“And?”

She exhaled shakily and tightened her fingers around the receiver. “And I’m suffering, too,” she whispered.
~~~~

Linda, thank you so much for making my blog as one of your stops during your virtual blog tour! It’s been a pleasure. I loved your interview with your delightful characters!

Readers, visit Linda’s website and blog to learn more! Click here to buy the print copy of A Fairy Tale for Gwyn at Amazon

Click here to buy AFTFG on Wild Rose Press.

I have another character here from my inspirational, No Greater Loss. For a reminder, I’ll be drawing a winner on Friday night at 9:00 pm Eastern time for the gift certificate to Amazon. Your name is entered each time you leave a comment on the character interview posts.

BACKGROUND OF FATHER RYAN WHITNEY:

Age: 55

Physical Appearance: An attractive man with wavy white hair. Medium height and build.

College: MBA from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio

Occupation before becoming a pastor: Financial analyst

Seminary: Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland

Hobby: Goes to YMCA to lift weights and swim

Favorite dessert: pumpkin pie

Pastor at: St. Peter in Chains Cathedral

DC: With us today, is Father Ryan Whitney. Hello, Father.

FR (smiles): Hello, Diane. I’m happy to be here. Jenny told me how she enjoyed talking with you yesterday.

DC: (gives him a big grin) That’s a relief. When you rescheduled, I was afraid you changed your mind. Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, or water? Or ginger ale?

FR (chuckles): No, I’m fine but thank you. And I bet Jenny told you I like ginger ale. Unfortunately, she told parishioners how much I like Reese’s pieces and now I’m kept in an endless supply of them.

DC: I love them, too.

FR: I’m sorry I’m couldn’t make it yesterday as we planned. I was at Children’s Hospital most of the day. A little girl had a kidney transplant, so I stayed to pray with the parents. Then I visited some other children.

DC: I hope the little girl’s body will accept the kidney.

FR: Bless her heart. She’s had a rough time of it but she’s a fighter.

DC: I’d like to hear the story of how God called you to become a priest.

FR: Everything flowed from God. My parents were traditional Catholics who instilled in me that God was first, family second and everything else follows. My brother, Joe, and I were altar boys. But I didn’t receive the call until I was twenty-five years old when I was dating this girl I thought I’d like to marry. I had a great job as a financial analyst and had just bought a house close to a church. Before I proposed to her though, I did start wondering what my responsibility to God was and if He wanted me to get married. The whole idea of the priesthood was placed in my mind. Then one night I was walking home and had to pass the church. I felt this increased awareness that God was calling me to be a priest. But I wanted to be sure, so I took several days off from my job, so I could get away from everyone. I prayed and felt positive that God was definitely calling me to be a priest.

DC: I’m glad you listened to God. How did your girlfriend take the news?

FR: She’d been having second thoughts about our relationship so that helped. She realized how awesome it was that I received the call. We talked about the great responsibility that came with it.

DC: That’s wonderful she was understanding. Did she ever marry?

FR: She married a wonderful Catholic man and they were blessed with four children. I baptized them.

DC: Did you feel any regret that they weren’t your children?

FR: No, I didn’t. I’ve always loved being a priest. And my niece, Jenny, is like a daughter to me.

DC: I’m assuming your parents were happy that you received the call.

FR (nods): They were supportive but surprised.

DC: Why?

FR(smiles): I guess because I loved my job. I also liked making money. But the Lord made it very clear that I wasn’t going to have any money. But I knew I didn’t have to be concerned about the money aspect and that the Lord would always provide exactly what I needed. And He has.

DC: I heard how popular your radio show is. What made you decide to have a daily program?

FR: I noticed a lot of people came to me with the same sort of problems, so I started thinking how there were probably others with the same questions about religion and their lives. I felt a burden that maybe they were not seeking spiritual guidance to solve their problems.

DC: I think it’s wonderful how you reach out to so many people.

FR: Thank you. I can’t take all the credit though. I’m an instrument of the Lord’s love to all of us.

DC: Has there been anytime you felt like you gave the wrong advice to anyone?

FR(fingers his white, ordained collar): Yes, but not to any parishioner or radio caller. I wonder sometimes about the time I gave my blessing to my niece to marry Brad. They were both so young but they were so much in love. We had lost Jenny’s father who was also my brother and she lost her mother at age seven. I felt like she needed more in her life than just me. I really believed it was the right time for them to get married. And I thought a lot of Brad. But she’s never recovered from losing Brad. I’m the one who identified his body and had to be the one to tell her. I’ll never forget how she looked when I told her.

DC: And then only months later, she lost her baby.

FR: That was so hard on her, and I had a tough time, too, after both deaths.

(I notice the sadness in his eyes so I reach across to squeeze his hand.)

FR: Christopher was my godson. I loved that little guy so much. For the brief time, he was on earth, he brought so much joy into our lives.

DC:That has to be the hardest thing for a parent to experience. It’s just not natural for a child to go before a parent. I had a miscarriage and I was shocked how people tried to comfort me by saying to me that I could have another one. I couldn’t replace that lost baby with another. That baby was already real to me.

FR: They wanted to comfort you, but needed to appreciate the loss and grief you were experiencing.

DC:What do you think of the future of the priesthood?

FR: I believe in the next 15 years or so we’ll see an increase in men becoming priests. I think the youth today are much more spiritual. But also older men are becoming priests. We do have to let the people of the parish do what they can. Priests should never take away from the people their right to be the church. We must give them the opportunity to do what is theirs to do. We are all responsible for being the church.

DC: Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to talk with me. I’ve really enjoyed it. I know you have to leave soon for your radio program so I don’t want to keep you.

FR (glances at his watch): You’re right. I better go. And thank you. Please stop in to see me sometime. (he grins) I’ll even share some of my candy with you.

During my interview yesterday with Jennifer Hunter, she mentioned hiring Luke Brunsman to help her to remodel her old farmhouse. He’s a bit late so I’ll give you some facts about his background. Luke’s thirty-five years old with black hair and brown eyes. He was a schoolteacher before becoming a builder. He was married to Cassie Peters, a supermodel, for ten years. She died from breast cancer. After Cassie’s death Luke built a house for his sister and her husband. They are out of the country, so he’s living in their house until they return.

Luke Brunsman enters, carrying a big cup of coffee. “I’m sorry I’m late. I wanted to stop at the site where we just started a new house, and check in with my workers.”

DC:That’s fine. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, Mr. Brunsman.

LB: Please just call me Luke.

DC: Do you miss living in New York?

LB: Not at all. I never liked being a New Yorker. I’m glad I came back to Ohio to live.

DC: What do you like best about being back here?

LB: My brother Jack lives here with his young family, so I’m enjoying being able to see my nieces and nephews more often. And since my wife died, it helps to be around family.

DC: I’m sorry you lost your wife. She was very beautiful. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you meet her?

LB (his brown eyes filled with sadness): My sister Leslie was a model and she introduced me to Cassie. We fell in love right away.

DC: Was it hard being married to a supermodel?

LB (nods): Yeah, it was. I wanted children and she didn’t. She didn’t want to get pregnant and ruin her figure.

DC: Since you like children, why did you leave teaching to become a builder?

LB: Cassie didn’t like me teaching. She thought there was too much violence in the schools.

DC: Do you miss teaching?

LB: (he sips his coffee) I missed it when I first left it, but not now. I really like being a builder.

DC: I interviewed Dr. Hunter yesterday. She mentioned hiring you to help with remodeling her house. Do you prefer building new houses?

LB: I do like the whole process of building a new house. I told Jennifer I could build her a new house but she doesn’t want one. That’s okay because I think it’ll be fun working on her old house.

DC: I bet it helps she’s gorgeous.

LB: (grins) Is she? I hadn’t noticed.

DC: What do you like doing in your free time?

LB: I like playing rugby. I’m on the Cincinnati Rugby Football team. We’re called the Wolfhounds. You might have heard of us.

DC: I have. Rugby’s a pretty intense game.

LB: (nods) That’s why I like it. It’s a very rough and physical game.

DC: I went a long time ago to a college rugby game and I enjoyed it.

LB: You’ll have to come sometime to one of our games.

DC: Thanks. That sounds like fun. Luke, thank you for stopping by.

LB: Anytime.

~~~
If you’d like to read more about Jennifer and Luke, buy the book, No Greater Loss. It can be purchased at Amazon, My Book Store and More, other online bookstores, or your local bookstore.

Welcome to one of my characters from my inspirational romance, No Greater Loss. By the way, I put a picture of daisies on this page because she loves daisies!

Before I get started with the interview, I want to mention that No Greater Loss is available in ebook format at Samhain Publishing and in print. It is sold at various bookstores plus online at Amazon. I’ll be giving a $15 Gift Certificate to Amazon on Friday, June 15th, here at my blog. If you leave a comment this week about any character, your name will be entered into the drawing for the GC. Each time you visit and leave a comment, you increase your chances of winning because I’ll put your name in for each comment. If you want to know more about any character, feel free to post questions in the comment section.

BACKGROUND OF DR. JENNIFER HUNTER:

Age: 33

Physical Appearance: blue eyes, light brown hair with blonde highlights, tall

Martial Status: single but was married

Mother: school teacher
Father: police officer
Siblings: none

Jennifer’s Occupation: psychologist

Colleges Attended: Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio - undergraduate degree
Ohio State University - received Master’s and Doctorate

Favorite Dessert: cherry cordial ice cream

Residence: Recently moved to rural Brown County in Ohio, but her practice is located in Cincinnati so has a lengthy commute.

Let’s get started.

DC: Hello, Dr. Hunter.

JH: Please call me Jennifer.

DC: Would you like a cup of coffee?

JH: No, thank you. I just had a cup.

DC: Did you always want to be a psychologist?

JH: No. I originally majored in social work. I really had planned on being a social worker.

DC: What changed your mind?

JH: I lost my husband and baby during college, so to get through my grief I had to find something that would take a lot of time and hard work. I decided to continue my education, and majoring in psychology seemed like the right choice for me. I’ve never regretted it and love being a psychologist.

DC: I’m so sorry about your losses. You definitely made a good decision. I’ve heard wonderful things about your weekly radio program with Father Ryan Whitney. How did you get started on the radio?

JH: I’m glad you asked. Father Ryan is my uncle. He’s been like a father to me since my own died during a drug raid. My dad’s backup didn’t get there in time. Uncle Ryan and I both have suffered family losses so we have a strong bond. A few years ago, Uncle Ryan started a daily religious program on the air. He had me on as guest speaker one Sunday. We were flooded with calls from women who needed help, so now I’m on every Sunday.

DC: What kind of things do you discuss on the air?

JH: I cover topics like dating, childbirth, mothering, menopause, cancer, battered women…this next Sunday I’ll talk about eating disorders which is a serious disease in our country.

DC: How can you really help someone during an hour program?

JH: That is what is so frustrating about giving advice in a short period of time, but I always encourage the callers to get additional help from me or other places. We do hear again from many callers after the radio program. Uncle Ryan is so caring, and he also offers to help after the show ends. His sincerity in wanting to help comes thru so well on the radio.

DC: I heard you just bought an old farmhouse in bad condition. What made you decide to do this?

JH: I love old houses. I saw all kinds of possibilities with the one I bought. But I didn’t plan on moving before it was remodeled. My other house sold quickly because the young couple wanted to move in before their baby was born. Harry, a friend, keeps telling me that I have no business living there. I didn’t even have running water in the kitchen when I moved in so I called a plumber right away. (laughs) I can actually do dishes in the kitchen now instead of a small plastic tub. Remodeling is a challenge, that’s for sure.

DC: I’m sure it will be beautiful when finished. Have you thought about remarrying and filling your house with children? I hope I’m not being too personal.

JH (thoughtfully): I don’t plan on ever remarrying. I think God wants me to remain single. I have a full and satisfying life, so have no plans to make any changes.

DC: But if the right man came along, you might change your mind.

JC: Even if he did I’d keep my distance. Losing loved ones is just too painful. I have learned to keep my feelings intact so that no one gets hurt. I hired Luke Brunsman to help me renovate my house. After he kissed me, I told him our relationship is a business one only.

DC: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

JH: That’s a good question. I might read or watch a romantic comedy. Or sew. I have several sewing projects I’d love to get busy on.

DC: Who’s your best friend?

JH: I have two best friends. My secretary, Natasha, is a close friend even though she keeps playing matchmaker. (laughs) She’s married and thinks I should get married again. Then there’s Becky. I don’t get to see her often enough. She lives in Indiana and has a busy law practice. I’m also godmother to her baby Christine. I actually delivered Christine. Becky and I were on vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, staying at a cabin when she went into labor. I had to deliver the baby. But everything went fine so that was a relief.

DC: That is a really neat story. Jennifer, thank you so much for visiting today. I really enjoyed talking with you.

JH (smiles): I enjoyed our chat, too. I think I’ll take that cup of coffee now.