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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Interview & Giveaway: Regina Jennings ~ Author of Love in the Balance!!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Regina!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

You bet. I married my high school sweetheart before graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. My professional life included employment at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. I currently write historical romance for Bethany House and homeschool my four children.

What is your newest book, Love in the Balance, about? 

Bailey Garner is an earnest young cowhand with a reputation for godliness, but he knows he’s got everyone fooled. In a search for accountability, Bailey pops up before the church and confesses a temptation that continues to beset him. Of course it doesn’t take much imagination for the congregation to surmise that the block he’s stumbling over closely resembles beautiful, sassy Molly Lovelace.

For a year, Molly’s parents have been after her to drop Bailey and marry for money. Now he’s asking for some time and space to make himself worthy of her, robbing Molly of her best friend and support. When her family’s finances force a decision, how will she choose between her duty and her heart? 

Love in the Balance is a sequel-like to Sixty Acres and a Bride. Do you plan on writing more novels with characters from these books?

Oh, yeah. The third book in the Ladies of Caldwell County series, Caught in the Middle, is the mysterious Anne Tillerton’s story. Although the story stands alone, readers will get to see more of Bailey and Molly as they watch her brother Nick try to manage Anne’s reentry into society.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

I’m a huge fan of European history, particularly British History. How did I end up writing cowboy books? Well, knights and cowboys have a lot in common when you think about it. They ride, they fight, they love their land and they know how to treat a lady. The accent is a bit different, but when you’re reading you can supply your own voice.

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

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In the sixth grade a friend and I wrote a sequel to Gone with the Wind. It was epic, all 30 pages of it, but it wasn’t until 2010 that I made a second effort to write something marketable.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 

Love in the Balance is my second book. Since then I’ve written a novella and two more full-length novels that are currently being revised and edited. The novella comes out this December and the novels will be out over the next few years. And my favorite book changes constantly. Usually it’s whichever one is giving me less grief at the time.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 

Because of the kids, I rarely get uninterrupted time to write. I drag my laptop with me everywhere and maybe only get a paragraph here or there. Eventually I have to go somewhere quiet and really polish it, but that first draft is written on the run.

Where do you like to write? 

Anywhere and everywhere. I have a desk. I have a bed. Sometimes if I’m waiting for the kids at choir practice I’ll hide in an empty Sunday School classroom or sit in the car.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 

The best part is getting to share stories. I love stories. I love telling stories, but I don’t necessary want to be the center of attention. Books let me tell stories without everyone looking at me. J

The worst part is just the time it takes. I enjoy researching, writing, even revising, but I have to fight Mommy-guilt. There’s always something else you can do for your children and there’s always more polishing you can do on a manuscript, but you can’t do both at the same time.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I read a lot, of course. I also like to travel, play the piano and play games with the kids. And then in the fall there’s college football.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

No surprises here. My favorite genre is historical romance, although well-written historical non-fiction is even more captivating.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

This fall we’re headed to the UK. I’ve been to London once, but didn’t get to spend much time there. This time we’re going to hit London, Bath, Stratford, York and Edinburgh. Excited!

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

It changes all the time, but here’s one that’s blessing me recently:

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, For so He gives His beloved sleep.” – Psalm 127:2

This reminds me to stop striving and rest in God. Without His help my efforts are in vain, anyway.

Do you have a favorite song? 

This changes, too. As of July 2013 my favorite song would be “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons.

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms, although in Oklahoma they are deadly.
Call or Text? I like email because I’m less likely to lose my laptop than my phone.
Early-bird or Night-owl? Strong early-bird. It’s in my DNA. I can’t sleep late even when exhausted.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 

The next project to be released is a Texas-sized novella collection in December 2013. A Match Made in Texas includes novellas by Karen Witemeyer, Carol Cox, Mary Connealy and me. Writing with these authors has been all kinds of fun. I can’t wait for this collection to be released.

Then, next spring Caught in the Middle will be released. It begins with Anne Tillerton saving Nick Lovelace’s life during a train robbery. Although more suited to her job as a buffalo hunter, Anne must stay in town when she’s left with an unexpected bundle…of joy. She turns to Nick for help finding the child’s parents, but he’s even less equipped to manage a baby than she is. His association with the unconventional Anne threatens his political aspirations, but can he turn his back on the woman who saved his life?

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you for inviting me! I’m so appreciative of my readers. You wouldn’t believe how encouraging your notes, emails and comments are. I want to thank you all for making this dream come true and I pray that God keeps letting me bring you stories.
I love hearing from y’all online. You can find me here -

Book Giveaway!


Enter to win a copy of Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings! Giveaway is only open to US residents. Ends 8/8.

To enter, be sure to sign into the Rafflecopter form and click “enter” on each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

108 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I can not wait to read these books ! I love historical romances of all types. If you would like any information on the UK let me know. My husband and I are currently stationed here. We are a little over an hour away from London.
    Thanks for the giveaway

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    1. Thanks, Silvia! Right now we're looking at our list of things we want to do and trying to decide if the London Pass is worth it. Also we are taking a day trip to Bath and trying to decide what to do there. Any suggestions?

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  2. Regina, I've heard such good things about your book, Sixty Acres and A Bride. It's in our church Media Center and everyone I know that has read it has really like it. It's on my "to read" list (which is growing longer everyday!). I would love to win Love in the Balance to add to our collection and then be able to sit down and read them back-to-back!
    This was a great interview! Thanks so much.
    Debbie Lester

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    1. Debbie,

      I work in our church library, too. I love the ministry of sharing good books. If you don't win LITB, maybe you can request the church buy a copy. I take those requests regularly at our church - although it does help when the books come free. ;)

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  3. Thanks for the interview ladies! I really enjoyed 60 Acres and a Bride and am looking forward to reading more in the series...

    I too would love to visit the UK. I have missionary friends over there, so it would be a fun trip to be able to see them and experience the UK. Our roots as a country are there after all!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Going to England feels like a homecoming, Patty. Of course, it may not be like that once I get there, but in my imagination it is. :)

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  4. Thank you for the chance to win. I enjoy your books and love the covers.

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    1. Bethany House has the best covers. I love them, too!

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  5. Your book covers are awesome! :)

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    1. I agree! Not that I had anything to do with them, but I whole-heartedly approve.

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  6. this sounds like my type of book thanks for the chance to win a copy

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  7. Hi Melanie
    Another nice book. Regina's books sound delightful. Would love to read.

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  8. This whole series looks cute! The covers are very enticing...

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  9. Hello Regina. I have your first book and would love to have this sequel to go with it. Was interesting reading your interview. Sure hope I can win.
    Thanks to Christian Bookshelf for this interview and give-away.
    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie,
      How are you? Thanks for the kind words on Sixty Acres. Good luck on the drawing.

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  10. Fun interview!

    Edinburgh was one of my most favorite places to visit! The National Gallery is a must see there :)

    Not entering to win, just popping in to read the interview - I've already got a copy of Love in the Balance, waiting (impatiently) to be read. I absolutely LOVED Sixty Acres & a Bride, so I'm really looking forward to it!

    Beth

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    1. The National Gallery in Edinburgh? Thanks for the tip. We'll see what we can do.

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  11. I loved Sixty Akers and a Bride and would love a chance to win Love in the Balance.

    rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. Such a wonderful interview! I really want to read both Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  13. This sounds like a really awesome book!

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  14. Thanks for a chance to win. It sounds like a good book.

    superstarsarah94(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I have been looking for Christian authors to read and these books look delightful, thank you for the chance to enter a giveaway and for the interview.

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    1. If you like historical romance there are many great Christian authors out there. I share about a lot of them on my Facebook page, and of course share what's coming up next with my series.

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  16. A very interesting verse :) I would LOVE to go to the UK also, but I've never even been to London. I would love love love to win the sequel to Sixty Acres and a Bride. I really enjoyed your first book. The whole Ruth Boaz comparison was a great draw for me (she's one of my favorite Biblical women. :)

    I hope you have fun on your trip to the UK! :D I can't wait for your novella!

    :)

    Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

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    1. Amada,
      I'm glad you loved Sixty Acres. I confess I am torn between cowboys and British gentlemen as far as the hero contests go. We'll see if my trip tips the scales.

      Good luck!

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    2. LOL! Oh no it must be cowboys all the way! :D No I agree whole heatedly with you I'm torn. The only accent I think I love more than an English one is Irish! ;) Hmmm maybe a British cowboy? Best of both? LOL!

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  17. Loved the interview! Can't wait to get my hands on A Match Made in Texas. Sounds great!

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    1. The main character in A Match Made in Texas is a Hannah! How fun.

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  18. I would love to win a copy of Love in the Balance. I enjoyed the interview! I too am a morning person. I would take a snowstorm any day over a thunderstorm! Scared silly of them!

    Thank you for a great interview and your generous giveaway~

    Blessings!
    Judy B
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Judy, snowstorms are much more peaceful, but I hate cold weather. Thanks for reading the interview.

      God bless.

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  19. I've heard great things about all of your books, Regina! Thanks for the chance to win one! :)

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  20. I loved Sixty Acres and a Bride and would love to win Love in the Balance. I can hardly wait until A Match Made in Texas comes out, I love the novellas like that and what great authors have written for this book!

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Yes, Wendy, I'm so excited to be included in this collection. And I hope you get a chance to read Love in the Balance and see what happens to Molly.

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  21. Your UK trip sounds very exciting! Maybe you will pick up some ideas for writing. I hope you have a wonderful time. Thank you for offering a copy of Love In the Balance.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. I'm sure I'll be inspired by the UK trip, no matter what my genre. :) Check out my blog in September for pictures and a report.

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  22. My sister just bought Sixty acres and a bride and said its good! All her books look really different and interesting!

    E.Kate

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    1. Yeah for your sister. :) Good luck in the drawing.

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  23. Regina, I enjoyed your interview! You're a great author! My Mother and I enjoyed Sixty Acres and a Bride. Would love to win. Looking forward to your future books. Thank you for sharing!
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Barbara. I'm glad you enjoyed Sixty Acres and thanks for passing it around.

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  24. Sharon Richmond BryantJuly 25, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Enter me this book looks like a great read!!
    Sharon Richmond Bryant
    Conway,SC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  25. Love the looks of all the covers!! I also like historical romance. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. I love the Bethany House art department, for sure!

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  26. I am looking forward to reading Regina Jennings' newest book...Regina writes such wonderful christian, historical fiction.. love to win a copy of Regina's book too ......babyruthmac16ATyahooDOT

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  27. Thanks for the giveaway! I enjoyed the interview and am partial to historical romance. I hope your trip gives you lots of inspiration for future writing. cespeary(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Me too, Carol. I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time.

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  28. What a great interview! Your trip to London sounds wonderful! And I agree, Cowboys and knights are similar, both are great. :-)

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    1. Cowboys must have noble blood, somewhere in their ancestry. :)

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  29. I *love* historical fiction / romance. You would be a new author for me. I am hoping to win. The covers of your books are amazing. I am striving to write a first book and drool at your covers *ha* ... thanks so much for the giveaway.

    My be reached at TamaraBlickhan (at) g m a i l (dot) com

    Thanks!!

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  30. Loved your interview & think I will love your book also - thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Looking forward to reading your book! Thanks for the chance to win it.

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  32. I have one of your books but haven't gotten to read it yet. Its not exactly easy finding good christian books so I'm excited to start one of yours.!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    -Jess @ Jesus Freak Reader

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  33. I've added this book to my TBR pile. I can't wait to get to it, it sounds so good!!

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  34. I am very limited where I live, so I would absolutely love to win and read one of your books!

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  35. Love in the Balance sounds exactly like the kind of book I would like to read. I am just starting to get into historical romance after years of Victorian and medieval romances.

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    1. Nothing wrong with Victorian and medieval. I've read my share of those, too.

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  36. Great interview and interesting series. I just love the covers for your books!

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    1. Thanks, Angie. They do a great job on the covers.

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  37. sounds like just the kind of book I would like to be reading right now!

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  38. thank you for the chance. I enjoy all your reviews, covers, interviews and giveaways. love your site!

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  39. Would love this book, sounds like an awesome read!
    Blessings.....Joy
    ibjoy1953{at}yahoo.com

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  40. I really enjoyed your interview. I married my high school sweet heart as well, the year before we graduated college and I also homeschool my four kids! I would love to win your book. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    Brittany McEuen

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  41. Would love to win and review this. I love your books but haven't read one in sometime.
    jrs362 at Hotmail dot com

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  42. Thanks for sharing this fun interview and for this giveaway. I'm looking forward to the book!

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  43. Great interview! Looks like I have another author to add to my list. :) I love historical romances.

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  44. Thanks for the giveaway.Love in the Balance sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  45. Thanks for the giveaway! I've been wanting to read this book!

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  46. I love Regina's books! Would love to own a copy of this one :)
    - Leah

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  47. I just adore Sixty acres...such a wonderful story and I love the part when they meet! So fun. Can't wait to read this one too - thanks for writing - I so enjoy reading your books!
    truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. Thanks so much for coming and sharing! I always enjoy learning about authors. I had not heard of your books before but will definitely look into getting some of them now. Thanks!

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  49. Regina, I loved Sixty Acres. I've not yet had a chance to read Love in the Balance but I'm looking forward to it.

    I'm also looking forward to your new one.

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  50. thank you for sharing and giving the opportunity to receive this book. I sounds great looking forward to reading someof your books

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  51. I have Sixty Acres and a Bride on my Kindle. Now I want to read it even more! And can't wait to read this book as well! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
    Nancycooks4u@gmail.com

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  52. I can't wait to read your books, Regina! They look so fun. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  53. Aw, these covers are SO cute - and while I haven't ever read any of Regina's books, they sound wonderfully fun. :)

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  54. I loved Sixty Acres and a bride, can't wait to read the sequel!

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  55. Cant wait to see if I win I love reading

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  56. This sounds so cute.
    Relationships are often complicated. It sounds like an intriguing series
    Suzieqaa@yahoo.com

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  57. Sounds interesting...granted, the idea of a handsome cowhand is always intriguing. We Southern girls are so lucky for the region we live in. Plenty to admire in God's creation. ;D this is the first time I've heard of you as an author, but I'll be looking you up now!

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  58. I loved 60 Acres, a truly favorite read, because your characterization was so unique and strong in that story. It stayed with me. I'm ready for another Regina novel, so please add me to the drawing! muschfarm at yahoo dot com

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  59. Would love to get my hands on this book! I really enjoyed Sixty Acres.

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  60. I loved Sixty Acres and we did it as a group read on Christian Fiction Devourers in Goodreads. Would love to win this one as I love historical fiction.

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  61. Hi Regina! I'm a huge college football fan as well ... only a few more days until the season kicks off. :)

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  62. I really enjoy Historical Romance Fiction, and I would love to read this one!
    Love the cover!

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  63. Sounds like a cute read. I'm always up for trying historic romance. :)

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  64. I can't wait to read this book! I loved Sixty Acres and A Bride!

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  65. Looooove all the covers--and great interview, too!

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  66. Sounds like a great read! Need to check my library for it and your other books :)

    Blessings!
    Jasmine A.

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