I have debated for a long time about deleting this blog. If you want to read my musings, you can check me over at Fresh Brewed Writer.

You are Loved

For years, Helzberg Jewelers have given out little red buttons with white letters that say "You are Loved."

Today, I give you a little You Tube from Josh Groban. You are loved.

For my friends who need some encouragement. I love this song!

Friday Felicities

 
*good books
*French roast coffee
*toasted whole wheat bagels with cream cheese
*little star pattern on the Nutella in my brand-new jar
*laptops
*good friends
*vacation plans

and this:

Blog Tour for Deadly Exposure

I am thrilled to be hosting a whistle stop on the blog tour for Cara Putman's first Love Inspired Suspense novel (third novel overall). It is entitled DEADLY EXPOSURE and it is really good!!!

Before I start, let me give you the official synopsis.

How could a killer have struck in a crowded theater? That was the question plaguing TV news reporter Dani Richards. She'd been in the box next to the victim—and hadn't heard or seen a thing. Now the very man who had broken Dani's heart years ago was investigating the murder. And when her coverage of the story led the killer to stalk her, police offi cer and former flame Caleb Jamison insisted on protecting her. Dani was afraid to let Caleb close again. Yet she had no choice. The killer's sinister phone calls left no doubt that he'd come for Dani next.

OOoh.....shivers!

Cara graciously took the time out of her busy schedule to answer my interview questions, and I'm so excited. Thanks, Cara, for giving me this unique interview!

Pattie: I like the title. What made you choose Deadly Exposure instead of another title?

Cara: The working title was Double Image, but my editor asked for more titles. I brainstormed with a couple writing buds and off their ideas came up with Deadly Exposure. That better captures the idea that there's the threat of death and the exposure the heroine is in as a reporter and stalking victim. The sequel is Deadly Judgment. Once I have a general idea, it's so much easier to come up with titles.

Pattie: Why did you choose a theater for the crime scene, and why Cats for the musical?

Cara: I was looking for something different and unique to Lincoln. The Lied Center is a beautiful theater on the edge of UNL's campus, so that fit. I also wanted a setting that would have the heroine in a place she's trying to relax and escape from the pressures of her job. It should be a safe place, but isn't. I love the musical CATS -- and I don't think people find it objectionable in any way.

Pattie: This book is quite different from your first historical, Canteen Dreams. Which genre do you enjoy writing more?

Cara: I actually enjoy both -- but you're right -- they are very different. I love bringing the history of World War Two to life. But I equally love the race against the clock of suspense. I get to write both for right now and I enjoy that.

Pattie: Do you have a writing hero? Who is it?

Cara: There are so many writers I admire. I love the layers in Colleen Coble's suspense, the incredible pacing of Brandilyn Collins' books, the humor in Rachel Hauck's romances, the historical accuracy in Tricia Goyer's novels.

Pattie: Tricia Goyer is my writing hero too! You have written stories taking place in Nebraska, and you live in Indiana. Which other Midwest states have you lived in? Do you have plans to use any of them as settings in your novels?

Cara: Nebraska is my home state, so it's been fun writing books set there. Also easier to check the location details since I go home a couple times a year. Right now I'm getting ready to start writing a series set in Ohio during World War Two. I'm excited about the series, but planning a research trip, since I've never spent much time in Ohio. I also have a legal proposal I'm tweaking that is set in a fictious Indiana town.

Pattie: What is in your Mt. TBR right now? (Mt. TBR=Mount To Be Read, unread books!)

Cara: Boy! The pile never goes away. Wiser Than Serpents by Susan May Warren, The Warriors by Mark Andrew Olsen, Deanne Gist's new book, and many more. I love reading -- and the pile never shrinks. One book gets replaced with a new one.

Thanks, Cara!

___

I really liked this book. I haven't read too many LI Suspense titles yet, mainly because I've been reading other things, including some cozy mysteries. I think the LI line is a lot like some of the secular cozies I've read: there's a crime, but it's not bloody and gross. There's some romance, but not too much. There's a bad guy and clues and ultimately redemption and resolution for the main character.

Cara weaves the spiritual element of her novel into the story seamlessly. Not all authors can do that.

I enjoyed it, and I truly liked Dani, the main character. She is human and quite likeable.

But don't just take my word for it: Deadly Exposure received four stars from Romantic Times!

**GIVEAWAY** I will be giving away a copy of this novel (read once, in excellent condition!). Just leave me a comment and a way to get in touch with you (either blog or email addy with spaces to throw off the web spam trolls). I will draw the winner next Tuesday June 17.

Currently Reading Deadly Exposure (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #102) By Cara Putman see related

I will never forget

(this is a very dark purple, and I even put a color adjustor on top!)

Here I am, in my Jeep, on my way to Starbucks! (this is the longest my hair has been, and it's curled so you can't
even see how long it really is!) I am wearing my Indiana Relay for Life t-shirt.

Wearing my "'do rag" (teal and paisley, I have had it for a long time).

So, I hit Starbucks. Who knew they didn't have free internet? I didn't. Ah well, live and learn. I transferred pics from camera to computer, and ate.

and journaled a bit, and got my book ready to give away.

Pattie is happy with her coffee!!!

So I left the 'bucks and drove a bit. I pulled into the library parking lot to piggyback their wifi, and found this lovely little bench area, where I am now sitting. This is also where I am leaving a copy of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik (who was born here in Grand Forks, although Minnesota claims her as its own). I am smelling the beautiful lilacs (which are appropriately purple) and enjoying the lovely day. In spite of my smiles above for the pictures (I am sort of a ham, after all), I am feeling quite sad today. 

Then when I pulled a tissue from my purse to dab my eyes, I had to laugh because not only is it the last tissue in my purse, it has an old piece of gum in it! Somehow that seems like something Nattie would appreciate.

I sit here wanting to figure out how to best remember my friend. The one I could always count on to cheer me up. The one I took great delight in encouraging. (The one who wouldn’t mail my journal exchange journal back to me!)

I am drinking coffee and remembering. Remembering how much I loved her. How much I have missed her. How many times I feel like crying but don’t, and how just mentioning her this morning to her husband made me start crying automatically.

Dear Lord, please let her know how much we miss her today. How we think of her, her family, her children. We wish them every rich blessing You can bestow.

So I sit and remember. I will always remember.

Currently Reading Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons: A Novel By Lorna Landvik see related