And the winner of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag is ...

Linda Henderson! Congratulations, Linda Henderson, you are the winner of our special Thanksgiving Day giveaway. You have until December 3 to claim your prize by sending an e-mail to me at tjb @ tjbennett DOT com.

What, you might ask, do you win in this awesome bag? Autographed copies of the books featured below (subject to changes pending receipt of books from the authors): You can click on the cover of each book to learn more. I hope you enjoyed the authors' wonderful words of thankfulness.

Remember, everyone else, if you didn't win this tote bag, you're still playing for the second tote bag prize of the month, our "Giving Thanks" tote filled with signed books from this month's guest hosts, an autographed copy of my historical romance, THE PROMISE, and a $20 gift card from Barnes & Noble. You have until November 29 to comment on our authors' posts and then I will award the prize on November 30.

I'd like to add my words of thankfulness now, too. I am thankful foremost for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who keeps me walking every day when I'd rather lie face down on the ground, howling like a baby. I'm thankful for my sons, who are brilliant and handsome, and my husband, who is the same. I'm thankful for my siblings and for my parents, who taught their kids how to love before they passed on.

I'm thankful for all my friends in and out of the writing community, and for my mentors who have shared their wisdom with me in the publishing industry. I'm thankful for my critique groups, past and present: the Four F's and the Midwives, who are the sharpest, most intelligent, and most fun gals to be around a writer could hope for.

 And I'm thankful for you, my readers: first to the IMHO crowd, who keeps coming back each week and is willing to try new authors just because I said so; and then to those of you who have read my novels and told a friend they were worth the read.

THANK YOU ALL!!! Now, back to the turkey...

TJ Bennett

THE LEGACY (AAR Desert Isle Keeper and "Buried Treasure 2008")
When secrets destroy, can love live on?
THE PROMISE (RT 4 stars! Eye on Romance TOP PICK!)
In a dangerous world, sometimes the greatest risk is love....

IMHO Welcomes Anthea Lawson!

Anthea Lawson is the pseudonym for a husband-wife team who writes spicy Victorian romance. Romantic Times Book Reviews said of their debut novel, PASSIONATE, in which James Huntington leads artist Lily Strathmore and her eccentric, lovable family in search of a fabled bloom, "an offbeat adventure romance…readers will enjoy the wordplay and intriguing characters as they search for a mysterious plant." PASSIONATE was nominated for a Best First Book RITA in 2009.

Their newest book, ALL HE DESIRES, is being called "luscious," "sweeping," and "a powerful love story."  In DESIRES, a self-exiled physician meets the only woman who can bring him from darkness into the light. Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “This husband-and-wife team’s second novel sweeps from the shores of Crete to the streets of London… readers will enjoy the characters and the beautiful descriptions in this nice tale.” Coffeetime Romance says, "[The reviewer] find this to be a wonderful example of historical romance. Ms. Lawson tells a powerful love story and draws the reader in within the first chapter. This tale comes with a high recommendation from this reviewer.”

Musicians as well as writers, the two have recorded many CDs, including several with their Celtic band Fiddlehead (follow the link to hear a sample). They invite you to find them on FaceBook (Anthea Lawson), follow them on Twitter (AntheaLawson) and visit their website for all their latest news!

IMHO: Welcome, Anthea and Lawson. Thank you both for being here today. What is it you are thankful for this year?

AL: Thank you, TJ, for having us here at IMHO. We hope that everyone has a marvelous Thanksgiving, with plenty of time for reading!

There are many layers of thankfulness. We are thankful for health and family, for a sun break on a cloudy November day, for the often unrecognized bounty that surrounds each and every one of us. There are also things we are specifically thankful for as authors – the fact that our books are published, that we are part of a team writing together, that our debut novel was nominated for a best first book RITA. But there’s one thing we are absolutely, humbly grateful for, above all.

Our readers.

Like the one who sent us e-mail at 4am because she had stayed up all night to finish the book and couldn’t wait to tell us how moved by it she had been. The one who stopped at page 117 to write us a quick note because she was enjoying the story so much. The ones who take the time to write and post reviews that are beautiful pieces of writing in their own right.

Authors get their books out there, and then they hope. They hope that the stories move and delight readers. They hope that others will be as swept away as they were by the hero and heroine’s journey, feel the emotions, and bring the characters to life through the magic of the imagination. Getting published isn't the goal, it’s just a step toward the real goal – reaching readers’ hearts.

So, for everyone who has ever loved a book, gotten swept away to another world and let the story transport you – you are the reason we write.

Thank you.

IMHO: Wonderfully said, and a lovely way to wind up the month.

Okay, IMHO readers, let's make this one an easy one. Who does the cooking in your house for Thanksgiving? You? Your spouse? Your mother-in-law? Honey Baked Ham? And what is the favorite all-time dish that person(s) makes?

Leave a comment until November 29, 2009, for Anthea Lawson and at least one other guest host this month for a chance to win the "Giving Thanks" tote bag full of love on November 30, 2009. The winner will receive signed books by all of this month's guest authors: Sherry Thomas, Tracy Madison, Jessica Trapp, and Anthea Lawson; an autographed copy of my historical romance, THE PROMISE; and a $20 gift card from Barnes and Noble. Rules for the contest can be found at my website's contest page.

Remember, Thanksgiving Day I'll announce the winner of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote. It's turning out to be a fantabulous tote bag of love, with signed books from (as of this writing) previous 2009 guests Colleen Thompson, Kim Lenox, Lisa Marie Wilkinson, Trish Albright, Karen Young, and Kim Frost, as well as signed books from authors Michelle Dunaway and Kylie Brant (contents of the tote subject to change). All comments received on any post by November 25 are eligible to win.
Whatever bag our winners receive, they'll have plenty to give thanks for, that's fer shur. Good luck!

TJB
 

And once again...thankful thankfulness!

As mentioned in last week's post, we finish up today with messages of thankfulness from some of IMHO's 2009 guest hosts, culminating in the awarding of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag prize on November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day. Here are more wonderful messages from the authors. Be sure to comment by November 25 for a chance to win. I'll announce the final contents of the tote and the winner of the tote on November 26.
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Kim Lenox

The men and women who have served in the past, and who are currently serving in the US Armed Forces, at home and abroad. Especially for my "little" brother the Major, who will be spending his Thanksgiving at Camp Victory, Bagdad.

Kim Lenox

Shadow Guards #2: So Still the Night

May 2009, Signet Eclipse

 

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Lynda Hilburn
I'm thankful that I live in a gorgeous place (Colorado). I'm thankful that I get to work in all the different areas I love (psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, intuitive arts). I'm thankful I get to sing professionally because it's so much fun. I'm thankful for my wonderful son and my two furry grandchildren. I'm thankful I sold two novels and that my writing future looks bright.
 
Lynda Hilburn
Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance: "Blood Song"
March 2009, Running Press


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Jean Brashear 

I am daily grateful for my life--my family, my friends, my readers, the joy of doing something I love as a career--but this year, I'm especially grateful that the love of my life has survived a bout with cancer with a very hopeful prognosis. My special thanks to the medical professionals who played a part and to all those whose prayers did, I am positive, surround us with love and healing light.

Jean Brashear

The Man She Once Knew

Harlequin Superromance

October 2009

Thankful is as thankful does...

As mentioned in a previous post, we continue today with messages of thankfulness from some of IMHO's 2009 guest hosts, culminating in the awarding of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag prize on November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day. Here are more wonderful messages from the authors. Be sure to comment by November 25 for a chance to win.
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Kathryn Albright

I am so very thankful to have my three boys with me for the Thanksgiving holiday for the first time in six years! Two of my sons have spent it with "Uncle Sam" of late and this is the first time they will both be out of the armed forces and home for the holidays. I plan to make all their favorite dishes. Can't wait to get a "never-ending" hug from my youngest--those are the best hugs and I've really missed them.


Kathryn Albright
Texas Wedding for their Baby's Sake ~ Sept. 2009
Harlequin Historicals
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Catherine Kean

Thanksgiving reminds me how lucky I am to have a loving, supportive family and a wonderful network of friends. I’m also extremely grateful for my readers, especially those who decided to try out a newer author and bought my books. Being able to spend my days with my characters, bringing their adventures of love to life, is a privilege and I say “thank you” to everyone who has helped me on my writing journey.

Catherine Kean
A Knight's Temptation ~ April 2009
Medallion Press

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Karen Young Stone

I'm thankful for family, friends and good health, of course, but beyond that, I'm thankful that I took the advice of a friend two years ago who said, "Karen, you should be writing Christian fiction." Even though I have a large body of work written earlier, I'm happier and more fulfilled as a writer than I have ever been. I feel blessed.

Karen Young Stone
BLOOD BAYOU, May 2009
MISSING: MAX, May 2010
Howard Books/Simon & Schuster

And the thanks go on...and the thanks go on...on & on & on & on & on. Laa-da-da-da dee...

(Sorry for the Sonny & Cher homage, folks). As mentioned in Monday's post, we continue today with messages of thankfulness from some of IMHO's 2009 guest hosts, culminating in the awarding of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag prize on November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day. Here are more wonderful messages from the authors. Be sure to comment by November 25 for a chance to win.

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Gerry Bartlett

I'm very thankful for the gift of my good health this year, especially since some of my dear friends haven't been so fortunate. I'm also blessed with amazing and loyal fans. It constantly surprises me that I have connected with so many wonderful people through my writing. The emails and letters I get lift my spirits and inspire me.

Gerry Bartlett

REAL VAMPIRES DON'T DIET, January 2009 
REAL VAMPIRES HATE THEIR THIGHS, February 2010
 
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Emily Bryan 

I am thankful to be cancer-free now and my prayers go out for all who are struggling with this disease.
 
Emily Bryan
A CHRISTMAS BALL, September 2009
VEXING THE VISCOUNT,  February 2009
 
 
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Trish Albright 

I'm thankful to be able to write

even when I look a sight!

And for my happy, working hands

that bring fun to my awesome fans;
for being goofy, and dancing weird
just being thankful makes me cheered!

Trish Albright
SIREN'S SECRET, May 2009
SIREN'S SONG, July 2009

Even more Thank-y Thankfulness!

As mentioned in Monday's post, we continue today with messages of thankfulness from some of IMHO's 2009 guest hosts, culminating in the awarding of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag prize on November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day. Here are more wonderful messages from the authors. Be sure to comment by November 25 for a chance to win.
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Linda Warren

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for my loving family, supportive friends and loyal readers who keep me going, who keep me writing. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Linda Warren 
MADISON'S CHILDREN – Oct 2009
SKYLAR'S OUTLAW –  Jan 2010
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Deanna Raybourn 

Besides the usual blessings that almost weigh me down with their fabulousness--family, friends, readers, etc--I am thankful that I discovered the transformative power of gratitude in my daily life. I am learning how to find something to be grateful for in every situation, no matter how deeply disguised it might be. There is always some good thing to be found, some bright little ribbon of sacredness that I can wind around my finger as a reminder that things are never as bleak as they first seem. I fail at this a lot, of course, and I'm awed by how much I have left to learn, but I'm immensely appreciative that I have the chance because each moment in life--each time I hold someone's hand or write a book or sweep the kitchen or clean up after the dog or kiss my child--that moment is a gift. Thankfulness isn't just for Thanksgiving anymore!

Deanna Raybourn
SILENT ON THE MOOR –  March 2009
SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY –  January 2008

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Teri Thackston

After a difficult couple of years, I'm grateful that my family is whole and healthy, and that we are each able to pursue our dreams. God is good to us, and I'm thankful for His touch upon our lives.

Teri Thackston
FINAL WORDS – Available Now
DEADLY CLIMB – Available Now

More thankful authors giving thankfulness. Say thank-y!

As mentioned in yesterday's post, we continue today with messages of thankfulness from some of IMHO's 2009 guest hosts, culminating in the awarding of the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag prize on November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day. Here are more wonderful messages from the authors. Be sure to comment by November 25 for a chance to win.

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Ann Macela

I'm grateful for my husband Paul, without whom I'd never have started writing. His support has been invaluable, plus, he introduces himself as my "research assistant!" I'm grateful for my friends, my real friends, my true friends, as we help each other get through both success and adversity. I'm totally grateful for my extended family, who buy my books and tell others about them and with whom we have so much fun!

Ann Macela
WILD MAGIC, Medallion Press, October 2009
UNEXPECTED MAGIC, Medallion Press, September 2010

 
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Gemma Halliday

I’m very thankful that even in tough economic times, people still believe in happily ever after. And still want to read about it. :)

Gemma Halliday
MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS - Dorchester, available now
SCANDAL SHEET,  Making It, November 2009



   

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Colleen Thompson
This year, I'm especially thankful for the supportive family and friends who have allowed me the freedom to devote a large portion of my attention to my writing. I'm grateful to my agent and the editors who have helped me grow not only as a professional but as a person, to my brilliant, fascinating colleagues, and to all the wonderful readers who make it possible to live my dream.

Colleen Thompson
BEANEATH BONE LAKE, Love Spell, June 2009
TOUCH OF EVIL, Love Spell, March 2010


 
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Deeanne Gist

I’m thankful that God is who He says He is, that He accomplishes the impossible and that His mercies are never ending. (I just completed my deadline, can you tell?) Hugs to all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Deeanne Gist

A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN, Bethany House, June 2009
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE, June 2008

Thank-y! Thank-y! A second chance at a tote bag o' books

As mentioned in my newsletter, on Thanksgiving Day, I'll be giving away a second tote bag of Random Freebies which I'm calling "Thank-y! Thank-y!" (because I can) to a lucky winner at IMHO (this is seperate from our "Giving Thanks" tote featuring signed books by this month's guest hosts). This tote will contain Random Freebie autographed books, a few donated, some purchased by me for giveaways.

In anticipation of this event, leading up to Thanksgiving Day I will post "thankful" notes from previous guest hosts at IMHO in which they share what they are giving thanks for this year. All commentors on any post during the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag contest period are eligible to win the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote (see restrictions that apply on my contest page).

To have a chance to win, visit IMHO during the contest period and leave a comment on at least two different posts. The more posts you leave comments on, the more you increase your chances of winning. The contest for this tote ends November 25, 2009. On November 26, 2009, I will announce the winning entry drawn at random from all eligible participants for the “Thank-y! Thank-y!” tote bag. The winner will have until December 3, 2009, to claim his or her prize.

I will announce the contents of the tote bag as I get them in hand (a few are still promised, but haven't arrived yet), but rest assured you'll see some from my past guests this year. Let's kick off the contest with a few of those "thankful" posts now!

TJB

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Carrie Lofty

I am thankful for my family's health, happiness, and (relative) sanity. I am thankful for my loving husband of twelve years, who supports my writing ambitions both emotionally and financially. And I'm thankful to work and create within an artistic community that gives me such affirmation, purpose and joy. Love and gratitude to all!

Carrie Lofty

WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, Zebra Debut, Available Now
SCOUNDREL'S KISS, Jan 2010


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Vicki Hinze

This Thanksgiving I'm especially grateful for my sight, for my supportive hubby, kids and grands, good friends, loyal readers, and life. I'm also grateful for the little things. The everyday miracles and celebrations of things important to me but insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It's all just such a blessing.

Vicki Hinze

KILL ZONE: July 2009, Medallion Press
FORGET ME NOT March 2010, Random House-Multnomah


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Madeline Hunter

I'm thankful for a year of health for my immediate family, and for the chance to have a special time with my sisters and brother.


Madeline Hunter
THE SINS OF LORD EASTERBROOK, Feb 2009 Dell Books
RAVISHING IN RED, February 2010 Jove Books




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Lisa Marie Wilkinson

I am grateful for:

1-Family and friends

2-Freedom
3-Readers willing to take a chance on an author they've never read before

Lisa Marie Wilkinson
Fire at Midnight, Medallion Press, Available Now
Stolen Promise, Medallion Press, March 2010

IMHO welcomes Sherry Thomas!

IMHO is delighted to welcome our first guest host for Novemeber to celebrate this month's theme in honor of Thanksgiving. That theme is, as you might expect, "Giving Thanks," and our guest is Sherry Thomas.

Sherry burst onto the scene with Private Arrangements, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008, as well as being honored with RITA® nominations for Best First Book and Best Historical Romance. Her sophomore book, Delicious, was a Library Journal Best Romance of 2008. The All About Romance 13th Annual Reader Poll voted Sherry as the Best Debut Author of 2008. Lisa Kleypas calls her “the most powerfully original historical romance author working today,” and I'd have to agree.

I first encountered Sherry's work when I asked her to participate in IMHO's summer 2009 RITA® extravaganza giveaway, and I was floored by Private Arrangements. I discovered that dry wit, emotion, and sensual storytelling with an edge are the hallmark of a Sherry Thomas book. I immediately bought and devoured her next two books (thank goodness for Kindle) within a week.

Sherry's story is all the more interesting given that English is her second language--she has come a long way from the days when she made her laborious way through Rosemary Roger's Sweet Savage Love with an English-Chinese dictionary. If you haven't had a chance to read her work yet, run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore and demand Sherry Thomas' books!

Her most current release, Not Quite a Husband, is in stores now, with a fourth novel, His at Night, due out in May 2010. Sherry will put Not Quite a Husband in the "Giving Thanks" tote bag for one lucky person to win.

IMHO: As I said, Sherry, I'm excited to have you visit with us at IMHO today. Tell us what you are giving thanks for this year.

ST: Thank you, TJ. There are many, many things about my job as a romance writer for which I am humbly grateful. The (mostly) fun work, the flexible hours, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a story go from an idea to a finished product.

But I think not enough has—or can ever be—said about the greatest benefit of writing romance: the girlfriends.

My fellow romance writers make for awesome and kick-ass girlfriends. They are all crazy—in some way—so I don’t have to explain my own crazy. They understand the soaring bliss of writing well, the hair-tearing frustration of writing badly, and the disaster-aftermath state of the house when I am three days from my deadline.

The legendary Paul Newman once said of his wife Joanne Woodward, “She is the last of the great broads.” Much as I hate to ever disagree on anything with Paul Newman, I have to say he probably hadn’t met many romance writers. Because boy, do we count among our numbers some fabulous broads: tough, generous, and hilarious women who are great role models and—yes, of course—marvelous girlfriends.

What of the non-broads, the less immediately commanding presences? They are equally wonderful and equally fascinating. To know them is to discover ferocious wit that hides under a shy smile, whimsy that belies a seemingly no-nonsense surface, and warmth enough to counter a nuclear winter.

Writing is a fantastic pursuit and a fantastic profession, but it is not an easy one. There are disappointments at every turn and even the writers with the strongest confidence in themselves waver and doubt. Which is what makes a network of friends, working in the same trenches, facing the same pressures, so valuable. We share writing tips, we share market knowledge, we share time-management strategy. We share things about our children’s various insanities that make us laugh so hard we tear up. And when it’s crunch time and we have to look good, we share mascaras, hair gels, and bobby pins.

I don’t know all romance writers. I don’t even know 1/100 of all romance writers out there. But the ones I’m fortunate enough to know, whether they are published or not yet published, have made for delightful and steadfast friends. And they are people I never would have met if I hadn’t made the insane decision eleven years ago to start writing a romance.

So in this thanksgiving season, I am grateful for all my lovely romance-writing girlfriends. It has been an honor and a privilege sharing the ups and downs of this career with you. I have lived richer for your camaraderie, written better for your sage advice, and looked prettier for your styling expertise.

Vive la femme.

IMHO: *wiping tear away from eye* I couldn't have said it better, Sherry. My writing girlfriends are the best I've ever had. I love my non-writing friends, too, don't get me wrong, but my writing friends "get it."  Thanks for sharing your gratitude with us today.

Remember, folks, this month when you leave comments for our guests, you'll be playing for not one, but two tote bags of thankfulness. Our first tote is the "Giving Thanks" tote filled with signed books from this month's guest hosts, an autographed copy of my historical romance, THE PROMISE, and a $20 gift card from Barnes & Noble.

In addition, in the weeks preceding Thanksgiving day, I will be posting "thank you" notes from some of my previous guest hosts from 2009 in which they share with us what they are thankful for, and then on Thanksgiving Day, I'll award the "Thank-y! Thank-y!" tote bag containing Random Freebie books donated by a few of IMHO's guest authors. Comments on any posts throughout the contest periods make you eligible to win either tote. See my contest rules for more.

So be sure to leave a comment for Sherry, say hello and whether you've had a chance to read her books, and tell her what you are most thankful for this year.

TJB

Thankful

My family and I have had a nice Thanksgiving holiday relaxing (well, except for me having to do the cooking) and spending time together. We decided to watch Evan Almighty, starring Steve Carell as Evan and Morgan Freeman as God. God comes to Evan, a former news anchor (featured in the prequel Bruce Almighty as the babbling reporter) and tells him he wants him to build an ark. The movie was surprisingly effecting, a real family movie without cursing or potty humor, and wouldn't we all just love to have a visit from God as Morgan Freeman, a man who brings so much presence to every movie he is in.

Once scene in particular struck me about mid-way through the film. Evan's wife has taken the children and left him, believing he needs psychological help. In despair, she confides to a waiter at a restaurant (God in disguise) that her husband thinks he's Noah and she doesn't know what to do. They chat for a moment about the biblical story of Noah, and God informs Evan's wife that people get the point of that story wrong all the time. It isn't about God being angry, he tells her. It's a love story. Confused, the wife asks him how is it a love story?

God explains to her, very gently, that all the animals and Noah's family stayed together, side by side, throughout the difficult times they had to face. In her case, what he sees for her and her family is an opportunity. I'm paraphrasing here, but he tells her:

"Think about it this way. When people pray for patience, does God give it to them, or does he give them opportunities to be patient? When they pray for courage, does he just give it to them, or does he give them opportunities to be courageous? When they pray to be closer as a family, does he just give them warm, happy feelings about each other, or does he give them opportunities to love one another?"

Wow. That really struck me. Without struggle, how would we understand and appreciate success? Without trials, how would we appreciate the strength of character and willingness to persevere they give us? Without difficulties in our family or our marriages, how would we appreciate the opportunity to keep promises (love, honor, in sickness and in health, etc)?

So, on this Thanksgiving day, let me say thank you to God for the past couple of years. They've been hard ones, in some ways--loss of family, finances, job changes, health, you name it. We've been given opportunities to see what we are made of, to grow closer through surviving the tough times and come out together, to appreciate plenty by learning to sacrifice, to appreciate our health by experiencing illness. I thank Him most of all for giving me opportunities to love my family and friends, who deserve more than I'll ever be able to give them, but who love me anyway. Thank you, God, and thank you to everyone reading this.

In five more months, my first ever published book, The Legacy, will be on the shelves of bookstores everywhere. I thank Him for letting me live that dream, too.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

TJB