A Pattern For Love...

GEORGIA SWEETHEARTS

Love Inspired

After inheriting her great-aunt's failing yarn shop, Lilly Barnes is determined to make it a success. All she wants is stability, something she doesn't think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline. At first Lilly wants nothing to do with Daniel's big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they're on. That is, until practical Lilly shows him that love is a risk worth taking.

Read a Little

MEET MISSY

Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Beacon Contest and a 2013 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. A House Full of Hope was a Romance Writers of America 2013 RITA^® Nominee. Her most recent from Love Inspired, Georgia Sweethearts was an April 2013 release. Visit Missy at her website.

THE Q&A WITH MISSY

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?

MISSY:  Not nearly as often as I would like! I try to spend a little time reading on Sundays and also a couple of evenings a week. The main problem I have, though, is that once I start a really good book, I truly do get lost in the story. My kids used to always groan and say, “Oh, no. Mom’s started another book.” They knew I wouldn't come up for air until it was finished! :)

ANGI: In the beginning, I didn't finish some of my stories. It got to the point where my daughter refused to start reading one until I finished it. LOL 

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading? 

MISSY: The first memories I have are of nursery rhymes. My dad read them to me from the Childcraft Encyclopedia. And I would read the rhymes myself later and work to memorize them.

  

ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

MISSY: I can’t name one favorite character. But growing up, my favorite cartoon was The Jetsons. I can still sing the intro music!

ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?

MISSY: Cherish. I think I love it so much because I have a need to be cherished. I imagine we all do.

ANGI: What do you like about the hero of your book?

MISSY: I like his humor. I love a guy who can make me laugh. And yes, my earliest memories from dating my husband include lots of laughter.

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?

MISSY: My favorite place to read is at the beach. I take my favorite beach chair and sit under an umbrella. I load up a huge bag of books plus my Kindle when we go on vacation, and I plow through story after story. When I’m at home, I read in the corner of my sectional sofa. I love to get comfy and cozy for reading.

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?

MISSY:  I love the sound of ocean waves. They relax me. Plus, the sound inspires me. I do some of my best writing at beach writing retreats.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

MISSY: Fairy tale, definitely. Especially those with happy endings.

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?

MISSY: Actually, it was science fiction! It had something to do with outer space and cars that ran on tracks up in the air, spaced out so no one would have a wreck. I was a wannabe inventor, and I think I was heavily influenced by The Jetsons. :)

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

MISSY: E.T. I adore that movie. I cry--and I’m talking MAJOR sobbing (sloppy and ugly)--every single time. Just watched it again in June and embarrassed myself.

ANGI: What is your biggest vice?

MISSY: Snacking at night and being a couch potato. Oops…I guess that was two. I’m revealing my weaknesses to y’all. Be kind, okay? :)

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: Have you always lived in Georgia? If so, what's your favorite thing about the state?

MISSY'S GOTTA ANSWER: No. I was actually born and raised in Kentucky. I headed to Georgia for graduate school at Emory University, where I met my husband who was in seminary at the time. I loved Georgia before I even met him, though. Loved the excitement of Atlanta and the cultural arts. I loved meeting new people from all over the world. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to stay. Meeting hubby just sealed the deal. I’ve now been here for almost 30 years and still love it. Although, I have to say I feel as if I’m truly home when I head to Kentucky to visit my parents and start seeing those beautiful rolling hills along I-65.

FIND MISSY

Website     Facebook   Twitter @MissyTippens    

Goodreads    Pintrest     Life With Missy   Previous GLIAS interview

UP NEXT for MISSY

My next release date is TBA. I just recently signed a new two-book contract with Love Inspired! The working title of the first one is Hoping for Prince Charming. I’m nearly done writing the first draft.

PREVIOUS RELEASES by MISSY

(for a complete list, visit her website)

A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE

Love Inspired

2013 RWA RITA NOMINEE

RT Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee

A FAMILY FOR FAITH

Love Inspired

MISSY is giving away  a signed copy of her most recent release, Georgia Sweethearts. (North America Readers…leave your email) 

Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed the prize notification process. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join us tomorrow when we introduce our new crew member, E.E. Burke. And next Wednesday I'll return with three of my favorites: Donna Kaufman, Kate Angell & Kimberly Kincaid. ~Angi 

MISSY WANTS TO KNOW: What’s your biggest vice (so I won’t feel embarrassed for sharing mine!)?

Celebrating Inspirational Romance

The Get Lost in a Story crew sends our CONGRATULATIONS to the

AGAINST THE TIDE
Elizabeth Camden

Boston of 1891 is a city of hope and ambition, where mariners, merchants, and dreamers thrive in the cobblestone streets of America’s most historic city. Within the harbor of Boston’s naval shipyard, Lydia Pallas has become a trusted assistant to an Admiral in the U.S. Navy. Fluent in seven languages, she spends her days translating documents from all over the world. 

Baker Publishing Group

Bethany House Publishers

Raela Schoenherr, editor

Lydia’s remarkable language skills bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man on a quest to rid the world of the scourge of opium. Only Lydia has the rare combination of language skills and courage he needs to advance his cause. A man as coolly analytical as he is relentless, Bane never bargained on falling in love with Lydia. As he battles the bittersweet love that grows between them, Bane’s mission will take Lydia away from everything—and everyone—she ever held dear.

With fast-paced intrigue and unforgettable characters, Against the Tide is Elizabeth Camden’s most romantic novel yet.

website




BETRAYAL
Robin Lee Hatcher

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Zondervan

Sue Brower and Leslie Peterson, editors

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

 

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

website


AN HEIRESS AT HEART
Jennifer Delamere
A New Beginning

A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she's finally returning home, but she's still living a secret life. Her best friend Ria's dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again. . . 

Grand Central Publishing, Forever

Lauren Plude, editor

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville's world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he's invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother's young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

Jennifer is signing copies of An Heiress at Heart at the Romance Writers of America's Readers for Life Literacy Autographing on July 17, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave, Atlanta, GA 30303

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Jennifer Delamere's AN HEIRESS AT HEART. (international) Start by leaving a comment.

website

A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE
Missy Tippens
Before becoming a Christian, Mark Ryker ran with a bad crowd and broke hearts. Including his father's. Now a successful businessman, Mark has come home to Corinthia, Georgia, to make amends. But no one will forgive him. So when the widowed mother of four renting his dad's run-down house needs help fixing up the place, Mark gets to work. 

Harlequin, Love Inspired Books

Emily Rodmell and Rachel Burkot, editors

Pretty Hannah Hughes and her sweet kids have him longing to be part of the clan, but Hannah isn't ready to let go of the past. Still, they are working together on a house full of hope—and that's all Mark needs.

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Missy Tippens' A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE. (north America) Start by leaving a comment.

website




MY STUBBORN HEART
Becky Wade

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Baker Publishing Group

Bethany House Publishers

Sarah Long, editor

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house.  Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past.  Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

website







NAOMI'S CHRISTMAS
Marta Perry

When a new life beckons, a dutiful Amish woman must decide what she owes her family...and what she owes herself...

Penguin Group USA, Berkley Trade

Ellen Edwards, editor

Since her mother's death, Naomi Esch has been devoted to caring for her father and siblings, sacrificing any hope of finding love or having a home of her own. Still, working at the local bakery and expanding her beekeeping business gives Naomi a satisfying sense of purpose. Then, in the weeks before Christmas, her father announces his plans to immediately remarry. He and his new wife need the house for themselves, and suddenly Naomi’s life is turned upside down.

But new opportunities soon come her way. A friend provides Naomi with a place to stay, and widower Nathan King offers his sprawling farmland to Naomi to continue her business—on the condition that she helps take care of his children. The setup is so perfect that the community assumes a wedding will inevitably follow. But Naomi has vowed never to marry without love. And to Nathan she’s merely convenient help. Now, for those in Pleasant Valley, uniting these two stubborn souls may take a Christmas miracle.

Previously on GLIAS
website

THE SOLDIER'S WIFE
Cheryl Reavis

"Promise Me You'll Help Her."

Former Union soldier Jeremiah "Jack" Murphy should never have given his word to a dying man, especially a Rebel. But now he feels honor-bound to carry the message to the man's young bride. Besides, with false charges following him, Jack needs somewhere to turn. 

Harlequin, Love Inspired Books

Tara Gavin, editor

After he fulfills his promise, perhaps the North Carolina mountains can give this weary soldier some shelter. Yet when he meets beautiful widow Sayer Garth, leaving is the last thing on Jack's mind. 

Sayer, and her young sisters-in-law, need help that Jack is more than willing to provide. If only he could be certain that his presence—and his secrets—won't put them all at risk….

website




THE WEDDING DRESS
Rachel Hauck

Four brides. One Dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift . . . and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress…or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Ami McConnell, editor

Then Charlotte discovers a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new—shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and  timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed.”

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.

website

Congratulations to all the nominees for the RITA® in the

INSPIRATIONAL category!

~ ~ ~

JOIN US tomorrow as RITA® week 
continues with the HISTORICAL ROMANCE category. 

Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook.

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter
north America
*an autographed copy of Missy Tippens' A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE

International giveaway through Rafflecopter (separate)
*an autographed copy of Jennifer Delamere's AN HEIRESS AT HEART

Start by leaving a comment.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE? (doesn't have to be religious)

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