Friday, May 11, 2012

the ride of YOUR life;)

Our final Friday giveaway features last but not least, Lorna Seilstad. She's a fellow author and friend at Revell who is giving away a signed, hot off the press copy of her new release, The Ride of Her Life here...which may just prove the ride of yours!  

The first time I saw this cover I smiled:) The colors are wonderful and if you look closely, the roller coaster actually appears to be in motion as there's a delightful bit of blur...

Here's a bit about the book...

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-law's home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa.


However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger - who designs roller coasters, of all things - intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman.  Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life...                                                                                                                     


It's been such a blessing to know Lorna as we're both new Revell authors. Somehow she manages to juggle many hats besides author - wedding planner, mom and wife, and church ministry to name a few. With her new book releasing this month, she's been busy with radio interviews, book signings, and more - and she's here to answer any questions about the writing life or her books!


Please leave a comment or question for Lorna if you'd like to be included in the drawing.
Winner announced this Monday, May 14.

Join Lorna at her website ~ http://www.lornaseilstad.com and also her group blog at http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com where a great group of book-loving writers post a wonderful array of topics!

Bless you!

59 comments:

  1. The thing I noticed about the cover is that there's no lap bar on the poor girl! I bet there's no sign nearby telling her to keep her hands inside the ride at all times, either.

    Sheesh. How did people ever survive? :D

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    1. Sally, You're right! I didn't even notice! Wonder if Lorna has a word on the safety issues of that time? Those bars probably evolved after accidents, etc. Would be interesting to know the history behind that. Reminds me of the times, when I was small, when there were no carseats or infant carriers. I remember my baby brother rolling around in the back seat! OH MY...!

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    2. Yep. Thank goodness the government is there to regulate it all for us. :)

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  2. Good catch, Sally! There were no seatbelts, lap bars, or harnesses on rollercoasters in 1908. No anti-rollback devices either, so if a car slipped going up that first lift hill--well, you can guess how that ended. Some people actually tried riding in rollercoasters standing up. That, unfortunately, did not end well for most of them.

    The good news was rollercoasters only went about 15 to 20 m.p.h. Compare that to today's fastest coaster goes almost 150 m.p.h.

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  3. This is funny - that's the first thing I noticed on the cover, too! LOL How thankful I was to read how slowly they went!!

    What a wonderful, wonderful book! I hope the winner of the drawing enjoys it as much as I did!! Don't enter me - I've got my copy!

    Hugs,
    Regina

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    1. Thank you, Regina! It was a fun book to write. Personally, I enjoyed the ride. :)

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    2. Regina, Thanks for spreading some of that Kentucky sunshine around:) I know Lilly's story won't land on my TBR pile:) Lorna has a way of drawing you right in. And forgive me for not posting Lorna's website info and your group blog till now. I feel like such a novice at times! Someone needs to invent an 8th day, as I say...:)

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  4. Hey Laura and Lorna. Happy Friday.

    I love the cover on this and all of your books, Lorna! And they say life was simpler back then. It's a wonder anyone survived without all of the safety features we have had put in place over the years. You know who my favorite character is though. Lily's son Levi steals my heart in this book. I absolutely loved it.

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    1. Hi Dawn, (Waving at Regine!),
      So good to see you both here, celebrating this release! JOY!! I'm tremendously excited about Lorna's next cover, too, and her next series which contains some of my favorite story elements. But no spoilers!! I can't wait to meet Levi in this book - Lilly has won my heart even hearing about her second hand!

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    2. I think Levi was my favorite character in this book, too. He was a sweety and reminded me of one of the boys I used to babysit.

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  5. Congrats Lorna! Your new book sounds like a fun and exciting read. The cover really justs out at your, I love it with the bright colors!! I am really glad Laura introduces us to newer authors. I will definately be on the look out for your books next time I hit the bookstore!! :) Happy Friday Laura~ looking forward to your book signing next week!!

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    1. Opps, I meant the cover jumps out at you! :)

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    2. Happy Friday to you, dear Cassie!! I'm so glad you've entered the drawing and like Lorna's cover - the colors really do pop:) And I'm over the moon if I get to meet you in the Seattle area next week!! WOOHOO! We're busy finalizing things now. I'm bringing chocolates...and lots of bookmarks!

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    3. Revell does such a great job with the covers. Don't you just love Laura's new one! It is absolutely gorgeous. Give Laura a hug from me when you see her, Cassie.

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    4. Lorna, So wish we were signing together - but I think you are signing with Mary or Judy that day?! It would be fun to see who all the authors are taking place in LifeWay's event. Anyway, cyber hugs to you, my friend:)

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  6. Dear Lorna,

    I am always up for a wild ride!! Hope I win!!

    Stacie

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    1. YAY! Stacie is here:) I think you'd love Lorna's books - she's fun and upbeat like you - with a solid spiritual thread! A winning combo!

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    2. Hi my friend!

      My mother in law came into town and I gave her TCL and CML to read. She enjoyed them very much! She told me that she thought Roxanna was going to end up with Graham! Can you believe it?!? I am so happy to pass your books on to others and say "This is my friend Laura's book. She is the best!!" I am looking so forward to the next work from you dear Laura! I already have the photo card mapped out in my mind! It might be the best one yet :)

      Love,
      Stacie

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    3. Stacie, I'm so honored your MIL would read my books!! Thanks so much for sharing them. I'm chuckling about Graham as I think some readers may have wanted Roxanna to marry him as Colonel McLinn was such a rascal;)! And I'm so, so excited to see what's next for you with your amazing card idea for Love's Reckoning!! Oh, to peek inside your brain and take a look at that template!! Your beautiful cards are among my very favorite things and take a place of honor in my little office/library. I send them out judiciously!!

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    4. Stacie, don't you just love sharing Laura's books? I was at Books-A-Million yesterday and told the person looking at the books to get heres. I know they won't be disappointed.

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    5. Lorna, You're the best friend ever:) It's so heartening when authors recc. each others books - I love doing that, too. Within the CBA it's wonderful to be able to do that and count on clean content and a Christian message. So thankful!

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    6. Yes, Lorna, I love sharing Laura's books! I do look forward to share "The ride of her life" also! Life certainly is a roller coaster! I love so much the camaraderie of all you authors! The Lord certainly loves when sisters dwell in unity! Happy Mother's Day all you mothers!!

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  7. My TBR shelf always has room for one more book. I have not read any of Lorna's books, so would be happy to give her work a try. Laura, as an avid reader, I love you introducing us to new authors. Thank you for using your blog to enlarge our reading community.

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    1. Mary, You're always so gracious and I value your comments so much. I love sharing new authors here as you all give me so many book ideas. And I do it for another reason, too. When I was first published, I didn't know a soul in the publishing world other than my editor. I often wished I could have been on someone's blog back then so try to do that here. Thanks for being in the drawing. You're the best:)

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    2. Mary, I'd be honored for you to give one of my books a spot on your TBR shelf. If yours is anything like mine, its overflowing with treasures yet to be discovered.

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  8. What a creative idea for a story! Just love it. And the cover is great,too!

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    1. Carla, You're so right about the creative aspect of Lorna's story - who would have thought to make the hero a roller coaster designer?! It is just so fun and fresh! Thanks so much for commenting:) I'm pitching in for Lorna today as her schedule is on overload - she has a daughter graduating and another historical due to Revell right now, plus it's wedding season:) OH MY!

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    2. Hi Carla! I absolutely loved the idea of the roller coaster desiger. It's always hard to find something fresh, and felt so blessed for God to send me the thought.

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  9. This was SUCH a cute book, I just finished reading it the other day and I'm really sad to see this series end. It's been a favorite of mine but I know the next series from Lorna will be amazing! :-)

    Please don't enter me I already own a copy.

    XOXO~ Renee C.

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    1. Renee, I enjoyed your review of Lorna's book very much when I read it earlier this week:) And you're right - Lorna's next series is going to be amazing! It involves some of my very favorite things (did I already say that here?) but NO spoilers!!! I don't want to ruin it for you. I think you should see a cover soon for the start of her new series and it should be a keeper:)

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    2. Renee, thanks so much for the great reveiw and the spot on your blog! I was sad to see this series end, too. The next one involves three sisters who pledge to help each other meet their dreams. The first one is set in Iowa--just not Lake Manawa.

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    3. Squee!!!! I definitely know I'll love it now since you have great taste in books Laura! :-)

      Lorna, you're welcome! It was a pleasure to read and I'm looking forward to a series about sisters. Sounds terrific! :-)

      XOXO~ Renee C.

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  10. I love all of the covers! They're so unique! All three of these books are on my to-be-read list. :)

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Marissa, So happy you love the covers, too! They make me happy just looking at them:) Unique is certainly the right word. Thanks for being so encouraging and taking part in the drawing!!

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    2. Marissa, I've been so pleased with the covers, too. Thank you for adding my books to your TBR list!

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  11. Lorna, so happy to meet you here today! My sister has read your books and highly recommends them - they are near the top of my to be read list! I'll have to be sure and tell her your newest book has been released. :) It looks like so much fun.

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    1. Oh, Gabrielle, so happy your sis has read Lorna's books. The two of you are well read!! You both seem to read everything from light and uplifting like Lorna's books to dark and haunting like mine - lol;) Lorna and I actually have a standing joke about that... I'm covering for her today as she is busy with a graduation and a major deadline for another historical. Thanks so much for sharing the book joy here - and passing the word along to your sweet sister!!

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    2. Gabrielle, please tell your sister thank you and hello for me. Laura and I do like to joke about our books being on the opposite end of the spectrum, but that's not really true. Any time God is the center of the books, they're going to be uplifting.

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  12. I've read A Great Catch and thoroughly enjoyed it! How did you get started in writing and getting your books published, Lorna?

    I have to agree with the people who commented above me - the cover is great! That's so interesting about the seatbar - I didn't know that!

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    1. Hi Kim, Thanks so much for being here and asking such a great question! Lorna's journey to publication is really interesting but she can tell it much better than I can so we'll see if she has time to check back in here later.

      I didn't know that about the seatbar either! Now they strap you in to the point you feel you're in jail! But I guess they wen't way slower back then, thank heavens. Still, it must have been very dangerous. This was 1906, if I remember correctly. YIKES!

      So happy you're in the drawing! Thanks for your kind comments!

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    2. Kim, great question. I took the Making Waves (book 1 in the series) to my first ACFW conference. One of my meetings was with Andrea Doering, Revell's acquistions editor (at the time--now executive editor). I sat there while she read the first two chapters. Afterwards, she complimented me on my fresh voice, asked me some questions, and then asked me to send her a full of the manuscript.(very unusual) I did a few a months later. She then contacted me and asked me to submit two other ideas so they could consider this as a series. It all went very fast (which is unusual). The whole thing was God's doing. I'd always said, "God's words. God's will. God's timing."

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  13. This looks like such a fun book! I haven't read any of Lorna's books but I would love the opportunity to read this one:)

    Lorna, why did you pick the early 1900's for a stage for this book? I always love to hear why authors chose the particular part of history that they chose:)

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    1. Eva, Must be nighttime over there:) So good to hear from you - great question about time period! I'd like to know that myself! Lorna is crazy busy with graduation and a deadline but am hoping she can come back and answer. It's so good to have you in the drawing - the one thing I love about Lorna's books is the solid spiritual message in each. You really come away uplifted and more in love with Him. Bless you today!

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    2. Eva, I love that question and I don't think anyone has asked me it before! For women, the early 1900's was such a time of awakening. Women were actually having a bit of freedom, roles were changing, and of course, women were fighting for the right to vote. It was an exciting time of change and I think it's the perfect time period to write about.

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    3. Angi, your here? I wish we were having a signing this weekend. I'd love to mett you!

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  14. Oh, so many booksignings and I can't attend any of them. :( If Lorna and Mary's booksigning would have been this weekend, I might have been able to swing by for a few minutes as I'm in Council Bluffs for a wedding. And Laura, wish I could come and see you, too. It all sounds like so much fun. Lorna, your book looks wonderful. Would love to read it. Have a great weekend all!

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    1. Angi, So glad you're here and in the drawing:) How I wish I could come to your beautiful state and sign books! I was there on Amtrak several years ago - does that count? We whizzed by but I remember endless fields of sunflowers and farms. That's one train trip I could do over and over again as it followed the Oregon trail, etc. Bless you for your comments and have a happy weekend!!

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    2. Angi, you'll have to look above for your note. Sorry for messing up your pretty blog, Laura. :)

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  15. Hi Lorna & Laura!

    Lorna, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Making Waves! Gosh, truly one of THE BEST books I've ever had the pleasure of reading! I still can't decide what I loved about it more- the romance or just how funny it was... oh, who am I kidding?? The romance! Thinking back on it I don't know how you made it so funny yet oh so very romantic - and both were real and natural. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for writing it :-)

    I really enjoyed A Great Catch, too, but MW is definitely my favorite so far. The Ride of Her Life sounds like it's gonna be another great book! I confess I've never been on a roller coaster- when I had the nerve I wasn't tall enough and now that I am tall enough I'm scared spitless! So I'm very excited to learn about roller coasters, though I'm sure they're very different from todays! ;-) And, I must admit that I'm intrigued by a "cocky" hero. They're usually hiding a very tender side and can be some of the most romantic. But whoever he is and whatever he brings to the page I look forward to meeting him! :-)

    Laura, thank you for hosting Lorna here! And thank you both for the chance to win a copy! Happy Mother's Day ladies!!

    Blessings,
    Amanda

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    1. Amanda, thank you so much for the kind words about Making Waves. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it so much. I think you'll like Nick in this new book. He's really very sweet and he understands Lilly to a "T".

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  16. A wedding planner sounds like such a fun job to have! I would like to know what was the most unique wedding that you have planned, Lorna.

    I'm looking forward to this book!

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    1. Julia! My NY Mother's Day night owl:) I hope you had a wonderful day with C and your littles. We had too much shrimp, sun, and fun but it was wonderful in every way. Great question for Lorna! I think she should do a series about a wedding planner, circa 1906 or so if there was such a thing. So glad you'd like the read the book!!

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    2. Hi Julia! What a great question, and I wish I had some fascinating answer like planning one in a stadium or something. All of them have been beautiful in their own ways. Two of the more unusual things that stand out are includ a bride who had to get married on a certain pink bathrug because it was a family tradition, and a bride who had $500 for her whole wedding. My wedding fairies and I pulled it off, too, and it was beautiful! One of the wedding fairies actually went dumpster diving at a florists for rose petals.

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    3. Laura, so glad you had a great Mother's Day. And sun is wonderful! I'm glad your fam treated you well! You deserve it! I know you're a great mom.

      Is your book going to be selling at ACFW? If so and you're there...I'll probably force myself to wait a few weeks to buy your book and Julie's...so looking forward to both :)

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    4. Married on a pink bathrobe, that's really interesting. Wonder how that tradition got started... $500 dollars is impressive, great job for pulling that one off, lorna.

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    5. Lol about the pink bathrug - though it is in my favorite color!! I do think you should think seriously about a wedding series, dear Lorna;)

      I so hope to get to Texas, Julia, as it would be such a highlight to meet you!! I do hope Love's Reckoning is there - all my books have been in the conference bookstore in the past - Janna Ryan and team do such a great job with display and selection. I should know in a month or so if I'm Dallas bound! Oh, so love Texas - and the thought of sharing a lunch or a quiet moment with you - so I pray I can come!! Plus, this August we'll have a month long release party and I'll be giving away signed books right here...:)

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  17. Oh, your release parties here are so much fun...can't wait to stop by for that :)

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  18. I cant connect to Amazon but just want you to know Courting Morrow is one of the best books Ive ever read. It is also amazingly well wditten and I was so glad it lasted all the way to Missouri and didnt continue to another book. Thank you for the oppotubity to read it.

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    1. Dear Lynda, So moved & thrilled that you feel Tharp the way about Morrow's story! I miss that story very much. Bless you for taking the time to tell me:)

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