Bounty Hunter's Bride

My author copies arrived on my doorstep yesterday in a sea of rain. Fortunately I was home to snag them from the UPS guy before the water seeped into the plastic.

I'm delighted with the cover, delighted to be LIH.

And I'm delighted with this book . . . I don't usually read a books once its in print. I can't make changes and I know how it ends : ) But this book is different. I wrote it so long ago that I wanted to refresh my memory. My biggest worry was that it would be flat, not as romantic as my HHs.

Well, I got misty a few times. No spoilers, but the book made me smile as much when I read it as when I wrote it.

3:10 to Yuma

I wanted to see this movie the instant it hit the theatres, but life conspired and I didn't get a chance to watch it until last Friday. I loved it. I'm always on the lookout for authentic heroes, men with morals and courage, and Christian Bale's character had it all. A wounded man, he put his family first at all costs. It's wonderfully clear that he loves his wife and children. He's struggling for them and you have to admire him for it.

Russell Crowe made a perfect antagonist. When the son says, "You're not all bad," he's right. I won't spoil the end for anyone who hasn't seen it--though I'm sure I was the last western fan to finally take it in--but it's perfect. Both men move from who they think they are to their real essence as human beings.

Along with "Broken Trail," it's among my favorite westerns.

Progress Report

A few days ago I put a proposal in the mail for an April 2009 Mother's Day novella. It's not often that a story comes easily, but this one did. The hero's a man who's fresh out of prison and determined to make amends to both his daughter and the woman he wronged. I'm paired with LI author Jillian Hart and am thrilled about that!

When I first sold to HH, I sent my mom a bunch of books. Jill's Bluebonnet Bride was on the top of the pile and it turned out to be my mom's favorite. It's one my favorites, too!

While that goes through the editorial pipeline, I'm working a proposal for another LIH. I'm on Day Two of what I call the "Hunt for the Story." So far, so good. I'm using the tools I picked up from a Michael Hauge workshop. He's a screenwritng guru. All I can say is, God bless Michael Hauge. He's enriched my writing and saved me a lot of grief!

I'm also reading books for the Rita awards. This year it's been joy.