Karlene Browning over at Inksplasher is sponsoring a super cool contest with lots of great prizes as she takes a virtual road trip to Forks, Washington to countdown to the premiere of Eclipse. I'm sponsoring one of the days so be sure to check back here tomorrow to answer my question. (It'll be easy, especially if you've followed my blog).
To find out more about the contest http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/2010/05/chasing-twilight-contest.html
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To find out about the super cool prizes http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/2010/05/chasing-twilight-prizes.html
Prizes include: Jewelry, framed photos of characters, books, perfume, and the grand prize: a basket full of Twilight themed gifts.
Go to Inksplasher to find out more! Be sure to come back here tomorrow to find out my question and have a chance to win a copy of Heaven Scent or Altared Plans.
Now, I'm on my way to go fishing--or should I say, chase my 4-year-old around while the other kids attempt to catch fish (we have yet to catch fish on any of our many fishing trips).
Happy Memorial Day!
Showing posts with label Altared Plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Altared Plans. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Cover Contest--Woo Hoo!
My cover for Altared Plans was recently in a contest at LDS Publisher. Although it didn't win the overall contest, it won in the Romance category. My cover won both the Reader's Choice and LDS Publisher's Choice. It was interesting to read the different comments about it. I love the cover, especially the pink accents.
If you voted for my cover, thank you!! I appreciate it.
Because there must be opposition in all things, a reader at Goodreads gave my book 2 stars and then wrote, "A mindless read for New Year's Eve." Ouch.
So there you go--up and down--such is this crazy writing life. Good thing I absolutely love it or I might try to do something far easier, like brain surgery :).
If you voted for my cover, thank you!! I appreciate it.
Because there must be opposition in all things, a reader at Goodreads gave my book 2 stars and then wrote, "A mindless read for New Year's Eve." Ouch.
So there you go--up and down--such is this crazy writing life. Good thing I absolutely love it or I might try to do something far easier, like brain surgery :).
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 Highlights
My son was sealed to his sweet wife in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in September. What an amazing experience to watch him pledge himself to his wife and the Lord for eternity. It's hard to even find the words to express my gratitude. Definitely a parent "payday."
I survived all the wedding preparations, including all the house projects we had to finish before the open house. I had no idea how much work was involved in preparing for a wedding, and this was for a son. I'm sure I have no idea what's involved in planning a wedding for a daughter (hopefully I won't find out for a while). I breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was all over.
I lost 30 lbs before my son's wedding. I'd been struggling with this extra weight for a few years and was really happy to finally get rid of it. Now if only I can keep it off.
My daughter just finished her Associate's degree at Snow College. I'm really proud of her for sticking it out and for figuring out how to pay for it herself. She's grown tremendously. She was also the featured artist at Snow for a week.
Another daughter graduated from high school. She performed in two plays, The Curious Savage and The Clearing during her senior year and I was blown away by her talent and her ability to make me believe she was truly the characters she was playing. Both of these plays made me teary. She was awesome.
Another daughter was inducted into the National Art Honor Society and she has just been cast as a lead in her high school's production of Noises Off. She received her driver's license--I'm not sure that's necessarily a highlight :).
Another son received his Life Scout rank and is close to earning his Eagle. He also received his Duty to God for Deacon and is now a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
Another son was baptized. His service was so sweet and we all felt the Spirit. His biggest accomplishment for 2009 is that his front teeth are finally growing in.
My other kids have been busy developing talents and working hard in school. While I love watching my kids perform and develop talents, my greatest joy comes from seeing them choose to keep the commandments. My most important goal is to have an eternal family and when I can see us, as a family, make progress toward that goal it makes me sooooo happy. In a world where it is so easy to make bad choices and temptation lurks around every corner, I am so grateful when each of us makes good choices. I don't want any empty chairs . . .
My youngest son has Down syndrome. I've been thrilled to see his progress this year. He has learned and developed so much. He has such a fun personality and makes us laugh all the time. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father chose me to be his mother. If I'd known then (when he was born) what I know now, I wouldn't have worried a bit about raising a child with DS. It's a great experience and I look forward to seeing him grow and develop even more this next year.
My LDS romance, Altared Plans, was published by Cedar Fort in June. It's loosely based on my courtship with my husband and I've loved receiving comments from readers who've enjoyed it. It's currently in a contest for the cover at LDS Publisher.
We've had our share of trials in 2009 but I'd rather focus on the good things and the progress we've made. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and for the gospel. No matter how bleak things may look, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us hope and I'm grateful for that.
May we all have a wonderful 2010!
(PS If you've read any great books by LDS authors be sure to nominate them at www.whitneyawards.com. The deadline is December 31st).
I survived all the wedding preparations, including all the house projects we had to finish before the open house. I had no idea how much work was involved in preparing for a wedding, and this was for a son. I'm sure I have no idea what's involved in planning a wedding for a daughter (hopefully I won't find out for a while). I breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was all over.
I lost 30 lbs before my son's wedding. I'd been struggling with this extra weight for a few years and was really happy to finally get rid of it. Now if only I can keep it off.
My daughter just finished her Associate's degree at Snow College. I'm really proud of her for sticking it out and for figuring out how to pay for it herself. She's grown tremendously. She was also the featured artist at Snow for a week.
Another daughter graduated from high school. She performed in two plays, The Curious Savage and The Clearing during her senior year and I was blown away by her talent and her ability to make me believe she was truly the characters she was playing. Both of these plays made me teary. She was awesome.
Another daughter was inducted into the National Art Honor Society and she has just been cast as a lead in her high school's production of Noises Off. She received her driver's license--I'm not sure that's necessarily a highlight :).
Another son received his Life Scout rank and is close to earning his Eagle. He also received his Duty to God for Deacon and is now a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
Another son was baptized. His service was so sweet and we all felt the Spirit. His biggest accomplishment for 2009 is that his front teeth are finally growing in.
My other kids have been busy developing talents and working hard in school. While I love watching my kids perform and develop talents, my greatest joy comes from seeing them choose to keep the commandments. My most important goal is to have an eternal family and when I can see us, as a family, make progress toward that goal it makes me sooooo happy. In a world where it is so easy to make bad choices and temptation lurks around every corner, I am so grateful when each of us makes good choices. I don't want any empty chairs . . .
My youngest son has Down syndrome. I've been thrilled to see his progress this year. He has learned and developed so much. He has such a fun personality and makes us laugh all the time. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father chose me to be his mother. If I'd known then (when he was born) what I know now, I wouldn't have worried a bit about raising a child with DS. It's a great experience and I look forward to seeing him grow and develop even more this next year.
My LDS romance, Altared Plans, was published by Cedar Fort in June. It's loosely based on my courtship with my husband and I've loved receiving comments from readers who've enjoyed it. It's currently in a contest for the cover at LDS Publisher.
We've had our share of trials in 2009 but I'd rather focus on the good things and the progress we've made. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and for the gospel. No matter how bleak things may look, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us hope and I'm grateful for that.
May we all have a wonderful 2010!
(PS If you've read any great books by LDS authors be sure to nominate them at www.whitneyawards.com. The deadline is December 31st).
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Review of Altared Plans by Jennie Hansen
I was thrilled to receive this review from Jennie Hansen. She posted it on Meridian Magazine.
If you'd like to read it, here's the link to Meridian Magazine. It's the second review.
I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas season and enjoying all the festivities.
If you'd like to read it, here's the link to Meridian Magazine. It's the second review.
I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas season and enjoying all the festivities.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Contest and New Website
If you're interested in winning a $20.00 gift certificate to Amazon visit the Writing Fortress blog for rules on a simple contest that, of course, involves my book. Wouldn't a $20 gift certificate be nice? And helping me spread the word about my book (maybe then DB will carry it)? Thanks for checking it out!
I've been busy working on my website. It was static with no new information so I've set it up as a blog format to make it more interactive. I'll be posting articles on writing that, hopefully, will be useful to readers. I also have links to my books, a bio, and other pages. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear your feedback on www.rebeccatalley.com. I want it to be a user-friendly site that also provides helpful information for aspiring writers. I'd love to interact with readers and make my site useful as well as informational.
Thanks!
I've been busy working on my website. It was static with no new information so I've set it up as a blog format to make it more interactive. I'll be posting articles on writing that, hopefully, will be useful to readers. I also have links to my books, a bio, and other pages. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear your feedback on www.rebeccatalley.com. I want it to be a user-friendly site that also provides helpful information for aspiring writers. I'd love to interact with readers and make my site useful as well as informational.
Thanks!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Interview by Michele Ashman Bell
Michele Ashman Bell, a fantastic LDS author and one of the kindest people I know, interviewed me about my writing and my new book, Altared Plans.
Here's the link if you'd like to read it: Michele Ashman Bell. I'd love to read your reactions to the interview (you can tell me if I sound dorky).
Thanks!
Here's the link if you'd like to read it: Michele Ashman Bell. I'd love to read your reactions to the interview (you can tell me if I sound dorky).
Thanks!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Altared Plans, Chapter 1, Part 5
Several hours later, Caitlyn awoke to her mom standing in the doorway with a tray in her hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I wanted to leave you a little something to eat.” She placed the tray on the nightstand next to the bed.
Caitlyn wiped at her swollen eyes and sat up. She cleared her throat, “I’m not hungry.”
“Maybe later.”
Caitlyn shrugged.
“How are you feeling?”
“Sad. Confused”
“I’m so, so sorry, sweetheart.”
Caitlyn nodded. She toppled back down on her bed and her mother snuggled up next to her.
“I can’t believe he dumped me for another girl. Why didn’t he tell me he didn’t want to get married?”
“Maybe he was afraid.”
“He fell in love with a girl on his mission. Who does that?”
“I don’t know.” Her mom brushed her hand against Caitlyn’s cheek.
“What will I do now?”
“Go back to BYU.”
“I can’t. I told everyone about the wedding. Every time I have to answer why I’m not married, I’ll have to relive the pain all over again. I can’t do that. My heart hurts too much.”
“People will understand.”
“Will they? I don’t even understand it.” Tears snaked down her cheeks.
“In time you’ll find someone else.”
“No way. I never want to be hurt like this again. I’m done with marriage. Forever.” She used her sleeve to wipe her eyes.
“You’re still—“
“I trusted him. I believed him when he said we’d get married. Even though we couldn’t see much of each other because I was at school when he got home from his mission, we talked on the phone and texted each other. He never said a word. When I came home to see him in October, he acted like we were still a couple. How could he change his mind like that? I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know, honey, but you life will go on. I promise.” Her mom stroked Caitlyn’s hair. “I called your apartment office and your contract hasn’t sold so you still have a place there.”
“Mom, I can’t go back. Not like this.”
“You can, Cait. You can pick yourself up and go back.”
“No. I can’t.”
“Even though this is something none of us expected, it will be a blessing.”
“Right.”
“Really. You’ll see. Heavenly Father knows better than we do. It’s far better that this happened now instead of after the marriage.”
Caitlyn said nothing.
“You still have more than a week before school starts again. Your dad said he’d take some time off work. We can all go to Provo and spend time together as a family before we drop you off.”
Caitlyn closed her eyes. She desperately wished she’d wake up in the Bahamas enjoying her honeymoon.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the first chapter of Altared Plans. I had a lot of fun writing it. If you're interested in reading the rest of the novel you can purchase it at Amazon, Seagull Books, and independent LDS bookstores. Thanks for your support!
P.S. I love the last line of the book.
P.S.S. I included some real events that happened when I met my husband at BYU. We met in the FHE group where I was serving as the "mom" and he was serving as the "dad." He tried to feed me one of his steers named Frank which completely freaked me out since I'm a certified city-girl (and he's a country boy). I met my future mother-in-law for the first time while I was dressed as a clown because I'd been volunteering at Special Olympics. I won't tell you any more secrets--you'll have to read the book :).
Caitlyn wiped at her swollen eyes and sat up. She cleared her throat, “I’m not hungry.”
“Maybe later.”
Caitlyn shrugged.
“How are you feeling?”
“Sad. Confused”
“I’m so, so sorry, sweetheart.”
Caitlyn nodded. She toppled back down on her bed and her mother snuggled up next to her.
“I can’t believe he dumped me for another girl. Why didn’t he tell me he didn’t want to get married?”
“Maybe he was afraid.”
“He fell in love with a girl on his mission. Who does that?”
“I don’t know.” Her mom brushed her hand against Caitlyn’s cheek.
“What will I do now?”
“Go back to BYU.”
“I can’t. I told everyone about the wedding. Every time I have to answer why I’m not married, I’ll have to relive the pain all over again. I can’t do that. My heart hurts too much.”
“People will understand.”
“Will they? I don’t even understand it.” Tears snaked down her cheeks.
“In time you’ll find someone else.”
“No way. I never want to be hurt like this again. I’m done with marriage. Forever.” She used her sleeve to wipe her eyes.
“You’re still—“
“I trusted him. I believed him when he said we’d get married. Even though we couldn’t see much of each other because I was at school when he got home from his mission, we talked on the phone and texted each other. He never said a word. When I came home to see him in October, he acted like we were still a couple. How could he change his mind like that? I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know, honey, but you life will go on. I promise.” Her mom stroked Caitlyn’s hair. “I called your apartment office and your contract hasn’t sold so you still have a place there.”
“Mom, I can’t go back. Not like this.”
“You can, Cait. You can pick yourself up and go back.”
“No. I can’t.”
“Even though this is something none of us expected, it will be a blessing.”
“Right.”
“Really. You’ll see. Heavenly Father knows better than we do. It’s far better that this happened now instead of after the marriage.”
Caitlyn said nothing.
“You still have more than a week before school starts again. Your dad said he’d take some time off work. We can all go to Provo and spend time together as a family before we drop you off.”
Caitlyn closed her eyes. She desperately wished she’d wake up in the Bahamas enjoying her honeymoon.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the first chapter of Altared Plans. I had a lot of fun writing it. If you're interested in reading the rest of the novel you can purchase it at Amazon, Seagull Books, and independent LDS bookstores. Thanks for your support!
P.S. I love the last line of the book.
P.S.S. I included some real events that happened when I met my husband at BYU. We met in the FHE group where I was serving as the "mom" and he was serving as the "dad." He tried to feed me one of his steers named Frank which completely freaked me out since I'm a certified city-girl (and he's a country boy). I met my future mother-in-law for the first time while I was dressed as a clown because I'd been volunteering at Special Olympics. I won't tell you any more secrets--you'll have to read the book :).
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Altared Plans, Chapter 1, Part 4
Suddenly, Caitlyn couldn’t breathe. She felt like someone was gripping her neck so tight she couldn’t swallow. She eked out, “Is something wrong?”
The Haggertys both nodded.
Caitlyn clapped her hand to her mouth. Terrifying thoughts swirled in her mind. “What is it?”
Brother Haggerty began, “You know Justin came down here to spend time with Troy.”
Caitlyn nodded. Tears formed in her eyes while her imagination exploded.
“He . . . well . . .”
“Is he okay?” Caitlyn’s voice cracked.
“In a manner of speaking,” his mother said. She shook her head.
“Please, tell us what’s wrong,” Caitlyn’s mother said.
“We were supposed to meet for breakfast early this morning.” His dad kicked at the ground. “Justin didn’t show up on time. After almost half an hour, Troy came to the restaurant.”
“And?” Caitlyn’s head pounded.
“I don’t quite know how to tell you,” Justin’s dad said.
“Just say it.” Caitlyn wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what he had to say, but she needed to know.
His mother blurted out, “Justin is on a plane for New York.”
“A plane?”
“We rushed to LAX and tried to stop him. Really, we did. But, he wouldn’t listen to reason,” his dad said, anxiety evident in his voice.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Why would Justin fly to New York on the day of our wedding?” Her heart thumped in her ears. She felt her mother’s arm around her shoulder.
Justin’s mom let out a long sigh. “Caitlyn, Justin has gone to be with a girl he met while he was on his mission.”
“A girl he met on his mission?” Caitlyn blinked her eyes several times and her mother’s grip tightened.
“He’s not coming back. He said to tell you he’s sorry, but he couldn’t go through with the wedding when he’s . . .” her sentence trailed off.
“What?”
“In love with someone else,” his father said.
The words sliced through her. She dropped the garment bag to the ground in a heap. Her perfect life was unraveling right before her. Intense sadness grasped her heart and squeezed it so tight she thought she might die on the spot.
“I’m sorry, Caitlyn.” His mom embraced her for a few moments.
“We didn’t raise him to act this way. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He has a lot of explaining to do,” his father said.
Caitlyn stared at the ground. She’d been left at the altar, or as close to that as possible at the temple. How could he? Why didn’t he say anything? He led her to believe he loved her and would marry her today. Now, she was standing in front of the temple, deserted. Her life was shattered. All of her planning, her dreaming, and her love, was for nothing. She’d been abandoned on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.
“We’ll take care of everything. We’ll go in and speak with someone in the temple and call the caterer. We’ll let the bishop know and we’ll make sure everyone gets the word before the reception was supposed to start. Don’t worry about anything,” Justin’s father said. “It’s the least we can do.”
Caitlyn could hear Justin’s mom crying.
“Thank you,” Caitlyn’s mom said. She whispered into Caitlyn’s ear, “Let’s get you back to the car.”
Caitlyn sat in the backseat. She wasn’t sure how she got there. She was numb, floating somewhere between dreaming and awakening.
“What kind of a young man does this?” her father said from the front seat.
“Robert, don’t make her feel any worse. We don’t need to discuss it right now,” her mom said. “Let her work through this.”
Lindsay reached over and caressed Caitlyn’s hand. Caitlyn rested her head against the seat and stared out the window as they drove the freeway back toward Santa Barbara.
Today had not turned out at all like she had planned. She’d played it over and over again in her mind. How could Justin have fallen in love with another girl while he was supposed to be serving the Lord, and while knowing that Caitlyn was home waiting for him? She wrapped her arms around herself, amazed at the physical pain she felt deep within her chest.
When they arrived home, Caitlyn went directly to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and collapsed on her bed. She never wanted to leave her room. She’d cried so many tears on the way home, she didn’t have any left. Her heart was smashed into a million pieces and her dreams were crushed. What about their apartment, their house on the Mesa, their four children?
In the blink or an eye, or the takeoff of a plane, it was gone.
Read Part 5 of Chapter One.
You can purchase Altared Plans at independent LDS bookstores.
The Haggertys both nodded.
Caitlyn clapped her hand to her mouth. Terrifying thoughts swirled in her mind. “What is it?”
Brother Haggerty began, “You know Justin came down here to spend time with Troy.”
Caitlyn nodded. Tears formed in her eyes while her imagination exploded.
“He . . . well . . .”
“Is he okay?” Caitlyn’s voice cracked.
“In a manner of speaking,” his mother said. She shook her head.
“Please, tell us what’s wrong,” Caitlyn’s mother said.
“We were supposed to meet for breakfast early this morning.” His dad kicked at the ground. “Justin didn’t show up on time. After almost half an hour, Troy came to the restaurant.”
“And?” Caitlyn’s head pounded.
“I don’t quite know how to tell you,” Justin’s dad said.
“Just say it.” Caitlyn wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what he had to say, but she needed to know.
His mother blurted out, “Justin is on a plane for New York.”
“A plane?”
“We rushed to LAX and tried to stop him. Really, we did. But, he wouldn’t listen to reason,” his dad said, anxiety evident in his voice.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Why would Justin fly to New York on the day of our wedding?” Her heart thumped in her ears. She felt her mother’s arm around her shoulder.
Justin’s mom let out a long sigh. “Caitlyn, Justin has gone to be with a girl he met while he was on his mission.”
“A girl he met on his mission?” Caitlyn blinked her eyes several times and her mother’s grip tightened.
“He’s not coming back. He said to tell you he’s sorry, but he couldn’t go through with the wedding when he’s . . .” her sentence trailed off.
“What?”
“In love with someone else,” his father said.
The words sliced through her. She dropped the garment bag to the ground in a heap. Her perfect life was unraveling right before her. Intense sadness grasped her heart and squeezed it so tight she thought she might die on the spot.
“I’m sorry, Caitlyn.” His mom embraced her for a few moments.
“We didn’t raise him to act this way. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He has a lot of explaining to do,” his father said.
Caitlyn stared at the ground. She’d been left at the altar, or as close to that as possible at the temple. How could he? Why didn’t he say anything? He led her to believe he loved her and would marry her today. Now, she was standing in front of the temple, deserted. Her life was shattered. All of her planning, her dreaming, and her love, was for nothing. She’d been abandoned on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.
“We’ll take care of everything. We’ll go in and speak with someone in the temple and call the caterer. We’ll let the bishop know and we’ll make sure everyone gets the word before the reception was supposed to start. Don’t worry about anything,” Justin’s father said. “It’s the least we can do.”
Caitlyn could hear Justin’s mom crying.
“Thank you,” Caitlyn’s mom said. She whispered into Caitlyn’s ear, “Let’s get you back to the car.”
Caitlyn sat in the backseat. She wasn’t sure how she got there. She was numb, floating somewhere between dreaming and awakening.
“What kind of a young man does this?” her father said from the front seat.
“Robert, don’t make her feel any worse. We don’t need to discuss it right now,” her mom said. “Let her work through this.”
Lindsay reached over and caressed Caitlyn’s hand. Caitlyn rested her head against the seat and stared out the window as they drove the freeway back toward Santa Barbara.
Today had not turned out at all like she had planned. She’d played it over and over again in her mind. How could Justin have fallen in love with another girl while he was supposed to be serving the Lord, and while knowing that Caitlyn was home waiting for him? She wrapped her arms around herself, amazed at the physical pain she felt deep within her chest.
When they arrived home, Caitlyn went directly to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and collapsed on her bed. She never wanted to leave her room. She’d cried so many tears on the way home, she didn’t have any left. Her heart was smashed into a million pieces and her dreams were crushed. What about their apartment, their house on the Mesa, their four children?
In the blink or an eye, or the takeoff of a plane, it was gone.
Read Part 5 of Chapter One.
You can purchase Altared Plans at independent LDS bookstores.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Altared Plans, Chapter 1, Part 3
“Cait, you’re being way too dramatic. Get a hold of yourself. We’ll work something out, and it will be fine.”
“Mom, this is my one and only wedding day. I wanted it to be perfect, and now my veil is missing.”
Her mother checked her watch. “We need to get inside the temple. Your endowment session will begin in less than an hour and you need to prepare. You don’t need your veil until you leave the temple after the ceremony. I’ll make some calls and see if someone can go to the house and find it and then bring it down here.” She cupped Caitlyn’s chin in her hand. “Your day will be perfect and you will be a beautiful bride.”
Caitlyn closed her eyes and contained her breathing. She opened her eyes and said, “Thanks, Mom. And, thanks for coming with me. I know it’s hard for you to go to the temple without Dad, but I’m so happy you’ll be with me.”
“Me, too. I wouldn’t miss my baby getting married for anything.” Her mom wiped at her eyes.
“Mom, don’t get me started. I’m emotional enough.”
Caitlyn and her mom embraced.
Lindsay approached them. “I’ll take Dad over to the visitor’s center. Maybe he’ll like it. Or not.”
Caitlyn and her mother walked to the entrance of the temple and opened the large door. Caitlyn noticed the sign that said, “Members Only,” and wished her Dad could accompany them. She stepped inside, toward the desk.
She and her mom waited behind another couple and their parents, while a different couple stood in the waiting area holding garment bags. It was a busy day for the temple. She held her bag tightly. “I wonder if Justin is here yet. I can’t wait to see him.”
“I assume they’re here.” Her mom reached over and adjusted Caitlyn’s necklace.
After a few minutes, the outside door opened and Caitlyn turned to see Justin’s parents. She grinned.
Justin’s father motioned for her to come out to him. She looked at her mom and they both exited the temple.
“Hello, Caitlyn,” he said in a strained voice. He seemed distracted. Caitlyn figured it was due to the impending events of the day.
“Hi.” She craned her neck to see if she could catch a glimpse of her way hot, soon-to-be groom. Excitement welled up inside.
“I . . . we . . . well . . .,” Justin’s dad stammered.
“Where’s Justin?” Caitlyn said with a smile.
Justin’s mom stepped forward. Her eyes were bloodshot. “We have some . . . bad news.”
Read Part 4 of Chapter One.You can purchase Altared Plans at Seagull Books.
“Mom, this is my one and only wedding day. I wanted it to be perfect, and now my veil is missing.”
Her mother checked her watch. “We need to get inside the temple. Your endowment session will begin in less than an hour and you need to prepare. You don’t need your veil until you leave the temple after the ceremony. I’ll make some calls and see if someone can go to the house and find it and then bring it down here.” She cupped Caitlyn’s chin in her hand. “Your day will be perfect and you will be a beautiful bride.”
Caitlyn closed her eyes and contained her breathing. She opened her eyes and said, “Thanks, Mom. And, thanks for coming with me. I know it’s hard for you to go to the temple without Dad, but I’m so happy you’ll be with me.”
“Me, too. I wouldn’t miss my baby getting married for anything.” Her mom wiped at her eyes.
“Mom, don’t get me started. I’m emotional enough.”
Caitlyn and her mom embraced.
Lindsay approached them. “I’ll take Dad over to the visitor’s center. Maybe he’ll like it. Or not.”
Caitlyn and her mother walked to the entrance of the temple and opened the large door. Caitlyn noticed the sign that said, “Members Only,” and wished her Dad could accompany them. She stepped inside, toward the desk.
She and her mom waited behind another couple and their parents, while a different couple stood in the waiting area holding garment bags. It was a busy day for the temple. She held her bag tightly. “I wonder if Justin is here yet. I can’t wait to see him.”
“I assume they’re here.” Her mom reached over and adjusted Caitlyn’s necklace.
After a few minutes, the outside door opened and Caitlyn turned to see Justin’s parents. She grinned.
Justin’s father motioned for her to come out to him. She looked at her mom and they both exited the temple.
“Hello, Caitlyn,” he said in a strained voice. He seemed distracted. Caitlyn figured it was due to the impending events of the day.
“Hi.” She craned her neck to see if she could catch a glimpse of her way hot, soon-to-be groom. Excitement welled up inside.
“I . . . we . . . well . . .,” Justin’s dad stammered.
“Where’s Justin?” Caitlyn said with a smile.
Justin’s mom stepped forward. Her eyes were bloodshot. “We have some . . . bad news.”
Read Part 4 of Chapter One.You can purchase Altared Plans at Seagull Books.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Altared Plans, Chapter 1, Part 2
“Looks like the weather will cooperate,” her mom offered. Caitlyn recognized it as her mom’s usual attempt at peacemaking.
Caitlyn gazed out of the window of her parents’ silver Jaguar. “I sure miss California weather. I can’t wait until Justin and I both graduate and we can move back to Santa Barbara and start our family. We’ll have two boys and two girls.”
“Sounds like you have it all planned out,” her mom said. She laughed.
“What?”
“Not everything goes as planned, you know. You may end up with all boys or all girls.”
“Four children? Do you have any idea how expensive it is to raise kids these days? Especially in Santa Barbara. You need to be realistic,” her dad said.
“Don’t worry. I have it all figured out. Justin thinks I’m obsessed with planning everything, but that’s just his way of saying he appreciates me taking charge.” Caitlyn nodded her head.
“Where will you work?” her father asked.
“Me? I’m not going to work. I plan to stay home and raise the kids.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I want to be at home and take care of our house and the kids while Justin works and eventually takes over his dad’s business.”
“You’re going to waste your education raising kids?” her dad said.
Her mom cut in, “We’ll be at the temple in less than fifteen minutes. Robert, you charged the video camera and brought extra batteries for the digital camera, correct?”
“The batteries are in the camera bag.”
“I want to make sure we get plenty of footage. Maybe you can record them while Lindsay takes photos.”
“What about the photographer?” her dad asked.
“He’ll get plenty of shots, but I want my own, especially of the family and everyone who will be waiting outside the temple.”
Caitlyn’s parents continued to discuss taking pictures. She was grateful that her mom had sidetracked her dad. She laid her head back against the seat and shut her eyes. In a few hours, she’d start eternity with the guy she’d loved since high school.
“I can see the temple,” Lindsay said.
Caitlyn bent down so she could see the temple from Lindsay’s window. “I’ve always thought it looked a little out of place. I mean, L.A. is city everywhere, and all you can see is pavement and then, boom, the temple sitting on that big grassy hill. It looks so heavenly.”
She smoothed her hair again and took several breaths to calm her nerves as she gazed at the white building set against the clear blue sky. This was it.
They pulled into the parking lot and Caitlyn’s heart felt like it might jump out of her throat. Since the temple was only open this one day during Christmas break, she had to go through the endowment session right before her wedding ceremony. She worried it might be too overwhelming, but it was the only option if they wanted to be married before winter semester at BYU.
Caitlyn walked around to the back of the car and opened the trunk. She rummaged through the contents. “Mom, I can’t find my veil.”
Her mom stepped over to the car. “I thought you said everything was in there.”
“I put it in here. I’m sure of it. Where did it go?”
“Could it be in with your dress?”
Caitlyn unzipped the garment bag and searched through it. “I don’t see it.” Her face heated. Stress clamped down on her chest. “I can’t have pictures without my veil.”
“Calm down. We’ll figure it out.”
“How can it not be here? This will ruin my wedding.”
Read Part 3 of Chapter One.
If you'd like to purchase Altared Plans click here.
Caitlyn gazed out of the window of her parents’ silver Jaguar. “I sure miss California weather. I can’t wait until Justin and I both graduate and we can move back to Santa Barbara and start our family. We’ll have two boys and two girls.”
“Sounds like you have it all planned out,” her mom said. She laughed.
“What?”
“Not everything goes as planned, you know. You may end up with all boys or all girls.”
“Four children? Do you have any idea how expensive it is to raise kids these days? Especially in Santa Barbara. You need to be realistic,” her dad said.
“Don’t worry. I have it all figured out. Justin thinks I’m obsessed with planning everything, but that’s just his way of saying he appreciates me taking charge.” Caitlyn nodded her head.
“Where will you work?” her father asked.
“Me? I’m not going to work. I plan to stay home and raise the kids.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I want to be at home and take care of our house and the kids while Justin works and eventually takes over his dad’s business.”
“You’re going to waste your education raising kids?” her dad said.
Her mom cut in, “We’ll be at the temple in less than fifteen minutes. Robert, you charged the video camera and brought extra batteries for the digital camera, correct?”
“The batteries are in the camera bag.”
“I want to make sure we get plenty of footage. Maybe you can record them while Lindsay takes photos.”
“What about the photographer?” her dad asked.
“He’ll get plenty of shots, but I want my own, especially of the family and everyone who will be waiting outside the temple.”
Caitlyn’s parents continued to discuss taking pictures. She was grateful that her mom had sidetracked her dad. She laid her head back against the seat and shut her eyes. In a few hours, she’d start eternity with the guy she’d loved since high school.
“I can see the temple,” Lindsay said.
Caitlyn bent down so she could see the temple from Lindsay’s window. “I’ve always thought it looked a little out of place. I mean, L.A. is city everywhere, and all you can see is pavement and then, boom, the temple sitting on that big grassy hill. It looks so heavenly.”
She smoothed her hair again and took several breaths to calm her nerves as she gazed at the white building set against the clear blue sky. This was it.
They pulled into the parking lot and Caitlyn’s heart felt like it might jump out of her throat. Since the temple was only open this one day during Christmas break, she had to go through the endowment session right before her wedding ceremony. She worried it might be too overwhelming, but it was the only option if they wanted to be married before winter semester at BYU.
Caitlyn walked around to the back of the car and opened the trunk. She rummaged through the contents. “Mom, I can’t find my veil.”
Her mom stepped over to the car. “I thought you said everything was in there.”
“I put it in here. I’m sure of it. Where did it go?”
“Could it be in with your dress?”
Caitlyn unzipped the garment bag and searched through it. “I don’t see it.” Her face heated. Stress clamped down on her chest. “I can’t have pictures without my veil.”
“Calm down. We’ll figure it out.”
“How can it not be here? This will ruin my wedding.”
Read Part 3 of Chapter One.
If you'd like to purchase Altared Plans click here.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Altared Plans, Chapter One, Part 1
For the next several days, I'm going to post a few pages each day of the first chapter of my LDS romance, Altared Plans. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1
Her wedding day. A day she’d never forget. A perfect day that would begin her perfect life with her perfect husband. It couldn’t be anything but perfect because that’s how she’d planned it.
Caitlyn grabbed her hand mirror. She tucked a wisp of her dark blond hair behind her ear as she examined her makeup for the hundredth time. The hum of the engine was the only sound in the car.
“You look beautiful,” her mom said as she turned from the front seat of the car to look at Caitlyn. “The temple isn’t too far away; are you getting nervous?”
“Kind of. But, I don’t know why. After all, I’ve been planning this day for so long and everything is falling into place.” A smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes. “By this afternoon, I’ll be Caitlyn Haggerty.” She couldn’t help but feel the joy as it bubbled to the surface. Soon Justin would be her husband and she wanted nothing more than to spend her life, and all of eternity, loving him.
“I’m glad it all worked out for you,” her younger sister said with a shrug.
Caitlyn jerked her head back and gave Lindsay an incredulous look. “Did you think it wouldn’t?”
“I figured you’d meet another guy while you were at BYU. I didn’t think you’d actually wait for him.” Lindsay snatched a tube of lip gloss from Caitlyn’s makeup bag.
“Seriously?”
Lindsay shrugged again.
“No way. Justin is the only one for me. Has been since high school. I can’t imagine my life without him.” She paused. “And, after today, I won’t have to. We’ll be married and all my dreams will come true.” A vision of Justin’s smiling face with his sky-blue eyes and blond, wavy hair flashed across her mind.
“So,” Lindsay said as she applied the lip gloss, “where’s he been for the last few days?”
“Huh?” Caitlyn blinked her eyes a few times.
“He didn’t even come over for Christmas dinner.”
“Your point?”
“Shouldn’t your fiancé have eaten Christmas dinner with you?”
“He wanted to spend time with his family. He’s sweet like that. And then he went down to Newport Beach to see an old companion. You know, bachelor stuff.”
“Isn’t that kind of weird?”
“No. Not at all. We’ll have plenty of Christmases together. I think it’s fine he wanted to spend time with his family and with Troy.” It was fine. Just because they didn’t spend Christmas together like she’d hoped didn’t mean anything. They’d be sealed today and have the rest of their lives and eternity to be together. It wasn’t weird. Caitlyn assured herself that Lindsay was still a teenager and she didn’t understand such things.
“Whatever you say. I—“
“Let’s not talk about it anymore. It’s my wedding day and I only want happy thoughts.” She gazed at herself in the mirror and recalled their first date when Justin had tried to teach her to surf. She kept falling off the board into the cool ocean water, sometimes even slipping below the surface. She could almost taste the salt on her lips.
When he placed his arms around her to help steady her on the board, her skin tingled, and it wasn’t because she was cold. She closed her eyes and immersed herself in memories of Justin’s embrace.
“Cait . . . Cait . . . Cait?” Lindsay intruded on her daydream.
“Huh?”
“Mom asked if you double-checked everything before we left the house.”
Caitlyn did a mental tally of the contents of the trunk. “The garment bag with my dress and veil. My shoes—“
“You’re sure,” her mother asked.
“Yes. The photographer will be in the courtyard so he can capture us as soon as we come out of the temple, right?”
“That’s what he said when I called yesterday,” her mother answered.
“I think everything is all in place then,” Caitlyn said, happiness enveloping her.
“As long as Justin shows up.” Lindsay let out a laugh.
Caitlyn gave her a look. “Ha. Ha.”
“I still don’t agree with the rules about your Mormon temples. A father should be able to see his daughter’s wedding,” her dad said over his shoulder, his voice stern.
“Dad, we’ve already discussed this a thousand times.”
“I don’t understand why the Episcopal Church where your mom and I were married wasn’t an option. All Saints by the Sea is a beautiful building right near the ocean and all of our family could’ve attended.”
“Because I want to be sealed for eternity. I don’t want to marry Justin for this life—“
“Caitlyn—“
“Robert,” her mom interrupted. She squeezed his arm, “Please, not today. Cait’s made her decision and this is her day. Let’s not ruin it with another argument.”
“You’ll be able to see the ceremony,” her father said to her mother. “It isn’t right. A church shouldn’t separate families on a day like today.”
A few moments of silence followed. Her dad finally said, “I’m sorry, Caitie. You know how much I love you. I’m disappointed, that’s all. I’ve looked forward to your wedding day ever since I first held you in my arms.”
Caitlyn reached up and patted her dad’s shoulder. “I know, but this is the right thing for me to do. I’ll see you as soon as we come out. You’ll be the first one I hug.”
Read Part 2 of Chapter One
CHAPTER 1
Her wedding day. A day she’d never forget. A perfect day that would begin her perfect life with her perfect husband. It couldn’t be anything but perfect because that’s how she’d planned it.
Caitlyn grabbed her hand mirror. She tucked a wisp of her dark blond hair behind her ear as she examined her makeup for the hundredth time. The hum of the engine was the only sound in the car.
“You look beautiful,” her mom said as she turned from the front seat of the car to look at Caitlyn. “The temple isn’t too far away; are you getting nervous?”
“Kind of. But, I don’t know why. After all, I’ve been planning this day for so long and everything is falling into place.” A smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes. “By this afternoon, I’ll be Caitlyn Haggerty.” She couldn’t help but feel the joy as it bubbled to the surface. Soon Justin would be her husband and she wanted nothing more than to spend her life, and all of eternity, loving him.
“I’m glad it all worked out for you,” her younger sister said with a shrug.
Caitlyn jerked her head back and gave Lindsay an incredulous look. “Did you think it wouldn’t?”
“I figured you’d meet another guy while you were at BYU. I didn’t think you’d actually wait for him.” Lindsay snatched a tube of lip gloss from Caitlyn’s makeup bag.
“Seriously?”
Lindsay shrugged again.
“No way. Justin is the only one for me. Has been since high school. I can’t imagine my life without him.” She paused. “And, after today, I won’t have to. We’ll be married and all my dreams will come true.” A vision of Justin’s smiling face with his sky-blue eyes and blond, wavy hair flashed across her mind.
“So,” Lindsay said as she applied the lip gloss, “where’s he been for the last few days?”
“Huh?” Caitlyn blinked her eyes a few times.
“He didn’t even come over for Christmas dinner.”
“Your point?”
“Shouldn’t your fiancé have eaten Christmas dinner with you?”
“He wanted to spend time with his family. He’s sweet like that. And then he went down to Newport Beach to see an old companion. You know, bachelor stuff.”
“Isn’t that kind of weird?”
“No. Not at all. We’ll have plenty of Christmases together. I think it’s fine he wanted to spend time with his family and with Troy.” It was fine. Just because they didn’t spend Christmas together like she’d hoped didn’t mean anything. They’d be sealed today and have the rest of their lives and eternity to be together. It wasn’t weird. Caitlyn assured herself that Lindsay was still a teenager and she didn’t understand such things.
“Whatever you say. I—“
“Let’s not talk about it anymore. It’s my wedding day and I only want happy thoughts.” She gazed at herself in the mirror and recalled their first date when Justin had tried to teach her to surf. She kept falling off the board into the cool ocean water, sometimes even slipping below the surface. She could almost taste the salt on her lips.
When he placed his arms around her to help steady her on the board, her skin tingled, and it wasn’t because she was cold. She closed her eyes and immersed herself in memories of Justin’s embrace.
“Cait . . . Cait . . . Cait?” Lindsay intruded on her daydream.
“Huh?”
“Mom asked if you double-checked everything before we left the house.”
Caitlyn did a mental tally of the contents of the trunk. “The garment bag with my dress and veil. My shoes—“
“You’re sure,” her mother asked.
“Yes. The photographer will be in the courtyard so he can capture us as soon as we come out of the temple, right?”
“That’s what he said when I called yesterday,” her mother answered.
“I think everything is all in place then,” Caitlyn said, happiness enveloping her.
“As long as Justin shows up.” Lindsay let out a laugh.
Caitlyn gave her a look. “Ha. Ha.”
“I still don’t agree with the rules about your Mormon temples. A father should be able to see his daughter’s wedding,” her dad said over his shoulder, his voice stern.
“Dad, we’ve already discussed this a thousand times.”
“I don’t understand why the Episcopal Church where your mom and I were married wasn’t an option. All Saints by the Sea is a beautiful building right near the ocean and all of our family could’ve attended.”
“Because I want to be sealed for eternity. I don’t want to marry Justin for this life—“
“Caitlyn—“
“Robert,” her mom interrupted. She squeezed his arm, “Please, not today. Cait’s made her decision and this is her day. Let’s not ruin it with another argument.”
“You’ll be able to see the ceremony,” her father said to her mother. “It isn’t right. A church shouldn’t separate families on a day like today.”
A few moments of silence followed. Her dad finally said, “I’m sorry, Caitie. You know how much I love you. I’m disappointed, that’s all. I’ve looked forward to your wedding day ever since I first held you in my arms.”
Caitlyn reached up and patted her dad’s shoulder. “I know, but this is the right thing for me to do. I’ll see you as soon as we come out. You’ll be the first one I hug.”
Read Part 2 of Chapter One
Thursday, August 20, 2009
End-of-the-Summer Giveaways
I also blog with some great Cedar Fort authors over at Writing Fortress. Right now we're sponsoring a big giveaway. If you're interested in winning a copy of my book, Altared Plans, or any of the other fantastic books go visit our blog, leave a comment, and you'll be entered to win. Who wouldn't want to win a free book? Check it out!!
I actually saw my book on the shelf at the BYU Bookstore--it gave me little happy chills all over. I went to a Seagull Bookstore and didn't see it so I asked the saleslady about it. She said they had two copies but had sold them, one of which she bought. She said there have been requests for it. Again, I had the happy little chills. Deseret Book is still deciding if it wants to carry it. I'm crossing my fingers DB will carry it, otherwise it'll be hard to sell very many copies.
I love, love, love writing, but the promotion part isn't quite as much fun. I always feel funny trying to promote my book because I feel like I'm saying, "Hey, I'm super cool and so is my book. You should spend your hard-earned money on it instead of something you really need, like food." Totally out of my comfort zone. Unfortunately, in this day and age of publishing, especially in the LDS market, authors are expected to do most, if not all, of the promotion. What's hard for me is that I don't have the power to put my book in the catalog or place it in the best spot on a shelf at the bookstore. I'm very limited. Thankfully, I've had some awesome people post amazing reviews on their blogs.
If you're interested, here are some links for some of the reviews:
My Life in a Laptop
Why Not? Because I Said So
Rachel Rager
Writing Fortress
Tristi's Picks
JoAnn Arnold
I'll post more reviews later. If you've bought my book: THANK YOU!! I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support!!
I actually saw my book on the shelf at the BYU Bookstore--it gave me little happy chills all over. I went to a Seagull Bookstore and didn't see it so I asked the saleslady about it. She said they had two copies but had sold them, one of which she bought. She said there have been requests for it. Again, I had the happy little chills. Deseret Book is still deciding if it wants to carry it. I'm crossing my fingers DB will carry it, otherwise it'll be hard to sell very many copies.
I love, love, love writing, but the promotion part isn't quite as much fun. I always feel funny trying to promote my book because I feel like I'm saying, "Hey, I'm super cool and so is my book. You should spend your hard-earned money on it instead of something you really need, like food." Totally out of my comfort zone. Unfortunately, in this day and age of publishing, especially in the LDS market, authors are expected to do most, if not all, of the promotion. What's hard for me is that I don't have the power to put my book in the catalog or place it in the best spot on a shelf at the bookstore. I'm very limited. Thankfully, I've had some awesome people post amazing reviews on their blogs.
If you're interested, here are some links for some of the reviews:
My Life in a Laptop
Why Not? Because I Said So
Rachel Rager
Writing Fortress
Tristi's Picks
JoAnn Arnold
I'll post more reviews later. If you've bought my book: THANK YOU!! I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Review of My New Book
Here's a review of my new book at My Life in a Laptop.
Thank you, Michelle!!
Another review at Writing Fortress.
Thank you, Jillayne!!
Thank you, Michelle!!
Another review at Writing Fortress.
Thank you, Jillayne!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Win a Copy of My Book
If you'd like to be entered into a contest to win a copy of my book, Altared Plans, it's really easy. VISIT HERE and become a follower of our new Cedat Fort Authors blog, Writing Fortress, by midnight July 29th. A name will be drawn by random and that person will win a copy of my new book. Super easy.
Tell your friends!
Thanks!!
Tell your friends!
Thanks!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Blog Tour
I'm hoping to do a virtual book tour in August for my book, Altared Plans, and I'm looking for bloggers who would like to participate.
Here's how it works:
You receive a review copy, free of charge, from my publisher. In exchange, you post your review on an assigned day. I'll list all the blog addresses and dates on my blog so people can follow the "tour."
You can read about my book here to see if it's the kind of book you'd be interested in reading and reviewing. I have 13 review copies available. If you're interested pop me an email or leave me a comment and I'll contact you with the details.
Thanks!!
Here's how it works:
You receive a review copy, free of charge, from my publisher. In exchange, you post your review on an assigned day. I'll list all the blog addresses and dates on my blog so people can follow the "tour."
You can read about my book here to see if it's the kind of book you'd be interested in reading and reviewing. I have 13 review copies available. If you're interested pop me an email or leave me a comment and I'll contact you with the details.
Thanks!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
My New Book Cover
What do you think of the cover for my new book? It's an LDS romance. It went to press this week and should be available on Amazon soon and in bookstores in July. I'm way excited. I love the pink accents. (My son asked if I could get him a date with the model).Here's the back copy:
The perfect day. The perfect marriage. The perfect groom.
What could go wrong?
Caitlyn has been preparing for her perfect wedding all her life. But when her fiance abandons her at the altar, Caitlyn vows she'll never love again.
Going to BYU doesn't make that easy, however, and avoiding all social contact can only last so long. When her bishop calls her to be the "mom" of her family home evening group, Caitlyn is suddenly thrust into surprising circumstances that leave her flustered--the attention of two unwanted suitors.
Travis, the FHE "dad" has plans to woo Caitlyn by using his cowboy charms while Chase has his own ideas for dating her. Will Travis or Chase change her mind about love? Or will it be deja vu?
Follow Caitlyn through all the flirtatious looks, dates, ex-girlfriends, and unexpected surprises. Altared Plans is a light-hearted romance that is sure to please.
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