Interview with the heroine from Diamond in the Rough by Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson:

1.  Lily, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

The folks around Eureka would say that the most interesting thing about me is my Papa’s money and, of course, my propensity for getting into scrapes. At which point they would likely regale you with stories. Some of which are probably exaggerated. But mostly, people would think of the money.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I love visiting with people, hearing their stories. And if I can help them along the way, so much the better!

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Confrontation

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Disappointing someone I love.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I want to make a difference. Grant, er, Mr. Diamond, says I’m a born crusader, and to tease me he calls me Joan, for Joan of Arc. But if I can help someone why wouldn’t I try? I can’t bear to sit on the sidelines and let the unrighteous hold sway. I think that if we all do a little something, pretty soon, the world will look a whole lot brighter. Oops, sorry, I can start speechifying if someone doesn’t hold me back.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

God, my family, my friends

7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

Oh, I love to read. I’m not picky. I’ll read just about anything. Usually whatever I’m reading at the moment is my favorite.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My clumsiness. No. Make that my impulsiveness. No. Wait, can I change two things about myself?

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No, I don’t have a pet. We own horses and things like that, but I’ve never had a pet. Mama wouldn’t trust me with one. She always said I’d let it sleep in my bed and take its place on the floor. Sometimes I think she believes I’m soft in the head.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

Well, if it’s all the same to you, I think I’d prefer to go forward in history rather than back. Just about a hundred years to the 1960s. I understand that hoop skirts are no longer in fashion, which I dream about sometimes, but more than that, I understand that there is a real movement toward equality for all. No more slavery. Women can vote. Natives and Whites are no longer at war. I’d sure love to see that. 

Interview with the heroine with Unholy Hunger by Heather James: 

1.  Evelyn, tell me the most interesting thing about you. 
 
At one time was convinced I could smell pedophiles. Let me tell you, they don’t smell pretty. If I had my druthers, I’d round them all up and then . . . well, I guess you’ll have to read my story to see how I reacted when I got my hands on a few of them.
 
2.  What do you do for fun? 
 
See prior. It’s not fun, per se, but it helps me sleep better at night. I think. It might also give me additional nightmares, but lesser of two evils, I suppose.
 
3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it? 
 
Forgiving the man who killed my daughter. Spoiler alert: I don’t want to.
 
4.  What are you afraid of most in life? 
 
I’ve already experienced it. You know what the worst part of losing a child is? You forsake all sense of hope except a sliver that tries to convince you the whole mess is one big joke and your baby will be home by dinner. I’m actually afraid of losing that, too. Because then, what’s left?
 
5.  What do you want out of life?
 
I think I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here. I want my child back.
 
6.  What is the most important thing to you?
 
It depends what day you ask me. Today is a good day. Correction, better than most. So, I’ll say my family. What’s left of us. If you asked me this question last Friday, I would’ve given you my more typical answer: vengeance.
 
7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? 
 
Well, I was a lawyer in my old life, so I read a lot, but not books. Boring stuff formulated by boring attorneys. I was never a boring attorney, though. I was too busy winning and crushing the competition to be classified as boring. 
 
8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
 
That I could be a little bit more like my husband, Eddie. He’s a better person than me. Plain and simple. I have no idea why he loves me as much as he does, but then, I suppose, when I admit he’s a better person than me, that goes along the lines of asked and answered.
 
9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? 
 
No way. I can barely take care of myself these days. Eddie says it’d be good for me, though. I adamantly disagree.
 
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? 
 
I don’t really want to talk about this anymore. I believe the answer is quite self-explanatory at this point. Thanks for talking to me, all the same. Pray for me. I want to get better. I do. I want to feel hope again. Please.
 
Heather James’ website is www.heatherjames.net
 
FB is www.facebook.com/authorheatherjames
 
twitter: @hjwriting

Thanks, Heather, for letting Evelyn visit with us today on my blog. The next blog stop in this blog hop is at : http://heatherjames.net/?p=398. Check out the book and author she is having on her blog. Don’t forget if you want to enter the drawing for Heather’s book, please leave a comment (U.S. only).

Interview with the hero from No Way Out by Susan Sleeman:

1. Cole Justice, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m not sure I consider myself all that interesting, but if I have to choose something I’d say that I was adopted as a child as are all four of my siblings. We’re a very uniquely blended family and it’s amazing how close we all are.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I’ve been kind of down since the return from my second tour in Afghanistan where my good buddy was killed. But since I met Alyssa Wells and her two amazing twins, I enjoy playing with the kids, especially at the beach. And though it’s not very manly to admit, I enjoy spending quiet nights just sitting next to Alyssa in front of a roaring fire on the beach.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

You want the truth here, right? Well, I’d have to say I put off dealing with issues that seem to big to overcome. It’s easier to put them in the back of my mind, even though in the long run I suffer.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I suppose it’s now that Alyssa will wake up one morning and decide she’s made a mistake in loving me. I’d be so lost without her for my anchor and without the kids I’ve come to love as my own.

5.  What do you want out of life?

A family. Stability. And peace. I think I’ve found it with Alyssa and the twins.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

Happiness. I’ve struggled for two years to let go of what happened in Afghanistan. I’ve wanted to let it go for that entire time, but haven’t been able to do it. Now with Alyssa and God’s help, I’m making headway.

7.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I’m not a reader. I’m more of a doer. Give me an outside sport, rock climbing, hiking, etc and I’m a happy camper. Keep me inside with a book and I start to get antsy.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’m still too serious. I’d like to lighten up and be more spontaneous. Alyssa is working on that. We’ll see how well she does.

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pets, though I figure we soon will have a dog as the twins are clamoring for one. I’m sure I’ll give in as I can’t say no to them.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’ve always been fascinated by the early days when American football leagues were formed. I’ve admired Vince Lombardy of the Green Packers for his ability to lead, and I’d want to pick his brain.

This week I’m hosting Susan Sleeman with No Way Out (giveaway U.S. only), Heather James with Unholy Hunger (Heather is part of a blog hop I am participating in on May 15th–giveaway U.S. only), and Jennifer AlLee with Diamond in the Rough. On May 17-19th I will be participating in the Spring Christian Scavenger Hunt. I will be hosting MaryLu Tyndall with Forsaken Dreams on May 17th with opportunity to win one of my books in the Men of the Texas Rangers Series (Saving Hope, Shattered Silence and Scorned Justice). If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (May 19th) evening.

Bio for Susan Sleeman:

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. Her first romantic suspense title, High-Stakes Inheritance earned a spot on the ECPA bestseller list and her Garden Gate Mystery series, which features Nipped in the Bud, and Read Between the Tines has enjoyed time on Amazon bestseller lists as well. And The Christmas Witness was named a finalist in the 2011 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to writing, Susan hosts the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. She currently lives in Oregon, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson

To learn more about Susan stop by any of these locations on the web.

Website           www.SusanSleeman.com

Facebook        www.Facebook.com/SusanSleeemanBooks

Twitter            www.Twitter.com/SusanSleeman

Review Site     www.TheSuspenseZone.com

Blurb for NO WAY OUT by Susan Sleeman:

WHO CAN SHE TRUST?

Alyssa Wells has uncovered evidence that her police officer husband was murdered by his partner-a dangerous claim in a small town. After two tours in Iraq, protecting Alyssa and her children shouldn’t be a problem for private investigator Cole Justice. Alyssa feels drawn to him, but how can she trust anyone after everything she’s been through? Cole’s sure his heart is closed off to love, but Alyssa and her children seem to have found a way in. As the killer draws closer, Alyssa realizes she’s trusting Cole with more than her safety. 

Bio for Heather James:

Heather James is a practicing attorney and columnist where she writes on marriage, family, and parenting matters. This is her first novel. 
There’s more about me and my writing at www.heatherjames.net

Blurb for Unholy Hunger by Heather James:

“Evelyn Barrett wants to die. As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did this man–this stranger–destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer must be punished for his crime. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate truth–of crime and verdict, of life and death–cannot be swayed by a mother’s revenge. In this first book of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she finally recognizes and reconnects with the source of true peace.”
 
Here’s the link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unholy-Hunger-Novel-Lure-Serpent/dp/0825442915/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

Bio About the Authors, Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson:

Veteran authors Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson have combined their considerable skills to create the action-packed historical romance series, Charm & Deceit, for Whitaker House.

JENNIFER ALLEE believes the most important thing a woman can do is discover her identity in God – a theme that carries throughout her stories. Her novels include THE PASTOR’S WIFE (Abingdon Press, 2/10), THE MOTHER ROAD (AP, 4/12), A WILD GOOSE CHASE CHRISTMAS (AP, 12/12), and the upcoming PARTING GIFTS (AP, 9/14) and VINNIE’S DINER (AP, 4/15). Her novella, Comfort and Joy, is part of Barbour’s MISTLETOE MEMORIES anthology (9/12). Finally, she’s thrilled to be the co-author of a three book historical romance series with the talented Lisa Karon Richardson. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is the first book of the Charm & Deceit series (Whitaker House, 5/13). To find out more, visit www.jenniferallee.com.

Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, LISA KARON RICHARDSON’S early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a brand new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city. Her published works include “Impressed by Love,” in the Colonial Courtships anthology. The Magistrate’s Folly was published by Heartsong Presents in February of 2013. Diamond in the Rough, (May, 2013) was co-authored with Jennifer AlLee, and is the first in the Charm and Deceit series from Whitaker House. Finally she has another novella coming out September, 2013 from Barbour entitled “Midnight Clear,” part of the Mistletoe Memories collection. To learn more, visit www.lisakaronrichardson.com. 

Blurb for Diamond in the Rough (Charm & Deceit, book 1) by Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson:

Grant Diamond is a professional gambler on the run from his past. When he comes across a wagon wreck, the chance to escape his pursuers is too good a gamble to pass up, and he assumes the identity of the dead wagon driver. His plan takes an unexpected turn when local heiress Lily Rose mistakes him for the missionary she had asked to come work with the Wiyot Indians. Seeing Eureka as a promising place to lay low, Grant plays along. Before he knows it, he’s bluffing his way through sermons and building an Indian school. But with a Pinkerton on his trail and a rancher rousing fresh hatred against the Indians, Grant fears the new life he’s built may soon crumple like a house of cards.

Interview from Deception by Lillian Duncan:

Interview with the hero—Carter Caldwell

 1. Carter, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m afraid I’m not a very interesting person. Some people think my job is interesting. I’m a detective for the Palm Beach Police Department. I suppose it has its moments.

 2. What do you do for fun?

Am I allowed to say my job is fun? It’s may not be fun in a typical way, but I enjoy it so that should count as fun.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Cleaning. It doesn’t matter what kind of cleaning, I hate it. Cleaning my house. Cleaning my office at work. My boss is always after me to clean my office. I don’t know why it bothers him so much. It doesn’t bother me.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Failing. When I fail at my job, people can die. That is a powerful motivator to do all that I can do for each case I work. Some people think I get too involved, but really how can I not get involved? God wants each of us to live a life of excellence and that includes our jobs.

5. What do you want out of life?

I want what everyone wants. People to love and to be loved by. When my first wife died in the line of duty, I thought I would never love again. I was wrong. God brought Patti into my life. She taught me that I could love again.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

To live a life of integrity and excellence. If I can do that I’ll feel as if I lived a life that honors God.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Oddly enough, I read fantasy and science fiction type books. They transport me to another place and time. I definitely don’t read true crime books. I get enough of that in real life!

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I need to get healthier. I try to get to the gym regularly, but it always seems as if something come up.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pet—too busy with me job to give a dog the type of attention they want and deserve. And I’m not a cat person. Of course, now that Patti’s in my life, I might rethink the whole having a pet thing.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’d go back to July 4, 1776 and ask Thomas Jefferson and the others if they really meant for God to be kicked out of the schools and the rest of society. I don’t think they did, but I could be wrong.

Interview with the heroine from Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum:

1.  Paige Alder, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I love to plan. Love it to a fault, actually.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I’m single and I live alone. A long time ago, I heard someone say that we need to live our single years to the fullest and serve wherever we can as Christians. So, I don’t really do anything for fun because I’m too busy doing everything else. But on the off chance that I do have a spare minute, I really love to craft.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Anything that requires confrontation.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I’m afraid that I am not going to be pleasing to God. I try my hardest and I do everything I possibly can. I teach in the church nursery, I serve in the youth group, I’m helping my friend plan an anniversary party for her parents and all while trying to continue to work a usually over full time job.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I would love to be a counselor someday.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

My friend, Layla. And my parents. And I’m quickly becoming pretty good friends with the new guy at church, Tyler.

7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

I would if I had time. I have been so busy serving that I haven’t really had the time to even read my Bible recently.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Everyone says that I have a problem saying no to people but I don’t think that’s the case. I just want everyone to be happy and I want to feel useful. I don’t see the big deal!

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

Nope. I am firmly a non-pet-person. All those pictures of the tiny puppies do nothing for me. I’m totally content with my living room carpet un-pee-stained.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I like it right here. I love technology. I love being able to text my friends or call my mom, since she lives three hours away. I love my church and the youth pastor and his family there. I love my life. I just sometimes wish it wasn’t so busy. Maybe there’s something to what everyone is telling me about needing to start turning some things down…

As they dropped toward the clearing, Deputy U.S. Marshal Ted Banks came out of the cabin, staying back by the door, his hand hovering near his gun in his holster. Alert. Ted was a good marshal Brody had worked with before.

The helicopter’s landing skids connected with the ground, jolting Brody slightly. Over the whirring noise of the rotors, he yelled to the pilot, “This shouldn’t take long.”

With duffel bags in hand, Brody jumped to the rocky earth closest to the cabin while his two partners exited from the other side. Brody ran toward Ted, who held out his hand and said in a booming voice, “Glad to see you.”

“Ready to see your wife, are you?”

“Yep. I hope you’ve honed your Scrabble skills. This one is ruthless when it comes to the game. I’m going to brush up on my vocabulary with a dictionary before I play her again.”

“I’ve read her file.” Arianna Jackson was the star witness for the trial of Joseph Rainwater, the head of a large crime syndicate in Alaska, because she’d witnessed Rainwater killing Thomas Perkins. The man had bled out before the EMTs arrived.

“Doesn’t do her justice. I don’t have anything to add to my earlier phone report this morning. C’mon. I’ll introduce you two.” Ted peered over Brody’s shoulder at his partners, Kevin Laird and Mark Baylor, approaching them while carrying a bag and three boxes of provisions. Ted nodded to them before turning to open the door.

As Brody entered, he panned the rustic interior with a high ceiling, noting where the few windows were located, the large fireplace against the back wall, the hallway that led to the two bedrooms and the kitchen area off the living room. Three duffel bags sat by the door. Then his gaze connected with the witness he was to protect.

Arianna Jackson.

Tall, with white-blond hair and cool gray eyes, she resembled a Nordic princess. Still, he could tell she was very capable of taking care of herself from the way she carried herself, right down to the sharp perusal she gave him. From what he’d read, Ms. Jackson had been a good bodyguard caught in a bad situation. Her life would never be the same after this.

She tossed the dish towel she held onto the kitchen counter, never taking her gaze off him. She assessed and catalogued him, not one emotion on her face to indicate what she had decided about him. That piqued his interest.

“These three are our replacements–Brody Callahan, Kevin Laird and Mark Baylor. This is Arianna Jackson,” Ted said. Then he headed toward the door, the tension from his body fading with each step. “It’s been quiet this past week except for a pesky mama bear and her cubs.” He shoved into Brody’s hand a sheet of paper with instructions on how to avoid a bear encounter.

Interview with the hero: Zane Carson from Katie’s Choice by Amy Lillard

1. Zane Carson, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I suppose the most interesting thing about me is that my parents were hippies and I was raised in a commune in Oregon.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Fun…fun…fun…I’m something of a workaholic. Since my job takes me all over the world and into war-torn countries and dangerous situations, when I get home and have the chance to relax that’s all I want to do: relax. Though one day, I’m going to take the time to write the novel knocking around inside my head.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Usually I meet life head-on. That’s just how I am, but recently it seems that I’ve been dragging my feet about everything. Getting shot while in the Middle East really did a number on my head, so as much as I’m ready to go back out into the field, I’m dreading it twice that.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Up until I was shot I would have said nothing. But being injured changed my outlook 180 degrees. Now my biggest fear is dying with nothing left to show that I was even in this world.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I guess you could say that I want everything. I want to be able to be married, start a family, but I don’t want to give up my job in order to have that. I mean, other people have a career and a family, right? I know my job is more dangerous than most, but is it too much to ask to have both?

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

My writing. I love traveling and I love being in the hot zones. My writing enables me to get out my creativity, appease my adrenaline cravings, and earn a fair living all at the same time.

7.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I do like to read. It’s one pastime that I can take with me wherever I go. Non-fiction is my favorite, true life dramas and crime stories. The world is a gritty place. No sense trying to hide from it.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Well, I wish that I understood women more. It seems I’m forever messing up where the fairer sex is concerned. 

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

Working out of the country has never left me time for a pet. (He chuckles) I can’t even keep a house plant alive. Though I’ve always wanted a dog…

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

Definitely back to the Middle Ages. I would love to see the knights in their armor, the towering castles, and the ladies in distress. See, there’s something of a romantic in me after all.

Interview with the heroine from Love Will Find a Way by Pamela Meyers:

1. April Love, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

April Love. The most interesting thing I can think of is that although I am a numbers person having my MBA with an emphasis on personal finance and worked for years as a consultant in my dad’s financial services company, I much prefer using numbers in recipes – how many tablespoons or cupfuls? I am finally able to live my dream of being a chef and it’s awesome!

2.  What do you do for fun? Right now I’m in the middle of rehabbing an old Victorian house my very special Aunt Kitty bought for me. We’re getting it ready for my catering business called Lovin’ Spoonfuls from April Love. We’re redoing the kitchen into a commercial kitchen and creating an apartment for on the second and third floors for me and my special love of my life, Marc Thorne after we are married. . . .if we ever get married that is . . . .for now it’s going to be just for me.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Right now it’s the kind of jobs that go a long with rehabbing a century old building. We have yet to go up into the attic where I fear bats are still up there, even though I’ve been assured that all access points have been closed. We had a bat in the first floor a while back and if it weren’t for Marc. . . well, you’ll have to read the book Pam wrote about me, Love Will Find a Way, to find out the rest of that story.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Although Marc tells me he loves me a lot, I still have a wee bit of a trust issue with him. He walked out on me almost nine years ago, taking my engagement ring with him. We only got back together about six months ago after an eight-year separation. He is a changed man, but it’s hard to let go of some doubt, when he still hasn’t popped the big question which he promised was coming along with a new ring when he gave me a heart pendant with the diamond from my former engagement ring.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I guess I’ve already expressed that. To cook for people and spend the rest of my life with Marc. But even more than that, I want whatever God wants for me and my life. I’d drifted off course a bit during those eight years and am finally back tight with Him. I never want to be in that other place again.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

See Question 5 above LOL. God’s will for my life. I learned the hard way that His way is the best way and I need to trust that.

7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

I love reading for pleasure, but lately I have no time to read anything except DIY (Do It Yourself) manuals and cookbooks.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I sometimes wish I had been born with straight hair instead of the curly, unmanageable mop that adorns my head LOL. People always tell me how blessed I am to have naturally curly hair, but to me all the women with long smooth hair are the blessed ones. Isn’t that always the way, though. We want what we don’t have and they want what we have.

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

After I get settled in the apartment in my new house I’d love a couple of cats. I’ve gotten used to living with my Aunt Kitty’s two cats and love having them snuggle up next to me on the sofa. Two cats will keep each other company while I’m slaving away downstairs cooking up a storm for my clients (I hope!) I wouldn’t mind a dog, but I like the idea of not having to walk cats. Maybe after we fence in the yard we can get a dog. Listen to me saying “we.” Talking like Marc and I will be sharing the apartment and house like a married couple someday.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I think it would be a hoot to go back in time to when my house was first built, and then to the thirties and meet the family that lived in it then. I found a diary on the second floor that was written by one of the daughters of the family during the thirties and ever since then I’ve felt a special connection with her

1. April Love, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

April Love. The most interesting thing I can think of is that although I am a numbers person having my MBA with an emphasis on personal finance and worked for years as a consultant in my dad’s financial services company, I much prefer using numbers in recipes – how many tablespoons or cupfuls? I am finally able to live my dream of being a chef and it’s awesome!

2.  What do you do for fun? Right now I’m in the middle of rehabbing an old Victorian house my very special Aunt Kitty bought for me. We’re getting it ready for my catering business called Lovin’ Spoonfuls from April Love. We’re redoing the kitchen into a commercial kitchen and creating an apartment for on the second and third floors for me and my special love of my life, Marc Thorne after we are married. . . .if we ever get married that is . . . .for now it’s going to be just for me.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Right now it’s the kind of jobs that go a long with rehabbing a century old building. We have yet to go up into the attic where I fear bats are still up there, even though I’ve been assured that all access points have been closed. We had a bat in the first floor a while back and if it weren’t for Marc. . . well, you’ll have to read the book Pam wrote about me, Love Will Find a Way, to find out the rest of that story.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Although Marc tells me he loves me a lot, I still have a wee bit of a trust issue with him. He walked out on me almost nine years ago, taking my engagement ring with him. We only got back together about six months ago after an eight-year separation. He is a changed man, but it’s hard to let go of some doubt, when he still hasn’t popped the big question which he promised was coming along with a new ring when he gave me a heart pendant with the diamond from my former engagement ring.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I guess I’ve already expressed that. To cook for people and spend the rest of my life with Marc. But even more than that, I want whatever God wants for me and my life. I’d drifted off course a bit during those eight years and am finally back tight with Him. I never want to be in that other place again.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

See Question 5 above LOL. God’s will for my life. I learned the hard way that His way is the best way and I need to trust that.

7.  Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

I love reading for pleasure, but lately I have no time to read anything except DIY (Do It Yourself) manuals and cookbooks.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I sometimes wish I had been born with straight hair instead of the curly, unmanageable mop that adorns my head LOL. People always tell me how blessed I am to have naturally curly hair, but to me all the women with long smooth hair are the blessed ones. Isn’t that always the way, though. We want what we don’t have and they want what we have.

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

After I get settled in the apartment in my new house I’d love a couple of cats. I’ve gotten used to living with my Aunt Kitty’s two cats and love having them snuggle up next to me on the sofa. Two cats will keep each other company while I’m slaving away downstairs cooking up a storm for my clients (I hope!) I wouldn’t mind a dog, but I like the idea of not having to walk cats. Maybe after we fence in the yard we can get a dog. Listen to me saying “we.” Talking like Marc and I will be sharing the apartment and house like a married couple someday.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I think it would be a hoot to go back in time to when my house was first built, and then to the thirties and meet the family that lived in it then. I found a diary on the second floor that was written by one of the daughters of the family during the thirties and ever since then I’ve felt a special connection with her.