The Sweetest Romance Authors (Scavenger Hunt)

One of the great things about finding people you have things in common with, is sharing tidbits of daily life. When I crossed paths with The Sweetest Romance authors early this year, I realized I’d found a valuable group of loyal friends. We read a lot of the same books, enjoy writing in the same genre, and then there’s the little things: Many of us have children, some teenagers. We share weather patterns, computer problems, and love our pets.

Kind words go a long way. A few minutes of online support at various reviews and blogs builds friendship and trust. I never hesitate to recommend a great book from a Sweet author that I’ve read and believe in. There are still great book groups on the net, and the Sweeties are one of them.

The Sweetest Romance group is a wonderful club for readers and writers of clean fiction. The romances are full of adventure, fun, and even suspense. I’ve been involved with other groups that should be pea-green with envy. There is no competition, no “calling card” drop-offs, and no debating.

Come find out about the blossoming e-genre of Sweet Romance!

Yours, Mine, and Ours

In a poignant way, 9/11 belongs to everyone. Even those who were merely spectators on that fateful day, share a bond. I knew before the sun set on September 11, 2001, that for my children it wouldn’t be Where were you when the space shuttle exploded, or Do you remember when Elvis died? But for them and their generation it would be, What were you doing on 9/11?

I was in bed, unable to move, one month after the birth of my fourth child. It was the worse illness I have ever had to endure. The doctor’s thought it was complications from the emergency c-section, but later, my gall bladder was removed after a second attack. Thought it was a terrible time for me--it seems small and unimportant when compared to what transpired on the other side of the country that day.

My husband had taken to the children to school and come home to turn on the morning news. The first time he came rushing upstairs to tell me about the first plane hitting one of the towers, I expressed the appropriate concern. At the time, we believed it was a small engine craft. As the morning progressed, he helped me down to the couch to watch history unfold. In my own pain, it was a surreal experience, one that didn’t break through the numbness until days later as the reality struck close to home. When the stories began to be told, I became a victim, too.

What I love about this country, and the good people we meet from all over the world, is the courage that steps forward in the darkest of times. 9/11 reminds me of the unsung heroes from generations past when history could only record a handful of names. Events such as September 11th teach us that while we may not go down in history like George Washington or Martin Luther King, each act of sacrifice we undertake makes a difference.

Now it is clear to me how much our freedom matters. I understand and appreciate the concept of the unsung hero. I see them around me every day and I hope and pray, that courage like the valor that flowered in the hearts of thousands of Americans that day, never dies.