A Beauty So Rare made INSPY Award's 2015 Shortlist

How fun to learn that A Beauty So Rare made the INSPY Awards 2015 Shortlist!

Which ones have you read? 

Read an excerpt from A Beauty So Rare

A Beauty So Rare, 2015 Christy Finalist

I'm thrilled that A Beauty So Rare was named a 2015 Christy finalist for Best Historical Romance. And I'm also thrilled that handsome Ezra Cartee snapped a pic of himself as he (and mom) saw it as they shopped the other day.

Read more about A Beauty So Rare

Check out all the 2015 Christy Finalists

Glimpses from ICRS in Orlando

Hey friends,

Here are some quick glimpses of ICRS so far. It's been a great week and a fun time with family and friends. We attended the Christy dinner tonight which was a wonderful event. Congrats to all the winners in all the different categories, and thanks to all of you who rooted for A Lasting Impression. I'm thrilled to have been a finalist this year!

And now, some quick snapshots...

To Whisper Her Name at the Zondervan booth

Joe "browsing" at the Zonderan booth

Just hangin', waiting for my booksigning

Having a fun with my snarky pal and all-around-fun-blogger Linda Attaway

During my Zondervan signing with new friend Maralee Mckee

My sweet kids all dressed up for the Christy Awards Dinner

The lovely Ann Parrish (whose husband Jim is the President of Bethany House Publishers). Ann is a dear and gifted woman who has provided invaluable input through the years during the substantive edit phase of my books. Thank you, Ann!

Joe and Kurt at the Christy Dinner (love my guys!)

Me and Kels (sorry for the shadows)

With Albert DeVos (my Dutch Publisher)

Dessert! Delicious!!

And finally, back at the hotel where a nice stranger agreed to snap a family pic in the hallway before we got all comfy again. What a fun night, and I was so happy to "show off" my family. I couldn't do what I do without them, and wouldn't want to.

It's late now and I'm flat exhausted from a full day of interviews and booksignings and running. But it's "exhausted" in a good way. Now for a very quick night of rest then up to venture to Harry Potter World tomorrow.  Have any of you been? Any words to (or from) the wise?

Blessings on your Tuesday, friends! And more pics here!

2012 Christy Finalists Announced!

Exciting news! I just learned that A LASTING IMPRESSION, a Belmont Mansion novel is a 2012 Christy Award finalist for Best Historical Romance, along with Julie Klassen's THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL and Sandra Byrd's TO DIE FOR (which I already know is fabulous since I endorsed it!).

I'm honored beyond words to be listed with these two authors and friends. The Christy Award winners will be announced on July 16 in Orlando at the Christy Award Dinner held during the International Christian Retail Show.

Learn more about the Christy Awards that honors excellence in Christian fiction, and also the annual International Christian Retailing Show (ICRS).


View the full list of 2012 Christy finalists:

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers) 

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group) 

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS

The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest House Publishers) 

Dancing on Glass by Pam Ewen (B&H Publishing Group) 

The Touch by Randall Wallace (Tyndale House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers) 

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group) 

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon (Zondervan) 

Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour Publishing) 

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman (Tyndale House Publishers) 

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group) 

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group) 

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group) 

To Die For by Sandra Byrd (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster)

SUSPENSE

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group) 

Pattern of Wounds by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group) 

The Queen by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

VISIONARY

The Chair by Jim Rubart (B&H Publishing Group) 

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group USA) 

Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

YOUNG ADULT

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn (Kregel Publications) 

Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan) 

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (David C Cook)

Congratulations, everyone!

Share your passion for books!

Check out this fabulous new site for Christian Fiction! 

Their virtual book club is launching soon!

Congrats to the 2012 RITA Finalists

Congrats to the RITA Award Finalists for this year! What is the RITA Award, you ask?  Here's a quick description of the award from Romance Writers of America's website:

The purpose of the RITA® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding published romance novels and novellas. The award itself is a golden statuette named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada, and has become the symbol for excellence in published romance fiction.

2012 RITA Finalists for Inspirational Romance

The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight (Harlequin Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor) 

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell; Jennifer Leep, editor)

Katie's Way by Marta Perry (Berkley Publishing Group; Ellen Edwards, editor)

The Ladies' Room by Carolyn Brown (Avalon Books; Lia Brown, editor)

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers; David Long and Julie Klassen, editors)

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller (Revell; Vicki Crumpton, editor)

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers; Karen Watson, editor)

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson; Natalie Hanemann and Jamie Chavez, editors)

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer, editor)

If you're looking for something new to read, you might want to check out the 2012 finalists! You won't be disappointed, I'm sure.

~Tamera

A Grand Trip, all in all

Me with Alicia (and Chip and Cougar)

Last Monday, Joe and I made a very quick trip up to Grand Rapids, Michigan where we met with the folks at Zondervan who are publishing my Belle Meade Plantation series. It was great to see both friends I'd made before and to meet some new ones.

Alicia Mey, the Marketing Director, lives at Dream Acres (don't you love the name!) and has horses on her property. So of course, we had to feed and love on them. I'd forgotten what it feels like to have a horse eat from your hand. A very "nubby" feeling, like they're gumming you to death.

Joe with Cougar

Chip and Cougar, the horses, were very gentle, and I was surprised to learn that Chip's lineage can be traced back to Belle Meade. Cool!

We had dinner that night at a wonderful place called Brewery Vivant, but of course I forgot to take pictures of that delicious meal. I was too busy chatting, I guess. But not to worry (Judy), I enjoyed something equally delicious the next day!

Joe and me (it was really fun to have some 

extra time with him)

The next morning, I had the honor of speaking to the entire sales staff, and I really enjoyed the time to share with them about what God has been teaching me––and continues to––about surrendering to Him. Considering how long the two of us have been working on this theme in my life, you'd think I'd be farther along by now. But I'm fairly sure that has more to do with me than with Him. : {

With Sue Brower,

my editor at Zondervan 

Becky Philpott (Associate Acquisitions Editor), Andrea Lyons (Director, Digital Marketing),

 Michelle Lenger (Art/Cover Design), and me at the Twisted Rooster for lunch

Becky, me, Michelle, and Andrea again

And this fabulous bowl of warm, gushy love is a signature dish at the Twisted Rooster...

Lobster Mac & Cheese with Fried Parmesan (Oh. My. Gracious. De-licious!!) 

Joyce and me

And last, but certainly not least, is Joyce Ondersma who helped shuttle us around while we were there and got us to the airport on time! She's the Director of Author Care at Zondervan, and let me tell ya... The woman is good at what she does! She's been with Zondervan for twenty-seven years, and I'm fairly certain the place could not run without her.

A glimpse out the window on our way home. So pretty...

Jack

Finally, this was the sweet little face waiting for us when we got home. It was great to get back and quickly jump into the swing of things again.

I'm writing basically 24/7 these days, but I'm grateful to have the opportunity to write, and I'm thrilled to share my next cover with you (albeit, it's a cover still in progress). To Whisper Her Name releases in November…

I'm off to VOTE this morning. I hope you'll do the same too, if you're able, and that you'll join me in praying for our country today.

Blessings on your Tuesday, 

Tammy

Christian Fiction Magazine

The newest issue of Christian Fiction Magazine is online featuring lovely friend and wonderful writer Susan Meissner! Check it out. It's got great articles for writers and readers alike!

I'm writing, writing, writing all week long and am eager to share this next story with you. But first...to finish it! 

Blessings on your week!

Tammy

Thoughts on time by Anne Lamott

Take time to read this. Time lost and found. So worth it!

Deb Raney's French Bread...oh yum!

I'm currently tucked away for a week of intense writing so I'll be a tad quieter this week than usual, but I'm still around and still reading. Just not commenting as much. But I wanted to share a bread recipe that Deb Raney shared with me recently. It's as heavenly to make as it is to eat.

I love making bread. It's an entire sensory experience. As Barney Fife used to say, "It's therapetic!" : )

Here's the recipe as I got it from Deb...

Deb Raney’s French Bread

Combine:


1/4 cup sugar


2 rounded t. of salt


1/8 cup butter or magarine



Add:
2 cups boiling water and let cool till lukewarm



Dissolve:
2 envelopes yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and add 1 rounded t. sugar.



Combine all ingredients in large bowl (I use a Tupperware Thatsabowl) and work in 6 cups unbleached plain flour.

Let rise in bowl, punching down with a wooden spoon every 10 minutes for 5 times. 

Divide into 2 balls and let rest on floured countertop for 10 minutes. 

Shape into long French bread loaves and place on greased cookie sheets (You’ll probably have to use one cookie sheet for each loaf and place them diagonally. Or make 4 smaller loaves and bake two side-by-side on each pan.) With sharp knife, slice the dough diagonally 1/2 inch deep at 2-3 inch intervals.



Let rise on counter until double in bulk (about 20-30 minutes). Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees until crust is golden brown. Remove from pan immediately. (For extra crusty bread, brush with mixture of one beaten egg and 1 T. milk before baking. I rarely do this...we kind of like the softer top.)



Just before serving, slice bread, butter between every two pieces. (Use garlic butter if desired.) Wrap in foil and heat in 400 degree oven for 5-10 minutes. 

We like ours with jelly. On the outside chance that there is a CRUMB left after the first day, it makes dynamite toast or French toast.

Here's mine before I popped it into the oven...

And here's how it came out...

And Deb's right, it's fabulous for French Toast. I substituted a little wheat flour to mine (we're just that way) and it turned out wonderfully! Oh, and served with honey, all warm from the oven, this bread is to die for!

Hope you enjoy, and I'd love to know when you make it and how yours turns out.

Blessings on your week! 

Tammy

P.S. Check out the USAToday Interview about A Lasting Impression! 

USA Today reviews A Lasting Impression

I'm thrilled that USAToday reviewed A Lasting Impression, and I'm even more thrilled that the reviewer enjoyed it! Scroll down for a quick excerpt...

"To put it simply: This book is a full-on HIT. Belmont's history is fascinating and provides a rich setting for historical romance. The author has placed a diverse palette of colorful characters within her heady setting, but among them none is quite as vibrantly drawn as The Lady of Belmont herself, Mrs. Adelicia Acklen.

Smart, wealthy, outspoken, and thoroughly savvy, Adelicia could be considered a minor character in this book, but I'm pretty sure The Lady of Belmont doesn't do minor. Born before her time (how many antebellum women do you know of who had prenups?). Adelicia didn't allow the constraints of Southern femininity to limit the mark she would leave on history. Cast in the part of employer to both Claire and Sutton, Adelicia plays an understated role in bringing the couple together romantically, but even though her role in the romance is slight, it is her example of strength and resilience that greases the wheels that help Claire come into her own.

The two women are very much alike: driven, competitive, talented, and desperate for acceptance in the circles of society at which they aim. But whereas Adelicia's great wealth gives her the means to gradually buy her way back into society's good graces, Claire's poverty, combined with her checkered past as a forger, limits her ability to achieve the (artistic) acclaim she so desires.

I love the counterplay of the two women, especially when viewed through Sutton's point of view. Without being blind to her faults, Sutton's respect for Mrs. Acklen is clear and, as his attraction to Claire deepens, it is that comparison that adds the necessary ingredient of respect to the love relationship . . ."

Read USAToday's full review of A Lasting Impression

I've got a day of writing ahead, except for a quick lunch with a wonderful friend, Kathy, and her sweet 86-year old mother who has read all of my books. Kathy said her mother has some ideas for novels so I'm looking forward to some fun brainstorming too! And lots of laughter, I'm sure.

I'll be back in just a bit with more in the Bake-off Challenge with Angie Hunt too. I'm pretty sure she overdosed on macarons last week, but I understand she's seeking professional help. 

Tammy

Southern Writers One Stop Christmas Shopping Contest

Southern Writers Magazine is offering a One Stop Christmas Shopping Contest and a chance to win a Kindle!

More about Southern Writers:

Southern Writers nurtures and encourages authors on their writing journey and is the first magazine of its kind to equip writers not just with skill as a writer but empowers them to market and sell their books. Their informative and inspirational magazine has been heralded as a "writing conference in a magazine" and is an essential tool for any writer serious about publication and success as a writer.

Grab a glass of sweet tea and check out Southern Writers Suite T blog too!

Good luck and should you buy my book through the contest on their site, let me know and I'll happily send you a signed bookplate. 

Blessings on your week! 

Tammy

Bethany House Book Banter TODAY

If you have a minute, join me over at Bethany House Publisher's FB Page for the first BOOK BANTER, and a chance to win a copy of A Lasting Impression and all of my BHP books. We've had some glitches but we're working them out. No thanks to Mark Zuckerberg who blocked me from commenting! Can you imagine? Someone blocking me from talking? The nerve...

Start Book Bantering!

Brand new Interview about A Lasting Impression

I recently sat down with Morgan Doremus (what a great name!), the Romantic Times Book Reviewer, at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in St. Louis in September. We chatted about life, writing, and A Lasting Impression. Hope you enjoy!

Would you like to write for Women of Faith Fiction?

If yes, then check out this great opportunity! Exciting!

If you have a manuscript that you can have ready for submission by January 31, 2012, why not consider doing this? One grand prize winner will receive: FREE Bookstore Advantage publishing package courtesy of WestBow Press, including the option of having your book picked up by Thomas Nelson. How cool is that?

I was honored to write the first historical (The Inheritance) for the Women of Faith Fiction line and had such a great experience. So...what's keepin' you? Check this opportunity out today!

Full contest details here.

And now, I'm headed from my hotel room in Miami to a "meet & greet" with some writing buddies downstairs. Tomorrow we leave on a 5-day cruise and I'm looking forward to some relaxing time with friends, (hopefully) beautiful weather, and writing on a deck somewhere, ocean breeze in my face. I'll be sure and post pics soon!

ICRS Atlanta 2011, Part II

Just downloaded the last of my pictures and thought I'd share while catching up on office work. It's great to be home––there's no place like it––but I really did love being with my writing buddies amidst all else.

I met a new buddy this trip, Suzanne Woods Fisher, who writes Amish fiction. She and I happened to meet in the lobby on Tuesday morning as I was grabbing a latte, and I'm so glad we did. What a doll this woman is! I downloaded her novel The Choice to my Kindle and will be treating myself soon!

      Susan May Warren strolled in and joined our chat. Susie and I go back a few years through ACFW, and she's a great gal. And wonderful writer!

Susie will be teaching at ACFW's conference this year too, btw. Hope to see you there.

Then as I headed over to walk the ICRS floor again (and to sneak one last hug from Deb), I heard a voice calling to me from above the down escalator. It was Terri Blackstock who had had major "Delta trials" in getting to Atlanta for the show. Her plane kept getting delayed. But she finally made it! We met up with some other friends and grabbed a picture…

Colleen Coble, Terri Blackstock, Deb Raney and me

And last but not least, the lovely Deb Raney and her sometimes-sweet-but-sometimes-snarky husband Ken at the Kingstone Media booth, which was hoppin' busy! I love how they support one another in their dreams. And love those bright red polos!

All for now…

ICRS Atlanta 2011, Part I

ICRS in Atlanta has been fantastic! And having my daughter Kelsey with me has made it all the better. Here are some glimpses from the past couple of days...

Catching a smile on the ICRS floor today with Jeane Wynn of Wynn-Wynn Media

Laughing with Tricia Goyer and Julie Quinn (B&H Publishing) at Tricia's booksigning.

Grabbing a  hug from sweet Deb Raney, who I'll see again in September at ACFW when we teach a class together

LOVE having Kelsey here with me. So fun!

A highlight was meeting Linda Attaway (Mocha with Linda) and chat with her for a few. What a great gal!

Met with my German publisher and (pictured below) is the cover of REKINDLED that just released in Germany one week ago. In German, the title reads "When a Stranger Returns." Love that!

REKINDLED in German

Me with Aaron, Diane and Sylvia during my booksigning. Such fun seeing everyone!

My Dutch publisher, Albert deVos, and I met for a few minutes to chat about my books selling in the Netherlands. Appreciate the trust his company has shown in publishing my stories over there.

Had fun at the Christys tonight with Liz Curtis Higgs who emceed the ceremony (she was fabulous!) and with Julie Klassen who won the Christy for Best Historical Romance for The Girl in the Gatehouse. Congrats, Julie! Here's a press release on all the 2011 Christy winners.

Getting tickled at dinner at the Christys with Dwight Baker of Baker Publishing. Does this man look like a safe dinner partner? I think not...

Kelsey with sweet Liz after the ceremony

Hugging Brandilyn Collins after the Christys. Doesn't she look lovely! If only she were sweet... (grin)

And finally, Kelsey and me with Randall Wallace, who was the dinner speaker tonight at the Christys. Talk about an over achiever. This man has done it all. And so humble. You can read more about him here...

And now, to bed, and then back to Nashville tomorrow...