Laurie Kingery's "The Sheriff's Sweetheart"

We're happy to have Laurie Kingery with us today talking about her book The Sheriff's Sweetheart. To learn more about Laurie and her book, read on!

Title: THE SHERIFF'S SWEETHEART
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals.

Cover blurb: "He needs to turn his life around...
And Simpson Creek, Texas, is the perfect place to do it. On the run from his dangerous past, Sam Bishop is happy to find a town seeking "marriage-minded bachelors." A wealthy wife is just what he needs to make his gambling problems disappear. But when Prissy Gilmore catches Sam's eye, she proves to be much more than a rich match. Sam wants to deserve her, wants to become sheriff and protect her hometown--wants to be the man she believes him to be. Yet the true test is waiting, when his past returns to challenge his future."

1) How did this story come to you?
My husband and I were going on one of our frequent trips to Texas, as I am a Texan-in-exile and return frequently to visit extended family. A secondary purpose of this trip was to visit the area of San Saba County, in which my "Brides of Simpson Creek" series is set. I did some advance scouting of the area on the San Saba Chamber of Commerce's website, and it told of a famous old tree called "The Marriage Oak" or "Wedding Tree" nearby, where Indians and early settlers had come to get married. We went to see it, and it's a magnificent tree, huge and gnarly with lots of overhanging boughs. The cover of my book, though lovely, really doesn't do it justice. I knew then my characters had to marry under this tree. The story was already somewhat formulated in my head, because Prissy was the next logical heroine of the series. I just had to find her a worthy hero. :)

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I was already writing the series, so the journey to getting it accepted was not a long one, but I had been hoping to keep my original title, THE WEDDING TREE. My publisher does like to use hooks in titles, though, and in my series that has involved strong indications that it's a western and involves the hero's job or profession--i.e., MAIL ORDER COWBOY, THE DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE, THE SHERIFF'S SWEETHEART--so the title was changed to reflect that. But in my heart, it's still THE WEDDING TREE. So there. :)

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have 6 grandchildren with one more due very soon, plus 3 step-grands. I've been an ER nurse for 40+ years. I wrote on a DOS program (Word Perfect 5.1) until 4 books ago (yeah, I'm averse to change...)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on the 5th book in the series, working title FAITH. After the above title struggle, I've learned to leave the title suggestions till the publisher asks for them.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks, K. Dawn, for letting me visit!
You're welcome, Laurie. Any time!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.lauriekingery.com/. I answer all email, except the rare weird or snarky ones which all authors occasionally get.