Monday, April 18, 2011

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.

20 comments:

  1. I enjoy reading historical romance novels. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  2. Look at that! I'm first to post. That never happens to me. Not that I ever win, but there you, I'm happy to be the first!! I'd love any of the books ...

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  3. It looks and sounds like a great book!! I LOVE the Historical Romances.

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  4. Well looks as though I'm first. I hope that is good luck!! Please enter me. I'm a follower by subscriber and gfc.

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  5. Historicals are my absolute favorite and I've seen this book posted on another blog and it really does just sound great! Thanks for a chance to win it! I am an e-mail subscriber.

    kcmelone/at/yahoo/dot/com

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  6. I've driven through San Saba once just a few yrs ago, after a family reunion in Fredricksburg. We decided to take hwy 16 north instead of a major route, & enjoyed the hill country views. I grew up in San Antonio & spent many vacations on the lakes southeast of there. Would love to read your book! Thanks for writing good clean books!
    workamper2530@yahoo.com

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  7. I love the title The Wedding Tree. I'll call it that w/ you! :)
    I look forward to reading your book. My novel is also set in Texas. Something about that big old western state.
    melissaknorris@Juno.com

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  8. Sounds like a great book and I love to win it. I review and give them away when I'm done.

    LOL at using DOS. I can't even imagine doing that today.

    Ldyjarhead(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. Sounds like an interesting read. Would love to win.

    cgdinasia@yahoo.com

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  10. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story...

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  11. I hope I can read this! please enter me!

    Katy

    m.katy15[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  12. Seriously, Laurie!! And I thought I was a hang out, just changing to Word 2010 for the book I just finished today.

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  13. this book sounds great, please enter me in the contest

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  14. I'm reading Sheriff's Sweetheart now and really enjoying it, Laurie. Can't wait to see what happens.

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  15. I would love to be entered in this giveaway! Laurie Kingery is one of my favorite authors for LI Historical books:) Thanks!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  16. Wow! You have almost 7 grandchildren...congratulations!!!
    Would love to read this book!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  17. Wow, I love the cover art! It sounds like a great story. Thank you for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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  18. I have one very precious grandson, you are blessed with so many.
    THE SHERIFF'S SWEETHEART sounds like a great historical by the Cover blurb: "He needs to turn his life around...
    And Simpson Creek, Texas, is the perfect place to do it.
    Thanks!
    Rebecca
    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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