A shout out for Step-moms and Mothers-in-law

On this Mother’s Day Eve, I wanted to take a moment to praise some mothers who don’t always get a fair shake. We’ve all heard the jokes and horror stories about wicked stepmothers and evil mothers-in-law, but most of the women I know who fill these roles are good gals who try hard to do the right thing.
In my own case, I’m blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law. Loretta Myers has been a friend to me for over 28 years. She’s fun, funny, and always supportive.
As for step-moms, my hat is off to these women who walk a tight-rope between their children’s birth mom and their new husbands. It’s tough to find the right balance, I’m sure.
I hadn’t really considered the step-mother question much until I wrote the Superromance book that’s coming out next month, A Soldier Comes Home. My heroine, Chrissie, falls in love with a man who’s just returned from Iraq. Ray’s wife left while he was oversees and he has sole custody of a three-year old. Chrissie loves Ray and his little boy, but she wonders if she has what it takes to be a step-mom. Writing the book really made me think about everything that goes into being a good step-mom
To all step-moms, moms, grandmoms, mothers-in-law and friends of moms – I salute you and wish you a very happy mother’s day.
Now it’s your turn – do you have a woman in your life – your mom or someone else – who has been special to you. Let’s hear her story.

A new cover. And what happens next.

A new cover. And what happens next.


I received my September cover and I’ll share it with you (if I can load it). It’s always a nervous time when my editor sends the attachment for a cover. I take a deep breath and hit download. I imagine it’s something like looking at your baby for the first time. You’re anxious and prepared for anything. But secretly you're praying you have the most beautiful baby (cover) in the world.

Most of the time I’m very, very pleased. The artists do a great job. I’ve only had one cover I didn’t like and that was years ago. Thank the cover gods.

I’m pleased with the cover of Texas Heir and I remember to breathe again. The hero is much as I have him pictured in my head. I’m happy, very happy. After the excitement ends, I notice his shirt. Or more to the point, the cuffs on his shirt. I’ve never seen a man wear a shirt like that, at least not in Texas. Maybe it’s trendy. It still doesn’t damper my pleasure in the cover, but I was wondering what you think. Will readers even notice it?

Welcome to the neurotic world of an author.

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Mother’s Day. May you be pampered beyond your wildest fantasy. And hoping it involves lots of chocolate.

Linda
www.lindawarren.net
Always A Mother – Super Everlasting – June 2008
Texas Heir – Harlequin American – Sep 2008

Birdies, birdies everywhere

There’s a bird nest in our front porch light. I discovered this when I watered the impatience in the flower box beneath the light and mama bird flew off in a blur of wings. We’re trying to not use the front door for awhile, instead going in and out from the deck or the back yard.

You may not be able to see this in the photo, but the nest sits between the frame and the light bulb. Mama bird is quite smart—she chose a sheltered place that is protected from rain (our front porch is covered on top) and safe from kitties, crows and other predators.

My husband thought he saw the female’s mate on the deck railing. He found a photo in a bird book and believes our guests are house finches.

We’re honored that they family settled here and are excitedly waiting for the day when the eggs hatch and the babies begin their lives.

Does anyone have a special animal story to share?

Until next time,
Ann Roth
www.annroth.net