Cathy, meet Lauren…

It’s been a summer of firsts for me; first book release, first review, first author interview.

Now I’m thrilled to introduce my first Guest Blogger, Lynn Cahoon.

Lynn and I have introduced the heroines of our latest novels to each other, Lauren Simpson from Lynn’s newest release MARRIAGE NOT INCLUDED and Cathy Rossetti from my debut release ABOVE SCANDAL.

Here’s Lauren first letter to Cathy.

Hey Cathy,

So, I’m Lauren Simpson, mother of Emma, champion of Organic Gardening, and dreamer of big dreams.  I’m also a college student, adjunct instructor at the same university, and, most oddly, I’m dating again. Something I said I wouldn’t do – at least until after Emma was grown.  Of course Miles would say we’re just getting to know each other.  He is the calm to my turbulent storm.

I’m a relative new comer to Boise Idaho. I grew up in a middle sized town in the middle of Illinois, in the middle of the country.  I’d probably still be there – stuck in the middle (you can finish singing the line) – if not for Jack. Meeting him and losing him too soon.  And the fact a car accident took my parents when I was sixteen.  Of course, at the time, none of these things felt like destiny. More like lightning bolts to my heart.  Anyway, they all pieced together to bring Emma and I 1600 miles away from the only place I’d lived, to a home I knew at first sight, I’d never want to leave.

The farm Gramps lives on is technically south of Nampa, west of Kuna, north of Melba, and, smack dab  nowhere. I’m so lucky he asked us to move to ‘help’ him, although he seems to be doing most of the hard lifting.  But we are in the country. No running to the store for something for dinner. No fast food in walking distance. No traffic. And best of all, no neighbors arguing late at night when they returned home from the bar. Let’s just say I didn’t live in the best neighborhood before I moved.

Here, Emma can run through alfalfa fields, pick berries from the garden, and since she met the Hamilton kids, ride.  Gramps has put her on Starshine, his old mare, a couple times now.  He keeps a good eye on her when she’s riding. He says she’s becoming quite the horsewoman and should be ready to ride in the rodeo parade next July during The Snake River Stampede.  She swears she’d going to be rodeo queen when she’s in high school. Miles’ sister was big into queen contests as a kid, so you can guess who’s been putting ideas in my daughter’s head.  I don’t really mind.  I guess a girl could aspire to worse.

The one thing I love best?  Late at night, after Emma’s in bed and Gramps is asleep in his recliner in front of the television, I spend some time sitting outside and just watching the stars.  The cows seem to know I’m there, and will gather near the fence, hoping I’m going to bring out some oats or hay. And sometimes I do. But mostly, I sit and think and just breath. 

Lately I think about Miles while I’m sitting.  I’m not convinced yet that he’s ready for the complete package that I’m offering.  I know I’m overly protective of Emma, but it’s just been the three of us for so long.  I’m not just risking my heart, Emma has a stake in this too.  And I kid you not, the girl has jumped into the Hamilton family feet first.  She even likes the twins. 

So what else do you want to know?  What’s Canada like?  I’m dying to travel someday. But with me and Emma in school, that dream will have to wait.

Sincerely,

Lauren

To see Cathy’s reply, pop over to Lynn’s place and Meet the Neighbors. Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a print copy of ABOVE SCANDAL.

Lynn’s Book Blurb

Lauren is headed back to school, this time not as a fun loving coed but to achieve her dream of turning the family farm into Idaho’s first Heritage Seed Center. Selling organic produce at the local farmers market, she meets Miles. After an unexpected act of kindness toward her daughter, Lauren agrees to one date.

As a VP and heir apparent to HN Seeds, the family business, Miles unknowingly holds the future of Lauren’s farm in his hands. Lauren’s looking for anything but a romance. She’s got too much on her plate to risk the distraction. But he plays the one card Lauren can’t resist, family. Miles needs Lauren and her daughter to feel at home. And Lauren needs Miles and his large extended family more than she knows. But can she forgive the one betrayal that would ruin all of her plans for the future?

Lynn’s Bio

Lynn Cahoon is a contemporary romance author with a love of hot, sexy men, real and imagined. Her alpha heroes range from rogue witch hunters, modern cowboys, or hot doctors, sexy in scrubs. And her heroines all have one thing in common, their strong need for independence. Or at least that’s what they think they want.  She blogs at her website www.lynncahoon.wordpress.com

© Lynn Cahoon, 2013