Resurrected Love - K.M. Daughters

K.M. Daughters is the award winning writing team of sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. Their penname is dedicated to the memory of their parents: Kay and Mickey Lynch, the "K" and "M" in K.M. Daughters. "The Daughters" are wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Kathie lives in northern New Jersey and Pat lives in the Chicago suburbs. White Rose Publishing inspirational romance titles by K.M. Daughters include Jewel Of The Adriatic, Rose Of The Adriatic and the Gospa Journeys series. "Love heals..."

Welcome, ladies! I've just got to know, how on earth do you write a story together when you live so far apart?

Two critical ingredients are required for our team writing: American Airlines and email. We always brainstorm story lines, character development, and action sequences while we're together – usually walking on the Illinois Prairie Path (near Pat's home), on the sidewalks of Rutherford (our home town and Kathie's home) or along the Nags Head beach (Kathie's favorite vacation spot). We always sit still long enough to write a plot map or outline. We divide up writing responsibility for alternating chapters (such fun – even though we're a team we write all POV's), and then we each "go home", say a prayer and write.

And do you ever disagree on where a story is going? How would you resolve that?

We can't recall specific disagreements, so they must be minor. When we were little, however, frequent nosebleeds were involved…Pat's, Kathie wants to add. Since our brainstorming sessions last as long as they last, we're pretty certain about where we're heading with a story before we begin writing the first draft.

LOL You bully! Nosebleeds, huh? Shame on you!

Do you have certain parts of the writing and editing that each of you do, and does that ever vary?

We alternate chapter writing responsibility and edit each other's chapters as the first draft is created. Pat keeps the master manuscript and she line edits the entire manuscript, also, during the draft stage. Once we complete writing the first draft, Pat does another wholesale edit and then we get together for a read through – aloud. This gives us the opportunity to edit together. We rarely deviate from this process, although occasionally we'll write two sequential chapters, or flipflop responsibility if the characters talk to one of us more than the other at that point.

We're very different women in many ways – for instance, as writers, Kathie hears her characters most often and Pat clearly sees them. But we are extremely connected and similar in all the ways that matter to us. We share a strong faith in God and strive to perfect our relationship with Him in our daily lives. Our inspirational novels and novellas allow us to celebrate our shared love of God and venerate His love for all of us.

Well, what a pleasure it is to have you here. And I see you've brought along your lovely story Resurrected Love. I really enjoyed it and I'm oh so happy to share a little bit about it, with your permission of course...

Well, of course we don't mind...as long as you say something nice.

LOL Makes me think of Bambi and Thumper...if you ain't got nothin' nice to say...

But fortunately I have NOTHING BUT nice things to say about this story!

Blurb:

Jack and Beth Dunne travel separately to Valselo on a good-will pilgrimage to support a local orphanage. Jack uses philanthropy as an excuse to see Beth again after bitterness and grief separated them following the funeral of their five month old son three years ago. Forever soulmates, despite the seemingly impenetrable barriers they have erected between them, will they find the courage to forgive and fix their marriage? Or will they selflessly love enough to let each other go?

Excerpt:

"Mind if we sit for a minute?" Father Mark asked casually, as he turned his head towards the

seating arrangement in the forefront of the office. In a flash, the priest occupied one of the two Barcelona chairs.

Jack joined him reluctantly, the checkbook dangling from his hand.

"I’d like you to go on a trip with me," Father Mark said. ‚For now, I’ll just need one thousand, five hundred, ninety-nine dollars. That covers everything, including air fare."

"What?" Askance, Jack peered at him. "Father...my schedule...what’s the destination?"

"Croatia near the Adriatic. There’s an orphanage there in a village called Valselo, which translates roughly as sea valley. It’s a very special place, run by sisters who lovingly raise children to adulthood, rather than seeking adoptive parents for them. The area is too poor to offer a pool of prospective parents for these orphans, so foreign adoption is the only option. The Valselo visionaries founded the orphanage. They insist that these children should be raised in their culture, believing that foreign adoption would rob the country of its future. The orphanage needs a furnace...and that’s only the beginning."

Relief eased tense muscles and Jack relaxed against the soft leather. "I don’t have a single qualm about giving you any amount that would satisfy you, Father. I’d be glad to help right now. I don’t need to evaluate this place personally."

"Thank you, Jack. And I’ll gladly accept any donation you see fit. But I still want you to write that check and come with me. We leave Friday."

Jack knit his brows. "I’m sorry. But that’s impossible."

"Do you know that Beth works at St. Mary’s? She runs the business office for me."

A myriad of emotions coursed through him, shame foremost. "No...I..." How could he explain the wall of silence between them that had grown ever higher, and more impenetrable?

"This is Beth’s favorite charity, Jack. She pours all the money you send her into it and others like it. She’ll be among the members of the group I’m taking there."

My Beth. My love. The chasm in his heart widened. Guilt and grief winged inside him like swarms of angry insects. "Father, don’t make me talk about this."

A warm hand covered his. "I won’t. But trust me, Jack? Come on this pilgrimage."

"I haven’t spoken to Beth since the funeral. We’ve been separated for three years. She doesn’t want anything to do with me. We can’t get past this, Father." Tears stung the corners of his eyelids at the admission.

His gaze soft, Father Mark squeezed Jack’s hand. "Do you love your wife?"

Jack heaved his chest. "I adore her. But I can’t face her."

"Have I ever asked the impossible of you, Jack?"

"Not really." He grinned, despite the distress talking about Beth engendered. "But at the time, it felt like it."

"You can face her. And you should." FatherMark slipped his hand away and rose from his seat.

"Plus, I want you to bring that checkbook, son."

I love it!!!

Review *****

This is such a wonderful story! The beauty of Valselo, not just in the scenery, but in the people sharing this wonderful pilgrimage is amazing. And the hope and joy that seeps from the pages is something you don't find every day, just another one of His miracles, I think.

Pick up a copy, you won't regret it!

Mattie's Meltaways - Mattie and Tyler

Oh, I'm so sad this is the last day of our visits, Mary! I can hardly imagine how you must feel with the series coming to an end. I have so enjoyed spending time with the whole cast of this series (not to mention enjoying a morning coffee and treat with you and them). Well, since this is the crown jewel I suppose we ought to get started.

"Morning ladies, I'm sorry but Tyler can't be here this morning. He was helping at a fire in the next town over for most of the night."

"Oh, I hope everyone's okay."

She nodded. "Yeah, they think it was kids smoking in an old barn. It's sad how little attention some parents pay to their kids. Oh well." Mattie pointed to the corner. "Your favorite table's ready and your waitress will be out in a minute."

I look to Mary for a second. "Really, you don't need to wait on us. We know you're all busy--"

"Just sit."

I raised my eyebrows and sat along with Mary. "Can tell she's the mama bear of the clan," I whispered.

"I heard that," she said without even turning around. She whispered something else but I missed it. Then a pint sized waitress stepped out from behind the counter carrying a tray of muffins. "Mattie said you like the blueberry ones best so she made some special for you."

"Oh, thank you sweetie. You must be Jess."

She nodded.

"Would you like to have one with us?"

Jess stared over her shoulder.

"You can have a piece, then you have to get ready for school," Mattie answered with a smile as she set the coffee cups down on the table and poured what smelled like heavenly hazelnut.

I glanced down at Jess as she climbed up on the chair. "Do you remember how your dad and Mattie met?"

Jess nodded and peeked at Mattie. "Um hmmm. Daddy saved Mattie and she made me a chocolate cake."

Mattie laughed. "Okay, let's not give away any more secrets. And it's time to get you to the bus."

She brushed her hands together over the plate then wiped her mouth with a napkin when she finished chewing. "Nice to meet you. Come back soon," she said with a wave as she stepped out the door holding Mattie's hand.

We both sighed. "Well, I guess that's it, Mary. It's been a pleasure getting together here at the bakery and meeting your special friends. I hope to see you again soon."

And I'm sure we will!

Here's the blurb to the last of the Sweet Treats Bakery stories:

Mattie Spencer has spent the last decade raising her three younger and grooming Sweet Treats Bakery into a thriving business. Over the years, she's watched her sisters grow into beautiful women and find the men of their dreams. Now it's her turn, but, at thirty-five, she feels too old to dream of a husband and children of her own. Tyler Jacobs, a firefighter in the small town of Mount Ridge, keeps busy raising his seven-year-old daughter. The death of his wife during three years ago still haunts him, but morning stops into Sweet Treats, along with a dose of conversation and a handful of Mattie's delicious mint meltaways, kindle a desire he thought was extinguished forever. Now Tyler has just one goal--to convince Mattie that love knows no age.

Excerpt:

“One muffin, or two this morning?”

“Make it two, both to go. I’m running a bit late. Jessie forgot her reading book at the house, and we had to rush back for it.” He pulled a paper napkin from the dispenser on the counter. “And then we realized Nibbles—”

“Jessie’s new hamster, right?”

“That’s right.” He rolled his eyes and grinned. “Well, Nibbles escaped from his cage, so we had to launch a search and rescue.”

Mattie laughed. “Was the mission successful?”

“Barely. Fluffy had him cornered in the laundry room.”

“Oh, no. Not the cat.”

“Yes, the cat.” Tyler loosened the zipper on his leather jacket and tugged the collar from his neck. “Anyway, after I calmed Jessie, she insisted on giving Nibbles a good talking to, then Fluffy, too, before we could leave again. Then we were a few blocks from the house when—”

“Let me guess…you realized you forgot the reading book, again.”

“Right.” He groaned and ran a hand across the crown of his head. “I think I have a few new gray hairs.”

“You look fine to me.” Better than fine. Mattie turned her attention to the display case. “But that was some way to start a morning. Sounds like you’ve earned your breakfast.”

“You can say that again.” He sighed and propped his elbows on the counter, leaning in. “And I’ve been looking forward to your apple-cinnamon muffins. Nothing better to quell my appetite.”

“Coming right up.” Mattie reached for a foam cup, poured a robust house blend. Her hands shook as Tyler trained his gaze on her, his deep brown eyes like rich, chocolate coins, and a bit of the cloudy brew splashed onto the hot burner, hissed and spat.

“You OK?” Tyler bolted around the counter and took the carafe from her. He set it back on the burner and reached for her hand. His long fingers grazed her palm, her wrist. “Did it burn you?”

“No. I’m fine.” She waited while he lifted her hand for a closer inspection. Her breath came in small gasps as his fingers gently skimmed hers.

“Well…it looks OK.” He nodded and let her fingers slip from his. “What’s got you so jittery this morning, Mat?”

“Nothing.” Mattie shrugged and brushed damp palms across her apron. The coffee hadn’t burned, but his touch sure had. She turned from his gaze and trembled as the rich brew filled the shop with the aroma of hazelnut and vanilla. With a quivering voice she diverted his attention to something—anything—else.

Review:

Oh, how sweet to watch the love of a father, wanting only what's best for his child- and it comes naturally to Mattie to be a bit of a mother figure to her, too. After all, she's had plenty of experience with it.

But her feelings aren't just for the child. When Tyler saves the bakery, he secures a place in her heart, a place she hadn't even realized was empty until he filled it.

Once again, Ms. Manners has done a wonderful job of drawing us in to the lives of this warm family. How wonderful to see them all finally settled, and how sad to see the end of this series. Thank you for sharing them with us! It's been very sweet!

Mary Manners is an award-winning author of inspirational romance who lives in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and teen-aged daughter. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.

During the school year, she teaches middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. In her free time, she likes to garden, take long walks with her husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

Visit Mary at www.marymannersromance.com