My Cover is Here!!!

I'm so thrilled to be able to unveil the new cover for my coming release, Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon, coming to stores Feb. 1st, 2010. It's a historical romance with a suspense thread, sent in 1902, and it's available now for pre-order on Amazon and Christianbook.com. In fact, I just checked on the Amazon site and it's at a super low price tonight. I have no idea how long it will last, but it's at least $2.00 under what it normally will be....it's priced right now at $8.76, instead of the typical $10-11.00. Just go to Amazon and type in my name, Miralee Ferrell in the search engine, then choose Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon. It's the only one listed of mine right now, without the cover posted.

Just to give you a feel for the book, here's a brief summary:

Sixteen-year-old Margaret Garvey promised her heart to Nathaniel Cooper the night he disappeared from town. Four years later, just as she’s opening her heart to Andrew, a handsome logger, a devastating secret is revealed and the local skidder boss is murdered. While grappling with the betrayal of those she trusted most, Margaret, now a schoolteacher, takes in two runaways, risking her reputation and position…especially if they’re somehow involved in the murder. When Nathaniel suddenly returns, with earthshaking news of his own, and further disaster strikes, Margaret will be faced with the most important choice of her life.

When is Enough, Enough?

My back is aching, my bottom is sore, my brain feels useless and I've eaten too much sugar today. When does life start getting simpler?

Have you ever said....
Once Christmas is over, things will slow down. Or....
Once it freezes and I don't have to work in the yard and garden, I'll get more rest. Or...
Once spring comes, I'll get outside and exercise more....Or
When I'm finished with school, and start a REAL job, things will get easier. Or...
After I eat this big bowl of ice cream, I'll feel so much better....

You get the picture.

I think I've said all of those, and so many more. Always looking to tomorrow, and not focusing on what God's given us today.

I want to change that. How about you? Are you ready to embrace what God's given you TODAY?

After all, do we have any guarantee spring will come, or we'll see another Christmas?

No. We only know we have the NOW...Today. Let's start using it, embracing it, and finding what God's will and purpose is for us today.

Finding Adventure After 50

My Hubby's Dream.....

And mine too....to a much smaller degree...

See that gorgeous boat in the foreground, with the double wooden masts? That's my husbands baby. He's been working on it for 5 yrs now and it's almost ready to go. We've sailed it a few times on the Columbia River where it resides, but never taken any extended trips...but that might be coming in our near future.


The Lord has impressed on my heart lately, that Allen has continually put his dream of spending a year or two on a sailboat, cruising the Inland Passage in the summer and Mexico in the winter, on hold for years. First, because we had kids to raise, then a business to run, and later due to our building a home. I've been feeling like it's time for him to realize his dream. I'm not sure exactly how the Lord is going to work that out....it may entail Him blessing the socks off our business (which we could put in the hands of a manager while we're gone) or me being willing to sell our new home...and yes, I'll do that if that's what it takes.

I know the Lord will bless my willingness, and I'm giving it to Him. I can still pursue my writing while sailing, and we don't have grandbabies yet, so this seems like a logical time to go. So....one of these days, Lord Willing, you might be seeing these blogs posted from some exotic location, with pictures sprinkled along the way!!

Another Airport Encounter

This episode isn't quite as scary as my shuttle ride (see post below), but it left me shaking my head while it was happening. Let me start from the beginning.....

I met fellow author Ginny Aiken on the shuttle back to the Denver airport after the ACFW conference. Her plane left an hour after mine from the same gate so we decided to hang out together. We grabbed a bite to eat, chatted enroute with Cara Putman, and eventually made our way to our gate, a full hour before my flight was due to leave.

We found seats (there was still plenty of room, but starting to fill up) and I set my carry-on bags in the empty seat next to mine, then headed to the restroom. When I returned, I found them repositioned in my seat and a duffel bag in the adjoining seat...with an empty seat just beyond.

Ginny leaned close and whispered. "A man moved them. He wasn't too happy that we were taking three seats for two people."

"Where is he?"

She nodded toward a desj where the man bent over his work. "He's kind of grumpy."

I set my bags on the floor and moved them slightly to the side so they weren't right under my feet. A few minutes later the man approached. "I need to move this." He bent over and picked up my bag containing my purse and other items, and plopped it against my feet.

I looked at him, raised my brows and simply said, "okay...?"

He proceeded to rummage in his duffel bag then went back to the small table where he'd been working. Ginny and I simply looked at each other, trying not to laugh. He'd had all sorts of room to reach his duffel, without bothering my items, and they weren't in his way. We talked for a few minutes in a low voice, wondering what his problem might be, then changed the subject and began to chat about other things.

A few minutes later, he returned. He leaned close to my face, about 12" away and hissed. "I was simply moving your bag so I wouldn't step on it. You didn't have to act snooty and make a big deal out of it." Honestly, I don't remember his exact words, as I was so shocked to have him in my face and even commenting on my simple "okay". I guess it really bothered him, and it's possible he thought we were laughing at him, when we got the giggles a little later remembering a disembodied voice in the airport train, warning everyone that they were delaying the departure of the train by standing too close to the door. Whatever his problem, it took me aback.

I looked him directly in the eyes. "You don't need to be rude."

He moved back a few inches and glared. "I'm simply responding to you in the same manner you offered to me." He picked up his duffel bag and stalked two steps across the way to a seat facing us and a little off to the side.

Ginny and I sat stunned, wondering what just happened. We offered each other a small smile and tried some small talk. Finally, she leaned over and told me not to worry, it would be one more story to add to my growing list of airport adventures I could use in a book someday.

We both agreed that most people would be nervous or a bit irritated if a strange man approached a woman in an airport and grabbed her personal belongings rather than asking her to move them, if they were in the way. We changed the subject and decided to try to forget it...although I did whisper that I hoped my seat wouldn't be next to his. The man had ear buds in and seemed to be listening to something, so we assumed he'd settled into his new seat and we wouldn't be bothered again.

About twenty minutes later he stood and walked directly to me, leaning over again. I cringed, wondering what was coming next. "Excuse me?" He waited until I looked up. "I'd like to apologize. I've had a really bad day and I didn't think about the fact that I was moving your purse or personal belongings and it might make you nervous. I shouldn't have acted that way."

It surprised me and I stumbled an acceptance. He went back to his seat and settled in. A few minutes later, I nodded and smiled at him, and he returned the gesture.

I was one of the last to board and I passed down the crowded aisle in the airliner, looking for a seat. There sat the man from the terminal near the front. No, there wasn't an empty seat next to him, but he did sit in an aisle seat and traffic was moving at a crawl. I could have avoided eye contact and pretended I didn't see him, but instead I met his gaze. "I hope you have a good flight, and a wonderful rest of the day. And I wanted to thank you for apologizing...that meant a lot."

He smiled, his face falling into relieved lines and nodded. "Thanks. You too."

I moved on down the aisle, praising God that He'd turned what could have been an ugly situation around. We never know what a cranky, seemingly mean person has been through, what kind of loss they've suffered, or what pain they might be carrying. That man had the courage to stuff his pride and apologize, and I'm so thankful God gave me the grace to keep my mouth shut, when it would have been so easy to snipe back at him.

Looking back now, I wonder if the ear buds were actually some type of device to increase his hearing...you know...like you see advertised on TV, when people want to listen to conversations a distance away? He may have heard us comment that we were concerned when he picked up my bag, and felt ashamed that he's touched another person's possessions with permission...or the Lord might simply have moved on his heart. Whatever it was, I'm thankful. God is Good.

Part Two...Shuttle Nightmare

This is the second part of this true experience I had a few days ago....but it won't make sense if you read it first. Scroll down to the older blog entry and start there, then come back and finish with this one.


“It's kind of late now.” Lisa nodded at the driver snapping his seat belt and inserting his key in the ignition. He reached for his radio and spoke to whoever dispatched him to the airport. I only heard one side of the conversation. “Yes. We picked up two women. No. No one else wanted to go.”

We looked at each other, and I saw the same concern I felt, mirrored on her face. I made a decision. “Driver?”

He turned around. “Yes?”

“I'd like to see your license, please.”

He just stared at me, and the man in the back sat unmoving, but clearly listening. The driver looked surprised, but didn't produce the requested document.

I tried again. “We don't know you, or the company you work for. I want to see your license, please.”

He grabbed the badge hanging around his neck. “This is my badge. No one can drive down here without a security check.”

I told him that was good, but I still wanted to see the company information and license, not just his badge. He unrolled his window and called to a security officer patrolling the sidewalk and beckoned the man over. “You want to see my badge?” He held it up to the open window and shoved it toward the officer.

The man raised his brows and shook his head. “No. And you don't need to offer to show it to me, unless I ask for it.”

I leaned forward and explained that he'd solicited us to ride with him, and we weren't familiar with his company....and that I wanted to be sure he was legit. The officer assured us NO ONE could get down into that area without a full security clearance, so we had nothing to worry about. Huh. Right.

We sat back in our seats and allowed him to drive off the airport property, although part of me still wanted to bolt from the van and make a beeline back to the Super Shuttle line, but off we went.

Yes, we arrived safely, with Lisa and I praying much of the way. Then two days later Lisa arrived breathless at my table in the conference dining room. “Did you hear the news about the shuttle driver?”

My mind immediately flew to OUR shuttle driver. “No. What's up?”

She leaned over my chair, her eyes wide. “It's on the news. The Feds just arrested terrorists posing as shuttle drivers here at the Denver airport. Wouldn't that be something if it was OUR driver?”

Yep. There's absolutely no need to worry, because NO ONE can get onto the airport pick up area without security clearance.

A Shuttle Nightmare

It started innocently enough. I booked a Super Shuttle trip from the Denver airport to the hotel where our ACFW writer's conference would take place, not realizing I'd be imagining myself kidnapped before the end of the day. I know it sounds funny, but have you ever been in a situation where you truly thought your life could be in danger? Here's how it happened....

I arrived at the Denver airport and bumped into another ACFW conference attendee, Lisa Buffalo. Lisa and I made our way to the baggage claim area, then tootled on out to wait for our ride to the hotel. We passed the long line at the Super Shuttle desk, congratulating ourselves that we'd been smart enough to book our ride in advance. We confidently dug out our receipts and stood with the gathering crowd of women waiting outside. One of the gals was moaning about having to wait in the long line inside, and we suggested she might want to book online after this, and save the wait. She turned with snort of disgust. “I did. They made me go back in and get a ticket. The online receipt isn't good enough.”

No way. We couldn't believe it. I got right on the phone with the main office and they confirmed our fear....we had to go brave the line and miss this shuttle. We'd probably not arrive at the hotel for another hour, and we were both already tired from our early start and long day.

A shuttle driver who was clearly from a mid-eastern country (and had the accent that went along with it) from another company sidled over while I was talking on the phone I heard him urging Lisa to ride with him instead. “Only ten dollars each,” he insisted. She politely told him we'd already paid our fare, but thank you anyway. Five minutes later he was back. “Five dollars each.”

She and I looked at each other and from the look on her face I knew what she was thinking. I nodded and proceeded to cancel our reservation. By the time I hung up, our bags were in the van and the smiling driver was holding the door open. “Only twenty dollars and I take you right to your hotel.”

I help up my hand and shook my head. “Hold it. You said ten dollars, then five. What's with the change?”

He proceeded to explain that he'd thought the entire group would be coming and he couldn't take only two people clear across Denver for $5. each. The rest of the gals had already climbed on the Shuttle and it had driven off into the sunset.....er....bright, sunny sky....so we were stuck.

We climbed into the van and only then noticed a VERY scruffy man in unkempt clothes with at least two days growth of beard, was climbing in, as well. He slid into the seat directly behind us, and the driver slammed the door shut. I started thinking about the appearance of the van, and realized I'd only notice a small decal on the side, and the vehicle had seen better days. The locks clicked down and the driver walked around the van, heading for his seat. Something in my spirit rose up and waved a red flag, and dread clamped onto my stomach. Get out of here. Now. I didn't know if it was the Lord speaking a warning, or just the over active imagination of a writer, but I knew I wanted out of that van.

I turned to Lisa and whispered. “I have a very bad feeling about this. I don't think we should go.”
Continued tomorrow.......

Gathering of Christian Authors

If you live in or near Denver, you have got to come to this event. Next week I am going to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference signing books, along with an awesome list of other authors.

ACFW is a pretty big organization which promotes finely crafted Christian fiction. On Saturday over 100 Christian novelists will gather for a public booksigning.

Here's the particulars:

Date: September 19, 2009

Time: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Place:Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street.

You can buy the authors' books through the ACFW conference bookstore in the hotel.

Or bring copies you already own to have signed.

Here is a list of authors who will be there:

Carolyne Aarsen
Diane Ashley
Ruth Axtell Morren
Karen Ball
Rick Barry
Christina Berry
Lauralee Bliss
Diana Brandmeyer
Sandra Bricker
Margaret Brownley
Candace Calvert
Robin Caroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Colleen Coble
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Shirley Connolly
Margaret Daley
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Lena Nelson Dooley
Wanda Dyson
Leanna Ellis
Pamela Ewen
Miralee Ferrell
Linda Ford
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Judy Gann
Jeff Gerke
Rhonda Gibson
Debby Giusti
Sandra Glahn
Elizabeth Goddard
Winnie Griggs
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Lisa Harris
Mary Hawkins
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Denise Hunter
Annette Irby
Myra Johnson
Liz Johnson
Jenny Jones
Eileen Key
Laurie Kingery
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Loree Lough
Elizabeth Ludwig
Richard Mabry
Debbie Macomber
Joyce Magnin
Gail Gaymer Martin
Jude Martin-Urban
Debby Mayne
Aaron McCarver
Vickie McDonough
Dana Mentink
Robin Caroll
DiAnn Mills
Stephanie Morrill
Janelle Mowery
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Kevin Parsons
Golden Keyes Parsons
Donita K. Paul
Tracie Peterson
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Tara Randel
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Kim Sawyer
Marc Schooley
Michael Sheehan
Shelley Shepard Gray
Ann Shorey
Beth Shriver
Sandra Lee Smith
Virginia Smith
Betsy St. Amant
Therese Stenzel
Stuart Stockton
Alison Strobel
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice (Hanna) Thompson
Missy Tippens
Pamela Tracy
Carrie Turansky
Deborah Vogts
Jenness Walker
Dan Walsh
Susan May Warren
Michael Webb
Kit Wilkinson
Lisa Wingate
Beth Wiseman
Kimberley Woodhouse
Lenora Worth
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

Book Drawing...Give Away...!!! Tricia Goyer

I've been reading Tricia Goyer's Sunflower Serenade and enjoying this sweet story of a small town, its residents, the county fair and the country western singer who arrives and sets the town on its ear. Tricia weaves a story of gentle country life, but also more complex family relationships. I have an extra copy of this lovely, hard-cover book to give away. Here are the rules:

Leave a comment telling me if you've ever read any of Tricia's books, or any of the Guidepost series books, and you'll be entered in the drawing. If you want a second entry for another chance to have your name drawn, either link my blog to yours or follow my blog, and let me know that you did.

Here's a quick summary of the book again, in case you missed it on my earlier post.

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.

Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.

About Sunflower Serenade: A small-town summer...

The days are long and lazy, the corn is high, the sunflowers are in bloom, and everyone in Bedford is gearing up for the biggest event of the summer: the annual county fair. But when a Nashville music producer approaches Bob about using Heather Creek Farm to film a country star's new music video, he and Charlotte are faced with a dilemma. Will they allow the glamour and enticements of big-city life to encroach upon their peaceful home? Will the excitement of celebrity drown out the simple joys of summer?

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.

Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.

Link to buy book: http://www.guideposts.org/heathercreek/linked_pages/book7.html The books come in a series and you can order those at the link. However, if you just want to order Every Sunrise you must call the customer service number (1-800-431-2344). Please include this information in your post!

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of eighteen fiction and non-fiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. Tricia writes magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia also enjoys speaking. She and her family make their home in Montana.

Contest: Playing on one element of the book - big city entertainers vs. old county fair – the contest for this blog tour is City Girl Goes Country! Share your funniest story (about you or someone you know) about a time when you as the “city girl” goes to the country or “country girl” goes to the city. Enter the contest here: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunflower-serenade-blog-tour.html

Schedule: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/88-sunflower-serenade-blog-tour (please post this link in your blog tour post so your readers can follow along!)

8/17

Camy at Camy's Loft

http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

Christa at Christa Allan

http://cballan.wordpress.com

Wendy at Wendy's Book Corner

http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com

Deborah at Comfort Joy

http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/

8/18

Amy at Amy’s Random Thoughts

http://www.amychristopher.blogspot.com

Mikki at My Bible and a Cup of Coffee

http://mybibleandacupofcoffee.blogspot.com/

Amy at The 160 Acre Woods

http://the160acrewoods.com

8/19

Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart

http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com:80/

Margaret at The Cappuccino Life

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/profile/

Scoti at Springs Writers

http://www.springswriters.blogspot.com

8/20

Miralee at Miralee's Desk

http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com

Leticia at My Daily Trek

http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/

Sarah at Reborn Butterfly

http://www.rebornbutterfly.wordpress.com

8/21

Melodee at Actual Unretouched Photo

http://www.unretouchedphoto.com

Jennifer at Rundpinne

http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/

Laura at Lighthouse Academy

http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

8/22

Marta at Marta's Meanderings

http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life

http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com

Diane At Diane's Place

http://lenadianejennings.blogspot.com/

8/24

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food

http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

Amy at Sprightly-Amy Anne

http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com

Anita at the Authentic You

www.TheAuthenticYou.blogspot.com

Christy at Christy's Book Blog

http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/

8/25

Cindy at Cindy Stamps

www.cindystamps.blogspot.com

Kelly at His Helping Hands

http://kellykigginslund.blogspot.com/

Kate at A Simple Walk

http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/

8/26

Christine at A Dusty Frame

http://adustyframe.com/

Deena at A Peek at My Bookshelf

http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com

Sarah at Real Life

http://www.reallifeblog.net

8/27

Patty at Fresh Brewed Writer

http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/

Janice at The Nearsighted Bookworm

http://www.thenearsightedbookworm.blogspot.com

Kara at Ramblings-n-Writings

http://ramblings-n-writings.com

8/28

Suzanne at There's No Place Like Home h

http://clickingherheels.blogspot.com

Pamela at Aunt Pam's Closet

http://www.auntpamscloset.com

Pat at Why Didn't You Warn Me

http://www.whydidntyouwarnme.com

8/29

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood

http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com

Teresa at Joy in the Journey

http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com/

Jen at The Steeds

http://www.thesteeds.net

9/29

Lena Nelson at A Christian Writer's World

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

New Addition to the Family!

Nope, not a grandchild, as much as I wish that were true...although in a way, I guess I added a "grandchild" and a "daughter" all in the same day. Now hold on...you may be rolling your eyes and shaking your head. No. I'm not one of those women who pack their poodles around in their purse, dress their little Maltese in clothing, and baby talk to their dogs. Nope. Not me. But hey...my daughter got a puppy on the same day I did, so that comes close to being a grandchild, since she and her husband (my daughter, not the puppy, LOL!) have no intention of ever supplying said grandchild.

Lacey is my pup and she's the one on the left with her ears up...her sister Bella is very possessive of the stick (on the right) and got it first, but Lacey wanted to hold it too.

All right, enough goofing off. I'm tired, it's time for bed, but I really want to brag on our two little girls. Sisters they are...and a breed I NEVER thought I'd ever own...same with my daughter and her husband. In fact, both our husbands have been just a bit horrified...no, that's too strong...shocked. You see, we've always owned big dogs...German Shepherds, Labs, a big mutt, and the smallest we've ever owned is my current dog, a Border Collie (shown above checking out the competition). I've never considered a little dog, but we saw these puppies and couldn't resist. Actually, I was shopping for a small breed, as our old guy is getting up in age, and I decided it would be fun to have a dog I could cuddle, as I spend so much time at my computer. My daughter went along for the ride, and fell in love with one of the little girls I'd gone to see. We made the owner a 'two for one' offer, and she agreed.

Admit it, Chihuahua or not, they're darling!!! (and of course, all you Chihuahua lovers will be saying Of course they are!)