Wednesday Spotlight with Linda Swift

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! I am pleased and honored to have my good friend and award-winning author Linda Swift in the house today.

I am looking forward to chatting with Linda about her newly released book THIS TIME FOREVER as it is Linda’s first historical novel and promises to be a book charged with emotion that will pull at your heart strings. With no further ado, let’s have a warm welcome for Linda Swift.

With a breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the beautiful antebellum mansion is nestled deep in the lush forest of Tennessee.  White pine, oak and dogwood shade the manor, and  laurel and rhododendron-lined trails lead to the wrap-around verandah.  A slight breeze rustles through the trees, stirring the sweet fragrance of lilies of the valley, daisies and English primroses. A yellow rose garden and gazebo add to the charm of the mansion. With a clomping of hooves, a horse-drawn carriage arrives to drop off Linda. Oliver, donned as a Southern gentleman in black trousers and red jacket, presents Linda, eloquently dressed as a Southern Belle in pale yellow satin and sun bonnet, with a bouquet of yellow roses.

For you, my sweet, allow me the pleasure of escorting you into the parlor.

Linda: For me? Thank you, dear Oliver. My favorite color and a perfect match to my gown. She gives Oliver a radiant smile as she takes the bouquet and buries her face in the lovely flowers, inhaling their intoxicating fragrance. She lifts her head and places her dainty hand on Oliver's proffered arm and they walk slowly toward the mansion.

Sharon, dressed in green satin, sits in waiting on the claw-leg cream-colored sofa.  A Baby Grand piano is in the corner and  Elvis’s My Way plays on the victrola.

Sharon hugs her friend. Linda, how are you, m’dear? Have a seat while Oliver tends to refreshments.

Linda: Sharon, dear friend, how lovely to see you again. And I am delighted to see you looking so well. And beautiful, I must add. Your gown is so becoming with your fair complexion. And what a magnificent home you have. It reminds me of Whitehaven.

Sharon: Thank you for the kind compliment, Linda. Might I say the same about you. You look so lovely.

Oliver materializes, pushing a silver caddy. He winks at Linda and pumps his biceps. With a sweeping bow, he presents a pitcher of  pina coladas swimming with strawberries and bananas, along with a tray of rye crackers smothered with cream cheese, chopped olives and pecans. He pours some of the tantalizing concoction into a glass for Linda. Gazing into her eyes, he spreads the cheese on a cracker and plops it into Linda’s mouth.

Linda: She gives him a coquettish smile as she swallows.  Ummmm. Delicious. She takes the fragile crystal glass he proffers and sighs happily. My favorite drink. You do know how to please a Southern girl, Oliver.

Sharon stares at her empty glass. I wouldn’t mind sampling one of those cocktails and scrumptious appetizers, Oliver.

Oliver: Sure thing, boss lady, I made plenty. Knock yourself out.

Sharon serves herself and scows at her butler. You’re not much of a Southern gentleman. Don’t you have work to do? Run along so that I can talk to Linda.

Oliver leaves, blowing kisses.

Sharon: This Time Forever is your first historical. How interesting. What made you decide on this genre?

Linda: I've always wanted to write historicals. It just took me a while to get started. I shied away from all the research required and felt I might not be able to write with authenticity. And there's nothing worse than a book written in a past time period with contemporary words or use of things not in existence then.

Sharon: I so agree, Linda. Research is so vital to a book. Tell me about the research for this book.

Linda: I had to read a stack of history books before I began writing. And throughout the months that the work was in progress, I frequently referred to them.  I knew what I wanted to happen but I often had to stop and read about that particular battle or a medical procedure or custom in order to get the facts right. I sometimes wove a particularly moving event into my story. An example was when the Northern and Southern armies were camped adjacent to each other, and that Christmas Eve night they began singing. Each side could hear the other's plaintive songs. I'm getting chills just remembering this.

Sharon: Apparently you did your homework well, my friend. I just got word that THIS TIME FOREVER won book of the week at LASR. Congratulations, what an honor.

Thunderous applause explodes through cyberspace as Linda graciously smiles

Sharon: Along with so much heartache in the book, this is a romance that will be certain to evoke emotion from readers. Tell us about the hero and heroine of the story.

Linda: Philip was a very moral person with strong ideals about serving his fellow man. He had a fiancée in his hometown and a very caring family whom he loved. Against his will, he came to love Clarissa more than all else. Clarissa was the typical Southern belle but she grew to be a woman of strength. Unfortunately, she had a brutish husband and child and felt duty bound to stay in her marriage. The story includes the struggle of Philip and Clarissa to find happiness together in spite of all the obstacles.

Sharon: As you wrote this book, what went through your head? Did you feel a connection to your characters and their love for one another?

Linda: Oh, yes. I was a part of their lives. I suffered right along with them. After I wrote for a few hours, I would be "wrung out" emotionally. It was fortunate my husband was away on a consulting job while I wrote much of the book because I was so focused on these characters and events that I found it difficult to get back into the real world every day. And strangely enough, the saddest part of the book for me was the scene where a minor character died in battle. I knew he had to die, but his actual death in a cold, muddy field seemed to epitomize the whole tragic war. And another scene I can't forget even now was when one of the aristocratic sons came home from the war horribly disfigured to face his unsuspecting family and their immediate reaction.

Oliver appears with dessert and peach ice tea. With a beguiling smile, he cuts a huge slice of coconut cream pie and spoon feeds a bite to Linda.

Linda: She closes her eyes in ecstasy as she tastes the delicacy. Ah, thank you, Oliver. There's nothing like something sweet to take your mind off gloom and doom. She eyes him appreciatively.

Reaching into the panel of his jacket, Oliver pulls out his hot off the press  copy of THIS TIME FOREVER

Linda, my lovely belle, might I have the honor of your autograph, please? He hands her a feather pen.

Linda: She eyes the pen and smiles. How quaint. And how like you to attend to even minute details like this. And of course, dear Oliver, I am honored to sign my book just for you. I'm going to add a personal note of gratitude also.  Sharon, I wonder if you know how very blessed you are to have Oliver at your beck and call. But of course you do.

Sharon: He has his moments. Sadly, my friend, we’re just about out of time. Before you go, can you share with me a favorite legend or quote, please.

Linda: This one by Saint Augustine comes first to my mind and I try to live by it. "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."

Sharon: Thank you, I’ll treasure that one close to my heart. Thank you so much for a delightful visit, Linda. Tell us where we can buy THIS TIME FOREVER

Linda: The ebook is available from my publisher, Champagne Books.

http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=483

And from Amazon.com at this link.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=This+Time+Forever+by+Linda+Swift&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3AThis+Time+Forever+by+Linda+Swift&ajr=0

The print book will also be available in August from these sources.

 Blurb:

The Civil War brought casualties beyond the bloody battlefields as North fought South. Philip Burke, against his family's wishes, volunteered to defend the Union and became a prisoner of war who bartered his medical expertise to remain out of prison. When the Union Army invaded Tennessee, Clarissa Wakefield's antebellum mansion became

a Confederate hospital. Philip was placed in charge and against propriety she volunteered to stay on and help nurse the wounded. Clarissa's husband was a Confederate soldier and Philip'sfiancée waited for him in Oswego but the fire between them soon raged out of control.

As the opposing armies fought for possession of Chattanooga, Clarissa and Philip faced their own battle. Caught in the passions of war and love, with hurt inevitable

either way, would they be faithful to their vows or listen to their hearts?

Excerpt: (The first meeting of Philip and Clarissa)

Darkness came early at this time of year and Whitehaven was ablazewith lights when the first wagons filled with weary soldiers reached the city.

Everything was in readiness—the elegant furniture had been moved to the

second floor and attic, carpets had been rolled up and stored in the carriage house, and rows of cots lined the walls of the downstairs rooms. Pitchers, pans, and basins had been collected and stacks of bandages and other medical supplies filled the dining room sideboard. And in the kitchen soup simmered in every available pot and loaves of freshly baked bread were piled high on the table.

Harriet, Luke and the other slaves, having been informed of the new status of Whitehaven, waited with trepidation to learn what the conversion would bring. And the Wakefield women, their assigned tasks successfully completed, waited in the upstairs foyer, now serving as a small sitting room.

They wore dark mousseline traveling dresses and their portmanteaus and trunks were packed for the night’s journey to Fleur-de-Lis.Voices in the lower hallway announced the arrival of Josiah and the first of the Confederate visitors, and the women stopped their talking to eavesdrop unabashedly on the men’s conversation.

“Welcome to Whitehaven, Lieutenant Johnson.”

“Thank you, Mister Wakefield. Words cannot say how much we appreciate the use of your home as one of our hospitals.”

“It’s the least I can do, Lieutenant. I have two sons fighting for the cause, and lost a fine son-in-law at Antietam.”

“Ah, yes, I’m sorry for your loss, sir.” After a short pause the voice continued. “The wagons will be arriving momentarily so would you like to show Captain Burke and me the arrangements you’ve made before the sick

are brought in?”

The conversation faded as Josiah conducted a brief tour of the rooms below, then sent one of the servants to invite the ladies to join them in the lower hallway as Luke served the men glasses of whiskey.

“Oh, dear, must we?” Florence smoothed her hair and looked alarmed at facing the new tenants of Whitehaven.”

“Only for a moment, Mother,” Lydia said, “And then I’m sure Father will arrange for us to leave before those pathetic men arrive.”

With a resigned sigh, Florence followed Lydia down the stairs.

“This is so exciting,” Angeline whispered to her sister. “Just like the newspaper stories. Are you coming?”

“In a moment.” Instructing Polly to get Robert and Beau ready for their journey, Clarissa was the last to join the group at the foot of the curvedstairway where Josiah was completing the introductions of the other women.

“And this is my daughter-in-law, Mrs. Malcolm Wakefield. Ladies, may I present Lieutenant Johnson and Captain Burke?”

Clarissa made a slight curtsey to the lieutenant as he took herproffered hand and bowed politely.

“My pleasure, madam.”

Then she extended her hand part way toward the captain before she saw that he wore a faded Federal uniform. She stopped and glanced uncertainly at Lieutenant Johnson.

“Captain Burke is a Confederate prisoner, ma’am,” he told her, “but you have nothing to fear. He is also a surgeon and will be in charge of the hospital here.”

“Oh, I see.” Unsure what protocol dictated, again she tentatively extended her hand. It was taken with a touch so gentle she would not have felt it except for the tremor that passed between them at the contact, causing

her to look up into the most penetrating eyes she had ever seen.

For a long moment they stood, warm brown eyes lost in the depths of cool deep blue, then the captain made a visible effort to break the spell andspoke softly. "Charmed."

Bio:

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She is an award winning author of published poetry, articles, short stories, and a TV play. She has worked in public education as a teacher, counselor, and psychometrist.

Her first books were published by Kensington. She currently has available eight ebooks (six in print) including a book of prose poems and also one short story. She has two books of fiction, a Haiku collection, and two short stories to be released later in 2011.

Linda's latest book is THIS TIME FOREVER from Champagne Books. For more information, she invites you to visit her website at www.lindaswift.net

Countdown to Christmas with Linda Swift

Hello and welcome to Day 24 of my Countdown to Christmas Blog. Today’s featured guest is Linda Swift. Linda is in the kitchen with Oliver to share a recipe that stirs memories of friendship. And with the holly wreaths in the windows, snow on the panes and the twinkle lights from the Douglas Fir all a twinkle, Oliver, donned in his Santa cap, sets out the ingredients for Linda’s holiday treats. After placing them on the table and pumping his biceps at Linda with a wicked wink, he sings to her.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow…”

And now that we are all warm and toasty and with the spirit of Christmas all around us, here’s Linda to entice us with a tasty treat for the holiday. Enjoy!

Recipe: PEOPLE CHOW
Melt together:
1 6 oz. package chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
Add:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pour above mixture over:
8 cups Cheerios
Stir until evenly coated
2 or 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
Pour into large paper or plastic bag and add coated cereal. Shake gently to coat
with sugar. Spread on waxed paper and cool completely. Store in airtight container.

This recipe was given to me by a woman who became a dear friend while we both were
living in adjacent log cabins outside Oswego, NY when our husbands were start-up
engineers at a nearby power plant. I make this every holiday and it reminds me of
a cold, cold winter and a warm friendship.

Sharon and Oliver agree the treats are out of this world. As the snow deepens, they bid Linda a farewell and wish her a Merry Christmas. Oliver, always the perfect gentleman, helps her on with her coat and scarf. And not one to pass up a tradition or an opportunity, he steals yet another kiss under the mistletoe!
Merry Christmas!

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She has been writing since she was ten and is an award winning author of published poetry, articles, short stories, and a TV play. Her first two books were published by Kensington. In addition to her holiday e-book, Let Nothing You Dismay, Linda also has Circle of Love available as an e-book and in print from The Wild Rose Press.

Linda's Awe-Struck Publishing books include Single Status, available as an e-book and in print.

Another holiday book, The 12 Days of Christmas, will be released in
December and her first published historical, in 2010.

Countdown to Christmas with Linda Swift

Hello and welcome to Day 17 of my Countdown to Christmas Blog! Today’s featured guest is Linda Swift. Linda is here to chat with us about her Christmas book
LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY

And before Oliver brings Linda out to the parlour where it is really beginning to look a lot like Christmas, here’s a blurb and excerpt from
Let Nothing You Dismay

Blurb:
Kala’s position as tour guide at a Kentucky Welcome Center isn’t enough to cope with debts left by her late husband’s illness, but she manages to make ends meet until her car quits running. To save money on repairs, she enrolls in an auto-mechanic class taught by Rex, a handsome part-time instructor whose heart needs repairing, too After recently losing his important job and family, he has sworn never to get involved with another woman.

Kala discounts her growing attraction to Rex when she learns he is years younger, until the winter storm of the century throws them together. When the Interstate closes down, Kala opens her home to a houseful of strangers.

Despite fire, flood and friction, she creates an old fashioned holiday rich in the true spirit of Christmas. In the process, Kala and Rex discover the greatest gift of love.

Excerpt Refusing the offer of a ride, Rex put on his coat, preparing for the grueling trek back to his hotel. Kala walked him to the front door and stepped out onto the dark porch, already covered in a fine layer of white from blowing snow. “Come for pancakes and sausage in the morning,” she shivered in spite of her bulky knit sweater. “About eight or anytime after.”

Without thinking, Rex opened his jacket and wrapped her up inside, folding her into his embrace. Instinctively, Kala lifted her face and his mouth covered hers. The kiss, which began as a friendly goodbye, took on momentum as he deepened it into a hungry tangling of tongues when she responded. The effect left them both breathless when they finally pulled apart. “Maybe,” Rex whispered, before he plunged into the drifts and disappeared in darkness.

Kala stood there for a moment, touching her lips with her fingertips, wanting to call after him, “Don’t go. I need you. I…I love you.” Love? Stunned by the unexpected realization, she hurried inside. She had guests to feed. She didn’t have time to worry over Rex now; her feelings would have to wait until later.

Although his feet were numb with cold, Rex plowed with dogged determination toward his apartment, wishing his mind were as frozen as his limbs. He could have stayed. So why did he invent an excuse not to? Because being with Kala, even with a houseful of people, would be too tempting. She made him lose control, forget his resolve. Like kissing her just now, the taste of her lingered on his lips. He wanted her, he admitted to himself candidly, in a way he never intended to want anyone again. And wanting her scared the hell out of him. She wasn’t the kind of woman to have a casual fling, and he wasn’t sure he was willing or capable of offering anything more. He saw the lights of the Ritz ahead and quickened his pace. He’d make a stiff drink and think about his feelings later.

Sharon: Let’s have a warm welcome for Linda Swift! Wow, talk about heating things up on a cold winter’s night! I love it. This is on my TBR wish list. Did you hear that, Oliver?

Oliver struts out, humming. His cheeks rosy from the cold, paper rustles as he unwraps his parcel, his hot off the press copy of Let Nothing You Dismay. Ignoring Sharon, he whips out his trusty pen and hands it to Linda. "I stood in line all morning for this book. Would you do me the honor of signing it, please?

Linda: I'd be delighted to sign this for you, Oliver. Here we go. She gives him a warm smile, then writes as she says aloud, To my dear friend Oliver with my best wishes for a happy holiday.

Sharon: Picks up empty bag, turns it upside down and frowns. I guess you left my copy under the tree perhaps?

Oliver swaggers off, still humming, turning to wink at Linda.

Sharon: Oliver, if you could control yourself, some hot tea and cookies might be nice. Well, anyway, Linda, you have a dedicated fan in Oliver! So tell us about Kala and Rex. What is the age difference between them?

Linda: About thirteen years, which wouldn't seem as much if she were the younger. Double standard, you know.

Sharon: What do you think of a relationship with a huge age gap, either male or female being older?

Linda: I have no problem with it, although I'm less than a year younger than my husband. I've seen some beautiful love matches with huge differences, many with older women. But it usually means one will live many lonely years without the other.

Oliver pushes the sterling silver tray out, pours steaming tea in the cups and unveils his one and only chocolate fudge pie. He slices Linda a huge piece and feeds it to her, his eyes glazing over as she licks the fork.

Linda:This is heavenly. How did you know I'm a chocoholic, Oliver?

Sharon: Oliver? About those presents you were to be wrapping?

Oliver struts off, grinning and pumping his biceps.

Sharon: I love the fact Kala, wanting to save money on auto repairs, enrolls in a class. What a novel place for your romantic hero and heroine to meet. What made you think of that? Any special behind the scenes reason?

Linda:Not really. I personally don't know how to do anything to a car except drive it. But this story is set in an actual Interstate Welcome Center in my hometown, just as I describe it. And my son-in-law is currently working on a video for this book, using real photos that I made there. We have a community and technical college nearby and my husband were taking dance classes at the college as I was writing the book so it all came together somehow. I don't question how the muse works, I just accept it.

Sharon: And then there is the winter storm of the century. National disasters have a way of pulling people together, bringing out the best in folks. And Kala is no exception. How would you describe her personality?

Linda:To answer your question, Kala is a coper. New word here? She is a strong woman, the backbone of her family, a wise and nurturing person. But she is temporarily overwhelmed by the loss of her beloved husband. And I don't know if you will remember that last winter, Paducah really did have the storm of the century. But the book came first!

Sharon: And Rex? He seems to have taken a vow to never get involved again. But when the right person comes along, all bets are off. Do you believe in fate and destiny?

Linda:Absolutely. And isn't it reassuring to think that even when we are not aware of it, a plan for our life is in effect and surely all things are working together for good?

Sharon: Absolutely. Christmas is a time for hope and a time when wishes come true. What is your special wish this Christmas?

Linda: I wish for our country and the world to be a more peaceful place. Do I get two wishes? I also wish for a more positive outlook for the homeless and jobless around us.

Sharon: Amen to that, on both counts. Raises her cup for a toast. Well, we are really getting close to the final days before Christmas. Thank you so very much for being with us today. But before you go, tell us where we can buy Let Nothing You Dismay and your other books?

Linda: Let Nothing You Dismay is available now at The Wild Rose Press. Circle of Love is also available there as an ebook and in print. The Twelve Days of Christmas is being released by Awe-Struck Publishing this month and they have just released Single Status. Here are the buy URLs for both. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/let-nothing-you-dismay-p-1080.html and
http://www.awe-struck.net/
Thank you so much for having me as your guest, Sharon. It's been delightful to see you and Oliver again. And I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season.

But suddenly, the parlour rings with static from the Christmas carols softly playing in the background. Then realization dawns. It’s Oliver, sitting at the Baby Grand, singing his heart out, his eyeballs glued to Linda.

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy,
Comfort and joyyyyyyyy!

He takes a sweeping bow, dashes to Linda with the mistletoe and holding it high above her head, steals his third kiss.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She has been writing since she was ten and is an award winning author of published poetry, articles, short stories, and a TV play. Her first two books were published by Kensington. In addition to her holiday e-book, Let Nothing You Dismay, Linda also has Circle of Love available as an e-book and in print from The Wild Rose Press. Linda's Awe-Struck Publishing books include Single Status, available as an e-book and in print. Another holiday book, The 12 Days of Christmas, will be released in December and her first published historical in 2010.

Countdown to Christmas with Linda Swift

Hello and welcome to Day 13 of my Countdown to Christmas Blog. Today’s featured guest is Linda Swift. Linda is here to chat with us about

• THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

But before Linda joins us in the parlour amidst the twinkle lights and bristly pine tree, here’s a blurb and excerpt from this delightful Christmas story.

Blurb:

Leigh and Russell have not seen each other in years when they come to Kentucky to spend the holidays with Leigh’s grandmother Amelia. Russell’s own grandmother lived next door until her death and they had been in love before Russell left for college. Leigh waited for his return but to her disappointment, he never came back.

When they meet again, the attraction between them is stronger than before but many complications exist. Leigh’s husband and young son were killed in an accident in upstate New York. She blamed herself for her son’s death and vows never to be a mother again. She left her elementary school teaching job and moved to Florida where she now sells real estate. Russell is a successful building contractor in Arizona, a divorced father of two, whose wife just remarried and will be moving overseas. She has offered custody of their girls, four and eleven, to him and he must decide now.

When Russell asks Leigh to marry him, she thinks he needs a mother for his children and doesn’t want the job. Will he be willing to say no to custody in order to get Leigh to say yes? Can she become Russell’s wife if it means depriving him of his beloved daughters?

Excerpt:

The Twelve Days of Christmas

A few scattered snowflakes were falling as they walked the now familiar route toward the university. When they passed beneath the street light, Russell caught the fleeting glimpse of crystal droplets in Leigh’s hair as he reached out to touch her arm, slowing her steps until she stopped and faced him.

“Leigh, there’s something I want to tell you.”

She met his eyes in the dim glow but remained silent.

“I love you. I always have.” His hands reached out and held her arms gently. “I never expected to have this chance again and I don’t intend to make the same mistake twice. I want you to marry me.” He heard her soft intake of breath and waited what seemed an eternity before she answered.

“I’m sorry, Russell. I can’t.

After a moment of silence, he asked, “Is it your husband? Are you still being loyal to his memory?”
“No, it isn’t. . . ” she let the words trail off

“If not that, then what, Leigh? Tell me.”

“I can’t explain. It’s too complicated

“Leigh, please don’t deny us this second chance to be together. I need you and I think you need me.”

Available Now:
http://www.awe-struck.net/

Let’s have a warm welcome for Linda Swift!

Sharon: Thank you for joining us today. Oliver, we’re ready for refreshments.

Oliver swaggers out, donned in his Santa hat, pushing a silver caddy full of steaming tea and coffee. Winking wildly at Linda, he breaks into song.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Three French hens, two turtle does and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeeeeeeee!

He takes a sweeping bow and arranges two dainty teacups and unveils a platter of scones, gingerbread boys and sugar cookies. He grins his bone-melting smile. “Coffee, tea or me?”

Linda: Well…She gives him an admiring glance. That's a hard choice to make. Seeing Sharon's frown, she hastily answers I'll have tea, please and under her breath adds, for now.) And you do have a great voice, Oliver. Have you thought of singing on a talent show? Sharon frowns again. In your spare time, of course.

Oliver whips out his certificate proving he did indeed appear on American Idol.

Sharon: Oliver, run along. Don’t you have more baking to do?

Sharon: Sigh. He can’t help himself. So, Linda. I love the sound of this book. Tell us about your main characters, Leigh and Russell.

Linda: Leigh has never dealt with her grief over the loss of her husband and son. And she blames herself for her little boy being with his father when the accident occurred. She has tried to run away from her pain but it isn't working. And Russell is also hurting from the breakup of his marriage and the loss of his daughters. But when given a chance to reclaim them, he's afraid to take it. Then Leigh and Russell meet and realize they still love each other but now their goals are at odds and the situation seems hopeless.

Sharon: A book about second chances. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? All things anew. Do you believe in second chances?

Linda: Oh, very much so. It's never too late to begin anew. Everyone makes mistakes and we can learn from them and move on. And if we are very lucky, like Leigh and Russell, we have a chance to start over and get it right.

Sharon: Why the title? The Twelve Days of Christmas?

Linda: I like to use the title or a line from a familiar Christmas song for my holiday books. And somehow the idea came to have Leigh's plane ticket for twelve days correlate with this song. I don't struggle to find titles for my work. I create a story and in the process, a title usually presents itself. I don't question where it comes from!

Sharon: That’s great. So many authors struggle with book titles. So tell me, do you have any fond memories of this delightful Christmas song?

Linda: No, I don't have any special connection with this song other than it's one of my favorites and I can remember it always being a part of the Christmas music I listen to and enjoy.

Sharon: And a catchy tune at that! How will you spend Christmas this year?

Linda: My husband and I will be in our condo in Florida and our son, daughter, her husband and our granddog plan to come down from Nashville for the week. We are looking forward to that as we usually spend the holiday without family there with us.

Sharon clasps her hands together and laughs a deep belly laugh. A granddog! I love it! Now, as you know, traditions are very special to me. What is your favorite Christmas tradition, one you passed on to your children from previous generations?

Linda: On Christmas Eve, we always had dinner, then drove around the town and looked at holiday lights. Afterwards, we read the story of Christ's birth from Matthew and had light refreshments. And when the children were older and wiser we opened gifts. During the Santa Claus years, we waited for gift opening until early Christmas Day. I am an only child and my family also followed this tradition from my early childhood.

Sharon: Those are lovely traditions. And how would you like to be remembered when you leave this earth? What footprint would you like to leave as your very own?

Linda: I'd like to answer that with a poem I wrote a long time ago called Immortality.
I would like to leave
a little bit of me
that you can see
and say
she passed this way.

I like to think my books may be part of what I leave to be remembered by.

Sharon: What a beautiful poem, Linda. Thanks for sharing. And finally, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could star in any literary fiction, which would it be and why? And last but not least, who would you want playing your romantic hero?

Linda: I'd like to live in a village in England in summer but I'd want to come home to Florida in winter or perhaps some place warm in Europe. I've always been a nomad.
I love the old classic movies and I have always wanted to be part of the old South and live in an antebellum mansion, so I'd choose Gone With The Wind. And who better to play Rhett than Clark Gable. But as Miss Scarlett, I'd rewrite the script and make sure he did "give a damn." Don't laugh, but I once owned half a horse and I named her Miss Scarlett.

Oliver struts out, returning from the book store with his copy of The Twelve Days of Christmas. If I might be so bold as to have your autograph, Ms. Swift?

Linda: Oh please, Oliver, do call me Linda. And I'm flattered to sign your copy of my book.
Let's see. She pauses and then writes slowly as she reads aloud. To my dear friend Oliver with fond regards. How's that?

Oliver swoons off, singing The Twelve Days of Christmas, but not before stealing a kiss under the mistletoe he held over Linda’s head.

Sharon: Thank you so very much for joining us today, Linda. Where can readers buy this book and your other books?

Linda: Oh, do give me a moment for my head to stop spinning. There. The Twelve Days of Christmas will be released by Awe-Struck Publishing any day now, and I have another contemporary book just released there called Single Status. My other holiday book, Let Nothing You Dismay, is available from the Wild Rose Press. And I have Circle of Love also available from TWRP.

Book Title: THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (to be released in December)
Buy URL:
http://www.awe-struck.net/comingsoon.html

Sharon: Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Oliver rushes out blasting his horn with a major announcement. "The Twelve Days of Christmas is now available, hot off the press as of yesterday!" Get your copy in time for a holiday stocking stuffer!"

http://www.awe-struck.net/

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She
has been writing since she was ten and is an award winning author of published poetry,
articles, short stories, and a TV play. Her first two books were published by Kensington.
In addition to her holiday e-book, Let Nothing You Dismay, Linda also has Circle
of Love available as an e-book and in print from The Wild Rose Press.
Linda's Awe-Struck Publishing books include Single Status, available as an e-book
and in print. Another holiday book, The 12 Days of Christmas, will be released in
December and her first published historical in 2010.

Countdown to Christmas with Linda Swift

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of my Countdown to Christmas blog! Today’s featured guest is Linda Swift. Linda is going to share with us a family memory near and dear to her heart. And with the twinkle lights all aglow in the parlour, the cherry log in the hearth and the snow falling on the bristly pine needles outside, Oliver, donned in his Santa cap, arranges tea and cookies, humming Let it snow let it snow let it snow. And when the doorbell rings, off he runs to greet Linda, his heart all a flutter.

Sharon: Welcome, Linda! Have a seat in front of the fireplace and take the chill out. Oliver pours tea, winking to Linda as he continues humming Let it snow.
Sharon: And while we sip on our tea and sample Oliver’s oven-fresh sugar cookies, Linda has a beautiful Christmas story to share with us.

With the backdrop of snowflakes swirling down on the bristly pine needles, Linda tells us her beautiful Christmas story.

My Best Christmas Present

As my children grew older, the Christmas season gradually became a marathon I began running right after Halloween. There were school and church functions, family gatherings, a house to decorate, festive food to prepare and shopping for gifts. No longer believing in Santa, the “want list” included specific brand names, colors and whatever the current fads were. (these sometimes changed after the requested items were bought.)

Gift buying had become so complicated that I was designated to shop for my children’s gifts from my parents and grandmother as well as my husband and self. One Christmas Eve, my daughter stood empty handed outside the last department store on the block. She had asked for clothes this year and after searching all afternoon, still hadn’t found what she wanted.

“You have to buy something,” I said desperately. “We have to spend Grandmother’s gift money.”

“I didn’t see anything I want.” She looked near tears. “I can buy something later.”

“No, you can’t,” I raised my voice. “We have to put something under the tree.”

“Well, I’m not buying something I don’t want,” she shot back. “That is not what Christmas is all about. This is Christ’s birthday, not mine.”

We stood a moment in the cold wind, glaring at each other, and I suddenly realized the truth of what my daughter had said. I put an arm around her.

“Okay, let’s go home.”

I don’t remember how we explained to my mother the lack of a tangible gift under the tree. But I do remember that on the way home we discussed the way we would handle Christmases from this time forward. There would be no more marathon shopping sprees or pressure to spend money just to satisfy the gift-giving syndrome the merchants would have us think exemplifies the spirit of Christmas.

We decided to introduce our plan now for the following year and give the grandparents time to get used to the idea. Feeling no gifts would be unacceptable, we suggested a token gift exchange, with each family member buying for the others. Since little money would be involved, a bad choice would not be disastrous. And each person would have a special celebration on his or her own birthday with larger gifts if they chose.

Even with prior notice, it was not an easy transition for them. As the next holiday season approached, they began talking of the usual large gifts. My daughter and I gently reminded them of the new rules and encouraged them to go shopping early. And me? I wandered through the stores, watching those harried mothers rushing about, arms loaded with packages. And I wanted to stop them and remind them that this was not what Christmas was all about. It had taken a stubborn teen-age daughter to teach me the lesson and in so doing, she gave me the best Christmas gift I ever had. And to this day, every season, I enjoy her gift again.

Sharon: That is a very beautiful and heart-warming story, Linda. And you have a special author’s note you would like to add. Please tell us.

Linda: My daughter continued to grow into a beautiful spiritual woman who blesses the lives of her family and others and still teaches me lessons today. Not surprisingly, she now has a website called More Blessed Than Stressed

I invite you to visit the link below to meet her:
http://www.moreblessedthanstressed.com/noframes.asp?f=features.html

Sharon: That’s beautiful, Linda. I will be sure to pay your daughter’s website a visit. Thank you for sharing and for reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas. I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Oliver, a tear in his eye, packs a box of sugar cookies for Linda for teaching him a lesson. He bids her farewell, but not without stealing a kiss under the mistletoe!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She
has been writing since she was ten and is an award winning author of published poetry,
articles, short stories, and a TV play. Her first two books were published by Kensington.
In addition to her holiday e-book, Let Nothing You Dismay, Linda also has Circle
of Love available as an e-book and in print from The Wild Rose Press.
Linda's Awe-Struck Publishing books include Single Status, available as an e-book
and in print. Another holiday book, The 12 Days of Christmas, will be released in
December and her first published historical in 2010.