Rachel Harlin: November's Contest

Saturday, November 7, 2009

November's Contest

The book for November's contest is...

I first was turned onto the retelling of fairytales a couple years back. I devoured them. I'm so used to Disney's retellings that I figured that's the way the stories went. And I have never actaually read a lot of the originals. But I ran across retelling and fell in love! This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and I love that story anyway. This was artfully done. The heroine in this book is not really all that beautiful, and perhaps that's one reason I love it so much!

This month is November, and while this isn't a book on Thanksgiving, to enter, just leave me a comment and tell me your favorite Thanksgiving memory. I love memories and love hearing about other people's too! So tell me what you love the most about Thanksgiving, or a favorite memory, or whatever you want to tell me about Thanksgiving. The contest will end November 30th at midnight and I'll post the winner on the December 1st.

I have also included a contest list on my sidebar so you can click on it to find the contest post each month. I look forward to hearing from you! Gobble, gobble!

16 comments:

GardinerGang said...: Comment by Tanya Gardiner

Some of my most fondest memories of Thanksgiving is going around the table and each person telling what they are thankful for. Another classic is looking under our chairs to see which people had stickers, thus landing you in the dishes. I absolutely love pumpkin pie, in fact I have that for my birthday instead of cake. I love this time of season, and I am so thankful for all of my blessings.; November 7, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Elizabeth Morgan said...: My favorite Thanksgiving is last year. We got to travel to Califorina and see lots of family that we don't see very often. It was a really fun and exciting week to be with all of the different family members. We got to have a big party at my aunts house and there were lots of people. It was very exciting.; November 9, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Unknown said...: I'm excited to read Beauty, but the way. Great suggestion! Okay, my favorite Thanksgiving memory is a humorous one. My father was known for reaching out to all kinds of people. He invited an elderly woman to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. Well, let's just say she was a little "off." She accused the Mormon missionary's, also at dinner, of being FBI agents and trying to break into her house from her roof. (They were actually fixing a leak.) And then just before pie, she stood up and pointed fingers at all of us, reached into her bra, pulled out some cash and then accused all of us of stealing her money. We sat in silence. Stunned. Dad did his best to pull her back to reality. And then we ate pumpkin pie. Oh, what fun that dinner was. More entertainment than the football game for sure! --Jodi Robinson, Author, "Women of Virtue"; November 11, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Rachel Harlin said...: What great memories, everyone! And, Jodi, I think yours might even top mine! That's hillarious! (Only because it didn't actually happen to me, I'm sure!) :); November 11, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Cami Checketts said...: What a fun giveaway. I love being with family most and eating turkey is second!

Are you still planning on giving a book away for my October fitness contest? If you would please e-mail me camichecketts(at)yahoo(dot)com, I could tell you the winner.

Thanks!; November 12, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...: My grandfather was married three times, and had many descendants from each marriage. This was after the days of polygamy - he lost the first to divorce and the second to death. Anyway, his third wife, bless her heart, cooked huge Thanksgiving dinners every year. She fed the "first" family on Wednesday and the "second" family on Thursday. (I think the "third" family fed her on Friday - she deserved it.) Anyway, she would set up a long table that extended from the living room, through the family room, and nearly to the kitchen. I remember sitting at the table, barely able to see the end from where I was. Cousins were everywhere. Those were the days.; November 12, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Anonymous said...: My favorite Thanksgiving was several years ago when my husband and I voluntered at a Salvation Army in Apache Junction, AZ. We helped serve and clean up afterward and fell in love with the Chaplin and his wife and their tiny flock. It turned out to be a big blessing for us as we voluntered different tasks through out the next year, including taking part in their chapel service where I was blessed to sing specials for them.

Although not LDS at the time, we were serving a mission and had many opportunities to give testimony of Jesus Christ.
Barbara B; November 12, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Jewel's Gems said...: Being from a family that gives new meaning to the word dysfunctional, I really didn't gain any great Thanksgiving memories until after I got married and had my own family. Half of my children are grown and out on their own, so being able to come together for that day is a blessing I will always treasure, And any day that celebrates food is okay in my book:-); November 13, 2009 at 4:48 AM
Michele Holmes said...: Beauty is one of my all time favorite books.

As for favorite Thanksgiving memories . . . a few years ago we hosted the event at our humble home. It was crazy and crowded---and a ton of fun. My sister (thirteen years my junior) came, and I celebrated the holiday with her for the first time in 20 years.; November 13, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Judy said...: I love memories also, and the older we get, the more the memories are savored. We, as a family, have always for Thanksgiving gotten together for a huge meal, football of course, and just enjoying being together and all the new members ( babies, boyfriend, spouses, etc).
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!; November 13, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Rachel Harlin said...: These are some great memories!!! I love them!; November 13, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Diony said...: Thanksgiving is such a warm and homey feel-good holiday, that its hard to pick out just one favorite memory...probably it was two years ago. On that particular Thanksgiving just our immediate family celebrated together. Each of the kids made a dish, my husband made the turkey and I made the pies. Dinner wasn't stressful because we all helped, we ate off paper plates so clean-up was a minimum and I didn't care if the house was spotless or not since we weren't having company over. Instead of getting dressed up we stayed in our pajamas all day and after dinner and a nap we watched movies together. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a more simple and laid back holiday this year!; November 17, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Rachel Harlin said...: Thanks for the suggestion, Diony! That sounds wonderfully relaxing!; November 18, 2009 at 8:43 PM
DanielleThorne said...: My favorite Thanksgiving memories are of watching my mother bake. It would go on for days, her in her kitchen with a towel over a shoulder and her opera blaring from a boom box. She made the best rolls ever, and always shared bags of them with all of our grateful friends. My grandmother would wait for hers to be shipped if they weren't getting together! My mother cooked because she loved to, but more than that, I always felt she cooked because she loved us.; November 24, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Carol L. said...: I'll always treasure the thanksgiving of my youth with my Mom and grandmother cooking all the traditional foods as well as their great Italian dishes.And feeding any friends who had nowhere to go or who just stopped by. But my favorite memory is the first Thanksgiving my 8 year old daughter came home from having been in the hospital for one year for chemo to treat her bone cancer. They released her a week before and we made sure it was the best holiday ever.Today that 8 year old is a healthy 22 year old. :)Talk about Thanksgiving. :)
Carol L.; November 30, 2009 at 4:49 AM
orangemily said...: I would love to read this book.; December 13, 2009 at 11:19 PM

About Me

There is nothing more wonderful than sitting down with a good book. I believe that you should be able to do that without wondering if something inappropriate is going to be slipped in or if you may be preached to. When I sit down to read a book and relax, I want to be swept away; I want to be entertained; I want to forget about the trouble in my own life and enjoy a little romance. That is what you will find here. Romance. Good, clean wholesome ROMANCE!

My first book, By Love or By Sea, (by Rachel Rager) is available in paperback and ebook.

Query Letter

Dear Agent,

Ivy Lewis, provider and nurturer for her seven siblings, finds herself lonely and forgotten. Accepting life as hopeless, she becomes entranced with daydreams of the handsome Lord Sterling Bennett, Earl of Oakly. Ivy soon realizes this charming man of wealth will torture her heart, unwittingly envelope her in dangerous secrets, and save her life.

Amidst such duress she finds herself spending time with the humble gardener, Mr. Alan, who has secrets of his own. Left confused betwixt two loves, she finds her way through the adventurous lies surrounding her love and her heart.

Through stigma and peril, Sweet Ivy embraces the inhibition of love and the serenity of a stranger.

My first novel, By Love or By Sea, was published by Cedar Fort, Inc. in April 2009. I am a member of ANWA and LDStorymakers.

Sweet Ivy has just over 99,500 words and is fully complete. I look forward to hearing from you.

Excerpt

Lord Sterling Bennett, the Earl of Oakly, stood in the dress shop with light streaming in upon him, accentuating his muscular build. His arms were extended as the women measured, pinned, and tugged at the fabric about his body. Mrs. Simmons measured for sleeves while Ivy worked on the earl’s trousers, endeavoring to make the appropriate measurements and adjustments. His style of dress was immaculate though she couldn’t help but notice he wore his trousers almost scandalously tight, revealing every taut muscle in his legs.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts.
Though her sister had recovered and was now quite well, her mother had worsened slightly. Sleep had not come easily the last several nights as she contemplated the fate of her family if her mother were to pass away.
She jumped when Mrs. Simmons spoke to the earl.
“I hear Eleanora Key is expecting a proposal for marriage from you, Sterling.”
Ivy remembered Eleanora bragging about courting Lord Bennett only a few days before. Her stomach churned at the thought of Eleanora and her selfish ideals.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I take it your suit is a falsehood?”
“You are an insightful woman.”
Mabel Simmons blushed at his comment. She had worked in the Bennett household for many years prior to opening up her shop. Ivy didn’t know all the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Simmons’ decision to quit Red Oaks before the boys left for school, but she knew the Bennett boys would do anything for the woman. Only last year Lord Bennett had replaced the shop’s roof after a large rainstorm had torn it to shreds.
“I have no doubt that a proposal is expected,” Lord Bennett said. He brushed his dark, curly hair away from his well chiseled face, but it still hung wildly about his head.
“You will be attending her mother’s ball a week from Friday though?” Mrs. Simmons continued her interrogation.
“Sadly, yes. Mother is most insistent upon it. It is her greatest wish that I take a wife before the end of the summer.”
“I’m certain your mother’s desires are well founded, lad.”
“Perhaps, but…ouch!”
“I am sorry, my lord,” Ivy mumbled with lowered lashes, chin quivering. Clumsy as she was, she had never before let a pin slip and stick someone. Her cheeks burned with humiliation as his eyes, the color of molasses on a hot day, gazed down at her. She could not meet his heated stare.
“I would assume that in a profession such as yours, this sort of thing occurs from time to time. And while I accept your apology and give you my complete forgiveness, there is no need for you to feel like a bug under my shoe for such a simple slip.”
She glanced up and could not help but return his warm smile. Neither could she stop her heart from thudding within her chest. He turned toward the mirror again, looking very handsome even with fabric hanging around him this way and that.
She wondered what it might be like to be a lady and have handsome men smile at her on a regular basis. What would it be like to be seen as someone worthy of admiration, instead of forever invisible? Embarrassed that her mind would entertain ideas of being seen as anything but a servant in the eyes of an earl, she turned her gaze back to where it belonged. On her work.
As he continued his conversation with Mrs. Simmons, Ivy tried to steady her hands and pinned the cuff at his ankle. “It is my mother’s desire that I marry, but only so she may die knowing I will be well cared for.” Bitterness tainted his words.
“I’m certain there are many qualified young ladies around here that would be more than willing to apply for the position.”
“Is that what people think? That marrying me would be a job?”
Ivy lowered her head to hide a smile. Could he be so naïve not to realize the allure he held over women?
Mrs. Simmons moved to adjust his collar. “I suppose it all depends upon on the woman.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Now, in the case of Miss Key, I think she is more than eager for the position whether you prove satisfactory or not.”
“Hmm. That is an interesting insight, Mabel.”
Ivy noticed his accidental use of the woman’s given name. Mrs. Simmons had once explained that the Bennett boys called her Mabel when they were younger. With another Mrs. Simmons who worked in the kitchens at Red Oaks, it simplified things. Though others may see disrespect in such a casual address, Ivy found it refreshing that Lord Bennett felt so comfortable with Mrs. Simmons.
“What do you think, miss?”
Ivy’s head snapped up, her gaze met with his.
“Would you consider it a job? Being married to me?”
“Um…I um…I certainly don’t know what you mean, my lord.”
Chuckling he said, “So then, you wouldn’t want to marry someone like me?”
“It’s not that. It’s just that….” She raised a hand to her warm cheek. She glanced to Mrs. Simmons for deliverance from such an embarrassing situation, but the woman grinned with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and would not be offering a reprieve. Looking back to Lord Bennett, Ivy tried to utter a reply. “I would never be qualified to marry a man such as you.” She cleared her throat and folded her hands in her lap. “I mean to be saying, my lord, that you deserve to love someone so much more than me in both beauty and station.”
“But that is not the question I asked.”
“No,” she whispered, casting her eyes downward before looking back at him again. She found acceptance and understanding shining in his eyes. His lips curved into a smile, neither mocking nor happy but rather inquisitive and friendly. Amid those things, she found voice enough to answer his question as honestly as her timid heart could.
“I would not find it a chore to be married to someone such as you. Though, if I marry, it will be for love without concern for duty or money.” She turned her eyes away from his probing gaze.
“See here, Mabel! This is a woman worth marrying. Honest and delightful. She would even gladden Mother’s sorrowful heart.”
Ivy blushed with further discomfort that he would say something so brazen with her sitting at his feet.
Mrs. Simmons laughed. “Now don’t be speaking ill of your mother, Sterling. She’s a good woman. She’s merely lonely.”
“I know.” His shoulders slumped with a heavy sigh. “Yet another reason she wishes me to marry quickly to give her grandchildren and take her mind off my late father.” He paused. “It makes me feel trapped, Mabel. Trapped into a life I don’t want.”
“Therein lies your problem, lad. You now have two choices. Continue on your path and keep your mother happy, or find the path that makes you happy and disappoint your mother.”
Silence followed.
“I’m not sure I know what I want, Mabel. But I don’t want what she has in mind.”
The woman smiled sympathetically but shook her head. “Be patient with her. She only wants what’s best for you, I’m sure.”
He straightened his shoulders. “Yes. And in the meantime, I am resigned to attend the Keys’ ball under the pretense that I will shortly be asking for the hand of Miss Eleanora.”
“You could let her know those are not your intentions, lad.”
“Only if I want to invite my mother’s wrath, besides, it is only a pretense. I can certainly play the part of the doting beau for quite a while before anything need be done.”
“But that’s a lie,” Ivy said, without realizing it. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, both Mrs. Simmons and Lord Bennett stared at her. The thought that such a generous man would court a woman he had no intention of marrying, merely to appease his mother, horrified her. She cast her eyes downward. “Forgive me,” she murmured.
“Whatever for, miss?”
“It is not my place to intrude,” Ivy whispered as she with a string on her apron. She watched a dust speck dance silently across the wooden planks of the floor.
Lord Bennett knelt so that his face was level with hers. She had no choice but to look at him. “First of all, there is nothing wrong with reminding someone of moral values, so I thank you. Second, you are a woman and a kind woman at that. There is no need for you to feel inferior in my presence.”
A timid smile played over her lips before her eyes returned to their previous position. His nearness made her feel overly warm. When he did not stand, she raised her eyes again to find his friendly expression still focused on her. She wondered if perhaps he had been in earnest in his comments. With all her heart, she wanted to believe that she was someone special in the world. In that instant, as she gazed into his eyes, she was almost convinced that she was.
“Stand up, Sterling Bennett, and quit embarrassing the girl.”
The bell to the shop rang, and Ivy looked up to see a thin man with sparkling eyes enter the shop. Removing his hat, he issued a slight bow.
“Excuse me, my lord. I’m here to remind you of your appointment.”
Ivy smiled as Mrs. Simmons cringed at the sound of the man’s thin voice.
“I’ll be along in a minute, Bradford. I’ll meet you at the livery.”
“Very good, sir,” Mr. Bradford said. “Good day, ladies.” A small incline of his head and he was out the door.
“How’s your brother?” Mrs. Simmons asked, adjusting the material around Lord Bennett’s shoulder.
He sighed. “Bruce will be Bruce.”
“I saw him getting stitched up the other day,” Mrs. Simmons pressed.
Sterling shook his head. “He’s lucky he’s still breathing,” he muttered. “That pup has no more sense than a mule.”
“He hasn’t changed?”
Sterling’s silence was answer enough, as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. Ivy’s brows puckered as she tried to think of what kind of trouble Bruce Bennett was causing.
“The impending war does not help. He sees it as a free ticket out of all his problems.”
“I’ve heard mention of such things. Is it more than rumor?”
He nodded. “Before long I’m afraid that King Roderick and his cousin will find a reason to engage one another in war.”
“His majesty couldn’t have been pleased with your return.”
“He has grown accustomed to my presence in Red Springs. But he understands the circumstances surrounding Bruce. It is the king’s greatest wish that scandal not be connected to my name.” His lips twisted bitterly. “That is why I was given leave to take care of him.”
Mrs. Simmons patted Sterling on the back in a maternal manner. “Cheer up, lad. He will figure it out one way or another. Let’s get you finished up, so you make that appointment. I’m sure Bradford would gladly have my head if I make you late.”
Lord Bennett laughed. “Bradford is not as fierce as you remember, Mabel. But business does await me. Some land owners are ridiculous in the requirements they demand of their tenants. When I quit here, I am bound to acquire more property from such a man.”
“I’m sure your mother is thrilled with your new purchases.” A hint of sarcasm touched her tone.
Sterling chuckled. “Mother doesn’t know. She’ll be furious when she learns of it.”
Continuing in her work, Ivy did not hear what else Lord Bennett said to Mrs. Simmons. Her own landlord was one of those terrible men the earl spoke of, on whom she preferred not to dwell. Instead, her mind lingered on her previous conversation with Lord Bennett. His manner toward her had not been sympathetic to her plights or position. No. He had treated her as an equal – someone who had reminded him of the moral values so easily forgotten in the world. While she knew she would never be able to associate with him, he had shown her a delightful glimpse into what such an association might be like.

Rachel Harlin

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Saturday, November 7, 2009

November's Contest

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