Kate Whittaker will never get a husband
as long as she keeps shocking
the town with her newfangled inventions.
I’m happy to announce that one of my early books is now available on Kindle and iPad (Nook coming). This book brings back a lot of memories: some good, some bad.
While I was madly trying to meet my deadline, the Northridge earthquake struck and my house was practically destroyed. Even worse, my son’s apartment slid off its foundation and he and his wife and baby barely got out alive. Though many roads were closed, they were able to make it safely to us.
We set up a crib on the front lawn and that’s where we lived while waiting for the city inspector to tell us if the house was safe enough to enter. One thing worked in our favor; though the earthquake struck in January the weather was sunny and warm. I don’t know what we would have done otherwise.
If having your roof practically cave in while on deadline isn’t bad enough, the earthquake occurred five days before my daughter’s wedding. Out of town guests who had already arrived pretty much had to fend for themselves. I was too busy trying to find an open store so we could purchase diapers.
When phone service resumed, we tried rescheduling the wedding, but reception halls were booked for a year and my
daughter didn’t want to wait that long. So, we set up “wedding central” on the front lawn next to the baby crib and got busy.
People bent over backward to help us. The church had suffered damages but we were assured it would be ready to go by that Saturday. Same for the country club where the reception was scheduled.
The news wasn’t so good for the severly damaged mall where the wedding rings waited to be sized. Fortunately, management worked with us and we were able to retrieve the rings just in the nick of time. The photographer had set up shop on a sidewalk, but he assured as he was good to go. Ditto for the caterers and musicians. Many roads and freeways were closed and one of the hardest chores was rerouting guests.
On the third day of living on the lawn, the UPS man drove up to deliver a wedding gift, and we were able to toast our good fortune with the only unbroken drinking glasses for miles around.
With the help of friends and family, the wedding went off without a hitch, I wish I could say the same about the house renovations. I called my editor and got a two week extension on my deadline (which made me wonder what would have to happen to get, say, a month.) All local hotels were filled, so we had to stay in the house while workers sawed, drilled and hammered. I lived in a dust cloud for weeks.
While in the middle of writing a scene, I looked down to find a man under my desk pouring silicone into foundation cracks. The smell alone nearly knocked me out, but it was the aftershocks that bothered me the most.
When my heroin Kate in Head Over Heels blows up something in the book with one of her inventions, you can be sure that this writer was a-rocking and a-rolling when she wrote it. Now you know the story behind the story.
To celebrate our new look, we’re giving away a grand prize of $100 gift card from either Amazon or B&N, and two prizes of a $25 gift card. One of our winners could be YOU! To enter, just say something nice and we’ll take it from there. Okay, you don’t have to be THAT nice, but you do have to post.
Books can be ordered with a click of the cover
Written by Margaret Brownley
Margaret has published more than 25 books and is a N.Y. Times Bestselling author and past Romance Writers of America Rita Finalist. She writes historical novels set--where else?--in the Old West! The first books in her Brides of Last Chance Ranch series, Dawn Comes Early and Waiting for Morning, are available where all books are sold and will be followed by Gunpowder Tea (Oct 2013). Her stories will also appear in A Bride for All Seasons (June) and A Pioneer Christmas collections (Sept).
Visit Margaret Brownley's website
I bought this book as soon as you posted. What a cover! What a story behind the story.
It reminded me of folks here who carry on with weddings after hurricanes. Not sure which is worse.
Hope all is well now.
Peace, Julie
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:09 am.
Wow what a story. That is one amazing story to tell your grandchildren about their parents wedding. Can’t wait to read Kate’s story.
God Bless
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:29 am.
wow Margaret what a nightmare you all had,glad your family was safe,,maybe you could put this in a book someday,,looks like such a good book,thanks for sharing with us
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:48 am.
I am so glad we don’t have earthquakes often in my neck of the woods. In fact, in my grandma’s 100 years of living, she experienced her first one last year! Thank goodness it wasn’t bad.
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:14 am.
Amazing what one can accomplish when adversity is upon you! Congrats on being a survivor! Luckily everyone was OK! I can’t believe that she only gave you a 2 week extension!
I’ve been through the aftermath of a devastating tornado- 1992 and 3 hurricanes: 2004 x2 (Francis, Jeanne) and 2005 Wilma. Luckily, I’ve never had to deal with a horrendous earthquake.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:07 am.
Hi Julie, thank you! Yes, we’re all well and my daughter now has three beautiful children, one born on an earthquake anniversary.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:23 am.
Hi Sherry, Funny, I don’t think I’ve ever told this story in print before. The book brought it all back. Fortunately, enough time has elaspsed that we can now all laugh.
God bless you, too!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:27 am.
Hi Vickie, the one good thing about being a writer, nothing that ever happens goes to waste. Years ago, my son was caught doing something wrong, but he wasn’t worried about the punishment. Nope. He was worried that I might put it in a book. (I did!)
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:32 am.
I’m just going to have to hop over and order me some books. I love every book I’ve read of yours.
cathyann40@yahoo.com
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:38 am.
Hi Amy, your grandmother’s a 100 years? Wow!
I’m always amazed when I hear about earthquakes in odd places. I think they just had one in Maine.
Nothing like an earthquake to make you appreciate good old solid ground.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:47 am.
Oh my, Laurie! Three hurricanes and a tornado are enough for anyone to deal with. So far you win the prize for surviving the most natural disasters.
Thank you for stopping by.
Margaret
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:56 am.
Cathy, you’re a gem!
Take care and have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:57 am.
Well, besides having put on a wedding to remember with or without great photos! Don’t let anyone tell you that your family can’t survive adversity. My sister helped her roommate put on a wedding in Louisville 3 days after the huge tornado breakout of 1974.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:12 am.
Love your books!!!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:38 am.
Wow, Margaret. What a harrowing experience. I had no idea! Made me think of all those writing workshops that tell us to keep making things worse for our characters until it’s time for the happy ending. You couldn’t have written more fictional conflict that you endured. So thankful everyone was safe and that you managed to pull of a wedding and a book in the midst of such chaos. It’s amazing what we can do when push comes to shove, isn’t it?
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:43 am.
Wow, Margaret! I haven’t been through an earthquake before but it sure sounds horrible. I’m so glad you made it out ok because you know I love your books :) I’m going over to Amazon to get Head Over Heels.
Have a great weekend,
Anne
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:49 am.
Goodness what a story, I have been through a hurricane-but sounds like your story would top mine-there is something about a close call that will shake you up and turn you around and make the world seem a whole lot sweeter along with folks that come out to help when needed.
I would love to read this story..
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:07 am.
Hi Cate,
Your sister sounds like a great friend to have. Disasters can really bring out the best in people.
Thank you for writing and have a great weekend.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:08 am.
Lesa M, thank you for that. I love readers like you!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:09 am.
Enjoyed reading your account of that earthquake. I remember how crazy it was for us all, and had heard about many of our friends’ difficulties, but somehow had not heard yours. I can just see you all sitting on the lawn making wedding plans. So glad it all worked out!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:14 am.
What an experience. Never to be forgotten. I will read your novel. Best wishes.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:15 am.
I can’t even imagine what you went through, but you carried on.. Good for you.. I know who I would like in my corner in a crisis… I would panic for about 5 minuets and then get to work on finding shelter and helping my family… good for you Margaret.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:19 am.
Hi Karen, yes, it is amazing what we can do when push comes to shove. I just hope I never have to find out what more I can do!
Hugs!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:19 am.
Hi Anne, nice to see you over here. One little historical note that you might be interested to know: the term “Head Over Heels” was first used by Davy Crockett to describe his own feelings of falling in love.
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:24 am.
I love the title of your new book. I have the first one but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, I have missed several months of this year and haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I want to get Waiting for Morning and Head Over Heels to add to my ‘to be read’ stack!
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:26 am.
Hi Melissa, yes it was a crazy time for everyone. The worse time was hearing on the news that an apartment building had collapsed and thinking it was my son’s. His was next door!
Take care and thanks for popping in.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:27 am.
Hi Paula, yes, my experience did seem to make the world a sweeter and kinder place. I now know that when times are tough, people will and do reach out to each other and we’re never really alone.
Take care and thank you for dropping by.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:33 am.
Hi Kathleen,
I always panic, but never during a crisis. I have a meltdown AFTER it’s all over. Crazy, eh?
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:43 am.
Sounds like you had quite the experience. I’d love to win this prize.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:46 am.
to live through an earthquake and plan a wedding is amazing. Quite an event.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:52 am.
HI Wendy, it sounds like you might be having a challenging year. Hope the rest of it goes better.
Take care and thank you for stopping by.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:55 am.
Hi Wilma, i wish you could all win! I can’t wait to find out who does!
Take care…
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:56 am.
Very pretty covers.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:33 am.
What a story! What a blessing that you were still able to have the wedding. My son is getting married next month, and there is much to do. I cannot imagine how we would cope if we had to do it under the circumstances that you had! God really took care of you!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:33 am.
Since I stumbled upon your books I have been so touched. I wish I could meet you in person. Your books really do fill my heart with joy. Your talent of writing has given all of your readers a true blessing! Thanks
Love Cori
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:47 am.
HI Margaret – Oh, you bring back many memories for me too. Certainly, you went through much more than I did. I didn’t have a book due, a wedding to plan and my house wasn’t in a shambles. But I LOVED your question. What Would have had to happen to get a one month extension. Writers all over the world are nodding their heads at that one.
Great blog… Good luck on the books!!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:53 am.
Diane, yes, it was quite an event. The funny thing is that it was the first time we were really organized and got all the wedding plans done in advance. After the earthquake, we practically had to start over…
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:54 am.
Oh the story line sounds wonderful. It’s a must read for me, but I love all the fillies books. I as a writer loved your question…To get that one month extension oh yes indeed.
Love the cover of the book
Have a great day!!!!
Melinda
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:00 am.
Hi Cheryl, yes, there’s always a lot to do for a wedding, but isn’t it fun? I’m sure you son’s wedding will be great.
Have you picked out the mother-of-the-groom dress yet?
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:02 am.
Our house was redone in April and we had to stay in it. I couldn’t cook for days, no shower for two days and the door left open all the time so we had all the flys we did not want. When they finished the house looked completely different. We love it.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:02 am.
Margaret,
We have very very small earthquakes here in Oklahoma from time to time, but nothing like what you went through! My gosh, that would scare me to death. I know people say that about where I live because of the tornadoes, but at least now we know when they’re coming and can prepare. And what a story about the deadline for your book only being extended 2 weeks! I know you must look back on that time as one of the most harrowing of your life, what with planning a wedding and getting a book done, both in the midst of an earthquake happening! Your book looks great (as always!) so another one goes in the TBR pile. Great post.
Cheryl
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:08 am.
Wow, experiencing an earthquake must have been terrifying. I love the covers to your books.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:11 am.
Hi Charlene, I forgot! You were right in the middle of things, too! It’s amazing how people living in the same general area had such different experiences. The house next door to me hardly had any damage at all. While a block away houses had to be completely taken down and rebuilt.
Hugs!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:17 am.
Hi Melinda, thanks. I love all the filly books, too!
I can now honestly say that a deadline is more likely to kill you than an earthquake.
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:22 am.
Oh, Goldie, you made me shudder. I think I read somewhere that remodeling breaks up more marriages than everything else put together.
But if you can live through it, it’s worth it! It sounds like you’re really enjoying your new look.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:25 am.
Wow! What an experience! You’re daughter will always have quite a story to tell about her wedding. :) Love your books, and I’d love to win the prize.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:31 am.
Hi Cheryl, I heard about your earthquakes! I don’t think I’d like living in or around tornado alley. Actually, I don’t know if there is a safe place to live, do you?
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:32 am.
Cori, thank you so much for your lovely comments. It’s readers like you who fill my heart with joy.
Have a beautiful weekend and God bless!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:37 am.
What a story. I’m so glad no one was hurt and you even managed to pull off a wedding – amazing! I do think you should have gotten more than two weeks postponement though!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:43 am.
I’m relieved everything turned out okay and nobody was hurt.
And I’m so glad we don’t have any earthquakes, storms or tornado’s where I live…
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:56 am.
Oh Margaret, what an experience. Wow. I remember feeling the rocking and rolling, and my school closed for two days (archdiocese decision) bur we had no damage where I live. What an amazing wedding that must have been. And how resourceful you all are! I cracked up at your remark–what wold it have taken to get a month exertion for the deadline. Sheesh. Best wishes on the e-release!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:03 pm.
Hi Catslady, I think I should have gotten more than two weeks’ extension, too, but that particular publisher ran a pretty tight ship. Like the old saying, all’s well that ends well.
Take care!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:04 pm.
HI Maria, thanks for writing. I’m hoping the grand prize winner is one of you here today!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
WOW I’m SO sorry you went through SO much! But I know God brings us through even the largest of disadters. :)
Please enter me! :) I LOVED Dawn Comes Early and A Lady Like Sarah I KNOW I will love Head over Heels and Waiting for Morning as well!
~Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez
Exodus 14:14
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:06 pm.
Hi Stefanie! Sounds like you found one of the few safe places to live! Good for you.
Take care…
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:07 pm.
Oh, Margaret, what a story behind the story! I’m with you I wonder what would have to happen for an editor to give a month extension? And I thought my move from DC back to Wyoming was interfering with my writing…I’ll never complain again. :o)
The book sounds like a fun read, I’m off to get a copy!
–Kirsten
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
Hi Tanya, thanks! It’s hard to believe that we live relatively close, yet we each had such a different earthquake experience.
Hugs!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
Amanda, thank you! I’m so glad you liked those stories. Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
Kirsten, it’s no fun to move, that’s for sure. But I’d much rather move than have the earth move.
Happy writing!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
Oh, Margaret, I remember that one very well. We felt it up here in the Owens Valley. It took us a bit to find out where it was, but our emergency equipment went down there to help. My brother died in Bakersfield just a few days later, to add to the diaster. That’s how come I can remember it so well.
I remember the earthquake in Bakersfield/Tehachapi in 1952. My brother and his family lived on their front lawn during that one.
We live in a very special area of Calaifornia. My valley is just south of Mammoth Lakes and we get tremors daily! 3.0 and up or we don’t even feel them.
Makes us tough, huh?
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:03 pm.
Talk about writing a story under pressure! I’ve never experienced an earthquake but where I live, we’ve been preparing for one for your years. It appears we’re near fault lines and are due for a “big” one. I hope not!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:12 pm.
Wow, what a look behind the scenes for that book… amazing what you and your family went through.
Kate sounds like an interesting character!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:34 pm.
Thanks for. That was an incredible story
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:51 pm.
HI Mary J: Sorry to bring back sad memories of your brother. I’m familar with your area and have been to Mammoth Lakes numerous times. Not sure I’d like to feel tremors daily, but I guess that’s the price you have to pay for living in such a beautiful place.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:57 pm.
Na S. Oh, no, the big one! We’re still told it’s coming. The Northridge earthquake sure seemed liked the big one to me.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
Colleen and Sarah thanks! Yep, Kate’s an interesting character and has always been one of my favorites.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:02 pm.
Have never felt an earthquake althogh there have been mild ones here in Nebraska.I was on the northwest part of our school when those on the east felt a mild tremor.
Love knowing the story behind the story while reading books.
Thank you.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:10 pm.
Hi Margaret! What a horrible thing to go through, but thank God you were all safe. At least things can be rebuilt but you can’t replace a person. I remember a small earthquake we had in KC in the 50′s-early 60′s. My mom yelled at my brother and me for jumping on our beds, but we weren’t. Later, we found out it was a small earthquake.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:18 pm.
Gee, Connie, I didn’t know that Nebraska had earthquakes, too. Oddly, enough, I’m currently writing a book set in Nebraska, but so far haven’t planned to include any earthquakes.
Have a fun day and a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:32 pm.
Hi Cathy, didn’t you have an earthquake close to Kansas City last year? Seems like I heard about one on the news when I was there for a conference? I guess your mom was surprised to find out it wasn’t your “fault.” Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:35 pm.
Hi Margaret!
Wow! Your post brought back memories for me, too, about the earthquake. I wasn’t living in Northridge, but I was certainly here in So. CA. What a story behind the story. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:54 pm.
Hi Karen, that’s right; you’re a California girl, too.
It’s always good to hear from you.
Hugs!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:07 pm.
Enjoyed reading the comments. I like reading your books and I really like the covers. Happy Autumn- it is getting a lot nicer weather here in Arizona.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:24 pm.
What a story and testimony you have .I am so glad that everything turned out for all of you .Thanks for the chance to win .I love to read and that gift card would come in handy .Blessings ,Dana” Girl ” Spille
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:28 pm.
I can’t say I have ever been in a bad earth quake and don’t want to be, but wow what a story. I still can’t believe they only gave you two week to get your book done after that. I am still in shock over that one.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:29 pm.
Hi Joye, good to hear you’re getting some nice weather. We just got past a heat wave, but now it feels a little bit like fall. Take care.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:31 pm.
Hi Dana, nice to “meet” you. That gift card could buy a whole lot of fun reading. Who knows? Someone has to win!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:33 pm.
Hi Quilt Lady! I wondered where you were. Glad you never experienced an earthquake. As for that two week extension; a lot of people are laughing over that one.
Have a great weekend.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:35 pm.
Ah, thank goodness for mild January weather and timely UPS deliveries! We lost power once to Hurricane force winds (I live in Kentucky, btw!) from Ike and just about 9 months later, lost power to an ice storm! Luckily, my parents had bought a generator after the wind storm, we all had a warm place to stay!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:43 pm.
I love the way the internet of today gives us the opportunity to interact with our favorite authors – and learn things … like your behind the scenes story. I’m looking forward to reading the book!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:45 pm.
Angi, ah, yes, so true. That UPS truck was a nice surprise, since there hadn’t been any deliveries for a couple of days. Not even a newspaper delivery. Your parents bought a generator and we bought an RV. Now I’ll always have a place to stay, no matter what. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:48 pm.
Hi Valerie, the Internet also gives writers a chance to interact with our favorite readers! Isn’t life grand? :)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 4:50 pm.
What a story, Margaret. Oklahoma had an earthquake last year. Nothing like yours, but it was freaky enough. My husband was in the garage. Only a closet and entry way separates the living room and garage. I could hear him airing the tires with a little machine that puttered real loud. Suddenly, I wondered why I could feel the vibrations of that machine, and I realized we were having an earthquake. I was so stunned, I never even left my recliner. Afterwards, I looked up and thought how fortunate I was that the sky lights overheard didn’t break and shower down on me. My husband, he never even noticed it.
Your new books sounds like a lot of fun. Congratulations!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:05 pm.
I saw the book Waiting for Morning and thought I had missed a book. Phew, didn’t miss anything. Love your books
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:19 pm.
Enjoyed reading your blog today. Your book sounds like one I would enjoy reading. Have a great day….I am….the weather here is stunning.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:20 pm.
What a story about writing a story. LOL
I like the new website – although it took me a while to find the comment section. And I wasn’t even in an earthquake.
The books look interesting.
I always enjoy this blog.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm.
Hi Viokie, nice to “see” you here! It doesn’t seem right to have earthquakes in Oklahoma. Nope, not right!
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:32 pm.
I think it was 4 something in the morning when that earthquake hit. We felt it very strongly here in Tehachapi, which is 2 hours north of you. I jumped out of bed and headed for the door frame and thought that the quake had done some serious damage somewhere. Didn’t know at the time it was you who had the serious damage. Of couse, a major quake hit this town and practically leveled it in 1953. I hope I’m gone from here before Tehachapi has a repeat performance. Last time the womens’ prison was destroyed. If it happened again and CCI was destroyed, it would be like letting out the Devil X 5000 (they have 5000 inmates.)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:32 pm.
Wow! What a story! My flooding story doesn’t even come close and after reading that consider myself really lucky. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:33 pm.
Alisha, I’m sorry; I should have mentioned that Waiting for Morning is available for preorder only. It won’t be out until January.
Take care!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:34 pm.
Oh my goodness, what a tale. I’m sure it wasn’t fun at the time, but they make the best stories over the dinner table with the grandkids later.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm.
Patricia, sorry you had trouble with finding the comment button. I had trouble the first day, too. Glad you enjoyed my story. We’re now at the point where we can laugh about it. I don’t think I was laughing too much at the time.
Take care!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:37 pm.
Hi Chelley, what a thought! 5000 prisoners. I always worry about the snake house at the zoo, which is why I won’t enter it. It’s the last place I would want to be in an earthquake.
See you soon!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:38 pm.
Hi Debra, I’ve never been in a flood, but my editor’s house was flooded and she and her children had to be rescued by boat. No fun.
Hope your house didn’t sustain too much damage.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:41 pm.
I love the cover of the book. Who designed it? I’d love to read it, and I’d be glad to feature you on my blog with an interview (in January).
And of course, I’d love to be int the drawing for any of the gift cards.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:45 pm.
Hi Melissa, these tales sure do make for good dinner talk. Good blog talk, too!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:46 pm.
I love all of the covers!!
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:48 pm.
Yikes! Sounds like something you’d read about in a novel! Truth definitely is stranger (and crazier!) than fiction. Thanks for sharing, Margaret. :-)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:54 pm.
Hi Lena, thanks. I’d love to be on your blog in January. That’s when my next book comes out. Ten Talents is bringing out my backlist and they do the covers. I think they did a terrific job of this book!
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 5:58 pm.
Thanks, Marissa. I love all these covers, too!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm.
And thanks for stopping by, Lynda Lee! Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm.
I have been in a couple of earthquakes here in Oregon, the Spring Break Quake of 1993 with the epicenter just a few miles away from us was a 5.6 quake and the Nisqually Quake out of Olympia, Washington we felt very much in the Portland, OR area at 6.8. I am glad that we don’t get quakes very often!.
I remember the Northridge quake as I used to work for Safeco Insurance Co and their Northridge Division office was pretty badly destroyed. I am so glad that your daughter was still able to get married. I guess that is something that no one will forget!
BTW, thanks for the chance to win. Your website rocks! :)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:15 pm.
Wow! You are one dedicated writer/mother! I would guess that only the grace of God got you through that time. So glad all your family was safe, and everything worked out in the end – kind of like a book! :)
I just read my first Margaret Brownley book, “Dawn Comes Early”. I asked my husband to pick up some books for me at the library, and that one was on the new bookshelf. I started reading and got so hooked that I will be looking for more of your books! “Head Over Heels” sounds like a fun one to look for next!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:20 pm.
Wow, sounds like the story got shaken out of you and onto the pages. We once had a very small earthquake here in the Atlanta area. It made the window behind the bed start rattling more than the usual rattle from passing trains. At first I thought someone was trying to come through it, and then I realized what it must be. It was so unexpected but exciting at the same time. Nothing like your experience. I can’t imagine going through what you went through. Thank God for the flexibility He embedded in humans. We can get through more than we think we can. If you had heard what was going to happen beforehand surely you would have said, “No way can I get through that!” But now you have the book to prove that you could. Looks like a good read.
Blessings, Janice jsmithg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:22 pm.
Wow, that is terrifying and amazing that everything went off well. We don’t have earthquakes here in IL, so I don’t have that experience. But I can feel for you, as we lost our home 4 years ago to flood. We only lived 3 houses up the road from the river and the first time we went back in the house I cried, there was about an inch of mud throughout the house and the main beam under it broke, so it was totally destroyed.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:27 pm.
Only a two week extension on your deadline! I laughed when I read your comment “which made me wonder what would have to happen to get, say, a month.” Seriously!! That is wonderful people bent over backwards and your friends and family helped to make the wedding go ahead as planned. :)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:35 pm.
It’s not hard to say something nice about Margaret’s books. My daughter and I both enjoy them. I’m sorry you had to go through the experience of the earthquake but thankful it all worked out (that’s my mother’s favorite response to any problem, “Well, it’ll all work out!”).
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:39 pm.
Would love to be entered! I am a big fan of Margaret’s books and have them all:) Can’t wait to read this new one!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 6:52 pm.
Hi Debbie, I’m learning a lot today about earthquakes today, mainly that they can occur in any state Thank you! I think our website rocks, too!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:07 pm.
Hi Bethany, so glad you liked Dawn Comes Early. Give your husband a big hug for me!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm.
Janice, blessings to you, too! Yes, indeed, God made us tougher than even we know.
Have a great weekend–and thank you for stopping by!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:10 pm.
Rhiannon, how heartbreaking. I’ve never been in a flood and hope I never will be. U hope that was your last!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:12 pm.
Hi Jes, the best part of going through the experience was the way people did bend over backward to help.
Hope you’re enjoying the autumn weather!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:15 pm.
Pam and Charity, you two are the best. Good luck in our drawing! I can hardly wait to see who wins!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:15 pm.
I’m glad everyone was safe and everything for the wedding got done on time.
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm.
That’s an amazing story. I’m impressed at your ability to hold it together and take care of family and finish wedding details.
Way to go!
I’m also proud of your daughter. Most brides would completely freak out.
Thanks for sharing.
Joyfully,
Jackie
joyfuljleatgmaildotcom
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:18 pm.
Margaret, I lived through that earthquake also! It was crazy, wasn’t it?? So glad things worked out for you and your daughter. Things like that make us so grateful for all we have, don’t they? Your daughter will always have great wedding stories! I lived in Southern Calif. all my life until I was married for about 5 years and then we moved to another state and have been moving around ever since but our families still live there so we are always talking about earthquakes! Your book looks great! What a “story behind the story”!!!!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm.
What a frightening experience that you went through but what a testimony that you have to share with others. That wedding is one that will never be forgotten. You do have so much to be grateful for!
Blessings,
Jo
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:47 pm.
Jackie, I’m proud of my daughter, too. Not only was her wedding in chaos, her new condo was damaged and she and her husband both lost jobs due to earthquake damage. What a way to start married life–but it all worked out well in the end!
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:58 pm.
Jo, thank you. I certainly do have much to be grateful for. Blessings to you, too! :)
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:59 pm.
These sound like a lot of fun! And what a crazy story!
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 1:43 am.
Love the covers of all these! Especially love that gingham dress with the brown-eyed susans in the hat. The colors are fantastic on that cover.
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 8:01 am.
Hi Veronica! Thanks for stopping by.
Julia, I love the cover too. They really captured my heroine! Take care and have a great day.
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 9:05 am.
What an amazing story. I am so thankful that earthquakes are not a normal occurance in Michigan! Babies and camping out are rarely a fun combination – I’ve been there before. Top it off with the book writing and wedding replanning and I would be a wreck.
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 11:34 am.
Always great to hear a story where people came together and helped one another. I’m glad it all worked out for you, and I love the new look of the blog.
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
Love reading about authors and their experiences. I’m glad you and your family are okay and together. Love the book covers.
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
Hi Beth, I visited Michigan in 1976 and believe it or not, there was a mild earthquake there during my visit. Sure did surprise me!
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 12:32 pm.
Hi Summer, glad you like the new look. I like it, too!
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 12:34 pm.
Thanks Kimmyl, we’re more than okay. I like my book covers, too. They sure are an improvement on my earlier covers!
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
I love Margaret Brownley books!
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 1:43 pm.
I love Margaret Brownley books and the covers are beautiful
Posted on October 20, 2012 at 1:45 pm.
Thanks for sharing that story. Sounds like your daughter had a very memorable wedding week. Your new book sounds interesting. I’ll have to check it out!
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 12:21 am.
I may be too late but I do have a good comment! I love Margaret Brownley’s books and have had the honor of reviewing several of her books. I am excited about her new book and can’t wait to read it!
Blessings…Joy
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 1:21 am.
Ellen, thank you, so much.
And Joy, the honor of having you read my books is all mine!
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 5:30 am.
Easy to say something nice here! Your books are always fun and keep me turning the pages wanting more!
Blessings to you as you continue to keep us entertained. :)
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 6:23 am.
Oh my! I love your books Margaret! Your covers are always so very beautiful too!
I would love to be entered into your giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
:) Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 1:46 pm.
I can’t wait to read this book it sounds so good!!!!!!!!
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm.
My goodness, Margaret, what a story!! You are the epitome of tenaciousness!! I’m glad the wedding and the book came off without delay!
Posted on October 21, 2012 at 5:25 pm.
The book seems interesting (and I’m about to check it out) but the author behind the story as an interesting story, too. I’ve always wanted to know the person behind the story because they are a part of it. Thanks for sharing. Now, to the bookstore.
Posted on October 23, 2012 at 3:52 pm.
I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Posted on October 23, 2012 at 8:31 pm.
I went on vacation for 3 weeks and came back to find your site completely changed. That was a surprise. It is going to take some getting used to.
It is incredible that your daughter’s wedding was able to happen as planned. I don’t know how you managed to finish your book. Doing it with the wedding so near would have been hard enough. Earthquakes are no fun. I am so glad your son and his family made it out safely.
Posted on October 23, 2012 at 10:43 pm.
Oh, wow, and the comments keep coming. Thank you all for reading the story behind the story and for saying such very nice things!
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 6:29 am.
My goodness, what a story behind a story. I can’t imagine living in the front lawn. And what a wedding to remember, before and the day of.
Thank you for the opportunity to win. Love your books, the ones I’ve read so far. :)
Posted on October 25, 2012 at 8:53 pm.