The Lightkeeper's Ball (43 page)
D
EAR
R
EADER,
I hope you’ve enjoyed this third excursion to Mercy Falls as much as I have. I’ve learned about Halley’s Comet, the first cars and airplanes, and what people at the turn of the last century ate right along with you. Such fun!
I’m so thankful you were all willing to take this little sidestep with me to historical romantic mysteries. I hope it delivered my usual blend of mystery and romance while giving you a glimpse of an earlier time.
I love and appreciate every one of you and the way you spread the word about my books. I love hearing from you, so e-mail me anytime at [email protected]. And if you are a Facebook or Twitter fan, you can find me there as well. I love to interact with my reader friends!
Much love,
Colleen
I
S IT POSSIBLE
that
The Lightkeeper’s Ball
is my eighteenth book with my Thomas Nelson family? They are truly my dream team! Publisher Allen Arnold (I call him Superman) is so passionate about fiction, and he lights up a room when he enters it. Senior Acquisitions Editor Ami McConnell (my friend and cheerleader) has an eye for character and theme like no one I know. I crave her analytical eye! It was her influence that encouraged me to write a historical romantic mystery, and I’m glad she pushed me a bit! Marketing Manager Eric Mullett brings fabulous ideas to the table. Publicist Katie Bond is always willing to listen to my harebrained ideas. Fabulous cover guru Kristen Vasgaard (you
so
rock!) works hard to create the perfect cover—and does it. And of course I can’t forget my other friends who are all part of my amazing fiction family: Natalie Hanemann, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Ashley Schneider, Andrea Lucado, Heather McCoullough, Chris Long, and Kathy Carabajal. I wish I could name all the great folks who work on selling my books through different venues at Thomas Nelson. Hearing “well done” from you all is my motivation every day.
Erin Healy has edited all of my Thomas Nelson books except one, and she is such an integral part of the team. Her ideas always make the book better, and she’s a fabulous writer in her own right. If you haven’t read her yet, be sure to pick up
Never Let You Go
and
The Promises She Keeps
.
My agent, Karen Solem, has helped shape my career in many ways, and that includes kicking an idea to the curb when necessary. Thanks, Karen—you’re the best!
Writing can be a lonely business, but God has blessed me with great writing friends and critique partners. Hannah Alexander (Cheryl Hodde), Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter make up the Girls Write Out squad (
www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com
). I couldn’t make it through a day without my peeps! Thanks to all of you for the work you do on my behalf, and for your friendship. I had great brainstorming help for this book in Robin Caroll, Cara Putman, and Rick Acker as well. Thank you, friends!
I’m so grateful for my husband, Dave, who carts me around from city to city, washes towels, and chases down dinner without complaint. Thanks, honey! I couldn’t do anything without you. My kids—Dave, Kara (and now Donna and Mark)—and my grandsons, James and Jorden Packer, love and support me in every way possible. Love you guys! Donna and Dave brought me the delight of my life— our little granddaughter, Alexa! Though I tried my best to emulate her cuteness in the scenes with Jennie, I’m sure I failed!
Most importantly, I give my thanks to God, who has opened such amazing doors for me and makes the journey a golden one.
1. Do you ever feel you are insignificant and nothing you do matters? Why or why not?
2. Do you have a dream you have been too intimidated to pursue? Maybe even too afraid to name it? What is it?
3. Name characteristics of some of the true friends you have had. How important is it that they point you back to God?
4. Have you ever altered your behavior because of others’ expectations the way Olivia did? What allows you to be yourself?
5. Do you know anyone who has allowed bitterness to fester? How can you help that person forgive and let go?
6. Family expectations were very different for children a hundred years ago. What would you have found the most difficult about growing up in that era?
7. Society at the turn of the last century was also preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people, much as we see today. What can you do to keep from falling in the hole of materialism?
8. What do you want badly enough that might tempt you into compromising your integrity?
9. Olivia was wrong for keeping her secrets from Harrison. At what point should she have admitted her identity?
10. God sees us as we are inside. Does this comfort you or intimidate you?
“
The Lightkeeper’s Bride
is a wonderful story filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance. I loved every minute of it.”
– C
INDY
W
OODSMALL
–
New York Times best-selling author of The Hope of Refuge
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A
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ESCAPE TO
BLUEBIRD RANCH
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