Aloha to FOR LOVE AND HONOR - an Avon Anthology celebrating military heroes

Breaking News:  I am a guest blogger at Romance At Random, spotlighting real military heroes for Memorial Day at this link.

Avon is honoring military heroes with the anthology, FOR LOVE AND HONOR:


Three military heroes . . . fighting to protect their countries, their homes, and the women they love.

For Love and Honor

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's The Bookish Miss Nelson, it's the duty of daring Army Captain William Duroy to escort Miss Pippa Nelson through enemy territory, bringing her safely home to England. But can he resist falling in love?

In Lynne Hinton's Letters From Pie Town, a New Mexico town couldn't be prouder of its very own Raymond Twinhorse, injured while fighting in Afghanistan. So Trina Lockhart gathers letters from Raymond's friends and family, hoping their wishes will help to heal the man she loves—and bring him back home.

In Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home, Lt. Aiden Marshall returns to Sweet, Texas, after facing the devastation of war. With the help of the entire town—and a tail-wagging companion—the woman he's always loved makes her hero's homecoming all the more sweet.

FOR LOVE AND HONOR received a starred review from the LIBRARY JOURNAL at this link.  

Kim and Cathy at RT.
Photo by Anne Elizabeth

If you have been reading SOS Aloha for some time, you already know Cathy Maxwell - Navy Veteran.  Coast Guard Mom.  Known for her laughter, Cathy has delighted historical romance readers with 29 novels and novellas.   If you don't know Cathy, check out her website at cathymaxwell.com.  Her bio is humorous and heartwarming.


Let's meet the other authors from the anthology.   Candis Terry joins me for a cozy chat.

Kim: I read from your bio (at this link) that you live in Idaho. Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of Idaho?

Candis: Idaho is spectacular in every way, so choosing just one of each will be difficult. However . . . when springtime blooms there are wildflowers everywhere. One time my husband and I were ATVing in the mountains, we rode a small trail up to the top and found ourselves surrounded by a field of blue lupine and snowy mountaintops. Just amazing. My favorite sound would have to be the rushing water of the Boise River or any of the many creeks we camp near. And without a doubt my favorite smell—dried leaves burning in Autumn.

Kim: I am a bit curious about your diversities,

The diversities in my life have enhanced (or twisted) my worldview. From working in a Hollywood recording studio to a graphic designer in marketing; from schmoozing with the likes of Charleton Heston and Motley Crüe to giving up my beach bum ways and making the move to an Idaho farm. I’ve designed costumes for 80’s heavy metal videos and scooped up road apples left on the parade route by my daughter’s rodeo queening horse.

What was the highlight of schmoozing with Charleton Heston and Motley Crue?

Candis: Ah, those were the days! Working (and playing) in Hollywood was very eye-opening. Where else can you go and in one night chat with Moses and George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) from It’s a Wonderful Life? We were at a party for the annual Jimmy Stewart Relay marathon. Champagne and caviar flowed. And both of these gentlemen demonstrated to me that old Hollywood truly was classy and glamorous, and way more down-to-earth than you would expect. Of course, that same evening we also met OJ Simpson (pre-murders). Shiver.

Now, Motley Crue? Total flip of the coin. With those boys it was all about playing hard--both with their music and life in general. At the time I worked in the music industry so I often went along with a couple of music producers to scout new talent. I saw a lot behind the scenes. A lot! Some I couldn’t even mention here. I once heard a certain singer tell a Roadie “They don’t come backstage unless they are a triple B.” I suspected that meant Blond, Beautiful, and Busty, but who knows. However, I will say that I had many an opportunity to talk with drummer Tommy Lee when he was married to Heather Locklear. Without his band in tow he was very nice and normal. Depending on what your version of normal happens to be.

Kim: Who or what helped you along the road to publishing?

Candis: I could never have become a published author had I not been a member of Romance Writers of America. The workshops and conferences I’ve attended helped tremendously. I also owe a ton to NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Gibson who has always been a huge support. And my family who never let me give up even if it meant them eating more frozen pizzas for dinner. After that it was my pure stubbornness that kept me trying even after 22 years without a sale. I’m so glad I never gave up!

Kim: Tell us about your story in FOR LOVE AND HONOR.

Candis: When Avon first asked me to be a part of this anthology I was beyond excited. We have a very large military here in Idaho and on a daily basis I shop, dine, and enjoy our beautiful state alongside these amazing heroes. I’ve heard personal stories from the war. I’ve read many articles from those who’ve returned home. And I’ve shed tears for our local boys who never made it home.

My story in this anthology is called HOME SWEET HOME. As an Army Ranger, Lieutenant Aiden Marshall has fought in some of the most hellish corners on earth. And he’s survived. Those closest to him had not. When he returns home to Sweet, Texas he’s lost everything--including his soul. The only fair thing he can do is tell the woman he’d loved--the woman who’s waited for him--to move on with her life. Without him. But sassy waitress Paige Walker has no intention of walking away. Aiden had served with honor, now with the help of the community it’s her chance to give him love and hope.

Kim: What's next for Candis Terry?

Candis: I recently completed the Sugar Shack novels. SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, the 3rd installment in the series will be released June 19. I also just turned in a proposal for a new series set in the town I’ve introduced in HOME SWEET HOME. It involves some really hot (and often stubborn) military men trying to rebuild their lives and the women who teach them that life is anything but status quo.

Mahalo, Candis, for joining at SOS Aloha! To learn more about Candis, check out her website at candisterry.com. I am giving away a copy of FOR LOVE AND HONOR to one randomly selected commenter. The winner can choose an ecopy (available May 29, 2011) or print copy (available June 5, 2011). To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about HOME SWEET HOME - what makes your house/town/area special to you?

2. This giveaway is open to all readers.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, June 2, 2011. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

The celebration continues at The Reading Reviewer with Lynne Hinton at this link.