Saturday, February 1, 2014

Author Interview and #Giveaway with Ruth Logan Herne

Today I am honored to introduce you to my friend and shero (for those of you that don't know me, that's my term for a lady hero). Multi-published author and generally fun person Ruth Logan Herne has been trapped in the throes of a very delightful, snow-filled, ice-crusted Arctic-style winter and loves it! A mother of seven and grandmother to twelve, Ruthy surrounds herself with little children, chocolate, coffee and group therapy in the form of two wonderful dogs. Married for A VERY LONG TIME (clearly a child bride!!!) she lives in upstate New York where seasons rarely blend, men are men and winter is talked about far too often.... unless it's summer, and then the words "well, at least it ain't snowin'!" are met with firm nods of agreement by many. So they're STILL talkin' 'bout winter, right? Even in July! She loves small towns and wouldn't change a thing... well an inch or two off her waistline, but that's a whole other topic of conversation!



Welcome,Ruthy! What made you decide to become a writer?

Well first I was kidnapped by aliens at age seven. When they sent me back I longed to tell about my experiences in the 17th Galactic Quadrant #47242, star date 1703-04-99 
J
You know, for real, I have always made up stories, have always loved to write stories and always knew that if God gave me time, I’d be a published author someday. Mostly that’s because I never, ever, ever give up on anything. In fact, the tougher the challenge, the more I smile and work harder to meet it. So knowing I wanted to do it… and then being patient while raising six kids until I could work on a writing career without messing up time with them…. Was my forward thrust. And once I started, oh my stars, Amber!!!  I just love it!

Where did the inspiration for your latest book come from?

My upcoming book is about a young woman who is carrying twins as a single parent. She lost her husband to a convenience store hold up and they had two in vitro eggs still in storage. Her former pregnancy attempts had ended in miscarriage, but as time went on, she realized the magnitude of what they’d done. They’d created life and now it sat frozen in cryogenic limbo… and to what end? Should she stop paying the storage fee for the two tiny clusters of genetic material? Or should she give those two embryos their one and only chance at life?  It’s a beautiful story that gently examines the good and bad of scientific exploration and opportunity and how life should be respected at all times. The name of it is “Loving the Lawman” and I’m sending you the cover so you can see just how charming  it is… And how sweet are those babies???? I love me some babies!!!!  J

Wow, that is a fascinating plot! How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?'

Faith and spirituality are intrinsic in my life. Having said that, I am still sometimes a first class jerk, especially when I think I’m funny…. But I like wearing my love for God on my sleeve, to let God’s light shine through my smile, except when I’m making fun of people in Seekerville… J  A girl’s got to have a little fun now and again! I believe in God’s timing, while having doubted it many times in my life. I believe in the glory of unanswered prayers while ranting and wailing about God forgetting to answer mine. I believe every child is a miracle and I have so much fun putting kids in my stories that it’s just kind of expected now. Ruthy stories = cute kid alerts! And hot heroes, of course!
I’ve always wanted to be a champion for women. Women have traditionally been more victimized, taken for granted, used and abused than men for various reasons throughout history. The whole “little woman at home” scenario is a rare reality in modern times. And disrespecting women is huge throughout the world.
Well, that needs to stop, and one way of helping achieve that goal is to show women taking charge of their own lives, growing in faith, hope and love, grabbing those reins and hanging on for the ride God intended. The more that women are empowered with a vision of their worth through God’s eyes, the stronger our gender becomes. When I look around the world and see so much despair for women, so much lack and heartache, I realize that every life I touch, every soul that smiles and believes they can go farther, work harder, believe more fully is one step closer to the goal of women believing God created them in a special way, a spirit-filled light. And that makes me happy.

So...we're all dying to know: What are you working on next?
Right now I’m working on a Christmas story for Love Inspired. It’s the story of a soldier who’s been away, he’s been careless about his family life, and now he’s back home to help while his father fights a grim cancer prognosis. The heroine is biding her time to get out of town, she’s had enough of the town, her broken family, and her lost dreams. She’s had her heart broken twice, she had a great business going until an arson fire took it to ashes, and now she’s helping her friends run their hardware store while the owner goes through a long process of chemotherapy. And of course, the owner’s son is there in the store, also helping. Two kind of lost souls, finding each other in God’s timing, at Christmas. LOVE IT!!!!


I am so excited about being able to host you! Thanks so much!

Oh my stars, the pleasure is all mine! Amber, I’m so glad to be hear and chat with all o’ youse!!! We New Yorkers love hangin’ out in coffee shops… and blogs…. And sharing a cuppa and some chick chat! Thank you!

 

Ruthy's newest book is now available for pre-order!



Widowed and pregnant, Gianna Costanza comes to Kirkwood Lake with her world in pieces.  She’s determined to put her life back together after her cop husband’s death, and romance is definitely not part of the plan. But when she meets her new landlord and neighbor, she knows she doesn’t stand a chance.


Deputy Sheriff Seth Campbell is strong and kind and more supportive than she ever imagined a man could be. Soon he’s sweeping Gianna off her feet. But she doesn’t know if he’s ready for an instant family… or if she’s brave enough to love another lawman.





AND....



Our friend has been so generous as to offer a giveaway! What's in the drawing today, Ruthy?

Here is the cover of the book we're giving away, The Lawman's Holiday Wish.... 


to two people who leave a comment about how wonderful your blog is, or life is, or God is.... :)

Thank you so much for being with us Ruthy! And for the fantastic giveaway! 
Go for it guys! The winners will be announced here on the Stitches Thru Time blog next Sunday February 9th.

50 comments:

  1. I can certainly see why Ruth is your shero, Amber! What a delight she is! I enjoyed this interview and have added these books to my growing TBR list. Thank you so much for sharing the lovely interview and for the opportunity to win a copy of THE LAWMAN'S HOLIDAY WISH!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Britney, good morning! So nice to see you (and I love the texaggs e-mail address, LOL! A girl who wears her heart in her e-mail!!!!) I think you automatically win a book for being FIRST..... because you were, well.... first! (laughing in upstate!)

      And we'll still give away more, but now you must tell your friends that a generous and slightly crazed author has taken hold of STITCHES THRU TIME!!!

      Hey, I see that cake from yesterday and I'm more than a little hungry....(reaches through screen and devours leftover crumbs!!!!)

      I think I need to bake something for this delightful day... Carrot cake. I want me some carrot cake for Superbowl Sunday!!!! Then my day will be complete!

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    2. Aww, how sweet you are, Ruth! Thank you so much!! I love that you have taken hold of STITCHES today. What a treat! That carrot cake sounds scrumptious; getting in veggies with dessert is perfect! :)

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    3. Britney, I did something else like oh, so marvelous today for chocolate lovers!!! My friend Lisa (I dedicated last spring's "The Lawman's Second Chance" to her, a young wife and mother fighting breast cancer and WINNING, praise God!)Anyway, when Lisa, the REAL Lisa was going through radiation, she brought some decadent desserts to our house from a gift card someone gave her, and this layered chocolate/hazelnut square of amazement caught my attention. I studied the pastry, the taste and the layering, (Yes, I am that OCD when it comes to pastries, how ridiculous, right????) and I THINK I'VE ACED THE RECIPE!!!!!

      I'm serving them for our little people/daycare 1/2 Superbowl party (Everyone is required to take their kids home to bed at half-time. Perfect, right? Especially here on the East Coast)!!! So we'll see if they come out as good as they seem to be!!!! Here, I'll share one with you.... (stretches hand through computer and passes pastry to Amber and Britney!!!)

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  2. I really wish I was still asleep but since I'm not, I can't think of anything "funner" than reading about Ruthy and her upcoming books! Every one I've read is so full of love and excitement and fun. Oh, yeah, and handsome fellas!
    I must drop by one day and hear more about Ruthy's childhood abduction, because I definitely feel like we're living in a parallel universe these days.
    Neat blog, Amber! Thanks for sharing about Ruthy. She's a gem!

    Elaine
    Hunkaswife at Rochester.rr.com

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    1. Elaine, happy Saturday!!! You know, I'm waking earlier these past two weeks, which is C-R-A-Z-Y because I'm up crazy early anyway, but I get so excited to get back to the stories, to keep creating. And it's people like you that make this a dream-come-true job. Bless you!

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  3. Hi Miss Ruthy, Would you believe that you have a mother and daughter commenting to you today? I will put it this way, my daughter is the one that is already a winner. How great for her! We love reading and talking about books. Speaking of books, yours sound great and I can't to read them. I love your interview, learning a little about you, funny lady, and your books. Thank you for what you do! Thank you too Amber! Great way to start the day.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    My grands call me Mau so naturally, I had to use it!

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    1. Melanie, so nice to meet you! Like mother, like daughter, delightful and sweet! I'm so glad Amber asked me over today. I'm working on edits for my August book, it's not Kirkwood Lake, it's part of a continuity and I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH MONTANA.

      I had so much fun writing about cowboys, ranch-hands, little kids (a given!!!), second chances, new hope, and a quaint town that's just as quirky as my hometown up here in upstate New York! LOVE IT!!!! And the e-mail name is perfect! I have a sister who uses Gramma as her e-mail and it's a perfect match!

      And do not be insulted, but I used your last name for a BAD PERSON. :( I didn't know you then, so it's an ACCIDENT, I promise!!!! I have a new independent release coming out for Kindles soon and yes.... the bad person is a Backus.

      Will you still love me????? PRETTY PLEASE???? (Mary Connealy loves it when I have to BEG FORGIVENESS.)

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    2. Miss Ruthy, You will always be forgiven in my book. Good or bad, I think it is exciting that you have a Backus in your book. I will look forward to reading about that bad Backus!

      mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    3. Melanie, it's in "Safely Home" a book I'm about to release for Kindles... it's about a cop who's fallen on tough times, bad choices, but a good cop, nonetheless and she goes back home to lick her wounds... and help her sick grandmother... and face the past she scorned long ago. And I think I spelled it "Bachus" in the book, so of course you'll forgive me!!! :)

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  4. GOOD MORNING YA'LL!!
    It's a beautiful snowy Saturday morning and I'm cuddled up in my bed with my trusty laptop and a steaming cup of Caramel Sea Salt hot cocoa and very excited to be hosting the funnest author on earth!

    Ruthy, carrot cake sounds delightful. You have to work some veggies into Super Bowl Sunday somehow right?

    How exciting! We have a winner already! Ruthy, you are a kind and generous soul. :D Congrats Britney! Ha, all this time and I didn't know Melanie was your mom! That's awesome.

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    1. How funny that this is news to you! Hey Amber, I love the "wallpaper" on your blog.... The patchwork design. I might have to steal that, but then I rarely get over to my poor neglected blog so maybe I'll just come here and ogle your pretty wallpaper!!! I love quilts, I think at some time I'll do a quilt series, but right now, I'm finishing up this contract.... and then hoping to do a couple more Kirkwood Lake books before going into a fun, Out-Of-Ruthy's-Past series my sweet editor and I have talked about. We'll see, I can totally see it happening, and it will be FUN.... because I've got some great stories I witnessed, enough to carry a few books, anyway!!! I'm working on the proposal while I'm finishing my December Kirkwood book, so hopefully by spring/late spring, I'll have good news!!!

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    2. Sounds great! I'd love to read some Out-Of-Ruthy's-Past books! :D

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  5. Totally understand the winter conversation since I'm also from upstate New York area and yes, it's been one for the books this year! Ruth, are you near Albany area? We live just outside of Schenectady. If you're close, would love to meet up some day for some writerly conversation. (not winterly : )

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    1. Oh! I hope you get the chance to! Ruthy is a wonderfully fun person to know!

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    2. Cynthia, waving to you!!! No, I'm outside of Rochester, between Rochester and Buffalo, and yes, I know they call the region above you "upstate" as well, and I have no idea how Western NY became upstate locally, but it did. And every now and again there is a FIGHT between areas as to who is the real upstate, but since everything in NY is "up" from New York City, I think we can all qualify!

      Now Syracuse, they don't fret over it, they go with Central NY and they're as happy as clams.

      Do you ever get this way? I love meeting people!

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  6. The plot sounds fascinating...AND Amber, love your intro!! :):) jksfamily5@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Ruthy as much as I have. :) Best wishes in the drawing!

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    2. Susan, nice to see you! Aren't you a writer, too????? Come back and chat!

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  7. Hi Amber and Ruthy,

    Just had to comment on your new cover! It is Gorgeous!! Best one yet! And I love the premise of this story. Wow, brave man to take on a widow and twins!

    Cheers,
    Sue

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    1. SUSAN!!!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH I SENT A THANK YOU NOTE TO MELISSA, MY WONDERFUL EDITOR BECAUSE IT IS JUST CHARMING-TO-THE-MAX!!!!

      :)

      Yes, I was that excited to see it, just a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e and the cute cover hero?

      My son Seth.... :) And my son Luke is the tall, blonde hero in The Lawman's Holiday Wish.... They're probably SO EMBARRASSED that I use them, but hey, how fun is that????? And those babies..... ♥♥♥♥♥!!!

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    2. Haha! I LOVE it that you used your sons as patterns for your book's hero! That's awesome. They should feel honored, not embarrassed.

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  8. Ruthy's books are wonderful! And this one has a great cover. So excited to read it. Such a sucker for twins. Great interview Amber. Life is wonderful because of all the fabulous books waiting for me to read them!

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    1. Aw, Cindy. Thank you. (blushing!!!!) And I agree on that cover, just charming. And Im a sucker for twins, too, and these twins, well.... let's say there is Plenty Of Help around when these babies get born, LOL! Gotta love big Italian families!

      Where would we be without stories, art, books, songs? Our minds wouldn't stretch as far or as wondrously without this fun creativity!!! So glad you're here!

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    2. I know! Books are amazing. I've always loved them because they take me to places I can't go in real life, and in them I can do things I would be WAYYYY to scared to do in real life! lol I'm only very adventurous in my imagination.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us, Cindy.

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  9. Hello! I stopped by to read up on Ruthy's next book. It sounds wonderful and I know it will be! I loved The Lawman's Holiday Wish!!

    I hope everyone has a great Super Bowl weekend!

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    1. Donna, back at ya' on the fun Super Bowl stuff! I love any excuse to cook for a crowd and have a flock of kids around. My house is not where you want to be to hear the game.... but it's a great place to be if you've got kids who want to think they just attended the Best Superbowl Party Ever with PUNCH!!!! The punch gets 'em every time!

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    2. Yay! Go Broncos! I was raised a Bronco fan, so I am excited they've made it this year. I used to be a HUGE sports fan. My family had season tickets to almost EVERY team in Denver. Hockey was my fav, especially the fights! But now I've mellowed some and am more into books than sports. :)

      Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the game!

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  10. Thanks for sharing the fun interview! God has blessed my little family so much these past few months with the adoption of a new baby girl. It was a long wait but we know that it was in God's timing and she is meant to be in our family :)

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Heidi!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! We have a beautiful grandson that my daughter and son-in-law adopted in Ethiopia. He's a gorgeous bundle of energy and is the perfect sandwich of crazy-boy-fun-stuff between two little girls! Congratulations on your adoption and I can just hear the joy in your keyboard!

      Babies. I love babies. Kids. Diapers. Clean clothes. Popsicles. Plastic pools. Sleds in the snow. I get such a kick out of kids!

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    2. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I think adoption is one of the most beautiful things in the world. I have lots of kids running around my house because I still live at home with my family of 11 siblings. Kids bring so much joy and blessing to a house, as I'm sure you are experiencing right now.

      God bless you and thanks for stopping by to chat!

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  11. Fun, fun interview, Ruthy & Amber! Guess I should have realized you're from another planet--LOL! I don't know a lot of people with your tenacity and boundless energy!

    LOVE the premise of your new book. Timely topic, and a gorgeous cover, too!

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    1. My buddy Myra Johnson!!!!! Thank you, my friend! I loved the premise too, and I'm so glad we were able to do a book on such a sensitive subject and gently show both sides of the reality. And of course, with my own beautiful namesake the result of in vitro, I know the upsides of the procedure... but it's always good to seriously look at all angles.

      I LOVE THIS COVER, MYRA!!!! (Jumps on chair and starts doing some kind of weird boogie-woogie joyful dance) I'm so glad you like it too!

      And hey, I'm not FROM another planet, I just visited there under great duress until they showed me the original Ghirardelli chocolate factory was actually on their planet!!! From that point on we were the best of friends!!! :)

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    2. The cover is BRILLIANT as everyone seems to agree. :)
      But seriously, the premise of the new book? Genius. Totally genius. Can't wait to read it!!!!!

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  12. Hi, Amber! Hi, Ruthy! Good gracious. THAT COVER!! Loooove.

    The premise for this story is phenomenal. I assume it explores in some aspect the sanctity of life. Love this. Now I'm dying to read it!!!! :)

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    1. NATALIE!!! So glad you stopped by! It's good to see you.

      I know right?? I am so with you on that. It sounds like a great read. So now comes the hard part of waiting for it to come out. *Sigh* I hate waiting.

      By the way, my friend, I believe congratulations are in order! You've made it to the final round in the contest? You TOTALLY deserve it!

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    2. Natalie, that's it exactly. Just because we can do something, doesn't always mean we should... or that we can brush off the consequences of our actions. Oh my gosh, I hope you guys love this story. I love it, clearly, and I was truly blessed when they gave me the go-ahead to do it. We are at a time of witnessing so much amazement, science, technology, new chances abound. But the weight of responsibility with all of that should be awe-inspiring.

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  13. Ruthy, I couldn't get here fast enough to see the new cover -- they just keep getting better, and they were lovely to start with. And the story ... you continue to come up with the most timely topics. I was so impressed with how you handled the topic of cancer in The Lawman's Second Chance. Looking forward to reading Loving the Lawman!

    Nancy C (Chill N)

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    1. She does have a knack for that, doesn't she? :)
      I am so honored she would let us see her cover today!

      Thanks for stopping by Nancy!

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    2. Nancy, thank you! And thanks for the kudos on The Lawman's Second Chance. I just posted the book trailer to that sweet story on Facebook because one year ago today the real Lisa... my friend who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at age 36 with four kids... was at the Superbowl and we've got pics of her and Jeff there "living like they were dying".... Every day God gives us should be cause celebre!!!! And filled with goodness and SMILES!!!!!

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  14. Love your description "upstate New York where seasons rarely blend, men are men and winter is talked about far too often"...think I'll stay down South. lol Great post and Ruthie's books sound great!

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    1. Haha, the south sounds pretty nice right about now. I'm jealous of your weather right now Patricia!

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    2. Patricia, welcome aboard!!!! I love visiting the south, but hey, you guys get your own form of Mother Nature crazy!!!! Today is rainy, 30-ish, gray but I just saw the FIRST RETURNING ROBINS!!!!!! Such hearty little songbirds, I'm jumping for joy!!!! Singing the Hallelujah chorus, big time!

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  15. Like your story about the aliens! Sometimes I feel that way too!

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    1. Haha, I feel like an alien a lot of the time! I can't count how many times people give me that look that says "Which planet did you come from?" Haha, oh well.

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  16. Your interview is so much fun! It makes me want to read your books! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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    1. Ruthy is such a fun person, and so are her books.

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  17. Ruthie, I have not seen you in - well - years! I am soo jealous of you and that Adirondack weather! You don't know how I wish I could be in that country in winter. Snow, ice, and biting cold is where it's at for me, but it sure ain't here where I live. Well, maybe some cold temps, but nothing like what you guys experience back there. I would love to win a copy of your book, so I'm leaving my email addy so I can be entered in the giveaway. Blessings to you, my friend!

    patti(dot)shene(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. God is soooo wonderful even though I now have to wash our clothes on a scruboard in Nicaragua! This former Home Economics teacher and her husband had their lives turned around when God called them from the pastorate to the mission field! God is even more wonderful because we get to go home to our State base so I can go back to cooking! Actually He is wonderful despite my little petty comments!

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    1. Wow! Nicaragua? You are a BRAVE woman! That is wonderful! How did you decide on Nicaragua?

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