Sharin’ the Love (Guest blogger, Carol Cox)

Remember the moment in The Music Man when the Wells Fargo wagon comes rolling through town? I never get tired of watching the people of River City stand eagerly along the sides of the road, each one hoping the delivery wagon is carrying something special “just for them.”

I had a moment like that yesterday when the UPS truck arrived. Was it the “something special” I’d been waiting for? A quick look at the labels on the parcels the driver handed over confirmed my hopes—two boxes from Bethany House, containing my author’s copies of Love in Disguise, a historical romantic suspense set in the rough-and-tumble Arizona of the 1880s. What wonderful timing! I always enjoy spending time on Writes of Passage, so here’s a perfect opportunity to share the excitement with you!

This book is my 27^th published title, but it’s my first with Bethany House, and I have loved every moment of working with the wonderful people there. Didn’t they do a fabulous job with the cover design? It really captures the spirit of the story.

Here’s a peek at the back cover copy:

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow . . . or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?

Writing this book was fun from the very beginning. I’ve always been intrigued by stories featuring a master of disguise, but I needed a character who had just the right combination of skills and personality. When Ellie Moore took shape in my mind, with her background in the theater and thirst for adventure, I knew I’d found a heroine who had all the qualifications to carry it off.

Along the way, Ellie becomes so caught up in playing the roles of her undercover characters that she sometimes finds it hard to remember who she is . . .and even begins to wish she could take on one of those personalities as her own. Which made me wonder . . .

Who would you choose to be, if you had the opportunity to create a whole new identity for yourself? You might take on the persona of a historic figure who has inspired you, or come up with a creation of your own making. Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And I’d like you to share in my celebration of the upcoming release of Love in Disguise, so this week I’m giving away three of these lovely pocket mirrors. If you include “Count me in” somewhere in your comment on this post, I’ll put your name in an imaginary hat and draw the winners from that pool. Much as I hate to have to limit the giveaway, I’m only able to make this offer available to entrants from the U.S. and Canada—but I still want to hear from the rest of you!

In summary:
To be entered in the drawing for the pocket mirrors, leave a comment on this blog post any time before noon Central, Tuesday, May 29th. Winners will be announced on this blog Wednesday, May 30th.

So who would you like to be? I’m looking forward to reading your comments, and I’ll see you again next week!

~Carol 

Thanks, Carol, for filling in for Judy today! 

And now! A special treat! A sneak peek at Love in Disguise...

Read the entire excerpt of Love in Disguise!