Larch Valley

When I found out I was going to be writing several stories in one setting, I knew I wanted the chance to create my own town with all the best things I love about the Canadian west.

There really is a Larch Valley in Banff National Park, and it's a popular hiking destination. In fact, the picture in the banner above was taken by my friend and Superromance author, CJ Carmichael. Gorgeous, isn't it! I knew my town of Larch Valley had to have the mountains nearby. I also knew it had to have the rolling glory of the foothills for the ranches around it, and when I devised the main street, I couldn't help but think of the charming town of Cochrane, which lies just west of Calgary. Then I started to populate it with characters I love...hardworking ranchers, sexy cowboys, loyal and beautiful women and even a character or two - like local antique shop owner Agnes.

I hope you'll come in, stay a while, and meet the heroes and heroines from my Larch Valley books. Click on the books tab to find the latest in release information. Pop over to my blog for my online diary of what I'm working on at the moment, and my website for the latest contest information as well as other releases from Harlequin. Check out my fun and games section, with some neat activities as well as links back to my recipes page - you're not going to want to miss that!

In January 2010, come back to Larch Valley and make yourself at home at Lazy L Ranch - where something special is about to happen!

One Dance With The Cowboy is the first book in a very special duet about two brothers, Andrew and Noah Laramie. If you've read Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage, out in November 09, you'll have briefly met Andrew in my novella, A Bride For Rocking H Ranch. Now he gets his own story, complete with a barn full of unruly horses and a first love who is determined not to let him hurt her again. Jen's kind of amazing, and Andrew knows it.

Head on over to the book's page to read an excerpt, do a word search, and find out about what inspired me during the writing of this book. Don't forget - there's a Larch Valley blog going on where you can keep up with the happenings of the series AND the town. I'd love it if you came over for a visit!

What's coming up....

The second book in the Cowboys and Confetti duet is Her Lone Cowboy, featuring Andrew's brother Noah and Jen's best friend, Lily Germaine.

Noah was one of those characters that leapt on to the page and made me love him from the get-go. I questioned my sanity, writing a physically disabled hero, but I fell in love with him - I couldn't help it. Noah's gruff, and grumpy, but he never shows a shred of self-pity. He is exactly what Lily needed, and she is a woman with enough strength to hold on. This book was a true joy to write and I think it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Head on over to the book's page for some background info on what got me started and to read an excerpt.