Meet Mindy–and Win a Book!
I figured we’d kick off February in style–and spend some time chatting with one of my favorite folks–Mindy Obenhaus! Isn’t she the cutest thing? Mindy lives in Texas and writes for Love Inspired–and it just so happens she has a brand new book hitting the shelves.
This particular cover is SO MUCH FUN, Mindy–the hero giving the heroine a piggy back ride–I love it!! Her Rocky Mountain Hope is one of the very first books to sport Harlequin’s updated cover design, so that’s pretty special!
Yes, I was very excited when I found out I was going to have a book releasing the first month of Harlequin’s rebranding campaign and couldn’t wait to see the cover. The image on Her Rocky Mountain Hope is so different from previous covers. I just love it!
I know! This cover is so joyful, and that’s extra special considering some of the difficult topics you tackle in this book–such as childhood cancer. Yet you portray this with a realism and a hopefulness that are really resonating with readers–that’s so impressive!
Her Rocky Mountain Hope is the most challenging book I’ve ever written. Back in 2016 when I first proposed the Stephens brothers series, I didn’t know much about Daniel other than that he was an adventurer, so I entertained the notion of a summer camp. From there, it was literally all God.
I remember sitting at my kitchen table, writing out the two-paragraph blurb. When I finished, I read it over and thought, “Wow, this sounds like a great story, but I have no idea how I’d write it.” Not knowing anything about childhood cancer, I felt ill-equipped. But nothing is too big for God. By the time I sat down to write this story in early 2019, God had placed people in my path whose kids had valiantly battled cancer, some winning, some losing. Their stories granted a realism and hope this book wouldn’t have had without them. My hope is that readers will be encouraged in their faith, knowing that no matter what life throws at us, God is ready and waiting to walk through it with us.
I love this–what is it that they say? “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” So, this is the final book in your Rocky Mountain series…what’s next???
I’m glad you asked, Laurel. In July, I will be introducing readers to the delightful town of Bliss, Texas with the first book, A Father’s Promise. Here’s a sneak peak:
Is he ready for fatherhood?
He doesn’t think he deserves a family…
But now he has a daughter.
Stunned to discover he has a child, Wes Bishop isn’t sure he’s father material. But his adorable daughter needs him, and he can’t help feeling drawn to her mother, Laurel Donovan—a woman he’s finally getting to know. But can this sudden dad overcome a past tragedy that has him convinced he’s not meant to be a husband or a father…and make a promise of forever?
That sounds like another winner, Mindy! Thanks for stopping by for a chat!
If you’d like a chance to win a copy of Mindy’s book Her Rocky Mountain Hope, simply leave a comment on this post! Tell us what you think about the new Love Inspired covers, respond to Mindy’s story about how this book came about, or just say hi! (This giveaway is limited to folks in the U.S.) I’ll announce the winner here on Tuesday, February 11!)
I love love inspired books. I’ve never be disappointed by a cover. They catch your attention.
I agree, Jane! They do a great job of catching your attention–and they always manage to convey the sweet flavor of each story. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I would love to read this book. The cover looks interesting
I think so, too, Betty–definitely an interesting–and cute–situation on this cover! Thanks for commenting–putting your name in for a chance at winning the book!
I hope you get a chance to read it, Betty.
I love the cover, and I can’t wait to read the book. Childhood cancer really gets to me, even though I haven’t been touched by it personally. I love and support St. Jude’s hospital, and pray that someday soon they’ll be able to close the doors! Thanks for the chance.
Hi, Kathy–yes! I’m praying that prayer with you!! Wouldn’t that be wonderful???
Kathy, wouldn’t that be wonderful if all of the cancer hospitals had to close their doors? What a blessed day that would be.
Jane, I love the new direction they’ve taken with the covers. They have such a warm feel to them.
I always love hearing the story behind the story. Wow, this one is very powerful. I can’t wait to read it, now.
I had the same reaction, Amy! This is a can’t-miss story for sure!
It was a very different experience for me, that’s for sure.
I love the Love Inspired books and the covers. I don’t have to read the blurb as the cover always makes me want to read them. Thank you for this opportunity.
I know exactly what you mean, Barbara! I’m the same way–those covers make the Love Inspired books just jump into my shopping cart! And you’re very welcome–thanks for commenting and entering!
Barbara, I feel the same way.
The cover is absolutely lovely!
Isn’t it, Fayelle?? I love it!!
Fayelle, I love this cover!
Sounds like a wonderful book!
I think so, too! Mindy never disappoints!
Laurel, you flatter me. Neesie, I hope get the opportunity to check it out.
My great niece was 3 when she was found to have a brain tumor…thankfully the cancer was still inside the tumor, and doctor’s at St. Jude Hospital were able to remove it! Her 7th birthday is this month! 🙂 She is part of a study at St. Jude to help other children! The book cover caught my attention too!
Oh, wow, Barbie. Praising the Lord for your great niece’s recovery!! How wonderful that she’s helping other children through the study at St. Jude. I can certainly understand how Mindy’s book would speak to you in a very special way!! And I agree–that cover is very eye-catching!
What a great story, Barbie. Seems there aren’t many lives that haven’t been touched by cancer. Thank God she’s doing well.
I love how you were inspired by the people God placed in your path. I know nothing is by accident and His ways are always perfect. I love your cover! It is inspiring!
I loved hearing the backstory of Mindy’s book, too, Pamela! You’re right–very inspiring–and definitely made me want to read this story!
Pamela, it was pretty amazing. Certainly reminded me that His timing is always perfect.
I love inspirational heartwarming romance books!!
Yes! Those are my favorite kinds of books too, Jamie!
Jamie, they give that happy sigh at the end, don’t they?
This sounds like a good book! And I love the new covers!
I love them, too, Tiffany! And this one is especially sweet!
Tiffany, we are all very pleased with this new direction they’re taking the covers.
Love these kinds of book
Me, too! Love Inspired books are always such sweet, uplifting reads!
Me, three!
I love the cover of this book! This book is something that is dear to my heart. I have gone through cancer my self recently and have known children with cancer at a young age and seeing God in the process of them going through it. Thank you for this special book. I look forward to reading it.
Linda, I can certainly see how this book would speak to your heart in an extra special way! Praying for continued good health for you!
I hope you enjoy it, Linda.
Would like to win this book – sounds interesting
Wonderful, Margaret! You’re entered in the drawing!
Good luck, Margaret!
I love the cover, very outdoorsy! Your story is dear to my heart because I just survived cancer myself last year and know how God helped me through it with peace and comfort. I have known a few kids with cancer and have pulled through it with God’s healing and peace. Thank you for writing about this tough subject, can’t wait to read your book!
It is outdoorsy, isn’t it? I love it, too!! I am so very glad to hear that you’ve pulled through, Linda–and such a beautiful testimony you have of how God helped and blessed you during that time. I agree–Mindy tackled such a tough subject, and she’s done it so very well! My hat’s off to her!
Very nice cover! Looks and sounds like one I need to add to my ever-growing stack of books!
Hi, Linda! Your TBR pile sounds like mine! Mine gets taller by the day–so many great books to read. Great problem to have, though. And yes–that cover is adorable! I love it, too!!
LOL! I think we all have stacks like that, Linda.
I love the new cover!! It has to be challenging to write about childhood cancer. Thank you for your calling to share your stories.
I agree, Debra. Definitely a challenge–and I’m in awe of how well Mindy met it! So glad she’s sharing her wonderful stories with all of us!
Debra, it was not only challenging, but intimidating. I’m so glad God knows what He’s doing, though.
The cover is so pretty!! It’s very eye catching. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!
Hi, Megan–I agree! This cover really is eye-catching–it’s so sweet and unusual! And you’re very welcome! I’m so excited to share Mindy’s book!
Good luck, Megan!
Hi, Laurel! I think the new look for the cover is refreshing. Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy, especially since you are a new-to-me author! God bless! Lual Krautter Email: krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet
Refreshing is the perfect word, Lual! There is something about this scene that’s refreshing, isn’t there? Entering you in the giveaway!! Good luck!
Yes, Lual, these new covers are, indeed, refreshing. Modern even.
The cover is beautiful. They look like they are having so much fun.
Jan, I thought the same thing! It’s such a fun picture!
They sure do, Jan. Like they’re off on an adventure.
Love the new design and am looking forward to reading the stories.
I love the new look, too, Pam! Wasn’t sure I would–but I definitely do!! They look so fresh and fun!
Pam, they’ve done a great job and I think they’ll just keep getting better.
I love the cover! I have known many childhood cancer victims and am interested in your story. It intrigues me how differently people act and survive when their life changes. I look forward to reading your book!
That’s so true, Dawn! This is a special topic that really touches people’s hearts. So glad Mindy followed God’s leading to write this story!
Hi, Dawn. I hope you get a chance to read the story and I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy a new genre and a new author for me.
Linda, you are so very welcome! I know you’ll enjoy Love Inspired and Mindy! She’s a gem!
Linda, we’d love to have you give us a whirl.
I like the cover and have been to Ouray, CO. Would like to read this book but can only read print books.
Wow! You’ve been to Ouray! After reading Mindy’s Rocky Mountain books, I would love to visit there! Do you live in the U.S., Vivian? If so, no worries–the winner will receive a print copy!
Vivian, I absolutely love Ouray, which is why I had to write so many books set there. It is definitely my favorite place to visit.
I love the Love Inspired covers. They are always so interesting and draws me in.
Jocelyn, I feel the same way–I always love these covers!
Jocelyn, these new cover designs are even better. We’ve been so pleased wit them.
I am curious as to why he is now finding out he has a daughter.
That’s a good question, Sonnetta! And knowing Mindy, it’s sure to have an interesting answer!
Hi, Sonnetta. It took me a minute to figure out what you were talking about, then I realized it was my July release. In the world of romance, it’s what we call a secret baby story. And while I can’t give away the secret, I can tell you that our hero is quite surprised.
I’d love to read the entire Rocky Mountain series! I have some catching up to do!
You’re in for a treat, Lynette!
Lynette, the Stephens brothers are a good bunch of fellows. They all deserve a happily ever after.
Love these books not once have I been disappointed
I know just what you mean, Danielle! They are always so good!
Danielle, I love that I pick up a Love Inspired book, knowing that there’s going to be an uplifting story and happily ever after at the end.
I really like the Love Inspired stories.
I do, too, Lori! They’re always good for a heart lift!!
Me, too, Lori. That’s why I read then as well as write for them.
Definitely a winner! Congratulations!!!
I agree, Natalya! This book ticks all the boxes–a winner for sure!
Thank you, Natalya.
I love the cover! And the story sounds interesting….so much like real life,.
That’s so true, Gladys! I really like stories that have a “real” feel to them!
Thank you, Gladys. I love the cover, too. 🙂
I love the new covers.
I do, too, Patricia! They look really fresh and fun!
Aren’t they great, Patricia? They have such a warm and inviting vibe to them.