TEA TIME!

5/30/2014

We're celebrating the release of my newest novel, THE TEASHOP ON LAVENDER LANE, with a contest. Just tell us who's your favorite Icicle Falls character so far and why. The winner will receive the teashop goody package featured in the picture here. This should be fun! I can hardly wait to read your comments.
Now, here are the gory details:
Contest ends July 13th, 4 p.m. West Coast time.

76 Comments

Mary

5/30/2014 04:28:06 am

I'm sure everyone will say the same thing...it's almost impossible to pick a favorite person who lives in Icicle Falls. I'm going to say Cass Wilkes, though. Probably because I was SO wrapped up in her situation before her daughter's wedding. Having her ex-husband and his new, gorgeous wife STAY with Cass?? It's bad enough he gets to walk their daughter down the aisle - he doesn't deserve that honor - and now Cass has to, once again, be the patient, understanding good sport. That whole situation played out so close to my own life, I really felt a sense of "validation"...somebody else gets it!

Nancy Ball

7/13/2014 07:18:47 am

I adore books about herbs and teas of any sort. A book with a twist of every woman's awkward situation nightmare sounds like a great read.

Brenda Rupp

6/1/2014 12:28:25 pm

I haven't read any of your books so I can only say that all of them have to be my favorite!

mal kaplan

6/2/2014 01:06:18 am

am looking forward to reading your boooks. in your blurb i would have to say dot morrison..a little old lady...well, that describes me..and so i will vote for her .( am an octogenarian)

Nancy Reynolds

6/2/2014 01:06:45 am

I refuse to pick just one "favorite" - I never could pick favorites. I am just not good at loving one more than another. That's why I love books like yours where you have an entire cast of characters to meet and learn to love. Thanks for this chance to win - I LOVE tea and tea parties.

Barbara Capuano

6/2/2014 01:39:08 am

Oh Sheila..I'm sorry to say I haven't read any of your books but I sure do intend to. I love the cover of this book and I can guarantee by the time this giveaway is over I'd have read one of your books. Ha Thanks for a great giveaway!

Lois Harden

6/2/2014 01:54:37 am

I love Dot Morrison. I think this character has a whole story behind her. She's ruff and gruff, but has a soft streak. She is a grandmother in waiting. She also knows how to have fun. What a great woman.

Cathy Carruthers

6/2/2014 02:04:04 am

Samantha Sterling Is my favorite character so far. I love the way she takes care of business and family.

HeatherLynn Hoff

6/2/2014 02:18:29 am

It is very difficult to pick a favorite character from Icicle Falls. I love all of them! If I was forced to choose just one it would have to be Muriel Sterling because of the great advice she gave in her book "Simplicity". It changed Jen Heath's life for the better in "The Cottage On Juniper Ridge". I put some of that advice into practice in my own life

Gail Hollingsworth

6/2/2014 03:20:15 am

Brenda Rupp where have you been? You are missing out on some of the best books ever written! Sheila has such a great sense of humor and weaves wonderful stories.
My favorite is Cass also. She is closer to my age and just like me housed an ex in her home and was a gracious host. I housed my husband's ex wife when we had a crisis with my stepdaughter. I felt Cass's pain and related very well.

Nancy Luebke

6/2/2014 03:57:15 am

I'm going with the little old lady.

Patricia Cochran

6/2/2014 04:12:21 am

I'm older and a mother, so I'm pulled towards Muriel Sterling and her
good advice!

Amanda Booke

6/2/2014 07:03:02 am

Samantha Sterling! Her personality is very close in line with mine and she likes to take charge and makes sure things get done. Plus, she runs a chocolate business!! Who doesn't love chocolate, really!??! :)

Katie Wallace

6/2/2014 08:00:44 am

My favorite character in the Icicle Falls series would have to be Samantha Sterling! I love how she is so passionate about her family and Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company. She is a spunky girl with a heart of gold. Also, her and Blake could not be any cuter!

Connie Hendricks

6/2/2014 08:07:37 am

Well, I like them all, gotta love a group of women who support one another through all times. There is something to be said for dropping everything to help a friend. That said, I do like Samantha Sterling who does what it takes to get it done.

Rita Wray

6/2/2014 09:10:10 am

I like Samantha Sterling, she seems to have it together.

Mary Vehlies

6/2/2014 10:52:40 am

My favorite character has been Stacy Thomas from The Cottage on Juniper Ridge. I guess because I'm at the same stage in life that she was...empty nest, figuring out the second half of life...that I really related to her. I loved that she was able to start a successful business and had such a loving, wonderful relationship with her husband. Love, love, love this series!

Debbie Rudder

6/2/2014 12:06:13 pm

Please don't ask me to pick a favorite. That is an impossible task. Each story and character are totally unique. The best part of a tea party is the sweets.

Kai W.

6/2/2014 12:45:36 pm

It's Samantha Sterling. She and I have so much in commons.

Cindi

6/2/2014 11:37:48 pm

Love all the characters but if I had to pick just one, I'd say Jen Heath because she's the first character I 'met' in The Cottage on Juniper Ridge and, what brought me to "Icicle Falls".

Cynthia E. Blain

6/3/2014 11:09:38 am

How can you choose between all great and unique characters, but being an older person and a grandmother, I think that I can relate a bit to Dot Morrison. But it takes the entire cast of characters to make things flow so wonderfully well, and so it makes it almost impossible to find just one.

At a tea room, I love the little Tassies and the lemon curd between layers of sponge cake and the strawberry tarts, or/and the chocolate Ganache petit fours or whatever they are technically called. I love the entire dessert tray especially the three tiered one with the big dish of clotted cream on the side to spoon over everything. Ummmm.

I can't wait to read your latest book, Sheila. Have been housebound for 14 weeks so far except to get to the hospital in a wheelchair so thank goodness I have the diversion of books and online communication.

I wish you and your family well with what you seem to have in store for you with family situations, etc. So sorry.
And I have been hoping so much that you are doing well yourself. I think of you often.

Take care.
Much success with everything.

Hugs,
Cynthia Blain

bn100

6/3/2014 05:45:34 pm

Haven't read many, so no fav

Sally H.

6/4/2014 12:50:47 pm

I think I like Jen Heath in The Cottage on Juniper Ridge best. Since it's the last book of yours I read she sticks in my mind, but most of all I like her because she always felt like such a goof-ball whenever Garrett Armstrong was around. Way to impress a guy! Can anyone say "high school". It's how I felt most of the time - doing something silly in front of the guy I wanted to impress. Thank goodness those days are gone!!

Theresa N

6/8/2014 06:08:35 am

Mine is Muriel Sterling she's easy for me to relate too.

Charlema link

6/10/2014 01:09:59 am

I can't just pick just one of your cha that would be my favorite......I am envies of how close they are...that is something I haven't ever had. Yet at the same time...I feel like I do know them.

donna harris

6/10/2014 05:20:05 am

I haven't had the opportunity to read any of your books yet. So I fairly got to say I can't answer your question. I would though love to win this prize, then I could read one of your books while sipping a cup of tea. It's that I don't want to buy your books, it's that I don't have the income to do so. Not right now anyway I have to get the lawyer paid off. You see there's been a battle with the family since last year who's going to be guardian over my 91yr old mom. I won, which she wanted in the first place, I'm her only daughter. Now the lawyer still has to be paid. I can't read any books unless I win them. Not real easy to go to the library. Also I'm disabled myself and money is tight. I really hope I win the prize!

Desiree Boettcher

6/12/2014 03:52:35 am

well I have not read these books yet......But I want to!!!

Rose link

6/12/2014 03:57:07 am

I haven't read any of your books, But look forward to reading some though,They sound really good,

Deborah Nagy

6/12/2014 04:16:53 am

Having just experienced an event in an amazing little Tea Shop in Fredericksburg, VA, I am excited to read your book. I'm sure your Tea Shop will be as magical as the one in Virginia.

Melissa D

6/12/2014 04:17:19 am

I love your books, and that's a very hard question! I guess it will have to be Samantha Sterling-- because I love her feisty personality and her devotion to her family.

Anita Baker

6/12/2014 04:18:34 am

Haven't read any of your books, but would love to read this one.

Patricia Smith

6/12/2014 04:29:50 am

Jonathan Templar is one of my most favorite characters so far, he is a loveable geek and so unassuming, how can you not fall in love with him.

Fay Hafer

6/12/2014 05:23:10 am

I sure look forward to reading all of your books, and sure am glad that I found you, and I enjoy reading your books.

Liz

6/12/2014 06:42:52 am

One of my favorites is Samantha Sterling but I really enjoy all the characters!

Lori

6/12/2014 07:42:42 am

I am just starting to read your books so I don't have a favorite yet but I am sure I will!

Linda Heikens

6/12/2014 10:07:53 am

I haven't read any of the books yet but sounds like I would really like her books. So winning would get me started.

Sandy

6/12/2014 11:31:45 am

Bailey is my favorite.

J.M. Infusino link

6/12/2014 06:46:07 pm

I have not read the book in question, from the responses from the people a head of me it must be a really good book. I'll just have to read it to find out who does what, where when and why. If I should be the lucky one to win the prize. I will share it with my very good friends who have taken me from a very dark and painful time. They helped me get through it and to see that it all turned out for the best.

I gather you are going through some rough times from what one readers wrote. I will pray that God gives you the strength to get through it.

RAQUEL BOONE

6/13/2014 02:48:21 am

Love your books! Creative, fun and enjoyable to read! :) Thanks for being you!

Sondra Rausch

6/13/2014 03:19:57 am

Can barely wait to read this. A good book and a cup or glass of tea and I am all set for a wonderful day of reading!!!

tori whitaker

6/13/2014 09:49:31 am

havent read them so i couldnt say

Grace Jolley

6/14/2014 06:59:42 am

I have not read any if your books yet but am looking forward to the pleasure.

Joye

6/14/2014 08:21:51 am

I have the book-just have not had the time to read it yet. hope I can still enter the giveaway? I am a big read drinker

Renee Durdan

6/16/2014 04:04:36 am

I love tea, tea parties, everything tea, which is surprising because I am somewhat of a Samantha Sterling, business minded and such, but the girly side of me comes out and my favorite place to go is to tea! It's even better with friends and a hat!

Linda Cole

6/20/2014 11:39:34 am

My Favorite is Samantha Sterling-She is trying to save the whole town in the the end-I got so wrapped up in her story that when she was having fun I was laughing with her and when she was upset I had tears in my eyes.I get carried away with all of the stories I have so far.Can't wait for the rest of them

Teresa Clark Hartkopf

6/20/2014 01:48:57 pm

I haven't read any of your books yet.But I did google THE TEASHOP ON LAVENDER LANE and from the reviews I think I would like it.

Teresa Robinson

6/21/2014 07:53:01 am

Sheila I have not read any of your books yet. I was just introduced to you today. I would very much like to read your new book and hopefully Many more.

Chandra Petter

6/21/2014 10:41:14 am

I just discovered your books. I am currently reading better than chocolate and I love the humor.

Terri Rinko

6/22/2014 08:32:34 am

Hi, I love your writing and I believe Samantha Sterling is my favorite so far because of her need to save the whole town--what a character!! Touching, heartwarming and fun all wrapped up in one character! Looking forward to others!

Brittney House

6/22/2014 02:43:47 pm

I've never gotten a chance to read any books, but they do sound intriguing.

Shirley Bennett link

6/23/2014 01:21:59 am

Hi Sheila! I am -after reading all the comments- VERY sorry to say I have not read your work - YET - but I can see I will be hitting the Amazon site and ordering my first book from you TODAY!!! I love the feedback you have so I cannot wait!!! Thanks for the opportunity!

leeanne

6/24/2014 02:15:12 am

Haven't had a chance to read any of your books yet, but have them on my TBR!

Kim Porter

6/26/2014 12:39:11 am

Jen is my favorite character as she reminds me soooo much of myself. I was always working but never seemed to have enough money. I live in a mobile home but would LOVE to have a condo. I know I would qualify for one but I believe I would be dirt poor once I owned it.

I learned my lesson the HARD way. I fell down a flight of cement steps in 2000, had surgery in 2001 with the results ONLY lasting 2 weeks. I finally had to quit working in 2003 as per doctors orders. In order to get help from the county you have to be BROKE. That means no savings and cashing in my 401k (later no money for retirement). Having filed for Social Security Disability, waiting 2 1/2 years for it was challenging. Trying to live with NO income, the County help included ONLY rent, untilities (but NOT phone that is a necessity to keep in touch with the doctors) and $10 for incidentals (toilet paper, shampoo and tootpaste). Thank God for food stamps but what about gas and other things??? I had worked for over 20 years half of which I worked 2 jobs and sometimes 3. I wanted a hand UP not a hand OUT!!!

There is a part of society that JUST ISN'T covered when help is needed!!!

I've been on SSD for 10 years NOW and it is less than half of what I WAS making and it is extremely HARD to make ends meet when your single. I have had a roommate before but making and keeping rules and still trying to stay friends is NOT possible sometimes. There ahould be a better way!!!

I gave YOU this information with the hope that you may write something about HOW HARD it is to get help after you have done EVERYTHING RIGHT but need help NOW!!!

Sharon MItchell

6/28/2014 04:52:13 pm

How can one choose? Each person touches you in a different way.

Sherri McKnight

6/29/2014 06:45:02 am

Can't wait to read THE TEASHOP ON LAVENDER LANE. I have enjoyed your other books.

Diane baum

7/12/2014 02:42:42 am

My fave is Samantha Sterling, because she is so on top of everything.

jules m.

7/12/2014 04:18:52 am

I havent read the books yet, but would love to! :)

janet woodling

7/12/2014 04:58:56 am

Picking a favorite character from a good novel is like picking which is your favorite child...like your children each character is valuable to make it all work.

Julia Eddy

7/12/2014 05:10:41 am

Picking a favorite character is like picking your favorite ice cream. It depends on the time, the place and the company you keep.

Kathryn Cort

7/12/2014 09:49:34 am

unfortunately I have not read any of your books- this is my first time to your blog- but based on the comments I'm reading it sounds like Dot Morrison would be my favorite character

Rebecca Anderson

7/12/2014 11:20:21 am

Muriel Sterling is my favorite. I'm downsizing & seeking a simpler way to live.

Rebecca Anderson

7/12/2014 11:34:57 am

Muriel Sterling-got to love a lady who knows priorities.

Brenda Elsner

7/12/2014 02:24:00 pm

I don't have a favorite as I haven't read any of these yet. They sound good though so will have to check them out!!!

Trisha McKee

7/12/2014 02:31:49 pm

Cass because I can relate most to her- pleasing everyone, remaining patient, doing what is best for everyone else even if it causes her inconvenience.

MARIA simon

7/12/2014 02:52:21 pm

Samantha sterling is my favorite..

Nicole Millheim

7/12/2014 04:11:09 pm

Dot Morrison because i can relate to her

Barbara Stenby

7/12/2014 08:59:31 pm

I like Billy Williams great character and I think he might even be kinda cute in my mind anyway!

Buddy Garrett

7/12/2014 10:09:30 pm

Picking a favorite character is difficult but I'd say Jake Wilder. He is becoming famous but he hasn't forgotten his hometown. I want to see more about him.

Charlotte Padgett

7/12/2014 11:51:50 pm

I can't pick a favorite because I don't think I have read any of your books yet, but I sure want to. They wound so interesting.

Donna K

7/13/2014 03:20:34 am

Samantha Sterling is cool.

Fay Hutchings

7/13/2014 05:42:16 am

I first read some of your Christmas books; loved them! What I love about your writing is the true to life characters and the humor. I have just finished reading for the 2nd time; The Cottage on Juniper Ridge. Can't wait for the "Teashop on Lavendar Lane". I don't really have a favorite character BUT LOVE Icicle Falls! Wish I could visit!

Kat Emerick

7/13/2014 06:07:44 am

I am just getting back to reading again and would love to read this.

vivian

7/13/2014 06:11:10 am

cant pick a fave since I haven't read any of her books.

Lily Kwan

7/13/2014 07:36:24 am

I like Samantha Sterling because she's sensible and level headed.

Susan Bacheller

7/13/2014 07:51:05 am

I haven't read any of the books, but from reading other comments they sound delightful. I would love to dig into one and decide who my favorite character will be!

terry pierce

7/13/2014 11:20:32 am

TEA TIME!

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