I admit it. My favorite part about writing romance novels is having control over the hero. Making him look the way I want him to look (Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, and Alex O’Loughin are frequently consulted), giving him rugged swagger and the skills to back it up, and best of all, giving him an honorable core and a soft heart that only the heroine can uncover beneath his gruff exterior. What woman hasn’t wished she could make her husband say the romantic words she secretly longs to hear or have him be so emotionally connected to her that he senses her needs without her having to speak them?
I have that power!
Yet, as much as I love making these fictional studs dance to my tune, I am often reminded of the joy that comes from being surprised by the real-life men in my life. Like the husband who secretly planned a trip to take his wife hiking to eight different waterfalls in the forests of Georgia after she spent three mentally exhausting days at a writing conference in Nashville. Talk about a perfect way to decompress. He even took me zip-lining! I couldn’t have written a better scene. Of course, this is the same man who gave me a toilet seat for Christmas one year, but hey—all good heroes have their imperfections.
I am also blessed to have two teenage sons, and not long ago, they taught me a lesson about being a true romance hero. Now, I’ve already confessed to loving strong, alpha heroes in my books. That goes for books I read as well, and yes, I’ve been known to read the occasional book with a shirtless cowboy or highland warrior featured on the cover. My boys often tease me about such literary choices.
My heroic menfolk from left to right – Peter (15), Wyatt (17), and husband Wes.
Well, one day, my youngest son, Peter, was having fun playing the Tackle-Mom-onto-the-Bed game that I’m not particularly fond of, seeing as how he’s stronger than I am, ensuring I always lose. I started fussing at him, trying to get him to let me up, when from the other room I hear a heroic call. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll save you!” My then sixteen-year-old son, Wyatt, rushes to the rescue, leaping through the bedroom doorway. “And I’ll be even more heroic because I’m taking off my shirt!” Then with a grand flourish, he did just that.
Now, you have to understand. Wyatt has the height of a romance hero at just under six feet, but his physique is still in development. He’s so toothpick thin, you can actually see his ribs and collarbone without him sucking anything in. Add to that the fact that he inherited my incredibly pale complexion, and he’s about as different from the tan, heavily muscled romance cover models as you can get. But I couldn’t have asked for a better hero. I laughed until I cried. We all did. Nothing I could have written could compare to the perfection of that moment.
That moment lingers with me, not only because of the humor, but because of the reminder of how romance writers often relegate the funny, sweet, slender men to the role of sidekick or heroine’s best friend. Rarely do they get a chance to strut their stuff and win the heart of the fair maiden. So I decided it was time to change that. With my husband and boys as inspiration, I created a historical western hero for my latest book who prefers bicycles to horses, who utilizes brains over brawn, and whose trustworthy manner and sterling friendship prove that what is in the heart of a man is more important than the squareness of his jaw or the size of his biceps. His tale is still filled with plenty of action and manly vigor as he and the heroine work together to unravel the handsome villain’s manipulative plot, but it is his courage and character that win the day.
Perhaps it’s because of the way Amos Bledsoe, telegraph operator, mimics my own heroic techno-nerds at home, but I found myself cheering for Amos with a deeper level of enthusiasm than usual as I wrote his story.
So for you romance readers out there, let me encourage you to think outside the alpha. And remember even pale, skinny boys can be heroic when they take off their shirts.
- Who are some of the heroic men in your life? what makes them heroic in your mind?
Leave a comment for a change to win one of two autographed copies of Heart on the Line, along with a set of heart-shaped dishcloths/trivets one of my readers made for me to give away. These are handmade, handy, and beautiful!
Latest posts by Karen Witemeyer (see all)
- Wedding Joy - November 21, 2024
- How Faith Meets Dreams - November 7, 2024
- Giveaways Gallore! - October 17, 2024
To me character and integrity in a man are more important than looks. So the nerdy telegraph operator sounds like a good character for a story. I also hope I have a chance to win one of the books you are giving away.
I agree, Vivian. What’s on the inside is so much more important than what is on the outside.
Amen to more ‘real’ characters, who aren’t beautiful or particularly handsome or Alpha. Gotta say though, as an Australian, I love how the three ‘hunks’ you mentioned are all Aussies 🙂
Wow! I didn’t even realize that until you said something. I knew Hugh and Chris were Aussies, but I didn’t realize Alex was. I do like how you grow them down under. 😉
The heroic men in my life are my husband, Kevin. He is kind and respectful to me. He cheers me up when I am down and is my best friend. Another hero is my oldest son, Jesse. Right now he is in the police academy and will graduate June 23. He wants to help people and would give you the shirt off of his back. He will be a great police officer. I am so proud of him.I really look forward to reading, Heart on the Line .
They sounds like perfect examples, Deanne. Congratulations on Jesse’s graduation next week. I have so much respect for our police officers and what they lay on the line every day for our protection. He’s going to be a blessing to so many people.
I love the story about your “shirtless” skinny hero! I have a very thin 9½ yr old grandson who is a delight! He was over Sunday w/ his dad & older brother. I asked him if he’d help me cut up a big watermelon & told him there was no wrong way to cut watermelon…he queried, “There isn’t!? Sure I’ll help!” When I pulled out my largest knife, his eyes widened, and he gasped! I told him he was going to get to use a LITTLE knife! He was a big help and when I asked him to help carry the compost out, he struggled to carry the dishpan full of rinds, but he told me, “I’ve got this!” Yep, I love the “skinny” hero in my life!
They might be skinny, but their hearts are HUGE! That’s shy they’re so loveable and such treasures. Great story, Barb. 🙂
I laughed out loud about your husband buying you a toilet seat for a gift!It’s funny how our heroes think sometimes! I have to say that God is my hero for loving me unconditionally.
We still laugh about that gift. We did need it, but I think he wrapped it up as a joke. 🙂
What a great story to share😂
I do have to ask, do you have a person/company who develops a portrait (whether painted or photo) of your lead men while you’re creating them?
No. My characters just live in my head. I really don’t even look at celebrities or models for inspiration very often. That makes it hard when it’s cover design time and my publisher asks me to send pictures and/or descriptions. I can never find just the right photo to match the image in my mind. But then, every reader will have their own image in their mind, too. That’s what makes it fun and personal.
My husband and my sons are the heroic men in my life. What makes them heroic to me is their compassion and desire to help others. Recently, we were staying at a B&B for our anniversary and at breakfast the next morning my husband stood up from our table and asked if they needed his help. I was a little confused until I turned around and saw what was directly behind me. An older woman was trying to help her husband stand up from his chair and was having trouble so my husband went over and helped them. I melted just a bit.
Ahh. What a good guy! You definitely have a keeper, Amanda.
My husband is my hero. He has a heart of gold and patience beyond measure for me and my little dog. Strength of character is what makes a hero. Your sons sound adorable! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’d take strength of character over strength of muscles any day, Linda. You are so right.
There are two heroic men in my life – my Dad and my husband.
My Dad believed in three things – faith, family and country. First and foremost, he was strong in his faith which he said was the most important thing. He was an inspiration to me and guided me to the same religious way to live. His love of family was strong and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family, which he always put before himself. He held this country to the highest regard. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for 29 years serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Dad was a man that I looked up to and admired not only as my Dad but as a man. He was and is my hero.
My amazing husband, Dale, is definitely a hero in my life. Not only has he loved me unconditionally for over 34 years, always by my side but also bracing me up in the hardest of time as in the death of our only child at the age of 17. Most would say that is what husbands are supposed to do, but he has well gone above and beyond what most husbands would do. My Mom lived with us the last 5 years of her life coming to us after a nasty cancer surgery and Alzheimer. We were her full time caregiver 24/7 for the last 3 years. She was bedridden and needed constant care. Dale said she was HIS Mom and did everything for her as much as I did. He worked full time and then came home to work all evenings helping with Mom – even through the night when Mom was having a bad night. He insisted that I get away from time to time and would take care of Mom full time for a couple days doing it all, tending to all Mom’s needs. He even took early retirement when the lifting and work got too much for me since I have my own medical problems. His giving heart doesn’t stop at his family either. He’s grown huge gardens to furnish veggies for us as well as 14 senior citizens or handicapped folks. With no payment and lot of times not much thanks, he did it because he felt he should to help those that couldn’t do it for themselves. He’s always ready to help with two welling hands to help anyone in need. He’s the most unselfish man I know. Now if that isn’t a hero, then I don’t know what one is.
What tremendous heroes, Kay! I am so inspired by reading their stories. Your husband has the giving heart we all should model. I am humbled and challenged by his story. I want to have that kind of selfless love for others.
What an amazing hero example your husband is. So many would benefit if all people could even have a fraction of the selflessness he does. Thanks for sharing.
My hubby is my hero, for sure! Happy Father’s Day to all of the dad’s out there!
Amen, Melanie!
I loved your post! I love those sweet memories that you want to make sure you always remember. It sounds like you have 2 wonderful sons and hubby. And I can’t wait to read Amos’ story. He sounds like the underdog type of of hero I always root for. 🙂
Thanks, Jennifer. Amos definitely holds a special place in my heart thanks to his resemblance to my three favorite fellas.
Karen, the heroes I write lean more toward “beta” than “alpha.” My hero hubby makes sure that my Keurig coffeemaker has a full reservoir of water waiting for me in the morning. It’s like a kiss when I walk into the kitchen in the early hours of morning.
It’s the little things that make the biggest impact sometimes. Love that, Robin!
Thank you for sharing the story about your sons and the games you play. It sounds like they have your creativity and wit. Love you writing and can’t wait read your new book.
Thanks, Theresa. I have to admit that I think they are pretty wonderful. And that is a completely objective opinion, too. 😉
Men who are always there for their wife and children are heroic in my eyes. Those who make sacrifices for others and put themselves last.
And of course those in the military.
Such sacrificial love. That reminds me of that verse in Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. It doesn’t get any more sacrificial than that. A man who can follow that example, even in part, is a godly man of hero caliber for sure.
My hubby is my hero, simply because he usually cleans the bathroom and I don’t have to. I have two sons, like you, so not having to do that is the best! 🙂
What a fun giveaway! I love the hearts!
LOL! That IS true heroism. Ha! Love it, Jennifer.
I completely agree! It seems that the last few books I’ve read have these strong “alpha” men, which is okay but it’s time for something different. This hero sounds exciting in that he is unique, plus he likes bicycles!
I couldn’t resist throwing the bicycle bit in there. My hubby rides at least 3 days a week. And I also have to admit that I love the science nerd, bicycle riding William Murdoch from the show Murdoch Mysteries. Another source of inspiration for Amos.
My dad is my first hero. He can fix anything and everything and he has given my siblings and I a rock-solid foundation in God’s truth. My second hero is my brother Philip (the one right above me in the age line). He’s one of those tall, skinny guys, but he’s a gentleman in everything!
This word needs more gentlemen, Elizabeth. And a man is worth nothing without that godly foundation. What a faith legacy your dad handed down. We need more of that in this world today, too.
My father in law passed away April 1 at age 93 but I always made sure he knew that I thought of him as my hero. And he will always be. He served in the navy during WWII and piloted the boats that took troops to Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion. I’m tearing up just now thinking about it.
One of the reasons I was attracted to my husband was because he wasn’t afraid to let his feelings show. When he gets emotional he sometimes cries and I think that’s admirable. So many men hold it all in.
You are right, Gail. It’s nice to see the softer side of a man every now and then. And what a hero your father was. So courageous. I’m thankful he lived such a long, fulfilling life.
Love my husband because he is my hero in so many ways. He listens to me rant about “stuff” that nobody else would bother to hear. He is better at listening than I am. I am a “fixer” which can be a problem! It maybe because he has seven sisters. Hmmmm
Anyway, he is my hero always pointing me back to Christ when I try to carry “it” all!
Oh, I can so relate to you, Kim. I am a fixer, too. Sometimes it’s good, but sometimes it gets in the way of true listening. I’m glad you have your hubby to not only be your sounding board but to point you to the One who can carry your burdens. A true hero, indeed.
Lol – love that story about your sons! Growing up, one of my brothers used to dress up in green shirt and tights and call himself Thunderbolt. I can remember my mom struggling with a jar of pickles and him running off to change so Thunderbolt could save the day. And there was the time Thunderbolt couldn’t get the jar open… “Sounds like a job for… Dad Man!” 😉
The heroic men in my life are my dad and my husband. I can always count on them to be steady rocks when I need them.
I love when stereotypes get turned on their head so Heart on the Line sounds even more intriguing than it already did! (I was trying to think of similar heroes in other stories and got Niles in Frasier. He may not have been the main character but he had the main romantic story-line. Or Chandler in Friends.)
I love Thunderbolt! And Dad Man. Too funny. Aren’t those memories the best?
The heroic man in my life, is my Dad. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped to liberate Jewish Prisoners from a Nazi War Camp.
Even though he has been gone 20 years he will always be my Hero.
Wonderful choice, Janet. I can hear your love for him in every word.
You pretty much just described my husband–techno-nerd, pale as the driven snow (he’s a red-head, so it’s a given), and still ribs-poking-out-thin at nearly 30 (everyone accuses me of trying to starve him, but no amount of butter in the world can combat his genetics). I can’t wait to read the book!
Too funny, Rachael. My dad was a redhead, so I happen to be partial to those. 🙂 Gotta love our techno-nerds!
LOL I loved your post about your men folk. I laughed about the toilet seat and the games. Stuff like that happens at our house too. 🙂 My husband and three sons are my knights in shining armor too. If I am upset, they are quick to offer encouragement or do something funny or kind to remind me that I am loved. They look out for me and their sisters/daughters so we know we are protected. One example is during a game with some kids, my daughter was accidentally knocked down hard by a boy who had mistreated her in the past. My daughter is pretty tough and doesn’t usually cry, but she cried because it hurt, and she was probably embarrassed in front of her friends. My son rushed over to make sure she was okay and then took the boy aside to talk to him. All was well as it was an accident, but it was good to know he was watching out for his sister. Your book sounds like a must read. I hope you and your family have a great Father’s Day.
Happy Father’s Day to your menfolk, too, Michelle. We are so blessed, aren’t we? To have such godly men in our lives.
Yes, indeed.
Aww! I love that you were inspired by your boys. My husband and I have raised three sons. They were and still are thin runners. They all ran long distances and so no big muscles on my guys. I’m excited about your hero. Sounds like a fascinating read.
Thanks, Dana! Wiry heroes are strong in their own way. 🙂
My Dad worked 2-3 jobs, and the rest of the time was for his family (4 kids) He didn’t take time for hobbies or “personal fulfillment.” He was the most unselfish person I have ever known. # hero My partner (guy !) always makes sure no matter how we travel, RV, or motorcycle/camping, we have coffee making equipment and “Plan B”if no electric or generator. # thoughtful hero
Great examples, Bonnie! A thoughtful man is such a blessing!
I think for me it is a man like my husband who tries to make things easier for me by taking on household tasks, working with a one of our 7 children, or just being available. Great question. I look forward to reading your new book.
Seven children??? Glad you have a kind-hearted hero to help. Whew!
My husband is my hero. He’s always there when I need him, He loves our three kids, and he loves the Lord with all his heart!
Loving God and loving others. It’s the best recipe. 🙂
Great post, Karen – so enjoyed the story about your sons! My hero is my husband Greg – he’ll never be mistaken for Fabio :o) but he’s very handsome in my eyes. He’s incredibly generous with his time, resources, and attention to me, his family, and our church. His dry sense of humor (usually) makes me laugh, and every day is a mini-adventure with him at my side.
He sounds a lot like my man. The hero of my heart!
Your husband and sons sound like great supporters of you, as well as keeping you on your toes. My husband would be my hero. He’s always willing to do something for me and get me to laugh. I tend to be too serious, so he balances me out.
Laughter is such a blessing. We make it a priority in our house and live is all the better for it. Thanks, Andrea!
What sweet boys you have, Karen! How do you manage in that Testosterone-overloaded household? Oh, you are a wonderful romance writer!
Well, I do have a daughter as well, to help balance things out. She’s the oldest and a freshman in college, so she’s not around as much as I would like, but she helps even out the numbers a little. 🙂 Someone to cross-stitch and read Christian romance novels with. Yipee!
My husband is my hero, and he does not fit the typical romance novel description! We had an awkward first meeting, set up by our friends. I was NOT impressed. He said the wrong things due to nerves, and when we were playing Apples to Apples, he called me “INSANE”, the word at the moment being played. I looked down, refusing to look at him, and my friend’s husband gave him the side-eye and said, “Not good, man.” He spent the rest of the night trying to make it up to me, complimenting me any chance he could, and before he parted, gave me a very humble apology. Even though I wasn’t yet interested, that apology opened the door to give him a chance. And I am glad I did!
My husband was a real hero. He was a rancher in North Dakota. He had a condition that made his hands and feet red and blister. Often he was unable to do his work. He spent the last year and three months in a veterans hospital. He lost a leg due to his condition. He had a form of skin cancer. It was not diagnosed until it worked internally. He amazed his nurses with his attitude. He never was cross and praised God up until the end. He died in 1981.
What a testimony, Nancy. He sounds so courageous.
I’m glad you have him a second chance, Courtney!
My dad is my hero! He is a landscaper, and we leave in Tucson. So getting up at 4 a.m. and working for long hours in the 100+ weather every day is amazing. And he never complains. I’m thankful for a dad who works so hard to support his family. And he is a wonderful Christian example! And he always know’s how to make us laugh and smile!
Thanks for the giveaway, and I love your books!!
He sounds tremendous, Megan. He must be tough to handle that heat day after day. And he still has the energy to laugh. That’s impressive!
What are some of the heroic men in my life. My husband of 48 years. He puts up with a lot of physical pain but never complains. He can’t do what he used to. Together we’ve grown old. That makes him hero enough for me.
Staying the course for the long haul is such a blessing, Shirley. I’m glad you’ve had so many wonderful years together.
My husband is my hero. I like to say of him, If I can dream it, he can do it. Basically, anything I want to do, he helps me do it, whether it’s helping me figure out the best way to do a craft or supporting me in my church service, or how he is so good with our kids. He’s really good at solving problems and he’s just a nice person. He is quiet, not the sort to draw attention to himself or to want recognition, but he’s the sort to show up when anyone needs help.
I love those strong, silent types. He sounds like the kind of servant we should all emulate. Thanks, Adrienne.
My hero is my Dad. No matter what he is always faithful to his family. Going above and beyond to help, offer support & encouragement. He has a great sense of humor, is smart, and kind. His faith in God shows in his quiet strength.
He sounds wonderful, Erika. My dad was my hero, too. He died when I was just 16, but I still remember his integrity, work ethic, intelligence, and fun-loving spirit.
my dad. His actions closely mirrored the Brad Paisley song “He Didn’t Have to Be” when he met my mom.
Sweet, jcp. 🙂
My husband is definitely heroic–he has put up with me for 49 years! He is good-natured, honest, faithful, hard-working, kind, and willing to help anyone. My father was also a hero. He worked hard to make sure his family of 9 kids and a wife was provided for. He rarely lost his temper and was so loving.
Thanks for the giveaway. Your new book is on my wish list.
Wonderful examples, Winnie. Nine kids? Wow!
It would be very hard to choose at our house. My husband and I have two sons and five grandsons. All of them, and my husband included, would do anything for me, and they do! I can always count on them. God blesses them, and they bless and love me. So thankful.
You are surrounded by blessings, Phyllis. How lovely!
My Daddy will always be my hero! I miss being able to talk with him about the Lord. He graduated to Heaven in 2012.
Thank you for the giveaway!
I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a father. I lost mine when I was 16. But they stay with you in spirit. Can’t wait to see him in heaven one day. 🙂
My hero is my husband Ted. He definitely doesn’t appear to be hero material. My favorite thing is how faithful to me and our marriage he is. He took care of me through 3 major surgeries in less than 6 months, 3 months of chemo treatments, and 7 weeks of radiation treatments when I was battling breast cancer. He stepped up and dealt with cooking and cleaning when I wasn’t able to do it.
That’s a true hero, Debora. And you are a wonderful heroine to battle that disease and come out the other side.
My husband is definitely my hero. He can fix anything around the house, which I love, but also has a servants heart and always gets me whatever I need, which includes making me lunch everyday!
That is so sweet, Candice. He’s a keeper. 🙂
My heroic men are my two favorite guys – my dad and my husband. My husband is my best friend which makes him heroic in my eyes. He is also much like my dad in the aspect that he is always there when I need him. No matter what I am going through or what help I need, I can always count on both of them to be there. Thanks for the giveaway!
My husband and I started as friends before we fell in love and we’ve never lost that friendship side to our relationship. It’s one of the things I treasure most. There’s no better blessing than to be married to your best friend.
My husband is my hero. He helped to save my life after I had an cardiac arrest. I was in the hospital for three months after that and he managed to take care of two teenage daughters!
Wow! That’s amazing, Una. So glad he was there for you!
Your story about your sons made me laugh. I have one of those tall, skinny, sweet sons too. I’m not sure he’s a hero but he loves his mama so that is good enough for me. I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I always enjoy your books but I’m curious to read this one with the “new kind of hero.”
Thanks, Pam. I hope you enjoy Amos and Grace’s story.
Ooh, I’m so excited to read a book with an unconventional hero. I myself am a nerd at heart, so it’s nice to see the smarter, thoughtful type represented. Plus, I just really love your books! I’ve read and own every one.
Thanks, Brittaney. I love a good nerd, too – Well, I’m married to one so that probably plays into it. 🙂
My 90 year old WWII veteran daddy who is heroically battling cancer. Also my husband who is a hero to me everyday. Thank you. Blessings
Great examples, Lucy!
By the way, Amos has a sister named Lucy in the book. 😉
My dad was my hero. He worked hard to provide for our family of 8. He did all of the shopping for our family for years. We only had one car and he drove it to work and would do the shopping on the way home. My mom didn’t have a drivers license until her later years. He didn’t say a whole lot but showed with his actions his love for us. He has been gone since 1993. He did a lot of remodeling on our house, worked on the car, grew a big garden, just about any job that needed to be done.
Donna – Your daddy sounds like a hero by any standard. What a good guy!
Looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks, Ola.
One would have been my dad. Always there for me through thick and thin. My hero now is my husband. Took years for it to develop but with our strong marriage and all we’ve gone through and his unwavering support in all of it, I’d say he’d be anyone’s hero if they knew him!
A man who sticks by your side in good times and bad is hero material in my book! Thanks, Mary.
My dad is definitely my greatest hero. He has the heart of a servant. He makes so many sacrifices for our family. He is kind, gentle, and loving and truly has “healing hands.” (He’s a PA and my personal doctor.) 🙂
How handy! 🙂 Dads are so important. It sounds like yours is wonderful, Meredith!
My personal heroes….my husband – the lanky marathon runner with a heart of gold and a quirky sense of humor…my dad – the athletic stubborn immigrant who’d give his shirt off his back to anyone in need….my youth pastor from many decades ago who tirelessly invested in us…
Wonderful examples! Love that sense of humor. Laughter can help you get through anything.
Karen, I had to laugh at your son’s antics when he “rescued” you from his brother and ripped his shirt off to play your “hero”…LOL!! That’s a one day story for his girlfriend/future wife 😉 I’m glad you all got a good laugh out of that!
My heroic man in my life is my husband! He’s the epitome of 1 Corinthians 13; the love chapter. That’s what makes a hero in my mind, not the muscle bound, tanned-to-perfection, alpha male…but maybe the one in the background who would go out of his way to make you smile and treat you like a queen. Who respects you, praises you in front of his buddies when you aren’t present with him, and loves you at your worst.
Thank you Karen for the chance to win a copy of “Heart on the Line”, I so want to read this one! And I’m loving the unconventional hero angle to it, we need more stories like this. In fact, I’m reading a story now where the heroine is unconventional. She wears glasses and little to no make-up and wears her hair up in a messy bun 🙂 Love it!
Thanks, Trixi. And what a perfect description of a hero-worthy man.
Thank you! I loved this post! What fun your men are.
They keep me laughing, that’s for sure. Wouldn’t trade them for anything!
My father was my first hero and then my husband. Both always worked hard to provide for their family. Dad has passed on, but my husband and I will celebrate 52 years this August. My husband fought in Vietnam, retired from the Marine Corps, then cycled through many jobs before getting a call to the ministry. He completed seminary to become a Methodist pastor and retired from that career in 2014. He married our daughter in 2005 and will marry our nephew next weekend.
The book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway and for sharing thoughts about your men.
52 years! That’s fabulous, Betty! And how wonderful that your husband has been able to perform the wedding ceremonies for your daughter and nephew. My husband has performed a few weddings – one for his cousin, and he married each of his siblings (a brother and a sister). It adds an extra level of special to the event, I think.
WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!
I used Random.org to select our two winners and am happy to announce that signed copies of Heart on the Line will be going out to:
Jen
Pam K
Congratulations!
And thank you to everyone who posted about their real life heroes. We’ve been blessed with some pretty awesome men in our lives, ladies! 🙂
My dad! He has always put family first & would never hesitate to give up something for self, in order to make something better for his family.
Sounds like a hero to me, Susanne!
Oh, I can just see your hero whipping off his shirt to save his dear mom! Adorable! Love this scene and how it impacted your love story! Congratulations! 🙂
Thanks, Angie. Wyatt is a sweetie alright. I dedicated this book to him and my husband for that very reason.
I’ve been waiting for your latest book…can’t wait to get my hands on it, you are a fantastic writer! I own every book you have written 😊
Thanks, Michelle. That’s a huge compliment. Hope you enjoy it when you get your hands on it. 🙂
My hubby is my hero. I was in a wheelchair with an unknown problem when he married me. So many were shocked anyone was marrying me. I got the diagnosis of the movement disorder dystonia after we were married for about five years. He has been with me through a brain surgery, many illnesses, and then seizures. It is degenerative, but he is always so positive…always looking to prepare for the future of this disorder. He leans on the Lord, has a great work ethic, and is my amazing hero and hubby!
I just have to tell you that I just finished this book and I LOVED IT!
Although Amos wasn’t the traditional “manly” hero, as you mentioned, he struck a sweet chord and made the book extremely interesting.
I am waiting with unwavering excitement for the next book in this series.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write something that would captivate me and resonate with so many people instead of following by the usual book code. (If there is such a thing!) 🙂
My husband works as a school administrator, and he has such a heart for the students and staff of the school system. He’s always trying to find ways to make school a better place. He’s my hero!
My Dad, who was a young adult and just married during WWII, and my husband are my favorite men. I consider myself very lucky. Have read all of Karen’s books and look forward to her new releases. Enjoyed the article!
My two heroes would be my dad and my grandfather. Both of them are wise men who can answer almost any question I ask, whether it is about science, work, taxes, or God. If I need solid advice they are the ones who help me out.