You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your relatives. That old saying is so true. I hear so many stories about family nightmares. People who have horrible family members who do
terrible things to them. Or don’t support them. Or they don’t get along and haven’t spoken in years. I thank God every night that isn’t me.
I grew up with parents who loved me and taught me
right from wrong. Even though they divorced, it wasn’t until I was in college, so we never had to bounce between homes. If my parents were in the same room,
they were very cordial to each other. When my dad passed away a few years ago,
my stepmom didn’t have enough money to pay for the funeral, so my mom pitched
in. Even though he’d been the one to leave and they hadn’t been married in over
30 years. That was my role model growing up.
I get along well with my siblings, and we make it a
point to keep in touch even though we don’t all live near each other anymore.
Social media has made this far easier. I also have tons of cousins who I don’t see often enough, but when I do, it’s so much fun.
Now I’ve been married for almost 33 years and have
three children and two grandchildren. Every day I thank God for these people in
my life. My children have all grown up to be responsible, respectful, and loving
individuals. My middle child just got a new job and moved about an hour away.
Both her brother and sister (who has two small children, one still an infant)
took the entire day to go help her finish packing, clean up her old apartment,
and drive down to her new place. Then they helped her move it all
in and clean up there, too.
I worried at first, because my husband and I are
currently residing in Florida, and we weren’t there to help our child. I needn’t
have worried. All three of my children love each other, help each other, and
make sure they are there any time one of the others needs them. I like to think
I had something to do with their caring nature.
Families like this are so beautiful that I felt I
needed to create one. Thus, the Storms of New England were born. The Storms
start with grandparents, Hans and Ingrid, who have three sons. Kris, Nick, and
Pete all work together at Storm Electric and live in the fictional town of
Squamscott Falls, New Hampshire. They are all married to lovely women and have
children of their own.
All these cousins were lucky to be raised in the same town
as each other and able to grow up and spend time together. I have been having
so much fun playing with all ten cousins as I write a story for each one of
them. I hope you’ll take the chance to
get to know the Storms as well.
Book 1
is ELUSIVE DREAMS - Erik Storm’s story -
An
injured Marine fighting to walk again.
An
introverted loner afraid of the world.
When
two orphaned children need a home,
this
couple has to find a way to heal together,
or
risk losing their perfectly imperfect family.
This book released last August and is currently on
sale for only 99c at the following retailers. (Limited time)
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elusive-dreams-kari-lemor/1132758753
Book 2 is TRUE DREAMS - Sara
Storm’s story.
A recovering addict in search of a quiet life.
An innocent optimist seeking fame and fortune.
When he meets the woman who’s willing
An innocent optimist seeking fame and fortune.
When he meets the woman who’s willing
to look beyond his tortured past,
he’ll need to choose between his newfound serenity and a life that nearly destroyed him.
he’ll need to choose between his newfound serenity and a life that nearly destroyed him.
This book just released a few days ago. You can find
it here:
Book 3 is STOLEN DREAMS -
Alex Storm’s story. I’m hoping to have this book out by the end of April.
Book 4 is BROKEN DREAMS
- Nathaniel Storm’s story. I’m shooting for a summer release for him.
~~~
Make sure to peek at our March giveaway!! Maybe you'll be Lucky in Love!
Check out our Monthly Giveaway for all the details, as well as a link to long entry form.
Why not practice your daily entry skills by commenting below!
I'd love to hear about your family and how lucky you are.
Kari - you are sososo blessed! Family, to me, is everything and yours is just wonderful. Now I know where you got your inspiration for your wonderful Storm family.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am very blessed. For the amazing family I have and the wonderful friends too!
DeleteKari, I try to write well-balanced, kindhearted characters who genuinely like life. Sounds like you’re living that way! I look forward to reading about the Storms!
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have wonderful characters, Bonnie! I've enjoyed reading about them!
DeleteI love how your mom helped your stepmom. I still remember my mother-in-law and stepmother-in-law standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes and talking and laughing. Pretty sure Dad was hiding in the living room at the time. :-)
ReplyDeleteNot sure mom and stepmom would ever be laughing together, but they're not ripping each other's hair out either.
DeleteYou have a great family! Definitely cherish them. I'm very proud of our two children and my husband. We have wonderful grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteYes, family is something to be cherished!!
DeleteMy three kids sound the same as yours, helping each other and looking out for each other. It does a mother proud. Great-sounding series.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely makes you feel like you've done something right when you have great kids!
DeleteA wonderful story, Kari. Thanks for sharing about your life. I'm sure the characters you love in your stories all live not only in your head but in your heart thanks to the way you were raised.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a functioning loving family work so I love when I can show that it is possible.
DeleteThis makes my heart so happy. It's easy to see how and why such bright light shines from you, Kari. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks, hon! You're a beautiful light in my life too!!
DeleteFamily love and support is a priceless gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is! One we must cherish!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful family that you have. I grew up in a big blended family across many cultures and races that to me was the biggest gifts I think I could have been given in my life!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are wonderful and make me so proud! I also have step siblings like the Brady Bunch. Three of his and three of hers. The more the merrier!
DeleteI am very lucky to have both of my parents. They are 91 and 95 next month. They are in pretty good health too.
ReplyDeleteWow, so amazing! Imagine what they have seen in their lifetime! Mine that information while you still can!
DeleteWow, yes, you're lucky to have such a great family! And I hope to read your books soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks! My family is everything to me! I hope you enjoy the Storm family!
DeleteWonderful books inspired by a loving family. Thanks, Kari.
ReplyDelete