What's a party without the Nightshade team?! (Day 5, Ronie Kendig)

Those of you who've been around know this suspense-aholic couldn't have a party without 'em!

I was so excited when I found out that these two would be available for interviews. I know there are lotsa books I really love...but something about Canyon and Dani just struck a cord within me...and I just love 'em! Love their story and everything they went through. Love watching them learn and grow through the course of the book. So...yep, I was pumped when Ronie let me know that I could sit down and interview these two. :-)

ATTENTION! The number of people following my blog has been growing since the beginning of this party. I am SO close to having 200 followers that I've decided if I hit 200 followers before this party ends (Monday, the 16th) I will throw in another surprise book from my own library and select a winner from everyone who participated in the blogiversary. Awesome, eh? So help me spread the word!! Y'all are doing awesome with that already. Keep it up!!

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Down Memory Lane!

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In my house, if I want to whip up a batch of cookies for the kids, the first recipe that comes to mind is oatmeal cookies. They're easy, makes a lot, and kids love 'em. So for the fifth day of my blogiversary last year, that's what I brought. While there isn't any chocolate in them, they are popular. No? :-)

And then I had the lovely Rita Gerlach over, featuring her book, Surrender the Wind (Which I was fortunately able to read and review.) This was her debut novel, set during a very difficult time shortly after the revolutionary war. She's since gone on to publish another book--the beginning of a series, if I remember. If you want to learn more about her or the book, check out that post for more information. For for now...on with the party!

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Let's Talk With...

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A special-ops dude!! I was very excited when I was able to interview a member of the heroic Nightshade team, Canyon "Midas" Metcalfe, and his wife Dani. These two went through so much in Wolfsbane (a top favorite of mine!), that I was so excited about hearing from them again. Okay, let's hope right into it. :-)

Warning: Minor Spoilers

Katie: Good morning, Canyon, Dani. I am so excited and honored that you could make it here today and help me celebrate.

Canyon: Honored. Congratulations on your celebration!

Katie: Just as a quick catch up, how are things with you two since I last heard from you in Ronie’s account of your adventures, Wolfsbane?

Dani: Things are okay. We didn’t exactly start our relationship and marriage on the strongest foot, but we are fighting for what’s important to us. Canyon is gone a lot with the team, and I’m slowly adjusting to his (large) family. I never could’ve predicted the way things would turn out, but God way outdid himself. *grins*

Canyon: Life is good. God is better.

Katie: How’s married life suiting y’all?

Canyon: *rubs thumb over his lower lip* It’s. . .something.

Dani: Hey! *jabs Conyon in the side* What’s that mean?

Canyon: *smirks* See?

Katie: *chuckles* Yes, I can see that. Canyon, how’s your job now that you have a wife waiting at home? Still lovin’ it?

Canyon: I love what I do and what I come home to. Does it make me think twice, having Roark, the baby and Talia waiting for me—sure, yeah. But it also brings it home, when I get into a situation that’s messed up, and realize—I’d want someone to protect my family the way me and the guys help others.

Katie: I see your point. Definitely not an easy profession, but very needed! Dani, how are you when Canyon is gone on one of his missions?

Dani: It’s not a bowl of ice cream, that’s for sure. With a baby on the way and a little girl who lost her mother, I have my hands full. I need to make sure Talia knows she’s safe, even when Canyon’s gone. And then, of course, there’s his family. They’ve always got my back. That’s real nice.

Katie: Yes, Canyon’s family is certainly the type that is “always there for you”, which is totally awesome! Well, as Ronie might have mentioned to ya’ll, today is a pretty special day for me, as I’ve been blogging for 2 years now. Just out of curiosity…what has been a great achievement in your life, Canyon? Dani?

Canyon: Not sure you’d call it an achievement, but my family is the best thing—and I’m talking Roark and the kids. I ran from it all long enough. It’s nice to own it.

Dani: Bringing down Bruzon with the help of so many different elements is a monumental achievement for me. I have no regrets. My second best achievement will be when I survive birthing this baby.

Katie: Both are great achievements, y’all! Awesome! Birthday’s and parties are always so much fun. How do y’all celebrate a birthday? What did y’all do for your second anniversary (Or if that hasn’t happened yet, your first?)

Dani: I’ve never been real big on birthdays, but Canyon and I wanted to make sure, as Talia faced her first birthday with us, it would be a brilliant reminder of the beauty that came out of so much heartache. That she would feel spoiled and special after all she’s gone through.

Canyon: My sister convinced us to have a big wedding for our first anniversary. It was great—Dani looked like an angel—but then, I guess she is, putting up with me.

Katie: Aww, that sounds so special! So what is the biggest holiday or event that you and your extended family celebrate? The occasion where everyone comes together for a large get together?

Dani: The Metcalfes celebrate the Fourth of July like it’s Christmas—not surprising since all of them serve the country in some way or another. You wouldn’t believe how big they do things. They’re nicknamed The Elements and they have a huge blow-out party on the property.

Canyon: Yeah, it’s a big deal. Has been since my grandfather—when he returned from WWII, he started it. Nothing better to celebrate than freedom.

Katie: Yes, I agree with you there, Canyon. Very true! As I read about all that you both have gone through in Wolfsbane, I’m curious what you have learned through your experience. Any words of wisdom to share?

Canyon: Dude, don’t run from your mistakes. Or ignore them. They’ll catch up with you sooner or late and smear your face in them. Just man-up and own them.

Dani: Just be honest. As Canyon said, don’t run from mistakes or problems. Tell those you love, work through it, then move on.

Katie: Awesome. Certainly great lessons. Keeping them bottled up inside and down deep doesn't help. Well, thank you both so much for coming by today. Stay safe--you especially, Canyon! ;-) 

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Time for Some Gift-Giving!

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Yep, it's time for the giveaway. :-) For this time around, enter to win a copy of Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig. OR if you already own Wolfsbane, but would like to get another book in the series, mention it in your comment and say which book in her Discarded Heroes series you'd like to win instead. :-) The main rules are the same as they've always been. You MUST be a follower and you MUST leave your email address. If not, I can't include you in the drawing.

Mandatory Entry:

For those of you who have read Wolfsbane: What natural disaster separated Canyon and Dani from the rest of the Nightshade team? (If you have read it and just can't possibly remember, feel free to just answer the question below.) 

For those who haven't read Wolfsbane: Going back to the fifth day of my 1st blogiversary, what is the title of Rita Gerlach's new series that she was working on at the time?

Extra Entries:

- Old follower (+2) Thanks for being a faithful follower!

- New follower (+1) Just cuz I'm nice! :-D

- Tweet about this giveaway (+1 per tweet) Only 1 tweet per day. Leave a link.

- Post about giveaway on Facebook (+1)

- Post about this giveaway (+2)

All winners for this blogiversary will be posted on Monday, January 16th. So, the giveaway is open until then! :-)