Love Inspired author Allie Pleiter--and a giveaway!

Happy Monday!!
I'm so pleased to have Love Inspired author, Allie Pleiter on my blog today!!

About Allie:
An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing.
Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com
or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

Please welcome Allie, and read about her writing for the Harlequin Love Inspired line!

“So you write one of those books?”

I get it all the time.  People are startled that a six-foot, knitting-obsessed, extroverted, coffee-loving, loud-mouthed, Dr. Who and spy-movie fan writes those books.  I have a relative who refers to me as “the one who writes the little God books.”  Such comments are usually accompanied with a puzzled look.

I’m never insulted...I love busting the stereotype.  Folks who can’t reconcile me with category romance--especially Love Inspired--probably haven’t read one lately.  I always take that as my cue to thrust one into their hands (me, pushy? never!).  Sure my stories might be labeled as “clean and wholesome,” but they sure aren’t “meek and mild.” Faith belongs in our real world. 

I’m delighted that Love Inspired has always encouraged the “edge” in my voice.  They almost always let me get my “quirk” on.  My heroines are as clever and strong as women I’d want for friends.  If you’re looking for a strapping bare-chested pirate on your cover, you won’t find one in my books.  What you will find is women of depth and strength, learning to love men of courage and character.  And, if I’ve done it right, you will laugh a lot along the way.

So no, in answer to the question, I don’t write one of “those books.”  I write great books that just happen to come in small packages.  Or slip right on your Nook/Kindle/ipad/whatever...because I’m also a gadget-freak.

Oh, by the way, my current WIP has a red-headed hero (for those of you who were pining for one earlier!)

Thanks, Allie! I realy enjoy the Love Inspired line.
And I LOVE that you're writing a red-headed hero in your next book!

Here's a bit about Allie's new release:

Falling for the Fireman
Harlequin Love Inspired
February 2012
ISBN #978-0-373-87725-6
Back Cover Copy:

There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.

But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.

Allie has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN to some lucky commenter!
Contest will run from now until Thursday, Jan. 26th 11:59pm EST.
Winner will be announced this Friday!

Good luck!