Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Love on the Links #giveaway #newrelease

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Happy Saturday!

For all of you quilters out there, it’s also National Quilting Day.

In our house, Saturday means date night. Back in our early dating years, our dates consisted of an 18 hole round of golf, followed up by dinner at a nice restaurant.

When Derek and I first met, I’d just started to play golf. As we planned one of our afternoon dates, I suggested going to a local nine-hole course. It was the perfect place for beginners. My suggestion brought a look as though I had three heads.

“Golf ? That’s kind of a wimpy sport,” he proclaimed.

Hum…I wondered if our relationship had a future. He’d played Men’s Lacrosse in college and had never considered golf.

Somehow, I convinced him to go to the golf course. Well…let me just say, on that day, twenty-some years ago, I created a monster.

 

JillWeatherholt.com

The boy was hooked!

A week later, he went out and purchased a nice set of clubs and the rest, as they say, is history.

Our relationship grew on the golf course. We were out there every weekend. If you’ve never played the game, trust me when I say, you can really learn a lot about a person’s temperament chasing a little white ball around for four hours. Despite his temper tantrums, we made some wonderful memories on those rolling green fairways.

 

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I’d love to hear some of your early dating memories.

I have a signed paperback copy of Second Chance Romance to give away (U.S. only). Comment before Friday, March 24th. The winner will be announced in the Weekend Edition on Sunday, March 26th.

If you’d like to read about Jackson and Melanie’s first date, check out SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE, in stores now and online.

Small-Town Daddy 

Jackson Daughtry’s jobs as a paramedic and part-owner of a local café keep him busy—but the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. And when his business partner’s hotshot lawyer niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.

 

 

Jill Weatherholt (21 Posts)

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.


Comments

  1. Hi Jill, thanks for sharing your memories. My husband and I spent a lot of time outdoors- hiking or canyoning, a great way to get to know each other. One particular date, we borrowed a mates’ Holden Gemini, and got takeout pizza to eat on the shores of the Lake near uni. It was peaceful and beautiful and for two poor uni students- perfect!
    Blessings:)

  2. Hi Jill! Thanks for sharing! I can relate with Wemble. When I met my husband we were both university students with very few dollars. Most of our dates were free college church events. The college class had game nights and Sunday night Bible studies hosted by chirch families with free food. There were college camp weekends. We were not into sports. Otherwise we took campus walks. Since I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and college campus was inland I missed the lake. So our walks were to the campus fountain. Quite romantic at night when it was lit up. Many a proposal was made at that spot. In winter a college activity was traying. The college had some nice hills. Stidents borrowed a cafeteria tray and we had a nice sled. Blessings!

  3. Happy Saturday, Wemble! Thanks for sharing your dating stories. I’ll admit, I had to Google Holden Gemini…I’d never heard of it. It sure looks like a fun car to tool around in. I appreciate your visit!

  4. Hi Renate! I loved your dating stories. Taking walks to the campus fountain does sound quite romantic. I’m sure it was beautiful all lit up. Traying sounds like great fun, and how nice the cafeteria permitted the students to borrow the trays. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the weekend!

  5. Hi Jill! Since you know today’s National Quilting Day, does this mean you’re a quilter? I started quilting when I retired in 2003. National Quilting Day is known locally as Quilters’ Day Out. That’s what it was called when it was started here in Kentucky. I plan to spend today finishing a small wall hanging I’ve recently quilted.

    My husband and I married 27 years ago next month. Our early dates were spent target shooting on his farm followed by feeding the catfish in his pond. We also played backgammon some. Mainly I think we just hung out together, talking and getting to know each other.

  6. Hi Sherri! Sadly, I’m not a quilter, but I’ve always loved them and admire those who are able to create such beautiful heirlooms. A woman, whose daughter is a patient, along with her quilting group, recently made quilts for all of the patients at the infusion room I go to every six weeks. The room is ICE cold, so the quilts provide a great deal of comfort. Mine has lovely shades of pink.
    Thanks for sharing your dating stories with us. It seems the outdoors is a common theme for all of us. I appreciate your visit! Have fun finishing up that quilt!

  7. Hi, Jill. I’m just commenting, so please don’t enter me in the drawing. (I’m not a quilter either.) I love that story of how you introduced Derek to golf. I dated a youth pastor once. Our dates were usually chaperoned by ten teens who insisted on coming with us. :-)

  8. Hi L. Marie! You might not be a quilter, but you do amazing work with your crocheting! My desk at work and at home is decorated with your pieces. Several coworkers have commented on how pretty your flowers are. :) Your dating story was funny! Safety in numbers, I suppose. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day!

  9. Our early dates were frequently outside walking or hiking also. We walk after my daycare kids leave in the early evening. Your quilt sounds pretty.

  10. Taking a hike outside, especially in the spring, is always nice. Unfortunately, I can’t take the credit for the quilt, I can hardly sew a button! :) Thanks so much for sharing today, Diana. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

  11. How interesting, Jill….thanks for sharing! I guess our wedding is more interesting than our dating. We were married on the Bride & Groom TV Show many years ago. Yep, two shy GA kids went to NYC. The show went off the air a few months later. They gave us a honeymoon trip to Canada/Niagara Falls….and many gifts.
    I have read (and loved) your book so don’t enter me in the drawing!

  12. I think we went bowling on our first date. Unlike you and Derek and golfing, we’ve only been bowling two or three more times in the forty-ish years since that first date!

  13. What?!!!!!! How did I not know this, Jackie! Gosh, your story would make a great book. LOL! What an exciting way to start your life together. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m happy you enjoyed my book. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers, friend.

  14. I love that you went bowling on your first date, Val. It sounds like a better way to get to know one another than sitting in a movie theater. Gosh, I haven’t bowled since my last back surgery. My ball would probably end up in the gutter next to mine! :) Have a great Saturday!

  15. Jill, I had to laugh at the part about chasing the little white ball. My grandmother used to say that about someone in our family who used to do that very thing and she proclaimed, “He’ll never amount to anything.” Ha!! Guess again. I’m sure you know the person I mean. *Wink* Loved your post and thanks for sharing. Blessings.

  16. I was hoping you’d read this post, JoAnn. Yes! I know who you’re referring to and I thought about you when I wrote this. :) Thanks for stopping by, it’s always great to see you. Enjoy your weekend! xo

  17. We married later in life (much later). We had been sort of acquaintances for decades as we both worked for a large company and for a short stint, he dated my best friend. We did things together as friends before anything romantic happened. I vividly remembering when my brother met him. He said, “Throw a blanket over that guy so he doesn’t get sick. You don’t want that one to get away.” From the bro, that was quite a compliment. Since we were young with raging hormones we took our time. It’s been 20 years and I don’t remember life without him.

  18. Aw…what a great story, Kate. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing it with us. I agree with your brother, he knew a good thing when he saw it. Enjoy your weekend!

  19. I didn’t date.. If someone wanted to spend time with me, they had to be hired by my mother to work with us. That’s what the first husband did. You can tell a lot about a man’s work ethic when he is doing a job he’s not fond of doing. I’m almost done with your book. A few more chapters.. ;)

  20. Aww . . . what a fun story, Jill. (I won’t talk about golf, though! :) )

    Please don’t enter me in for the giveaway, as I’ve already read and loved SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE.

  21. I love this, Marlene! Go mom! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this story. It made me smile. I appreciate all of your support with my book. Have a great weekend!

  22. Hi Kate! Yes, well golf is certainly a sport where one is unable to hide their abilities…or lack there of. :) Thank you for stopping by today. I’m so happy you enjoyed SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE.

  23. BFF and I worked together before we started dating. I knew he was a “good guy” from the get go. We had lunch together most days (with another co-worker) so our first unchaperoned “date” wasn’t too awkward . . . until he elbowed me in the nose (HARD!!!) while trying to put his arm around me. :D

    We’ve never golfed together, but we have bowled, played tennis, shot pool, played ping pong, shot darts, played cards, played shuffleboard, corn hole, miniature golf, etc.

    Both of us can LAUGH when we LOSE ~> which is a WIN!

  24. My husband and I met on a blind date. When he picked me up there was this large black van in my driveway. He helped me in and while he was walking around to get in I slowly turned around to look behind me and I saw a bed, a small refrigerator, etc. I then wondered what I had got myself into! It turned out fine. He explained that sometimes he was on call and slept in the parking lot where he worked. I breathed a sign of relief

  25. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your dating story, Nancy. Having lunch with BFF and another coworker was a great way to get to know each other without any pressure. Funny you mentioned “corn hole.” I had never heard of it until a couple of months ago and now, it keeps popping up everywhere. Being able to laugh together is a must! Enjoy your weekend!

  27. LOL! What a great story, Gail! I would have been a little nervous myself. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this story. It made me laugh. :) Enjoy your weekend!

  29. My husband and I would go to baseball games. Something we don’t do anymore, though we still follow the game (him more than me, but he keeps me updated). Now we spend our time playing a computer game mainly. He’s only home on weekends, and likes to relax for most of that time.

  30. We went to play karaoke and dinner out or my hubby cooked for me. It was awesome we love to sing together.

  31. Hi Andrea! Going to see a baseball game live is always more fun than watching on TV…at least I think so. Thanks for stopping by to share your story with us. I hope you and your husband have a fantastic weekend!

  32. For me it was horse jumping competitions. My wife is a rider and daughter is a rider so it has been a life of standing in some straw filled paddock with an overpriced, spoiled, steed wondering why I didn’t buy a boat. (the money burn is the same) Enjoyed the story Jill. Your book is on my TBR and will be my first foray into romance. *blush*

  33. How fun, Debbie! I hope the two of you still sing together. Sadly, I can’t carry a tune, but Derek has a very nice singing voice. :) Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with us. Enjoy your weekend!

  34. Hi John! I didn’t know that in between your writing, biking, blogging, photography, dog walking, etc. that you also attend horse jumping competitions with your family. By the way, did you see my message on Twitter about your book? My father gave it a rave review. I’m honored that my book will be your first romance…don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. :) Have a great weekend and thanks so much for stopping by today.

  41. I’m sorry, Jill, I am laughing so hard. His temper tantrums! Now I know that Derek is not Mr. Perfect, only Mr. Pretty-Close-to-Perfect, and that he’s real! Loved this description of how you two met. And I hope everyone reads your wonderful book!

  42. Thank you for your story and would love a chance to read and review on a few sites. On my first date we went to a small get together and there was a band playing and my hubby danced with his ex-wife i almost flew back to Ca, he knew i was mad and said he was sorry he didn;t think anything of it since i am severely disabled and couldn;t dance. Well we still married and i moved to ia 15 years ago. My very first date went to a movie no he didn;t even get a kiss it was a first date that was when i was a teenager many years ago.

  43. Hi Luanne! Oh gosh, he was such a big baby when he’d hit a bad shot. Later on, I told him, he’d matured. :) Thanks so much for stopping by today. I’m so happy you enjoyed my book. Enjoy your weekend! xo

  44. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing both your first date with your husband and your very first date. I had to chuckle reading that you hopped on a plan back to CA. I’m happy the two of you worked things out. You got me thinking about my very first day now. It was a double date as my mother didn’t want me to go out alone yet. Your name is going into the hat. Enjoy your weekend!

  47. Hi Jill. I really like the outdoors memories I share with my husband, but we also spent a lot of time indoors working on jigsaw puzzles. Our home is basically decorated with them. We bought our first one as a mutual gift during our first Christmas together. We were dating so it was quite challenging to work on a 3-thousand piece puzzle. It took us around 3 years but it was worth it. We talked a lot during those hours spent on the puzzle m. It was tiring at times but fun.

  50. Hi Priscila! I remember that you’re a fellow puzzler. Isn’t it great just to sit down, chat and work a puzzle with your loved one? I’ve only done one three thousand piece (by myself) and you’re right, it was tiring. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you and the baby are doing well. Enjoy the weekend!

  51. Hi Jill! That’s a great story! One of our most memorable dates was when a friend of mine invited us over for dinner. Well, the chicken we had or something, upset George’s stomach, and he began throwing up shortly after dinner. So she gave him a paper bag for the short drive home; he used it, but was holding it in the car! I yelled, “Roll the window down and hold it out there!!!” We still laugh over that one. Kinda gross, but definitely memorable! :)
    Happy Saturday!

  52. I thought you were the fellow puzzler but didn’t remember for sure. Last year we worked on a 6000 piece puzzle. It was easier than expected because of the patterns. This was right before getting pregnant like a hurrah because we probably won’t work on those for a while with small children in the house.

  53. Hi Patsy! Yikes! I’m sure it was more funny for you than poor George. It’s fun to look back and share a laugh with loved ones. Happy Saturday to you too! I emailed you a week or so ago, hopefully the cyber bugs didn’t intercept it again. Thanks for coming by a sharing your story. xo

  54. You thought correctly, Priscila. We’re addicted to jigsaw puzzles. It’s one of the few things that can keep me sitting still. Six thousand pieces! Wow! I don’t think we’d have a table big enough to spread out all of the pieces. Yes, your puzzling days might be on hold for a while. I started puzzling when I was a kid with the big wooden pieces. Perhaps your children will get the puzzle bug too!

  55. This is a great dating story. Thanks for sharing this about you. I had no idea. My husband is a golfer. Not me. I tried but just couldn’t get interested. In our new house, my husband built a golf simulator in the basement. LOL Well, when you can’t get out in the winter ….

    Have a great weekend, Jill.

  56. Hi Lori! Thanks for coming over today. Oh my, Derek would love a golf simulator! A round of golf can be time consuming, especially if you’re a hacker like myself, so I don’t play as often. Perhaps you can ride in the cart with your husband or walk the course on a nice day. Enjoy your weekend!

  57. Oh yes, I’ve ridden along for the ride before, but like you said, it is time consuming. I can’t help but think of the other things I could be doing. ;-)

  59. We’ll certainly encourage the kids to do some puzzle. The big wooden pieces are the way to go in my opinion.
    I realized I didn’t answer your question about the baby. Sam and I are doing well. He’s getting bigger (and heavier) every day and we’re excited to see him growing already. Thanks for asking.

  61. It was actually gross, but we laughed about it eventually! He was miserable for the rest of the evening. You know, I’ve been looking for an e-mail from you, but I didn’t get anything this week. I sure don’t understand it. I suppose it’s possible I accidentally deleted it along with the Twitter notices?? I guess if you don’t mind, you could try it again. Sorry! You’re welcome for the story. :)

  62. Hello Jill Thanks for sharing. My boyfriend and I both work for the same company. We travel for a living. We met through mutual friends we work with. We both were going through a horrible divorce. At some point we had both sworn off dating. These people kept trying to push us in that direction yet we both fought it. Finally one night we went out for one of the girls birthday dinners and they stuck us next to each other. We talked the entire evening. Then a couple weeks later we were staying at the same hotel again we were all getting ready to head out for dinner and he said he wasn’t going because I refused to be his date. Needless to say I agreed so he would come have fun with us all. The rest is history we have been together pretty much every day since.. He is my life and I wouldn’t make it without him.

  64. Hi Jessica! Aw…what a great story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I loved that he said he wasn’t going to dinner because you wouldn’t be his date. I’m happy your friends sat you together. :) Traveling for a living…that sounds very intriguing. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by today.

  65. My early dating memories with my husband (then boyfriend) consisted of me falling asleep at the movie theatre, falling asleep at my house when he came to visit, falling asleep just about everywhere we went because my daughter was young and I worked in Manhattan and I was always tired. But…my husband was always loving and supportive, and 23 years later we are still going on dates, but now I don’t fall asleep. ( :

    Don’t enter me in the contest Jill because I already have your book. My review commitments for other books are winding down so I’ll be reading Second Chance Romance in the near future. Congratulations again!!

  66. Hi Laurie! I laughed out loud reading your comment about falling asleep on your poor, sweet husband, while you were dating. I’m so happy that now you’re wide awake. Thanks so much for purchasing my book, Laurie…I appreciate it. I now how busy you are writing reviews, so please, don’t worry about it. I only hope that you enjoy it! Have a great evening and stay awake! :)

  67. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. The book looks really good. I love reading Love inspired books.

  70. It certainly is, Merrillee. I play my best when I’ve taken a series of lessons and practice, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time these days, so my balls spray all over. :) That’s great that you enjoy tennis, it’s a good workout. Thanks for reading!

  72. Good Morning, Jill! I enjoyed reading how you met your husband! I met CH at college and he asked me out in the library and I said sure as long as there was going to be good food! We went out on a Friday night and I didn’t like him at all. He kept hanging around and I really thought he liked my roommate. It was a confusing time but it all worked out… married now for 43 years and he IS a good guy! He plays golf, too. I drive the cart!

  73. Jill, I love how you relationship grew whilst out on the links! Lovely story. Despite studying at St. Andrews (home of golf!) I never once played there (too much of a wimp). My husband and I always looked forward to Friday nights when he would come over to my place, cook dinner and then snuggle up watching ‘Frasier’. Those moments when everything seemed perfect in the world. We are currently re-watching the Frasier series with our son who’s thoroughly enjoying its humour and wit.

  74. I asked a friend if he’d like to go to a concert … It was on my sister’s birthday, so I drove my parent’s car with my sister, his sister & another friend of theirs in the back seat, dropped them off to play miniature golf, and went on to a concert at a church that included a filet mignon dinner, then picked up the younger kids & drove home. For 20 years, his brothers asked & asked what had gone on during that first date … “nothing”. I finally got disgusted & blurted out what we’d done. They were SO disappointed! That was the only date either of us had in high school. And no, we weren’t high school sweethearts; we were both too busy just trying to survive. For our second date, 9 years later, we walked downtown & got ice cream & talked for 3 hours… and got married 8 months later.

  75. My M and I met at a restaurant on a Friday. By Sunday we had decided to spend the rest of our lives together. That was five years ago. He’s the love of my life. :)

    Congratulations on your book, Jill. A fabulous accomplishment! :)

  77. Hi Pix! Thanks so much for stopping by today. I loved your story! “He kept hanging around.” LOL! Congratulations on 43 years of marriage. I’m happy you let him hang around and that you drive the cart for him. It’s a nice way to spend time together.

  78. Hi Annika! It’s great to see you here. I don’t believe I knew that you studied at St. Andrews. Derek will love that tidbit of information. He enjoys hearing about my blogging friends across the pond. :) What a nice memory you shared with us. Frasier was a great show, I’m happy you’re able to enjoy it with you son. Thanks for stopping by!

  79. Thanks so much for sharing your dating story, Iverna. Boy, you sure had a car full that first date. I’m happy that the second date, although 9 years later, allowed for some alone time for the two of you to get to know one another. It sounds like a nice evening. I appreciate your visit today!

  80. Hi Lynette! Thanks so much for stopping by today. Wow! You had a whirlwind relationship. I’m so happy for you…you deserve it! Thank you for all of your support over the years. I appreciate it. xo

  81. During the first 8 months of our relationship we commuted for 2 and a half hours to see each other on weekends. Once we were in the same city, we waited another year before making our relationship official. The whirlwind part was that we knew what we knew. :)

  83. Loved reading your golfing story. Our early dating years, I realized he had Louis L’Amour westerns. i read them as well and knew he was a keeper lol. We met in March of 1991 and were married in October of that year. We would go to baseball games, minor league teams, one located in Bluefield WV and the other in Princeton WV. Then a little farther away are two more minor league teams. We don’t go as often as I would like lol. I am definitely not a quilter, but my grandmother was. Love her quilts!

  84. A great post, Jill! I like to think I urged my husband to start gardening. He’d probably say it’s the other way around, but we both love our gardens.

  85. Hi Sally! I seem to recall that you and your husband were both Louis L’Amour fans. Yep, definitely a keeper. It sounds like you had a whirlwind romance like Lynette. Why waste time with others, eh? :) Like you, I’m not a quilter either, but I agree, there’s nothing better than my Mamaw’s quilt. Thanks for sharing your story.

  86. Hi Cynthia! I appreciate you popping over today. Well, I guess the important thing is that you both love gardening. It’s such a relaxing activity to do with your partner. I guess you’re excited for spring. Enjoy!

  87. Christmas dance, Jill. We were both spare parts and the boy and girl we’d come with fancied each other. They got wed quite soon after, and much later, so did we :) :)

  88. I’m glad to pop over to your blog, Jill. How are things going with the new book? I feel a tiny bit disconnected — a hectic time these days, with friends and relatives falling ill.

  89. I’m working on the third book now as I wait to hear from my editor on number three. It is a struggle to keep up with everything especially when dealing with illness. I’ll keep you in my prayers, Cynthia,

  91. Great dating story Jill, I can just see you and DFD now, remembering that first golfing date that had him so hooked. Obviously it wasn’t only the golf that hooked him though… ;-) I missed this, so sorry. But I have a great excuse, as when you posted it Mike and I were away in a little country house getaway celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary on the 18th March. We met online…but that’s a whole other story! :-) <3

  93. Thanks for stopping by, Sherri! I’m sorry I just now saw your comment. WHAT? You and Mike met online? Why didn’t I know this? I’ll want details, of course. Happy Anniversary! xo

  94. Thanks for coming over, Timi. It’s nice to see your smiling face. Yes, golf has been a great activity we can enjoy together, and one we can continue to play well into your older years. :)

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