Hello everyone. Belle Calhoune here. I’m really happy that my friend and fellow Love Inspired author, Patricia Johns, is blogging over here today. She’s from Canada and her latest Love Inspired release, A Firefighter’s Promise, just hit the shelves. What a gorgeous cover. That hero has muscles for days! She is giving away a copy of this awesome book to a random person who comments. North America only.
Bio:
Patricia Johns writes from Alberta, Canada where the winters are long and cold–a perfect recipe for writing! She lives with one husband, one child, and two birds. She writes for both Harlequin Love Inspired and Harlequin American Romance.
Every country seems to have something that they’re known for. Mexico has their food. Germany has their chocolate. America has baseball and apple pie. Canada has politeness. We’re famous for it.
If you were to come across a Canadian in its natural habitat and you stepped on its foot, that Canadian would apologize to you. “Oh, excuse me! I’m sorry. Didn’t see you there.” And that is from the person who was trampled! Our public debates are rather sheepish. No one likes being too aggressive. Every once in a long while there is a political demonstration where about fourteen people with placards wander in uncomfortable circles, observed by even more uncomfortable passers-by. We aren’t comfortable with angry statements. We’re much more comfortable saying something like, “I’m pretty sure I’m right, but I’m happy to sit down and talk this out, because I think a meaningful dialogue would help us find a good middle ground.” That doesn’t really fit on a placard. And it doesn’t work as a slogan. I’m not even convinced that it helps anything get done! Mostly, people just get cold and tired and wander off to get a coffee.
As a Canadian, I’m hesitant to just come out with it, and I’ve had to learn how to think more “American” in my writing. For example, I’ll write a scene where my hero and heroine are having an argument, finally saying all the things they really think. My heroine will glare at the hero and say, “Frankly, I don’t see myself marrying a man who could do that.”
To me, that’s a strong statement. There is so much between the lines that remains politely unsaid, butit’s still there. My editors, however, disagree! More than once I’ve gotten a note that reads: “Just SAY IT!! They can’t dance around this!” And I think, “I thought she did say it…”
I’ve gotten much better at saying things straight–at least in my writing. And never fear, the editors don’t let my over-politeness past their desks. It gets corrected pronto.
But if you ever meet a Canadian in its natural habitat, go ahead and step on its foot to see what
happens! If the Canadian responds with an apology, but it gives you a rather arch look and it goes a tiny
bit pale… there might be some subtext there. ;) 
Have you ever encountered Canadian politeness? Or is there another country you know of that is known for a certain attribute?
Patricia is generously giving away a copy of “A Firefighter’s Promise” to one random commenter. North America only.
Blurb: A FIREFIGHTER’S PROMISE
When the baby he rescued seven years ago returns—with his widowed adoptive mom—Deputy Fire
Chief Matt Bailey can’t turn them away. Desperate to escape the reminders of his failure in the line of
duty, Matt is close to leaving town. But one look at Rachel Carter and her son, Christopher, has him
second-guessing his plans. Rachel is a mom in need of a hero for her son. But as much as she wants the
two to bond, she’s determined to keep her distance from Matt. After losing her husband on the job, she
promised never to love another fireman. Yet somehow she finds herself drawn to the one man she
should avoid.
My blog link: http://patriciajohnsromance.com
My Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library was one of the coolest things about her childhood. Not only did it spur her literary dreams, but it gave her access to lots of research materials for school. Married to her college sweetheart, Belle lives in Connecticut with her husband, two daughters and two very spoiled dogs. A lover of all things French, Belle has traveled extensively throughout France and enjoys speaking French. A believer in happily ever afters, Belle thinks one of the best perks of being an author is her ability to work in her pajamas. Belle has written three books for Harlequin Love Inspired, with a fourth book contracted. She is also author of the Indy published Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series.
Thanks for blogging on Inspy Romance today, Patty. I have to admit I’ve never been to Canada, although it is on my bucket list. And your book looks amazing. I can’t wait to read it.
Hi Patricia, Welcome to Inspy Romance :) Being an Aussie, I always find these cultural differences fascinating. It’s interesting how they show through in our writing, without us even realizing it. I’d love to visit Canada (the closest I’ve gotten was waving to BC at the Peace Arch) and see the Canadian politeness in action.
Thanks for having me, Belle! :)
Hi Patricia, Reading your description of Canadians makes me want to book a trip north. Politeness seems to be another dwindling act of respect our world is losing. Thanks for reminding us there are still places to visit where politeness and respect is still evident. Here in the South if a sentence is followed by “bless them” there is also something unsaid between the lines! LOL! I love reading inspirational romance novels and traveling to places through the eyes and experiences of someone else. Looking forward to reading “A Fireman’s Promise”.
Thanks for stopping by, Narelle! I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, too. I could get used to your gorgeous weather!
Thanks, Peggy! I really hope that you enjoy A FIREFIGHTER’S PROMISE, too. Southern quips have always amused me, too, but I’m sure I miss a lot of what goes on between the lines. ;)
Oh this sounds like such a good book!! I’m definitely going to add it to my reading bucket list!! I have noticed a difference between Canadians and Americans in regards to politeness, it’s definitely something that as an American I’d like to get better at!
I enjoy the American boldness. I find it refreshing! Thanks so much for coming by!
Love the cover! The LI art department has been outdoing themselves recently. And I hope to make it to Canada soon. My church choir is considering a tour up there.
It’s a beautiful cover! Thank you for the giveaway!
The art department is REALLY doing well! I loved this cover, too. Thanks for saying so! :)
It is, isn’t it? I can’t take any credit for the cover. ;)
I absolutely Love Hero stories!! And I absolutely love the cover of the book. I would love too read this book.
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Thanks, Danie! :)
I was hanging out with Canadian friends at a conference one year and they asked me if I was sure I wasn’t Canadian because I was so polite and obeyed traffic signs. :) I told them lived in Niagara Falls, NY, until I was eleven and have Canadian relatives.
Oh, Niagara Falls! What a beautiful area to call home!
I love polite people, being raised in the Southern US we were taught to be polite.
I think our children are not as polite as they should be.
I love romances thanks for the giveaway.
OH, I never thought of having to translate from Canadian when it comes to that. What a gorgeous cover, fun post.
I just love the southern manners! I’m a woman who LOVES being called “ma’am.” :)
Thanks! :) And that’s a cute way of saying it, “translating from Canadian.” LOL!
Anyone that Belle recommends has got to be A+. So thankful for authors that write these inspirational stories because I love to read. Fingers crossed for the giveaway, but will be looking for the book regardless!
Aww, thanks Joelle. That’s so sweet of you to say. And we’re very thankful for readers like yourself.
Belle IS amazing! :)
We’ve been to Canada twice. Once on both our 3rd & 4th year anniversary, Victoria the first time and Nanaimo the second time. What a beautiful country it is! The landscape reminded me of my Oregon coast.
Coming from a small town where I think everyone is friendly, I guess I really didn’t notice if Canadians were friendlier. Every person we encountered seemed extremely nice :-) We met some great waiters and waitresses, shop owners & sales clerks, hotel workers, and just people walking around town. Maybe we’ll go back someday & then I can compare my American politeness to the Canadian ones :-)
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of “A Firefighters Promise”, sounds like a great book!
This Canadian laughs… because it is SO true. Welcome to Inspy Romance, Patricia!