Shannon here: Angela Ruth Strong shares her unique courtship, wedding, and honeymoon along with a chance to win a copy of her latest contemporary romance, Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho. Comment or answer the question at the end of this post to enter the drawing. U.S. only. Deadline: Feb 13th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Angela:
Swept Off His Feet by Angela Ruth Strong
I may not have fallen in love with my husband when making a rafting movie like the characters in my novel, but Jim would tell you he was still swept off his feet. Okay, he was actually swept off his feet by a ruptured Achilles when I went to watch him play soccer for the first time. And again when he jumped into the swimming pool five months later. So our courtship included a couple trips to the Emergency Room and two surgeries. But we didn’t let that ruin our romance.
I’m not saying it was easy. The night before we were supposed to leave for the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, WA (where my dad performed our wedding ceremony in the English garden at Mom’s tea house), Jim knocked his crutch against the wall and stepped down on his bad foot. The stitches busted open and he called me to bring him gauze. The call included the warning, “When you come in, don’t freak out. It looks like a murder scene.” Sure enough, I found him in the bathtub where the bloody mess would be easiest to clean up. We stopped at the doctor’s office to get his leg stitched back up on the way out of town.
For our wedding, Jim decided to use a cane instead of crutches. It looked pretty dashing with his khaki-colored suit. Then after the ceremony, I jumped on the front of his knee-cart that had been decorated with streamers and a “Just Married” sign. We played the sound of a Harley revving its engine as we rolled down the aisle together.
The honeymoon in Hawaii got a little trickier. We had to cancel our reservation for a bike ride down the side of a volcano, and we weren’t allowed to zipline. The lady at the check-in counter for parasailing almost wouldn’t let Jim go up behind the boat, but the captain (wearing the same Yankees cap as Jim) made it happen.
Jim actually grew up in Maui and wanted to take me to all his favorite spots despite his walking boot. At the Seven Sacred Pools, he climbed up a rock wall and jumped in. The crowd at the bottom of the rock said, “If the guy in the boot can do it, so can we.”
I know it wasn’t easy for Jim. He had to overcome quite a bit of pain. But he kept going. And because of his determination, we made some great memories and also helped perfect strangers to make memories.
I like to think this is symbolic of our marriage. When life knocks us down, we get back up and keep going. We grow closer. We inspire others. And we’ve got a great story to tell because of it.
I wish you all the chance to get swept off your feet, as well.
About Angela: Angela Ruth Strong studied journalism at the University of Oregon and published her first novel, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2010. With movie producers interested in her book Read the Article, she’s decided to rerelease it and write sequels as a new series titled Resort to Love. This Idaho Top Author and Cascade Award winner also started IDAhope Writers to encourage other aspiring authors, and she’s excited to announce the sale of her first romantic suspense novel to Love Inspired Suspense. Learn more and connect:
Angela’s Website Angela’s Facebook Angela’s Twitter Angela’s Goodreads
About the book: Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown – with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley – and Tracen – behind?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Purchase now: Finding Love in Sun Valley Idaho
Question for Readers: When have you been swept off your feet by romance or an injury?
Come back Feb 4th for Vannetta Chapman!
after breaking both legs at age 3 and after foot surgery 3 years ago! Not fun either time
When I was walking on our icy driveway years ago. Both feet flew out from under me and I landed on my rear end and slid all the way down the driveway. I sprained my back and was in bed for a week. Thank goodness that was b.c. (before children).
I loved this interview….especially this part…When life knocks us down, we get back up and keep going. We grow closer. – Awesome advice and sentiment. And I love that you and Jim seem to have so much fun together. That will keep your marriage young and fresh.
Don’t enter me in the giveaway, as I have the book already and LOVED it.
On two or three occasions in my life, I have suddenly passed out with no warning. The most recent was about four or five years ago. I opened the door to our basement and started to take a step down. The next thing I remember was suddenly realizing I was on my back scooting down the steps. I tried to grab a post for the handrail but couldn’t. When I stopped at the bottom, I got up and went on with whatever I had started to do. A key reason I believe I passed out momentarily is that I was limp and didn’t have any bruises or soreness. I simply was standing one second and was aware of being almost at the bottom the next.
You are such an inspiring strong woman!! I can’t wait to read your book and see the movie it becomes.
Having been married just last year, I can sympathize with Angela and her new husband. Several health issues have come our way and made for a not so easy first year!
My husband sweeps me off my feet every time he cleans the kitchen and does the dishes when I’m exhausted at the end of the day 🙂
Shannon, thanks so much for having me. I love sharing my story. Sounds like you all have stories of your own. Wishing you much health.
As for passing out, Edward, I passed out behind the wheel on the freeway in Portland when I was seven months pregnant. When I came to, I was facing backwards and all the cars were slamming on their brakes not to hit me. A truck driver came running over, saying, “I tried not to hit you but you were rolling all over the place!” I had no idea what had happened. The amazing part was that thought my car was totaled and I had glass down my shirt, there wasn’t a scratch on me. I’m even more amazed every time I hear of minor accidents where people are really hurt. And I tell my son, “God’s got big plans for your life.” But that’s true of us all, isn’t it? Glad you’re okay.
My husband swept me off my feet with a wink nearly forty two years ago.
I have a winner! Susan Johnson won the drawing. I appreciate Angela for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.