Shannon here: Sarah Anne Crouch shares how she met her husband, plus a chance to win a free e-book copy of her Contemporary Romance, A Homecoming in Shady Springs. Deadline: April 5th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Sarah:
On Tuesday, my new novel A Homecoming in Shady Springs will be released into the world! It’s a
heartwarming love story that spans decades.
Sparks fly when Henry and Cate meet at Halloway University, even if Cate is adamantly opposed to dating in college. Years later, when their only daughter, Madeleine, gets engaged, they’re forced back into each other’s orbits. Is it too late for love, or can God bring them home?
Going along with the theme of college sweethearts, I thought I’d share a little about how my husband and I met.
- How soon after meeting your spouse did you know he was the one?
It was a long time! I met my husband my very first year of college at Harding University, probably the first or second week. He was leading a Bible study I attended, and I assumed he was a professor or at least a graduate student. Turns out, he was just a sophomore.
Later, a friend of mine confided she had a crush on him, so I knew he was off-limits. Michael and I saw each other at least once a week for two years, and he even roomed with my boyfriend at one point.
But by the time Michael was a senior and ready to date more seriously, he and I were both single. He asked me out, and I said yes because I knew I liked and respected him a whole lot. I kept saying yes to dates until one day I realized he was the best guy I’d ever dated and I wanted to keep him around forever.
- How soon after meeting you did your spouse know you were the one?
Unbeknownst to me (until later), that summer before Michael’s senior year, he decided it was time to get his act together, so he made two lists. One was all the qualities he hoped for in a future wife. The other was a list of girls he might like to date at Harding.
According to my husband (and his roommate), I was the very first person on that list and the only one he asked out on a date. But why would he ever tell me otherwise?
I assume this list was destroyed a long time ago. I will not be asking to see the other names!
Michael knew, I think, a lot sooner than he let on, that he was very serious about our relationship. He told me once that if he ever told me he loved me, that meant the next step was getting engaged.
- Who said, “I love you” first, you or your spouse?
I had wanted to say “I love you” for a while, but I wanted to wait for Michael to say it first. Like I said earlier, he took those words very seriously, so I knew it might be a long wait.
College can feel like a pressure cooker for relationships. We were spending every day together, and nearly every free moment. (My grades were not the best my junior year while we were dating.) So, it felt like we’d been together a very long time. But in reality, it was only two months after we became a couple and three months after our first date that Michael told me he loved me.
It was December, and we were watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” together and got into a fight about something, I don’t remember what. The first night, we only got through half the movie and then ended with an argument. I remember talking to my mom on the phone the next morning and being so upset about the whole situation. I assumed he was ready to break up with me. The next night, we came back together to finish the movie (and maybe break up, I thought), and Michael told me the argument had made him realize he loved me.
Question for Readers: How about you? Did you ever have a list of future qualities you’d like in a spouse like Michael did?
About Sarah: Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers. Learn more & connect:
Sarah’s Newsletter Signup Sarah’s Website
Sarah’s Facebook Sarah’s Instagram
About the book – A Homecoming in Shady Springs:
Catherine and Henry Mullins never thought they’d see each other again after their traumatic separation, but the engagement of their only daughter forces them together. As they spend time focusing on the wedding, Catherine realizes how much she still loves Henry. But is it too late for one more chance?
Twenty-five years earlier, Henry meets Cate on the campus of Halloway University. Although Cate makes it abundantly clear she isn’t interested in a romantic relationship, Henry can’t seem to resist her. Can he convince her to give him a shot? And will their love survive tragedy?
Follow Henry and Catherine as they journey through love over the years and discover that life is better with someone by your side.
A Homecoming in Shady Springs Sarah’s Books
Come back 26th for Cindy Bonds!
I haven’t had a list of future qualities I’d like in a spouse but we’ve had a similar beginning where my cousin liked my future husband and he was off-limits for me for that reason. It appeared though that the feeling wasn’t mutual and he chose me 🙂 22 years ago!
I have a winner! Anita Hohl won the drawing. I appreciate Sarah for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.