Laura V. Hilton & JC Morrows | New Novel News

The Amish Firefighter
by Laura V. Hilton

Published: May 3, 2016
From: Whitaker House
Purchase: The Amish Firefighter

Can they overcome their past?

Abigail Stutzman’s life is about to change – whether she wants it to or not. Her mamm is getting remarried to a widower with a large family. Abigail is sent to live with her aenti and onkle in Jamesport because she and her new step-brother had dated and their parents anticipate problems. (Her step-brother is needed on the farm.) Abigail launches a full-scale plan to return home to her family—and Mark—when she finds herself in over her head…and heart. When Abigail and her new “wrong crowd” get into significant trouble, her punishment includes helping a collection of crazy old maids with housekeeping. In the midst of her atonement, Abigail uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realizes she’s not the only one with a pain-filled past. Abigail must decide if she’ll continue her messed-up legacy or embrace a new beginning with the man who’s stolen her heart.

Sam Miller has trouble of his own. When Sam and his close friend Ezra Weiss are in a drug/alcohol-related car accident in Pennsylvania, Ezra is killed. Though Sam survives, he is deeply affected by the tragedy and vows to help other victims. Now a new Christian, Sam is a volunteer firefighter and a college student working to earn his EMT and paramedic license. But Sam has a past. When it comes time to confess his crimes, he finds that the truth may set him free—but it might also land him in some uncomfortably hot water. Will Sam and Abigail be able to find a future together?

Get to know Laura...

Favorite season? 
 I love all the seasons, but I’m going to say my favorite is winter because I love snow, I love the trees covered in ice/snow, I love wood fires in our woodstove, I love food cooked on the woodstove and I love having it easy cooking with crockpot soups and stews.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past? 
The past so I could talk to my mom, dad, or grandma.

What’s one thing you must have/do in the morning? 
Brush my teeth. Must do first thing.

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.


Blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

A Desperate Escape
by JC Morrows

Published: April 26, 2016
Publisher: S&G Publishing
Purchase: A Desperate Escape

A Secret . . . A Confession . . . A Decision that will change the lives of an entire country.

The palace is scrambling to recover from a brutal assault . . . the country is in disarray . . . and the royal security team is on edge like never before.

Kayden entered the palace under a lie . . . a lie that has now been exposed.

And now . . .

Prince Dvarius has to decide what to do with his reluctant assassin.

Get to know JC...

Coffee or tea? 
COFFEE! Always coffee

Favorite dessert? 
ANYTHING Chocolate!

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
Prince Dvarius of course!

JC Morrows - Bestselling author of YA Christian speculative fiction, drinker of coffee and avid reader - is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. JC has been telling stories in one form or another her entire life and once her mother convinced her to write them down, she couldn't stop.

She finished her first speculative fiction novel purely for the enjoyment of her mother - also known as her biggest fan.

She gives God all of the glory for her talent and ability!


Website: https://jcmorrows.com/

Laura V. HIlton | Spread the Christmas Joy

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

James 1:17 (NIV)

Have you ever wanted or needed something so bad, that it is all you can think about? In CHRISTMAS MITTENS, Gracia needs a donation of fifty Christmas trees for the senior center she works at. The center receives some government funding, but not enough. They rely heavily on donations and fundraisers.

Gracia is tired of the same-old boring fundraising ideas that the center has done for years. And it seems the town is tired of them, too. Last year’s bake sale was a total flop. The idea of Christmas trees as a fundraiser seemed so fresh, so innovative, so inspired! The tree sale, paired with a Christmas craft fair where the seniors sell their crafts, should be perfect.

Except no one wants to donate trees… and she’s down to her last call to ask for help. And she’s ready to beg.

When God seems to say no, how do you handle it?

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our wants and desires to hand it over to God for Him to manage as He will. But it usually is so much better when we do let go and let God. He knows how it should be handled so much better than we do and He is able to answer prayers above and beyond our wildest dreams. He can exceed our expectations and make our dreams come true.

Because God is not interested in adequate. God is not going to be content with “good enough.” The somewhat cynical phrase, “Close enough for government work!” has never crossed His lips . . . or His mind.

God gives “good” gifts. Gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, long after the wrappings and ribbons and wreaths have been reconciled to storage until the following year.

God gives “perfect” gifts. Gifts that are perfect for the individual, perfect for the occasion, and perfect for the purposes to which He has called us.

God’s gifts are never going to migrate to the back of one’s closet, or to the nearest thrift store. They continually grow, and expand. When used appropriately, one can always find some new way of putting God’s gifts to use.

God’s gifts are never going to wear out, rust, break down or fall apart. God’s gifts never come with any warning labels, age-appropriate stickers, or 1-800 numbers “in case of failure.”

And God’s gifts never come with a “shelf life.”

In this season of miracles, is there something you’re hanging on to that should be turned over to the Lord? Let’s start by handing it over to Him, and then waiting in anticipation for the answer.

_________________________________

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
Visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Christmas Mittens Blurb 

Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time. The seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell in order to raise much-needed funds, but Christmas tree donations are scarce. Jake Trivett has quit his job in California to come home and help his dad. A friendship with Gracia, who he’s always admired, intrigues him. Gracia’s heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, whose father runs a struggling tree farm answers the phone. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year?

Purchase: Christmas Mittens

JC Morrows & Laura V. Hilton | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

A Reluctant Assassin
by JC Morrows

September 29, 2015
S&G Publishing
Purchase: A Reluctant Assassin


Her mission was simple — get close to the Prince, and kill him. . .
Kayden entered the palace under a lie, one designed to get her close to the Prince. On the outside, she may look like a princess but beneath the mask, a killer lays in wait — for the perfect moment.

Dvarius was not ready to take the crown, nor was he ready for a wife . . . But due to his father’s unexpected death and an archaic law — he must find a bride before he is allowed to take his rightful place on the throne.

And the one woman he wants — just might be the one who is there to kill him…  

Get to know JC...

What are the names of your pets? 
We have a kitty who adopted us - the kiddos named her Sophie. First thing in the morning (I'm talking 5 am), she cries until we go out to feed her - then she glares at us because the kids aren't up yet, and sticks her nose in the door looking for them.

Coffee or tea? 
Coffee... ALWAYS coffee.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
But it's a secret... OK fine, Dvarius. He IS my Prince Charming!


The Birdhouse
by Laura V. Hilton

October 1, 2015
Whitaker House
Purchase: The Birdhouse

Twenty–year–old Greta Miller's daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers' market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers.

Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he's back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta's family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back.

When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more. But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family's distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?

Get to know Laura...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? My favorite place I’ve traveled to is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We enjoyed Su St. Marie, Copper Harbor, Marquette, and other areas on the north shore—or the south shore of Lake Superior. I would love to take the trip again sometime.

Coffee or tea? 
I have two cups of coffee a day and otherwise, unsweet tea. I love flavored tea. My favorite is licorice spice.

Favorite dessert? 
Cheesecake! With or without toppings, but love both blueberry or cherry.

::WINNERS::

 Had two great authors on the blog last week!
{see the post here} Congratulations to....

Cherie Kasper
for The Sweetest Rain

Jeanie Dannheim

for Miracle Drug

Contact me to claim your copies!

Winner of A White Christmas in Webster County by Laura V. Hilton

Last week I had Laura on the blog talking about her latest release, A White Christmas In Webster County. I'm excited to announce the winner of that giveaway today! Say congrats to...

Denise Tuggle

Make sure and contact me via the contact from on the left so we can get you your book! 

I love that we're kicking off the Christmas season early with some great Christmas giveaways! ANNDDD if this wasn't enough, make sure you come back tomorrow because I've got another guest giving away another amazing Christmas book you will not want to miss!

See you tomorrow :D

Laura V. Hilton {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

Glad to have Laura V. Hilton back on the blog this week! Excited for her to be talking about her latest release,  A White Christmas in Webster County. I guess it's appropriate to point out there are now 12 weeks and 1 day until Christmas *eeeeeeeeee*!!!!! Can you tell I LOVE Christmas?? Woohoo!!! (Ok, I'm done - I promise). 

A little bit about Laura...

Laura Hilton lives and writes in Arkansas, surrounded by her husband and five children. The author of inspirational novels about the Amish, she is also a book reviewer.

How to connect with Laura...

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?ref=bookmarks
Blog: http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=laura+hilton&search_type=books&search%5Bfield%5D=author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton
Book review page: https://twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton


Laura V. Hilton RE:Interview | Getting to know you...again 

You and Writing

Who is one of your favorite authors and why? 
...I have many favorites. Susan May Warren and Denise Hunter–I love their romances, story lines and the way they draw me in from the beginning. Suzanne Woods Fisher for the way she weaves an interesting active ingredient into Amish fiction. Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason for their romantic suspense. Amanda Cabot and Ann Shorey for their historicals. I have many more favorites.
Share a writing-related milestone with us?
...I always said when I make it into the CBD catalog, I made it. Then it moved to when I see it at Walmart… I have won some awards and finaled in some awards. But I still haven’t seen any of my books at Walmart.

How do you balance your time between writing and other actives? Any helpful tips, tricks, or suggestions? 
... I keep the document open and write when I can. I have five children, homeschool, and am a pastor’s wife, so I have to write when God gives me a moment. I don’t write a lot of words a day. I consider it a success if I get 500 words a day. And for most authors, that isn’t many.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about the book. 

A White Christmas in Webster County

Wanting to relocate from Shipshewana to somewhere new, Mercy Lapp answered an ad in The Budget to work as a mother’s helper for Matthew and Shanna Yoder in Seymour, Missouri. Mercy relocated from Shipshewana to give herself space and time to heal after the death of her beau in a fishing trip on Lake Michigan. Abner Hilty fled Shipshewana to Montana to work on a ranch after he and his twin brother witnessed a murder. Now that the killer is safely behind bars, Abner decides to visit his brother Abram in Missouri where he’d settled with his bride of one month. Mercy is surprised to see Abner there, and equally surprised by how much he’d changed physically since she’d last seen him. Even though the two live in different districts they occasionally see each other in town and form a fledging friendship. As Christmas approaches, an unexpected heavy snow lets Abner and Mercy spend a lot of time together in wintertime fun. Abner hopes to interest Mercy in a more permanent relationship. But then Mercy has a potentially life changing discovery. Will she return to Shipshewana to answer the summons of the past? Or settle in a new place?

What was one trial you faced when writing it? One success?  
...When I was writing this book my oldest son went through some situations that adversely affected our family life. One success? God came through. In a big way.

Who is your favorite character and why?
...Abner. He is funny, serious, hurting and struggling—yet he is completely devoted to God.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...This is a hard question. What I take from the book is not necessarily one a reader might. But what I got from the book is “Be still, and know that I am God.”


You

In honor of the fall, what’s your favorite fall treat? 
...Apple cider. Homemade applesauce, warm in the crockpot. Pumpkin seeds.

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be?
...Always, always, a mom and a writer.

Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month? If so, what’s your plan to keep your writing on track? 
...No. Not really. I will be writing… but I won’t try to reach a book in a month and I can’t follow their rules of just writing. I edit as I go and when I finish the book it is ready to go to the publisher. 

 ________________________________

Loved having you back on the blog, Laura. First off, I think your list of favorite authors is fantastic! I also like how you mention your takeaway would be different from that of your readers. I love how the Lord uses our stories in not only the lives of readers, but in our hearts too! And yes to pumpkin seeds (and of course cider and applesauce too).

Leave a comment for Laura or mention what your childhood dream job was to enter to win a copy of Laura's novel, A White Christmas in Webster County.

***