Love In Mistletoe Springs with Ginger Solomon | New Novel News

Love In Mistletoe Springs
with Ginger Solomon

Published July 4, 2015
Indie Published
Purchase: Love In Mistletoe Springs


The Mistletoe Springs animal shelter loses their grant, endangering the lives of countless stray dogs, cats, even birds and turtles. The community attempts to save the shelter by running a Christmas in July fundraiser. Groups of volunteers scramble to get all the details together while managing their personal lives. For ten people, love gets in the way.

Get to know Ginger...

What are the names of your pets?
We have two dogs, a cat, and a bunny. Zorro is my blue-merle miniature Australian shepherd. Midnight is our black lab/mix. Peeta is the cat—a gray tabby. Sam is the bunny—a nice gender neutral name since we don’t know if it’s a he or she. :)

What's one chore you hate doing?
I only get one? Well, if you insist. I hate cooking. I have to do it nearly every day for a mostly uncertain number of people—anywhere from four to nine, which makes it difficult. I spend as little time in the kitchen preparing meals as possible.

Favorite dessert? 
A banana split. I just love all the flavors: chocolate, vanilla, bananas, strawberry sauce, pineapple sauce, hot fudge, whipped cream, and the cherry (more than one if I can get away with it). All of it together just sends my taste buds soaring and my blood sugar. J I don’t indulge often because of the caloric content. I am over forty—shhh, don’t tell—and it takes a little longer to burn those extra calories.

 In case you missed it, I featured Love In Mistletoe Springs on my recent blog post featuring some GREAT eBook deals! Right now it's only $0.99 - you can't beat that

Check out that post HERE

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::WINNER::

Woohoo! We've got a winner for Anita Higman's Summer's List...

Congrats to: Terrill Rosado

*Contact me using the form to the side so we can arrange to get you your book!

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But don't forget friends - there is still a chane to enter to win one of 2 copies of Mike Dellosso's book Centralia. 

Click HERE to leave a comment to enter. 

Misty Beller & A.J. Cattapan + GIVEAWAY | New Novel News

Angelhood
by A.J. Cattapan

Published April 12, 2015 
Vinspire Publishing 
Purchase: Angelhood

After a tragic death, seventeen-year-old Nanette finds herself in an afterlife that is less than heavenly. Trapped between alternating periods of darkness and light, Nanette learns she’s a guardian angel, and the only way she can earn her wings is to keep her young charge, Vera, from taking her own life. Unfortunately, Nanette is missing more than just her wings. She has no tangible body or voice, either. Frustrated by her inability to reach out to Vera and haunted by memories of her old life, Nanette wants to give up, but then she sees what happens when another Guardian at the high school turns his back on his charge. The shock is enough to supercharge Nanette’s determination to save Vera and herself from the shadows that haunt them both.

This is a story in the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life about appreciating the little things even in the midst of tragedy and recognizing God’s never-failing presence and mercy in our lives.

Get to know A.J....

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie?
Amy Adams. In fact, two years ago, I declared to my friends that I was going to spend the summer of 2014 in Italy, then write a book about my experiences a la Eat, Pray Love, and Amy Adams would play me in the movie version! I mean, it would be perfect, right? We’re about the same age, Amy Adams was born in Italy (I’m Italian), and we both have the name Amy. J The declaration was made tongue-in-check, but I did spend two weeks in Italy that summer, and I’m working on a spiritual travel memoir about that time period. So who knows!

What’s your favorite book?
Anne of Green Gables. I’m heartbroken over the passing of actor Jonathan Crombie who played Gilbert Blythe. He was so perfect in that role. But before I saw the movies, I read the books, starting in sixth grade. In fact, I credit L.M. Montgomery for turning me on to the idea of becoming a writer. I wanted to write a book with characters that captured my readers’ hearts the way Montgomery’s characters captured mine.

Coffee or tea?
Tea. However, my recent trips to Italy are starting to turn me into a cappuccino drinker. Nonetheless, it’s tea (a nice Earl Gray) that’s sitting by my side as I’m typing this. One of my favorite places to visit with my sisters-in-law and friends is a tea shop called Tea Lula in Park Ridge, IL. I was so excited when the tea shop owner asked if I’d do a book signing at her store! We have it planned for this July, and any folks who are in the Chicago area at that time are welcome to come. Details can be found on the events page of my website.

Website: www.ajcattapan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/acattapan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJCattapan
Instagram: https://instagram.com/a.j.cattapan/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ajcattapan/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24553425-angelhood
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AJCattapan
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/ajcattapan

The Lady and the Mountain Doctor
by Misty M. Beller

Published April 28, 2015
Self Published
Purchase: The Lady and the Mountain Doctor (Mountain Dreams Series Book 2)

Miriam Bryant has always dreamed of leaving the never-ending work of her family's remote mountain ranch to travel abroad as a genteel lady. She's thrilled when the opportunity finally arises, but a gruesome hunting accident crushes her plans, leaving her stranded for weeks in a mining town. The single bright spot in her disappointment comes in the form of this mountain town's newest doctor…

Fresh out of medical school, Alex Donaghue is excited to join his brother's practice and prove himself in the mining town of Butte, in Montana Territory. But the tough conditions in the mines and the brutal winter are worse than he expected. Now a mysterious lung disease is killing patients he fought so hard to cure. The single bright spot in this dreary place comes in the form of their newest patient…

But when Miriam's life is threatened by the effects of a medical tragedy, will Alex have what it takes to save the woman he's come to love? Will Miriam ever find the place God created her for, or is it too late?

Get to know Misty...

What are you reading right now? 
The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann. Kristen is one of my favorite authors, and I had the amazing opportunity to meet her at a writer's workshop earlier this year. What an amazing person!

Do you have a nickname? Care to share? 
One of my ongoing quirks is that I'm a bit of a Mountain Dew-aholic. Some of my friends that know me best lovingly call me "Dewey".

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past? 
Oh, the past! I would want to live out West in the 1870s (which happens to be the time period I write in the most!)

Website: http://www.mistymbeller.com/

::WINNER::

I had the lovely Caryl McAdoo on the blog last week and she offered a copy of her novel, Sing a New Song.
We've got a winner...

L. Afong

Congratulations! Contact me via the blogger contact form to the right and we'll arrange to get your copy to you :)

Marian P. Merritt {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Marian...

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meet the Mountains, blends both loves. Her Christmas romances with Louisiana and Colorado connections include: Southern Fried Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, and Deep Freeze Christmas.

This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle. To receive updates and behind the scenes info, join her group on Facebook: Marian P. Merritt's Readers Group

How to connect with Marian...

Website: www.marianmerritt.com
Blog: www.marianmerritt.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4429639.Marian_P_Merritt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marian-P-Merritt-Author/395714820494287?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarianPMerritt
Purchase: The Vigil

Author Interview | Marian P. Merritt

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I’ve been writing since 2003. My first book was published in 2012. I’d like to say that’s because I’m a patient person, but I don’t think so. I was determined not to stop. And I trusted what God had promised.
What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest thing for me is the waiting to hear if your story has been accepted, if so, then waiting for the edits, then waiting for a publication date, then waiting for the date…

...The easiest: Trusting the publisher with the particulars. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book and what you’re working on currently. 
...The Vigil is a story of forgiveness. It deals with long-held family secrets and resentments. When truth comes to light, the heroine must deal with letting go of the past and moving forward.

...I’m currently writing two books:

The first is a novella set in Cavazzale, Italy. I recently visited there and just knew I had to set a story in the quaint Italian town!

The second is a Women’s Fiction set in Mandeville, Louisiana and Tuscany, Italy. Lots of drama in this one.


Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Characters usually come to me as a raw person not based on anyone. I can see them. I do a character interview and it’s then the plot emerges and the character’s personality comes through.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...The basic foundation for writers is to write well. Learn as much as possible about the craft. Write as much as possible. Don’t stop after the first novel. Keep writing. Yes, try to sell your book, but continue to learn and write another novel. Don’t get sucked into the publishing/marketing arena before you have a quality product to sell.
You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
...Funny, when I’m in the writing zone, I can write while the TV is blaring! But when I’m working and it's hard to focus, I need silence. When I do listen to music, it’s instrumental. I like the groups 2 Cellos” and “Escala.” Those are my new favorites for writing.

What is your favorite season and why?
...I live near the Rocky Mountains so fall is my absolute favorite. the changing Aspens are beautiful and always inspire me to write.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
...I love Women’s Fiction. I like following characters through adversity and seeing how they handle the issues they’re faced with.

...Emilie, Thanks so much for having me here at Thinking Thoughts!

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You're very welcome, Marian! Happy to have you here :)  It sounds like your upcoming writing will be transporting you back to that Italian trip! Of course now I'm thinking about my trip to Italy and wanting to go back haha.

::WINNER::

Had Valerie Comer on the blog last week and she graciously offered a giveaway of her novel Dandelions for Dinner. 

The winner of this lovely novel is...

Linda Rainey

Congrats Linda! Contact me so we can get you your copy :)

LoRee Peery {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about LoRee...

LoRee Peery is a lifelong Nebraskan who thanks her mother for teaching her to read when she was four. She has devoured books ever since. She and her husband have tackled some interesting projects over the course of their married life. For one, they built the home they live in with their own hands. They used to want more acres further away from city life, but one day LoRee realized they had their “greener on the other side of the fence” already. All it took was removing the hedge made of trees and bushes. LoRee feels grounded in her sense of place and considers it humbling to be redeemed by grace. She is blessed to have five children and eleven grandchildren. One-on-one time playing cards or Scrabble provides cherished moments and memories.

How to connect with LoRee...

Website: www.loreepeery.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476230.LoRee_Peery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoReePeery
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoreePeery (@LoreePeery)
Purchase: Creighton's Hideaway

Author Interview | LoRee Peery


You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I’ve always been an avid reader. In the mid-eighties (it doesn’t seem so long ago), I exclaimed over a story, “I could write better than that.” My husband challenged, “Why don’t you?” In the nineties I had a testimony printed in a Christian magazine. But I didn’t think of writing seriously until I was home from work on Martin Luther King Day in 2000. The Nebraska nostalgia I wrote that day sparked the construction and publication of a few nonfiction pieces. But most important, that writing created an urge to keep writing, and though I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to stop. I believe it’s a calling or a prompting of the Spirit. I was convicted to pursue what I was meant to do, which is write fictional Christian romance.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I believe the rough draft of the story I’m working on is always my favorite because I “live” in the fictional world of my characters as I’m fleshing out their struggles, their spiritual growth, and their ultimate declaration of love.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...Though I kept taking notes and was on the alert for story ideas, the hardest thing for me at the time was the eighteen months I dedicated to searching for an agent. It was hard because I didn’t have a specific work in progress. Not to mention all those, “sorry, but…s” I received.

...The easiest was meeting an editor personally who asked for the full manuscript of my first published work, Moselle’s Insurance. I was thrilled because she didn’t ask for a synopsis.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently?
...I’m editing another Christmas novelette, “Christmas Rescue Route,” because I enjoyed writing A Blessed Blue Christmas. I love all the stories my publisher offers through the Christmas Extravaganza.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I like the hero and heroine equally. Brock comes to Izzy’s rescue due to a car accident and she initially doesn’t want to accept any further help from him.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I’ve mentioned a few books so far. Since I’m offering a PDF copy of Creighton’s Hideaway, I’ll quote the verse I chose. This verse gave Shana comfort. I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ~Psalm 121:1-2 

***Leave a comment for LoRee to enter to win a PDF copy of Creighton’s Hideaway***

(I'll announce the winner next Wednesday Feb. 25 right here!)

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Story and character ideas come from all areas of my life, including family. My senses are sharpened when I’m searching my mind for the lay-out of a new imaginary project. Pictures, concepts, news articles, or various scenarios ignite my curiosity and interest. Those items are in my Ideas notebook. Brainstorming while in the initial stages brings other things to mind. I try to stay open to all that comes my way, especially in nature. While working on the rough draft I may hear bits of conversation or catch something by sight or sound that could apply to one of my characters. Often, a biblical passage will jump out at me to be viewed through the eyes of a character. Many times ideas or “fixes” for something I’m puzzling out, as well as dialogue, come when I’m in the shower. 

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I want readers to have fun leaving their daily world as they enter the world of another. I hope readers identify with emotion or a situation and recognize struggles as part of spiritual growth. At some point each of us needs to cease striving and seek to follow the Lord’s path for our lives. The results may be a change of attitude or simply a sigh of understanding to know someone else, even in fiction, has faced a similar struggle.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Write, write, and keep on writing. If it’s truly your heart’s desire and writing makes your soul sing, never give up. Learn as much as can, and keep on learning. Don’t forget to pray. Attend workshops and conferences. The writing itself is a lone journey, but make friends with other writers, find a group to socialize with and critique with. 

Pinterest- Homemade Salted Caramels

You

Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentine’s Day??
...Chocolates, hands down. Flowers rarely smell like flowers any more, though I appreciate the gesture. I can still imagine the exotic scents of an island setting perfumed by flowers in their natural habitat.

On Valentine’s Day would you rather stay in  or go out?
...When we go out it’s usually for lunch, even while on vacation. A night out on the town has no appeal for either of us, so I describe those scenes through the eyes of my characters. However, an evening around a campfire, underneath the stars, touches my heart.

Describe your ideal date.
...For me personally (I much prefer far-reaching landscapes, hills and rivers, mountains, or the ocean), so fill up the gas tank, pack nutrition bars and plenty of water, and drive me to the country. I love to soak in any vista God has made. I really don’t care for the concrete jungle of cities, but I do enjoy a good movie or play. My husband and I also appreciate historic architecture.

From LoRee... Emilie, thanks so much for inviting me to your cozy spot in the cyber world. I love the month of February and every day of the month feels like Valentine’s Day to me. To romance lovers, I say read on!

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You're very welcome LoRee! I'm honored to have you as a guest :) I love that you said your agent didn't ask for a synopsis! Ha! I really dislike writing anything even related to a synopsis... I can relate to you when you say a biblical passage can jump out at you - I've had that happen before as well. And Happy (belated) Valentines Day to you and your honey. Hope you got to see some of those amazing vistas. Thanks again for sharing your heart here.
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//Last week's WINNER//

We had the lovely Nancy Mehl on the blog last week - which was a treat! She talked about her latest release Deadly Echoes and offered up a copy to one lucky winner! 

I'm happy to announce that winner is...

Cindy Lawrence

Congrats, Cindy! We'll be in contact to arrange getting this book to you. 

If you didn't win last week, don't worry - there will be many more opportunities to win books! Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win LoRee's book and check out Amanda G. Steven's Monday post with a chance to win her latest release, Found and Lost!

Dubiosity by Christy Barritt | RE:View

Curiosity is a weakness for Savannah Harris. She may have pushed it down due to events dealing with her past as an investigative reporter, but when her friend points out the disappearance of migrant coastal workers, she can't ignore the pull. She has to find out what's going on.

Clive Miller has his own secrets. He's able to convince Savannah to let him rent a guest house on her property, but he's decidedly vague about the rest of his life.

The question remains: will Savannah discover the reason for the missing immigrants? Is it possible Clive's secrets are part of it all? And will she be able to resist her own feelings in the process?

I enjoyed this stand alone novel by Christy Barritt. It had the feeling of a Love Inspired book, but with an additional perspective that I think added a lot to the book. I did, however, find myself wanting more in the way of character development. I got a sense for Savannah and Clive, but had wished there was a little more tension and a little more emotion involved in them, separately and together. As true to other books I've read by Christy, she has a great mystery that does keep you guessing.

I recommend this, as I do all of her novels, to fans of romantic suspense that isn't too heavy on "scary" suspenseful details, involves a good mystery, and has sweet romance involved.

Also, this cover is amazing! Just had to say that.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Dubiosity

Book Description
(from Christy's website)

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

____________________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

____________________________

 

 //WINNER//

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Loven on the blog - you can find that interview here. 

She was gracious enough to offer a copy of her book The Parabels of Trevor Turtle as well as an adorable handmade hat as a giveaway.

Our winner is...

Loretta Shumpert

Congratulations Loretta - contact me so we can get you your prizes!

Honest New Thoughts | New Novel News + WINNER

I'm cheating today and talking about...me! Hope that's ok ;)

New year. New city. New thoughts. New book. New focus.

There is a lot of "new" going on in my life. I can't say that I love all of the harder "new" things, but I can say that I like the "new" me. No, I haven't gone and really changed that much, but I have seen how God has been working in me. It's like I just want to throw wide my arms and say, "Okay. Here we go!"

[Mentally, I just did that. ]

Yeah, that's me up there ^ My friend Steffani took this photo of me on our "photoventure" during my time in Northern California for Christmas.

That (um, me...) is how this blog started. I thought...hey, what if I started a blog about my thoughts? At the time, I probably didn't take into consideration how I would get people to read these thoughts. Or why they'd want to. I just thought, if I think it...they will come.

And they did, and they have, but I know that's not because of me.

To be totally honest, I sometimes wonder why anyone would want to read what I think about things. And yet, I'm humbled to remember that having this burden to write--this overpowering, burning desire in my heart that demands to come out through my fingertips and onto a blank page--isn't something I just "decided" to do. Yes, I made a decision to pursue writing, but it started much earlier than when this blog began. But that's another story for another day.

This post is about newness.

I want to rededicate (in a sense) this blog. I want to commit to you readers, as I mentioned in this post about New Years, a sense of comfort and of feeling at home here on the blog. I want to do this better than I have in years past because I want to be purposeful about it. We read these verses in church this morning:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
2 Peter 1:5-7 (emphasis mine)

There's a lot going on in these three verses but two things immediately stuck out: "applying all diligence" and "perseverance". I want my life to be characterized by these things (and may others of course).

But these two things hit me in my writers heart. How do you become a good writer? First and foremost you write. But then you also learn, spend time with other writers, and go through the hard process of critique. It's all formulated to make you grow. Like your walk with the Lord, you'll have hard times but they are meant to refine you.

You readers out there may say that doesn't apply to you, but it does in the sense that you are the audience. You get the chance to see the fruit of a writers labor and, without you, there wouldn't be a reason to write. (Well, in the sense that we writers wouldn't have anyone to write for aside from ourselves - which, in some cases is enough).

To get to my long-winded point...I want to let you know I care for you all, reader and writer alike.



You'll continue to see these things from me:

• Ways to connect with new (and familiar) authors through interviews and guest posts
• Lots of giveaways (digital and paper back books as well as other fun stuff)
• Guest posts about writing, life with God, and the readers perspective
• Posts from me about writing - hey, if I'm learning, I'm sharing! 
• Honest (and sometimes corny) posts from me about my own struggles as a writer, reader, and Jesus follower

What do you think? Are you on board? I'm excited! I see God renewing my energy weekly--if not daily--to provide you with interesting posts. And yes, I will try and keep them shorter than this ;)

I love you all and invite you to connect with me: facebook page, instagram (@eahendryx) , twitter (@eacreativephoto), pinterest, goodreads

Do you blog? If so, why did you start? Do you focus on a certain topic or just write what comes to you?

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                   WINNER!!!

I bet you're all wondering...sitting restlessly on the edge of your seats, possibly biting your nails crying out "Who won???" Wait no longer:

Rebecca Maney

Congratulations Rebecca! If you're reading this wondering what I'm talking about, check out New Novel News with Christy Barritt from last week. If you entered and didn't win...so sorry about that! But keep stopping by - there will be many more books given away in the future :D

Winner of Do You See What I See by Delia Latham

Last week I hosted Delia Latham on the blog and she was gracious enough to offer up Do You See What I See? as a giveaway.

The winner is...


Cherie Kasper


Contact me so we can get you your copy, Cherie. Congrats!

Spead the Christmas Joy WINNERS

 Thank you to all of the writers and authors who participated in this years Spread the Christmas Joy blog-a-thon! You made it amazing with all of your sweet memories and stories! I cannot wait until next year. Did I mention I could literally celebrate Christmas year round? Because I could...

Anyway, on to why you're really reading this post. The winners!!! If you are one of the lucky ones, please make sure you contact me in order to arrange getting your prize!

December 1st | Elizabeth Maddrey | Chalkboard Coasters

Winner: Deanne Patterson

December 2nd | Cindy Loven | Swept Away

Winner: Susan Johnson

December 3rd | Lillian Duncan | Ceramic Angel 

Winner: Breanna Davenport 

December 4th | Sarah Kohnle | $10 Starbucks Gift Card

Winner: Mandy Ruffner 

December 5th | Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall Winner: Christina Pereira

The Daughter of Highland Hall Winner: Robin Mason

December 6th | James R. Callan | Peace Ornament 

Winner: Susan P

December 8th | Melissa Tagg | Here to Stay 

Winner: Christina Butrum 

December 9th 

Nike Chillemi | Harmful Intent

Winners: Constance Hendryx & Susan P

Valerie Comer | Snowflake Tiara

Winner: Breanna Davenport 

December 10th | Jennifer Hallmark | Sweet Freedom a la mode

Winner:  Deanna Stevens 

December 11th | Gail Pallotta | Mountain of Love and Danger

Winner: Caryl Kane

December 12th | Anita Higman | A Question of Destiny

Winners: Breanna Davenport & Caryl Kane

December 13th | Ava Pennington | Holiday Inn 

Winner: Natalie Monk 

December 15th | Alexis Goring | Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories 

Winner: Chickie Brewer

December 16th | Sandy Ardoin | The Yuletide Angel 

Winner: Susan P 

December 17th | JoAnn Durgin 

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Winner: Ruthie Madison

Starlight Star Bright Winner:Ann Ellison

Sleight Ride Together with You Winner: Kathleen Friesen

December  18th | Deanna Klingel | Rock and A Hiding Place 

Winner: Constance Hendryx

December 19th | Laura V. Hilton | The Snow Globe 

Winner: Kay M

December 20th | Nicole Deese | A Cliche Christmas 

Winner: Kara Peck

December 21st | Andrew Swearingen | HAWK by Ronie Kendig

Winner: Laura Bach

December 22nd | Brandy Vallance | The Covered Deep 

Winners: Caryl Kane & Kelly Bridgewater 

December 23rd | Erica Vetsch | A Log Cabin Chrsitmas 

Winner: Steffani Webb 

December 24th | Kristy Cambron | We Have A Savior by Hillsong

Winner:  Marla Stanley

December 25th | Emilie Hendryx | $10 Amazon Gift Card

Winner: Amanda Geaney


Congratulations to all the winners!!! Again, make sure you use the contact form or email me so we can arrange to get your prizes to you.

It's Out! HAWK by Ronie Kendig + GIVEAWAY

First thing first, we've got a winner from my interview with Elizabeth Maddrey from last week (view her interview here). The lucky winner gets a copy of Elizabeth's latest novel Kinsale Kisses!

Erin Unger

Congrats Erin! I'll get in contact with you :)


Now...on to some fun things about HAWK and author Ronie Kendig! 

Mark your calendars now so you can chat with Ronie at 2pm EST!!! Follow this link to sing up.

THEN, as if that wasn't enough, Rel over at Relz Reviewz is hosting a HUGE giveaway by Ronie! Follow this link and enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. I've read Hawk (you can read my review here) and it's FANTASTIC so...if you're looking for your next book to read, look no further!

I Pressed SEND

So...those of you who are friends with me on Facebook or who have *liked* my page (you can do that now if you haven't) may have seen my BIG news. But, on the chance that you didn't, I thought I'd share here.

I sent off my manuscript yesterday! 

A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into revising it, but now I've set it free. I think the hardest part is waiting...but at the same time, knowing that (no matter what happens) I'm proud of where the story is at now. Sure, it may will need more revision and I'll likely have to go nights without sleep while pulling out my hair, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

 I'll keep you all posted as time goes on about what the next step looks like :D

* * *

Lastly, June from last week offered up a copy of her novel Ryan's Father. We've got a winner...

Jennette

Congrats, Jenette! I'll be emailing you today and we'll get you your book! 

ACFW Bound + A Winner

My tired, excited face from last night

Well...I'm off folks! Headed to the ACFW Conference in St. Louis and I'm quite excited! Everything fit into my carry on and a backpack...if you ask me ,I think it's either some type of magic or I really am that skilled of a packer...not sure which is accurate.

I'll be smoozing with writers and authors from all over in just a few short hours. It's so fun to think that I'll be able to meet some of them face to face when we've only interacted via the internet. I'll try and update my Facebook page where possible (maybe a few "author crush" pictures?) so make sure you connect with me over there!

Until then, check out the giveaway winner...

If you remember last week I had the lovely Amanda G. Stevens on the blog talking about her first release, Seek and Hide. Well, one lucky person will get their choice of ebook or paper back.

And the winner is...

Beth Bulow

Congratulations Beth! I've heard Seek and Hide is amazing and now you'll get to find out for yourself! Contact me via the contact form to the left.

Thanks for everyone that entered. Come back often - maybe you'll be the winner next time ;)

Deceived by Irene Hannon | RE:View

Last week's interview with Megan Lee offered a giveaway of her novel, Song from the Ashes. I'm excited to announce we have a winner...

Debra Metzler

Congrats, Debra! Contact me via the form to the left and we'll get you your copy of Megan's book.

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It's been three years of grief for Kate Marshall. When her husband and young son died in a boating accident she knew she had to move on, but can you ever truly let go?

Then, in the midst of the new life she has forged for herself in St. Louis, she sees a boy who looks just like her son. It couldn't be. Could it?

Enter Connor Sullivan, former Secret Service agent. His strength of character, not to mention his attractive good looks, catches Kate off guard when she decides to hire the agent turned PI to track down the boy she saw.

On this roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense, Irene Hannon will keep you guessing. She elaborately weaves together multiple perspectives and lays a patchwork of clues that are combined with skill by her hero and heroine.

I enjoyed this third installation of the Private Justice series as I enjoyed Trapped, book 2. I'd definitely recommend it for lovers of romantic suspense.

Purchase Deceived (Private Justice Book #3): A Novel

Book Description
(from Irene's website)

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she’s convinced it’s her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating “accident” begins to look more and more suspicious. But if Kate’s son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden—and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. 

Diane E. Tatum {Writer Wednesday} + Winner

First off, before I introduce you to Diane Tatum, I'd like to announce the winner of Carrie F. Pagels book, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance.

Mary Ellen Goodwin

Congrats Mary! You can contact me using the contact form on the left here and we'll get you your book :)

BUT - don't feel too bad if you didn't win, because today's {Writer Wednesday} author is giving away a copy of her book (paper back or ebook) Gold Earrings!!!

To enter, leave a comment for Diane and/or let us know one thing you look for when picking up a new book (is it the cover, the back cover blurb, or something else?).

A little bit about Diane...

Diane E. Tatum grew up, got married, and had her 2 sons in St. Louis County, MO. They lived in Newport News, VA, for 12 years then moved to Tullahoma, TN, in 1997. She taught in Tullahoma City Schools for 11 years, retired in 2009, and is now (as of 2013) an adjunct professor at Motlow State Community College. She teaches Comp 1 and Comp 2 at Tullahoma HS for the dual enrollment classes and Survey of American Lit at the college. Diane is the author of Gold Earrings. She is currently working on an American History series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers, Faith Writers, and John 3:16 Authors.

How to connect with Diane...

Website: www.dianeetatumwriter.com
Blogs: http://tatumlight-tatumsthoughts4today.blogspot.com/
http://tatumlight.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tatumlight
Facebook: Gold Earrings & Diane Elaine Tatum
Twitter:@DianeTatum
Author Interview | Diane Tatum


You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing mystery short stories in elementary school. I wrote the short story that became the novel Gold Earrings while in high school. I finished the novel and shopped it around in the mid-nineties. Not a nibble. After I retired, I spent the next year seriously trying to get it published. I finally found Tate Publishing who wanted to publish it. It is an ‘author investment’ publishing house, but I felt it needed to finally see the light of day. My mother paid my investment.

...I’ve had good success with Gold Earrings even though it was not traditionally published. Check out the reviews on Amazon!

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it? ...I am currently writing on the second book in my American History series. Set just prior to the War of 1812, my hero is like the Beast in The Beauty and the Beast. He is torn up with bitterness and resentment after needing to care for his siblings after his parents’ death. In addition, his Uncle Ben and his wife die as well. My heroine is the daughter of the pastor who comes to the church to fill Uncle Ben’s pulpit.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...The focus is on resolving the bitterness within which creates chaos in your soul and your life.


Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...The characters I write about are usually from my imagination. That said my imagination, my romantic actions and thoughts, my ideas are informed by my experiences, the books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, and most importantly the people in my life.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...Of course, with fiction the overarching goal is entertainment. However, entertainment is the best way to teach. My goal is to represent the everyday life of Christians, to show how Christians live a life under the influence of the Holy Spirit. What makes our lives different? How do we fix the problems that come into our lives? How does God affect Christians and the way they react to ordinary life issues?

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing. Start a blog at Blogspot or WordPress. Take every opportunity to learn more: at conferences, in critique groups, and online. Join organizations as you can. Make connections online through Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. By building a community, you will gather what you need to know how to write well and make connections to help you meet editors, agents, and publishers.

You

When you get an idea for a novel, what is the first thing that you do? ...When I think of a grand idea or a character, I write as much as I know about it on my computer and save the file in a file called “Ghost of Writing Yet-to-Come.” It drives my husband crazy for me to have these ideas sitting out there waiting for me to have time to write them. It’s one reason he encouraged me to retire from teaching 7th grade, so I could “write my stories”.

September is Classical Music Month (who knew?). In keeping with that theme, do you have a favorite character from a classical novel?
...Scrooge’s nephew Fred embodies the true spirit of Christmas in A Christmas Carol. He continues to ask Scrooge to dinner even though Scrooge turns him down. His invitation is without guile or ulterior motives. He wants a relationship with his uncle for his mother’s sake. He doesn’t harbor bitterness or ill will toward Scrooge. He forgives and loves him despite Scrooge’s ill humor.

What is your favorite fall snack food?
...Fresh crisp apples – quartered or in apple salad, apple pie or apple cake.

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Thanks so much for being on the blog today Diane! I love how you say your purpose, aside from entertainment, is to show how Christians "do" everyday life. That's awesome :) Your file title, "Ghost of Writing Yet-to-Come" made me laugh! I have a file like that, but it's named "Story Ideas" - soooo boring of me.

Don't forget to leave a comment readers! I'll announce the winner next Tuesday.