Jeanne M. Dickson | Author Chat

You may recognize this lovely authors name from my Monday New Novel News post about her first and new release of her book Grounded Hearts. I am so excited to give you all a deeper look into the author of this lovely novel. So, grab your beverages and let's get to know author Jeanne M. Dickson!

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. Her grandmother lived with them and was a constant source of stories about life in Ireland and the saints and ancestors long gone from this earth. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling.

Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer’s conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star.

Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Let's get real...

What’s one thing you would like to impart to your readers about your books and being an author?
We’re all human therefore we’re all sinners. But His forgiveness and amazing grace is offered freely upon our asking.

Share an embarrassing story. (Come on, we know you have one!)
During a ballet performance of Les Patineurs, my partner lifted me up and my costume went down. Truly a Lucille Ball moment but that pretty much sums up most of my ballet career.

If you were forced to do karaoke what song would you pick?
You’ll Be Back from Hamilton.

Two truths and a lie:
A)I lived in Ireland when I was a child.
B) I lived in France when I was a child.
C) I lived in Germany when I was a child.

Any weird habits you have when writing or plotting?
Dressing my Barbie dolls in new outfits to reflect my cast of characters, then placing them on my desk. Here is the cast of characters from my work in progress, Eire Ever After.

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Saoirse Ronan and Henry Cavill.

Name one song/artist you're embarrassed you like.
Death Of A Bachelor by Panic! At the Disco.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
My pilot, Dutch. Of course.

Connect with Jeanne:
Website - http://www.jeannemdickson.com/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/Jeanne-M-Dickson-660226910801814/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jmdickson1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannedickson/

Grounded Hearts
by Jeanne M. Dickson

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Don't forget to join in the giveaway from Monday's post (you can enter below):

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Answer: B was the lie.

If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock | Re:View

Fast-paced, complex, and powerful, If I'm Found shows readers the beauty of what can happen when we value others over ourselves. 

*** 

This thrilling second installment of the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock was just as exciting as the first book. Here we find Casey Cox faced with being on the run--again.

It seems as if everything is stacked against Casey. She's got a few advantages, one being that she's able to communicate with Dylan Roberts. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book because: romance. Okay, I know, I know...there's so much more to this book than romance, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for it! I loved how Terri brought their characters together.

I also love love love how there is a juxtaposition of plots going on here. You've got the overall plot of Casey being a fugitive but then you've got Casey's "new" life where she must act in order to do the right thing even if it jeopardizes her own safety. Terri is QUEEN of creating such intriguing plot lines that, while there is a ton going on and you think it could be too convoluted, you see how it all works out seamlessly in the end.

I also love how we see the strengths and weaknesses of Dylan and Casey. They aren't perfect. They have real struggles and they must choose to fight for what is right. It's refreshing and in no way off-putting at how real they both are. 
 
As I did for book one, I felt as if this book was stretched out in order to make it a trilogy. Don't get me wrong--it's a fantastic book! It's well written and gripping! But, during the wrap up, I found myself thinking that it could have come to a conclusion in just two books. I'm happy that there'll be a third because I think we can gather that God will use Casey again in way's she couldn't foresee in the lives of others. I also love the characters so I'm looking forward to see what happens. So really, it's not a negative as much as it's an observation. It's a shorter book but packed with action.

A definite recommend from me for those who like romantic suspense, suspense, and a action-packed plot. It's not heavy on the romance but just right (in my opinion). Besides, Terri deals with some tough topics in an honest but careful way. You'll find yourself rooting for Casey and Dylan by the end (if not from the very beginning).

My rating: 5*
Purchase: If I'm Found


Book Description
(from Amazon) 

Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.

As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail cell.

_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to 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.

Motivated to Write by Kathy Ide | Guest Post

When I attended my first writers’ conference, I had no idea what I was getting into! Most people think writing a book is easy … until they actually try to write for publication. It’s such a long process, filled with discouragements and distractions, setbacks and rejections. Sometimes it would be a lot easier to quit writing than to keep at it.

But if God has called you to write, you can’t quit. Writers’ write. It’s what we do. We can’t help it.

On days when I’m not feeling very motivated, I think about the long-range effects of the tasks God has called me to do. Whether I’m writing something myself, helping a client edit a manuscript, working with writers at a conference, or helping freelance editors develop their own businesses, I’m a small part of a big team of people that God put together to get what He wanted to be written into the hands of the people He knew would need to read it, at precisely the right moment.

What if Jesus’ followers hadn’t written the gospels? You know, Luke opened his book by saying that many others had already written narratives about Jesus’ life, and they were eyewitnesses. Surely Luke must have wondered whether he should bother writing yet another account of the same story. But, he said, “It seemed good to me.” And so he wrote. Luke knew he didn’t have a unique idea, something no one had ever thought of before. But if he hadn’t written his version of the story of Christ’s life, we would not have Luke 2, that beautifully written account of Jesus’ virgin birth.

The only other gospel account we have that even mentions Jesus' birth is Matthew. And he doesn't say anything about Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem and finding no room for them in the inn. Nothing about a manger. Or shepherds. Or heavenly hosts. Without Luke's writing, most of our favorite Christmas traditions wouldn't even exist. And Charlie Brown’s Christmas special would not be the same!

What if the apostle Paul had decided he was too busy traveling and preaching the good news to write? What if he’d let his “thorn in the flesh,” his failing eyesight, not to mention his imprisonment, keep him from sending letters to the churches? We wouldn’t have any of his powerful epistles from which we gain so much insight into how we are to live our lives as believers.

When I’m mired in discouragement over my writing, I think back to a moment when something I read really touched my heart or changed my life. What if the author of that book or article or short story had decided she was just too busy to write? Or gotten discouraged when she first started out? What if she’d let rejection letters, or the cost of a writers’ conference, or some critical comments from an editor crush her spirit so that she turned her back on God’s calling to write? If she had, then that moment when God touched my heart through that thing I read would never have happened.

Writers have the opportunity to make an impact for eternity. If we don’t write what God has called us to write, and pursue whatever publishing avenues God leads us to pursue, we’ll be denying readers the benefit of the wisdom God has shared with us in our life journeys.

God touches hearts and changes lives through the written word. And I love being part of the behind-the-scenes work that brings about that miracle. When I get to heaven, I’m really looking forward to meeting all the people God reached through the books and articles I helped create … and all the people who were affected by those people’s lives!

_____

I have been writing for publication since 1989. I've written books, short stories, play and movie scripts, devotionals, and Sunday school curriculum. I'm the author of "Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors" (an updated and improved version of "Polishing the PUGS," which is now out of print). I have also written books on "Christian Drama Publishing" and "Typing without Pain."

I do editing and mentoring for aspiring, beginning, intermediate, and established authors. I speak at writers' conferences across the country.

I am the founder and director/coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com)and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.com).

Kate Breslin & Jeanne M. Dickson | New Novel News

High as the Heavens 
by Kate Breslin

Published: June 6, 2017
Publisher: Bethany House/Baker Publishing
Purchase: High as the Heavens

In 1917, British nurse and war widow Evelyn Marche is trapped in German-occupied Brussels. She works at the hospital by day and as a waitress by night. But she also has a secret: She’s a spy for the resistance. When a British plane crashes in the park, Evelyn must act quickly to protect the injured soldier who has top-secret orders and a target on his back.

Get to know Kate...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters? 
Actor James Norton and Actress Kaya Scodelario-Davis – dreamy couple!

Favorite season? 
Autumn, with sunny skies and crisp, cool air

Cats or dogs or both? 
Love both, but I’m a Catwoman!

Connect with Kate: http://katebreslin.com/

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Grounded Hearts
by Jeanne M. Dickson

Published: June 13, 2017
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Purchase: Grounded Hearts

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Get to know Jeanne...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Saoirse Ronan as my heroine, Nan. And Aidan Turner as my hero, Dutch.

Who is your favorite secondary character?
Rogelio de la Vega in Jane the Virgin.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
A five star resort. Sunscreen. Internet service.

Connect with Jeanne: http://www.jeannemdickson.com/

 

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The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber | Re:View

Sofi is passionate and real, a beautiful yet broken heroine who shows us what it's like to fight for those you love.

***

What would you do if the most important person in your life was snatched away? Sofi Snow finds out in Mary Weber's thrilling new Sci-Fi novel, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow.

Coming on the heels of her powerful trilogy (Storm Siren, Siren's Fury, Siren's Song) I wasn't sure what to expect. I could tell that it was science fiction--something I was hugely excited about--and that was about it. I dove headfirst into Sofi's gaming and hacking world and promptly found myself lost in the thrill of what would happen.

Sofi, much like Nym from the Storm Siren trilogy is a strong yet broken character. That's probably one of my favorite things about her. She's passionate and real, a beautiful yet broken heroine who shows us what it's like to fight for those you love. Don't we all wish we could be like that? I find that it's too easy to read a book about someone (especially a female protagonist) who is strong or finds herself in impossible situations and thrust into leadership and then knows exactly what to do. I felt as if Sofi's environment and reactions were accurate to who she was as a character, successes and fumbles. She's not perfect and has made mistakes in the past, but that's part of who she is (and what I assume she'll need to heal from in the future).

On another note, I love how Mary weaves in themes that she is passionate about. Read her note at the beginning of the reviews on Goodreads to see what I mean. I know Mary and I know that she is genuine in her passion for the things she talks about in this note and I can see those themes brought to life in this book!

I also enjoyed the world building. Hovercrafts, transports, and tech. Ahhh, things that send shivers up my spine in delight of futuristic worlds. Enter: The Delonese. I loved the addition of this humanoid type race that happens to be light years ahead in regards to technology. And yet there's something off about them (per the story and plot, of course) and I like that intrigue.

By the end of this book I was gripping my kindle and wondering how it was all going to work out. I won't say cliffhanger...but I will say you're going to want the second book ASAP.

I recommend this to those who enjoy science fiction and YA books, but also to those who like a good story about a genuine heroine. If you enjoyed the Storm Siren trilogy you'll find this is different, but that's okay. It's still Mary's writing, just in a different setting 😉

My rating: 4*
Purchase: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow

Book Description 
(from Amazon)

Ever since the Delonese ice-planet arrived eleven years ago, Sofi's dreams have been vivid. Alien. In a system where Earth's corporations rule in place of governments and the humanoid race orbiting the moon are allies, her only constant has been her younger brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, Sofi battles behind the scenes of Earth's Fantasy Fighting arena where Shilo is forced to compete in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb takes out a quarter of the arena, Sofi's the only one who believes Shilo survived. She has dreams of him. And she's convinced he's been taken to the ice-planet.

Except no one but ambassadors are allowed there.

For Miguel--Earth's charming young playboy--the games are of a different sort. As Ambassador to the Delonese, his career has been built on trading secrets and seduction. Until the Fantasy Fight's bomb goes off. Now the tables have turned and he's a target for blackmail. The game is simple: Help the blackmailers, or lose more than anyone can fathom, or Earth can afford.

From the award-winning author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, step into a diverse cast of characters spanning from the electric metropolises of earth to the chilling alien planet above, in a story of re-finding yourself in the midst of losing the one thing you love. Before it all evaporates.

_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to 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.  

All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham | YA Book Release

All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham Published by Entangled Teen  

Release Day: June 6, 2017

Relocating to Arctic Norway would put a freeze on anyone’s social life. For Leda Lindgren, with her crutches and a chip on her shoulder the size of her former Manhattan home, the frozen tundra is just as boring as it sounds. Until she meets her uncle’s gorgeous employee. Unfortunately, no matter how smoking hot the guy is, Roar comes with secrets as unnerving as his moving tattoos. And Leda doesn’t trust him. Roar shouldn’t be drawn to the moody human girl with eyes that leave him weak in the knees. But when Leda gets shot by one of his enemies and survives, Roar finally understands why he’s drawn to her: Leda is exactly what he was sent to Earth to find. A weapon of immense power capable of saving his planet. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Purchase: https://entangledpublishing.com/all-the-stars-left-behind.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31450972-all-the-stars-left-behind  
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Left-Behind-Ashley-Graham-ebook/dp/B01MXKOP1K/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-the-stars-left-behind-ashley-graham/1124362957?ean=9781633756847
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/all-the-stars-left-behind
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-Left-Behind-Ashley-Graham-ebook/dp/B01MXKOP1K/   
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Stars-Left-Behind-Ashley-Graham-ebook/dp/B01MXKOP1K/

About the Author:

Ashley Graham was born in Ontario, Canada, and has since lived in five countries. Before writing her first manuscript in 2015, she worked as a clerical assistant, quality assurance officer, chef, and stay-at-home mom/homeschool teacher. When she isn’t writing or reading every book she gets her hands on, Ashley enjoys online window shopping, Netflix binges, and spends way too much time thinking about space travel. ALL THE STARS LEFT BEHIND is her debut novel.

Author on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15983484.Ashley_Graham
Author on Twitter: https://twitter.com/writer_ag
Author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleygrahamya/
Author Website: http://ashleygrahamya.blogspot.ca/

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Jen Turano {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Jen...

Jen Turano is a USA Today Bestselling author, known for her quirky characters and amusing story lines. Her novel, After a Fashion, was a Reviewer's Choice finalist with RT, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013, and Booklist has called her "One of the funniest voices in the inspirational genre." When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Connect with Jen...

Website: http://jenturano.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JenTurano

Get to know Jen...

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie?
Since my life isn’t nearly exciting enough to be made into a movie, I’d have to say the only actress who’d sign up to play me would have to be a very obscure actress – one who has no aspirations of making a name for herself on the big screen.

What are you reading right now?
A non-fiction book, “Silhouette in Diamonds – the Life of Mrs. Potter Palmer” by Ishebel Ross. It was written in the 1960’s and gives a fairly nice glimpse into Bertha Palmer’s life. I currently have one of my characters, Miss Temperance Flowerdew, taking an unexpected trip to Chicago, which is why I needed to read up on Bertha. I’m also thinking about doring a book with a heroine being banished to Chicago because of an unwillingness to marry a Duke, so I’m sure I’ll be reading more on that fascinating city throughout the year.

What’s one chore you hate doing?
Making the beds – mostly because it’s something that has to be done so often, as in every morning.

Let's take a look at your recent release, Behind the Scenes.

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn't guaranteed to "take." After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she's finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym "Miss Quill."

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it's simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.
When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she's determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she'll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there's more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . .

Also, did you know that her novella At Your Request is free!!! Get your copy here: At Your Request

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a copy of this! 
{U.S. Addresses only please}

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