Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander | New Novel News

Where She Belongs
by Johnnie Alexander

January 5, 2016
Revell
Purchase: Where She Belongs

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.

Get to know Johnnie...

Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
My grandchildren (and sometimes my daughters) call me Malize. It’s a silly story. My older daughter, Bethany, was a high school cheerleader. At one game, the announcer mispronounced her name which my younger daughter Jill found hysterical. As she told the story to others, the mispronunciation worsened. Jill started calling Bethany, Belize. In retaliation, Bethany called Jill, Jilleze. And somewhere along the line, I became Malize. It stuck.

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be?
Definitely Middle Earth. I’d love to visit Rohan, the Shire, Lothlorien, and Rivendell.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
I’d like to go into the past and talk with my ancestors. My mom’s parents died before I was born so I never got a chance to know them.

Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series; Revell) is her first contemporary novel. Her first novella, The Healing Promise (Courageous Bride Collection; Barbour), releases in 2016.

She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). She volunteers as marketing director for the MidSouth Christian Writers Conference.

A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.

Blog  Facebook Profile (Friend or Follow!) Facebook 
Twitter  GoodReads Amazon Author Page

Rachel Hauck {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Rachel...

Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Best Selling, and award-winning author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince.

She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.


How to connect with Rachel...

Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Blog:www.southernbelleview.com
Goodreads: Rachel Hauck 
Facebook: facebook.com/rachelhauck 
Twitter: twitter.com/rachelhauck
Purchase: The Wedding Chapel 

Author Interview | Rachel Hauck

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing as a kid. I wrote my first “novel” in a pale blue, spiral bound notebook when I was ten. I studied journalism in college, and dreamed of writing books but wasn’t sure how to go about getting published. When the Christian market started growing, I found my way in.

...I keep writing because I love it. I love having written. I love the power of story. There are hard days when I don’t like it and I feel uninspired, like a hack, but there nothing else I’d rather do. Nothing else I feel called to do.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...For some reason, I’m not sure why, I’m partial to a book I wrote with Sara Evans, Softly and Tenderly. There’s a touching scene in with the protagonist and her mother that still makes me cry.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...Hardest part about being published is the business side. How do you grow your readership, improve your craft, and try not to write the same thing over and over. The easiest is having the relationship with the industry, knowing people, editors and agents, and other authors. It helps to have a list of published books on your resume too.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...The Wedding Chapel is about a 60 year old chapel in which there have been no weddings. So it’s the story of how the chapel came about and asks the question, “Is it ever too late for true love?”

...I wrote it because, well, here’s an unromantic answer, I had a deadline and needed an idea. I was on vacation in Tennessee and drove past a small wedding chapel. Bing! Idea!

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I do! Jimmy. I love this character. He’s so genuine and honest.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Stay near to the heart beat of God. 

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration is everywhere. I hear it in conversations, reading, watching a movie, hearing the news. Also, I do research to get a feel for what my characters might be like during a certain era or if they work in a specific field. The more authentic you can be with setting and story world, the more real the characters will feel. Even when they do wild, over the top things.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...Do not give up. You’ll never be published if you quit. Study the craft, read a lot and don’t be impatient. Plus, in today’s publishing world you have options such as independent publishing. Don’t get stuck in one mind set about how to get your work out there. Explore your options. Above all, write a great book.

You

What will you/did you do for Thanksgiving?
...Eat! Ha! I’m not sure yet. I have two deadlines this fall so I think I’ll be butt-in-chair.s

What is your favorite food of the Thanksgiving dinner?
...A family yeast roll recipe! Add gravy or a bit of black raspberry jam and I’m add pounds to the hips!

What are three things you’re thankful for?
...Jesus! My husband and my new Sleep Number bed!

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Thanks so much for being my guest Rachel! Readers, I have been a long time fan of Rachel's writing and it wasn't until last years ACFW conference that I got to meet her in person. It was surreal meeting someone I'd gotten to "know" through her books first. When she agreed to be on my blog I was overjoyed :D

I personally really enjoyed The Wedding Chapel and am so excited for it to come out in just a few days. I'm also excited to offer an eBook copy here as a giveaway - because you all should read this sweet story. If you don't win, make sure you head over and order this lovely book. See my review of The Wedding Chapel here.

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I've been gone on vacation and I realize I'm behind on announcing my giveaway winners :/ I'll get to that hopefully tomorrow and add a little update of my own. Plus, I've got some posts to make up so be on the look out :D

Unconditional by Tanya Eavenson | New Novel News

Unconditional
by Tanya Eavenson

Published September 2, 2015
*This is a re-release of Unconditional with new additional scenes. It’s also the launch of a new series called Unending Love.
Clean Reads
Purchase: Unconditional


He will fight for her at any cost...

Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?

Get to know Tanya...

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. For me there’s nothing more relaxing than having a cup of coffee and reading a great book. C.S. Lewis wrote, “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” I feel the same way about coffee!

Favorite dessert?
I discovered my favorite dessert just last year. It took me over forty years to find it, but found it I did! Last fall my husband and I made a pumpkin roll that left us wanting more. Don’t believe me? The recipe says it serves 10, but it only served the two of us. Yes, it was that good!

Who is your favorite secondary character?  
My favorite secondary character is Dr. Steven Moore from my novel Unconditional. He’s the tall, dark, and handsome type, but not only is he good looking, his heart for the Lord is his driving force. He lives for what is true and right, even if it breaks him in the process. I actually loved Steven’s character so much, I had to write it! Steven’s story releases winter of 2016 and I can’t wait!

Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant | RE:View

First off, with a name like Stella for a main character I knew this book was going to be good. Follow that up with sarcastic whit, a handsome man named Chase, and a past history that's come knocking and you've got a great read in Love Arrives in Pieces. 

Stella Varland, former beauty pageant queen, struggling interior designer, and closet artist is broken. It's not just her divorce that tore her apart but a past history with none other than Chase Taylor.

Chase, handsome construction foreman and former heart breaker is also struggling with his own type of brokenness. Add in a mutual project where the two are thrown together, an interfering mother, an unlikely voice of wisdom, and some sparking chemistry and you've got yourself a great summer read. Not to mention the fact that Betsy isn't afraid to tackle the difficult aspects of life - death, divorce, and how the past affects the present.

I enjoyed Betsy's writing (this was my first book of hers) and found myself comparing it to the descriptive and sometimes, other-worldly writing of Rachel Hauck with the zinging twist of humor you're apt to find in Melissa Tagg's books. There is a lot of emotion-based description that helps their reader get into the head of a character and, though most of the time I found myself loving it, there were a few times I felt it was a bit much. Aside from that, I'd definitely recommend this to fans looking to enjoy romance that blossoms against all odds!

Rating: 4*

Purchase: Love Arrives in Pieces

Book Description 
(from Betsy's website)

For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn’t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to her brokenness—so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but always falls short. So she keeps her passion for her secret art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn’t get another job soon, she’ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancée in a car crash. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he’ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town’s old theater, and is shocked to learn former flame Stella is the designer for the project.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and their pasts as they struggle to compromise and come together on a vision for the theater. Chase doesn’t understand why Stella is such a subdued version of herself, while Stella doesn’t get why Chase thinks he understands her. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness—and their unresolved feelings for each other—until Chase discovers the hidden parts of Stella, losing her trust in the process.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force both Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice—to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from the broken.

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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.

Carol Moncado {Writer Wednesday}

Get to know Carol...

When not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado hangs out with her family and a dog who weighs less than most hardback books. Her favorite activity is watching NCIS, unless Castle is on - or Girl Meets World (with her four kids, of course!). She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. If her kids, and dog, aren’t racing around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a community college. She's President of MozArks ACFW and can be found on Facebook, her website, and the InspyRomance blog.

How to connect with Carol...

Website: www.carolmoncado.com
I blog weekly at: www.inspyromance.com/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolgm 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolmoncado
Purchase:  More than A Princess

Author Interview | Carol Moncado

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing? ...I’ve written off and on my whole life. I co-wrote some stories with friends in elementary school and junior high. I didn’t write as much in high school or college but started writing for fun not long after I got my Master’s degree in 2001. I didn’t get serious until about 2009, though. What keeps me writing? The voices in my head would drive me crazy if I didn’t let them out to play ;).

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My absolute favorite I’ve written has the working title Grace to Save and most likely will release next summer. If you’ve read any of my current releases, you may remember Travis Harders (or his mom, Julie Harders). It’s his story. A story of prodigals and redemption and, above all, grace. I love all of my stories, but (shhh! Don’t tell!) I do have favorites ;).

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...Last year, after spending five years, and a dozen manuscripts, pursuing traditional publishing, I decided to start my own indie publishing company. It’s not easy. In fact, the writing may be the easiest part. I love the drafting phase (except when I hate it). The creating. The story unfolding as I go. I love having edited. The being done part, the finished product. But I don’t love the process at all. And there’s so much to learn about being your own publisher! Fortunately, I’ve had great friends and great resources (like the Christian Indie Authors group on Facebook) to help me out.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently?
...Right now, I’m working on Hand-Me-Down Princess. It’s the story of Prince Malachi of Mevendia. He’s the spare and his father has insisted he follow the laws still on the books regarding arranged marriages for the royal family. Jessabelle is this mousy, super awkward/shy girl happiest in the background. She’s never met Prince Malachi but she knows the Crown Prince refused to marry her. Twice. There’s a whole bunch of twists and turns sort-of-kind-of planned out but I can’t wait to see what happens!

Why are you writing it?
...Why? I started Crown Prince William’s story about five years ago. It’ll probably be a while before I get back around to it, but I’d written these two other royalty stories and finally decided I couldn’t just keep making new pretend worlds with fictional countries in them, so I gave them a common history and that gave me lots of royal relationships to play with ;). The first book was Good Enough for a Princess. The second one is the (still untitled) sequel to Hand-Me-Down Princess. I needed a way to tie it all together. That’s when book 3 in this series, Prince from her Past, popped into place, followed quickly by the foundations of this book 1.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Oh! Prince Malachi! Right now, he’s still totally Prince Charming! I’m sure he’ll have his moments, but /big waffy sigh/ I hope everyone else loves him as much as I do.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Our identity isn’t found in who we marry or what we do or even what our heritage is. Our identity should be found in the King who has adopted all of us into His family. We’re each a “child of the one true King.” (Yes, that’s a Matthew West song ;)) That’s where our identity should be.  
 


Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...A little of both. There’s a bit of me in every character. Some characters are based loosely on people I know but usually it’s more of “ooo! I love this quirk!” from person 1 and “Ee! That’s a great idiosyncrasy!” and smash them all together to make someone completely new.

...One character – Travis Harders, mentioned earlier – was named for my favorite shift manager at my favorite Panera. He insisted I name a character after him. I did and finished the first draft about six weeks later. A couple weeks after that… The real Travis was killed in a car accident. Physically, Travis Harders is a lot like the real one. His personality probably matches some, but it’s more a figment of my imagination.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...Write. Write. Write some more. And read. A lot. And then some more. And not just books about writing, but good books in all genres you enjoy whether you write them or not. Polish. Put it out there in a crit group or on submissions. Then learn from your experience and do it all again.

From Flickr by xiaopobao

You

What is a favorite memory you have of your mother?
...My mom died when I was ten. She was diagnosed with cancer in August. My birthday was in November. She wasn’t working and we were broke. Instead of some big thing, she gave me ten envelopes tied together with pink curling ribbon. Each one said something like “10 chocolate chips” or “10 pennies.” The last one said “1 shopping trip with Mom.” I’m not sure if we ever got to go on that trip. A week later, she was in the hospital with pneumonia and never fully regained her strength. She died in March, three days after her 40th birthday.  
...I’ll be 40 this year…

If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
...Does chocolate count? If so…that! If no, Italian! Hey – I married one!

April showers bring May flowers – or so they say. Do you have a favorite flower? If so, why is it your favorite? ...Carnations are actually one of my favorites. When it comes to having them around the house, I prefer them because of the smell. For purely aesthetic reasons, probably not, but there ya go ;).

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Thank you so much for being on the blog today Carol! I'm totally with you on the peanut butter and chocolate combo! And I think that's awesome that you started your own publishing company. Isn't it funny that the things we love often have a lot of things we dislike along with them? Love your take-away there too, I think it's easy to get wrapped up in what we're doing and who we are or are with, but ultimate we are the Lord's and that's first in importance! And wow, what a powerful story about the man your character was named after. Amazing that his "legacy" (in a sense) is carried on in your books! And thank you so much for sharing such a sweet memory about your mother. I love having the chance to have different authors on the blog and to hear their stories! Thank you for sharing so willingly :)

Susanne Dietze + GIVEAWAY {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Susanne...

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she writes in the hope that her historical romances will encourage and entertain others. A pastor’s wife and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, travel, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com.

How to connect with Susanne...

Website: www.susannedietze.comBlog: Tea and a Good Book ~ www.susannedietze.blogspot.com 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13657688.Susanne_Dietze
Facebook: Facebook.com/SusanneDietzeBooks
Twitter: @SusanneDietze
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Dietze/e/B00O3MR63A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_4

Author Interview | Susanne Dietze

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I think I wrote fiction the moment I could hold a pencil. As a preschooler, I wrote a note to my parents telling them I’d run away to China. Growing up, I wrote to entertain myself, but somewhere along the way God turned it into a ministry.


Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why did you write it?
...Love’s Reward is a novella in Barbour’s The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection, a 9-in-1. I’m so honored to be included among the other authors! In my story, set in 1886 San Francisco, a rich man offers a monetary reward for the capture of a shy architect’s heart—but the game is on for every female in town except a charity-minded miss who won’t compete for the bachelor’s affections. Just his bank account.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Selling my novella was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but writing it was not quite a fairy tale experience. I had a medical issue that turned out to be fine, but at the time, I was tested for autoimmune disease and cancer. I worked on Love’s Reward while waiting for those test results. “Love is love’s reward” (by Dryden) was already set as the theme of the story: the greatest prize of a relationship with God is Jesus Himself, and the reward of our relationship with another is that relationship. Waiting for my test results was agonizing; however, I believe God was teaching me to trust Him with my unknowable future, to dwell close to Him on my journey without questioning the destination. While the particulars of my experience were far different than my characters’, I got to go through the process of trusting Jesus with my journey as well as with my destination, right along with them.
...I hope that others might find encouragement if they are experiencing something difficult, and maybe even look around to see what God is doing in their lives right now. Experience the moment fully in appreciation of all He’s done and is doing.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? 
...My hope is to encourage and entertain readers. I believe God can use fiction to minister to His children, if He wishes. Sometimes when we read, we see ourselves in a story’s characters or situations, and when that happens, we may feel less alone or inspired to act. If He used something I wrote for that purpose, I’d feel blessed, but I’d also be delighted if my story provided someone a bit of escapist entertainment, too.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Writing toward publication is a joyful privilege, but it’s also hard work. One author I know wrote her first proposal, not even a book, and sold it right away; another author’s journey took fifteen years, multiple novels, and multiple rejections first. It’s important to remember that rejections are a big part of writing. Many times rejections have more to do with timing or the market than an author’s skill or craft. That said, cultivating a teachable spirit is important, too. Strive to improve by taking classes, reading books, and learning from those with more experience.

You

If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
...Oh my, this is a difficult question, but as a Californian I am pretty attached to Mexican food. Enchiladas, chimichangas, tostadas…Ok, now I’m hungry. If I could have occasional outings to an Indian place for a dish of Malai Kofta, garlic naan and some cucumber raita on the side, however, I’d be set.

April showers bring May flowers – or so they say. Do you have a favorite flower? If so, why is it your favorite?
...I love roses and find them pretty easy to care for, perhaps because my mom has so much success with roses and I just copy what she does. Of my ten rosebushes, the Yellow Peace ones are my favorite because they have such pretty pink and tangerine streaks in the petals, and they smell like candy. That might sound weird, but oh, they are delightful.

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I am so thrilled to have my dear friend Susie on the blog today. To be celebrating her first release is amazing! We got the chance to meet - and ride a plane together - to my first ACFW conference and have enjoyed catching up on FB and via email ever since. It's amazing hearing how you've struggled through health issues as well as just figuring out the hard road to publishing, but it's so great to celebrate with you now on this release! Thanks so much for sharing with us here Susie! Can't wait for what's next for you :) 

::WINNER::

I loved having the amazing Kariss Lynch on the blog last week (if you missed her interview check it out here). She offered a copy of her book as a giveaway and we've got a winner...


Carol Smith


But don't worry, if you didn't win this, check out Kristy Cambron's giveaway of A Sparrow in Terezin from Monday here. And leave a comment here to enter to win the collection Susie's novella is featured in, The Most Eligible Bachelor.

JoAnn Durgin | New Novel News

Heart's Design
by JoAnn Durgin

Published March 27, 2015
Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Purchase: Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance

Caroline wants to grab hold of the future. Seth can’t let go of the past.

Recent Wellesley College graduate Caroline Prescott’s future is set in stone. After Harvard Law School, she’ll step into place beside her two brothers in their father’s legendary Boston law firm. Caroline secretly longs for the quiet, peaceful life and a career designing jewelry with precious gemstones instead of life as a hotshot Boston attorney.

On a hiking trip with her two best friends weeks before entering law school, Caroline meets Seth Barnes in charming Evergreen, Maine. A mineralogist and part-time college professor, Seth drives a truck sporting an I Dig Rocks license plate, lives in hiking clothes, flannel shirts and jeans, and loves Jesus.

Two years later, when they meet again, Caroline and Seth confront both the promise of possibility and the pain of past heartaches. What’s a girl to do when the man she secretly loves has a serious girlfriend and seems determined to hold her at arm’s length? And what’s a guy to do when he can’t stay away from a certain irresistible woman no matter how hard he tries? Does the Lord have His own design for their hearts?

Heart’s Design, a love story filled with love, friendship, family, and the power of forgiveness.

Get to know JoAnn...

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie?
Reese Witherspoon because she’s blonde, spirited and has lots of spunk!

What are you reading right now?
Paper Hearts, a contemporary Christian romance with yes—heart—by Courtney Walsh. I’m enjoying the book; it has all the elements I look for in a good book: poignancy, depth of characters and yes, a love story. You knew I had to say that, right?

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
Come on now, is that really a fair question? My crush is my current hero. Okay, I might get in trouble if I don’t answer by saying Sam Lewis since his character is loosely based on my husband, Jim. However, I’ll admit to adoring each hero for his own unique qualities. I adore Seth Barnes, the mineralogist in Heart’s Design. He gives Caroline Prescott a gift from his heart after he first meets her, not knowing if they’ll ever meet again. And that definitely makes him a crush-worthy, sigh-inducing man!

**Leave a comment below sharing what actor/actress would be cast to play you if your life was a movie and you'll be entered to win a copy of Heart's Design!**

Winners will be announced April 6th