JoAnn Durgin | Spread the Christmas Joy

 
If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share a short snippet from my Christmas release, Starlight in Her Eyes. In this excerpt, Serena Monroe and her six-year-old daughter, Lily, are helping at a soup kitchen dinner in inner-city Philadelphia. Colin Young, mentioned at the end, is my hero (and memorably introduced in last year’s Sleigh Ride Together with You).

~*~

“You don’t have a place to live?” Lily’s voice caught Serena’s attention. Lily had directed the question to a dark-haired girl with big, sad brown eyes. She appeared to be close to Lily’s age, perhaps a year or two older. The child shook her head.

“That’s too bad. Do you have a daddy?” Serena put her hand on Lily’s arm, hoping she hadn’t gone too far with the blunt question.

The girl nodded and pointed to the man seated beside her, engaged in conversation with a man on the other side of him. Serena wondered if the child was autistic or couldn’t speak.

“That’s good. I used to have a daddy, but now I don’t,” Lily said.

Serena wondered if she should step into the conversation but figured Lily had a purpose for her questions. The girl didn’t appear upset although her father appeared to ignore her. Serena’s heart ached for the child.

“I don’t have a mommy,” the child said in a voice so quiet both Serena and Lily strained forward to hear. “She died.”

“That’s what happened to my daddy.” Lily shoveled a bite of meatloaf into her mouth. Her brow furrowed. Finally she said, “Danica, do you have a special friend? Like a puppy or anything?”

The girl shook her head, and Lily jumped off the bench.

“I’ll be right back.”

Serena’s breath caught as Lily scampered back to the table with Truffle in her arms. She’d left him in the kitchen, locked in a cabinet with Serena’s purse. One of the workers must have recognized Lily and opened the cabinet for her.

Lily held out the teddy bear to the girl. “This is Truffle. He’s a very special bear but you can have him if you want. Just keep his same name because he really likes it.”

After only a moment’s hesitation, the girl reached for Truffle. Hugging the stuffed animal to her chest, she buried her head against him.

Serena glanced the other way, blinking away her tears as Lily plopped onto the bench and resumed eating. Thank you, Lord, for my daughter’s giving spirit that runneth over.

A verse she’d studied earlier that week came to Serena’s mind from the Book of Luke. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

She could learn so much from Lily. Her daughter loved that teddy bear. Lily’s selfless gesture touched Serena in a place hidden for much too long. A place where her dreams and hopes had been buried under a load of bitterness and regret.

Serena’s gaze moved to Colin. He had one hand over the joined hands of a young couple on top of the table, praying with them.

Serena’s tears began. Cleansing tears, healing tears.

She allowed them to flow freely.

~*~

That verse Serena recalls is found in Luke 6:38 (NIV). Truly, Lily understands the true spirit of giving. As we age, most of us come to understand that there’s much more soul-satisfying joy in giving to others. This Christmas, I challenge you (and myself, as well) to give the gift of our time, our resources, our talents, and our God-given abilities. The Lord has blessed each one of us with uniquely personal gifts, so let’s share the love and spread the joy!

_____________________________

JoAnn Durgin is the author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series of contemporary Christian romantic adventures as well as Prelude, the prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. JoAnn’s other books include Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design, Love So Amazing (Wondrous Love Series, Book 1), Perchance to Dream, and Echoes of Edinburgh. A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now enjoys writing full-time and lives with her husband, Jim, three children and first grandbaby, Amelia Grace, in her native southern Indiana.

JoAnn loves to hear from her readers. Please feel free to contact her:
Website: www.joanndurgin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin

Starlight in Her Eyes 

Colin Young embraces the Christmas season as the new television co-host of Wake Up, Philadelphia! His fun and spontaneous “Out and About” segments in the City of Brotherly Love are a ratings winner. Only one problem—the beautiful but intriguing assistant assigned to help make his transition easier doesn’t seem to like him much.

Serena Monroe has no time for the cheeky Brit with a glowing professional reputation but a lengthy personal history with women. Betrayed by one high-profile man, she doesn’t need another. Her sole focus is her daughter, Lily. But then Serena begins to see that Colin is nothing like she assumed. He’s a man of faith who inspires everyone around him. Dare she take a chance on love again?

When Colin invites Serena and Lily to share Christmas with him in the little town of Starlight, Iowa, can they discover a holiday miracle of their own?

Perchance to Dream by JoAnn Durgin | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

Perchance to Dream
by JoAnn Durgin

October 18, 2015
Independently Released
Purchase: Perchance to Dream
*This book will be on SALE Nov. 24-Nov. 30 for only $0.99! Make sure you take advantage of this great deal.

Ellie Franklin has known Ryan Sullivan her entire life. As their Christmas wedding approaches, Ryan is expected home from his second deployment to Afghanistan. Excitement is in the air as Ellie prepares for his homecoming, and the citizens of Cade’s Corner, Ohio, anxiously await the wedding of their hometown sweethearts.

When an unforeseen event occurs, will Ellie’s plans be postponed or will they come to a screeching halt? With her faith and family to sustain her, as well as the support of an entire town, will this bride’s prayers for a holiday miracle be answered?

A heartwarming novel of unfailing love, family, never giving up hope, and claiming the precious promises of God. And, through it all, discovering a true Christmas miracle.

Get to know JoAnn...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
Do you know how much I’d dearly love to be able to crank out books on only a few hours of sleep a night? Sometimes I feel like that’s what I do, anyway, but I’m human and require rest or I couldn’t function properly. I must qualify that by saying I never want to sacrifice quality for quantity. The good Lord gives me just what I need when I need it (in all areas of my life), so let it be known: I am content. :)

Share one pet peeve you have.
I brush my teeth a lot and always carry my toothbrush in my purse. I’m almost fanatical about brushing my teeth after every meal and, call me weird, sometimes before meals. I brush in restaurants, stores, airports, you name it. Have toothbrush, will travel! is a personal motto. However, motion-activated sensors drive me nuts because I feel foolish waving the toothbrush around in front of the sink to get the water to come on. I’m also not fond of brushing with warm or hot water. But brush I do! I’m blessed with good strong teeth as a result.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
Definitely the past. A long time ago, there was a TV show called The Time Tunnel about two guys (I’m sure they were scientists) who traveled back in time. In the first episode, they were passengers on the Titanic, and I also remember an episode about Pearl Harbor on the day it was bombed. They were always in a place of impending disaster…and then they were whisked to another time period just in time to save them. I loved that show; it was educational and it even had romance (star-crossed, but I still remember it)!

::WINNERS::

Congratulations to...

Merry Z

Congratulations to...

Melody Durant

Congratulations to...

Just Commonly

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

New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

So, as promised, something *new* for the blog in 2015! I'm excited to introduce New Novel News. The idea behind this is to give you, my dear readers, a chance to try something new. Or at least hear about it!

Every Monday New Novel News will highlight new novels, blogs/websites, or ideas (or maybe a mixture of all three). I will give the particulars of whatever is being shared and then provide a little insight into the author or creator by having them answer 3 fun questions. My hope is that you'll see their personality and want to see more of their work.

If you're an author or writer and think New Novel News is something you'd like to be a part of, contact me. If you're a reader, then my HOPE is that I'll be able to introduce you to some new and amazing reads and the authors who create them. And don't worry, there will be the occasional giveaway too!

Enjoy!
-Em

Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series 
by JoAnn Durgin

Published December 19, 2014
Purchase: Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series

“Give me a reason to stay, Sam.” Sarah’s eyes glistened in the dim light.

Lowering his head, he prayed for the strength to resist pulling her into his arms, this woman who held his heart. He couldn’t bear the thought of letting her go to Austin. Increasingly, it’s all he could think about and distracted him at work, at home, and even in church. Lifting his chin, with everything in him, Sam fought what he was about to say. “I can’t.”

“I see. My mistake. I thought. . .” Her shoulders heaved and, rising from the swing, she walked quickly to the front door.

“Sarah, wait—”

When she turned back to him, the heartbreak in her features shattered him. Crossing the space between them in seconds. . .

Get to know JoAnn...

If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?
I’d want to be Typo Girl. Able to detect and automatically correct typos (including grammatical errors) as they are made. Protecting authors worldwide from the humiliation of dangling participles and other shame inducing mistakes.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
-Toothpaste. I can brush with my finger, but I can’t sleep with myself if I don’t brush.
-Popcorn. Trying to figure out how to pop it would kill time until my rescue.
-A book I don’t like. Thinking up ways to rewrite it would keep my brain cells active.

Name one song/artist you’re embarrassed you like.
Donny Osmond. Funny thing how he’s popular again since proving middle-aged white guys can dance. Donny inspired one of the most vivid dreams of my life; we met at summer camp and . . . well, we called it puppy love and kissed under a tree. True story: I served his mother and brother ice cream during my very short-lived career at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor.

Visit her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

***JoAnn has graciously offered 2 eBook copies of Prelude!!! Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win one of the copies! Winner will be drawn and announced next Monday.***

Buried
by Elizabeth Goddard

Published January 1, 2015
Purchase: Buried (Mountain Cove)

NOWHERE TO HIDE

Fleeing to Alaska is the only option for Leah Marks after witnessing a murder. Afraid for her life, the legal investigator hopes a remote cabin will be a safe shelter. But the killer has tracked her to Mountain Cove. As he chases her into snow-packed Dead Falls Canyon, an avalanche buries them both. Saved by daring search and rescue specialist Cade Warren, Leah longs to tell him the truth. But how can she, without bringing even more danger into Cade's life? Especially when they discover the killer is very much alive and waiting to take them both down.

Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.

Get to know Elizabeth...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
Though it sounds kind of boring I think it would be awesome to have the super power of clean! I could instantly clean the house, instantly clean the world of all the clutter and war and ugliness.

What's one chore you hate doing?
I love to cook but hate cleaning up the dishes and the kitchen. So see, I need that super power of clean!

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be? I’m not sure if it’s fantasy or science fiction, but I’d love to live in Pandora, the world in Avatar because I’d love to ride one of those dragons.

Visit her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

JoAnn Durgin | Spread the Christmas Joy

--> In the early mid-1990s, we traveled from Philadelphia to spend Christmas with my in-laws in Carver, Massachusetts (a beautiful area smack dab in the middle of the cranberry bogs). At the time, our oldest daughter, Sarah, was about four and our daughter, Chelsea, was a year old (son Matthew would come along in 1996). So, we packed up the car, and over the river and through the woods we went. . .quite literally.

We had a great time visiting with our family in Massachusetts (we also later moved to the Boston area), the kids played with their cousins, and we caught up with one another as we wrapped gifts, baked pies, cookies and other goodies, and darted off for some inevitable last-minute shopping. Everything was great until Christmas morning. After I heard my mother-in-law cry “Oh, no!” from the kitchen, I ran to see what was happening. “This ham is full of fat!” she said. “I can’t serve this!” My husband’s sweet mother is a fabulous cook, and she’s spent a good portion of her life in the kitchen. Bless her heart, she was so horrified and embarrassed. She kept saying, “I should have checked the ham. Why didn’t I check the ham?” Like most of us, she’d been immersed in all the busy activities of getting ready for Christmas. Perfectly understandable.

We all tried to convince Mom that everything would be fine, and she asked if we could see if there was someplace locally where we could find a replacement ham, turkey, or something. Anything. We made a few calls with no success. Finally, someone suggested “Let’s go Chinese!” Mom’s eyes opened wide as the rest of us looked at each other, waiting to see how she’d respond. Finally, Mom smiled and said, “All right, then. Let’s go Chinese.”

So, off we go…to Fall River, Massachusetts. Let me tell you, the Chinese restaurant wasn’t crowded, and we got lots of personal attention from the staff and servers. The kids had a ball, and the adults enjoyed a great dinner without worrying about preparation, dishes or clean-up. Then we all went back home to spend the rest of our Christmas in Carver, our tummies full of food and our minds filled with fun memories of a very special day.

To this day, “Let’s go Chinese!” remains an annual Christmas tradition for my in-laws. Sometimes our plans don’t work out the way we intended. Being flexible is something a lot of people have to learn, and it’s certainly easier for some than others. Events and trips may be postponed, expectations may not be met, and hopes may fade, but you know what? No matter what may come, we can rest assured that the Lord has it all under His control and in His perfect timing. We’re all guilty at one time or another of trying to take the reins—in essence, telling God, “This is how it’s going to be.” No, friends, it’s not.

Whenever I find myself trying to order my life without first spending time with the Lord in prayer, neglecting to present it to Him and ask for His guidance, I often fail. At the very least, I’m often disappointed in the results. The Lord is always there. He wants to hear your concerns, and He wants you to talk with Him like you do with a personal friend. You’ll find no better friend.

Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (NASB)

Blessings,
JoAnn Durgin
Matthew 5:16

Leave a comment and you could win one of these amazing books! An ebook copy of each is up for grabs...

--> JoAnn Durgin is the author of five novels (and counting) in the popular Lewis Legacy Series, as well as Catching Serenity, and Echoes of Edinburgh, and the Starlight Christmas Series: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Starlight, Star Bright, and Sleigh Ride Together with You. JoAnn lives with her husband and three children in southern Indiana and loves to hear from her readers at www.joanndurgin.com or www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin.

Spread the Christmas Joy with JoAnn Durgin and Giveaway | Day 18

Joy from JoAnn Durgin

In the early 2000s, we lived in a Philadelphia suburb, and my husband, Jim, was an associate pastor for youth/music/worship. It was during the six-year period when I was a stay-at-home mom with three small children under the age of ten. Heavy snow was predicted for Christmas Eve, but that didn’t stop our excitement as we packed up the minivan and headed on our way to Grandma’s house in my native southern Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky (where we now live). Stops included, driving straight through, we anticipated it would take about 12 to 14 hours.
The further we drove, however, the more treacherous the highway became. Trucks were skidding and sliding into ditches and guard rails, the roads were winding and narrow, and there were numerous fender benders and stalled cars everywhere. Did that stop the Durgins? No way! We were singing and happy as could be, and nothing could stop us! At one point, I started to get a little apprehensive because of the blinding snow and icy road conditions. I remember giving Jim one of those looks and mouthing to him so the kids wouldn’t hear, “Do you think we should pull over and stop?” His response was to grip the steering wheel that much harder with fierce determination.

Our rumbling tummies finally forced us stop at a truck stop (still in Pennsylvania; it’s a really long state). The warmth inside and the smells of a holiday buffet greeted us as we walked through the door. We knew we couldn’t stay long and needed to keep moving if we had a prayer to get to our destination before Christmas. As it was, we’d been delayed by creeping along at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour for several hours.

This is where it gets pretty wonderful. Our waitress came to our table with a radiant smile. Her name? Angel. She was sweet and as friendly as could be in spite of being hectic and busy with a number of customers. When Jim went to pay the bill, the cashier said, “Already taken care of. Merry Christmas.” We’ll never know who paid for our meal, but it was one of those random acts of kindness we’ll never forget.

Now, for the part that makes my eyes mist all these years later. When we walked outside to our van, we discovered a man—who’d been sitting at the counter when we walked in (and greeted the kids with candy canes and a warm smile)—had been hard at work shoveling around our van in order to make sure we’d be able to get out of the parking lot. The man told us his name was Chris (or was it Kris?). In a red plaid flannel shirt with jeans and a heavy overcoat, he had a long white beard, thick white hair, wire frame glasses and yes, I’m pretty certain there was a merry twinkle in those eyes. In case you think this is a case of an overactive writer’s imagination, I have witnesses (Jim and the three kids), and we all share this same marvelous memory.

The snow was falling and accumulating faster than I’d ever seen it. Spying a small motel a few miles down the highway, I exchanged a glance with Jim. He raised his brows and I shrugged. Then we both looked at each other a few seconds later and he said, “Indiana or bust.”

Nearly 18 hours after we started out, we finally made it to Indiana, and never was it so warm and welcoming. But the story’s not quite over yet… Jim had a mechanical problem with the van the day after Christmas. I can’t remember what it was, but we took the van to my mom’s mechanic (a lookalike for Larry Bird, a fact which thrilled my Celtics fanatic of a husband). Know what the mechanic said? “I don’t know how you made it that far, especially in the bad weather. This van should have broken down somewhere along the way.” I remember stopping somewhere in Ohio and filling a tire with air, but wow. I mean Wow! The Lord’s constant watch care and protection for us is amazing and awesome, isn’t it?

Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

______________________________

JoAnn Durgin is the author of The Lewis Legacy Series (Torn Veil Books) and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (White Rose Publishers) which is currently only $3.99 on Kindle! An estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm, JoAnn and her family live in southern Indiana. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Louisville Christian Writers, JoAnn’s prayer is that her contemporary romantic adventures will touch hearts and lives with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

For today's giveaway, JoAnn has graciously offered to give away a copy of Starlight Star Bright! How exciting! So, make sure you comment below for your chance to win this fun Christmas romance!

**Giveaway rules: To enter, comment on each the post (or posts) in the month of December that offer giveaway items you wish to win. One entry per person per giveaway item is permitted. All winners will be drawn in January (after the holiday craziness) and will be notified shortly thereafter.

RE:View | Awakening by JoAnn Durgin

I had the pleasure of introducing JoAnn Durgin to you as a {Writer Wednesday} author back in July. You can find that post [here]. Now, I'm pleased to post a review of her debut novel, Awakening, which is book one in The Lewis Legacy Series (click here for more books in this series).

Awakening

Lexa Clark meets her match in Sam Lewis. He's handsome, direct, and god-fearing to the core. From the moment he gives her a ride to the 8-week Team Work Mission camp, Lexa is intrigued by the attractive camp director. 

Sam immediately notices there is something different about Lexa. Not only is she beautiful, but she is full of "spice". She's also determined to get herself into difficult situations due to her stubborn nature.  He wonders what the extent of her relationship with the Lord is, along with the circumstances that have brought Lexa to his camp.

Sparks fly, but they aren't caused by the hot San Antonio weather. Sam and Lexa - Lewis and Clark - are a dynamic duo in every way. At times, they are like oil and water, arguing over deep theological issues or past history, but at other times they fit together perfectly. It's in those times that we see something beautiful forming. 

Lexa and Sam don't have it easy though. Strange things are happening at the camp and Lexa may be the key piece in solving the mystery. Can they make it though the 8-week camp without mishap? Will they find something even more beautiful together on other other side?

As I read this book,  I reflected back to my own experience on a mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico many years go. I could relate to a few of the situations, especially when Lexa finds joy in working with less fortunate school-aged children. I loved the dynamic relationship between Sam and Lexa. There were times when I was angry with Lexa for how she acted or with Sam for something he would say, but those issues only make the characters more believable. I love how real Sam and Lexa are.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun, spark-flying romantic novel that touches on the heart of service and the dedication we all have to waiting on the Lords timing.

Great read, JoAnn - thank you for sharing!

We have a winner!

I had the privileged of hosting author JoAnn Durgin on my blog last week. If you missed JoAnn's interview make sure you check it out [here]. She graciously offered to do a giveaway of one of her books and I am excited to announce we have a WINNER!

Congratulations to...

Darla Deker 







Woohoo! Happy that you stopped by the blog Darla and congrats on the choice of one of JoAnn's books - I'm sure my readers would love to hear which one you picked :)

Since you didn't leave an email to reach you by, please comment on this post or feel free to use the "Contact the Thinker" form to the left so I can get you in contact with JoAnn.

Well, Thinking Thoughts readers, another successful giveaway! Make sure you check back here tomorrow for this week's {Writer Wednesday} author, Linda Rondeau!

JoAnn Durgin {Writer Wednesday}

I am excited to introduce you to JoAnn Durgin as the featured author for today's {Writer Wednesday}. Make sure you say hello in the comments below because JoAnn is doing a GIVEAWAY!  That's right, folks- she has graciously offered to give away on of her books - readers choice! How awesome is that?! So, from today until Monday July 15th I will accept comments on this post to enter you into a drawing to win! Check back on Tuesday July 16th for my announcement of the winner!

A little bit about JoAnn...

JoAnn Durgin is the author of The Lewis Legacy Series (Torn Veil Books) and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (White Rose Publishers). An estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm, JoAnn and her family live in southern Indiana. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Louisville Christian Writers, JoAnn’s prayer is that her contemporary romantic adventures will touch hearts and lives with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

How to connect with JoAnn...

Website: www.joanndurgin.com
Goodreads: JoAnn Durgin
Facebook: Author JoAnn Durgin
To purchase her books: on Amazon

Author Interview | JoAnn Durgin

You and Writing
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Although each character, each book, is uniquely special and different, my debut novel, Awakening, is the book of my heart. Because it’s loosely based on my love story with my husband, Jim, I believe readers can sense my personal investment. It’s also the first book in The Lewis Legacy Series and features the blossoming romance between Lewis and Clarke (a/k/a Sam and Lexa). Each book features the romance of one or more of the volunteers of TeamWork, a Christian missions organization, with Sam as their beloved “Papa Bear.” Together with Lexa, they mentor their TeamWork members as they navigate life and love. I’m passionate about every single character and hope that makes them so real they practically leap off the page and into the reader’s mind and heart.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...My answer to this one is atypical. Let’s start with the easiest. My joke is that I wrote Awakening in two weeks but it took 12 years to publish! It was the last standalone I wrote before putting my writing aside to raise our three children. I firmly believe the Lord honored that obedience and He opened the “right” doors of His choosing and in His perfect timing (you can read the full story on my website; how I lost the second half of Awakening, how the Lord gave it back to me and then He confirmed it was the “one” that I should try to publish first). Awakening sold to the first publisher who asked to see it (based on a short e-mail query with a one-paragraph synopsis).
...Being with a small, independent publisher has many perks; however, I also have to work that much harder to promote my books. We can’t send out reviewer copies, so it’s more difficult to get reviews (vital in making the books more visible). My books aren’t in bookstores, but with the growth of internet bookstores and ebook readers, that’s not a major issue. Unlike many authors, I’m outgoing and social. I’ll talk to anyone, anytime about my books, as my family can attest. But what better project to promote than my own books? The Lord has blessed over and above what I could have expected in terms of my expanding readership and steady sales.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book.

Daydreams is the fourth book in my series, but it can be read as a standalone. It’s my goal to write these books so readers can pick up any one of them and get swept away in the adventure. This book belongs to Amy Jacobsen, one of the TeamWork girls from the beginning of the series. She’s come into her own and is living the dream—a publishing job she loves in NYC, a fabulous townhome inherited from her famous grandfather, and a busy social life without the complication of a romantic relationship—and then she meets her match in publisher Landon Warnick. The adventure these two share takes the reader from NYC to a TeamWork wedding in Louisiana and then to Texas and back!

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Forgiving someone who’s wronged us is difficult for so many people. We need to forgive others who’ve wronged us, even if they don’t ask. However, as Christians, if we’ve wronged or sinned against someone, it’s our responsibility to go to that person in humility and ask for their forgiveness. Until we can do that, we’ll never fully experience that peace that passes all understanding and be able to fully open our hearts to someone else.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?

....All my characters are fictional, but as I mentioned, Awakening is loosely based on real events. It’s really more the characters of Sam and Lexa are based on my husband and me. However, Lexa’s grandmother in Awakening is my grandmother, her father is my dad. Certain quirks or experiences of various characters come from my life, and I know a few people who will play a “part” in upcoming books. I think I scare people sometimes when I tell them anything they say or do might show up in a book someday! The premise for Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is also based on a very sweet aspect of my husband’s character.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...As a Christian author, I want to share the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Christ. I want the reader to enjoy a good story while learning godly principles in a subtle, “non-preachy” way through my characters’ actions and lifestyles. My romances are “outside the box” of the standard formula, but I also think that’s one reason they resonate with readers. They’re entertaining but have solid substance mixed with the lighthearted moments. A balance of both is necessary, I believe. Sure, my hero and heroine fall in love but then face that inevitable roadblock in their relationship. The difference in my books? The couples work through their issues together because that’s how relationships become stronger and a lasting bond is formed.

...A unique aspect of my Lewis Legacy Series is the deep, abiding friendship between the different TeamWork members. They’re not perfect people, by any means, but they try to live godly lives and are always there for each other. One of the values of a series is revisiting the various couples and “growing” their ongoing relationships (and I love bringing the TeamWork kids into the mix, too!).

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a bit about my books with your readers, Emilie!

Many blessings, friends.

Matthew 5:16

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You're very welcome and thank you so much for joining us here at Thinking Thoughts! I have enjoyed getting to know you through Facebook and am so glad I could feature you here :) I love that you say you've based some of your characters (or traits) on your husband! I think that is absolutely sweet and what better way to give a "real" feeling to your characters! I know some of my friends are afraid they'll end up in my books...but that's the hazard of being the friend of an author ;) I look forward to reading more of your books and can't wait to post my Re:View of Awakening!

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of JoAnn's fabulous books! 

A little rumor...

Ok...so there's this little bird singing a little song that goes something like this:

...giveaway...giveaway...giveaway....giveaway....giveaway....giveaway....giveaway....

Well, I'm going to confirm this little birds song and say yes... there WILL be a giveaway on this {Writer Wednesday} post. I'm pleased to announce my featured author will be none other than:

JoAnn Durgin

So, make sure you plan to stop by the blog on Wednesday to read all about JoAnn and her writing, then leave a little comment to be entered in to a contest to win one of her books - reader's choice. How generous!? I know I'm exciting, and you should be too ;) 

See you Wednesday!

Congratulations are in order...

We have a winner of the anthology Patti Shene's  is featured in: Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters: Real Life Stories of Supernatural Events! If you missed my interview with Patti, check it out [here].




Please give a warm round of applause to...

JoAnn Durgin








JoAnn is an author herself and will now be able to enjoy her own copy of the anthology :)

Congratulations JoAnn and thanks for stopping by the blog! To my readers, make sure you check back tomorrow for my review of Catherine West's novel Hidden in the Heart.