Meghan M. Gorecki | New Novel News

Amongst the Roses
by Meghan M. Gorecki

Published: April 12, 2018
Publisher: Northern Belle Publishing
Purchase: Amongst the Roses

The War Between the States shakes Margaret Bryant out of her comfortable upper-class life when her father enlists in the Army of the Potomac. Despite being safely ensconced above the Mason-Dixon Line in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret finds her strength tested by opposition from familiar faces and Confederate threats. Will she let a young man from a lesser station into her heart even as war rages ever nearer to the home front?

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof | Re:View

Charming, enchanting, and romantic! Joanne Biscof creates a world and a romance that will forever leave its imprint on my heart.

***

Sometimes a book comes along and just makes you go *ahhhh* in a happy, contented sigh type of way. The Lady and the Lionheart was that book for me. It just made my end of 2016 favorites list (even though I cheated and finished it in 2017) but maybe that was because it needed to be on my favorites list for 2 years in a row.

I had heard such amazing things about this book - not to mention its rather impressive 5 star pick by RT Book Reviews, so I knew I was in for a treat when I first began it. But soon none of that mattered because I was lost in the world and falling in love with Ella, Charlie, and Holland's story.

In many books that I read, I find myself wanting more from the male characters portrayed--not so with The Lady and the Lionheart. Charlie is a wonderful, solid, complex, and masculine protagonist and I absolutely loved that about him. Ella was also complex and layered in a wonderful way that left me feeling the freedom to connect with her on a deep level. I felt sympathy, excitement, happiness, and curiosity with her as she made her way through the story.

@createexploreread

I absolutely LOVED the story world as well. Joanne did such a fantastic job of portraying the circus in such a complex light. It wasn't all popcorn and happiness. She delved into the other, sometimes darker, sides of a later 1800s/early 1900s circus and what it would have been like for her characters. I will also admit that I fell in love with the lions (aka Charlie's brothers). Their personalities added so much to the book even though they played a smaller role.

I won't say much more because I don't want to spoil any of this enchanting story for you. Suffice it to say that you should read this. I highly recommend it to historical fans, fans of wonderfully crafted romance, and circus fans (like me), but I would also say that--if you aren't a huge fan of history--you will feel right at home reading this because the world is so well crafted. It's believable in that the historical context fits the story but isn't the sole focus of the story. I enjoyed that fact very much!

I am so thankful to have experienced this story. It will truly live on in my mind and my heart.
That...and my crush on Charlie 😉

My rating: 5*
Purchase: The Lady and the Lionheart

Book Description
(from Amazon)

"Heartachingly beautiful" - RT Book Reviews, 5 Star TOP PICK!

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it's away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet--freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice. As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella's own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl--boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

_______________

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.

Harry S. Truman & Romance by Gail Kittleson | Guest Post

Source

 February, the month of U.S. Presidents and romance. I decided to mix the two, and fell in love with Harry. S. Truman’s ungainly attempts to express his heartfelt devotion for his one-and-only, Bess. He fell for her, he declared, at six, when they attended Sunday School together.

His feelings only strengthened over the years, even when Bess rejected his first proposal in 1911. His forthright letter stating his adoration and desire to marry Bess included his belief that she might say no, and created a three-week crisis. Bess rejected him then, but Harry took heart. His next letter described his take on this turn of events—at least she hadn’t laughed at him, the worst possible fate for a young man in love’s throes.

His humble tenacity amazes me—he persevered, content with friendship, and Bess complied. Two and a half years later, she admitted that if she ever did marry, she would marry Harry. Not much encouragement to go on, but enough for him.

They finally wed in 1919. Can you imagine such a long courtship?

All this talk of courtship brings me to a dear friend I’ve gotten to know over the past few years. Readers meet Dottie, the heroine of my debut novel, in 1946, during President Truman’s stay in the White House.

She and Bess have a few traits in common. They both know their minds. They’re strong, and don’t allow emotions or romantic notions rule. Having lost her son in WWII and with her daughter experiencing a difficult pregnancy, life is pretty serious for Dottie.

The last thing she expects, or thinks she needs, is courtship. But who can tell how the tides turn? We women control what we can of our lives, yet sometimes have no idea what lurks right around the corner.

For Bess Truman, residency in the White House waited. For Dottie? Well, you’ll have to read her story to find out.

You definitely won’t rue the time you spend reading Harry and Bess Truman’s courtship story, either—I could hardly stop. Rarely has a young man suffered such consistent rejection, yet waited so long for love to blossom.

Read the full story here: http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2007/winter/proposal.html

If you have a favorite American President or a charming courtship story, please share with us.

Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and now facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats. She and her husband enjoy family in northern Iowa, and the Arizona mountains in winter.

WhiteFire Publishing released Gail’s memoir, Catching Up With Daylight in 2013, and her debut women’s historical fiction, In This Together (Wild Rose Press/Vintage Imprint) released in 2015. She also contributed to the Little Cab Press 2015 Christmas Anthology.

A World War II series is on the way!

Please feel free to contact Gail—meeting new reading friends is the meringue on her pie, as Dottie would say.

Website: http://www.gailkittleson.com/

In This Together
(purchase)

After losing her only son to World War II and her husband soon after, Dottie Kyle takes a job at a local small-town Iowa boarding house. Her daughter Cora moved to California straight out of high school to work for the war effort, married a sailor and settled down in the Golden State—another loss.

Dottie cooks and cleans, volunteers at her church, and tends her garden. But she hungers to meet her two precious grandbabies on the coast. When troubles arise in Cora’s third pregnancy, Dottie longs to help, but old fears prohibit that arduous, cross-country train journey.

At the boarding house, complications arise that force Dottie to speak up for what’s right, and as her confidence grows, so does the unexpected interest of the widower next door. Dottie has no idea second chances wait right around the corner.

Debra E. Marvin {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Debra...

Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She’d like to live just a wee bit closer to her grandchildren, but is thankful that God is in control, that He chooses to bless us despite ourselves and that He has a sense of humor.
Other than writing light-hearted romances and gritty gothics, she has pretty normal obsessions: fabric, peanut butter, vacations, British dramas and whatever mystery series she’s currently reading. (Visit me at debraemarvin.com, the Inkwell Inspirations Blog, @debraemarvin on twitter and Debra E Marvin on Facebook and Pinterest, but not my house because I usually have dirty dishes.)


Connect with Debra...

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B018QCI2AS
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Debra-E-Marvin-433266640199533
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebraEMarvin
Website and personal blog: http://debraemarvin.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/debraemarvin/
Group Blog- Inkwell Inspirations: http://www.inkwellinspirations.com/
Purchase: Austen in Austin 


Get to know Debra E. Marvin

You and Writing
 
 Tell us a little bit about yourself and writing... 

How did you start writing? 
Back when my kids were in high school, I took a creative writing course at a local university (Adult Ed.), and entered a short story contest for a local literary magazine. I won. What? So, I took another creative writing course, this time run by a romance author at a local writers’ center. There I learned about writers groups like RWA, and eventually, I became a contest coordinator, putting a lot of time into learning “the craft”. But my heart wasn’t in 100% romance—I longed for mystery or a meaty historical plot, and I preferred to keep the bedroom stuff behind closed doors. I prayed about my writing and carried on. Eventually, I put writing aside while pursuing a degree and working full time. I was one of those darned adult learners! But the urge to write never left, and I found out about ACFW, and ‘writing’ blogs. The biggest boost to my writing was becoming part of my group blog, Inkwell Inspirations.

Emilie here: I think it's so great that you were (and I assume are) committed to learning. I know that has played into your writing now and will continue to! And hey--I know I'm glad you joined ACFW because that meant I got to meet you there! ;-)

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book...

Like many writers, I have a box full of old manuscripts, workshop notes and gems I printed off the internet, and research. About four or five years ago, my Inkwell sisters and I discussed a novella anthology. Austen? Western? We combined the two! Ahh, but how might it find a home, given the whims of the publishing world? In 2015, I’d taken a leave of absence from writing to enjoy life like a normal person (as in not like a compulsive writer). It was great! Of course, that’s when IT happened. Austen in Austin found a home!

I’d chosen Northanger Abbey as my ‘plot/character’ theme, and for those of you who know the book, Catherine Moreland is a bit of a silly girl. Austen wrote Northanger Abbey as a parody of gothic literature (the ultimate too stupid to live heroines of the time). Now, don’t get me wrong, I love romantic suspense and gothics. (I have a series waiting for day light). But…how to make a Catherine Moreland/gothic tale fit for today’s audience? It was a bit of a struggle until my heroine Kathryn Morton came to life. She’s a complete bookworm and wallflower who never gave herself credit, and has been overprotected all her life. To make it work, I had to have some quirky fun with her. For anyone who’s felt like a geek around a cute guy (cue the hunky cowboy!), I think you’ll “get this”. With excellent critiques and begrudging rewrites, I now adore Kathryn and Harmon’s story!

The best part of this ‘publishing story’ is the time the Inkies spent brainstorming and working together to bring overlapping characters in one main setting together over two decades of storylines and Austin history. Susie Dietze and I loved this effort so much, we wore Regency dresses to the costume dinner at conference. Susie won the Genesis for “One Word From You”, her Austen novella, and we also went to see Austenland at the theater in Indianapolis with our Inky sisters Suzie Johnson and Barb Early.

Emilie here: Ok, readers, here's a fun bit of background info. I met Susie at the first ACFW Conference I went to. We actually met up on the plane ride there (talk about awesome "coincidence") and then I met Deb through Susie!

Writing

Let's talk about your writing life...

Advice for aspiring authors:
We’re all told to find someone who really believes in your writing, but it’s just as important to find someone else who’s not afraid to cover your manuscript with red ink. Take the hard lessons and battle onward. I’d lost the balance between life outside of writing and the immense effort it takes to eek a story out of every stolen moment. I’d lost the joy of writing. (We got a legal separation—writing and I.) It’s important, it takes a lot of focus, but it’s not more important than family and giving yourself some time to unwind. Finding the balance is critical, and it’s just as important a lesson as a sword-wielding critique partner.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged: anyone can write a book and get it published these days. A dream come true, right? Not really. Because 1) storytelling 2) tenacity. These will always matter most. A ‘badly’ written novel can do well if the story captivates the reader, but no book will ever be published if you don’t finish it. (Unless you’re Jane Austen?) (tweet this)

Are you a Panster or Plotter? What does your writing process look like?
No pantsing here. I’m an obsessive plotter, but it becomes signposts along the way as my characters take over the story. That’s key. For me, plotting means I can sit down and know what ‘should’ happen in a scene and write a really crummy first draft of it. From there, I see what I need to tweak, but plotting reduces pointless and episodic bunny trails. Then I sprinkle in secrets, emotions, doubts. Details to the setting. Subtext to the plot. Before I worry about prettying up the prose, this is the time I get a second opinion. Does the story make sense? Are the characters interesting? That second draft is the hardest part. I have to face really ugly stuff and start shaping it. My favorite part come later, when I add the real depth of emotion and setting details.

My first draft is generally 75% dialogue and 25%...‘He walks to the door. She thinks…something…and then she follows him. I call it the Dick and Jane method of writing.

Whatever works for you, do it. Just keep at it and know it’s going to stink and be painful and exhilarating and fun. And then one day you get to visit Emilie’s blog and talk about a new release!

Emilie here: Great advice here! I know the difficulties of finding balance for the writing life. I love your approach though! Hey, every novel starts somewhere, right? It's where it ends that's important. And yes - I'd love to have more guests!!!

You

So, Emilie asks: flowers, or chocolate, or books?
Well, for me the best gift is time with family and friends, or Amazon gift certificates (then I can justify buying DVDs). And I love promises of vacations! I’m so not a Valentine’s Day girl. But nowadays a handmade card from a grandchild is the Best. Thing. Ever.

What are you currently reading?
Austen in Austin Vol 2 novellas! I’ll switch over to non-fiction research for two novellas I’m working on for Forget Me Not publishing. And I’ve just started judging in a great contest I’ve been involved with since finaling in it years ago.

Thanks so much for hosting me, Emilie. You’re a real sweetheart and a favorite with the Inkwell girls since we met you in Indianapolis. I wish you the best with your writing career, photography and that personal life I get glimpses of on Facebook!

Emilie here: Thank you for being my guest Deb! And you are too sweet (*insert grinning face here*). I am so excited for you ladies and the introduction of Austen in Austin to the world! Readers, if you don't win it - GO BUY IT! :D

Comment below about your favorite Jane Austen novel or let us know what you're reading right now.

::WINNER::

I had Laura VanArendonk Baugh on the blog last week and she offered up two books! Our winner is:

Rebecca Bell

Congrats Rebecca :)

A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin | New Novel News

A Reluctant Melody
by Sandra Ardoin

January 11, 2015
Heritage Beacon Fiction (imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Purchase: A Reluctant Melody

Kit's alcoholism ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. But the most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past.

Friends of her late husband blame Joanna for his death. Although eager to flee from the rumors, she will let the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she allows Kit back into her life.

When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna’s long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit … including her heart?

Get to know Sandra...

What's one chore you hate doing?
Cleaning bathrooms. I mean, really, who likes to do that? I especially hate cleaning the shower. The good part: the chore involves my favorite country music!

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Take a look at my Pinterest board for A Reluctant Melody. You’ll find I’ve imagined Kristen Bell as Joanna Stewart and Chris Pine as Christopher “Kit” Barnes. The latter is appropriate considering the name, don’t you think?

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
I’d definitely hop inside that time machine and head for the past. Frankly, I’m not too keen on where the world is headed right now, so I’m not sure I want to see the future. But I’d love to go to the second half of the 19th century to get a first-hand look at the time period in which I write.

Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. She’s the author of The Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Join her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

::WINNER::

The winner from last week's giveaway from JC Morrows is...

Leslie McKee

Thanks for entering!

Sarah Sundin {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Sarah...

Sarah Sundin is the author of seven historical novels, including Through Waters Deep (Revell, August 2015). Her novel On Distant Shores was a double finalist for the 2014 Golden Scroll Awards. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. http://www.sarahsundin.com.

How to connect with Sarah...

Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com
Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.com/blog  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2992396.Sarah_Sundin  
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin
Purchase: Through Waters Deep

Author Interview | Sarah Sundin

You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?

...Writing was not my original career choice. I majored in chemistry and became a pharmacist. Then in 2000, I was slammed with a story idea that wouldn’t leave me alone. I had to write it. So I did. Very badly. However, that book led me to connect with a writers’ group, to start attending conferences, and to learn the craft of writing. 
...What keeps me writing now? I can’t stop. Stories and characters keep bombarding me, and I’ve fallen in love with storytelling.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?  

...Coming from a health-care field, where objectivity is valued and job security is guaranteed unless you do something stupid, the subjectivity and insecurity of the writing profession is a continuing challenge for me. I don’t know if anything has truly been easy, but so much has brought me joy and fulfillment—I love the research, plotting, writing, and editing. I love speaking and teaching. I love meeting readers on social media and in person. And I love that I have to lean on God to help me through the lack of objectivity and security! 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it? 

...Through Waters Deep is the first book in the Waves of Freedom series, which follows three American naval officers based in Boston in WWII. Through Waters Deep is set in 1941, as America teeters on the brink of World War II. Mary Stirling works at the Boston Navy Yard and renews an old friendship with naval officer Ens. Jim Avery. Jim’s destroyer escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic, but problems on his ship point to a saboteur at the shipyard. As Mary works to find the culprit and Jim battles U-boats, could their friendship blossom into something more? Or could the dangers they face keep them apart?

...I’m currently working on my publisher’s edits on the second book in the Waves of Freedom series, Anchor in the Storm (summer 2016), and writing the third book.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?  

...I don’t like to play favorites (says the mother of three), but I really loved working with Jim and Mary. Jim is so upbeat and easygoing and fun, and Mary has this delicious quiet sense of humor that came out of nowhere. She also thinks a bit like me—she likes to take notes and make lists and charts—so I understand her.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?  

...I hope readers will be encouraged to hoist their sails and allow the Lord to guide their paths.

Writing

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

...This story was sparked by historical research—the unrest in America in 1941 as isolationists and interventionists argued and as reports of espionage and sabotage ran rampant. But it was fueled by imagination—what if a saboteur was working at the Boston Navy Yard? What would it be like to serve on a US destroyer when the nation was officially at peace—but U-boats were attacking? Of course, I had to throw in a love story!

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...Overall, I hope my stories encourage people and draw them closer to God. I also hope they deepen appreciation for the events and people of the World War II era.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?  

...Read a lot. Write a lot. Connect with other writers through groups like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) or a local writers’ group. And attend writers’ conferences—the single best way to learn the craft, learn the business, and meet fabulous people!

You

What is your favorite activity during the summer?  

...I love swimming in our pool and holding barbecues for friends. This summer, our favorite event was our daughter’s wedding!

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert?  

...Only one? I have serious sweet tooth. I’m partial to gumdrops right now. And black jelly beans. And anything chocolate. And ice cream. And my homemade cheesecake. And my homemade Boston cream pie. And yes, I’m fond of lemon meringue pie too. I chew a lot of gum to keep the sweets out of my mouth!

___________________________

Thanks so much Sarah! I loved having you back on the blog. I love that you are open and honest about the fact that it is difficult and there is an element of insecurity to being a writer. I think that's universal for us all. And yes and amen to attending a writers conference! As I mentioned in Monday's post, conferences are great encouragements for writers. And YES to black jelly beans! I love licorice flavor though I know most don't - glad to see I'm not alone :D

So, readers, make sure you leave a comment to win this book. First off, isn't the cover amazing? Secondly, I'm currently reading it for review and loving it so far. Third, if you don't happen to win it's okay because currently Through Waters Deep is on SALE - I included it in my "20 Paperbacks under $11" post which you can see HERE. So one way or another you'll be able to get your hands on this incredible book. Oh, and check out the awesome GIVEAWAY button to the right side of my blog that Sarah is hosting from August 8-24th.

Loree Lough {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Loree...

Best-selling author Loree Lough has more than 5,000,000 4- and 5-star books in circulation, 7 book-to-movie options, and contracts for additional series slated to release by year-end 2018. Books 105 & 106 (Harlequin Heartwarming’s Sweet Mountain Rancher, #2 “Those Marshall Boys” series, and Guardians of the Heart, #2, “Secrets on Sterling Street” historical series from Whitaker) released this summer, and the third book in each series will hit store shelves early in 2016. Loree loves interacting with readers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and email (and answers every letter, personally). Keep up with all the latest at http://www.loreelough.com.

How to connect with Loree...

Website & Blog: http://www.loreelough.com   
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20519.Loree_Lough
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoreeLough
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoreeALough
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/loreelough/
Purchase: Once a Marine (contemporary), #1 “Those Marshall Boys” series
Currency of the Heart (historical), #1“Secrets on Sterling Street” series

Author Interview | Loree Lough

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

How did you start writing?
...I started out as a ‘beat reporter’ and ‘freelance writer,’ taking assignments from area newspapers and magazines. What I learned on the job has been immensely helpful in helping me work quickly and efficiently…lessons that have transferred very well into novel-writing.

What has kept you writing?
...More than any other factor, letters from my readers have inspired me to keep writing. In each letter, they spell out how my stories touch their lives…how they identify with the characters and/or situations featured in each novel.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Most authors probably agree that the book they’re writing at present is their favorite…and I’m no exception!

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing?
...Waiting. We wait to hear back from experts we interview to ensure our stories ring with accuracy and truth. We wait to make the story as perfect as it can be. We wait to hear from agents and editors. And once contracted, we wait for editors to give us the ‘it’s at the printers’!’ signal. We wait for delivery of our author copies, and wait for the big release day. We wait to hear from reviewers and readers. And then we wait for our royalty checks. LOL

The easiest?
...Interacting with my readers!

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your books

Once a Marine is the story of former Marine Zach Marshall, whose entire life has been dedicated to protecting and/or rescuing others, and Summer Lane, formerly gregarious voice-over actress who becomes a hermit after a violent attack. Zach now owns “Marshall Law,” a self-defense studio specializing in teaching women how to protect themselves. It isn’t easy, but Summer signs up for classes…and learns a whole lot more about herself than how to fend off an attacker!

Currency of the Heart is the story of Shaina Sterling who, after the shocking death of her husband, learns how deep in debt his lavish lifestyle has left her. To protect his reputation—and hers—she secretly sells valuable possessions, hoping her wealthy Denver friends never learn that she’s been living a lie. Successful rancher Sloan Remington has known her secret for a long time. Soon, a series of misfortunes make Shaina beholden to him—and threaten to expose a secret about his own past.

Why did you write them?
...I wrote these books to shed light on the impact our dark secrets can have on our lives—and on those who love us most.

Do you have favorite characters in these works? If so, why?
...All of my characters have flaws, things they need to come to grips with and overcome before they can change and grow and experience life and love on a whole new level. The heroes and heroines in Once a Marine and Currency of the Heart are no exception.

What is one take-away from your books that you hope readers identify with?
...My greatest hope and main, always, is that my stories will deliver an entertaining read. If they readers learn a little something about a particular time, place, or situation, that’s like ice cream on the pie!

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Ideas are, quite literally, everywhere. I find storylines while watching the news and reading the paper, while waiting in line at the grocery store, during vacations. Playing “what if?” and “what happens next?” is as exciting for me as it is—hopefully—for readers!

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? 
...In every book, believe it or not, I hope to deliver all of those things to readers. If the nearly 100,000 letters in my files are any indicator, I’m making good on that promise.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Read, a lot. Attend writers conferences. Network with your peers. Study every how-to book you can get your hands on. And when you start getting feedback, learn from that, too. One of the most important things to learn is…never, ever quit. 

You

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
...Believe it or not, researching the next novel is extremely relaxing! I also enjoy gardening, cooking and baking, and painting/sketching. But the thing I love most is spending time with my real-life hero and our daughters and grandorables!

Thinking of Fathers Day, is there something you’d like to share with the readers about fathers? 
...“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” My husband Larry has excelled in that…and in being a good father to our daughters.

What is one thing you are looking forward to for the Summer?
...I’m one of those people who loves all the seasons, each for its own special reasons!

...Thank you so much, Emilie, for inviting me to share your time and blog space with your followers! I hope to interact with all of you at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest…and at upcoming workshops and book signings!

_______________________________

Thank YOU Loree, I'm so happy to have you on the blog! And thank you for your gracious giveaway! I'm so excited that two of my lucky readers will walk away with copies of your books. I love where you started your career (I myself freelance and it's a lot of fun, though a lot of work!). Both of your novels sound great and I can't wait to see who wins! Thanks again and I hope to see you back on the blog in the future.

Pepper Basham + GIVEAWAY | New Novel News

The Thorn Bearer
by Pepper D. Basham

Published May 7th (hard copy) but available now in ebook form
Vinspire Publishing
Purchase:The Thornbearer (Penned in Time Book 1)
 
A wounded woman with a past to hide and an unpredictable future to salvage struggles to keep bitterness from stealing the hope of a romance with her best friend while nursing the wounded of WWI.

In short, it is about the beautiful power of forgiveness.

Get to know Pepper...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
Fying! I’ve always wanted to be able to fly! What an amazing experience that would be…and it would really cut down on travel time :)

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie?
A rom com person for sure. Maybe Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock or Amy Adams (I’d hope for Amy Adams….I just love her)

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Derbyshire England! BEST! I can’t wait to go back to the UK some day. It felt like home.

Annnddd... Make sure to check back later today because I'll be posting the winners of Melissa Tagg and Catherine West's books! 

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin | RE:View

The third book in the Wings of the Nightingale series, In Perfect Time follows the story of Kay Jobson, a flirt and a heart breaker. She's had her fair share of boyfriends no matter where her duties as a flight nurse take her, but there's one man who doesn't fall prey to her charms-- pilot Lt. Roger Cooper.

Kay is strong willed with a past that influences everything she does. Roger is focused and determined to accomplish his goals. How their story intertwines will keep you turning pages late into the night.

In Perfect Time is filled with surprises and twits. It will take you on an unforgettable journey through love, danger, and transformation in ways you could never predict. I thoroughly enjoyed this last book and thought it capped off the series extremely well. The complete immersion into WWII history is excellently done and I particularly loved the musical elements (being a musician myself).

This is a must read from Sarah Sundin!

Purchase: In Perfect Time: A Novel (Wings of the Nightingale)

Book Description 
(from Sarah's website)

Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go.

Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

                                                       _________________________
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.

Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West | RE:View

Hot and humid. Danger at every corner. It's the perfect setting for intrigue and romance.

Kristin Taylor arrives in Vietnam in 1967 to write a Pulitzer prize winning story. Following the footsteps of her father, she's bold and unafraid when it comes to discovering the truth. Nothing--and no one--can get in her way.

Until she meets Luke Maddox, a photographer haunted by his past. Kristin is convinced there's more to Luke than meets the eye, but his defenses are up and his heart, guarded.  

Amid the torment and horror of war, two lives are brought together. The decisions they face may displace their goals, but could mean a future of happiness neither was expecting.

***

I thoroughly enjoyed Yesterday's Tomorrow. Kristin's undaunted character and Lukes' brooding humor drew me to their story immediately. I wanted to know what was going to happen and couldn't put the book down until I found out! I also really enjoyed experiencing Vietnam through the character's eyes - feeling the heat, experiencing the smells, connecting with the children in the orphanage.

On another note, there was a tone of realness that I loved about this book. Catherine didn't sugar coat things, but also wasn't out to drag her reader's heart down either. I believe she found a delicate balance that aided her story.

Purchase: Yesterday's Tomorrow

Book Description
(from Catherine's website)

She’s after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He’s determined to keep his secrets to himself. Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother’s wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he’s hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

_______________________

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. 

Amanda Cabot {Writer Wednesday}

Please give a warm welcome to Amanda Cabot! I'm very excited to have her interview in among the fun of "Spread the Christmas Joy". There will be another Joy post later today so make sure you watch out for it :)

A little bit about Amanda...

From the time that she was seven, Amanda Cabot dreamed of becoming a published author, but it was only when she set herself the goal of selling a book by her thirtieth birthday that the dream came true. A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. She’s delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian historical romances. Her Texas Dreams trilogy received critical acclaim, Christmas Roses was a CBA bestseller; and a number of her books have been finalists for national awards, including ACFW’s Carol award.

How to connect with Amanda...

Website: www.amandacabot.com
Blog: http://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1609844.Amanda_Cabot
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Cabot/110238182354449?v=wall

Author Interview | Amanda Cabot

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I really cannot remember a time when I didn’t write – or at least want to write, and so I wrote sporadically until I was almost 29. Since then I have come to believe that authors have at least one thing in common with oysters, namely that we need irritation to produce our pearls … er… our books. For me, that irritation was moving to a new area and discovering that what had appeared to be an ideal job was truly awful. Of course, that happened at a time when jobs were hard to find, so I stuck with the one I had for over three years. But the irritation was enough that I decided it was time to become serious about writing.

...I’ve been writing since I was seven or eight, but it took that irritation to remind me that I had always had a goal of selling a book before I was thirty. I started what was to become my first published book just before my twenty-ninth birthday and sold it one week before my thirtieth. If this were a fairytale, I’d tell you that I became vastly wealthy and was able to quit my day job. The reality is, for many years (no, I won’t tell you how many) I wrote on nights and weekends, while I worked full time for Corporate America. Now I’m fortunate enough to be a full-time writer.

...I’m smiling at the “what has kept you writing?” question. The truth is, several years of rejections after my first sale made me question whether or not I ought to be writing, and I tried to quit. But each time I did, I realized that something important was missing in my life. That something was writing. A keynote speaker at a writers conference I attended soon after moving to Wyoming challenged us to answer the question: Is writing what you do or who you are? That was a light bulb moment for me as I realized that writing is who I am. It’s what God wants me to do, so no matter how hard it is – and there are days when it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done – I won’t stop. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why did you write it?
.... With Autumn's Return is the third of the Wyoming Winds trilogy, the story of Elizabeth Harding, who comes to Cheyenne in the late 1880s, clutching her medical degree and convinced that she’ll be accepted by the territory’s residents. After all, Wyoming was the first to grant women the vote, and they were progressive enough to have a female judge and jurors. Surely a lady doctor would have no trouble. As you can imagine, reality turns out to be far different from Elizabeth’s expectations.

...One of the reasons I made Elizabeth a doctor is that I’ve always been fascinated by women who challenge the status quo and try to succeed in male-dominated professions. Then, too, medicine has changed dramatically since the 1880s, so it was fun to give readers a peek into the world of nineteenth century medicine. I for one am glad I didn’t live then. 

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
...One thing I’ve learned is that inspiration can come anywhere and at any time. A snippet of music, a phrase in a book, even the sight of a sunset can start my brain asking “what if?” Sometimes those “what ifs” lead to dead ends, but sometimes they plant seeds that turn into full-fledged stories. In the case of With Autumn's Return, I was intrigued by Wyoming’s nickname, The Equality State, and wanted to tell the story of a time when equality wasn’t as prevalent as it is now.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...My primary goal is to touch readers’ hearts and deepen their faith. Although I tell stories set in by-gone times, it is my hope that the characters’ struggles and the healing they find will resonate with readers and will remind them that God is with us no matter where (or when) we live.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...I have three pieces of advice. The first is to read extensively in the genre you want to write. That’s the best way to learn what a publisher is buying. Secondly, join a writer’s group. ACFW is wonderful for writers in the Christian marketplace, and Romance Writers of America is excellent for anyone interested in writing romance. A writer’s group provides support, networking and so many other resources to the aspiring writer that I can’t over emphasize the importance of joining one. And lastly, never give up. Rejection is a fact of life. I won’t sugarcoat it: rejection hurts. But if you let it defeat you, if you stop sending out your manuscript just because it was rejected, you’ll never be published. Believe in your book and in yourself. Oh … that was four pieces of advice. Sorry!

You

What is your favorite snack to eat when writing?
...Yogurt. I like the flavor, the calcium and the probiotics. Those are the good things. The bad? I’d rather not talk about what happens when you spill it on a keyboard.

What is your favorite Christmas song?
...Oh, that’s a tough one. It’s a tie between “O Holy Night” and “Adeste Fideles.” Both make my heart sing with joy.

What is your favorite thing about the Christmas season?
...The way the spirit of the season and the reason for the season seem to bring out the best in people. I see more smiles in December than in the other months combined.

Emilie, thanks so much for inviting me to be part of your blog. I’ve enjoyed our time together. And to each of you reading this, I hope the season has brought a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

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Thank YOU Amanda! What a treat to hear your heart on writing as well as a glimpse into your favorite Christmas things. I love how you are so encouraging to anyone pursing writing - the idea of never giving up is so true - I'm sure we all face it at one time or another but if it's some we "are" versus just something we "do" then it's worth it! Can't wait for your next book to come out! Thanks again :)