Kristy Cambron + GIVEAWAY | New Novel News

A Sparrow in Terezin
by Kristy Cambron

Published April 7, 2015
HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson)  
Purchase:  A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel)

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Get to know Kristy...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power? I’ve been asked the question before and my heart always seems to go to the same answer… I’m not partial to heights. (Flying – you’re out.) Not interest in laser vision or reading people’s minds. I already feel invisible enough when I put food on the table in a house full of boys, so that wouldn’t be my thing either. Christ has the ability to heal and He’s our one true Savior, so all of the combined super powers left He’s got covered. The only bit of awesomeness left would be to have Jane Austen’s super power of quick wit, C.S. Lewis’ in-depth way of understanding faith, Van Gogh’s eye for color, and Walt Disney’s superlative imagination. (That’s right. The Super Power of all super powers = Creative Genius!) :)

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
This feels like a “wishing for more wishes” kind of thing. That’s what I would have wanted, but I love the question so I’ll play along. Here goes… My three chosen things:

1) Family. All of them. It’s my answer so the entire Cambron clan only counts for one unit, and I get to include them all. :) Let the beach campfires begin.

2) A library. We’d have several copies of the Bible. Christian fiction and YA novels would be in strong supply. We’d also have survival books to keep us informed in our new plight, and of course, we’d have to have cookbooks. (Raw fish is not a favorite. It’s acceptable that we could have fire on this island, so I need to know how to cook the fish. End of story.)

3) A rescue boat. Let’s be honest – not my favorite scenario to be stranded on an island without coffee. May I assume the rescue boat has a Keurig?

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be?
I’m writing a new book about the circus in 1920s America and it has my mind traveling back to the enchantment of childhood. There’s such wide-eyed wonder in the world of fantasy – whether it’s running away to join the circus, tumbling through the looking glass, or using a bit of fairy dust to soar over the rooftops of 19th century London. The fantasy of story is a world we can enter through books. If given the chance to live in one, I’d want to find a hybrid between classic fairy tales, Narnia, Never Land, Hogwarts, and Wonderland. In them, you find all the color and vibrancy of pretend worlds, but the hope and goodness of our humanity.

Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut historical novel, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN (Thomas Nelson, 2014), was named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books of 2014, Family Fiction's Top Ten Novels of 2014, and received a nomination for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Novel of 2014 and a nomination for the 2015 INSPY Awards for Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, A SPARROW IN TEREZIN (Thomas Nelson, April 2015), was named Library Journal Reviews' Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction, February 2015) and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews.

Kristy is an Art/Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.

Connect with Kristy...
Facebook: Kristy Cambron
Twitter: @KCambronAuthor
Instagram: kristycambron
Pinterest: KCambronAuthor
Web: KristyCambron.com | TheGROVEstory.com 

::WINNER::

 We've got winners from last week's New Novel News! 

Congrats to:

Holly Hearts Art  

for winning Angelhood

And....

Constance 

for winning The Lady and the Mountain Doctor!

Kariss Lynch + GIVEAWAY {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Kariss...

Kariss Lynch writes contemporary fiction about characters with big dreams, hearts for adventure, and enduring hope. Shaken, her first book in the Heart of a Warrior series, released in 2014. The second book, Shadowed, released in March 2015. A former freelance writer, she now works as the writer for a communications ministry in Dallas. Kariss loves ice cream and sunsets, particularly when paired together.

How to connect with Kariss...

Website: http://karisslynch.com
Blog: http://karisslynch.com/blog 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7126750.Kariss_Lynch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.karisslynch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kariss_Lynch
Instagram: @Kariss_Lynch
Purchase: Shadowed (Heart of a Warrior)


Author Interview | Kariss Lynch

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing in third grade with the story of an imaginary world and fairies named after my friends. I had to ask my teacher for more paper. I think she eventually had to give me a limit. I just couldn’t stop! The story had more to say! I kept writing in classes and wrote poetry for myself. I loved every challenge my teachers and professors threw my way. If I could try a different style or genre, I attempted it with gusto. I wanted to grow and get better, but I had a fear of sharing those stories with others. My family and a mentor finally challenged me to step out. I started with a blog and then pursued publication. Book three is currently in the editing process. My dreams never felt this good.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I think whatever I am currently working on is my favorite. I just finished Surrendered, which will hit shelves in Winter 2016. It is the final chapter in Nick and Kaylan’s love story, though we might hear about their lives in books to come. As I explored their relationship, I had to take a hard look at what love looks like, not what culture says it is, but what the Lord says it is. I was lost in this scene as Kaylan is questioning her relationship with Nick. As I finished, I felt this heavy weight on my chest. The way I had written Nick – this Navy SEAL, a warrior, a flawed guy striving to be like Jesus – I realized the way he loves Kaylan and pursues her and the way Jesus loves me and pursues me, even when and especially when I’m unlovable. I can’t wait to share that story with readers.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Nick and Kaylan return in Shadowed as Nick faces the demons of his past on a mission to catch Janus, and Kaylan comes to terms with loving a man who leaves.

...Now in California, Kaylan slowly adjusts to life in the SEAL community with new friends, new neighbors, an internship, and mysterious and threatening notes left by a ghost. When items begin to disappear from her home, Kaylan wonders if she will ever find her place in her new reality and wrestles to develop the strength for the life she desires to have with Nick.

...Nick never dreamed his work would follow him home, but now the very terrorist he stalked is threatening everything he holds dear. Nick must learn to trust God with Kaylan’s life as he and his team fight for justice and answers to his past.

...In Shaken, the characters must learn to heal. In Shadowed, they must learn to love. But will their love forever be stalked by shadows? I think readers will love meeting some of Nick’s SEAL buddies and seeing what really makes the heart of a warrior strong.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I do. I hate admitting that. They feel like my kids and it feels wrong having a favorite, but I think Logan and his little girl Molly are some of my favorite characters. Logan is a SEAL and a father and husband who just exudes confidence, leadership, and Jesus, and he knows how to have fun! I feel like he is such a voice of wisdom in the book. I know I learned a lot writing him. Molly is just sunshine and innocence. She is a sweet four-year-old who has a curious, innocent, beautiful outlook on the world, and I loved watching her shine and love those around her.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Love is a choice. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My stories and characters are based on the crazy mess in my head and inspiration I see in the world around me. If I see quirks and personality traits in friends, family, or even strangers that fascinate or entice me, I create a character with those traits. In Shaken, Sarah Beth is loosely based on one of my best friends who has the most bubbly personality paired with curly blonde hair and a smile that lights up a room. You can’t help but love her. I chose Kaylan’s passion for helping people and her pursuit of dietetics because of my cousin who has a heart for helping people in third world countries use what they have around them to be healthy and learn how to feed their children. Beware! If you are in my vicinity, anything you say or do is free game for a book.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I think stories should entertain and take you to another place. They have been my escape and my place to dream over the years. But I want my stories to also inspire readers to dream big, have courage, and make a difference. God made you uniquely, and I want readers to find in characters the traits and actions they love and then dare to emulate those things in real life. To use the name of my current series, I want readers to have the heart of a warrior!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...You are never too young or too old to write. You have something to say and a story to tell. The key is figuring out how to do that well. When you write, close the door to what everyone else may think or say and get the story on the page. Know your audience, know what they like, and then just write without fear. That’s the second most important thing I can tell you: write without fear. The most important thing I can tell you is to trust the Lord with the journey.

You

What is a favorite memory you have of your mother?
...We were on family vacation one summer. My brother, sister, and I were in the pool and mom walked down from the condo. She didn’t like to swim, but she loved to come sit on the side of the pool and dip her feet in the water. She sat down on the side, lifted her feet up, and said, “Do you like my pretty toted paint nails?” I think the three of us burst out laughing as she immediately corrected herself. “Pretty painted toe nails, pretty painted toe nails.” We bought her house shoes that looked like furry feet with painted toenails for Christmas, and the joke and memory have never died.

If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
...Unfortunately, I have cravings for Italian food quite often. I love the flavors, pastas, bread, and salads. So bad for me, but oh so good.

April showers bring May flowers – or so they say. Do you have a favorite flower? If so, why is it your favorite?
...I love lilies and roses. There is something classy and beautiful, yet simple about both.

_____________________________

Thank you so much for being my guest today Kariss! I loved getting to know you better and am *SO* excited to offer a copy (or two?) of your book. I can completely relate to the desire to write, write, write and love how you say you tried different genres (I'm right there with you, I love it all!). Probably my favorite quote from today's interview is, "When you write, close the door to what everyone else may think or say and get the story on the page." Amen! And what a sweet memory of your mom - love it!

Ok, readers, don't pass up this opportunity to win a copy of Shadowed! Leave a comment below for Kariss or mention your favorite flower! I'll pick the winner (or winner's if we have enough entries for 2 books!) next Wednesday and announce it here on the blog.

::WINNER::

Congratulations to...

Susan P 

She's won a Kindle copy of The Count of Monte Cristo from my interview with Kelly Bridgewater! If you missed getting to know Kelly, check out her interview here.

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

Angelhood
by A.J. Cattapan

Published April 12, 2015 
Vinspire Publishing 
Purchase: Angelhood

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

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

Get to know A.J....

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

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

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

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

The Lady and the Mountain Doctor
by Misty M. Beller

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

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

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

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

Get to know Misty...

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

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

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

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

::WINNER::

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

L. Afong

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

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon | RE:View

One dead body. One hard-working, former Chicago homicide detective. One ex-Navy SEAL.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a recipe for a great romantic suspense novel, and I'm happy to tell you that it is! I jumped into Irene Hannon's latest series, Men of Valor, with gusto and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Trapped and Deceived from her A Private Justice series and was interested to see what Buried Secrets was all about.

Lisa Grant is beautiful and smart. She's got an eye toward being the best police chief the small-town of Carson has seen, and brings with her a history of crime fighting from the tough area of Chicago.

Mac McGregor is a former Navy SEAL and tough as nails. Working for County as a detective, he's all about the case until he meets Lisa. Her stunning good looks and no-nonsense attitude surprise and intrigue him. Is she really as independent and tough as she comes across?

With the case spiraling in a direction neither of them expected, Mac and Lisa are tossed together to find a killer that will stop at nothing to cover their tracks! In the midst of all this, sparks fly and Mac and Lisa realize it's more than the summers heat that's warming them up.

I enjoyed this fun read and would definitely recommend it to all fans of Irene's earlier novels as well as those who like a good romantic suspense read. Though there isn't a lot of nail-biting suspense, there is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you turning pages late into the night. And did I mention the romantic tension? Because there's the perfect amount of that too!

The only thing I'll say is that there was quite a bit of pointing out how "hot" Lisa Grant was. I understand why in the context, but I fond it a little off-putting initially. Nothing that mars the story or creates a bad dynamic, but I really appreciated when those terms dissipated near the middle to end of the book. It definitely didn't stop me from reading, but it did draw my attention. 

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Buried Secrets: A Novel (Men of Valor)

Book Description
(from Irene's website)

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales—and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

_______________

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.

Kelly Bridgewater {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Kelly...

Kelly Bridgewater is the Assistant Editor and a Featured Reviewer at The Christian Manifesto. She is also an active member of My Book Therapy and ACFW. Two of her short stories, Letting Go and Moving on, have been published. She finished her Bachelor and Masters degree in English at Indiana State University where she taught Freshman Composition. She has completed two complete manuscripts, Missing and Deadly Hunt, which she hopes one day will be published. Currently, she's working on a three part trilogy that she's in the process of writing and can't wait to introduce Devin Sanders and Chloe Walker to the world. She resides in Western Indiana with her husband, their three sons, and their two dogs.
How to connect with Kelly...

Blog: www.justicethroughsuspense.blogspot.com  
Goodreads: Kelly Bridgewater
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.bridgewater.3
Two other blogs I am a contributor to: Hoosier Ink (Indiana’s ACFW) www.hoosierink.blogspot.com and Sleuths and Suspects (www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com)

Writer Interview | Kelly Bridgewater

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I am a stay-at-home mother of three boys ages 13, 10, and 6 and a half. My youngest started kindergarten this past fall, so I have more spare time to create and write, which has been really great. This fall, I have been married for fourteen years to my best friend. I’m extremely grateful that he allows me to stay home and pursue my dreams. I have a Bachelor’s in English and a Masters in Writing from Indiana State University where I taught Freshman composition for two years.

...I started writing when my father handed me a journal to record my thoughts, feelings, short stories, or anything. As an immature young lady, I only wrote in it when I was upset with my parents. The pages sprawled with red markings declaring I hated my parents. As I matured, I learned the value of writing down my feelings and my story ideas. I would fill notebook pages with chapters, wanting to complete my story. I used to get laughed out in school because I always had my nose in a book or a notebook where I daydreamed a lot.

...I have kept writing because I can’t stop. Trust me, I have tried a lot because I have entered a number of contests and haven’t earned high scores. I kept begging God to stop giving me this desire, but he keeps plopping down story ideas in front of me. The next thing I know, I’m sitting in front of a computer, typing away the hours, allowing my imagination to run free.

Do you have a favorite book?
...My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I was introduced to this 1,062 page book when I was sophomore in high school. I signed up for a senior level creative writing course, and this was the book that was assigned. We had all semester to read it, but I finished it in one week. I loved it so much that I re-read it two more times that semester. Adventure. Revenge. Romance. Buried Treasure. Forgiveness. Just the type of books I’m still drawn to today.
**Leave a comment below to win a Kindle version of this book!

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...I’m working on a three-part series called The Lockwood Mills Files. They are romantic suspense books, but I have tried to make it a little different than most romantic suspense books because I want the romance between the hero and heroine to take place over the course of the three books. The mystery will coincide with the same arch. I have written the trilogy so that the mystery will appear to be wrapped up in each individual book, but when you read the next one, you notice it wasn’t. It has been tricky, leaving my own trail of clues from the beginning to the end, but I’m working on it.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...My favorite character is my hero, Devin Sanders. He carries around a lot of guilt from his past. From his parent’s divorce to the break-up between him and the heroine, Chloe Walker, but through the story, you will watch him change and grow, by owning up to his mistakes and allowing God to forgive him and accept his forgiveness. Because understanding God has forgiven us is easier sometimes than truly accepting his forgiveness. I want Devin to truly change before he can accept Chloe completely back into his life.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I want readers to learn that forgiveness is easy to confess, but until you actually embrace that God has truly forgiven you, than it will be hard for you to truly forgive others.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...The first thing that comes to me when I’m writing is the ending. I may not even know who the hero or heroine is but the ending or the climactic moment jumps in front of me. I sit down and write down what I think should be the biggest moment of the story. I backtrack by thinking of climactic moments that could strangle my characters more and more. Eventually, I sit down and interview characters from my character bank before finding the perfect hero and heroine who would be great for my story.

...My inspiration for my characters come from maybe a clip of a character who I admire in a movie or television show, but then I walk away and come up with a backstory that I think fits the characters.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Be patient! Keep writing! I have Psalm 37: 7 and James 5: 7-11 on notecards near my computer. It is really hard. I have wanted to give up so many times, but writing is liking breathing; I can’t live without it.

You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
...Yes, I listen to a radio station that I stream through the internet called Radiou (www.radiou.com). They play alternative Christian music. I like my music a little louder than the contemporary Christian music. I like praise and worship, but it must be loud and vocal. A couple of my favorite bands are We As Humans, I am Empire, Wolves at the Gate, Thousand Foot Krutch, and House of Heroes. On a side note, I can’t stand Hillsong or Francesca Battistelli. Both make me cringe when they are played.

What is your favorite season and why?
...Winter. I love everything about winter. Snow, ice, sledding, making snowman, drinking hot cocoa, and bundling up in layers make me feel nice and cozy. I love sweaters. Winter gives me time to lose myself in a good book. I wish winter was all year round.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
...I love romantic suspense and action books. I don’t want to be bored with characters that do normal things while wondering over and over and over again if they really like someone or does someone like them. Kill someone already! I need the action of discovering a killer or stalker to keep me interested.

Thank you so much for being my guest today Kelly. Readers, this woman is awesome! We met a few years ago at the ACFW conference and I have been blessed by our friendship since. It helps that we both love great romantic suspense and write it too. I'm looking forward to reading Kelly's books in print one day :)

In the mean time, I thought it would be fun to offer one of Kelly's favorite classics as a fun little giveaway. Leave a comment below for Kelly or commenting on your favorite genre to read and you could win a Kindle version of this amazing book.

Caryl McAdoo | New Novel News

Sing a New Song
by Caryl McAdoo

Published April 15, 2015
Indie Published
Purchase: Sing a New Song (Red River Romance Book 2)

The untimely death of her father shatters Mary Esther Robbins’ heart and separates her from her grade school best friend, Samuel Levi Baylor. During their twenty years apart, she fulfills her life’s dream of penning new songs and singing God’s praise with a Christian band, while he tends his growing cattle herd and shares the Good News at every opportunity.

The Lord brings her home then throws them back together when Samuel agrees to help Mary Esther move and remodel her childhood home. The two decades lost vanish, and their time together convinces both the other is the true soul mate. But misunderstanding and fear keeps them from expressing their true love. Though jealousy rears its ugly head, can love and commitment hold the two together? And while they’re both committed to ministering the Gospel together, can they do it as husband and wife?

Get to know Caryl...

What are the names of your pets?

I have two inside dogs, Markies (part Maltese, part Yorkie), Berri Bitti ‘Belle’ is the mama (6 lb.), and her lil’ girl, 4 lb. Sassafras a.k.a. ‘Sassy’. Outdoors, 3 more dogs, Border Collie Faith, Great Pyrenees Zoe, and walk-up sorta lab-pit looking Bodark, and he’s plenty henpecked :) At last count, 7 barn cats – all the gray ones are ‘Charlie’ and there’s Pat (yellow tiger-striped) Smoky and Misty (calicos). And I have a horse named Bliss, a Rooster named Roscoe and his hen is Tulip. Roscoe has his own song :) I sing new songs like Mary Esther, my heroine, but not ALL are praise and worship :) Some are just fun!

Share one pet peeve you have.

Ooooo, you’ve gone and done it now, Emilie :) Christian women dressing immodestly! They model such bad examples for all the younger women we are SUPPOSED to be teaching to be modest. Rhinestones and sequins on back pockets only draw attention to that ‘area’. It breaks my hearts when mothers put those and those skin tight yoga pants on their precious little girls. How can it be that they want to draw the attention of so many perverts in the world - - - not to mention Christian brothers who may have trouble with lust! They also wear blouses too low cut showing cleavage or leaving nothing to anyone’s imagination if they lean forward! And clothes in general that are too tight.

Next time you’re at church, notice this: when everyone ‘stands’ see how many women grab their belt loops or waistbands and hike the jeans allowing their derrières to settle again. It’s going on all over the sanctuary every time we ‘stand’ again! How does that affect the men behind them? Do they even care? Shall I step down off my soapbox? I could go on…
 
Do you have a nickname? Care to share?

My favorite granddaddy called me Lavonnie (my middle name is Lavonne) and he’d razz me calling me a Prune Picker because I was born in California. MY cousins were Okie and Arkie. I figured I should at least be a Callie, although what I wanted him to call me was Texan! :) And my mother called me Queenie a lot. You know, I mean, I am the firstborn; and an only child for eight years. I guess somehow I grew up thinking I should have my way in pretty much every instance. Then I married Ron and he was as bad as Mama and Daddy spoiling me. He called me Queenie, too, sometimes :) tee hee hee I still get my way a lot! :)

::WINNER::

Had the lovely Pepper Basham on the blog last week introducing her debut Historical Romance, The Thorn Bearer. She graciously offered a copy up as a giveaway and it's time to announce the winner! 

Congratulations to...

Rebecca Bell

Contact me Rebecca and we'll get you your copy :)

Marian P. Merritt {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Marian...

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

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

How to connect with Marian...

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

Author Interview | Marian P. Merritt

You and Writing

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

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

Your Writing

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

...I’m currently writing two books:

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

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


Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

::WINNER::

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

The winner of this lovely novel is...

Linda Rainey

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