Get to know Susan Page Davis | Mini-Interview

Emilie here: Today we're talking with Susan about social media & marketing as well as her novel The Seafaring Women of the Vera B. I'm excited to introduce her in this "mini-interview".

What's your favorite form of social media?
E-mail and my newsletter.

If your main character was on social media, what would she use?
She would probably be on Pinterest, pinning all sorts of lovely items she found in foreign markets.

Who is your favorite secondary character? 
In The Seafaring Women of the Vera B., it’s Lizzie, a lady’s maid who finds herself enlisted as a seaman on a merchant ship. She resents everyone and everything about her new situation, not the least of which being forced to share a cabin with reformed prostitutes. Lizzie begins to make peace with life assisted by an unlikely ally, but she has a long way to go.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
A Bible and two blank books.

If we could all sit down and have coffee with you, what are three things you'd want to share with us?
Social media terrifies me. I miss my far-flung children and grandchildren. I have no fashion sense whatsoever.

As an author, what do you find most difficult about social media/marketing? And tips to share? Keeping up with the different venues and how to get the most out of them. My tip is for people like me, hire someone to tweet for you.

What are you reading right now? 
I’m reading a nonfiction book from the 1800s, Life Among the Apache, by John C. Cremony, and I just finished Juliana Deering’s mystery novel Dressed for Death.

Enter to win a copy of The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.

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The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.
by Susan Page Daivis & James S. Davis

--> 1854—With the captain dead in Melbourne, Australia, Alice Packard thinks the worst has happened, until she learns the crew has deserted her husband’s ship in favor of the goldfields. Only one old man, Gypsy Deak, sticks by her, but Gypsy alone can’t raise a crew from the depleted population. In desperation, Alice turns to the only source of plentiful workers: the women of Melbourne. In a bold move, she and Gypsy empty a brothel, promising the escaped women a new life. Her all-woman (save one) crew put their backs and hearts into the voyage, but Alice finds training her sailors much harder than she expected. Her faith is tested to the limit. With a cargo to sell, angry brothel and tavern owners in pursuit, pirates to evade, and a mysterious stowaway, will the seafaring women of the Vera B. survive to tell the tale of this daring adventure?
Purchase: The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.

________________

Susan Page Davis writes romantic suspense, historical romance, and mystery. She is a Maine native now living in Kentucky, and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won several awards including the Carol Award for her novel The Prisoners Wife; the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award for The Prisoner's Wife and The Lumberjack's Lady (Maine Brides series); and the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for her novel Captive Trail (Texas Trails series). Visit her website at www.susanpagedavis.com 

Melissa Tagg & Linda Shenton Matchett | New Novel News

Like Never Before
by Melissa Tagg

Published: April 5, 2016
From: Bethany House
Purchase: Like Never Before


Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she new who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

Get to know Melisssa...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Okay, first of all, I would track down the guy who appears on the cover of my book and find out if he has any acting skills whatsoever. Because if so, he is SO the one to play Logan Walker. He looks so much like the Logan in my head, it’s uncanny.

And then I would cast myself as Amelia just so I could play opposite him!

Or, if absolutely forced to pick someone else, I would beg to go back in time and choose one of two classic film actresses: Carole Lombard or Jean Arthur. Either one could be perfect for the role!

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
London! And not actually because I think it’s the prettiest or even most amazing. I’d have to pick Scotland or somewhere in the Smokey Mountains if I was going with prettiest, most enchanting, most beautiful. But no, I’m picking London because it’s got a crazy special place in my heart. I studied abroad there in college and have been back several times. It stretched me, dazzled me, and captured my heart in so many ways. The best part was the friendships I developed while there. Love, love, love!

Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
Haha yesssss! Soooo…once upon a time, I set a fire at my workplace. In a moment of sheer oblivion, I stuck a travel mug in the microwave…set the timer for three minutes…and left the office kitchen. When I came back…there was smoke…there were flames…there was disaster! Now, the part that always gets left out of the story when coworkers tell it is that I PUT OUT THE FIRE. I really did. But yeah, it completely destroyed the microwave and left black streaks up and down the walls.

And earned me the nickname Sparky which I’m sure I will never, ever shake. :)
 

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Love's Harvest
by Linda Shenton Matchett

Published: April 4, 2016
From: Independently Published through Amazon
Purchase: Love's Harvest

Love's Harvest is a fictionalized account of the biblical book of Ruth set during WWII. Noreen Hirsch loses everything, including her husband and two sons. Then her adopted country goes to war with her homeland. Has God abandoned her? Rosa Hirsch barely adjusts to being a bride before she is widowed. She gives up her citizenship to accompany her mother-in-law to her home country. Can Rosa find acceptance among strangers who hate her belligerent nation? Basil Quincey is rich beyond his wildest dreams, but loneliness stalks him. Can he find a woman who loves him and not his money? Three people. One God who can raise hope from the ashes of despair.

Get to know Linda...

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past? 
I would definitely rather go to the past. I prefer the simplicity of the non-technological world and could easily live “off the grid.” That’s why I write about the WWII era.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
Without a doubt, I would have to say England. My unpublished trilogy is set in England, and I did a lot of “armchair” research. So when I traveled to England and stood in places where I had written my characters, it was the thrill of a lifetime.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without? 
My husband because he is like having Davy Crockett around – he would be able to create shelter out of nothing and find edible food, a supply of notebooks and pencils (is that one thing or two) so I can write, and a roll of duct tape because you can use it to make almost anything!

::WINNER::

I had two lovely ladies on the blog last week offering up copies of their novels and we've got winners!

Winner of The Tiger's Cage:

Trixi O.

Winner of The Nanny's Secret Child:

Rebecca Bell

Julianna Deering {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Julianna...


Julianna Deering has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted from Bethany House with Rules of Murder (2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (2014), Dressed for Death (2016) and Murder on the Moor (Coming 2017). Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and six contemporary mysteries for Annie’s Fiction. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).

Connect with Julianna...


Websites: www.juliannadeering.comwww.deannajuliedodson.com
On Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering/
https://www.facebook.com/julie.dodson.9659
On Twitter: @DeAnnaJulDodson
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565151.Julianna_Deering
Sign up for Drew's News www.juliannadeering.com/newsletter.php Purchase: Dressed for Death

Get to know Julianna Deering...

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

People are often surprised when I tell them I had no plans to be a writer when I was growing up or even when I was in college. I always loved to read, but it never occurred to me to try to write anything. Certainly not for publication. But when I was in college, sitting through boring lectures on tax accounting or business law, I began writing little scenes. I still had no intention of ever trying to get published or even making the scenes I had into one coherent whole.

Then a friend of mine suggested I actually write a book and get it published. To my amazement, In Honor Bound, the book I pieced together out of my collection of random scenes, was accepted for publication. Now, as Julianna Deering and as DeAnna Julie Dodson, I have twelve books traditionally published and three more due to come out over the next several months. There have been lots of ups and downs over the past few years, some times of waiting, and some times of incredible answers to prayer. Through it all, I have held on to this scripture: For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. Whatever comes, I know God is holding my hand and helping me through.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book...

Why did you write it?
This is Book Four of my Drew Farthering Mysteries series, so of course I wanted to continue his sleuthing adventures. I love Regency romances and Jane Austen, and since each of the books in this series have a literary inspiration, I thought it would be fun to have Drew and Madeline attend a Regency-themed house party. Besides that, I wanted to show that romance doesn’t end at the altar, so I was especially eager to write about Drew and Madeline as a married couple.

What is one take-away from your book you hope readers identify with?
One of the struggles Drew has during this investigation is something I think most of us deal with: What is my calling? What did God create me to do? He wonders if God would ever call someone to be a detective, but Madeline tells him that helping find the truth and helping people in tragic circumstances are certainly godly callings. We each have something we’re meant to do, something unique. One person’s calling isn’t going to look like anyone else’s, and that’s all right. As long as we do what we’re each designed to do, great or small, we are worshiping God.

Is there a funny story associated with writing the book?
One of my friends specifically asked to be killed in one of my books, and I was delighted to oblige. Of course even though I started with my friend for inspiration, the character grew and changed to become an individual. But it was fun to do a “murder by request.”

What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Mini Milky Way Dark, hands down. Only the minis and only the dark chocolate ones. Preferably frozen.


Writing

Tell us a little bit about your writing life...

How long did you write before you got published?
It took me about eleven years to write my first book.

How many rejection letters did you get before being accepted by a publisher?
Only two. The third accepted my book for publication. It was a genuine miracle.

Are you a Pantser or a Plotter?
Yes. I do both, depending on the book and how long I have before it’s due. Pantsing takes a lot more time and wasted words. Plotting takes a lot more preparation.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
I wanted this series to have the feel of a mystery written during the 1930s or a movie made during that time. I try not to let any “modern” sneak in. And, of course, each book has a different literary inspiration which gives them each a slightly different flavor.

You

Do you listen to music when you write?
Not usually. If I do, it’s something epic, like movie soundtrack music. That’s mostly to keep me from falling asleep at my desk, which I tend to do. I can’t listen to anything with words. That interferes with the words I’m trying to create in my head.

What is your favorite season and why?
Fall. After the usually brutal Texas summer, fall is a blessed relief.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
I like almost anything American or English set between 1300 and 1949, especially mystery and clean romance. I like stories that take me away from all the crazy that is our current society.

::WINNER::

I had Jaime Jo Wright on the blog last week offering up a copy of The Cowboy's Bride. The winner is...

Stella Potts

Congrats Stella - I'll be emailing you!

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead | Book Release

Woohoo! THE GLITTERING COURT by Richelle Mead releases today and I get to share the news, along with a special giveaway, for you my dear readers! I'm not sure if you know the full extent of my LOVE of YA...it's definitely been growing in TBR and in my heart (awe) and you'll be seeing a bit more of me posting about it on the blog.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book and a $25 Sephora Gift Card courtesy of Richelle, Penguin Teen, and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:

Title: THE GLITTERING COURT

Author: Richelle Mead

Pub. Date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook

Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

The Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling author Richelle Mead.

"Brilliant and original, Mead’s new series starts off with a bang and will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end."

—School Library Journal

For a select group of girls, the Glittering Court offers a shot at a life they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. To high-born Adelaide, whose wealthy family is forcing her into a loveless marriage, the Glittering Court represents something else: the chance to chart her own destiny, and adventure in an unspoiled, prosperous new land across the sea.

After a chance meeting with the dazzling Cedric Thorn, Adelaide poses as a servant to join the crop of impoverished girls he promises to transform into proper ladies. But her familiarity with upper class life comes with a price: she must hide her identity from her new friends, mysterious refugee Mira and fiery former laundress Tamsin, and most importantly, from Cedric himself—even though she’s falling in love with him. 

Everything begins to crumble when Cedric discovers Adelaide’s ruse, and she catches the eye of a powerful young governor, who wants her for a wife. She didn’t leave the gilded cage of her old life behind just to become someone else's property. But nothing is as daunting—or as wonderful—as the potent, forbidden attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. One that, if acted on, would make them both outcasts in a wild, dangerous, uncharted world, and possibly lead them to their deaths.

Exclusive Excerpt:

About Richelle:

Richelle Mead has written over twenty-five novels for teens and adults. She is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series and its spinoff series, Bloodlines. Her recent standalone novel, Soundless, draws upon Chinese mythology and history, and her forthcoming series, The Glittering Court, follows the adventures of girls destined for arranged marriages in a fantasy world inspired by colonial America. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Website| Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a hardcover of THE GLITTERING COURT & a $25 Sephora Gift Card. US Only.

Ends on April 15th at Midnight EST!

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Linda J. White & Lorraine Beatty | New Novel News

The Tiger's Cage
Linda J. White

Published: April 1, 2016
From: Windy Bay Books
Purchase: The Tiger's Cage


FBI Special Agent Tom Donovan’s life spins out of control when Angel Ramos, the drug lord he’s been investigating, kidnaps Tom’s eighteen-year-old son, Kenny. While Kenny fights to survive, Tom pursues Ramos aggressively. On the worst night of his life, he discovers his greatest strength isn’t his at all.

Get to know Linda...

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
I love Tom Donovan! He’s strong, aggressive, and he frequently overruns his headlights. But his heart is good. He’s a wounded warrior, and I love that.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Black. Just the way Tom drinks it.

What are you reading right now? 
Just finished “The Nature of the Beast,” by Louise Penny, and “My Name is Lucy Barton,” by Elizabeth Strout. About to start “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.

The Nanny's Secret Child
by Lorraine Beatty

Published: April 1, 2016
From: Love Inspired
Purchase: The Nanny's Secret Child


Widower Gil Montgomery’s new nanny has a secret. There’s a reason Julie Bishop and Gil’s daughter Abby connect so perfectly—Julie is Abby’s birth mother. Julie gave her daughter up for adoption years ago, but she couldn’t resist the chance to be close to the child her heart never forgot. But Julie never imagined she’d fall for the handsome adoptive dad. Gil’s been burned before, and Julie worries that if her secret is exposed, he’ll never forgive her.

The perfect family is so close, but so far… Unless Gil can let the past go and welcome Julie home. Right where she belongs.

Get to know Lorraine...

Who is your favorite secondary character?
 In one of my pre-Love Inspired books, I had a older woman named Florence who was interested in everything. She rode a motorcycle, took quilting classes, tap dancing lessons, arranged flowers and a long list of other things. She was so fun. I may have to clone her soon and use her in a LI book.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. First thing. But I’m a purest. Regular coffee with cream and sugar. No flavors, not foam, or froth or little drawings. Okay, I’ll have an occasional Starbucks but only if there’s someone with me to interpret. They’re good but no way can I let myself get hooked on that stuff. I already have two favorite desserts. (*see next question.) I can’t afford another one. LOL

Favorite dessert?
Can I only have one? I just had a birthday so I ordered Chocolate Cake with Fudge icing. Yum. But I’m also in love with Bread Pudding – any kind, with or without rum sauce. I’ll confess I sometimes (rarely) I’ll make a small batch just for me. LOL

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::WINNER::

Congrats to Loraine N. as last week's winner from Sandra Orchard's adult coloring book giveaway!

Rebirth by Amy Brock McNew | Cover Reveal

Rebirth

Releasing: May 24, 2016

Liz Brantley has a gift she wants to return.

Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. The demon Markus, drawn to her abilities, unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.
She’s desperate for a normal life.


When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted flits within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Ryland Vaughn, reappears with secrets of his own. Secrets that will alter her destiny.
Torn between two worlds, Liz is caught in an ancient war between good and evil.
And she isn’t sure which side to choose.



Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities.
Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this intriguing author.

Jaime Jo Wright {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Jaime...

Professional coffee drinker, Jaime Wright, resides in the hills of Wisconsin. She loves to write spirited and suspenseful, turn-of-the-century romance.

How to connect with Jaime...

Website: www.jaimejowright.com
Blog: http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright
Twitter: twitter.com/jaimejowright
Pinterest: pinterest.com/jaimejowright
Instagram: Instagram.com/jaimejowright
Periscope: @jaimejowright
Purchase: The Cowboy's Bride

Get to know Jaime Jo Wright

You and Writing 

Tell us a little bit about yourself...


Why do you write? Writing is my other-world, and it always has been. It’s that dangerous place you go into your mind where the rest of the world drifts away and you float into adventures that take spiraling turns you never expected. I have always had an overactive imagination, so I married a guy I call “Cap’n Hook” because he has imagination in the negatives and his pragmatism keeps me balanced and my feet on the ground. Poor man always has to deal with me lifting up objects like paper clips or toothpicks and contemplating aloud how you could use it as a murder weapon. Or, worse, the poor man has to deal with me staring at him with dreamy eyes and swooning when he walks in the door all covered in saw dust and dirt from logging our back woods. Gosh. Hunkafide.

I love to spend time passing on my imagination to my Tinkerbell and Peter Pan, and my kiddos have it in spades (so poor Cap’n Hook is pretty much outnumbered). When I’m not writing, I have a day job where I direct people as a Director of Sales, Development & Associate Relations. It’s a hefty job, but gives me a lot of flexibility so I can work out of coffee shops sometimes. (Writer’s paradise)

Emilie here: Love this "look" into you Jaime! I tend to think more in the imaginative world than the real one ha!

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your novella...

When I wrote my novella it was starkly clear to me that it must be set in New Mexico. All the Western states seemed to be well represented in novels, especially that Texas! But I grew up going to New Mexico in the summers to visit my Uncle’s horse ranch and my grandparents who lived next door. So there’s a part of me that has New Mexico in her blood. Fond memories of my Uncle Dave meant he needed to be represented in my novella as well. He passed away awhile ago and we all feel the ache his absence left behind. When I wrote “Charlie”, my glorified version of an old cowboy, Uncle Dave was filtering into every sentence and scene.

 Emilie here: Oh wow - it's amazing to hear the "story behind the story" in a sense, with this! I love that you choose a less represented state too. Those Texan's get all the stories *hehe*.

Writing

Let's talk about your writing life...

How long did you write before you got published?
Hmmmm….I have been writing since I was 13 with the intention to be published some day. Lofty intentions, to be sure. I had no idea the journey it would take me on. 26 years later, here I am. (you do math, yeah, I’m THAT old).

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
I think when I look at young writers now, I believe it’s dangerous to say that you’ll achieve your dreams if you just keep trying. The publishing world is iffy and ebbs and flows. If you attend a writer’s conference you’ll see hundreds of people with the SAME DREAM and yet a large publisher might only publish 7-15 fiction titles a year. That’s quite the odds. So you may be the BEST writer, and never see your name in print. So, sure aspire for it, reach for it, never quit, but write because you LOVE it. Write as if you never shared your work with anything other than your harddrive you’d be okay. Writing is in your blood.

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You

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it? I love to read historicals with suspense and romance. I need plot. Straight up historical romance can be exceptionally well done if there’s a good driving plot beneath. It doesn’t have to involve murder (altho that’s always a plus). I love Erica Vetsch, for example, because while hers have zilcho to do with suspense she has snark riddled through her pages and a good story to go alongside the romance. I also love to read rom-com (Romantic Comedy) and Romantic Suspense.

What’s your favorite green food? (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
My favorite green food, in honor of St. Paddy, is pistachio gelato. OMIGOSH. To die for.

What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading a few books (I always have more than one going). Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is my current open on the kindle. My paperback on the couch is The Fine Art of Murder by the dude who wrote Rambo. So good, but really thick, so it’s taking awhile. On my desk at work is The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. Also so good, also really thick.

Emilie here: Thank you so much for joining us on the blog today! I loved getting to meet you and do head shots a last years conference. You, my dear, have the best sense of humor! Readers, go check out this lovely collection and join Jaime on social media.

::WINNER::

Had the lovely Rachel McMillan on the blog last week (check out her interview if you missed it) and she offered up a copy of her new book, The Bachelor Girl's Guide To Murder. Her winner is:

Patty Hamblin

I'll be in contact Patty - and thanks everyone for participating!