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Author Interview — Laine Lawson Craft, Author of The Parent’s Battle Plan

7 Jun

About The Book

Book: The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal

Author: Laine Lawson Craft

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: March 14, 2023

You are not alone–there is hope and healing for every hurting heart.

Today’s technology has made sinful experiences and deadly choices accessible to our teenagers and young adults with just a click. And parents are left with the disappointments–and devastating fallout–of their children’s choices.

Through sharing her own story of praying three very wayward prodigals home, Laine Lawson Craft offers not only hope and insight, but also a practical, tried-and-true battle plan for parents walking this heartbreaking season of life. You’ll discover how to

  • handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
  • deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
  • pray emboldened by God’s promises
  • fight for your child’s destiny
  • and more

You can win the war of darkness over your children–even when you don’t get the miracle you asked for.

Click HERE to purchase.

About The Author

Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is a best-selling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook and Instagram Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Florida.

More from Laine

I would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.

Q & A with Laine Lawson Craft

Many authors say that they have always been a writer. When did you come to realize this?

I wrote early on in my early 20s laid it down for over twenty years and picked it back up in my early 50s.

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

My husband read some of my first words and fell in love with them and actually had no idea they were my words! So he has been my number one cheerleader and fan.

Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

I had a major advantage because I had published a national magazine circulated to every bookstore in America and Canada named WHOAwomen Magazine. Therefore, I had a lot of experience, and then God connected me to the right people.

What types of research did you pursue?

Not too much, but mainly on families’ health and children in distress and hurting.

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in
your writing schedule?

I am very structured. I work best with a plan and a schedule of goals to reach in my writing,

How long does is it take for you to write a book?

Less than a year.

Can you tell us what inspired your book?

Desiring to help other parents who were struggling with wayward children no matter how old they were, to find hope and ways to win their prodigals back home and heal their families

What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing reading your book?

After reading the book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal will help parents who are struggling with wayward children, no matter how old they are, find the hope that with one touch from God, their prodigal can be delivered and everything can change instantly and that these tried-and-true tools and applications found in this book can initiate the shift in their family win their prodigals home and give the victory!

Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

Yes, I would love to publish a daily 365 Day devotional book I have been working on with daily scripture, devotional, and prayer for every day in the battle to keep parents strengthened and encouraged.

Please include any personal information you would like to share (family, hobbies, etc.)

Yes, I love walking, praising and worshiping, cooking, and being with my family! The beach is my favorite place to be!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

An Author’s Take, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Vibrant Wings, June 6

By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview)

Walking Fruitfully, June 7

Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26267/the-parents-battle-plan-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Author Interview — Linda Shenton Matchett

19 May

About The Book

Book: Gold Rush Bride Tegan

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 25, 2022

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart.

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late…for both of them?

Click HERE to get your copy.

About The Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of World War II and a former trustee for her local public library. She now resides in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities are exploring the state’s historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story.

A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure.

The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty.

Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan.

I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more.

Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey.

It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime.

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Q & A with Linda Shenton Matchett

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

My parents are voracious readers, and I don’t know if they intentionally pushed me into writing, but when I was about seven or eight, they gave me a package of pens and a 100-page notepad (complete with bouquet of pencils illustrated on the cover) and told me to fill it. They might have just been trying to keep me out of trouble, but the result was that I fell in love with crafting stories. Whenever I filled a notebook, I could count on my folks to give me another one. After my first book was published in 2016, they were huge cheerleaders and told everyone they knew. As each subsequent book came out, they were just as excited as if it was my first. When my mom passed away last year, I found multiple copies of all of my books on her shelves.

What types of research do you pursue?

Books, on-site visits, etc. Research is my favorite part of the writing process. I try to use primary sources as much as possible. I outline all my books which means I know what topics need to be researched, and I do that before starting the manuscript. I happily chase rabbit trails which are sometimes useless, but many time give me ideas for other stories. I am blessed to have a WWII museum in my town and am able to access their archives for my WWII stories. I also watch oral history interviews of people who lived during that time. For books set earlier, I try to find journals, diaries, or autobiographies, and for my books in the Gold Rush series, I unearthed two fabulous books that included diary excerpts from women who were prospectors. I also found several articles and pamphlets written by gold rushers. I try to visit the places I write about, but that’s not always possible. Fortunately, for Tegan I had already been to Alaska. My husband and I had visited there about five years prior to writing the story. I didn’t know I’d write a book set there, but I always troll for history and information of anyplace I visit, so I had plenty of notes!

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

I have a full-time job and by nature am an organized person, so I create a schedule for all of my author activities to ensure everything gets done. I’m an “early-bird” and typically am at my desk ready to write by about 5:30 AM on weekdays. I use weekends to create blog posts, write my YouTube scripts, and plan social media engagement.

Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

The Gold Rush Brides series is a multi-author series that I started after stumbling on two little known facts: there was a major gold rush in northern Georgia almost twenty years before the California rush and there were female prospectors. Some women followed husbands or fathers to the gold fields, but others went to escape a bad situation at home, to make a fresh start, or for the sheer adventure of trying it. I knew I had to tell their story. Book 1 (Hannah)is set during the Georgia gold rush in 1829, and Book 2 is about Hannah’s daughter (set in 1859) at the Pike’s Peak gold rush. To write Tegan (Hannah’s granddaughter), I needed to find a gold rush that occurred at least fifty years later. The Nome gold rush began in 1898. Perfect!

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any
    works in progress you can share about?

    I always have a book in process, whether I’m outlining, writing, or editing. I just started Beryl’s Bounty Hunter, a mail-order bride story set in Wyoming during 1875. Beryl comes to America in response to an ad, but soon discovers that the agency is fraudulent and a front for kidnapping women. The book will release in August of this year. Then I have a WWII Thanksgiving story on the docket called Francine’s Foibles.

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/25f59/gold-rush-bride-tegan-celebration-tour-giveaway

    Blog Stops

    Sylvan Musings, May 10 (Author Interview)

    Lily’s Book Reviews, May 11

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)

    Texas Book-aholic, May 14

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15

    Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 16 (Author Interview)

    Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16

    Connie’s History Classroom, May 17

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18

    By The Book, May 19 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, May 19

    Books Less Travelled, May 20

    For Him and My Family, May 21

    For the Love of Literature, May 22 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

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    Spotlight on Historical Romance: The Lieutenant’s Secret Love

    26 Apr

    About The Book

    Book: The Lieutenant’s Secret Love

    Author: Elva Cobb Martin

    Genre: Christian Historical Romance

    Release date: April 11, 2023

    An exposed family secret changed her life forever and blindsided his Marine heart.

    From the day Hannah was abandoned as a newborn, her adoptive parents have kept the truth of her origin from her and her siblings. But when that secret is exposed, a threat arises which forces her to leave the only family she’s ever known and the adoptive brother she adores. She must start her life anew in Charleston.

    U.S. Marine Lieutenant Adam White, harbors a secret—more confidential than patrolling the Caribbean for French corsairs, more threatening than the fight against Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. Adam carries a personal, burning secret in his heart. He’s fallen in love with Hannah since discovering she is not his blood sister. And the thought that she might only ever see him as her loving big brother may be the greatest threat to him yet.

    As the Charleston men seek to win Hannah’s heart, she never loses touch with the man who had been her older brother. The man her heart can’t help seeing him in a whole new light. But when Adam’s squadron sets out for the Mediterranean on the most dangerous mission of his life, only God can keep him—and their love—alive.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About The Author

    Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at http://www.elvamartin.com.

    ****************

    More from Elva

    Researching our true American history for this novel inspired me so much in a day when many are trying to ignore or wipe out our Christian foundations and heroic acts. I want to share two particular true stories which I use in my novel that should bless and inspire you, too.

    First, I set my story the year after President George Washington died. He died December 14, 1799, after a bout of laryngitis following a horseback ride in the snow to check his plantation. But truly, his death was brought on by the horrid bleeding (phlebotomy) common in that day that three prominent physicians put him through. History records they bled eight quarts from his body in about thirteen hours. The physicians soon observed… “that he expired without a struggle.” –Of course he couldn’t struggle, with all that blood loss. I’ve told you this to tell you Washington’s last words.

    Washington, at about eleven o’clock in the evening, uttered his last words: “Father of mercies, take me unto thyself,” and “tis well.”

    On Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon is engraved: “I am the Resurrection and the Life; saith the Lord. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”

    The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., which is 555 feet tall, has engraved on its metal cap the Latin phrase “Laus Deo,” which means “Praise be to God.”

    The other true story of our history that inspired me proves the bravery and derring-do of the fledging Navy and Marines during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. Many don’t know that Washington actually disbanded the original Navy right after the Revolution as he had no intention of putting this almost penniless new nation into any more wars or try to find the money to support a Navy.

    But Barbary Muslim pirates in the Mediterranean started plundering our merchant ships no longer under British protection and taking entire crews into slavery. We ended up paying huge sums of tribute for questionable protection and hefty ransoms to redeem any of our crews taken into slavery. President Thomas Jefferson saw the great need for a strong Navy and went about securing it during his two terms (1801-.1809). A famous byword of those days became: “Millions for defense, not a cent for tribute.”

    Naval heroes like William Eaton, Edward Preble, Stephen Decatur, and Marine lieutenant Presley O’Bannon blazoned across our history during the turbulent wars against the Muslim Barbary pirates and sultans. One incident stands out that I decided to include in my novel with my fictional hero, Marine Lieutenant Adam White, added to the story and my heroine Hannah, awaiting letters from him.

    Jefferson and Congress commissioned the building of a Navy frigate, the USS Philadelphia, the largest, most modern for the period, to do battle in this Barbary war. America was proud of this ship and it’s potential. But to everyone’s dismay, the Philadelphia got stuck on a sand bar near Tripoli’s harbor, and soon ended up captured by the Tripoli pirates, and its crew taken into slavery. Even though the American captain damaged the ship as best he could before being forced to surrender it, the horror was compounded when the Muslims bragged they would soon repair the ship and use it against us. President Jefferson, Congress, the Navy, and all America suffered some dark days indeed.

    But naval hero Stephen Decatur came up with a daring, dangerous plan to slip into the well-guarded Tripoli Harbor where the ship was anchored while being repaired. He chose a few handpicked Marines (my novel hero included!) who would attempt to burn the Philadelphia and keep it from ever being used against us. They would have no Navy backup and would all end up in slavery if the Muslims discovered them.

    You’ll have to read my novel (or do research) to find out how this ended!

    Q & A with Elva Cobb Martin

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

     I wrote my first original story in seventh grade.

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?  

     Dr. Bill West, Anderson University professor.

    Why did you choose the historical romance genre?

    Because of my love of history and God’s often intervention in our American continuing story.

    Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

    Yes. Life being too busy to study and pursue novel-writing. Although I did have a number of articles published in magazines, this is the basic excuse I give for my first novel being published at age 75. God has been so good to keep giving me stories! I’m now working on novel eight.

    What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc. 

    I do read lots of books; usually have several going at one time. I also watch and save movies that depict a particular historical period. And I love visiting historical sites and taking photos for my file.

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?  

    Surprisingly, I do not write on novels every day. I have certain days I take care of other family business, write bills, or wash clothes, etc. But on the days I designate for writing, I write from early morning to about 6 pm, with two hours off to prepare and eat lunch with my husband.

    How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits)

    It usually takes about eight months, then two or three more for the book tobe released by my publisher, Wild Heart Books.

    Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

    Interesting research I ran across about our early American Navy and Marines helped inspire my latest novel, The Lieutenant’s Secret Love, which will be released April 5, 2023. I love honoring our military which I do in this story. They deserve it!

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    I hope readers find my novels, exciting, inspiring, and depicting romance between a man and woman as I believe God meant it to be.

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    I am in the Plotstorming stage for Book 6, The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride, in our Charleston Brides series, hopefully to be released in 2024.

    Readers can connect with Elva in several ways:

    Newsletter signup on my web site: http://www.elvamartin.com

    Author Blog: http://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin 

    Blog Stops

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

    Locks, Hooks and Books, April 15

    Texas Book-aholic, April 16

    Connie’s History Classroom, April 17

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 18

    Sylvan Musings, April 19

    Betti Mace, April 20

    Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 21 (Author Interview)

    Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 21

    Cover Lover Book Review, April 22

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

    For Him and My Family, April 24

    Holly’s Book Corner, April 25

    By The Book, April 26 (Author Interview)

    Karen Baney Reviews, April 26

    Pause for Tales, April 27

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Elva is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/2566c/the-lieutenant-s-secret-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

    Tags: ,

    Spotlight On Contemporary Romance — The Broken Hearts Bakery

    10 Apr

    Happy release day to Carla Laureano. The first novel in her new Haven Ridge series, The Broken Hearts Bakery is now available. This series promises all things you love about a Carla Laureano book. Find all about it below.

    Fifteen years ago, the town of Haven Ridge failed its most important mandate—to be a sanctuary for heartbroken citizens in need. Now it’s getting a second chance to set things right …

    When Gemma left her hometown of Haven Ridge, Colorado, years ago in a cloud of controversy, she swore she would never return. And she’s kept that promise, instead building her reputation as one of LA’s preeminent family law attorneys. But when her lifelong best friend begs her to come stay with her teen stepdaughter, Taylor, while she’s on a business trip, Gemma doesn’t have the heart to refuse. She’ll simply keep a low profile, do her honorary aunt duties, and be gone before anyone knows the difference.

    But Haven Ridge seems to have a mind of its own, dragging Gemma unwillingly back into the community she’s tried so hard to leave behind, and she soon finds herself caught up with new friends and old rivalries. When Taylor is the object of an ugly bit of teen bullying that brings back far too many unwelcome memories, Gemma does the only thing she knows how to do: ply her honorary niece with baked goods and words of affirmation. Soon, her temporary digs are ground zero for teenage girls seeking sugar and consolation for shockingly adult problems—which the girls soon dub The Broken Hearts Bakery.

    Complicating matters is an unexpected reunion with Gemma’s high school sweetheart, Stephen, who is determined to change her mind about him, the town, and the nature of love itself. Because as it turns out, her niece isn’t the only one nursing a broken heart…

    To purchase, click HERE.

    Carla Laureano could never decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, so she decided to become a novelist–and she must be kinda okay at it because she’s won two RWA RITA® Awards. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking and trying to read through her TBR shelf, which she estimates will be finished in 2054. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two teen sons, and an opinionated cat named Willow.

    Connect with Carla online at her website (http://www.carlalaureano.com) or on any of these social media platforms:

    Facebook.com/CarlaLaureanoAuthor

    Instagram.com/carlalaureanoauthor

    Pinterest.com/laureano_carla

    Bookbub.com/authors/carla-laureano

    Goodreads.com/author/show/7075143.Carla_Laureano

    Q&A with Carla Laureano

    What is the Haven Ridge series about?

    The Haven Ridge series is a small-town romance series with a magical realism twist: the town has gotten away from its founding mission to provide a haven for people who needed a fresh start and a community, and as such, it’s slowly dwindling away. The prequel novella, The Brick House Cafe, goes into the history of the town and its goal to rebuild itself by drawing back the people it needs and who in turn need it. Each full length shows how the town draws people together and how the people in it contribute to the new life of the town!

    What is The Broken Hearts Bakery about?

    When Gemma left her hometown of Haven Ridge, Colorado, years ago in a cloud of controversy, she swore she would never return. And she’s kept that promise, instead building her reputation as one of LA’s preeminent family law attorneys. But when her lifelong best friend begs her to come stay with her teen stepdaughter, Taylor, while she’s on a business trip, Gemma doesn’t have the heart to refuse. She’ll simply keep a low profile, do her honorary aunt duties, and be gone before anyone knows the difference.

    But Haven Ridge seems to have a mind of its own, dragging Gemma unwillingly back into the community she’s tried so hard to leave behind, and she soon finds herself caught up with new friends and old rivalries. When Taylor is the object of an ugly bit of teen bullying that brings back far too many unwelcome memories, Gemma does the only thing she knows how to do: ply her honorary niece with baked goods and words of affirmation. Soon, her temporary digs are ground zero for teenage girls seeking sugar and consolation for shockingly adult problems—which the girls soon dub The Broken Hearts Bakery.

    Complicating matters is an unexpected reunion with Gemma’s high school sweetheart, Stephen, who is determined to change her mind about him, the town, and the nature of love itself. Because as it turns out, her niece isn’t the only one nursing a broken heart…

    The Broken Hearts Bakery deals some heavy subjects. Why did you choose those to write about?

    I’ve witnessed several friends extricate themselves from abusive marriages over the last couple of years and I’ve seen how difficult it was for them to find attorneys who believed them and would take their cases—which is in part how the character of Gemma came about. Likewise, I’m the moms to two teens and hearing the kinds of issues they and their friends are dealing with can be heartbreaking. Over the course of writing, those two things wove together into one of the central messages: that everyone has the right to feel safe and to make their own choices without threat or coercion.

    Did anything surprise you as you were writing the book?

    I started out with a couple of different subplots for different side characters, and I wasn’t really sure how I was going to make them all work together, so I was surprised that they actually did dovetail together under a single message/theme by the time I was done.

    Where did you get the idea for this book?

    The title came first, and I thought it up several years ago. I had absolutely no intention to write any more food-related books, but the phrase just kind of popped into my head and wouldn’t let me go. There have actually been a couple of different iterations of this book with different plots and Gemma and Stephen underwent a major transformation over time—it took me a while to find the right story to tell.

    What kind of research did you do to write this series?

    The majority of my research involved the setting: Haven Ridge is set rather vaguely in a real area of southern Colorado, between Salida and Buena Vista. It has a colorful and interesting history, so coming up with a founding story that was plausible (as detailed in the prequel novella, The Brick House Café) and fit with the actual history of the area was my first priority. From there, it was getting the architectural and topographical details right. And then there’s the usual character-based stuff, like the handful of legal details that came into play in Gemma’s point-of-view! (By total coincidence, one of my beta readers is a law professor, which was super helpful.)

    Most of your books are set in Colorado. Is Haven Ridge based on a real place, or is it made up?

    Haven Ridge is completely made up, but it’s heavily based on Salida, Colorado, which is in the same area. Given the fact that they were founded about the same time and sit in the same general area, it made sense to model the architecture and hot springs on the real place.

    What can we expect next from you?

    I’m planning for the Haven Ridge series to run for at least four books, not including the prequel, so you can expect three more after this one! I’m hoping to finish up the series with a Christmas novel, which will be the first one I’ve ever written.

    What can you tell us about the next book in the Haven Ridge series?

    The next book in the series is The Beacon Street Bookshop, and it will be the story of Gemma’s best friend, Liv, who has been widowed young and is not in any way looking for love again. I’ve been wanting to write a second-chance-after-tragedy story and a bookshop story for ages, so I’m very excited to get to write this one!

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    Book Spotlight And Author Interview — Rose

    10 Apr

     About The Book

    Book: Rose

    Author: Rena Groot

    Genre: Christian Historical Romantic Fiction

    Release date: April 28, 2022

    Strong, determined Rose finds more than she bargained for on a wagon train headed out West on the Oregon Trail. Will she be able to leave the comforts of high society behind to survive the rigors of the trail? Will she humbly admit her need for strength, hope and courage from God? What is God saying to her about Lachlan, her surprise chaperone? Why did God bring Lachlan into her life if their dreams collide? Rose has dreams of being a teacher in town. Lachlan’s dream is to be a rancher, far from any town. Must Rose abandon her dreams to embrace his…or will she let this gentle giant of a man leave to pursue his own dreams?

    Click here to get your copy!

    About The Author

    Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, have published eight books, I have designed a digital course called Broken to Beautiful-Transformed By God’s Power, I have been a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, have been a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four—and the most important part—I am a child of God.

    Author Q & A

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    There is much more to the story…but my addiction to writing was born while sitting under a mosquito net in China. I didn’t stop writing until A Life Set Free was finished.

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    Two high school teachers and a seminary professor gave me the impression they thought I was a gifted writer. There are so many amazing authors, I am not sure why God chose me to write. I am sure God must have smiled when I discovered this gift from Him. I hope I get to write in eternity.

    Why did you choose to writein the historical, romantic, Christian genre?

    My friend Caryl McAdoo seemed confident I could write a Prairie Rose Collection book…so upon her invitation I wrote Rose. I loved reading settler’s accounts of their travels.

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule? 

    I am very scattered and informal. One night I had such a flow of ideas I wrote all night. Basically, I write when I can’t not write.

    How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits) 

    That has varied from twenty-five years, to three years, to a few months.

    Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel.

    I wanted women to have a beautiful, wholesome, God-honoring, historical fiction, love story.

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    A greater faith, hope, and trust in God.

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    Abi. It is 1863. The civil war has brought chaos to Abigail’s family. She is haunted by a letter she is carrying from her father that could ruin her reputation. She is tempted to burn it, but her dream of a home in Oregon would also be ruined. Her fiancé is waiting for her in Oregon City…but there’s aproblem. William. Abi must keep so many secrets or her future hopes could be destroyed.

    More from Rena

    My middle name is Rose. I was named after my grandmother, Rose. As far as I know, I never met my father’s mother, Rose. Her life, and my dad’s, were an enigma to me. While writing this book I found out Rose had two other grandchildren I knew nothing about—my brother and sister I didn’t know existed. God is so amazing! (This is attached to the email)

    One of my favorite recipes is fry bread. On days we stay in camp, I make enough for the week. It gets a bit hard towards the end of the week, but softens when it’s dipped in stew. Here’s the recipe: Four cups flour, one quarter cup shortening—I use bacon fat—four teaspoons baking powder, three-quarters cup of milk, one teaspoon salt, and oil or fat for frying. If the dough is too thick or thin, Willow said to play with it until it feels just right. It can also be made into a dessert if you put milk, cinnamon, and berries on top.

    Johnnycake’s delicious with beans. It’s so easy to make. You need two eggs, two cups of sour milk, one half cup flour, two tablespoons molasses, one teaspoon salt, two cups cornmeal, one teaspoon baking powder, and two tablespoons butter. You mix all the ingredients then bake it in a Dutch oven over the fire until it’s cooked.

    Cheese is easy to make. It’s a good way to use the two gallons of milk we get from our cow and the goat each day. We are getting so much we have been sharing. Willow showed me how to gently heat the milk in a pail on the fire until it’s blood warm. Rennet is needed to make cheese, so I use a flask made from a cow’s stomach because it has rennet in it. I had no idea. I pour the hot milk into the stomach flask and wait. After it’s been left a few hours, I pour it out, break up the curds, and mix them with salt. I wrap the curds in a cloth and put them in a round wooden frame called “the follower.” (Thankfully, Lachlan had the good sense to buy one of those also). The curds are pressed in the follower. The cheese is usually aged for at least two months before it can be eaten.

    Blog Stops

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/2525e/rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

    Tags: ,

    Spotlight And Author Interview — Sylvia’s Mother

    19 Mar

    About The Book

    Book: Sylvia’s Mother

    Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

    Genre: Christian Historical Romance

    Release date: February 26, 2023

    She’s an overprotective single mother…

    …He’s a former protector who can’t give up the role.

    But who will guard their hearts from scheming high school matchmakers?

    Eileen Avery is determined her daughter Sylvia won’t experience the heartaches she did. Even if it means taking parenting lessons from her mother, the dragon lady. But she is not like her mother. Not even remotely.

    If only Sylvia could see that.

    But she wants independence. How much is a good thing? And how much is too risky?

    Besides, Sylvia is in love and needing a little freedom. It’s not like she’s about to run away to a commune and become a hippy. However, she is willing to try about anything to get her mom to loosen up, even play matchmaker. Maybe if her mother had her own love life, she’d quite trying to put Sylvia’s under a microscope.

    But will it all blow up in her face?

    Seth Matthews thought he’d said goodbye to Kokomo until an on-the-job injury with the FBI changed his plans. This town holds more than his family, and those memories had better stay buried for all concerned. But how was he to put his honed instincts on the back burner and stop safeguarding the ones closest to him?

    He was willing to help his family with almost anything. But pretending interest in some woman to help with his nephew’s romantic endeavors? That was one thing he couldn’t see himself doing.

    Until he realizes there was more than coincidence at play.

    Forget about Women’s Lib. Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the second installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Sylvia’s Mother—and the fight for personal independence. Join Sylvia, her mother, Eileen, and the kooky mix ups that all point to romance in this small town romp. If you enjoyed the Weather Girls and Judy in Disguise, then this book is a must read.

    You will love Sylvia’s Mother, inspired by the pop 1960s song by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, because everyone dreams of a second chance with a first love.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About The Author

    Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chroniclesseries, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Sylvia’s Mother is the second book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

    More from Jennifer

    Do you remember your high school prom? The one in Sylvia’s Mother is based on an actual prom—the Stardust Ball at Kokomo High School. I didn’t attend it—I’d gone to the Autumn Prom, but not the Stardust Ball in 1972, so I had to contact fellow classmates to get the scoop.

    The date in the book is actually when it really occurred. And there are a couple other real events and personalities added to this otherwise fictional dance. It was fun to have friends tell me of their memories and to find out what some of the nominees were doing now.

    Something else I learned that made me want to write this story. I had been researching and found an old interview by Chuck Buell who used to be a disc jockey for WLS in Chicago. I’d always liked him so when I ran across the interview, I wasn’t too worried about getting anything specific—it was pretty much a stroll down memory lane.

    And then he told a story about meeting up with Dr. Hook. They were hanging out in Monterey, California on the good doctor’s houseboat when he offered to introduce Chuck to the guy who wrote the lyrics for “Cover of the Rolling Stone.” Turns out the guy lived a couple boats down the marina, so they walked over and Chuck Buell met Shel Silverstein for the first time.

    Yep, the man who wrote The Giving Tree and those childhood collections of poetry—Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Runny Babbit—got his start writing rock and roll lyrics. Among them are “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Sylvia’s Mother.” And once I learned that, I couldn’t help hearing his style (“voice”) in the songs since I had taught from his books in my elementary classrooms for many years. The thought made me smile and I had to write a story from one of those. “Sylvia’s Mother” fit the plan for my new series, so I borrowed the title.

    I hope you will enjoy the story, even if you’ve never heard the song. But if you do know that old pop hit, I think you will enjoy a couple Easter egg surprises I hid along the way.

    Q&A with Jennifer Lynn Cary

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    I wrote my first story when I was in third grade. My mom had just bought a new typewriter and let me try it out. After that I wrote my own version of Cinderella as a play and cast my friends in the roles so I could direct. In high school my sister got me to write a short story for her class—she said she couldn’t come up with anything and knew I could do it over lunch. Well, it took a bit longer. I had my friends in class help me and then I delivered it to her room saying I’d found her homework. Okay, I didn’t always make the best choices back then, but I did get practice with writing.

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    My mother. When I was in elementary school, she started a correspondence course in writing. I don’t know why she didn’t stick with it—probably a combination of life and another baby—but I think she had talent. And she encouraged me to write along with her. She died when I was in 8th grade so doing what she used to do has brought me some closeness with her.

    Why did you choose Christian historical romance genre?

    Oh, that’s a roundabout story. I’d retired from teaching and wanted to start writing again. I’d written two books before but hadn’t published them. I had no ideas and that was bugging me the most. So I prayed about it. For six months. January of 2018 my hubs and I were watching the Ken Burns documentary about Viet Nam. Then in the morning I did my quiet time before going to our daughter’s to babysit. I started praying on the way, like I did every day, only this time I felt like God was saying I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. I thought about the documentary and about what I’d read that morning in Ruth and suddenly I had an idea. What if I retold the story of Ruth but set in in 1968 Viet Nam and Indiana (substitute cornfields for wheatfields). I was so excited, and the result was Relentless Heart. I thought that was it, but I ended up adding two novellas and one more novel to complete that series. And it brought back a lot of memories of growing up in Kokomo, Indiana. So, after writing Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café about my parents’ restaurant, I wanted to stay in that time period for writing. Then while listening to the oldies station, the songs “Sunny” and “Stormy” were played back to back. I started thinking about them, remembered the song “Windy” and came up with the idea for The Weather Girls. But I didn’t want these books to be too serious. They needed a lighter touch, a nod to romcom. Only in 1970. It has snowballed from there. Technically they are historical romances, but the whole point is for them to be fun and quirky. It’s like I’m carving out a new niche in my genre and I’m calling it Retro. 

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    I want them to sigh and feel like they’ve enjoyed a fun romp down memory lane—or their grandmother’s memory lane. Ha! But what I really hope for is the lingering feeling that God loves them, He is for them, and no matter what, He is faithful.

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for asking that. Sylvia’s Mother is book two in the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. My plans are that this will be a long series of standalones. As long as I can write and can come up with 60s music that contains girls’ names in the titles, I’m in business. But for now, I’m in the middle of book three, Runaround Sue, and hope to start book four very soon—Cracklin’ Rosie. Sue is a church secretary with a secret and Mac is a Viet Nam vet with one of his own. I’m really liking the two of them together and can’t wait for you to meet them, hopefully in July/August. Then, with Cracklin’ Rosie, she’s a chiropractor. She’s starting to want her story told but Sue was here first so Rose must wait her turn. The plan, that might need to be changed, is for a fall release for Cracklin’ Rosie. But I’m thinking there should be some real excitement with that book. 

    You can stay up to date with what I’m doing either on my website https://www.jenniferlynncary.com  or better yet, go to my website and join my newsletter family. They are the first to learn of things and I like to give out goodies every once in a while. Hope to see you there. Thanks so much, Beckie.

    Blog Stops

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

    Texas Book-aholic, March 18

    By The Book, March 19 (Author Interview)

    Cover Lover Book Review, March 20

    Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

    Sylvan Musings, March 22 (Author Interview)

    deb’s Book Review, March 22

    Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 23

    Connie’s History Classroom, March 24

    Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 25 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

    Blogging With Carol, March 27

    Pause for Tales, March 28

    For Him and My Family, March 29

    Beauty in the Binding, March 30 (Author Interview)

    Books I’ve Read, March 30

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook copy of the book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/24dbe/sylvia-s-mother-celebration-tour-giveaway

    Tags: ,

    Author, Author! — Kathleen D. Bailey And Redemption’s Hope

    7 Sep

    About The Book

    Book: Redemption’s Hope

    Author: Kathleen D. Bailey

    Genre: Christian fiction

    Release date: July 22, 2022

    Two distinct sets of villains. Two orphaned children. A man without a country and a woman with too much past . . . . All in a rambunctious young country where anything goes, especially in the West. Seriously. What can go wrong?

    In this latest installment of the best-selling series, “Western Dreams”, join Jenny and White Bear as they cross the historic West in an epic story peppered with grit, guns, and glory that award-winning author Kelly Goshorn calls “a sweeping tale of faith, dedication, and perseverance set in the American west.”

    Click here to get your copy!

    **********

    About The Author

    Kathleen D. Bailey was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s, and a young mom in the 80s. It’s been a turbulent, colorful time to grow up, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and written about most of it.

    More from Kathleen

    The “Western Dreams” series

    The Oregon Trail was one of the premier events in American history, with people giving up everything to see what waited on the other side of the continent. Some had nothing to give up, and they joined a wagon train simply to survive. That was the case with Caroline Pierce O’Leary, a gently-bred widow whose young husband died before they could make a go of their farm. What would happen, I mused, if Caroline took the skimpy proceeds from selling her farm, signed on as a cook for a wagon master, and worked her way West? And what would happen if the scout on that particular wagon train was the man who had betrayed her years before, and they had to work together to cross the prairie? What if, what if, what if?

    Everyone who hopped on a wagon for the Western Migration had a story, and I knew I’d found mine. As Caroline and Michael Moriarty struggled to rebuild their relationship, a host of other characters formed around them like a snowball. The loving Harkness family, who befriended Caroline on the way down from Ohio. Pious matrons who looked down on her and their harried husbands. Jenny Thatcher, the saloon girl who breaks from that life to save Michael’s. And Pace Williams, the wagon master, a man who had seen too much of life before he even took to the trail. The first book in the Western Dreams series, “Westward Hope,” debuted in September 2019.

    I fell in love with Jenny and I fell in love with Pace. Jenny followed her new friends to the muddy Oregon hamlet where they settled, and Pace gave up the trail to make a life in the Oregon woods. But I wasn’t done with either of them – they had their own stories to tell. Pace battled his own demons and his love for Michael’s sister Oona, and it was enough to give them their own book, “Settlers Hope,” published in July 2020. I also spun off two novellas, “The Logger’s Christmas Bride” and “The Widow’s Christmas Miracle,” from the bigger books, and these were published with Pelican Book Group’s Christmas Extravaganza.

    Jenny Thatcher demanded her own book, and she had a lot to offer. Saloon girl, wagon train scout, hotel cook and maid, horse breeder. Jenny could do anything, and she’d already proved it in the first two books. But Jenny had some unfinished business – the handsome Indian brave who’d saved her life, early in the westward journey. She’d never forgotten him, and White Bear had never forgotten her. What if she left the horse farm, and all she’d achieved in Oregon, to take to the trail again and find him? And what if he had the same idea? What if they crisscrossed the known world, picking up strays and meeting historical figures before coming together in New Orleans? (Honestly, what better place to reconnect with a lost love?) And what if the forces of evil split them up again, so they had to keep searching?

    Though Jenny accepted Christ as her Savior sometime in the second book, her past continues to haunt her, and she wonders if she can ever be good enough for God. She’s physically given up the saloon life, but her inner doubts remain. White Bear struggles with a different facet of their union: can he sentence her to the criticism and censure of the white world if they marry?

    The epic journey of two larger-than-life people formed the basis for the third Western Dreams book, “Redemption’s Hope,” out July 22, 2022.  Like Caroline and Michael, Pace and Oona, Jenny and White Bear find their answers in the Risen Christ.

    Am I done with the West? Not likely. While I’m working on new novels set in other time periods, the West and my personal Western Dreams keep tugging at me. What happened to the Harkness family, Caroline’s friends, when they went to California? What happened to the ragged Smith children Caroline befriended? What happened to Jenny’s traveling companion, the would-be miner Noonday?
    And how can I give this up when I haven’t written a cattle drive or a barroom brawl?

    Q & A with Kathleen D. Bailey

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    I was probably six and reading Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy-Tacy” books. Always loved to tell stories. “Betsy” wanted to be a writer and I figured I could, too.

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    My fifth-grade teacher encouraged me and let me read my stories in front of the class.

    Why did you choose the Western fiction genre?

    I kind of “fell into” the Western genre. I had an idea for an Oregon Trail book, and when that was done, I had characters who demanded a sequel. And another sequel. And two related novellas. The West is so vast, and there’s so much I haven’t touched yet – the Land Rush, the Gold Rush, cattle drives and barroom brawls. 

    Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

    The biggest obstacle was me. I had to learn to take criticism. Could have shaved years off my journey if I’d listened to more people.

    What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc. 

    Internet research, now. Not so much in person, though I’m always open to it. 

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

    Blocks of time Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the morning, then catch as catch can on the weekend if I have something left over. I live near a lake, and in the summer I’ll often go out and take a dip, then edit hard copy with my trusty red pen under a beach umbrella. 

    How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits) 

    It depends. Some “gel” for up to 10 years. “Redemption’s Hope” took about a year. The characters were set because Jenny was in the first two books, but I had a huge task with the plotting. She’s looking for him, he’s looking for her, so those are two separate epic journeys, and I had to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. Color-coding is my fallback for this kind of thing.

    Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel.

    Jenny Thatcher, the heroine of “Redemption’s Hope,” appeared in my first two Western Dreams novels, the saloon girl turned wagon train scout turned hotel cook. Jenny has accepted Jesus as her Savior, but finds it challenging to let go of her murky past. She wants to see White Bear again, the Native man she met on the Overland Trail, but she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him. And as a Native man with a foot in the White world, White Bear doesn’t know where he belongs, so he’s not sure he can take her there. She has to let go of her past, and he has to recognize that she’s strong enough to live the life he can offer her. I knew I wasn’t done with Jenny yet, so I gave her her own book. Of course that meant it had to be White Bear’s book too. I also wanted to do something in the “epic” format, with two characters criss-crossing the then-world to find each other. 

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    That God is more than conqueror to anything they are facing, Then and Now.

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    I was going to step away from the Oregon Trail, and Westerns in general, to see if I could be good at anything else. But those pesky characters keep nagging at me. Right now it’s Michael Moriarty’s older brother Tom, stuck in Ireland during the Famine. What will it take for me to bring Tom to the Oregon Country, first in the steerage and then on the wagon train? I’m about to find out…

    Blog Stops

    Inklings and notions, September 2

    Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 3 (Author Interview)

    Texas Book-aholic, September 4

    Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 5 (Author Interview)

    Lily’s Book Reviews, September 5

    For Him and My Family, September 6

    By The Book, September 7 (Author Interview)

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

    Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 9

    deb’s Book Review, September 10

    Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 11 (Author Interview)

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12

    Locks, Hooks and Books, September 13

    Through the Fire Blogs, September 14 (Author Interview)

    Connie’s History Classroom, September 15

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon card and copy of book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/21363/redemption-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

    Tags: , ,

    Author, Author! — Carole Brown and Hunter’s Rose

    25 Aug

    About The Book

    Book: Hunter’s Rose

    Editor: Carole Brown

    Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

    Release date: August, 2022

    It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

    Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

    After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

    And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

    Click here to get your copy!

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    About The Author

    Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

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    More from Carole

    Characters That Walk Off The Page

    One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

    Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

    Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

    Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

    And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

    Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

    Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

    Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

    Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

    ***********

    Q&A with Carole Brown

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    Although I was first published in 2013 with The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I remember vividly that first time. It was in my sixth grade of school when we were assigned a project of writing a week-long diary of a caveman’s family. After that I wrote short stories, poems, etc., plus another full-length novel which I held onto for several years, waiting till I felt it was the right time to have it published. 

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    Two people (other than my husband):  An older lady (Barb) in our church encouraged me to not give up when I was at the point of doing so. Also Lena Nelson Dooley loved the first book I ever wrote. Her words were a blessing in giving me hope not to quit. 

    What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc. 

    I love research and enjoy using all kinds, from interviews with potential people who know about the topic I’m interested in, to online research, books I’ve bought or borrowed, etc. I like to make sure my facts are straight.

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    I’d love to know that their faith has been restored or grown, their hearts are warmed by the forgiveness and spiritual growth of the characters. Also a sense of contentment/happiness when finished with any of my books is a sighworthy emotion. 

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    *  Right now, I’m working on the sixth book of the Appleton, WV Romantic/Mystery series. The tentative title is:  Ne’er the Twain Shall Meet. 

    *  I’m also working on the second book in my Nursery Rhyme series (romantic suspense), called A Spider Beside Her.

    *  And then I’m plotting the third book of this series, Troubles in the West. It’s title will be Jackson’s Fall.

    ************

    Blog Stops

    Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

    Texas Book-aholic, August 21

    Inklings and notions, August 22

    Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 23

    For Him and My Family, August 24

    By The Book, August 25 (Author Interview)

    deb’s Book Review, August 25

    Betti Mace, August 26

    Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

    Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 29

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 30 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

    Pause for Tales, September 1

    Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 2 (Author Interview)

    ***************

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/20e0e/hunter-s-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

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    Author, Author! — Janet Sketchley

    11 May

    Please welcome Janet Sketchely, author of Bitter Truth, book 3 in the Green Dory Inn Mystery Series. I love talking to authors about what motivates them, how they organize their writing life, and the books that they have created. Thanks Janet for sharing with my readers!

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    I did make up stories as a child—I even cleared out a corner of my closet for a tiny writing nook, although I don’t think I ever finished anything I started. My teen years brought other interests, and it wasn’t until my late 20s or early 30s that I started writing again.  


    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    My grade 9 English teacher, Mr. Campbell, was a great encourager. My short stories then bear no resemblance to what I write now. I did send him a copy of my first book to thank him for his influence, and he appreciated the gesture but I don’t know what he thought of the story.

    Why did you choose Christian mystery/suspense?

    The genre chose me! I had this idea of a woman abducted by the serial killer she’d been praying for—and I couldn’t get it out of my head. Basically I started writing in hopes it’d go away. (It was eventually published as Heaven’s Prey.) By the time I finished, I knew I wanted to keep writing Christian fiction because I value stories that show people working out how their faith applies to life’s challenges. I lightened the suspense level but continued with mystery-suspense because those are some of my favourite stories to read.

    Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

    Other than learning how to craft fiction well enough? 😊 It was almost 25 years before that first book found a home, so I’m definitely on the slow road. As a Canadian writer, I’ve faced a few extra challenges over my US peers. Attending conferences allowed me to connect with a few agents and publishers, and online groups like American Christian Fiction Writers also helped bridge that divide.

    What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.

    I like to do on-site visits when I can, to get a feel for the setting and atmosphere. And I’ve joined a couple of Facebook groups for the area where my stories are set (locals give great information!) and one where writers can ask medical research questions. Most of my research is online, though. Google is my friend, even for things like street view of a location.

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

    My goal is to spend weekday afternoons writing. Far too often I lose some of that time to other responsibilities. I’m ever more aware of the need to start each writing time with prayer—this is too big and too complex for me to craft a God-honouring story and characters on my own. I like to start with a tumbler of ice water or a cup of tea. Right now, the plotting stage, involves covering my table with sheets of graph paper and breaking out the coloured pens and highlighters. I’ll eventually move to my laptop to develop an outline and to write.

    How long does it usually take to craft your books?

    I think I can do it in a year, but between COVID-19 and family health issues, the last one was two years or more. I love being an independent publisher, because deadlines stress me. I still want to produce books in a regular and timely manner, but as one of my characters (he’s a writer) likes to point out, “deadline” contains the word “dead.”

    Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

    Bitter Truth is book 3 in my Green Dory Inn Mystery Series, so I already knew the setting and the series characters. This particular story came from an idea I’d had about a young woman returning to her hometown to regroup and being pushed over a cliff by someone who perceived her as a threat. The mental picture was of her on the side of a cliff, being held in place by a passing motorcyclist who’d seen the attack and climbed down to help her. Bitter Truth also let me introduce a character I’ve thought about for years but didn’t know how I’d use him. The original concept wasn’t one I wanted to write, but I’m pleased with how he “adapted” to this story and allowed me to address his core idea.

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

    “Whatever happens, Jesus will be there.” I often sign that in books. Too many times, when we imagine troubling “what ifs,” we imagine ourselves facing them alone. I hope readers will be satisfied that they’ve enjoyed a good story, but I also pray that a reader who needs a little spiritual encouragement will find it in what the characters learn in their struggles.

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    I’m excited about Green Dory Inn 4, which will be a Christmas book. So far, I have an unwelcome snow globe gift, a cast of suspects, a victim, and a killer. And I’ve “overheard” a conversation between two series regulars about “invisible mistletoe.” The way Bitter Truth ended, neither of them will be expecting that!

    Janet Sketchley is the author of the Green Dory Inn Mystery Series, the Redemption’s Edge Christian suspense series, and the daily devotional books A Year of Tenacity and Tenacity at Christmas. She likes her fiction with a splash of mystery and a dash of Christianity. Why leave faith out of our stories if it’s part of our lives? Janet writes in Atlantic Canada, and you can find her online at https://janetsketchley.ca/. Or you can follow Janet on BookBub at https://bit.ly/JanetSketchleyBookBub.

    Who would want Ciara dead? And why?

    Against all odds, Landon Smith and her ordinary-hero neighbour Bobby Hawke survived a murderous plot six weeks ago. Now, she’s determined to leave solving mysteries to the experts—like handsome local police officer Dylan Tremblay.

    But when a friend is nearly killed in a daring daylight attack, Landon can’t sit this out. Not when she knows the anger of being a victim.

    Her faith tells her to leave room for God’s vengeance. Her heart says to retaliate.

    The fight to expose Ciara’s enemy will uncover secrets and betrayal that could cost Landon her life.

    If you like clean Christian mystery and suspense, read Bitter Truth today!

    PURCHASE LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MDY3SZQ

    ********************

    Welcome to the Green Dory Inn, a fictional bed & breakfast set outside the real town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

    Meet Landon, a young Christian woman with a traumatic past. And Anna, recently widowed, who owns the inn.

    Meet Roy, their wisecracking elderly neighbour, and his adult grandson Bobby, who writes space novels.

    And meet the cats, fastidious Timkin and the battle-scarred marmalade stray.

    Come for the clean, faith-based mysteries.
    Stay for the characters.


    TITLES IN THE GREEN DORY INN MYSTERY SERIES:

    Unknown Enemy(novella length) Who is the secretive prowler harassing innkeeper Anna?

    Hidden Secrets(novel length) What secrets has the inn’s original owner left behind, and how far will Anna’s enemy go to find them?

    Bitter Truth (novel length) Who would want Ciara dead? And why?

    And more TBA…

    If you like clean Christian mystery and suspense, visit the Green Dory Inn today!

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    Author Interview — Kathleen Denly

    17 Feb

    Please welcome historical romance author Kathleen Denly to By The Book! Kathleen’s latest novel, Harmony on The Horizon is now available. Find all the details below including a fabulous giveaway! (US residents only.)

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

    I always struggle with how to answer this question, because in hindsight I can see the beginnings of my life as a writer way back in elementary school. However, I didn’t start thnking of myself as a writer until I was in high school. During my freshman year of high school, I awoke around four in the morning with a novel premise running through my head. I’d never before considered writing anything more than short stories for fun. Yet, I didn’t question it. I just grabbed the notebook from my nightstand and jotted down my ideas. The next day after school, I started typing out my story. Not knowing any better, I just wrote free flow as things came to me. When my family went on a road trip, I switched to writing long-hand in pencil on legal pads. I think I filled four of them before we got back two weeks later. I worked on that same story off and on for about eight years before deciding it was garbage I would never want to publish and deleting or shredding every word of it. Many writers gasp when I confess this, but I have no regrets. 

    Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

    There were many people in my life who praised my skill with the written word, and one of my high school English teachers would read my “fun” writing while I helped grade his students’ paper during my stint as his Teacher’s Assistant. But no one really encouraged me to pursue my writing seriously until I got married. My husband has been my biggest advocate and supporter. He’ll act out action scenes with me, watch the kids while I’m at a writers conference, and plan vacation trips around my research bucket list. But to this day he hasn’t read any of my novels. In fact, he doesn’t really read much and when he does it’s only ever nonfiction. Talk about ironic.

    Why did you choose the historical romance genre?

    I didn’t actually make a conscious choice to pursue this genre. I began writing my first historical romance after attending a creative writing class that sparked the idea for the premise. Over the course of writing that novel, I learned more about the industry—namely that you’re better off sticking to one genre as a new author. So when I decided to write a second novel, historical romance made sense. By the time I reached a pitch session with an agent who asked if I would consider writing contemporary romance because the market was better for those, I knew it just wasn’t where God was calling me. I may still write one of those in the future, but for now, I’m loving historical romance. 

    Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

    As a homeschooling mother of four it’s difficult to find quiet time to write. When I first started, my husband was working three jobs to make ends meet and there were still days I couldn’t afford the gas to drive the three miles to our closest library. However, God is good and He made a way for me to obey His calling to share His truth through story.

    What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.

    I do it all. I start online, of course. Then I move to books and historical archives. Then I visit as many locations as I can. Lastly, I’ll take on as many hands-on projects as I can manage to get a true sense of the lives my characters live. For example, I have woven yucca fibers, made tallow candles, learned to smoke meat, died fabric with plant materials, pumped water from an old-fashioned well pump, washed my clothes on a washboard using lye soap, shucked dried corn for seeds, made my own quill pens, attempted calligraphy, used wax seals, and so much more. For me, research is half the fun of writing historical fiction.

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

    This is an ever-changing thing for me. I am always learning from my mistakes and trying to do better with managing my time. Recently, I instituted a new rule that I will only respond to emails on Fridays and keep my social media interactions confined to specific morning, lunch break, and evening time slots. This has allowed me to block out distractions during my writing hours which take up the bulk of most days. I hate schedules with time slots and much prefer simple to-do lists. However, I have discovered that a compromise is what works best to keep my life balanced.

    How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits)

    The birth of an idea usually comes weeks or even months before the research and outline stage. The research and outline stage takes about one to two months. Then it takes me somewhere around three months to actually write my first draft. Then come beta readers followed by a few weeks of self edits and then, of course, I go through my publisher’s edits. All told, it’s about a two year process between committing to writing an idea and actually releasing the book.

    Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

    Harmony on the Horizon was inspired by a field trip I took with my kids to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. During that trip a docent lead us into the Mason Street Schoolhouse and shared the story of the “Mary Walker Scandal.” She was the first teacher to teach in that schoolhouse and, by choosing the “wrong” person to dine with, created a scandal that put pressure on the members of the board to fire her. Long story short, she wound up marrying one of those members. Once I heard the story, I knew I wanted to fictionalize it. My story is not meant to represent the true historical people, but it does, in part, follow the true events of that scandal. 

    aWhat do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels

    I hope that readers will come away from my stories feeling entertained, encouraged, and inspired. I hope that they will have a new or refreshed perspective of who God is and how He sees us. And, of course, I hope that they will be eager to read more of my stories. 😉 

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    I recently completed the first draft of a new novella for my Chaparral Hearts series. Members of my Kathleen’s Readers’ Club will have an opportunity to claim a free copy of this story when it releases in fall of 2022. Right now, I’m working on my fourth full-length novel for the same series which will release in 2023. I’m especially excited about this novel because it’s set in a part of San Diego County where I haven’t yet taken readers and it involves a true gang of banditos that terrorized California in the 1870s. The heroine, Biddie Davidson, is also a character whom fans will recognize from previous novels in the series. I’m excited to show how she’s grown up and the adventures she experiences when she reconnects with people from her past.

    Thanks so much, Kathleen, for sharing with us today! Discover more about Kathleen, Harmony on The Horizon, and her great giveaway below.

    *************************

    Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.

    On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.

    After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.

    As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.

    Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

    Kathleen lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, one dog, and nine cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

    Connect with Kathleen:

    Website | Newsletter | FB Author Page | FB Reader Group | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | BookBub | Amazon

    GIVEAWAY (US residents only)

    • Mini Junk Journal – Prink & Green
    • PIN – Sleep Less Read More
    • Sing in the Sunlight Bookmark (not pictured)
    • Harmony on the Horizon Sticker
    • 1 ebook copy of either Waltz in the Wilderness or Sing in the Sunlight

    Leave a comment to enter. A winner will be randomly chosen by February 28, 2022. Good luck!

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