Honeymoon’s Over Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Honeymoon’s Over

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: September 27, 2023

Honeymoon’s Over

For better or worse.

Easy vows for newlyweds Chantel and Charlie. Having been widowed, they knew the worst of love was years away. Furthermore, at fifty, they wouldn’t live long enough for the bad to blossom.

Then they came home from their honeymoon.

Chantel’s pregnant daughter Sissy, living with them during her husband’s deployment, must remain on bed rest. Histrionic and bored, she’s a … challenge.

Chantel’s vegetarian son Graham moves in for a few weeks to help with his sister, but something doesn’t seem right. He never got along with his military-loving, meat-eating sibling. He didn’t have ulterior motives for coming to help, did he?

Charlie’s married daughter, Margo, could certainly enumerate the issues these adult children her father’s new wife had. On top of everything, how could her father have chosen that woman?

Then there’s Charlie’s father—lost in old-age absentmindedness. Certainly, he was only forgetful.

Thank heavens for jobs they love that get them out of the house. Except …

Should they have vowed for worse or better?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of five novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled glass artist who has just made a foray into creating high-end jewelry. She’s also an avid hiker. She teaches Bible studies and mentors teens.

She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and too many animals to mention.

More from Carol

Disclaimer #1: Beware.

If we get to know each other, the humor of your life is liable to become fodder for my work. (Of course, with permission. Occasionally!) But don’t worry. I don’t write suspense, so you’ll never be in danger.

Background:

My brother married a widow when they were in their fifties.

He was a meatatarian. “Vegetables have rights,” he’d declare as he reached for a second round of bacon. He’d then heap on fried potatoes. The tubers were his nod to vegetables.

His wife was gluten intolerant and a health food lover of all foods green.

When he moved in with his wife, so did his vegan son who lived on gluten (and very few veggies). Gluten found its way onto her countertops, her refrigerator shelves, and dishes he didn’t wash.

Her son lived with her as well and came arrayed with the eccentricities my nephew lacked. The two sons made a complete, chaotic pair.

Add to them a diabetic mother who was starting dementia and my bet was on the fact this marriage was doomed.

Fortunately, I’m not prophetic. They remained happily married—despite my brother’s eating predilection. However, their situation made me laugh and became the fodder for Honeymoon’s Over.

Disclaimer #2: no HIPPA rules or privacy issues or personal matter have been disclosed. Names have been changed to protect the guilty (just don’t read the dedication, then the name change is mute.)

Disclaimer #3: If you’re expecting a sad, tearjerker, you’ll be disappointed. Oh, you will cry—tears of laughter. You’ll chortle throughout Honeymoon.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

Success is having readers come back for more of my work. I want to entertain, first and foremost. That’s why I write fiction. However, in my fiction, I want to make the reader think, feel, and come away with eyes open to the possibilities of Jesus.

2)What inspired this book?

If I know you, beware. In some form you may end up being the inspiration for my book. This work is a work of humor as well as theme. I am a humorist. Even my most serious work is humorous. So ,as you read the spark of inspiration and the characters I love, know they are viewed through the healing eyes of laughter.

In the case of Honeymoon’s Over, my spark was my brother and his new wife.

When Art married Kathy, he moved his Antifa-loving, vegan son in with him and my new sister-in-law. She had gluten issues, and his son, as a vegan, ate only gluten (exaggeration).

My brother’s daughter didn’t like his new wife—perhaps jealousy dominated her. His wife also had an aging mother with dementia, and an adult son with OCD. Add to the mix, three needy dogs On top of everything, this union was viewed through my lens of humor. How could it succeed? Don’t worry. It did. The marriage was loving and successful despite these issues.

3)Which author influenced you most?

Annie Dillard. Her style is spiritual and poetic. She sees the world as no one I’ve ever known.

I taught Pilgrim on Tinker Creek for years to my AP class (they hated me for it). Every year, I reread the memoir and saw new things in the work.

For several years, I tried to imitate her style. Then I found my own.

I give away books. I sent them to McKay’s. Dillard stays on my shelf.

4)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Now to Him who is able to keep. you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25

I struggled for years with the idea God could forgive me. This verse gave me ironclad comfort on two levels:

He can present me faultless, not with groanings and glad to be done with me but with exceeding great joy!

With joy. God loves me and has cleansed me. I make him happy.

The doxology that follows always makes my heart sing. I think the Doxology is my favorite hymn.

5)If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

I’m sorry. I’m going to have to give the Christian cliché. The Bible.

I have a hard time rereading books. Once I know the content, my mind wanders and I don’t see the words any longer.

The Bible has inspired saints and scholars and artists and writers. The book gives wisdom and comfort and correction. I’ll write in the sand. Draw with the ends of burned wood—and draw my inspiration from what inspired people for thousands of years.

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, January 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 9

Stories By Gina, January 10 (Author Interview)

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 11

Artistic Nobody, January 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

Guild Master, January 14 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Acdemy, January 15

A Reader’s Brain, January 16 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 19

Fiction Book Lover, January 20 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54126

Wrapped Up in You Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Wrapped Up in You (Real American Country Series Book 2)

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 1, 2024

Nash Montgomery is always up for a good time. But when a senior prank goes too far, his baseball scholarship is put at risk, threatening the future everyone expects him to follow. The consequences earn him community service at a local youth center where he discovers a passion that defies the path he thought had been laid out for him.

Cassidy is a talented musician trapped under the weight of her mother’s ambitious dreams for her. Desperate to carve out her own identity, she struggles to find her voice amidst the noise of others’ expectations.

Their worlds collide in Nashville when both earn a spot on Real American Country, a new reality TV competition for aspiring country stars. As they navigate the pressures of the spotlight, they’ll have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves.

Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

I’m Jennifer Carr. I’m a wife, homeschooling mom, baker, part-time farmer, social media addict, and an avid reader. I’m a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing.

I have a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years.

I’ve always loved writing. Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book.

It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. So, I’m still writing and loving every minute of it. When I’m not writing, there’s a good chance I’m reading and drinking coffee!

More from Jennifer

Wrapped Up in You is book two of the Real American Country Series. But don’t worry, it can definitely be read as a standalone! The series follows a reality television country music competition and some of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming country music recording artists. This book follows the story of Nash Montgomery and Cassidy Raye Stanton as they each navigate the pressures of the spotlight. They’ll each have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves.

Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.

One of my favorite things about writing this series is coming up with custom playlists for each book. If you love country music or just want to see what all the fuss is about, here’s the playlist that goes along with Wrapped Up in You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hXjkRFytj9tPFpitHRdEf?si=d0209225ac1f41e0

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

Success as an author, for me, is about creating stories that readers connect with. It’s not just about having a large audience, but about knowing that my words moved someone, made them feel something deeply, or even offered an escape when they needed it most. It’s also about personal growth—pushing myself creatively with each new book and improving as a writer. Ultimately, success is having the freedom to do what I love and knowing that my stories have left a positive impact.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

My connection with the female main character, Cassidy, runs deep. She’s a young woman with talent and passion but also carries around the weight of her mother’s expectations. Then she finds her voice. She seeks out what it is that makes her heart sing. Then she stumbles into love, heartache, and success–not necessarily in that order.

3)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

In Wrapped Up in You there’s a scene where Nash, the main male character, makes a hard choice. And as the reader you’re really hoping he makes the right one but in the end you want to slap him on the back of the head. Actually, now that I think about it, that happens a few times. But the one that was hardest to write was toward the end of the book.

I hate seeing my characters act human because I know they know better! But I also enjoy seeing it happen because I think it makes them more relatable.

4)What inspired this book?

I accidentally started writing a series I’ve dubbed Real American Country. It centralizes on a group of contestants who are selected to appear on a reality TV show for aspiring country music artists and that show happens to be called Real American Country. Book one (Fall When You’re Ready) was supposed to be a standalone.

Instead, characters kept demanding I write their stories. If you’ve read Fall When You’re Ready, you may have caught glimpses of Cassidy Raye Stanton starting around Chapter 42. And you really only see Nash Montgomery’s name mentioned in conversation. But for whatever reason, these two got my attention and I needed to know why. When I started prodding, they delivered. And that’s where Wrapped Up in You began.

5)Which author influenced you the most?

Oh, goodness, that’s a hard one. I’m such a diverse reader that it’s tough to say if one author has influenced me more than others. I’ve been shaped by so many styles, voices, and stories over the years that it feels like a blend of influences. That said, I once had a reader reach out and tell me that while reading my first book (No Matter What), she forgot she wasn’t reading a Karen Kingsbury novel. That was such a sweet compliment and definitely flattering, especially since Karen Kingsbury is such a beloved author in the genre.

But honestly, it’s hard for me to name a specific author because I wouldn’t want to compare myself to anyone. Every author has their own unique voice and journey, and I feel like I’m still discovering mine. What I can say is that I’ve been inspired by many authors who focus on emotional storytelling, deep character growth, and heartwarming connections—because that’s the kind of impact I hope to make with my own writing.

6)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

“…for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

1 John 3:20 ESV

Not to get too deep and personal, but I grew up in a home where shame was a driving force for repentance. Guilt was always very heavy even in the light of forgiveness. It took decades of letting the Holy Spirit reprogram my thoughts and my heart out from under that weight.
Now, there’s so much freedom in knowing that when God forgives, it’s complete—He takes care of it fully. It’s a reminder that even when my heart condemns me, God’s grace is greater, and His understanding surpasses everything. I no longer have to carry that guilt, because His love and forgiveness are far more powerful than my self-condemnation.

7)What is your vacation spot?

There’s a semi-private beach at The Gulf near where I grew up that I love visiting. It’s my favorite place any time of year. I’d live there if I could convince my husband the 4 ½ hour commute would be worth it…

8)What are you reading right now?

I just picked up Lynn Painter’s Nothing Like the Movies. Before that I read Jenny Proctor’s Once Upon a Boy Band. Loved it!

9)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

This is a fun question because I could be really poetic and tell you that before me stretches a majestic 24-inch monitor, towering like the gateway to a thousand universes, with over 100 tabs glimmering like portals to untold realms of knowledge and possibility. Surrounding this digital masterpiece is a kingdom of creativity—fidget toys galore, spinning, clicking, and twirling, offering endless distraction and inspiration. A regal pencil sharpener stands like a sentinel of sharp wit, while a grand pen holder overflows with an explosion of color—gel pens, pencils, and flair pens, each one a sword ready to carve out brilliance on the blank page.

A towering stack of spiral notebooks and loose notes threatens to topple like a paper mountain, housing secret ideas and half-formed masterpieces, while a daily planner, flanked by multiple forms of White Out like noble soldiers, holds the meticulous plans that dictate the rhythm of life. Sticky notes flutter in the breeze of inspiration, casting their multicolored glow across the desk like tiny flags marking great adventures.

Above it all, the wall calendar reigns supreme—a glorious mosaic of multicolored sticky notes, each one a monument to meetings, tasks, and appointments, carefully orchestrating the flow of time and creation like the master schedule of a vast, thriving empire. From this seat of creative power, worlds are built, stories are born, and the chaos of inspiration is harnessed with brilliance.

But that might be excessive. Instead, I’ll just tell you that from my chair I get to look at a large computer monitor, a few fidget toys, and lots of paper full of notes I’ve made over the last couple of years!

10)If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

(We’re going to assume I’ve memorized the entire Bible and can recite it verse-for-verse.)
If I had to choose one book on a deserted island, it’d be Enjoying Your New Found Freedom on a Deserted Island. Who wouldn’t want a step-by-step guide to thriving in solitude? It would teach me everything from how to build an epic palm tree hammock to gourmet coconut recipes. Plus, it’d help me embrace my new life as a castaway with, hopefully, some handy survival tips. If I’m stranded, I want to live my best island life.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

For the Love of Literature, January 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 20 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21

Blossoms and Blessings, January 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25

Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, January 26

For Him and My Family, January 27

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of a 6-Month Kindle Unlimited Subscription and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54131

Change Rushes West Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Change Rushes West: A Ginnie West Adventure

Authors: Monique Bucheger & G.L. Rasmussen

Genre: Upper MG

Release date: January 8, 2025

Twelve-year-old Ginnie West has always been haunted by her mom’s tragic accident—and by the fact that her mom’s prized trick-riding horse, Eternal Love, was sold shortly afterward.

When Ginnie and her twin brother, Toran, uncover new clues about where Eternal Love might be, they embark on an exciting journey to find the horse that holds so many memories of their mother. With her horse, Calliope—who, as it turns out, is Eternal Love’s daughter—Ginnie faces a mystery filled with unexpected twists, family secrets, and plenty of challenges along the way.

As she races toward answers, Ginnie learns that sometimes the past isn’t as far away as it seems, and love can be found in the most surprising places. Change Rushes West is a heartwarming adventure about family, friendship, and finding hope in the most unexpected moments.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Monique is a bestselling author, a certified Farland Fiction Coach, and an empowerment speaker, dedicated to championing the underdog, in both her writing and real-life adventures.

Having a heart for families in crisis, Monique creates stories that capture the essence of real-life challenges and triumphs, with a touch of humor.

Monique’s upper middle-grade series, ‘The Ginnie West Adventures,’ delves into sensitive and weighty themes such as parental loss, abandonment, and overcoming abuse. She delivers stories not only for tween readers, but for those young at heart.

Drawing from her experiences nurturing a dozen of her own children and fostering over a hundred more, Monique’s experiences shape her books, creating novels in a number of genres, including a historical family saga, contemporary family dramas, a fun picture book, and a middle grade series weaving whimsy and heart into her tales.

A country boy by birth and by choice, Gary spent his youth working on the family farm, for local farmers and ranchers, on horseback or playing sports. Offered scholarships in Agriculture and Advertising Design, he opted for the bright lights and big city. Eight years in the advertising field convinced him that wasn’t where he wanted to be.

Gary freelanced in design and illustration, converted his love of writing for advertising to a newspaper column about the country lifestyle. He has also worked as a ranch manager, cowboy, rancher, and horse trainer. An avid painter and author, Gary shares his talents through mentoring others, is a past president of the Western Art Guild and Idaho Writers League and is an active member of Western Writers of America.

Gary and his wife, Margie are the parents of four children and ten grandchildren and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Great Britain and the United States.

More from Monique

Hello Everyone,

Change Rushes West has been a long-time coming for me. It explores Ginnie’s relationship with her mom’s horse, Eternal Love. Ginnie’s mom’s tragic accident really shaped the entire series. From the beginning, I knew that losing the horse was a sore spot for Ginnie. I always wondered what happened to Eternal Love after she was sold—it felt like an unresolved part of Ginnie’s story.

The idea of bringing them back together has been in the back of my mind for years, but I didn’t seriously explore it until one night G.L. and I brainstormed ways to tie up some loose ends in the series as well as figure out what story arcs to add to this book.

That brainstorming session was pivotal. We started imagining what Ginnie’s journey to find Eternal Love would look like and realized it could be so much more than just a search for a lost horse. It could be a way for Ginnie to reconnect with her mother, heal from that loss, and explore how life moves forward—even when it feels like it’s standing still.

I also loved the idea of Calliope, Ginnie’s horse, being Eternal Love’s daughter. It felt like a beautiful connection between Ginnie’s past and present, between the mother she lost and the person she’s becoming. It added another layer of emotional depth to the story. I wanted Ginnie’s journey to feel like a true adventure, but also an internal one, where she learns that not all endings are sad—sometimes they’re just the beginning of something new.

Writing Change Rushes West was a way to bring Ginnie full circle, and I think readers will enjoy the mystery and the twists along the way. There’s family drama, of course, and the West family is as dynamic as ever.

However, at its heart, this story is not only about Eternal Love, the horse her mother was seldom apart from, but about the emotional love—both the kind you lose… and the kind you find, when you least expect it.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

When my stories or books make a positive impact on my readers. Several have shared how one or more of my books helped them while going through a hard time or gave them courage, or made them laugh when they needed a win. Those experiences remind me why I write–because I do want to bring light into people’s lives, one story at a time–like so may authors have done for me over the years.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Ginnie and I have been together for longer than I’d like to admit. 🙂 She started out as sort of an imaginary friend and we have shared many adventures. When I was younger –she helped me be brave. Now that I am quite a bit older than she is, I still enjoy her insight–she’s not one to allow fear to keep her from trying new things and I love her enthusiasm.

3)Which author influenced you the most?

Many authors have influenced me at different times of my life. As a kid, I read all of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books and read articles on where she lived and anything else I could find about her. Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and I share a birthday. I tended to read every book I could find by certain authors: Louisa May Alcott, Katherine Paterson (who I met recently in real life–she wrote Bridge To Terabithia and The Family Tree among over 3 dozen others.) I loved Madeleine L’Engle and Erma Bombeck and a host of other authors. While I enjoyed reading a lot of fantasy as a teen, when I started writing,

I found I enjoyed writing contemporary books with humor, probably because of Erma Bombeck and Theresa Bloomingdale–who were women who enjoyed being mothers and found that humor made the harder parts of motherhood more enjoyable. I have 12 kids and fostered over 100 kids–having a sense of humor is a must.

4)What is your vacation spot?

I was born on Walt Disney’s birthday and my oldest son on Mickey Mouse’s. (And my youngest son was born on mine and Walt’s) so I have always been partial to the Disney parks.) One day I’d like to visit all of them around the world–and go on a Disney cruise or 3.

5)What are you reading right now?

The 4 Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Vicky Sluiter, January 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

Simple Harvest Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 18

For the Love of Literature, January 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 22

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

A Reader’s Brain, January 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Monique is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54136

The Stranger Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Stranger

Author: Joy Margetts

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 22, 2024

What do you do when your life’s work lies in ashes at your feet? When your heart and body are broken and your faith shattered?

Disillusioned, grief-stricken and feeling abandoned by the God he once trusted, Brother Silas runs. He sets out on a lonely journey, not knowing where the path will take him, determined to distance himself from his painful past.

But Silas cannot escape the Love that will not let him go. Through the unexpected kindness of strangers, and a series of inexplicable events, Silas’ heart begins to heal. Then an unlikely reunion puts him back on the path to rediscovering who he really is.

Will Silas find where he truly belongs or will he remain a stranger forever?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Joy combines a life- long love of history and a deep passion for the Word of God to write stories, inspired by her own faith journey. She lives on the beautiful North Wales coast, amidst abbey ruins and ancient pilgrim paths.

More from Joy

I live in a most beautiful area of the UK, on the coast of Wales, surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, forests and sea. This is an area that is not only stunning in its natural beauty but also rich with history; castles, abbeys, old churches, and ancient pilgrimage routes. These things inspire my writing, which is why my books are set in medieval Wales, and feature abbeys, monks, knights and maidens. No dragons though! And no murders!

Some years ago now my life was forever changed when I became unexpectedly ill, from what was later diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue. Months of being able to do very little turned into years. Years where I lost much including my job and career, experiences with my children which I will never get back, and my role in ministry. Through this time I questioned all that I had known of God. I had followed Jesus all my life but when things got really tough it felt like He had abandoned me. I didn’t know if I could trust Him any more, if He really cared, if all that I had once believed was actually true. Over time God pursued me, revealing His love for me in unexpected ways, using others to display Himself, helping me to rediscover my faith and choose to trust Him again.

In writing my books I wanted to tell my own story, but through the fictional lives of characters living centuries ago. The Healing, my first novel, told my story of healing and redemption, and no-one was more surprised than I when the book was published. But God had given me a gift to write and He wasn’t finished with one book. The Stranger is actually my fourth novel and the most personal in many ways. The central character has to navigate what it feels like to question his faith in the face of devastating disappointment. I think this is something that many Christians can equate with. The story follows him as he tries to turn his back on his God, and discovers that God does not give up the pursuit of those He loves. It is my story. God pursued me and would not let me go. He is the lover of my soul and has proved faithful. I want my books to carry hope, and to glorify Him.

I love the Word of God. It has been my place of comfort and strength through tough times. My books are littered with scriptural truth, and I make no apologies for that. It is the truth, and believing in the truth, that sets us free.

Interview with the Author

What does success as an author look like to you?

I think most authors would like to sell millions of books and maybe have a film made of their stories. They would certainly like to make some money from their books! The reality is that very few authors become successful in the world’s eyes. I admit that a part of me would like some of the above, but actually success for me is measured quite differently. I believe God has called me to write in this season and if a reader is blessed by my books, or hears God speaking through my writing, or even has hope, faith or joy restored because of my words, that is all the success I need.

Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Like all of my main characters there is a great deal of me in Brother Silas. He experiences things, thoughts, feelings that are I have too. I can only write what I know. So the journey he goes on reflects very much a journey I went on a few years ago. Although of course I am not a medieval monk, and I don’t have to walk everywhere!

Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

I always find the middle part of a book the hardest to write. I usually start well, and know where I want the story to end, but getting from start to finish can be tricky. I wanted Silas’ renewal of faith to come really gently and really without him even knowing it was happening, and that was hard to translate into words. I also had to take him on a physical journey as well as a spiritual journey and create places and people that would help him find himself again.

What inspired this book?

A few years ago I went through a crisis of faith. Out of nowhere I became sick with a chronic condition that robbed me of much. I could no longer work, serve in ministry, look after my home and family. This came at a time in my life where I was content, enthusiastic about all that God had gifted me to do, and really excited for the future. Suddenly it was all torn away. I prayed and longed for healing, and it did not come. I felt God had abandoned me and let despair take over. The God who I had known and loved since I was very young seemed a million miles away. And yet slowly and gently God pursued me, lavished me with love, and drew mt back to a place of hope and peace.

I knew I wanted to write my experience into a story. Brother Silas and his beleaguered little abbey had appeared briefly in my first book, The Healing, so he was the perfect candidate for exploring this theme.

Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I am so privileged to live in a house that has panoramic views of the sea and the mountains in the distance. Between us and the beach is a small grassy field. To our right is the ruins of a 13^th century castle. My writing space is currently a comfy chair in my dining room looking out at that view.

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, January 10

Vicky Sluiter, January 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 13 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 14 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 15 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 18

Blossoms and Blessings, January 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20

Artistic Nobody, January 21 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away the grand prize of a $35 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54128

Intentional Fires Book Excerpt!

About the Book

Book: Intentional Fires

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

Book Excerpt

Nolan and Sam ran toward the smoke. They were hollering to each other, but she couldn’t understand their words. After thirty or forty yards, Nolan stopped and reached for his shoulder mic. Sam ran to his truck, retrieved his backpack, and raced after him.

Toni watched wisps of smoke rising above the trees. Hopefully the fire was small and containable.

This is no accident. We were just back there.

This is an on-purpose, someone-is-trying-to-shut-me-down fire.

“Please God, contain the blaze. You help those who seek you, and I need you—right now!”

Thick, black smoke curled above the treetops and drifted across the horizon. She looked up at the flag pole. Not much breeze.

Her nose tingled. Without turning her head, she yelled, “Close the windows and doors. And Meema, keep the boys inside! Both boys!”

A cold shiver warned. The smoke rose thickest between her farm and the Riley-O’Sullivan campground. She grabbed her keys.

“Toni! Sam just said—”

“I know what he said. But I can’t stay here and do nothing.” She raced to her truck, over-revved the engine, and took off. Stones flew from beneath the spinning tires. She gripped the steering wheel and jostled in the seat.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.devotedtohope.com/intentionalfires
Excerpt Two: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/intentional-fires-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/intentional-fires-epic-book-launch-excerpt/
Excerpt Five: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/01/celebrate-lit-presents-intentional.html
Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/intentional-fires-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Seven: https://allysonjamison.wordpress.com/2025/01/13/intentional-fires-book-launch-excerpt/

About the Author

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers through https://www.mclaffertyenterprises.com/author-rebecca, on Facebook, and through personal speaking and teaching engagements.

A Year of Flowers Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Year of Flowers

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 18, 2024

In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness–and love–remain elusive.

In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown?

In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past–and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago.

In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She’s grateful for the help of two men–her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she’s built.

In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

I was not disappointed in reading this novella collection. The tales focus on three young women who had worked together in Rose’s Flower Shop as teenagers, but went their separate ways in the world for the perfect job in working with flowers. Rose desired their return to Sunrise, NC and her floral shop even with no word from the ladies since they left suddenly. Jamie, Claire and Tessa each had dreams but with twists and turns and heartache dreams were being shattered. Will a return to Sunrise and Rose’s Floral Shop bring healing, answers to the hidden mystery and budding romance to blossom into beauty?

A bonus for reading A Year of Flowers is the research the author include from the quality of soil for raising flowers, techniques of arranging flowers and the different flowers that has meaning. There is the elements of discovering oneself, romance, faith and forgiveness with the abundance of flowers to be given for a specific reason.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers and Revell for the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Year of Flowers: Friendships in Full Bloom

If you’ve ever tended to a garden, you know that flowers and friendships have a lot in common—they both need a bit of love, attention, and sometimes, a good pruning. That’s the heart of my novella collection called A Year of Flowers, stories of three teenage girls who bonded over bouquets and blossomed into best friends under the guidance of Rose, the wise and wonderful flower shop owner.

But life, much like a garden, doesn’t always go according to plan. On one sweltering August day, something dreadful happens in the flower shop, and the girls, who once shared everything, suddenly vanish from each other’s lives.

Seven years later, we find out where each girl, now a young woman, has gone. Their love for flowers is still in full bloom. Jaime’s taken her talent to the big city, working as a floral artist for a high-end event agency in NYC. She’s turning heads with her extravagant designs, but something’s missing—maybe it’s the simple joy she once found in that small-town flower shop.

Claire has run off to Savannah, Georgia, where she’s knee-deep in blooms, working in a flower shop with dreams of running the place one day. She’s got her eye on the prize, but she’s also discovering that you can’t outrun the past, no matter how far you go.

Then there’s Tessa, who’s found solace in the soil of Asheville, NC, where she’s started a flower farm. It’s a peaceful life, but even in the quiet of the mountains, memories of that summer day haunt her like the mist that rolls over the hills.

As each story unfolds, we see that, like flowers, friendships need TLC. They can wilt easily without care and attention. And sometimes, a good pruning is necessary, to help it grow stronger.

In the final novella, the three young women are drawn back to where it all began—the flower shop, and to Rose. It’s time to dig up the past, clear out the weeds, and see if their friendship can bloom again. After all, just because a garden has been neglected doesn’t mean it can’t be revived with a little care and attention.

So, if you’re a fan of flowers, friendships, or happy endings, get a copy of A Year of Flowers. It’s a reminder that with the right care, both flowers and friendships can flourish, no matter how long they’ve been left untended.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 12

Book Looks by Lisa, January 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 13

Simple Harvest Reads, January 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

She Lives to Read, January 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

By the Book, January 17

Wishful Endings, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Pause for Tales, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Lighthouse Academy, January 20

The Avid Reader, January 21

Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23

Batya’s Bits, January 24

Holly’s Book Corner, January 24

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54129

A Stolen Kiss Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Stolen Kiss (The Heart of the Amish Book 7)

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: December, 2024

Who Kissed Who First?

Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger – or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well. . .if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

An impromptu kiss LeEtta Miller gave the newcomer Benuel Ropp brought about changes for both of them. They both had suffered from losses but she didn’t expect to find fulfillment from a stranger. Benuel had one goal while in Cherry Grove and that was to earn money for his own farm.

The drama that arose from a jealous teenager gave way to demands LeEtta hadn’t expected from her father and the elders. How will an arranged marriage bring happiness when LeEtta and Benuel didn’t even know each other? Who’s going to benefit the most and be able to let go of their resentment, find new beginnings and feel fulfilled with their faith and relationships when others needed the same?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story with Mindy Steele

A Stolen Kiss

I’m always seeking the not-so-ordinary plot for one of my stories. So, when our youngest son and his intended traded a look one evening, something struck a cord in my always moving imagination. Mind you, Blake told me when he was ten, riding a new bus to a new school, that he met the girl that he was going to marry. So cute, yet, they married in May, eleven years later. A Stolen Kiss is not love at first sight. It’s not even love over-the-years, but that one moment birthed a new character. LeEtta Miller. Not all love stories are as beautiful as our son’s, but all love stories are worth telling.

I’m an author of romance, love inspired stories weaving through rural landscapes where characters unveil themselves into realistic people most of us are glad to know. Romantic fiction gives readers what no other genre seems to offer. It’s an escape, a hope. Hope across illness, loss, despair, and uncertainty. Its community, knowledge, a gathering of friends, unity, while representing comfort.

We all want to add more love to our lives. After all, it is the greatest gift God has given us. Gentle or fast moving, we are sucked in to reach those glorious chapters of a first kiss and a promising tomorrow.

But, what if the kiss came sooner? What if love isn’t fast moving, but something earned and quietly obtained through slow familiarity.

LeEtta Miller is quite the rule follower and people pleaser. I’ve shaken my head at her quite often as I got to know her. LeEtta also feels as if life is passing her by. How many times have we’ve been in those pair of shoes? In one bold moment, she’ll through caution to the wind, and act, impulsively. Thus we get introduced to Benuel Ropp, who’s visiting his grandparents, hoping to earn enough money to buy his own land, back in Ohio. As events escalate, from a chance meeting to an binding union, these two young characters are thrown into new roles neither of them intended. I’ve never laughed more writing LeEtta and Ben’s story, and hope it brings joy, hope, and a wiliness to accept that the mistakes we make in life, are only rocky paths leading us to where we belong.

May you never stop making mistakes and following love’s calling,

Mindy

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Simple Harvest Reads, January 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Stories By Gina, January 12 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

The Avid Reader, January 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 15

Artistic Nobody, January 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18

Vicky Sluiter, January 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 20

Holly’s Book Corner, January 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54127

Hidden Secrets Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book: Hidden Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book Four)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Mystery, Thriller

Release date: September 24, 2024

Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying.

After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home.

Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace’s abduction, threatening international stability.

Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker’s secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand.

If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller.

Book Excerpt

Simon swirled his Scotch to consider his answer. “I can neither confirm—”

“Or deny it.” Javier finished the sentence. “The standard answer. Pretty much tells me she’s still attached to Langley.”

“Why the sudden interest? What rumors have you heard?”

Olivia recently uncovered the mole. Everyone believed that was the end of it. Or did someone finally find out she was Phoenix?

Javier shrugged. “Just curious is all. The task force 629 you guys are consulting with is mysterious.”

Simon wiped away a ring someone’s glass must’ve left on the bar. He didn’t even know they assigned a number to Ron’s task force. He always thought of it as the Ghost task force. “Classified stuff is always mysterious. If it’s an open book, it wouldn’t be classified. So, tell me about Liz. Still trying to get you to lose weight?”

Javier laughed. “Always.” They chitchatted in this vein until Javier clattered his glass back onto the counter. His scowl returned before whispered words rushed out. “I don’t know what to do.”

“About?” Simon’s concern deepened at the shift in Javier’s tone.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2024/12/hidden-secrets-by-sf-baumgartner-epic.html
Excerpt Two: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2024/12/hidden-secrets-epic-book-launch.html
Excerpt Three: https://storiesbygina.com/2024/12/21/hidden-secrets-epic-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit-publicity/
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/hidden-secrets-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Five: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/hidden-secrets-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2024/12/hidden-secrets.html
Excerpt Seven: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/hidden-secrets-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner writes fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers. Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series, Living Secrets, was selected as one of the Top Picks in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. Her love for writing comes second only to her love of reading. When she’s not busy writing about complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents, she spends her time binge-watching crime TV shows, such as NCIS, or playing with her cats. If you enjoy James Patterson’s style—specifically short chapters—you’ll love her Mirror Estate series.

Dead Weight Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Dead Weight: An Abbi Kincaid Suspense Novel

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: Suspense

Release date: August 29, 2023

When Florida Panhandle police officer Abbi Kincaid obtains a coveted position on the Bay County dive team, she has no inkling her first mission will be anything but routine. Recovering a murder weapon eighty feet below the ocean surface is a simple assignment until Abbi finds herself face-to-face with a mutilated body.

Then a fisherman pulls up a second body, and the similarities set off a search for a connection between the two murder victims. The quest leads to the murky world of high-stakes underwater salvage and treasure-hunting. But what instigated this killing spree, and why now?

A horrific new trail of evidence is uncovered, and Abbi begins to wonder if her beloved brother Brad’s recent death is unrelated or whether he is yet another victim of this predator, even as she wrestles with age-old questions of why God allows good people to die.

When one more salvage diver goes missing, Abbi is pulled into a dangerous mission to rescue him. Trapped by the killer in an underwater cave, Abbi can no longer keep running but must face her worst fears head-on. With time and air running out, can she find a way to save not just herself but the others trapped with her? Does she have the strength, courage, and faith to do so before time runs out?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel is the author of more than a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunner, Catching Hope, and 2023 Selah Award finalist and Christian Indie Award finalist, A Thousand Lies. Dead Weight is her first adult suspense novel and the first book in the Abbi Kincaid Suspense series.

Kathy has lived on three continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted of them adopted, three from Haiti, and six grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

More from Kathy

In 2015, my daughter Jessica and I had the idea to write an underwater crime scene series. She was in the FSUPC’s underwater crime scene program, but I had never dived. I kept asking her questions about scuba techniques to make the scenes authentic, but I didn’t have a feel for it. So I took the four-hour intro to scuba class. I did not expect to like it because I am a bit claustrophobic and also didn’t think I had enough air to clear my mask. But in reality, I did fine. In fact, I liked it enough that I signed up for Padi Basic on the spot.

Jessica and I worked on the book, and I continued learning to dive, ending up with my SDI open water advanced with some specialties. But it turns out we didn’t know what we were doing when it came to writing a fiction novel. So I enlisted the help of a fiction coach. We basically started the whole book over.

But by this time, my daughter and her husband were starting a family, and she decided to go to nursing school instead of going into law enforcement. Meanwhile, I pressed on alone with the book.

I decided that since my main character rode a motorcycle, it might be helpful to try that, too, so that the scenes where she rides would sound realistic. That was not without its own challenges, but I eventually got my certification, bought a cycle, and also learned to shoot a gun.

So, because of Abbi, I learned to dive, ride, and shoot!

The plot had changed drastically by now. I became so overwhelmed that I quit three times! During those times, I wrote three YA novels (Freerunner, Catching Hope, and A Thousand Lies). But I always knew I’d return to the underwater crime scene story. And I did. I kept pushing, and finally, with the help of my fiction coach, I finished the book. I hope you enjoy it.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

If I can bring enjoyment, hope, or the realization that God has a plan for their life to the reader, then the book has been a success. My YA books especially deal with teens who have faced tough things in their lives, and I want to give them hope and the feeling that they are not alone.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Abbi. She is a diver trying to make her way as the only female on the dive team. She wants to fit in. I think we all share that feeling of wanting to belong whether it’s at work, home, or among our peers.

3)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

I lacked knowledge of how some things would be done. How would they find a ship’s manifest from 14 year ago? Things like that.

4)What inspired this book?

I started Dead Weight nine years ago but quit several times and wrote three YA books instead. At the time I started writing the book, my daughter was in the Underwater Crime Scene program at college, and that set my mind spinning with ideas.

5)Which author influenced you the most?

James Scott Bell. Not his fiction books, but his books Plot and Structure and Write Your Novel from the Middle. They are two books every writer needs to read at least once.

6)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I’ve adopted two verses I used in my YA books. From Catching Hope: I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. From A Thousand Lies: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

Bizwings Blog, December 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 18

Stories By Gina, December 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 19

Betti Mace, December 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 23

Artistic Nobody, December 24 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, December 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Fiction Book Lover, December 27 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Blogging With Carol, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book and a $40 Books a Million gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54121/

Dangerous Dalliance Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Dangerous Dalliance (Sisters in Peril Book One)

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 25, 2023

amaJan’s fiancé, Bryan Buchanan, disappeared a year ago. She has no idea why he left or where he is. Since then, she’s had no interest in romance, but saving a little girl from a playground accident propels her into the world of possibilities.

Hatch, the child’s grateful father, has met many women since his wife’s passing. Jan is the first one to catch his attention, but his instinct to offer counseling to any woman he meets who seems depressed is a big turn-off for her.

Although Jan is flattered by Hatch’s attention, the rest of her life is turned upside down when she receives threatening phone calls, is nearly run off the road, and is shot at.

Can Hatch protect Jan as the men’s threats escalate? If Bryan returns to her life, will she forget about Hatch?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in the beautiful Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio. After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Valerie and her husband, Glenn, moved to Texas, his home state. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs.

Valerie began her writing career late in life and has now published 10 romantic suspense novels. Glenn wrote 12 non-fiction books which Valerie edited. Valerie retired from teaching and spends her time writing, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren. She loves to hear from her readers.

More from Valerie

The Interesting “Task” of Choosing Character Names

I wrote the first rendition of Dangerous Dalliance many years ago. Obviously, it wasn’t published, so I put it aside and continued writing other novels. After publishing my ninth book, I decided to revise the story.

Choosing names for my characters, especially the hero and heroine, is a task I take seriously. I read through my lists and check online sites. I don’t go to that much trouble for my secondary characters, but I have a quirky way to choose their names.

I spent twenty-five years working in the public school system. Many students stand out in my memory for positive reasons. However, I remember a few kids or their parents less favorably. Any teacher will understand. Well, the names of those students or parents often play a role in my stories as secondary characters who don’t leave a positive impression.

The name of a major secondary character in my original Dangerous Dalliance was Brandon. From the first moment my student with that name entered my classroom as a four-year-old with severe allergies, a language delay, and behavioral issues until the day his family moved out of state, his behaviors and antics provided me with giggles and frustration.

Fast-forward several years. I live in a retirement community where we have 24/7 concierge services. When I moved here, the young man in charge was named Brandon. When I revised my original story, I frequently chatted with him. He was such a lovely person and treated us “older” folks with so much compassion.

Now, the name Brandon no longer conjured up images of my student but of the man I wanted to adopt as a grandson. (I found out many residents felt the same way.) I told him about my story and the reason I chose a different name for my guy.

Brandon left a few months later, and in a note he wrote me, he said, he would always remember that I changed the name of a character in my novel because of him, and he hoped he could live up to my high opinion of him.

Interview with the Author

1)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

This might sound strange, but I connected to my hero, Hatch. He is a counselor who specializes in working with people who have marriage and family difficulties, who suffer from spousal abuse, or people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. I based him on my husband, not in physical characteristics, but in personality and profession. Since I revised the story after my husband passed away, when I wrote his scenes, I was reminded of the many people he helped during his forty-year career.

2)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

It was difficult to write the scenes where my hero discusses the death of his wife and how he feels responsible for her actions.

3)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

When I left home in Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe in Central Africa) at age 17 to attend a Christian University in Arkansas, my Church family gave me a farewell party. One of the elders read Psalm 121 from the KJV. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord,” That Psalm, especially the first verse stayed with me all during my terrible homesick days and months.

4)What is your vacation spot?

My parents moved to Rhodesia when I was seven. The rest of my family remained in South Africa. Every summer, we went ‘down south’ on holiday. We’d visit aunts and uncles along the way but our destination was always Durban, a city on the south coast. Durban had miles and miles of fantastic beaches, great for surfing. However, the sharks also loved the area so we could only swim where there were shark nets!

5)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I live in an apartment and the view from my office window is terrible—parking lot, another apartment complex. Soo…I’m taking poetic license, or maybe an author’s license to describe the view my husband and I had when we retired to Washington State in 2018. Our condo was right on the water. The large window of the second bedroom overlooked the grassy area that led to the lapping waves. We had side-by-side desks where we’d write. He was also an author. We could watch the cruise ships on their way to or from Seattle, yachts and sailboats leave the marina and head out to open water, or kayaks hug the shore. Sunrises changed the color of the water every day but our plans changed…