Sara Foust Interview and Spotlight of "Of Walls"

I'm happy to have Sara Foust with me today talking about her novella Of Walls. For more information, click on the title or the book cover.

Sara, please tell us five random things we might not know about you.

1.     I put peanut butter on just about anything, including Oreos, Chips Ahoy, bananas, apples, and strawberry cereal bars. (K. Dawn- I put ketchup on everything to the point that my husband says, "You eat ketchup with your ketchup.")

2.     I hope to someday visit Italy, Alaska, and the pirate haunts of the Caribbean. (K. Dawn- I just finished one item on my bucket list...visited New York City two weeks ago.)

3.     My favorite day trip activity is visiting Cades Cove, here in East Tennessee. (I've actually hard of it. I live in SW VA.)

4.     I have a pygmy goat named Razberry who sneaks in my house whenever he can. His favorite snack is Ritz crackers and I would take him places with me if I could figure out how to keep him from pottying everywhere. (What a neat pet!)

5.     I love adventure movies and books like Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code, etc. (I'm a suspense lover.)

Why did you choose to write this book?

Of Walls is the story of a mom and homemaker named Julie. She loves her family and her role in it, but her marriage is struggling. I wrote this story because it is realistic. Not that Julie’s story is exactly my story, but that the struggles to temptation, the oppression of everyday life, and the glory of God’s love and truths are things real women in the real world face. I wanted to write a moving, at times heartbreaking, story about a fictional woman who learns how to deal with something raw and real with grace because of God’s presence in her life.

What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand? 

It is a job. Even though I am not some famous superstar making bazillions, I consider writing my primary career, because it is my primary passion and my calling from God.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

I think for me getting started was the hardest part. I was filled with such self-doubt and fear. I worried that if I got rejected I would give up and never live my dream. I am just thankful that God gave me good support in the beginning and that I had people encouraging me not to quit. Because now I can say I get to wake up every day and live my dream of being a “real” writer.

What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?

I hope readers will realize that none of us is perfect. We all face trials and temptations and think things we would be ashamed to say out loud. But the truth is, no matter what happens God’s love for us can bring us through, is merciful and forgiving, and, in the end, we are stronger than we think.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not?

I am proud, but mostly thankful, that I have managed to stick with a writing career even though life is hectic and crazy all the time, with 5 homeschooled kiddos, a work-from-home part-time job, and a very busy schedule.

The first page of Of Walls.

Chapter One

  “I really need this trip.”

He just looks at me. Trying to figure out my subtext? I send messages to my eyes to pretend there isn’t any. I’m not brave enough to illuminate the truth. Not yet.

“Our finances are never going to get better.”

I roll my eyes. Of course they aren’t. There’s no hope in anything, according to you. “You know, I have confidence when I get home I can take this course and provide for myself.”

He lifts his eyebrow.

I’ve crossed a line. I try to backpedal, cover my almost truths. What I want to say is, “I don’t want to be married to you anymore. I’m done. I give up.” My tongue hurts with permanent teeth impressions by now. If I say the things in my mind, I won’t be able to stuff them back in. Won’t be able to erase them. Won’t be able to put the smashed bricks back into place. What if I am blatantly, brutally honest and regret it? I see the fear flitting across his eyes. The anger igniting beneath the hazel irises. “That’s not what I mean.” I take a deep breath. “I really need this trip.”

He drops his gaze. “I know.”

Does he? Does he sense the wall of barbed wire squeezing my heart? The pain? The desperation? Despair? “We will figure out the money when I get home. It’s going to work out somehow. God has taken care of us this long, He won’t stop now.”

 What do you do for fun when not writing?

My favorite things to do are read, camp, hike, and spend time with my family. (K. Dawn- I love to read as well and I just taught myself to knit. Go youtube!)

What are you working on now? 

The third Inspirational Romantic Suspense book in the Love, Hope, and Faith Series from Mantle Rock Publishing, Inc., is in editing right now, awaiting release in early March. I am writing the first book, The Jade Owl, in a new Romantic Suspense series, The Serafina Jones Series.

Where else can readers find you online?   

www.saralfoust.com

Sara's Bio:

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes amid the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum's Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019).  She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com. 

Back cover blurb of Of Walls.

Julie Johnson's life as a mom and homemaker is richly blessed, but her marriage is struggling. Years of busyness, exhaustion, and hurt have taken their toll on her emotional and spiritual life, building impenetrable walls around her heart. When she feels God calling her to a mission trip on the other side of the world, Julie puts her faith in Him and leaves her family for ten long days. What she learns about herself, her marriage, and her faith will change her life forever.  

Answer the following question... I eat so much _______________, it's easy to say I eat it on almost everything. 

Register to win a Kindle and a business card design...

 After fourteen years of hard work, Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry Tarabochia are thrilled to announce the release of their novel, On the Threshold. Interested in how a mother and daughter can write a book together? Want a chance at winning a Kindle and a business card design from a top-notch company? Keep reading!

Why did you ladies begin writing this book?

Both of us had always talked about writing a book, but fourteen years ago Sherrie said if we were ever going to write, maybe we should work on a book together. It would hold us accountable. We lived on different sides of the state of Oregon at the time, so we did a lot of it via e-mail, and once a month Sherrie would make the 250-mile drive to Christina's house and we'd work on it in person. We wanted to share a real look at depression and trying to be good enough to please God--what that might look like in a family's life.

Fourteen years? Really?

That's from the first word penned. The very first contest we entered, we actually talked about how we needed to decide how to fight off all the editors who'd be making offers. Instead, we found out we had a lot to learn! Attending writing conferences and reading craft books brought our writing to a higher level.

Tell us about On the Threshold.

We loved having the chance to tell this story! In fact, we have a few more stories to tell about these characters  if readers love this one. Here's what the book is about.

Suzanne—a mother with a long-held secret. Tony—a police officer with something to prove. Beth—a daughter with a storybook future. When all they love is lost, what's worth living for?

Suzanne Corbin and her daughter, Beth Harris, live a seemingly easy life. Suzanne has distanced herself from her past, replacing pain with fulfillment as a wife and mother, while Beth savors her husband’s love and anticipates the birth of their child. But all that is about to change.

Like a sandcastle buffeted by ocean waves, Suzanne’s façade crumbles when her perfect life is swept away. Tragedy strikes and police officer Tony Barnett intersects with the lives of both women as he tries to discover the truth. Left adrift and drowning in guilt long ignored, Suzanne spirals downward into paralyzing depression. Beth, dealing with her own grief, must face the challenge of forgiveness. Can these two women learn to trust each other again? Will they find the power of God’s grace in their lives?

 And a little about you?

Mother/daughter writing team Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry Tarabochia bring a voice of authenticity to this novel as they have experienced some of the same issues faced by these characters. They like to say they were separated at birth but share one brain, which allows them to write in a seamless stream. Both live in NW Oregon and love spending time together. Many years ago, they were both on a winning Family Feud team!

Sherrie is the Women's Ministry Director at her church, and loves being the grandma of eight and great-grandma of one. Christina is also the author of The Familiar Stranger, a Christy finalist and Carol Award winner, and runs a thriving editing business.

Please sign up for their Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter at Ashberry Lane for a chance to win cool prizes.

What about this contest?

If you help get the word out, you can earn different points for each thing you do, and every point represents an entry in the contest.

Say, for example, you name your next child “Threshold” in honor of our book. You would earn 100 points (entries), which would greatly increase your likelihood of winning.

Fine print to be read as quickly as those medical side effects are glossed over on TV: A certified copy of the birth certificate must be sent to Ashberry Lane proving the child was born between now and when the contest ends on June 30rd at 10 PM, PDT. Some restrictions apply, such as you must also promise not to change the child’s name to anything else for at least the next fifteen years. You are, however, allowed to use “Thresh” as his or her first name, and “Hold” as the middle.

If that seems like we’re asking a little too much, there are other ways for you to enter the contest.

~ Post about On the Threshold on Twitter or LinkedIn, or share the cover on Instagram or Pinterest, and you’ve doubled your points to TWO.

~ Refer someone to sign up for the newsletter. If he or she notes you as referrer, guess what? You just earned THREE points.

~ Blog about it and reap FOUR points. (We’re available for more blog interviews.)

~ And for those who buy the book (e-book or print copy), you will gain FIVE points.

~ Leave a review—positive or negative—on a retailing site after reading the book, and TEN points to you!

All you have to do to enter is drop us an email to Christina [at] ashberrylane [dot] net with a description of what you did. We trust you.

Here is a sample email:

Dear Sherrie and Christina,

Fortunately, my last name is Hold, so when my triplets were born yesterday, all I had to do was name them "On," "The," and "Thresh." (Yes, that makes a double "h," but without it, the name just looks silly and I don't want a kid with a funny name.) I also got the cover of On the Threshold tattooed on my arm, took a picture of it, and posted it on every possible social media site, including Facebook, though I understand I don't get points for anything done on there. Next, I forwarded the Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter to a few of my friends and ALL of my enemies. After reading the book in two hours, I posted an honest review on three different retail sites. Please enter my name 349 times.

Love,

Your #1 Fan

Or something like that. :)

Where else can we find you gals online?

 Buy the book, e-version or paperback, on Amazon or B&N or iTunes or in any other version on Smashwords. Sign up for the newsletter (all the kids are doing it!). If you want a signed copy mailed anywhere in the United States, email us. (Christina [at] ashberrylane [dot] net)

www.twitter.com/authorchristina

www.facebook.com/sherrie.ashcraft

www.facebook.com/authorchristina

www.christinaberry.net/

www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com

Thanks for hosting us!

Dora Hiers' "Journey's Embrace"

Meet Sage Michaelson

Sage Michaelson here, a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Witness Protection Program. Although lately it feels more like a Criminal Protection Program, especially after losing my spleen on the job.

When my best friend Steven texted, “Delaney in trouble. Can you keep an eye on her while I’m on my honeymoon?” I chucked the hospital gown and split for Journey Creek. We grew up in the same orphanage—Steven, his sister, and I—so that makes us practically brother and sister. How could I say no?

Besides, I needed time to recover and reevaluate. And a little distance from my ex-fiancé couldn’t hurt. Jennifer always said I was married to my job. Guess she found a man who wasn’t because she wears a ring on her finger again. I’m OK with it. Sure, I gave her a ring and a commitment. But not my heart. How could I? The people I love always end up dead. I’m on my own. Best just to keep it that way.

What trouble was Dane in this time? That’s what we used to call Delaney. Growing up, she’d had long muscular legs. Cute, but in an awkward, gangly Great Dane sort of way. And always in trouble or causing trouble. I gather from Steven’s text that hadn’t changed.

I hadn’t seen the Dane in a few years, so it kinda threw me to see her waltzing away from the wedding reception in a silky turquoise gown, the kind of dress that forces a man to take a second look. Steven sure wouldn’t appreciate the thoughts that flitted through my head about his sister. To be truthful, I’d feel much better if she changed into her customary basketball shorts or work scrubs. Then I wouldn’t notice how she’d grown from the Dane into beautiful, vivacious Delaney. A woman who embraces passion and life with enthusiasm. A woman who puts others first, on the job and with the orphanage kids.

Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to ditch the doctor. All this ibuprofen seems to be messing with my head.

Steven only said that someone ransacked Delaney’s house. He didn’t warn me that a man had it out for her. Delaney insists God will protect her, but I’m not buying it. He didn’t protect my parents and sister from the car accident that killed them, or keep my granny from suffering a fatal heart attack on an airplane.

No, I can’t leave her to fend for herself. I promised Steven I would look out for her. But, somewhere along the way, protecting Delaney became less about my promise to Steven and more about my love for her…and God.

Meet Delaney Hunt

Just wait until my brother gets back from his honeymoon!

What was Steven thinking texting Sage Michaelson to keep an eye on me? Sure, I get that Steven’s worried about me after my home invasion, but now I need a Deputy U.S. Marshal looking over my shoulder? Sage just lost his spleen. He should be recovering in the hospital, not trailing after me or chasing innocent trick-or-treaters off my doorstep.

It’s not that I mind Sage being around. I’ve loved him since he showed up at Quiver Full Orphanage, always the protector, even at thirteen. But, he turned eighteen and left for the big city without a backward glance. Not at me, anyway. He kept in touch with Steven, but I haven’t heard from him since his engagement.

It’s not like he would ever love me in a non-sisterly way. When the doctor mentioned we sounded like we were married, Sage shuddered. I’m not beautiful, but sheesh! Did the man have to shudder?

And Sage could never accept my job, or even tolerate it. He suffers from a powerful fear of flying and heights. I guess I would, too, if I saw my granny suffer a heart attack and die on a plane like he did. But, I’m a flight medic. My dream job, flying all over the world helping people. It would take more than his declaration of love for me to give it up.

Besides, Sage may be scared of flying, but I’m more than a little afraid of love. Of what love means to a person, or what it doesn’t. Take my mother, for example. She didn’t have enough love to go around, not enough to give up the drugs and one-night stands. But that doesn’t stop me from praying that Sage would love…ah well, it’s best not go there.

It’s not as if I don’t have a full and satisfying life. I do. Between mentoring the kids at Quiver Full, raising money to build another orphanage cottage, working on a recycling committee, and my job, I couldn’t ask for more. Well, I suppose I could. Like figuring out who this prankster is and why he’s targeting me…

Register to win "Queen of Hearts" by K. Dawn Byrd

Register to win Queen of Hearts...
Hey, guys! Your moderator here. It's been a while since I've given away a copy of my book. Of course, it'll be in eformat. To register to win, place your e-mail address in the box to the right (subscribe to my blog via e-mail) if you've not done so and leave me a commment with your e-mail address. (To learn more about the book, click on the cover image to the left...)

If you don't know how to read an ebook, follow the instructions below on how to get the Kindle for your computer. Scroll to the bottom and click on the link to see 100 free ebooks that you can download after you've installed the Kindle app on your pc.

Follow these steps to download the Kindle app:
1) Go to my Amazon page
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Click here for a list of best sellers. When the link opens, the list to the right is the top 100 free books!
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Ebooks Verses Print Books

First and foremost, I'm a book collector. I've been one for approximately 20 years. It all began when I found a Nancy Drew book in an antique store in Charlotte in the 1990's. This book was blue with an orange silhouette of Nancy Drew on the cover. It intrigued me because I'd never seen one before. Nancy Drew had been my favorite as a child. I must have read all that the library in our small town had to offer. I bought the book and from then on purchased every "old" Nancy Drew book I could find. Truth be told, I had over 1,000 at last count if you take into consideration my paperback collection.

Since I'm a book lover at heart, you can imagine how I've fought the dawning of a new age...the ebook. I love the smell of a printed book, especially an old one. It's kind of a sweet smell. Calming for the soul. I vowed that I would never buy an ebook. My money would never support publishing companies that might eventually cause the print book to fade into nonexistence.

I was browsing the internet one day and ran across a blurb about Michelle Sutton's new release Danger at the Door. Since I work full-time in the mental health field, I really wanted to read it. I was disappointed that it was offered only as an ebook. I tossed the idea around for a few weeks before e-mailing Michelle to ask her if she recommended her publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing. She did and was so nice in her reply that I decided to give the book a try.

The end result was that I loved it. I had a little trouble getting it downloaded to my Blackberry because I didn't know that I needed reading software (You can download Mobipocket for free.) The people at Desert Breeze were wonderful. I'd downloaded a .pdf file and was disappointed when it became too blurry to read when I zoomed in on it on the Blackberry. Gail at Desert Breeze understood my plight and e-mailed me a .prc format that worked wonderfully.

That said, I absolutely love ebooks. I'm not killing trees, using expensive ink and lugging around a heavy object. And best of all, I can read when I want my cell phone. And, I can read in bed with hubby right beside me and don't have to worry about disturbing him with a bedside light. I can adjust the font if needed and there's no need to spend money on an expensive Kindle or ebook reader. Also, ebooks are very inexpensive (Michelle's was $5.99 at http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/) and many ebooks are free if they're in the public domain. An internet acquaintence recommended http://www.fictionwise.com/, but I've not yet purchased from them. . I've had a great experience with ebooks (Michelle's book is wonderful!) and I believe them to a wave of the future. After all, how many people fought purchasing a dvd player? Cell phone? And, now an ebook? It is my hope that the ebook is here to stay.