Stephanie Burkhart's "A Christmas Collection"

Christmas in Bayeux Tour

I'd like to thank K. Dawn for having me on the blog and allowing me to visit today. Just a little about me: I was born and raised in Manchester, NH. When I was 18, this New England Patriot fan joined the US Army for a great adventure and spent 7 years overseas in Germany. I met a fair-haired California boy and we were married in Denmark in 1991. Little odd fact: I enjoy eating pizza European style – with a knife and a fork. Now, the adventure over, I work for LAPD as a 911 Operator.

My short story, "Christmas in Bayeux," is included in A Christmas Collection, Stimulating by Victory Tales Press. I'd heard only good things about VTP and they were looking for stories for their Christmas anthologies. I sent Becky an email – can you have me? Becky said 'sure,' and I was on board to write a story. A note to visitors: "Christmas in Bayeux," is "sophisticated" in nature and does contain a love scene.
     Now I had to decide what type of story I wanted to write. I hadn't written a contemporary for quite some time. I'm a big fan of Mona Risk's international contemporaries so I said to myself, I'd like to write international contemporaries and with my experiences I felt confident enough to do so.
     Manchester, NH is the second largest French speaking city in the US and I took 3 years high school French. I love the language and in my studies, I grew to love the nation. France was the perfect setting for my story. I've been to Paris several times. I also visited Lembach, France in 1988 and that experience has been with me throughout the years. My experiences in Lembach made their way into the story.
     Lembach is a small town in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France just over the German/French border. I was dispatched along with a fellow soldier, Private East to pick up a squad of soldiers in Pirmasens, Germany. East and I took a detour and ended up in Lembach.
     Needless to say, we were an odd sight, walking around the town in our US Army military uniforms. The locals stared at us – hard. As we walked around the small town square an older man approached us. He spoke no English. I had my "French for Travelers" guide and my pronunciation was decent so I engaged him. He enthusiastically shook our hands. "Américains?" "Oui," I answered. He proceeded to thank East and I not only for our service, but also for the service of our grandfathers who liberated France from Germany.
     It was a moving experience that humbled both of us.
     It was lunchtime and East and I went to the local café for lunch. With my trusty "French for Travelers," I ordered our food – salad and sandwiches. We were quite the attraction in the café. Patrons stared at us. In fact, several of them approached us while we ate and thanked us. Before we left, the manager came to us. He told us our meal was free.
     East and I wouldn't have it. We had francs for the occasion. Between the manager's English and my French, I learned the residents of the town loved Americans. In World War II, we had indeed liberated them from Germany's occupation. We were still heroes to them – 40 years later.
     East and I were truly humbled by how the town embraced us. As we made our way back to our military van, we thanked God for this rare opportunity to visit France.
     This experience found it's way into my story. Enjoy the excerpt:

     She pushed two wooden double doors open and they walked into a wide open-spaced entrance hall. "Is this a museum?"
     "Oui. It houses our best known prize – the Bayeux Tapestry."
     "What is that?" His voice was laced in curiosity.
     "Dix Euros," said the clerk. He was in his mid-thirties and wore a blue uniform.
     Aiden put his hand over Noel's hand as she reached for her purse. "I'll get it."
     "Vous êtes Américain?"
     "Oui," said Aiden.
     The clerk held out his hand. Aiden slowly took it, surprised by the gesture. What was he doing?
     "Américains we like. World War II, yes? Merci – thank you," the clerk said in halting English.
     Aiden was stunned. Noel said this occurred, but he didn't think it would happen to him.
     "De Rein. Thank you, sir."
     "Non, Monsieur, merci. Keep your money."
     "Oh, I insist."
     "Oui, thank you, merci."
     Noel smiled at the clerk, thread her arm through Aiden's, and they walked into the museum. There were a few people milling about in the halls, but it wasn't as busy as he thought it would be. Maybe everyone was at the Christmas markets.
     He paused before they got far. "You said—"
     She gave him an easy smile. "You handled that well."
    
     BLURB: Aiden Seward is an Iraq war vet who has gone to the Beaches of Normandy to heal his wounded heart. Noel Rousseau was the girl he knew as an exchange student years ago. Can Noel help heal the ache in Aiden's heart?

Buy Links:
Amazon: (print) http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Anthology-Stimulating/dp/1456304410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289273692&sr=8-1
Ebook, Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29148
Create Space, Print book: https://www.createspace.com/3494425
Victory Tales Press: http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com/online-store.php
Check out the Story Teaser on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

Joshua Graham's "Beyond Justice"

We're happy to have Joshua Graham with us today talking about his book, Beyond Justice. To learn more about Joshua and his book, read on!

Publisher: Dawn Treader Press 2010

Cover blurb: THE DESCENT INTO HELL IS NOT ALWAYS VERTICAL…Sam Hudson, a reputable San Diego attorney, learns this when the authorities wrongfully convict him of the brutal rape and murder of his wife and daughter, and sends him to death row. There he awaits execution by lethal injection.
If he survives that long.
In prison, Sam fights for his life while his attorney works frantically on his appeal. It is then that he embraces the faith of his departed wife and begins to manifest supernatural abilities. Abilities which help him save lives– his own, those of his unlikely allies–and uncover the true killer’s identity, unlocking the door to his exoneration.
Now a free man, Sam’s newfound faith confronts him with the most insurmountable challenge yet. A challenge beyond vengeance, beyond rage, beyond anything Sam believes himself capable of: to forgive the very man who murdered his family, according to his faith. But this endeavor reveals darker secrets than either Sam or the killer could ever have imagined. Secrets that hurtle them into a fateful collision course.
BEYOND JUSTICE, a tale of loss, redemption, and the power of faith.

1) How did this story come to you?
After hearing a sermon on forgiveness illustrated by the story of Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer, I felt moved to explore the nature and extent of human and divine forgiveness. I challenged many of my own beliefs and values in this book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It took a great deal of persistence. You have to learn to discern good counsel from useless criticism, take the good and discard the rest. And you can’t take rejections personally. When I learned about how many bestselling authors had faced numerous rejections before getting published, it gave me a better perspective on the matter. Interestingly, the work only just begins after your book gets published. Next comes all the promotion to let people know your book exists!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a) I am a classically trained musician (cellist) with a bachelors and masters degree form Juilliard and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins.
b) Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked in the IT field for over a decade. My last position was Director of Operations at an IT firm.
c) One of the odd jobs I had as a college student was as a sales representative selling new cars in one of the largest Honda dealerships in the United States.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently completing a YA Fantasy (first in a series) which my six-year-old (at the time) son had asked me to write for him. Keep an eye on my website for the release of a collection of my short fiction in an anthology. I also have another suspense thriller DARKROOM, which I’m hoping to see released soon as well.

5) ) Parting comments?
Spend time with your loved ones every day. Treat each day as though it were your last on Earth. Because in the end, it’s the relationships and their love you carry with you into eternity.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.joshua-graham.com/
www.facebook.com/J0shuaGraham
www.twitter.com/J0shuaGraham
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003UTNSZM
Barnes & Noble Page: http://tinyurl.com/39yjd88

BEYOND JUSTICE is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller and is available in trade paperback here.
It is also available for Barnes & Noble nook here and Kindle here.
You can also purchase it for the iPad, Kobo and SONY Reader at their respective stores, or at Smashwords.com

Shelia Lipsey's "My Son's Ex Wife: The Aftermath"

We're happy to have Shelia Lipsey with us today talking about her book, My Son's Ex-Wife. To learn more about Shelia and her book, read on!

Publisher: Urban Books

Cover blurb: The story of the Graham family continues in My Son's ex Wife. First Lady Audrey Graham is more than relieved when Stiles encounters the young, vivacious nutritionist Detria Mackey. Rena is equally captivated by recent divorcee, Robert Becton. Does the handsome, science teacher Robert Becton possess what Rena needs to give her life a much needed jump start? When Rena returns to Memphis for less than pleasant reasons, Stiles and Rena realize they still have deep feelings one another, but will their feelings overcome the past that severed their relationship? Will Audrey manage to come between them again or will other circumstances intervene that will give them cause to rethink their past and move forward to the future.

1) How did this story come to you?
It is the sequel to the novel My Son’s Wife

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I have been traditionally published with Urban Books since 2005. My Son’s Ex Wife:The Aftermath is another book I wrote under my publisher.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love children, but there is an extra special space in my heart for boys. I am shy but I am never shy when it comes to speaking. I am the grandmother of ALL boys!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on the sequel to my novel Beautiful Ugly which will be released December 2011.

5) Parting comments?
I love what God has assigned me to do.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Facebook, twitter, http://www.perfectstoriesaboutimperfectpeople.com/

Gail Pallotta's "Love Turns the Tide"

We're happy to have Gail Pallotta with us today talking about her book, Love Turns the Tide. To learn more about Gail and her book, read on!

Publisher: Awe-struck E-Books.

Cover blurb: Cammie OShea faces a traumatic split-up with her fiancé and has to leave family and friends to take a new job in Destin, Florida. Heartbroken and alone, she dreads meeting her new boss, editor of The Sun Dial, a new newspaper. But her real source of angst turns out to be Vic Deleona, the influential real estate tycoon she must write about to generate interest in the paper. She refuses to open herself to another painful relationship, and he attempts to court her. When she and a friend have break-ins at their condos, Vic comes to their rescue. He even launches his own investigation into the crimes. Cammie grows fond of him. But, she gets an offer to return home to her old job. Will Vic solve the crimes and win Cammie’s heart, or will she leave Destin?

1)How did this story come to you?
For some people finding the right person to love isn’t easy. After I grew old enough to notice boys and had friends noticing them, I learned of hurtful dating relationships and break-ups from my girlfriends and guy friends. There are some men and women who meet, date, walk down the aisle and live happily ever after. But others get their hearts broken again and again before they find the right person. Cammie is one of those people. But God had a plan for her life just as he does for each of us, and I wanted to show that. My idea was to create an entertaining book of faith and hope that took the reader to a romantic place.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 I didn’t have an agent, so I searched on the internet to see if there were any publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts. I found Awe-Struck Publishers. They were having a contest for short, inspirational romance. I entered and won the prize, which was publication.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I love to spend the day bargain shopping with my daughter.
2. I once attended a cattle auction. At the time I put out a magazine for a cattle association.
3. My favorite exercise is swimming.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 I’m writing a teen novel and another Christian romance set in the Florida Panhandle.

5) Parting comments?
I’d like to mention two bookstores that are now selling E-certificates for Love Turns the Tide. The certificates have codes that can be downloaded to a computer or an e-reader. The stores are Eagles’ Wings in Destin, Florida, and Sweet Sprit in East and West Cobb County, Georgia. I’d also like to thank you for having me on your blog.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My Web site is http://www.gailpallotta.com. My blog is http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com/  and my book can be ordered from my publisher at http://www.awe-struck.net/. It’s in the inspirational category.

Get Staci Stallings' "A Work in Progress" free...

We're happy to have Staci Stallings with us today talking about her book, A Work in Progress. Staci has been kind enough to give us the link so we can all read it free! To learn more about Staci and her book, read on!

Publisher: Spirit Light Publishing through The Spirit Light Works Blog

Cover blurb: Rebecca Avery has never been one of “them”—the popular kids, the beautiful people. With less than fashion-plate looks and an off-beat, quirky style to living life, she has been relegated to finding “alone” activities to fill her time throughout high school. Unfortunately, college hasn’t changed that. Then she meets Eric Barnett, a nice guy who seems a little quirky himself. The only problem is, he’s in love with her roommate—one of the truly beautiful people. When Rebecca finds herself falling for him, she must find a way to break out of her shell or risk losing him forever. Who will win out in this mixed up jumble of feelings and loyalties? Find out in “A Work in Progress”—Book 1 of ~ The Faith Series ~

1) How did this story come to you?
This book took longer to write than any book I had written prior to it or since. It took 7 years from the first word to the last. In that time, I would work on it, write a few scenes and then jump to another project—not because I wanted to but just because I did. For a time, I thought this one would never actually get finished. Then one day about 18 chapters into it, the final pieces fell into place. In six months I had this one and the next two in the trilogy finished.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I chose to put this book out through my blog (serialized 2 chapters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) because frankly I’m overrun trying to get my books out fast enough. I have another one coming out in print (The Price of Silence) soon, and then I have five more ready to go out in-print after that. I began to realize if I didn’t find a way to put out these books, they were going to sit on my computer and be virtual prisoners there… maybe forever. So, I decided that putting it out on the blog was better than not putting it out at all.

Strangely as I began to read through this one and its two sequels, I started to be very thankful for my decision. These books are important. They point to many truths about how God will work in our lives if we let Him. These books deserve a hearing even if they only get it on the blog and Kindle. Plus, I like the fact that readers can get them for free. I don’t have to do massive marketing or a bunch of book signings. They are just… there… for anyone who is interested in what God can do in a life that’s willing to take a chance.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I am a recovering control freak.
I read about 6 books at any given time.
I have written 31 books (29 novels; 2 short story books), and right now I’m writing 6 news ones and publishing 6 others.
And I love to skateboard on the Wii.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Lots of things! Right now, I am readying three books for the Spirit Light Works blog. I am getting ready to put out two in-print titles, and all of these on Kindle. I am working on the sequel to a book I finished earlier this year and one that so far is a stand-alone. The stand-alone book is interesting because it features a dyslexic character who loves to write books—what a challenge! Mostly I’m trying to keep up with all of the awesome opportunities to grow and learn and be that God puts in my path!

5) Parting comments?
The more I read things I’ve written, the more convinced I become that I didn’t write them. I believe these stories came from God’s heart and that He sent them through me to whisper to others that there is another way—that you don’t have to live stressed out, going on your own power, alone, scared, and helpless. His Power and His Peace really do make a huge difference when you allow them to work in your life. I love how that message comes through these books—making fiction not just a pleasant read, but really helping the reader to grow from the experiences of the characters.

The best part is… even I can’t put them down. Guaranteed all it takes to get irrevocably hooked on these books is reading the first page. You won’t want to put them down! (Just don’t blame me when nothing gets done until you finish them!)

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is: http://www.stacistallings.com/
My main blog is: http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
The blog with the books (there are 5 complete books here: If You Believed in Love, Coming Undone, Theirs is the Kingdom, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and The 9-12 Project… and the newest release “A Work in Progress”) is at: http://spiritlightworks.wordpress.com/

Finally, I have a book called “Being God Positive in a Spirit Draining World” that is in serialization right now at: http://godpositive.wordpress.com/

EVERYONE can get “A Work In Progress” FREE at: http://spiritlightworks.wordpress.com/

Jenness Walker & Tracy Bowen's "Bliss"

We're happy to have Jenness Walker and Tracy Bowen with us today talking about their book, Bliss. To learn more about them and their book, read on!

Publisher: Written World Communications

Cover blurb: When the universe lets you down, it’s time to go over its head. Following the stars, Indie Moore sets off to find ultimate happiness in South Florida. But in her quest for comfort and fortune, she encounters mishap and mayhem. She finds a home in a trailer park, a job scrubbing toilets, and a moody roommate-not quite the glamorous world she'd envisioned for herself when she left Rabbit Hole, Kansas. But maybe bliss looks a little different than she'd thought. Laugh and cry with Indie, the Miss Adventure of misadventure, as she blunders on land, by sea, and in church, seeking love and a sense of belonging...seeking true Bliss.

1. How did this story come to you?
J - The story started with this question: what if a girl was addicted to horoscopes, but every time she followed the advice it ended up in disaster?
T - The original premise came from the brilliant mind of Jenness. She approached me with the idea and asked if I would be interested in helping her bring the story to life. There were a million different ways that the book could have gone. After a very long beach walk together we mapped out the rest of the story. Our main goals were to reflect our belief that God is the source of true happiness in our lives, and to have fun in the process.

2. Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Hmmm. You probably don’t have enough room here to get into all of the details of that long saga.  Bliss placed in the 2007 Genesis contest, but it took a while to complete it, as it was our first book to write together and we had other projects going at the same time. We finished it just in time to miss the chick lit boom. But we loved the book and didn’t give up on it. New publisher Written World Communications decided to take a chance on us and Indie. We hope you’ll enjoy the result.

3. Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
J – 1. I won a contest in first grade, so my drawing was used in a newspaper to advertise a baseball game. 2. I can’t drink coffee. I wish I could. I love the smell and the whole idea of it, but I just can’t like the taste no matter how much I doctor it. 3. I don’t like to drive. If I’m out of familiar territory, I have to turn the music way up and sing along to steady my nerves.
T - I am fairly new to the party and most things about me would be a surprise since I am “unknown”.  1. I am terribly afraid of heights. This is a result of a little incident in my childhood that involved me being aboard a plane that crash-landed in a soy-bean field in a town called Santa Claus, Georgia. 2. I avoid a movie if I know that it has the potential to make me cry. Seriously, who puts money into buying a ticket or a DVD if they know it will make them sob? I can look at my checkbook and do that for free. 3. For most of my life I was a faithful church-going wreck of a woman who secretly felt inside that there was no way that God could ever love me. I was the queen of the façade. And then someone reached out to me, and truly showed me a glimpse of His character. I was loved to Jesus.

4. What are you working on now and what's next for you?
We have a couple projects together that are in different stages of development and are waiting to hear back from an editor about one of them.
J – Meanwhile, I’m trying to finish up a story that’s very close to my heart. It’s a darker women’s fiction story, but I pray that the darkness makes the glimpses of hope and faith that much brighter.
T - I am working on a non-fiction solo project. Somewhere in the back of my mind I also have a great story line for a children’s series. There are not enough hours in the day to cover all of the material that is whirling around inside this crazy, blonde head! 

5. Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having us! We hope you enjoy Bliss.

6. Where can fans find you on the internet?
Drop by and see us anytime at http://www.tandjbooks.com/, our joint website We also have a facebook page (Tracy and Jenness Books) and Jenness has a personal website (http://www.jennesswalker.com/).

How to read ebooks without a Kindle

I read only ebooks. I have 30 ebooks in my BlackBerry right now and can read whatever I want when on the go. If you don't read e, check out our post below on how to download the free Kindle ebook reader to your computer or netbook. It'll change the way you read forever!

The following is the link to a listing of free bestselling books on Kindle this week. If you don't have a Kindle, follow the steps below to add the app to your PC, which will allow you to read any Kindle book on your computer. It's free and it's easy!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/ref=pd_dp_ts_kinc_1

When the Amazon page opens, the list to the left is the top 100 ebooks, the list to the right is the top free 100 ebooks. While you're browsing, please check out my new release by clicking on the link below.

Follow these steps to download the Kindle app:
1) Go to my Amazon page
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-ebook/dp/B003XYE8K8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1287437471&sr=1-3
2) Scroll down. You'll see "Kindle for PC" to the right
3) Click to download the Kindle app
4) Go back to my page above and you can download my book to read the first few chapters for free by clicking on SEND SAMPLE NOW. This will let you know it's working. When it downloads, you'll see the number "1" in the Archive at the top left.
5) Click on Archive to move the book over to your library.
6) Enjoy!
7) If you want to look at the bestsellers, click on "Kindle Books" on the toolbar at the top of the page. Click on "Kindle Bestsellers" to the left or follow the link above.
8) If you like the free viewing of "Killing Tiime," I'd appreciate your supporting my work by buying the book. Thanks so much and enjoy the Kindle books!

Eileen Hinkle Rife's "Restored Hearts"

We're happy to have Eileen Hinkle Rifewith us today talking about her book, Restored Hearts.To learn more about Eileen and her book, read on!

Publisher: OakTara

Cover blurb: One brother’s dark secret. Another brother’s scorn.
Newlyweds Gavin and Maggie Munsfield return to care for the sick and wounded at The Oasis Compound in Chennai, India, which is still suffering from the recent tsunami. Gavin’s brother, Tim, a successful landscape architect, joins them for the clean-up and rebuilding of the Compound. But Tim harbors a dark past that threatens to destroy his relationship with his brother . . . and a promising new love. Will family ties be strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed?

1) How did this story come to you?
A few years ago, my husband, a licensed professional counselor and marriage/family therapist, asked if I would write a pamphlet on homosexuality which he could use in his office. I agreed and delved into research. However, it didn’t take long to realize I didn’t have the stomach for what I was discovering, so I abandoned the project. Three years ago, the Lord renewed my interest in the issue and pushed me to pursue the topic in a way I had not envisioned—in fiction format.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
In January, 2007, OakTara requested the manuscript for my first book in the Born for India trilogy, JOURNEY TO JUDAH, which was released in 2008. Since two other books were accepted at that time as well, Book Two, RESTORED HEARTS, naturally followed and was released in 2009.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Even though RESTORED HEARTS is set in India and I have visited on several occasions, I still do not like Indian food. However, I do like coconut water which is sold at roadside huts and is good for replenishing electrolytes. My Indian missionary daughter and son-in-law have now gifted me and my husband with three red-headed grandchildren!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 The third book, CHOSEN ONES, in the Born for India trilogy is in the hands of my editor and should be released soon! CHOSEN ONES profiles a missionary couple in crisis who unexpectedly meet a child with a sorrow too big for words. A contract on my fourth novel, SECOND CHANCES, has also been signed by OakTara. One-liner for SECOND CHANCES: Mave Robertson has something in her purse that Dareece Jackson wants . . . and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.

5) Parting comments?
 As I walked through this journey with Tim, God used his story to shed light on my own healing journey. While I have not struggled with homosexuality, I have struggled with other equally devastating strongholds in my life. In writing Tim’s story, I learned in deeper ways to identify with another fellow struggler. And in doing so, my own prison door flung open and I was set free.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.eileenrife.com/, http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com/, http://www.guardyourmarriage.com/, http://www.christianspeaker.net/, http://www.oaktara.com/.

Laurie Kingery's "Mail Order Cowboy"

We're happy to have Laurie Kingery with us today talking about her book, Mail Order Cowboy. To learn more about Laurie and her book, read on!

Publisher: LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICALS

Cover blurb: With beaux scarce in post-Civil War Texas, practical Milly Matthews and her "Spinster Society" friends have their hands full protecting their ranches. Their only hope: advertising for mail-order grooms. But aristocratic British cavalry officer Nicholas Brookfield isn't exactly Milly's idea of a cowboy—or a man she can trust. And the more Nick proves himself as a ranch hand, the more he must hide his past from the woman he longs to make his own. Now Milly and Nick will need all their courage to face hidden dangers…and believe in a love that can answer all their prayers.i

1) How did this story come to you?
I wanted to start a series, for series are popular in Christian fiction, and was trying to think of a great story concept that hadn't been done in inspirational western fiction, so I used one of the staples of western stories, the mail-order bride, and turned it around so that the series involved mail order grooms instead.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 This did involve a literal journey. I am a "Texan-in-exile" living in Ohio, so when I started devising this story, I picked out a location in the hill country of central Texas in San Saba County, and situated it on a real creek, Simpson Creek, near the county seat, San Saba. When I took a trip there to survey the area and take pictures, imagine how thrilling it was for me to read a roadside historical plaque that told me there had actually been a community with the same name as my town of Simpson Creek. My first story involved the plucky lady who started the Simpson Creek Spinsters' Club, Milly Matthews, known as "Marrying Milly" in the town. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Milly was not content to be an old maid in a town devoid of bachelors and set about finding her own solution—advertising for mail-order grooms for herself and her friends. I'm pleased that my editor at Love Inspired Historicals is as excited about my mail-order groom series as I am.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I am an eHarmony.com bride, so perhaps writing about mail-order grooms comes naturally to me. 
2. I am an R.N. who is a 40-year veteran of a big-city ER that is a Level One trauma center. And yes, I would love to write medical stories (suspense), but so far, the right plot hasn’t' come to me. I tried a couple of them, but they didn't sell.
3. I am terrified of spiders!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on the 4th book in the Brides of Simpson Creek series, working title COURTING CARO, featuring a schoolteacher who's loved and lost and a trail boss who has no intention of settling in Simpson Creek. If by "next" you mean the next book out, I'll have another Brides of Simpson Creek book out in January from Love Inspired Historicals, THE DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE, with a northern doctor who's matched sight unseen with Sarah Matthews (Milly's sister from MAIL ORDER COWBOY), who refuses to be courted by Dr. Walker as soon as she finds out he's a hated Yankee.

5) Parting comments?
I want to thank K.Dawn Byrd for giving me this opportunity to promote my book. She's so supportive of other writers, and I wish her all success in her own writing.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.lauriekingery.com/

Clare Revell's "Season for Miracles"

We're happy to have Clare Revell with us today talking about her book, Season for Miracles. To learn more about Clare and her book, read on!

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Cover blurb: A Killer lurks in Headley Cross…
…And Holly Carmichael is the only woman to survive his attack. Now she lives in fear, searching for normalcy and trying to put her life back together. When she meets Kyle Stevens, he turns her world upside-down. He’s as exasperating as he is appealing. How can Holly make sense of her awakening feelings when she’s so unsure of Kyle? His voice is familiar, he’s left-handed, and he wears the serial killer’s cologne. Who is he…really? As Holly struggles to restore her damaged faith, she must find the strength to trust once again—in Kyle and in God.
Kyle Stevens isn’t ready to live again. Racked by guilt, he’s afraid to feel. His sole focus is finding the Headley Cross serial killer—his girlfriend's murderer. That is, until he meets Holly Carmichael. He’s drawn to Holly, vows to protect her where he failed to protect his former love. But Holly makes him feel again, emotions quickly morphing into something much more dangerous to his hardened heart.
When the serial killer returns to finish what he started, only a miracle can save them…but then, it's the Season for Miracles.

1) How did this story come to you?
The prompt – why do they call it falling in love - came from a writing community on LJ called Nanowriwee – where you write 7k in 7 days.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 I wrote a short story of 21K and submitted it to White Rose Publishing. My editor loved it but asked it be rewritten in third person so we saw the hero’s POV. The complete rewrite became my nanowrimo novel for 2009. I resubmitted it in Jan 2010, and got offered a contract for it. Several edits and a new title later and it releases on Nov 5th. Hubby jokes the whole of the UK will celebrate with bonfires and fireworks (it’s bonfire night so they’ll be doing it anyway)

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
 1 -I am a registrar for Carey Baptist Church where I have done two weddings and neither bride wore white. 2 – I have a teddy bear that goes everywhere I do. He’s had his photo taken in Vegas, Scotland, Wales and on a volcano. 3 – I have been married for over 18 years to someone who always told me I’d end up published and wouldn’t me give up trying.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I recently signed the contract for a second book, which should come out before Christmas. I’m currently working on three full length novels.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me here. I hope people that buy the book get as much enjoyment from reading as I did from writing it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell

Lisa Lehr's "Touching the Brilliance of Sunrise"

We're happy to have Lisa Lehr with us today talking about her book, Touching the Brilliance of Sunrise. To learn more about Lisa and her book, read on!

Publisher: CreateSpace

Cover blurb: Melissa, a youthful mid-life artist from California, takes a vacation with her three kids to the coast of Maine. She’s hoping for some quality family time at a turning point in their lives…and dreaming of moving to Maine someday soon. They meet Kraig, a writer from Oregon, walking on the beach with his guide dog. He’s slightly younger, articulate, gentlemanly, deeply intuitive…unlike any other man she’s known. Neither is looking for love—but life has other plans.
    
1) How did this story come to you?
No kidding: the original inspiration was a dream that lasted only a few seconds. It “fleshed out” over a period of years as my imagination worked on it in my brain’s spare time.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I didn’t set out to write a novel! It was initially just a flight of fancy while I did mundane chores; I kept the story “in my head” and added to it day by day. When the story got too long to remember reliably, I began to write it out in longhand; then I decided I should learn to use a computer. Around this time, I was thinking about changing to a career in writing (after a time of being a stay-at-home mom, I’d considered graphic art as a career), so I read a lot of books on how to write books. I turned to self-publishing after exploring traditional publishing and deciding I didn’t like the way that system works. The entire process happened over a period of years.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a. I was a biology major! That surprises people because I’m such a grammar geek.
b. I’m a marketing copywriter and not usually much into “creative” writing.
c. I rarely read fiction and virtually never watch TV.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Besides the copywriting that I do for clients and a few websites I maintain for fun and profit, I’m working on a screenplay of my novel.

5) Parting comments?
Send me any connections you have in Hollywood! Then come and see the movie!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
a. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lisa.J.Lehr  (my personal page); you can also become a fan on my writer page for my book. (Search my name and you should see results for both.)
b. http://www.justrightcopy.com/  (this is my copywriting website; type /books after .com if you want to see my books).
c. In the future I plan to have a website for the screenplay. I don’t have a movie title yet.

Phyllis Johnson's "Hot And Bothered By It!"

We're happy to have Phyllis Johnson with us today talking about her book, Hot And Bothered By It! To learn more about Phyllis and her book, read on!

Publisher: Community Press

Cover blurb: Do you suffer from Oreo-porosis? Is there an instant Mess-age at your house when you go away? Is a period just punctuation found in your romance novels while you fan yourself? If you can relate to any of these circumstances, you may be going through a midlife chrysalis. If you find yourself with a group of women playing such games as the "Millionaire Purse Game," wearing red and purple together and eating chocolate until you pass out, then this book is for you. HOT AND BOTHERED BY IT contains fifty poems celebrating the midlife experience for women. This book is the perfect companion for entertaining you and your friends at your next night out. This book is also GREAT for your reading group! (And it’s perfect for milestone birthday gifts for girlfriends.)

1) How did this story come to you?
 I wrote a poem about a senior discount because my husband was teasing me before we hit fifty that he couldn’t wait until he got one. I kept writing midlife poems and before I knew it, I had fifty poems and a book was created.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
First I contacted the Red Hat Society but when they wouldn’t endorse it, I started sending it out to publishers.
A friend in my local writing group told me about Community Press and the publisher, who is also an illustrator, did the illustrations too. I’ve had a great time reading the poems at book signings. My last adventure with that was at an art gallery event. As the artists painted, they laughed and wound up buying lots of my books. One night I had a reading at a wine tasting. The women laughed, sipped wine and bought books too.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve acted for The Discovery Channel in FBI Files, New Detectives, Diagnosis Unknown and Psychic Investigator. That was all a blast. Meeting new people on the film set is always exciting. As a teenager, I dreamed of modeling. It actually came true for me when I turned 50 and I modeled for hotel ads. Another thing people wouldn’t know about me is that I twirled fire batons when I was a high school majorette. Boy, that last part is really scary to me now.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m marketing a YA suspense novel, titled Inkblot, co-written with Nancy Naigle. I’m also writing a collection of funny high school stories. My day job is in a high school library and funny stuff happens in a high school. A lot of it just screams to be written about and so one of my latest projects, School of Rock, got started.

5) Parting comments?
 I love the contact with readers through these blogs. It’s a great way to promote and network. My advice to other writers is to never give up and follow your dreams. That applies to readers too, no matter what your dream might be.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.phyllisjohnson.net/ I’m on Twitter and FB too.
My email is pjwriter7@aol.com

Michelle Buckman's "Rachel's Contrition"

We're happy to have Michelle Buckman with us today talking about her book, Rachel's Contrition. To learn more about Michelle and her book, read on!

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

Cover blurb: After the death of her daughter, grief-spawned delusions cause Rachel to lose her husband, her home, and custody of her son. Help arrives from two unlikely sources: a young teen, Lilly, battling her own demons, and a tattered holy card depicting Saint Therese of Lisieux. As Rachel grows closer to Lilly and comes to know Saint Therese, unbidden memories from her edgy past reveal fearful mysteries of seduction, madness, and murder… and a truth that will haunt her forever.

1) How did this story come to you?
I was sick at heart several years ago when I heard a ten-second news-blip about parents finding their child dead in a car. I couldn’t quit thinking of how such a tragedy must have affected them. How could they face one another with such a death yawning between them? I wrote some scenes, but didn’t work on the story in earnest until I saw several friends suffer the accidental death of their children. I empathized with their pain and ached over how it tore at the fabric of their lives and relationships. From that anguish, I wrote Rachel’s story—a tale of soul-wrenching loss and the harrowing struggle to heal.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Years ago, when my agent presented Rachel’s Contrition to publishers, several editors reported that they loved the story and that the writing was excellent, but they were afraid to publish a book with Catholic elements for fear of offending non-Catholic readers, which was very frustrating. However, I refused to change the setting because it is integral to the plot. Instead, I set the manuscript aside until last year when I heard that Sophia Institute Press, a Catholic publisher, had started publishing contemporary fiction. Their acquisitions editor read the manuscript in two days and bought it right away. I’m so glad I waited because Rachel’s Contrition ended up exactly where it needed to be. Sophia Institute Press is a fantastic publisher—fully communicative and supportive every step of the way.
The week it released, Rachel’s Contrition hit #1 on Amazon’s Women’s Fiction list, and remained there for five days; it’s still in the top ten!
The entire adventure has reaffirmed “All in God’s time.”

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Some readers assume I have a very dark past because of what I write. Fortunately, that is not the case. I have a wonderfully boring, totally happy existence. I write in response the world around me.
When I’m in the throes of creativity, I write from 2am till 5am so I won’t be disturbed, then I go back to bed until my youngest wakes up at 7 or 8.
I live in a 160-year-old house in the middle of nowhere, but I’m a city girl at heart.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have several new contracts and projects underway, but I’m not at liberty to announce any of them yet.

5) Parting comments?
Rachel’s Contrition is an edgy story, full of strong emotions and woven around a dark events. As reviewer Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur put it, “[Rachel’s Contrition] is a novel that will twist your heart and leave you breathless. You will not want to put it down until you reach the final word at which point you will once again be able to exhale.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.michellebuckman.com/
http://www.rachelscontrition.com/
Facebook (under Michelle@MichelleBuckman.com)
Twitter (under AuthorMBuckman)

Cynthia Reeg's "Gifts from God"

We're happy to have Cynthia Reeg with us today talking about her book, Gifts from God.  To learn more about Cynthia and her book, read on!

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Cover blurb: Gifts from God celebrates God’s loving gifts. Each double-page spread has an easy reader sentence on the right and a scripture quotation on the left, making this an enjoyable and uplifting book for both children and adults.

1) How did this story come to you?
 I wanted to offer children an easy concept book for discovering God all about them in their lives and in nature. I had seen similar books for adults but none for children.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 I submitted my manuscript to Lynda Burch at Guardian Angel Publishing. She liked the idea, and when she found the glorious photo art of MarySue Roberts to illustrate the book, it was a perfect match. I was excited to have the book available in both print and ebook versions.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve gone fishing on the Amazon and caught a piranha.
I’ve trekked along the gold rush trail in the Yukon.
I’ve explored the ancient ruins at Pompeii.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 I have a variety of projects in the works. I’m looking for an agent for a middle grade fantasy series I’ve created. I’m researching and plotting a middle grade historical fiction story set in Kansas during The Great Depression. And I have numerous short stories and picture book ideas in the works as well. I’m preparing for a presentation next month at the annual Missouri Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Conference in St. Charles.

5) Parting comments?
I’m looking forward to giving away a copy of Gifts from God. I love to hear reader’s reactions—like one mother who said the book “exploded with color and happiness.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
 My website (http://www.cynthiareeg.com/) offers lots of fun activities for kids, as well as many ideas for parents and teachers.

And be sure to check out the Gifts from God book trailer : http://www.cynthiareeg.com/books/gifts_from_god.html

Diane Craver's "A Christmas Gift"

We're happy to have Diane Craver with us today talking about her book, A Christmas Gift. To learn more about Diane and her book, read on!


Publisher: Whimsical Publications

Cover blurb:  Justin Reeves is a man who has it all: a good job, a loving wife and children who are the center of his universe - or so it seems. Justin also has a secret he's hidden from everyone his entire life or so he thought. Quite innocently his small daughter, Debby, stumbles upon his secret and is shocked by what she finds. She confronts her father with the awful truth, and together they embark upon a journey which takes her father from the darkness of shame into the light of victory.

Drawing from true events in her own childhood, Diane Craver captivates the reader from page one to a stunning climax which will touch your heart and impact your life forever in this must-read story of love’s triumph over adversity.

1) How did this story come to you?
I had thought of writing a story about my father for a long time. His life was hard with his mother’s rejection and being raised by various relatives. Even though both parents deserted him, he had a deep faith in God, and was able to be a good father to me and my siblings.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
A Christmas Gift was formerly published under the title, The Christmas of 1957. When I decided to make it longer and to change the title, I submitted it to a new publisher. The story has also been revised throughout the book. By the way, the main character, Debby, is a 60 year-old woman in the prologue and epilogue. Debby is a child in the rest of the story.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a carhop at a root beer stand for 3 years during high school. I’d love to learn how to play drums and be in a band. I met my husband while both of us were teaching at an orphanage.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a story about a father and daughter, both teach at the same college in Virginia. The father is anxious for his daughter, Lexi, to get married and give him a grandchild. Lexi thinks her father needs to move on with his life. Her mother died three years ago on the way to the bridal shop to pick up Lexi’s wedding dress. I have two releases on November 15, A Christmas Gift and a sweet story, “The Proposal”, which is in A Christmas Collection. Both will be available in print and ebook format.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having me on your fantastic blog. Readers, if you haven’t read any of my books, I hope you do! I’m published through a variety of houses, including Desert Breeze, Whimsical Publications, Samhain, Victory Tales Press, and Booklocker.com. I write inspiring stories filled with memorable characters. I’m giving a signed print copy of A Christmas Gift to one lucky winner! If the winner should live outside of U.S., I’ll substitute the ebook format instead.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.dianecraver.com Blog: http://www.dianecraver.com/blog  and my wonderful Jewels of the Quill group: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/jewelsofthequill.html
I’m also on Facebook! A Christmas Gift can be purchased at http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/ or other online places.