Brandon Barr & Mike Lynch's "After the Cross"

Title: After the Cross
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing

Cover blurb: Colton Foster, once hailed as a renowned expert in Latin, Hebrew and Greek, had his reputation destroyed when a shadowy antiquities dealer outwitted him with master forgeries from Solomon s Temple. Years later, his career and self-respect still in pieces, a team discovers an 800-year old letter in Istanbul and his life takes a pivotal turn. The job of translating the letter, purportedly revealing the hidden cross of Jesus, is his for the taking, and with it a chance to redeem himself.

Mallory Windom is smart, beautiful, and skilled at getting what she wants. A linguistic prodigy with a dark history, she trusts no one, an important skill in the black market antiquities trade where she regularly sells her expert talents to the highest bidder.

As Colton and Mallory hunt for Christianity s most prized relic, mysterious forces seem bent on stopping them at every turn. They soon discover that the most important struggle of their lives is not around them, but from within, testing their beliefs, their ethics, and their growing love for one another.

1) How did this story come to you?
ML: A few years back I watched a documentary on TV about Helena, the mother of Constantine. He's considered the Roman Empire's first Christian emperor. She converted from paganism to Christianity in her 70's, and went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem a few years after that. Inspired by the stories she had read about Jesus in the Gospels, she wanted to see the places where Jesus lived and performed His miracles, the most important being the place where He was crucified. After arriving in Jerusalem in 327 A.D., she was horrified to see that a Roman temple had been built on Golgotha, and ordered it be torn down immediately. As the soldiers set about breaking down the temple, they discovered what she believed to be the actual cross of Jesus buried nearby. It became a holy relic of Catholic Church for many years, until it disappeared from history eight centuries later. As I was watching this documentary I wondered what it would be like if Jesus' cross in our time, and the impact it would have on the world. And thus our story was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
ML: It took Brandon and me about a year to write the book, and get into publishable shape. Then it was a matter of sending it out to different publishers, until we received an e-mail from Ellechor Publishing, saying they were very interested in the story. After our agent negotiated a publishing contract with them, we had a signed deal. The book came out 11 months after that.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
BB: I’ve had three pet rats, each named Mr. Rathead. I love studying theology and apologetics. One of my favorite genres to read is science fiction and fantasy.
ML: I pride myself for never having owned a cell phone, I taught myself how to juggle and ride a unicycle, and I was an extra in a movie once.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
BB: Currently Mike and I are working on a science fiction novel, and in the future, we have a historical novel in mind.

5) Parting comments?
ML: Brandon and I appreciate your interest in After the Cross, and letting people know about the book. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
BB: http://www.brandonbarr.com/
ML: http://www.mikelynchbooks.com/

Laura Hilton's "A Harvest of Hearts"

Title: A HARVEST OF HEARTS
Publisher: Whitaker House

Cover blurb: A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri. There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

1) How did this story come to you?
I was praying about an idea for a second book in the series and God answered

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I wrote a proposal for book one (three books and a synopsis) and blurbs for this book and one other, and it sold.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I met two of the stars of Hee Haw when I was a waitress (work/study program) at the College of the Ozarks
2. I am a breast cancer survivor.
3. I love lighthouses – and have visited most of the ones in Michigan

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on book one of another series that hopefully someone will want.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://laurav.hilton.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?ref=ts

Mary Moore's "The Aristocrat's Lady"

Title: The Aristocrat’s Lady
Publisher: Love Inspired

Cover blurb: For a few moments on a moonlit balcony, Nicole Beaumont was just a beautiful woman catching the eye of the handsome Lord Devlin-but she knew the illusion couldn’t last. If the enigmatic aristocrat knew her secret, he’d realize that her disability left her unfit for love. So who could blame her for hiding the truth a little longer?

Devlin had never met a woman like Nicole. Her unique combination of innocence and wisdom left him utterly intrigued. Yet what was she hiding? For a man who did not trust easily, discovering her secret was devastating. Overcoming their pasts and forging a future would take faith, forgiveness and trust. And second chances could lead to new beginnings….

1) How did this story come to you?
As we’ve all discussed, Regencies are usually about the very rich and elite of Georgian England. I knew that was needed in any Regency I wanted to write, I just thought it would be different if the heroine wasn’t perfect. I just wanted to write a story unlike one I had ever read before.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It’s been a long time coming. I wrote the story 15 years ago. I knew nothing, literally nothing about getting a book published, so when I made a half-hearted attempt and nothing happened, I put the manuscript in a box and packed it away. During a year of surgery and chemo treatment for breast cancer, I pulled it out and began to re- write it with actual knowledge of what real trials were about. God led me to Jenni Burke, my agent, and He’s been at the helm through the whole process. We (Jenni and my editor, Rachel Burkot) put a lot of hard work into it and God brought it to where it is today!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a) I still write with a pad and pen. I cannot for the life of me use the computer when I’m creating my stories.
b) I’m not a huge fan of reading westerns, but I’m a John Wayne fanatic!
c) I have a black lab Darcy; named after Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
For the rest of this month, I am doing all of the work that is associated with the release of the book. I have a few more blog interviews and two book signings. After that I have a little breathing room to get my second Regency ready for submission. I’m really excited about delving back into that story.

5) Parting comments?
I’m just really thankful to God for this whole experience. Almost every single author I’ve come into contact with has been nothing short of wonderful. They’ve helped me through this process time and time again when I didn’t know what to do. Like you, many have offered me the opportunity to talk about the book and get it out in front of the public. Jenni and Rachel took my story and made it the very best it could be, with guidance and forbearance the entire way. And I just pray that the readers that might need the message in this book are the ones it finds its way to. Thank you again for this forum and the service you provide. I truly appreciate it!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
a) My website it www.marymooreauthor.com
b) My facebook page is facebook.com/mmooreauthor
c) My Twitter name is sugarbean1020
d) My email is mmooreauthor@swva.net

Anne Mateer's "Wings of a Dream"

Title: Wings of a Dream
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Cover blurb: Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.

But the Spanish flu epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.

1) How did this story come to you?
The first kernel of this story came in the form of family history--my great-grandparents’ history to be exact. But I couldn’t just tell their story. Several years after the initial idea, I learned some local historical facts that gave the story a more sturdy framework.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’d been writing seriously for 9 years and completed 4 novels, 3 of which were contemporary, before the Lord made it very clear that it was time to again tackle my true love--historical fiction. I began the book in January of 2009 and entered it in ACFW’s Genesis contest. It finaled and I received a request for my full manuscript. Eleven months and two revisions later, I received a two book contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) I am fiercely competitive in our family’s fantasy football league.
2) I hate mornings.
3) I absolutely despise cooking.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have another book (as yet untitled) releasing in September of 2012 that involves missionaries and auto racing in 1916. How’s that for a hook? That book is completely done, so now I’m fleshing out new story ideas. We’ll see what God has in store!

5) Parting comments?
I am honored that you took the time to read a little more about my book and about me. I very much enjoy connecting with people who read.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I can be found at www.annemateer.com, www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneMateer and www.twitter.com/AnneMateer.

Anne Patrick's "Fire and Ash"

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem and Faith, including the award-winning and best-selling Fire and Ash and Sabotage.

As a kid growing up in a rather boring neighborhood it was up to Anne and her friends to generate their own excitement, so when other kids wereoff playing with dolls and army men, they were out solving make believe crimes in the neighborhood. Each day was a new and exciting adventure with danger lurking around every corner. Then in high school she discovered the wonderful world of romantic suspense and she’s been spinning stories ever since.

Her Clash of the Titles winning excerpt competed in our Author’s Choice category. When asked what made this particular scene her favorite, Ann replied, “The tension between Jordan and Sam, and the hint that she’s still in love with him.”

A Familiar Evil’s Jordan Russel had the perfect life until the brutal monster from her childhood resurfaced, opening up scars she thought were healed. With the hope of finally finding closure, Jordan leaves her cheating husband and her career in the FBI, and returns to where her nightmare began. But what awaits her in Thorny Creek will push her to the very edge of sanity and bring her face to face with her abductor.

Where does Ann come up with such intense stories? She says she’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of girl. “I never plan anything,” Ann says. “As a matter of fact I didn’t know who the killer was in A Familiar Evil until toward the end of the book when he sprang out at me and said, ‘I’m your man.’ Of course I had suspected he was the one but I wasn’t for sure. There are several possibilities.”

Want to see the kind of writing her unplanning leads to? Check out a blip of her Clash-winning excerpt:

“Excuse me. I’m looking for Chief Russell.”

Jordan’s stomach did a nosedive at the familiar voice of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

“You found her,” Frank answered.

Jordan looked up just as Sam smiled. “Indeed I have.” He started toward her desk.

Colleen barged through the opened door. “Chief, there’s an Agent Russell here to see…oh, I guess you found her.”

“Agent Russell,” Frank repeated. He turned back to Jordan, “Isn’t Russell your married name?” He then shifted his gaze back to Sam, “That must mean you’re her husband.”

“Not for much longer.” Jordan hurried around her desk and ushered Frank out the door. “You’ll be hearing from me.” She closed the door and looked at Sam. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here at your request.”

Visit Clash of the Titles (http://www.clashofthetitles.com/2011/08/new-kind-of-clash-authors-choice.html) to read more, then stop by Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Evil-Anne-Patrick/dp/1461118514) to order your copy.

Jennifer Slattery writes for Christ to the World Ministries, Samie Sisters and The Christian Pulse and is the Marketing Manager for the literary website, Clash of the Titles (http://www.clahofthetitles.com/)

Find out more about her and her writing by visiting her devotional blog, JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/)

Register to win a $15 Bath & Body Works Gift Card

Check out 4 great books we're giving away this week in the posts below.

Be sure and register to win a  $15 Bath and Body Works gift card on the sister blog at http://www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com/ .

So, after you're register for the books, hop on over there and register for the gift card. Good luck and thanks for following our blogs!

Vannetta Chapman's "Falling to Pieces" (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery)

Title: Falling to Pieces (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery)
Publisher: Zondervan

Cover blurb: In the Amish community of Shipshewana, two women—one Amish, one English—reluctantly join forces for a short-term business venture. Neither is looking for friendship, but when the town's newspaper editor is murdered, and an unexpected prime suspect is identified, the women form an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery.

Description: In this first book of a three-book series, author Vannetta Chapman brings a fresh twist to the popular Amish fiction genre. She blends the familiar components consumers love in Amish books—faith, community, simplicity, family—with an innovative who-done-it plot that keeps readers guessing right up to the last stitch in the quilt.

When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town's reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Set in the well-known Amish community of Shipshewana, Falling to Pieces will attract both devoted fans of the rapidly-growing Amish fiction genre, as well as those who are captivated by the Amish way of life.

1) How did this story come to you? I was asked by Sue Brower (executive editor) to come up with several ideas for an Amish mystery series. I submitted 5 series ideas with 3 stories each and this is the one she chose! We wanted to pair an Amish woman with an Englisch, and it just so happens Callie is from Texas--like me!

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My first inspry was picked up by Abingdon Press. Zondervan saw that manuscript and liked it, but didn't need a writer for Amish romance because they have the fabulous Amy Clipston. When Sue asked me if I'd be interested in writing something different, I jumped at the chance.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have a phobia about tall bridges (driving over them), I play the piano fairly well, and I didn't receive my college degree until I was 34 years old.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on book 2 of my Pebble Creek Series (Amish romance) for Harvest House. This is a lovely series set in Wisconsin. Book 1 will release in June of 2012. We hope to continue with more Amish mystery, as early reader response for Falling to Pieces has been tremendous.

5) Parting comments?
Be open to changes in your "life plan." Things haven't always turned out as I envisioned them, but God had something better in mind.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
They can find me through my webpage (http://www.vannettachapman.com/) or on facebook (www.facebook.com/vannettachapmanbooks). Also I post to my blog 3 times a week (http://www.vannettachapman.wordpress.com/).

Martha Rogers' "Summer Dream"

Title: Summer Dream
Publisher: Realms Fiction Division of Charisma House.

Cover blurb:  As the daughter of a small-town minister in Connecticut, Rachel Winston fears that the only way she’ll ever find a husband is to visit her aunt in Boston for the social season. But when Nathan Reed arrives in town, she can’t help but wonder if he’s the one.

Although attracted to Rachel, Nathan has no desire to become involved with a Christian after experiences with his own family. What’s more, he realizes that even if he wanted to court her, he has little chance of doing so until he resolves his anger with God and his family.

When Nathan is caught in a devastating blizzard and lies near death in the Winston home, Rachel and her mother give him a lesson in love and forgiveness that leads him back to his home in the South. Will he make peace with his family and return to Briar Ridge before Rachel chooses a path that takes her away from him?

1) How did this story come to you?
I saw a story on Discovery Channel about a great blizzard in New England in 1888. I started reading about it from newspaper clippings of that day and saw what a huge storm it was and that they gave it the name, “The Great White Hurricane.” I decided I had to write a book that included the storm in it. So the book was born and set in Connecticut.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
As it happened, I was finishing up a series for Realms when they asked me if I had other ideas. Summer Dream was in my files so I offered a proposal for it and three more to follow. They liked the idea and gave me another contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I once was a nursing major in college.
I was on the tennis team in high school.
I had my own column for our high school newspaper, “Around the Halls at WW” (Mostly a “gossip” column.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m finishing up the last book in my present series and then I have a Christmas book to write for Realms.

5) Parting comments?
My first series was a great success thanks to people like you who hosted me on their blogs. I really do appreciate the opportunity to share with others.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is: http://www.marthawrogers.com/
I also have several blogs that are linked on my website.

Margaret Daley's "From This Day Forward"

Title: From This Day Forward
Publisher: Summerside Press

Cover blurb: Rachel Gordon is stranded in South Carolina, pregnant, a recent widow when her husband fell overboard on the voyage to America. Nathan Stuart, a physician who came home from serving in the American army during the War of 1812, disenchanted with his life and the Lord, rescues Rachel and saves her life. Feeling responsible for her, Nathan tries to discourage her from living at a rundown farm her husband bought to start a new future in America. He wants her to return to England.

Rachel refuses to go back to England where her father disowned her for marrying against his wishes. The farm is all she has, and she is determined to make it on her own. But Nathan has other ideas and becomes her farmhand to discourage her from staying in America. Instead he ends up protecting her and being challenged by her. Can two wounded people heal each other?

1) How did this story come to you?
Years ago I wrote a secular book which was part of a three book series. The publisher stopped publishing historicals. This is based on the second story but I changed the time period to after the War of 1812 instead of the Revolutionary War. I like that period in American history.

2) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a cheerleader in high school. I can’t sing but then that wouldn’t really surprise my readers if they heard me. I hate liver, fish and coffee.

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am writing the third book in A Town Called Hope Series for Love Inspired. After that I have my third book in the Men of the Texas Rangers Series for Abingdon Press to write.

4) Parting comments?
I love to write stories, especially ones with a faith element in them.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.margaretdaley.com/  Sign my guestbook on my website for a chance to win an autographed book.

Mary Ellis' "A Marriage for Meghan"

Title: A Marriage for Meghan
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Cover blurb: How long will true love wait? Meghan Yost is bright, talented, and eager to prove to her father, the bishop, that at nineteen she’s mature enough to teach in an Amish school all by herself. But just as she gains confidence and assurance, a troubled student challenges her authority and an enthusiastic suitor in the headstrong Jacob Schultz challenges her patience. How can Meghan outgrow her nickname of “little goose” if she can’t prove herself to be a capable adult who can stand on her own two feet? When a series of apparent hate crimes sweep through the district, the sheriff calls in the FBI, and Special Agent Thomas Mast arrives in Wayne County carrying a secret he’s hidden for years. Will he come to terms with the past and regain his relationship with God (before his career hardened his heart)? (With more on her plate than one girl can handle, Meghan sets out to help with the investigation.) Thomas works closely with the bishop, who hopes the criminals will be arrested before Meghan finds herself in love with the most inappropriate of suitors—an Englischer…An engaging story of one girl’s quest for independence and true love as social prejudice tests a community’s faith in a simpler world.

1) How did this story come to you?
As a former schoolteacher, I still have nightmares regarding facing six classes of middle-school teenagers during my first year. My heroine experiences similar jitters. Regarding hate crimes against the Amish, I ran into (and interviewed) a county sheriff’s department deputy who sparked that part of the story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
We don’t really have kind of time, do we? I can only say I never gave up despite my fair share of rejections. Keep your dreams in your heart and pray for direction is the best advice I could give. Keep knocking on doors until one opens, even if it’s only a crack.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m obsessed with Niagara Falls; I’m obsessed with popcorn (I eat it every day) and I make an incredibly good lobster bisque (soup). Can you tell I just returned from a research trip to Maine?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My next release in Feb 2012 will be An Amish Family Reunion. It will be book four of the best-selling Miller Family Series. For those who enjoyed the series, we pick up the story 12 years after A Widow’s Hope and 4 years after The Way to a Man’s Heart. Right now I’m working on Living in Harmony, set in Maine.

5) Parting comments?
Any readers who’d like my recipe for lobster bisque can send me an email: maryeellis@yahoo.com

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? I hope they’ll stop my blog:

http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Sam Batterman's "Maximal Reserve"

Title: Maximal Reserve
Publisher: Deep River

Cover blurb: WHAT IF OIL ISN’T SCARCE? A secret that can change the balance of the world’s power and finance in a moment is known by the most unlikely of people—and he’s only been employed for a week.

Philip Channing was just an ambitious college graduate who wanted to make his mark on the world. He didn’t know that mark would be the greatest oil discovery of all time—in the wrong place. Philip finds the largest oil reserve in history, a reserve that dwarfs the lucrative reserves in Saudi Arabia and threatens to change the world’s balance of power and wealth in favor of the most unlikely country of all.

But Phil isn’t the only one who’s discovered the reserve—and an alliance of crooked politicians and European terrorists will do anything to keep it secret.

1) How did this story come to you?
I have always been curious about whether or not oil was generated when the dinosaurs died, or if something else provided all this petroleum we burn in our cars every day. As a Christian, I don’t prescribe to the notion that dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago and thus created all the hydrocarbons on our planet in a “geologic instant.” In searching for this answer, I came across a real scientific theory that underpins the Russian Science Academy and the Russian Exploration effort and also endorsed by scientists like Hans Bethe and Freeman Dyson. With that kind of scientific pedigree behind it, I figured I had found something worth writing about.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Maximal Reserve was relatively easy for me to get published. Wayback was a best seller for my publisher, Deep River and I have continued to build my audience (which is the real hard work for an author now days). The Christian publishing market (and actually the entire book market) is going through tumultuous changes right now.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I work at Microsoft, I teach computer programming at a Christian High School for an elective, I travelled to Israel back in March, it was amazing to see many of the things I write about (the Lion Gate, Masada, the Dead Sea and the Western Wall) in person.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on the sequel to my first book, Wayback. It’s called Insurrection and I’ve rewritten it three times in the hope of getting it “right.” Insurrection picks up where Wayback leaves off and includes quite a number of surprises and twists from the original. The most difficult part of writing a sequel is giving it its own feel and theme to be different, but making it close the original to make it feel like a continuation. In short, it’s not easy. I have a lot of other ideas cooking in my mind, but they have to wait until I get Insurrection out.

5) Parting comments?
Here are some endorsements:
“Maximal Reserve is a fascinating adventure into the depths of God’s earth. Batterman’s book is a combination James Bond movie and Ken Ham seminar—entertaining and educational. And Batterman makes science fun. He presents his theories in an action-packed way that makes it all seem so realistic, I wonder if it isn’t happening this way right now. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way it made me ponder the great mysteries of this planet.”
---Jill Williamson, Christy Award-winning author of By Darkness Hid

“The world needs oil, and Phil Channing has just discovered the greatest single oil reserve in history. Ripped from the headlines, Sam Batterman’s sophomore techno-thriller is a compelling, fast-paced read that weaves together scientific discovery, biblical prophecy, romance, and action-packed adventure in the Middle East. From the riveting opening to the jaw-dropping conclusion, readers will delight in drilling to the depths of Maximal Reserve. Batterman especially excels at wedding science with biblical truth in Crichton-esque plots. An awesome ride!”
---Adam Blumer, author of Fatal Illusions

“Maximal Reserve has a shockingly intelligent premise, bolstered by equally intelligent research. The stuff truly great techno-thrillers are made of.”
---lan Brown, author of The Firstborn and The Overseer

“A rousing, suspense-fueled thriller that grabs you from page 1, Maximal Reserve is a cautionary tale about the world’s largest oil reserve, found at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and the terrible price people are willing to pay to get to it.”
---Mike Lynch, author of American Midnight

“Maximal Reserve has an intriguing premise involving fascinating science and relevant history. I love it when a novel not only entertains, but educates.”
---Kerry Nietz, author of A Star Curiously Singing.

“In Maximal Reserve, Sam Batterman ratchets up the tension about Israel’s future. As timely as today’s headlines, this techno-thriller plunges the reader into the struggle for the world’s lifeblood—oil—and combines the need for diminishing resources with end-times prophecy, resulting in a timely novel for the inquiring mind.”
---Diane and David Munson, bestselling authors of Hero’s Ransom


6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My author site, http://www.sambatterman.com/, or my fan site on Facebook:
Wayback Fan Site (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=79413287456)

Jayne Pearson Faulkner's "The Place of Belonging"

Title: The Place of Belonging
Publisher: Deep River Books

Cover blurb: This elegantly written story is told from the eyes of a child of a single mother, set in the 1940's in Big Sky Montana. Humorous yet bracingly honest, The Place of Belonging stirs our basis feelings of wanting to belong somewhere and to someone. Beautifully and simply told, The Place of Belonging takes the reader on an uforgettable step back in time, a place many will recognize. [“This emotionally satisfying book reads like prose. It is one of the best books we have ever published, and certainly, that I have ever read.” Nancie Carmichael, DRB Publisher, and bestselling author. ]

1) How did this story come to you?
I found an old ragged 5-year diary given to me by my grandma when I was eight years old. It brought me back to the 1940’s in Montana, and my life with my single mom and grandma, struggling to “fit in”—not very possible in that time period. Then Mom met a farmer from Conrad (Montana) and our lives changed forever, but not without the ever-old question, “Where do I belong in this scheme of things?”

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My writing has been in the short story venue, so I was only planning to write a short fiction story based our life experiences during this five-ear span. When I realized that what I was writing was actually more than fiction, and told through the eyes of a child, I decided to tell the whole story. I meant to only make copies for my family to read. When my sister saw it, she wanted it to be published, and helped me to that end.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
(1) I’m pretty old. (Maybe that wouldn’t be surprising.)
(2) My husband and I were missionaries in the Philippines and Tonga during our kids’ growing-up years, and we all loved it.
(3) I can yodel. But I only do it in private.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on a sequel to The Place of Belonging, which will go into high school years in the 50’s—the trying to fit in (in high school) honed to a new level—with the mix of younger siblings, farm life, and adolescence. It will probably be more funny than sad this time around.

5) Parting comments?
I appreciate very much the fact that so many people have enjoyed my book. It makes me enormously happy. Thank you.

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

Marianne Evans' "Hearts Communion"

Title: Hearts Communion
Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Cover blurb: Jeremy “JB” Edwards dreams of one thing: Having a loving wife and children of his own. Not a surprising ambition, since he was raised at the heart of a large, tight-knit family. Monica Kittelski spends her days at Sunny Horizons Daycare Center pouring her heart and faith into other people’s children. But Monica harbors one impossible dream: Having children of her own someday. JB and Monica seem the perfect match, but what will come of their electric, sassy relationship when Jeremy learns of Monica's infertility? Hopes and reality collide when they must confront the idea of finding God's plan and following His will when a dearest hope is destined to remain unfulfilled. Can these two loving, passionate hearts survive a communion of dreams and reality?

1) How did this story come to you?
Hearts Communion is part of my Woodland Series, so it bloomed as I settled into this very special fictional church and got to ‘know’ my characters. The series centers around a church in suburban Detroit called Woodland. Woodland stands along the shoreline of a gorgeous and picturesque lake called Lake St. Clair. These inspirational romances center around a few of the parishioners who worship there.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It all began with a contest win. White Rose Publishing sponsored the “Hearts Crossing” contest with the grand prize being publication. I was blessed by a win, but here’s the funny part: as I waited for the results of the contest, a series came to life in my heart. I had to tell these stories, whether I won the contest win or not. Hearts Surrender followed as book 2 in the series, and Hearts Communion is book 3. Hearts Key concludes the series early next year…although my editor has said, “You know…there are more parishioners, and more stories you could tell if you want to keep it going…” I like hearing that kind of reaction.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m a collector of antique salt cellars. I garden and weed to break episodes of writer’s block. I’m a Food Channel addict.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m developing another series for White Rose Publishing called ‘Sal’s Place.’ Sal’s Place is a comfy, family owned diner with lots of regulars, and employees, who I can see embracing some amazing stories of faith and love! My publisher is also considering a mainstream Christian novel I’ve tentatively titled Devotion. Devotion studies a marriage on the rocks, and how only God can get you through the tough times in a long-term, committed relationship. Writing it has been a complete joy, and such an eye-opening journey! I’ll keep you posted on developments!

5) Parting comments?
I’m grateful to be part of your blog today! Thank you so much for creating a wonderful space on the ‘Net! Also, I love hearing from readers, so please, connect with me via my links below and let’s hang out!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.marianneevans.com/, http://www.marianneevans.blogspot.com/, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744  is my Facebook reader’s page

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Lisa Bergren's "Mercy Came Morning"

Title: Mercy Come Morning (previously released as Christmas Every Morning)

Publisher: WaterBrook

Cover blurb: Krista Mueller is in a good place. She’s got a successful career as a professor of history; she’s respected and well-liked; and she lives hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could never please. It’s been more than a decade since Alzheimer’s disease first claimed Charlotte Mueller’s mind, but Krista has dutifully kept her mother in a first-class nursing home.

Now Charlotte is dying of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother’s side as she slips away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing home—and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane’s kind and gentle spirit—and a surprising discovery about her mother—make Krista wonder if she can at last close the distance between her and her mother … and open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever.

1) How did this story come to you?
I had two grandparents who died of Alzheimer’s. It’s a tragic situation, every time, and tragedy breeds good novel tension…I thought, “What would happen if you had issues with your loved one who has Alz, and never had the opportunity to talk them out?”

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Happily, I’ve been published for a while, and one contract leads to the next. Given how publishing is changing, I’m not sure how long that’ll last, but I appreciate it for now!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a ski bum/bartender for the winter after college; I’ve been in the tomb inside the Great Pyramid at Giza; my husband and I met on a blind date.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m in the midst of promoting a YA series called The River of Time (Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent), about two teen girls who time travel back to medieval Italy. Lots of action and romance. Next up: An adult trilogy called The Grand Tour—beginning with Grand Illusions—about a group of young people traveling across Europe in search of cultural refinement, and an understanding of themselves.

5) Parting comments?
I love to connect with readers and hope your readers will check out one of my books!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.lisabergren.com/
@LisaTBergren on Twitter
Facebook: Lisa Tawn Bergren and River of Time Series

Sharon Dow's "Antipas: Martyr"

Title: Antipas: Martyr
Publisher: Deep River Books

Cover blurb: Young Antipas is steeped in the religion of Zeus but his belief that there must be more to life finds him rejected and driven away from his own family and home. Overwhelmed by his loss, he cowers in the darkness when an opportunity arises for him to leave behind his troubles and embark on a new life. On the ancient Roman road through the wilderness of Asia, Antipas finds a new friend in Epaphras who teaches him everything he can about Christ. Laying his life on the line, he lives in danger from his own father and brothers as he grapples with the forces of good and evil in an epic battle for his soul.

1) How did this story come to you?
I was reading in the book of Revelation chapter two where Christ is talking to the church of Pergamum. He mentioned Antipas, his faithful witness who was martyred where Satan lives. I was intrigued and did some research on him. He is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, and there is little historical information about him. I decided to write his story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
As a new author, it is hard to break into the publishing world. Major publishing companies state on their websites that they do not accept manuscripts from new authors. One site directed me to Christian Manuscript Submissions, an online site where you can (for a fee) post information about your manuscript. I did this and was approached by Deep River Books. When they read my manuscript, they suggested I have it critiqued, which I did. Then I did a revision of the book and submitted it again. This time it was accepted!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I spent 27 years in the field of Education as a junior high teacher and principal of an elementary Christian School.
2. I have a great desire to travel to Russia. This country has long fascinated me as I have read many stories set in Russia prior to the Revolution.
3. I love politics and have harbored a secret dream to run for office at the federal level.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have completed the manuscript for ‘Pergamum: Satan’s Throne’ which is the sequel to ‘Antipas: Martyr’. I have over 22,000 words written on a third book titled ‘Huldah: Prophetess’. This is a stand-alone book and is based on the life of Huldah found in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. She was a prophetess when Josiah was King.

5) Parting comments?
Writing for me is pure joy. It has been a life-long dream to write a book. Now that I have had my first book published, my dream has expanded. I now want to write 10. I have ideas for all ten and maybe more.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.sharondow.ca and I can be found on facebook – Sharon Dow and/or Antipas: Martyr.