Susan Sleeman's "Nipped in the Bud"

We're happy to have Susan Sleeman with us today talking about her book, Nipped in the Bud. To learn more about Susan and her book, read on!

Title: Nipped in the Bud


Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Cover blurb: Paige Turner has secured her first landscaping contract, sprucing up the city park for the upcoming Pickle Fest. But after a confrontation with the city manager, she finds him dead in a mound of mulch. With no alibi for the time of death and, according to the police chief, with plenty of motive to carry out the murder, Paige must dig her way out of the mess by finding the real killer. Attorney Adam Hayes aids in her search as he works hard to keep her out jail—and his heart.

1) How did this story come to you?
I love to garden and I love to kill people—on paper that is, LOL—so it was only natural for me to combine both together in Nipped in the Bud. I also wanted to share gardening tips in a humorous format a cozy mystery like Nipped in the Bud is a perfect format to do so.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Wow, that’s a story. I was awarded my contract for Nipped in the Bud at the American Fiction Christian Writer’s conference in September of 2008 for Barbour’s Heartsong Presents Mystery imprint. Then in January, the line folded and my dreams died. Or so I thought. But a year later Barbour decided to publish the contracted mysteries in a new single title line called Hometown Mysteries and they selected Nipped in the Bud to release in the first six mysteries.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmm, let’s see. I have lived in nine states, one twice. But that was Texas and it’s such a big state you have to live there twice, LOL. I used to teach computers to kindergartners through eighth graders and that job also included doing hardware repair for the computer lab. One day, in my younger years, my husband went to work and I decided to take down all of the walls in the second story of our house to open up the rooms. He came home and all that was left were wires hanging from the ceiling. FYI, we were planning to this, I just got a head start.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on the edits for Behind the Badge, a romantic suspense book releasing in June with Love Inspired Suspense and writing Relentless Pursuit another romantic suspense book releasing in the fall of 2011 also with Love Inspired Suspense

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me here, today and I’d like to say a special thank you to all the readers who have bought both High-Stakes Inheritance and Nipped in the Bud this fall. I am so appreciative of all the kind readers out there.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to connect with readers and here are a few places I can do that.
http://www.susansleeman.com/ Personal website
http://www.thesuspensezone.com/ Book review website
http://hometownmysteries.com/  Hometown Mystery Website
http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman Twitter
http://www.facebook.com/susan.sleeman Facebook friend’s page
http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanBooks Facebook fan page
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/ Love Inspired Authors

M. Ann Ricks' "The Son"

We're happy to have M. Ann Ricks with us today talking about her book, The Son.  To learn more about Ann and her book, read on!



Title: The Son
Publisher: Leading Lady Publications.

Cover blurb: Daniel Manders has been dubbed the “chosen one”.
Since childhood, he has always been the one that was admired and called upon to do the right thing especially when it involved rectifying a situation for his family. Choosing to leave home to escape the pressures of family, he lived his life without worrying about rescuing his brothers from themselves. While living the life he thinks he wants, Daniel finds himself in a situation that only the Lord can get him out of. When finally acknowledging that he’d been shirking his responsibilities and a divine calling, a way of escape is provided. He decides that he can run no longer and promises to return to the home of his youth. Upon his return, he meets Melina; a woman that seems to be made just for him. While trying to be the man he feels he needs to be and reassemble the puzzle that he calls his family, Daniel’s purpose becomes clear but God’s desire and destiny for his family is challenged.

1) How did this story come to you?
It was impressed upon me that there are so many people that know who God is but are either afraid of being who God has called them to be or don’t think that they can handle the responsibility of being a “true and uncompromising” child of the Most High God. Many sometimes let their fear, families and relationships keep them from the future that God has destined for them. God has gifted so many of us, with the intelligence and “know how” to do so many awesome things. Men, as they relate to the novel, are born leaders. They simply have to acknowledge it and stop running from who they are and who they were made to be. The path may not be easy nor is it always convenient, but if we seek Him first, everything else will be added. Additionally, and contrary to the popular consensus, we ARE our brother’s keeper. Sometimes our family will be our hardest obstacle but we must be obedient. We need to be obedient to the will of God and be that man or woman of God who can show them how to live a life of freedom and liberty through Jesus. Someone’s life is depending on it. Your brother or sister…. Our families and those connected to us are depending on it! Stand fast and believe God regardless of what the enemy throws your way. We have the power to thwart each arrow of adversity because God promises all of us who believe in Him that we’d receive our expected end.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It seems my journey to get this novel published was riddled with obstacles. I was under the impression that because I had one novel published; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance, a second novel would be easier. That was not to be. I believed the subject-matter was God-ordained and that the novel would bless those who read it, as many, I’m certain, can identify with the premise, but initially I struggled with the content and writing from a man’s perspective. I knew that I had to saturate The Son with the word of God as it always makes the difference but some viewed it as deterrent. As a result, finding a publisher and getting it out to the masses seemed to be a challenge. I was very happy to finally find a publisher that believed in my story and its relevance and that is when one stumbling block was removed. Getting it into the stores, however, was yet another faith fight. I really had to trust that God had and has everything under control… (BIGGEST Lesson learned!) Thankfully the journey to publication ended victoriously as many who have read The Son have nothing but wonderful things to say about it as it has done exactly what God said it would do… encourage hearts, provide revelation and confidence using His Word. It confirms that we are all called to impact the world with Jesus Christ!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Well… Let’s see!
1)I was in a music video back in the late 80’s with a group called FOREIGNER. While singing with the Youth Division of The New Jersey Mass Choir, I was part of day long video shoot of the song.., “I Want To Know What Love Is”. It was an awesome experience and a memory that I will never forget.
2) I’m a part-time Fitness Instructor and a real CARDIO junkie. I love STEP Aerobics and Cardio Dance and use Gospel House music to work-out and praise God at the same time. The crazy thing about it is that I absolutely LOVE cakes, cookies, etc. How can I be such a fitness junkie and a sweets junkie at the same time??? You tell me? That surprises me, if no one else!
3) Lastly, if someone would have told me that by age 40, I would have two novels and a third one on the way, I would have never believed them. Many readers think that I have been writing for my entire life and that is true to some extent but I wrote for school and my profession. Writing about the love of Jesus and sharing His word with the masses using fiction is an awesome surprise to me… It certainly goes to show us that God has a way of moving us into our destiny as He prepares us along the way. I love what I do and crazily enough, I couldn’t stop writing if I wanted to!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have completed my third novel: THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME. This novel took me the longest to write and has blessed me immensely. It is seasoned with the sensuality of love, the need for familial truth and deliverance as well as God’s promise of hope and redemption. Regardless of who you are; rich or poor and whatever you’ve done or what your family or people in your life have done to you, the blood of Jesus can make you a new creature because of its power. Many are living defeated lives, unaware that freedom and life in abundance is available. Set in present day, THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME chronicles a woman’s desire for redemption. The novel will enlighten and encourage as we journey with the heroine, Honey Lamb. Because the story of her life is one of demoralizing circumstances, she questions why she is and who she is. Not realizing that God places people in our lives for His purpose, she reluctantly embarks upon a journey that will open her eyes and heart to a divine inheritance.

5) Parting comments?
I consider it an honor and privilege that K. Dawn Byrd Blog Spot would decide to spotlight me and my novel, The Son. This is truly a blessing. Thank You!!! Sharing stories of faith and His unconditional and unending love, will change lives and provide spiritual revelation thus augmenting the Kingdom of God. I believe this is what God has purposed for my life and I am determined to walk it. It has been made clear that my steps are divinely ordered and I am assured that God has purposed me to affect lives in a realistic way with messages that will birth “overcomers” in the Earth that will glorify God!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Please visit www.mannricks.net to read more what God has purposed for my life as well as events, workshops and dialogues that I have had the pleasure to facilitate. Interested readers can certainly purchase my novels Awesome Wonder, my debut novel as well as The Son . I am presently having a “READY for RAIN” Online Sale! Each novel is only $5.00!! Click on the “Christ IS” link to make your “READY for RAIN” purchase and the novel will be signed and shipped to your location.

Shawna Williams "In All Things"

We're happy to have Shawna Williams with us today talking about her new book, In All Things.To learn more about Shawna and her book, read on!

Your title: The title of my new book is In All Things. It's the sequel to No Other, my debut novel that was released in May.

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing is the book's publisher.

Cover blurb: Jakob and Meri's story continues...
     Meredith Louis's Hollywood career is at a point of transition. No longer under Majestic Studios' control, Meri is free to broaden her appeal as an actress and finally earn the recognition she desires.
     Meri and Jakob return to their hometown for the holidays where Meri hopes to reconcile with her parents after a decade of silence. But after a disastrous encounter, Meri is plunged into turmoil as old fears resurface in unexpected ways.
     Jakob, already dealing with unresolved family issues of his own, is further burdened by his inability to help his wife. Can he learn to step aside and trust God's plan.Will Meri recognize what she already has?
     In All Things is a story of faith and restoration, cemented in the belief, "...that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1) How did this story come to you?
This story was inspired by the same dream that inspired No Other. Originally I had written both stories as one book, but a lot of changes were made since the original version – especially to In All Things. There is a nasty character in the story who represents who Meri could become, and in the original this person is who she actually did become. The published version is much better than the original.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
When I submitted No Other to Desert Breeze Publishing I mentioned that there was a sequel and DB was immediately interested. At that point all I had was the original version and an outline for turning the second part into a book of its own. I thought it wouldn't be difficult, but during the course of writing many new things crept in – things that deepened the story and broadened the theme. I also had grown to like Meri so much while rewriting No Other that I couldn't assign the fate from the original book to her. This book was a difficult write and I had a ton of freak out moments, but several months before its due date things started falling into place, and I love the way it turned out.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I'm boring, but I'll give this a try.
1) For my next birthday I want to go spelunking. Not cave exploring with a flashlight, but the whole underground with a light on my head kind of exploration.
2) I built the pantry in my kitchen, and I did a pretty darn good job.
3) I pick the marshmellows out of Lucky Charms, eat them, and feed the cereal part to my dog (in moderation).

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I'm trying to consider priorities. I've released three books in seven months, so I want to replenish a bit. Promotion is fun but also draining. I'm working on a possible spinoff story for a character in No Other and In All Things. I don't have a lot, just a rough synopsis and about 1,000 words in a first chapter, so I haven't pitched it to the publisher yet. I'd also like to try and get something ready to pitch at the ACFW conference. I have several story ideas and would love to have a completed manuscript by next September. I'm not sure which of these ideas will take priority. I'd love to have them both accomplished by next fall, but family has to come first.

5) Parting comments?
This is a message to aspiring writers that I've been saying a lot in my blog interviews during the promotion of In All Things, but I'll say it again. We've all heard that we should write what we know, and this is true, but I think it's equally important for an author to write who they are, from the heart. Readers can gauge the sincerity of a story – if it came from deep within. Don't be afraid to share yourself. It's the reason God called you to such a task.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://shawnakwilliams.com/
http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/shawnakwilliams
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1059888544#!/pages/Shawna-K-Williams/236629884245

Adam & Andrea Graham's "Tales of the Dim Knight"

We're happy to have Andrea Graham with us today talking about her book, Tales of a Dim Knight. To learn more about Andrea and her book, read on!

Publisher: Splashdown Books

Cover blurb: In Tales of the Dim Knight, mild-mannered janitor and superhero fanboy Dave Johnson gets all his wishes at once when an alien symbiot gives him supernatural powers. But what's he to do with them? Follow the zany adventures of the clueless custodian as he fights crime and corruption while trying to keep his family together and avoid being sued for copyright infringement.

1) How did this story come to you?
My co-author came up with the concept for this novel after reading Who Needs A Superhero? By H. Michael Brewer.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
We had shelved it as a novel, deciding against shopping it to a publisher, and opted instead to serialize it along side three other stories on our own website, Laser & Sword Magazine. A friend who happened to be a publisher read it, loved it, and asked to buy it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Not sure if anything would. I tend to be a fairly open book. I’ll try, though. I was on the drama team in high school and did great despite suffering terrible stage fright. I like yellow and pink more than I do purple. I love lavender and lilac, but prefer bright, light colors to dark and drab. One more. Uh—I’m an ENFJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) with no sense of time. LOL.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on the fourth book of an unpublished low-tech sci fi series set in a alternate universe with a topsy turvy history as it wants to veer left when we veer right. Examples: historically matriarchal, the ark landed in the Rocky Mountains, Jesus was never born there (death came to them from our world, Pandora’s box style, so salvation does also), the Union of the Nations (i.e. the US) is an 1800 years old country rather than a young one, the dark-skinned race enslaved the light-skinned race, and the Union lost the civil war and the West. Due to the monarchy, sword and crossbow play, pet dinosaurs called dragons, etc., most who’ve offered an opinion regard it as fantasy.

Adam most recently has written a Sci Fi short story setting the parable of the unjust judge on a twenty-third century space station, casting the persistent widow as a gray-skinned hominoid alien with a frog-like tongue. I added the tongue in to distinguish her from Zolgron’s species in Tales of the Dim Knight. We help ourselves to each other’s work routinely. He also has ideas for two more books set in my universe as referenced above.

5) Parting comments?
 I hate goodbyes.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I mouthed off with Christian advice and book reviews at my blog, Ask Andrea, and put out my for editor-for-hire sign along with free writing tips at http://www.povbootcamp.com/. You can read about Tales of the Dim Knight at Splashdown Books or preview the first four chapters on your ebook reader of choice at Smashwords. Or check out Adam’s blog or http://www.adamsweb.us/.

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.