Spotlight on Lyn Cote and The Desires of Her Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When LYN COTE became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Long years of rejection followed. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen by Steeple Hill. Lyn has had over twenty-five novels published since then. In 2006 Lyn's book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, one of the highest awards in the romance genre. Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love.

She married her real-life hero and was blessed with a son and daughter. She loves game shows, knitting, cooking, and eating! She and her husband live on a beautiful lake in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Now that the children have moved out, she indulges three cats: V-8 (for the engine, not the juice), Sadie, and Tricksey. In the summer, she writes using her laptop on her porch overlooking the lake. And in the winter, she sits by the fireplace her husband installed with the help of a good neighbor during their first winter at the lake.

Lyn's inspirational novels feature American women who step up to the challenges of their times and succeed in remaining true to the values of liberty and justice for all. The story of America is one of many nationalities and races coming together to forge our one nation under God, and Lyn's novels reflect this with accurate historical detail, always providing the ring of authenticity. Strong Women, Brave Stories.


THE DESIRES OF HER HEART
by Lyn Cote
Published by Avon Inspire

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1821, Dorritt Mott is a woman ahead of her time. When her family is forced to leave New Orleans, she meets Quinn. The New Orleans lady and the half-breed scout, become unlikely allies on the trek to the Austin settlement in Texas. Two armies, marauding Comanche and a traitor in their midst stand between them and their destination. All Dorritt thinks she wants is her own independence, but is it possible that she will gain the unrecognized desires of her heart? And teach Quinn to enlarge his vision also?

Buy Your Copy of The Desires of Her Heart today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I look for a setting where there is a lot of conflict, especially culture clashes. People who look different and think different ways are a rich setting for an exciting story.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

There is a piece of me in each character because there are such things as universal emotions--love, hate, greed, selflessness, kindness, rudeness. We've ALL done them ALL, right? But I do not make each heroine me. Each heroine takes on a life and personality of her own as does the hero. I know I'm doing a good job with my characters when they begin to take over the story and do things I don't expect.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Ice cream-hmmmmmm-Ice cream was extremely rare in 1821 New Orleans and more scarce on the Texas frontier. I think of Dorritt more in the terms of a steady, quiet, attractive mare who is a good mother to her foals. The kind of steed a rider could always count on in an emergency or on a forced march. I always write about strong women who are ahead of their times and either unconventional like Dorritt or crusaders.


4. Are there any themes in The Desires of Her Heart that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

This is the first book in a 3 book series, titled "Texas Star of Destiny." I took this phrase from the Texas State Song, "Texas, My Texas." Interestingly, this song was written by an Anglo settler in 1829. Six years before the Texas Revolution, angloamericano settlers were thinking of Texas as their own, not a part of Mexico.

The themes for all three books in this series are taken from Psalm 37. The first theme is verse four: "Delight thyself in the LORD and he will give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV) To me, this means that if a person goes about doing what pleases the Lord will in the end be blessed. This of course is based on trusting God which comes in verse five. "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." This is the challenge for Dorritt and her hero Quinn.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This book bucked like a unbroken bronco. I wrote the ending three times before I got it right. Or I hope I got it right. (GRIN)

And my favorite part is always doing the historical research so that every detail recreates the world at that time. Many readers appreciate this attention to historical detail. As much as possible, I try to portray what each era and each setting demanded of people at that time. (Of course, I don't mention the fact that indoor plumbing was not readily available till mid 20th century. Let's not go there.)

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next new book is the second in my Texas series, titled Her Inheritance Forever. This story takes place the year of the Texas Revolution 1836 and that is difficult because the heroine Alandra Sandoval (who is a little girl in the first book) is a Tejano, a Texan of Spanish-Mexican descent. The hero is of course an Anglo, Scully Falconer. I found out a lot of facts and events I never knew had happened. As always in US history, brave men with faith in God were able to do the impossible.

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Thank you, Lyn, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, look below for 3 ways you can win a FREE copy of The Desires of Her Heart. We won't be doing a drawing from this blog for this book as all available copies the author has have been spoken for or included in the following ways you can still win.

Feel free to comment though if you have read this book or any of Lyn's, or if you wish to share anything connected to the spotlight.

To win books by Lyn Cote and more!

There are 3 ways to win books which include Lyn's.

1 - Enter the quarterly drawing at http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

2 - Drop by my blog http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/ in MEGA Month May. A large basket of goodies and autographed books will be given away in a drawing from the names of those who send in stories about brave women in their families (including their own) or a friend which I will post as a blog; also those who post a comment this coming May.

3 - Drop by my website http://www.lyncote.net/ and click Meet Lyn Page and scroll to the bottom to join the Chapter-A-Week Club. Several times a year, this group gives away a prize of 10 lbs. of autographed books by notable Christian Authors.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Kristin Billerbeck and Back to Life

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Back to Life
Avon Inspire - September 15, 2008)
by Kristin Billerbeck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

KRISTIN BILLERBECK was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and gained a bachelor's degree in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then, she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing.

She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year for What A Girl Wants in 2004, and again in 2006 for With this Ring. Featured in the New York Times, USA Today, World Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show. She is credited with jump-starting the inspirational chick-lit phenomenon. Most recently she has been names as a finalist for the Christy Award in the Lits category for The Trophy Wives Club.

Her other recent books include: She's All That.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lindsey realized when she married Ron, a man 17 years her senior, that the odds were he'd see heaven before her, but she never expected to be a widow at 35. There's too much of life left for her to just sit around in mourning. But she can't seem to kick start the rest of her life.

That is until she gets some help from Ron's first wife, Jane, who shows up unexpectedly at her door one day as the executor of her husband's estate. Jane is everything Lindsey's not...independent, stubborn… and a lot older. Plus she has one surprise after another...including a son named Ron Jr. (she insists he's not "really" Ron's son). But an unlikely friendship develops as each woman begins to reevaluate what is really important, and owns up to the mistakes they've made in the past.

Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Lindsey, and with the return of many of the witty characters of The Trophy Wives Club, this book is a lighthearted, relatable read for when life goes in a direction you never planned. With faith and friends, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

If you would like to read an excerpt, go HERE.

Buy your copy of Back to Life Today!

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Back to Life.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada only.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Tracey Bateman and That's (Not Exactly) Amore

Today, I have the privilege of featuring one of the first author friends I made after joining ACFW back in 2002. Joined by our shared love of Dr. Quinn, we formed a fast friendship that has only gotten better over the years. Now, she's a client of mine and an author I admire for all that she's achieved in just a few years. From her very first book, she's blazed a trail that's been hot and stays hot, through genre changes and publisher changes. But, her following has been loyal and she's still going strong!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords - August 14, 2008)
by Tracey Bateman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TRACEY BATEMAN published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2).

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.

She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.

Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for almost 20 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

Buy your copy of That's (Not Exactly) Amore Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It was a natural progression from Laini's character growth in the first two stories. I didn't have any idea when I started that she would love to cook or that her mom would be widowed. Her story just flowed from my own friendship with her in Catch a Rising Star and You Had me at Goodbye.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I like to eat and cook. That's pretty much Laini and me both. I am a distaster at decorating....again...Laini. But I really didn't have her experiences. I'm a midwest girl, which I guess she is at heart. Laini is more passive in general than I am.

3. What themes exist in That's (Not Exactly) Amore that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I think I'd rather the reader draw her own conclusion. That's the thing with subtle themes, I always shout for joy when that small group of readers writes to me and really "gets" it. Goes beyond the love story and the entertainment to what lies beneath. I love when people see things I never intended, but looking at it from their heart perspective gives me a chance to sit back and go, Oh, yeah, you did want to say that, didn't you, God?

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This book was amazingly easy. I wrote it exactly the way I felt it should be wrtten and my editor let me. Any scene with the "uncles" is a favorite scene. And there's one scene in the rain toward the end of the book that I forced myself to wait to write until I got there. I had it in my mind from the beginning. I just wasn't sure who all the characters would be in the scene.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is Dangerous Heart, the third in the Westward Hearts series from Avon Inspire. It will release in October.

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Thank you, Tracey, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of That's (Not Exactly) Amore.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Linda Windsor and For Pete's Sake

I'm pleased as punch to have Linda Windsor here today. And speaking of that, where did that phrase originate? I wasn't aware that punch could be pleased. It could be pleasing, I suppose, if you need refreshment, but it doesn't feel emotions...I don't think.

Anyway, back to Linda. :) If it weren't for her mentorship, encouragement and friendship, my first book would never have been published. She walked me through each chapter and helped me fine-tune the errors or areas that needed tweaking. She helped me find my author voice and merge it with the rules of writing. And, most importantly, she helped me inject humor into an historical romance. That was no easy feat. But Linda helped me do it.

And now, I present Linda as part of the CFBA blog tour:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
For Pete's Sake
Book Two of the Piper Cove Chronicles
(Avon Inspire - April 1, 2008)
by Linda Windsor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maryland author Linda Windsor lives on the Eastern Shore of MD, the setting of her latest contempory series, The Piper Cove Chronicles. God gave her the boot to the inpirational market after she'd written sixteen secular romances and she's never looked back. Twelve titles later, Linda has been a Christy finalist with her Fires of Gleannmara Celtic Irish series and garnered many awards for her romantic comedies (with a dash of suspense) in both secular and inspirational contests. She is most noted for delivering "The Lift of Laughter and Spirit" in her modern inspirational romances.

Linda has written for Multnomah Publishing (historical fiction and contemporary romances), Barbour Publishing (romcom novella), and Westbow Press (the Moonstruck romantic comedy trilogy). Wedding Bell Blues the first book in her new The Piper Cove Chronicles series, is featured on Avon Inspire's launch list.

Reviewers have called this series a cross between Nora Roberts' Cheasapeake and Jan Karon's Mitford books. For previews of Linda's books, contests, and contact information, go to www.LindaWindsor.com.

In addition to writing and doing fiction-writing workshops at conferences across the country, Linda continues a music and lay speaking ministry started by her and her late husband, and she is a part-time financial analyst. She also works on "as desperately needed" home improvement projects on the 18th-century-plus house that she and her husband began restoring in 1986. Wallpaper and paint are definitely in her near future.

LINDA WINDSOR LOCAL APPEARANCES:

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Jack's Religious Gift Shop
701 Snow Hill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
2:00PM

Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Gospel Shop
800 South Salisbury Blvd
Salisbury, MD 21801
11:00 AM

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

For Pete's Sake is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a grown-up tomboy and the millionaire next door.

Ellen Brittingham isn't sure true live exists until she contracts to do the landscaping of the estate of the sophisticated widower next door, Adrian Sinclair. Adrian has it all—at least on the surface, He's engaged to a beautiful woman who helped him build a successful business and he'll soon have a mom for his troubled son Pete.

Yet, from the moment Ellen rescues a stranded Adrian on her Harley, his well-ordered world turns upside down, cracking his thin façade of happiness and revealing the void of faith and love behind it. Even more, his son seems to have his own sites set on Ellen – as his new mom.

As Ellen's friendship grows with Pete, she realizes that his father is about to marry the wrong woman for the right reasons. And despite her resolve to remain "neighbors only" with the dad, the precocious boy works his way into her heart, drawing Ellen and Adrian closer. Close enough for heartbreak, for Pete's sake!

But how can her heart think that Adrian Sinclair is the one when he's engaged to a sophisticated beauty who is everything Ellen isn't. When Ellen's three best friends see she's been bitten by the love bug, they jump into action and submit her to a makeover that reveals the woman underneath her rough exterior and puts her in contention for Adrian's love.

But Ellen must ask herself whether she's ready to risk the heart that she's always held close. Will Ellen be able to trust that God brought this family into her life for a reason? Or will her fear of getting hurt cause her to turn away from God's plan and her one true chance at love?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the second novel in your latest Piper Cove Chronicles series and follows the next friend of four who grew up in the small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was a tomboy like Ellen and when I met a fifty-something widow who rode a Harley, well, Ellen was born. The entire ensemble from Piper Cove evolved from a real group of ladies, an amalgam of bosom buddies, all different, yet all friends.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Ellen, Adrian and Pete? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

As I said, I was a lot like Ellen. I worked in my dad's motor shop. Grease runs in the blood, I guess. As for Adrian, I think I can say that my changing careers in midlife from software consultant/business manager to a writer was reflected in his realization that he'd become something he wasn't cut out to be. And Pete. Well, Pete is fashioned after my dear, sweet, sensitive son, who has a mild case of Asperger's Syndrome. It's a high -functioning form of autism. These kids are geniuses, hampered by extremely high frustration levels and anger management issues, sometimes ADD. So they often come across as jerks, when they are anything but.

3. What themes exist in For Pete's Sake that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Ellen dealt with hiding her light under a basket, hesitating to reach out and risk her heart. Adrian wrestled with his anger at God and realizing his need for God, as well as how the distance between him and God was self-imposed. Then there's the life issue of being true to oneself for both Ellen and Adrian. Living behind a facade does not lead to happiness. And, of course, I wanted to show just how beautiful a child with Asperger's is on the inside and that there is help for them to cope with their problem. Although Pete's progress around Ellen was faster than children with more significant cases.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

It was all a delight to write. Wait, that's not so. Portraying Pete was hard for obvious reasons. As for my favorite parts, hands down, it was when Ellen allowed her friends to make her over for a costume party and she lost her... well, it's best that you read the book. (grins)

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm not sure yet. I'm doing the proposal now for Jan, the shy buddy who always wants the kind of guy she shouldn't have. The tentative title is Sweet Nothins. Jan is a dessert chef with low self-esteem, who has had enough of being a doormat to her handsome boss. But now what's she going to do? How does one separate the glitter from the gold? Especially when she's being accused of embezzlement and a gambling syndicate thinks she knows more than she does. Like, it couldn't get any worse!

From the Author:

APOLOGIES regarding Wedding Bell Blues. I had two regrettable errors in this publication that, when called to my attention, I didn't at first believe it.

I didn't remember my hero having a Rhett Butler moment when he said "D_mn, I still love you, Alex."

And while I'd written unsaved character Sue Ann exclaiming, "Oh my g_wd!" with the intent of convicting Sue Ann of its blasphemy in her own book #4, I changed her mind after discussing it with my editor and deleted those occurences rather than offend anyone. Well, I missed one. The GOOD NEWS is that these have been removed from future printings and book club issues.

To anyone who read Wedding Bell Blues and was offended, my humble apologies. I'd written this after my husband died and during those months of brain fog, I almost stopped writing because it was so hard to put coherent thought together. Then I turned it in months late, which put my publisher in a bind as far as getting multiple editings. This was the result.

Thank you and God Bless,
Linda Windsor

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Thank you, Linda, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of For Pete's Sake.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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Spotlight on Tracey Bateman and Distant Heart

Tracey Bateman is an award-winning author of more than sixteen books. She lives in Missouri with her husband and four children where she is active in music ministry at her church. Tracey has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since the early months of its inception and served as President for nearly two years.

In February 2003, her anthology Highland Legacy hit the CBA best seller list for three months in a row. She has been a long time favorite among Heartsong club members. In 2005 she was voted the club's fourth favorite author! Also in 2005 her book Color of the Soul was voted an editor's pick by Christian Book Distributors.

Tracey has approximately 900,000 books in print.

DISTANT HEART
by Tracey Bateman
Published by Avon Inspire

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

Hopefully this is coming soon, and I can come back and add it, but the holidays got away from Tracey and she wasn't able to send the questions in time. At least her book and she can be featured. Check back again over the next week for the interview.

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Thanks, Tracey, for being in the spotlight the day after New Year's and starting off 2008 with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Distant Heart. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile, since many of you don't return to check the winner notification. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.